davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly Placer herald., 1854-02-25
The 22nd.

This week has been very unfavorable
for the festivities generally attendant upon
this anniversary, but Notwithstanding, the
number at the Empire on ednesday
evening last proved that Californian is
not to be deprived of his pleasure by
"wind or weather." Too much praise
cannot be given to the gentlemanly men,
bers of Union Co. No. /, from Michigan
City and Yankee Jim, and the ladies who
accompanied them, for their presence
upon the occasion, some of them having
to travel all day in one Of the hardest
rains that we have had during the winer.
The ladies, Notwithstanding the fatigues
of the journey, were ever ready for the
dance.
The "Unions," are fine looking body
of men, and would be credit to any fire
department in the United States. They
were uniformed very much after the
fashion Of the "Hooks" of Auburn: red
shirts, black pants, belts, with the name
of the company painted in gold letters.
The fire companies from Coloma and
Placerville were prevented from being
present by the inclemency of the weather
The department Of Auburn would have
been happy in greeting their brethren OF
Ell Dorado.
AT s O'Clock in the evening, the festvi-
ties commenced by an Address from H o.
Ryerson, Esq, after which the dancing
commenced in earnest to the enliveninp
notes of the brass band, which had been
procured for the occasion. At O'Clock
the company seated themselves at the
sumptuous board Of the gentlemanIy host
Of the Empire.
We must say thar we have never at
tended any party in our town where every
thing seemed to go on SO smoothly and
agreeable. The gentlemen of the Fire
Department had tastefully decorated the
large room of the Empire, and conspicu-
Gus in the decoration were the hooks and
ladders, neatly painted, of the Auburn Co.
We left at 8 O'Clock in the morning, and
still "the dance went on right merrily.''-
Many happy returns of the pleasures OF
the 22nd of February, '54.
The weekly Placer herald., 1854-02-25

Punch says he once saw father knocx
down his boy, and thought it the mos'
striking picture of "sundown" ne ever
beheld.
The weekly Placer herald., 1854-02-25

Curses, like chickens, generally come ~
home to roost.-Yes, foul curses7lt 10
quite natural and proper they should
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

HERoIsM AT SEA.-It is stated that there are
few instances on record of greater heroism than
was evinced by MIR. Daggett, Of Holmes's Hole,
in the assistance rendered the crew and pas
sengers Of the ill-fated barque Elizabeth,
which went ashore off Race Point light
on the 29th of December. Mr.. Daggett was
the pilot; but, owing to the tremendous gale,
which was accompanied by furious snow
storm, he was unable to prevent the loss
Of the vessel. Several of the crew perished
The captain, mate, boy, and an Irish
man, were saved. The captains wife and
child were on board. When the vessel
struck, the waves brove over so that there was
no sa ETY. in the cabin. Mr.. Daggett advised
Captain Strout and wife to wrap themselves
up as warm as they could, and go up into
the rigging, and told them that he would
put the babe into comfort" and bring it up
to them. While he was engaged in this hu.
name occupation, and just as he was ascending
the gangway, he met Captain S. and his wife
returning to the cabin, saying, they might as
we'll die one way as another" Just then sea
broke over the deck, and wet them all, from
the effects Of which the child soon died
Having deposited the body below, Mr. Dag
gett again urged Captain S. and his wife to 90
into the rigging, and, accompanying them,
lashed them to it. Mrs. Strout was very wet.
and her limbs soon began TO freeze, when Mr..
Daggett commenced rubbing them, caring for
her rather than himself until his own feet were
badly frozen. Seeing that they must all perish
if they remained on the vessel, he told the
captain that their only chance was in swim.
ming ashore and taking Mrs. S. on his arm,
he swan ashore with her, carefully plunging
under each heavy sea, which threatened to
separate them. The captain and the Irishman
also swan ashore, and the latter, in attempting to
draw Mrs s. from the water as Mr.. d. reached
the land with her, pulled off her hood, which
Mr.. d. Immediately replaced with his own cap,
leaving his head exposed to the fury of the
storm. Mrs. s. died during the night the
rest were saved, but all were more or less
frozen. Mr.. Daggett froze his ears, part of his
head, and his feet, but is now convalescent.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
PUBLIC PRINTER TO THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVE

Our readers will perceive, from the report
we give in another column of the proceedings
of the House of Representatives yesterday
that A. 0. p. Nicholson, esq, was elected
printer to that body, to fill the vacancy created
by the death of General Robert Armstrong.
1t had been announced in the columns of the
Union that an arrangement had been agreed
on before General Armstrong; death, and tha,
the election of Mr.. Nicholson would not alter
that arrangement TO the detriment of General
Armstrong; family. Because of this and other
reasons, we refused to be candidates for the
public printing of the House Of Representa-
tives. A proper division of the work ordered
by the two houses and the other printing con-
nected with. it ought to be made. Further than
that we have no disposition to interfere With
the present arrangement, which does not give
each house the control Of its own orders
But, for fear of hostile misrepresentation, we
state again that we fully and absolutely for
bade the use of our names in the election,
whilst the causes which induced us to that
course existed. In saying thus much, we
know that we will be most grossly misrepre-
sented; but the fear Of Misrepresentation can
not deter US from the strict, literal truth. We
have told the strict literal truth, and that is ALL
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
O. 0 m m unitata0. .
A Voice from the Sea for Ocean Penny
Postage.
To the Editors ofhe Washington Sentinel:

To the Editors Of the Washington Sentinel:
GENTLEMEN There is no class or interest of
the community that would not be benefited by
the establishment of universal ocean penny
postage. From every direction, and almost
every day, comes voice appealing for this
great boon to mankind. Here is one from the
antpodes, from the hardy men who are wrest-
ling with the typhoons and tempests of distant
seas; the sailors that are unfurlDng the Ameri-
can flag in ports that never before saw its stars
and stripes; the brave sons Of the ocean, ex.
ploring new channels for American commerce,
to enrich the country in which they have left
their humble homes. Five thousand leagues OF
sea roll between them and these homes. Why
aggravate this distance into an insuperable
barrier by taxing their correspondence with
the friends they have left behind with tariff
which amounts to almost an entire prohibition
of intercourse? Let me call your attention.
and that of your readers, to the significance OF
the following paragraph, copied from the letter
of some one connected with the American
squadron on the coast China, and published in
New York paper of yesterday:
The high rates of ocean postage are com
planned of, as bearing particularly hard upon
the seamen of our navy and mercantile marine,
as they are nearly deprived of hearing from
their friends altogether in consequence. Com
modore Perry had recently to pay $25 on
package of four newspapers, not done up with
both ends open, as the post Office laws require.
1t was charged with letter postage"
But suppose the packet was charged with
Ietterpostage! If the four newspapers were
copies of the London Times, they could not
have weighed over twelve ounces. Here, then,
is the letter.postage charged upon the cores
pondence between our hard handed tars in for
egn seas and their fishermen fathers and
brothers at home. Tico dollars per ounce, Just
think of that, Messrs. Editors. Is not that tax
ing the commerce of human affections with
vengeance? What kind of commerce are these
sea-faring sons of our country expected to open
up which will bear tux of t,co dollars an
ounce for mere transportation? The merchants
of America would deem it hard to pay that
transit charge on the richest diamonds of India
Here is pathetic voice from the sea for an
ocean penny postage. ELIHU BURRITT.
WASHINGTON, D. c., March l, 1854.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

for Congress to interfere with the right of the
people to settle this question themselves,
whether as State or Territory.
As we have often remarked, we believe none
of the vast territory in question is adapted to
slave labor, and that consequently the ques-
ton has no practical importance and is mere
ly an abstraction; still there is a principle in
1t that should be rightly settled, and we think
this is the most proper time to do it.
The north, or the freesoilers of the north,
"cannot keep their cake and eat it" at the
same time; and they must be content to abide
by some rule. We think that rule should be
the constitutional one. Not only this, but we
have not the slightest doubt that the great end
In view and so much desired by these ant-sla.
very and freesoil sticklers, will be put off much
farther by the course they are taking, especial
ly as they now come directly in conflict with
the very vital principle of our institutions
that the people haoe right to pass their o,cn
laWs.
1t is, however, quite evident, from the expe-
rlence OF years on this subject, that nothing
short of entire exclusion of slavery from all
territories to be hereafter organized will salts
fy this class of men, and the question must be
met, no matter how soon, and settled. The
consequences" to use their own language
must be left to God," but we hope those who
have this quarrel to settle viii do it without re-
gard to the prejudices or partiaties of the north
or south, and come up to their duty to the Con
stitution and the whole Union, "though the
heavens fall."-Rochester Adrertiser.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
THE GREAT SUBJECT OF THE DAY.

The public attention has for some weeks
been exclusively engrossed by the Nebraska
bill. Almost all other subjects, however grave
and important, have been pretermitted in poll,
teal circles. If the people of the country do
not now understand the provisions of that bill
and the questions involved in it, it will not be
the fault of our public men and journals. Vol.
umes have been spoken and written on it. The
past has been industriously explored. The
whole political history of the country has been
searched. The speeches, writings, and votes
of departed statesmen have been brought to
view. A food of light has been poured upon
the subject. We do not doubt that the legisla-
ton of the country in regard to the subject of
slavery is better understood now than it has
ever been. Nor has the discussion of this sub
ject been yet brought to an end. As soon as
it is determined in the Senate, it will be vigo-
rously pursued in the House of Representa-
tives; and if any fact connected with the sub
ject shall escape attention, it will not be for
want of searching scrutiny, but because it is
buried SO deep as to defy the researches of
both patriotic fervor and fanatical ZEAL
We sometimes feel that we owe apologies to
our readers for so often writing on this sub
ject, but as it is the matter Of absorbing inte-
rest, we do not feel at liberty to pass it by.
Every paper that comes to US contains articles
on it. 1t is in all circles the chief topic Of con-
versation. The searching inquiry into its his
tory will have the good effect of correcting
false views and misunderstanding at the pre-
sent day, and Of guarding against them in all
future time. The debates on it will present a
clear, complete, and permanent record of all
the legislation, writings, speeches, and votes
touching the subject of slavery. In this point
Of view, it is not to be regretted that our states
men should bestow upon it SO large share Of
their attention.
Intimately connected with it, too, are great
and grave questions that relate to the rights of
the States and the powers of the general gov,
ernment, in reference to which every Amer.
can citizen should inform himself.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
To the Editors of the Sentinel:

GENTLEMEN: Have we Bourbon among us ?
The Rev. Mr.. Hanson, of New York, has given
a true history of the lost prince, who is now in
America, and who is an humble missionary
among the Indians, our red brethren of the
forest. A son of the late Louis XVI, who has.
with great acceptance, oficiated in the several
congregations in the cities of Washington and
Georgetown, and has excited great enthusiasm
for the aborigines Of our happy republic, has
made an appeal to the Christian public on the
subjects Of erecting church, forming a library,
and establishing an academy for the educating
and outstanding his nation-to teach them
to read, to write, and to speak the English Ian
guage. Any gentlemen who are desirous OF
aiding him.in this benevolent and religious un-
dertaking he will be most happy TO see, or to
hear from, and to record their names as the do
nors and founders Of this church, and return
his grateful thanks and the Indians blessing.
Books may be forwarded to Mrs. Anderson,
second door from the Irving house, Pennsylva.
MIA avenue.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
CONGRESS-.

In the Senate yesterday, after the usua
morning business, the consideration of the
Nebraska bin was resumed. Mr.. Clayton ad,
dressed the Senate in general support of the
bill, and was arguing the propriety of amend
ing it in some particulars, when, without con-
cluding he yielded to an adjournment
In the House of Representatives the Wis
consin lasd bill was debated, but no question
taken on it.
A. o. P. Nicholson, of the Washington
Union, was elected printer to the House, in
the place of General Armstrong, deceased, tc
serve for the remainder Of the present Con
uroaa
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
A GOOD SIGN.

We are much grati6ed to see it stated in one
of our exchanges that the whole of the demo
cratic press of Maine, with one single excep-
ton, is in favor of the Nebraska bill, including
the repeal of the Missouri compromise. The
same paper says that the ablest democrats in
that State are of the same opinion.
When the remote States of the north mani
fest SO honest and manly spirit, and such
fidelity to the Constitution of the country, there
is but little danger to be apprehended from in.
sane fanaticism and reckless agitation.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
nIoNTHLIEs FOR MARCH.

We have received from Joe Shillington the
"Knickerbocker," containing its usual choice
variety; from the publisher, G. Reagles, "The
New York Monthly" an excellent periodical
contaiping among its contents the beginning
of the Lay Of the Last Minstrel, illustrated
and also from the publication office, New York
/" Livingston's Monthly Law Magazine" a work
useful to 10th the practitioner and student
The most important feature of this work is the
condensed reports of the latest cases.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

RIVER NAVIGATION IN AusTRALIA-The
following extract from a private letter an
nounces the commencement Of most impor.
tant commercial enterprise, in connexion with
this colony-ihe opening of the navigation of
the Murray river. The writer is squatter in
the Liewan district, adjoining Edwards river.
Under date October 2, 1853, he says: 81 had
the pleasure the other day of starting with the
first load of wool ever shipped on the Murray
river, at a distance of 400 miles from the sea
mouth. The opening of the navigation of this
river will be great benefit to all Of us SQUAT
ters on or near its banks, and x.gl greatly in.
crease the value of our runs, as y J great manv
instances we shall be able to roll our wool from
the wol-shed into the barge. The steamer
that has commenced running-the Lady An
gusta, Captain Cadets 100 feet long. and 90
feet beam. She is housed over for passengers.
and carries no cargo, but tows tender Of 10
tons burden, which will convey 500 bales of
wool; and they talk of making the trip from
this point and back in three weeks AT present
their freight is too high, but they hope to re-
duce 1t as labor becomes more plentiful Farm.
ing IS now profitable employment. We are
beginning to feel the benefit of the gold dis.
covery In the price OF our fat stock and wool
ana intend to realize, if | can, while things
are high, as am sure there must be a turn.
u have nearly got through my shearing now.
but am very orthanded, and have had
great deal of trouble, chiefly owing to the in.
convenience arising from want of labor, which
is still as scarce as ever. The way have to
humor and coax to get anything done is per-
fectly disgusting, especially as we are asked to
assist in supporting starving population in,
Melbourne. At this time am without bonse.
servant, and have been so for some weeks.
nor do see any immediate prospect of obtain.
ing one."- Chronicle, 7M.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

n6~ Our columns have recently been so
much occupied with speeches, to the exclusion
of matter of more general interest, that we feel
it due to our subscribers to surrender our paper
for day or two to political extracts and gen
eral intelligence. There are several able
speeches which We are anxious to publish, and
design publishing in short time.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02
SENATOR BRIGHT.

We are happy in being able to state that
Senator Bright is still improving, and will be
in the Senate to vote on the Nebraska bill.
We congratulate him on the prospect of his
speedy return to q seat which he has filed
with so much honor to himself and usefulness
TO the country.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

England and France know by the plainest and
most explicit language, that, while We do not
deny to them any of the proper and legitimate
privileges of diplomacy, their claim to regulate
the'future of Cuba is not only insulting to the
dignity of our people, but such an outrage
upon our often-declared and wellascertained
rights, as will provoke immediate resistance.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENTS WITH RoME.-
Declarations have been exchanged between u .
governments Of Great Britain and of the Ro-
man States for securing national treatment to
vessels and commerce Of each country in the
ports OF the other. The arrangement is to be
in force for seven years. and, further, until after
IL months notice on one or the other side.
Herald III.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

n9r Major Gatewood has arrived in this
city, bringing with him sixteen chiefs of the
Omaha, 0ttoe, and Missouri Indian tribes.
Their business here is, we learn, with reference
to their interests in the region west of Missouri
and Iowa
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

aid bill is overshadowed by the glory it has
achieved for itself in thus relieving the mental
destitution ofthe State.-T5scdloosa Observer.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

new Invention.-A French newspaper gives
an account OF a newly discovered plan of building
carts and other vehicles, by which horse can be
made TO draw ono half heavier load than by carts
as al present constructed The new vehicle has
four wheels, the foremost pair Of which come
about The middle Of the horses body; the weight
10 thrown on the axlcs and the vehicle is so con-
siructed that part Of il covers the horse to the
neck.
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

welcome Citizen.--" We understand, y
says the \. Y. Tribune 'lhat Captain Creighton,
OF the ship Three Bells whose excellent conduct
as related to the rescung OF the passengers and
crew Of the ill-fated San Francisco, has won for
him SO much deserved praise, has determined TO
become citizen Of the United States, and either
has or is about 10 declare his intentions to that
efcctn
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

to have learned from contact and observa-
ton, if not from history, the temper of our
people, as well as the boundessness of our re-
sources. II, in company with England, he is
disposed to brave these, and do injustice to a
people who have never crossed his path with
hostility, he may again have exhibited to him
what has once at least been eminently signal
lied in his own eventful history, the force of
democratic ideas. Our people invite no con-
test, but shrink from none forced upon them.
They cultivate the arts Of peace, and rejoice in
them. But when unjust and insulting inter.
ference comes in between them and their rights,
they know their mission and will fulfill it, in
spite of any dangers that may environ it.
If our people believed that England and
France had even the well.being of the African
race at heart, and that this was the real
prompting motive of their unjust pretensons,
sadly in error though we might believe them,
we vet could cherish some Of the feelings of
forbearing charity. But when their conduct
and particularly that Of England towards this
race, has been practically the reverse, and
when it stands out in such complete proof that
this excuse is only hypocritically used as
cover for insult and wrong, we are justified in
stigmatizing their course with the strongest
language, and in holding it up to the scorn
and contempt of every man. The country
should take the earliest opportunity of letting
Washington sentinel., 1854-03-02

nOn.lnteSVentlOn, Dy leaNIlB tne question OF
slavery entirely to the inhabitants of those ter
rtories, is enough to satisfy an unprejudced
mind, that Congress had come to the conclu-
sion that such policy was best, not only in
principle, but was in accordance with the fund.
amental law of the Union, that gices to the peo-
pile the right to gore,n themselves. 1t is also a
fact worth noticing, and has often been men
toned before, that some portion of these ter
ritories, thus organized in 1850, was taken from
this very Louisiana Territory to which the Mis-
souri, prohibition applied.
These acts, with the fugitive slave law, and
the abolition of the slave trade in the District
of Columbia constitute, if we remember Alright
the whole compromise of 1850.
The definite proposition now is to apply this
principle Of non-intervention to Nebraska
nothing but an honest application Of the rule
laid down in l850-and upon this arises the
hue and cry Of outrage and villainy. Would
this measure violate any compromise? II
there is any truth in history, the Missouri law
was repudiated always, till this time by free
soiers, and in 1916, lS47, lS48 to 1850, when
they absolutely refused to abide by it, was
waived by the south for another, the constitu-
tional rule Of non-intervention to settle the
whole matter. Do not freesoilers boast OF
having acquiescedr at least in it? And now,
when the rule of 1850 must either be carried
out or repudiated, because new territory must
be organized, and the south desires to apply it,
this tremendous agitation ensues.
1t is evident that the best expounders Of
constitutional law believe the division doctrine
untenable, and whatever may be said OF the
views of Jefferson, Webster, and Clay, who are
often cited as authority, the record of their
opinions shows conclusively that they enter
tanned the same notions, and believed it an as.
sumption Of power entirely unconstitutional