davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
Extraordinary Bank Dividends.
WHO PAYS2

On reading the following we have been
somewhat astonished at the developments
there made. Such dividends are unheard
of in any country in the world, and it be-
comes matter of deep interest 10 every
working man in the State that the question
should be answered, "who pays'' these ex.
traordinary dividends? This is the age and
the time Of investigation, and things effect
ing peoples rights or interests can no lon.
ger escape the searching eye OF scrutiny:
[From the Ohio Statesman.
In looking over Auditor Woods Ta5u.
lar Statement of the amount OF taxes paid
by Banks, 1 was astonished to find that the
Banks contributed so large an amount to
the revenue; inasmuch as they pay but six
per cent on their profits. The amount was
so large that was induced to calculate
from the tabular statement, the amount OF
profits, and selecting the Toledo Branch,
was still more astonished to find that the
profits Of that Bank was SEVENTEEN
per cent. per annuu, on each hundred dol
lars Of its stock, after deducting TAXES,
rents, salaries, engraving paper, and all
other expenses!l The result was so unex.
pected that ! went on with the calculation,
and found that the following is the per cent.
of their profits on each hundred dollars of
their stock, after paying taxes and all ex-
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

that seem to understand their business bet.
ter than any oiher--having had more ex-
perience. Twenty-six per cent! interest
on one hundred of capital, after paying all
sxpenses!! And in State where ii is un.
lawful for citizen to loan money for more
than six per cent, and where the citizen
pays tax of one to one and a half per
cent, to bool!!! Beautiful system!-equal
-just-excelleni!!!
If q citizen loans one hundred dellars at
8 per cent, and pays the common tax OF
aoout one dollar on tho hundred, it 10 tax
Of s,1tesn per cent on his profits. If
Bank loanson hundred dollars Of its capi.
tai at 8 per cent. it pays 6 per cent. tax on
its profits, which is one third of one per
cent on the hundred dollars. The differ.
ence of the tax is the difference between
one third Of one per cent and sixteen per
cent in country where taxes should be
equal. But under the law the citizen has
this certain advantage, that he must pay
the 16 per cent on his profits whether he
gets it or not, whereas the Banker is in
doubt whether he will pay nny tax at all
until he gets the profits and deduc.s his
expenses. "
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

On westward. over the fertile plains of In
diana and Illinois 10 ST. Louis. This great
work will surely be accomplished, and i.
will be one of the creates, thoroughfares in
the whole western country. Mechanics,
merchants, capitalists and adventures, are
docking here from all parts of the country
- our hotels are crowded-houses, vacant
ed by the cholera, are fast being filled with
tenants, and at this present time, u combi.
nation Of circumstances afford assurance
that the year eighteen hundred and fifty
will be laden with unusual prosperity for
the Queen City Of the West.
Desiring your pardon for taxing the pa
tience of your readers with so long an
article, am, with regard,
Yours, &C.,
H. TORREY.
Cincinnati, March /, 1850.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
ESSIONAL.
w ARLINGTON, March 4

In the Senate, Mr.. Dickinson presented
q memorial from convention. of inventors,
asking modification of the Patent Laws,
accompanied by draf. Of q bill which he
briefly explained.
Numerous petitions were presented aad
referred. 49,.
In the House, Mr.. jackson, elected In
the place of Mr.. King, of Georgia, ap-
peared, was qualified, and took his seat,
Mr.. Doty said the House had given him
the privilege, a few days ago, 10 send to
the Committee Of the Whole on the state of
the Union, bill containing all the objects
embraced in his resolutions, instructing the
COMMITTEE on Territories to bring in bill
for tho admission Of California with her
present boundaries. He, therefore, would
Withdraw his resolution, having no desire
to press it. 81,
Mr.. McLane moved that the House 20
into Committee Of the Whole.
The House went into Committee of the
Whole, discussed the California message,
and adjourned.
In the Senate, Mr.. Calhoun's speech was
read.
He says "Jus:ice must be done to the
South or the Union will be inevitably dis
solved" He further says. neither Mr..
Clay's compromise, nor Gen. Taylors re-
concentrations will do, and cannot pre-.
serve the Union. He thinks the Union
now in great danger, and winds up by say
ing tha. unless something be done to salts
fy the South regarding the slavery cues.
ton more than has yet been proposed, the
Union mus, be discovered. He hopes the
South will have her rights secured and this
calamity be arrested. The speech goes
into various dry details, but this is the main
idea and substance fit.
At the close Of the speech, the Senate
adjourned.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
Reforms Advocated BY the Desocracy!

Tho State Legislature not to meet oftener than
osee in tive years, unless called together for im-
psrsant q ex a,rdinary purposes, by proclama-
tion Of the Governor.
No State debt to be created until the amount
anil object thereof be approved by direct vote
cf the people. -
Judges, and clerks of the court, members of
heboars1 efpablic works, and all other State and
county officers to be elected by the people.
The burdens taxation to be equally distrib-
ute and no distinction to be made in favor of
those who hold stock in banks or other monied
corporations
A thorough reform in the Judiciary, SO that ths
renaslics at law may be simplifed, AMI the obscu-
rity, delay and uncertainty of legal proceedings
materially fessened.
No CORPORATION with banking powers to be
bsfcaftef created without hasing been previous
ly1subnitted to and authorized by a vote of the
people.
AL legislation for objects Of strictly local
character, to be taken from the State Legislature
ana referred, uailer carefully established rules,
to,aeoanty tribunal provide ffor that purpose.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
Pleasure Trip to Cincinnati.

Both branches ofthe Legislature accept
ed the invitation Of the President Of tho
Railroad Company, TO take ride on the
Railroad, and to day at noon the Legisla-
ture, in joint convention, assembled on
board the cars, bound for Cincinnati, where
they will remain over Sunday and Monday,
and return in time ior an afternoon session
on Tuesday We trust that the c Cincinat-
ians will take care of them, and return them
at the appointed time, fully impressed with
the belief that when ''fencsd in," this will
be great country, and that Cincinnati,
next to Columbus, is the most hospitable
city in the State. Statesman, March 2.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
For the Portage Sentinel.
A Clause fer the New Constitution.

A clause to the following effect should
make part of the new Constitution to wit:
3Ths Legislature shall have power to
grant charters Of corporation to any county
in the State, empowering said county to ex-
ercisei legislative functions, in manner and
form prescribed by its charter, upon all
matters purely local to said county and upon
all general subjects not directly affecting the
rights and interests cf non-residents of said
county; except that it shall not be lawful
for said county to abolish any pupishments
enacted In the criminal code Of the State.
And it is hereby provided that majority
vote Of me quali6d elocters Of the county In
favor oi such a charter shall be considered
a petition to the Legislature for the same;
upon which the Legislature shall act, upon
notification by the Clerk Of the county OF
the passing of said majority vote. 1t is fur
ther provided that the county commissioners
shall have discretionary power to call an elee-
ton on the question of sCbarter" or mo
Charter" and to define the time and manner
of holding such election" 81
The people have long been told that they
gorsrn themselves. This is not a fact as
yet, though many believe it to be a reality.
They who are aware that the self gorern-
msnf of the people is not a fact, are made
up of two classes those who wish it meter
to be so--a and ,hose WHIP know that the
people will learn how to exercise it with
salty to themselves, by gradually bringing
the powers of Legislation down to the hearth
stone, and into the hands Of the humblest.
Men learn to exercise the fisnctse,ss o leg
islators by legislating-they learn self
government by an extension of privileges.
That is not genuine prudence which would
teach boy to swim by keeping him out Of
the water, and making him watch the kscks
of frog in basin. Zachary's negroes
will never learn to be ffeemen under the tu.
telage Of his oyerseer. So men must learn
to govern themselves by having permission
to try it. sThe law is our schoolmaster
for something better, it is to be hoped, than
to make US eternally feel that we cannot
govern ourselves.
FRIEND OF THE PEOPLE.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
For the Portage Sentinel.
To the People Of Portage County

offer myself q candidate for nomina-
lion, a..d would respectfully solicit the suf-
frages Of the people, as the Union Candi-
date for oil Radical Democratic reformers,
Of all parties, as Delegate to represent
this county in the ensuing Constitutional
Convention shall make no apology for
q procedure so uncommon as this, excep,
the Importance OF the crisis, and an anxiety
to promote some reforms which deem OF
muci1 Importance to the interests Of all, and
especially to the laboring classes, for the
promotion Of which reforms | have long
been laboring, and of the success Of which,
there appears now, to be fair prospects. |
refer particularly to land reform, and the
proposition for lsgislatirs reforms, to bring
legislation nearer the people, as advocated
in my late communications published in
the several Ravenna papers And who
,ha, has witnessed recent State legislation
will say it needs no reformings and who,
that land monopoly should not be guarded
against, by provisions to secure homes for
all?'
| adopt the main features Of the platform
of the old democratic party. and also Of the
new or 'freeDemocrucy" party; and par-
ticularly endorse all the propositions for
constitutional reform, ,sketched in the( l7th)
seventeenth resolution of The late Akron free
Democratic convention though as regards
banking, would prefer that banking should
be free, as other business, with only due
qua rds TO prevent frauds.
Iadvocaie thorough reform Of four Law
System, to make it simple, cheap, and less
vexatious than at present-in word to
make it benefit instead Of burlhen to
the people.
This communication Is sketched in haste,
is necessarily short, but those who have
known me during residence Of more than
forty years in this county, as many have,
will scarce be Influenced by one commu-
nicatien. All who know me, know that
have ever been an advocate for every re-
form, and for the elevation Of the laboring
masses, by the best provisions for univer-
sal education, and for equal rights and
privileges to all.
submit this with feeling of much diff
fidence, as | claim no commanding talents.
Ii'elected, shall use the utmost diligence
in the cause of equal rights. II rejected, |
shall bow with chseffulness 10 your decis-
ion, and shall continue TO serve faithfully
in the ranks, as heretofore.
JOHN HARMON.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
Gen. Cass and the Beuth.

The Washington correspondent of the
Baltimore Sun thus speaks of Gen Cass and
his speech:
Gen. Cass' speech in reply to MIR. Glenn
ems was the armest and most eloquent that
he has ever delivered, and because it came
from his heart. If his was not the tone of
defiance, it was that of despair He warn
ed the South that their threats had driuen
the North to the acall, and he declared en-
phatically, for himself he could not stand
it. The claims made by Southern men
in behalf Of slavery, as an institution, be
utterly repudiated; and in fact his whole
speech consisted in abjurgations against the
South, and the expression of positive be-
lief that the question must lead to civil
war. VS. 'ss abs
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

LUTHER L. BaowN, Esq, of Charles.
town, was elected by the Legislature, on
the firs. inst, as an Associate Judge for
Portage county, on the first ballot. The
vote stood for Brown 81, blanks and scat
terinp Is
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

u Nj. Swift, Of the Senate, and Messrs.
Sheldon and spelman, Of the House Of Rep
rssentatises, have onr thanks for public doc
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

@ Our thanks are rendered to our cor
respondent from the "Queen City," We
shall be happy to hear from him often.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

VIM, Case, vhig. was elected May
or Of CIeyelaId at the Charter election on
Monday last, by about 300 majority. The
Plain Dealer says he was not elected on
political grounds. The democrats elected
FIVE, the nhigs four, and the Free soilers
four Of the councilmen.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
wAsH,ssros, Mareh ..

-
SENArE.-A lengthy discnasion soox
place on the Presidents Message, rscsisad
yesterday, Transmitting the corrsspondsnes
of the British Minister. Il was az ieneth
referred to the COMMITTEES on Conmsrce.
The Senate then resumed the considsts-
ton Of Mr.. Clay IS Resolutions. II
Mr.. Walker took the floor. He arss
replied TO Mr.. Cass' argument upon The
power Of Congress to legisla.s Cor the tsr.
ritories, and thsn to Mr. Clay,s secoad
Resolution, contending that slavery doc
not sxis, in recently acquired tarriiorie=.
HousE.-After the reception Of Reporsss
the House went into COMMITTEES oftho
Whole on the Presidents CalifogAia Mss-
sage. ass s. + 8 =
MIR Featherstone, having the Aoor, said
that any scheme which would ssstis tkS
whole question and not disgraes and Dis
honor the South. would reesiys his ssp.
port. fg
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
Nominating Conventions.

We hope our democratic friends through
out ti,e county will heed the cab Of the
Democratic Central Committee, for Conven-
,ions to nominate candidates for Delegates
to the Convention to frame new Constitu-
.ion. The time for preparation is necessa-
rily, shost, ard 50 much the greater is the
Necessity for prompt and energetic, action.
The democracy have a great work to
perform. For years have they struggled
for this privilege, and now it becomes them
to strive to secute tee adoption Of such a
Constitution as shall be.ia keeping with the
progressivs spirit Of the age. one which shall
embrace, ID all its features, the true Demo-
cratic principles; which shall regard the
equality Of the rights of man, which shall
make this government for the people; one
which shall bear equally on all and grant
special favors and privilegesto to none.
The powers Of the government have too
long been employed in special legislation,
in fasoring capital at the expense of man.
The prineiple.of equality has been unheeded
and disregarded. The legislative power has
been employed in creating distinctions aid
building up CLASSES in soeiety, until we have
now in this State a privileged aristocracy,
which is recognized by law ard endowed
with powers and privileges which are deni-
ed to tie masses. What the democracy
seek is to restore the State Government to
tsprimary objects of protecting alike the
rights of each and every citizen ofthe State,
regatding Them as all entitled to the same
rights and privileges.
The shig party have during long Sc
ries.of Years opposed the calling of a Con-
yentiento ameEd the Constitution, and if
they should succeed in securing a majority
in The Convention they will prevent the a
doLtion Of any measures of reform which
viii b. advantageous TO the people. Let the
friends Of reform then be active and vigil
aute
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
WAaHrNeros. March s.

The House today, took up the rssslu-
ton requiring the Secretary Of fhs Navy
to purchase American water rotted hemp,
which was referred to the COMMITTEES on
Naval Affairs.
A message was received from ihs Psssi~
dent, transmitting the correspondence b.
tween the Secretary Of State and Ihs Rrf.
tish Minister, Mr.. Bulwsr, among other
things demonstrating against the contsns
plated increase Of duty on iron. Il Sas re-
terred 10 the Committes on FOREIGN Af.-
fairs. The House then went in,s Cen.
mittee OF the Whole on the Presidents Cal.
ifornia Message. IN
In the Senate, the COMMITTEES on Patsais
intinated this morning, that they spai&
not renew Woodworth's patent Of his plan.
ing machine. x's3. 2,
A long discussion took place between
Messrs. Foots and Calhoun, relative 70 ths
latter's speech yesterday. s : :
The consideration Of the Presidents cai.t
ifornia Message was resumed. Nc. Ham.
lin having the floors - .
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

such course as will comPort with hss
honor and safety.
This is but more skeleton OF Mf. Cal.
houn's speech The hsalih af Mr.. oal~
houn is such that he can scarcsly recover.
His lungs ara diseased, and hs has had .
severe nItacis Of the influenza.
In the House Yesterday the Prssid,us's
California Message was discussed.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11

FRIDAx, March 1.
A large number oflocal bills wsrsPsssed
in the Senate to-day. ts +n5t,zaYs
This afternoon both branches are again
in join, convention, elscting sssooisss
judges.--Stqfsmtan. ~
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-03-11
THuaspAr, Feb. 70.

In Senate, to-day, large nnmbsr Of d
cal bills were read third time and pesssd.
The bill rs.cartering the Clinton Bank
of this city, was also passed, An effort
was made to engraf, the individual liability
upon it, but it failed, every Wing and
Whig Free Soiler voting against it. TAs
bill was then engrosssd. i has yet 10 -
acted upon by tho House Of Representative.
A resolution was passed TO GO jntn cor.
tain elections this afternoon and at q 81.
clock the two houses met in joint comrniis
tee, TO carry the resolution into effect. -
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-24

The following remarks are taken from the Louis
vile Chronicle. They are sensible words-words of
truth-and it would be well for the Democratic
cause, the country over, if readers would bear
them in mind, and let them influence their conduct
" How TO SUSTAIN DEMOCRATIC PApERs-The
leading and influential Democrats of each county
should take the time and trouble to go around a.
mongst the people and urge and impress upon them
per. If they do not fully succeed upon trial in
getting up list they should try again and again,
until they do succeed.
"This is the way to do it. They should not put
it upon the poor and uninfuential to do this
'sThe leaders should do it. 1t is their duty to do
it. When the rewards and honors of party turn ND,
they are the men to get them, and they should be
willing to share the Labors we'll the honors OF
success. IF this were done honestly and faithfully
the Democratic papers would flourish, and Demo-
cratic principles would grow in proportion to the ex-
tension of the circulation of the papers,
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-24
The Galpllln Case.

For the very accurate synopsis of the report made
on Friday last, by Mr.. Burt, from the select COM
mite of the House, appointed to examine into the
claim we are indebted TO the Bdrtn.or. Sun, which
is of the BEST if not the very BEST
which We get
From this report, (see Congressional proceedings
of Friday) there be little or no doubt that the
allowance of interest was palpably wrong. The
claim at best very doubtful one, and the ORR
gnal allowance by Congress of $43, 518 81 evil
IDENTIFY intended full Offset and settlement. But
even admitting the justice of the claim for interest
there manifest indelicacy and improperly in
its prosecution by member of the government and
one too personally and peeunary interested in it.
1t shows sordd grasping after money that sets pub
lie opinion official usage and gentlemanly dealing
at defiance. 1t may be, that the Secretary of the
Treasury, and the Attorney General knew nothing
of Mr.. CRAwFoRD's connection with the claim. We
have their word for that But this fact if it be
fact, proves another namely that these gentlemen
could not have examined into the claim which they
allowed; for if they had, they could not have been
ignorant of Mr.. CRAwFoRDs interest in it. 1t is GER
tanly strange way of doing business, which squan-
ders nearly two hundred thousand dollars of the
peoples money, without examining into the why or
wherefore. 1t is scaly-a very scaly-piece of bu-
siness. But the Cabinet has voted itself popular
we'll it has 1! CRAwFoRD forever We bet on CRAw-
FORD. He has got the dollars, and is a respectable
man, for who can doubt the responsibility of man
who has got hundred thousand dollars no matter
/ how he made 1T
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-24

PLANK ROAD To RALEIGH.-Ths project has been
under consideration weeks in this place and the
upper end of this county, and we learn that very
spirited subscription has been made, far, by the
citizens of Fayetteville The people in the upper
end of the county take great interest in it, and list
is being circulated among them, which we hope will
meet with equal success.
There is no doubt that sufficient amount will be
subscribed in this county to carry to the Cape Fear
River in the direction of Raleigh. We suppose, Of
course, that something will be expected from the
people of Wake and the City of Oaks
. North Carolinina
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-24

risks and the operations which Bank credits are re-
qured to assist are always in sums over ten dollars
We may refer to these subjects again, and it IS al
most certain that ne WILL but before we conclude
this present article, which has far overrun our de-
sign at its commencement, would beg all Demo-
Gratis who may be dissatisfied with the schemes of the
last Legislature to reflect that, should the Wings
obtain the ascendant in the coming one, all that
is past will only be beginning to what is to come,
and that instead of stopping where we are, it will
be impossible to say where we wIi stop. 1t is for
them to say whether by joining cordially and hear
tiIy with their Democratic brethren, they will secure
faithful and economical administration of the sums
which have been appropriated and put stop to fu-
ture extravaganza, or, by opposition and GOODNESS
throw the State administration into the hands of the
Whigs-open door for unbounded expenditure and
endless debt-and subject the State as well as the
national treasury, to the danger of being Gdtphm
lied.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-05-24

FIRE IN CHARLEsToN.-Ad destructive fire occurred
in Charleston on the night of the 10th inst From
FIVE to six thousand bales of cotton were destroyed
together with other property The loss is estimated
at about $S50,000, large portion of which in
sured The fire is supposed to have been the work
of an ineendiary or incendiaries