davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
The Raft Survey.

We publish in another column an inter-
estng letter from Col. J B. GiI,aer, BY
which it will be seen that the survey of the
Raft region under the direction of the
War Department, preparatory to COM
mencing operations to obviate the Difficult
ties to our navi vigation created by this OBJ
struction, has been commenced. The sur
vey is being made by Col. c. A. Fuller of
the U. S. Typographical Engineers. aided
b? competent assistants, and a thorough ex-
animation will be made Col. Gilmer, who
has ever manifested the deepest interest in
the removal of this obstruction, and who
has spent more time, been at more expense,
and taken more pains to ascertain the best,
cheapest ard most practicable plan for obvi-
ating the difficulty than any other man in
the valley of Red river, has, we are pleased
to learn, accompanied Col. Fuller in his ex.
aminations, and will, in connection with
Captain Moore. assist Col. T. in making still
further examinations Of the different out
let's on the west side of the river.
We are well aware that in years past, Col.
Gilmer was regarded by many persons above
the Raft as being opposed to any plan that
would tend to obviate, or remove this OBJ.
struction, bat knowing his views fully we
regarded him differently We know that
when committees have been appointed by
conventions held here, Col. G. has rendered
them the use of boats, hands and every fa-
cility in his power for making a thorough
examination of the obstruction, and now,
that survey has been ordered, and there
appears to be a fair prospect of an early
commencement of the work, we find him.
assisting, the officers of the Government.
atfording them the advantages of his supe-
rior knowledge of the country, in the Raft
region, and thereby greatly facilitating the
survey.
Col. Fuller will complete the survey as
speedily as the importance of the work will
permit, and as soon as he decides upon the
plan to be adopted in removing the obstruc.
ton to our navigation, the work will be
commenced, and be prosecuted with the
greatest possible dispatch.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

Very ingoniously contrived counterfeit
quarter eagles are in circulation in New
York. They are said to be made from a
genuine New Orleans Mint die, stolen some
years since, and bear 20" under the talons
of the eagle. John TORY, Assayer at n.
York. has analyzed the coin, and finds that
it is made of a casting of pure gold, filed
with silver, and probably platina, to increase
the weight. The weight is 60 $40 grains.
which is only four light, and the casting of
gold weighs 80 l-l0 grains It is therefore
worth 81 IL in gold, and s cents in silver,
or 81 % cents in raw material, besides the
labor of making. The maker and vendor
could not therefore. realize more than 81
each, which would seem too small profit.
except that the counterfeit is SO well done
that there is but little risk of detection.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

of us here think that all who arc o,,,:,
and dispassicnate and have no peculiar inter
est of their own to subserye in the matt
concur in the opinion that Memphis is =.
much superior to Helena as direct co,n =
munication with the great States Of III
Union is to entire isolation. The road ~
Memphis can be built if Arkansas viii give
her aid to the work, and. when it sbaTI
be built, it will open to us all the marks,.
of the country and open us to them. Az
kansas and her people can build no railroad
with her own funds. and the Memphis ro.d
is the only one for which funds are profFereJ
rs from other States. So it is not only ,Lo
road which will be most valuable to u IL,
the one which can be made with the ms.
ease and certainty. Yours
OUACHITA.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
Memphis & Arkansas Railroad.

The Memphis Appeal, Of recent date
speaking of the progress of this important
work, says the earth has been fairly broken
'and large number Of hands are now at
work upheaving the sod on each section of
five miles of this road, as far out as fifteen
mile bayou, and that as soon as the stakes
can be fixed. another section viii put under
construction a. an early day it is conf
dently expected the superstructure will fol-
low.
The principal contractor, Mr.. JoHN H.
BRADLEY is now at New York making the
necessary negotiations for the iron. locomo-
tives and cars. and feels confident of sue
cess. The Appeal says if the Legisla-
ture of this State viii apply the Congress
sonal donation of land to this road, and a
reasonable increase of stock can be obtained
along the route, of which there is not a
doubt, the road between Little Rock and
Memphis will be completed with the utmost
dispatch.
This company have presented their claims
to the Legislature for the Mississippi termi
nus of the Cairo and Fulton road, and the
Congressional donation of Lands made to
the Mississippi branch of that road. We
refer our readers TO the letter of our Little
Rock correspondent, of the 18th inst, for
the conditions upon which they ask the do
nation We regard Memphis as decidedly
the best point, and the only one that prom
ises connection with the different roads east
of the Mississippi in any reasonable time,
and trust therefore, that the Legislature will
adopt it as the Mississippi terminus of the
Cairo and Fulton road.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
4 Washincton lispatch says !:

The FillibuSters continue to receive IN
favorable news from Cuba Their private
letters inform them that Gen. Concha has
appointed to places Of honor and profit ser-
eral Of those who have been the most infu-
ential conspirators against the Spanish gov
ernment. and who have contributed largely
in money 70 support the Fillibu1ter cause.
This shrewd step on the part Of Concha is
a severe blow to the scheme of invading and
revolutionizing the island learn also,
that the subscribers to the fund il this coun-
try don't pay up as promptly as they ought.
Cuban stock suffers along with the other
fancies from the severity Of the hard
tines
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS
SENATE.

FRIDAY, Nov. 10.
q Resolution was received from the
House instructing our Congressman to pro.
cure mail route through Madison and
Newton counties.
Mr.. Ferguson reported bill to pre7en,
advertising Swamp Lands, which passed
TheSenate repaired to the Hall Of the
House to elect e. s. Senator. Hon r
W. johnson was elected
Mr.. Berry introduced instructions to
our Senators to procure the establishment
Of tri-weekly stage line through Indepen.
dence, Carroll, Madison and Washington
counties. Mr. Keith introduced like in.
structions for a tr-weekly line of mail steam.
ers from Memphis to Jacksonport.
A bill to authorize counties to take stock
in railroads, was referred to the Judiciary
committee.
Mr.. Totten introduced q resolution IN.
structing the Judiciary committee to report
bill requiring the Attorney General to in
quire into and prosecute all persons or cor.
porations who collect toll illegally from tray.
elers and others on roads or bridges. A.
dcpted.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
lFor the Teiegraph.l
II
ORCHARD, La, Nov. l., 1854

ORCHARD, La, Nov. l., 1854.
Mr.. ErrER -
I have waited impatiently for the no
ment to come when l could drop yoa and
the people OF South Western Arkansas
satisfactory line in relation to the improve
ment of the Raft region of Red river
That time has arrived Col. G. a. FUL-
LEE, Of the U. S Typographical corps, is
now encamped on the banks of that impor-
tant stream, with all the requisite instru-
ments, and with able and efficient managers
Of the same, to solve the various problems
that have, for years, been suggested by ac-
tual observation.
Connected or unconnected with this I'M
portant improvement, can say to your peo-
pie and to you that my labors for the past
ten years have been heavy, and my interest
great, and that [ am satisfied with the pre-
sent arrangement of tie Government. 1t
has sent US an able and efficient head, in
tho person of Col. FULLER, and his aids,
Messrs BARRY NoRvEL and RoBr. MoonE,
are unexceptionable.
1t has been my pleasure to have been in
the field of reconnaissance and actual survey
for the past two weeks with the party, and
take great pleasure in informing you that
the secret Of the distractions is bound to he
solved by figures. The transit level and
chain will correct all the errors into which
the naked observations of our minds have
led the whole country for years past.
In Col. FULLER we have gentleman, a
scholar and hard working man, practical a.
well as scientific, whose observations and
surveys will insure to upper Red river what
she must have, navigation and regular va
ter discharge. | am sure that the channels.
water outlets, and level, will govern the plan
Of this improvement, in which case no fear
Of success may be apprehended. The Col.
| exhausted the first week of bis labors in OBJ
servations on the. raft and bayous. The
past week has been spent in surveying, lev
cling and sounding the raft channel of the
river, from Red Bayou to distance Of y
miles below. On Monday. which will be
Tomorrow the survey will be continued bv
Messrs. NoEvEL and MOORE to point sever
al miles below the raft; while Col. FULLER,
Capt. THOMAS MooRE ofRed river and your
humble servant will make a thorough re-
connoisance of Red, Elmers, and Dooleys
Bayous, and all the lakes on the western
side of the the valley.
Captain MooRE and myself are well ac-
quainted with all the outlets in the raft re-
gion, and as guides, we can direct the Oh
servatlons of Col. FULLER to any point of
water transit in the valley.
AS soon as the surveys and observations
are completed you will hear from me again;
in the mean while | shall continue 70 use
my utmost energies for Red river.
Respectfully, &c,
J. B. GILMER.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
Address OF REr. Prentice.

In another column we publish the address
Of Mr.. PRENTICE, of the Louisville Journal,
delivered at dinner given him by the citi-
xens of Little Rock, without distinction of
party. We invite the attention Of our read
ers to the address, as much for the senti-
ments it contains, as the beauty and ele-
gance Of its language.
We had the pleasure of being present at
the dinner, and were much gratifed to wit
ness the kind feeling manifested on the oc-
casion. Mr.. PRENTIcE's career as an edi-
tor, has been long and eventful one-one
well calculated to engender bitter and hos
tile feelings in the bosoms of those political
ly opposed to him, but, On the occasion to
which we refer, all such feeling seemed to
have been dispelled by the sunshine of Mr.
P.'s social qualities. and all seemed to unite
heartily and enthusiastically in showing a
proper respect to his genius and his worth.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

10 Howard College. in Marion, Ala,
which has just been burnt, is to be at once
rebuilt. The buildings are to cost $40, 900
most Of which has already been subscrib-
ed by the citizens of Marion. At the fire
which took place at midnight, "a students
were burnt and injured in jumping out of
the windows, some very badly-one servant
killed, and every thing belonging to the col
lege, the professors and students, vas con-
sumed.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
lFor the Teltgraph.l
LITTLE Rock, Nov. 18th, 1854

Mr.. ETTER -
But few other than local matters have
as yet came before the Legislature. Yes
terday demonstration was made on the
Swamp Land question. which, for short
time. created some little bluster aud excite
ment. but the subject soon found its way
back to one Of the committee rooms, where
it bids fair to remain for some time.
There promises to be some difficulty with
regard to the adoption Of the several Rail
road surveys. Every town and village ap-
pears to be represented, and each individu-
al i decidedly Of the opinion that through
his town or by lis door is altogether the
most feasible and practicable route, and all
contend warmly for the correctness Of their
several opinions.
Memphis Helena and Napoleon all have
their advocates for the Mississippi terminus
Of the Cairo and Fulton road. While Hell
ena pleads State pride and shortness of dis
tance, Memphis contends for it on account
Of the great inducements she offers. her
ability to 40 what she promises. and her
connection with the other roads East of
the Mississippi. Memphis, in fact appears
q be the great centering point for the roads
East Of the Mississippi; offers greater ad-
vantages than either of the other places.
and should have the preference. 1t would
certainly be greatly to the interest Of Ar
kansas to connect with Memphis, indepen-
dent Of the many inducements she offers US
to do 90. | sincerely hope the Legislature
will view the question in its proper light,
and fix the terminus where it promises to be
most advantageous to the State. where there
is the most certainty Of the speedy construc-
tion Of the road. and where we are offered a
sufficient guarantee that the donation they ask
will not Be misapplied or lost. | have strong
faith in the honesty and intelligence of the
present observation-disclosures my belief that
Memphis will be the point selected.
Yours
A MEMBER.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

The New York correspondent Of the
Charleston "News" relates very extraor-
dinary incident connected with the loss of
the Arctic and which is not generally
known, as follows: A young gentleman,
lately residing in this city, fell through a
hatchway in his fathers store some time last
summer, and was severely injured. one side
of his body becoming completely paralyzed:
and after while he entirely lost the facul-
ty of speech. In this position he remained
until the 9th ult.-about the time of the
accident to the Arctic, on board of which
the young mans father was passenger
when he suddenly started up in his bed and
exclaimed, "My father is drowning" aud
fell back upon his pillow and died 1t was
the first time he had spoken for months, and
it was the last forever.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

r The Circuit Court of this county
commenced its fall session On Monday the
18th inst, Judge HUBBARD presiding
We were not present, but have been told
that Judge HIS charge to the grand jury
was clear, forcible, and to the point, and if
We can judge from the length of time the
grand jury sat, we should thing the charge
had great weight with them Judge II.
rules delinquents up to the law, and makes
them feel its potency. The Court has the
appearance of a deliberatiye body, and
seems adequate to the great interests before
it. All give him great credit and appear
pleased with his administration.
Mr.. CAN'T, the Prosecuting Attorney
seems to be fully aware of bis duties, and
appears to labor faithfully to have crime
properly punished.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
The Governors Message.


We intended to have given synopsis Of
the Governors Message in our present
issue, but cur recent absence, and an un-
avodable press of other business prevented.
| We have read the message through,
lengthy and voluminous as it is, so great
was our anxiety to see what line of policy
his Excellencv would recommend the State
10 pursue at this critical and interesting Pc
riod in her affairs The Governor howev-
er. has deemed it best to leave it to the wis
dom of the members of the Legislature,
fresh from the people, to adopt such a
course in regard to the important interests
Of the State as they may think proper,
uninhuenced by any suggestions from him.
His Excellency contents himself in the
discharge of his official duty, in collecting
from the Auditor and Treasurers reports,
the last census, and various other sources,
a vast amount Of statistical information,
which he has presented to the Legislature
, for their consideration His object in thus
extensively collating from the various sour
ces we have mentioned, seems to have been
more to save the Members the trouble of
searching it out for themselves, than to base
upon it any line Of policy for the Legisla-
ture to pursue.
We, in common with a large majority Of
the people, looked with great deal of anxi-
ETY. for the Governors Message, hoping that
he would in some way vindcate bis course
in refusing to convene the Legislature when
so very much desired by large portion of
the people, but lie has given US no explana-
ton.
The Governor congratuiates the people
that by the course he has pursued. four diff
ferent lines of Railroads have been survey
ed without expense to the State, but he fails
to show how we are to construct either Of
them. Whether the policy pursued by the
Governor which has resulted in the sur
vey Of four roads without expense to the
State. destroying as We fear it has, the
ability 70 build either, will add much to his
reputation as statesman, we leave time to
determine
The course the Governor recommends in
relation to the Zeal Estate Bauk, may be
right or it may be wrong. its condition and
management is to us like the Governor con-
fesses it has been to him, "a sealed book, -
but how he can so confidently speak Of its
condition and Encouragement in view
of the confession he makes, we are unable
TO say.
Many of the suggestions made by the
Governor in regard to minor matters of
State policy, we doubt not, are wise and
judicious, and the zeal and fidelity he has
displayed in having fngitives from justice ar
rested and punished, are highly commend
able and prai>eworthy.
Some of the Governors suggestions rela-
tive to the management of the swamp and
ovcifowed lands, are impera;ively called
for, and we indulge the hope that the Leg
islature will adopt such measures in regard
to these lands as will result in their perma-
| nent reclamation.
AS we intend giving a synopsis of the
| message in our next, we will close our COM
meuts for the present.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

U. S. SENAToR.-The Legislature of
Arkansas, on the 10th instant. ananinous-
ly elected the Hon. r. ". JOHNSON U. S.
Senator for the unexpired term of Mr.. BoR-
LAND, and for the six years term, commenc-
ing On the 4,h of March next.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
"WEDNESDAY. NOV. I5.

Mr. Ferguson introduced bill to prevent the
circulation OF Change Tickets, OF less denomin-
alton than five dollars
The bill to authorize taking dispositions in the
Indian country. was passed.
Joint resolution was received from the House,
InstTucting the Attorney General to issue a writ
Of qK0 rayrGnfo, against the Memphis and St.
Francis Plank Road Company. asking that com
pany to show cause why they have erected toll
gates across the Military road in Critepden coun-
II, and are demanding toll from enigrants pass
ing through the same.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
TUESDAY. Nov. Il.

Mr.. Green introduced resolution instrnctnr
the Committee on Printing to enquire into the
expediency Of electing State Printer and regu-
lating his compensation. Adopted. And also
bill to anihorise taking OF depositions in the In
dian country.
Mr. Askew introduced bill to amend The GAM
Irg laws; and another TO exempt free white citi-
zens over the age of forty-five years, from poll
tax
The resolutions introduced by Messrs Keith
and Berry, in regard to the establishment Of mail
lines were taken up and passed
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
The PENNSYLVANIA ELrcrIoN.-Go

The PENNSYLVANIA ELEcTIoN--Gover-
nor BIcLER, Of Pennsylvania, was recently
in New York city, where he was serenaded
BY the Democratic Club. lie made a speech
in which he set forth the fact. that the late
defeat of the Democratic party in the Key
stone State resulted entirely from the Know
Nothing movement The Nebraska ques-
ton, he states, was not an issue in the con-
test.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

- The Congressional Delegation elect,
from Pennsylvania. stand 16 Wings. 5 De-
moerats, 3 Anti-Nebraska Democrats, and
one Native American The official majori-
ty of Pollock. Wing, for Governor, over
Bigler, Dem, j. 81 ,007.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

RAIL ROADS IN THE UNITED STATES
1t is computed that there will be twenty
ted States on the LIST Of January next The
longest Railroad upon the surface of the
globe is the Illinois Central Road, which is
74l miles in length. and is rapidly approach
ing its completion.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

CONFERENCE.-THE annual meeting of
the Ouachita Conference Of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South, commences to-day
A large number of cereymen are in atten-
dance. Bishop KAvANAUeH. of Kentucky,
presides.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

% We invite attention to the advertise
ment of B. L. BRITTIN & Co., who have
just received new and beautiful stock of
fancy dress goods, clothing, &c.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

OE We are authorized to announce DAVID
BLOCK, as candidate for County Treasurer
Election to be held on Friday the first day OF De-
cember next.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

70 We publish the proceedings of the
Senate up to the 18th inst, and next week
will endeavor to bring the proceedings of
both Houses up to date
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

% We understand that Gen. WILLIAM
T.HAsKELL will address the people at this
place on Friday next, in behalf Of the Mis-
sissippi, Ouachita and Red River Railroad,
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
SATrRpAY. Nov. II.

=, - % ~ kDAh- NOV IL.
Mr. Green introduced resolution in regard to
establishing an agricultural and manual labor
school in this State, and asking Of Congress
grant 81 lands for the same. Adopted
Mr.. Keith introduced a resolution instructinv
the Judiciary Committee TO enquire into the ex,
pediency Of creating the Office Of Attorney Cen
eral for this State. Adopted
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
Neyv-Tork Elections.
Nr,I--Yn7F Nnv 4

NEw-YoaK. Nov. ).
II is believed that Baker, Know Nothing,
is elected Mayor. Gov. IIoratio Seymour
i probably reelected, but the returns are
not sufficiently complete to tell with certain
ty. Sage. Wing. elected to Congress from
the 18th District Harcourt. Independent,
from the 18th jackson, Hard, from the
18th; Watson, Whig, from the 20th; VII
liams. Soft and Know-NOthing from the
21st.
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22

- Col FULLER, editor OF the New
York Mirror recently made balloon ascen-
sion. He confesses be travelled further to-
wards Jordan than he expects TO go again
shortly unless il be by the same instrument
tality.
- PRICES ADvAXcED.-The ProprIe-
tors Of the Chicago newspapers recently
held meeting and advanced their rates
Of advertising twenty per cent. The cause
j. the advanced prices Of labor and materi-
al.
- The sales of cotton at New W
leans for the week ending Oh the 4th nsf-'
as appears from the report Of the market'
reached 10000 bales, being the largest sales
Of any week this season
- The stock Of the Merchants ana
Planters Insurance Company, Of Camden'
having all been taken, the company organ
lied and elected directors on the 10th inst
The case Of Charles May, indicted
for shooting Capt. Brinkley in Memphis
Tenn, has undergone a thorough investiea-
ton and resulted in a verdict Of not gully
Washington telegraph., 1854-11-22
MnNnaY- Nnr II

nluNDAF- NOV IJ-
The principal business Of to-day. was the dis
cnssIon Of the resolution to 70 into the election Of
a chaplain y hich was finally adopted and Rev
B. Lee elected The discussion was participated
in by Messrs. Keith, Harrison, Harley. Barknan.
Green, Mccoy, Henson, Cain and Lemoyne.