davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
A Word 10 our Friends.

Nothing can give more satisfaction to an
editor who desires to perform his whole duty
than. to be enabled to lay before his readers
the entire news, so far as lies in his power,
by observation, selection, and from all the va
rious resources at his command thus render
ing his journal acceptable to its patrons. And
while this is source of so much qualification,
and seemingly so easy of performance, how
persons in possession Of interesting items of
news, the editor is obliged to send his sheet
before the public barren of intelligence of an
interesting character Nothing can be more
vexatious to us than to find, perhaps a few
hours after publication, that an interesting
item Of news might have been obtained from
some person, who might, had he given it a
thought, placed us in possession Of the details a
day or two previous. The consequence is,
that the newspaper, from which every item of
news is expected, does not always contain the
news of its immediate neighborhood, which it
should be the first to disseminate. Now, there
are many of our friends who, we know, have
not given this matter any consideration, think
ing, probably, that we would be among the
first to hear whatever passed of interest-but
editors are not ubiquitous-our cares are not
solely those of the editor; the mechanical de-
partment of our Office requires attention at our
hands-and being so continually occupied in
this manner, we have but little leisure to fer
ret out what would otherwise be an easy task,
the news Of this vicinity. We therefore trust,
that in future our readers will communicate
with us upon passing events, as early as possi-
bic, after the facts become known to them.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
The MASONIC HnIl.

We take pleasure in calling the attention Of
our readers to the fac. that a grand Masonic Ball
il in preparation, to take place on Christmas
Eve, at the Hornitos Hotel, under the auspices
of the members of Quartzburg Lodge, No. 9S,
f. and A. NJ, and the brethren of the Masonic
fraternity in this vicinity. 1t is worthy of no.
tice, that entertainments of this kind, under
the guidance of the " brethren of the mystic
tie" have always been eminently successful,
and this promises also to be so. The extensive
preparations now being made by the gentle
men composing the Committee of Arrange
ments, would seem to indicate that no expense
or exertion will be spared that may contrib
ute to enjoyment and comfort on the occasion.
A supper is to be served up for the accommo-
dation of one hundred persons, and refresh
ments Of all kinds will be furnished in abund-
ance. We predict il will be in every respect
the most select and brilliant entertainment
yet seen in Hornitos.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
Guard against Fires.

As the cold weather approaches, and the
necessity for fires, as convenience, increases
too much care cannot be taken by the people
of our town, to guard against the possibility
of conhagratons. Every escape for smoke
should be frequently and carefully examined,
that the smallest spark may not find an i'm
proper place Of exit, for such is the infiamma-
BILE nature Of the material of which our houses
here are principally composed, that with but a
few moments headway, almost the entire town
would be consumed, rendering many families
houseless, to say nothing of the immense loss
of property which must ensue. 1t is remark
able that nearly all the fires in the State, many
of which have been very disastrous to individ-
uls and have been no little drawback to the
prosperity of California, have originated in the
houses occupied by the poorest class of peo-
pie, who have little or nothing at stake, and
are therefore very careless. 1t is the duty of
every owner Of houses here, having such ten
ants, to visit them frequently, and to see that
their fires are properly guarded We are dai-
ly an eyewitness to the utmost carelessness
on the part of the occupants of many of the
houses in our neighborhood, and although we
are now comparatively safe from the attacks
of the destroying element, we cannot but fear
for others. Here and there may be seen bar
rels topping rude and open stone and mud
chimneys surrounded by and touching tents
and light frame tenements; while stovepipes
are peeping above the canvas roofs, barely es-
Gaping contact with the inf1ammable cloth
With SO many chances, terrible fire is liable
to break out any moment Scarcely week
passes without an account reaching us of fire
in some part Of the State, and always attribu-
table to carelessness such as we see around us.
Let proper care henceforth be taken, and con-
hagratons may be prevented. Let the people
of Hornitos prove that the fearful losses by
fire elsewhere have been warning to them
and that they have profted by it.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

IMPROVEMENTS IN MARIPosA ATowN.-Messrs.
Cohn & Dettlebach are erecting capacious
brick building for storehouse, 30x5O feet, to
be fire.prooG with a wall % inches thick.
They are also preparing a beautiful front of
granite The store is on the east side of Main
St, near Fifth. When completed, the building
will be a great improvement to that locality.
Mr.. Vanbever is erecting, on the corner, one
door above Cohn & Dittlebach, q substan-
tial brick building, 50x3O feet, which is being
rapidly completed The enterprising spirit of
these gentlemen deserves much credit. ~
DIR. Grandvonet has erected the first green
house in the town, and his flowers, plants and
shrubbery are in high state of perfection,
showing great care and attention. We were
shown pear tree bearing its second crop, the
first having ripened in August last.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
China aud India.

By the arrival Of the Early Bird and Spray, says
the San Francisco daily argus, we have intelligence
from longkong to the 25th OF September, being forty
one days later news. The in China is almost at
stand STILL the usual number Of junks captured,
the blockade of Canton being still maintained. On
the part of the Chinese the greatest activity prevails,
II being known that at Canton some two hundred
boats are building. Hon. VIM. b. Read, U. S. Com
missioner arrived at Hongkong the lst September,
and entered upon the duties Of his Office The U. S.
sloop Of war Portsmouth, Capt FooIe, about Wis
iting Japan. The Levant was at Hongkong, and the
San Jaento at Shanghae. The Russians opening
a brisk trade with China, and have sent an embassy
to Pekn. The Portuguese trouble at Nngpo, has been
amicably settled, The Americans are outwitting the
British in trading at Fuh Chau in consequence of the
U. S. Consul maintaining that the Chinese Custom
House authorities pledged to take Mexican dol
lars at per cent discount, while the English have to
pay IA per cent The Indian revolters still maintain
their stand against the East India Company Delhi
being intact up to the 29th of August two weeks la
ter than advices per Europe. Several saes made by
the Sepoys bad resulted disastrousy but no important
progress made. The attempt to get the rebeous Sc
poy regiments in Calcutta to volunteer for China pro
we'd abortve. The rebellion il, beyond doubt, gradu-
ally extending and, notwithstanding the constant
arrival of troops the British residents are desirous
that martial law should be proclaimed throughout
India.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
been entirely lost
Ff'lJVi
Exclusive Of about 81 600, 900 in specie.

Exclusive OF about 81 100000 in specie.
If the cargoes were included, these figures
would be more than doubled Tie President
was lost in the year lS41 no one knows how
or where. The Columbia, in nautical phrase,
"broke her back" on the rocks on the Ameri-
can shore of the Atlantic. The City of Phila-
dclphia went to pieces on the rocks near Cape
Race The City Of Glasgow sailed from Liv-
erpoo March 1st, 1854, and was not afterward
heard Of The Great Britain came near being
included in the list, having lain ashore for some
months at Dundrum Bay, coast of ireland, but
is now engaged as a transport for India. The
Franklin and Humboldt went ashore and broke
in pieces,-the former on Long Island, and
the latter near Halifax. The Arctic and Pacf-
ic were lost as already recorded. The iron
steamer Tempest, measuring fifteen hundred
tons, sailed from New York, Feb. 70, 1857,
with crew Of from thirty-five to forty men,
and was never heard from. On the Pacific,
several fine steamers have been lost, generally
of smaller class. The Independence, for in
stance, was entirely lost, with one hundred
and twenty lives and the Tennessee St. Lou
is, Yankee Blade, Winfield Scott, and others,
became total wrecks
English steamers, in waters contiguous to
the United States, have Jared little better.
Within short time, we have to record the
loss of the fine iron steamship Canadian, on
the St. Lawrence, also the steamship Clyde,
and several steamers in the West India ISL
ands.
A calculation as to the number Of lives lost
in these steamers, makes total Of about sew
enteen hundred This loss being irreparable,
no consolation can be derived from the fact
that large proportion of it might have been
prevented by division of these ships into
compartments by water.tight bulkheads; but
there is opportunity to make the adoption OF
such means of safety compulsory upon the
owners of all sea.going steamers, and thereby
doing much to prevent the recurrence of ca
tastrophes such as We too often have occasion
to deplore.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

THE FIRE AT SoNoRA.-The fire broke out
about o'clock, A. NJ, Wednesday, 1lth inst,
in restaurant on Washington street, and ex-
tended to nearly all the wooden buildings in
that vicinity, destroying property to the amount
of $4,000. The losses are stated as follows
Smiths Lager Beer Saloon, $3.50; Mrs.
Wellerfeld Restaurant, $500; Peasants Bar
ber Shop, $500; II. Marcurer, tailor, 5000
Rosenburgh, restaurant, $4,000; Kyser q
Brothers house, $780, Hibbing, two houses,
S25O0 r. R. Balls, damage, $500; d. Nava-
ria, $500; White & Co., $l1OO; j. Gaudin,
$e5OO; P. Dregan, 800; B. NJ J. Russell,
$1,000; Jloss, 25o0; A. Dregnartiello, $1,000
A F. Almartin, $500 Elmo, 5000; Cooper &
Mccarthy, $500; Chinese, in the aggregate,
$4O0.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

The HONEY LAKE WAR-The party who
LEFT Downievile to assist the settlers of Honey
Lake Valley, have returned, and report the ru-
mors of difficulties between the settlers and
the Indians totally unfounded, so far as any
serious results are to be apprehended. Some
of the settlers informed them. says the Sierra
Citizen, that the alarm of the inhabitants Of
the Valley was based on the snppositon that
the Indians would surround and cut them of
in revenge for one of their number who had
been shot at and wounded while in the act Of
stealing potatoes, and that their fears had driv-
en- them to call for aid before it was required
Finding no Indians to Shoot the party turned
their attention to the numerous soge-hen found
in their way.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
Tur SACRAMENTO RIVER BAn-1hc sacra.

The SACRAMENTO RIVER BAR-lhe Sacra-
mento bar is likely to become great nuisance,
SAYS the State Sentinel, and serioes draw
back to the true interests of our city. We
don't refer, of course, to the bar Of which wis
dom and genius are the component parts, and
which may ever be found in our temples Of
Justice, but TO that bar which is composed Of
sand and mud, and which has taken quiet pos
session of the bed of the Sacramento river, OPP
posite the upper portion Of the city. In its
present condition, several vessels have stuck
fast on it. and there is certainly every reason
to believe that the deposit will increase and the
evil grow greater with each succeeding rain.
Several steamboat captains with whom we
have converscd, who are quite conversant with
the Sacramento river, give It as their opinions
that the causes which resulted in the deposit
during the last rain, will produce the same re-
suits for the future. Many instances are cited
where islands have grown up in few years
around a single snag 1t is the general opin-
ion that the piers Of the Sacramento bridge
have caused the change Of the current, and
they will of course, continue to produce the
same effects during the remainder of the sea
sou. The removal of the bar would be attend.
ed with great expense, and besides would prob.
ably be entirely useless
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

A PHENOMENA OF SoUND-Last Friday even
ing, while Bona's band was performing in front
of the FL Dorado, says the Mountain Messen-
ger, friend of ours who resides and was at
the time in Grass Valley, which is about two
and half miles from town, and separated by
high ridge, distinctly heard the music and
was able to recognize the tune played by the
band. Doubling, for the time, his Senses he
called others, who heard the same thing as
himself. It may be common occurrence to
hear music on plain at even greater dis
tance than the above, but under the circum-
stances here mentioned, we think it is seldom
heard
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
Notice to Creditors.
In the County Court of Mariposa County.

In the County Court of Mariposa County.
State OF California.
In the matter of the Petition Of Charles Bruce and
William d. Bruce Insolvent Debtors.
ID URSUANT to an order Of the Hon. J. NJ. Bondu-
i rant, Judge Of the County Court aforesaid, notice
is hereby given IN all the Creditors of the said Charles
Bruce and William d. Bruce. lnsolvents to be and
appear before the Hon. j NJ. BoDdurant aforesaid in
chambers at the Court House in the Town Of Maripo
sa on the TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER
and there to show cause, II any they have why the
prayer of the said Insovents should not be granted
and an assignment of their Estate and property be
made, and they be discharged from their debts and
liabilities in pursuance of the Statutes in such cases
made and provided.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court, this.
llth day of November A. d.. 1857.
[sEAL.] WIN. A. GUARD Clerk.
ALLISON x HARRIS, Atty's for Petitioners.
Mariposa November 10Th, 1857. nl9td
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

New BooK.--We acknowledge the receipt
of an advance sheet of the work, the :" Last Of
the Fillibusters," shortly to be published, from
the pen of VIM. Frank Stewart. We regret
that we have not, as yet, had leisure to peruse
it, but will notice ii in our next |
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

several improvements in our town, which are
calculated to add much to its appearance and
importance. A large building is being erected
by those entcrprising gentlemen, Messrs. Block
& Carr, on the site of that burned down seve-
raj months since, on Main street, opposite the
Old Plaza, and several others are in course Of
erection.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

PERsoSAL.-During the past week, we have
been favored with visit from our esteemed
friend, NJ. J. Smith, Esq, of San Francisco,
late editor of the San Francisco Spirit Of the
Times, and long and favorably known in con-
nection with the press in this State. Though
in the mountains, as we are, we cannot be ac-
cused of putting on French airs with our
friend, the reverse being our wish. Many
thanks, Mort, for the happy hours enjoyed in
your company. May your heart never know
sorrow.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

A Coon CHANcE.-E L. Hewitt, Esq, Of
Smelling, Merced county, offers for sale his
very desirable store, dwelling and lot in that
Hourishing town. This is fine location for a
store, and those desirous of getting good
place of business, would do well to pay it a
visit. See advertisement
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

MAN SHor.-By friend just arrived from
San Joaquin City, we are informed that an af.
fray occurred near that place on Friday last,
which resulted in the shooting of a man named
Griffith, by another Of the name of Turner.
The difficulty was caused by a dispute about
a bottle of whiskey Griffith leaves wife and
three children. Turner was not arrested, at
last accounts.
ANoTHER-We hear that man named
Hardy Wilkinson was shot at Six Mile Bar,
on the Stanislaus river, on Friday last, by one
Miller Barclay. The act is said to have been
entirely unprovoked. Barclay escaped.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

MOUNT OpHIR-The Mcrced Mining Com.
pany have just finished their extensive altera-
tons at Mount 0phir having refitted with en-.
tirely new machinery, including an engine of
forty horse power, and battery of twelve
stamps, shortly to be increased to twenty four
They recommended crushing quartz on Sat.
nrday last
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

A GRAND ScHEME-rhc San francisco ar
gus is informed that a party Of Californians
are now in the city of Mexico for the purpose
of obtaining grants Of land in Sonora, Chihua.
hua and Durango, which States, it is supposed,
will be purchased by treaty with our Govern
nent
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

QUARTZ Miners AssoCAmoN-The Board
Of Trustees of this Association will meet for
the transaction of important business, in the
town of Mariposa, on Saturday, 21st inst.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

DELISoENr TAX LIsr-We publish this
week the list of delinquent tax payers, which
must be our excuse for not furnishing the
usual quantum of reading matter.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

RESUMED -Sather a Church, bankers Of
San Francisco, whose failure was announced
last week, give notice that they are prepared
to pay all liabilities, and that they will again
resume operations.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
OBITUARY..

Died, Oct oath, 1857, board steamer j. L. Stephens,
her passage from Panama San Francisco, CaTAENE
ANNETTE aged Il years only daughter of the late Thomas
Thorn, of Quartzburg, Marposa county
Sad indeed the task to record the demise of
young--so ovely--so full Of promise and of hope. En-
dowed in eminent degree with all those qualities of mind
and heart which win the admiration, and command the
confidence and love of the vrtuous and the good-the
pride and solace Of fond motherthe object Of the tend
crest devotion of brother Her remains committed
bosom of the watersher spirit went to that of her
God.
"weep not for her-in her spring time she flew
To that land where the wings of the soul unfrled
And now like star bey ond evenings chill dew,
Looks radently down ON the tears of the world"
II.
Galveston, Tex. and Nashville Tenn. papers please copy
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

McKowN & BrsHoP's AMBRoTYPEs-It is
generally supposed that in the country, artists,
no matter of what profession, are inferior to
those Of city celebrity. OF this supposition we
have now in our town at least one direct con-
tradicton, in the person of Mr.. Bishop, one of
the above named firm. We have seen Am
rotypes taken by him, and do not hesitate to
say, that in clearness, briancy, tone, and all
that pertains to beautiful Ambrotypcs, they
will compare fayorably with any pictures we
have seen in the State. Mr.. Bishop remains
but short time among us, and we would re-
commend those wishing to secure a good pic
ture, to visit him, at the corner of Main and
Mechanic streets.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

From 0REGoN.-The latest news from Ore
gon indicates that the State Constitution is
adopted By its provisions, Oregon will be a
Free State.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
N o t 1 G q .

COUNTY SURVEYORS OFFICE,
MniERroN, FREsNo Co, November 3D., 1857
NIIE undersigned Surveyor Of Fresno County, respectful
Il y informs the Public that he Is prepared TO Sur
vey swamp and Overlooked Land Presumption Claims. ana
ali kinds Of Surveying, Civil Engineering Also that
he will attend to having the Decaraory Statements taken
Of persons wishing TO locate Public Lands.
Any business entrusted to his charge will be promptly
attended to on application at his office in Millerton,
T. c. STAIIO,
n12-3m County Surveyor Fresno Co..
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

Mr.. Lennebacker, Agent of Wells Fargo
& Co., in this place, will please accept our
thanks for files of San Francisco papers.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

OK DT.-We learn that weekly Demo-
cratic paper is shortly to be published in
Stockton, by Racey Biven, Esq.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

Tue FIRsT-A Universast church has
been recently organized at Sacramento, the
first and only church of that denomination in
the State.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
STORE, DWELLING AND LOT
ToH SALE.

IN THE TOWN OF SMELLING, MERGED COUNTY.
rINHE SUBSCRIBER OFFERS FOR SALE THE PREMISES
lately occupied BY him in the town Of Smelling Store
and Dwelling The House is 26x36 feet in size the Lot 80
feet inches by 100 feet in depth with good well Of water
stable and outhouses thereon The property new and in
good condition and the House is well calculated for store
restaurant etc The good will Of the late establishment
will be included in the sale Terms favorable Apply to
the proprietor the premises, IHsL ..8F ! y
n192t E. E. HEWITT
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
II o r. N L Il O S:
THURSDAY MORNING. .o...,e

REM0VAL.-The office Of the MARIPosA DEMO
Graf is removed to the stone building High street
below the New Plaza.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19
For RENT or Sale.

THAT well known establishment in possession of ].
l. NJ. Van Dyke, and known as the Comet Saloon. This
Saloon situated in the most business part o Marposa
Town, being lot fronting Main st. so feet and
4th st., 100 feet
For particulars apply to Jas. vantine No. ~ Clay St,
Of Davis, San Francisco j. W. Toney Marposs,
who is authorized to act nl9tf
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

"ARAsrRA" has been received. Correspond
ents must send their real names.
Mariposa Democrat., 1857-11-19

JAMES NJ. VAN DYKE Of Main and Fourth streets
Marposa is our authorized agent to receive Subscriptions
Advertisements and job Work. All orders left with him
will receive prompt attention .I .nallA
THOMAS BOYCE, north east Washington and
ngomerv streets Francisco Is daily authorized
agent to receive subscriptions and advertisements
I'M HESToN Express Rider between this place and
Kern River duly authorized to subscriptions, ad
vertisenents aud job Work.
HS- Mr. +. d. TODD of Stockton Is duly authorized
Agent to receive subscriptions and advertisements
MAI EIKINs, of Lagrange is our authorized agent for
Stanislaus County. - |I....r. ...Hr
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-05-02
PETTY PRESCRIPTION.

The Post Master General, Aaron V.
Brown, is INDUCING in the pettiest and
most disrespectful sort of prescription
in Tennessee. The Knoxville WING
says:
"Wcll, aaron is doing real Locofoco
service in Knox county, and no mis-.
take! lie has turned John Mynatt out
Of the post office at Church Grove, and
given the appointment to q Locofoco
some five miles distant, and within
three miles of another Office! This was
paying that neighborhood up for it's po-
lit;cal perfdy. The vote was 1914 A
mericans to 81 Democrats. lie has
also taken the Office from an American
at Woodburn, Knox county, and given
it to Locofoco in Union county. That
district was also guilty of voting two
or three to one against Democracy
And those rebellious people did the
same when Old Aaron was a candidate
for Governor! Last, but not least, he
has taken the office from competent
man in Maynardsvillc, and given it to
Locofoco residing two miles IN the
country, requiring the clerks, sheriffs,
and others, to go to the country for
their letters and papers!'