davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
The TerrI1or1oI homestead Bill

Fairness beng an undOubted wing characteristic,
it is but just that some of the Wing presses should
be corrected to misinerpretation OF one of the
homestead laws. 1t is stated that President Pierce
has approved bill granting homestead to settlers in
Neav Merico, Kansas, and Nebraska. This is true
in regard TO the territory frstnamed but is not cor
rect as to the others. New Mexico being by no
means an attractive agricultural region, but sterile
and out of the reach of commercial facilities, it was
deemed proper by Congress to hold out inducements
to settlement by grants of land in Oregon, but not
ia quantities so large.
casual reader might be very easily mised to
the provisions of the act by merely looking at the
title, which is g An act to establish the Offices OF
Surveyor General of New Mexico Kansas, and Ne
braska to grant donations Of land to actual settlers
therein, and for other purposes" But homesteads
are only actually granted in New Mexico, as the
reader will perceive by reference to the act itself
The first section creates the Office of Surveyor
General Nea0 MEXICO, and regulates his salary and
duties and the location Of his office. The second
section is in the following words, from which it Will
he that the Territory of New Mexico only is
referred to
Sec 2. Ind be it further enacted That every white
citizen of the United States every white male above the
age Of twenone years who has declared his intention to be-
said Territory
the first day of January, eighteen hundred and fthee
who may be still residing there shall be and hereby is donated
quarter section hundred and sixty land
And to every white male citizen of the United States,
every white male above the of twentone who has
declared his intention to become citizen and who shall have
removed shall and settle said Territory between
the first day of January eighteen hundred and yhree
the first day of January, eighteen hundred and yegh
there shall like be donated quarter section,
hundred and sixty acres condition of actual settlement
and cultivation for less than four years PoUdcd h0aUeU
That each of said donations shall include the actual
Element and improvement of the donee and shall be selected
by legal subdivisions within three months after the survey
the land where the settlement made before the survey
and where the settlement made after the survey, ther
within three months after the settlement has been made
all persons failing designate the boundaries Of their claims
within that time shall forfeit all right to the same.
The next sections as far nine, inclusive, relate
solely 10 New Mexico and contain all the provisions
necessary for complete bill.
The Territories of Kansas and Nebraska no
named in the act until the 10th section, which au
thorizes the appointment of Surveyor General to
them, but none OF the sections which contain home
stead clause The II tn section directs how the sur
veys to be made the 18th section regulates pre-
emp,ions and the 18th section provides for lanc
Offices when the Indian titles shall have been extin
guished
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
From the Richmond Enquirer
The Revolution in Spain.

All must admit that the result of struggle for supre
macy in Spain is full of interesting consequences to
the United States. The fate of Cuba is deeply in
volved and the acquisition of that lovely island may
be one of the first fruits of the revolution, which at
present seems be in most successful progress Re-
ioced as we are the downfall of the corrupt gov
eminent of Spain, we view the result in connection
with the annexation of Cuba to the United States as
most interesting and valuable to whole confede-
racy-and while History teaches to base certain
calculations on the shifting scenes of Spanish in
terna dssensions, heartily trust that the nclpi
ent successful revolution in Spain may be consolidated
for few months at least, to allow Govern
ment to achieve by negotiation the greatest measure
of the day-the admission of Cuba under the shelter
ing banner of the stars and stripes The Union SAYS:
'Spain is without money and without credit
France is ready, at moments notice, 10 march an
army her frontiers the instant republic is
tablished or an Orleans dynasty proclaimed; Eng
land who placed Isabella on the throne, against the
legitimate professions of Don Carlos, would not su-
er his son. Montemolin, to ascend the throne, and
reby contribute to the preponderance of absolu-
tlsm in the European system. In this dilemma the
Spanish people have no allies Destitute of resour.
ces, torn and distracted by contending factions on
the brink of of those disastrous civil wars
which from their frequency and folly, seem TO be the
chronic affection OF her SYSTEM where is Spain te
look for solution of the problem of her present sua
ton? Only in frank and manly restoration of heI
friendly relations with the United States.
Let her at once come to an adjustment of those
embarrassing questions forced upon this country by
the miserable government which she has just exter
mlnated-a government made ignominous for de-
gree of faihessness to her people scarcely more
unjustifable than its outrageous disregard of the
rights of Our citizens The United States have pro
found interest in the independence of Spain and ir
her freedom from foreign dictation on the part O
England and France. Every American would dis
cover in the regeneration of her people, in the de
veopenent OF her internal resources, in the establish
ment of free government based pom the nationa
WILL motives for cordial and intimate alliance with
government that should be established with these
objects and upon these principles"
THE OLDEST House IN New YoRK-The oldes
house standing in the city of New York is the build
ing owned by Alderman Clifford, and known as No
1872 Wilam'street The garden of this house.. {
hundred years ago extended to the stand of the Eas
Rivera gradual descent; and for many years wa
known and celebrated in former days as producing
the finest peaches and pums grown this sland.--
The house was built of bricks, imported from Hol
land. Some of the timber in this house must be l2
! Years old if not more
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
Foreign News.

Rather more than the usual time appears to have
elapsed since the last arrival from Europe-but that
seems to afford no ground for regret since there is
really no news to be expected. 1t has been an
nounced in the British Parliament that the fleets can
do nothing at all against Cronstadt, Sweaborg, or
Sebastopol they cannot even touch single Rus
sian ship ofwar. lying in the Harbors protected By
these fortresses The allies have not as yet come in
contact with the Russians on the Danube, and il
hardly appears as if they are likely to do So No
blow can be struck, either in the Baltic or Black Sea
without the cooperation of land forces-and before
these could be got ready and concentrated at the
posed points, the season would be over. Russia is
not half whipped yet, and that is not the worst Of
tit don't appear likely that she will be.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

o." Fifteen Minutes around New York; by G.
G. Foster ESQ., is the title of 25 cent, paper cover
Book, laid on our table by Mr.. Whitaker. 1t ap-
pears to he quite amusing. Dewitt g. Davenport,
New York
From the same, we have " The Youth of Jeffer-
son, Chronicle of College Scrapes al Williamsburg,
Virginia, A. D. 1854" Redfeld. Ito and ll2 Mas.
sau street New York neat looking volume, OF
$50 pages-not too long, and apparently not tedious
Also. from the publishers, Daniel Burgess & Co,
60 John street, New York, we have Towers Ele-
mems of English Grammar, intended for children
1t appears TO be very simple and clearly arranged
cIass-book calculated to render important aid IN the
instruction of children. Ii will also be found vaiu'
able assistant to those of mature age whose ed
ication' has been neglected.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

BosToN, Aug 13.-The US steamer Cyane arrived
at the Charlestown Navy Yard to-day Mr.. Fabens,
U. S. Commercial Agent from Greyown, pas
senger by the Cyane. Has on board the remains of
Purser Ashman. And also the body of Felix Hewlett
the boatswain. who died the passage since leaving
Aspinwall. The Cyane hove to July 26h for steam
err FL Dorado which sent board for supply of pro-
visions. Spoke 4th August barque Frederick Warren
from Orea rs to Amsterdam, in bad condition; would
probably lay up.
came in Collision with the brg Fanny last evening
the Narrows. Both vessels were in ured. The steamer
put back for repairs, and will be detained several
DAVIS.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
Bull VS.. Locomotive.

The Richmond Despatch not inapty compares the
course OF Mr.. Benton for some time past, to that of
bull butting locomotive. He had, in vulgar par
lance, grown "too big for his breechesm He had
tried the sensible experiment of setting up his own
will against that of his party and has been, as a
matter of course, smashed into thousand pieces.
For little time, perhaps, he may have succeeded in
embarrassing those who might have been lis friends
but Tor his egoiism intolerance brutality and faith
lessness but now his fate is sealed and none SC
poor as do him reverence. All his coarse abuse OF
democratic and measures as we'll as his insane and
causeess Vtuperation of democratic administration
passes like the idle wind. He lies miserable wreck
useful only as an example to show how little talents OIL
requirements can avail unless combined with homes
ty, and we might add common decency and respec
Tor the rights OF others. His fate is warning t,
shutting and egotistical politicians After havins
been Senator for thirty years. long trusted lead
er OF the Democratic party, his miserable course ha
left him. in bis old days, high and dry upon the beach
unable to obtain seat in either-rejected by thos,
ne attempted TO betray, and without the confidence
men OF any party or persuasion.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

With the understanding that all other matters in usbandy
domestic manufacture Agculture &C. &c will be considered
and properly attended to and with the further understanding
that each applicant premiums shall give information Of his
process, &c
notion it agreed that the annual fair for the County
be held in the village of Kenasve Tuesday before the
October County Court and that John B. Hussey Isaac
B. Kelly Patrick Merritt and Asey Switzerland be the
tte of arrangements for the fair Zone of whom to be
shall on the Occasion.)
notion further number of Commissioners appointed
to examine articles exhibited and that Messrs William W
Miller Stephen NJ Grady N. Bryan Whitfield Stephen Her
ring and ]. Quincy McCowen, be the said Committee
On notion the Secretary requested to publish these pro
ceedngs at all the prominent places in the County.
JERE. PEARSALI, President.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

:" kn0w-Somct things and sNKnoV-NOthIngs.''
We see alluson made, in some Of the papers, to a
secret political association, to be called the Know
Something's in contradistinction to the &C Nnow-
Nohngs" This Society appears TO have originated
in some sort Of mystical, g humanitarian, socialiS
tic notions, prevalent, to extent, among class
of emigrants from the continent of Europe, and
shared TO slight extent, by certain fanatcal per-
sons in this country. We need hardly say that, to
such associations We are directly opposed, are
to all secret political associations, the essence of
publican government being the fullest and freest dis
cussion OF principles and measures by the people
and the press. For this discussion, too much scope
or opportunity cannot be afforded Secrecy is al
ways suspicious, and history establishes fatal
necton between it and desFotsm.
To all political associations of foreigners or adop-
ted citizens. as such, we are equally opposed 1t is
in the capacity OF American citizens that these clas-
ses enjoy political rights is in the spiritof Amer
lean citizens knowing other distinction or charac-
terstic, that these rights should be exercised The
law and the constitution make no distinctions nor ex.
ceptors between citizens save in respect to the offices
of President Vice President. The Association un-
der the name of Know Nothings seeks to establish
such distinction, in extra judicial and extra
| stltntional manner therefore opposed to it
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

aPPfoPi
OF not exceeding So 343 AGA, to supply any defcien
cv in the Post Office revenue to meet the above. The
Postmaster General is directed to continue mail
vice between Charleston and Havana, in the months
of August and SEPTEMBER is now done in the 9TH
er ten months of the year. He isaso directed to es.
tabIish mail on the Mississippi river, from Cairo to
New Orleans and from Keokuk, Iowa, to Galena,
Illinois
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

North Carolina EiecfiOn.-VOte Tor UOSerhOF
fNoTE-TheTe several countless the vote OF which
has heretofore counted with that of the old counties
from which they had been formed The new counties are
Mcdowell counted with Burke; Catawba and SIaston,
counted with Lincoln; Alamance, counted with oIange
Forsy+he counted with Sokes Watauga, counted with
Ashe: Union counted with Arson and Meekenburg and
Yadkn counted with Surry. Under the new appointments
these counties vote separately
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
Non-ArrIva1ort the america.

Hol1or, Aug. Is, 10 P. M.-The steamer America
now fully due, with dates from Liverpool to the 9Th
inst, has not been teegraphed up TO 10 o'clock tc
night She may be confidently expected TOMORROW
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
g,hc British Fleet In the Baltic.

Admiral Berkely recently made the following inter-
esting statements in the House of Commons cOncer-
ming the prosecution of the war with Russia. They
were in reply to some statements of Lord Dudley
Stuart.
Admiral Berkey said he could assure the noble
lord that the Government anxious to send
out gun boats as he could be- but the matter not
so easy one as the noble lord seemed 10 think
The noble lord had been pleased say that if twenty
of these vessels were sent out to the Baltic Cronstadt
would be successfully bombarded. Now he had a
letter from the gallant officer who conducted opera
tons in the Baltic and as he had served with that
officer he could state positively that possible at
tempt would be omitted which held out the promise
Of getting at the enemy (Hear, hear Sir Charles
Napier said that it not in bis power to do any
thing with the powerful fleet which he had-and he
need not tell the House that when the gallant admit
raj penned these words he was chahng like lion IN
ti- H.. (chcors) but that to attack Cronstadt or
Sveabor5 would be certain destruction. Hear
And what said Admiral Chads, the most scientific
officer in all that related TO naval gunnery of the
present day. He said that after two days inspection
of the forts and the ships he found that the fortif
cations were far too substantial make any impress
sion upon. and that it would be useless to direct the
fire of The ships against such masses of granite and
that to the ships, they placed that it was
impossible to get al them. (Hear. hear.) He would
trouble the House with short extract from
letter Of Admiral Seymour, the Captain of the
Fleet and whose business it was to that yes
sci was without everything which required. AID.
miral Seymour said that he had never been at any
time, in want Of anythng-thsnks to the rrovident
measures adopted by the Admiralty, (Cheers) But
the worst statement of all, that with which the
noble Lord, the member for Marylebone wound up
his remarks, TO the effect that the fleets and arsenals
of Russia might have been taken before this time
had the gallant Admiral been supplied with the re-
quisite means by the Government, and had they MOI
received orders to hold their hands. Now in the
strongest language in which could utter his sen
tments he declared--it being his duty to draw VI
the orders to the Admirals--that there never hat
been officers who had received more carte blanche
TO undertake what they pleased, and that so far from
their hands being tied up, the Government had en-
couraged them in every operation which they though
fit to attempt. Cloud Cheers.)
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
DuplIn County Agricultural Society.

At meeting the Agricuu al Society held in the Court
House. Friday, the 4h day of August 1884, the report
of the Committee premiums and awards was first consd
cred when aer fall and free interchange OF opnlon) the
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

RosroN, Aug. 15.--There have been POT death
in this city 1t is becoming quite an epidemic.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
C6sOieI:s

New YORK Aug l5.-Thcre were 35 cases
md 81 deaths from cholera reported during the "a
hours ending at noon to-day.
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

The DEFALCATIoN AT THE PHILADELPHIA MINT
The New York Journal of Commerce. speaking of
the mint defalcations says:
Our readers will remember that two or three months
since Mr.. Negus clerk in the Philadelphia mint,
was detected in a misappropriation of portion of
the gold in the vault TO which he had access but was
allowed to go scot free confession and the resto
ration of the amount he Fixed tie total of his
distractions He occupied high social position in
Philadelphia and was relative of the chief authori
ties at the mint No attempt made to prose
cute him. but after a week two he came on to New
York and sailed for Europe.
There is no wonder that an example involving sc
little danger should find imitators, and learn
hat of the employees in the melting of the
mint has been found pilfering, and has also " resign
ed his place . in consequence He is Cor rather was
poor man, and it would not do to prosecute him. af
ter allowing the other store polished sinner to escape
that the public will not be surprised to learn that
V~ry, we live in a charitable and forgiving world
where crime is not too rudey punished!
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
summary of the News.

We really find no item of sufficient Importance to
stand Alone so we sum up all in a heap.
The ver4 latest accounts from the election in this
State, sum up the returns as follows Bragg, Dem
ocrat 48,5Oo; Dockery, Wing, 46, 0Oo-Bragg's MIA
jority $500 This is the largest vote poled in
the State; that of Reid and Kerr, two years ago,
amounted to 81 AT, while this to 94,50O.-
The Legislative majority is %.
The cholera seems TO be making its greatest rava-
ges at the extreme North, in Upper Canada and
along the Lakes. In Montreal, Canada, there have
been l,118 deaths. great many deaths have also
taken place at Cleaveland, Chicago, Buffalo, and
other places chiefly on the track of foreign emf
grants going to the West.
The powder Magazine, at MaysvilIe Ky, was
fired on the 18th, and eight hundred kegs of powder
exploded. One lady died from the effects of fright.
Nobody was hurt directly by the explosion. The
loss of property is estimated at fifty to hundred
thousand dollars.
The appropriations passed al the last session OF
Congress amount in the aggregate to $67, $3.50 OO OF
which sum Sl4 48O, 900 in the civil and diploma
tic bill; 100000 for claims, &c O,375O00 in the
army bill SIC, 100000 for the Mexican treaty pur
chase, 50 1851 900 for The navy; $65O00OO for the
post Office; S5,000O0O for interest on the Nationa
debt, collection Of customs, &C.. $4,000 for h
West Point Academy $3,OOO,0O0 for the six new
steam frgates: 1886 900 for the Indian department.
100000 for the deficiency bi S850,00O for pen
sons, and SCI, 900 for Notifications
1t is proper to remark, that of this amount $l6,5O0,
900 cannot fairly be included under current expen
ses The ten millions paid to Mexico, under tn
treaty and the 100000 for the ost-ofice Th
first is, of course, extraordinary item, and tn
post.otfce comes out of the receipts Of the Depart
ment, which have never been counted part OF tn
general revenue of the country.
1t is understood that tie directors of the New Yor
Crystal Palace have authorised the President OF tn
5 Company to offer the building and all other propert
of the association at half of the original cost
This original cost was about 100000. It is delve
rable on or after the Isl of November Let US buy
0 to put on the old theatre lot.
Hon. Jas. c. Dobbn, Secretary of the Navy, is no
t on visit 10 North Carolina Mr.. Charles w Wells
has been appointed Acting Secretary III his absenc
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
Death ct Ex-senator Dow.

LOUISVILLE, August 14-Ex- Senator Downs. o
Louisiana, died at Crab Orchard Springs on Monda,
last He had been sick for some time
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18

A LAWYER PUzzLED.-A member of the bar says
that somo time ago, rough customer or rather a
client into his Office, and began to state his case
rather abruptly:
'Sir, come to you for advice-rm a husband in
law
"A what spoke up learned counsel.
Husband in law, sir
i have never seen that defined among the domestic
relations
Don't you know what husband in law is =! Sir,
you're no lawyer! You're an ignoramus Pm a nus
band in law, but not in fact Sir, my wifes run Off
MONKEY SUN-STRUcK-Among the evidences
of the intense heat yesterday, says the Charleston
Standard OF the ID inst, we have to notice monkey
also fell under sunstroke. The little fellow had
been carried by his MASTER Mr. Francois, in his bug
gy to Vendue Range, and having been left standing
in the buggy for a few moments to amuse himself
in that busy mart, he was found PROSTATE His IN
fortunate condition excited much interest among the
bystanders, He was taken to the Lunch House, and
there after an internal application OF brandy and an
external application of cold water he came to his
tricks again, and has, believe. entirely recovered
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
Post Office Department.
Navy DEPARTMENT. Al

The appropriations for the service of the Post Office
Department, for the year ending 30th of June next,
out of the moneys in the Treasury arising from the
ro1onnaS of said Danartment are as follows:
Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-18
Arrival of the CHARACTERIZATION. NC.

!; r. Ii f GRaD4. Secretary.