davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

THE BOARD OF SWAMP LAND COMMISSION ERs.-This body metin this city las week-pre- sent J. II. HoBBs and JAS. NJ. BROWN. Itis but justice to these gentlemen to state that, when they commenced operations, two years ago, scrip was worth scarcely forty cents in the dol lar while now, by prudence and economy, they have advanced it's value to eighty cents. Con- hdence has been in great measure restored. and contractors have been found willing to take hold for the purpose of completing the unfin. ished work upon the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers, which would, when completed, make a grand and substantial line of levee rehecting credit upon the State, and securing from inun- dation millions of acres of the finest lands in the country. Most of the gaps on these two rivers, we understand have already been placed under contract leaving but little to be provided for by the present Legislature.
 We also learn that some fifteen hundred thou sand acres of swamp and overhowed lands were selected by the agents of the present board, at comparatively small expense, and reported to the Surveyor General for confirmation.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

RELIGIOUS MURDERER-A late narrative ot travels Tn Russia contains the following illus tratlon of religious fervor in that country. A lady on leaving private party in St. Peters. burg at rather advanced hour in the morning, called dorshkee, aud having given directions to the driver, the latter proceeded to her home. as she thought, instead of which he drove her to rather deserted part of the city, when he suddenly turned round and cut her throat the saole-llne cloak in which she was enveloped having excited his cupidity. Having divested her ot this he dragged the body to the brink or the canal and threw her into it. He then folded up the cloak and layed it on the seat On his way back to the stand he was hailed bv gentleman, and, however reluctant, obliged to take hlm as fare. The gentleman not only noticed the cloak, but touching it, found his fingers stained with blood. He said nothing till he reached rolice station, where havipS ordered the driver to stop he gave him into custody on suspicion. The gentleman happen ed to be the husband of the lady, and bv the hght recognized the cloak as belonging 10 his wife. The tragedy happened during lent, when meat is forbidden. The man confessed the crime. The murdered lady had little basket With her which contained pie Having been asked by the commissary why he had not eaten the pie. " How could think of eating the piel,: replied the assassin, may contain meat, and,' -devoutly crossing hmself-"I am. thank God, a good Christian!"
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
Meeting in Carroll Parish, La.


 In obedience to previous notice there was a large meeting of the citizens of the Parish of Carroll, La, held at the old court house, in the town of Providence, to consider the matters of making the cutoff at Old Bell Point in Chlcot county, Arkansas
 On motion, Nathan Trotter was called to the chair, and Dr. James G. Wyly, appointed sec retary.
 The president stated at length the object of the meeting; whereupon, a committee of five was appointed to draw up and present to the meeting resolutions, expressive of the sense of the meeting. The committee was composed of the following gentlemen Gen. Edward Sparrow. George G. Wilson, pr. D.. F. Black burn, A. M. Waddel and Nathan Trotter. The committee retired and afterwards re- turned and presented the following resolutions, after which the meeting adjourned
 NATHAN TROTTER, Chairman. JAS. G. WILEY, Secy
 Resoluel, That we have learned with regret, that another effort Is being made to induce the Legislature of the State of Arkansas to pass an act authorizing a cut-of to be made on the Mis- sssppi river, Belle Point, in Chicot county. ResolUed, That the proposed cutoff, if male will, in the opinion of this meeting, seriously damage, and perhaps ruin many plantations n Arkansas, Mississippi and this State lying be- low on the Mississippi river for fifty miles. ResolUed, That we express this opinion from personal knowledge of the effects of cut-offs heretofore made on the Mississippi river, and }In,f I,ao, lo1a 1. Al cutoff, if made, will damage ourselves-our neighbors in Arkansas, Mississippi, and this State hundreds of thousands of dollars
 ResolUed, That we rely upon the Legislature of our sister State to deal justly in this matter, and not to sanction so great wrong, and that although we are not citizens of Arkansas we look to her with the same confidence that we would to our own State to protect us in our le- gal and equitable rights
 ResOlved, That our people and our Legisla- ture have acted in this spirit towards the State of Arkansas and her citizens that an act of our Legislature, authorizing the construction of levee from the Mississippi river along the line dividing the two States to the hill lands on the west side of the Bayou Macon, and across the bayou, was promptly repealed upon the repre- sentatlon that 1t would dam up the water and nJure large district of country in Arkansas Resotued. That we most respectfully and ear nestly request the State Legislature of the State of Arkansas, to consider these resolutions and the memorial heretofore sent on this subject by the citizens of this parish, and that it will quiet our apprehension by promptly refusing to sane ton the proposed work.
 True copy of the original
 EDWARD SPARROW
 GEORGE G. WILSON
 D. FLOURNOY BLACKBURN,
 ANDERSON NJ. WADDELL
 NATHAN TROTTER.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
From the Lancaster, Pa., Intelligencel MT Iiuchauau.s tHp;n;s.rot;

There Is a great deal of unnecessary specula. ton among the opposition journals just now as to the new cabinet and the policy of the incom ing administration To all of these gentlemen we have only to say keep cool and be patient few months longer and you will know all about 1t. One thing is certain, MT. B. will be the President himself; he will select his own cabi. net; and, regardless of friend or foe, will put his foot on every scheme which does not look to the honor, glory, prosperity and perpetuity Of the Union. His administration, we doubt not, will be eminently conservative in all its ac. lions and policy, and in perfect accordance with his great political knowledge, ripe statesman. ship and cautious disposition The specula- tons about the cabinet are all fudge. Mr. B. has never given an intimation to living soul on the subject. He keeps his own counsels. and when his selections are once made it will be found that his cabinet is not only unit but that 1t 1t also UNION cabinet. The country is fortunate in having such an able and experi enced statesman at the helm at this important Period oi our history; and we feel confident-av. the whole nation feels confdent-that he is just the man for the present crisis
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
Information Wanted

Of the relatives of one John Kelly. who arrived at this place about the goth ot June last on the steamboat "Young Amerca7 on his way to Kansas Territory, where he sad he had d brother-in-law or son. in-law Be was killed it is supposed about II miles from this place about the 1st of July, by one Thomas Beard, who is now in iaI under sentence for his murder. Kelly stated that he was native of Pennsylvania, and was recently from Shreveport Louisiana Any person who can give any intormuation respecting said John Kelly or his relatives. will please address Ben. T. Duval or Joseph ". Vandever, Esq. at this place.
 Papers in Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri. Arkan- sas and papers generally are requested to CODY ID. ,SmifA HeJ,aM F'
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
Senator Douglas and his Bride,

STEPHEN 4. DOUGLAS is a man of mark; his
 intellect of the first order, and its resources a- ways at ready command, his spirit bold and unqualilng, his devotion to principle, firm and unyleldlng. His career in the Senate. espe clalIy during the past three years, has drawn upon him the eyes of an entire nation. and while some have scowled angrlv at his rebukes of fanatlcism and sectional ambition. very many have gazed with frightening looks on the actions ot one, who upon a question which n- Foived the continuance of the federal Union. stood forth the champion of that sovereign equality among the States which is as neces- sary to the life of our political confederacy, as Is the circulation of the blood to that of the human body.
 The world always has felt an interest in the domestic history of Its great men, whether he roes, statesmen or scholars; it wishes to know. If possible, what is the hearth-s.de life. the home Influences of those who figure in the tie!d, the forum, or the legislative hall; and hence the lively interest which has ever been manifested in the biographies or sketches of em'nent men. Nothing but this feeling has induced, or would have excused, the notices which the press has taken of the late marriage of Senator Douglas with one of the brightest ornaments of the eiite of Washington society, ana Tor the qualification, particularly of our lady readers, we copy the description of the personal appearance, etc., of his brde as given m the correspondence of the New York Her. aid:
 Miss Ada Cutts resembles very much in her manners and tone her great aunt (Mrs Madi- son) and those who remember Mrs. NJ. in her more youthful days say there is great personal resemblance. Miss c. has been distinguished belle here for several years, and is now twenty four years of age. She Is tall, with full form graceful Tn movement, and amiable in dspo- sitlon. Her face is remarkably beautiful, and her education has developed we'll balanced and subtle intellect. She has more good strong common sense than any belle ever knew. In religion she is a Catholic, having been educated at Georgetown Nunnery. She is the last of set of belles, all beautiful and accomplished viz: Miss Florence Greenbough Cousin of Miss Cutts); Miss Ada Smith, daughter of John l.. Smith; Miss Henrietta Magruder, daughter of Capt. Magruder, U. s. navy, lately married In Paris to Mr. Hayden of South Carolina.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

TEXAS AND ARKANsAs.-The immigration to these young States from the older slave States Is remarkably large and seems constant " on the increase. recent number of the Memphis Bulletin says "We have never be. lore observed so large number of emigrants gong westward are crossing the river at this polnt daily, the two ferry boats-sometimes three--going crowded from early morn until the boats cease making their trips at night Ir Is no uncommon sight to see from twenty to forty wagons encamped on the bluf for the nlsnt, l,s notwithstanding there has been steady the cry Is still they come. The immigration Is from the older States; mostly Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama Mis- slss'ppl and this State, all going to settle in Ar Kansas and Texas. Judging from these indi- cations, the influx or population into these o'a'es VIII be larger this season than ever be. lore and of good substantial citizens"-Louis vNe Times
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
Wednesday, Dec. II
The Senate convened.

Prayer by the chaplain.
 Motions and resolutions being in order. ! Koyston offered the following joint resontc
 WHEREAS, The present contract for fra porting the United States mail mn ronts I,,oo3, from Little Rock to Washington, hempstead county, Arkansas, by two-ho post coaches, three times week, is inadeoui to the demands of the public interest and co venlence; And uhereas, the present contract Tor transporting the United States mail on a route have been performing eatra service sad route since the first day of July in the va A. D. 1854. Therefore, be it,
 Resofoed by the General Assembly of the S8 ct ArkaaSas, That our Senators in Congress instructed and our Representatives be re0uesa to use their best exertious to increase said ss vice on said route from three to six times ? week, and also fair and reasonable compers ton to the said contractors for the extra seryi employed on said route from the said 1st Jul lSo4, until the service on said route is incressd
 Which was read and adopted. On motion of Mir. Stirman, House bill, tOI entitled An act to arrest in part the operata9 oi the present laws upon the subject of 7 swamp and overfowed lands,u was taken and read the rst time.
 MT o,lrman moved to suspend the rules second reading, which was lost,
 Al message Was received from the Houss representatives, stating that they had pas;si olli to De entitled An act to incorporas city of Arkadelphia.~
 Also, bill to le entitled "An act presd ing the mode in which the will of nlsior oi the inhabitants of T. 8, s. R. Is west shF ne aSceftalned Tn regard to investing the ints' arising upon the proceeds of the sale of k 10th section in said townshipo which rf transmitted for the assent of the Ssnate
 ne Senate went into committee of < whole, and resumed the consideration O I several Senate bills upon the subject cf swamp lands.
 After time spent in discussion, the cont tee arose, and through their chairman, hosson) reported progress, but not having lshed, obtained leave to sit again on to-ro at lo1a o'clock, A. NJ.
 senate adjourned until 10 o'clock to.nH morning
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
TtaSiay, Dec. l6.
The Senate convened.

Prayer by the chaplain.
 Mir. Trimble, from the committee on enroll bills made report.
 MT. ASkew, on leave, introduced a bill to entitled An act to neutralize conflicting oni ions on the swamp land question:" which W read the first and second times, and referred the committee of the whole.
 On motion of Mr. Keith, 100 copies of S, bill were ordered to be printed, instaatsr, f the use of the Senate. A message was received from the House Representatives, stating that they had passed olli to be entitled An act to arrest in part u operation of the present laws upon the subs ot the swamp and overhowed lands" Which was received for the action of the S nate.
 Mir. Jones, on leave, introduced a bill to entitled An act for the relief Samuel Was ot Memphis" which was read the second \ third tunes, and referred to the committee the judiciary.
 On motion of MT. Ferguson, the Senate '. resolved into the committee of the whole consider of the several bills upon the subiecl the swamp lands
 Alter some time consumed in deliberat the committee, on motion of Mir. Fergus took a recess until 2 1a o'clock, P. M.
 At 211a o'clock, P. M, the committee resu ed the consideration of the swamp land bl and after some discussion, rose and reportI progress, but not having gotten through obtaI ca leave to sit again on tomorrow at 1Oi o'clock, A. M.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

OE- In Memphis, Tennessee, the other day, a countryman stood gazing in window where two skeletons hung suspended-one being that of man, the other of boy. A stranger com- ing up, Whose skeleton is that?'' asked the countryman, pointing to the larger. "That is Shakspeare's,' said the stranger And whose Is that?" continued the countryman, pointing to the smaller.
 That is Shakspeare's too," answered the wag.
 How can it be?''
 Why, Mafs him sohen he roas e boy," was the rejoinder
 "Ol 1 never thnurht of that
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

HE CANADIAN RECIPROCITY TREATY.--Tbe New York Herald states that a movement will be made during the present session of Congress. for the amendment of the Canadian reciprocity treaty, by which it will be sought to enlarge the free list between the two countries. to all artic. les grown by each respectively. This will in- ciude tobacco and sugar, now excluded. In case the Canadian government should refuse ,o accept thls amendment an effort will be made to terminate the treaty by notice. sssg
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

0T At meeting of the Little Rock Bible Society, for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year, Mir. Charles Bertrand was elected president, Judge Geo. c. Watkins vice president Geo. D. Sizer secretary, and Dr. R. l.. Dodge treasurer. Executive committee Charles Rapley, c. L. Jeffres, D. Bender, Jas. Mayo, and Geo. Worthen.
 GEO. D. SEER. Sec,u.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

0T The Philadelphia Times tells story of a politician of the days of Martin Van Buren, which nas had its counter part, probably since. It was few days after the election, and news was pouring in of Van Buren's defeat on all sides. Mir. Worthington, the able editor of the Columbus (Miss.) Democrat, was among those who were terribly annoyed by Jobs Comforters.' He was somewhat deaf and rather irritable. In passing along the streets, an ac- quaintance saluted him, and inquired kindly, How is your family, Mir. Worthington?"- Worthington, supposing that the inquiry re- lated to the political news of the day, re- sponded-'All gone to h--l, sir, all gone to h-l'"
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

MESSENGER TO CARRY ON THE PREsIDEN- TIL voTE.-We have inadvertently omitted to notice the appointment of Dr. JoHN I. STIR MAN, by the electors assembled here, on the Sd inst, to carry to Washington the vote of the State for President and Vice President. We undestand the Doctor will leave in time to reach Washington on the appointed day. Dr. Stirman is clever gentleman, and we are grati- lied at hls good fortune in receiving this much sought after position. While there were many others. perhaps, equally deserving we are sure Dr. Stlrman's appointment will be universally approved of.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

NJ GTThe trimming democrats in and about elegant carriage and span of horses to he nre. sented to MT. Eastman, one of the editors of the Union and American. The money is to oe raised entirely from funds ,oon by Mir E,s poiihcal friends on the late presidential cleo. uon: We congratulate Brother Eastman tha, iii ms lines have bsen cast among such lucky and liberal fellows .-.- s-- -''' u "Au
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

For the True Democrat Brothers, ye have Passed Away! Brothers, ye have passed away, From the sunlight and the day From the pleasant summer bowers From the fragrant earth born flowers From the soft and balmy breeze From the green and shady trees; Over hill nor grove, nor plain Will ye ever come again. Never on the sparkling river. Where the cool waves break and quiver, Will ye, in the bounding boat. List the wild birds thrilling note; Never meath the moonlit eve, Sad or pleasant fancies weave: From the bird, and breeze, and ray Brothers, ye have passed awayl Mid the busy haunts of men, In the still and silent glen: In the crowd or lonely hall, Never will your footsteps fall,- By the winters social hearth, Which ye made so bright with mirth. Now sit alone at eve, Sadly o'er the past to grieve,- Looking on your vacant places, Longing for your pleasant faces Longing once more to dscry, Laughing lip and loving eye, Which will never greet me more, Whilst tread this earthly shore. Brothers, all my grief is vain le will never come again, But within my heart yer dwelling, Where loves fountain, brightly yelling, Keeps the tiowrets fresh and fair, Which affection has placed there Every plant an image wearing, Every leaf a dear name bearng;- Memory with her radient light, Shields them from decay and blight. Brothers, ye are with me yet, Vividly as when we met. Sometimes as I sit alone, Bending OCT some ponderous tome, Which, ill bright and summer weather, Long ago, we'd read together, Coming gently to my side, Round my neck your arms will glide. Sometimes when upon mine car, Comes sweet music thrilling clear Some old tune we oft had played, Softly in the twilight shade;- Then, ah then, hear you singing On the air your voices ringing, And again list those lays, Which we sang in other days. Brothers, though we meet no more On this dark and troubled shore, Love in visions of the night, Or in waking fancies bright, Yet, ah yet, there is land, Brighter flowers and breezes bland, Where the lov'd of earth await To meet Us at the open gate. sc. l3th '56 JENNY WREN
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23

THE MoB KNow NoTHINGs.- On the even- ing of the 18th, a large crowd, armed with guns and clubs, proceeded to Monument souare Baltimore, with the cfligy of the Hon. Rever, dy Johnson, and burned it on the railing of the battle monument, in front of Johpsop,s house. The motive was to manifest indigna.. ton at the course of Mir Johnson in sunnort. ing Buchanan.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23


 (t~~T The editor of the Gazette is just now in an extremely cartious humor. Nothing seems 10 go right with him. lie breathes only " threatenings aud slaughter against all demo- orats. Blinded with rage and disappointment, he vents his malice upon every body and every thing. The postponemeut of the inauguration of the Governor troubles him exceedingly; and, n his usual courteous manner, he accuses the Governor of swindling his successor"
 The editor would have the world believe him lawyer and yet whenever he touches a legal question he betrAys his stupidity. He does not know the provisions of our State con- stitution, or, if he does, he does not understand them. He accuses Gov. Conway of prolong- ing his term of office, by postponing his inaugu- ration, and thus oi swindling his successor" Now, Gov. Conway cannot prolong his term of office. He has already served four years, and he cannot, by any possibility, serve exceeding four years more; forthe constitution of the State provides that no Governor shall be eliqi- tte Tor more da,a egh years ia any term of taoelue years' Gov. Conway was first qualified on the 18th of November 1852, and consequently on the 18th of November, 1860, eight years there- after, he will, by the operation of the consti- tuition, cease to be the Governor of Arkansas.
 We trust this statement will relieve the edi- tor of one cause of his unhappiness. He need not however trouble himself about Gov. Con- ways successor" The democratic party will attend tO that n, after ,vhan tba pavt oloo+: :o, rolls around.
 As to the editors censure of the Governor for not being inaugurated sick as he has been. gross injustice is done Too much indisposed to go through the forms of public installation, Gov. Conway, in a communication, of date we believe, the 17th of November last. notified the General Assembly of his willingness to take the oath of office, at his residence, in the presence of committee appointed to witness and report the fact. But the Geueral Assembly, desiring to honor the Governor determined to await his restoration to health and give him a public iu- auguration. The members of the General As sembly, better acquainted with the constitution than the editor, were aware that it was imma- terial whether Gov. Conway was inaugurated at the beginning or the close of the session.
 As the editor tells us he frequently hears "message from the Governor announced by the duor-keepers," he must have been acquaint- ed with the facts. His neglect to mention them can only be attributed to his settled de- termination always to misrepresent the Cover nor
The true Democrat., 1856-12-23
ARKANsAs LEG1sLATuRr
SENATE.

rbo F'1day, December l2
 Prayer by the chaplain.
 Memorials being in order Mir. Gaino, sented the memorial of Marcus E. JobnsoIp pfe, Chicot, embracing the statements of pumn., ot citizens of Chicot county, of Washington oa' Os ty in Mississippi, and of Louisiana urgino Yua' ns the Legislature the necessity of passiDo sn 1po0 granting to the said Marcus F. Jobpson % privilege, and to aid him, to make c,. 'a v through his land in Chicot county, acro. s'' bend on the Mississippi river, representipo such ar enterprise should be done as well ' his relief as for the general beneiit-whicb, , read, and on motion of Mr. Gaines, referros% the committee on swamp and overfowed l,t
 Mir. Trimble, from the committee on en.% led bills, reported several bills as correctlv~ rolled @
 On motion of Mir. Hammond, the Sen. resolved itself into committee of the wS to consider of three Senate bills upon the ,nl Ject or the swamp land grant,
 Alter some time consumed in discus,;, the committee rose, and through their chaim,, MT. Rosson, reported progress, but not hav, finished their consideration of said bills. a,g leave to sit again on to-morrow at 10 o'cloI which was granted.
 The Senate adjourned until to morrow no, ing 10 o'clock.