davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24
The French spoliation Bill.

The Baton Rouge Advocate, one of the
strongest Pierce organs in louisiana, thus dis
cources on the Presidents veto of the French
Spoliation Bill:
The President has vetoed this bill, as it was
expected and generally given out that he would
do. The object Of the bill was to indemnify
American citizens for spoliations committed by
the French, prior to 1901 and it provided a
commission to ascertain the amount Of claims
due, and pay each claimant his pro rata of five
millions Of dollars.
During the war which Immediately followed
the French revolution, England and France both
committed extensive depredations on American
commerce and such outrages became SO intole-
rable at length, that a vigorous war of retalia-
ton and reprisal was commenced upon the
French. Restitution was afterwards demanded
of both governments. England settled for her
spoliations, but not France By the treaty of
demand, in consideration of her releasing the
United States from guaranteeing to her, under
previous treaty, her West India possessions.
By thus Withdrawing the demand, the United
States virtually assumed to indemnify her
citizens for the depredations committed by the
French.
Since that time, the matter has been frequent
ly brought before Congress. Committees have
invariably reported for the claimants-we have
heard it stated, as many as eighteen times.
Bills for indemnity have frequently been passed,
sometimes by one, sometimes by both Houses
Yet half o century has passed, one generation
of claimants have died out, and no French
spoliation bill has become law
The Presidents reasons for his veto, set forth
in message of six columns, are doubtless
satisfactory to himself, and no doubt he acted
conscientiously. But we believe, nevertheless,
that the claims, where properly ascertained,
will be eventually paid by this Government.
The depredations were really committed. They
are historical; and the page which bears the
record is not one to which we can look with
pride and satisfaction. Indemnity was due, in
the first instance, from France, and should have
been prosecuted to any extreme. In relinquish-
ing this indemnity, for consideration, the o..
States took the position of debtor, and should
pay herself just what she would have demanded
of France in behalf of the claimants.
We would not approve any extravagant ap-
preparation for the purpose, or have any claims
paid without rigid inquiry into their justice.
But we would have our citizens know, and have
the world know that such depredations cannot
be committed with impunity; and that if, for
sufficient reason, the United States has in this
case released France from paying for spoliations
upon American commerce, she is disposed to
pay the debt thus assumed with as much alacrity
as she would have prosecuted it with vigor
against foreign government.
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

A SUBLIME Standardization are out,
says the N. Y. Mirror for the most sublime and
magnificent nuptials ever celebrated upon our
planet-the wedding of the rough Atlantic to
the fair Pacific ocean. An iron necklace has
been thrown across the Isthmus; the banns are
already published; and the bridal party will
leave this city on Monday next, February 5th,
to perform the august ceremony. Some seven
millions of dollars have been spent in achieving
this union; but, as the fruits thereof will soon
show, it has been money well invested. Across
the bosom Of the Isthmus, the golden products
of Pacific borders and the incalculable treasures
of the distant Orient, are destined to flow in
upremitting streams. -
"The stupendous enterprise of uniting the
two Oceans which embrace the greater portion
Of the globe, we are proud to say, was con-
ceived and executed by our own citizens, in the
cans could have overcome. The swamps noun
tains and miasmas of the Isthmus drove all the
engineers of Europe home in despair who con-
templated the gigantic undertaking, and the
Herculean work was left to the hands and
hearts of men in whose vocabulary "there is
no such word as fail" The engineers of Eng
land and France pronounced the project utterly
impracticable. To the late lamented John L.
Stevens and bis associates, Aspinwall, Chauncey,
Colt, Whiteright and others, the world is in
debted for THE completion of this great bond
this commercial linking of the hemspheres.
An enterprise so full of poetic sublimity, and so
fraught with interests co-extensive with the
whole earth, may well command the admiration
of the world; and deserves to be fifty inaugu-
rated by such bridal party as arc preparing
to embark as witnesses of the grand CONSUME
nation. 1t is a theme for such an Epithala-
MUM as was never sung in Greece, and an
occasion for worldringing burst Of eloquence
that makes one deplore afresh that the tongue
of Webster is mute in DEATH
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24
GooD.-The following is a copy Of resolution
submitted to the Aldermen, by the member from
he Thirteenth Ward. Alderman John III. Briggs :

Resolred That George W. Matse Chief Of Police report
possible, to this body, hosc many AMERICANS
FRESHMEN, SCoTcHMEN GERMANS, FRENCHMEN, ENGLIsHMEN
and OTHER NATIONS there in the Police Depart
ment Of this city, also how many Of the present policemen
have been in the prisons Of the Uned States and of other
countres also, how many Of the present policemen have
been nauraze and how many have been in this country
less than five years. also by whom all the members Of the
present Police Department of this city were appointed.
There was an attempt made on behalf Of the
"foreign element" to lay the resolution on the
table; but we are glad to notice that we have
Of Americanism in the Board of
Aldermen. How it is in the Chamber of Council
men we don't know but in that honorable body"
there are some rather raw specimens Of Irishmen
who can hardly talk English, much less write it.
.=....t.zs- [Neec York Mirror.
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

u 4 lady complaining Of whskers and nous
tachcs, declared: ut b one Of the kshiods m
variably ct ny Ace against"
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

HoRRrBtE AfrAIR-The st. Louis Republican,,
Of the 18th inst, has the following extract from a
private letter, dated Faton Cape Girardeau county,
Mo-, giving an account Of horrible tragedy:
An atrocious murder and house burning took
place on Wednesday night last, within eight miles
Of this place. young man BY the tiAhne Of Buck.
nes some time since, married widow who had a
daughter nearly grown. Not long after they were
married Buckner seduced the young lady, or, as
some say, ravished her. Since which time, Buck.
ner, the old lady and the girl have been quarelng
and fighting. On "Wednesday night last Buckner
returned home after absence Of some two months,
when his wife caught him and held him, while her
daughter killed him with an axe! To hide all
taces Of their work, they set FIRE to the house,
consuming the body Of Buckner in the flames
What led to discovery of tie murder was the cir
cumstance Of Buckner being absent 50 long, and
some Of the neighbors seeing him come home on
Wednesday evening. They saw no more Of him,
sethey went to raking and searching among the
csala and ashes Of the burnt house and found some
bones which excited fearful suspicious. Aninquest
sas held on yesterday, and they declared to be
human bones. All the parties concerned have been
alsested except the young woman. Mrs. Buckner
mas made full confession. isss A
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24
Tn .sBrrrrR CITIZENS. The Memphis Amer

From, the report Of Recorder Hill for the month
Of January, made to the City Council 1t its last
meeting, night before ssk We learn that the num-
Der Of arrests made or tie month M&s los. OF
this number EIGHTY4sIx WEBB TOREI6NERs! and
only seventeen natives Yet the foreigners are
denomihded BY the Appeas md journals Of that
X, u The better class : @ s
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

LEGISLATIVE PAsrfmE.-The Baton Rouge
Advocate gives us occasional glimpses Of life It
the capital The Advocate, Of Saturday last,
says: 4as
The present lull in the legislative business
will enable members to devote more Of their
attention to the cultivation Of that elegant and
altogether absorbing amusement, billiards. In
fact, We had serious fears that the regular
every day sessions, Saturday always excepted, J
Of two or three hours duration, would seriously
retard the studies Of honorable gentlemen who
have more ambition to acquire perfection in
making ssgood shots Cham III making bad laws;
but the present " no quorum " holidays will, in
. measure, compensate our State Solons for the
ardnous duties they have heretofore performed.
Were the honorable speaker to move 1 roll
caN a some plaee where billiards, and not law
making. was the order Of the day, We venture
to say that ! quorum could be easily obtained.
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

The TRADE WITH AFRIcA.-lmportdn Facts
Every year is placing the profitable trade with
Western Africa further from our reach. England
is rapidly weaving it from US. The following facts
which have been communicated to the Philadelphia
North American, are most striking illustration Of
this truth:
-Four English steam propellers now keep up a
regular and profitable monthly communication be-
tween Plymouth and the civilized settlements of
Western Africa. The result is an increased and
valuable commerce. Among the shipments in the
steamer Caudace, which lately conveyed President
Roberts, of Liberia, to England, there were, am
credibly informed, eight thousand ounces of gold
The market value of this item alone is equal to one
hundred and forty thousand dollars.
1t is to be regretted that there is not stated
and active intercourse between the U. States and
the West coast Of Africa long ere this There
should be line Of steamers on that route at once,
equal to that from England.
=" In commercial point Of view, such as enter.
prise holds out great advantages. The British
traffic with that coast has increased most rapidly.
The staple article supplied is palm oil, of which the
quantity entered at the English customhouse has
risen from 47OO tons in 1927 to about go 900 tons
in 1854. In 1850 the import was, say $4,000 tons
showing great increase in SO short period
The gain in price of this commodity is in nearly
the same ratio, for it has taken the place of the
tallow supplied by Russia when peace prevailed,
while large quantities of it is required and used in
the United States
Ground nuts for the manufacture of oil are an
exceedingly important articles Of export for the
French, and the English people are getting more
into the use of the oil. The French employ it as
q salad oil, also for burning and for lubricating
machinery. Canwood, (for Dyes ivory and arrow.
root are the principal other articles brought from
Africa. Sugar can be made in any quantity, and
Each Of these can be supplied in unlimited guam
titles BY the application Of capital and labor. The
augmentation Of these valuable products depends
mainly on the increase of intercourse, and the
trade exists Under such peculiar circumstances that
steam alone will develop it to its greatest dimen-
aonsn lag- 5~s
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

SLHGH1NG IN PHiLADELrHrA.-The Phiadei-
Ph'ans were enjoying fne sport on Saturday, the
10Th inst. The sleighing Was excellent. The
North American says:
The omnibus sleighs did d great business, and
20 nlsh crowds during the day. Chestnut street
was hFcnged with sleighs Of al descriptions, flying
pas each other with the speed Of the wind and the
music q wedding BELLS In the vicinity Of the
ssxchaage, We would have supposed that the occa-
~ wss general holiday. Whole families could
g spM waiting for ride 1t the cost of sixpence,
- the loads were packed spon the most demo-
uate principles. Some Of them were combinations
Y hdies dressed upon dashing scale, fish-women
Mmmlng IRON market bucks with diminutive canes
sad Warburton's corrugated brims," and news
ooys gust sold out fof the dry. An appeared to
enlcy Themselves in spite Of the e hm, and some,
.ler N consequence Of the squeeze. Little boys
a,taayea we noat strenuous exertions to secure
1I'cn, IN spsss e ths segravating .scus behind n
~ the course q the afternoon the snow h soue
y we principal street, appeared to BE pretty Well
sesn out, and the hlsek mud presented 4 ds.oree.
~ contrast with the hznnscuiale vhheresa q ,ha
chilly luxury. At late hon 81 ia n;rhs hc,s.
s.er. the streets continued to re.echo he mns;c
The merry bells, and parties returned Fer -.
fo1ntry dances in the most exhilaatfar csr,1tscr
u mind. -
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24

sufficient reason, the United States has in this
case released France from paying for spoliations
upon American commerce, she is disposed to
pay the debt thus assumed with as much alacrity
as she would have prosecuted it with vigol
against foreign government.
ABOLITION SSuBBED IN THE Iowa LEG1sLA.
ruRE.-In the Senate of Iowa, on the 10Th ult,
Mr.. Hamilton offered the following resolution
Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be
instructed, and our Representatives requested,
to vote for law prohibiting slavery or invo-
luntary servitude in the Territories of Kansas
and Nebraska, except for the punishment Of
crime, whereof the party shall have been duly
convicted.
It was moved to lay this resolution on the
table. This motion did not prevail-yeas Is,
nays II. --
Mr.. Browning then offered the following
substitute for the resolution Of Mr.. Hamilton ::
Be it resolved By the General Assem6ly Of the
State Of Iora, That the series Of acts of the
31st Congress, commonly known as the Com
promise or Adjustment, 1.-THE act for the recove-
ry Of fugitives from labor included,) are re-
ceived and acquiesced in by this General Assem-
bly, as. q final settlement, in principle and
substance, of the subjects to which they relate,
and so far as these acts are concerned, we will
maintain them, and insist on their strict en-
forcement, until time and experience shall
demonstrate the necessity Of further legislation
to guard asainst the evasion of the laws on one
side, and the abuse of their powers on the
other, not impairing their present efficiency to
carry out the requirements of the constitution;
and we deprecate all further agitation of the
question thus settled as dangerous to our peace,
and will discountenance all efforts to continue
or renew such agitation, whenever, wherever or
however made, and we will maintain this settle
ment as essential to the integrity Of the Union.
After u prolonged debate, Mr.. Browning's
substitute was agreed to by vote Of 16 to IA.
SUBTERRANEAN TELEGRAPH TO THE PACIFIC.
--In noticing the fact that the House Of Repres-
entatites had passed the bill authorising the
construction Of . subterranean telegraph
through to the Pacific coast, the Baltimore Sun
says:
The contractors are to construct and protect
the road at their own expense, and at their own
hazard, and asked from the government grant
Of lands This, however, the House has refused
to give having stricken that provision out Of
the bill. The amount of land asked was two
millions Of acres, not to be conveyed to them
Until after they have completed the line and are
ready to work it. The charges are to be 81
per word up to ten words, and then rs cents
. word, the government to have the preference
always id the use Of the line. Should the bill
pass the Senate, and the contractors accept it
minus the land provision, the practicability Of
the work can be soon tested. for they bind
Al 81 L. E-n
Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1855-02-24
From the N. Q. Picayune Of Wednesday.
you;s Napoleon Is Going to the Crimea.

We give the following extraordinary intelli-
lance to our readers. We are not permitted to
some our authority. 1t will suffice to say that
-, The last mails letter was received from
po,;s nv an individual in this city. We have
been permitted to publish translation of
norton of this correspondence.
:. The Emperor has foreseen all the calamities
and reverses of Sevastopol ever since the Allied
ormv sat down before the city. st. Arnaud
~as a trooper (pandour,) he might have taken
.ha Mace by charge of cavalry at the first
onset. but failing that siege became necessary.
Nether Raglan nor Canrobert were equal to
.he;r position, and Louis Napoleon knew it.
He did not want Sevastopol to be taken this
infer. He knew short of a butchery, of which
.he history of war affords no parallel, the place
could not be carried. He determined that
sevastopol should subserve mighty political
nurnose. For this, he has been delaying
rs,,nnl;es while he has concentrated his forces in
France. An overwhelming army is gathering
an the Prussian frontier. At Marseilles, Toulon
and Algiers, o iotilla, to be reinforced by Eng
iish vessels, will be ready to sail with 10000
men on March 18th. On the arrival of this
armada in the Crimea, the Emperor will leave
Paris and appear in person before Sevastopol.
A coup de main, upon gigantic scale, will be
attempted. SevaStOpOl Will iait. 1he eateu
army, flushed with the feat, will sweep over
the Crimea and occupy the Isthmus Of Perekop.
After a campain which will endure fortnight,
Louis Napoleon will return to Paris, where the
audiences of his departure and the promptness
of his return will find all conspiracies unpre-
pared for development, and where the glory of
his victory will scatter al further treason to
the winds
"Such is the campaign contemplated by
Louis Napoleon. Be assured that if Providence
does not interfere, it will take place as have
said Collaterally with the departure of the
Emperor for the East, the French army on the
Prussian frontier will operate upon Rhenish
Prussia. A note will be sent to the King of
Prussia demanding free passage for the French
troops through his dominions, which, if refused,
will advance to the Rhine"
If the above prove to be correct, Louis Napo-
leon has out-played the whole world. We have
only been creating monster in Sevastopol, we
have been endowing it with terrors, SO as to
appreciate the feat in contemplation by the
astute Emperor of achieving great Russian
victory where his uncle encountered his most
disastrous defeat.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1855-02-17
From the Free West.
JEHOVAH.
BY u. =. woRRELL.
II The Lord .lrnoyAn's throne

Say not, thc Lord Jrnoyhn's throne
l. fixed in heaven-somc far-Of sphere -
4 world to E,ortals al unknown,
Save what through myths and priests the.
hear.
lis true, JEHOVAH i a hing,
Aud sits enthrUned ia regal state;
Before him bow, with dropping wing,
ArchaDgcs vino his mandates wait.
Wherc'cr his glory is revealed
Is hcaven--no other heaven we need
And where by wrath ne is concealed
Is Llackest heli--is he'll indeed.
To him there is no there or here;
Nor aught OF intervening space;
To him there is no object aeGr
Whilst others fill a distant place
The strongest angel, plumed with light,
4'nSn 80. 49, ~ - ......eet "arn
And find no point in all his flight
Bat ;Aat his God would meet him there.
HeiiIls not only space, but TINE,
And nothing can be old or new;
His various works and acts sublime
Were always present; to has view.
Tomorrow is as yesterday,
And years as moments in his sight;
Ard ages yet 10 come, as they
Which took with Youthful! Time thei
fight.
The fallen sons of men have age,
That date from when they had their birth
The infant iirs,-then hoary ase-
Such is the changclcss law Of Earth.
II. ,.ll,,, s,;,;tr ,.t.. and aiI
Who Gods unclouded glory see,
And kept their state from time untold,
Have at some time began to be.
The goodly earth on which we dwell,
And sun and moon that give Us light,
Aud hosts OF stars, the list to swell,
Once slumbcred III the womb Of night.
No light, no earth, no busy men
To pow and SOW, aud toii for gain,
No seraph, nor bright angel then,
To tune their harps to sweetest strain.
Twas then JEHOVAH rcigned alone,
The great AN, and Three IN One,
Eternity, his ancient throne,
lie ever filled, with CHMsr his Son.
He lived by his inherent right,
The First Great Causr, the only Wise,
And 10y his word of power and might,
yadc Order out Of Chaos rise.
When rolling spheres have worn away,
BY motion long and steady kept,
And system, fallen to decay,
Are from the starry concayc swept.
JEuoyAHs age will be the same
A. when he crowned lgNANAEL's brow,
For Israels God, oi sacred name,
Dwells in on everlasting SOW
CncAGo, Jan, 1870.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1855-02-17

| was too startled to DO anything; that in
slant of fbcwiderment haa almost cost the my
life, The situation Of the monster was such
that my companions were fearful Of firing
lest they should hit myse.f-whIle native
spears'nen, dreaIing the despair OF lhe terO-
Ci0us animal would not approach near
enough 10 succor Inc. A second, however,
OF bewidermont, followed by another o. cool
clear thinking, and placed my rite almost
at the heart OF the monster and fired. But
at that very instant frantic movement on
TIA part of the elephant, jeri.ed the tiger 50
that he partly slipped oil, and ! saw win
horror That my bah had only grazed the up
per pnrt OF his head, iniiaLning him doubly
without in the least iniuring him. should
have had another rife, but when turned to
graspit, saw that in the irenzied struggle
ol the elephant to &c. lid Of his opponent, It
had fallen upon the ground. had no wca-
pom left but my huntng-i,niic, and the huge
creature was almost collecting hiinsclfior an
other spring Nv blood seemed 10 freeze
within me, and cold, icy shiyer shot thro
of succor, without the least spark OF hope, 1
resolved, notwithstanding, to make despe-
rate resistance, selling my life as dearly as
could. All this, however, had not occupied
a minute, lor the monster was just ycring
himself from his first spring But that min
ute was sufficient. Already could feel his
breath upon me- already beho.d the foam
upon his lips Holding my weapon firmly
before me, i'll expectation Of the last mortal
struggle, | heard the voice Of the Major
shouting
Lie iat--down--down.' -
And mechanically obeying the injunction,
and casting myself at foil length upon the
cushions, card the next moment the sharp
crack OF riic---,hcn another---and as u
third echoed in the morning air, the vast
monster gave q quick, short movement,
struggled so iranticaly as to shake even the
gigantic beast on which rode, and almost
instantaneously fell backward dad upon the
ground lie was perfect colossus, measu.
ring fifteen feet from the tip Of his snout 10
the extremity of he tail. Such was my
first "7iger hnnt in Mdio" c, F. W.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1855-02-17

a Young clerical gcntlman relates the fol.
lowing anccdotc of one of his Dutch hrcth-
rcn. The old fellow was about commencing
one Of his spiritual cxcscs, when, to his he.
ing little near sighted, was added the dim
light ofa country church. After cleaning
his throat, he gave out the hymn, prc!aciag
it with the apology
The light ish bad, mync eyes sh dim,
scarce can see to read dish hymn
The clerk, supposing it was the first stanna
Of the hymn, struck up TO the tune of com.
mon metre
Tho old fellow, taken somewhat bnck hy
this turn Of affairs, corrected the mistake BY
saying:
didn't mean To sing dish hymn;
only ment mine eyes ish dim.
The clerk still thinking il combination
Of the couple, finished IN the preceding
strain.
The old man, at this, waxci wroth, and
exclaimed, at the top of his voice:
dink the debil's IN you all
Dat wash no hymn 70 sing a, all
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1855-02-17

n THOMSON, Dealerin Drmgs. Patent
VI. MdicjHes, Paints, OHs. VdrniShcs, Dge
Stufs, &c. betweenthe City Hote land Reddichs 5
Block, Ottawa, III.