davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
Congressional Summary.
MOnday, J anuarv 15t

SENATE.-The joint resolution relative to sending reliet to Dr. Kanes expedition was passed.
 The bill establishing a land office at Tampa, Florida was passed.
 The House bill making appropriations for the transportation of the United States mail by ocean steamers, after debate was indefinitely postponed.
 Mr. Jones of Tennessee, submitted resolu. tion, which was agreed to- that the committee on naval affairs take into consideration the ac. tion of the board of mayor and alderman of Memphis, in regard to the navy yard at that place, and report whether it is or not the inte- rest of the government to accept of retroces- sion of the yard.
 A message was received from the President of the United States announcing he had sign- ed several bills of the Senate, and among them one for the relief of the legal representatives of James Erwin, of Arkansas, and others The bill to amend and modify the judicial system of the United States after sundry amend. ments was postponed until tomorrow
 ENGRAvINGs OF MAPS AND CHARTS.
 Mr. JOHNSON. As the difficulty which has existed in regard to the engraving connected with the public printing has been settled and
 
 Houses ask that the question may be taken up, and that the resolutions which I now send to the chair, as a substitute for those which offered the other day, may be read and passed
 The Presiding Officer. The resolutions will be read for information.
 The SECRETARY read as follows:
 Resolued, etc., That hereafter, when any charts maps, diagrams, views, or other engraving, shall l. T to be printed by either House of Congress, such engravngs shall be procured by the su perrin tendent Of public printing, under the supervi- sion and direction of such committee as the House ordering the printing of any such docu- ment shall direct.
 Resolred, That the paper necessary for the execution of any such engraving shall be ob- tained in the same manner and under the same regulations and restrictions, as are now provided by the act of 26th of August 1852, for the ob- tainment of other printing paper.
 ResozUed, That all plates which have been engraved for any document ordered by either House of Congress, now under the charge of the Secretary of the Senate, or the clerk of the House of Representatives, shall be placed in charge of the superintendent of public print ing.
 Mir. Weller prefer that the resolutions should lie over.
 MT. JOHNSON. Twill inquire of the &c., nator from California if he has any particular object in asking that they shall lie over? MT. Weller My only object is that may have an opportunity of looking at and examn- ing them, before am called on to vote upon them 1t is very important matter It seems to me. from listening to its reading, to place large power in the hands of an officer, and desire li to see where am going before movein this matter.
 Mr. JOHNSON. The Senator, at this stage
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
From Europe.

Ne10 York, Feb 9-The Collins steamship Atlantic, Capt. West, has arrived at this port, with Liverpool dates of the 27th ut, being one week later than those by the Africa
 Liverpool Cotton Market
 Messrs. Milligan, Evans & Lempriere, in their circular of the 26th, report that the market opened early in the week with good demand, which, however, fell off at the close, the de- mand then being but moderate from the trade and for export. The sales of the week were 37,OOO bales, 5000 by spectators and 1000 for export. The closing quotations were for Fair Orleans 555 pence; Middling Orleans 516 Fair Uplands 535; Middling Uplands 5; Fair Mobile 51a and Middling Mobiles 1-16.
 Breadstulis.
 For flour there has been moderate inquiry, without change in rates. The top quotations at the close were for western canal flour 42s Sd and for Ohio 46s. Corn also had been in mode rate demand at quotations showing no change The closing prices were 54s. for yellow and 45s for white. There has been fair demand for lard, and holders were firm, with moderate sales to the trade.
 The War and Politics.
 There is nothing of importance from the Cri- mea, no change having taken place in the posi- ton of affairs. The British army was in amost deplorable and wretched condition, in conse- quence of the mismanagement of Lord Raglan and others. A battle was reported to have ta- ken place, but it has been ascertained that the rumor was incorrect.
 Lord John Russell, the British Secretary of Foreign Affairs, had resigned. On Friday night, in the House of Commons, he gave an explanation of his conduct. The press seem almost unanimous in the feeling that the whole cabinet must go out of office. Public opinion seems to be tending towards peace.
 The Vienna conference would notmeet until the middle of February
 The Swedish army was to be placed on an immediate war footing
 Negotiations were still in progress between Austria and Prussia respecting Germany and the army of the latter
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
STATE OF ARkA kANSAS,
 COuntV of Yell.

In the Circuit Court of said county on the Chancery
 side thereof in vacation, this l4th day of Februa- ". A. D. 1855.
 Haynes A. Howell, C,mp1ainant Bill to perfect title to land. Elvira Howell, Thomas A. Howell, William C. How
 ell, Robert D. Howell, English J. Howell Andrew
 West. Lucy II. West Laban c. Howell John $
 Houston, Elizabeth Houston, and James A. How
 ell, Detendants.
 NILS day comes the complainant by his solicitor
 | J. l.. Hollowel, esq.,, and files his bill of com plant and affidavit thereto annexed, from which i appears, that the defendant, James A. Howell, is non resident of the State of Arkansas-the object o winch bill IS to perfect the title to the following trac of land to wit: The South East fractional quarter Section No. twenty six Township No six North of Range No. twenty West, containing one hundred ana fifty and eighty hundreths acres
 It IS, therefore ordered, that the said James A. How ell be notified of the pendeney of this suit by pubh- cation of this order in the True Democrat newspa- per published in the city of Little Rock in the State of Arkansas, for two weeks succeSsvelv the last n serton to be at least four weeks before the next term of this court which is to begin and be holden at tho court house in the town of Danvile, in the said county of Yell, on the fourth Monday in March next, requiring said defendant to be and appear before the judge of said court, before the third day of sad term, to plead. demur to said bill, or the same will be taken as confessed against hm-and a decree entered accordingly.
 Given under my hand as clerk of our said circuit court in vacation this l4th day of February A. D' 1S55 THOMAS w. POUND, Clerk.
 A true copy from the record. Attest: THOMAS w. POUND, Clerk. Feb2l'55 2t. Printers fee S6 50
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
R. w. JOHNSON.
A BILL for the relief of James Erwin, of Ar
 kansas and others.

 kansas, and others
 SECTION l. Be it enacted 6y tue Senate aml House of Representatives. ef the United States ct 44merica m Congress- assembled, That the Secre. tary of War be- and is hereby, directed to in- vestigate, audit allow and pay out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropria- ted, to James Erwin, of Arkansas, fair and full remuneration for the actual losses he sus- tained in consequence of contract he made with the United States in September, eighteen hundred and thirty-four, to supply provisions and transportation for the use of the Creek h. dians, expected to emgrate from the eastern to the western side of the Mississippi river, but who did not emigratc.
 SEC. ?. Aud Je at ft7ther enacted, That the Secretary of War be- and he is hereby, directed to investigate, audit, allow and pay, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropria- ted, to James Erwin, and to the heirs or legal representatives of Daniel Greenhouse, deceased, full and fair remuneration for the actual los Ses sustained ln conSeQuence of a Contr3Ct made by said Erwin and said Daniel Greathouse in his lifetime, and the United States, ill Decem- ber eighteen hundred and thirty-five, to supply provisions and transportation for the use of the Seminole Indians, expected to eml grate from the eastern to the western side of the Missis- sipp river, but who failed to emigrate: Proui- ded, That in estimating the loss in either case, the Secretary of War shall first ascertain the actual cost of delivering the several articles named Tn the contract at the places appointed for their delivery, and then what they could have been sold for at auction or otherwise, in the hands of prudent agent, and the differ ence, if any, shall be considered the sum actu. ally lost.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
Small Notes.

We publish in this weeks paper law to re- strain the circulation of bank notes of demo- imitation smaller than .fve dollars. This act takes effect after the first day of January next, and was recommended by the Executive in his biennial message. It is an experimental one in this State, but we think that if its provisions are strictly enforced, it will certainly bring about the relief sought for The large amount of small notes now in circulation throughout our State has been thought by the people to be a great evil. Nearly all the specie has been driven out by them, and bills of two or three dollar denomination, great number spurious. others upon broken banks, are in constant circu- lation, and have caused considerable loss to those of our people who are least able to bear it.
 The free banking system, which has caused such excitement in some of our sister States, and which they authorized, has passed away Their pal pabe defects have been shown in their operation in all the States where the system has been established They are now univer- sally regarded, and justly, too, as so many swindlipg concerns, scattered broadcast through out the country. We find, from Memphis pa pers, that prejudice has been manifesed there against the Memphis banks. There is a runi- ous and fatal competition going on there be- tween the banks and the brokers, by which the business community and the people are the only sufferers.
 The argument used last summer for the call of convention, to "reform and remodel" our constitution, was that the fundamental law should be so altered as to authorize the estab- hshmept of the free banking syiitem. We were always opposed to this system, as are, al- so, some of the leading papers ofthe State, and the Executive, and now, observing to what great distress the people of other States have been brought by this subtle and deceptive sys- tenn, we are sincerely gratified that the people of our State have immediately put stop to the first step of such system being planted here,
 The constitution of the State of Arkansas needs no alteration or amendments; it is suffi- cient for all needful purposes. and it should not be meddled with. Our State is increasing rap- idly in population and wealth, our people are happy and contented under 1t. We have no desire for free -banks or any other kind of banks here; there is not particle of necessity, as we can see, for them. Our State should take time .ly warning by the deplorable situation ofother States, produced by this free banking system. -Denaocratic Union.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
STATE OF ARKANSAS.
 County of Maricn

In the Marion Circuit and on the Chancery side
 thereof. October 20th, A. D. 1854. George Taylor Complainant.
 vs Bill for Divorce. Margaret Taylor, DeendGnt.
 4 ND Bow on this day appeared the com A plain.nt, by his solicitor, and 1t appearing from the affidavit of the complainant that the said defend ant is resident of this State it is on motion of the compainant's solicitor ordered by the court that the defendant be notified of the institution and pen dency of this suit and the object and prayer of said bill of complaintthe object and prayer of which bill of complaint Is to obtain divorce from the bonds of matrimony now existing between the said complain ant and detendant-by publication of this order in some newspaper printed in this State for two weeks succcssivey the last insertion to be at least four weeks before the next term of this court; and that unless the said defendant shall appear before the judge of our circuit court in chancery sitting, the first day of the next term thereof at court to be begun and held at the court house ill the county of Marion aforesaid the third Monday after the fourth Mon day in March. A. D. 1855, and then and there de- mur, plead or otherwise answer the said complain ants bill Of complaint the said ill will be taken as confessed and decree entered thereon accordingly. Feb2l 2t THOS. F. AUSTIN, Clerk.
 A true copy from the record
 Attest: THOS F. AUSTIN, Clerk Printers fee S5
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
The late Wreck on the Jersey Coast
Further Particulars,

1
 We have already mentioned the wreck of the British bark Argyle, says an exchange, from Glasgow for New York, on the night of the 18th ult, on the Jersey coast, and that out of eleven persons on board but one was saved, and he suffered for fourteen hours on the wreck, when he jumped into the sea and managed to reach the shore, distant some three hundred wards. An account in the New York Herald says:
 An hour or so after the captain, James Burn ton, evidently embodened by the success that attended the first attempt, was seen making preparation to leave the wreck. Deliberately taking off his coat and boots lie descended the rigging and running along the side of the ves- sel jumped into the sea as far as he was able. As he appeared to be powerful man, it was thought that he would succeed in reaching the shore safely; and this thought was confirmed, as they saw him about half way from the yes sel struggling with unabated vigor. Their hopes were soon dispelled, however, as they saw him overwhelmed by huge wave, after which he was seen no more till his body was thrown up by the sea upon the beach amid the fragments of the wreck.
 The vessel now began to break up, and the poor sufferers, exhausted by cold and long suf- fering fell off one by one, until only five were left. There they were within three hundred yards of the shore, but those who saw them dare not venture to their assistance, the waves continued to run high, and it was almost i'm possible for any one to clear the surf. Before night closed on the fearful scene not living soul was left on the wreck, and the timbers that were occasionally thrown on the shore showed that it would soon go to pieces. Be- fore next morning not vestige remained ex- cept portion of her bows which, 1t is suppos- ed was attached by chain to the anchor whicl lay beneath.
 All the bodies were found before Tuesday night, some of them eleven miles from the scene of the wreck. Four were taken to Squan where they were int2rred in the Methods graveyard, with appropriate religious services
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
Chancery Court of Pulaski County.

The writ of q,to warranto sued out by the State against Chancellor FAIRCHILD, to test the constitutionality of the law creating a seperate court of chancery for Pulaski county, was agued before the Supreme Court by s. WILLIAMS At torney General pro tena for the State, and $. H. HAMPSTEAD and GEORGE C. WATKINS, for the Chancellor and the case was submitted and taken under advisement. On Saturday morn-
 Ing the 18th, the Supreme Court by the Hon. C. C. SCOTT judge, delivered the unanimous opinion of the court, sustaining the constitu- tonaity of the law and the mode of appoint ment and declaring the question to be entirely free from doubt. Final judgment was render ed for the Chancellor.
 Although there never was any serious doubt that the question was bound to be decided pre- cisely as it has been, yet the public will be gra- ti6ed at the decision and at the prospect of hay ing the heavy chancery docket in this county disposed of speedily. We shall publish the opinion of the Supreme Court next week.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
The Opinion of the Chancellor

Retussng to grant am snywactom to prohibit the Aw-
 ditor from listing Jor taration the S,oamp Laads
 sold by tue State.
 We publish, this week, at length, the very able and interesting opinion of Chancellor FAIR CHILD, delivered in this case. It will be seen by its perusal, that he refused to grant an in- junction to prohibit the Auditor from listing the swamp lands for taxation
 Outside of all legal and constitutional ques- tlons. we regard this law, authorizing and re- quiring the taxation of swamp lands, as an act of simple justice to the mass of the people of this State. The body of swamp lands exempt ed from taxation by the law of 1851, comprise very large portion of the richest lands in the State. They have not only been very gener- ally reclaimed from overflow, and thus render ed fit for cultivation, at the expense of the State, but they were sold by the State. for al- most nothing. These swamp lands have not cost purchasers much more than thirty cents per acre, and they were worth, at the moment of purchase, from three to fifteen and twenty dol lars We therefore deem 1t but justice that they should be subjected to taxation, and made to bear proportionably the burdens of govern ment. This we think right and though it may fall heavily upon those who have entered large bodies of swamp lands for speculation or oth- erwise, yet they can we'll afford and should bear it. We do not approve of that partial legisla- tion which exempts one tract of land and taxes another-which thus creates a privileged class of persons in the community.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
TO THE PURIIC.

T BEG leave to inform the citizens of Little RocL | and vicinity, that l intend opening an office on Markham street, Ashleys block, this city, for the carrying on of a general Banking and Exchange Business It will be my object to do business so n, to merit public patronage. First class of exchange on New York for sale in sums to suit applicants - Gold silver and uncurrent money bought and sold at fair rates For reference apply to the Rocheser Bank, Rochester, N. Y. Other references furnished on application. H. SEYMOUR
 N. B.-I shall also represent the Cincinnati and Little Rock Slate Company" and provide promptly for the redemption payment of all its drafts or s sues II. SEYMOUR
 Eab11'55 inn
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21

KNOWN oTHINGs DURING THE WAR.-Tht following is one of the many reasonable reso lutions passed by the black. cocade and blue- light consprators of New England, (the infa nous Hartford Convention,) during the last wal with England, when we needed all the helI which the patriotic at home, and the generous and sympathetic abroad, could give, to place oul liberties on sure and permanent basis. At that day. such resolutions were pronounced to be unmtigated treason, and the conspirators were covered all over with infamy. What Is to be the verdict at this more enlightened, and we believe, equally patriotic day, remains to be seen:-MemphlS Appeal
 "6th. Resolved, No person who shall here after be naturalized citizen of the United States shall be eligible as a member of the Sen, ate or House of Representatives of the United States, nor be capable of holding any civil office under the authority of the United States"
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
STATE OF ARKANSAS
 County of Conway. 1
Elizabeth Harris, C0msDZailadnt.

EHZaoeIh uarrls, C0H1ptde1dot.
 vs. Bill for Divorce. George ". Harris, Detendant. .. IN this day comes the said complainant, prra!yls V upon the facts therein stated, to be divorced !Yp the said defendant and also filed herewith an alfqa vit that the said defendant is n-resdent of thS State, and on her motion it is ordered that the sau George w. Harris be notified of the pendency or th, suit by publication of this order in some newsp@Hn printed in this State for two weeks successivey .' last insertion to be at least four weeks before the mencement of the next term of said circuit eouit which will be held on the secord Monday in MaluD % next, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and and on the first day of which term, the said UeVis Harris, is required to appear, or the said bill Will O' taken as confessed. lo I, Joshua Moses, Clerk of the Circuit Court! uU hereby certify that the annexed and foregoing Is true copy from the record in my office. ,ot
 In testimony whereof, have hereunto .s;i sti 11.s.1 my hand and affixed the seal of sai'
 court, this the 9th day of February, A.
 D. 1S55 JOSHUA MOSES, Clerk Printers fee $5 Feb2l'54 2w
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21

MOLASSES-The demand has been active and prices have steadily improved, the following being the closing rates: Fermenting 1G@lSc.; Prime and Choice Is else.
 FLOUR-To-da day 66O bbs. Ohio were sold in three lots at S9 50; 200 at S9 62 and yesterday 600 bbls. Ohio at S9 10. WHISKEY The receipts have been light but the demand has also been limited at 30@32c for rectifed, extra and raw
 PORK-looo bbls. unnspected Mess were sold in | several lots at SIS 50. BACON-Some 200 casks were sold at 6M@7c. for sides; and 514@5Ac. for shoulders. Ragged and su- gar cured hams sell slowly at S1a@loc. LARD-Some 250 bbis and tierces were sold at 81S cents for ordinary; S$4@9c. to Mo- l, and S1a@9Ac. for prime. | CANDLES-1o0O boxes star were sold in several lots at 20@2lc. SALT-The price of Liverpool from second hand continues at S1 45 for and $l 60 for fine de- livered.
 COEFEE-Prices have advanced Ac. and we quote ordinary 14@S]zc:; fair SA@sc.; prime 9A@snc.
 R1CE-T Transactions have been limited at 4M e 51Ac. for Carolina.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
Senate Chamber, Jan. 22d, 1855

MT. EDITOR: Please publish the following bill. It is now law and was first set on foot at the instance of Rev. J. W. Moore, in behalf of Mrs. J as. Erwin, of Prairie county. This is the case concerning which Dr.. Sherman wished me last fall to give him some information that was unable to furnish. I regret that in the multiplicity of matters that have been on my mind, can not recall the points upon which he wanted information, nor do I know his post office. But think it was concerning the pa- pers and proofs he desired to know. They went with the bill of which they were the basis. and will be necessarily on file with it in the Senate, till called for by competent authority. Very respectfully,
 R. w. JOHNSON.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
COIN C. E \ S T Dry GnodS Cheaper than EypYi

ygNHE subscriber being dcsirous of going East for
 l the purpose of laying in large and complete stock of New and Seasonable Goods" offers for sale his present reduced stock of dry goods at cost,
 The stock consists in part of ready made clothing caSsneres cas>inetteS jeans linseys, red white and gloves, etc., etc.
 Country merchants and others desrous of obtain ing great bargains, would do well to give him call. Feb2l'55 NJ. OSBORN.
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21

02r A letter from Dr. Bigelow, Minister Ma sons attending physician, dated Paris, Dec. 31, says:
 Judge Mason has an efflision into the right hemisphere. The paralysis of the left side, arm and leg has been complete. It is now slightly less. The hemorrage consider to have been considerable, and the attack eminently serious. He is now in a very satisfactory state, and entertain many hopes"
The true Democrat., 1855-02-21
Died-At the residence of Jndco =

Died-At the residence of Judge Gon,- Ill Bradley county, on the 18th of Febrna.
 1855, l.. D. SNOW.
 The subject of the above notice was on l.; way from Carroll county with drove of bor,lS nS when disease overlook him at Warren wban
 Judge Gould took him to his residence wLuo IlVe he received the kindest of attention from 'y'e t Judge and his lady, and from A. Bartlett anS 'rS A. c. Jones, esqrs; for which his parents uT Sao1 truly grateful-not that 1t is expect ed to cI ad5 to the character of these gentlemen. bv 'u tb; notice-but that others may be induced to irai r' tate their example. J. l. ''