davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-07-02
Law of 1887

fQuoda abolida sin escopcion alguna Ia
esclavitud en- coda la republica, April 5, de
1887" COLLECTION de Leyes y Decretos,
etc, tomo 8, pag. 2ol.
[rranslation. Slavery is forever o.
bolished, without any exception, in the re-
public: April 5, 1887. COLLECTION of
Laws and DEGREES of the General Con-
gress of the United Mexican States, volume
8, page 2ol.]
clos duenos de- esclavos minumitidos
la presente ley por Ell decreto de Is de
Septiembre de 1929, seran indemnizados,"
etc, tomo 8, pag. 201.]
Translation 1.-The masters of slaves
manumitted by the present law or by the
decree Of the 18th of September, 1929,
shall be idemnifed, &c. [Collection of
Laws and DEGREES, &C., vol. 8, page 201.
This is the decree, and this is the act Of
Congress confirming it, abolishing slavery
throughout the Mexican Republic. The
constitution of l944,d does not abolish slave.
ry, for that was done before, but prohibits
future establishment. Thus there is no
slavery now in Mexico and California; und
consequently none in any territory belong
ing to the United States, and, consequently,
nothing practical, or real, in the whole
slavery question, for the people Of the u
nited States to quarrel about. There is
no slavery now by law in any territory;
and it cannot get there by law, except by
act Of Congress, and no such act will be
passed, or even asked for. The dogma of
no power in Congress to legislate upon
clauorx, in forr;+oroe y ;Ilc III ot nrotopciop
No legal establishment Of slavery in Cali
fornia and New Mexico is then to be look
ed for. That is certain. Equally certain
it will never be established in either of them
in point of fact. The people of both ter
ritories-the old inhabitans-are unani-
mously against it.
Of the new emigrants, all those from
Europe, Asia, Mexico, Central and South
America, and all those from the non-slave-
holding part Of thesUnited States, will be u
unanimously against it. There remains,
then, to overbalance all this unanimous
mass, only the emigrants from the slave
holding parts of the United Slates-in itself
the the smallest branch of the emigration,
and it divided on the question-many 60
ing for the express purpose Of getting rid
Of slavery very few so far in love
with it as to go that distance for the pleas.
ure Of having a law suit with his own ne,
gro, and with the certainty of coming out
second best in the contest. There is. then,
no slavery, at this time, either in New
Mexico or California, in law or in fact;
and will never be either, in law or in fact.
What, then, is all the present uproar about?
Abstraction! the abstract right of doing
what cannot be done!-the insult to the SOW
eregnty of the States, where there is no
insult!-all abstraction! and no reality, sub.
stance, or practice in it.
i The Romans had class of dispute
which they called de lana caprsna-that
is to say, about goats wool; and as the
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-07-02
Decree of 1929.
ABoLICIoN DE La EscLAvITUD.

|
ABoLICIoN DE LA EsCLAyITUD.
Ell President de los Estados Unidos
Meicanos los habitantes de la Republica
sabed: .--'5
Que deseando senelar en- ell ano de 1929,
ell anniversario de la independence con un
acto de iusticio de benefciencer nacional
que rehuvia en- benefcio y susten de bien
tan appreciates: que afance mas " mas
| Ia tranquiileud pabiicu; que cooperea1 en-.
grandecmianto de la Republica, y que
reintegre una parte despraciado de sus
habitantes en- los derechos sagrados que les
dio naturaleza y protege la nacion por
teyes sabias y ustor, con forme 10 dis
puesto por ell art. 80, de la acta constitutlva;
usando de las facultades extraordinariasq que
me esta n concedidas, he venedo en- Ia
decratar: -... -.... ..
L. Queda ab Ida la esclavitud en- la Re-
publica. - .--.-5.-... .-.... ..... .
2. Son por consiguente libres los que
hasta hog Sc habian considerable emo es-
clavos.
8. Cuando las circunstan cias del crario
le permitan, Sc indemnizaro q los proprie-
tarios de esclavos en- los terminos que
dispuserien las leyes.
Meiico, Is de Setiembre de 1929, A. D
Jose Maria de Bocanegra.
[Collecion de Leves Decretos, etc., en-
los amos de 1929, p. l47.
Translation
ABOLITION OF SLAVERY.
"The President of the United Mexican
States to the inhabitants of the Republic:
"Desiring to signalize, in the year 1929,
the anniversary of independence by an act
ofnatiopal justice and benevolence, which
may tend to the benefit and support Of so
important good; which may strengthen
more and more the public tranquility;
which may cooperate in the aggrandize-
ment of the Republic; and which may re-
store to an unfortunate portion of its inhab,
itants the sacred rights which nature gave
them, and the nation projected by wise
and just laws, iii conformity 10 the provision
of the 30th article Of the constitutive act;
exercising the extraordinary powers which
are conceded to me, do decree:
1. Slavery is abolished in the Republic.
2. Those who until to-day have been
considered slaves are consequently free
3. When the condition of the treasury
will permit, the owners Of the slaves will
be indemnifed in the manner which shall
be provided for by law.
Mexico, 18th September, 1929, A. D.
JOSE MARIA DE BOCANEGRA. =.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-07-02

Here are the DEGREES, the originals of
which read in the authentic bound vol
umes Of the Mexican laws, and were pro-
duced in the Senate o! the United States,
by Mr.. Dix, Of New York: ..
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-07-02
We porta9e 5eltinel.
SAMUEL D. HARRIS, ,JR. prn, ,su,ns
ROSWELL BATTERSON.} o1AiSAAAs'

Oae ysar, payable within six months, $3.50
One year, payable after the expiration of
six months and within the year, 200
One year, payable after itsexpiration, $50
IfNopaper will bedisccntinued until all ar
rearages are paid, except at the option of the
Publishers.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22
Latest from EurODe.

The packet-ship Admiral, Captain
Wotten, which sailed from HAVE on the
9th u!t., arrived at New York, March 2.
having made the voyage in twenty-five
days. She brings n days later news
from Havre, though nothing later from
Paris than we have already received by the
Europa. Among the passengers were Ro-
bert M. WickIife, Esq, Charge to Turin,
and his lady. From files of"Galligu.ni's
Messenger" received by the Admiral, We
take the following, says a N. Y. paper:
"We read in the 'Coriaire:' "A repre-
sentative of the moderate party went a few
days ago II the Princess Demidof, and
told her that a plot was being formed
against M. Louis B%onaparte, her cousin.
According to his account, General Chan.
GARNER and Marshal Bugeaud had enter.
ed into an engagement to place the Prince
de Joinviile on the throne. The repre-.
sentative recommended the Princess to
advise the President of the Republic to
name General Bedeau to lie commander.
in-chief Of all the forces in the capital
On this being communicated to him, NJ.
Louis Bonaparte sent Immediately for
General Cbangarnier and told him the
whole story, and the General was the frs.
to laugh at the rumor.
The "Vienna Gazette" of the End pub
fishes a dispatch from Prince Wind.
ischgratz, announcing that the Magyar
army had retired on Szo!nok on bis ap-
proach. The same journaIgives an account
of an affair near Tokay, in which the
Hungarians sustained heavy losses, and
It adds, that General Nugent had driven
a corps Of 1900 men and 40 pieces Of
artillery to Essegg."
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22
From the Rio Grande.

The Delta of the 18th instant saws the.
Brownsville Flag has been received up to-
the 10th.
The cholera has entirely disappeared,'
and business was as brisk as usual. The
foIlowin. names, of some of the persons
who died with the disease, are given by
the Flag: IT,. Stansbury. county clerk :;
Col. Louis P. Cooke, and his lady, and
Col. Augustus Williams.
Several companies, from different parts
os the United States, bound for Califor..
MIA, were arriving, and making prepare.
tons Tor the journey. The Flag says:
Lage quantities of horses and mules
are being daily brought in from the inte-
rior to the ranches surrounding Matamos
ros, to supply the demands Of the Cali
fornia emigrants.~ The prices range from
SIS TO $25 each, and tire market abun~
dainty supplied. :a.sa
Mechanics are in great demand in our
towr-particularly carpenters and brick,
layers. A fine opportunity is here pre-,
sented for steady employment.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

Colonel and Mrs. Biss.-A cores
pendent of the Charleston Courier, writing
from Washington, speaking Of the last
levee given at the White House by Mr..
and Mrs. Polk, says: "Mrs. Bliss entered
late, escorted by her brother-inIaw, the
Hon. Jefferson Davis. She was dressed
with great simplicity and elegance, and
was the bright particular star ofthe even
ing. Her hair was tastefuIIy, though not
deliberately dressed, and she wore a SIM
pie wreath Of green leaves, which might.
have been woven from the abundant lau-
rels brought home from the wars by her
veteran father, and her gallant husband
Col. Bliss appeared in full uniform, and
drew the eyes Of all the ladies after him."
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

LIFE IN NV ORLEArs.-We take the following
from the New Orleans Delta. We will venture
to say that there are thousands in that great city in
a similar situation, but probably not wrought up to
such fury, through want, as the writer below:
SUNDAY EVENING.
"Editors Of the Deka-I have been
many weeks in this city, in search of a
situation or employment. was even will
ing to do lahQrious work, and haye often
solicited it; but; l suppose, froar my ap-
peurance, the latter has been as often re-
fused me. l am now without money, EN-
ployment or friends, and l have to let the
merchants, traders, and public in general
know, through you, that l shall not be
alone in my adversely. If | am to suffer,
so HALL MANY l will still seek employ
ment, but should ! not obtain it in some
way, before - will infict the most
terrible calamity on this city that can be-
fall it. All shall suffer as we'll as myself.
You will be rendering the greatest possi-
Bile service you can confer on the public,
by inserting this. Need l say more?
Yours, A HUNGRY MAN.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22
Gen. Shields,

In an article entitled violence In Washington"
the Picayune thus t~ruthfnlly speaks respecting
Gen. Shields, in reference to the late correspou.
,dence between that gentleman and Mr.. Breese:
1.-THE most painful incident to dwell
upon is the letter of Gen. Shields to Mr..
Breese. No feko de Sc ever accomplished
his purpose more eficsciously than the
General destroyed his hard-won reputa-
ton. The utmost charity of opponents
and Partially of friends can give but one
Interpretation to his letter. 1t meant as
sassinatlon or it meant nothing. We la
ment the fall Of such a man as Shields,
for his reputation was signally brilliant as
a soldier, and his nature was believed to
be generous and manly. Upon the most
favorable estimate he has displayed an in
nate weakness Of mind, which will neu.
tralize the fine traits of heart which had
been conceded to him. In his own fall he
involves in a measure the estimation in
which his countrymen are held. In GER
tain sections Of the country there is a pres
JUDGE against citizens Of foreign birth,
which operates injuriously to worthy men,
and almost any where in the United States
the elevation Of a foreigner to SO lofty a
station as the Senate will provoke j~ealou-
sy.a The claims of such a man will be
scrutinized with severity. Gen. Shields,
however, made for himself a national re-
putation by bis gaIlantry in Mexico, and
in his canvass for a place in the Senate,
the popular sympathy was clearly with
him. By a rash act, be has forfeited
completely the general respect. 1t is not
merely that in a moment of excitement he
was guilty of rashness, for this would be
pardoned; but he revealed his character
in an aspect odious to the moral sense Of
the nation. His second letter, d~isavowing
the construction put upon his first letter by
Mr.. Breese, was more deadly to his fame
than the threat of ASSASSINATION. We
cannot doubt that should the Senate's
committee pronounce against his qualifi-
cations for q seat in the Senate, the deci-
sion would command almost universal &C.
~quiescence. Men would rejoice if some
technical objection could be raised to ex-
ciude him from that body. BY the letter
OF our Washington correspondent i: will
be seen that there is chance Of this, n
so g
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

William Ballard Preston.-The Rich
mond Republican thus alludes to the ap-
pointment of William B. Preston as one
of Gen. Taylor's Cabinet:
The appointment of this gentleman as
Attorney General was one of the most
agreeable surprises we ever experienced.
In a splendid speech made by Mr.. Pres
ton at the last session Of Congress, he
sprang at a single bound to the front rank
of the great orators Of America. Ano-
Their effort at this session has elected still
warmer and more general praise-an eff
fort which showed the statesman and the
~Iogician, and which has only been equal
led in point of eIoquence by the great
speech OF Mcdowell, another Of those
remarkable orators whose veins are warm
ed by the blood of Patrick Henry.
Mr.. Preston is in the meridian Of life
and the full vigor of his extraordinary
ability. OF a hlgh-toned and chiyalrous
spirit, full of noble impulses, and imbued
with genuine American patriotism, we
confidently expect him to add lustre to the
new Administration, and pour a fresh
blaze of renown upon the illustrious name
of Virginia"
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

Yankee Enterprise.-A correspondent.
of the Providence Journal relates the fol-
lowing incident:
IA gentleman long identified with the
ice trade, having entered into it as early
as 1905, after some twenty-five years CT
successful enterprise, thought to enlarge
his sphere of knowledge and action by en-
tering into tire mercantile business. He
soon became entangled by his relation to
some unfortunate mercantile houses, and
found himself a debtor to the amount of
$2lO,0OO. This must have given him a
chill greater than his ice-houses ever did.
But he knew that faint heart never O
either fair lady or noble prize. He told
his creditors that if they would give him
time and not hamper him at all, he would
pay the whole, principal and interest. For
thirteen years he labored for it, and last
year made the closing payment on $780,
900 principal, and aboat $4,000 interest.
He did it in his old business, rs the ice.
king of the globe. He sold his cargces
in the great southern ports Of the two he
mispheres at low prices, kept rigid faith,
bought largely the needed ~storehouses in
the various centres of the trade, secured
the land around Iris ponds, made friends
every where, and Games out with an indie
pendent fortune and free of debt. Such
was his generous policy that the English
residents of Calcutta presented him with
a fre-proof stone storehouse, as a token
Of respect and to retain him in that mar
ket."
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

CALIFORNIA EMERALDs.--The N. Y.
Sun says that one of the most distinguish.
ed jewellers in that city has, within a few
weeks past, set in gold three of the most
valuable emeralds ever seen in this coun-
try. They were left with him by the wife
of Col. Fremont. The emeralds were pre-
sented to Mrs. Fremont by her husband
o. his last return to the United States
In size and br,lliancy, these emeralds
will vie with the most gorgeous of those
described by the Spanish writers in their
chronicles of the wealth of Mexico and
Peru at the period of the Spanish con-
quest.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

Unfortunate Haste.-The New Haven
boat leaves New York at an early hour,
and the passengers generally come at the
last minute, in a desperate hurry. One
day last week, says the N. Y. Tribune Of
the 7th inst, a lady and her husband step..
ped on boardjust as they were drawing in
the plank-but just then she remembered
that she had forgotten something. and
screamed out: "Goodness gracious,
George, I must 60 back to the Aston
House-I've left my teeth in the WISH
howl" St!<JH tIITE IIS
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22
Latest from California.

The N. Y. Sun has the foIIowin let
Ter:
PANAMA, Feb. 26, 1s49.
[ send you by the very last means of con-
veyance n few items of interest from Call
%ifornia. They were received here this
morning from a Spaniard who came pas
senger in the Peruvian bark Martinez,
direct from San Francisco.
Emigrants of all kinds and coIors are
pouring in in muItitudes. Every language,
race, color ond shade is represented
Lawyers. ministers, women in male attire,
robbers, %aristocrats and outcasts from civi>
LIKED life, all are focking to the gold
regions. All are frantic with hopes of
finding chunks of gold as large as mill
stones; but a few days experience of Cal :
fornia life changes their views on gold
hunting.
Living is excessiv ely high, and mining
for the precious minerals is one of the
worst kinds of lottery. For each person
that IS so fortunate as to find a mass suf-
ficient, TO Zurich him for life, there are do.
zens who can scarcely make a living.
Many robber.es have taken place, but
they are chiefly confined to food and clo-
thing. These things at all times, where
there is a scarcity in the market, bring
excessive prices. One day flour may, ut
retail, bring 5000 a barrel, although n
few days before it was sold for s15.
The necessities of many Of the emf
grants and these varieties in prices lead
to numerous thefts. Robberies for gold
are rare. One or two murders have, how
ever, occurred for this cause.
The new corners and greenhorns are
frequently swindIed in the most shameful
mannerAand redress is out ofthe question.
Perhaps great social crimes might be pu~
nished, but everything is as yet too new,
and thieving is common to be punished in
the absence Of regular law.
For instance, a green one who has
goods for sale, often takes large quanti-
ties of glittering ore, supposins it to be
gold, but too late finds it nothing but cop
per and iron ore-but he can do nothing
to recover his property.
Spurious silver ore is common. On
first landing, many are willing to sell
their backs for this sort Of pay.
The emigrants who have guns, powder,
and ball to protect themselves, arc fire.
quently driven by hunger to leave their
all and seek for provisions.
Gangs of desperadoes in the nouns
tains steal the mules Of the miners and
kill them for food.
A company is about to be formed o.
those who can raise mules or means to
travel overland to the States. 1t would,
in their condition, be a terrible expedition;
but they prefer doing so to living al at
present.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

WINTER CoMFoRT IT THE WH1rE
HousE. The Washington correspondents
of the N. Y. Mirror says that Gen. Fay
lor's first remark on entering the White
House was characteristic: 1.-THE ceiling
is very high, and / should think the house
must be very uncomfortable in the VIM
ter" <'at' 80 "@1
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

AMERICAN AeRlcuLruRlsr.-We have Just re-
eeived the three first Numbers Of volume eight of
this valuable work. for which we feel much Obliged
TO the publisher. (Mr. c. M. SAxroS, l21 Fulton
street, New York not only on account of the va
liable agricultural knowledge which we can per-
sonaIly derive from its contents, but for reason Of
the instructive selections which we can weekly
make from its columns, and which will continue to
be a feature in our paper that will render it of more
utility to our planting community. The Agricul-
tnrist contains monthly about thirty>three pages Of
which is invaluabl. to the farmer, the gar
dener, the housewife. and to scientific men general.
". 1t would afford us pleasure to send on the
names of any Of our friends for this valuable work.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

: GooD.-The paper published at Ben
ton, Yazoo county, Miss, says: "Several
candidates fol. Office have requested US to
announce their names-we have not done
SO, believing they ,Oere jokiag-as they
did not hand us the tex." ,s.s
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

Owe would consider it a great favor if Post
masters will inform us whenever our paper is not
taken out Of the Office by the person to whom it is
directed,
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

T-The following is a true copy Of o
letter received by a schoolmaster near
Montrose: "Cur, as you = a man Of
legs, 1 intend to inter my son inyour skull.
I am, &c" is s.@at ad
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

Mr.. PoLK.-Thls gentleman, when he returns
home, can have the satisfaction Of saying that he
has received what never before fell to the lot Of
any previous ExaPresident of the United States
a mothers welcome.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

WsThe Picayure says that Fitzpatrick
Warren, Of Iowa. has been appointed by
the President. Second Assistant Postmas.
ter General. ys.,., t~sv.zrr, :,
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

PusL,c BurLpIsGs.-The gentlemen who have
undertaken TO erect The new Cont House and Jail
are about to commence their work. When these
are under way, in conjunction with the many pri.
vate buildings going up and soon to commence,
P%Iaqnemine will present an appearance Of business
and enterprise as gratifying as it will prove advan.
tageous to the future prospects Of our citizens.
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

..S:N Sf ~ o iA MusDER-The oslv -.
a0osl We have perceived aincs our ~ ,..D...;..
Tie sshsrasf or Fanny, Yonsg. |. H., cs,, 'psg
h.S NJ !, 49, q PRISON, and that 10 mas o h.ys
n'a ~ 'r'aiDsfsFs dc Records, la,t s.,urds.' :,
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22

U-Those Of our subscribers who get their pr.
pers at the ,Postofice in this place, can always
have them every Wednesday afternoon. H.e9. a1f
Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-03-22
--latest from Warrington.

By the Picaynne's Private Express of Monday
the following news has been obtained:
A Washington letter states that Chas. B. Penrose
Esq, Of Pennsylvania, has been appointed Assis>
sant Secretary Of the Treasury.
Another letter says:
"Mr. McGaughey, Of Indiana, formerly a mem.
Der Of Congress, has been appointed Governor of
Minnesota; MIR. C. X. Smith, of Ohiu, Secretary,
and Mr.. Washburn, of Hin Dis, Chief Judge. The
Marshal and District Attorney will be chosen from
the Territory"
Thomas L. Smith, who was superseded BY Mr..
Graham as the Register Of the Treasury Depart
ment, has been reappointed to fill that office.
In regard to the case Of Gen. Shields, the latest
intelligence is embraced in the following from the
Charleston Courier oflast Wednesday,
"In the Senate, yesterday, Mr.. Mason, from, the
select committee. to whom was referred the case Of
Gen. shie|ds's eligibility as Senator, reported a re-
solution that the election was void. he not having
been a citizen ofthe United States for the term re-
CURED by the constitution. A long debate ensued Oh
this resolution. The subject was finally postponed
until this day. The Senate was in executive ses>
sion, and several messages from the President were
receiyed.o