davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

FEEDING THE PIGEoNs IN VEMcE-The fol-
lowing extract from Mr.. Weeds last letter from
Italy describes curious custom. He says:
At 2 O'Clock we returned to the Square to wit
ness the novel and interesting ceremony of "Feed-
ing the Pigeons" Hundreds of people had called
with the same object The pigeons, or doves,
were coming in from different directions and light
ING about the windows and cornices of marble
palace where they sat quite gravely till the first
sound of the clock of San Marco striking the hour
of two was heard, when the whole flock smulta-
neously settled down upon the pavement, under
the window from which the seed was thrown and
from which they have been fed at the same mo-
ment every day, from period so remote that ''the
memory Of man runneth not to the contrary"
To-day we went again to the same place. The
pigeons began to collect quarter before two evil
IDENTIFY as intent upon their dinner as the same
number of children.o children of larger growth
would have been. Other bells sounded few min
utes before, but not dove moved until the ham
mer was heard on the clock of San Marco, when
instantly every wing spread and the flock again
settled to the pavement. While busily picking up
their food, dog gar,boed round amongst them,
and children walked into the ring without dis
turbing them at all.
Some say that the Government provides the food
for the doves. Others say that lady, centuries
ago provided in her will for the feeding of the
pigeons but none know when or why the practice
originated.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
The Homestead Bill.

The socialists, and agrarians, and demagogues
of some ofthe Northern States, particularly ofNew
York, are very busy in the effort to procure the
passage of the Homestead Bill by the Senate OF the
United States A public meeting was held In
New York City OIL the 2Sth uIt, which adopted
most nonsensical address on the subject, and lis
tened to speeches from HORACE GREELY and 9TH
ers. Numerous petitions also have been sent up
to the Senate in favor of the BILL and its passage
by that body is said to be quite probable we
cannot believe, however, that the Senate will be
so unduly influenced by the solicitations OF COM
paratvely few individuals, and they andpirates OF
the worst sort.
This greatest humbug of the age, is presented
in the specous form of philanthropic scheme for
providing homes for the homeless. But 1t is moth
inc else than rank agrarianism. If enacted into
law, this bill may not Of itself accomplish much
harm, but let the principle be once admitted and
there is no knowing to what extremes it will be
pushed Government has properly nothing to do
with individual citizens, except to secure to each
one the possession and enjoyment OF all that he can
honestly acquire. When it undertakes to help out
the idleness and thriftessness Of people, It acts
in contravention of law of Providence, and the
consequences must be injurious.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
The WaverIy Novels.

LIppINcorT, GRAMBo s Co., of Philadelphia,
are now publishing in very handsome style, the
Abbottsford Edition of ScoTT's world-repowned
Novels We are indebted to the Publishers, thro'
Mr. CowAN, for copy of ':Nsverly," the first of
the series. They are Issued sem-monthly, in
Parts, each part containing complete Novel, and
two parts making volume, at the exceedingly low
price of S12 for the twelve volumes, bound in cloth,
or fifty cents per part, or 81 per volume.
The works of WALTER ScoTr should be in ev-
cry mans Library. His Novels are among the
few that we can conscieutiously recommend. This
edition is gotten up in very superior style, with il
Illustrations, and we recommend it to all whose Lii
braries are destitute of these valuable works.
They are for sale also by Mr.. COwAN.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Wing Unity.

At a meeting of the Wing general committee
held in New York on Tuesday evening, the 18th
inst, the following resolution was adopted, with
only FIVE descendants out Of fifty-two members
present
Resolred, That the members of this committee
pledge themselves to the Wings throughout the
Union to support the nomination which shall be
made by said Wing national convention.
The Wing State Convention ofNew jersey
which met at Trenton, on Wednesday last to ap-
point delegates to the National Convention, adopt
ed resolution, among others, declaring their de-
termination to relinqush all personal preferences
and support the Wing nominee. The preferences
of the delegates appointed Were 50 divided between
Scott and Fillmore that it was impossible to tell
which prepondented,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Democratic Harmony.

The Baltimore American of Saturday morning.
in an article on the Democratic Convention then
holding its session in that city, says
We notice one other thing in the way of an in
dication-and that is an apprehension ofthe strength
of the Wings quite at variance with the bold and
confident assumption Of an easy victory heretofore
INDUCED in by the leaders and journals OF the party
now assembled in Convention, and trying its best
to discover its own mind. 1t may be that the gath
ering together of the partzans of so many COMPETE
tors, all eager for the prize of nomination, has dis
closed the really discordant nature of these conflict
ing elements to degree not before imagined. Bit
ter feuds, it may be, are discovered to be incapa-
BILE of concliation and personal rvalrles are found
too inveerate to yield to the common interests OF
party which is fast putting on the aspect OF mere
aggregate of factions. ~
| Nevertheless we must take it for granted that
nomination will be made, and that the show OF
harmony will be assumed in the absence Of a more
profound cordiality. A failure to nominate would
stand forth as too sure sign of disorganization-
although such failure, five mistake not, was ac-
tually contemplated in 1914 just previous to the
Conventions discovery of Mr.. Folks superior mer-
its. Are we to look for similar discovery now
that shall bring to light star of the first magnitude
among the political neblIg-the lesser conStella-
tons Of the armament Time will show, and
that very soon, we should judge-considering that
to-day, the fifth of the Conventions session, termi
mates the week and seems to call for conclusion
of the business.
The anticipations of the American have been re-
allied. The great discovery has been made, and
Mr. Pierce suddenly energies from among the nell
,tlp, star of the first magnitude. The week was
nearly out and it was absolutely necessary to find
some light to steer by, when this lunfinary first
broke upon the laboring and weary crew ofthe Con-
vertion. Doubtless, even lesser light would
have been hailed by them as relief from painful
anxiety
The editor ofthe Richmond Enquirer tclegraphs
to his paper Virginia led the way, gloriously !"
that is, after voting thrty-three times for Buch-
anon and once for Dickinson ''Every body is de-
lighted, ;" he says-Nodoubt, but why in the world
didn't they enjoy this delight sooner. Some peo-
pie have very strange way of postponing happi-
ness-they are encompassed by imaginary difficult
ties and NOPE and fret, while all the time, if they
only would, they might be supremely blessed.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Franklin Pierce, of N. Hampshire.

The nomination of this down east gentleman, as
the Democratic candidate for President of the u
nited States, has not excited our surprise. tits in
strict accordance with Democratic precedent and
policy. Enabled by any other means, to harmon
ize the discordant elements of which the party is
composed all their prominent and more deserving
men have been deliberately laid on the shelf, and
a man selected unknown to fame, or even respec
table notoriey, against whom but little can be said,
because, forsooth, but little is known of him either
good, bad or Indifferent He has, indeed, been
Governor of New Hampshire, but that is no guar
antee that he will make good President of the
United States. JOSEPH JOHNSON, is at present
Governor of Virginia; but we imagine his Excel
lency-out OF place where he is-would feel still
PIERCE has been in the U. S. Senate, as many a
man of straw has been before him. He is said,
also, to have served in the Mexican war, where he
certainly never distinguished himself by brilliant
services. The claims of GIDEON j. PILLOW are
far superior to those of Mr. PIERCE on the score of
military distinction This isabout all that is known
of the gentleman from New Hampshire. What
ever of reputation he may have, is merely local,
and whether that is at all envable, weare not pre-
pared to say.
According to Democratic accounts, however, he
is just the man. A dispatch to the Richmond En-
qurer says, "every body is delighted, and the en-
thusiasm is unbounded" may do very well
to tell to the s.marnes." Mr. P. was evidently
taken up per necessitatc and is doubtless more as
tonshed at the nomination than any body else
We can well imagine how funny he must feel,
dragged thus unceremoniously and Unexpectedly
from the frozen regions of the extreme North, and
placed bolt upright in the centre of the Baltimore
Platform.
| 1t will be seen that WIN. R. KING of Alabama,
is the candidate for Vice President, chosen on the
second ballot. He is man of much more prom
inence in the political world than Mr.. PIERCE, and
is perhaps quite as available as any one that could
have been selected.
The nominations are said to have been very
coolly recelVeu III tiie oiliieih ciies ho ii'ii
est items in the whole proceedings, are the tele-
graphic dispatches received pending the balloting
for Vice President, and read before the Conven-
ton. When it is noticed from what quarter they
hail, the reader will scarcely be able to restrain
smile:
From StephenA. Douglas-''I congratulate the
Democratic party upon the nomination, and Hi
nos will give Franklin Pierce larger majority
than any other State in the Union"
From Gen. Cass.-''A good nomination, that Of
Pierce shall support 1t heartily"
Prom Gen. Houston.-"An excellent nomina-
ton it will unite the whole Democracy"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Painful Death.

On Thursday afternoon last, whilst Mr.. ENos
Humphreys, the dyer at the Wooden Factory
near this place, was reaching over the dye vat for
the purpose of adjusting screw in the steam pipe,
he fell into the caldron and was so dreadfulfy
ed that he died the next morning about four o'clock
The deceased was man of advanced age, and
of exemplary character He was native of Eng
land, and had resided in this vicinity for few
months aalsss-his family live in Baltimore county,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Circuit Court Judges.

the following persons have been elected Judges
of the Circuit Court of Virginia, for eight years
from the first of July next:
FIRST Circuit-Judge Baker, without opposi-
ton.
Second.-Judgc Nash, over the Hon. R. X.
Meade.
1Hhd.-Judge VIM Leigh, over Judge VIII
son by 800 majority.
Fo,sth.-Judge Talaferro, over g. H. Gilmer
by 402 majority.
SirM,-Judge Clopton, without opposition.
nh.-Jno. A. Meredith, over Robt Stan
ard.
Eiglah.-Judge Lomax, without opposition.
.NtnM-Judge Tyler, without opposition.
Tenh.-Judge Field, without opposition
Esepenth.-Judge Thompson, without oPposl-
ton.
Ipeyth-John Kenney, over Giles Cook and
w. A. Harris.
ThiIteenth.-Judge Parker, without opposition.
Fo,nteenh-Judge Johnston, over F. b. Mill
Ter by 1877 and over w. Smith by lO4l.
Sirteenth-Andrew S. Fulton, over Judge
Brown and ID. Hoge. -oo
EightcenM.-Geo. w. Summers, by about foo
majority over Judge McComas. Other candidates.
Smith and Fisher.
Ttrcntich -Geo w. Thompson (member OF
Congress- the Democratic candidate, over Judge
Fry.
Ttrentu- frst.-Gideon d. Camden.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

IMPoRTANT pEcISIoN-RMLRoAD TAX.-The
obligations Of citizens to pay the Railroad tax,
which has been assessed by the county court fol-
the purpose of raising the subscription money vo-
ted by the people of the county, have recently
been tested in the county OF Monroe. ltseems that
some of the citizens Of that county, aboring under
the impression that they could not be required to
pay the Railroad tax, had the matter carried into
court. The Judge decided that the citizens of the
county were required to pay their k h tax,
well as any other tax. THIS puts the question al
rest and we hope none OF the citizens OF 'hs co9
Nv will subject themselves to trouble by refusing
to pay their Railroad tax-Leaoisbmg Chronicle
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Irvrre FROM PREsIpENr FILLMoRE.-A lie

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT FILLMoRE.-A let
ter written to Dr. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, neal
year ago, BY President Fillmore, was read at the
late whig meeting in that city. In returning his
thanks for the flattering manner in which his adj
ministraton had been spoken of.the PreSiden; says
81 am far more anxious so to conduct 1t as to
merit the appreciation of my country, during the
time have to serve, than to continue 1t day on-
ger Let the people select my successor, wholly
Yninfuenced by me, and ii he be honest and true
TO the constitution and country, shall be satisfied
ask no more"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

On the announcement of the 18th ballot, Gov.
Brown, of Tennessee, stated that the Committee
on Resolutions had agreed to Platform of princi-
piles, land asked leave to state the basis upon which
it is founded-refused.
The vote of Virginia was cast for Buchanan on
each ballot Gov. Floyd and Mr.. Claiborne COM
planned that the voice of their constituents, which
was in favor of Douglass, was not permitted to be
heard Similar complaints were made by dele
gates from Louisiana and Mississippi, in reference
to the sitting OF the voice of minorites from their
States.
Much disorder occurred several times during the
day, owing to alterations among the delegates
and cheers and Kisses from the galleries.
SAruRDAY.-The Convention again proceeded
to ballot for candidate for President. as follows
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
difference OF Opinion.

It is stated in another place that Mr.. PIERCE,
the nominee of the Baltimore Convention, is an
Ex- Governor of New Hamshire. Our information
was derived from the Richmond Enquirer. The
Dispatch intimates that he never held the office,
If nomination having been rendered to him and
&eclined.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Judges Of the Court OF Appeals.

The following gentlemen have been elected
Judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals Tor twelve
wears from the first of July next:
First Section.--Judge Daniel, over Judge
Robertson and - White.
Second Section.-Judge Moncure, without op-
position. e.,. or 1,dro
Brockenbrough. -
ton. ..;.,.. ,,..,
though the probabilities are that Lee is elected O.
yer Harrison.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

AWFUL EPIDEMIC IN MAINE.-Thc effect Of
the Maine law upon the public health is noticed
by the Belfast (Me.) Journal, which computes,
from the books Of the agent. appointed to sell IL
apor for medical purposes in that town, that there
afe ttren.yfor thousand persons in The immediate
,;csrity ,cis are diseased.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

A WOMAN IN THE FIELD.--lt is stated in scme
of the Pennsylvania papers that the Womens
Rights Convention. which assemblies in Westches-
ter, Pa, on the LIST CT June, will nominate cam
didate for the Presidency. If the lady should be
young and handsome, we would not give much for
the chances of the old fngy candidates.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

o. The officers conducting the election at the
Court Houses of the counties in the third judicial
section are required by law to meet at Rockingham
Court House, on the 18th day next after the cleo
ton (Which will be Friday tho 18th of June,) to
compare the polls, and make the return required
hv law
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

~ The papers record the death of Mr.. Chas
Boucher Of Berthier, District of Montreal. at the
age of l06 He was married to three wives with
whom he had 60 children. He leaves 43 children
66 grand children, 10 great grand children, IS
nephews, 10 grand-nephews,l Is great grand neph-
ews, and large circle Of friends.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

AGRICULTURAL CoNvENTIoN.-An Agricultu-
raj Convention composed of Delegates from the
different agricultural associations throughout the
country is proposed to be held In the city OF Wash
notion. on the oath of June next.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

AN ELEcToR DEeLINED-John J. Boeock. a
Presidential efector, Of Wesmorcland ccHaty, Va,
nominated by the democrats, has declined, On the
ground that he has been wing all his Life, but
voted the democratic ticket, last year, vRdcr tie
impression that the dem ocratc candidate fr Gov
iern6r was in favor of secession
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

nS- The Wing Convention Of Baltimore has is
sued an address to the Wings of the United States,
soliciting their attendance at the National Conve-
ton on the 10th inst. The Committee of the Con-
ton saw the invitation is behalf of not only those
they Immediately represent, but of the body Of the
Wings of Maryland. They urge that the delega-
tons shall be numerous, enthusiastic and confident
The inspiration of their presence, they say, will
give the vigor Of triumph TO the first blow OF the
6Ght
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

SINGULAR FAcT-A boy residing near Pitts
buro who had been very deaf for years, recently
receSyed kick from horse which fractured his
sk,rFI since which time he hears as acuely as or
Jinary nersoIfS
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Whole number Of votes. 2S8

'VtNJs
Necessary for nomination, 1872.
On the first, second, third and fourth ballots
Wisconsin cast three votes for Henry Dodge On
the first ballot, California cast four votes for John
b. Weller.
The vote Of Virginia was given for Buchanan
each time.
After the sixteonth ballot, delegate from Penn
sylvama complained that every time that State had
cast her vote for Buchanan, Kisses had been poured
down upon them from the gallery. His remarks
were greeted in the same way.
FRlDAY.-'The ballotting was resumed, and SIX
teen more were taken during the day, as follows
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

On the 10th ballot-FRANKLIN PIERCE,
of New Hampshire, received the requisite number
of votes, and was declared the nominee of the Con-
vention for President of the United States. On
this ballot, Pierce receivedoyer 200 votes, and the
nomination was declared unanimous.
Virginia voted for Pierce on the thirty sixth
ballot The Southern States, in a body, went o.
yer, and were followed by Maryland, New York
and Pennsylvania, all declaring the vote unani-
NOUS
After the nomination of candidate for the Pres
idency, the Convention adjourned until o'clock.
P. Nj. Upon fe-assembling, WIN. II. KING, Of
Alabama, was nominated, on the second ballot,
candidate for Vice President, and his nomination
was very favorably received.
Little of general interest was done by the Con-
vention aftG the nominations, save the adoption of
the platform"
Owing to the length of the platform" we are
unable to publish it in full this week. 1t declares
the federal government to be one of limited pow
ers it is against internal Improvements by the
general government; against the system of pro-
tective tariff against national bank against the
interference of Congress with the domestic institu-
tons of the States; in favor of the Compromise
measures, fugitive slave law, &C.; against disiribu
ton of the proceeds of the public land in favor of
the veto power in favor of the resolutions of '9S,
'99; in favor of the Mexican war; &c., sc.
1t was decided that the next National Conven-
ton shall be held in Cincinnati; and it was further
decided that in that Convention each State shall
be entitled to twice as many delegates as she has
votes in the electoral college. The Convention
then adjourned sine die.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

&C. The number of immigrants arrived at the
port of New York during the month Of May, we
learn from the Post, was So, $40, viz: From Ger,
many l3, 999; from Ireland IL, 675; from England
2.s05: Scotland 7Is; Wales $50; France ,472;
Switzerland 627, and Holland III.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

&C. 1t is said that Ole Bull, the talented must
clan, intends to settle in this State, where he ls
purchased some lands.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09
Wesleyan Female institute.

We have received the Catalogue and Circular
Of the Wesleyan Female Institute located at this
place, for the year le5l,-'52. The number of
pupils the present Academic year, ending July LIST,
is 79, as follows: Senior Class4, Junior Glass Is,
Second Class p, First Class II, Preparatory Class
20. The Rev. JAMES A. McCAuLEY, A. NJ, is
the Principal, aided by four assistant teachers
We arc pleased to learn that the Institute is in a
furnishing condition, and sincerely hope it will
continue to proper.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

CENTRAL RAlLRoAD.--In looking at tire report
of the last annual meeting Of this company, We
find the following resolution
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
make an appeal to the city of Richmond to sub
scribe to the stock of the company for the prcsecu
ton of the work between Staunton and Coving-
ton"
We should be glad to hear that this resolution
is abopt to be carried into effect. We trust that
the committee will bear in mind that the present
is as opod season as could be selected for ap-
peal to Richmond in behalf ola cause which we
regard as more vitality connected with her interests
than that of any other railroad Improvement in the
State.-R. Rep.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

A FuerIvs Slave CAsE-Jim Phillips, fa-
gitive slave of Mr. Henry II. FAINT, of Fauquier
county, Va, was arrested at Harrisburg, Pa,
on Monday last, and underwent examination be-
fore the U. S. Commissioner Mr.. A. G. Hudson
and James H. Vowles, of Fredericksburg, clearly
proved him to be fugitive, and he himself subse-
qrently admitted that he had run away from Cpl-
pepper county, Va. AS the examination was con-
tnned until after dark, crowd Of colored and
white sympathisers assembled and evinced some
disposition to attempt rescue, bAt the officers
promptly managed TO restore order. The Harris
burg Telegraph states that Phillips has lived
in that town, where he has family, for the last
fifteen years, and that measures are about to be ia
ken to test the legality of the proceedings of the
IT, S. Commissioner in the case. The arrest has
caused great excitement, and subscriptions are to
be taken UP to purchase the freedom Of the fugi-
tive.-CMpepcr Observer.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-06-09

o. At meeting of the citizens of Pocahontas,
held at the Academy in the Little Levels, on the
22d ult., GEo. W. AMIss, Esq, of that county,
was nominated as candidate for the office OF Com
missioner Of the Board Of Public Works.