davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
Fire.

Ahou, o'clock, Thursday night last,
fire broke out in the Candle and Lard
Oil Factory Of Mr.. Victor Metz, in rear
of the frame building adjoining the Main
Stree, House. The bulldog in which
the fire originated was entirely consum-
ed, and the adjoining property materially
injured. Mr.. Metz is the greatest suit
ferer by the misunderstanding his entire
s,ock-the savings of years OF hard and
persevering labor. lie is an honest, in
dustrious and worthy citizen, and deser-
wing Of liberal assistance. The locs
sustained by buildings destroyed and
partially injured may be set down as be-
tween 1000 and $4,000. The night
was bitterly cold, but fortunately the
wind had lulled-oiherwise the entire
square, if no, adjoining ones must have
been inevitably consumed. As it was
it required the constant and most active
efforts of our citizens to slav the flames.
The large frame buildings Immediately
in front were frequently on fire, and ii
seemed like working against destiny TO
attempt TO save them. Nearly all the
families living in the block extending
from Washington TO Columbia moved
their effects into the street, aud in this
way several minor losses were susiaind.
Oar citizens generally acted with the
greatest prompiilude and perseverance
on the location We noticed several in
stances of peculiar daring and efficiency,
but it would be inviduous 10 give marked
prominence 10 particular acts where all
did their utmost. We also noticed some
who stood idly by with their hands in
their rockets--suppose they were on,
on Loafng excursion. The entire
clergy of the city, we believe, were pres
ent, setting good example by taking
hold in good earnest themselves.
Bur. IeiegraDh,
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

There is no probability that Senator
will be elected in Massachusetts this ses-
sion--and i, is as well there should not
be, il the Abolitionis!s are TO carry their
man. The Commonwealth, the organ OF
that party, is in a rage at the failure to
elect Sumner. Ii thus discusses:
1.-The leadeas of the democrtic party
gave strong and positive assurances that
they should be able to carry out that ar
rangement, by very considerable major
i,y. On the faith Of these assurances,
the control of the STATE Government
has been put into their h fads. These
assurances have not yet been fulfilled.
|, rests upon the leaders of the Demo-
cratic patty to fulfil Them"
So the "bargain" is admitted; and that
for the sake of the Senator, these Free
Sellers sold themselves to the opposite
party! They betray their trusts as rep
resentatives, and then complain that OH
ers will no. keep faith with them!
The Union Wing papers are in the
highest spirits at this rupture; and we
take heart, tina. from this time forth there
will be no attempt made by either of the
two great parties to conciliate or affiliate
with the Free Soil. or any other faction.
- Bait. Patriot.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
Loss Of the AIIaambra.-Accid ent
10 the Bulletin.
CAIRO, Jan. 25.

.... CAIRO, Jan. 25.
The steamer Alhambra, freigh,ed for
New Orleans, struck rock at Beaver
Dam, yesterday, and was run ashore,
where she sunk. A portion Of the car
go can be saved in slightly damaged
condition. The boat, i, is thought, will
prove total loss.
The steamers Saranak and Hannibal
are still aground at the same place.
Steamer Bulletin collapsed flue
few miles below Plaguemine, recently,
killing five or six persons.
Pie Mississippi continues to recede
at this point, with about six and half
feet TO ST. Louis, and eleven feet 10 New
Orleans. "
The Ohio about on stand, with six
and half feet TO Louisville. 80
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

The following sentence occurs in Q
thanksgiving sermon delivered at BostoA
by the Rev. Mr.. Braiaard:
"He who counsels resistance by force
to an existing law, wi,hou. intending a
revolution TO give better Government,
is an assassin"
May we not add: He who seeks to
organize faction on the ground that tho
Constitution and The laws must be alter
ed, and that any alternative would be
blessing in comparison with acquiescence
in the law as it is, is a re soluiionist in
principle, notwithstanding his dsnials,
and only escapes the appelletion of trait
or because he is but a preacher instead
of on overt ac.er Of treason.-- Matches
Miss. Courier.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

WEALTH FROM THE OCEAN.-By ref
erencc to our shipping lists of the past
and present week, il will be seen tina,
the larbors Of Honolulu and Lahaina
are well filed with whalers from their
summer cruize in the northern seas in
this longitude. And it is 4 source Of
sincere congratulalion that such almost
unprecedented success has attended them,
and that most Of them are full or have
taken an unusual amount OF oil during
the season. Vessels are reported bu, ii
months from home, and with a six
months voyage 10 the whaling ground,
with 2,7G0, $500, 1900, 1890 barrels
of oil, and bone in proportions; and three
ships, Is months out, with 1890, 2, 800,
2,46O barrels respectively. But the
most successful Of all are the Vesper, Is
months, With 2,700 whale, $50 sperm;
the Huntsville, ii months, with $500
whale; the Sheffield, IL months, with
5000 whale; and the Hannibal, 13
months, with II sperm and $500 whale.
+ These may be called splendid voya-
gcs, and as productive as the gold pla-
GERS in California; and attended with
much less risk TO the moral and physic-
al constitution than digging gold in the
Sierra Neveda. Short voyages, with
full ship bound home, are rather plcasan,
circumstances for the whalesmen; and a
greater number never left this port than
viii sail hence this fall in This category.
None of the ships YET in have seen or
heard anything of The long-missing Sir
John acknowledgements.
RETURN OF Fl. b. Ms. S. HERALD
This ship returned TO this port on the
18th inst. from the Arctic Ocean, hav-
ing been unsucce ssful in her search for
Sir John Franklin.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

INDIANA CoNsTrrurIoNAL COVE
SToN.-ihe bank discussion was con.
tinued. Mr.. Owen moved to recommi,
the section which provided that all bank.
lug should be upon specie basis actual
ly paid in, with instructions to add 'for
the redemption of all notes issued. -
Mr.. Cpilax moved to amend the ins,ruc.
lions by adding "said specie basis to be
to the full amount of their circulation;
or the difference between the two shall
be made up by ample security for the
redemption Of the notes in specie, TO be
filed with some officer of State" The
amendment was adopted, IA to Ga, and
the section re-commiited with the instruc-
ton as thus amended, by a vote of 70
to 65. a ..... ..... ..... z.a....
The above vote was re-considefed--
ayes 60, noes 65--the recommitment re-
jec.ed by II TO 60 and the section pass
ed-ayes 20, noes so. .. a-a .a... ~
A motion was made to reconsider the
vote on lis passage-much confusion
and disorder prevailed, and at A o'clock,
p. a., the president adjourned the con-
vention in consequence of the "noise and
confusion" ..... rn .u.....rs a.... I'd
The conflict, says the State Journal,
is between the friends u State bank
and of free banks.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
CONGREGATIONAL Association.


At meeting Of the Des Moines Riv-
or Congregational Association, held al
Ottumwa, January %, 1851, the follow.
ing Churches were represented by pas
tors and delegates: ST.
Eddyville-Rev. G. b. Hitchcock.
Ouumwa-Rev. B. A. Spaulding.
Fair6eld-Mr. VIM. Scoville.
Farmington-Dr. M. II. Cooley, Del
egate. -,as+-.nHsg .mr-.-..-
Stated Clerk being absent, Or. NJ. II.
Cooley was appointed clerk, pro tenn.
Rov. w. b. Apthorp, iro,h Cung. AS.
ISOLATION, Ills, was received upon appli-
cation. r-
Also, Rev. Chas. Burnham, Alba
Cong. Church, was received. Mr.. Hart
admitted as delegate from said church.
Rev. Messrs. Lane and Adams, from
the Church at Keosauqua and Farming
ton. appeared and took their seats.
Rev, ]. V. A. Wood, from Cong. AS
soclation, Indiana, made application and
was received. ..r .......... .... .-...t.
Mr.. George G.. Rice, of Fairfield. Il
licenciate OF the Ord Presbytery of N.
York, applied for ordination, and after
examination was ordained.
Bro. James S. Erwin, Of Church in
Ouumwa, appeared as Delegate and
took his seat. The Association procee-
ded TO the exercises Of ordination accor-
ding TO the following order: r..
lst. Invocation and reading of the
Scripture, by Rev. Charles BurnLam.
Cd. Introductory prayer, by Rev. B.
A. Spaulding.
Sd. Sermon, by Rev. Fl. Adams.
4th. Consecrating prayer, by Rev. d.
Lane. ~
9Th. Charge, by Rev. w. P. APP
thorp. .
9th. Right hand of Fellowship, by
Rev. G.. B. Hitchcock.
7th. Concluding prayer, by Rev. J..
V. A. Wood.
9Th Benediclion, by Bro. George G..
Rice.
Resolred, That the Association rec
ommend that each Church connected
with this Association, spend the Friday
previous TO the annual meeting of the
Association, as day Of prayer and de-
votion for the blessings of God on said
meeting and the Church and people Of
the place where il is held.
Adjourned, sine die.
B. A. SPAULDING, Moderator.
M. u. COOLEY, Clerk Pro TEN.
The Annual Meeting of the Associa-
ton is to be held at this place.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

h INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 9th, 1861.
A scene occurred in the Indiana Con-
ven,ion, not over credi,able 10 that body.
The question was in relation to the APP
pointment of three commissioners to re-
wise and modify the laws and reform the
The mode of practice. Many hard things
were said agains, the legal profession
generally. Mr.. Hoyey, a delegate from
Posey. WHO is lawyer, said he could
put bis finger on three men in the Con-
vention, who expected TO be appointed
commissioners. Some one called out
"name lhem,' and member sitting near
Mr.. Hovey, called Out '.Kent" Mr..
Kent rose, and much excited, called Mr..
Hovey a coward. MIR. II. advanced to
Mr.. kent's sea, and struck him blow
in the eye. Both parties were ordered
into custody. Apologies were nude.
and by vote Of the Convention, the re-
por,ers were directed to smother the
whole affair. ... .
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

HAYTi.-By the brig Hayli, from
Port au Prince, Jan. lst, we learn that
quiet prevailed on the Island.
The coffee crop has completely failed.
1t is now certain there will no. be ono
half the usual crop. There are some
10 vessels of large size on dsmurrags
waiting for coffee, which viii not be
filled before the last Of April. Coffee il
$50 closing and rising; with the one-fifth
to government brings it to lie per lb.--
The good coffee of the las, crop was
mostly sold at 800 per M.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

~ James II. Graham was recently
arrested at Eaton, Ohio, and committed
to jail on charge of numbering VIM. A.
Low, eleven years ago, at the town OF
Livingston. Ills. Suspicious first rested
upon another man. but he was tried and
acquitted. Graham was then indicted.
and reward offered for his apprehen-
sion; but, it vas only recently that he
was arrested for horse-s,ealing, and, as
the murder with which he stands charg-
ed is the greatest offence Of the two, he
is first to be tried on this indictment.
Many of the most important witnesses
against him are dead. and some have
moved away; and it is doubtful whether
he can be convicted. II he escapes the
charge of murder, he will be taken to
Ohio, to answer for demonstrating.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
Unpleasant Occurrence mt Kc0-
r." kWk.

On Tuesday night last friend tele-
grapted us from Keokuk that on that
day the Rev. Mr.. Hummer had been
bound over for trial for an outrageous as.
sault upon his wife. We omitted to
mention the fact out of charity to the
parties. The Keokuk Dispatch, how
ever, has given the event public curren-
cy. Mrs. Hummer, we understand. up
on the trial testified that her husband
would have murdered her bat for the
timely interlerance of the neighbours
MIR. Hummer adyerijses his wife in the
usual form. An Indignation meeting of
The citizens of Keokuk was held on
Wednesday night last. We have no,
learned what WIS done. but the general
feeling as we are informed, was strongly
in favor OF iyncaing Mr.. H.. ea# .r.. 4
It's a sad affair in every point OF view.
Mr. Hummer was formerly minister
in the Presby terrain church, aud dislin-
guished for zeal and unusual ability
Some years ago he was, for reasons
sufficient TO The presby,ery, unchurched.
and it has oeen the opinion of those who
have known him best that for some time
past he has been partially insane.-ib.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

a Union party. has awakened such res
ponses, that we hope soon to proclaim
its aborlive termination. @
The old Democratic party has long
since by the confession of Van Buren,
the old and younger, Benton and others,
been broken up, aud out Of its fragments
we have the Locofoco party, the Free
Soil or Abolition party, and Benton and
Anti Benton party. Ii is hard TO destroy
a thing that don't exist. No, friend
Gazette, your party have saved any man
or party of men the task of destro, ing
1t, by putting the suicidal hand to its
own throat. ...#..-. Il
"The ranks Of the democratic pnrty,
party co eval and co-extensive with the
nation itself. are wide open for the ac-
cession Of honest converts. They are
not, however, ignorant of the political
refuge which democracy affords, bu.
would rather be chieflains of q new
sect, than the humble probationers Of an
old orthodoxy"
What mockery! for seminal on the
wa,ch.towcr of distracted and dismem-
bered party, TO invite the great ma tional
Wing party 10 seek shelter in its ranks,
when they are seeking shelter in the
ranks Of The Abolition party! whether
as '.honest converts" o. not, we mus,
leave the public and the parties to judge.
1.-The political refuge" above spoken Of
which modern democracy affords" TO
the union, the country and all its diversi.
fed interests, is, in the language of a
great man: "such protection" or refuge,
"as vul!ures bring to lambs, bouncing
upon and devouring them, and is not
sought b., the Wing party. What par
ty, we ask, has, in the last few years
schooled and sent out the most men who
would rather be chiefinins Of a new
sect, than the humble probationcrs of an
old orthodoxy? We leave history and
personal observation 10 answer, and sure
ly the Editor Of the Gazette has not so
far overlooked "the res, OF mankind"
as not TO have seen the Van Burens and
and Bentons Of the last few years.
"Let the Wing party purge itself, if pos.
sible, from corrup, sectional alliances"
says the Gazette. Oh, "Phy stefan heal
,hyseif.' Again: we point yon, more in
the spiri, of pity and condolance, than
resentment, to your banner, trailing in
the dirt of foul sectional alliance" in
Massachusetts. And we cntreat you to
purge" the Democratic party ''if pos
sibIe' from corrupt sectional alliance,
which if carried out TO any extent in 9TH
er States by your party, must sever this
glorious Union, cemened and hallowed
by the blood of patriots and sages.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
Patriotic Sentiments.

We publish, with pleasure, the re-
marks of Col. SHELLADAy, U. s. Mar
shall for Iowa, at the recent Union NEE
ting in Du Buque. The Sentiments ex-
pressed are such as become govern
ment officer who has taken an oath to
support the Constitution of ,he United
States and to discharge his duty faithful
ly. An acquaintance Of many wears
standing with Col. SHELLADAv had al
ready satisfied us as to his course, should
he be called upon to act; nevertheless,
we are glad TO see him put himself fairly
before the public on this question. Col.
$. is in the habit Of making good his
word.-7e'sgroph. aaa
Remarks of s. B. Shclladay.
Mr.. President. u know that this
meeting will excuse me from making a
speech when | assure them that the sit
uaton of my lungs Will forbid my ma
king an effort of this kind. Mr.. Presi-
dent, if | thought that | could by any
thing that could say, add TO the feeling
Of patriotism and love of the Union,
tina, burns in the breast of each individ-
ual in this assembly, l would willingly
make the effort at the sacrifice even of
health. Bat being assured from The
feeling manifested here that could not
add one spark to that feeling, forbear.
feel it TO be my duty, however, as a
government officer, to announce TO this
meeting, and through Them to the peo-
pie of the State of iowa, and of the
world, the course shall pursue in ear
rying out the laws of my country.
We all know, Mr.. President, that the
cry of disuniOn which is at this moment
rife in some portions Of our country,
has grown out Of certain laws enacted at
the last session of our national legisia-
ture, one of which is the law known as
The fugitive slave law. The question
has been pu, 10 me in writing from sew
eral sources, Will you aid in carryin ing
out that odious lar by serving! Sir, |
have never answered those in,errogato-
res coming from such source. No,
sir, | scorn 10 do so.
But, sir, | now announce to this NEE
ting and To the world, that SO soon as !
refuse to perform my official duty under
this or any other law of my country,
tha, moment will cease to be govern
menl officer.
Sir, have taken solemn oath to sup
port the Constitution, and to perform
my duties according TO law, and when !
fail 10 do so, lrt the shades of iGy fathers
arise from the tomb to rebuke me. and
lei the delestaiion of all good men pur.
sue me deep into traitors grave.
Mr. President. with my friend on
my right, (Col. Lovely am proud that !
am Il citizens of Iowa. Our escu,cheon
has fewer black spu.s of disunion on ii
than that of any State in the Uninn. |
say. sir, am proud of the State of my
adoption.
Point out to me the man in Iowa
who dares to utter the word Disuaion,
and pledge you that as Government
fficer will arrest that man for freason.-
Loud and repeated cheering. b ..".1..
Sir, the Union must be preserved.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
ESr AT the last election IN Califarn

Eg At the last election IN Califsrnis,
the citizens decided upon Vallej, as the
permanent seat of government Tbs
capital is city laid ont on the Bay Of
San Francisco, about 25 miles from the
city of San Francisco. II is the propo-
si'ion of Spanish specula,or, who con.
senis to give to the Commonwealth $50
acres of land, divided into the necessa-
ry lots and ground for the government
buildings, university, charitable ins,i,u-
lions, &C., and to expend, in the cree.
ton of some twenty-five public buildings,
including sl25,000 for State House.
an aggregate of $4,000. to be paid
over within two years. His associates
in this country are said W he Thomas J.
Green and Hon. Robt. J. Walker.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
ry When i. is noon in New orlean.

D When il is noon in New Orleans
or ST. Louis. i, is o'clock p. NJ. at
Baltimore, as there is difference of an
hour for every fifteen degrees Of longi-
tude. Hence telegraphic dispatch
from Baltimore at noon reaches New
Orleans at | o'clock, A. NJ. being an
hour ahead OF time. So it is in sailing
around the globe, if we go one way, We
lose and by the other We gain day.
This is fact, and another no less
strange is. that if Geographic dispatch
be sent westward around the world, it
will arrive back at the place of depar-
ture nearly twenly-four hours befors it
was sent!!!
So much Tor the Telegraph.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
Telegraphic Dispatches,
. For the Tri. Weekly telegraph.
Terrible Steamboat Accident.
CAIRO, Jan. 30;h, 1851.

# OAIKU, Jan, JUN, Ib0I.
The steamer John Adams struck the
head of Island No. 80 last Monday NOR
ming and sunk instantly, and l20 lives
lost. Those who saved themselves by
swimming and otherwise, escaped with
their lives only. She bad a con siderable
number of emigrants on board, all OF
whom, as also The deck hands, went
down with The wreck and perishel.-
None of the officers, and very few, if
any of The cabin passengers were LOST
Those who escaped passed up the Ohio
to-day on the steamer Peytonia.
The Adams will prove a total loss
She was commanded by Capt. Henry
Jones. ,...r... .r.. .....4 .a... .... ...
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

V The Democrats Of Indiana, have,
since his defeat in Missouri, nominated
Col. Benton for the Presidency TO the
exclusion OF their favoriie Gen. Lane
The prospects Of Benton being in the
field, are Frightening every day. In
this State, there seems to be wonderful
sympathy for Old Bullion, among the
wouId-be leaders Of the Democratic par
ty. Where now, is Lewis Cass!
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
New York Markets.

Flour firm, in moderate demand
sales 900 bbls. at Saturdays rates: Ca
madam held at 4,8l 4,97. Wheat in
active, owing to frmness of holders
Corn offering sparingly at 81 for new
yellow large sails waiting to arrive at
private terms. Pork in retail demand
at $1,000 IL, l2a for Mess; S9,25 for
Prime. Beef unchanged, and selling
moderately. Beef hams and cut meats
dull, and nominal at previous rates.
Lard scarce, sales 80 bbls. Prime old al
6. Whiskey inactive. sales 80 bbls.
prison at 25 f....-.. .a...- ...... ....
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07

IL It's said that Capt. Erickson is
engaged in producing steam carriage
for use upon plank roads, by which i'm
mense bodies may be transported at a
good speed with small cost.
That is just wha, is wanted to make
plank roads vie in import ance with 9th
er means of transportation.
Plank roads are more necessary and
can be made more generally useful than
Rail Roads.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
OF r. A GE N is:
Dissolution of Partnership.

II. II. WARDEN having bought out the
interest of J. II. D. STREET, in the DIES
MONIES COURIER, will continue the bus
mess on his own account.
The partnership heretofore existing
between us is this day dissolved, and
our subscribers and patrons are reques-
ted 10 make payment as fast as possible,
to r. H. WARDEN.
J. II. D. STREET,
... ..... X. H.. WARDEN.
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
OopESsBURo. n. Y, Jan. 3ls.,

Las, evening abou, II o'clock. Nj.
John Armstrong, produce dealer from
Rochester, while attempting to cross the
river at Preston, with team, broke
through the ice and was drowned. He
had with him two young ladies', sisters
of Mr.. Gilman, tavern keeper a! Preston,
who narrowly escaped drowning. They
were rescued by Mr.. Holmes their broth
er-in.law, who was riding behind them in
a cutter. Mr.. ii. was so mich frozen
that he was unable TO get the ladies into
his cutter, and tying the renS around
their bodies, drew them TO the shore en-
the ice. ..
Mr.. II. and the ladies were in a crit
ical state this morning. The nurses and
sleigh were lost. ............ a..
Mr.. Armstrong had some valuable
property about his person. .....
Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-02-07
News Of the Atlantic.
New York, Feb. 3.
BY SPECIAL DISPATCH.

The Captain of the ship Torquin.
which arrived at this port last night, re-
ports having seen a large American
steamship without bowsprit, under sails.
and steering for the Western Islands,
The Atlantic was, like all tine Collins
steamers, without a bowspri,, whence
confidence is felt that vessel reported
by the Torquin is the Atlantic.