davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

On the 30th Of March, 40 bushels of
dead letters were burned at Washington
OF course each one was opened previously.
and found to contain nothing of value. 1t
is stated that on the same day 81 900 dead
letters were returned to England from the
department at Washington, 5000 to Cana
da, 5000 to Prussia, and 1000 to Bremen.
These were all received within the quarter
The loss of the carriage to the department.
by these dead letters must be immense. I'm
der the new law Of prepayment all this will
be saved
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

DoBBs IN THE LEGIsLATURE-Owing to
a new phase in politics. Dobbs was elected
to the Legislature. Though gratifed, he
was little intimidated by the honor. and
but for the thought that he was not necessa-
rily compelled to speak. would have declin-
ed serving As it was he accepted. All
things went on smoothly for time. Mr..
Dobbs could vote other peoples motions,
though he couldn't make any himself. One
lucky day. however. the proceedings being
rather dull. and Mr., Dobbs rather thirsty,
be concluded to go over to Congress Hall,
and get glass of lemonade. As he rose
to leave the hall. he caught the speaker
eye The speaker supposed he intended to
address the House. and accordingly announc-
cd in loud voice
Mr. Dobbs"
Dobbs started as if he had been shot
The assembled wisdom of the State had
their eyes fixed upon him. He pulled out
his ocket-handkerchef to wipe away the
perspiration. and feeling it necessary to say
something. blundered out
Second the motion"
There is no motion before the House, ~
said the Speaker.
''Then IL" The silence was breath
less 81" Dobbs couldn't think of
anything to say. But bright idea came
to him. and he finished the sentence
II more ece adiOuras'"
The motion didn't 60, but Dobbs did, and
nothing more was seen of him for that day.
Albany K1ztckerbocker.
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

WAR AHEAD--A gentleman. resident at
Washington. (says the n. Y. Mirror,) who
IS Posltioned to know whereof he speaks,
and whose prudence in matters liable to
prove 'rumors' is only equalled By his We
raclty, writes to friend in this city touch
ing the relations and design of our govern
ment. He says:
"Ihe President is bent on war. 4 large
fleet Is lifting ont. to assemble in the Gulf,
aCd then to cruise around Cuba. The best
informed believe war will result Sixty
days will decide
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

Mother. did you hear sissy swear ?'
mo, my dear-what did she say 1''
"Why. she said she wasn't going to wear
her darned stockings to church"
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

A fool in high station is like a man on
the top of a mountain-everything appears
small to him, and he appears small to every
body,
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

SPRING OF HoT MUD.-An officer of the
Z. s. Army stationed at Fort Yuma, des-
cribes wonderful spring or geyser, of hot
mud. about sixty miles south of Fort Yuma
The spring is situated on vast plain, which
extends 80 miles south from the Gila. The
soil of the plain is dry mud, which was ap-
parently at one time the bed of lake or sea.
The landscape is of the most dreary, barren
and monotonous character. The geyser COW
cas- Is or 20 acres. About the edges, there
is a warm, soft mud with pools of water here
and there. In TIE centre the mud bubbles
like boiling Indian pudding. and a great
body Of steam is constantly rising; and is
visible at a great distance The mud and
muddy water are frequently thrown hun
dred and fifty feet high; and at these times
the geyser very often makes rumblug
noise, distinct from that Of the fall of the
mnd
Washington telegraph., 1855-05-09

BLACKwooD ON BARNUM-The severe
sentence passed on p T. Barnum in the
extract below, is from the first literary au-
thority Of the day. Singing as it is, none
who read the autobiography, can doubt that
it is richly merited =
IF We could enter with anyt hing like
feeling of zest into the relations of this ex-
cessigely shameless book, we should be in
clined TO treat It's publication as the most
daring hoax which the author has perpetra-
ted upon the public, But it has inspired
Us with nothing but sensations of disgust
for the frauds which it narrates, amazement
at its audacity, loathing for its hypocrisy,
abhOrrence for the morally wretched man
who compiled it. He has left nothing for
his worst enemy to do; he has fairly glib
betteG himself No unclean bird of prey
nailed ANONYMOUSLY to the door of barn,
can present a more humiliating spectacle
than Phineas Taylor Barnum. as he appears
in his Autobiography
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The editor of the Alta has seen private letter
from Gov. Stevens dated Olympia, Washington
Territory, March 25th, and addressed to a friend
in San Francisco. Gov. S. states that he had made
treaties with all the Indians on the shores of Puget
Sound and the Straits de Fuca, numbering some
540O men, women and children and that in six or
seven weeks from that date, he should probably
leave Olympia on a tour of duty among the Indian
tribes east of the Cascade mountains, and be alb
sent four or five months.
He states that there is an abundance of coal in
Washington Territory and that the best coal meas
ures will probably be found some little distance
from the coast and towards the base of the noun
tains; that more minute information is, however,
needed in regard to these measures and that it is
to be hoped that Congress has provided for their
examination. Capital is also needed to develop
them; and eventually, they must be very profta-
le He speaks very favoraby of the proposed
wagon road, and hopes it has received the sanction
of Congress
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28
WOODS G FORBES, Publishers.
Coloma: Saturday, Apris %, 1853.

ROADS deep interest is now manifest in COM
m unity in relation to the construction of roads
among the mountains Coed roads have already
been made along the principal thoroughfares to
mining towns throughout the interior No one, in
point of grade, better than the road leading from
this place to Sacramento The facilities for cross
ing the South Fork of the American river, are no
where better than at Coloma, and in fact as good
crossing with roads leading to the ridges, can not
be made at any point above From Coloma, and
bridges below, to Georgetown, the grade of the
roads is easy, and roads in good condition. and eas
ly kept IN repair at all seasons Of the year. From
Sacramento to Coloma and Georgetown, daily lines
of stages running and the testimony of drivers
and tcamsters is unanimous that mountain routes
excel them.
In this connection, the construction of a road
over the mountains to Carson Valley, naturally
suggests itself. The route by the Johnson Cut
Off, has already attracted considerable attention,
and been noticed by the Legislature. Recently
bill passed the Legislature, providing for surveys
and appointing commissioners to decide upon the
matter. The attention of the commissioners will
be invited to the route from Georgetown via '! ork's
ranch to the summit where the road will unite
with the Tlacerville route We are informed by
several persons who have travelled both ways and
by engineers who lave been engaged surveying
canals, that the ridge between the South and Mid
die Forks or Georgetown route, presents greater
facilities for road of easy grade, with little labor
than any other in this section Of the State. Our.
citizens are deeply interested in the movement to
secure road from Georgetown over the mountains
Funds are being raised to secure a thorough and
scientific survey. Coloma should move at once, as
this project is Of vastly more importance to the
northern portion Of the county, tnan dozen
ty seat questions The interest of Ell Dorado coun-
ty, as whole can in no way be so we'll promoted,
as by favoring and urging this movement forward
to final success.
This evening, an adjourned road meeting will be
held at Georgetown. Every property holder, and
especially all canal stockholders, merchants and bu-
sness men of all classes, should attend it, Now
is the accepted time, therefore let Coloma and
vicinity quickly the day of salvation will
be past.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

A subject which has kept the X N chapters on
the anxious seat since the late municipal election,
burst like thunder clap upon our City Fathers
last evening, in the shape of resolution by AID
Hayden, asking for the appointment of a commit
tee to memorabilia the Legislature to alter that
section of the Practice Act which authorizes the
District Attorney to collect fifteen dollars for each
prosecuted before the Recorders Court (in the
aggregate about $1,000 per year, The city pays
an officer to do all the work, and it was commend
able movement on the part of Mr.. Hayden to make
the attempt to save this amount to the city. But
in the spirit of REFORM the whole matter failed by
having it referred to committee, who will proba-
bly, report after the Legislature has adjourned
State Journal 24tA
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

ADJOURNMENT. The Siath California Legisla-
ture, now in session, will perhaps adjourn on Mon
day next If that body do 60 home, the people
will have great occasion for universal jubilee.
To be relieved from any further doings by that
body will be one Of the most pleasing dspens:tions
of divine Providence to plundered people--if in
deed Providence has any jurisdiction in California
The failure to elect DR.. Gwn to q seat in the U
s. Senate, will induce the Ex-senator to view the
members of the sixth session as political fiat
heads, and his immaculate wrath, in conjunction
with the preaching of Parson Hines, the Millerite,
may bring the world suddenly to end. There
has already been much weeping and wailing, on
account of the Ex-senator, and all that is wanting
is the gnashing of teeth. Over this sixth session
the people will weep tears of joy only when it ad
iourns.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

CZAR ALEXANDER. At the time the Emperor
was taken i'll, the Crown Prince Alexander was the
only son present in st. Petersburg. The Grand
Duke Constantine was telegraphed, and arrived at
the palace in time to receive his fathers last COM
monarch made over to his eldest son, Alexander
the Imperial Throne. The Grand Duke Constan-
tine vowed to be the future Emrerors first subject
On the announcement Of the death Of Nicholas,
the various dgnitaries Of the empire FASTENED to
the death-bed The Czaroyitsch announced in the
presence of these functionaries, his intention of
entering on the government Of the empire, and was
thereupon proclaimed Emperor, under the name of
Alexander H. During the same day the various
heads of departments did homage.
There would seem to be no ground for the fiat
tering suppostion with which the demise of Mich
olas inspired the British press that the war would
now be brought to speedy close, by the amicable
adjustment of the Eastern difficulty. At coun-
Gil held under the presidency Of the new Emperor,
it was resolved, in way to interrupt the present
conduct of the war. Alexander has issued man.
ifesto, of which the following is summary
After recurring to the sudden and severe illness
of the Emperor Nicholas which terminated in his
death, it says:
AS the deceased devoted himself incessantly to
the welfare of his subjects so do we also, on as
cendng the thrones of Russia, and of Poland and
Of Finland, inseparable from each other take
solemn oath before God, to regard the welfare of
our empire only object. May Providence
which has selected us for 50 high calling be our
guide and protector, that we may maintain Russia
on the highest standard Of power and glory, and
in our person accomplish the iucessant wishes and
views of Peter. of Catherine. OF Alexander and of
our father. May the zeal Of subjects assist US
therein. We invoke and command the oath of al
legiance, to US and to the heir Of our throne our
son, Nicholas Alexandr0yitsch
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

TETON RESERVATION. Col. Thos ]. Henly, Su-
perintendent of this reservation, has been to Sac
ramento. He informs the Union that the Indians
in his charge have been very ndustriously employ
ed in agricultural pursuits, having put in very
large crops of wheat and barley; also, have raised
large amount of garden vegetables for their own
consumption. The object of the Superintendent
in putting so much of the soil under cultivation
was to provide suffciency of food over and above
the supply required for a single season, inasmuch
as it not unfrequenty happens in that section of
the State, that the drought is go long continued
and severe as to entirely cut off the growing crop
The Indians peaceablc and industrious.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

SUICIDE. The Times and Transcript says that
Mr.. Theodore Bahnsen, of the firm of Correa &
Bahnsen, one of the oldest commercial houses, Ia
boring under alteration of mind produced by COM
mercial embarrassments, committed suicide on
Wednesday about noon, in Yerba Buena Cemetery,
by blowing his brains out with Colts revolver.
Mr.. Bahnsen was an old resident, having com
menced his business connection in 1850, and had
always maintained high position for probity and
integrity, and by this mournful act has plunged Il
large circle Of friends and acquaintances in grief
He was native of Denmark, of about 26 years Of
age.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

A MISTAKE ABOUT PRINTERS. The public have
funny notion about printers. They think it costs
nothing to puff advertise, &c. And thus one and
another will sponge an extra paper puff, a
benevolent advertisement They forget that it
costs money to print paper They forget that it
is this business that makes them and their business
known to the world. They forget that it is print
er's ink that makes nne- tenths of their immense
fortunes. They forget that it takes money to buy
paper, ink, type, and grub-and lastly, they forget
even to thank yon for working for nothing, by gra-
tuitously putting their business.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

A letter which appeared in the London Times,
over the signature Of Granville, a physician of en-
inence, has attracted much notice. The doctor
had once been Lord Pamerstons medical attend
ant, and in 1849 had resided in a Professional Ca
pacity at St Petersburg, where he had medical in
Productions to the Imperial Court In the month
of July, 1858, he addressed confder nj letter to
Lord Pamerston, and which be now reproduces
in the Tines In that letter he stated that having
formed careful prognosis Of the state of health
of the Emperor Nicholas, he had come to the con-
cluson that he would die suddenly, in the 59th
year of his age.
At an interview with Lord Palmerston, Februa-
ry 23d, 1854, Pamerston asked DR.. G. if he still
adhered to his opinion and prediction. Granville
replied that before July 1855, when the Emperor
would be 50 years of age, the event anticipated
would happen. Let but few reverses overtake
him. and his death, like that of his brothers. will
be sudden" 1t has proved so. Alma, Inkermann
and Balaklava (says the Dr.) shook the mighty
brain. Eupatora completed the stroke, and an
ticpated the prognosis by only few weeks.
1t might be curious to speculate as to how far
the shrewd Pamerston kept this prophecy in mind
in accepting the Office of PREMIER and the task of
settling the war.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

THE NEXT CONGRESS- Since the passage of the
Nebraska bill, elections for members of Congress
have been held in fourteen of the free States. The
result has been the election of only twenty sup
porters of the Administration, Of whom six are op-
posed to the bill, and Of the remaining fifteen, the
seats OF two-flill Of Iowa, and Allen of Illinois
will be successfully disputed. On the other hand,
the opposition have elected one hundred and seven
teen, which Connecticut and Rhode island in few
weeks, will probably increase to twenty:three.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The ever-vivacous Barnum, keen to the last in
the pursuit of novelties and eccentricities has is
sued the circular for a grand show of babies, and
what is strangest of all, has induced certain ladies'
whose names are given, to consent to play part
in this absurd performance.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

A HEAD GIN cHANcERy." The Alta says that the
head of the notorious joaquin Murietta,' which
was on exhibition in tnat city about year ago or
thereabouts has been seized by Deputy Sheriff Cor
bett and safely lodged in the office of that function
ary. The owner proper (Joaquin) being dead and
the owner improper (Nr. Wothring) being in debt,
the Deputy has assumed the guardianship.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

MIR. English, the recently elected Mayor of Sac
ramento, addressed Il communication to the Board
of Aldermen, on Monday evening. in which he ten
dered his resignation of the Mayoraty. Reason
duties of the Office would require so much of his
time to ruin his business; which he can't afford
to do for the money.
P. S-The Mayor has thought better of it, and
withdrawn his resignation.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

BILLIARDS. The MarysrWe Eapress says match
of billiards, best two games in three, for $780, was
played on Monday, by Messrs. Rappellie and Henry
at the Bank Exchange, Marysville Mr.. X. beat
his opponent Al points. We understand that con-
siderable money changed hands amongst the look
ers on. The contest was an interesting and excit-
iup one.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

Truth alone may not constitute great man, but
it is the most important ingredient in great char
acter: it exats and extends its own qualities it
gives confidence to those who serve under him, Sc
curity to those who employ him; and in the world
at large it inspires solid and permanent admira-
1ion, which maintains, and at last surpasses and
outyes, the enthusiasm excited by temporary sue
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The editor of the Sierra Citizen, together with
about two hundred other innocents of Downieville,
went over to Steamboat Bar the other day to see a
huge boulder estimated at from five to twenty
thousand dollars, They found the boulder-about
the size Of pork barrel; found the gold--about
an ounce--worked into small hole in one side
The Citizen man confesses to the SELL
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

There is a silly paragraph in some Of the papers,
to the effect that while Col. Bentons residence at
Washington was in flames, President Pierce offered
Benton the hospiaties of the White House. and
old Thirty Years burst into tears Think of it,
and weep--Old Bullion cruing!
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

PRESIDENTIAL MOVEMENT AT THE SOUTH. The
Columbia IS. CO. Times recommends Southern
convention to be called before the usual time for
holding the National convention, and to consist of
an equal number of wings and democrats from all
the Southern States platform is to be agreed
upon, and pledge given to support the nominee of
the national party, to be whig or Democrat who
shall in good faith adopt that platform.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

severe storm occurred at Mokelumne Hill, on
Tuesday night of last week. The performance
commenced with thunder and lightning, which was
succeeded by a copous shower of rain, and the
whole wound up in good style with snow storm
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

One night last week two gamblers, named Wood
ward and Smith, quarreled about the use Of one of
the wenches at a dance house, in Auburn. Wood
ward left procured a gun, and returning to win
dow of the house, shot Smith dead. Woodward
dropped the gun and made his escape.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

We beg to refer readers to the card of the
Metropolitan Homestead Association, in another col
umn. After careful inquiry, and from personal ac-
quaintance with the gentlemen engaged as agents,
we feel no hesitation in placing full confidence in
the statements made by them--Town Talk.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The health of Hon. John Y. Mason, American
Minister at Paris, is so rapidly improving that he
hopes soon to be able to resume the full discharge
of his duties. He does not, therefore, contemplate
an early return to the United States.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The 7o,cn Talk asks, Why don't some body at
Sacramento tender a complimentary benefit to the
members of the Legislature! They have been all
winter engaged in getting up and publishing cards
complimentary to other performers"
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

Allen, who killed Max Silverman, at French
Gulch, on the night of the ID inst, was indicted
by special Grand Jury, on Monday last, for the
crime of murder. He will be tried at the next
term of the District Court for Shasta county.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

FIREMEN's BALL. The Mountaineer Hook and
Ladder Company, of Georgetown, give grand
ball on Wednesday evening" May 9th. The COM
mittee of invitation will please accept our thanks
for their favor
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

THE LAST BENEFIT given at Sacramento, was on
Thursday evening, to-the Mammoth Ok, Eclipse
We have not read the preliminary correspondence,
but the affair was probably instituted by the men,
bers from the rural districts
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

THE SURPRISE. This magnificent steamer will
shortly again take her place the river, Several
important improvements have been made in her.
and the Times and Transcript says that when she
reappears she will be ''unsurpassable"
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

Officers arrived in Sacramento few evenings
since, having in charge Cyrus Newman, arrested
about Is miles above Downievlle, on the charge of
stealing cattle from Diamond Springs, about year
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The Atlantic Mail will close in The Coloma post
office this evening, at o'clock.
Letters not prepaid, can not be mailed Postage
out of the State, 10 cents.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

SACRAMENTO VALLEY RAILROAD The work ON
this road is steadily progressing. In the course of
ten days it is calculated that ground will be broke
upon every section Several sections are already
completed. Col Kipp is at work outside the levee,
but side of the city limits on R street, with six
teen teams-most Of them four -horse-teams, and
some thirty men, He is cutting through the ridge
beyond the Slough, and hauling the dirt each way
to form the embankment The heaviest filling on
the line. we understand is to be made between the
end of the levee on street and the ridge large
portion of it is already accomplished, and in the
course of few days, will be filled through the
Slough to the end of the levee. The commission
ers are engaged in determining the value of the
Land over which the road is to run, on the line
where the right of way has not been purchased,
The land in some instances, must be Of extraordi-
nary value, judging from the sums named by the
claimants as the measure of their damage
Union.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The 24th day of May is the time of holding the
State election in Virginia The struggle between
the Democrats and Sam,' is desperate.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

new postofice has been located at Pleasant
Springs, seven miles from Mokelumnc Hill, and
DR.. H. Horchner appointed postmaster thereof by
the Department at Washington.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

A writer in the N. Y, Herald states that Bishop
Hughes holds property in his hands belonging to
the Catholic Church of New York. amounting to
S25, 100000.
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

Government sl,716,739; the Treasury Department,
S675,l20; the Mint, Seal, 1900; the Light Houses,
Sl,075,6S4; the Coast Survey, S445 900; the Judi
ciarv, S226 1905
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The clipper ship Westward Ho, Capt. Hussey
arrived at San Francisco from Boston, on Wednes
day last, making the passage in one hundred days
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

The revenue cutter Campbell,' has been re-
named the Joseph Lane and has been ordered to
the Pacific coast under command of Captain H.
B. Nones one of the ablest officers in the SERVICE
The Empire County argus., 1855-04-28

Mr.. Layard, in arecent speech in the British
Parliament, said that tie Turkish Ministers in
France, Belgium and Prussia were Christians.