davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

+ III.
ARTLEss SIMPLICITY. "A certain little boy OF
this city, who recently lost his father, found him
self debarred thereby from attending school as
formerly, and in the flness Of his faith, he deter
mined to seek the wherewithal at that footstool
to which he had doubtless been taught to look
for other and higher blessings.
In the simplicity Of his heart he sat down
and gravely wrote a letter to his Redeemer,
thinking, perhaps, that SO formal mode Of
preferring his requests would meet with greater
attention. What was the surprise of our wor-
thy postmaster, VIM. N, Friend, esq, on dis
covering among the contents Of his letter-box
one morning lately missive directed to "Jesus
Christi Opening it, he read the story Of the
boys wants, and, with noble kindness which
we are not selfish enough to deprive our read
er's of the pleasure or profit of hearing, he de-
posted in the envelope the amount required and
directed it to the young supplicant We have
never heard a story that in SO short compass
contains more instructive and interesting les
son. 1t combines singularly felicitous union
OF fine illustrations of the great pillars of reli-
gion--faith, hope and charity; and we would
not wish to know the man who could hear this
"plain unvarnished tale = without feeling him
self and his kind ennobled by the recital.
Petersburg Va.) Democrat.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

fear he may be. No one has yet been author
lied to speak for him, and they who have put
forth such pretences have put forth false pre-
fences. General Pierce relies on the great
democratic party of the country for support
His political career has been one continuous
and consistent war against cliques and factions.
He has too much good sense, too much sound
Judgment, to attempt to build a pyramid with
its apex downward. On the contrary, he de
sires to sustain his reputation as an admins
tratiyc officer on the broad basis of the true,
honest earnest welltried democratic sentiment
Of the whole country. Timid men may desert
him. Corrupt men may abandon him; but the
true, honest, earnest democracy will stand by
him while he stands by the right
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

Mrs. SEGuN-We mentioned, more than a
year ago, that Mrs. Seguin intended to expand
her private classes in vocal music, into more
public institution-an academy of music
wherein the most advanced and thorough in
struction in the art might be impaired to a
large number. The lamented death of Mr. Sc
gum interrupted the formation of her plans ;
but her intention has never been abandoned,
and she is now engaged in the preliminary steps
for founding the proposed institution. Mrs. Sc
gum is especially adapted to be at the head OF
such an academy. She has not only the advan-
tage Of being herself mistress of the vocal
art, but she received her own musical education
in the "royal academy of music of London,
which is an institution precisely similar to that
which Mrs. Seguin designs to establish. She
is, therefore, already familiar with the practical
working of musical academies. We heartily
wish her most abundant success in her enter
prise. Mrs. Seguin has received great encour
agement from home and foreign musicians, who
feel that an academy for the complete mastery
of vocal music is real desideratum among us
Mr.. Benedict, the eminent composer and leader
of London, who is well known here in connec
ton with the concert tour of Jenny Lind, writes
to Mrs. Seguin, as follows:
a2-Manchester Square, London, 2Ofh Jan, 1859
MY DEAR MRS. SEGUiN' nave neard win the
greatest concern the news of your sad bereave
ment. Every one who knew your excellent hus
band must feel your terrible, rreparable loss and
better than myself-tried in the school of mis-
fortunes and domestic calamities--can appreciate
the whole extent of your sorrows. But you have
still holy duties to fulfill and hope you will per
sist in your former plan OF forming singing acad
envy. Your great experience in both the classical
and modern styles, your perfect taste, your high
musical requirements, hold out the certainty, that
you must succeed in country where talent,
united to an unimpeachable moral character, can
never fail TO enlist the sympathies of all. With the
best wishes for yourself and family, believe me,
Always yours very truly,
JULES BENEDICT z
We shall soon be able to give further ysrticu-
mend IL and her To the cons;a.. alton and conf
dence of the musical pr,,nc.--Home Journal
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22
NORFOLK, VA, October ls, 1853.
10 tie Editors oftAe Sentinel:

+ i
GENTLEMEN: We are all highly gratifed in
this section of old Virginia at having heard,
from such a source as we cannot doubt, that
our talented and energetic Secretary Of the
Navy has been aroused to the important neces-
sity Of turning his Immediate attention to the
reformations in the navy which are SO loudly
called for, to preserve and promote its future
welfare and efficiency to the country.
The navy has ample material to work upon,
and we have no doubt Mr.. Dobbin has abund-
ant talents, energy, and 6rmness, to make him
equal to the task.
And we are further gratifed to learn from
an authentic source that his report, now in pro
gress Of preparation for Congress, viii elucidate
clearly to the country his views in relation to
the present inefficient condition of the service.
We, people Of this borough, are all navy
people; what benefits the navy, benefits us as
community and thus we feel more than an
ordinary interest in all that pertains to its
welfare.
TRUE FRIEND OF THE NAVY.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

clusion, the speaker, by way of reorganization,
stated, firstly, that flax was not an exhausting
crop; that its peculiar suitability to different
soils and climates, the short period il occupies
the soil, and the market returns of an average
crop, render it a valuable addition to the ordi-
nary rotation.
Secondly, that the recent improvements in
the process Of treating fax, at an immense
saring Of both time and labor, all auisances
aroided, and the paste products Jenefcially
utilized, offer great inducements for the estab.
ment of small factories in suitable districts,
thus directly encouraging an increased cult
walton by insuring to the grower ready and
constant market for the produce.
Thirdly, that breadth Of fax is annually
sown in the United States, Of which the seed
only is rendered available as market produce,
the straw being only used to very limited ex-
tent for the preparation Of fiber, the rest re-
naming on the fields or being carted home for
rough litter
Fourthly, that a very large sum, about $l4,
100000 to $l5,000,000 is annually expended
by the United States in the purchase Of linen
goods from Great Britain, which country is
obliged to procure the raw material for their
manufacture from other countries, with which
the United States has no commercial relations.
Filthy, that it would appear expedient that
the United States should utilize the large guam
tity OF flax straw already grown, and increase
her production sufficiently at all events to sup
ply the quantity in a manufactured state which
she requires for the consumption of her own
population. H. P. B.
We learn that, since Professor Wilson came
to the United States, the American Flax Com
pany, of which Mr.. Thomas Kimber, r., Of
Philadelphia, is the managing director, have
commenced the erection Of the requisite ma.
chinery upon Buchanan's method, and that
steps have been taken to secure the process by
patent in the United States. The cost of the
whole machinery, we understand, is but about
$2,500-lTd. Louisville Jour. M
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22
UNDEsERyED STRUCTURES.

One of the most unfounded and extraordinary
charges that perhaps was ever brought against
any press, is one recently preferred against us
by that very faultfnding and censorious paper,
the Petersburg hate!hgencer. Had itaccused us
Of having burglariously broke and entered into
Trinity church; had it accused us Of feloniously
taking, stealing and carrying away the Bible that
lies its consecrated affairs, our surprise could
not have been greater. When it met our eyes
we could hardly trust to the evidence of oul
senses. We were inclined to think that there
must be some optical delusion, and had we
been old enough to be obliged to resort to arti
fetal aids to our eyes, as our venerable neigh
Dor of the Latelligencer recently said in regard
to another matter, we should certainly have
taken of our spectacles and wiped them, in or
der to take clear and unclouded second look
The charge preferred against us is, that we
have imported from the old countries, and in
troduced here, the exploded heresy that the
King can do no wrongs" or in other words,
that President should pot be held account
able for anything he says or does.
From the calmly reasoned and well-studied
rules of conduct which we have prescribed to
ourselves, we will not be betrayed into any de-
parture, by the insidious temptations of wing
journals, or by the violent assaults of the free.
soil press. The principles that we mean to ad.
vocate are now distinctly known to all who read
our paper, and care to know our sentiments.
That we have not uttered slavish sentiment
or done servile thing, all right-minded men
who take the trouble to read the Sentinel will
bear us testimony. The extracts that are culled
from our columns by the Lateliigencer to make
its charge good, tend no more to substantiate
it than they do to prove that black is white
To the whole course Of our paper, to all its edi
torials we point in refutation of this charge.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22
TRUE FRIEND OF THE NAV
Death of william II. Goodwin.

We regret to learn that this gentleman died
on Tuesday night, at his residence in Dinwid-
die. His loss will be greatly felt by his family
and friends, and by the community at large as
he was a most useful citizen and universally es-
TENED Petersburg Intel.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

To TRY OUT BfEswAx.--Put the comb into q
cylinder, or tin pan with the bottom punched
full Of small holes, and place it in warm oven
over another pan partly filled with water. The
was wili melt and drop into the water below,
perfectly clear.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22
OCTOBER %, 1853.

B6r Mr.. II. X. LUSDY, bookseller, Bridge
street, Georgetown, will act as agent for the
Sentinel, in receiving subscriptions and adyer-
tisements.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

WASHING FLANSEL.--Enclose new flannel in
bag; put it into boiler with cold water !;
neat and boil it. Il will never shrink any more
after this operation.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22
New Senator from Arkansas.

1t affords us great pleasure to learn that the
Hon. Robert w. Johnson has been appointed
by the governor of Arkansas, United States
senator from that State, to fill the vacancy that
existed.
Mr.. Johnson is not only gentleman Of fine
abilities and great experience in public affairs,
but he is distinguished for his noble, lofty, and
chivalrous character
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

Breaking into Church.-Hawes Place church,
South Boston, was entered by thieves few nights
since, who left behind note signed II. and r.,
stating that they could find nothing TO steal
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

As a whig, we can by no means approve the
whole of Mr.. Johnson's course in Congress-, but
we cordially concur with our neighbor of the
Democrat in his opinion Of that gentleman's
ability, frmness, high sense of honor, and gem
erous disposition. He is as just, noble-hearted,
| and chivalric a gentleman as ever lived, and
| there is not man of his party in Arkansas
whom we would rather have seen appointed to
the United States Senate.-Journal
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

ROBERT w. JoHNsoN.-We observe with pc
culiar satisfaction the appointment of Robert
w. johnson, by the governor of Arkansas, to
fill the vacancy in the United States Senate.
Mr.. Johnson commands our respect alike as a
statesman and man. We have known him
long and well, and congratulate Governor Con-
way upon the happiness of his selection. The
of personal friends, whilst the ability and firm
ness of his course in Congress have won for
him admiration among those who know him
only through the legislative history of the
Union Louisville Democrat.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-22

/
destructive fermentation is carried on at the
expense of the extractive matter of the plant,
and offensive and noxious gases are generated;
in the second, this matter is moved by the aid
of chemical ingredients, which are costly, and
render it of little value; while by the third,
the whole of the substance distracted is pre-
served in q state Immediately available, and
valuable as feeding substance. The process
of sleeping is carried on differently in different
districts; the oldest is probably that Of "dew-
rotting," common to all fax-growers. The
usual method is to immense the straw, either
in tanks OF pits constructed for the purpose or
in slowly running streams. This method, re-
curing from ten to twenty-one days, according
to temperature and other circumstances, is liza
BILE to numerous objections, which has led to
the consideration Of another method, by which
a regulated temperature could be obtained, and
the time and risk of the old process avoided.
Now there are in Ireland upwards of twenty
establishments, besides several in England which
accomplish this process by heated water; con-
Stunning between $4,000 and 40, 900 tonsof straw
annually. In this the principle of fermentation
is the same as in the old process, but is now
placed under the control of the operator, who
can regulate the action of the steep accord
ing to the quantity of the fax, or the article he
wishes to produce. An important saving of
time is effected; from u hours for the finest
qualities to So hours for the coarse only being
required, instead Of from two to three weeks by
the old process and more regular and GER
tain fiber is obtained. By this process il was
ascertained that the yield Of fiber was consider.
ably greater than from that stepped in cold
water. This, however, was liable to some Of
the objections of the cold sleeping process, and
led to still greater improvements.
Now we come to the third division of the
process due to chemical agency, where a sim
pie solrent, as ,cdtey, either heated or in The
shape Of steam, Is alone maze use Of This is
very important advance upon any Of the old
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-24

guage is made use of by men who, If they have
obtained notoriety sentimentasts, have not yet,
in the estimation OF the country risen TO the dlgnl-
ty of statesmen.
The gentleman from New York, Mr.. SMITH,
in another natter showed a carping spirit. He
regretted that, while Secretary Marcy ably vindi-
Gated the rights Of Koszta as citizen of the coun.
try by law of the land, he did not go further and
declare TO the world that, even il Koszta was
not citizen by law, he was so by rule OF reason
citizenship could be acquired by other means than
by law. Citizenship is municipal arrangement,
and lives only under condition, limitation and re-
idea, he repeated, that the Secretary of State
country, and go beyond the law to say what con-
made on Secretary Marcy would be suffered 10
The sword of Ingraham and the pen of Marcy are
destined TO joint Immortality,
He then proceeded to speak on the subject of
the Senate bill regulating the appointment of the
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, and argued
against It's passage.
Mr.. BAYLY, of Virginia, replied TO the gentle
man on the last named topic.
Mr.. WHEELER obtained the floor, when, on
motion. the committee rose.
CRYSTAL PALACE.
The SPEAKER laid before the House a letter
from Theodore .Sedgwick, inviting the members
TO visit the Crystal Palace exhibition in New York,
and mentioning that package tickets had been
forwarded for that purpose.
The House then adjourned till Tuesday next.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-24

the resources available for that purpose, every
favorable opportunity has been seized upon by
the government, and by most Of the Christian
denominations throughout the land, to intro
duce and multiply amongst them the means
and instrumentalities of education and moral
and social elevation.
Much has certainly been effected, but far
more remains yet to be done to secure and
accomplish the full and complete regeneration
of this singular but interesting race within our
borders; but the object is a noble one, and in
all respects deserving of the attention and
energies of the government and of great
Christian people.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. w. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner.
Hon. r. McCLELLAND,
Secretary of the Interior.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-24

REMARKABLE CASE OF SUPPOSED PETRIFIAc-
TIoN.-There arrived, within few days, at the
depot of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, in
this city, an oblong box represented to contain
a corpse, and it struck us as somewhat singu-
lar, it weighed FIVE hundred and fifty pounds,
according to the freight charges upon it.
Curious to know something more about this
mysterious box than the external marks indi-
Gated, we instituted some inquiries, and derived
the following information, which, as we get it
from pretty good authority, we are inclined to
consider correct until we shall receive better
explanation:
The wife of gentleman living in Nelson
county, in this State, died some four years ago,
and was inferred in the usual manner. Being
a native of Woodford county, Kentucky, she
had requested before her death, to be buried
beside her kindred and in the home of her child
hood. From accident or delay, her request
was not complied with until quite recently her
relations caused her remains to be disinterred,
when they were found to be Of the extraordina-
ny weight mentioned above-orey fire hundred
pouadst At the time of her death her weight
was about ITO pounds. Only the foot Of the
coffin, which was still in good state of preser-
walton, was broken open, when her feet were
found to be in a perfectstate ofpetrifaction, the
stone partaking Of the character of the hardest
limestone formations in the locality ofthe grave.
The inference is that the whole body is thus
completely petrifed. Wheeling hatelligencer.
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-24
4,344,OOO 90
9,565,6oo 90

The judicious investment of this large sum,
wilhelm no case prejudcia to the interests of the
| Indians concerned, and capable of being made
| to some extent, beneficial to them, would be
attended with advantage to the United States,
first, in absorbing a considerable portion of the
| present large and useless surplus of funds ac-
cumulated in the treasury; and, second, in
relieving the government from the payment of
the immense sums which the annual interest
and payments on the aboye-stated principals
must eventually amount to--the interest equal
ling the principal every twenty years. Nor
would this measure be without advantage to
the States whose stocks might be selected, and
to the community generally, diffusing, as it
would, a considerable sum throughout the
country, and keeping at home valuable means
of investment, as well as the interest thereon,
which might otherwise have to be sent
abroad.
deem it proper to call your attention to the
fact that "the act to establish the territorial
government of Washington" approved March
2, 1853, makes no provision for the appoint
n.ent Of Indian agents within that Territory.
1t is very desirable that the omission should
be supplied by Congress as early Us practicable
during the next session.
The governor and er-o6fcio superintendent
of Indian affairs for this Territory having been
charged by the Secretary Of War with the ex-
ploration and survey of a northern route for
the proposed railroad to the Pacific, was d-
rected to avail himself of the opportunities thus
afforded to acquaint the department, as fully as
possible, with the condition of Indian affairs in
that quarter. To his letters, which have been
written from time to time while en- route, you
are respectfully referred, as not only affording
important information, but as containing many
valuable suggestions and recommendations
with regard to the future policy of the govern
ment relative to those Indian tribes with whom
he has had communication.
On the important and deeply interesting sub
ject of the civilization and Improvement of our
Indians, have but little to say; less, doubt
less, than may be expected, considering the fiat
'tering accounts of the nrapid improvement" and
"rapid advancement in civilization of the va
rious frontier tribes generally, contained in the
reports on the subject Of their condition and
prospects. Judging from these in past years,
most Of the tribes that have been under our
immediate supervision for considerable periods
should by this time have attained to an adj
yanced state Of civilization and improvement;
but unhappily, this is not the case with any;
yet, that many have made an encouraging de-
gree Of progress in acquiring the elements of q
rude civilization, cannot be denied. The cir.
cumstance Of their having abandoned the hun
ter state, with most Of its wild habits and cha
racteristics, and adopted the more peaceful and
profitable pursuit Of agriculture, is Of itself q
great and important step in the tedious process
Of their civilization. And, to the full extent OF
Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-24

HoRRp AccIDENT.-At the Print Works this
morning, two men were badly injured and
eight others made narrow escape. Twenty
FIVE feet from the ground there was an arch
roof of brick laid in cement, over one part ofthe
old Print Works, and they were seated upon it,
hammering it off, as it was hard as rock. They
had broken off great quantity in safety.
Large iron beams extended from wall to wall
to support the arch. One Of the beams, which
was about twenty feet long, broke, and Andrew
jackson Roe, and VIM. j. Keith, fell, and the
other eight ran back on the arch Just quick
enough to escape. The long part Of the
broken beam hit another iron beam fifteen feet
below it, and was whirled end for end. Keith
chung to that beam, was whirled with it, and
came upon huge pile of broken bricks upon
the ground with it and under it. 1t took fifteen
men to take the beam off of him, and yet the
beam did not injure him much, as he lay in a
cradle hole of the bricks, with the beam across
his back; otherwise the beam would have
crushed his back to a jelly. By the fall one arm
was broken, one thumb put out of joint, his
chin gashed to the bone, his throat cut, and he
was gashed in other places. Roe is worse off,
and is q sight to behold. He fell fifteen feet
and lodged upon an iron beam, and then fell
ten feet more upon the bricks. His lip is cut
in two pieces, one tooth is knocked out, one eye
is nearly put out, H5 has three long gashes to
the brain on his head, his legs and his body
are bruised, and he is in as mangled condi-
ton as we ever knew man and live, without
having bone broken. DIR. Buck, his physi-
clan, says he will recover Manchester (N.
H.) Mirror.