davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

The Senate and House of Represen-
tatives Of Iowa, met on Monday. the ID
inst, in this city The members COM
posing this body, take them Individually
or collectively, present fine appearance.
They are an intelligent looking body Of
men; as much, if not more Sd, as any
body of like numbers that we have seen
collected together in Iowa. Take them
as a whole. we feel proud Of them, and
think no State in the Union can, with
justice, SO far as appearances go. claim n
superiority over young Iowa. We re-
greet that there are not more wings a.
mong Them. We think il would no. de-
tract from their responsibility; aud the.
five whigs in each branch of the Gener-
al Assembly would feel perhaps, little
more at home. What few wings there
are, however, seem to be quite indepen-
dent. They know that the response
bility Of the doings Of the presen. Legis-
lature will rest entirely with their oppo-
nen.s. And we trust that this consider
alton, upon the minds Of the Democrats
portion OF The General ASSEMBLY,, along
with the interest that all should, and wa
hope. do feel IN the general prosperity OF
the State, will aid in promoting that
kind Of action and the enactment OF such
laws as are best calculated to enhance
the interests and happiness Of the whole
people of Iowa. Thus far there APP
pears to be nothing but harmony and
good feeling generally prevailing amongst
the members from all parts Of the State.
Should this state Of things continue. we
may expect that much good will be dons
during the present session.--lo,ca Re-
publican.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

civil liberty bee subverted! These three
States exhibit examples of rapid ad-
vancement in population, wealthand in
telligence, and of the universal and wide
spread enjoymen. of all the blessings OF
civil liberty unparalleled in the world
And yet the very means which haze been
adopted to bring about this state of
things, Governor Hampstead says are
oppressive, and subversive of civil lib
erty.
Every man knows better, and eanno.
but pronounce the assertion false and
shallow piece Of humbuggery.
This is no example in the history of
the world where State debts Of corpora
tons for the promotion Of Internal I'M
provements or Banking corporations be.
came oppressive or subversive Of civil
liberty. But the whole history o. the
world, since the dark ages, and especial
~ the history Of our own country Is full
of illustrations of the direct contrary re-
sult.--Uhig and Register.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
The Legislature.

From the correspondence of the Iowa
Sentinel, we take the following extract
which comprises all the news OF inter-
est, from The Legislature that we have
seen:
Dec. l4th.-In The Senate, there was
some little discussion upon The Bill! regu-
la,ing The sale Of spurious liquors. The
bill as reported by the commissioners,
does away with all licenses and declares
all drinking houses nuisance, and
makes provision for the sheriff to abaie
them. But il allows every man 10
traffic in them the same as other mer-
chandize; il also makes provisin that,
if any one keeps drinking house. the
owner Of the establishment is RESPONSE
Bile for all damages which may be occa-
stoned by the use of liquor, and gives a
lean on the house from the time of sell
ling the liquor which occasioned the in
jury. This bill underwent good deal
Of discussion, but went through the SEN
ale without any amendments.
There was title business of impor-
lance done in the House to-day, and they
only had morning session. There was
some discussion about the printing Of
the revised code; some were for passing
The entire code without any amendments
and did not wish 10 have it printed; 9TH
ers thought it advisable to have portion
Of it printed, and wanted TO have il read,
and as the reading progressed, 10 have
The house decide what parts i. would be
advisable 10 print; while others Were for
having The entire code printed, SO as TO
give each member an opportunity to ex.
anime the whole at once. This ques-
lion occupied some time, when the ques-
ton was finally disposed Of, by large
vote, TO print the whole. There is some
talk of udjourning in few days, ill the
first Of January, for The purpose Of hav-
ing the laws printed, and giving the
members an opportunity 10 more faith
fully xamine the new laws than they
otherwise could do. But / think there
is some doubt about this proposition
meeting with favorable reception from
the Legislature. There was large pc
,i,ion presented to the House to-day,
asking for the removal of the seat OF
government to Pella, also accompanied
with proposition from the Rev. Mr..
Scholter, offering one half of the nett
proceeds of the unsold lots in that place,
provided the seat of government is re-
moved there. How this proposition vii.
take cannot tell, but | think it extreme.
~ doubtful about the seat of govern
ment being removed at this session OF
the Legislature. JULIUS.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
The Admission Of CALIFORNIA;
Rcjoicings i'm San Francisco.
San FRANCISCO, Oct. 10

The four days which have elapsed
since the sailing OF the Carolina have
been rendered ever memorable by tho
reception of The glad news that Calitor-
MIA is admitted into the Union. This
intelligence was brought in about l2 o.
clock NJ, of yesterday, by the Oregon.
The steamer was decked with flags and
streamers of all nations, with piece OF
canvass extending from fore to main
mast, exhibiting the words: "CALIFoRSIA
is Admitted" Booming guns and CAV
flags from every quarter soon responded
TO the salute from the Oregon. And The
general hilari,y every where seen thrO'-
ont the city, showed what hold upon
The American heart has the Union of the
States. Bonfires, illuminations, rockets,
crackers--in short every possible means
of expressing gladness, were resorsed to
during the evening and throughout lhs
night. A brilliant moon and the mild
air of Italy contributed to the agreeable
ness OF the glorious occasion. All the
world was out of doors, and had no
conception that SO many ladies could be
found in all the country as parlGed orr
streets. The river steamers bore the
joyful news in haste to the extended ia
terror, and by midnight festal fires and
sounding guns told Of the peoples JOY
along the banks Of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin; in Sacramento aud Stock.
ton.
The feeling Of confidence begoiten by
this good news is not imaginary. but
real, and The press Of this morning bus
speak forth the feelings of all hearts in
California. Whatever injustice could
be done her has been done, the past is
forgotten ia her devoted attachment to
The Union. We never believed that il
was The intention in Congress to ex-
clude us from our rlghlfnl position as
State; but it was wicked thing Cor mad
cap politicianst t, exercise solong their fell
passions at the expense of her faith,
and to the trial of her patience. And
then the final vote in the House showed
who and how many her real enemies
were!
need not trouble you with Gurther
details at this time. "Glory enough hls
been won for one day." and we shall
now go on our way rejoicing. ihs
mouths Of those who abused us have
been efectually closed. and we ara
content. So with marry aiios | close.
c. W. p.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

This document is neither striking for
its profoundly or originality, and might
well pass without comment as one of
those ordinary common place produc.
tons, many thousands of which have
been issued by the new-fedged Cover
nors Of the various Suites of the Union
during the last halt century.
The official sanction which j, volun.
tecrs in behalf of some of the most de-
leteriaus restrictions of our State consti.
tuition sufficiently indicates that the in
fluence Of the Governor of Iowa will be
exerted during the next four years TO re-.
tard The prosperity of the State. and
continue the absurd policy which bur-
dens our citizens with interest to the a.
mount Of over one hundred thousand
dollars drained from their pockets for
Bank paper of other States. This poll
cy at the same time, by preventing COM
petition which Home Capital would in
duce, keeps down the price Of produce
about ten per cent lower than it other
wise would be, and also subjects our
business men 10 the expense, inconven-
fence and risk of transac,ing all their
monetary arrangements in ST. Louis.
Gov. Hampstead says:
'By the restriction of State debts, the
prohibition Of banking and of special
acts of incorporation, except for political
or municipal purposes, we are secured
from many evils which exist in older
States where in consequence OF the es-
tablishmenl and continuance of those in
stitutions their governments have become
complicated. oppressive, and snbyersiye
of civil liberty"
Now such an assertion might pass in
stump speech, but when gentleman
o. intelligence occupying the position Of
Chief Magistrate of one Of the Sover-
eign States of the Republic puts forth
such stuff in grave State paper, it ex-
cites the contempt Of every man of CON-
mon sense.
What historical facts justify this as
serlion!
Massachusetts,. New York, and Ohio
are pre-eminent amongst the States OF
the Union, for these very things which
our Governor asserts TO be oppressive
and subversive of civil liberty.
There are no three States in the Union
which have incurred anything like the
amount of State debts for Internal I'm
provement purposes that these have
that more abound in corporations. and
few, if any where there is such super
abundance Of Banking Institutions.
What States are more prosperous than
these? In what respect are their Gov.
ernmenss oppressive! And how has
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

Board of Public Works; and this is all
you need. And choose men who will
attend to the work in person, and not
pay clerks to do il while they smoke ci-
gars and lounge aboutth streets; and our
word for it they win superintend the
work well, drive it ahead, and not trouble
you so often with unexplained bills OF
contingencies. The people as we be-
fore said demand nou, of this present
Legislature, TO do something to push this
work on Immediately TO completion, and
although we believe the bond system is
the best yet agitated, and are its warm
supporters, yet if the Legislature in their
combined wisdom, shall devise any other
feasible mode, we as friends to the spec
dy completion of the work will hold up
both hands and say amen to it.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
For the Des Moines Courier.
Intellectual Grindst0nes.

HntGhACCttuUl UGhN0SeVsACSs
THE suggestion in the Republic, by
certain "Perigrim Pickle" | attended
The "Ottumwa Lyceum.," on the suppo-
sition that perhaps ! might under the
denomination Of "to wn wit" have my
intellectual accumin applied TO the grind.
stone OF Mr.. Pickle. But, after view
Ing the apparatus and motive power oil
the machine, | thought it prudent to wit.
ness the operation of grinding general.
/ ly. and from thence infer the magnitude
o. its usefulness. But, instead of "catch.
ing those genial sparks" really calcula
ted to cultivate the affections of the
heart and improve the understanding,
my ears were greeted with the coarse
and vulgar insinuation--,he i'll na,ured
taunt and sarcasm Of one-eyed bigotry,
Aand blind prejudice. And the illberal,
Unjust and reprehensible epilbess-,he
unproyoked personal at:ack-the gross
scurrillity that emenate from minds in
clined to brood over the actions and char
acters Of men for the unholy purpose Of
SANDER and elimination. Taking this
as a specimen of Pickles intellectual
grinding, think the Ouumwa Lyceum is
a place where the vile tongue of envy
can have the privilege of the public ear,
SO that it may sting and wound the feel
ings and sensibililies Of all persons at its
where the inexperienced may
be schooled in the philology of vituper-
alton and abuse-where the hear,less and
unprincipled demagogue and the broken
down and ricke'y politician may resume
their contests--vent their spleen aud
hurl the poisoned shafts of their malevo-
lence with redoubled acrimony. From
the tenor of Mr.. Pickles communica-
ton il must be inferred that he is the
leading spirit at grinding the dull wits of
this community, and doubtless the scenes
of Monday evening owe much of their
splendor and brilliancy to Mr.. Pickle,
with whom | have no farther acquain-
lance than as revealed in his communica-
tion. Why did not the I.yceum bear
his name, SO that the chickering's which
germinate from its farther development
may be attributed to the hand which first
scattered the seeds or discord! | have
alluded 10 the manner of conducting the
last debate OF the Lyceum, to show the
idea of 'ra,ional enjoyment entertain
ed by Pickle, and the mode adopted to
secure it. Trusting that the public will
mete out TO him proportionate share of
odium and contempt to the extent of
the sophisiry attempted TO be thrust down
their ,hroats BY This innovator of estab.
lished custom-this social innovator, to
the exclusion of his fanciful grinds,ones
and ideal razor s,rops and scissors
And am FELIX.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
a Prairie Incident.

At place called Yellow Creek, about
half way between Salt lake and the
junction Of the Oregon aud California
road, we were the unwilling Witnesses to
an Indian massacre. On the evening
previous we had crossed the creek, and
encamped about a mile end a half beyond.
Near the Greek some Snake Indians,
thirteen in all, had erected their wig
vans. Before dark had endeavored,
but in vain, to trade with the Chief for
pony, but "no srap" was the word,
though all the while some one of the par
ty kept exhibiting the good qualities and
speed OF the ditferant animals. The
young squaws cxcelled their lords in
craftsmanship or horsewomanship.--
One young creature assumed every at,i-
tude of the best circus rider. She would
pick her whip from the ground under
full speed; check her pony in his mad
career as il he had been shot; wheel
him at full speed by an inclination of
her body; throw the lasso successfully at
whatever object she pleased. She rode
like the men, yet
An antelope,
In the suspended impulse OF its lightness,
Were less etherially light"
She was an Indian beauty too, and
somewhat oil coquette in the bargain.
She would arch her own and horses
neck at any praise bestowed on either
her beauty or her horsemanship, and
laugh most heartily at our attempts to
make ourselves understood. She was
all life and buoyancy-but alas! she was
a cold corpse ere the morning sun shown
upon the valley in which she lad been
so active and happy. lust as the day
was breaking, we heard the OMNIBUS war
whoop, and Immediately followed the
sharp crack of the rife. We aroused
ourselves from onr slumbers and hasten
ed toward the scene of action. A horrid
sight met our view. There lay the dead
forms of those who had lived and breath
ed the evening before; nearly all had two
or three bullets in their bodies.
Our heroine OF the night previous had
not escaped. She lay outside her wig.
wan, bleeding corpse. No respect
had been paid to her jet black locks; the
scalping knife had passed round them,
and they now doubtless graeed the girde
of some graceless Utah. Twelve Snakes
lay dead on the ground, nine of whom
had been scalped, two old Indians and a
boy having escaped the knife; one squaw
had escaped by fight. The perpe,ra-
tors of this horrld scene were about fifty
Utah Indians, whom we saw near the
camp OF an emigrating party about a
mile from the scene Of action. With
horror and disgust we turned from the
sight and pursued our way.-Corres-
pondenee 81. Louis Mfeligencer.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

.rT The FAIRFIELD LEDGER, Is the
title of new Wing paper recently star
ted at Fairfield, Jefferson county, by
OrLASpo McCRANEY. It's neat Jour-
nal, edited with ability, and we hope will
meet with unbounded success. Come
brother Wings of Jefferson, give it lib
eral support, which, is your whole duty,
and nothing but your duty.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
ly Our JOHN will be on hand Ne

fy Our JOHN will be on hand New
Years morning with an address to the
Patrons of the Courier, and hopes TO
find the sovereigns ready 10 receive him
in becoming style. He has worn out a
rood deal of shoe leather IN carrying
the Courier TO your doors--"through
mud and mire," and We hope you will
not be backward in putting your ha-ds
in your pockets for dime or SO, for his
benefit. "GIvE THE DEVIL HIS DUE"
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBoR OF
DuBUouE, IowA.-The Express of the
9th, states that the Council of that city
have authorized loan TO be made OF
$4,000, TO be expended in the construc.
ton Of a harbor for the city of Dubuque
The measures was passed nearly unan-
imously. the vote standing 3l5 to A.
The plan proposed is said to be The most
feasible, and the citizens of that thriving
place are congratulating themselves that
the completion Of the work will be an
important era in their commercial pros
perity. The improvement was greatly
needed, as heretofore steamboats, have
been deferred from stopping. for want Of
a suitable landing.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
WEDNESDAY, December 4, 1850.

WEDNESDAY. December 4, 1850.
House met at ten o'clock. A. NJ.
The Speaker then announced the stand
ing Committees of the House as follows:
WAYS and Means: Messrs Rabbit,
Robinson Gildea, Mccullough Of Lee,
and Price,
Judiciary: Fulsom, Preston Of Linn,
Negus, Thompson and Crawford.
Claims: Crawford, Updegraff. Sum-
mers, Reuben Riggs and Hammill.
Schools: Eaton, Harper, Parvin. Ne
gus and Jacobs.
Military Affairs: Harbor, Price. Bunk
er, Mccullough of Jefferson, and Wy.
koff.
Engrossed bills: Summers and Dibble.
Enrolled bills: Harper and Parvin.
Expenditures: Robinson, Preston OF
Linn, Taylor, Major Gibson.
Roads and Highways. Dibble, Cub
erson, Goodenow, Wilsonof Henry, and
Jacobs.
townships and County Organization:
Preston of Linn, Gamble, Salmon, Al
lender, and Samuel Riggs.
Public buildings: Parvin. Wilson oil
Lee, Preston of Monroe, Folsom and
Guiherson.
New Counties: Rabbit, Negus, Nc
Cullough of Zee, Eaton and lIarbor.
Agriculture: Harper, Thompson, ia
cobs, Mccullough OF Jefferson and
Gamble.
Elections: Gamble, Flint, Preston oil
Monroe, Taylor and Samuel Riggs.
interpretations: Negus, Harbor Sum.
mers, Gildea and Hammill.
Improvement of the Desmoines Riv-
er: Flint, Rabbit, Reuben Riggs, McCra.
re- and Gildea.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
National Convention Of Union
Men.

| learn that il is in contemplation TO
call general convention of Union men
of all parties, from every State in the
Union, 10 assemble in Washington on
the 22d of February next. The Union
meetings in the several States have had
the most beneficial effect. They have
exhibited the strength of tho conserva-
tive interests Of the country, and have
abashed and COMPOUNDED the projectors
of mischief.
do not know that for such conven-
lion there is better place than the seat
of the Federal Government, and the
Eastern square of the Capitol where the
Inaugurations are held.
The rumor that Mr.. Corwin will pro-
pose loan of thirty millions musl be
incorrect. Ii is found on the erroneous
supposilion that the ten millions to be
paid 10 Texas, and that three INSTALL
ments of $3,50O,0OO to be paid to Mex
leo in 1851, are yet to be provided for.
The issue of stock to meet both is al.
ready provided. Mr.. Merdith's estiMu-
ted deficit of Sl6,375,OO0 on The first OF
July, 1861, will not exist; but, perhaps,
Mr.. Corwin will figure out deficit for
The years 1881 and 1852.
WASHINGTON, Nov. rs.
tits rumored that the President has is
sued an order to the Marshal of Louisi-
ana, for the arrest of Gen. Quitman,
charged with treason in purchasing arms
for the Lopez expedition.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

Ne There never has been at any time,
since we commenced the publication Of
the COURIER, such deartk OF general
news. We have not had any papers
from the east OF the Mississippi since
the 4lh inst. We have nothing from
Congress at all, and the proceedings of
the Legislature are reported in such a
manner that zone but those present at
Iowa City can understand them. We
can decipher this much, however that
they are trying to remodel the Board of
Public Works, (but how we cannot tell)
and are trying to spend all the money
they can in the purchase of Green's Re-
ports, and Gold Pens, newspapers, &C.,
for the members, and fifty other things.
For our part we cannot see what right
the members OF the Legislature have to
spend the peoples money in this way.
One member introduced resolution to
furnish the members with seventeen
hundred and City dollars worth of Greens
Reports for their use. 1t is high time
that the people should put the seal Of con-
demnation on such reckless exrava-
gance, as they alone have to bear the bur-
den Of it. Taxes are high enough now.
and If members Of the Legislature want
gold pens and books. let them buy them
at their own expense.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

n Col. Fitz Henry Warren, we are
pleased TO learn, is to supercede Major
Hobbic, as LIST Assistant Postmaster.
II the mails are NOT conveyed after q
different manner when the Col. gets into
the Contract Office, the contractors will
catch Fitz, sure.-Whig & Register
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

" Our thanks are due and are here
by rendered to the Hons. ii. b. HEN
DERsnoTT and G.. G. WRIGHT, OF the
Senate, and also, Hon. JESSE WILLIAMS,
for valuable public documents.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

~ The young folks are making ex-
tensive preparations 10 enjoy themselves
during the coming holidays. Dancing
seems TO be the order Of the day. $50
j, while you are young"
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
UNION MEETING.

We approve of the suggestion of our
neighbors to have preliminary meeting.
TO get up Union Meeting on Saturday
evening next. All Of our citizens who
feel an interest in this matter will no
doubt be present at the Court House al
that time. The 9th of January would
be a very appropriate time.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

GEORGIA ELEcTIoN.-The late eloc-
ton in Georgia, which was contested on
the question Of union or disunion, has
resulted triumphantly in behalf of tbs
Union.
The friends of the Union, have 40
Delegates, while their opponents only
elected "a.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

Never did an Irishman utter better
bull than did homes. John, who being.
asked by friend: "Has your sister got
a son or is it daughter!" replied, up
on my soul, l don't know whether am
an uncle or an Gunt.'
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20

II Sambo, dat are boss won't pull,
an he not wuf two dollar.
Yes he am, Pete, he always dar.
He yaw, he yaw, an de debble can't
get him out OBJ dar.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-20
WAsnINaToN, Noy. Fl

a A choice lot of heavy hogs rails
ed by Mr.. III. M. Ochletroe, Of Virgin
ia Grove, Louisa county, brought the
large price of % 45 per 100 lbs. on
Friday last. Several very large droves,
numbering from 500 to 1000 in each,
have since come in.-BurEngfon Ga
zetfe.