davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
The New Per Centage.

We find that some of the Subordinate Di-
visions desire to be informed as to the change
of per centage to the Grand Division. We
therefore give the following explanation, for
the satisfaction of all concerned The change
was made by the National Division, 1.-THE on
ly body authorized to change the Constitu-
tion) and was occasioned by the fact that,
owing to the hardness of many Divisions in
collecting dues from their members, the per
centage system would not afford a revenue
sufficient to defray the expenses of the G
DIS. The per capitg assessment was there
fore resorted u sid 5 cents on each member
made the mdrtmlm. The G. d. of North
Carolina during the past year paid over one
thousand dollars of its funds, to meet def
~ciencies in the salaries of Travelling Lectur,
ers, which almost entirely exhausted it;
treasury it therefore adopted the highest al
lowable per capita assessment 5 cents unit
the meeting Of the G. D. in October next
when, if found to yield a revenue more thar
necessary, it could be reduced to three or foul
cents, as circumstances may require. Thi
explanation will doubtless be satisfactory t.
all, and all will promptly and cheerful.
comply with the present arrangement till tn
next session of the G.. D., when whateve
change is necessary can be then made. W,
think the Subordinates need entertain NJ
fears of a disposition on the part of the 6
d. to require of them a larger per centag,
than IS neeessary-for heretofore the create
portion of its funds have been used to en-
ploy Lecturers and procure other means d
rectly to the advantage of the S~ubordinates
And as in the past, so it will be in the FL
4Dro
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
IAN. <.

The next day the ~intrepidity Of Jacques
was the universal theme Of R-x, and in
due time il was in tho papers with Mandatory
comments by the Editors. The following no.
tice oGtho affair we clip from the R-x SEN
tinel, issued the day after the fire -
Last night about II o'clock, the usual quiet of
our town was disturbcdby the appalling cry of "freP
Oar foreman, Jacques St. Clair, being Mt work at
the time Of its breaking out, rushed into the street
and gave the alarm. 1t was the residence Of Mr..
Somerville, one Of our wealthiest citizens, whose
daughter, the accomplished Miss Agnes, came very
near p~erishing in the flames, which terrible calami-
~ washappily ayerted by our foreman, Mr. st. Clair,
who, fearless Of danger, rushed through flames and
falling timbers, and rescued her from inevitable
doath, and enjoyed the unspeakablo satisfaction of
restoring to the distracted parents a cherished and
idolized daughterl Deeds, such m these, will live
Triumphant when the fame Of the blood stained war
rior shall have been buried with his body"
So thought Jacques more than once he
read the account of the affair and felt proud
in his own heart that he was the man, who
Z" fearless Of danger rushed through flames
and falling timbers and rescued her from in
evifable death I"
jacques felt that he was indeed a great
man!
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
CHAPTER ".

agnes S0mervaLc-C upid's darts-&. Clair
takes pleasure in oisitiag Tie SomergitJes-
the confession the French notions 0fthe
Priater-EagagemeAt.
Agnes Somerville was an intelligent and
handsome maiden, just entering upon the
threshold of blooming ~womanhood. She had
read in books and in the outbursting pathos
Of the Poets soul the romance Of Love. She
had wondered in the innocence Of her nature
what the emotion was-what its aspirations,
What its promptings and in what it's ideal
bliss consisted. Her heart had not been
taught in its scaool-the FIRST warm gushings
had not thrilled her heart-strings with its
stirring music-from the first spring time
and its flowers that her memory had written
on the Leaf of Life, she had secretly wonder
cd what was the emotion called Love by her
Poets.
From the moment that the intrepid st.
Clair rescued her from the horrible death
that awaited her in the burning house, she
folt that she must love him. He was con.
stantly in her thoughts-his image with its
noble brow and honest face was ever before
her, and she felt that her heart grew warm
with secret emotions playing aroundit, when
ever her father or mother called his name
and praised him for his courage in the midst
Of fame and smoke to rescue her from pain
aud death.
She was an attentive listener to his intelli
gent conversation on the evening of his visit
and the mystery hanging around his pas
life, which he was careful to keep concealed
awakened her l~iveliest interest in his behalf
and, ere sho was aware Of it, the soul absor.
bing passion Of love burst with its electric
powers upon her and she was q changed be
ing. She felt it's magic tendrils probing eacf
secret avenue Of her heart, weaving its mys
tic meshes in indissoluble ties around heI
very being-she struggled to be free agar
because the struggle gave her a pleasure sh,
had never before enjoyed. She secretly Loves
her benefactor with oil the energies of he
youthful nature, and she longed to be nea
him and listen TO him speak of the past-th
present-the future. She hoped he woul,
come early to her fathers house, and ben,
his dark eyes upon her as no did at one tim
during his first visit for she felt it woult
rejjicc her heart. She studied deeply til
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

printers paying his addresses to Miss Agnes.
With a painful trepidation, Jacques named
the subject to Mr.. Somerville, a few evenings
after the church-going. He hoped Somer-
Vile would not consider it presumption in
him to aspire to the hand of one so much
above him in wealth and distinction. Som
e~rville hooted at the non-American views en-
tertlined by the printer, and told him that
such were only to be found among the French
and the aristocracy of Europe. Said he:
Mr.. st. Clair, have you not learned that
among us Americans worth alone makes the
man? Don't you know that we desplse the
distinctions Of parentage and wealth That
cenius and mind alone rende q man wor-
thy of being a man-god-like and noble ?
That an humble citizen, if he is generous,
and blest with a superior intellect, is as great
as the millionaire, and greater than one OF
your Emperors, evenY
jacques blushed, bowed with French pc.
likeness, and whispered to himselt-'ho
different from Paris TiUe le america ?
Time r led on-the lovers were mutually
pleased with each other, and they pledged
themselves to each other for life. Bent upoI
an early marriage, Jacques asked MIR. Somer
sented, but threw n damp gloom On tt
printers bright view of happiness, by tellin:
him that the ceremony must be deferred tw
years for Agnes could not marry until sh
was eighteen. This vexed the printer, but h
concealed his blasted hopes as we'll as h
might. Meantime, the family used all thei
arts to learn something of his past history
but he kept it a sacred secret from them
and that my readers may not be kept in tn
same ignorance, we transcribe from an antt
biography, the following Episode:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

scrape.
Some of the advantages of our establish
ments are as follows
l. Any husband wishing to break the
heart of his wife, and fill his house with la
mentations and tears, can be qualified for
the business at a very trifing expense.
2. Parents DESTROYS Of training up their
children to bcGome swearers, gamblers,
thieves and robbers, can have them ~instruc-
ted in these branches, and furnished the
me ans to prosecute their callings, at a cost
far below any other institution in the coun-
try.
3. Those of our citizens who have moro
money than they wish, can spend it here in
the shortest possible time, without any dan
ger Of regaining it, so as to embarrass their
future operations.
4. Any one Wishing to accustom himself
to sleeping in tie streets, bitches, fences, cor
ners and on cellar doors, can be initiated
into the art and MISERY in a short time.
5. Any person having a strong c%onstitu-
ton, and the prospect of a long and useful
life, can be made sickly, weak and worthless,
and brought to an early grave, on terms war
ranted not to fail.
=. Young men who want to part with their
virtue and innocence soon, and become hard
ened in vice, will apply Immediately.
I. Beggars and paupers manufactured by
the wholesale, and on the most reasonable
terms.
8. Jails, prisons and lunatic asylums filed
with despatch, and at prices made known to
t contractors only.
r 8. Drunkards killed gratis, and all other
work in their line done, under letters patent
granted by the State of North Carelina.
: n. B.-We caution the public to beware
of Common and Sunday Schools, of Minis
Y tiers of the Gospel, of temperance lecturers
; and the advocates ofprohibitory laws, and es
? pecially that vile sheet, called the g Spirit
Of the Age" as they are avowedly opposed
to our interest.
s The fair sex have and are doing US much
/. harm, and are continually abusing our es-
adjustments. But as we have broken SO
many of their hearts, and exhausted their
strength in causing them to shed SO many
tears, we will not now trouble ourselves about
d them.
a HARDHEART, BREAKPEACE & Co.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
Chr Charter Election.

Monday, the 10th inst, is the day for cleo
ing~I ntendant and Commissioner of our City.
rhe alternatives are offered our citizens, the
estion at issue being whether Licenses
shl be issued to Liquor shops, or not. Du-
ringSe year just past, the Board has uni
formIy-ejectvd all applications for license,
and our City has enjoyed a reputation for
Quiet I'd good order hitherto unknown
IhaV 1TeSpectdOte as WI as low grOS sHOE
should be thus dealt with, has aroused til
ire of their friends, and a mighty, thong
clandhstine effort, will be made to restol
these honorable Knights of the Teddy site
to their original highness. 1t remains fc
the good people of Raleigh to determine.
they prefer sustaining these establishment
at the sacrifice of the peace and character
the place and the security of their childre
so}be it-few can suffer less, Individually
than we But we cannot believe that The
Twill do SO when the only good that can gro
out of it will be to fill the pockets of the
quor seller. 1t aoiU be to his benefit, only!
We have no appeals to make-it is a que
ton that addresses itself to the intelligen
and judgment of all men, and until the co
trary is demonstrated, we shall believe r
eigh will molly cast her voice against t
liquor monopoly, whether of high or low q
gree.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
TO BE CONTINUED

WoMAN.-Do you love her? Has she not
left home, her parents, her sisters. brothers,
her friends, all, for you? Do you love her :
Has familiarity led you to carelessness p
Have you forgotten the VOWS you made be-
fore Heavens tribunal? Have time and the
troubles incident on all life made her physi-
cally less favorable in your eyes? Have you
forgotten that all her youth, her hopes, her
aspirations for that sphere that all honorable
women covet, were pledged to you, and have
you cherished her, and are you true to her
in all? Ifyou are, then she is happy, and you
have acted a part to be applauded by your
fellow-men and you will receive one dav your
recompense of reward.
But, on the other hand, have you become
satiated? Have you forgotten the being you
swore to cherish? Have you left her to her
own resources, and by your continual absence
and neglect, caused her to pine in solitude
like a meek yet gentle sufferer? Ifyou have,
remember, oh, man you will one day pay
the penalty of your neglect.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

We in this No. Of the Age a
highly interesting Original Story. 1t will
take several weeks to complete it and in
order that new subscribers may be able to
get the Story entire, we have published a
few extra copies with which to supply them.
Send in your orders before the extra edi-
ton is exhausted. We nave entered upon a
new year, and are determined to make the
Age more and more interesting and valu'
able every issue, if possible. Now IS the
time to subscribe.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
GudGna. 81 Temperance ah famig dnnklg gleus paper.

the entire vocabulary of names for Farmers
Tools. A visit to either, or both, would of
itself, repay any Planter the expense and
trouble of paying Norfolk a visit. (See Ad-
refreshments in other columns.) Then call
and see Salushury's extensive Cabinet Fur
niture Store; Dey & Co.'S. large Clothing
Establishment Phillips immense stock Of
China ware; the elegant establishment of
Clarke, HARDWOOD & Kyle, Dry Goods dealers ;
Blogg & Butts fine Fancy Goods Store, Is
worth going to see and by no means fail to
visit Stevens & Butts tremendous Hat and
Cap Store and be sure and look in at the
almost inexhaustible stock of Messrs. Her
man & Co. Shoe Dealers, and also the ele
CANT establishment of Arlington & Co. il
the same branch of business. There art
many other places of attraction to which W.
would allude had we time.
We spent our time quite pleasantly, renew
ing the acquaintance of old friends, formini
that of new ones, and enjoying ourself in
general way. We returned home refreshe
and rc-invigorated for the stern duties befor
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

Ba We saw a gentleman come very near
being thrown from his horse not long since
in front of a notorious Rum hole on a public
street. The rabble were bursting percussion
caps by way of amusement between drinks,
and the explosion of one of these, caused the
animals fright. But the keeper Of the den
had a license, therefore a State Officer, and
of course his Office is not a nuisance. We are
a progressive people,
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
Our Associate.

For some time we have had "WoRTHY
ASSOCIATE to aid us in the preparation OF
Editorials for the Spirit of the Age, but who
has hitherto been known to our readers slmp-
" by the afix of a < to his articles. Having
now, as we believe, secured the partiallty
and esteem of the thousands who have pc
rused with pleasure his racy and spirit-stlr-
ing articles, he has consented to drop the
mask and take his position at the masthead
of our gallant Craft, where he may be
"known and read of all men" The Senior,
therefore, takes great pleasure in formally
introducing to his numerous readers, his
sprightly, intelligent Mate in the person OF
DIR. WIN. NJ. /. ANsoS, Of Alamance county,
TnU-n Atered for
their especial a8usemd broft-and
who would now, at the commencement of a
new year, make his profoundest bow, and
tender to each and all, the compliments o.
the season. The Editorials of our Associate
will, as heretofore, be contradistinguisheC
from others, by the \ affixed to his articles
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
The New Year

A happy and a blessed New Year, kind
reader-may JOY, and peace, and comfort be
the lot of all-may want, disease and adver-
sity be kept far from you, and at its close
may each one who shall read these lines be a
happier and better man and woman.
ANEW YEAR Let it be a new year, not
only in chronological events-but a new one
in forming good purposes, acting out nobl
resolves and executing pure and philanthropy
ic deeds. So may it form ga green spot il
memory's waste" encircling the A. D., 1856
with. a halo of glory and renown that shall
be Of tight and happy glow while living
sAs Edau-stnr of hone and nrnn;sn
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

mysteries Of destiny and taught herself to be-
lieve that there was an inevitable destiny
hanging over every one, ruled by an over-ru-
ling POwer-she believed that it was her des-
tiny to love the printer, poor as he was, and
she obeyed the p~rOmptings within her bosom
and loved him ~passionately even before she
knew that he waScapable of loving.
st. Clair was not long in paying another
visit to Mr.. Somerville's for he too had
been stung by the little God of Love, and lie
felt an awakened interest in Agnes whose
bright eyes he felt had, by their bewitching
chances, touched a secret spring in his heart
that had long lay concealed from the world,
and now he felt glowing in his heart another
love than that for little Martha-he loved the
heiressl
At his next visit Mr.. Somerville treated
him with every possible attention and tried
to make the printer feel that he was equal
with any, however wealthy they might be-
The old man either contrived it, or it hap
pened SO that Agnes and the printer had
seats together at the tea table, and everybody
knows the magic of a cup of tea! He, who
at other times is stole and cold in nature as
an iceberg, will, when slipping tea with agree
able companions, become vOluble, sentimen
tal and throws open the hidden door of the
heart-throws down the fortress wall of cole
restraint and lays the prize out for an easy
capture. 1t was so with the printer before
he arose from the table he felt that his lu
ture happiness in life depended on the fai
Agnes. And Agnes felt the same.
The next Sabbath the printer accompanies
Agnes to Church. This being his first OPP
portunity he was not long in pouring out til
secrets Of his soul before her; he told he
candidly and frankly of the new passion tina
her loneliness had awakened in his bosom
he avowed his unalterable love-hIs devotio
his attachment, and that his happiness d.
pended upon the manner in which she trea
ed him in future. Agnes was eager to cate
every word that fell from the printers lip
and she leaned on his arm, softly pressing
with her little hand, while her eyes wei
bent upon the ground and her heart beat
lively emotion. Her reply, the printer nj
Agnes ever remembered, and the writer
course cannotgive it, but it was satisfactor
and that is sufficient for us to know. 1t
to be hoped that the services at the churt
that day were profitable to the parties
question, but it is scarcely probable that tn
thought much about. They were accepts
lovers, and Agnes referred the printer to h
father for his sanction, not to their union
so MANY words, but for his consent to t
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
s@- They have a quaint way of castin

"a They have a quaint way of casting
reflections on the up country drunkeries.-
Some wags bent upon innocent amusement,
a few nights since, swung a jug in front Of
one of these legalized pits with black Grape
iuttering from its neck. The keeper feigned
great pleasure and said it should swing there
unmolested as his sign. Quite apropOs: the
sable folds Of the Grape are in keeping with
the dying wall of the victims as they are
thrown from the stencil boards of the drunk.
cry to the begrimmed pillars of the altar,
sacrifice.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
1851.
Advertising, Gratuitous

By way of giving our Liquor Sellers az
opportunity Of spreading their business NO
tees before the Public, We give the following
Advertisements a gratuitous insertion in the
Age,,and commend the truthfnlness and can
dor Of the Advertisers. to the consideration Of
onr readers
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04
HARDHEART. BREAKPEACE { Co

pas- We see, by an Editorial in the Chris
tan Friend, published at Goldsboro', that a
proposition is on foot to establish a Female
Collegiate Institute at Hookerton, Greene
county, under the patronage Of the " Chris
tan Baptist" denominations large and re-
spectacle body of Christians in that section
of the State. May it be eminently success.
fuI
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

ETtAHGt hHu hDOub
eues seemed at q loss his face colored and
he stammered a broken excuse = one after m
other, and Mr.. SOmerville could not avoid
seeing that there was o secret mystery con
nected with tho printer that he did not IN
tend to reveal. This threw a momentary
gloom over the group in the drawing room,
but Mr.. SOmerville was not to be put of and
he continued his inquiries:
"Have you any relations in this country,
Mr.. St. Clair 2"
mot to my knowledge, Sir l have an
only brother, but where he is-liying or dead
Il know not"
Indeed Havo you not heard from him
since you left France ?"
Years ago, Mr.. Somerville, when l was
Just twenty"-here the printer covered his
face with his hands and was silent. After a
mental struggle to overcome his emotion ne
continued "a visitation of Providence sud
denly removed in one night my father and
mother. Soon after, n misunderstanding a.
rose between myself and brother, two years
my senior, and the result of which was nc
left France with the entire estate of my faith
or in his hands and went to the sea as a mar
liner. was left without n protector and pen
~.piless. WitbAAA-A~faaRa-in-mx-nocke i
time was master Of my trade. l have learn
cd from an old sailor in Liverpool that my
brother Is n sea captain sailing in the south
ern seas. Of the nature Of the misunderstood
ing between us hope you will not inquire
for | cannot speak of it-would to Heaven ]
could not think Of it,"
90" understand you have n daughter in Mrs.
Prices Select School?"
All! yes little Martial"
els she well provided for, Mr.. st. Clair?'
" She has need of nothing; my wages
since l came to R-x have been sufficient
for her maintenance. 1t is my wish to give
her u good education for she is my only so.
lace and comfUrt-the only being on earth
whom can regard as a friend and a kindred
spirit"
believe me, Mr.. st. Clair, l am YOU
friend" said Mr.. Someryille warmly, taking
the printers hand. Jacques thanked hin
for the assurance of his friendly regard ant
after this the conversation ceased to be of
personal character and assumed n historical
and political phase. They conversed until
late honr upon the history of the French ma
ton, their wayering political sentiments, up
on the greatness and majesty of Republics
of the American Republic especially, an,
upon the great and absorbing questions o
the day. Somerville was surprised at the in
tclligence of the printer and greatly ediGet
Mt his interesting manners. lie arose to de
part, and at the urgent solicitations Of Nj
Somerville he consented to call again at al
early date. With this he bid the family goo,
night and took his leave highly pleased wit
his visit.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

"a As many will want to supply them
selves with a paper containing the latest
Congressional news, and current events of
the day, we would cheerfully recommend the
baltimore Clipper" as the very best of the
kind.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

s. Lake View Division, in Hyde coun-
ty, has FORWARDED to the G. S. Twenty Dol
lars, towards 1oying State Temperance
Lecturers. Several others have given no.
tice that their contributions will be forwar-
ded soon
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-01-04

1t is stated that Senator Dixon, of Ken
tuek{| will soon RESIGN his Senatorial post,
2nd that the Hon. JOhnAC rittenden' or the
Hon. Chas. S. Morehead, WIZ be elected to
Mr.. DixCn's place in the Senate:>