davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-25

The DIsTRIcr SLAVE TRADE BILL.-The following
is the bill as it passed both Houses of Congress:
BE 1t enacted &c.. That from and after The first day of
January. eighteen hundred and fifty one, il shall be
lawful to bring into the District Of Columbia any slave
whatever, for the purpose Of being solo, for the purpose
Of being placed in depot TO be subsequently transferred To
any other Stale place, TO be sold merchandise And
any slave shall be brought into The said District by its
by of uwner contrary the provisions
of this act such slave shall lherepun become liberated and
free.
Sec. g find belt further enacted, That il shall and may
be lawful for each of the Corporations of the cities of
Washington and Georgetown. from time to time, and
often may be necessary, abae. break up, and abolish
any depot place of confinement of slaves brought into the
said District merchandise. contrary 10 the provisions of
this ac by such appropriate as may appear either
of the said Corporations expedient and proper-and the
same power is hereby vested in the levy court of Washing
ton county if any attempt shall be made within its juris
dconal limits to establish depot place Of confinement
for slaves brought into the said District merchandise for
sale contrary 10 this act.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-25

LOUIS PHILIPpE-Greai histories, like great events,
have measure Of their own and periods are often nsensi
bly, reckoned less by years than by The Transactions hey
COMPRISE The natural Of life has moi more than e.
apsed since the birth of Lonis Philippe Of Orleans. yet 1t
reflect that The Prince whose peaceful decrease al Clare
mint yesterday recorded was General before Napoleon
had been heard Of and colonel Of regiment before Arthur
Wellesy received his commission; that he had praliled
with VoIlae in the Paais Royal, and figured in the
cen Courts of the Tueres that he attended the sngs
of The first National Assembly" and discharged the du-
ties of doorkeeper in the real Jacubn Club that he witness
ed the birth aud progress that original revolution which
seems thrust back to remote antiquity by the mere
multitude of its that he was conspicuous actor
in The earliest scenes by which the modern history Of Eu-
rupe introduced and that besides such approximations Of
character, he The Duke Of Orleans of The present
lury and the King for II Yeas Unconstitutional France,w
shall be led irresisby to admit that such adventures are
readily comprehensive 10 the Of single man,
but that they seem rather ebody the experience Of many
generations DECENTRALIZATION Tines
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-25

THE CANTATMcE.-The days of ORPHEUs are
evidently returning. True, our sturdy forests pre-
serve their proprely, and refuse 10 dance like those
of old; the rocky sides Of our mountains maintain
their obduracy, and will not be melted by The Swe-
dish Syren's voice; but the same cannot be said of
the PROFESSIONALLY Of the people of New York
On the contrary, we think they have displayed an
excessive mobility-of soul, in becoming thoroughly
beside themselves and Of body, in lhronging after
the wheels Of her carriage, or the tail of her pony
In this country, the people are the King. Is it moi
ludcrous to see his, rather their majesty, thus per-
suing with unreenling curiosity, an individual whose
peculiar merit consists in good singing? We fear ii
is something of the same unfortunate propensity that
makes The crowd huzza for the best horse on the
course, or The best pngst in the ring.
As for the Cantatrice herself, think she GER
tainy must be an ornament not only to her profess
sion, but 10 her SEX We would render her all the
praise due 10 her virtues and her actions, would
we blast leaf Of the wreath she has earned by her
incompatible skill. But we cannot refrain from pro-
testing l,e against that national humiliation which
she has been forced, in spite of her modesty, to wit
ness We would protest in her ear, if we could
reach it, against her considering BARNUM, GENlN &
Co. fair representatives Of our national character,
which, after all, may perhaps be found more avora-
bly, manifested among the plain people of The coun-
try than any where else.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-25

G3- "There two classes Of agitaors at work in
the United States, who may be considered rivals for the
prize of general detestaon They are the abotonss OF
the North and the abolitonsts Of the Stanton
Spectator.
There is class at the South far more "deestable''
than both of these together of which the Spectator
thy member. They are the SUBMISSIONISTS'-a
tame, hearted SET Of unprncped politicians who,
under the hyPOcrca petext of love to the Union.
aiding and abeiting the Northern abotonsts in their ruth
less crusade against the rights Of the South aud the sancy
of the Constitution SIT is difficult determine, which Of
these paresthe principalsor their
the highest honors for their zeal and proficiency in wicked
ness )" but the palm of niamy, Think should be award
ed to the aite-the Subiionists Of the Southwho add
hypocrisy and treason TO their native meanness-Lynch-
burg Republican.
IS The above did not meet our eye till we saw
it copied in the "Southern Press" In the article
from which the Republican selects its text, we made
no personal illusions, and certainly intended no spe-
cial reference to that paper The editors, however,
finding the cap fiji, have unceremoniously clapped
it on their heads They are welcome TO wear it, and
welcome, moreover, to all the "deiestalion" they
deserve, and will undoubtedly receive from every
true patriot, for their efforts TO break down the u
MON. In Western Virginia there is but one senti-
ment IN reference 10 The acts which have recently
passed Congress, and probably nne-tenths, if not
nnetsen-twenelhs Of the people Of the State at large
heartily approve them yet the organs of the small
minority, mere faction, assuming to be the only
party that has the wisdom 10 understand and the
spirit maintain the interests of the South, presume
TO denounce all others as s'submissonsts and 'trai-
tors" This is pitch of folly only equalled by its
consummate impudence. The one is ridiculous, the
other is contemplate.
The Nashville Banner, remarkng on something
of the same kind, says:
"Thank Heaven that such men," referring 10 Mr.
Rhe and his associate dsunioniss, "fnd no sympathy
with the patriotic in Tennessee. Neither of the
great political parties here with them; and when they
failing keepany portion of citizens a lne,' turn
round to abuse them, the plain which path the latter
ought to pursue. If it doubtful few months ago with
those who did not penetrate their schemes it is no longer
doubtful now and while the defenders Of Southern
rights should watch with eagle eye to defend themselves
gainst the assaults of faction they have no fellowship
with those who would place under ban all who will not en-
dorse their 'dsunion' and secession doctrines rem
edy 10 save the Union"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-25

VorE ON THE TEXAS BILL.-A friend in Washington
has sent the following convenient and instructive anay
sis Of The The passage Of the bill for the settlement
of the Texas boundary and for the establishment Of Terri
oria government in New Mexico; the speakers vote be-
ing included amongst the yeas:
Whole vole-yeas lC9, nays 90.
Northern yeas Sc; Southern yeas 3d.
Northcn nays 90; Southern nays 81.
Northern majority against The bill II.
Southern majority for the bill, %.
Southern Democralic yeas %; do. Wing yeas %.
Southern Dem. nays 90; do. Wing nay |.
Southern Democratic majority against The bill l.
Southern Wing majority fer The bill "a
Those who advocate dsunlon Tor what is now past rep.
resent this Texas Boundary Bill be OF the principal
aggressions inclednp The South And yei that
large Southern maturity in The House for the bill,
whilst decided Northern majority against it, Strange
sort of Northern aggression this, which our own represen
taves have brought upon In dssving the Union, we
fear that il will be necessary divide the South after sep
arating from the NorIh.-Rich. Times.
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
Matrimonial Speculation.

Some years ago, when all the world were mad upon lotteries, the cook of a middle. aged gentleman drew from his hands the savings of some years. Her master, curious to know the cause. learned that she had repeatedly dreamed that certain number was great prize, and had bought it. He called her fool for her pains, and never omitted an occasion to tease her upon the subject. One day, however, the master saw in the newspaper that the number was actually prize of $l00,000. Cook was called up-a palaver ensued-had known each other many years-loth to part, &c. in short, he proposes marriage, and is ac- cepted. They were married the next morning, and as the carriage took them from church, the following dialogue took place:
 "Well, Molly, two happy events in one day. You have married, I trust, a good husband. You have something else. But first let me ask you where your lottery ticket is?'
 Molly, who thought he was beginning a banter on the old subject, replied
 "Don't ye say any more about that thought how it would bel never should hear the end on't-so I sold h to the bake, for .tfge dollars profH You needn't make any more fuss about that"
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
00HTE,

Many persons see cork used daily with out knowing whence came those useful ma teriaIs. Corks are cut from large slabs ol the cork tree, species of oak which grows wild in the countries of South Europe. The tree is stripped of its bark at about fifteen years old, but before stripping it off, the tree is not cut down as in the case of the oak. It is taken while the tree is growing, and the operation may be repeated every eighth or ninth year-the quality of the bark continuing each time to improve as the age of the tree increaseS.-W the bark is taken of, it is singed in the flames of a strong fire, and after being soaked for con siderable time in water, it is placed under heavy weights in order to render it straight. It's extreme lightness, the ease which it can be compl eSsed, and its elasticity, are prop critics so peculiar 10 this substance that no efficient substitute for it has yet been dis covered. The valuable properties of the cork were known to the Greeks and Romans, who employed it for all purposes for which 1t is used at present, with the exception of stopples; the ancients mostly used cement for stopping the mouths of bottles or yes sels. The Egyptians are said to have made collins of cork, which being spread on the inside with resinous substance, preserved dead bodies from decay. In modern times, cork was not generally used for stopples to bottles illabout the close of the seventeenth century, wax being used till then for that purpose.
 The cork imported into Great Britain is brought principally from Italy, Spain and Portugal. The quantity annually consumed is upwards of five hundred tons.
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
A Hog Case.

Rather an amusing hog case was told us l y legal gentleman recently, which fol 1 he benefit of our readers, we make public without mentioning the names of the parties
 'n the confines of the town live two small armers, each, among other things, engaged n the rearing of hogs. One is an honest Il1erman, the other an EngIishman. Not long ago the German missed from his pen Revefal hogs, with peculiar marks and spots. which he thought he could recognize any s1sse; and after 3 ,diiigent search, they. ol what was supposed to be them, were dis. covered by the Germans son, (Hans,) in the pen ot his neighbor, the Englishman.- Claim was immediately made by the one for their restoration; but was stoutlv refused by the other, who maintained that he bac raised them from infant piggery 10 thei, then condition. A suit for their recovery was the result; lawyers were engaged, ana the case came before a magistrate for his decision
 Hosts ot witnesses were examined on each side. On the part of the German, it was proved that his hogs were of the same color and spots; that an old dog, with but one tooth, had bitten one of them in the ear. and the mark was shown, &c. The Eng lishman proved, by an equal array of testi- mony, the !ittering of the pigs, the careful bringing ot them up to hogdom; the cutting ot the dog bitten hogs ear with knife with broken blade, &c. It was a most doubtful case. The two women who claimed before Solomon the mothership of the child were not more positive in their assertions than were the two Iitigants as to the ownership of the hogs in question. Testimony was so nicely balanced that the Justice was bothered how to decide.
 The lawyers on each side made most earnest Reclamation, as to the rights ot their clients. At last, the Germans lawyer (who vas but young disciple of Black stone, and this was his first easel was seized with lucky thought. He desired the son of the German to be recalled. Hans stepped forth. He was asked if he was not in the habit of calling the hogs, and did they not answer his call. He answered yes, "And now Hans," said the lawyer "did you call them in German or Engiish!' | I"Me calls dem in Deitch," replied Hans. Resort was immediately had to the English mans hog-yard. Han called the hogs ''in Ddtch," and lo those which the German cldmed were the only ones out of the number which came forth at Hans German cal. The effect was irresistible. Judgment WIS immediately rendered for the German, and the hogs ordered to be restored to him. Wiether any further legal steps are to be taken in the matter, we have not learned.
 Washington Republic
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
The Union Of the States,

The newspapers are now so full of dis cusslon in which the integrity of the Union IS involved, as question 10 be considered, that ii may be well to remind the agitators who are fond of speculatng upon the pTob- abilities ot such an event, that the thing is utterly impossible. It might save great deal of bold talk and buster if this fact were always kept in mind
 So long as the threats of disunion are like Y to create alarm in the public mind, so long will they be resorted 10 for political ef- feet. But lei il once be understood that such threats are idle, and that those who indulge in them are in a fair way to make them selves ridiculous; that the unity of this Re- public is a primary fact from which our whole political system takes it's character and purSues its destiny; that the continuance oi such unity is a pOstuIate, not to be ar gued about, nor requiring proof, not admit tlng of doubt; that any theory of disunon is as absurd as it would be to suppose that the body of man might be severed in two and both parts remain alive; if these things were rightly appreciated, it might then follow that the public councils of the country would be relieved from much useless confusion to the great benefit of the public business and to the promotion of the national welfare.
 The profound assurance which dwells in the public mind, in relation 10 the secu. rity ot the Union, is so intimately blended with the very elements of our political being that all the efforts of all the agitators, in different sections of the country, have not been able 10 disturb the calm serenity of that assurance or to excite alarm. Moder- alton and iorbearance are usually the char acteriStcs of conscious strength; and we doubt not the great National Party, which may be summoned in due time to put down dlsorganizers from whatever quarter they may come, will be as magnanimous as it must be powerful. It will breathe the true spirit of the constitution; it will remember what Is due to every portion of the Union; 1t will cherish the sentiment of national fra teptilty while it's stern rebuke falls upon the factions that may seek to obiterate that sentiment. The question of slavery and otherquestions may have their proper pTom- thence, but the integrity of the Union, with is high supremacy, must rule paramount over all.-Balim0re American.
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
A Curiosity in Commercial Transactions

A letter from Liverpool, dated Nov. 10. received in this city by the last steamer, has been shownus, which mentions the extraor- dinary fact of the sale of a lot of cotton thir- ty-two years old, which has been lying all this time in warehouse in that city. The letter says: "400 bales of cotton are now on sale, the remainder of a lot of 800 bales pur- chased in l8ll. 100 bales were sold yes terday at 65d. They originally cost I'd. per pound, and it is estimated that the loss from beginning to end is about f40,000- or say equal here to about $200,00O." This fact shows the extraordinary progress of the cotton trade during the past thirty or forty years; the price of the staple having been I'd. per pound, while now tre- mendous excitement is created if the price reaches or Cd. per pound.
 Philadelphia Bulletin.
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
Chinese Pirates.

The following letter from the London Tines correspondent of Hong Kong, dated 2Qh September, gives an account of the discovery of a large fleet of Chinese pirates:
 The most important intelligence which we have to communicate, is the discovery of powerful fleet of Chinese pirates, un- de- the command of one man, who carries his particular flag, and has headquarters at Tian- pack, short distance from the harbor. Tie fleet consisted, q short time since, oi from 70 to 100 vessels, some tWo-decked, anl all heavily armed, but the measures recently taken haze tended to reduce the number.
 The following circumstance led 10 the discovery: Some two or three months ago, letter was received at Canton, by the Consul, from European captain, reporting that a junk which he commanded, was de- tained at Hainau by pirates. Shortly atter' wards the same person arrived here in his vessel, when he reported that he had been obliged 10 pay 5000 as ransom before be- ing allowed to sail. The brig Dido, also reported at Singapore, that on her passage from this, in July, she had been chased by a pratical fleet off Hainau, and as the Sylph, which left about the same time, did not make her appearance, fears were entertain ed for her safety. Her owners here made application in consequence to the senior na- val officer, who despatched Her Majesty's steamer AIedea to Tien-pack, where the greater portion of the piratical fleet were found at anchor. An nattack was according ly made by the boats of the steamer, when five iunks were destroyed, the remainder making their escape in the meantime:- Other vessels have since been despatched, and more junks have been destroyed; but the chief pirate has still large force under his command, and has within the last few days retaliated upon Chinese town, the inhabitants of which rendered assistance to the steamers. A small cutter, the May flower, commanded by Europeans, has also been captured in the Canton river by a portion of the same fleet.
 The powerful nature of this piratical fleet renders it imperative that immediate meas ures be taken for it's destruction, but to keep these seas clear of pirates for the fu- ture, it will be absolutel y necessary that the Government here have at it's command a small but powerfully armed steamer, one that will be able to follow the vessels into their retreats.
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
r(. W, W-. r
 cRU /EcI
TERMS OF ADVERTISING.

For square of 10 lines, first insertion, sl co For each subsequent insertion, 50 Any number of lines under ten, counted as one square,-over 10 and under 20, counted as two squares, and advertisements ofgreater length in like proportion.
 Liberal deductions will be made to those who advertise by the year.
 Announcing candidates for State offices, SIC co
 District < co
 county, 60
 township," co Communications ofa personal nature will be charged double price. Payment in advance. JOB WORK of every description executed in the best of style and at reasonable prices.
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
C9Iifnrnia Hams.

4 letter in the Boston Times furnishes the following narrative;
 "The only white women that Ihave seen
 in the mines is the wife of a Frenchman, who came here from Calcutta. She dresses in trousers and wears a thin hat and red shirt, as most of the miners do, and, her hair being cut short, is not suspected of be- ing woman, probably, by one-tenth of the persons who see her. The first time 1 saw her was digging in hole on the Mokela- my, where she and her husband were work ing a rocker. l noticed her feminine look and thoughtful expression Of cOuntenance, and mentioned it to man who was work ing near me. He informed me that whatI supposed to be a remarkably handsome young man was a woman; that she was the wife of a man who worked with her; that her husband was formerly a wealthy mer- chant in Calcutta, and that the wife had been accustomed to ease and luxury. Fail- ing in business and becoming poor, he de- termined to dig fortune out of the earth in California, and the wife, true to her com- panion, only consented when he promised she should accompany him. 1 have seen her at work with the pick and the spade, early and late; there is ever a thoughtful ex- pression on her countenance, but she never seems discouraged, and yet the unfortunate pair have had the worst of luck, not having dug gold enough to pay theiv living. This is one of many romantic incidents that a life in the gold-diggings of California from time 10 time deveIopes."
 The writer of the following letter, in the Boston Transcript, does not furnish a very allurng picture of the pleasures of the over- land journey, or the profits of the gold dig gers:
 "All is not gold that glitters. Since left Boston 1 have travelled TOO miles on foot, without shoes-have crossed deserts, where we were ten days without water, and three without food. Ii took us hity-seven days to travel 1900 miles. Many have come cut here expecting to get rich in few days, and are now working for dear life to get enough to return home with, which is the height of their ambition. There is money here, but man has to work hard to get it. l have averaged about $i0 day, but there is not one in ten that gets as much. It costs from $l to $i0 per day to live, aI- though provisions are growing cheaper ev- cry day.
 "You ask me to advise you about coming out here. Ny advice is, when man is do- ing well enough, to let well enough alone. If you are determined to come, do not go through Mexico or Lower California. First try an experiment as follows: Take blanket and go to the top of the highest hill when the wind blows fresh; take a stone for your pillow, and pebbles for feathers; sleep here few nights; then go, when it rains, where the ground is wet, and the weather cold. When you get used to this, try flour and water and jerked beef for food, once day; then go without either until you get so hungry that you can eat mouldy bread and say that it is good. When you get used to this, work in the water up to your middle, and say gold will compensate you for it. If you can endure all this, advise you to come-but not till then"
Southern shield., 1850-01-05
-G32'. S. Es z sg' Eg .g ejEE
lt(5D -EaS

Ep RESPECTFULLY informs his old friends A2w and patrons, that he has returned to this county, (and is now living at the place formerly owned by pr. J. P. Norman) with the intention of permanently locating here. It is useless for him to rehearse his former success in the treat mcnt of all diseases incident to this climate
 He trusts that all his acquaintances and the public generally are aware that he is an old hand in the practice of Medicine on the Reform ed System, and that his motto is Cure WIh0at Poison! Chronic and female diseases relieved by him in the shortest possible time. Try him.
 Phillips county, Oct. l4, 1848.