davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, Feb. IS, 1856.

WASHINGTON, Feb. IS, 1856.
SIR: Improvements in arms and ammu-
nitions of war having been recently per-
fected, whereby their efficiency has been
much increased, it is very desirable that
these improvements should be applied as far
and as soon as practicable to the arms on
hand, both in the Government arsenals and
in the possession of the States.
Although our present supply of arms is
as good as and probably superior to those
of the same date of manufacture of any
other nation. we should have in the use of
them, in their present condition, to cope at
disadvantage with others who may have
been beforehand with us in the actual ap-
plication to their arms of the recent i'm
proyements.
1t has been our policy heretofore to carry
on gradually and slowly the work Of pre-
paration for military efficiency, both often
sive and defensive; and in pursuance of this
policy the estimates of the War Depart
ment, from year to year, have been limited
to the execution of such work only as &C
corded with the ordinary means of our
armories and arsenals, with but small force
of operatives in employment.
The regular estimates last submitted to
Congress are based on these considerations.
In view however of the propriety of assuring
at the earliest practicable period, military eff
ficiency as regards armament and munitions,
1--WE have it abundantly as regards men,
it seems proper that more active and vigor-
GUS measures should now be adopted; that
we should increase the capacity for pro-
duction and the force in employment at our
armories and arsenals; that we should pre-
pare more rapidly ornaments and ammuni-
ton for our Notifications; that we should
increase our supplies of improved small
arms, by the manufacture of new ones and
by the alterations, including both United
States and State arms; and that we should
provide ample supplies of ammunition &C
coutrements, and implements for the imme-
diate and most efficient use of the whole.
In order to effect this it is necessary that
more than ordinary means be placed at the
disposal of the Executive, and l respectfully
suggest and recommend that application
be made for an early appropriation of three
millions of dollars for increasing the military
efficiency of the country, to be applied at
the direction of the President, towards the
objects before stated.
[ have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Secretary of War.
To the PRESIDENT.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
MASSACHUSETTS AND GEORGIA
THE CONTRAST.


Massachusetts,, in the hands of two aboH.
ton legislatures, in 1854 and 1855, incor-
porated such men as Henry Wilson, now
U. S. Senator, Arson Burlingame, member
of Congress, Charles Allen, Stephen C.
Phillips, Samuel E. Sewall Sam. G.. Howe,
Francis w. Bird, Otis Clapp, Eli Thayer,
John NJ. S. Williams, and Thomas Webb.
with power to hold an aggregate capital of
Sir Millions Of Dollars ''for the purpose of
assisting emigrants to settle in the West,
directing emigration westward, and prOvid.
ing accommodations for the emgrants after
arriving at their places of destination.
Some well-meaning persons who were
drawn into this scheme doubtless believed
it to be lawful moneymaking corporation
a speculation in land, and had no idea of a
civil war. But with such men as we have
named, most of them VIGOROUSLY unscru-
pulous freesoil men, the design was purely
politioal---to make Kansas an abolition
State, and manufacture capital for the Free
soil party.
The result was that these corporations
were taken possession of by the abolition
fanatics, and their whole occupation has
been to stir up strife, rebellion and civil
war between tho North and South, and
make Kansas the battle field.
Hence at Worcester, Lowell, and wher-
ever these men hold Kansas meetings, they
ere carrying out the purposes of their char.
ter in providing accommodations for the
emigrants'' in Kansas, by supplying then
with Sharpe's rifles to make war upon ths
constituted authorities of the United States!
These men openly declare, as at the 10.
well meeting, that they had sent out men
and women to take ''PoS$eSSion'' of Kansas
in the name of aholitionism, and if she does
not protect them in setting up their governor
and Legislature against the constituted au-
thorties of the United States and the ter
ritory, they, the abolitionists and aid emf.
grant corporation of MASSACHUSETTS s'wiIl
give them their most liberal add"
This, we are sorry TO say, is the lswtess
attitude of Massachusetts toward the Union.
On the other hand, the slaveholdng State
of Georgia, by vote in her Legislature,
has declined sending men or troops to Kan
sas to get up civil war, and repOses upon
the Constitution end the laws of the Union.
Can Massachusetts honestly hold up her
head in such a contrast Boston Post,
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
THE FREE-so1L CONVENTION.

The Free-Soil National Convention, which
met last week at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
previous to its adjournment, adopted reso-
lutions to the following effect:
FirSt-Demands the repeal of all laws
allowing the introduction of slavery into
Territories once consecrated to freedom,
and the resistance by constitutional means
of the existence of slavery in any Territory
Secomd-SuppOrts by all lawful measures
the free State men in Kansas in their re-
sistance to the usurped authority of lawless
invaders, and favors its immediate admis-
sion into the Union as free State.
Third-Strongly urges the Republican
organization to resist and overthrow the
present national administration, as it is
identified with the progress of the slave
power to national supremacy.
This Convention adjourned to meet in
Philadelphia, in June next, to nominate
candidates for President and Vice Presi-
dent. Seward and Banks may obtain the
nomination.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04

all questions during the time mentioned, and
neither had voted until the time fixed had
ELAPSED. He added
81 had perfect confidence in Mr.. Craige's
integrity; suppose he had like confidence
IN mine. No harm was done on either side.
The Democratic party, to which he be-
lonoed. was not harmed by his absence
nor was the Republican party. the prlncl-
pies of which / professed in the least IN
jured by my absence"
Mr.. Richardson also took occasion to re-
peat that he had paired off with Mr.. Emrie !;
otherwise he would certainly have voted
for Mr.. Aiken for Speaker. He stated to
the Speaker (Mr. Banks) that it was well
known he was opposed to his election and
he added
eff, sir, I had reasons for that opposition
then, they are doubly strengthened now
I know that, if my friend from South Car
DINA had been placed in that chair, the
section of the country from which come
the fifteen States west of the Allegheny
mountains-would have had some Repre-
sentatives upon the Committee on Naval
Affairs; that, in the danger which is now
impending over US, some voice would in
that committee be heard in favor of increas-
ing the Navy till our guns could protect our
commerce, and take care of our interests
in every ocean upon the globe. There
would have been from those fifteen States
moro than one voice upon the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, to urge, by all honorable
means, the settlement of all difficulties be-
tween this country and Great Britain; but
if our difficulties cannot be honorably set
tied, if war must be, then there will be
million of soldiers ready to pour out their
hearts blood to defend our honor, our
rights, and our soil beneath the flag of our
whole country
Where was Mr.. Fuller! Had he paired
off If so, let the country have the proof.
Where is it? Who will answer for Mr..
Fuller?
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
A SPECIAL. MESSAGE.

The President, on Tuesday, transmitted
to Congress the subjoined special Message,
recommending an appropriation for certain
improvements in the defences of the country.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 90, 1856.
To the House Of Representatives.
0fMe United States:
Herewith transmit and recommend to the
favorable consideration of Congress, a COM
munication from the Secretary of War,
asking a special appropriation of three
millions of dollars to prepare ornaments
and ammunition for the Notifications, to in
crease the support of improved small arms,
and to apply recent improvements to arms
of old patterns belonging to the United
States and the several States.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
FROM KANSAS.

Saturdays Missouri Democrat has three
letters from Kansas, dated the 18th, 18th
and 18th, indicating the probable renewal
of hostilities on the 4th of March, which is
the time fixed for the Inauguration of the
new State officers. Judge Elmore has adj
viscd the officers elect not TO take the oath
of office, as to do so. will be treason
Robinson declares that he will take the oath
of Office if he is hanged the same hour. The
merchants Of Kansas publish an appeal to
the ST. Louis Chamber of Commerce to use
their influence to prevent further incursions
into the Territory, as they will be obliged
to open avenues of trade with the East
through other States, if their trade through
Missouri continues to be interrupted.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
MEssRs. cRA1eE & RICHARDSON
To the PRESIDENT,

On Monday last, in the House of Repre-
sentatives, the Hon. Burton Craige, of this
State. having obtained general consent to
make personal explanation, said:
''Mr. Speaker, have received within the
last few days several papers, published in
my own State, and several out of it, which,
in order to fix the responsibility of your
election as Speaker upon the Democratic
party, have given, among other reasons, the
fact that, on the final vote, my name did not
appear upon the record.
Now, as l do not think proper to have this
impression go to the country without cor
rection, desire to state to the House, what
is well known here, that, on the 25th day
of January last my colleague Mr.. Ruffin
announced upon this floor that had paired
off from that day until the 9th day of Feb
ruary, with Mr.. Hughston.
You, Mr.. Speaker, were elected on the
I'd day of February. Neither of US, there
fore, were present on that day, and neither
of US voted. Had we both been here and
voted, the result would have been pre-
cisely the same. / need not say to Won,
sir, nor to the members of the House, that
no member more strenuously opposed your
election than l did; and need not add in
this connection, that had been present.
and at liberty TO vote on that occasion, l
should have voted for Mr.. Aiken, of South
Carolina, for whom l have always enter
tanned the kindest personal feelings, and
with whom it has been my pleasure to act,
politically, during the time l have served
with him in Congress"
Mr.. Hughston followed, also setting him
self right before his constituents. He stated
that he had paired off with Mr.. Craige on
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
KANSAS

The late news from Washington is that
Governor Shannon has been required to
return Immediately to his post. Rumors
are thick of outbreaks likely to occur in
that direction, and from the signs of the
times we may expect difficulties.
The Free State men, as they call them
selves, have elected officers for the Terrific
ry, from Governor down, and the people If
the Territory have done the same; there
are now two goyernments-one of which
only is legal and can exist. On the LIST of
March, the ''Free" government is to COM
mence, and then we may expect the be-
| ginning of hostilities. The abolitionists
are arming all their emigrants, and it is not
to be disguised that the pro-slavery men are
doing the same. A collision is imminent,
and most likely the destiny of the present
| United States hangs on the result OF the
| contest. If 1.-The border rutians''-the pro-
| Southern party-are whipped, we need no
longer claim equal rights in the Confedere-
cy; freesoilism will predominant, and our
fate be sealed, and submission become a
privilege and even prerogative.
We have borne the progress of abolition
advancement with only the opposition of
words. A few years since meetings were
held, and postmasters directed to return
imcemdiary papers through the post office,
and much feeling was exhibited at the idea
of the North daring to interfere with our
;oc
Now, the ineendiary representative of
the rankest Abolition district in Massachu-
SETS presides in the representative branch
of the Government; and every important
committee is packed and differed by his
voice. We are patient people. We sub
NIT with entire equanimity, and escort to
the highest seat the hand that is to hold the
rod over US. Where is the spirit of Sew
enty-six? Have we no Marion to recruit
regiment of such rangers as did duty in
those days! Where are the descendants
of the men who followed Sumpter to the
fight! Where are those whom the voice
of John Rutledge successfully counselled
never to spike the guns that were once used
in the glorious cause of freedom and the
rights of Carolinians Where is the inn
pulse that produced the Palmetto Regiment
that undying band that has ever been
ready to represent South Carolina where
freedoms banner is presented to the breeze
When the cause of the South is the issue,
shall her sons be backward in the frav p
We trust not The conflict approaches.
Why do not our young men spring forward
and claim the post of honor in the approach
ing contest! Why should the South be
lukewarm, when her birthright is in danger.
Why, when her very existence is threaten
ed Tho vo;oa of fho Cou1b "a tbo ro;oa oe
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04

true republican freedom---the iptere... ,
the South are of civilization and proo,as. VI
the duty of the South is the proteet;os
those interests-and now is the time 70 81
true patriotism, in defending honor and !.
litical equality.
Our private advices from Kansas ara ;.
serious preparation for the great issue soon
to occur. With the opening spring the w.
will begin. Notwithstanding the severit.
of the winter, the blood has been warm |.
that region, and personal collisions bav.
been frequent. They are not likely 70
cease until Northern joint stock componie.
overcome patriotism, or the fires of South.
ern liberty blaze on the watch towers os
constitutional right.
The Washington correspondent Of tbs
n. Y. Herald states that Gov. Shannon b,,
express orders to arrest all the members n
the government established by the FREQ
State party of Kansas, and apprehension,
are entertained of a collision between the
federal authorities and the Free State men
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
Another COMniCt-mOre Blood
shed Threatened.

Advices at St. Louis from Kansas to the
14th ult., announce that hostilities are again
threatened by the Kickapoo Rangers, who
threaten to avenge the death Of Loop, by
killing the friends of his murderer, Brown.
The free-soil men are preparing for the
conflict. Two mounted companies under
Col. Dickey and Major Grover, had LETT
Lawrence for Easton, where the conflict
was expected.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
THE 1NF1DE1, BIBLE CONVENTION

The following is the call for this out-and-
out infdel convention, which appears in the
last number of Lloyd Garrison's Liberator,
of Boston:
WORLDS BIBLE CONVENTION.
We, the undersigned. DESTROYS of pro-
noting the improvement of our race, and
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
THE PLATFORM.

The reader will know 10 more in respect
to the great questions which have always
divided and will continue to divide parties
of this country, after reading the following
tumble of generalitieS, than he did before.
What are the opinions of the authors of
this extraordinary Platform in relation to
a high Tariff, the Freesoil and Kansas
questions, and many others of vital inte-
rest TO the South Such Platform NAV
suit politicians without political and GO
vernmental principles, but no one else:
THE WOODWORKING PLATFORM.
1. An humble acknowledgement TO the
Supreme Being who rules the universe for
his protecting care vonchsafed to our faith
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

The Italian poet, in his account Of a voyage
to the moon, tells us that "AH things. lost
are treasured there" On which somebody
observed, there must be, them, in the moon a
good deal Of good adv;ce. -ar77y4 'e ED
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

The Codwater Sentinel of the 2sth says.
Just as we were putting ourforms to press.
we were informed that gang Of counterfeit
ers, consisting of three women and one man
had been arrested and put in the lock-up-
Also that some Of our citizens are in pursuit
of another man that escaped with horses and
sleigh. o f1fff
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

DEMOCRATIC STATE Con-
ventions of the Democratic Party, have been
called in the States and at the times follow
ing, for the purpose Of appointing Delegates
to the National Convention to assemble at
Cincinnati, in June next.
Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio,
Iowa and Tennessee, January 9Th, Florida
third Wednesday in April; Pennsylvania,
March 4th; Georgia, Jan. 18th; Illinois, May
lst. When shall our State Convention take
place. !. !, oai.s5i o.. 80, ,.., !
The cost of the Eastern war greatly ex-
ceeds 100000 per day. aFd ys7f p ail
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23
1a lE ..eer- r'
Total, sresss .sga5 I
Receipts Of Department,
ltlo,ooo,ooO.
S $500.

.9a.- ,.,.J WI, 5 $500.
If the whole amount of stamps are made
use of, the above representation will be the
result, as view the subject. Thus showing
loss to the Department, the ensuing year,
of two thousand FIVE hundred dollars. When
if required to pay in cash, no loss would ae-
crue to the Department. Yet, in my opin
ion, there is, perhaps gain oradvantage
arising out of the stamp system. For example:
These stamps are printed at a trifing ex
pense, and are made use of by every man of
business for change, and are purchased for
that purpose, to large amount, consequent
ly they are ahoat and unredeemed by the
Department, and it has the use of that sum
until made use of upon mailable matter
This being true we can readily perceive more
or less will be lost by the destruction of bu
siuess offices by fire, in every part of the
country, and much in value, when taken as
total, otherwise lost. If my position is cor
rect, it is evident there will be an advantage
to the Department, in all probability, above
the expense of printing, &c., in the use of
money for stamps sold by them, but not made
use of, or-if may express my own idea in
my own language-yet in circulation; and
also the same benefit which all banks derive
from the destruction of their notes; erfull
value as a gain to the Department, it is evil
dent is the result of all lost and destroyed.
Yours, X.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23
Tota.

The following accounts were presented by
the committee on accounts, and after due ex-
animation by the Board were audited and al
lowed, to wit: -. ,.5, .,s - .eso,4,.s
James Hynes, services as con- oise,g IN f.
stable, attendance on Circuit 700 = ~ rs.
Court, October term, oawa4 coma 8 4 Is
A. s. Robinson, services, as h. .1oi,3or
constable, case Of the people VS.. II s'.e69 q
Spencer, ~, A. ~ 81 ooibss9gc s5 ~ 81
Henry Pennoyer, use Of room, b-a, o s3sa
fire and lights, for Grand jury q r 20 90
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

Ey- Literary exercises, accompanied with
vocal and instrumental music, at the school
room tomorrow Thursday evening, wealth
er favorable Let us all attend. ia 10
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

ANOTHER SUBMARINE CABLE.--Among
the passengers who left in the Baltic for Eu-
rope on her last trip, was Mr.. Cyrus w. Field
who goes out for the Submarine Telegraph
Company, to secure another cable, to be. laid
from Cape Breton to Newfoundland, in the
ensuing spring. t'eafo bae
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

EE JUDGE STUART recently tried and
acquitted of bribery in New York, has resign
ed his office.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23
For the Grand River Times.
Mr. Enron OF THE TINES:

Mr.. EDITOR OF THE ZINES:
j cannot agree with you in your statement,
relating TO postage stamps. If l understand
your position, it is, that all is profit to the
Post-Office Department, except the expense
of engraving, printing, DC. Suppose the ex-
penses of the Department to be s9,99o,ooo.
Expense of engraving and print
ing stamps, ! of u cent up si5seq
on $10,O0O,0OO,a IN N1Ur 1880.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

Casanova, Walkley; Georgetown, Bosworth I;
Holland, Post; jamestown, Arnold; Muske-
gon Carmichael; Ottawa, Duncan; Polkton,
Hazelton; Ravenna, T. d. Smith; Wright,
Woodward; iceland, Van Hees; Norton, L.
o. Smith.
On motion of Mr.. Hazelton,
1t was Resolved, That the Prosecuting At
torney be directed to commence prosecu-
ton against Thomas Wing, a Justice Of the
Peace of the township of Muskegon, for the
recovery of certain county funds in the hands
of said Wing, which he refuses or neglects to
pay in to the County Treasurer.
On motion of Mr.. Post, '
1t was RESOLVED, That the County Clerk
be requested to furnish sufficient statements
to the County Treasurer as data for the ap-
portionment of the money collected as fines
On motion of Mr.. Post 5u 7o
1t was RESOLVED, That the County Treas,
urer be requested to instruct the Prosecuting
Attorney to commence prosecutions agains,
all persons who, to his knowledge, retain in
their hands any county funds.
On motion of Mr.. Woodward,
The Board adjourned SINE die.
R. w. DUNCAN, Chairman
TIMOTHY FLETCHER, Clerk.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23
INTERESTING QUESTION BEFORE THE u

INTERESTING QUESTION BEFORE THE u.
S. SUPREME CoURT.-The whole question
of Slavery is to be up before the Supreme
Court of the United States, on the Booth
Case this winter 1t will be sreeollected that
Mr.. Booth was brought before the United
States Commissioner of Wisconsin OH the
charge of rescuing fugitive slave from the
U. S. Marshal, and discharged on habeas
Corpus, by the State Court. He was after
wards indicted, tried and convicted in the U.
S. District Court, and then again discharged
on habeas corpus, by the Supreme Court.
Thus the whole question of Slavery as res
poets its legal foundation, the constitutional
ity of the Fugitive Slave Law, and the right
of the State Court to interpose in such cases
by ha6eas corpus or otherwise, will come up
in two separate cases, to be determined by
the Supreme Court of the United States.
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

PAPER NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. are in
the United States $50 paper mills in active
operation, having 800 engines, and produc-
ing in the year 25o,oOo,oOO pounds of pa
per which is worth ten cents pound, amount
ing to S25, 100000 To produce this amount
of paper O5,OoO,Ooo pounds of rags are re-
quired, little more than II lbs Of rags be-
ing required to make a pound Of paper
The value of these rags is more than sl6,-
100000. b. -
Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-23

MONUMENT TO THE PILGRIM FATHERs.-
A monument is soon to be erected to the
memory of the Pilgrim Fathers and their
landing on the "stern and rock bound coast"
The monument is to consist of colossal figure
of Faith, pointing to the skies, and holding
Bible under the left arm. The fguer will
be of granite 70 feet high and supported by
a pedestal 80 feet high, making in all a no
bic and unsurpassed monument Of $50 feet.