davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
The n1nr,nnn Question.

Several papers have commented upon the re-
cent debate in Congress 10 reference to the sys-
tenn of polygamy existing in Utah Territory
The Richmond Enaminer is particularly severe
upon Gen AIillson, on account of the views he
expressed about the matter, although the E1dnst-
ner. for all we have seen, goes quite as tar as
Gen. NJ, when it denounces poygamy as "a
most brutal, horrible and abominable vice and
SIM" That paper, however, is apprehenslVe that
the doctrine of non-i intervention" is about to be
violated, and hence its structures upon the ''Old
Fogy'' of the Norfolk District. But why does
the editor omit all alusion to Ex-Governor Smith,
MIR. I.etcher, and other Virginia Representatives,
who went for excluding every husband of more
than one wife from the benefits of the bill grating
land to the settlers? Gen. Millsou reProbated
polygamy, but thought the proviso alluded to
should be discarded from the bill; while the other
gentleman voted for retaining it.
The whole subject is one of extreme difficulty,
The Eramiaer Justly characteristics polygamy-
1t is utterly at war with our entire social system,
aud the idea of its existing as institution in
Territory or State of the COnfederacy is abhor-
rent to our feelings. But just so the Abolition
lists, and possibly majority of the Northern peo-
pie, regard slavery; and the same arguments we
would use for suppressing the one, they might
employ against the other. 1t seems best, there
fore, for the present at least that Congress should
leave the subject untouched. If the Mormons
are as rapacous and intolerant as they have been
represented, they will before long come in COLI
sion with the Government, and render some steps
necessary for the suppression of their growing
power. The history of the world does not furnish
parallel to the rapdity with which they have
increased in numbers Mohammedism did not
meet with near the same success at the outset OF
its career They have now full possession OF a
vast territory belonging to the United States, and
are, no doubt, contemplating the erection of an
independent government. The first movement
towards this result will attract the attention OF
our Government, and lead to an appeal to arms.
Probably the people of Utah will be astute enough
to wait ill they are Incorporated into the Union
as State, when they may calculate upon the
sympathy, if not the active cooperation, OF all the
SecessionStS in the country.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
From Mexico.

Recent advices from Mexico represent Santa
Anna as being in very critical situation and the
probability is that when Gen. Gadsden returns to
that country, as he is about to do, he will lind no
government to treat with. Conflicting reports
have been received, however, and it is impossible
to tell as vet what is the true state of affairs.
The most reliable information, apparently, is that
communicated to the Washington Star by a gen
tlemen just from the city of Mexico. This gen.
teman statesihat the account CT the alleged victory
of Santa Anna over the Alverez insurgents, is
utterly unfounded. "No victory has taken place
and none is likely to, according to his account,
Alverez is still perfectly secure in his natural
stronghold. The whole country (Acapuco) is a
fortress No ammunition is required, and The ma
tives, unlike Santa Annals party, require no mon
ey, and live on comparatively nothing Inc
sckly season has just commenced. Santa Anna
forces are dying in numbers, and will not be able
to exist there month longer. There is no mon
ey in the Mexican treasury. Five per cent. per
month has been offered by the Government for
loans of $4,000 and $4,000 to carry on the
war and paw the soldiers. Santa Anna must go
by the hoard unless he accepts the treaty. There
is no truth in the assertion that the priests are
ready and willing to loan money to the Govern
ment."
later report than the above. received at
Charleston, states that the impression prevailed IN
the citv of Mexico that Santa Anna had been sue
cess6,l He was within three miles Of the Capt.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
valuable Horse Lost.

On Thursday evening last fine horse belong
inu to MIR. j. w. O'Brien, broke away from the
ostler at the Virginia Hotel stables, and con-
menced running. The saddle having turned and
alarmed him very much. he ran with great speed
M the hill towards the railroad, where he got on
the track, and proceeded towards the depot. Ia
his progress he fell several times, injurng him
self considerably. Finally he ran with all his
force against the catcher of locomotive
which was standing on the track, goriug himself
dreadfully and breaking one Of his legs. He was
SION relieved Of his suherings. however, by being
knocked in the head with an axe.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
Fly in Wheat.

Until week or two past the prospect for an
abundant crop ofwheat ia this county never was
better. The fields presented aluxuriant and beaut-
full appearance, delghting the eyes and cheering
the hearts ofour farmers. But recently many fields
have shown thGslckly yellow spots which indicate
the ravages OF the Hessian Fly and anintelligent
farmer in formed us few days ago that from pres
ent appearances not more thana fourth of crop
would berealzed. Some fields are so entirely des-
troyed that the owners are ploughing up the wheat
10 plant the ground in corn.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
MIR. Fillmore.

Ex-President Fillmore has returned to his home
in New York, from his Southern tour, having
been received at every point with marks of poPu-
lar appreciation such as have rarely been accorded
to any public man. Wherever he appeared the
people rose en- masse, without distinction of party,
to do him honor These demonstrations were a
like complimentary 10 him, and honorable to the
people. The Washington Star states upon the
authority of prominent National Whig, and we
have no doubt truly, that Mr.. Fillmore does not
wish to have his name used in connection with
the next Presidential canvass; but will leave the
field clear TO all competitors.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
unity of the Humon snec,es,

In the last number of Blackwood's Magazine,
there is an interesting article entitled 'Liep the
Sahara" founded upon work recently published
in England, by Rev. Mr.. Davis. After residing
for several years on the shores of Northern Afri-
ca, this gentleman made long journey into The
interior, and his book is narrative of his adveu
lures and observations. He mentions one fact Of
much importance, as going far to disprove the in
fdel opinion of some wise men of the present day.
who allege that white men and negroes do not
belong to the same species. Mr.. Davis says, ev-
cry fresh stage one makes in the journey into
Central Africa,a gradual changes is perceptible in
the features and complexion of the population,-
the white man, by a slow but invariable process,
changing into negro. "Were it possible" he
continues, ''to introduce into Europe an ethnoog-
ical collection, classified atitudinally, from the
north coast to Central Africa, the greatest scepc
might be convinced of the fact, that time and
place alone made our coloured fellow creatures
what they are" A striking difference is percep-
table in the colour and features of the Jews resi-
ding on the coast and those residing in the inte-
rior and if the influence of the descent is clearly
shown in race which has only lived there for
comparatively few centuries. it is not strange that
it should have told to far greater extent upon
those to whom the Sahara has been home for
thousands ofyears. M aa.a
At the Agricultural Fair in Richmond, last
November, Mr.. Peter A. Browne, of Philadel-
phia, delivered lecture upon the subject of hair
and wool. 1t was lecture of singular interest,
but MIR. Browne boldly asserted that from the
structure Of the hair of whites and blacks it was
impossible that the two races could have descen-
ded from a common ancestor. If we recollect a.
right, he entertains the belief that there are three
distinct species of mankind, of which the Anglo
Saxon, the Negro, and the American Indians are
types. The theory was explained at some length,
and illustrated by engravings, but like many 9TH
er theories in conflict with divine revelation, it
was based upon very slender foundation Of well
ascertained facts.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
May Party.

We had the pleasure of attending the May par
ty on Tuesday evening last, at the Augusta Fe-
male Seminary, upon which occasion one Of the
fairest of the fair ones was crowned queen. The
room was tastefully decorated with evergreens
and flowers, ard the pleasing ceremonies of the
coronation were conducted very gracefully and
successfully. All the young ladies performed
their parts admirably. After the coronation the
guests were invited to another apartment, where
a large and beautifully arranged table, laden with
all the delcaces of the season, afforded them a
feast of good things.
The whole affair passed off very pleasantly
creditably to the young ladies, and altogether to
the satisfaction of their numerous invited guests.
We wish the light-heared fair ones many re-
turn of therhappy, heartsome, and time-honored
May-day festival, and upon all occasions, when
such an array of grace and beauty is congregated
together, we are selfish enough to add,
"May we be there TO sec.'
We learn from the indicator that the Young
ladies of the Wesleyan Female Institute had a
similar celebration, which also passed off in very
agreeable manner.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
Convicted of Murder.

We learn from the Harrisonburg papers that
the trial of George McCauley, for the murder of
George Lilly, on the 18th of September last, com
menced in the Circuit Court of Rockingham on
Tuesday the 9th instant, and on the following
Friday the jury brought in verdict of murder
in the first degree. McCauley has a wife and
two children, one of which is an infant. An APP
pication for new trial was refused by the Court,
and the counsel for the prisoner intend to carry
the case before the Court Of Appeals. Messrs.
Harris and Walker represented the Common
wealth, and Messrs. Allen, Baldwin (of Staun-
tom, Brettell. Lewis and Collins appeared for
the prisoner. The papers speak in high terms of
the various speeches.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
For the SpectatOr.

VI Ito SPoSt"s"'
.Messrs. Editors:-Jacob Baylor, famous all o.
yer the land as the gentleman who has fought
and bled and died on more political battle fields
than any man now living, has recently been en-
bowed with the Divine faculty of foreknowledge:
faculty, vouchsafed TO none OF the Latter day
Saints" but "the old woman whose cow ate the
grindsione, "-and Baylor, who knew beforehand,
that the office of Sheriff would be taxed, some
time before the bill had been presented In the Leg
slature. In his card he says: 81 will say, that
when candidate for the Sherlfla!ty two years a
co, IL ucas my Intention then Gtalics my OWN as
It is now, if elected, to pay any tax which She
County Court under The la,c might see fit to i'm
pose on that office. believing that ii is nothing
more than just and right for the incumbent Of that
office to pay for the PRIVILEGE. (romans my own)
which his fellow citizens have bestowed upon
him" His prophesies, however, are only made
after the prophesied events have transpired, and
-nmediately before an election at which he hopes
to be succe-,..1l.
II seems moreover, IN: he possesses other quail
tiles in so eminent degree as 10 Challenge the
admiration of all good and true voters; amongst
these. and not the least Of them, is charlty-a
charity that warns his heart greatly to the
dem, neorls. as to make him anxious to pay lie
tox If $3.50. in the event of his election,
lie saws. sit is nothing more thGn just and right
for the incumbent Of that off ce to pay for the priv
iiege. He loves Office so well as to make him
willing to pay Tor the privilege of holding one !
The pec,,ie have long since thought he had an
awful hankering for the flesh pots, Judging from
the number Of times he has been candidate. yet
they never, until informed by him, supposed he
was willing to pay for the privilege Wonder if
he would (n the event of his eeciion) if the tax
law were repealed consider the $3.50, debt OF
honor to the beloved people and pay it any how,
lust to tighten their burdens and secure his own
election next time. ! doubt not it would be es-
teemed great privilege by Mr., Baylor.
The correspondent of the Spectator, Waynes-
borough, can surely find no fault with him. il he
Will only esteem tia priUiega to marry all the
widows and father all the orphan children IN the
county. Waynesborough may certainly calcplate
on his .'dismissing John Towberman and ). ~
Hanger, as deputies" in that part of the county
and am sure the widows and orphan children
nav expect many favors at his hand-jusi before
Inc election. Come friends stand up 10 this uncle
Toby of a candidate who would not hurt hail
ONE OF THE ORPHANS.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

o. Matt F. Ward, lately tried in Kentucky
for killing Butler, has addressed card TO the ed
itors of the u. States, through tho New Orleans
Delta, requesting that he shall not be condemned
by the public, after being acquitted by jury, be-
fore they get an accurate and reliable report Of
the whole evidence given at the trial, A full
report of the testimony has been prepared, and
will soon t,a issued from the press of the Messrs
Apaleton, of New York. An exchange says that
Matt. is altogether jas}ifable in demanding sus,
pension of public opinion, since public opinion
demanded suspension o. him.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

WESTMINSTER REVIEW. Contents ofthe April
number /. Results of the Census of 1851, z.
Manners and Fashion, 8. Archbishop Whately on
Christianity, 4. Criminal Legislation and Prison
Discipline, 5. Lord Campbell as Writer of
History, 6. Schamyl, the Prophet Warrior of the
Caucasus, 7. Thomas De Quincy and his Works,
s. The balance of Power in Europe, 9. Contem-
porary Literature. Repubished in New York, by
Leonard Scott and Co., at So year, or the four
British Quarterlies and Blackwoud's Magazine for
40
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
Ore -oia Pens.

We are indebted to Mr., William Staubus, Of
ABINGDON. for small bag Of Oregon Peas, sent
l., mail. together with an order for the Spectator
This is a novelty in the vegetable line. aud we
will endeavor to increase our stock. Mr. S.wriies
tina, he procured them in Nashville Tennessee
,.he,e ,hey sell Tor two dollars per bnshel
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
Horrible Murder.

We give below an extract OF letter from
friend on The Eastern Shore, detailing one of the
most savage and blood thirsty assassinations, it
has ever been our lot TO record. The parties are
respectable and in good circumstances, and il will
be seen that the horrid deed had been contem-
plated for very long time = Petersburg Er-
press.
AccoMAc c. H., Va. May II.
Our community has again been thrown into a
state of intense excitement by one of the most
horrible murders that has ever come to my knowl.
edge. A young man Ca minor) named James
Ames on Saturday last, got into difficulty with
Mr.. George East, his step-father, and seized
gun to shoot him, when his mother, Mrs. East,
induced him to put it down. He thereupon drew
out a huge hntchnr's knife sharnenad ll4s. -a,..,,
Which il seems he had been carrying for eighteen,
months past and gave chase to East, who started
to run Overiakng East he stabbed him repeat
edy behind, till he fell, when the assassin got
upon and literally cut him to pieces; ripping out
the bowels from his breast down cutting him IN
the breast, laying open his hear, an inch or two,
and sabbing and gashing him in number of pla
ces And to cap the climax, after the blo0d-thlrs-
ty monster had left him, fearing, as he says, that
he was not dead, he returned, propped up the bo-
dy against the fence, and cut the throat from ear to
ear the wound extending entirely through the
windpipe, and disjointing the neck. He then re-
turned to town and delivered himself up, saying
he had been intending 10 do it for long time /;
and if East was not then dead, he would go back
and finish him. He alleges bad treatment of his
mother as the reason but it is thought to have
been on account of property belonging to his moth
er, and which by the marriage vested in East.
Public feeling against him is excited to such
pitch, that it is almost impossible to prevent their
forcible entry of his prison and putting him TO
death in the most summary manner. That he
will meet the murderer's doom is certain, but
through fair trial by the laws of his country.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

PoLYGAMY-The New York Herald publish
es letter from Mrs. Melinda Marden Pratt, one
of the eight wives of distinguished member Of
the Utah Legislature, addressed to her sister,
Mrs Lydia Kimball, of Nashua, IN. h. in
which she defends Polygamy by the example of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the holy men
mentioned n the Bible. The argument is as in
genious as many others drawn from the same
source, and would be conclusive enough to satisfy
the conscience of any Turk, whose hlrem con-
tanned not less than two hundred wives. The
letter is curiosity as exhibiting the social rela-
tons of the p,lygamist. The lady says her hus-
band has seven other wives, which is moderate
number for leader of the faith, as Rigdon, the
high priest of Mormonsm, we believe, has thir-
ty-six. The children of these eight wives num-
Der twenty five. The husband she says is
"good and virtuous husband" and all these mo
theirs and children are endeared TO her by kindred
tes-by mutual affection-by acquaintance and
association and the mothers in particular by mu-
tual and long continued exercises of toll patience,
long suffering and sisterly kindness. The hus-
band, of whose affection she is entitled to just
one eighth, is practical teacher of morals and
religion promoter Of general education ; and at
present occupies an honorable seat In the Legis-
iative Council of the Territory. She concludes
her remarkable letter with the hope that enligh-
tened legislation in every State will be 50 modi-
fed, and the customs and conscehces Of indiyid-
uals will be so altered, that any Utah gentle
man. with more than The Christian number Of
wives. NAV be abis @ travel in any part of the
United States with his harem and children, and
enjoy as much consideration and honor rs he does
at home. or in the same manner as the patriarch
Jacob whould have been respected had be. with
his wives and children, paid visit to his kindred.
We have heard much OF the "good time coming"
Is that the period the lady refers to?-.Dlait.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
REMOVED!

The Spectator Office has been remov-
cd to the Stone Building on the Mead
amized Street, near the Courthouse, and
adjoining the residence of DIR. Gilmer.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

G3- A despatch from Washington, on Sunday
last. says - Caucuses were held last night by
both the friends aud opponents of the Nebraska
bill. The latter will struggle TO prevent the ques
ton being taken before the time fixed for taking
up the Pacific Railroad bill, on Wednesday,
The opposition is well organized and determined,
and exciting scenes may be anticipated. The
friends of The bill are sanguine Of being able to
bring it 10 vote"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

co. We understand that the annual examina-
ton of the pnpils of the Institution for the Deaf
and Dumb aud the Blind will take place on
Thursday afternoon Ito morrow at halfPast two
o'clock. The public are invited to attend.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

ors- The Richmond EnquirerSa says the Governor
has appointed Richard e. Morris, OF klchmond'
the Commissioner on the part OF ms Common
wealth to actin conjunction with the commission
ers appointed by the Governor OF MARYLAND to
run and mark the boundary line be.WeeR TIE
States Of Maryland and Virginia.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

n5- The ceremony of laying the corner stone OIL
the new Episcopal Church in stauulon Will take
place on Saturday the Sd of June The occasion
will be one of much interest.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

oy- Several communications intended Tor thlS pa
per are unavoidably delayed. 1t is seldom that
matter brought in so late as Monday evening can
he inserted in the next paper
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

Rr,- We are informed thai the two drunken "'e"
to whom we alluded last week, were arrested -
the Town Sergeant soon after we passed lheIn'
and fined by the Mayor.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

6,- James Montgomery, the distinguished po-
ct, died at his residence near Shefheld' Englahu'
on the 3Oth Of April, aged 81 years.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

Co- Many leading Democratic papers express
strong dsapprobation of the proposition of Senator
Slidell to repeal our neutrality lawswith SPAN
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
AnAonontable Present.

We tender our thanks to Mr.. VIM. II. Ebdon
Of the Public Garden, for jar of very fine straw
berries, the first we have seen this season. Ed
don never forgets the Editors, and we hope those
in s.,rch OF vegetable luxuries will never forget
tho loo.ltv Of his tasteful and highly cultivated
.,rdan
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24

Coal MINE EXPLOsToN.-A terrible explosion
occurred at the English Coal Pts" in Ches-
terfeld county about fourteen miles froin Rich
mond, on Monday the | 5rh inst. There wero
twenty persons in the pit at the time, and all of
them were instantly Killed, except one. whose
life was dispaired Of. The four mules in the pit
were also killed. II is supposed that some Of The
men lhoughllessIy approached one of the old
''damps' with their lamps, and hat Ike explo-
sion was caused by the escape Of gas irom un-
known leaks. The pit is G25 feet deep. Expo-
sions have occuued-in it two or three times be-
| Ere.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-24
Certificate.

certify that there has been no order made by
the Overseers of the Poor, directing the Clerk 10
institute suit against the Sheriff of Augusta for
the amount due on the levy OF 1853. But they
have made the following order, to wit:
The Overseers Of Augusta County, at their
meeting, March nh, 1858. Ordered that n. X.
Trout as counsel for the Board proceed to collect
of the Sheriff of Augusta County, the amount due
from him to the Board as also. whatever sun,
may appear to be ducirom any former Sheriff OF
the County. NIX. TROUT.
From the above it will be seen that Justice"
in his communications heretofore published, is full
ly sustained. JUSTICE AGAIN.