davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
FOR THE sr1rlr OF yEFrERsov.

Mr.. BELLER /: ] beg pardon for the intrusion ]
propose to make on your highly esteemed paper,
i read it, and find it engaged in the most sacred
cause known to man, q mean in a moral point of
view,) viz: Political Equality. | beg OF you not
10 consider me an aspIrant, looking for, or ex
pccting to receive any preferment, in any way, in
time past, nor time to COme-l am OF ~piebeIau
extraction.
g Ny honest, but ignoblc blood
Has crcpt through scoundrcls ever since the flood"
l desire to arouse the people TO a full sense nf
the Importance of the proposed ; and
in The first place to notice the present inequality
or distinctions made between men. That there
is a favored few who receive all honors and
cmoluments, is a fact too well known for me 20
s,op tsvES-amy PrUOf. My history IS EuenTInch
with Virginia and the county | live in, but too
inConsiderahle for any public notice. however
sometimes venture to think and make ObseTrG-
lions. ! have known gentlemen worthy and well
qualified offer as candidates for small !avOrs-I
mean for offices vested in the power OF those Of
fciGiS, constituting the County Courts, and be
it remembered those powers are not a few, and
they irresponsible 10 the people-treated with no.
thing short of contempt. And for why !? Be-
cause they belonged 10 the vulgar horde, and had
not been received in the church Of aristOcraCy.
! have noticed these IrOTthieS n rthe last fifteen
years, and time has only proved the above decIa
ration. Wealth is the most important qnalitica-
ton for membership, and poverty is generally
spurned from its altar, with very few exceptions,
which they design as a feint if charged with
usurpaiion. But enough. The dawn of a new
era is presented-the day of redemption is at
hnnd-the hand writing is on the wall-the work
must be done-the synagegues must be cleansed
liberty proclaimed-the people set free-all
ofit es subjected to the will OF the people, the
rightfnl sovereigns of the land-none of youroId
English laws nor custOms-nothing hereditary
plain pure republican doctrines-all offices for a
specified term. Then we may expect that merit
will be rewarded-the brain and heart will be the
standard of qualifications for Offices of trust and
honor, and mol dollars and cents, nor alone the
rich and well born. Ye toiling millions let me
c%onjure you 10 keep your eyes steadfastly to those
important interests. Scrutinize candidates who
present themselves for the Convention a
thorough exposition of the principles of reform ;
less power in the legislative department of the
government not subjectiug every citizens poe
ket to the will of that body. Then the basis of
representation in that body can be flesh and blood,
not dollars and cents. I snow that this savors
too much of radicalism for some sensitive ears,
but it is what the people expect, less will not sa-
tisfy them. A PLEBEIAN.
Loudoun county, May Is, 1850.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
TIE GALPnINs.

We have seen, as YET, but few Wing papers OF
any rote but what attempt, in some way or other,
to apologize for, if not openly defend, the admin
~istration in relation TO the Galphin plumber
This course only goes to show of what sort of
materials the great Wing party is Composed
Even admitting that the claim, for the Prosecu-
ton of which, Mr.. Secretary Crawford was the
agent, was just, can ii, for a single moment be
considered consistent with cafe precedent to al
low a man occupying the Influenced position oil
head of department, and thereby brought in
daily contact, in an official capacity, with the
very man whose favorable decision is sought, to
be a deeply interested agent for a claim upon
whose validity his colleagues in Office have TO
determine What would it be thought Of a
United States Senator who had been engaged for
a large contingent fee to prosecute a claim be-
fore the Senate, who would persist action on that
claim during his membership, his agency still
subsisting? Would not such a thing consign
him to perpetual obscurity? The case, we think,
would be the same with a member OF the cabinet.
Mr.. Crawford may be an honest man. But ifthe
precedent which he wishes 10 set, is once esta-
b!ished, who cannot foresee the immense frauds
that would be practised Every member OF the
cabinet would soon become an agent for the pro-
s~ecution of claims against The Government, and
the work ofplunder would then GOO On without re-
striction. And this is the doctrine that the Wings
are now advocating! They have taken their
position on this subject. THEY, of course, will
consider it no disgrace to be designated hereafter
by the appellation OF the "Galphin Party" They
have fairly earned the name and they must wear
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
Presbyterian General Assemblies.

The General Assembly of the Old School
Presbyterian Church, adjourned at Cincinnati on
the night of the 9th nit. They will meet next
May in ST. Louis:
Rev. DIR. Plummer was appointed to preach be.
fore the next General Assembly, on the subject
of Romanism.
The structures. tending the subject of slavery
were laid on the table by a large vote.
The New School Presbyterian Assembly, at
Detroit, also adjourned on The 2slh. After dis.
e y 'h len slavery subject lo1 several days, the
rails was adopted, is TO 10. Itdeplores slavery
as a great evil, and offence against the Discf.
pline, except where it is Hnavoidable, by the
laws Of the State, the obligations of guardianship
or the demands of humanity, and refers the
whole subject, as it exists in-the church, TO the
thereon as in their judgment the laws of Chris.
tianity require.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
THE cURRYCoMB Ar WORK AGAIN

Mr.. Webster has recently written a reply to a
letter from some friends in Massachusetts, in
which he discusses the constitutional provisions
on the subject of the recapture of fugitive slaves.
In his reply he administers the following we'll
mcrited rebuke to Horace Mann, and 10 William
Fl. Seward:
81 have seen a publication by Mr.. Horace
Mann, "a member of Congress from Massachusetts
in which | find this sentence. Speaking of the
bill before the Senate, he says This bill de-
rides the trial by jury secured by the Constitution.
4 man may not lose his horse without a right to
this trial, but he may his freedom. MIR. Web
ster speaks for the South and for slavery, and
not for the North and for freedom, when he aban-
dons this right This personal vitupcration does
not annoy me but | lament to see a public man
of Massachusetts, so crude and confused in his
legal apprehensions, and so little acquainted
with the constitution of his country, as these
opinions evince Mr.. Mann TO be. His citation
of a supposed case, as in point, if it have any
analogy to the matter, would prove that, if Mr..
Mann's horse strays to his neighbours field he can
n I lead him back without a prcrious trial 6yjury
10 ascertain The right. Truly, if what Mr.. Mann
says OF The provisions oflthe constitution, in this
publication, be a test Of his accuracy in the un-
Outstanding of that instrument, he would do well
not to seek to protect his peculiar notions under
its sanction, but 10 appeal al once, as others do, 10
he Constitution and Adore The La1U.' =
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
PLANK ROAD UP TIE VALLEY.

AT a meeting of the President and Directors o.
the Valley Turnpike Company, at New Market
on the 18th of May, 1850, the following pream.
bic and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, The contemplated construction of a
Plank Road from Fredericksburg TO the Eastern
base of the Blue Ridge, with such other improve.
ments as are warmly urged, are all calculated to
affect seriously the interests of the Valley Turn
pike Company-diminisbiDg its revenues, and
otherwise throwing its affairs into Embarrassment
and confusion /: therefore,
ReSOlred, That a Grisis has arrived 10 the affairs
of this company, which requires a meeting of the
Stockholders, to consider of their interests, and
to relieve this Board from the various response,
bilities which rest upon them.
Resolred, As preparatoryto such action as the
Stockholders may think proper to take, the Pre-
sident ofthfs Company, with Col. Samuel Harms
berger and Samuel c.. Williams, Esq, Directors,
visit the Northern Plank Roads, and report to
the meeting of the Stockholders the expediency
of Planking The Valley Turnpike from Winches.
ter TO Stanton.
RESOLVED, That, if deemed necessary by the
Board, a general meeting of the Stockholders be
called to consider the report upon thissubiect.
RESOLVED, That these proceedings be published
in the newspapers Of the Valley.
A copy of the minutes
]. s. CALVERT, 7. & c. ". T. q
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
WAsmScrox, May 30, 1850.
DEATH OF HON Mr.. ELmoRE.

DEATH OF HON Mr.. ELMoKE.
The Senate met at II o'clock.
The reading Of the journal was dispensed with.
Dir. Butler announced the death of his col.
lcagee, the Hon. Franklin II. EsnOre. He pro-
nounced a high euI"gium GU the character of the
deceased.
Mr. Hunter followed in the same strain of Gu
logium.
Mr.. Yulee, Mr. Webster, and Mr.. Jefferson
Davis spoke of the character and services of Mr..
Elmore, aud of his death as a national loss.
Mr. Butler offered the customary resolutions,
and in honor of :he character ofthe deceased, the
Senate adjourned.
morrow.
House OF REPREsExTATIvEs.--The House
met to day pursuant to adjournment, at 8 o'clnck,
y NJ, when, in consequence of the death OF Mr.
E'mOre, Senator from South Carolina, il was
agreed that when The House adjourned. it be till
to morrow at il O'Clock, a. d., TO receive the
official announcement of the death of that distin-
guished Senator, and 10 take such action as is
due to the occasion.
Tho Speaker (Sir. Cobb availed himself of III.
permission given by tie House yesterday. and
called Mr. Boyd, of Kentucky, to preside As
Speaker, pro tenn, during his short absence from
the city.
The proceedings consequent upon the death Of
Senator fillmore will induce the necessity of ex-
tending the recess until Tuesday or Wednesday
next, 10 enable the officers of the House 10
complete the arrangements Of the hall for the
summer.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04

by SONIC that the leaders in n. n
either YriiIen by Mr. Bell, or un5.Lt
and sarction. If southern Sen..I
bers, Supporters of the Rresiden,
views, md a southern PresideEI
cOmfOHd of a majority of Pen,tsHg
slave-hslding States, will thus 10y
to the Sefeat of the bill of setIsT.L
may wEll initiate the Duichman ~
cd uPo4 10 subscribe TO a ligh;nips
Iage church, towards the buiISsro
had aheeady literally eOntribuleI
d~ignau5ly Well, If de Lord 49,
own house, he must do If at his
Pubic opinion is fast coming 4,
the P15ints in the Senate and the -
Te~seDljiiYes and its effects are -
greafct moderation of Senators ~
Tie iniimatiou oE an opposj,S11S
of the administration towards tie ~
sures which you propose" writes IL n
tee Ola southern State 10 the lioa.h~S
Clay, 4 while II increases the solietSIa
with respect to the fate OF these 49,
casiOns in this quarter, as FAR As L.
less surprise than regret. Ispeak -
MYSELF that the plan Of admitting CO.
doing nothing for the Territories. ~
sents 40 adjustment from which lu,u-
be hoped for, but has not even The me-.
ing the present exIgency: since Il
Obvinra aud pressing duty Of proyidro.
ment Nhich We are bound to provi1e
TiforieE.
'slIsis no settlement o. any Quest.
view Bthe mutual satisfaction of d.
ties; But is the mere consequence Vl.s
make such settlement. Aud by leaY;r.S
ritorias without a suitable governmens !
courage. and must lead (as in the -
fOrnis) to revolutionary movement.
characterization and disorganization "a 4
tories themselves; while in the State i.
d%issehtiOns which now prevail, are 10 :
ued and renewed. There may injsi,
cient grounds for the admission Of e.,
a separate measure, should the Others 4
to leave the matter in that condilion !
| regarded rs a derniT resOri-the resi-.
ccs>iFy to be avoided II possible"
MIR Edmund Burke, the talented an.
junior editor Of the Washington ~Upi1,
understand, retire from that paper on =
| the month. This will be regretted b !
staniiaI democracy throughout the q,
WI DuIhE GOLillA1uuo LVA OuIV Inc ~
his party, but also that of his honOng.
nisfs.
The warmest part OF the session Efle-
this Jay fortnight, after the Califorra !
be taken ont Of the Committee Of The n
the slate If the Union. 1t is TO be b
northern members will remain cool: I
~elIce!ual way to put down agitation Is %
il of aiiment. One revolutionary eSs-
conquered by a revolutionary counter 81
Hints are thrown out here by genrEs-
ing access to the Spanish legation. rsy
BY the very uTbane, accomplished an!
popular Senior CaIderoH de Ia Bare, .
MostC Catholic Majesty, Donna Isabella Il
To testify her gratitude IN our verv arsr
efficient Secretary of STATE bv Su.E;r,
knighI of the Spanish order Of'he &
"ThiS," said a wag, " viii b. in comns-
of the naval exploits Of the Cabinet, a. :
consideration of the GalPhias."
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
MORGAN COUNTY.

Tho people of Morgan appear to be fully arOus-
ed as to the Importance Of the Convention qpeS'
ton, and are taking all proper occasions to dis
cuss the matter fully before The people. a Pub
lie meeting was held at Bath a few days ago,
when JAMES E. STEWART, Esq., now OF chat
town, was called out, and is said to have deliver
ed. most able address on the necessity of a tho
rough and radical Reform in The whole organic
law of the State. lie briefly referred to all the
great questions for which true Reformers will
struggle TO obtain, and their justice and necessity
be made apparent to all. DR.. HAorMoSD Of Be*ke-
lev. and MIR. GUsrlN o. Bath, also addressed the
meeting in a few brief remarks on the question
of Reform. a meeting. we learn, isto be betd in
a week or two at Oakland, in Morgan, at which
several Speakers are expected 10 be present.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04

- -
The Bin IF A~dustment-Hs Propecfs-SoutFeru
E1iremeS-Wr- Bel and the RepuGHc-THe
CUBAN ErPedHion-InteresfiHg Letter to Mr..
Cay.
The chances Of the immediate passage of the
bill of adjustment, reported BIZ rbe ommiite of
thirteen are again becoming dimmed by the eff
iorts oil certain Senators and members TO obtain
the Missouri compromise line clear 10 the Paci-
nc Ocean. A year ago that plan would have an
swered very well, and two years ago the Clavton
compromise would have answered; but boil
these measures were defeated By Southern votes
Inc missouri compromise, applied to the ter
rltorIca OF New Mexico and Utah. would he less
advantageous to the South than the bill now he
lore The Senate; but applying It to California
herself, l would only remark that while nracti-
cally, II would be of no use to the South. and M
means OF carrying slaves to the Pacific, It would
YET De resisted by The North, and be the means of
preventing an amicable adjustment of the vexed
question.
1ne northern Democracy say they must have
a principle to stand on, viz: self royernmeDt by
the people in the States and in the Territories
II Tue oouth cannot agree on such a broad. COM
PrenensIVe principle, the national democratic
party may become dissolved as the WHO nartv
now Is, and we shall henceforth have a sec,ionsi
mote poiitIcai organization of Congress. Mem.
oers and Senators will take this or that si5a of
the House according as they are southern or
northern men; and not because they are Wbigs
or democrats. Such a state of things could not
continue long without destroying every reasona-
PIE purpose and benefit for which the Union and
Constitution have been formed.
II the South wanted a proof of northern devo-
uon, IN addition to those sIready given them By
Webster, Cass, Dickinson, Bright, SC, let them
AXE the plain, matter-of-fact common sense. vet
hig4Iy %patriotic speech of Mr. Dodge. of Iowa
and ask themselves whether. as reasonable men
they could ask for more p
n Is Tumored that MrsBeH viii, in the end,
oppose the bill of adjustment; and tits believed
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
FRom -WAsnINGToN.
wAsH.Eerox, May 90, 1850.

-N Ets w 1oy 80 SSS
SESaTE-An answer was received from the
Sacra,aTv Of the Navy, in answer 10 tie call of
the resolution which passed on the 2OLh instant,
relative to extra compensation TO Naval officers.
The bill TO increase the rank and file of the
army was referred to the Committee on Military
Affairs.
favor of enlarging the Capitol.
On motion OF Dir. Hunter, the Committee on
Public Buildings were authorized to act jointly
with the corresponding Committee Of the House
on the subject.
Mir. Btadbury's resolution relative to removals
mir. Webster moved to postpone il till Thurs
dav. hut wiihdrew the motion at the request of
! Nj. T'urney. who took the fipos aud spoke on the
subject.
The adjustment bill Of Mr., Clay was then
taken M
Mr ii ale spoke at length and declared that The
North was to be beaten, and by Northern votes.
Slavery would paint the flag OF victory The de-
feat OF the North would be accomplished by North
ern votes. Some OF these Northern meE, when
! they got home, would find an uncomfortable at
mosPLere about hem.
Mr.. Dodge, of Iowa, said he was sick Of this
subject, and, though he was not in favor Of the
compromise in all its parts, yet he would sIai-
low it.
House OF REPREsESTATIVEs-The House re-
solved itself into OF the whole on the
stare olthe Union, and considered the OH mahInS
appropriations 10 the several Territories The
only bill which ELECTED debate, was the one max
ing donations tolxettlers on the public lands in
Oregon. The point in the discussion was Iheth-
er the grants should be allowed TO American citi-
zens only-native and adopted, or to those also
who should declare their intention of becoming
American citizens. The committee did not dis
pose of the bill.
The bill making appropriation for the compile
ton Of the public buildings in Oregon and Min
nesOta, was The only one which finally passed.
After which the House adjourned.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
c CREAM.

Our good friend, BLESSING, always mindful of
the /" creature comfottts'' of our citizens, has now
ready in complete order, for the present season,
his Ice Cream Saloon. TO his liberality and kind
ness are we indebted for an ample specimen of his
delicious cream, with other fixtures to suit. Du-
ring the present warm weather, there is no greater
luxury than a glass of this choice cream, and we
commend his establishment to the ~liberality and
patronage CT our citizens. Ample arrangements
are made for the accommodation of the Ladies.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
WASHINGTON, May 80

Among the memorials presented were several
for the alteration o fthe tariff and protective duties
on iron.
The bill TO establish a branch ofthe mint ofthe
United States in New York was taken up and
discussed at length.
The bill was opposed by Mr.. Duncan and Bad
ger and others, and advocated by Mr.. Douglas and
MIR. Dickinson. e
Mr.. Badger moved to strike out the provision
for a mint in New York, and insert California
Lost-ayes 90, noes %.
The bill was ordered a third reading.
Mr.. Badger moved an additional section, pro-
viding that before the law shall take effect the
State and city of New York shall pledge them
selves not 10 tax the mint as an institution or as
property. Agreed TO.
The bill passed.
The Senate went into executive session, and
soon after adjourned.
House OF REPREsEETATTvEs.-Thc House, To
enable the officers thereof to prepare the Hall for
The summer, agreed TO meet Tomorrow, at 8
o'clock, and then adjurn till Monday next also.
authorizing the Speaker, who wished TO absent
himself from the city, TO appoint a Speaker pro
lem.
The House then proceeded 10 the consideration
of the territorial bills.
The bill far the construction of certain roads
in The territory of Minnesota, and the bill antho
r!zing the negotiation Of treaties with the Indian
tribes in the territory of Oregon, for the exlin-
punishment Of their claims TO lands lying west of
Cascade Mountains, and for Other purposes.
The House then resolved itself into committee
of tile whole on the state of the Union, [NIr.
Strong in the chair.) and resumed the considera-
ton OF the bill to create the office OF Surveyor
General of The public lands in Oregon, and to pro-
vide for the Survey, and to make donations To SET
Tiers Of the said public lands.
The bill was discussed for three hours. The
topic OF discussion was an amendment to conine
the donation TO white citizens only The amend
ment was adopted Without dispensing OF rte bill,
the committee of the whole rose, and the House
adjourned Till 10 MORROW morning, al s o'clock.
The House, wheL it nee Is to morrow, will adj
Jou'n without transacting any business.
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
From tho yiFgiSia Renublicao'

Mr.. EDITOR: through the medium of your
paper we beg leave to recommend to the notice
of the voters of this Conventional District. The
Hon. WILLIAM LUCAS, of Jefferson county, as a
candidate for a seat in the Convention to assem-
BILE in October next, TO change and amend our
say that this step is entirely withou, his know.
ledge. But we-feeIa assured that he is possessed
of too much patriotism to desire 10 withhold his
services on an occasion like the present. His
friends, andtiie friends ofFeforms abontthis QUAR-
ter at least, without regard to party distinction,
desire an opportunity in August next, Of showing
ileir ophaenc m his discretion and Judgment
by casting their votes fos
MANY REFORMERS.
Hedgesyale May 81. s50
an episcopal charchs been built and con.
secrated at Shanghai, China ar A%nbIafon .f
Boston, contribute 1000 towards tle str6einys
Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-06-04
Correspondents or,he E.Idaars

NHH|
Dca% of Senator EIlcrc-YEe Ad;gs
7COur.e IF lfr, BsatOa-C itHaEdD d.
B!H, DE-.
TAe Hon. Mr.. Gilmore, whose zr7
deaIa it WAS my melancholy du,v 10 arm
You yesterday, hy a Geographic dr<paiel. ;
durIqg tie night. His de ia was, 10 q
nOufccd III the Senate, after which thai y
jouracd- The death oi Mr. Fillmore, Al,
sis ef our national a%iiairs, Ii a grsz, ri.
and will, 10 doE6t, produce great ounss
in lbs State He was an am:abir, III
accomplished gentleman, with s:aicz;
~vieTts, and a eOneiIiat"ry lispneition-
Il min from the SOnIh as Tire ruanrry ny
in need of. We have umiDrirnslelr. I
inonlenf, Il greater number .: f emea 1.
gInaeTs.
Tie compromise bill. or. 10 s;cak r-
the Gill OF adjustment, will set be discuss
!easE a month IN the Senate; Me~srs.Chl
sters Ca<s. King, aud uticr great staten
patriots desiring Ia speak ON II. It i.r
kno&n what course Col ~iIeufun vii e.
rrg;Fd Ia n. and IT is believed that IN r.
a!IeE all the Efforts 10 separate tie bis. n
them on the ishie. shalt have failed, he 3
vote iUr il, aud put himself right in M@
Othsrs, however, believe that if It oc1-
pinch and the vote of the Senator from !
is required to d:}-af the bill, he Will DO 81
vieyf to- further the Presidents plan BIAS
California by herself, and having tie Il
e%niiteiy dependent on circumstances s.'
IA! principle, however, he is in favor III,
is'r4ion, and PaTrakcn OF It's view. :
Mcs4rs- Clayton aud Ewing. Mr. Een.o-
mOSI popular man at the White Huu-4.
We shall soon have the Civil and Df'
Appropriation bill reported to the IIou-s
atle!and distinguished Chairman Of tie G
tee 81 Ways and Means; the Tar!fsnd;-
and Ilarbor bills will also be launcLfi.
To- TIE gravity Of public measures les
Congress.