davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Destrutive Confagration at Napo-
 leon
Napoleon, March 18th, 1856.

Napoleon, March 18th, 1856. R. H. JOHNSON, esq.,-
 Tuesday night last, about l2 o'clock, a slight rain accompanied with vivid lightning and deep toned thunder occurred, peal after peal fol- lowing in quick and rapid succession. The citizens of our town were aroused by the ring ing of bells, and cry of |" fire ? jud yed at once that the lightning had struck and commu nicated to some house in the place. Such prov ed to be the case. Upon getting into the street, I saw the corner edifce of the principal block of buildings in the town, in flames, and at first 1t was apparent that the whole block, if not the whole town, would be entirely destroyed. The lightning had struck the southwest corner of J. w. Cheatham's beautiful building, and ip which, only the day previous, he had removed his whole stock of goods, amounting to some sixteen or seventeen thousand dollars-passng back to the rear and down scuttle hole to the floor of the upper story, enveloping the whole in flames, and although Mir. Cheatham and several others were promptly on the ground they were unable to save anything, not even his papers, accounts or books, as when the door wgS opened below, the fire burst out of it, Within the short space of an hour, his house. together with his whole stock, was mass of l fire
 i Twas hard-'twas truly hard, to witness the loss, in short time, of one-who within a ! few years since, and commencing comparative | ly boy-had succeeded in placing in easy and comfortable circumstances large family, and who, by moral worth strict integrity, energy and business habits, had built up the founda- ton of handsome fortune, all suddenly swept but " sic parea vohat,' and there yet remains him this pleasing and cheering fact, that his worth is appreciated and his credit unimpaired. The adjoining buildings soon followed the same fate. Col. Stewart next, loss some S20OO pr S3,OOO; Dr. Burrus, some $6OOO or g 7OOO; Dr. Knight, about $5,OOO; Mayson & Britt, dry goods in Burrus' building, some goods saved, damaged insured for S7,OOO, the only nsur- ance on the block, except $2OOO on Cheat hams building. There were several tenants occupying different parts of the buildings who lost more or less. The entire loss, inclusive of Dr. Kline's drugs, amounting to some $3OOO, and storehouse belonging to the estate of Lea witt, will not fall short of S5OOOO, outside of the real and actual loss. It has caused many to be thrown entirely out of homes and out of business, and the morning of the 26th inst. will \ be long felt keenly by many, and God grant such another calamity may never again occur. | M
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Arkansas College.

We had the pleasure of hearing the lecture of Elder ROBERT GRAHAM in the Hall of Re- prescntatives on Friday evening last. Although his audience was quite respectable in numbers and intelligence, we regretted to observe the absence of many of our prominent citizens, who we are sure, feel deep interest Tn the cause of education, hitherto so much neglected in Arkansas. Notwithstanding the munifi- cent donation made by Congress Tor unlver- sty in our State, and although Arkansas has been sovereign State for nearly twenty-one wears. the speaker announced the startling fact, that up to the present time we have not a sin ole endowed college or institution of learning for the education of our sons.
 We have not only to deplore the direct loss of thousands upon thousands, sent abroad an- nually for that purpose, and the amount lost, because the educational facilities of Arkansas are not such as to attract pupils from the States south of us, but the great misfortune that the education and training of our youth has to be in some measure confded to people of the northern and eastern States, who are becoming estranged from the south, if not hostile to her institutions
 The subject of education is one that con- mends itself to the heart of every true friend of his country Mr. Graham is eminently practi- cal, while others have been talking, he has been up and doing. He has made most promising beginning of good work, which he is now en- gagged in carrying on, and to which his whole life and energies are devoted The college is situated at Fayetteville, in an elevated and healthy region of country, and in the midst of an orderly, a moral and religious population.-- It is we are happy to be able to state, in ilou- rishing condition. The mission in which the President is now engaged, is to secure small but permanent endowment, by means of the sale of scholarships, in which the purchaser gets value received for every dollar of material and substantial aid which he affords to the insttu- ton.
 We earnestly hope that our fellow citizens throughout the State, and is respective of sec. tional proclivities, will come forward with ala crty ill support of so laudable an enterprise.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
EXTRACT. make the following extra

EXTRACT.-We make the following extract from a letter written from Izard county:
 Don't you think Columbus could make mo- ney by obtaining patent right for Arkansas from the Philadelphia grand council for chang ing principles and platforms. Understand that from this process, man can be any and every thing in this wicked world of ours, and still be good Know Nothing. Yes sir a northern ice- berg southern fire-eater, black republi- can or freesoler-a whig or a democrat-a friend of foreigners or an enemy-an advocate of Catholic prescription or promotion, and still good Know Nothing Such understand the party to be that the democrats have to contend with at the coming election. Office, office, of fee Is all in all sr-nothng else. Columbus could certainly do better with patent for this new process of constructing parties than he did last spring peddling charters and rituals for Know Nothing councils"
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Another Withdrawal.
MOUNTAIN TOWNSHIP, Crnarf0lM COuntu. Ark.. March &.


 Crasctord County Ark., March S. ] Elitor Fun Buren Latelhgencer-
 Sometime last winter 1 was induced by some of my friends to join the order, common ly called the know nothing or American, but have found the thing to be entirely different from what l supposed. Instead of finding it to be American, found it to be ant-American in the plainest sense-more Jacobine than Anne. rican-a concern to protect our liberties! as we are told by our officers and orators. Yes, pro- tect our liberties by robbing freemen of their cherished rights and privileges-bndi them by solemn oaths to support their third degree members and no one else for office. If that protects liberty, God save me from such pro- tecton. MT. Editor 1 hope every candid and fair minded man will forgive the error commit. ted by me when joined that unconstitutional party. now feel as freeman; have thrown aside forever the galling shackles of know nottingham, and wonder to myself how I was caught by humbug so easily detected But I acknowledge the corn and hope our officers of the lodge in this township will do likewise, which if they are really know nothings (and in all candor must state actually believe in a political sense, they are know nothings in- deed,) they certainly will.
 have heretofore acted with the whg party and would act with that party yet if it was not disbanded as it is, shall act with the na- tional democracy. In conclusion would say to my brethren yet in error, come out, come out, and have less dread of the Pope and more fear of the devil DAVID DAVIS.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Eronn tha ua,nn.Aool n


 MR. EDIToR:-You will please announce our withdrawal from the Know Nothing or so-cal- led American party. We are satisfied that the precepts and practical workings of the Know Nothing order are incompatible with the du- ties which every good citizen owe to our coun- try, and that they are dangerous to the safety and prosperity of our glorious republic. We cannot remain longer connected with said or der, and therefore give this notice of our with drawal from the different councils with which we have been connected, and desire them to erase our names from their respective rolls of members. We once more return to the plea- sant fields of trle democracy and bid "Sam" a hearty good bye," as gentleman unwor- thy and unfit to govern the American people.
 CARTER BYARs,
 LEWIS BoLIN,
 w. l.. REEVES Mount Lla March 18th, 1856.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

MR. EDIoR:-The Know Nothings seem to be about to make desperate effort to regain some of their lost ground in the State. Jesse Turner, understand, made speech for them at Clarksvillo the other day. It was done up, it is said, pretty much after the old whg style, and, therefore, would not I should think, be very palatable to those Know Nothings who come from the democratic ranks; some thing more strikingly new would doubtless suit their feelings better. They would rather hear de- monstrated, the truth of remark made the other day by A. J. Donelson-that Know No- thing principles have but little reference to their antecedents, whether old whigs or old democrats"
 There seems to be good deal of specula- tion, as to who will receive the nomination for Congress, at our district convention. thought A. B. Greenwood was to be the man, but some of the knowing ones seem to have their doubts about it. We'll as Greenwood has had the honor now for several years it is considered, SUD- pose, that he may give way for some one else. II this is resolved upon--in looking around for his successor. I believe the claims of John M. Wilson, of Clarksville, deserve some consider ation at the hands of the people. He has been doing good service in battling the Know No- thing monster-he is firm democrat--an in- telligent and an honest politician. o. K.
 C,awfoad Countu March 24, 1856.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Democratic Mee,ine in Brad,ev e.

According to previous notice, respectable portion of the democracy met at the town of Warren in convention on the 17th day of March, 1856 The convention was organized by call ing Judge J. Gould to the chair, and appoint ing Alvin Bartlett secretary. And on motion it was resolved that a com mittee of three be appointed to draft resolu- tions
 Whereupon the following resolutions were introduced:
 ResolpeR, That the chairman of this meeting appoint delegates to meet in the convention at Hot Springs on the second Monday of May next to nominate candidate for Congress, and that said delegates be instructed to cast their votes for the Hon. F. A. Warren, as suitable person to represent the 2d congressional dis trict of the State of Arkansas, in the United States Congress.
 Resotuel, That the chairman appoint dele gates to the convention to meet in Little Rock on the first Monday of May next to nominate candidate for Governor, and that said delegates be instructed to vote for Elias N. Conway for 'Governor.
 Resolued That this committee approves the conduct of our present representation Tn Con- gress, and that we instruct our delegates to vote for Col. Warren, not that we like Col. Rust less, but that we also like Col. Warren.
 Resolued, That we approve the course which has been pursued by his Excellency Elias N. Conway as Governor of Arkansas. On motion, the above resolutions were adopt ed On moton William M. Vanvalkenburgh John R. Hampton and Lewis Bealin, were se- lected as delegates to attend the convention at Little Rock
 On motion, James H. Walker, John Harris and J. II. Marks are selected to attend as dele gates at the Hot Springs convention. And on further motion ofJohn H. Marks, Mr. G. A. Gal lagher is hereby appointed to act as proxy at both of the aforesaid conventions, in the event of the absence of our delegates.
 On motion, together with the convention of the democracy of Dallas county, Col. J ohn R. Hampton is unanimously appointed our nomi- nee for Senator.
 On motion of Col. John Havis it is
 Resolvel That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be sent to the True Democrat for publication.
 And on motion the meeting adjourned.
 J. GOULD, Chn
 ALVIN BARTLETT SpC'U
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
From the Pine Bluff Republican
Important COrresDOrdpuce.

The correspondence below, between Senator Johnson and the post office department, suffi- elently explains itself without any comment from us:
 MR. EDITOR: The best course I can take with this is to send it to you for publication
 l have voted against every reduction of post age since l nave been here. When postage was 25 cents letter our people never com plalned, and our State furnished some revenue and was entitled to some facilities now its pos tage is reduced, till it is 3 cents and our State furnishes no revenue, and what is the conse- quence! It is that no increased facilities can be had. Bad policy for us and for all but the old States. Respectfully,
 R. w. JOHNSON,
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

A BLACK OF MAssACuUsErrs,- ,-The Inde- pendent Eagle is pronounced one of the most intelligent and ably conducted journals in Eu- rope, and yet short time since in speaking of the election of Gov. Chase of Ohio, 1t spoke of him as a negro In its issue of 2lst ult., re- ceved by the Africa, it sets Mir. Banks down as black from Massachusetts" as follows:
 CT he new speaker of the House is black from Massachusetts, who belongs, os Ms color su6iciesty indicates, to the extreme party of abo litonsts. This, then, is victory gained by the north over the south. Upon the whole, the journals declare themselves satisfied with the choice"
 We think tAe Eagle is about right, as far as the inner man is concerned.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Andrew J. DonelsOn.

| | Hon. R. II. Stanton, of the Marysvle, (Ky.) Express, draws the following picture of the | Know Nothing candidate for Vice Presdent,- man who all his life has been traducng and vilifying Henry Clay and the whig party, and who now is begging the support of the whigs and Clay men:
 Maj. Donelson, instead of leaving the Union office for the reason assigned by the Common wealth, and at the time indicated left because the democratic party compelled him to leave, and that, too, long before the obnoxious appoint mentS were made In other words, he did not have the confidence of the party, and the party gave him to understand that his room was more agreeable than his company. The man who has been thus unceremoniously kicked out of the democratic ranks, will make good enough candidate for the Know Nothngs.
 So odouS was Donelson to the democratic party, even as early as the summer of 1852, be- fore the election of Gen. Pierce, that the demo- crats in Congress would not elect him printer of the House. although he was then editor of the Metropolitan paper, and the party had large majority of the members. They refused to permit his name to be associated with his Iamented partner Gen. Armstrong, and gave the office to the latter The editor of this pa per nominated Gen. Armstrong to the House, and happens to know well what were the rela- tions of Dsnelson at that time to the party Gen. Armstrong was elected printer on the 27th day of August, 1852, some time before the election of Gen. Pierce. A short time after this very unequivocal indication of the feeling of the party towards Maj. Donelson, he sold his interest in the Washington Union to Gen. Arm strong, and retired to private life soured and dissatisfied man.
 Upon the inauguration of Gen. Pierce, Major Donelson was among the most importunate of the applicants for foreign appointment, but was refused by the President He then labored to secure one for his son-in. law, Mr. Wilcox, of Mississippi, and it was not until he had failed in both efforts that he openly denounced the ad- ministration and turned traitor to the principles of his party"
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

OF We are gratifcd 10 announce the ap- pearance of the State Rights Democrat, pub lished at Helena in the place of the Democra- tic Star. Messrs. ELLIOTT dG TALLER are the publishers, and the editorial department will be at present conducted by Messrs. Jno. c. Pal mer, B. F. Ball. Jno s. Horner, Dr. r. J. Robertson and Davis Thompson, who have been elected by the stockholders as publishing committee for 1856. That the paper will be ably and efficiently conducted, the names of the above gentlemen sufficiently indicated. From their address to their subscribers We make the following extract:
 1.-The position of the Democrat upon all ques- tions, shall be bold and fearless. Endorsed, as it is, by the democracy of eastern Arkansas, 1t has nothing to fear from such a course; anl any other, in these times when treason stalks abroad in public places, and direct attacks are made upon the life blood of the constitution, would be unworthy of our patrons as of ourselves, and false to that country which we love-"
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
VILLA M DOW ELL.
Belltast, Saline O., Ark., March o1 1S56

MaTCH TT, IOJU ) EDITOR TRUE DrMooRAT--Pleasc announce my withdrawal from the Know Nothing party. I have ever been true democrat, and intend to remain such Sam and his dark deeds, his abolition origin and affinties, his ignoring of southren rights, and I have parted forever. l think it time for southerners to stop playing into the hands of aboltionists.
 Please send me the True Democrat
 H. J. PRICE,
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

0T With feelings of deep regret, we an- nounce the death of Mr. JOSEPH s. MOORE, one of the publishers and proprietors of the Hampstead Democrat He departed this life on Monday morning last, after weeks severe illness. Mir. Moore was native of Maine, and had been resident of this place about 16 months, during which time his gentlemany department won the respect and esteem of all with whom he became acquainted.- Was1tino- ion Teeg,aph March 12.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
JOHN l.. JON ES.
Green Groue, Conway Co.,, Ark,
 March 25. 1856.
EDITOR TRUE DEMocRAT,-
Withdrawal

EDITOR TRUE DEMocRAT,-
 Please permit me, through your vaua- ble paper, to state after due delibcraton, 1 have and do hereby signify my withdrawal from the Know Nothing or soc called American party, and am no longer a member of any council of that order-bclng fully satisfied that it is no place for supporter of democracy to hold communion. 50 Sam bid you an eternal fare- well, hoping in the sincerity of my soul, that all sound democrats, that may have been decoyed, may do likewise.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

0Hr The Eldorado Union comes to us draped in mourning for the death of its editor. Mir. Hines, the publisher, announces that arrange ments are being made for another editor and that the paper will be published regularly as heretofore. The following is the notice of the editors death
 "THoMAs B. HARRINGTON, late editor and proprietor of this paper, is no more--he was killed on Saturday last in Camden, by J. T. Elliott.
 We have been promised the particulars of the affray for our next, together with an obituary of the lamented deceased. Our columns are draped in mourning for the departed one"
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Post Office Departme1t.

Contract Office, 1st March, 1856. { SIR: In answer to the letter of Mr. A. Hudg ins of Pine Bluff, Ark, referred by you to this office, have the honor to inform you that route No. 7652 from Brownsville to Pine Bluff Ark was not let to contract, because the offices tc be benefited by the supply will not justify the cost of $500 year, which is the only bid fol the service
 Very respectfully, your obt. serv't,
 w. II. DUNDAS,
 20 Assistant Post Muster General Hon. R. w. JOHNSON. q. $. Senate.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

0r- The black republicans have concluded to meet in Philadelphia, to nominate candidates on the 17th of June, the day made glorious by the battle of Banker Hill. This desecration of memorable days for the low uses of partisan eclat, is trick they have learned from the Know Nothings.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

said, initiated Mir. Fillmore into council 177. to interfere at once for his rescue from the Pope and the Jesuts of Rome? Ifthey make lion of the American nominee, how can the Ameri- cans be expected to rule America we should like to know2n
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
EDITOR TRUE DEMOCRAT


 Some time in July or August 1856, was induced, through the solicitations of some of my personal friends, to become member of the American party, being assured at tn, time that it would not conflict with my democratic principles. ConfdiEg in their representations, 1 ask ed for and obtained admission to the or der have given it a fair, and believe inn partial examination, and am fully convinced, and have been for some month"; that democra- cy and Know Nottingham are antagonistical Some time since l expressed my desire and determination to leave the order and to return. like the prodi5Al son, to the old democratic fold, from which, confess with shame, that 1 had wandered far away. I was informed that the council would not meet again. and therefore, l have left me no other mode than thus to pub licly sever the ties that bound me to SAM, or 1 should never have obtruded my name before the people in public journal. Hereafter in. tend to be free man, and vote for such men as will carry out my old democratic principles which 1 have ever cherished through life.
 Respectfully,
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Ohio State Council Repudiated the Phila-
 deiDhia Nomination..

Cincinnati, March 21-The American State council, which has been in session at Columbus last night after stormy session, adopted the majority report of committee on resolutions re- pudiating Fillmore and Doneson, and endors. ing the action of the seceders from the Phila. deInhia convention.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

or Dr. Borland announces, in the last Ga zette, his relinquishment of his connection with that paper. His reasons are of private nature, and not given to the public.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

or The editor of the True Democrat has been detained from his post longer than was anticipated. He will probably be home in time for the next issue.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
Democratic Meeting in Pulaski.

We, the undersigned, membels of the demo- cratic party, respectfully request the democracy of Pulaski county to meet in convention at Little Rock, on Saturday, the 26th day of April, 1856. to make county nominations and appoint delegates to the State and second
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

OF The Land Attorney and State Collector will visit White, Jackson, Phillips, Desha, and Jefferson counties on official business. Atten- ton Is invited to his advertisement.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

fChA V
 JNO. E. REARDON JAMES B. JOHNSON, J. NJ. SCRUGGS, J. E. OSBORN, J. II. CREASE, $. II. LYMAN,
 HENRY A. POWERS, THO'S PARSEL, ... SILAS F. FIELD, HUGH BROGAN. THO $ JOHNSON, P. T. CRUTCHFIELD, D. B. HANDEL. s. c. FAULKNER, C. LANGTREE.
 |. WlLAMOWIC ICZ, B. F. OWEN, NATHANIEL RING, LAFAYE ETTE DRAPER Wm. l.. BUFORD, G. w. HARDY, G. D. SEER.
 ED. c. HUMPHREYS, W. A. CAMPBELL, JNO. NJ. FARRELL. JAMES A. MARTIN, JOHN PRUDEN, JOHN w. BENSON, THO'S J. ELMORE, SAM'L DENTON, C. 0. TALLER. GEORGE WEST, k. s. YERkES. ALLEN MARTIN. TlIO'S A. JOINER, w. D. HARRIS,
 HENRY JACOBI. JOHN SIIAENBERGE, Wm. G. MILLER, Wm. McGOCGH. CHRISTIAN DIEHL, II. F. D. SIMON, HARDY JONES, J. NJ. B. DENT. THO'S BRADBURY, JOHN QUINDLEY, HENRY FISHER. ADAM SCHAER.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01
OUR AGENT.

Mr. IsuAu w WYATT. is now ont on tour for the True Democrat for the purpose of collecting and SO Heitlng subscribers through the following countless
 Hot Spring, Hampstead, Lafayette, Coiumbla, Seyier. Pike, Polk, Montgomery and Clark. We hope our friends will extend to Mir Wyatt such aid as they conveniently can.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

principles, and who have, as yet, formed no other connection, ought to determine on their course and manfully proclaim it.
The true Democrat., 1856-04-01

TEMPERANcE--The temperance folks of our city have had quite an accession to their cause during the last week. On "Wednesday and Thursday nights, Rev. James Young, of Miss, delivered an address on the subject to large and intelligent audiences. MT. Young is a very able advocrate of the cause, and created con- siderable of revival. The Sons of Tempe rance received some forty accessions, ladies and gentlemen, and total abstinence society has been started.