davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10
Notes on Swearing.

fOr The ibcEnix-
Like many other bad practices of the day, that
Of proiane swearing seems to have had en- innocent
and commcndable origin. As II exists at present,
it is, to be sure, 50 TO express 1t, rery far gone
from its original Righteousness; but still it is not
SO unnatural habit, nor one Of 50 recent an ORR
gin and growth many Of US suppose. Man has
ever manifested an innate sense Of his own fAllibl-
ity in his language as well as in his acts. He is
conscious Of his own inferiority to the Infinite in
truth, as we'll In existence; and goes out
Of himself when he would find solid foundation
upon which he may securely rest his faith and
hopes. Hence comes, we believe, that natural pro-
peusity amongst men to seek some confirmation Of
their own and each others word or promise. They
can scarcely rest satisfied without an appeal 70
some higher authority than their own for the rec
ttude of their intentions. The APOSTLE Paul ap-
pears to have had this propensity Of men in his
mind when he wrote--.an oath for confirmation is
to them an end of oil Strife In giving the Law
to the Hebrews, God commanded them: Thou
shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve Him. and
shall slcoar by His name" Here is plain in
junction Of reyerential swearing, which was not
understood (and undoubtedly was not intcnded) to
be limited to oaths enacted by judges or magis-
trates, but included voluntary oaths and impreca-
tions. So long as this command was obeyed by
the Jews in its true intention and spirit it was well
with them, and there was no approach to profani-
ty in their swearing But, from using the name
Of the Deity in confirmation Of their promises and
threats they came at last to use it toughtlessy in
ordinary conversation.
There was a certain dignity and solemnity in
those common imprecations Of the early Hebrews
-"as the Lord liyeth;'' 1.-THE Lord do 50 10 me
and more also' if keep not my word; and the
like expressions. But when we come down to the
period in their history embracing the time just be-
fore and just after the Christian era, we notice
what we may designate as degeneracy in their
style Of swearing. BY heavens it is Thy
heavens and earth ''-''by Jerusalem" by the
Temple''--sby the altar''-these were common
forms of swearing then.
And yet, even, then, they were very careful of
using the Divine name in common conversation
They would not even attempt to pronounce that
name of the Deity which we have transferred from
the Hebrew into our own language as JEHOVAH.
They called it the uRpronouncedbie name /; and to
this day they persist in using the word for Lord
lAdonail instead of it whenever they meet with ii
in reading Hebrew. Would, with all our foolish
talking, there were little more Jewish care in
this respect amongst Christians. ese
But. not to attempt to follow out the history Of
this practice Of swearing in other nations and lam
g-ages let Il suffice to mention the fact that the
forms of common swearing which we find in almost
ALL perhaps all, languages. shows that the vice is
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

Are your Lungs Diseased, and would you be
cured, do not allow yourself to be erPsrimsnfed
upon, but try remedy that has relieved thousanas
and prored itself worthy Of your confidence. We
refer to Dr. wistar's Balsam Of Wild Cherry.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

CHINESE SUGAR CAsE.--An official circular from
the Patent Office. at Washington, concerning the
culture of the Chinese sugar cane, says that an
agent ofthe Patent Office, while travelling in Europe
in the year 1854, collecting agricultural informa-
ton and seeds for the Office saw the plant growing
at yernes, in France, snd being struck with its re-
sembance to Indian corn inferred that il would
flourish in any region where that plant would.
He procured 200 pounds of seed, which we're dis
trbuted in small packages by the Patent Office
among the members of Congress, with view Of
experimenting with it in all parts Of the Union
In numerous instances the result proved highly
satisfactory, as it attained the height Of eight or
ten feet as far north as St. Paul, Minnesota, and
maturcd its seed at various points in Massachu-
sets, New York. Pennsylvania, Illinois, and other
places farther South. The following year several
bushels more of the seed of the Cafrarian variety
Of the same plant were produced. but they have
proved to be identical with those previously used.
The result of all the experiments is that the plant
is Of the same cultiyable nature as Indian corn,
and will thrive wherever that does.
We have received package of the seed Of the
Chinese Sugar Cane, Sorghum sGceharatuns }
from the Patent Office, which we shall take pleas.
ure in distributing, as far as it will go, to any
farmers who wish to make an experiment in It's
cultivation. 1t is desirable that those who cult.
yate it should carefully note the particulars relat
ing to the time of planting, the nature of the sol
upon which it grows, the period at which it ar
rives at maturity and is harvested, together with
the mount OF its production. The facts thus gath
cred will be Of service in determining its yalu,
for future cultivation.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

RonBEnY AT BURLINGTON. The fur store Of N.
Allen & Co., in Burlington, was broken into ON the
night Of the 2nd inst. and large quantity Of val
liable furs stolen therefrom. The value Ofthe goods
thus lost is from $1,000 TO $500.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

now tley will be prepared to take early advantage
of the first aow Of sap, and have the first sugar in
market which, it is perhaps needless to say, al
ways commands the highest price.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

WISsLow EDDY, who was convicted Of murder
in the Supreme Court Of Massachusetts, sitting
at Boston, last week, was native of Rutland coun-
~ in this State. He was about 20 years Of age,
and had resided in Boston years. lie killed his
wife, who was no better than she should be, in f,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

SERIOUS COLLISION on THE CONNECTICUT
RIVER RAnRoAD.-The early morning passen-
ger train from Northampton to this city, John
Hare, conductor, and the through freight from
this city 10 the north, james Hayes, conductor,
came into collision al curve in the road omar.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-01-10

PRESENTATION TO NAVAL 0rrIcEn.--The Leg
stature of Vermont, at It's recent session. passed
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
Military Visit to Col. Fremont.

The 1alcott Guard, New York infantry
company, made an unexpected call upon Col.
Fremont on Monday. The whole company
were invited in and Hospitality refreshed
Mr.. Blair, member of Congress elect from
the ST. Louis district, was with Col. FIRE.
mont, and was happily introduced by him to
the guests.
Colonel Fremont said that he need not,
he hoped, think himself called upon for q
speech, or anything in expression Of his high
appreciation of citizen soldier. lie lad
seen and known them, as all had known
them in the late war with Mexico. lie would
merely present to them his friend Francis p
Blair of Missouri, citizen soldier, who had
seen service under Col. Doniphan. 1t might
not be urgrateful to most of those 10 whom he
presented Mr.. Blair to indicate that he was
identified with the cause of free labor. Mr..
Blair was the member of Congress from st.
Louis, lately elected to represent the largest
slave District in the Union, and under cir
cumstances so significant for a cause with
which many of those around him had been
lately identified.
Mr.. Blair said that although he was cleo
ted to represent the largest slave State in
the Union, he hoped that Missouri would not
long enjoy that distinction, but that the
movement which his election was identified
would reverse her title. He also indicated
the identity of the movement which had
lately trumphed in Missouri with the great
aims Of the free labor and free land move
mont all over the country, and their natural
development.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16

1t has been asserted that the Emperor of
China had expressed his disapprobatlon of
the proceedings of his Governor of Canton,
and that hostlities would soon cease; but
tie following document, purpOrting to be Il
dispatch addressed to that officer by the
Brother Of the Sun, puts all such stories at
rest:
"Yeh Il have serious news to announce
to you. We have read with attention the
account you have given US of the attack by
the English barbarians. The Nulj- 10 were
unanimous in their Indignation, and we de-
termined that the Emperor should be in
formed Of it, notwithstanding the pain it oc-
casions lis magnanmous heart; ard these
are the commands of his mighty will
"Yeh You are to carry on war of ex-
termination against the foreign barbarians
who have attacked you. They must receive
from you an exemplary chastisement. But
after the vengeance shall have been deemed
sufficient by you, and if they manifest sin
cere repentance for what they have done,
the Emperor, our magnanimous sovereign,
who is inundated with floods of light, con-
sents that hostlities should cease. and that
commercial affairs should be resumed with
those foreigners as they existed previous to
their fanlt.
"Yeh You will take heed, and you will
communicate the proceeding to the Manda-
rims placed under your ORDERS"
Pekin, the 10th day of the second moon.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16

HALIFAX, NAY y.
1t is said that the propositions submitted
for settlement of the long pending Nenfeha-
tel difficulty has been accepted by the Prus-
sian and Swiss ENJOYS at Paris, subject to
the appreciation of their respective govern
mcntS.
The Earl of Elgin, the newly appointed
British Plenpotentiary to China, had left
England for the scene Of his labors.
The political interest in England was in
crossed ON the approaching of the meeting of
the new Parliament.
A large meeting of merchants and manu-
facturers was held at Man chester for the
purpose O. forming an association Tor pro-
noting the growth of cotton all over the
world, and particularly to the British colo
MES, called the Cotton Supply Association.
FRANCE.-A review of $4,000 troops will
take place at Paris about the 9th of May, in
honor of the Grand Duke Constantine.
SpAIN.-A treaty settlirg the frontier be-
tween France and Spain is TO be lard hefare
the Cortez at their first meeting.
Marshal Seriino had eft Paris for Madrid
to smooth the way for the Mexican An.bas-
sador.
The Chinese in Sarawak, Borneo, rose on
the 18th Of February, and massacred several
Europeans.
Sir James Broo'e, the Rajah, saved his
life by swimmir g across the creek.
The Yanks have avenged the destruction
of their settlements by killing 200 Chinese.
The prOgressionsts and members of the
liberal party are laboring to effect coalition
against the government.
Troops for Cuba leave Cadiz at the end of
this month.
By telegraph from Trieste, dates from
Hong Kong to March 18th, Calcutta to 2lst
and from Bombay to April Goth, have been
received.
The Europeans on board the British steam
or Queen, under the Portucese flag, had been
murdered by the Chinese and the steamer
with its valuable cargo carried off by the
government contractors.
The storehouses at Hong Kong had been
burnt down by Chinese incendaries and
700 barrels of flour destroyed.
The total exports of tea from China to
Britain in June, is estimated at seventy mil
lion pounds.
Persian accounts of the battle of Bushire
stating the English advanced until meeting
the main body of the Persians, they set fire
to the British camp equipage and retreated
towards Bushre, where being reinforced the
battle began, lasting four days, both parties
retiring in confusion, amid torrents of rain.
The Persians left some guns but afterwards
recovered them /; the Persans estimated the
British loss at GOO, their own at 400.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
Col. Benton.--Life of jackson.

Col. Benton, in addition to his abrdgment
of the " Debates" has also in contemplation
the continuation of his Thirty Years Vicw,
SO as to bring it up to the present time. He
moreover has been urgently solicited by his
publishers to undertake the work of writing
a 9opnJar life of Jackson. This is thing the
country needs. There is no life of the great
hero of true democracy, save that which is
written in the upheavings of the country,
from day to day, against misrule, and against
aristocratic tendencies. Such work is
necessity of the times and if be, who was
the stay of jackson in his administration,
should undeitak it, and labor at it, and
complete it, the country would owe him a
great debt of gratitude. 70 do justice to
the subject it would be necessary that he
should revive old associations that he should
throw himself back into the past that he
should return to his native State, and there
foregather with those who treasure the tra-
ditions Of the great man, and thus bring
forth his life fresh from the mint Of private
love.--H. Legis Delaocsnt.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
Great Cave I'm Grant County.
(From the Grant County Wis. uerald,)

We write the following from information
received of Mr.. c. NJ. Gorham, who resides
near the cave discovered last week in the
town of Melville. The cave is on lands own
cd by Mr.. Bliss, section 13, 7. 6, r. A..
These gentlemen with several others, dis.
covered and partly explored the cavern.
While out on walk for pleasure and OBJ
servat on, one of the men called attention to
curious opening which showed signs of be-
ing resort for wild animals. The sides ap-
peared worn and the ground near the mouth
resembleG long deserted door yard. We
have since been told that the Indians inform
cd our old settlers of cave in that vicinity
used 10y them as store house for valuables;
farther exploration may prove this to be
that Indian depository.
The external opening is some two or three
feet in width by the same height. A boy
first entered who came out and reported that
he saw large room. Lights were then sent
iol and the company soon went in, without
any difficulty, as the opening widens within
the mouth. Six feet from the entrance they
passed intoa small room proceeding 25 feet
further they came to an arched oval room
about 10 feet in diameter, height feet, and
containing an abundance of lead colored and
white spar, curiOusly formed by water
Then passing through narrow hall between
walls Of lime rock for about 20 feet. they
entered much larger room, height lG feet
and beautifully ornanented with varieeated
spar-solne OF it resembling pearly white
marble, and some was found transparent and
crystalised. On the sides are tall fiuted COL
nmns and carved like pictures in carbonate
OF lime, much resembling stucco work also
small stalactties of every hue and FORM
The work of nature in this room might pass
for the samples of fancy chiselines wrought
by some wild master artist, whose progress
in the fanciful led him into sphere of blum
dcring perfection. Thence through a mar
row way as before they entered room fur
nished in great splendor-morc like nice
temple than cavern. This splendid room,
Mr.. G. says, would pay for days ride to
see. There is the altar, and above the beau
tiul curtain work of marble, and on the
sides, TIE inches and panelled work-which
the imagination cannot avoid making into a
rich palace of some great untutored lord
Every move of the light in this grand tenn
rle like room reflected upon new set OF
shining gems which sparklcd as an orchstra
of dancing stars.
/ Other rooms were visited which rresen-
ted similar beauty and richness. The ex-
plorers think they went about 200 feet and
were prevented from going further by a
small waterfall for which they were UMPIRE
pared. 1t must be one of the most beauti-
full sights in the country and will probabl,
be visited soon by thousands.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
Superficial Area of Iowa.

According to the following note from the
Hon. B. Hem, it seems that the area of
Iowa, in square miles, is, by several thou
sands, greater than was before supposed:
FAIRFIELD, Iowa, April 25, 1857.
His Excellency JAS. w. GRIMES, Governor
of Iowa:
Dear Sir: While at Washington City. in
making the selections of lands for the rail
road companies, l learned an important fact,
which [ desire to make public through you.
1t appears, on investigation, that the area
of the State of Iowa is larger to the extent
of 5,l66 square miles or 1896, 240 square
acres (more than the size of the State of
Connecticut,) than has been heretofore COM
puted.
Previous computations carried into all she
public documents, have placed the area of
Iowa at 6O,9l4 square miles, Or 32,5S4,96O
acres.
Mr.. A. r. Parker, craftsman of the House
of Representatives, and very accurate
computer, has just finished an estimate made
from the official surveys, as far as computed,
and from official data of that portion not
surveyed, from which it appears that the ac-
tual area of our State is $1,000 square miles
or 81, S91 200 acres-exceeding the previous
computations SIG square miles, or 1891, ;
24O acres.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
CoMErs.-A writer in the National Intel

CoMETs.-A writer in the National Intel
ligencer says: While comets are them
selves subject to the most powerful attrac-
ton, they exercise no appreciable influence
on other bodies. In ITO a comet was ac-
tually known to become entangled among
the satellites of Jupiter, and have remained
there nearly four months, yet no apprecia-
BILE variation was observed in their move.
ments.
Comets have, in all ages, been regarded by
superstitious peopls as the harbingers of dire
calamaties, such as wars, pestilence, or fam
inc; and it must be admitted that experi-
ence and observation have not tended to dis
sipate this illusion, for even in our own dav
we have seen how the beautiful comet Of
1853 preceded the desolating siege of Se-
bastopol, and the consequent prostration of
commerce throughout half the civilized
world. But such condolences, however re-
markable, are nothing more, and Can there
fore take no hold upon the establishes prin.
ciples of science and truth, which alike lis-
card all false conjectures and rest foreve.
upon the basis Of eternal wisdom and ON
nipOtence.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS.
NUMBER: 49,.


FLArBoATs still continue to 60 down the
river, loaded With wood and lime. Present
appearances indicate, that there will be q
greater demand this season, for the Shakopee
lime, than any before.-Nalley Herald.
Quick TIME.-Last week one of our river
pilots made bet with one OF our citizens
that he (citizen) could not cross and recross
the Mississippi river in a certain twelve foot
yawl, in less than half an hour. Our citi-
zen crossed and recroesed the river in the
short space Of eighteen minutes and half
This exploit reflects much credit upon the
man who performed It, as we'll as upon orr
Wabashaw boat builder, who constructed the
yawL-U. ~ ai- -s7aa.n orn l-7 sTsv
Busy TIMEs.-Last Monday was one of
the busiest days we have ever seen in Wa
0ashaw. number of steamers were ly-
ing at the levee-the shore piled full Of
freight, and in the streets was a erfect
crowd OF people-mostiy strangers.-Jour-
nal. .e-of -.
OwAroNA.-The first school, in Steele
County was taught in Owatona, twenty-five
months since, when there were but five hum
dred Inhabitants scattered over the whole
extent of the county, and all but some fifty
OF these had come in that spring. Then
there was but six log houses in sight at this
place. For the school edif;ce, a few upright
crotched posts were set in the ground; 1.-THE
name of & Oatona" signifies upright.) Cross
sticks and the whole covered with hay, c. M
pleted the structure. A yong lady from
Wisconsin was the teacher The number of
scholars was about dozen.
The county is now divided into large
number of School Districts, snd we hear
| from every quarter the dete: m nation to
have good schools established. There seems
to be universal feeling that this is mat
ter of the first Importance, and not to be ne
elected.
Large numbers have come and made their
homes here, with this express object in view,
tor here the settler can pre-empt and settle
by the side of each other, on their quarter
sections, open their farms and help each other
to hui roads and bridges, establish schools
and churches, aid each other in a thousand
neighborly Offices, and naturally benefit each
other peculiarly, by their improvements
REGISTER.
The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-05-16
The Land Fever.

. The following paragraph from the Phila-
deiphia Enquirer gives some striking illus
trations Of the prevailing land fever. To
prudent men, it is sufficient to note these
facts. There never was land speculation, in
this country yet that did not result dsas-
tronsly. So solid is the prosperity Of this
country now, that this may be less so; bat
that there is to be a reaction cannot be de-
MED: = A'2 ~ sZss ca p 8
The fever prevails to far greater extent
than most persons imagine. We have heard
VI several counties in the interior of the
State, in which from one hundred thousand
to three hundred thousand dollars have been
raised by agents and Others, and sent west
ward, for the purchase, Of lands. /, In some
cases, old farmers have gathered their fami-
lies, sold their property, and directed their
footsteps to Minnesota, loswa, Kansas or Ne
braska, under sbelief that they would speed
~, secure a. large. foytnue.- In others, farms
and othes: property have BEEN niortsssed.
and the money raised in this way has been
invested IN land warrants, and with SINH
lar expectation.
The reader may we'll imagine the evil re.
suits CT this wild and speculative spirit
Already, bitter fruits have been realized in
various Instances. The whole thing may be
regarded as lottery, in which the chances
OF receiving prize are as one to thousand
The New Hampshire Statesman informs us,
that i'll one of the valley towns in Grafton
county, Connecticut, no less than $3O,OuO
Lave been collected within single year, for
the purpose of investment in Western lands.
The most of it was RENTED by men who
did not emigrate, but merely for speculative
purposes. Other towns have followed the
fatal example. A desire to make large gains,
or in other words, to make haste to be-
come rich," has So bewildered some people,
that no ordinary prosperity is at all satislac-
tory 10 them.