davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
, 1856-12-26

A CALIFORNIA COMPROMIsE-Th follow
ing occurred in California in its palmy days,
when alcaldes, elected by miners of the
district, dispensed equal aud exact justice
to ALL
An individual by the name Of Green had
borrowed some forty dollars of another Of
the soubriquet of Shorter.
Now Shorter could not obtain the money
though Green had struck lead, and wa,
known to have dust. Green was large
powerful man, but no grit, and Shorter Of
tered to fight him for the money, but Green
backed water.
Well, the claim was brought before the
alcalde. on q cold, rainy, dismal evening,
and as there was considerable talk about
it, the boys gathered in to see the fun
rather q motley appearing crowd, with long
boards and hair, patched pants, rimlesi
hats, toeless boots, &C. The honorable
judge was unwellr but sat up in his bunl
with red bandana tied round his head
The case was clearly proven. The alcaldt
decided that Green must pay, and if h,
would not, a committee of three were t
search him or his cabin aud get the money
and also the court costs. Upon this Shor
tez deliberately rose and said,
Your honor, | will forgive him til,
debt, and pay the costs besides, if he will
only give me a fight, SO that | can whall
him"
Green, when he heard this squared him
self, thinking that The courtroom would b,
sacred but Shorter pitched in at Que,
and clinched. Several, myself included
sprang in to separate them, when, in deel
tones and waving the bandana, the judgl
exclaimed, " Gentlemen, gentlemen, stan,
back! If the parties wish to effect com
promise, don't interfere" And we stool
back. Saw Green whipped in few sec
onds, and after that obliged to pay thu
funds.-Porter's Spirit.
, 1856-12-26

D0- About couple Of years ago, we
were entertained at the house of friend
with dinner Of eggs and bacon. We com,
plinented our host on the superior quality
Of his bacon, and were curious to enquire
the way to like success in the preparation
of a dainty article Of diet, though one is
better fitted for the palate of an epicure
than for the stomach of dyspeptic. To
our surprise We were informed that that
portion of our meals was cooked eight
months before. Upon asking for an ex-
planation, he stated that it was his practice
to slice and fry his bacon Immediately on
its being cured, and then pack it in its owu
fat. When occasion came for using it, the
slices slightly refried have all the freshness
and flavor OF new bacon just prepared, by
this precaution, our friend always succeed
ed in saving his bacon" fresh and sweet,
through the hottest Of the weather.-N
L. Farmer.
, 1856-12-26

A CANDID MIND.-There is nothing sheds
so fine light upon the human mind as can
dor, 1t was called 1ohiteness by the an
clients, for its purity and beauty: aud it has
always won the esteem due to the most
admirable of all virtues. However little
sought for or praetieed, all do it the hon.
age of their praise, and all feel the power
and charm of its happy influences. ID,
The man whose opinions make the deep
est mark upon his fellows; whose Influence
is most lasting and efficient; whose friend
ship is instinctively sought, were all others
have proved faiihless, is not the man Of
brilliant parts, of Aattering tongue, or
splendid genius, or commanding power; but
he whose lncid candor and Ingenious truth
transmit the hearts real feelings pure and
without rerraction. There arc other quali-
ties which are more snowy, and other traits
that have higher place in the worlds code
Of honor, but none wear better or rather
less tarniSh by use or claim a deeper hon.
age in that silent reverence which the mind
must pay to virtue. gl Ei colo
, 1856-12-26
LYMPIA WASHINGTON TERRITORY FRIDAY DECEMBER &C. 1856

j The PRESIDENTIAL ELEcTIoN.-Thc fol
lowing is brief summary of the laws and
constitutional requirements, now in force
in the election of a president and vice-prcs
ident
!. Electors elected on the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in November
9. Electors meet on the first "Wednesday
in December and cast their votes. They
( then sign three ccrtiiicnteS-send meSsen
ger with one copy to the president Of the
senate at Washington before the first We'd
neSday in January-another by mail to the
same person, and the third delivered to the
United States district judge where electors
meet.
g. Each state provides by law for filling
any vacancy in the board of electors, occa-
stoned by absence, death, or resignation.
Such Of the electors as are present are gen
orally authorized to fill any vacancy.
4. The governor gives notice to electors
Of their election before the first Wcdncs-
day in December.
5. On the second Wednesday in Fcbru-
nry, congress shall be in session and open
the returns. The president of the senate
shall, in the presence Of the house Of re-
prcsentatives, open the certificate of re-
turns and count the votes. The person
having the greatest number Of votes for
president, if such number be majority of
the whole number Of electors, shall be the
president.
6. If no person has a majority as above,
the choice is TO be made from the three
highest returned. The members of the
house, by states, form themselves into cleo
toral committees, and the majority deter
mine which is to be the choice of a state
each state only being allowed to cast one
vote.
T. If neither of the candidates get ma
jority Of the states before the 4th Of March,
then the vice president sIpll act as presi-
dent
8. If the people do not elect through
their electors vice president, then the
senate of the United States shall make
the election from the two highest candi-
dates returned to them by the electors.
, 1856-12-26

CoNscIENcE.-Conscienc is the divinest
gift Of God to man. 1t is that which ever
speaks, if man would listen, of an Omni-
present Deity. 1t is not the Handicapped,
nor the flashing lightning; it is not the
raging of the ocean storm, nor the terrific
fury Of tornado; nor the fiery burning Of
the lava from its mountain furnace; it is
none of these that speaks to the heart ol
man, but the spirit within him, that says
these are the avenging forms Of an offeded
God. Conscience! 1t is the consciousness
deeply implanted in the soul, of the exist
ence, Of the unacceptable presence Of Su
perior Being, and its upbraidings are the
torrents, the self abasemant, and the confu
sion of one who knows himself to be stan
ding before u justly offended Judge. Lei
a man have sickness and sorrow, aud scorn
and shame of face, and poverty, aud exile
every evil that can be poured out of the
vials of wrath upon suffering humanity, anC
he may bear all with patience, save tn,
horrors the undying horrors of reproy
ing conscience.
, 1856-12-26
August 2d, 1926

HUMoR IN RAGs--We observed yester-
day little, thin old man, with a rag bag
in his hand, picking up large number of
small pieces of whalebone, which lay in the
street. The deposit was of such singular
nature, that We presumed to ask the quaint
looking gathcrer how he supposed they
came here. " Don't know" he replied, in
squeakng voice, but | 'spcct some un-
fortunate female was wrecked hercaboul
somewhere"
, 1856-12-26

] REvOIUTIoNARY Inconsistencies. In 1926
after all save one Of the band Of patriot.
whose signatures are borne on the Deear.
alton of Independence had descended lC
the tomb, and the venerable Charles Car
roll. Of Maryland, alone remained among
the living, the government Of the city oI
New York dcputcd committee 10 wait
on the illuStriouS survivor and obtain from
him, for deposte in the public hall Of the
city, a copy Of the Declaration of 1916
graced and authenticated anew with his
sign manual The aged patriot yielded
to the request, and affixed by his own hand,
to copy OF that instrument, the grateful
solemn, and pious supplemental declaration
which follows:
Greatfnl to Almighty God of the bes.
sings which, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
he has conferred on my beloved country in
her emancipation, and on myself in permit
ting me, under circumstances of mercy, to
live to the age Of 80 years, and to survive
the lfIeth year of American Independence,
and certify by my present signature my APP
probation Of the Declaration of Independ.
ence, adopted by Congress on the 4th of
July, l176, which originally subscribed
on the I'd day of August o: the same year,
and Of which | am now the last surviving
Sgner, do hereby recommend 10 the pres
ent aud future generations the principles
Of that important document as the best
earthly Inheritance their ancestors could be-
qucath to them, and pray that the eiriI and
religious liberties they hare secured to my com
Try ma } be perpetHatel 10 remotest pOsterity
aud erie'd to The trhoie family Of man.
CHARLES CARROLL, Of Carrollton.
August I'd, 1926.
, 1856-12-26

YANKEE LocoMorION. The London
Times, in an article on Yankee Locomo-
tion," says; r.r-
I" Whenever you see him, the Yankee, he
is going over ground as fast as he can. And
whatever the motion be, whether pleasure
or profit, it is the same. In Europe, he is
pale and breathless sightseer, always in
rapid transition, as if ghost were pursu-
ing him, insatiably accumulating stages, as
If his life depended on the sum total al the
end of the week. Immigrate, immigrate is
the word. Placards, advertisements, sub
scription lists invite the settler and promise
him lift. "Free state settlers for Kan
SOS, slave state settlers for Kansas, here
are your tickets apply at such an office"
, 1856-12-26

CHURCH AND SrArE-The Augusta Ag
concludes an able article upon this subject
and the ambitious and grasping disposition
for power and plumber manifested by Ger
tain gentlemen Of the clerical order in tina
state, as follows, which We commend tC
the attention Of all =
How was it in Maine, in 1855? Tho
clergy preached Maine Lavish, and Nor
rillism, and the Morrill, party catching al
their aid, yielded to their domination
What was the consequence The clergy
undertook and came very near utterly con
trolling the whole legislation of the state
Our Elder Pccks, and WeaverS, and Kal
lochs, and Stevens, and host Of others
came down on the legislature aud treasury,
like a wolf on the fold" and, combining
their forces, attempted in one great omnibus
bill to transfer Serer0i tO,cnhips Of land,
worth nearly 500, 900, from the state to the
church, or, in other words, to serve ont to
themselves, as to them seemed best, the
landed property of the commonwealth.
Had there been fewer democrats there,
(thcy not holding to the church and state
doctrine) the deed would have been ac-
complished. Failing to get the land, this
clerical force struck the treasury direct, and
for long and weary days did the democracy
stand against this onset, until finally the
power OF the church had to yield to the
Poicer Of The people, (cxerted through their
democratic representatives. and the state
was thus saved of $780, or more. But
these clerical politicians by no means de-
spair. They came so near accomplishing
the object before, that they are pushing
hard to make the ELECTION sure" in the
state, this year, looking to the rccompense
Of reward They carried the Maine law
in 1850, and it must be restored. The
townships bGsely eluded their grasp, aud
they must have another hold
Not alone in the state does the church
seek power. 1t is 10 the national as well
as state government that its efforts are di.
rected. Its associations put forth their
political platforms, with about the same
regularity, as state conventions or Ameri-
can councils, and Of the same partizau char
acter
1t is not to be concealed that large
number Of the clergy are more devoted to
politics than religion, and laboring harder
to win votes than souls, to rule the state,
than to bring men into subjection. Take
your Beechers, Parkers, Winslows, Peeks,
&c, for example. We desire to be under
stood as in not the least censuring those of
the clergy who are exceptions. But still,
it is evident that there is struggle for po-
litical power in the church, and the union
of church and state-not precisely in the
English mode, but in a more offensive one
is sought.
The question, therefore, comes home to
us, is forced upon us, by circumstances de-
veloping around us, are we prepared to
yield onr frecd0m in these matters to those
who are set as our spiritual mentors? Shall
the ecclesiastic tyrrany be set up in our
midst, and the priesthood control the legis-
laior? II SO, Judging from the past, it
would be not only free soil but free spOilS,
which would mark their rule.
, 1856-12-26
From the North West.
Progress OF IRideIity

We have heretofore given our views Of the
effect upon Christianity Of political preach
ing-the desecration Of houses Of worship
to the purposes of partisan politics An in
stance in our midst confirms our views, and
illustrates strongly the fact that when reli-
gion is made subservient 10 party ends the
church and its teachings are brought into
contempt. ''ai3 ai"
1t is with feelings Of pain that the meme
Of abolition Opera House" is now pretty
generally given to the building formerly
occupied as house Of worship by the Con-
gregrationOl Church, in consequence Of the
fact, that where "Christ and Him eFueified'
was once preached" Fremont and him
nominated" is now the theme. Freedom
shrieking has taken the place Of songs of
praise, and how to save uOtes, not souls, is
the aim Of the once reverend who holds
forth in it. H 1HA El,Esiia
On last Sunday rope, stretched from
the Opera House" to the abolition club
room opposite, with flag hung out as ''the
sign" not salvation" but Of political
party, showed the connexion aud alliance
between the twol We are sorry to say
that flag, put to so sacriligious a use, was
the "star-spangled banner" No patriot
hand could have placed that flag in SO unfit
place. 1t does not aspire to usurp the
place Of the banner Of the crossTl as
sumes to be the emblem of on earthly power
only, and not of the prince of Peace"
whose kingdom is not Ofthis world"
How long has it been since there was
revival Of religion under the ministrations
Of the political pastor Of partisan fioekI
We were taught in our youth to revere the
church aud respect its ministers, Our Sun
day school lessons made an impression upon
us which would never allow us to speak
lightly or jestingly even Of Gods sanctu-
aries, or those who ministered in them, and
those impressions never left us until we were
nearly thirty three years old, when. we
heard tie first partisan sermon we. ever
heard in our life from the mouth Of Mr..
Holbrook We thought then, and think
now, that if partisan politics are to be drag,
ged into the churches, the politicians have
a right to follow to see fair play, and then
preachers must take politicians luck,
We would not refer to this matter In this
way except to show the SIdtEraL and ineUit-
able tendency of turning churches into po-,
litical arenas. The very nickname al
ready given to this church is a fearful COM
mentary upon the evil to follow. Let the
churches and the ministers once earn the
contempt and derision of the public, and the
great moral restraint they have heretofore
exercised upon society is gone forever, and
in6delity and licentiousness will take its
place. A little more prayer and a little
less politics, we honestly believe, would be-
more beneficial to the church and to society,"
Now, II we have offended any sincerely
religions man or woman. whose piety IS the
offspring of true devotion 10 the princi-
Piles, teachings aud example Of the Savior,
we do most hhmbly ask for pardon, for we
recollect with fear and reverence that he
has said whatsoever shall offend one ofthe
least Of these offendeth me. y esf~i ,r.
, 1856-12-26

ELoQuENr AND TRuE-The London [ En-
gland) Advertiser, speaking Of the United
States and Great Britain, uses the follow
ing hngunge: a1
Contemplate England, groaning with
taxation aud struggling in sanguinary war
with her trade deranged, her populace dis
contented, her Government the corrupt
machine of an oligarchy, and her revenues
squandcred for she knows not what; and
contrast her with America-the America
that British cabinet ministers treat. with 50
much indifference, whose statesmen are
cultvating the arts of peace, and whose
commerce is gathering golden harvest to
the nation. She it is that stands boldly
forward to her civil greatness; she it is that
presents striking contrast to the military
despotisms Of Europe; she it is that-with
her thousand miles of unguarded coast, her
unwalled cities, her meagre naFy--combines
within herself the elements necessary to a
great military nation. Peace reigns at her
iireside; her throne is not in mourning.
Her Legislators are devising means to relieve
an overlooking treasury, her trade is Wig
Orous, her people are increasing beyond
comparison in wealth, her Government
is at least cheap and useful. Would that
VIC conld say the samel England spends
her blood and treasure in fighting the bat
ties Of unthankful neighbors. America
fights ouly her own battles-she lights
them quick and we'll" ...
, 1856-12-26

STATISTICS OF MEuco-A geographical
and historical work lately published at
Guadalajara contains the subjoihed evaluo
able statistics: b3aVasag rodlsd mo
Population Of the Republic, 1900, ,00O,a
viz: Whites. 1900, 900; Idomesticated .In+
dians, 1000, 900; Negroes, Zamboes and
Mestzoes, 100000; savage and heather,
Indians, $1,000 Z ''A a'Ta ''''l'lo' Li'D'
Area, 054 900 square leagues. ~ srpqs
Products. Silver since 1861, about 4e,l
900 900 dollars nnnuallyj from 1910 dtoi
1850, about $4,000, 900 dollars annually
Gold since 1851, about 4,500,0 900 dollars
annually. Quicksilver, 500, cooper ahhuhn.
Copper, lead and iron, 1000, 900 dollars
annually Agricultural products. 226 ,OOO9a
900 dollars. Manufactures, l0o.00O,Q00
dollars , ,.,.., Z. 49,, -, -,a,i-..,
Imports in 1858 20, 900, 900 dollars So
Exports in 1858, 100000 dollars, ex-'
cepting bullion and specie. siim ino inhi
Number of States 81; Territories, 9Sy
District, l,ago1lmi yllagf bre vbrsis "a
Cities over 100, 900, inhabitance,3; over,
$4,000, two; over 40,000,3; from 10000
to 10000, g; from Is, 900 to 10000, ~
Ports Of entry for foreign commercey qog
, 1856-12-26
Pog e &Ris =
Angel Music.

The following lines under this caption, which We
and drifting anonymously in the Of literature lit
orally contain
Words that breathe and thoughts that hGrn."
Our readers, we believe, are lovers OF the beautiful
and will not fail to appreciate this exquisite gem:
When the twilight sweeps meath the azure veil,
And the sweet flowers sigh as the day grows pale
Then an angel comes on her silver wings,
And golden harp in her hand she brings
Soft, sweet and low
Rich breathings flow,
And hush my breath while the angel sings
oh the love-rays fall from her dew-6ed eye,
Like the soft star.Leams from the twilight sky,
And she fans my brow with her fragrant wings,
while she gently strikes on the golden strings
Soft, sweet and low,
Rich numbers flow,
And weep for joy while the angel sings!
Like the SOFT south wind, when lie woos the flowers,
Like the glad birds note in his love wreathed bOweis
Like the thrilling sigh Of the winds harp strings,
Are the rapture tones that the angel sings!
Soft, sweet and low.
Rich breathings flow,
And dream Of love while the angel sings
Like tho plaintiye voice Of the moaning pine,
Like the wild, wild wall Of the heaving brine,
Like the groans that sweep the night winds wings,
Is Che strange, sad song that the angel sings!
Dark, deep and low.
Sad meanings flow,
And I weep DER the lost, while the,angel sings!
Then lofty strain on rich harp swells,
And the soul Of its bliss in its music dwells,
And the tide Of song Ger It's glowing strings,
Flows fresh and free from the Eden Springs!
Soft, sweet and low,
Rich breatngs now,
Aud dream Of Heaven, while the angel sings
, 1856-12-26

A CHURd bR LADIES ALoNE--There is
Presbyterian church in Northampton
county, Va, composed entirely Of ladies.
There is not q single male member among
them and, Of course, as they can have no
eldership, they are not properly an organ.
rzed church but the ladies, hoping almost
against hope, have presevered in their sis
terhood, and they have actually increased
in members more than many churches
with q settled pastor and the regular ad-
ministrations Of the sanctuary. The church
is called the Holmes Church." after the
late Dr. Holmes, of Philadelphia, who was
a liberal contributor towards its erection.
, 1856-12-26
AGE OF THE DELTA OF THE MISSISSIPPI


a contributor furnishes the editor Of the
Boston Investigator with the annexed inter.
cs'ing geological statement concerning the
formation Of the plain on which New Or.
leans stands: In GIyddon's "Types of Man.
kind" DIR. Usher, Of Mobile, furnishes this
account of the age of the plain of New Or.
leans: The plain upon which the city OF
New Orleans is built, rises only nine feet
above the level Of the sea, and excavations
are often made far below the level of the
Gulf Of Mexico. In these sections several
successive growths of cypress timber have
been brought to light. In digging the
foundations for the gas works, the Irish
spokesman, finding they had to cut through
timber instead Of soil, gave up the work,
and were replaced by corps of Kentucky
aXcmcn, who hewed their way downwards
through four successive growths of timber,
the lowest so old that it cut like cheese.
McSscrs. Dickerson and Brown have trced
no less than ten distinct cypress forests at
different levels below the present surface
in Louisiana. Each ofthese sunken forests
must have had period ofrest and gradual
depression, estimated as equal to 1900
years for the duration of the live oak era
lgrowiug above them all. We shall then
certainly be within bounds if we assume
the period Of such elevation TO have been
equivalent to $4,000 years; which would
give the total age of the New Orleans delta
at los, s,40O years. In the excavation at
the gas works, the skeleton Of man. and
some burnt wood were fonnd af depth of
sixteen feet. The human Uranium lay be-
meath the roots Of cypress tree belonging
to the Courh forest levee. This man must
therefore, have been $4,000 years old.
We should like the spirit-rappers to call
him aud ascertain what sphere" he has
got into.
, 1856-12-26
The Pass Of The Sierra.


An night above their rocky bed,
They saw the stars march slow;
The wild Sierra overhead,
The deserts death below.
The Indian from his lodge Of bark,
The gray bear from his den,
beyond their camphre's wall Of dark,
Glared on the mountain men.
Still upward turned, with anxious strain,
Their leaders, sleepless eye,
Where splinters Of the mountain chain
Stood black against the sky.
The night waned slow at last, glow,
A CLEAN Of sudden fire,
Shot up behind the walls Of snow,
And tipped each ley spire.
"Up, men, he cried, lyon rocky comb.
To-day, please God, well pass,
And look from Winters frozen home
On Summers flowers and grass !''
They set their faces to the blast,
They trod III eternal snow,
And, faint, worn, bleeding, hailed at last
The promised land below.
Behind, they saw the snOw-elOud tos sed-
By many an icy horn;
Before, warm valleys WOod-embossed,
And green with vines and corn.
They left the Winter at their backs,
To Zap his bufied wing,
And downward, with the eataraets,
Leaped to the lap Of Spring. g.