davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

AN ACCOMMODATING JUDGE.-The following
anecdotes are told in Governor Fords History Of
Illinois
SIN those days (from 1918 to 1S3O) justice was
administered in the courts without much show,
parade, or ceremony. The judges were gentlemen
of sense and learning, who had their courts most
" in loo houses, or in the bar-rooms of tavems fit
fed m for that purpose, with temporary bench
for indpes. and chairs and benches for the lawyers
and Jurors. AT the first circuit court in Washing
ton county, by Judge John Reynolds, on the open
inc of the court the sheriff went out into the court
ward and said to the people, "Boys come in, our
John is going to hold court" This was the proc
lamation for opening the court. In general the
Judges were averse to deciding questions OF law
They did not like the responsibility Of offending
one or the other parties. They preferred to sub
NIT every thing they could to be decided by the
urv. knew one who, when asked for nstruc-
lions to the Jury on points of law, would rub his
head and the sides Of his face with his hands and
say to the lawyers, why, gentlemen, the jury un-
derstand it; they need no instruction; no doubt
they will do Justice in the case. This same Judge
presided at a court in which man named Green
was convicted for murder, and 1t became his un-
pleasant duty to pronounce sentence upon the cul,
prit. He called the prisoner before him and SAID
10 MIN, 'NT. GTctll, tllC July Suy ~" ~ O>J
murder, and the law says you are to be hung.
want YOU and all your friends down on Indian
creek to know that it is not who condemn you
it is the Jury and the law. Mr.. G. what time would
YOU like to be hung The law allows you time Tor
preparation Mr.. Green said, May it please your
honor, am ready at any time; those who kill the
body have no power to kill the soul. My prepa-
ration is made, and | am ready at any time the
court pleases' The judge replied, Mr. Green, it
is very serious matter to be hung; it can't hap
pen to man but once in his life, and you had bet
ter take all the time you can get. Mr. Clerk, look
at the almanac and see whether this day four
weeks comes on Sunday. The Clerk looked as
directed and reported that that day four weeks came
on Thursday. Then, said the Judge, Mr.. Green,
the court will give you only to this day four weeks
The case was prosecuted by James Tuney, the
Attorney General, who interposed and said May
il please the court, on occasions OF this sort it is
usual for courts to pronounce formal sentence !;
to remind the prisoner of his perilous condition; to
reprove him for his guilt, and to warn him against
the Judgment in the world to come TO which
the Judge replied oh, Mr.. Turney, Mr.. Green
understands the whole matter, he knows he has
cot to be hung; you understand it, Mr.. Green,
don't you? Yes, said the prisoner. Then, Mr..
Sheriff, let the prisoner be remanded and adjourn
court. "
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

RUSSIAN SUPERSTITION ABOUT PoTAToEs.-
When potatoes were introduced into Russia, to-
wards the last century, the people conceived
great dislike to them and called them the "Devlfs
fruit" on account of some foolish tales that had
been told of this now almost indispensable edible
One story was that they were created on purpose
for the Devil when he complained on being gturned
out of the garden that he had no fruit. He was
told to dig for it which he did and found potatoes
Hence the common people Of Russia, who are very
supersttious, would neither plant nor eat them at
first. -.
There is curious and somewhat similar tale in
Scotland, about the introduction OF potatoes INTO
that country at period long before that assigned
in history for their introduction by sir Walter Ia
leigh
The legend is, that one Michael Scott, whp was
called the Wizard ofthe North entered into conn
pact with the Devil to rent farm in partnership.
The Devil was to furnish money and the wizard do
the labor giving him alternate crops, That's, the
first year he was to have all that grew below the
surface and the next year all that grew above, and
the wizard the other part. Thanking to outwit the
Devil, he planted all his land in wheat the first
wear, and all in potatoes the next, SO the Devil got
nothing but stubble and vines. But he beat the
wizard at last for the severe system of cropping
exhausted the land, so, the wizard could neither
raise wheat nor potatoes, and was obliged to grow
more honest to his land as well as to his landlord,
1t would be well for some farmers atthe present
day, who follow the same dishonest course, in the
cultivation of rented land as well as their own, to
take the hint or they may find themselvesin fair
way of being ruined,
Some of the first cultiyators Of potatoes picked
and eat the balls, and conceived violent dislike
to the new kind of fruit and at once said potatoes
were good for nothing, Opinions have very much
changed since then.--Bsrkshire (JAfass) Cakartst,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

Musical SrEAMBoATs.-Jenny Lind is about
TO be thrown in the back ground by process of
music making, recently discovered by MIR. VIM.
Hoyt of Dupont, Indiana, Mr.. II. asserts that he
has invented plan by which music can be pro-
duced on steamboats,, of the softest and most pa
thetic character, by the agency OF steam: Ills
method is to place across the boilers, IN horizon
tai, position, pipe of such length and size as may
be proper for the purpose, both ends, OF course air
tight. In or near the centre must be connection
to let the steam into the pipe. Upon the top OF
the horizontal pipe are placed seven or more small
pipes in perpendicular position, and at smtaole
and convenient height and in the top OF these are
inserted whistles Of different sizes and tones
These whistles are so constructed that the top part
will screw down or up in such way as to regu-.
late the sounds while turning them; and set OF
KEYS have also been introduced to let on the steam
or shut it off when necessary in the same manner
as the pedals press on piano MIR. Hoyt mus
speaks of his discovery:-' am satisfied that music
can be made by steam on boat or locomotive, as
well as it can be played with brass Instruments
and much cheaper, much louder and without any
loss of steam, as there is always surplus whilst
landing, whilst at the wharf, and when leaving,
1t is my candid opinion that the Western boys Will
hear "Old Dan Tucker" "Auld Lang Syne, Sc.'
played on the Western waters, by steam, at a dis
tance of ten miles"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

ST.. VIRUS DANcE-It is related, that alter e!'
vitus and his companions were martyred, their
heads were enclosed in church wall and forgot
dergoing some repairs their heads were aceidsn. n
began to ring Of themselves, whilst those who were
nresent commenced an involuntary dance, during
which, their bodies underwent the strangest con-
tortions. This circumstance has since supplied
name to disorder peculiar to the human trame'
Known as "St. Vitus' dance"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26
oy a RECENT CONGRESSIONAL DUEL.

Two sons of Chivalry, of late,
Grew wrathful on the Congress hoori
inge, in the heat Of the debate'
Intulted Stauly's honor sore.
A challenge passed. ere morning broke
Each hasten, early from his bed;
Tbev meet and fre-the harmle" smoke
Carls slowly round each unharmed head
Tb. ,moke has cleared the weapons drops
Inge flies his foemans hand to seize'
sAnd Stanly finds the the pi'tops pop
balm for all his Inge.uIes
Philadelphia Bulstin.
Let u, see il we cannot splice auza or two TO the above
Here goes:
But had he pershed in this strife
About triAe-do you sec!
5 Ipye could not have restored his life,
With all his Ingenuity.
= Ergo the man who icmpts hn{N;s,
- And powder burns witiEaimsnacio'f
For hot words spoken in debate,
Decidedly is Inge-udiciou'.
N.,, York Cfnr,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

THE FINGER NAILS OF HINDoo BEGGAR:-Dr'
Scudder in writing from Madras to the Missionary
Herald, gives the following singular example Oh
Hindoo custom:
We were visited to-day by mendicant ', who has mas
succeeded in making two OF his hnger mans grow
to an almost incredible length. l measured one
of them, the nail of the ring finger. and found IT
thirteen and half inches long. He had bent 1t
upon itself as it grew, so that it now formed two
large concentric circles, and part Ola third
The nail of the middle finger was not SO long
The M hand han was much emaciated, probably from its
disuse 1t was slightly bent at the wrist, and the
tendons were stidened. Much care and watch
funess are necessary to preserve these nails from
breaking For forty years this mans IS mind has
been wholly directed to the work OF cultlvating ~!
them. He had scarcely rag on him, and ms nj
face was horribly smeared with ashes. l offered
him ten rupees for the largest nail but he would
not sell it. Probably hundred rupees would have
been no inducement to him to part with IT.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

ALMOST MARR1ED.-At Huron, Erie county
Ohio On the 3rd instant, there was curious at
tempt at marriage It appears that relations of in
lla and Miss b for some two years, which result
ei ed in their presenting themselves at the Episcopal
Church for the purpose of marriage. The first por-
tion of the service embracing the vows OF the bride
groom, were promptly responded to by him. The
Covenant of the bride was then read by the clergy
man, to which she promptly answered "No -
The minister asked her if she was in earnest IN what
she said Yes sir said she he has peured himself,
trAed with the affections ofothcrs, and have but
done him justice" And turning round Is she s took
pentleman's arm and left the Church. The doctor
saws he don't understand it, and declares his inno-
cence.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

LAYARD.-A subscription has been set on foot
to raise "Nineveh Fund" to enable Mr.. Layard
to prosecute his researches, the finds provided by
the British Government being exhausted, fnnce
Albert, the Earl Of Ellesmere, and SIT ). Guest
have each subscribed 1907
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26
STAUNT0N SPECTATOR,
TERMS,

e "SPECTATOR OR" is published once '1es~ Geo.. .
Too Dollars gear, if paid in darGncs' or 1s0 'sar
and Fifty Cents if delayed beyond the expiration" s ,b
No subscription ,oiH be discontinued, 6"f az u" Of'
Editors, until all arrearages are paid -, , h.
o. AH communications 10 the E%'0''' ~ ~
poss.po;d or they ,ciU not be attended 20.
Ds-ADvERTTsEsIENTS Of toe'0e lines Cor 'e'') IN,
,,,t.S three time, for one dollar and twenty-five cents for each
,b,o,snt continuance Larger advertisements in the same
0oooro AIsa discount made to advertisers by the gear
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

THE TOBACCO HouND.-In North Attleborough,
Mass, there is kept in manufacturing establish
ment a large mastitf, who takes as much comfort
in quid of tobacco, as does the most inveterate
lover of the weed. So habtuated has he become
to its use, that he must have it, and will sit all day
in the centre of the shop, chewing away with q
much ike man by playing with ''od sogers," as
the ends of segars are professionally termed In
such play he would occasionally find ''scgar" in
his mouth, until at length taste was formed for
the tobacco which has since increased, and he
has now become as degraded as mana slave to
an acquired appetite.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

&S. Lorenzo Dow once said of grasping avari-
cious farmer, that if he had the whole world inclo-
sed in single field, he would not be content with
out patch of ground on the outside for potatoes.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

A ToAsT.-At the late Franklin celebration at
st. Louis, letter was read from the non' Eo"aiu
Bates, concluding with clever toast:
"Tgpes and Hgures.-As long as the typss arr are
faithfully set up for the Constitution ana 5ne IaMs;
so long the fgarfs will be unable TO set oo"il 'he
value of the Union
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

About twelve years after this occurrence Dr.
B. had occasion to visit Amsterdam. nav
ing gone one day to the bank, he was accosted oy
q well dressed man-one who had been pointed
out to him as one of the most opuent merchants Oh
the city.
The merchant asked him politely if ne were not
doctor B of London, and on his answering
him in the affirmative, pressed hlm to dine at ms
house which invitation the worthy doctor accept
ed On arriving at the merchants house, ne was
shown into an elegant apartment where most
charming woman and two lovely children welcom-
ed him in the most friendly manner; which recep-
ton surprised him the more, coming from persons
he had never before met
After dinner the merchant having taken INN
into his countng-house, seized his hand, and nav
inc pressed it with friendly warmth, said to hlm,-
i'Do you not recolect me ?"
''No," said the doctor.
eWell, then, remember you well, and your fea-
lures will never be obliterated from my memory
for to YOU owe my life. Do you not remember
the poor deserter? On leaving you went to Hol-
land. Writing good hand, and being good ac-
countant, soon obtained situation as clerk IN a
merchants Office. My good conduct and zeal soon
gained for me the confidence of my employer ano
the affections of his daughter. When he retired
from business, I succeeded him. and became his
son-in-law but without you, without your care
without your generous assistance, should not have
lived to enjoy so much happiness Generous man,
consider henceforth my house, my fortune, and
myself as wholly yours.
The kind doctor was affected even to tears and
both these happy beings participated in the most
delightful expression Of their feelings which were
soon shared by the merchants interesting family
who came to join them.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26

bz, We clip the following from an Illinois paper
"For sale at the Red Store, wv DDS OIL money,
To prevent mistakes, the subscriber may as ~eii
state that
Like tic attributes Of mercy, il ia not STRAINED
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-21

Dleu,
On Monday, January 70, MARIA, wife Of ode Lock


On Monday January 70, MARIA, wife Of odle Look
attend the funeral Wednesday afternoon 22d inst
at O'Clock, frem her late residence, No. 2S3 East
Broadway, without further notice.
On Monday afternoon, January 20, Mr.. JAMES Il.
BoIssEAu, aged about Sc years
His friends and acquaintance and those Of his for
partners, Felix 1Dgod.by and David q. Halsted,
are invited to attend his funeral on Wed
nesday ornng ed inst at 10 O'Clock from his late
residence No Park Place without further invitation
Charleston papers please copy.
On sunday evening, January 1s EIIzABETH HONEY,
aged "a years native OF Psrthshirs, scotland.
late brother Robert Honey respectfully invited to
attend her funeral, this tuesday morning at ten
o'clock from her late residence No IL Charlton street
On Monday, January 20, after lingering illnees Mrs
BARAH LOUISA KowDEy, in the twenty. Gig nth year Of
ter age.
The relatives and friends Of the family respect
fully invited to attend her funeral from he residence
OF her brother in Law Mr. w II. Goddard No. IS Car.
mine street. to morrow Wednesday 81 IL o'clock M.
Her remains will be taken 10 Newark Tor interment
| Suddenly, on Sunday January 10, Of consumption,
GroReE WILLIAM STEWART, aged So years.
The friends and acquaintances OF the family are re-
quested to attend the funeral from the Bedford Street
Church this Tuesday, afternoon, at o'clock
On Monday january 20, MARr AsESArH. daughter OF
Benjamin +. and Margaret Hove, aged years and I
months.
The relatives and friends Of the family are affection
ately invited to attend the funeral this tuesday AZ
ternoon At three o'clock from the rsdencs Of her pa
rents, No %. sixth avenue
On Monday, January 20 GroEcE Zsnu Ell, only son of
Thomas j. g. and Ellen Clarke, aged years months
and days
The relatives and friends of the family are afreo-
tonately invited TO attend the funeral tomorrow,
"wednesday 22d inst at o. clock from the residence
OF his father, No les Sixth avenue.
On Sunday, January 10, Of scarlet fever GEoner
BlN.DIcT youngest son Of samuel and Susan d Day
ton and grandson Of the late Rev 6eorge Benedict,
aged years and ~ days
The friends and relatives Of the family are Invited to
attend the funeral from the residence of his father,
No 50 livingston street this (russdsy) afternoon at
O'Clock.
| On Monday. January 20, NELsos youngest child Of
A g. and Ann Black, aged months and 10 days
The friends of the family invited to attend the
funeral, this Tuesday morning, at 81 o'clock from
No ST. Grand street.
In Brooklyn. ON Friday, January II, EiuAseTH Bo-
eERT daughter OF elizabeth and James Carter, aged
year months and days
In Guilsord Conn, on Friday January IT, JosErniNy
EInsHLIH, daughter Of Edward aud Maria Alien, OF
Nee ork, aged years and III months.
Her feet bath trodden nov the painful way
The Saviour from this earth before her trod
And now, in one eternal happy day,
Her rect shall be within the smile Of God.
In London, England on 10Th Dece mber 1850 VIII.
HAN Ham, sievIS, only brother Of Ed~ard seguin,
vocalist, Of this city.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-21
The New Code.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
md the remark In your paper, that the lawyers
have nistsken the spirit and intent of the code
OF pleading and practice. You refer to two able OPT
MONS OF eminent judges, in explanation and elucds-
tion of the new system Now the difficulty Is, that
these opinions however sound and vala able may
accord with the views Of other judges who feel them
selves under obligation to adopt the construction
which those learned gentlemen have arrived at Each
judge has his opinion OF the CODE and Ii is only
necessary to look the manifold decisions in the
Code Reporter to discover how widely they differ
Amid the conflict OF decisions what Is the legal prsc
titioner to do II he shape his psadings in accord
with the construction of Justice and goes with
his pleadiDgs before Justice B. he is informed that
Justice differs from Justice A. and that his psadngs
fatally defective. lie is obliged to amend, and
subjected to long delay and heavy costs, for adopting
Justice As construc don OF the code. What would
advise is this let the Justices of the Supreme Court
scattered over the State, and each Of them
strung the CODE ss he understands It. and 1t is
understood by Others meet at enient place
and agree upon some rule principle OF constr uction
which they will recognize binding upon each Their
and publish their proceedings for the benefit OF the
bar. Let the judges OF the other courts in this city
adopt this construction in their and prac
tee. Then shall have uniformity OF decision,
and rome consistency Of judicial opinion, upon which
the profession can rely. BAkRfsrER.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-21

PmLAoELrHiA, Jan. 20, 1851.
IT. JPcah7-dcctdsnfs-U Gitad0H and has
Mummtcs, s..
Our thorourhfares, ana, indeed, every thing out
OF doors was encased with ice this morning. from
abe effects Of shower Of rain that froze il fell
One serious accident occurred in consequence
VIM. w Morris, a pupil Of the high school, fell in
bird street, and was nm over BY omnibus Of
she Pine street line. The wheel passed over his
stomach, lnflictipg injuries that Il ~ feared will
prove fatal.
a poor insbua,s, namsd Jones, was turned out
Ci etoggery IN Broad street some time last night,
and having ialls ron The effects Of the liquor he
mad nmbibed, was taken 10 the station house,
where he died bsfHe morning The Coroner IL
snvesugsiing the case, 10 ascertain whether the IL
quoror the tavern keeper was the cause Of his
death.
The committee 10 report upon the mummics re-
Gently unfolled by Mr.. Gliddon, are 10 give their
Upinion on Friday evening", with regard 70 their
being ytritable mumnHes. The linen in which
III bodies were rolled, wa distributed amonu the
audience, who seized upon the merest SCRAPS with
2reat avidity. The ladies' who were present, are
nov envied because they secured some Of the
wrappings, 2500 years old. IL ~ 10 be hoped that
she ssvsn has not agais mistaken the ser Of his
euhiects. The report To have been made this
evening, bof has been postponed on account OF
she westkey. II IL said that some curious articles
ofjcwelry have been found upon th- breast Of one
o. she ccrrsss.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-21

e. e1teanAng - SO; g. .. esk Muo1susaa strsse,
0oOi -. Do. - HoustsA strsdt. % leo; Co. do
aan.sssey street., lee -. %. Han asrslsy place
DO Kisg street. II 1871 !, ea7So; - d. 5. sdjon
m. II lox12 e270O; DO DO s. DO, = esT3 g. IS e2S
ss.c.s.-A sale Of 80 lbs. No nutnsgs YES made
ss.nIrs.-A bsttsr feeling prevailed in the market
for denestis vhisksy to- day With An active demand,
at 2Sxe. 26s, and Drudge, In hhds, ct 25c cash.
6uoAaa-Ths market vas very quiet to-day, aud We
know Of Only one sale, comprising % hhds EeW Or
leans, At 0kc. ESQ.
TALLow.-Ths demand continued pretty active, and
prices had strong upward tendency. About 12a0o
lbs. sold ct 7Ac., cash.
TosAcco was rather moro buoysnt, without sltsra
ton In value Some 10 hbds Kentucky sold at l0e .
llko., and 80 hhds. common 1T Sh ace.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-21
Our baltimore Corresponds nee.

bALflM 0kE, January ~, lSDli
RECEPTION Of N,p Y@k Fusaen- Great Prepar2-
tto~s- Fpe-Opera, 81.
The preparations making among the iiremcn Of
Baltimore for the reception and entertainment Of
abe Americas EoRine Company, OF New York, ex-
ceeds that for any freman's visit heretofore. The
Watchman Engine Company, whoes guests they are
20 be, located in part of The city called Eedersl
Hin, and being the only company ia that section,
There Is determination abroad among the people
20 excel all previous Efforts Of olher sections.
large fund has already bsen raised. and the Watch
man Company have gwen orders for the prepara-
fion 81 dinner al Durses's ENch tnge Hotel, tor
which they agree Ia pay 10 Tor each person seated
at the table. The Mechanical will alec gigs them
q splendId entertainment, which company never
ao things by halves, whilst they have also tend
cred 10 The WatchUaa the use of their engine
house, being IN a more central location, for the
oercsrt ~ the apparatus Of the visiting company.
The Waterman Company have engaged Vo-
Asatts splendid brass hand to be NJ hand every
oay curing The welt. The FIRST Baltimore and the
knendship Engine Comgsaies will also give them
entertainments, BON uf whom are hard 20 beat.
The independent, I tiou, ami PataPso will also do
honor 20 the New workers. during their visit. whilst
the ahole hire department. will be out, with their
apparatus, banners. ard bands of music, fully
egOpPed, 70 welcome aud escort them.
\ We have bad nearly dozen tires since Saturday
morning, but none OF them Did any damage worth
TatgtlonlnR.
The vajue Of foreign exports from Baltimore,
during the week ending on Thursday last, was
9l5O.G9g.
! lie trials Of the DUmerous parties charged with
murder, viii commence IN Baltimore City Court,
abs merntDg
Z Max Msrrzek commences, on "Wednesday eve
piEg, series OF operas at the Holiday street
Theatre.
MAJOR Fell, a member Of the last Maryland
legislature, died at Cunterlans, on Saturday.
--