davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
Usn Of DNrs.

Some hungry dogs few nights since fell upon
flock of fat sheep belonging TO JosEPH Smith,
Esq, of this county, and killed seucnty-ttco of
the latest worth from two to three dollars each,
alta single job. In the'sam neiehborhood some
few weeks since the dogs killed thirteen Of IA i'm
proved breed of Mernoes and Cotswolds, belong
ing to Mr.. S. r. CnRlsrIAN, and commanding q
ready sale at ST. and $50 each. ,,..,.... :.
This isa loss by two gentlemen only, of about
500. We do not know what value their owners
putupon the dogs concerned in these undertakings,
but we imagine that Mr.. SMITH and Mr. CHRIS
THAN would not have given half the sheep they
lost for all the dogs in the county.
A law passed the present Legislature, author
izing the County Court to impose a tax on dogs,
and appropriate the proceeds to compensate owners
of sheep killed by dogs. But the law is inopera-
tive until accepted by majority of the qualified
voters Of the county. And as the dog-owners are
much more numerous than the sheep owners, we
suppose that on a question of that sort the dog
owners would carry the day, and the sheep must
still be atened as food for their degs. Sheep arc
now taxed, while dogs go free; one is an article
of necessity, the other of luxury.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
wnie Nominee for Congress.

We have often admired the spirit with which
the Democrats maintained their party organization
upder even the darkest prospects; bat often too
has our admiration turned to something more like
conservation at the manifest result Of that spirit
and policy, They have triumphed where the
Wings would only have despaired. Stopping new
or TO count tile odds, at the call ofthe party CLARION
they rush 10 the ranks with armor ever FURNISHED
for the contest They are wiser in their genera
tion than the Wings Knowing that though they
fail often, yet they may succeed sometime, this
single hope ani,aates them to patient and finally
successful struggle Thus they have TOO often
unwor,hily illustrated the truth Of the inspired
precept, the race is not always to the swift nor
the battle to the strong.
I,is saving older than the English language
that ii, is right to learn from our enemies" and
the Wings may learn good lesson now Of their
enamies. Let them like the Democrats Gtsey9
have candidates in the field, and G',cas cote jC''
them if il do no good, il will do no harm 1t will
spread their principles and their policy before the
people. Ii their principles are worth anything
they are surely worth voting for. 1t is no dis
grace to be oyerborue BY numbers it only gives a
greater triumph when they conquer. In the APP
preaching election in this district the Wings should
have candidate for Congress. 1t is little ''trou-
bic" when at the polls, rs all must be voting Tor
the county candidates, to give at the same time
vote for some good and true Wing tor Congress.
The Wings get no thanks for their libe'allty In
voting for Democrats; besides, it induces q bad
habit, and is wrong in principle; they may come
to think that there is nothing morally wrong in
voting for representative to carry out principles
which we profess to believe subversive Of the best
interests OF the country
In this spirit then, we hope that the Wings of
this aud Of every district in the State will have a
candidate And of the many Wings faithful and
capable Of whom our district can boast, we know
no one moro so than TYRE MAUpIS, ESP, editor
Of the Harrisonbtug Republican. Mr.. MAvplN
is known to the district and the State as one of
the best read and most accurately informed ofthe
politicians OF our country, aud well earning his
soubriquet as the ''Walkiag Wing Library
We know that his nomination will be cordially
hailed throughout the district, and we hope there
fore that in the next number of his paper he will
formally accept the post, and once mnre sally out
10 do battle as heretofore but now for the first time
for himself as well as for the glorious old Wing
cause
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
The. Japan Expedition.

We are gratifed to find, in the Washington
Union of Friday, an authentic contradiction OF a
rumor recently circulated by portion of the pub
lie press to the effect that this interesting expedi
ton either has been or is about to be countermanded
by the present Secretary Of the Navy. The I'm
ion asserts that the rumor is entirely unounded in
fact. and that, on the contrary. the administration
is making every effort togive all proper aid in
carrying out the important objects OF the expedl-
ton and in fulfilling the public expectation in re-
gard to it, The Union goes on to remark:
1t appears to have been the intention OF the late
administration TO place under the command Of
Commodore NJ. G. Perry, as the commander-in
chiefof the United States naval force in the East
India and China seas, and with view to bis con-
iemplated visit to Japan, the following vessels,
viz: one ,ehip-of lifeline, the Vermont; three
sieam,frgates, ,ths Susquehanna, the Mississippi,
and the Powhatan; one first class steamer, the
Allegheny and four sloops-of-war, the Macedpnl-
an, the Saratoga, the Plymouth, and the Wanda
La to be accompanied by two store-ships, the
Supply and the Southampton.
This force, with the exception of the Vermont
the Macedonian, and tho Alleghany, is now as
sembling at Macao The last named vessel is
now in the hands of mechanics, and 1t Is uncer-
tain when her preparation Will be completed: =
The Vermont is ready to receive her crew; but
such is the condition of the recruiting service thai
it is wholly impossible to say when, if atall. q
crew Of 800 men for her can he collected. Be
sides this, the number of mer, Of all classes en-
ployod in our naval service having been limited
by law to 800, and Congress having failed at
It's last session to grant TO the Navy Department
therauthority which it asked to enlarge that mum
Der, and no means having been appropriated iol
that purpose, the.withdrawal of the Vermont from
Commodore Pemy's squadron has become ANA
voidable, because, in addition Ia the force already
in commission, she. cannot row be manned with
out exceeding tine number of scamen prescribed
by law. tits probable, also, that the Necessary
delay in preparing The Allegheny for sea may
render her services unavailable for the expedition
This however, will not interfere with the con
tdmplated visit of Commodore Perry to Japan
with a force amply sufficient and we'll PROVIDED
for the successful accomplishment Of the objects
his mission. t
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

o. ROBERT JOHNSTON, Esl., the present First
Auditor of Virginia, has been named asa candi-
date for Commissioner of Public Works in the
Northern District, and in published card has
expressed his willingness to accept the Office
It is thought he will receive the nomination Of his
party in the Convention soon to be held in Win
chester. We hope lie will. His experience and
knowledge in regard to the Internal Improvements
of the State, acquired in his service hitherto as
member of the present Board of Public Works,
will be of great advantage to the Commonwealth
ii elected to a seat in the new Board. If Mr..
JOHNSTON were the candidate in this district
where he is well known personally, he would be
hard 20 heat by Wing or Democrat.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

THE SANDWICH TsLAyDs.-The Boston jour
nal says that recent census Of the Sandwich Is,
lands exhibits some facts OF startling interest," and
which illustrate in the most unmistakeable man
per the vital law that the inferior race must give
wav TO the stronger. The present population OF
the seven islands forming the group IS 1854 -
The deaths during last year were 1913 while
the births were only 4Io; an average OF s., SIX
deaths pn3 bFn exr no ffgp state Of things
~, ,'p we dnnbt whether its parallel can be found
n tb @f b story of the world In the time of Cook
III s,u 10 numbered 100000; thus in seventy
'.a.s p't tPev have decreased 0000 In 1886
ear' nnroIered lOS,579; decrease in seventeen
years voy nearly $4,000. Such rapid decrease Of
natve population is deeply melancholy spss'a
Grafton erv will hardly have passed away ere this
poo 'I will be bottod from the face of the earth.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
The 1Eiaitia System |.

The Legislature has passed an act abolishing
the present militia system of the State. The mi
itia are to be enrolled by the Commissioners of
the Revenue, and in about year from this time
the last master will come eff. We have not
learned the details of the bill The Morning
Mail says, 1t must be admitted that the militia
system had its uses. True, tied 10 an enormous
waste Of time,-to disgracclul fights and 10 de-
strGctive lntemperanee. True, no one was ever
made better soldier, or better man by it. But
as military, burlesque, calculated by its absurd-
ties to bring war into general disrepute and as a
source OF cheap and innocent amusement to the
children and negro population, il was valuable
institution"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

UMBRELLA FAoroaIEs.-1'ho New York
Journal of Commerce estimates the value Of the
umbrella and parasol trade of New York city to be
equal to 81 500, 900 per chiefly conducted
by seven different firms The Journal adds
One of the largest is that OF Isaac Smith & Co.,
who employ 325 persons in the various depart
Notwithstanding go girls, and facilitate the
manufacturing processes by using steam power.
Machinery is principally used for sharpening the
sticks and ..stretchers," or whalebones, and for
driIlinp holes for the rivets. During 4 consider
able part of the year, from 1900 to 1900 umbrellas
and parasols are turned cut daily, and $4,000
worth Of silks and ginghams aye Sometimes con-
sumed in the course of three months. Generally
manufacturers have different paris the umbrellas
made by different parties ABOUT the city; but in
this instance. the various branches are reduced 10
system, and the whole is prosecuted within the
walls Of single establishment Umbrella handles
are principally made in Pennsylvania, aid the
rattans in Williamsburg and Philadelphia, where
LARGE manufactures are established. There are,
! in an UMBRELLA, ll2 different parts: and before
being perfected. the umbrella passes through near
ly as many different hands. Surprising CELEBRITY
is acquired in putting the parts together, so that
an umbrella is easily commenced and completed
within the space of two hours. and might be finish
ed much sooner if the varnish dried quicker. The
AVERAGE price of umbrellas is 81 o. to sIl0; Of
parasols sl.75 TO 81. An immense quantity Of the
cheaper qualities are made up. There isa large
class throughout the country who require all article
that costs from l2a to % cents, made of cotton
cloth with cane frames. The averago wages
received by sewers Of umbrellas is Si.5o per week
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

Corporation Of Stanton for the ensuing year, G.
lected on Wednesday last, are
N. X. Trout, Mayor; James F. Patterson
Clerk; VIM. Craig, Sergeant; Chapman John,
son, Prosecuting Attorney; A. j. CARRIER, L. P
Eskridge, J. A. McCIung, ]. II. Skinner, A. M
Simpson, E. NJ Cushing, R. w. Stevenson, H
NJ. Boil, B. F. Points, Jefferson Kinney and J
NJ. Bassett, Councilmea. The Mayor and first
seven COuncilmen constitute the Court.
Col. VIM. H. Hartman was reelected Cham
berlain by the Council. A. j. CARRIER, II. NJ
Bell and G, NJ Cochran were appointed Stree,
Commissioners, and j. Kinney, G. z. Price and
J. M. Bassett Committee of Safety.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

TruUAYrEpEc RouTr.-The mixed Mexican
,reatv for constructing plank road across the
Ishmus of Tehuantepec to the river t'oatzacoal-
eos which is thence nayigable to tho Pacific By
carrying out this arrangement "a regular and eX-
,aJ;t;ans inter-oceanic communication will be es-
tablished: Yhe scheme was sanctioned by Ce-
valos, late President I'D interim OF Mexico, and
ii is thought his successor, Santa anna VIII mol
interfere with the present grra1gem fa inc A.,
company Of Sloo is believed to be fully able to
carry on the work, having; by the last advlces,
been reported to have paid the March ins'almen'
of $4,000, upon the strength OF which TWO Mex
lean Commissioners he'd been despatched to put
them in possession Of the line.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
The Ykanawha District.

The Democrats of the Kanawha district held
Convention at Petersburg week before last to
nominate candidate for Congress- At the end
Of the third day, number OF the delegates hav-
ing withdrawn from the Convention, JOHN F.
SNopeRAss, of Wood county, received the nomi
nation. Mr.. LEWIS, of Harrison, forthwith an
nOuneed himself an independent candidate, and it
is said that MIR. CARLISLE will also take the field
on his own hook. Father NEWTON" of the
Kana,rha Republican, says, very properly, that
the Wings must have candidate, but adds that
he cannot run this time. Very sorry to hear it
our heart has been setu upon seeing him in Congress-
lie, however, dominates A. NJ. STERRErr, Esq,
Of the Parkersbtrg Ga-ctte, and we learn from
the last number of that paper that Mr.. S. is upon
the turf He has our best wishes for his success.
As in duty bound; we give the Republican, the
fret place in our affections, but the Gazette is an
elder brother towards whom our feelings are de-
eidedly fraternal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

o. The extensive sale of property belonging
to the estate Of JAMES A. FRAZIER, decd, adver-
tised in our columns to commence at Jenning'
Gap on "Wednesday the 9th, was postponed in
consequence of the illness of Mr.. JeHN w. Fra
rIER, one of the executors. We were very much
panied on Sunday to learn that Mr. FRAZER:
sickness had proved fatal
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

SOUTHERN LITERARY MEssENGEa.-The A
prilnumber fthis Magazine is one of more than
usual interest. Ii contains another sketch of the
.Flush Times Of Alabama" by our former fellow
townsman JOSEPH G. BALDWIN, Esq, which is
exceedingly "rich and racy." The Messenger
is now one Of the very best publications Of the
kind in the country, and the reduction of price
from S. TO So (when paid in advance III has btoHght
1t within the reach CT almost every one.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

Or We learn from the ,idrOcGts, that the
Wings of Albemarle have set to work this spring
with great energy. They held meeting on their
last court-day and nominated ALEXANDER RrvEs,
Esq, for Congress. A district convention will
mee, in Charlottesville, on the 2lst inst, which
will no doubt ratify the nomination.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
Fires.

barn near Mddlebrook, in this county, be-
longing to john RANDOLPH, Esq, was struck by
lightning during the thunderstorm on the morn
ing of the 4th Instant, aud the barn with guam
,ity of hay and grain, and a thrcShing machine,
were entirely consumed by fire. A horse belong
ing to Mr.. Fix was in the stable at the time and
was killed by the lightning. Mr.. RANDoLPH's
loss is near $1,000.
The barn of Mrs. McCuEsxEy, near Browns
burg, was destroyed by fire with all its contents,
few days ago. The fire originated in the inge.
n,aty of little negro boy, who tokeep 'settng"
goose from her nest, under the barn, put heated
rock in the nest, and soon made the place too hot
tor the goose I'd allothors concerned. This is on
the principle CT the old plan of burning down the
barn to get rid of the rats.
On Monday morning last, between two and
three o'clock, small building in this place, near
the County Jail, and occupied by laborers on the
Central Railroad, was also consumed. Fortu-
natey, the air was still and the fire did not spread
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
Corporation Election.

We are authorized to announce ANDREW B.
cowAN,a candidate for the office of Commission
er Of the Revenue in the Corporation Of StauntOn,
The election will take phase on Friday ne.rt.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
The senate,-Foreign indebtedness

The proceedings of the Senate during the last
week, so far as they have transpred, possess very
little general interest, and we omit our usual sy-
nopsis. One matter, however, which was under
consideration, is of too much importance TO be
passed over. On Monday, the 9TH, the Senate
adopted Mr. BRoDHEAD's resolution, directing the
Secretary of the Treasury to communicate the
Senate, at the next session OF Congress, state
ment exhibiting the amount OF Federal, State,
railroad, canal, aud al other Americanstocks held
in foreign countries. Mr.. BRoDHEAD is Penn
sylvania Tariff Democrat, and his object is to OBJ
tain information With view to revision of the
revenue laws. He exhibited some statistics to
show our immense Indebtedness to foreign coun
tries which are calclated to cause tree-traders to
open their eyes. The actual balance against us
during the fast fiscal year was upwards Of seven
ty-seven millions Of dollars, and our aggregate
Indebtedness is estimated at three hundred mil
lions! The net amount ofspecie exported from
the United States during the last year TO llqui-
date the above balance, exclusive of eight or ten
millions which went direct from California, was
thirty sever millons and the remainder was set
tied BY the sale abroad of stocks, State, city and
railroad The worst feature in the case is that
the debt is increasing every year At fearful rate
under the operation of our existing revenue sys-
TEN, the entire resources and labor Of the country
are becoming mortgaged to foreigners. In this
Mr.. BRoDuEAp thought he saw some of the
symptoms which proceeded the break down OF
lS4O The prospect, he said, was anything bit
nnrenahln 10 cnntemDlato
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

NourY,rIoNs AND OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
:,.,on gnyI Sex senator Dickinson. 10 the
sey onn,eat Of all. has declined the New York
Giiianorshin. and Judge G. c. Bronson was nomI-
.lJ nd confirmed in his stead. Hon. Scion Bor-
na'eu a,'' nnn,ira,ed and confirmed Governor OF
, M Mexico This nomination was unexpected,
NG ne has caused surprise in and ont of the Senate
''I :, 10 rumored this evening that Mr. Marcy mEs'
- ,he Cabinet, but cannot trace it to reha
liza L. For some reason, however the Senate
Is.,o,es to fix the time for an adjustment, and il
is mt not believed only minor appointments woule
keep them here.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

From CALlFoRYIA.--A dispatch from New
Orleans on the 9th, gives Is days later news from
Caliloruia, received by way of Vera Cruz. Much
anxiety Was felt at San Francisco for the safety
of the steamer Independence. She was thirty
days behind her time, and the steamer Sea Bird
had gone in search Of her. the accounts from
the mines are very favorable, the old diggings
yielding ihore abundantly than when first dug
over Gold mines of great value are also being
discovered in different parts of Oregon. The ban
dit in Joaquin still continue their depredations
though hotiy Pursued they always managed to es'
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

INrAsricIDE.--On Monday morning, the dead
body ola newly-born infaht was found in the
stream. OF water running through the Southern
part Of this town. A coroner's inquest was imme-
diately held, and upon its finding, the rnother-a
young unmarried white female, living in the vi
cinity--was arrested and committed to answer for
| flya orip,a
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

As- The Washington correspondent OF the w
Y. Times expresses the suspicion" that the pas
saoe in Gen. P1ERcE's inaugural, Oh the subject
Of further acquisition of territory, had reference to
the Sandwich Islands. "What, he says, F'it, at
the next meeting of Congress-that is, in Deem
bert should come to light in the form of Urea
10 Of Annexation like that of Texas. that the ear
lest measure which Mr.. Pierce has taken, was,
to send out secret agents to the Sandwich Islands,
in order to reopen that which we have once re-
;ected-a negotiation for their transferring the SOW
ereppty of the group 10 US? ?" To such COM
nact European policies, he thinks. would have
Strong affections. 1t would be decidedly funny
If Enrope should meet US with Monroe doctrine
If its own and insist if they have no right to come
npon this continent, then we, on the converse.
have no right to go out of It,
Referring to the appointment of Mr. Campbell,
Of Mobile, as Judge of the Supreme Court, the
same writer says IL find that Mr.. Z. is aver
red by his party TO be an able man; but 1t is I'M
questionable that he belongs thoroughly to the
secessionist school of politicians. What bushes;
has a Disuniohist in that Court In the late
Southern struggle, he was, learn, to the last,
bitter opponent ofthe Compromise Him. M
P'ierceIvowed to the upliolding of that measure
places on the judgment-seat to which Its con
s,itutonality will be referred and him the party
majority in the Senate confirm without hesitation
'Tbe Calhoun men always get, however, large
nronortion of the honors. Thus Tar, with two
the the Secretaryshps, (War ard Navy,) and !
Judreship of the Supreme Court, the President
considering what firm Union-man he is, ha
done pretty well for them
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

M. The President informed the Senate on Satrr
dow last that he had no further business of i'm
porancc to lay before it, and aresoluton was adopt
Il to adjourn on Monday. The appointments
abroad are deferred until the next session.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

JosEpH, SEeAR, Esq.-We regret to learn
from the Richmond Morning Mail that JOSEPH
sEeAR, Esq, has declined being candidate for
the Board of Public Works. He says that the
duties Of the important trust will require the whole
time Of the members of the BOARD, andhis respon-
sibilities at home do not allow him to make the
sacrifice, particularly for the very inadequate sal
airy affixed TO the office, The election, moreover,
is to be of party character, and he does not wish
to enter upon a contest which he considers hope
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

&C.. The Hon. PIERRE SoULE, u. S. Senator
from Louisiana, has been appointed Minister to
Spain, and the Hon. Mr.. Downs, late Senator
from the same State, Collector ofthe Port OF New
Orleans -
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

o. SAMUEL Price, ESQ, of Greenbrier, is re-
commended in some OF the newspapers as
member of the Board of Public Works. He is
gentleman of fine talents and elevated character.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13
WEDNESDAY, APRIL Is, 1853

ns- We are authorized to announce the non 70" =,
LErcmeE candidate for election 10 'oe
,he Uaited States, from this District
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

o. The steamer Illinois arrived at New York
on the 9th withswo millions and nihety-five thou
sand dollars in gold dust from California. No
news OF Importance.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

&C. The Pennsylvania Senate has re"onsldered
and passel the resolution to take the sense of the
people Gil the proprie'y Of adopting The Maine law:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

0c- Mr.. FRANCIS B. BAILEY, Daguerreotypist,
requests US to say that he has located permanently
in Alexandra, but will visit Stanton evory Sum
tner and remain few days for the purpose Of
taking hkenesses.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-04-13

o. Both houses of the Legislature having f.
naily agreed to adjourn on Monday last, that de-
sraOlc contamination was then probably effected
The members were taking French leave during
tho last week in considerable numbers, and on
Friday quorum of neither house could be drum
med up BY the Sergelnts- Arms.