davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
ALARMING.

Some weeks ago, We expressed apprehension
that, unless the spirit of fanaticism and dis
union be not speedily stayed, the fraternal
bonds Of our National Union would be in i'm
minent danger" Greensboro IN CT Patriot.
"During long life, commencing in the war
of the Revolution, have never seen this coun-
try and her institutions in greater peril than at
this moment. "-Letter Of Le,cis Cdss
81 have never yet attempted to calculate the
value of the Union, and until very recently
have had no misgivings as to its continuance.
Proud of the exalted position of our Confedera-
cy among the nations of the earth, and full of
confidence in its duration, l have delighted in
the reflection that my children would witness
and enjoy its full Development With sorrow
and humiliation / now find myself compelled to
admit that l no longer feel this confidence. -
Letter of John .Sl,delI.
" 1t Is hard to believe that any large portion
of our fellow citizens Intentionally aim at dis
solving the Union of the States, by breaking
the constitutional rivets without which it can
not stand yet there is so direct and palpable
a tendency of that fatal character in much
that is said and done-acts in avowed dis
obedience, and principles the very reverse of
the text, and becoming so frequent and so
violent-that to regard the danger, really i'm
pending, as caused by mere negligence and I'M
skilfulness, exacts rare and difficult charity
of opinion. Letter Of G.. NJ Dallas.
"The existence of the most imminent danger
to the Union is no longer a mere senseless cry,
but much more real and present than many
have supposed. Letter Of John X. Thomson.
"There is, We believe, enough conscience,
enough patriotism, and enough of the spirit of
genuine nationality and love of liberty pervading
the masses of the Northern people, to constitute
An all-sufhcient bulwark against the frantic as
saults which Abolitionism and Sewardism are
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
THE MoRALITIEs OF TRADE.

We see it announced in our exchanges that
a store is to be opened in Boston, with capt.
tai of Sl50,O00, as an agency for the sale OF
-four at Western prices, with the addition OF
the cost of transportation and incidental ex-
penses. This movement has grown out OF the
extortion practiced by the traders or middle
men. They stand between the farmer and con-
sumner, reducing the profits of the former, in
creasing the expenses of the latter, and mo-
nopolzing inordinate gains. By establishing
agencies like that Just mentioned, the consul
mer and producer are again brought close to-
gether, exchanges are effected at legitimate
rates, and the immoralities of trade are at least
circumscribed.
But, how is the widespread evil of adultera-
ton to be remedied? There is scarcely ne
cessary of life that reaches us in pure state.
The art of effecting changes in articles of con-
sumption, so as to enhance the gains OF the
trader, has grown into an institution among
the middle-men. Everything is adulterated that
can be, without the least regard to the right or
wrong of the matter. An enterprising, but con-
scientious friend, in a recent letter to US, re-
marked that, having got in order some mills
for grinding spices, &C., he was led to look into
the manner of conducting the business. ~
found" he said, "that it was system of the
grossest fraud. Indian meal forms the basis
of most of the mustard, cinnamon, pimento, &c.,
rye meal, that of pepper. Many of the mixtures
are no doubt poisonous; if nothing but meal
were used, it would be, although fraud, not
hurtful. Spent tan bark is frequently used with
cassa. Sooner than enter into any such busi-
ness, would work on the highway. Two of
our mills, therefore, have been running to
waste for nearly year. The press ought to
turn its attention to the subject. The States
prison is quite as favorable place for young
mans morals, as some of our grocery establish
ments. l fear they are not alone. Our whole
system of trade is rotten. We send to Jail
poor devil who steals, it may be bread, to keep
his children from starving; and hold in high
honor those who grow rich by systematic fraud.
The stupendous rascal is shrewd man the
poor thief arouses our virtuous Indignation"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
RETURN OF FOREIGN CRIMINALS

Mayor Wood, of New York, has just sent back
to Europe four criminals who were shipped
hither by the authorities of Gustrow, Duchy of
Mecklenburg Schwerin, on board the Hamburg
ship Deutschland. Authentic information was
forwarded to the Mayor from abroad. On the ar
rival Of the vessel, she was Immediately visited
an examination by competent persons was in
stituted; the convicts were detected, and con-
fessed the truth; they were at once confined,
and on the 18th sent back in the vessel that had
brought them.
A very simple straightforward, conclusive
operation. And yet the Know Nothings have
made terrible pother about the evil, as if it de-
manded for its cure new National Party and
stringent Legislation by Congress. The action
Of the Mayor Of New York shows how easily the
local authorities may apply the remedy, without
getting up national agitation on the subject.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
PAssMoRE WILLIAMSON.

Another effort was made, on the 22d, to OBJ
tain the release of this victim of judicial tyran-
ny, but without success:
"In the T. S. District Court, petition was
presented by his counsel, and partly read, when
Judge Kane said that Williamson had the right
of applying to the Court to purge himself of
contempt, but this must be the first step. This
petition not being such purgation, but appa
rently kind of remonstrance against his i'm
prsonment, the Court could receive no commu
nication from party in contempt. His first
step must be an application for leave to purge
himself of contempt. That done, he would be
reinstated before the Court, and have the same
rights as before his commitment. If his counsel
differed with the Court, he would willingly hear
argument on the point"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
THE NATIONAL WASHINGTON, D. c. OCTOBER g5, 1855

tablish commercial agency in Simoda, hav-
ing been driven away by the japanese.
They probably took the same view of the
that is not the construction put upon it by the
Japanese Government. 1t is quite possible the
Japanese officials may have conceded more
than they intended, and it is not surprising
that they should now, in accordance with their
habitual distrust of foreigners, seek, by forced
construction, to retrace their steps; but we
hope our Government will insist upon liberal,
and what is, certainly, the natural, construc-
ton. There is no necessity for threats or vio-
lence, but the vantage ground we have gained,
ought never to be abandoned.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

little Importance to change of the Administra.
ton. We arc not willing to lose the Presiden.
tial battle for, in losing that, we fear we shall
lose Kansas and great deal more. Let it be
understood that the Presidency for the next
four years is to remain in the hands of the
Slave Power, and Doughfaceism at the North
will be at premism-the Free States will be
sold in the next Congress. We must fight the
Kansas battle, but we can fight it best, by con-
Meeting it with the Presidential battle. The
truth is, the great cork no,c to be done, IS to
prepare and organize the People for the Presi-
Dental struggle Of 1856. Let this truth be
constantly borne in mind.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
PRESIDENTIAL.

Our friends who send US letters proposing the
name of this or that statesman as the Republi-
can candidate for next President, are respect
fully informed that we deem all discussion on
that point ill-timed and unadvisable. Let us
first fight the Kansas battle in Congress, before
we look toward the next Presidency. We can.
not now guess who ought to be presented for
next President. If we can secure Kansas to
Freedom by even losing the Presidential battle
we are ready to do it. The approaching session
will make many regulations, and mar MANY
We can see far clearer as to the selection of
candidates six months hence than now.
Neo York Tribune.
We entirely agree with the Tribune as to the
propriety of postponing the discussion of the
question, who shall be the Presidential candi-
date of the Republican or Peoples Party; but
we fear the reason assigned by our cotemporary
may tend to induce some persons to attach too
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
ELECTIONS IN KANSAS.

Our readers already know that Gen. Whit
field, the candidate of the Missourians, as dele
gate from Kansas, to represent their interests,
was elected Monday, October l. The Free
State settlers, not recognising the validity Of
the election, refused to vote; but some Pro-
Slavery men voted for Reeder, to make it ap-
pear that the election was really contested. The
following letter, dated October Sd, from Kan
sas, which appeared in the ST. Louis Iptelli-
gencer of October 18th, shows who were the
voters, and how the result. was accomplished.
Surely, the fraud is becoming so palpable, that
even Southern men, not devoid of all sense of
right, must be revolted. Bear in mind, the
evidence is furnished by a Slave State paper:
"KANsAs, Oct. 3, 1855.
"You are aware that Monday last was the
day, of election fixed by the Legislature, at
which the friends of Whitfield voted, and that
Tuesday, October 8, is the day fixed by the
peoples proclamation, and at which the Free
State men will vote, besides, in all probability,
some of the Pro-Slavery men, as the polls are
open to all, and delegates are to be elected on
the same day to the Constitutional Convention.
"a large number of voters from the adjoin-
Ing COuullcS Vi MlSSOurl come over on mOHudy,
as usual, and voted. This was done with the
more ease, that the Free State party did not
participate in the election at all.
"Some few parties from Missouri penetrated
as far into the Territory as Lecompton, and re-
port says voted at Lawrence and Franklin as
they came back. But the principal foreign
vote was cast along the river and near to the
State, especially at Wyandott, Delaware, Leaven-
worth, Atchison, and Shawnee Church. We
anticipate large foreign vote along the Usage
and at Fort Scott, but as yet have not heard.
The election, so far as heard from, passed off
very quietly, and without any manifestation of
violence or intimidation. Report gives the fol-
lowing returns:
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
MANIFEST DESTINY IN CENTRAL AMERICA

Manifest Destiny has taken hold of Central
America, never to let 60. Colonel Kinney has
established himself on the Mosquito Coast, and
Colonel Walker at San Juan. The former has
not resigned his Governorship, as was an.
nounced by the last arrival, but simply ordered
new election, so that it may be demonstrated
that he is Governor by the grace of the People.
Z. 7. MASON, Vice Commercial Agent Of the
United States, acting confessedly without in
structions, has acknowledged the new Govern
ment. We shall see whether the Administra-
ton will recognise an enterprise, it denounced
as unlawful.
The Central american, printed at San Juan
del Norte, of the 29th September, gives great
accounts of progress. The company has quiet
possession of thirty millions of acres lying along
the Mosquito Coast, which it is ready to dispose
of to actual settlers on the most advantageous
terms. The Colonel himself lives on magnif.
icent plantation. From the following editorial
item in the Central american, we gain a
glimpse at the true nature and object ST this
enterprise.
" We haze Just been shocn private dt patch
es to Governor Kinney, to the effect MH nine
hundred men rould leaUe on the LIST of October,
from AtsLama and Mississippi aceN FURNISHED
ruth prorisiOns, farming utensils, dc, for sir
months. This acW prone a decided addition to
the numbers coming IN from other sources in
erery steamer"
Nine hundred men from, Mi''isa:,, =. and Ala
5ama-Slaveholder generally, of course, with
their slaves-for the rich plantation land along
the coast
1t is Texas over again.
AS to the other branch of the Propagandists,
the San Francisco Herald furnishes the follow.
ing paragraph:
"Colonel Walkers location at San Juan, on
the transit route between California and the
Eastern States, is worth more to him than sue
cess in half dozen battles. From every squad
of passengers that reach his neighbour God, lie
obtains more or less recruits, and it w hld not
be at all surprising if his force were il creased
to five hundred men in the course of a month.
Another advantage his position gives him is,
the impossibility of our Government pr, venting
the departure of those who intend to ,ji'in him.
They go among a crowd of passengers and no
one can say it is not their intention wien they
start to pass through to California or New
York. 1t is reported that large number of
those who go on the steamer to-day intend to
join Walker at San Juan, and enlist for the war
under his banner. The steamship company is
of course not responsible for this; they cannot
know the intentions of their passengers, and
could not refuse them if they did,
Nest eggs of Slave States
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

making upon our institutions and our rights.
If in this we are mistaken, then the sad story
is soon told. The Union becomes thing OF
the past and its separate fragments, like kin
dred estranged, will be to each other irrecon-
cilable and warning enemies. "-Richmond Ia.)
Wig.
The only union these people are really alarm
ed about, is the union between Northern Ser
viles and Southern Aristocrats, as its dissolu-
ton would take away bread from the former
and consequence from the latter.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
MEDICAL LECTURES BY LADIES.

Not few of the most intelligent ladies in
Washington have been greatly interested in a
series of Medical Lectures, commenced last
Monday afternoon, at Carusi's Saloon, by Miss
NTTsOS and Miss SMITH, of Philadelphia. The
first lecture was handsomely attended, and the
rest we doubt not, will be highly appreciated.
The subject is of great Importance, and the &C
comrlished lecturers are qualified for the task
they have undertaken
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
THE FOREIGN ENLISTMENT CASE IN PHIL
ADELPHIA.

United States District COurt.-Judge Edne.-
In the case of Hertz who was convicted some
time ago on a charge of being engaged in the
enisting of recruits in this city for the British
army, a motion for new trial was argued.
Upon the motion being refused, Hertz submitted
to the Court a written statement or Confession
of the whole matter.
Hertz says he was induced to go tow ahing-
ton to see Mr.. Champion, the British minister,
who conversed with him on the subject of
enlisting recruits in the United States for the
British army; that depots were to be establish
in Canada for their reception; he had not then
sufficient authority from his home Government,
but expected shortly to receive full instructions
from Lord Clarendon. Hertz went to Washing
ton subsequently, on two other occasions, to see
Mr.. Champion on the subject. In reply to ques-
tons from Hertz, in relation to the lrw on the
| subject, Mr.. Champion replied:
First, that the law was exceedingly lax !;
and secondly, that if anything shout happen,
the British Government would not low any
one to suffer who had been engaged in assist
ing them in furnishing the men," | replied
that " the popular voice is against thif matter;"
but Mr.. Champion said, "never mind about the
popular voice ia house in Licerpoo, fails, the
iohOle United States trem6Les."
Hertz, in concluding his statement, says
All that did in procuring and sending men
to Halifax for the Foreign Legion, was done
by the advice and recommendation of Mr..
Champion, Mr., Howe and Mr.. Mathew was
employed by Mr.. Howe, and acted as bis agent,
with the knowledge and appreciation of Mr..
Champion and Mr.. Mathew. Mr.. Mathew knew
of both the expeditions l sent. He approved
and encouraged me in sending item away.
He encouraged me by his advice ard counsel,
and in giving me money to send then; away
Philadelphia Ledger.
1t is said that the Administration has de-
manded the recall of Mr.. Champion. If it be
bly, be appointed to some place more agreeable
to him. He may have offended the spirit of
our laws but his zeal for British interests will
hardly provoke very severe punishment from
the British Government.
Mr.. Champion committed blunder on one
point. He had seen our neutrality laws set
at defiance or evaded repeatedly, when any
flibustering was to be done in Cuba or Mexico,
and, therefore, supposed they were Exceeding
ly lax" Circumstances alter cases. 1t is one
thing to enlist recruits against Cuba, quite an
other, to enlist them against Russia.
Considering the number of adventurous folk
we have among US, ripe for all sorts of fight and
frolic, it might not be inexpedient to suspend
our neutrality laws so far as enlistment for for
eign service is concerned, and allow the Rus
sian and British officers to beat up for recruits
in our borders They might carry off thou
sands whom the country could well spare.
SANTA ANNA is said to be safely installed,
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
Total, so far

All for Whitfield, of course las the other party
did not participate,) except few votes at some
of the polls, cast by the Pro-Slavery men them
selves, for Governor Reeder, to make it look like
n contest. AT Leavenworth, / have heard the
foreign vote estimated variously from 90 to l25.
1t came privately and IN small numbers, rather
seeking concealment. At Delaware, six miles
below, the vote is said to be nearly all foreign
crowds lined the shore on either side, and the
woods on the Missouri shore were filled with
horses and wagons. A ferry-boat piled back
and forward to the election. At Wyandott,
probably $50 to 200 foreign votes were polled,
among whom were some of the residents Of the
town.
"At Lawrence, a small party voted who came
down from Lecompton, on their way home; but
the mass of the Pro-Slavery men residing in
the district did not and would not vote, as most
of them repudiate the laws of the Legislature
as strongly as the Free State men do"
The claim Of Whitfield to a seat in the
House will be an affront to the Peoples Repre-
sentatives.
The election appointed by the People of
Kansas took place on the 9th, but the telegraph
has been in no hurry to communicate the re-
suit. Our faithful correspondent in to-day's
Era furnishes few items of interest. The fol.
lowing is all the information we have from the
telegraph:
81. LoutS, Oct 20.-Returns of the Congress
sional election of the I'd of October, from all
the counties in Kansas, give Whitfield, Pro-Sla,
very, 1904 votes, and Reeder sc.
"The election on the 9th of October passed
off quietly. In Leavenworth City, Reeder got
$50, and in Lawrence City, 325. These two
precincts give Reeder more than twice the
number of votes they gave to Whitfield at the
election of the I'd of October.
"St. Louis, Oct. 22.-The Kansas cores
pondent of the Missouri Democrat has returns
from % precincts, giving Reeder, for Congress,
1885 votes 70 precints are to hear from, and
it is thought the vote will exceed 5000. None
but actual residents for thirty days were per-
mitted to vote. The Free-Soilers are getting
up documents to contest Whitfeld's seat, show
ing that he has many more votes in several
places than there were legal voters.
delegates to Constitutional Convention
have been chosen, to frame State Constitution,
and apply for admission into the Union. Ex-
Governor Reeder will be the bearer of the petit
ton to Washington"
A Geographic rumor that Governor Reeder
had been killed produced good deal of ex-
element, but it is scarcely credible. 1t is
quite possible that he may have had rencon-
tire with some of his revilers.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
SENATOR TO0MBs IN BOSTON.

Senator Toombs has accepted the invitation
to deliver one of the Boston series of Lectures
on Slavery. He will speak on the Oath of jan
uary, upon the consistency of African Slavery
with the Constitution of the United States and
Republican Institutions, and the Effect of the
American Revolution upon the African Race.
His reply to the Committee is in striking con-
trast with the ridiculous answer of Governor
Wise, who takes occasion to BLACKBOARD the
Bostonians, and challenge the North generally
to mortal combat. His letter is not worth pub
fishing.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

OFFICIAL CORRUPTION IN New YoRK.-The
Grand Jury of the Court of Sessions, New
York, on the Goth, made formidable present
ment of city officials. The Recorder arrested
the reading, stating that the document con-
tanned sweeping charges, that ought not to be
made public" as it would be almost impossible
to find jury to try the cases, who had not had
their minds prejudiced by the presentment.
Among the indicted are said to be the Street
Commissioner, the Collector of Taxes, City
Collector, Commissioner of Repairs and Sup
plies, Commissioner of Lamps and Gas.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

and we see not what better he can do than to
commit the holy cause of Slavery to churches
so entirely without spot or blemish.
Seriously, it is some consolation to reflect
that, although stupid and corrupt churches
may be seduced into the service of Despotism
the Christian Religion itself is the perpetual.
ally of Freedom and Free Institu.
tioOs
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

LATER FROM TExAs.-Nec Orleans, oct. To-
Galveston dates to the l4th have been received.
Captain Callahan, of the Texas Rangers, has
had battle with a party of seven hundred Mex,
leans and Indians, in which four Texans anu
forty of the enemy were killed. The enemy iinal'
" retreated, and Capt Callahan calls on Texas
for further assistance in his efforts to exterml-
nate the Indians, who avow their intention TO
kill as they go all with whom they meet; An
other attack from them was expected. The bat
tie above referred TO occurred at Eagle Pass
on the 4th. inst.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

H-~ The position so long held by Mr.. Sew
ard, as a head of the Wing Party, and his rela-
lions to the politics of the country, render his
accession to the Republican Party of peculiar
interest, and, on this account, his speech, even
apart from any reference to its intrinsic merits,
is deserving a place in the Era. 1t will also
be printed in the "Fdcts" of November LIST.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25
1INGTON, ID. c..
DAY, OCTOBER Is, 1855.
THE CIRCULAR,

he friends who, in reply to letter address
them some time since, have generously
edged their assistance in renewing and ex-
ending the list of the Era, will receive this
week Circular, with lists of subscribers, &c.
10 which their attention is earnestly solicited.
Not for many years have we seen such indi-
cations of warm interest in the paper. We
hope those who have not yet replied to our first
letter, will let us hear from them.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

New YORK PoLITICs.-Nerc York, Oct. IL
The American party held their city and county
ratification meeting in the Park this evening.
1t is estimated that 10000 persons were present
Much enthusiasm was manifested, and numer
Gus speeches were made by prominent members
of the party.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-25

WHITE POPULATION OF THE YITEDSTATrS.--
A correspondent Of the New York Post has
compiled the following table from the United
States census, showing the relative white pcpu-
lation in the several States, as it was in loJ0'