davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
Presidential Elections Since 1920,

Since 1920, when Monroe was chosen for a second term, with but one opposition electoral vote, the presidential elections have been less decisive than is generally y supposed. That is to say, the popular majority for the successful can dldate has never been excessive; and often he has actually wanted amajorty, and had only a 1 plurality. This was the case, for example, iu l64f, when the votes cast for Clay aud those thrown away on Birney, exceeded n the aggre- gate those polled for Polk, making the latter actually minority President.
 To go back to 1924 In that year, four can didateS were in the field, Jackson, Adams, Crawford and Clay. The first received 99 cleo. toral votes, the second 84, the third II, and the ! fourth B. The election under these crcum- stances devolving on the House 4 Adams receiv- ed the vote of F States, Jackson of ', and Crawford of f.
 In 1928, Jackson was chosen by the popular voice, obtaining ITS electoral votes out of the ZGl which then constituted the electoral col lege. h 1882 Jackson was again chosen by the popular voice, and this time by an even greater majority, receiving TO electoral votes more than his opponent, Henry Clay.
 This brings Us up 10 1886, or twenty years ago. In that year, Van Bureu, though elected President, beat Harrison in the popular vote only about l4,OJ0, though be had TO electoral votes out of 234 Four years afterward liar rlSon seemed, at first sight, to have had three times as many supporters as Van Burcn, for he Obtaned 23f electoral votes, while his antago- mist hal but 60; vet he only beat the latter in the popular Vote about l6OO0O, out of poll of nearly ?, 10000. Another curious feature of the election of lSfO was that the popular vote exceeded by nearly two-thirls that cast
 n 1856. Van Buren, for instance distanced as he was, received 364 GOO votes in 18fO, more than he did four years before
 In l844 as we have said already, Polk was actually minority President, and vet he beat Clay by larger popular majority than Harri. son had beaten Van Buren; the vote being for Polk, l,536, l69-for Clay, 1,2972l2 The electoral college stood. however l7O for Polk to lO5 for Clay. In 1845 Taylor received l63 electoral votes, and Cass 127. The great State of New York, in this election, decided the con test, Ly going for Taylor, in consequence of the democracy being divided; and thus Taylor was also a minority President.
 | When we compare these elections with those prior to 1920, we see how much more closely contested they have been. .In 1894, for in stance, eerSon had 1G2 electoral votes, and Pnckney, his opponent, II only. In 1908 Madison had 122, and Pinckney 47. In 1872 Madison had 128, and Clinton 89. In 1916 Monroe had 183, and King 34 In 1920. as we have already mentioned, Monroe had 23l only a single electoral vote being cast in opposition.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02

CCr The committee authorized to have struck and presented, on behalf of the people and town of Portsmouth, Va, gold medals to certain surgeons of the United States navy for theIr heoric services during the pestilence of l0oo, have made a final report. The medals for the chief surgeon and his assistants of the navy hospitals have been presented and ac- knowIedged, and those for Surgeons J. F. and R. Harrison and Coleman have been transmit ted to the Hon. Secratary of the Navy for de-. livery They cost together between s1 400 and Sl,5OO are of pure gold and beautiful de-. sign, and reflect great honor alike upon the re- cipients and the doners. The recipiants ara Surgeons l.. W. Minor and Assistant Surgeons J. F. and R. Harrison, Coleman, Wake, and Steele.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
In the Wrong Roy.

We have heard arumor that one of the lone- some Know Nothing Senators strayed into democratic caucus just before the meeting of our Legislature, and was led out upon his true character being known. He got up and pre- tended he was democrat, but upon investiga- ton he proved himself to be a rabid Know No- thing This is in keeping with the declaration often made by Know Nothings that they are good democrats. They may think they are good democrats but we dont-nor never did. They are as much democrats as the Irishman's drakes were pure game cocks, with this excep- ton, that the lrishman's fouls were hard to up trip and these democratic Know Nothings are very rickety concerns. The Senator alluded to, undertook to ring in upon the caucus, with his bogus democracy, but the cheat was detect ed and he was marched out by the door keeper. We pity the man who is ashamed of the com pany he keeps, and has not the manliness to cut their ackuantance. There are hundreds of these bogus democrats who would call upon the mountains to hide them if by so doing the people could forget their treachery We have heard in the last few days of several of them going about to get up certificates that they never joined the order. The democracy will "spot" these eleventh hour converts, and they must wash seven times seven in the wa- ters of Jordan, before they are cured of their political leprosy.-Ft Smith HeroM.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
kansas in Vermont.

Neg Fork, Nor. l9.-The Vermont House of Representatives re-consdered previous vote and passed the bill appropriating s2OOOOO in aid of the free State men of Kansas. The Senate have not yet acted upon the bill.
 Washington, No0. 15.-The contracts for deepening the Mississippi river were concluded yesterday with Mrs. Gralg & Ringtow, of New. port, Kentucky. They contract to execute the work, and maintain it for four and half wears for $320O00
 Mir. Pennington chief clerk in the second Auditors office, was dismissed yesterday, and Dr. Cathcart appointed in his place.
 The president has been closely occupied to- day in the preparation of his annual message. It is said that he will indirectly review his own administration, and show what it has accom- plished, especially in connection with foreign affairs
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
Bridging the Ohio.

The Cincinnati Enquirer thus notices the progress of the work on the bridge which is to span the Ohio river at that point. It says
 At last bottom" has been reached on this side, and already some six tiers of heavy tim Der have been laid down. Four more layers remain to be placed in position before the stone work will be commenced. About eighty hands are constantly employed in this part of the work, and it is confidently expected that every ! thing will be in readiness for laying the first corner of masonry toward the close of the next week. The immense pumps used for keeping the excavation clear of water are worked by chains connected with the engines of the steam CT Champion No. l. which lays close to the landing. They are quite successful in their operations, no difficulty being now experienced by the workmen from the flow of water. The work therefore, on this side may justly be said to progress rapidly.
 The scene on the Covington landing is a most active one. Here, the work is much fur ther advanced, the timbers being all in place, and two courses of heavy masonry already laid down. Anticipating a rise, the contractors have built around the work coffcr dam, completely water proof. This will enable the work at this point to progress even though rise should oc- cur in the river. A large number of stone-cut- ters are busy at work, shaping huge masses of rock to suit the purposes of the masons, who, on their part are making all dligent haste with their operations. If the river should continue low for any great length of time, the piers will be built so as to reach far above high water mark this season. As 1t is, "the work goes 1 bravely on'
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
s. of T.

MIR. EDIToR-I propose to give you brief ance.
 At the National Division, 1853, the Chero- kee Grand Division was chartered, which took from the Grand Division of Arkansas four Subordinate Divisions, including 262 members. The Grand Scribe's report to the annual ses- sion of 1854, shows 1921 bers-that of 1855 shows 1877 members, and only II deaths.
 At that session arrangements were made for having certain Grand Lecturer, and thorough ly canvassing the State. Afterwards. for cause shown, the G. W. P. found it inexpedient to employ hum; and no other was appointed- The political excitement was, as usual. used by those who are legally authorized to do in calcnlable injury to the dupes of the liquor traftlc and to the.country generally.
 The Grand Division met at Little Rock on the fourth Monday of November But a small number of representatives attended, The report of the Grand Scribe shows 1638 members, decrease of 339, and II deaths.- HC" ul'loiCio "eie olSanILeu uuTluS Iuc year, and are doing we'll. Many of the Divi- sions have failed to make their quarterly re- ports Some of the members have withdrawn and joined the order of Good Tempars, ano- ther temperance organization which is reported to be doing good service in the cause of tenn perance.
 In few weeks the different Subordinate Divisions and Deputies Grand Worthy Patri- arch will receive circulars on the subject of temperance. Correspondence is respectfully solicited from the friends of the cause of tenn perance in all parts of the State.
 The following named grand officers were elected:
 G. w. P.-JEssE OvERToN, of Philadelphia. G. w. A.-JAMEs II. HAwLEY, of Pine Buff. G. S.-JAMEs THOMPSON, of Freeo. G. T.-REUBEN S. YERKEs, of Little Rock. C.. CHAP.-WMLIAM c. YoUNG, of Camden. G. C-PETER NJ. CARMICHAEL, of Arkade-
 phia.
 G. SEN.-JoHN K SPELL, of Slower.
 Next session of Grand Division to be at Ar kadelpha, third Monday of October 1857.
 JAMES THOMPSON,
 NoD. 28, '56. Grand Scribe.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02

CAPTURE AND EXECUTION OF ToM BELL Our California exchanges give lengthy accounts of the capture of pr. Thomas J. Bell, a bandit and highway robber, and his execution at San Joaquin on the 4th of October. He was a young man, aged about twenty-six years; by profession physician, and native of Tennes- sec The following is copy of letter he wrote, just previous to his execution, to his mother, directed to Rome, Tennessee;
 Sun Joaquin, Saturday, Oct. f, '56.
 DEAR MOTHER As l am about to make my exit to another country, I take this opportunity to write to you few lines. Probably you may never hear from me again; if not, 1 hope we may meet where parting is no more.
 In my prodigal career in this country, have always recolected your fond admonitons, and if had lived up to them, probably 1 would not have been in my present condition, but, dear mother, although my fate has been a cruel one, yet have no one to blame but myself- Give my respects to all my old and youthful friends. Tell them to beware of bad associa- tions, and never 10 enter into any gambling sa- looms, for that has been my ruin.
 If my old grandmother is living. remember me to her. With these remarks, bid you fare we'll forever. Your only boy, TOM.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
Sentiments of Black Republican Divines.

Sentiments of Black Republican Divines. Rev. John Lamb, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, thus seeketh to convert believers in the Cincin- nati platform:
 "Any man who will stand upon the Cincin- natl platform, his face and heart arc as black as hell and damnation.'
 The Rev. Black Republican in Danville, O., thus pronounceth judgment:
 "Anv man who votes for James Buchanan will surely 20 to hell.'
 Rev. T. Ross thus earnestly hopeth
 "I have great hopes of the overthrow of the Union"
 Rev. Mr. Brewer thus toucheth the doctrine of "peace on earth:''
 I am in favor of going to Kansas, and using firearms to kill the rascals"
 Rev. Mir. Lovejoy thus expresseth his wish to go as d missionary to Kansas
 "I am willing to go Kansas either as cap tam or private. l would use Sharps rifles, and fire with good aim" Rev. Mr. Landon thus exorteth:
 "Lct the constitution of the United States be trampled under foot and trust to God for a better one!"
 
 "That God will turn President Pierce from the error of his ways; but, if he cannot do that that he will take him out of the world!''
 Rev. George W. Julien thus adyiseth. | " would advise all who wish to die easy and go to heaven, to vote for Fremont"
 Rev. Henry Ward Beecher thus rendereth verdict:
 Any man that votes for Buchanan is gull ty ot committing henious crime in the sight of God; and as he draws his hand away from the batlot-box, it will turn red with blood" reverend black republican at Oswego thus rendereth decision
 A man cannot be a Christian and vote the democratic tcl1et' Rev. II. James thus expoundeth on the virtues of "villanous saltpetre:"
 "There have been plenty of meetings and resolutions in favor of freedom. The best way would be ram the resolutions down with pow der and ball upon the top of t.'
 A reverend black republican at Ploughkeep- sic thus expresses his disregard of bloodshed: "I pray daily that this accursed Union may be dissolved, even if blood have to be split" Are not these beautiful expressions to be made by ministers of the gosple of the meek and lowly Jesus? And do they not bring for cibly to mind the saying of Christ when he cast out the changers from the temple: My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it den of thcives?"
 SCANDALoUs.-ElderS Swan, of New London, Conn.,, in one of his political lectures few days since said: !" l want one more telegraph wire, and want it to lead straight to hel and want to send the first dispatch on it, and tell J udas lscariot to move one side to make room for Franklin Pierce"
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02

CT The Bulletin gives us the following in- formation concerning an individual well known here:
 "H. M. TRUE CoSv1cTED.-The jury in the case of the State Vs. True returned a verdict of guilty, yesterday morning, and fixed his pun Ishment at tonr years imprisonment in the pe- nitentiary. This is the termination of the se- cond chapter of that famous financial concern known as the Cincinnati and Little Rock Slate Company" of which the aforesaid H. NJ. True was "chicf cook and bottle-washer." We un- derstand that an application has been made for a new trial"
 All the Memphis papers seem delighted at the verdict. The Bulletin remarks:
 " The jury, in this case have done for this community no more than merely administer the just verdict of the law upon single one of it's intractors. They haveset precedent, and for tifed the hopes of the vrtuous and the good. that hereafter juries will be found who will as sterny mete out justice as they have done; and that thus vice and crime shall not be permitted to establish hideous oligarchy of iniquity among us.'
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
Fillmore at Home,

The Buffalo Courier thus announces the glorious victory achieved by the democracy in the very home of Milliard Fillmore:
 "We are proud to announce that the Hon. lsreal I. Hatch, the democratic nominee for Congress, is elected by very handsome ma. jority. Mr. Hatch will have the honor of be-. ing the first democratic Representative in Con. gress from this district for many wears.
 take pleasure In coneratuating the de- mocracy of the country on this glorious result. The neck of Know Nothinssm is broken and black repubicanism, with its train of odons isms, is repudiated. The prestige of the once powerful firm of Fillmore Hall and Haven is destroyed; the defiant boasts of the sectional. ites are proved to be a mere gasconade. We have met the enemy and they are ours"
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
InsurrpcfIppS

Among the incidents which have followed in the wake of discussing the merits of the north ern Fillmore and Fremont parties are the insur- rectons of Columbus and Lavaca counties.- The latter took place towards the close of Oc- tober, and resulted in the whipping of thirty neuoes. and the implication of negroes and white men in Lavaca counties As vet we have not heard ot any summary punishment of the white offenders, but It Is not improbable that some Of them may yet pay for their vilairous deeds by the forfeiture of life itself Prompt and efficient punishment is demanded in these cases. Left to themselves, we have no fears of the good conduct of our negroes in any crisis. It ls only in the event of foreign emmissares tampering with them, deluding them, and urg ing them to the commission of acts they would never have conceived themselves, that we can apprehend danger to our community The crime on the part of the white is abhorrent for It involves the lives of our cltizens-fathers. wives, children--who may be burnt in their houses or murdered in their beds without a moments warning The loss of the slave is nothing compared to the crimes to be commit ted during the existence Of an inSurrection.- | We are the advocates of law and order. but we believe that there are times like these, when the popular vengeance may be meted out to the criminal with as much necessity as we would strike down an enemy in self-defence, or shoot a mad dog in our path
 It is our misfortune to be compelled to be a party to an issue with the north on matters of such vital interest. The events which are transpirns shows us that these contests must close, and that if they are 10 be continued it would be better for us to abandon the Union at once than submit to the disastrous train of evils inevitable to such state of things We hope that thls will be the last Presidential contest in which southern institutions are alone to be lost or won- We have the utmost confidence in ,he ascehdency of Buchanan and sincerely be- iio'e Inat ,I the question will be finally and suc- CcSSiuiiy settled under his administration. Ie1os .State Gazette.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
The following is the detail of the glorious vote in New York city for President:
Buchanan over Fret. 22S9O

DUcHdIaN ONtf Fftt, GZ7TU Buchanan over File, 20s22
 Whole number of votes, 78,s25.
 Every member of Congress from New York city and Brooklyn, eight in number, are demo- crats, which is gain of seven. 6ITThe Governor of South Carolina appointed the following presidential electors:-Johu A. Suglis, John L. Norwell, w. A. Owens, B. L. Watts, L. J. Pickens, James Cheamer,; and at large, F. W. Pckens and John L. Man ming. In the legislature in session at Colum- bia on Wednesday it was resolved unanimous ly as the sense of the General Assembly that the electors should vote for Buchanan and Breckinridge
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
ILL-HEALTH OF MEMBERS

lLL-HEALTH OF MEMBERs-J FATHER BON, of De'ha county, after a long spell of sickness has so far recovered as to appear in his seat and attend to his duties
 Dr. GRAVES, of Ouachita has also resumed his seat in the House, after protracted and very severe attack of sickness.
 MT. JOHNSON, of White county, has been confined to his room during the last week or ten days very unwel We learn he is inn proving.
 Mr. WILLIAMS, of Lawrence, is still in wretched health, though we are glad to learn Is recovering. He has been quite sick, and for some time past, unable to leave his bed.
 Dr. FOREST, or Madison, has been and still is very much ndisposed--though not confined to his room, he is not able to attend to his du. ties as representative.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02

CAIRO AND HUTTON RAILRoAD.-Last week We informed our readers of the passage of tie bill through both branches of the General As sembly to grant the lands, donated by Congress, to the Cairo and Fulton railroad company This week, we are able to inform them that the bill has been approved and signed by the Co., vernor. Our comments ou it we are compelled to reserve for future number. We give all the space we can spare to the proceedings of the General Assembly.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02

noisy politicians at the south, whose sentiments on the subject of negro slavery have long beer considered unsound. We refer to the Hon John M Bolts, of Virginia, and Hon. Ken neth Rayner of North Carolina. Suspicion now ripens into reality upon this point. Thei
 letters endorsing the abolition fusion ticket ir Pennsylvania the speeches of the last named gentleman in behalf of the Fremont ..electora ticket settle this beyond further doubt or con troversy. While we are able to take good care of our own bedlamites, soe respectfully ask M, south to luke care of the abolihonists ,oitin he, oUn borders Pennsyluanion.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
TesdaN. Nov. 25Ih 10.

~ WI 4OH Senate met pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Gaines offered a resolution to iDstrr. judiciary committee, to inquire into the, dlency of compensating district attornev,S hxed salary, instead of fees as now mn, for by law. f''' Mr. Ferguson introduced resolution. quest the Auditcr of this State to furni. Senate with list of all the lands in the S ent counties in this State, that were ta,g three dollars per acre for the year l85e the amount of swamp lands subject to t.,' under the act of 1854.
 Which was adopted
 Hr. Marshall, fIom the committee on tb. litia, made the following report:
 MR. PREsIDENT--The committee on tb, litia to whom was referred that portion oi Governors message which relates to tbe :. tia With instructions to report bill for tbs i ter organization of the militia have had same under consideration, and have ins,rr. me to report the following bill, and to rsa. mend its passage.
 MARSHALL, C1.qirmr
 Which was read and adopted.
 Mir. Askew introduced bill to ncorr, the town of Warren in Bradley county. Al sas, which was read first time. and
 On his motion, the rules were suspendad the bill passed to its second reading, and
 On motion of Mir Stirman, the rules !, again suspended, and the bill was read a N time and passed
 Mr Redmond introduced bill to incorn,l the city of Helena, and
 On motion of Mr. Hammond, the rulsp suspended, and the bill passed to its ssr reading.
 And on further motion, said bill was reis, to select committee of three.
 The President appointed Messrs. Redm, Surman and Hammond, said committee. Senate bill, No. 43, to change the tim holding the circuit courts in the second iu circuit, and to change the time of holdiu. county and probate court iu Chicot county. taken up and read a second time, and on, ton of Mir. Gaines, the rules were suspea and read third time and passed.
 Senate bill, No. 32, to prevent pres judges of the county courts from issuing ? of habeas corpus, was read a second time On motion of Mir. Floyd, was referred a judiciary committee.
 On motion of Mir. Askew, House bill, N, An act to repeal an act authorizing the oo tty courts of the counties of Jackson, Crawl. fope, Lafayette, Phillips, Crittendep, Mou Columbia and Pulaski, to levy road tax anl other purposes, so far as relates to the cuz of Columbia, and to revive and put in fore, road laws in force at the time of the passag said act" was taken up, read third time passed.
 Senate adjourned until tomorrow morn 10 o'clock.
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
LYNCH LAW IN KANsAs.-Tbe St Iopi. Republican, of the 14th ins, sa,

"ePu0iican' oi the l4th inst, says:
 A gentleman from the southern part of Kan. saS informs Us that one of those acts not nm snal in all the new territories of the w west 70 cen'ly eel H occurred on Pottawatomie Creek, in Kan. sas ret[ll'fy' Various robberes had been out and apprehended two persons who I.neu ,s believed to be concerned in robbinp naaao @e,e able citizen, named Briscoe Davis, of all hi, property, and the widow Conet of s11o in cash, horse, and all her property. After do. examination they were hung with the rones taken from the necks of the animals stolen hy them. One of the men thus hanged by virtu. or Lynch law, is supposed to have borne the name of Partridge, and has been quite con sPicuous character in that territory. The name ol she other Was not known These men, it i committed by them, and not from any nolit,ca consideration. P0N''o"
The true Democrat., 1856-12-02
Served him Riuhff

The Rev. Dr. Dudley A. Tyng, the Epis- copal minister who preached politics in Phla- delpha, has been pronounced against by his congregation, and will resign his place. Let him throw off his priests robes and take to po- liIical canvassing and stump oratory.