davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
The Abolition Of the Municipal Court.

Some adequate idea of the extreme parti-
zan character Of the leaders Of the Biddeford
Association, who have been laboring indus
triously for the past year to make in the
end Pierce, Pro Slavery Democrats, out Of
old.hshioned whigstock, can be obtained by
a pcrusal Of their petition for the abolition
of the Municipal Court established by the
last Legislature. These men not one Of
whom have had any better opportunity Of
knowing the practical operation Of the
Court than the rest of the citizens, send
their missive to the legislature declaring
that +" the PEOPLE Of said city Of Biddeford
do not find by experience the working Of the
act to establish the court, to be satisfactory
and for the public good'-and these men
commencing with s. p Mckinney (docs S.
p. Nc. want to be a judge of the new Court,
or is the honor to be conferred on "Chief
Justice Cole or L. T. Alason,) and ending
with VIM. p. Haines make this declaration
not in their own names, or rs an expression
of their opinion, but for the PEOPLE. Would
It not have been at least kind in them II
they proposed to speak for the PEOPLE, to
have circulated their petition among the
PEOPLE, instead of combining II to tho circle
of Pierce Democrats, and the few strait
whigs who mean to DO Pierce Democrats,
and who arrange the business of the Pierce
democracy of this city, through the agency
Of that dclcctablc institution tho Biddeford
Association? Men who assume to talk for
the PEOPLE should at least let the PEOPLE
know when they are going to speak for
them, or If they interest themselves in the
PEOPLES affairs if they wish to work clan
destinely should confnc themselves to the
expression of their own opinions, in their
missiycs to the legislature. In regard to
this court, which they ask to have abolished,
it was established it is true by the last leg
stature, but as we understood the matter,
the act was submitted to some persons Of
al political parties in the city, and met their
approval, indeed If we are not mistaken in
our recollection, an Hon. Senator who now
holds seat at the Senate board, and who
resides in this city, aided or advised in the
preparation Of the Bill. Under its pro,is-
ions the city is subjected to no expense to
pay the salary of the Judge, and we have
mover until we saw this petition, supposed
that the court was not satisfactory, and for
the public good. The political character OF
the men who have signed the petition stamps
the proceeding as partizan affair, and an
underhanded movement to destroy the court
and make new one, for the poor purpose
of making one of the signers judge Of the
proposed new court, should the legislature
in its recklcssncss, declare the amendments
to the Constitution, not to have been adopt
ed, as has been suggested.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

what TO do with 1t. Lake the man VINO
drew the Elephant in the lottery, the coali-
ton have in the Maine Law subject which
they know not what to do with. If any
thing should occur to relieve them OF their
perplexity, we shall inform our readers at
the earliest moment. In the meantime we
advise the anxious friends of free rum to
possess their souls in patience. And in re-
gard to the amendments OF the constitution,
having u little regard for the will of the
people, we endeavorcd to learn something
relating to them. Here, too, the coalition
are in trouble. They don't know as yet
whether the constitution was thereby
amended" or whether it must be hereby
amended" Some Of them have been search
ing the records, and rumor says they have
found that the case If examined by the light
of precedents is not 30 clear as Gov. Wells
supposed. There are hints and pretty broad
ones, thrown out by some Of the members
that on several occasions when the constitu-
ton has been amended, no declaratory re-
solves have been passed, as well as divers
other existing facts. going to show that Gov.
Wells in hurrying up his nominations SO
fast made "the worse speed" On this
matter as well as on the liquor question the
committee are puzzled to know what to do,
and in the meantime the coalition caucus
nominations for Land Agent, the redoubta-
BILE Walker, once Of Lowell, and for Attorney
and Adiutant General are getting stale With
fair prospect they will be good for nothing
when the time Of voting commences. Nor
is this all. The "green room associates
who meet at the Stanley House "to fix
things" are getting troubled about the in
dications in the different parts of the State.
that very respectable portion Of those who
voted for Reed last fall, do not mean to be
transferred like cattle in the SHAMELESS"
to the drivers of Peirce dcmocmcy-and
now are studying out some new dodge in the
hope Of making things work for their good
hereafter. So far as the Republican men,
bers are concerned, they appear to be in
good spirits. and patiently waiting the time
when the coalition" leaders get ready to
start the wagon anew, freighted with some
thing Of moro consequence than bills repeal
ing the acts to prevent the fraudulent voting
of foreigners, the formation Of Military
Companies, exclusively Of foreigners, and
other pioayune matters which have thus far
engrossed the attention Of the Legislature.
Among other things which was whispered
into our ear, while Choking round'' was
this, that the Pierccite leaders had sent in
structions to the faithful all over the State
to make rush to carry the Municipal cleo
tons, +" as IL is The Presidential year." A
copy Of these instructions we think must
have been forwarded to the Biddeford Asso-
citation, about the time they broke ground
for our approaching Municipal election
Our friends in the rural districts we hope
will take this matter into consideration and
do what is right in the premises.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

UFroRD's PATENT L,m. Messrs. Nor
GAN & MoRsr, corner of Liberty and WASH
ington streets, have the sale Of this new
Lamp. We have been using one of them
for some days, and have no hesitation in
speaking well of it. 1t gives the best Of
light, even If fed with the poorest oil or
grease, and with cl,ade is admirably suited
for arcading or sowing lamp. The lamps
are supple in their construction, easily
kept in burning order, costing only about
the SINE as common Lamps Of tho same ma
tcrial aud workmanship, while they give
three or four times as much light. We I'M
d,rstand they arc selling rapidly and giving
universal satisfaction. lfany Of our friends
desire to be economical, and at the samc
time want an agreeable light equal in bril-.
liancy to the Cimphcn,, and as safe rs the
oil, and avoiding the serious evil Of smoke,
LET them devote dollar or thereabouts to
the purchase Of one Of these lamps.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

It is very certain that Atchison and
Stringfellow are diligently endeayoring to
organize q force in Missouri, with which to
murder the free State settlers in Kansas and
destroy their towns, and they feel encour-
aged to do so by the special message Of Pres
ident Pierce. The New York Courier and
Enquirer has letter from Lawrence dated
Jan. 2G, from which we take the follow
ing:
"Whilc these things are transporting in
the territory, we observe that our neighbors
in Missouri are preparing for n death strng'
gle. All along the border Of that State mil
itary companies are forming, and are daily
drilling and qualifying themselves for ser.
vice. There Is not doubt but another cx.
petition is being fitted out for an invasion
Of the territory. Several expresses have ar
rived within the past few days bringing in
formation of the movements of the enemy
and urging us to be on our guard agains,
surprise. 81 numerous, and from ~ many
different points has this intelligence come
that Generals Robinson and Lane have com
menccd making preparations for their ~
ception. The several Notifications which
were thrown up during the late invasion
have been fitted up, barracks built within
them, and each one is now garrisoncd by q
company Of volunteer soldiers, who exhibit
all the tactics of regular service Scntincl'
are constantly on duty, and no person is al
lowed to enter or depart without the strict,
est surveillance.
Courias have been dispatched through
the country, requesting the people To organ
izc military companies, and hold themselves
In readiness to march at u moments notice
while Others have been sent to the border
towns in Missouri to purchase amunition.-
A halfa tun of lead was brought into town
yesterday, and several hundred pounds o
powder, and more is expected tonight
Measures will also b. taken to collect d
largo supply Of provisions at this point, foI
il j. evident We have more to apprehend
from wlnt of provisions and proyendcr for
horses, Than from any other cause. We
are also short of arms. \ thousand Sharp's
rifles would be the greatest boon which
could be conferred on US ut this moment
These implements of warfare, in the hands
of coward, would convert him instantly
into brave man. Our friends in the States
should take measures to send us quantity
at once. No one need be afraid they will
be used improperly, as we have as cool men
as there are in the world, to direct when
they shall be used. The few arms among
us already have saved us from destruction.
We also need money. The people are poor.
They have expended large sums in getting
here and in getting located, and can but
poorly afford to spend their time and money
to fight the battles of freedom, where every
true-hcarted American is alike interested
with themselves"
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Letter from Eli Thayer.

-Mr. Eli Thayer, an earnest and assiduous
laborer in furtherlng the objects Of the En-
igrnt Aid Company, of which he was the
rounder-a gentleman who certainly knows
what it is that the company has aimed to
accomp,ish.-has written the suboined let
ter. which we commend to the attention Of
our readers. Ills plain statement Of hi-tori-
cal facts is a complete rcfutation OF the
croundless assumptions Of the President and
of the Washington Union:-
The Washington Union has given promi.
npnce 10 a few remarks made by me in Brook.
jvn. by commenting on the same rs u reply
~ the sp.cial message Of President Pierce.
How far these remarks should be considered
as replv TO that document, will be under
stood from this fact, that my speech was
made before the message was delivered. |
am no confdant Of the President, and, OF
course. had no means of anticipating either
his m oss,rc or his attack upon the Emigrant
Aid Company. have not been very eager
10 reply 10 this attack, for the reason, that
the charges of the President were not origi-
nal. They had, months before, been made
by the border rutians Of Western Missouri,
and had been fully met by our address to
the people of Missouri, signed by the officers
of the Emignnt Aid Company copy OF
which was sent to the President and to each
member Of his cabinet.
I will now state n few facts, relating to
the history of the company and Its plan OF
operations. The plan for organizing emf.
grafton, which 1t has adopted, was perfected
and charter pctitioned for before the Kan
vas Nebraska bill passed. :,
The company would have been formed.
and put in operation. had not the Missouri
Compromise remained in force. Inc CHAR
ter petitioned for was granted BY the unani-
NOUS vote Of the Massachusetts, Legislature,
nearly ouc-third Of whom were democrats.
Several of the corporators were prominent
democrats, and ut that time supporters Of
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Ere. as Aibasy Erssi.s yOsr-ai
A Precedent for the President.

In 1850, California came TO the door Of
Congress. She brought a constitution, and
asked admission rs state. IL had been
framed by peaceable and legal convention
ton, forbidding slavery forever in its limits.
Congress was thrown into an uproar.-
The slavery men declared the people Of the
territory had no right to hold convention
until Congrcrs ordered one. They dcnoun-
cee the instrument itself rs ..trcason. -
They swore the union would not, could not,
should not, stand an hour. IL California was
admitted. Their fugleman. Henry s. Foote,
Of Mississippi, dew up . bill providing for
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION or MAYOR. We
understand that the Committee appointed
two weeks ago at the meeting of the Bidde
ford Association to nominate n candidate
for Mayor have agreed in the selection Of
Hon, Vim. p. Haines us the candidate 10
BIO supported by the friends Of tho State
and National Administration ut our ensuing
Municipal Election. Mr.. Haines has not,
as we learn us yet signifed his willingness
to accept the nomination, Probably the
of some who have hitherto
been members of the association, to be sold,
body and brains to the Pierce Democracy,
as indicated by recent movements, here,
will have some influence in determining Mr..
Haincs, whether or not to accept the nomi-
nation.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

q Temporary territorial goyernment, and con-
templating another convention 10 form ano-
ther constitution, which Il was hoped might,
BY outside appliances, be made TO sanction
slavery. This was urged a the only "regu-
lar and lawful means" OF forming a state.
From aspeech Of this champion Of slavery,
delivered ut the time, we take the following
Characteristic extract:
"Ys, Sir, | have examined this subject in
all its bsarings-l have studied public sem
timent in the South closely and perse,ering-
ly. am certain that understand the con-
dition Of things in the southern section OF the
confedeacy and have no hesitation in de-
claring il as my solemn, dispassionate con-
yiction, that If California is dragged into the
Union in the mode now proposed, the south
ern states Of the confederacy will feel that all
hope of fraternal compromiss has become ex-
tinct, and that such intolenble oppression
has been already imposed upon them as to
justify, nay, TO demand secession from the
Union, in order to save themselves from evils
still worse than disunion ITSELF"
Well, we all know the result. In spite Of
the lamentable prediction, California ,ca'
dragged into the Union" Her constitu-
ton was accepted, just rs she framed it,
Mr.. Foote's bill died ut three weeks old
Six years have come and gone since. But
water runs and grass grows US usual; Cali
fornia is prosperous and free the southern
states have remained in the confedency, and
the Union stands unframed.
sand When the matter cam. to light
II shovel the rogues they lied
The man recovered % the bite--
The dog q vas that died
For California came in, but Mr. Foote went
out. His seat in the Senate .'seceded" from
him. He became u case Of Mississippi re-
pudiation.'
Six years have come and gone, and now
Kansas comes to the door Of Congress. Sh.
brings a constitution. She asks admission
rs a state. II has heen framed Just as tina,
of California was. Ii is, like that, fres
constitution, forbidding slavery forever in
her limits.
Again Congress is thrown into an uproar
Again the slavery men declare the people
had no right to hold convention, until Con.
greSs has ordered one. Again the members
are denounced as "reyolutionists." Again
the document itself Is denounced rs "trea-
son." Again they swear the Union cannot
will not, shall not stand, If Kansas is admit.
ted. The President steps into the vacant
place Of FOote. lie recommends bill pro-
yiding for another convention, TO form ano-
Their constitution, which il is hoped may, by
outside appliances, be made to sanction sla-
very. This he urges us the only Irregular
and lawful means" Of forming a state.
Citizens Of the free states, will you he
duped by the repetition Of 50 stale trick?
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Personal Controversy.

Several communications have appeared in
our paper recently, growing out of certain
matters connected with the late visit OF
Rev. Mr.. Wilson, of Canada, to this city to
obtain aid for the fugitivcs in Canada under
his charge. The last Of these commuirica-
tons appeared in our last during an abscnce
to Augusta. We have taken no part in the
matter at issue excepting to give all an equal
chance TO be heard. We dislike all person.
al controversy, and have regretted the turn
the controversy has taken, bringing in, as 1t
has, neighborhood matters, on the one hand,
and unpleasant differences of personal
nature ON the other, neither Of which suits
our taste, or is consonant to the views we
entertain as to the manner paper should
he conducted. We should have been glad
to have had il terminated to the satisfaction
of all parties but as it has not, expressing
our regret that anything has been said on
either side Of an unpleasant nature, and not
wishing to devote our paper to proftlcss
private controversy, we shall be Obliged to
decline the publication Of further articles
relative to the matter.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Political.

A meeting Of the legal voters Of this city
"opposcd to the administration of franklin
Pierce" was held in Beethoven Hall, in
pursuance Of a public call on Tuesday eve
ming. The Hall was well filed and the meet
ing harmonious.
TnoNAs Quincy, ESQ. was Chairman and
Isaac 7. lIopsoS, Secretary. Resolutions
condcmnatory Of the efforts now being made
to extend Slavery were passed, together with
one expressing satisfaction at the election of
Mr.. Banks as Speaker Of the U. S. House Of
Representatives.
A committee Of three from each Ward to
make nomination for Mayor, and to cau
meetings in the several wards to select cap
didatcs for ward officers was chosen, and the
meeting after listening to remarks from Dca.
VIM. n. Hill and John Tuck, adjourned to
meet again Tuesday tho Goth inst.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Feb. Q. 1856.

VALENTINES. The largest and best assort-
ment Of Valentines in this city, Is Mt 0. w.
Batcheldcr's. Ladies Hosiery, and fancy
goods store. Liberty st., Biddcford Me.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

y To Indicate the tone and temper of
those who represent the PrO-Slayery cause
in Kansas, we copy the following extracts
which contemporary gives us under the
title Of
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

81 We understand that Vim. p. Haincs
Esq, declined to stand as the candidate of
the Pierce Democracy for Mayor in the
coming Municipal Election. His declina-
ton was made at the meeting Of the Biddc-
ford Association, held on Wednesday eve
ming. We will wager big apple, how
ever, that be will be voted for, on the day
Of election. Ilc is the strongest man the
BonpEr RrrrpS ASSOCIATION can put up.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

LssArrRE. We have the same story to
tell Of the State Legislature that we told
last week. viz: "No business Of general i'm
portance DONE"
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Delegates to the Pittsburg Convention.

AT a Legislative Caucus held in Augusta
on the evening of Feb. 9TH, the Republican
members acting in conjunction with the Re-
publican State Committee, chose the follow
ing gentlemen as delegates to the Republican
Convention, which meets at Pittsburg, Pa,
on the 22nd inst.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

Hon. Arson p. Morrill,,
Delegates ut Hon. Edward Kent,
large. Hon. Noah Smith,
Hon. Ezra b. French.
Lao. n. ID. f. Somcs, Biddeford.
i''~ Charles Hill, Saco.
o., y. y. ii. q. Rust, Paris.
-"' Hon. ii. ii. Body, Brunswick
o, 4, =. Nehemiah Abbott, Belfast.
''N Joseph Clark, Waldoboro'.
,n . =. ! Abner Coburn, Bloomfield.
~" Marshall IIagcr, Richmond.
s.L =, =. Geo. NJ. Weston, Bangor.
u" b. w. Norris, Skowhegan.
cal . . ST. A. Pike, Calais.
o'h Andrew Peters, Ellsworth.
These gentlemen are all of them men Of
high character and will faithfully represent
the Republican sentiment of the State in this
preliminary Convention.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
Partixsn Work.

The leaders Of the Biddeford Association
forwarded to Augusta, last week a petition
for the abolition Of our Municipal Court
Happening to be at Augusta the day after
It was presented, we took copy of the doc
umcnt, and we publish it below with the
signatures. Our readers will observe that
it is altogether partizan affair, every per-
son whose signature is attached to it, beng
an active and enterpriring member Of that
Pro-Slayery Democratic Concern, sthe Bid
deford Association.
To the Sennfe and House Of Representatives
in Legislature assembled.
The undersigned, citizens Of Biddeford in
the County Of York, respectfully represent
that the people of said city Of Blddeford do
not find by experience. the working Of an
act entitled an act to establish Municipal
Court in the City of Biddeford, approved
March IA, 1855, to be satisfactory and for
the public good, and would ask that said
act Be repealed, and that Justices Court
or Recorders Court with limited jurisdic-
tim in place of said Municipal Court, be
II
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

We subjoin a few items from the last
number of the Kickapoo Kanzas Pioneer
They are rs Characteristic as rieh.-ALbdny
Journal.
+" Kan:as must and shall Be a Stare State -
the Abolition "Scotndreis" 10 BE- "seRt
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15
The Needs Of Kansas.

New York. Feb. 6, 1856.
The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

The South must be upand doing-kanzas
must and shall be Slave State. Mark
what we say, Southern Freeman; come
along with your negroes and plough up
every inch of ground that is ut this time dis
gaeed and delaoed by an Abolition plow-
send the scoundrels back to whence they
came, or send them TO hell, il matters not
which destination-suit your own conven-
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-09-09
Popularity of Louis Napoleon.

The New York Tribune, which occasionally
takes all the governments of the world in hand,
predicts the speedy downfall of Louis Napoleon.
The intelligent Paris correspondent of the N Y.
Journal of Commerce, who has lived m any years
in Paris, and is probably more thoroughly con.
versant with French affairs and the French char.
acter than any man in Europe, exp resses very
different opinion. He AYERS that the Leeitimists,
Orleanists, Republicans, enthusiastically or
togesher-are too weak to threaten seriously the
present domination. The Emperor's popularity
with the masses in town and country, with the In.
dustrial interests Of every description, with the
army officers and privates, has increased rather
than diminished, and universal suffrage weuld give
him again eight millions. The Roman Catholic
clergy detest the Orleanists as infidels and have
no confidence In the strength or practicabilitv of
Legitimacy. The vast body of small proprietor.
In the Provinces have horror Of Socialism. and
the shopkeepers in the capital, of Republican.
Ism In any guiss. The government has the
most capable, experienced and efficient seryanta N
every department. Unless cut off by as.sssin..
ton or some sudden maady, the probability is that
Louis Napoleon win long WELD the sceptre of
France. 800