davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
Bank Items,

At the annual meeting the Stockholders ofthe
Central Bank of Virginia, on the 9th inst, the
following gentlemen were elected Directors iol
the ensuing year. William Kinney President
Jacob Baylor, w. A. Bell, fl. w. Sheffey, W.
NJ. Tate, w. G. Campbell, A. H. II. Stuart
Geo. f. Price, b. +. Points, II. G. Guthrie, NJ
G. Hartman, John d. ImbOden, John Brandeburg
The Bank has declared a semi-annua! dividend OF
a per cent. Il bonus to the State, to the con
tngent fund, and 81 to the stockholders.
The Stockholders of the Augusta Savings Bank
at their meeting on the 7th, elected the follow.
ing Directors: j. w. Hudson, Ii. j. Crawford
S. e. Clarke, j. FL White, w. b. Kayser
w. II. Watts and Jos. A. Waddell. Mr. Har
man, late President, declined reelection, and
Jos. A. Waddell was elected in his place. This
institution is rapidly winding up its affairs, and
in short time will be able to pay off all the de-
postors and distribute the asserts among the
stockholders.
The Stockholders of the Central Savings Bank
on Saturday, elected the following Directors: III
NJ. Bell (Presdent) e. K. Snapp, (Vice Presi
dent,) w. H. Watts, (Secretary,) A. w. Har
man. \. j. CARRIER, James Mayse, and M. II
McCue. John Brandeburg was reelected Treas
urer. A statement Of the operations Of this Bank
will be found in another column.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16

The COLONIZATION CAUSE IN VIRGINIA.
The Report of the Colonization Board for the
years 1854 and 1856 to the Legislature of Viz
ginia contains some interesting facts. 1t was
shown BY the report of the 9Th of December, 1858,
that from the 9th of April to the 9TH of December
of that year there were transported to Liberia,
through the agency Of the Virginia Colonization
Society, complying with the terms OF the law OF
1854, one hundred aud sixteen free negroes, for
whom the Board made an allowance of $50 each,
amounting 10 the sum of $500.
From the 9th of December, 1853. to the pres
ent date the Board has paid at the rate of $50 each
for one hundred and eighty eight, and OF $50 each
for sixteen emigrants; making two hundred and
four free persons, and amounting to the sum OF
$3.50.
1t will thus be seen that the entire number
whose transportation has been paid for since the
organization Of the Board is three hundred and
sixteen, and the sum paid Sl5,600.
Under the act of 1850 a capitaton tax was
levied upon the free negroes of the Commonwealth
to raise funds for their colonization. 1t appears
by the report that from this tax and from taxes on
seals aud aitestatOns devoted to the like object
there has been received in the aggregate to the
present time the sum of $4,000; yet, IN conse-
quence of the restrictions placed upon the eXpen-
dture of the legislative bounty, this entire sum
has been expended and been absorbed by the gen
era treasury OF the State. The expenses for the
collection and enbarkaiOn Of the free negroes are
now borne exclusively by the Colonization Socie-
ty, which is dependent for its revenue wholly upon
the Irregular and uncertain contributions of private
benevoence. The Board earnestly recommend
that authority may be conferred upon .hem TO ap
ply part of the fund provided by tue State for the
transportation of its free coored population beyond
its limits to the collection and em5arkation OF the
emigrants.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
Enao,rment Of Colleges.

There is bill pending before the Legislature,
for the general endowment Of the Colleges ofVir-
ginia, which we are glad to see is cordially ap-
proved of in all quarters and by all parties. The
bill provides that whenever any College, provided
withnecessary buildings and free from debt, shall
have invested in State Stocks the sum of $50.
600, it shall receive from the surplus Of the Lite
rary Fund, annually. the interest on $75,000.-
This allowance may be increased hereafter, with
the increase ofthe Literary Fund, upon the like
stipulations and guarantees. Each College &C
cepting the benefits of the art is required to edu
cate number of young men, not exceeding TWEEN
ty, free of charge for tuition.
1t is wise provision which requires the Col
lego to have a specified sum invested in stocks
Otherwise, every village in the State would un-
derake to get up College, in order to obtain the
contribution from the Literary Fund. The fac,
that the friends of a College have provided the
necessary buildings and fund of $4,000, i;
pretty good evidence that the institution is need
ed in that locality.
If the Legislature pass this bill, and require
the University to reject all applicants for matricu
lation who are not graduates of one of the Col
leges. or equally advanced, considerable progress
will have been made in the cause of education.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
s,,,v S.o,n,-vbe Mails.

On,Sarurday last we had another violent snow
storm, which continued from morning TIL nigh'
of that day. In consequence of the storm Tue
Railroad cars did not get in On Saturday nor nave
they arrived at the time of writing these INES
(NIonday.) The Richmond papers receiver
Friday evening, gave US the Richmond news
of Thursday, and brought lref teiegraphlc
despatch from Washington, of the same date
We have no later advices from either place. anu
are therefore in blssful ignorance Of what oo'
legislators are doing, or whether Congress mas o.
lecled Speaker OF dissolved the Union nc
Washington Star Of "Wednesday thought from
the signs Of the times, that Speaker would DC
elected before Saturday night-posslby before 60
ing to press we may hear the result. #
There was rumor this (Monday) morning
thai the ears were in snow bank below FISH
ersviile, but later intelligence states that they
had net reached Greenwood al O'Clock Sunday
afternoon. Two mountain engines came over on
Sunday, Sailing as they came down on this side
but finally working their way through
We had occasion last week to admire the ener-
oy of the Central Railroad officers IN making
their regular trips-n notwithstanding they had the
difficulties OF the mountain track 10 overcome
while the cars of the Alexandra s. Orange road
were laundering in the snow; we would admire
their conduct still more now if they would form
the mails in wagon or sleigh, without waiting
till the snow is cleared off the track. Because
they have contracted 10 carry the mails by
Railroad, We see no reason for OBTAINING them q
week, more or less, until the cars can COME up
Our last Baltimore paper was dated Thursday
the l0;h.
TUESDAY AFTERNooN.-The cars arrived al
IL O'Clock to day and we have the Richmond
pa pers Of Saturday and Mon'ay, but no Northern
mails. All the news received by the papers viii
be found under the appropriate heads. We are
indebted to our Richmond Correspondent for 8
long and interesting letter, which coming to hant
just before we were obliged TO 60 to press, has t.
lie over, much to our regret.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
The Homo journal for 1856.

The first number Of new and brilliant series
of Morris s. Wills's Home Journal, in new and
beautiful typographical dress, has just issued from
the press 1t contains chapters |. and II. of Pau
Fame, or Parts of Life Else Untold, a Romance
in serial numbers, by n. P. Willis; the com
mencement of series of original songs by e. P.
Morris, and the first part of an original norelele
in verse, called the Story of Star, by J. NJ
Field, and numerous other literary attractions Of
no ordinary description. Those who wish to be-
gin at the beginning can do 50 by sending their
names to the Editors, New York. The terms
are-for one copy, So; for three copies, $5-or
one copy for three years, S5-always in advance
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
Tor he Snectntor

In the Staunton Spectator and other newspa-
pers appears the advertisement of ga retired cler-
gyman," of Brooklyn, New York, who seeming
" desires to cure those who are troubled with
nervous disorders without recompense. They
who ask for his recipe will receive it according
to promise. together with the information (Which
is quite corect) that in all probability the drug
prescribed cannot be procured IN these parts, bul
that he is prepared to send it, on the receipt Of
one dollar, done up in the form of pills ready for
use. Whoever NAV be credulous enough to send
the money will receive an extract Of the bean Of
ST. Ignatius. a seeA which contains three times
as much Strychninc as the deadly nux vomica.-
The sick ought to be put on their guard lest this
pious impostor not on y cheat them but poison
them. NJ. ID.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
Congress-.

THURSDAY, Jan. 7.-Senais.-Mr. Brodhead
called up his resolution directing the Comm +
tee of Finance 10 inquire into the expedlency ut
reporting the general appropriation bills. After
some debate the resolution was adopted, and the
Senate adjourned till Thursday.
House -Four yues tor Speaker were taken.
the last of which resulted as follows: Banks 80.
Richardson ~, Fuller 80. Pennington 9, Orr 2.
Williams, hlllson. Porter. add Bennett, each.
debate arose between Messrs. F.usiis and Fay
Tor, OF Louisiana, aud Smith and Walker, of Ala :
baIna. in reference to the principles OF the Amerl-
can party, after which the House adjourned till
Wednesday,
-House-Mr. Smith, of Ten
nsssse defended the Denucrltic Party, and the
President from the charge that TREY are RESPONSE
bic for no orglnjzaiion vi the House. Mr. Wilt
ne defended the o,h section OF The Philadelphia
Platform declaring that the American Pary WAS
not against individuals, but the system OF priG-
cipes of The Ronsh Church. 5lr. Knight offer
ed resolution providing for the election o Speak
er BY plurality vote. hr. Galloway read a
dispatch from - Ohio Senators. commanding The
OHIO delegation. tor-ther in relation 10 Mr..
Banks. -Four ballots were taken the last result
ed Banks 9 ,, Richardson 69, Fuller %, Pen
ningtun 8. scattering ).
The House continued in session during the
whole of Wednesday night, several motions 10
adjourn being in the meantime defeated. -Four
more ballots were taken for Speaker, the last ~
sutiug as folows-Banks g, Richardson 62.
Fuller II. Pennington 5, scattering 4. Neces-
sary to choice 81. 7
The House adjourned at half past s O'Clock
! Thursday morning, until Friday.
| THURspAY-SenMe- - Memorials from retired
naval officers in relation to the action of the Re
firing Board. were received aud referred. Messrs
Mason and 1r1dhead made speeches upon the
subject They thought action was necessary IL
restore deserving officers 10 their former grade II
the Navy. Mr. Hale also made speech, il
which he was very severe upon the Retiring
Beard and the law by which it was instituted. =
He cOntended that the latter was unconstitutional
Discussion upon the same subject vas continued
I .of some time several Senator'S taking part. In.
| Senate adjourned to Monday
FRIDAY.-I cuse.-One ballot was taken fol
| Speaker. which resulted as follows: Banks. %
Richardson, ~; Fuller, 30; Pennington. =
scattering, 5; necessary to choice, lUI. Inc
House adopted resolution to the effect that il
shall be the duty of all candidates to define the
positions on all important politica! questions wher
| Intercepted by the electors for the av0wed, pur
pose OF eliciting MIR. Richardson's opinion OF
slavery.
SATURDAY, .House.-The candidates for th
Speakership defined their positions. Mr.. Rich
ardson had voted for the Nebraska bill, and ais
for the Wilnot Provsc. Mr.. Banks thought al
, men equal, and went for restricting slavery
Mr.. Fuller did not believe blacks and white
were equal, and was opposed to the abolition o
slavery in the District of Columbia. Anothe
inffec,ual vote was taken, and the House adjourn
/ ed
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16

A "GREAT CARD. The Washington Star, a
lesser Democratic organ. gives an Dkling of the
views. of the Democratic members OF the House
Of Representatives in the course they have pur-
sued in relation to the organization of the
House:
"We find the opinion unanimous among the
Democratic members, that the failure OF the
House to organize Is 10 prOre great card fer
their cause IN the approaching Presidential eiec
lion. They are evidently preparing to make The
,nosk of il before The people"
We have no doubt that the above is entirely
true and that prolUngati0n Of the struggle for
The speakership aud the ultimate triumph of the
Republican candidate are the objects which the
manooers of the Democratic caucus have per-
.;stenrlv kept in view. Their object in this is
twofold, first to induce the country to believe that
srch lamentable scenes as are daily transporting in
the House are inevitable consequeuces of the de-
feat of the Democratic party, and secondly that
their marty may gain whatever capital is to be
made frum a sectional organization and the at
tennis NJ mira legislation to which 1t would lead.
With the power to have elected one Of their own
members upon national grounds during the first
week of the session, they have maintained with
iron 6rrnness their party Grll, derided aud insult
ed the only party from which they cdUd have
sxnected aid, placed party interests above their
country. all for the purpose of making political
s.ni,ai Whether the Intelligence Of the country
,yiIl hermit such scheme to be successful is yet
~ he proved. Certainly it is well devised and
there viii be no lack of effort to make 1t efteetu-
al-BaN. .4nericGR
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16

CONVENTION OF THE OLD SOLDIERS.
convention of the soldiers Of the war of 1872 met
in Washington on the 9Th inst. upwards of two
hundred delegates being in attendance. After
WAITING on the President. in body, an address
was delivered by p. Gusts. and the Conven-
lion proceeded to business. Resolutions were a.
dopled declaring their care for the Union stating
that the Government was under obligations to
carry out the promises of the Continental Gun
oress to the officers of the Revolutionary army;
that The bounty land act should be amended 50 AS
10 embrace the children of any person who, 1t NV
inr. would be entitled to land iha. as many rolls
in the War office were DIES royed by fire, parole
proof of service should be received and that
statue to President Madison should be erected at
Washington. A committee Of seven was ap
pointed to bring the resolutions before CONGRESS
Judge Sutherland was declared permanent Presi-
dent of the Convention. and committee OF one
from each State was appointed to frame a consiI-
tuition for the soclety Of the United Brothers OF
the War of 1912, into which the convention IS
now formed. On the OH, the Convention ad-
iourned to meet in Washington on the eth OF next
January
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16

AsouT CHINA AND THE CHiNEsE.-Sir John
Dowring has recently addressed long and inter-
ssting letter to the royal Asiatic Society of Lon
don on the subject of China. His official posi-
ton as ambassador has given him good opportu
uity to obtain authentic information. and the fol-
lowing facts collected from his communication
cannot but be read with interest.
Forty three years ago the last official census Of
the Empire was taken, at which time the popu
lation was repored at 1862 900 ,0o0 and the pres
ent estimate is 400.000,000. According To an
cient usage the population is grouped under the
following heads scholars y, husbandmen; )
mechanics 4, merchants A numerous addition
al class is that of social outcastS-such as gam
bers, stage players, beggars, conYlcts and rob-
bers.
On the subject of food the Chinese have but
one prejudice. and that is against mill. which
they never touch, while little puppies, kittens,
young rats, monkey, and snakes are considered
delicacies. They prefer these even when in a
state of decomposition. Chickens IN the she'll
command high prices. Mix is. however, used
by very aged people. Both in eating and drink
ing they are remarkably temperate, but Of inn S
the cause Of much wretchedness throughout the
Empire. The number of people who annually
die in China is said to be truly frighiful, Mul.
uluueS perish from StdrNatIOh, from lUuuUdtiouS-
and from suicide; and the late civil war have
extermlnaed, BY famine, disease, and the sword,
millions of men, women, and children. Sir
John Bowring asserts that, at one period of his
residence in China FIVE hundred victims fell dali
ly by the hands of the headsman. Reverence
for life there is none; and the dead are treated
with the most perfect indifference-a corpse be-
ing often seen under the table Of gamblers, and 4
putrid body at the threshold of door. In many
parts OF China, strange to say, there towers Of
brick or stone where female infants are thrown
by their parents into hole made in the inside Of
the wall and it is asserted that, while desire
for offspring seems to be universal, infanticide
prevails to an extent unequalled in any othei
country and, most astonishing, the chdess wife
ola Chinese willingly coincides with the hus
band In introducing into the household any NUM-
Der of concuOnes whom he is able to maintain
and she exercises over them with undisputed
authority and the child of concubine is bound tc
pay higher respect to the lawful wife than to its
own mother. 10 promote marriages seems TO be
every body's affair, and matches and betrothingS
accordingly occupy the chief attention Of all-tht
young, the middle aged, and the old.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
Tho Struggle In Conrress.

The Democratic members of the House of Re-
representatives. held caucus on Monday night, the
7h inst and resolved to adhere to their 'pla .form
and nominee, and vote, when the House next
assemblies. against all motions for recess, or to
adjourn, until Speaker shall be elected" The
Star says san earnest and long debate occcrred
upon the proprety of voting for the adoption Of
The plurality rule,n which,t issaid on the avenue
Messrs. Quitman, Clngman, Smith of Tennessee,
Stephens, Kelly, and Jewstt advocated it, and
Messrs. Bocock, Letcher, and Houston, if not
others, whose names we could not learn, opposed
it, and MIR. Cobb, of Georgia. advocated harmony
and concert of action. Our impression, from all
we can ga Their concerning their proceedings, is,
that deal of feeling was manifested in the course
of this debate, and that they adjourned with the
understanding that number Of those present con
sidered themselves absolved from any obligation
longer to refuse to vote for the adoption Of the
plurality rulde."
In pursuance of the resolution not 10 adjourn,
the Democrats obtained the cooperation of sut-
icient numter of other members to protfact the
session throughout the whole of "Wednesday
night They broke up at O'Clock on Thursday
morning, having accomplished nothing towards
an organization.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16

The DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION,
which will be held this year at Cincinnati, bids
fair to be the scene of much trouble. An effort
was made during the late session of the Legisla-
ture Of South Carolina, TO elect delegation 10
represent that State in the Convention. caucus
of the Democratic members Of the Legislature
was called for the purpose. but only eleven per-
sons attended, and no action was had. From this
it is supposed that S0Uth Carolina will not be re-
presented, out doubless>there will be delegates
there, as usual, over whose admission there VIII
be dispute. The Democrats of Florida have
Instructed their delegates to withdraw from the
Convention in case certain doctrines relative 10
Kansas, slavery, &c, are not Incorporated IN the
platform of principles. As the delegates from
Georgia, Virginia, and other Southern States will
be equally decided on the issues, il is probable
that ilher there will be very ultra programme
of doctrines adopted, or a great deal OF trouble
will occur on the subject. From present appear
ances there will be two full delegations from New
York State, each representing separate and
regularly organized party. Efforts are in progress
to harmonize the conflicting interests, in order
that these rival delegations may give place to but
single harmonious one, but with what prospect
OF success we are unable 10 say. If the declina-
tuns OF candidacy by Senators Douglas and Cass
be sincere and effective, the competition for the
nomination of President will apparently lie be
tween General Pierce and the Hon. James Bucf-
anan An attempt has been made 10 place the
Hon George III. Dallas aud the Hon. r. N. I
| Hunter in prominent positions as candidates, but
50 far as we can Judge, with very limited success
Sill all is at present very uncertain and involved
ia doubt, as the habi. Of putting mp local cand-
dates may defeat both the prominent men.-Pha
| North .4merican.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16
HHtayy0tha,D

The new poem by Long fellow called Ha,uatha
although highly lauded by some of the critics
furnished good deal of amusement to the wits
A correspondent of the National Intelligence
sends TO that paper some lines written in the style
of the poem, which he received with package
OF flower seed, and commencing as foil ows:
Herewith send seeds of Flowers,
Seeds C! flowers rare and pretty;
Flowers called the standing express,
Called the standing cypress flowers,
by lady young and pretty;
Pretty, Young, and pretty well Off
'Leastways' her papa know is
In the State Of Carolina
North Ca'lina. should say;
But these cussed, crampcd trochaics
Stop fellows spcechifying
Stop fellows thoughts from stretching;
Won't let fellow have his say,
Unless he happens TO be long,
Happens TO be Longfellow;
Then he says just what he pleasc,,
Says il too in such way
That you know he is ''schollard,"
Know "to wonst" that hos poet
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-01-16

ANOTHER Press MoBBED.-A correspondent
of the St. Louis Inteigencer, writing from Kan.
sas, Mo-, on the 25th December, says that on the
preceding Saturday the office OF tine Territorial
Register, at Leavenworth, Kansas, was destroyed
by mob of pro slavery men from the vicinity OF
Leavenworth and from Platte county, Mo. The
editor. Col. Delahay, was absent, and no one "a
bout the office made resistance. The press, type,
and the whole of the material were thrown into
the Missouri river. The Intelligencer says -
''We don't know the offence of The Register, Ii
was ably edited, and claimed 10 be an Administra-
ton Democratic or Douglas paper, though it in
clined to make Kansas free State: It's 'ounders,
we believe, were Southern men-IennesSeans."