davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20
MARYLAND Reform Convention.

On Monday, the Convention wss occupied IN
framing rules for it's future proceedings.
On motion Of Mr.. PHELPs, order was adopted
directing the register in chanccry to inform the
Convention Of the number Of suits now pending in
said court; the number which originated in each
county, Howard District, and city of Baltimore
respectively; the years in which they originated
and what length of time it would require to dispose
Of the pending cases. IL the originotion Of ones
were prohibited by constitutional provision.
On motion Of MIR. NsrtL, an order adopted
directing the clerks OF the court Of appeals for the
western and eastern shores 10 report by the 18th Of
December next the number Of cases argued and
decided therein during the years 1884, as and 40
The Convention then adjourned.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20
Tho Executive and the Laws.

We find in the Macon (Geo.) Journal and
Messenger the following important letter from
the Acting Secretary of State to DR.. ROBERT
COLLINS, of Macon, in relation to the slaves
who had escaped from that place to Boston,
and about whom there has been so much ex-
citement created by the Geographic dispatches
and letters Of the Aboltionists. The Savan-
nah Republican says that the ''letter is highly
satisfactory" We have no doubt that it will
be so considered among all good citizens and
honest men. Its tone is temperate and de-
cided; and while it shows that the President
is not disturbed in his equanimity by the clam
ors Of the Opposition, it evinces the fixed de-
termination to do his whole duty in respect to
all the laws confded TO his charge
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

ORANGE CULTURE-We have frequently sug-
gcstcd 60 our readers that the orange culture, If
properly commenced and attended TO, would pay
handsome prohts. An examination Of the fruit pro-
ducod in our vicinity this season will, we think,
bring the most skeptical to the same conclusion.
We have bad, within the past week two. speci-
mems from the gardens Of three four Of our cit-
zens and can safely cay that, for size and flavor,
they can scarcely be equalcd by the best produced
in the West Indies. Here, the only drawback to be
encountered Is occasional killing FROST say once
in ten or twelve years. there, the rayages of the
cuo and other insects more than counterbalsnce
this, and make aful crop even more uncertain than
with us. As we said on n former OCCASION those
who too impatient 20 wait for the fruiting Of
seedlings can easily procure grated trees. There
is an opportunity now OF getting fine lot from
George ATTIC, at reasonable prices
Mobile 5ia. } Tribune.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20
New Publication.

Specimens Of Newspaper Literature, toih PERSONAL
Memoirs, anecdotes, and "Reminiscences. BY Jo-
sEPH Il. BucKIHGHAM. Boston, Little x Brown
vols, l2mo. Washington, w Nj. Morrison.
MIR. Buckingham (says a writer in the Christian
EIdminer) has eminent qualifications for the work
which he has here performed So we'll His own almost
Lifelong connexon with the press, his great pro-
iessonal skill and knowledge, his traits of personal
character, his interest in the antiquarian researches
connected with public of the the country in
times pact. and his rich ex perience and crowd
cd memory, are precisely what the judcious treat :
ment of his subject required. He has avoided pro.
siness and all inappropriate digressions Not a
trace of an unkind or severe judgment appears in
his Volumes More wearisome labor was involved
in them than most readers will suppose, and the
amount of condensed information, of incidental
history and personal anecdote which they contain,
will give them place henceiorward among the
materials for more ambitious writings.
We have perused with lively interest the very
careful survey which MIR. Buckingham has fur
nshed Some few of the names Of printers, pub
fishers, and editors, whose labors figure honorably
in HIS pages, are very familiar 10 us, from their
connexion with other departments of social and
civil life in New Eng land. Many Of the names
strange, and even after the faithful chronicer has
done his beat for them, their hold on an earthly
Immortality will be but slight. Mr.. Buckingham 3
own estimate of the weight and dignity of his pro-
cssion is high, but not whit beyond the truth.
Indeed, we think his modesy has restrained the
expression Of the full claims which editors have
upon public regard and sympathy. The series Of
rich and instructive papers which he has commu-
nicated, under the title of "The Croaber )" to the
columns of the :" Boston Courier''-the monument
Of his own faithful editorial labors for 80 many
ycars-contains many interesting professional re-
minisccnces, which we hope yet to extended
and published in volume.
Isaiah Thomas and Benjamin Russell, finely On :
graved and very faithful portraits Of whom are
given in the two volumes before u.s. with the ever
honorcd name of Franklin, represent the most dis
tinguished of those whose labors Mr. Buckingham
has surveyed. The pleasant rcmembrances of
friendship mpart henrtiness and kind appreciation
to many of the sketches which come nearest to our
own times. The author has culled from the whole
field which he has surveyed such specimens as will
fairly present the of talent and enterprise
from time to time engaged in newspaper literature
in New England.
We hope that his labors will be appreciated in
this community by large and ready circulation
Of this work. We assure readers that they are
exceedingly interesting and valuable Let the au
thor be encouraged to complete his own intended
task.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

BRooKLYN NAVY YARp ImPRovEmEsTs.-Orde
have been received from the Navy Department 10
dock the new steamer San Jacinto, launched last
last summer at this station. The large iron Gals
son, floating gate raised iroin lie place, the
chip admitted and the caisson replaced, in the
space OF three hours. 1t being necessary To tit out
the San Jacinto immediately with her machinery,
and the large pumps Tor the dock lacking a few
weeks OF complexion, three temporary pumps,
worked by as many steam engines, were put in
operation on Monday morning last, and on Thurs.
day noon, water 10 the depth OF twenty feet had
been withdrawn from. the dock. and the residue
would soon follow. The quantity OF water thus cx-
hausted amounts 10 nearly a,OO0,000 gallons.
The permanent pumps. which are to be put in OPP
Grafton this month viii, when completed, be COM
petent TO this Immense quantity of water
In three hours. From this fact, some idea be
formed OF their capacity, being the largest, it is
believed, either IN thls country or in Europe.
| They will be capable Of throwing out 25,0O0 gal
Ions, 10 barrels of water per minute. The en-
CINE constructed to drive them is about five hun
dred horse power with an enormous walking beam,
oil fifteen tons weight
The engine house now in progress, designed to
contain the pumps and engine, and the machine
ry necessary to facilitate the construction Of
sells OF war at this yard, is going forward with
rapidlty. There constantly employed on
it, III connexion with it, five hundred men,
including hundred aud sixty stonecutters.
The building Will be of granite, (of the same
material as The dock,) brought from the State
OF Maine aud cut in the yard. 1t will be three
hundred feet in length one third larger than the
Astor House, Broidway-and sixty feet in
width. The central section will be four .stories
high, with wings at each end three stories high.
The roof will be wroughtir iron truss covered with
copper. Workmen have commenced covering the
east end, i'll which the large pumps and engines are
already placed. The floors 10 be Of iron, also
the window frames, sash blinds, and doors, render
ing the edifce ndestructible by fire. When COM
pleted next season it will form the most extensive
aud elegant structure Of the kind in the world The
building rests on piles driven in quicksand, SINH
la Ia the ,f tha ANl and
further stable by massive stone subterranean
arches. on which the walls are placed. In some
portions these arches forty feet below the sur
face.
The total expenditure for the dry dock, engine
house, and fxtures, this date, is s $40 000 and
will reach, when the works completed So ,000,-
900, The whole under the supervision of Charles
h. Stuart, Esq, chief engineer OF the dry dock.
". y. journal Of Commerce.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

virtual adoption of the wilmot proviso, is mere
rhetorical flourish and we are called upon to dis
solve the Union for a figure Of speech.
at may be asked, too, considering the question
on the ground of expediency, what difference,
California could have made in reference to the
question of slavery Would the delay Of year,
Of ten years, have produced shade Of change in
her policy! Ii may be fairly assumed that for one
southern man who would, under any oircum-
stanccs, during that time emigrate to California,
one hundred or five hundred would go from other
countries. Can we suppose that such fraction OF
the population oihe country, such an ntinitesimai
part OF the people of California would shape its
fundamental laws, and control its policy? So far,
therefore, principle goes, there has been no
breach of the Constitution in the admission Of Cal
itornia, and 80 far as expediency or any practical
results or benefits TO the South concerned, the
refusal to admit and any consequent delay, would
make difference TO the Southern States in any
possible mode -
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

The Warrenton IN. CO. Neios says; "Therc is
not loafer drunkard in Warrenton, nor n
family that is not perfectly respectable and maxim g
a decent living by honest industry This is say
ing much for our village, but it is true"
We can say the same for our beautiful little
town. We will say further, that we have been
living here now nearly four months, and have, in
the whole time but ftoo drunken This
will be considered the more remarkable when II is
known that from three 10 foe hundred people attend
our monthly courts. Much of this is attributable
to the enertions of the Sons Of Temperance, who
number among them many Of the most intelligent
and influential men in the county, and will com
pare, as body, with the same number Of the or
der any tohre. Indeed, the entire population of
Bedford, for sobricty, industry, honesty, and the
genuine, old revolutionary independence Of spirit,
cannot be surpassed.-Libsrfy va Sentinel.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

A Town SITE LOST IN THE GRAss.-The persons
employed in taking the census, writing to the Du-
buque Tribune from Fayette county, Iowa, relates
the following characteristic anecdote
''While crossing one of the extensive prairies
that stretch along the southern border of Fayette
county, upon which the grass and vegetation had
grown to the height of four five feet then scared
and yellowed by the autumnal frosts, we're sud-
denly started by the voice of person shouting,
Hello, there, stranger, did you come from this
here course" Turning in the direction Of the
voice. discovered the head Of person just peer
ing above the top of the tall grass, while the
was extended in a southern direction. We an
swered affirmatively, when the man continued
We'll, stranger, did you see any thing of town
site in your travels, santing little towards the
sun, with Dustin spring coming out right by the
side Of boulder, found one down in these parts
last spring before the vegetation up, and I've
been looking for it again close TO two days. and
by thunder, can't find it, We answered that
we had not discovered his lost town site, when he
continued well, stranger, | reckon I'll have to
give it up till the grass burns, and if you'll let
ride behind into the settlement, I'll make you a
decd to lot fronting on the public square soon
as get my land warrant squatted on Empire
City, Not being the owner Of any town proper
ty, we accepted the offer"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

PATHOLOGICAL FAcT.-A surgeon in the United
States army recently desired 20 know the most
common cause Of cnlistmcnts. BY permission Of
the captain of company OF fifty five, in pledge
never 10 discose the Of any officer private
except as n physical or metaphysical fact, the true
history was obtained Of every man. On investiga-
ton IL appeared that nine tenths enlisted on ac-
count Of some female difficulty; thirteen Of them
had changed their names, and forty-thrce were
either drunk, partially 30, at the time Of their
enlistment. Most Of them we're men OF fine talents
and learning, aud about one third had once been
in elevated stations in life. Four had been lawyers
three doctors, and two ministers. The expert
menter believes, lift not for hs pledge Of secre-
sy, that this would be interesting history, and
would exhibit the fralty Of hcman nature fully,
as any experiments ever made on the subject Of the
passious.-N. y. Courier g. Enquirer.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

The following striking account of the reptile
room in the Geological Gardens, Regents Park,
London, we take, with some abridgement, from
Bentiey's Miscellany:
:" about ten O'Clock one evening during the last
spring, in company with two naturalists of emf
nence, we entered that apartment. small Ian
tern was our only light, and the faint illumination
OF this impaired CHASTITY character to the scene
before us. The clear plate class which faces the
cages was invisible, and il was difficult to believe
that the monsters were in confinement, and the
spectators secure Those who have only seen the
boas and pythons, the rattlesnales and cobras,
lazly hanging in estoons from the forks of the
IN the dens, or sluggisly coied up, can form no
conception OF the appearance and actions of the
| same creatures at night. The huge boas and py-
thons were chasing each other in every direction,
whisking about the dens with the rapidity Of light
| ming, sometimes clinging in huge coils round the
branches, anon cntwining each other in massive
folds, then separating, they would rush and
under the branches. kissing and lashipg their tails
in hdeous sport. Ever and anon, thirsty with their
| exertions, they would approach the pans of water
and drink eagerly, tapping it with their forked
tongues. AZ our eyes became accustomed to the
darkness we perceived objects BETTER and on the
uppermost branch Of the tree, in the den of the big
gest serpent, we perceived pigeon quietly roost
ing, apparently indifferent alike to the turmoil
which was going on around and to the vicinity Of
the monster whose meal il was soon to FORM In
the den of of the smaller serpents a little
mouse, whose painting sides and fast beating heart
showed that it at least disked it's company.
During the time we were looking at these crea-
lures all sorts OF odd noises were heard. strange
scratching against the glass would be audible; it
was the carnyerous lizard endeavoring TO inform
us that il was fest day with him, entirely con-
trary to bis inclination A sharp hiss would starte
Us from another quarter, and We stepped back in
voluntarily the lantern revealed the inflated
hood and threatening action of an angry cobra.
Then rattlesnahe would take umbrage, and,
sounding an alarm, would make stroke against
the glass intended for our person. The fixed gaze
from the brilliant eyes of the huge pythons was
more fascinating than pleasant, and the scene,
taking II altogether more exciting than agreeable.
Each OF the spectators invountarily stopped 10
make sure that his trousers were well strapped
down; and as If our were testing, strange
sensation would every now and then be felt, resem-
bling the twining ola lsnake about the legs Just
before leaving the house, great door-beetc, which
had flown in, attracted by the light struck with
some force against our right ear Startled we were;
for at the moment our impression was, that il was
some member Of the happy family around US who
had favored us with a mark of bis attention"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

the North and the South, and especially on the
citing subject of slavery. Were he permitted to
advise, he would suggest to all the importance Of
permitting the laws to take their usual course; and
that every thing like intimidation and illegal or
unjust annoyance should DO scrupulously avoided
Every effort should be made To cultivated fraternal
feeling. We should be people of one interest and
one sentiment, knowing no local division and toll
Grating no sectional injustice. Our UNION, so dear
10 the heart of every true American, only be
preserved by strict Observance of the Constitu-
ton and an impartial administration of the laws.
am sir, respectfully, your obedent servant,
w. s. DERRICK, dcting Secretary.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

FRoM BrpMUDA.-By the Lady of the Lake, Cap.
tain Hill, from Hamilton, Bermuda, have re-
ccived file of the Royal Gd.effs 10 the 9th instant
A dercct vessel, apparently an American brig,
has been towed into Ely's harbor. Her stern is &C
far under water thatthe name cannot be made out
She Is apparently not an old vessel, and has some
cargo on board. She has n raised quarter deck
The main-deck has been scutled in several places
tho rudder- head removed, with the steering wheel
and gear, and the windlass taken away
The propeller Falcon arrived at st. Georges on
the let Of November, in only four days from Hall
fax. Among the passengers we're tho Rcv'd Bishop
Field, OF Newfoundland, and his chaplain, Rcv'd
MIR. White. The Falcon left on her return thu
ith instant.
Her Britannia Majcsty's ship of the line Wclies-
ley bearing the flag of Vice Admiral the Earl Of Dun
donald, and briggs sappho, Helena, and Planter, all
from Halifax, arrived at Bermuda on the 9TH inst
The American barque Yorkshire, from Baltimore,
was spoken north OF the Islands on the gath OF DC
ober. She passed 20 close to the shore, according
TO pilot report, that she touched upon one Of the
reefs
The GaSette, of November 5, says:
"The weather for the last three or four days has
been very boistorous; and on the evening of Sun
day IL blew violently. We infer from the circum-
stance Of the wind having backed during Gbo prev
alcnce Of the storm from cast-northeast to north,
that severe gale has passed the eastward Of these
Islands, progressing in north northeast direction
nv. Y. Com AdUutiser.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

SENATOR Downs, OF LOUIS IArA.-Thc reader
will recoect Senator Soue's to the respect
ful inquiries made Of him by many of the Demo
Gratis OF New Orleans By way of contrast, look at
the following extract Of Senator Downs's answer
TO the same gentlemen:
THAT have not gained all we claimed or
were entitled TO, il not sufficient why we
should war with brethren Of other sections in
ccssantly. In a republic a confedorat-
/ ed republican, cannot have their own way. There
must often be dissatisfaction, excitement, and com
plant, which can be sootbed and quieted only by
that spirit of compromise and concession in which
our institutions originated; but this is no reason
! why we should make war on each other or seccde
/ from the Union. We do not raze 10 the ground,
give TO the flames, the bomcstcads Of our child
hood because all the family do not precisely agree
| In opinion always in the management Of Il. We
do not sever the conugal ties for every little dis
! satisfaction or discomfort Why should then
dissolve the Union slight ground We of the
South have gained much by the adjustment. II
was proved in the debate, and time will dem
onstrate it. We have lost nothing, certainly
Of principle. But IL we had lost in fact, what
is it, IL IL sufficient 10 Justify civil war; This
il the issue now raised in some quarters. IL
il being prevented from going with slaves to
California! We we're prohibited, not by Congress,
but by the people Of the State, in the same way
that we were previously prevented from going TO
fifteen other States We were satisfied with fifteen
free co-Statcs but the moment another comes in
shall we socede or fghtl But California, il is said,
ia large State. True, but she il not half 30 large
as Texas, slave State, brought into the Union five
years ago. Our northern brethren complained Of
that we do Of this, but they did not make war
on us, nor ought we now 10 make war ON them,
nor will we. Why not secedc or fight because ILL
nos and Indiana free States, well as because
California is They arc much nearer, more inn
portnnt and valuable 10 us than California, with all
her gold and 80 Of the other free States But
will pursue the theme further. II is too clear to
leave doubt, or make argument necessary.
81 have the honor 10 remain, repeatedly, your
m oct obcdicnt servant, s. w. DOWNS"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

ARRIVAL or FATHER MATHKw.-The great tenn
perance apostle, Father Mathew, arrived in New
Orleans on the 10th instant from st. Louis. He is
to remain short time there, and then goes to
Florida, where he will pass the winter. His health
is said to be much improved. While at St. Louis,
he administered the pledge to upwards of ten thou
sand persona.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20
TIL E r EP u BLIC.
WASHIN GTON:
WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOV. 10, 1850.

EDWARDS, SANFORD s Co, Express Agents and
Bankers, in the United States Liverpool, and Lon
don, the authorized agents of the Republic, and
will receive subscriptions and advertisements for
this paper. Their office in London is at No. 10
Gresham street, and in Liverpool at No. Colon
ba Buildings. This concern is connected, in this
country, with the well known house Of "Adams &
Cos Express" and is entitled to the confidence OF
our friends abroad
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-20

A REvoLUTIoNARy SOLDiER.-Mr. Ephraim Gan
dy, resident Of Darlington district, says the Cam
den Is. c. Journal, arrived nj the &c of one hun
drcd and eight years the llth Of September last
He served through the revolutionary war, and is
yet living AZ a monument Of the glorious past. lie
visited our town n few days 20, and was then in
the enjoyment Of good health II is now quite un-
usual 10 see such man, az there are but few left
who lived and acted in the days that tried mems
sOuls