davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
The Ravenswood Railroad.

The friends Of the Road from Mononga-
hela on the PENNSYLVANIA line to Ra-
venswood on the OHIO River, for which
the naked charter was granted at the last
session OF the Virginia Legislature, have
fixed OH the 10Th Of June as the time, and
Fairmont as the place, for holding Con-
vention, for the purpose Of devising means
for immediate action ON their chartered
rights. The counties of Mason, jackson,
Writ, Gilmer, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor,
Marion and Monongalia, counties of Va,
and especially the Central Railroad and
Philadelphia city, in the State of Penn
sylvania, are interested in the matter, and
will doubtless be represented in the Con-
vehtion. 1t is argued that this connection
OF the East with the West will be the
most advantageous Road in contemplation.
|: will be far better grade, and will pass
through a country not so polite Of deep
gorges, and frowning hills, as that through
which the Baltimore and Ohio Road pass
es. This position is assumed BY the friends
of the Road, on the hypothesis that the
Covington and Ohio road will never be
built Where such an idea originated
we cannot tell. The Covington and Ohio
Road is as sure to be finished as there is
policy in connection between the east
and west by railroad. If not by the State
it will be private enterprise.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
North Carolina.

A Convention Of the Democratic party
Of North Carolina met in Raleigh on the
10th ult., and nominated Thomas Bragg,
Esq, candidate for Governor. Mr.. Bragg
is gentleman ofcharacteI and ability, and
will. after the manner of his brother, the
famous captain Bragg pour "a little
more grape" into the illiterate Dockery
than the federal candidate can endure
The Democracy of the State. under the
auspices of Mr.. Bragg, anticipate bril-
liant victory. BY the energy and elo-
quence of Governor Ried, North Carolina
has been redeemed from the ascendency
of the Wings. and is now a reliable Dem.
ociatic State Eng.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Tall Wedding.

The last Weston Herald announces one
Of the tallest weddings that has ever come
under our notlce-espe. ially the better
half of it. Girls out in the West are as
tall as our corn stalks. Here it is:
On the 9th inst, by Rev. G. Westfall.
Mr.. ISAAC Rollins to Miss RACHAEL
WAMsLAY, all of Upshur county. The
bride is six feet three inches high and 81
years old. The groom is FIVE feet high
and 20 years old.
We should like to see the BRIDE attired
in striped silk dress, the skirt 8 widths,
and iur-below and founce around.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Miaa nix'a Hill.


If current rumors are worth anything,
it is more than probable, that President
Pierce will veto the Insane Land Bill
more famiIiarIv known as Miss Dix's
Bill-recently passed BY Congress. This
bill appropriates ten millions Of acres of
land, to be apportioned in the compound
ratio of the geographical area and repre-
sentation of the several States in the House
of Representatives, according to the Gen.
sus of 1850. The States receiving the
proportion allowed them under the bill,
are to invest the money arising from the
sale of the land, and use only the interest
for the benefit Of the insane.
Apart from the pal pab!e Infringement
Of the constitutional provisions which the
bill involves, it proposes that the States
shall become the wards of Congress, and
dispose of only SO much as in the wisdom
of that body may be deemed advisable
1t is another proposition, under the garb
of charity. to reduce the States from their
sovereign capacity to mere machines to be
moved and regulated by the Federal Pow
er. Congress has no right to make
any such disposition of the public lands
In the language Of the Enquirer, "the
public domain constitutes trust fund for
certain specific purposes, and TO divert
it from its legitimate use, is to violate the
constitution and defraud the country"
1t IS to be hoped that President will be
equal to thisemergency. The Democracy o.
the country repose in his devotion to the
strict and legitimate construction policy land
lookwith confidence to distinct and practi
al test Of his principles. This bill is one o
the many applications that have been made
to Congress for its sanction, in ord er tina
the funds Of the Treasury may be devert-
ed from their proper use and made to sub
serve the ends of schemers and spectators
Never before has Congress been Sc
upon by such herd Of Vultures, and i
the insane land bill becomes law, the pc
titions, which are sent up 20 Congress $50
the building Of churches, of schools :, :,
academies, of colleges, ;.niirmaries -,
p''als. theological as.aa other sem;nar;.s
endowmeHls Of colleges, establishment o
Libraries, normal schools. agriculture
schools, seminaries for teachers, &C., al
Of which have as good claim to public
consideration as Miss Dix's bill, and which
if the House be but logical, must all pas
and become law
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

christened, that would relate the American
revolution. If Burns could hallow every
cliff and stream of his native land, or
fling a robe of beauty over the rudest
landscape, what theme does American
scenery furnish for poetic fancy. Alex
ander dropped an envious tear over the
tomb Of Achilles that he had found a
Homer to celebrate his exploits. But
there is tomb within the precints Of this
Commonwealth where greater than
Achilles sl1mbers. 1t is the tomb of
Washington. The one chaftd by the
mad waves of the Egean Seattle other
kissed by the placid Potomac. The one
moistened by the bfiny Offering Of a flint
hearted warrior--the other bathtd by the
lachrymose libations of adorng Millions
When our literature shall produce mind
as far above that from which sprung the
llliad, as its theme is beneath that of the
American revolution-when Rome's lega-
cy shall have been fnished--when the
conflict between Truth and Error-Reli.
gion and Irreligion shall have been COM
pleted-when these legacies shall have
become perfected; when their full destiny
shall be wrought out in refining and gov.
erning and purifying man-when these
three distinctive qualities shall have be.
come blended, harmonized, and like that
other Triune; then will have arrived a gala
day on earth. Then will have been com.
peted the entire missions Of those mighty
cities, and then when Time, the great
Shepherd of the Universe shall gather his
flock of spheres into the enclo-
Eternity, this planet viii .sares o.
no brighter ST.. appear wearing
Atben. .4rs in her diadem than
-, Re.ne and Jerusalem.
The above can give the reader a very
imperfect idea of Mr.. BIS address. We
merely give some of the leading thoughts
We had intended to write a more safisfac.
tory synopsis, but want of time and space
has defeated our original design. 1t wa.
finished composition-ts language
ornate and beautiful-its ideas rich and
instructive, and its style, easy, graceful
concise, and methodical.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Singular Suicide.

Qhe OF the most strange and singular SUI
icldes that w" have heard off for some time.
eame TO oar knowledge yesterday.
A well dressed stranger, who. f,om ma
pers in bis possession, appears to have.
been namtd $. A. Kruger, took PASSAGE il,
'he Nor1hsfn cars III this city on Saturday
evening last, Tor Baltimore. lie desired
TO take ticket for New York, but the.
captain OF the train could not issue tick :.
ct farther than Baltimore. On his wavrn.
to Iaylorsvile. nothing occurred to attract
attention to him. But Oh arriving at Tay-.
lorsville, ("here the cars stopped few
minutes,) he left his seat, got out. and the
ears passed OH their way to Freuericks-
burg.
Nothing farther was known or heard
IRON the stranger TIL the return of the.
cars yesterday afternoon; when. on
getting within 80 yards of the ,toppnr
place at Tay lorsville, the missing irdiyid.
u Vi. was seen hanging in pine tree about
70 ieet fiom the ground II appears that
he had gotten up the tree, taken off his
eravat tied il around his neck, and sus.
pended himself from the limb OF the tree,
re mad on, when found. a good suit Of
oiack cloth clothes, gold watch in his
pocket, and about $500 in money-lo0 of
which was in gold. When the cars pass
ed iayiorsville about 2 p. NJ. yesterday,
ne had been discovered ouy about thirty
minutes. 1t is not known how long he
''aa been hanging. He had also in one
o. MS pockets receipt from the agen. of
the steamer Herman, for $50, for d second
cabin passage to Bremen. The Herman
sailed fram New York on Saturday last;
and it is supposed that he was on his way
to take passage in .-Enauirer.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Fet'.eral Court.

We noticed last week that the Spring
Term Of the u. S. Court for the Western
District of Virginia would commence its
sessions to-day. The case of J. W. Meeks,
charged with robbing the mail will doubt
less be tried. The witnesses in the most
important case, "the Harper's Ferry Suit )"
as we learn from the Deputy Marshal,
Capt. J. b. Watts, have been summoned,
and it will doubtless come up. We give
statement of the facts Of this suit, which
were furnished to US, and published in the
Vindicator some time since, by an intelli-
gent officer Of the Court.
The lands in that section formerly be-
longed to Thomas. Lord Fairfax, and by
an act OF compromise with the Legislature,
he conveyed, or surrendered the land to
the Commonw ealth--to be held by it as
other unappropriated lands are. 1t is al
legged by the claimant-Jacob B Brown
and Others that when the State conveyed
it afterwards by patent, it was described
by metes and bonds-commencing at a
sycamore not to run with its mean.
ders-which lett space between the lines
and the river, and the title to said space
including the river and its bee, never passed
out Of the hands Of the State until they
(the piaintiffs) placed their warrant on it
The quantity said to be vacant Is 39l
acres-embracing the finest water power
in the State, and having on it divers work
shops, machinery, dwelling houses and
other buildings-the heretofore supposed
property Of the United States. The coun-
sci for the plaintiff are Messrs. Walter
JONES' Hunter, Conrad, Stuart and Niche;
and for the United Safes, the Hon. j. M
Mason and F. B. Miller, Esq. U. S. At.
torney
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Hon. John Letcher.

From all parts Of the country we see
favorable and complimentary notices of the
able and indefatigable representative from
this district. Tbs study and powerful OPP
position which nc has made to every thing
like land grabbing, and the vigilance with
which he watches and guards the public
Treasury, have won for him he praise
and admiration of all who desire to see
the spirit and identity of the Constitution,
observed and respected. He is truly a
pattern Democrat-one Of whom this dis
trict is justly proud, and whose reputation
is rapidly becoming national.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Ratification of the Mexican Treaty

The Washington Union confirms the
telegraphic Statement. that the dclibera-
tons OF the Senate on Tuesday. in regard
to our relations with Mexico, resulted I'm
recommending to the President the pro-
ject Of treaty which settles all the pend
ing questions OF difficulty between the two
governments, if shall be ratified by them.
The terms oftreaty are not specified with
certainty, but the understanding is that the
Messilla Valley difficulty is arranged, the
boundary SO fixed as to authorize an eliei-
Bile route for a railroad, the abrogation Of
the 1lth article of the treaty of Hidago,
and the recognition of an interoceanic
transit-way granted in February, 1858,
over the Isthmus of Tehauntepec for all
which our Government pays to Mexico
ten million OF dollars.
Col. Benton and the st. Louis Pos.-odioe
We notice that Col. Benton has pub
lished notice to his constituents and
friends that hereafter he will not receive
from, nor send through, the st. Louis post.
Office, any letters or papers and further.
that that the office Of Adams and Co., in
St. Louis, will be, after this, his post-oflicc
in that city. Messrs. Adams d Co., he
states. have offered to convey to and from
Washington and St. Louis, all his corycs-
pondence. The reason assigned for this
singular notice is, that the recent appoint
ment Of postmaster IAN anti Bentonite) at
St. LOUIS, has put ii out of his power to
communicate through tina, Office with his
friends there.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
The Glasgow.

The Packet steamer Glasgow, due a.
Philadelphia and now out about go DAYS
has not been beard frona since she left f,iy-
erpooi on the 1st oil March, with $40 pas
sengers, crew, and very rich cargo. The
Glasgow was mate to the Manchester and
formed steam packet line, running reg
ularly between Philadelphia and Liver
pool. This vessel is worth probably $780,
ooo. Great anxiety is felt in Philadelphia
on the subject.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Telegraphic imposition.

An imposition was praclised ON The York
press in the first telegraphic news BY the Arabia.
The news reported the death Of the Cara hea
Wy decline in -four and corn; that Lord John Rus.
sci had stated in Parliament that the war would
soor be settled; that Mr. Soule had demanded his
passports in consequence of Spain refusing repa-
ration tor The Black Warrior outrage that the
steamer Washington hal been wrecked and O.
Their statements equally ground.ess The publ.
cation is said TO have caused severe losses 10 the
New York merchants, who are exceedingly in.
dagnant al the imposition.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

o. The LewisbuTg Era, in noticing a
paragraph which was published in the
Vindicator, several weeks ago, relative to
the election Of Mayor Of Portland Maine,
assumes to correct an error, which it is al
legged we made. Instead of 1000, the Era
says the majority against Neal Dow, the
Maine Law man, was So. We received
our information from the Baltimore Suns
telegraphic column, and see no reason to
doubt the correctness OF our statement, not.
withstanding the Era's publication to the
contrary. The Era uses the term "falsify"
in very bad sense. We never attempt
to falsify anything, and we are sure if the
editor of that paper had thought tor an
instant of the harshness of the word, he
would not have used it. 1t should never
be employed by gentlemen, unless intend
ed to insult-whIch would at once rel ieve
the newspaper OF any squa5ble, and trans
fer it to another field. II is time the ed-
torial fraternity should establish a code OF
etiquette and standard of dignity, cores
ponding with the. responsibility and inn
portance of the calling. whose violation
would be properly rebuked by the con-
tempt and scorn Of the virtuous and gen.
teel.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Malicious.

We learn from the Lewisburg Era that
the Rev. Z. G. Jameson, of the Baltimore
Conference, the circuit preacher in Mon
roe county, was arraigned before Justice
for that county. on charge of stealing
hay and little salt for his horse-his
horse being kept in stable with the stage
company's horses. Mr. ]. admitted that,
through mistake, he had taken some hay
and salt. and so 1t appeared to the Magis-
drate, who readily acquitted him. Some
.of the citizens of Union, believing him an
iill-used man, have volunteered to raise the
funds for the prosecution of Mr.. Us de-
tamers-aad the case will be tried at the
next term, of Monroe Court.
ar We refer the reader to our adver.
Using columns for something interesting.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Cuban Apprenticeship.

Havana letters brought by the steamship
Crescen: City, on her last trip, contain an
extract from the Havana Official Gazette.
giving the names of persons to whom have
been conferred in apprenticeship, for one
year, the negroes apprehended in the iu-
risdiction of Trinidad the past month";
Attached to each name is the numb of
apprentices, the aggregate being 574 ne
groes. AS this is an official announcement.
itsettles beyond question the truth Of what
has been heretofore said and denied re-
speeding the introduction of the British an.
premiership system into Cuba.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Benton on Nebraska.

Hon. Thomas H. Benton made his great
speech against Nebraska, on Tuesday the
9th. 1t was powerful rgumen.-made
in rich style, and altogether is the most
interesting and readable speech that has
been made OH the subject-notwithstand-
ing we do not agree with his conclusions.
----------------------
O The trial of Leban Mercer for the
murder OF Gamble, with which he stands
charged on the evidence OF ghost seen by
John H. Hindman, and on corroborative
testimony, commenced on the 10Th, in the
Circuit Court of Wetzel county. Hon.
Sherard Clemens Of Wheeling is counsel
for the accused.
p. S.-Since the above was in tvpe
we learn that the trial has been concluded
and Mercer has been acquitted-the Cour.
ruling out the ghost testimony.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

HS. Some heartless wretch stole from
Alfred, of the Weston Herald, portion
of his Bacon. That was decidedly hog
gish, and the rascal ought to die of appo-
plexy.
BY the way Alfred, changing the sub.
ject--we have been requested to ask after
the health of the .'assistant, as honorable
mention has not recently been made Of
him,
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
Simplicity versus Fashion.

The fashions Of the day are more on the
gingerbread order than in accordance with
simplicity. The idea seems to be gaining
ground in this country, that the NOR. you
spend on dress, the pretter 1t will look.
You can see flirting along our Highways g.
by-ways ladies SO enveloped in aces, flow
ers, ribbons, flounces, ETC.. that they look
like an animate, walking clothes horse.
Striped silks, founced from the waist down,
costly mantillas, top-knot bonnets, enscon-
sed in profusion of ribbons and flowers,
constitute the taste of the beau monde; and
these must be of the most expensive and
gaudy kind. 1t never occurs to such IN
dividuals that simplicity is beauty--that
economy is utility; and that beauty and u
tility adore lady more richly than silks
or satins, and shine more brilliantly than
sparkling diamonds. Give to US neat fit,
and let the material be calico, worn by a
modest lady, with graceful bearing, and
we will challenge comparison with the
fashionable "snobism' that d,sfgures the
female sex. The most attractive and beau
tiful lady we have ever seen, whose natur-
al loneliness was greatly heightened by the
neat, simple morning dress she wore, was
attred in common calico. The dress-so
neat SO simple-accorded admirably with
the gentle, sweet expression of her face,
and thus the blending Of beauty and utility
constituted her resistless charms. Not on
" would ladies look better and appear to
more advantage; but the ruin Of fathers
and husbands would be ayerted, If less re-
gard and attention were paid to fashion,
and more to utility. Especially should
this consideration address itself to and
weigh upon the minds Of young married
persons. With them, too frequently, the
novelty ofmarriage must be celebrated in a
costly attire, not only unbecomlng, but i'm
prudent. Fashion shades natural charms
and bankrupts husbands; while ST.
idealizes the beauty -, -.npiicI.
and Give. ~"d grace Of the lady
anu s'F impetus and life to the hope
ana ASPIRATIONS of the man.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

@ The Abingdon Democrat learns that
several Tennessee gentlemen have formed
joint stock company, with ample CAPT
tai, to commence mining for copper. on an
extensive scale, in Carroll county.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01
o. We direct attention to the a.

" we direct attention to the ADVERTISE
ment Of F. Scheffer to be found in to-day S
paper. The farm mentioned is desira.
BILE situated a convenient distance from
town; improved by every convenient out
house; and lies well. Persons DESTROYS of
purchasing nice farm, with easy and
speedy facilities for marketing produce.
will do well to examine Mr.. Scheffer's
premises.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

Vs. The laying of the Corner Stone Of
the Episcopal Church, at this place, which
was to have taken place to-day, has been
deferred until the Oath Of June next.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

9s+ Our friend and former townsman.
Charles 5. Gay, has purchased beautiful
farm near S:aunton. 1t is one of those
very inviting and refreshing looking spots
which elicit so often from the traveller as
he passes, the exclamation, II wish that
place belonged to me! |" We can very
heartily echo the remark. We wish it be-
longed to US and our friend had as good a
one! He gave $4,000 for it; and the
same place in New York would bring
$4,000 However, old Virginia is wax
ing up and the day is not distant when
her lands will be as valuable as they are in
the Northern States. Mr.. Gay has begun
work in style, aud from the way he gets
along, the transition from the yardstck to
that emblem of happiness and indepen-
dence, the plough has not been with him
very dificult.-Dispatch.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

& We learn from the Romney Intelli-
gencer that Capt Hiram Miller, vho was
lodging at Dufys' Hotel, Morefield, fell,
as he was walking down stairs, against the
banisters, which gave way, precipitating
him to the floor on his head. He never
spoke afterwards. He fingered in great
pain for dav and died.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

Vs. Mr.. Morris, the unfortunate man,
who cut his throat in Dayton, several
weeks ago. died few hours after the
deed had been committed. He leaves a
family. No cause is assigned for the act
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

;, We are indebted to the Hon. ]. Letcher
for numerous public doc uments, for which
he will please receive our thanks,
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

05- EN-. CUsHiNe's Soda Fountain Is
now in full blast-the first, we believe, Of
the season.
Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-05-01

@% VIM. 1. White, charged with kill,
ing George Lease, mas been convicted of
murder in the second degree at Romney,
Va'' aud sentenced to the penitentiary for
five years.