davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Nobody TO Blame!

A large number of the surviving passengers of the
steamboat Swallow, lately wrecked in the Hudson
river, as soon they arrived in New York, immedi-
ately got together and adopted series of resolutions
exoneratng all the officers of the boat from blame,
and in effect thanking them for the humane in
which they wrecked the boat, and sacrificed the lives
of so many persons Would those poor wretches
who were drowned without moments warning, be
likely to endorse, if they could the resolutions of the
survivors But seriously,-what humbug this re-
solution business has become The survivors of the
Elizabeth, blown up recently at the South, published
similar resolutions, and the same farce is played off
almost every terrible of the kind. They
thank the officers that they did not blow them up any
worse, or any higher!
We are glad to see that the newspapers of New
York. representing the parties irretrievably injured,
or their friends, exposing TO just indignation the
gross culpability of the officers of the Swallow, and
the folly of those passengers who assented to the rd
cuous exculpatory resolutions. The result of it we
hope and believe viii be, the enactment of Just penal
laws to meet such in that State hereafter, if any
occur. The N. Y. Post says
"The late news by the Great Western reminds us
how differently these Incidents are treated in Eng
land. One of our papers contains account of an
explosion in steam factory, by which three four
workmen were killed. The coroners jury which was
summoned, Immediately proceeded to inquire into the
cause of the catastrophe and because it was proved
that the machinery was little defective, instantly
returned a verdict of manslaughter against the own
ers In this country the jury without inquring in
to the matter at all, would have found 'no one to
blame"
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Whiggery and Nativism.

Many of the leading Wing papers of New York
previous to the late municipal election expressed the
warmest feelings of friendship towards the "Native"
faction 1--WE certainly" said the Express, shave a
great preference for Native Americansm over Loco
focoism - and so said most of the rest But whig
gerry being beaten, and Natyism entirely used up,
the contest alluded to- the whg papers there and else
where begin to declare that the Nativists are
very iliberal scamps, and that they never had and
never want any thing to do with such miserable
faction Well, well-this is a way wbiggery has
and we should not be surprised by and by, to hear
them assert that they never even billed and cooed
with the Nativsts, much less thought they right
in fighting for single idea of the Hartford Conven-
tion instead of for the whole batch We hope, how
ever, that they will not forget what Daniel Webster,
one of their great leaders told them in his Faneuil
Hall speech, Immediately after the late Presidential
election. 1t is well enough to keep the sayings of such
great men in mind little will be less apt TO make
fools of themselves. Here is extract from that
speech of Webster:
'There as imperative necessity for reforming
The naturalization lars Of the United States. Tx
preservation of the government, the interest, the real
ioeare Of all parties, honor Of the nation, al re-
quire that subordinate and different party questions
should be made to yield to this great end. And no
sOho estees the prosperity and eristence Of has
country, Of <zore importance than feeting party
triumph w or can, hesitate 10 gire his adherence tt
these principles"
Every thing else, he then said, ought to yield to
Natiyism. He would now declare that idea ''o5sO
zete,' without fee for the declaration.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Speech Making.

We often hear the objection raised against man
spoken of for Office that she is orator"-'he can't
make speech" To great extent this grows out
of our "stump" speech making custom, borrowed
from the 'Hustings'' of Old England, but which ma
ny imagine so exclusively democratic. II only
be very popular among people too ignorant or too in
doent to read and to say the best of it, the system
of stump electioneerng gives the biggest rascal as
often the best orator, the best chance. There is
not one man in thousand who will not endeavor to
modify his speeches in such cases to accommodate the
opinions or prejudices of his auditory Oratory is a
good gift, both to speaker and hearer (; but man
may give advice who is no orator-and he who can
give advice skiully general matters of Legislation
though he be as little of an orator Moses, is cap
able of being statesman. How many individuals
are there of this stamp who seldom open their lips In
the Legislative hall, except to read motion to say
few words of explanation, who are yet active on
committees and skilful in making reports Yet such
men are generally either eloquent in conversation,
or capable of writing with power. Every legislator
should be capable of giving and receiving advice.
lie should not be too wise in his own concet to ask
advice of any indvidual-nor too ignorant to afford
his proportion of advice matters which he ought
to understand The people send their representative
to give advice as well to vote important ques-
tions He should be capable of adding something to
the wisdom Of the whole body, or the people should
keep him at home employed about his business
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
ventriloauisln and Art.

Mr. NJ Cam, the facetious and popular Ventriloquis
and delneator of eccentric characters is now giving
evening exhibitions, for short time, at the Palmer
House. Among other delineations, are the Hypocon-
driac; Tabitha Liptongue, an old maid who knows
every bodys business but her own; old woman of so,
with song Billy Jones, quite as comical genius
as the famous John Jones, told Joab Squash,
whose senses lay around his head instead of inside of
it. &c. &c. Mr.. MCann will appropriately intro
duce vocal modulations, called ventriloqusm in which
he will hold conversations with number of magma
ry persons-the voice appearing to be in various pla-
ces. The Dance of Dinner Plates and various other
amusing feats viii also be performed. Let all who
love fun call and sec Mr.. M'Cann
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

The Globe makes the following gratifying an
nouncement
"REFoRM.=-The President, we understand, has is
sued circular TO the departments. requiring
act observance Of the laws In regard to the organza
ton of the Offices the duties and attendance of the
Clerks and to enforce it. has directed the absentees
to be noted and reported The general complaint of
persons visiting Washington business with the de-
partments of the delays and expense 10 which they
are subjected, has rendered the inerposlhon of the
executive necessary. The circular also requires a
distribution of labor among clerks proportional to
compensation allowed, and provides for the suppress
sion of the injustice (too long tolerated) of making
the mertorious and faithful public servants perform
the duties of such may be found negligent in
competent
This is commencing much needed reform in the
right quarter, and hope it viii be made decidedly
progressive"
We understand further, from private information,
that the system of monthly reports" in vogue under
General Jackson will be revived in the several de-
parmens, by which the business Of each will be
certained. This, together with the ten hour rule,
which will also as we understand, be enforced, will
soon, not only bring up the business of the several
departments which has always of late years been be-
midland but will enable the government, if perse-
vered in, to dispense with at least half of the
blood-suckers who paid large salaries under
the name of clerks.
1t the rigid enforcement of this system in the
General Land Office, by Governor Whitcomb, while
Commissioner, that enabled him to bring up several
years arrears of business, and that accomplished
dismiss about twenty clerks This too, while all the
other departments though with much less need of
them, were continually applying to Congress for ad-
ditional clerks.
A great number ofthese clerkships had become mere
sinecures and the less work the clerks had to per-
form, the DESTROYS would they become to retain
their places by hook or by crook. They would be
wings or democrats as circumstances required
would be friendly with their superors long they
would wink at such abuses and would libel and as.
sail in every way any one who had the temerity tc
seek for reform We may therefore expect to hear
President Polk assaulted most virulently for the
course he has thought it right pursue; but shall
know just how much credit to give to such assaults.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
General Land Office.

We learn from the Globe that the Hon. James
Shields, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of
Illinois, has been appointed Commissioner of the Gen
eral Land Office and commenced the performance of
his duties. Mr.. Shields is an accomplished lawyer
and gentleman, and one every way worthy to fill the
station to which he has been called. He has been
favorie of the people of Illinois and of the neghbor
ing States, whose confidence he has won as well by
strength and probity of character and ameniy of
ner, by the intellectual power he has manifested in
the advocacy of republican principles His appoint
ment will be most gratifying to the West.
1t is gratifying, particularly that in most of his
appointments, the President has fairly exored praise
from his political opponents. Relative to the new
Commissioner, Judge Shields, the St. Louis Repubi-
can, wing, says:
"Judge Shields has attained high reputation in his
official capacity, and as man of industry, and his
gentemanly manners will make his appointment
generally acceptable"
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
United states Scrator.

Can any body tell why the Governor of this State
did not appoint Senator IN the place Of Mr. White to at
tend tie late executive session Of the Senate The Cons
tuition of the United States has provided that he do
in the Of vacancy-and evidently contemplated that
there would be delay in the exercise of this Can
be that the Governor has himself hdnkering after seat
in the Senate and is not disposed to give temporary occu-
pant advantage him We do not say that he has
such motives but such thing may be-Hd 6dsh Express
We will inform our contemporary why in erery
in which vacancy has been occasoned by the
omission of the Legislature to elect United States
Senator, including those in Delaware aud Maryland,
where the wings STAYED off the election, temporary
appointment made by the Executive of the State
to fill IT, 1t is because in early case of the kind
In Connecticut In which the Governor of that State
appointed Mr.. Lanman to fill a similar vacancy, the
United States Senate refused to admit him to his seat
the ground that vacancy in that Office occasoned
By the failure of the State Legislature to elect,
not such vacancy as is contemplated by the Const
tuition of the United States.
We are free to say, however, that the language Of
that instrument seems to us broad enough to cover
such case. But as standing decision of the Sen
ate made ''long time ago., takes different view o.
the matter it is clear that the appontee, if haC
been made, would have had his journey and expense.
as the only fruits of his mission. Hence, before
remarked, ever since the case of Mr.. Lanman, NJ
Governor has attempted to fill such a vacancy.
Will the editor of the Express by giving this al
insertion in his paper, afford the desired information
to his numerous readers !-EDs. SENTINEL.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
The New Mail Contracts.

The contracts for carrying the mails in New York
and the New England States, were made at Washing
ton few days ago. The contractors begged hard of
the P NJ General to make the contracts under the pre-
sent law or if he would not do that, to renew them
the old TERMS until the contractors could make APP
plicaton to Congress for relief" Mr. Johnson very
properly refused do either and decided that the
contracts must be made in accordance with the new
law. This will hundreds of thousands of dol
lars to the Department in lessenng the cost of trans
portation, the law permits contractors to carry
the mail in the economical method they can con-
trive, long they keep the mail secure from the
weather and thieves and deliver it within the prescrib-
ed hours. The old law on many of the routes, COM
PEELED the contractor to rum either two OF four horse
post coaches and in case one contractor under-bid
another, it compelled the successful bidder to purchase
the horses and stage property of his predecessor al
though he may have had supply of all the requisites
on hand sufficient for his purposes. This provision
PROFESSIONALLY enaied heavy expenses upon the de-
partment-expenses too, foreign form its legitimate
objects. Under the new law it viii be relieved from
all this and thus far will be enabled to give the new
cheap postage system fair trial. We have no doubt
it will eventually relieve the post Office department
of full one-thrd Its former burdens for transporting
the mails.
Mr. Johnson deserves the hearty appreciation of the
country, for the he has adopted and we have
no doubt he will receive it. He has to contend against
very powerful influence but he is just the man to dc
that successfully.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
JeweIry. watches. &c.

We would call especial attention to the advertise
ments of W. H. TALBOT Mr. T. has returned late
y, and has added many and fine articles his already
extensive establishment He has also now in his
employ, one of the best silver ware manufacturers
in the country, and watch maker and reparer, who,
to use western phrase, dont know any thing else
Being thus prepared to accommodate all his patrons,
we cannot see why any should travel farther and
fare worse" Should we attempt to enumerate 1.-THE
of the articles he has for sale, ornamental and USE
ful, gaudy and cnaste, amusing and instructive we
should eli a column We invite our friends to call
and examine before purchasing of others.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
DeuagOgueS.

No man can be successful demagouge who under
rates the intelligence of the People. Indeed, an in
genious man might easily trace dividing line be-
tween the scientific demagogue and the qudck dema-
gogue. The quack will often give an overdose of
humbug, which will be certain neuseate those upon
whom he is operating, to his inevitable disgrace
We always laugh in sleeves at such fellows, and
willingly give them much rope they want. As
the sailors say, the higher monkey climbs, the
more he shows" &c. &c. But the scientific dema-
gogue is rather to be feared than laughed at. He
does not undeIrate the mental capacity of the people,
but he dishonesty takes advantage of their ignorance
their credulity He is much more careful to fall
short, than to overdo. Like a wise physician, he
gives smaller doses than the oraces of the profession
would justify; and the wiser he Isl the scrupu-
lous he becomes. He no more doubts the ability of
the of the people to discriminate justly in rela
ton to any matter thing fairly placed before their
minds than the physician doubts the principle of VI
tally common to ALL 1t is often very hard, for even
the most acute and observing to determine satsacto
ry to their own minds, between such a demagogue
and an honest man.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
The County Convention,

Which was held on Saturday last, resulted in the
harmonious nomination of full ticket for the August
election, as follows For Representative, N B. Web
her. Of Lawrence township, and Y. E. r. Wilson, of
Decatur township; for Auditor, Nathaniel Bolton !;
for Assessor, Ahira Wells; Commissioner, John Nc
Fall.
Better selections could hardly have been made
The candidates for representatives both good men,
in the best sense of the word. In nominating them,
the convention merely gave force and effect to dis
position of the democratic public mind, already FORM
ed For months previous to the convention we heard
hardly any other names mentioned in connection with
the Office to which they have been nominated. And
they were thus fixed upon not because of any cleo
tioneering on their part but simply because by
sort of unanimous consent they were regarded as
the best men who could be selected. We are quite
sure that they worthy of this partiality of the
people, and that if they should be elected the expec
tations of their friends will be than answered
They are sound practical, common sense men, whose
interest is entirely identified with that of the great
body of their fellow citizens, and whose characters
are without spot blemiSh We will answer for it,
that the people can find men, to whom they could
more safely delegate their power in the General As
semby Of the State.
Our friend Nat. Bolton was nominated for Auditor
by the spontaneous and unsolicited action of the Con-
venton, and without any anticipation of such an hon.
or on his part. One who like him has welded the
weapons of political warfare, must almost unavoida-
bly, make some personal enemies, and we suppose he
has his full share. A man without enemies, is in.
deed "poor stick" But we hope, nevertheless,
that Mr.. Bolton will be able to overcome all difficult
ties in this and every other respect. He is well quail
flied for the Office, and if the people should elect him.
we have doubt that he will faithfully and efficient
" execute its duties.
Ahira Wells, nominated for Assessor, is just good
a man as could have been selected. The Office Of
Assessor is very important one it touches. nearly
every taxpayers pocket. In filing it, therefore, we
should look after better qualification than lame
ness, whether of judgment limb. Integrity and
sound judgment are essential requisites, and Ahira
Wells possesses them to as great an extent mos
men.
John McFall, for Commissioner, is like pure gold
He has been tried and not found wanting. We have
only time and room to say=-success to him
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

0tFTruth endureth forever, says the Psalmist. IF
this be true, and we suppose nobody will doubt it.
there may possibly be much truth in the fol-
lowing observations made several years ago, there
was then. Every reader can Judge for himself:
"Parties which are made up to subserve the inter-
ess of particular without regard to the great in
terests of the majority, are what we have much TO
deprecate in this country. The great body of the
community always inclined to do what is right
and TO follow democratic principles. 1t is few lead
ing men, who have certain selfish objects to Obtain
who perpetually attempting to deceive the people,
and to make them believe that it is their interest to
serve tem the leaders, while their acts the
very of all the difficulties brought upon the pub
lic These are busy at work in order to dis
tract and divide the friends Of liberal principles, by
the aid of exciting preiudces against the men who
have all their lives defended popular rights and lib
era docrines-such have sustained the rights and
interests of the many, who compose the great body of
the community
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Death Of Col. Al Wright.

We learn from the true American, that Col. A I.
WHGHr, of Pike county, died at his residence few
days ago. Mr.. Wright has twice represented Pike
County in the State Legislature, and last winter
was voted for for Speaker His loss will be felt and
regretted by the large circle of friends, to whom he
was endeared by amiabe character and natural
goodness of heart. The loss of such man is pub
lie calamity.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

SUPPOSED SUIcIDE.-A young woman named Mary
Curran, Of New Albany, Ia, recently found dead
in her bed. When she went to bed, the night previ-
her death, she in good health, and her sud-
den death is ascribed to poison 1t seems, that she
had recently been seduced by young man In New
Albany, and few weeks since, had given birth to a
child The young man afterwards married another
woman; and it is supposed that in consequence CT
this act of her fathess lover, Miss Curran committed
suicide. We are sorry that the name Of this scoun-
drel is not given. 1t ought to beheld up to public
scom.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Another Steamboat Accident.

: The St. Landry, La. Wing of April Sd, gives an
account of the explosion of the boilers of the steam
boat Elizabeth, in that vicinity by which several lives
were lost and many persons badly injured The pas
sengers who escaped published card stating,
al, that "nobody was to blame" Good natured
souls 1t must be luxury to blow up such accom-,
modating people
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Awful CONFEDERATION.

Nearly half the town of London, in Canada West,
was destroyed by fire on Sunday, the 18th inst The
fire broke out at Robinson's Hall HOTEL about noon,
while most of the inhabitants at Church. 1t
duced to ashes four entire squares and portions of three
others, covering of about 80 acres. Does the
Wabash Express consider this another " omen" in
consequence of the election of President Polk
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

0H-Ihe editors of the State Sentinel are referred
to the editors letter in this weeks paper proof of
our statement made some two numbers since. And we
again assure them that there is rod in pickle which
viii hereafter be used for their particular benefit
however undeserving they may be of the good which
they will derive from its application
Beacon, Ap. "a.
letter in the paper of April oath, to prove that
kneo all about it, two weeks before the was
Publshed... About logical and as~true the
false assertion originally made. And we are assured
further, that a rod is in pickle for US. How
tremble The Governor it seems is to escape, after
all, and are to be visited with the terrific agea-
ton with which he at first threatened Just our
luck
We have no doubt but that large numter of Car
penters would find ready employment in this city at
this time
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

Polly Bodine has been convicted at New York Of
the murder Of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Houseman,
Long Island an account of which we published some
time ago. The prisoner received her sentence, while
in her seat with apparent frmness and did not weep
until she had reached the door way. Her son, Albert,
(who is remarkably fine looking youth,) the
only member of her family who present and ac-
companied his mother out of Court He wept bitter
ly. The jury recommended the wssched woman to
mercy.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

GTThe editor of wing paper in Michigan thus
alludes to his losses In the recent election:
The democrats in this town are getting quite
dressy, while the wings look poor as church mice.
Well we won't growl but it CRATES COMPOUNDED hard
TO rig fellow from head to foot, and then have him
cut your acquaintance"
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Removal.

We would call attention to the removal of the
Office of the Surveyor General of Ohio, Indiana and
Michigan. All interested will be governed accord
ingly. See advertisement.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01
Hon. Holm Petit.

Has been unanimously nominated by the eighth Con-
gressional District the Democratic candidate for
Congress. We have no doubt of his success.
Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-05-01

B. Jones, Esq. has disposed of his interest in the
Madisonian newspaper to Theophlus Fisk and Jess,
E. Dow, EsQs.