davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

constitutional principles These principles hay ing been openly avowed and freely discussed, and endorsed and approved of by the great mass of American freemen, as the true Jeffer- sonlan republican principles, for more than half acentury. We can see no reason now, Tn view or the happy and prosperous condition ot our country, and the proud position, that our gov ernment has assumed among the nations of the earth, why these principles should be abandon ed.
 5. That we as American citizens, as patriots and as freemen, believe in strict construction of and firm adherance to the constitution as the palladium of our political liberty and rcli- gious freedom, and that any innovation upon or departure therefrom is alike dangerous to both
 4. That we will firmly resist with all honor able means every species of fanaticism, whe- ther 1t be a wild crusade against the institution of slavery intolerance in ecclesiastical matters, or prescription of the rights and privileges of American citizens, whether native or naturali- zed.
 3. That no test as regards religion or place of birth other than that, which is fixed by the constitution should be any qualification for off, ces, but that honesty and capability,' the qualifications that were requisite in the primi- tive days of our government, are the only es- oeHtldi ! uiliHCdtlOllS ludC eULlIlc all AUeTlCdll citizen to preferment, whether he be native or naturaliZed.
 5. That we welcome to our association all such of our fellow citize1s who believe in the true principles of democracy, and are opposed to the principles, objects and doings of the so- called Know Nothing party. We battle for measures, not men!
 z. The thanks of this meeting is due, and is hereby rendered to Col. k. A. Warren, Gen. $. H. Hempstead, orators of the day, and to Hon. George c. Watkins for the able and sa- tistactory manner which they defended the cause of democracy, and the bold and fearless exposition they made of the principles and workings of the so-caled Know Nothing par ty.
 8. The thanks of this meeting is hereby ten dered to the several musicians of the Little Rock brass band, who contributed much to en- liven patriotic feelings by the soul-strring na- tional airs they played on the occasion.
 5. It ls'resolvcd, that this meeting adjourn tc meet on Saturday the 3rd day of November next, for the purpose of adopting constitution and bylaws for the government of our demo cratic association.
 10. That all papers in the State favorable tc democratic principles, be requested to give place to to the foregoing proceedings in the columns
 GREEN B. HUGHES, Pred.
 JOHN w. SHOPPACH Sec'u
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Letter from Hot Spring County.
Rockpo,t, Arhansas, ]

Rochq'ort, Arkansas,
 October 2Oth, 1855. DEAR DEMocRAT:-Looking upon yourself as one of the principal guardians of the agri- cultural, commercial and political, (and might 1 not say the religious liberties) of our State and nation l deem it not improper to give you a sketch of how we are getting along out here. We are now harvesting our crops, corn is turn ing out abundantly cotton is not so good- Though there IS not great deal of attention paid to cotton, in consequence of the difficult modes of transportation; but we are still living in hopes of railroad, and think that if those of our last legislature, who spent so much of their midnight reflections on the proper kind of diet to nourish Sam :" upon, had have been studying the interest of our State, we might now almost have had some of our railroads in operation.
 Know Nottingham is rather at a low ebb out here, and is growing beautifully lower There was Quail-pipe sit in the upper end of this county few days ago-not for the purpose of catching quails,-but for the purpose of allur- ing our old Boosters (democrats) into the old net of 184O. Such net will do to catch coons but the old cocks have become alarmed, there having been such a Ye2-ing after them throuh- out this country.
 Hoping to see you and "1ots" of other qooa democrats at Benton on the 27th,
 l remain yours,
 POLK STALK
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
oui iilciiIi, tIuiN,
 E. M. WILLIAMS.
From the Memphis Appeal. The Ex.uiniSter to Central America

| nc ENsiiniStef To central America.
 The Little Rock Gazette, while pretending to despse the comments of the democratic press upon the extraordinary political course of it's edltor-ln chief, SoLoN BoRLAND, in the number last received at this oflice attempts to parry of the just and indignant censure to which it has rendered itself obnoxious, by firing off a battery of blank cartridges against our cotem porares, and the editors of this paper, in which we came ln for the largest share of it's trucu- lent hsh-market slang and abuse. Hedged in and completely bahed by his gross and glar- ing inconsistencies of political conduct, and utterly unable to account to the country for having betrayed party to whom he is indebted for all the distinction he has, and for having abandoned an administration at whose hands he first accepted two of the best offices in the gift of the President, the late Minister Pleni- potentiary to the Central American States, (in- cludlng Greytown,) resorts to the puny weapons of personal vituperation as a cover to the "most lame and impotent conclusion" " of his political career.
 We were only induced in the first instance, to comment upon the strange and inconsistent attitude of the eX- Minister from the reflected dignity he borrowed fiom the high positions with which he had been honored by the demo- cratic party, and our readers will bear us wit ness that our remarks were uttered in the great est moderation that the case would bear We well knew that our Know Nothing cotempora- ries would take advantage of the forfeited posi- ton of the ex-Minister in the democratic party to give signficancy and importance to his de- lection. And hence we regard it as our duty to call the attention of the public to single fact in connexion with his singular sumerset, that all men might see what importance ought to be attached to it.
 It appeared very remarkable and unacaunta- ble to us that the ex Minister to Central Amer ica could reconcile it to his conscience and to proper ideas of high toned principle and con- duct to accept two offices from the present democratic administration under the prevailing impression that he was one of it's peculiar supporters and the fast friend of its policy--that he could petition successfully for the appoint ment of his friends and relations in Arkansas to the best local offices in that State-and that he could go abroad accredited as an envoy of the United States in company with Messrs SoULE and BELMONT, neither of whom are na- tive born citizens of the United States, and then scarcely eighteen months after his return, and when the administration had, happily, no more offices to bestow upon him, that he should join a secret faction, composed in the main of his own
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

and the democratic party's ancient and inveter ate foes, and one of whose ostonsbe objects was and is to prevent the appointment of foreigners to office. The Ministers habitual answer. when reminded of this violation of good faith to his party, after having drained it of all ofhces within his reach, is some loose declara- ton about having "the independence to think and act for himself" Most men admire inde pendence of thought and action, but very few there are who can be brought to approve the crooked conduct of the man who like the ser pent in the fable, would fix his fangs upon the faithful breast that warns him into being.
 It IS remarkable fact in connection with the ex-Mnister's political and diplomatic experi- ence, that no longer ago than last summer when in the city of Memp phis, wcaried with the ennui of his placid and peaceful retirement | alter the arduOuS and stirring excitement incl dent to his diplomatic duties at Greytown and thereabouts he made enquiries respecting the probability of purchasing such an interest in that tail-pece of all, the Memphis AppeaZn which would entite him to associate hfmself with those three notorious office seekers its editors, with whom he now possesses "enouob of selt.respect to scorn an association" The association was promptly declined. Since that very recent date, we have neither changed our personal character nor our political principles and we ale truly anxious to know
 Upon hat meat has this our Caesar fed
 That he has grown so great"
 That he should, while conspring in his heart his treachery to the democratic party, have thus wished to connect himself even with its "taiI. piece" as being more congenial to his habits and instincts, IS but another and stronger evi- dence of that want of faith which has charac- l terlsed his conduct towards the administration and towards the entire party upon whom he now turns the back of his hand. doubtless for his partv's good. But we have said enouob The assaults ot man, whose opportunities for an honorable fame were once so fair, but who has sadly slided back farther than the coal from which he started, by his bunderinc male- violence, are puny and poweress, and possess no terrors for us. notwithstanding his impu- tatIon of malice to us, we can find it in our hearts, to wish him no more humiliating rever- ses than his present position in the eyes of thosc who once looked upon his advancement with pride and confidence, and his own bitter reflections thereon. We can even pity the bit terness which wells up in his heart in that un- envlable position. And we can view with lof- ty and silent scorn that desperate and dernie1 energy which summons him to dip his hoarv pen Tn gall and project 1t against his "assail- ants," as balm to his own wounds. He has but poor insight into the motives of men who cannot perceive, that, when mans only argu- ment IS abuse, and his only defense recrimina- ton, he has sunk himself by his passions far beneath the level of that intellectual arena in which gentlemen hold discussion to arrive at the truth.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

errors of my life, and hope they will consider it as such; fo. having attached myself to the same used my utmost endeavors to influence others to do likewise Not having examined the principles, if principles they can be termed was induced to believe I was doing my duty as an Amerlcan But the people in this vi clnlty, being as l thought rather contumelious on the subject induced me to examine more minutely the principles of this new party; and to my utter astonishment, find the same old coon wrapped in mantle of sheep's clothing polished off and fitted out for the purpose of decoyng the honest yeomanry of our land taking from them the rights guaranteed to to them by the constitution (that is think ing or voting as they please, for any one attached to that party cannot vote as he chooses but as others say;) and prescribing others from worshipping God according to the dictates of their conscience; and others because they were born in foreign land
 l see nothing bad that has originated from the flood of emigrants Gas is represented;) and 1 contend that nothing bad can originate by ex- tending hand to the oppressed of other na- tions. For so soon as they take the oath of allegiance, and become naturalzed they are Americans and should be entitled to all the privileges of natives; and, therfore, cannot be deprived of this equality without usurpation. Believing as 1 do that the so-called Know No- thing party is dangerous institution, ant-re- publican, anti ti-democratic and nt-American in ! principle, l cannot longer content myself in such an organization, and take this method to give publicity to my disapprobation of the same and would advise my friends and the public generally, who have attached themselves tc said party, to come out from among such a hid den mysterious and unpnncipled organization and enlist as 1 have done, in the old and wei tried democratic principles.
 JOHN J. HARRIS.
 Charlottesville, Ca1lom O., Arh,
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Helena Star.

We learn from the last Star, that Mir. JAMES CRARY has taken charge of its editorial depart ment. MT. A. J. Elliott still conducts the publication of the paper as joint proprietor.
 MT. Crary in his introductory says:
 "The position which I now necessarily as- sume, trust, will prove one of short duration. Aside from my duties as a practicing lawyer, l have not the time or the inclination to min gle in political or newspaper warfare. But so long as circumstances place these columns un- der my exclusive control, 1 will endeavor, so far as my time will admit to discharge my du- ty to those who may pcruse them"
 We extend to Mir. Crary the right hand of fellowship.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
l Nu; fer the UniOn-Saving Know Noth- inSs to Crack-General Foote's Views on Americ ami ism.

Il N"' TOT Une O OhioHsSaVinS I<hOW NOth-
 inSs to Cracii-General Foote's Views on
 American ism.
 The Vicksburg Sentinel is entitled to great credit for its discovery of most remarkable document which is of mcalculable value to such of the know nothings as in times past took Gen. Il. 5. FOoTE as their "polar star" It is one of the precious fossil remains of his patriotic ardor, few of which can now be found. This remarkable man Is now most enthusiastic champion of e-Americanism or know mo- thingsm. If this were the first time he had changed his position, we might be strongly tempted to shed tear over his frailty.
 The following extract is taken from his speech in the United States Senate in 1849 on the right of Senator SHIELDS, (lately prescribed by Know NothinSism) to seat in that body. See Congressional Appendi1, page 339:
 " But this is not enough for certain gentle men here. They must make a victim; they must do something to propitiate the accursed spi- rt 0f NatUe AnaerlcaniSD1 lChose tH ia7l4ence has ah,eady deluged he streets cf some of our pqpa-
 ous cities aoih precious blood and ca7jed the torch g' He inceadiary into pyjUate mansions, and the temples cf the hving God. The noble hearted claimant is native of foreign land. His in- fancy was cradled and his days of younger boy hood were passed, amid the localities where once tiourlshed a Grattan, a Curran, and an Elm melt. He was born beyond the rolling ocean, and is only an American because he is a lover of liberty and free institutions, and came here to enjoy them, where only they could be enjoyed in all their amplitude and perfection. It is de- sired, fear to fix brand upon his forehead, be- cause, though born in distant land, he has pre- stunned to aspire to a high station in a republic, where for seventeen years, he has performed all the duties of patriot in peace, and in war has fought with glory unsurpassed in battles whose reEown will never pass away"
 * "Nor will it do anything here or else where to jun the smouldering ensbsrS of natiue Americanlsm to rene,0ed tury. Gentlemen who a few years ago had the moral courage (to use the mildest term) gravely and fercely to urge, that no native of any foreign country arriving upon our shorSes should be allowed to become naturalized until some tlUenty years have elapS- cd after his coming among us, can very con- siStently, think vote for the amendment un- der consideration; but with my views O. my duty as a conscientious Senator, and the sacred obligations which rest upon me as member of the democratic party, VOW most solelnnly that there are few acts of legislation which could be proposed to me, which l would resist more stre- nuously and perseveringly than that which is now under diScuS>iOn.''
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Fourth Degree of Know Nottingham.

As we have already published the obligations and charges of the three degrees of. Know No- thingism, we now copy from an exchange some particulars of the fourth:
 Completely accessible, every member of the order is eligible to it, and on his own motion. It respects not dignity, and will welcome bro- ther of the first degree as gladly as one of the third. Accommodating itself to the social feel ings, it can be taken either singly or by squads Free as air it is attanabe by day or by night at regular sessions or the irregular at any meet ing, or at no meeting Wsest, best and most profitable of all the degrees, the fourth is taken by letter mssive, substantially in the words fol- lowing:
 10 tue Officers and Members of- Council, No.
 -, meeting -.
 GENTLEMEN: Satisfied that duty to our coun- try is incompatible with allegiance to secret order like yours, we hereby withdraw ourselves from membership, and remain yours, respect fully, -.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Speaking in Lafayette County.

We are authorized by Col. WARREN to state that he will address the citizens of Lafayette county, at Lewisville, on the 18th November upon the political issues of the day. The Know Nothings are invited to attend with their speaker. Col. WARREN will cheerfully divide time with him.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

Col. E. A. WARREN.-This gentlt man ar rived in our city on Sunday last from Saline county, where he was present as one of the orators at the democratic mass meeting. We understand he will remain here several days and then go down 70 Pine Bluff, to be pre- sent at the democratic meeting there on the 5th and 9th of next month.
 Col. WARREN during the summer and fall has done gallant service in the cause of the democratic party, and We welcome him to our city as one, of whom all democrats and all friends of religious and civil liberty may truth fully say, Well done thou good and faithful seryantn
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Chan1bersmAe, CaHlom O., Aqh., ]
 October 2Oth. 1855.

OT We are requested to tender the thanks of the Little Rock band of musicians to the citizens of Saline county, for the kindness and hospitality extended to them on the occasion of the democratic meeting on the 27th While all were so kind and courteous, they cannot dis crIminate, but feel under special obligation to the whole community.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

THE KNOW NOTHING STATE CouNcIL.-This body isnow in session in this city, We will endeavor to give the public next week some report of its proceedings, as, we understand, they are to be public.
 Many new questions of importance are to be considered. Some stepis to be taken to gal vanize the corpse of poor Sam, and there is, we believe diversity of opinions among the "Doctors'' as to what it ought to be. We shall Wnit fnr the rnsnlt
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Another Member of the last Legislatur,


 Withdrawn from tl.e Know Nothinss. Hon. E. NJ. Williams of Prairie comfy q member of the lower branch of the Legisla- ture, Tn letter to the Des Arc Citizen, amour ces his withdrawal from the Know Nothings. He denounces the Know Nothing party as a "b"ndle" of abolitionsts and whgs.-as an abolition concern in the north, and in the south a vhig trick, made up of whigs, and whiss only. MT. Williams is, very justly, very severe upon the Know Nothings of this State, and it is to be presumed, he hnoDs something about it. He also says the lodge at Brownsville is bro ken up, and he is compelled to have recourse to newspaper to signify his determination of withdrawing.
 Every body is quitting the Know Nothrss, their lodges are breaking up all over the State.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
From SeVier County.

Ultima Thule, Seuier O., Oct. 2Oth, '55. DEAR JOHNsoN:-Enclosed find two dollars and send True Democrat to -, esq. He was an old subscriber of the Gazette, but says he is done with that paper, and now wishes to take yours, as he does not consider Borand democrat. He is not able to follow Borland through all of his tortuous windings We are 10 have grand democratic rally at Paraclifta on the Both Oct. Several distin- guished speakers are expected.
 Very truly etc.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
SECRETARY's OFFICE, s. c. OF PA, }

BROTHER: You are hereby notified that a stated meeting of the s. c. will be held on the 2d of October next, at 10 o'clock, A. M., at Marion Hall, on Main street. in the borough of Carlisle. You are requested to inform your colleagues of said meeting, and communicate to them the P. w.
 You will bring with you or forward the quar- terly report of your Council, also the semi-an- nual assessment due October 2d, as the term ends on that date. It is highly important hat go" s'iouM pay promptly tue seani-annual assess ment AS WE ARE LARGELY INDEBTED TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL, AND THEY ARE IN PECUNIARY TROUBLE.
 The pass word by which you will be admit ted, is 20, 2, 26, 10, 9, F, A, Il, 12.
 T. l.. CLIFFORD, Secy
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

APPOINTMENT.-We learn that ROBERT MA LoNEY esq, has been appointed by President Pierce, register of the United States Land or flee at this place-vice Col. Henry l.. Bscoe, removed.
 The Shield, of course, disapproves this act of the administration, and raises the usual cry of "proscription for opinions sake" This i'll be- comes the Know Nothing party, when that party stands Pleaged and s,ooyn not to endorse or support any one who has not embraced their own peculiar doctrines-Helena Star.
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Travelling Agent.

MT. IsHAM w. WYATT is now on a tour. as agent for the True Democrat for the purpose of soliciting new subscribers and collecting claims due the office. He will visit Prairie, Monroe Jackson Lawrence, Fulton, Green Independence, Izard and White coun- ties We recommend him to the favor of our friends and request them to render him such assistance as they conveniently can.
 Persons having claims in the above counties will find MT. Wyatt faithful and efficient collector
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30
Democratic Mass Meeting at Pine Bluff.

Democratic Mass Meeting at Pine Bluff.
 The Pine Bluff Republican contains a call numerously signed by both whigs and demo- crats, for mass meeting at Pine Bluff, on the 5th and 9th of November next. It will pro- bably be the largest meeting ever held in the State for political objects Many from the ad- jacent counties will be in attendance, while the best talent in the State, will be present as speak CTS. Messers. Hempstead Watkins, Rust, War. ren, Compton, s. G. Smith, R. w. Johnson, Gov. Roane, Maj. Wm. Field, Judge Murray, Col. Lucke, and others are expected.
 Know Nottingham arouses bitter opposition in this State, from both democrats and old line whgs. We expect to see at Pine Bluff the largest meeting ever held in Arkansas. Here is the call as taken from the Republicans:
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

PoLITIcAL.-We see by the South Stamp, of 2Oth inst, that ex-Governor Matthews of Mis- sissippi delivered an able and very interesting speech at Camden, in opposition to Know No thingism. He dealt the dark lanternites some sturdy blows
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

LETTER FROM JUDGE WATKINS ON KNow NoTHINGIsM-ln the proceedings of the mass meeting of the democracy, which we publish m another column, will be found letter from ex-Chief Justice Watkins It is most inter- estlng letter and will we'll repay any one to read 1t. It is one of the best things we have yet seen on Know Nottingham We invite es- pecial attention tO if
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

Or The Louisiana Courier of the 2Oth Oct, contains the names of eighty persons, who have withdrawn from the Know Nothing party in that State. This, to follow out a fixed and ccr tain rule of Know Nottingham, would be a gain to that order, of eight hund,eI members. For, say they, where one man leaves the order, ten joins it. Bah
The true Democrat., 1855-10-30

To OUR AGENTs.-Those agents of the True Democrat, who have money in their hands due this office, will please forward the same by mail at our risk. They will also state to whose credit it should be placed.