davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Abstract Oi the Report of the Secretar,
 of War.

| The authorized strength of the army is now l7,o94 men. The actual strength at the date of the returns, July l, 1856, was 15562 The number of enlistments made dnrng the twelve months ending September 30 1856, was A. 40. The number of offers refused on ac- count of minority and unfitness for service was 5,594. The number of casualties during the same time was 6.696, of which 3,223 were by desertion.
 l All our Indian troubles in the west have ceased except with the Cheyennes. The disposition of the troops is given ir de- tail.
 It is recommended to extnguish the posses sory rights of the Hudson Bay Company, as they owe no allegiance to our government and would be disposed to exercise powerful in- i1uence among the Indians against our people if occasion required
 vigorous campaign has been projected against the Florida Indians, Gen. Harney com manding the military posts.
 Much space is devoted to the consideration of the present system of military posts on the western frontiers, and complete revolution of the whole system is urged The expenses at present are enormous, without any correspond. Ing benefit to the country or frontier me great number of reslgnatlons In the army show the necessity for an increase of pay. It evidences policy injurious to professional pride. while the hard service and frontier sta- tlons of the officers require of them sacrifices which no other officers of the government are called upon to make. The expense of living has been greatly augmented, and the pay is about the same as it was fifty years ago. It is bad economy, the report continues, to drive the active and intelligent from the service which they adorn.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Abstract of the Report of the Secretary Oi


 Washington, Dee. 2.-The Secretary of the Interiors report states, that the quantity of land surveyed since the last report, and up the 3Oth of September last, is 16,073, 699 acres, ex elusive of the Saline sections. The execution of the Graduation act has raised many grave questions which call for the interposition of Congress. He says it is an important matter, and should be promptly disposed of, either by sanctlonlng and affirming the action of the land oiilce, or directing the patents to be issued without further requirement.. The quantity of lands sold for cash during the fiscal year amounted to over nine and a quarter million acres, and the receipts therefor are 59,02l, ,4l4. The total amount of land disposed of Is over thirty-nine millions oi acres.
 | He suggests the necessity of further power being granted to the commissioner of pensions to suspend, diminish and discontinue pensions, when the reasou for granting them has wholly or partially ceased.
 1 The number of patents issued within the last year will probably reach 2,5OO. The report says that during the present ad- minstration B Indian treaties have been nego tiated, 20 of which remain to be acted upon by the Senate. By these treaties the Indian title has been extnguished to nearly 175 OOO,- 0OO acres. The aggregate of money considera- ton paid therefor Is Sl1, 1S4,2O3 80. The In. dians within our borders are supposed to num- Der about 100000.
 The process of the colonization of the h. dians has already been attended with happest results, and gives promise of steady progress in the ameiloration of their physical and moral condition.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Agents fol the True Democrat.

 .frkaasas CcNnty-W. H. HALLIBURTON Arkansas Post
 w. M JOHNSON, south Bend. .fshtey-JA's NORRIS and A. J. HAYS, Hamburg; Dr. L
 MARTIN, Long View. Bradley-JeHN AVIS, l.anark; w. ]. LEPHIEw, Wm M
 VASEALXEsBURG, Warren; JOHN M; BURNS n M'. L,oa BentoH-Gen. A. WHINEKy, spavinaw; Wm J. HOWARD
 Benonyille.
 crittenden--JSo S. HOLLOWAY, Marion. CofHmbia-W H. STEEL, Magnolia II ii M 'vs a ClarkJ. R. THOMPSON and J. H. CROSS, Amity; GAM M
 ScoTr, Arkadelphia. - conmayMR L. CARerLE, Springfield. chteot- CALVIN AsHBRooK, Columbia; A. A. McGEE, Gaines Landing.
 Crretord-GEo AUSTIN, Van Buren. Drep-J. $. JORDAN, Monticello. Desha-Dr. IA LBMLEY; JOHN CARROLL, Napoleon FraHklim-Dr. D. c. WRIGHT, Charleston; ROBERT c. TwEEDY, Ozark. Gres-- JOIN M MITCHELL, Gainesville; W. M. PEBBLES, Henpstcaa-Ros'r L.. PHILLIPS, Washington. Hot SDring-Dr. J. G. ALLeURroN Rockport; Dr. w. H HAmMos-, Hot springs; z. PHILLIPS, Fair Play; JErH Ro HENDERSON, Wilmington. f,ard-Hon. J, A. BECK, Table Rock; D. w. JEFFREY aud $. J. MASON, Mount Olive. JndepcHdcNce--REUBEN HARPHAM, Batesville Dr. M H. JACKSON, Sulphur Rock. Js sersOn--J J. HAMMErr, Pine Bluf J. SAVAGE Leh. JoFMsoR- Col JOHN & HOUSTON, Carksvlle; JOHN T. HoRsER, Eubank's Mills. JoeksoH-C. H. JACKSON, Elizabeth; D. M MARTIN, Mt Lqfayette-J. M. MONTGOMERY, LewisvIIe. Larreaee-J N HILLHousE smnhv1le; H. kIsG' Jackson;
 MJ.HARDIs, Canton; Wm. VAUGHAN, Evening Shade
  INonroc-H. NJ. CoUcH, Clarendon; $. W. BOYER, Jso.
 W. WILDER, Aberdeen; Dr. SULLIVAN, Moro; WASH PGEBLEs. Mldisoa-J. R. BERRY, Huntsville. -hari0H--D. c. WILLIAMS, NeliviHe. oaachita--R. B. SMITH, Camden RoBT ATKINSON Leeks Store.
 Perrg-Hon L. D. Hn.L, Perryville. PoiHsstt-Hon. LEWIS SUrrIN Zen. w. THRowER, Boil 
 P4ilips-C H. Ap.msoN, Helena. Pike--W B. STEER, Antoine; E. H. ADAMS H. R. MERI- pETH, Wilton; Wm. J. KELLEY, Mur,ree sboro Polk-Nm. BUTLER, Big Bend; THO MILLS, Panther; LEVI WIrBERsPooN, Cove Pope-R. H. HOWELL and Col. w. R. YOUNG, Dover; J. w. BERNARD and c. E. ToBEY, NoIristown Pairic-Col. JAs E. GArEwooD, Des Arc. RaHdoLph--JoHN Mccoy, Pocshontas. St. EraAcis-S. W. CHILpREss Madison; A. MCDANIEL, L'Anguille; GEO W. SEABoKN, Tayor's Creek. SaiRe--Wm. A. CRAWFORD, Benton; Judge w. E. BEA- vERs, Lost Greek. Sepier-A W. CoLE, Paracta; J. L. NEAL, Center Point. Srott--R. c. GAINES Park; Dr. D. c. WRIGHT. Scarcv-Hon. SAM LESLIE, Wiley's Cove UHion-W E. HUNT, Hilisboro'; H. B. CoBR, Meeks; J. ARNOLD, Lisbon. Yan BMren- R. VENABLE Clinton; D. B. CARGILE, Quit man.
 WashiHgton-L. B. CUNNINGHAM, Fayetteville; J. C.. McGUIRE, Mcture's Store. hite-H. REED, Searcy THos. M ALExANDER Velvet Ridge; GREEN C. CARUTHERs, Cold VI ell. YeII-W. \. MAY, Danve; LEVI ARNOLD and Dr. JOHN s8 I. SHERMAN, Dardanelle; Jos GAULT, Blutfton. 7 In addition the above list of agents, Post Masters who friendly the paper authorized and requested to act agents.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Abstract of the Report of the Secretary of
 the Navy.

Washington, Dec. 2.-The report of the Sec retary of the navy gives detailed view of the operations of the navy during the last year, and it's present strength. Among his recom- mendations are, for anoth squadron in the Pacific, rendered necessary by our extending commerce; for the adoptionlof the English and French system of gunnerylou practice ships. and for the despatch of small steamers to sur. vey the Guano Islands, on which Commodore Mervine made an unsatisfactory report. The Secretary regards the construction of the six war steamers as lnaugurating new era in the naval service, and repeats his former recom- mendations for building steam sloops of war of small draft. The sending out of seamen to re. ieve distant crews is spoken of as an experi- ment, and will be continued if it shall work we'll The Secretary likewise recommends the employment of assistant pursers with moderate compensations.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Mir. Buchanan,s Policy.

Washington dispatch says it is now given out that Mir. Buchanan is in favor of the admis- slon ot Kansas as free State. "He has all along held to the propriety, if not the neces- slty, ot this course, and the recent emphatic expression of public sentiment on the despotic course of the Pierce administration in regard to that territory, makes it, l assure you fixed fact in the policy of the new government It was deemed injudicious by Mir. Buchanan's friends to avow this before the election; but now that the contest is over, and he is to be the next occupant of the White House, there is no hesitation in making it public, and talking about It, and canvassing its effects at the north and south'
 The New York Herald, Tribune, and the other leading black republican journals of the north Comments the Savannah News) in the nope of keeping up the excitement and of en- gehdenng suspicion and distrust are now busilv circulating a rumor that Mr. Buchanan is in faV@ of, and will give his influence to promote the speedy admission of Kansas as free State Durlngthe canvass these papers made the ques- ten of freedom or slavery in Kansas the para mount issue, contending that with Fremont, Kansas would be free, with Buchanan, slave State. They say now that Mir. Buchanan is Tn favor of the admission of Kansas as free State," and that he has all along held the proprety if not the necessity of the measure" II so, why did they oppose him, and support Fremont, mainly on that issue? If what they say now is true, what they said then is false. Their defeat on that issue certainly has not had the effect to assure MT. Buchanan of "t the ne cessity of the measure" MT. Buchanan and the people of the south will pay little heed to thelr assertions or suggestions. MT. Buchanan and his party, north and south, are fully con- mitted to the principles of the Kansas ebras- ka blll. Upon fair and just application of the principles of that measure, the people of the south are perfectly willing to rest the fate of Kansas. They look to the friends and not to the enemies of that measure for all they de- mand-their equal constitutional rights in and out of Kansas
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
For the True Democrat TO \ SHE'LL.
BY MARY c. URNsToN.

BY MARY c. IRNSTON. Oh, shell, shell, beautiful rose lipp'd shell. Hast thou no tale of thy home to tell! No tale to tell of thy deep blue sea Where winds and waves riot boist'rously; No tale to tell of thy far off home Where wave chases wave, crested with foam? Or angrly tossed sinking to rest, Sobbing and weary, down on the breast Of the ocean, that finds there Q grave, For the pillow and tempest tos't wave Oh shell, shell, beautiful rose tipped shelf! Hast thou no tale of thy home to tell! 'Didst wave in search of play thing stray Down to the halls of mermaid gay, Singe thee out as the treasure sought, h its embrace vast thou safely brought, And laid alone on the peboly shore To be forgotten and sought To more' clis thus in life when treasur's gain'd, Iris unloved, uncared for and disdain'd) Tell me, she'll l will bend down mine ear To thy rosy lips that may hear, Lone unloved shell, will pity thee, Will guard thee and care for thee tenderly, But sobbing echo of the sea Was alone the sound that came to me. POcdhOhtQS Arkansas lS56
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

(CoPY)
 AN ACT more fully to define the duties of
 clerks and comparing justices, or househol-
 ders of elections, and to prevent them from
 rejecting any poll book of elections.
 SEC. l. Be it enacted by tue General Assembly of tue State of Arkansas, That the clerks of the county courts of the several counties of this State, when they shall call in two of the justices of the peace, Or householders to assist them in comparing the poll books of the several town ships of their respective counties, shall proceed to add and count all the votes for the several persons therein voted for, regardless of any n- formality whatever; PrOvided hOoeuer, That should there exist such informaty, or any ir- regularity, in anything on any poll-book sent up from any township so that the clerk and comparing justices, or householders, should be unable to arrive at the result or the true inten- tions of the voters, then, and in that case, the clerks shall suspend the further comparing of said poll books for three days, and immediately send notice, to be served by the sheriff, or by a constable, directed to the election judges and clerks of such townships on the poll books of which informality, or irregularity exists, and commanding them to immediately appear at the court house and amend anything on their respective poll-books, to correspond with the facts in order that the clerk and comparing justices or householders, shall be enabled to pro- ceed to count and compare said pol-books, and to declare for whom the same were cast.
 SEC. 2. Be tt fttrther enacted, That should any clerk of the county court and the two com pairing justices, or householders or either of them, under any circumstances, reject, or refuse to count the vote on any poll book of their re- spective counties, of any election held by the people, such rejection or refusal, by such clerk, or comparing justices or househoders, or either of them, shall be deemed high msdemeanor, and the person or persons so offending shall be indicted therefor by the grand jury of their county, and on conviction thereof, shall be fined in any sum not less than two hundred dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, and shall be imprisoned in the common jai, not toexceed four months.
 SEC. 3. And De it ftrt.er enacted That all laws or parts of laws, coming within the mean. ing and purview of this act and conflicting herewith, be- and the same are hereby repealed
 SEC. 4. And De tt further enacted, That this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Cotton Culture in Aigiers.

correspondent of the Liverpool Times gives rather discouragng report of the French efforts to supply the markets of the world with cotton raised in Algeria. He writes:
 "As to cotton, the utmost that the most en. thusiastic Frenchman can say about it is, that it is an expensive experiment. 1 have asked in vain for those cotton plantations which pro- duced the tongue soic and the cotton jaune, and the fine stockings which we saw at the French Exposition (World's Fair) 1 have been told as fact quite decisive of the cotton question. that the prize of twenty thousand francs, offer- ed annually by the Emperor for the best speci- men of tongua soie cotton, had been divided. in loo5, between a Frenchman and Arah. This fact suggests the conclusion that natives and colonists are all striving against each other to produce cotton, and that all French Africa is covered with competing cotton plantations .- - The fortunate winner of the ten thousand francs is the Caid Ali Ben Mohamed, whose plantation Is near Glielma. As had asked in vain for cotton wherever I had been, 1 had made preparations to take a two days journey on mule back, in order to see this famous plan tation, when fortunately met with a distn- guished Arab, who knew both the place and the Cad, and who assured me that this cotton plantation amounted to about fifteen acres.- Subsequent inquiry confirmed this statement. and came to the conclusion that the Guelma cotton plantation was no: worth four days journey, and the further chance, if the rain should come on, of being shut up in that coun- try for month"
 With all he forcing of the government and its proposition to buy all the cotton produced there at favorable price, all the land cultivat- ed with cotton at the last published returns was one thousand acres, and for that produced the government paid three Hundred thousand francs. The writer adds: ' Seeing that the cotton produce throughout the world is, be- lieve, about seven hundred thousand tons. whereof England consumes about three hun- dred and fifty thousand. there does not, fear, appear much likelihood of Algiers becoming a very formidable competitor of the United States"
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS.

A SUPPLY of Elegantly bound Books for presents AA A some of which are follows: { Homes Of American Authors; Gem Book of British Poetry; Gitt Book of Gems:
 Gfeat Truths by Great Authors: Sacred Poets: Sabbath Bells: 1oodrichs Gems of British Poetry; American Scenery; Sen of the Season; Leaflets of Memory; ! IT ilsrts Female Prose Writers of America, dilth Mays Poems: 0dd ,'dd Fellows Offering; T !, ,roVerbal Philosophy;
 Poems of Amelia; The Vielets, The Mignonette, The Token;
 eharies kinssleys Poems; Songs and Ballads of the Revoluton; Erendship Offering; Beauties of the Court of Napoleon; Bibles. Prayer Books. etc
 large supply of Ohildren's Books,
 For sale at the Book Store.
 Dee 2'5s JNO. E. REARDOE.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

AN ACT to conform the ices of officers to Ae
 Jederal currency.
 SEC. 1. Be tt enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, That where the fees of any officer in this State for any official act performed by him as now fixed by law, is six and quarter cents, or twelve and half cents, the same shall hereafter be fixed at ten cents; where the fee now fixed is eighteen and three quarter cents, the fee hereafter shall be fifteen cents, and where the fee is now fixed at thirty seven and half cents, the fee shall be forty cents.
 SEC. 2. Be t fnther enacted, That all con- acting laws, be and are hereby repealed, and that this act take effect and be in force from and after the first day of January next. Approved Dec. 26, 1856.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

0NNr Stannard, who desired to vote for Fre- mont, ill Norfolk, Virginia, offered ticket with the names of Fremont and Dayton on it. The law requiring electors, the inspectors told him he could not vote that ticket; whereupon Stan- hard got frightened, secreted himself, and came to the north to get sympathy from the aboi- tionists. Nothing molested him but his own conscience. So says the Norfolk Herald
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

SOMETHING TO REFLECT ON.---At the late term of the criminal court, at Baton Rouge, a mother and son were both sentenced to the pen- tentiary at the same time. The woman was sentenced to enc year in the penitentiary for re- ceiving stolen goods, and the son to fourteen years in the same institution for stealing negroes. Mother and son sent to the penitentiary at the same time! What lesson it conveys!
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

TRANSIT OF VENUs.-In 1861, the transit of Venus takes place. By the transit of Venus is meant what is generally understood by an eclipse. The planet Venus will pass directly between the earth and the sun during the day, and the darkness caused by it will make lights necessary in the houses. The transit happens only once in century.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
LOOK IN $

ATA. J. HUTTS New Cheap Cash Store,"l E S<A and you will discover the most splendid ES assortment of Fashionable and Common HATS. in the State; just received from that World Renowned Prince of Matters. BILL COWELL of Phiadelphia; Embracing in its wide range every variety of Silk,
 Moleskin, Cassmere Hungarian. Lilac Black, Pearl, Brown. Pawn, French. American, Mario Panama
 and Washington etc., etc. Call and see before the
 kupply is exhausted. A. J. HUTT,
 Nov 25 '56 Main street.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
Abstract of the Post Master Generals
 ReuOrt.

On the 18th of June, 1856, there were 25,- 565 post offices, being an increase of 1864 in four years.
 nearly 8,oOO mail routes, the total length of which was estimated at 235,64 miles, costing $6,O35,47 These mail routes were divided as folows:-22, 323 miles of railroad; 1851 of steamboat; o,453 coach, and nearly l54,OOO inferior grades. The increase during the last fiscal year was nearly 10000 miles of railroad; 332 of steamboat; 1,25O coach, and S2,OOO in- ferior grades. In Nebraska and Kansas 1O,.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

ATTEMPT TO BURN COURT -HoUsE.-The cnurt-house of Harrison county, Miss, at Mis- sisslppi City, was set on fire few days ago, and was barely saved from destruction by the timely discovery of the fire. The object was to destroy the papers, which was accomplish
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
ARKANSAS COLLEGE.
DOBERT GRAHAM A. NJ. President and p

ROBERT GRAHAM, A. NJ. President and Prof II of Moral Philosophy etc.; I: B: VAN HORNE, A. M., Prof. of Languages; JoliN M PETTlGREW, A. B. Prof. of Natural Sciences. DAN'L. c. BOWLING Tutor in Mathematics; TALIAFERRO BOSTICk Tutor in Languages; | J. M. TEBBETS, Secretary; J. II. SHERMAN. Treasurer; WILLIAM TIORNLEY, Janitor. | The halls of this popular College having been thoroughly renovated will be open for the reception of students on Monday. Sept s, 1856. Although stu dents may enter at any time during the Session it is very desirable that they be present the beginning of it.
 The Institution includes a PRIMARY. ENGLISH PREPARATORY and CLASSICAL Department, in each of which the course is thorough and extensv suited to scholars at all periods of advancement For heathfuness and beauty of location the convenience and elegance of the buildings and internal fixtures and the ability ofits Faculty Arkansas College is moi surpassed by any similar institution in the South or West.
 IERMS:
 Tuition in Primary Department, term of five u =. ihoh1ns ..........-... 2 co Tuition in English Department term mos. l5 % I Imton in Primary Department, !" '' l5 % Tuition in Classical Department 1" |" 20 co
 Fees Always in advance. No extra charges + Good boarding, including washing and necessary attention. in respectable families S2 % per week.
 For printed Catalogues and any farther informa- ton, apply to ROBT. GRAHAM, Prest
 Fayetteville, Arkansas Aug. 26. lS56-tf
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
CHARLESTON ACADEMY.

 INHE Trustees of Charleston Acadernv take plea | sure in announcing to the public, that the frs, Session of this Institution will commence on Monday the 6th of October next. under the charge of Mr. JOHN M. PETTIGREw. late Professor of Mathematics m " Arkansas College" as Principal and Rev. E. M NoRTHUM. long and favorably known as a teacher in the English branches of education. as Assistant. Comfortable boarding can be had with respectable privrte families at sl 5o per week. The location of the Academy is justly regarded as one of the most healthy in the State. Rates of Tuition per Session of Five
 Months. Primary Class. ....S7 50. Preparatory. .... SIS OC English ........ :. 10 % Classical ~ 20 OC
 BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
 THOMAS ALDRIDGE. Pres't JAMES r. PURL. JAS. E. COTTON, DeRosY CARROLL. JOIN A. MILEHAM,
 E. NJ. RICHARDSON,
 HENRY F. CARTER, Sec'y. Charleston, Franklin County, Aug. 1856.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
lD R " 0 R X |.

Our facilities for doing all descriptions o !oo noak can be surpassed by any printing Tn t
 We have procured cost of over sixteen hehoieu uo lars one of Isaac Adams printing machines whcn enables do book and pamphlet work Tn superior 'ys and very low prices.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
NEW C<lnnS |,

TIE subscribers have received their fall and winter S Il steek of Dry Goods, which comprises almost eyery thing in the line of Fancy and Staple articles. The com mnnitv ,anerallv and their friends in nar tcuar, are requested to call and examine for them felses. They have also good lot of Groceries Hard aware, Queensware Boots and Shoes Hats and Caps .ete Ali of which they will sell cheap for cash
 NEwBERN & HUGHES. d Nov g ,5s Main street
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

r Ansel Phelps, jr., (democrat was re- elected Mayor of Springfield, Mass, on the 1st inst, by plurality of 79 votes.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

LADIES EVERYWHERE IN Want of SHOES, are invited to 9 IL call at the Ladies Fashionable and Fancy Boot and Shoe Man- ufactory, East side of Main street. between the Sprague buildings and Mir Kinnears Store. where is kept constant supply of all kinds of Ladies Boots and Shoes from q FINE CATER to Heavy Welt
 Measures taken and orders solicited and filled at the very shortest notice.
 All shoes bought ot my store will be warranted to give eutire satisfaction regards fit and workman ship. So, Ladies call one and all. JOHN RIEGLER. Dee ,56-ly Manufacturer
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30

G Patrick Fitzgerald, convicted of murder in Natchez, Miss, has been sentenced to be hanged on the 18th of December.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-30
TERMS OF ADYERElsING.

Transient advertisements will be inserted for sl per fen lines ess,) for the first insertion ana oo " subse quent insertion. - ,.,ao Merchants advertising by the year will be charged Su Profes ssiona cards and other advertisements ho' anes souare ner aunum.