davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

KANSAS FRER-STATK CONVENTION st
Louis, March %. The Topeka correspon-
dent Of the Democrat says the Kanzas Free
State Convention was in session at that place
on the 10th and 18th inst, G. F. Currier
presiding. The committee on the platform
reported series of resolutions, stating
that the people of the Territory cannot par
ticipate in the election called under the
pro,slavsry constitutional convention Act,
without compromising their rights as Amer
lean citizens and jeopardising the public
peace that the. Topeka Constitution is still
the choice of the majority of the citizens of
the Territory and they urge upon Con-
gress the immediate admission of kanzas as
u State, under that Constitution that
peaceful relations between all its citizens
are regarded as indispensable to the welfare
of the people of the Territory, and they ur-
gently appeal to all men to submit all diff
ferences of opinion, growing out of the
question of its domestic institutions. to the
ballot box, provided that any attempt to
abridge or impair the freedom of speech, or
of the ballot box, shall be held as just cause
for the departure from this policy that no
tests shall be made for membership Of the
free-stste party, save the exclusion of sla-
very from Kansas and, finally, that they
are inaexibly determined to abide by the
principles of equality and squatter sover-
eighty, as enunciated in the Kanzas- Nebras-
ka bill.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27
rr.m N. nr..uen-r. rhmn-.-

From the Brt,uehYrU Phuuis.
ANTIQUE FEsTiyAL.-The members of Rev.
D. W. c. lluntington's Society (Methodist)
held their Festival at the Town Hall, on
Thursday evening of last week. 1t was
in most respects happy representation OF
oden time-days that are halowed in the
memories Of the middle aged by their genu-
inc and hearty, though home-bred hospital
ity, The table was loaded to REPETITION
with billed vittlcs' served on pewter plat
tiers, tin pans filled with baked beans
New England characteristic dish.-wood.
en- trays of hulled corn, plates of overgrown
doughnuts, and other like edibles that would
give the dyspeptic stomachs of this age many
a titful twinge.
Conspicuous among the souvenirs OF
other days, were the cards, distatf and spin
ning-wheel Of our grand-mothers, and the
flaxbreak and swingleboard of our paternnl
ancestors. These implements were piled
by men and women dressed in style cor
responding with the fashions Of the age when
such now questionable implements were
in good repute The cooked hat and small
clothes of the men, and the absence of ex
panding skirts, hoops and crinolne, in the
garments of the woman, carried us back to
the age represented by the boyhood of the
oldest inhabitants. AT that time young
ladies were not known the place these
dear creatures now occupy in society was
filled by class of strong sensible young
women altogether unlike the lilies OF the
valley inasmuch us they toiled, ard spun
other fabrics than street yarn.
The exercises were enlvened with sweet
strains from the Brattlehoro Cornet Band
and made cheerful by the singing of old
fugues in the dolorous and nasal style OF
the Puritanical school old Mr.. Nichols,
an octogennrian, drew the bow across the
same fiddle he used sixty years since in
inspiring the heels of the lads and lasses
in the stately minuet. the laborious contra
dance, or the rollcking break down. Bob, =
as a colored gentleman of the old school
acted as master of ceremonies and very
sensible, aristocratic Niger, one duly i'm
pressed with the importance of maintain
ing an unsullied reputation such as became
a niger that never degenerated to the level
of white folks, he made.
The whole affair was very pleasant We
learn that about $50 was realized
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

NIcARAGrA.-T New York papers con-
tinue to give column after column of con-
fused and contradictory accounts of the
movements and condition of Walker. That
Walker is in tight spot that his follow
ers are drunken and badly Differed crew,
and that his new ally, the distinguished
member of the self styled Democratic party,
Col. Titus, whilom of Kansas, has proved
himself coward us well as a bully and fool,
appear to be undsputed facts. The fol-
lowing is condensation Of Titus part Of
the history
The failure of Col. Lockridges attempt
upon Castillo was owing to the cowardice
Of Col. Titus, the Kansas rufhan, who led
the attacking party. While Titus was be-
sieging Castillo he held parley with the
enemy who agreed to surrender provided
he would permit messenger to pass his
lines to inform Gen. Mora. lie agreed to
this. but the next day was attacked by n
large force under Mora. and driven back
with loss, himself leading the race. Titus,
with other officers, went down the river in
the boat was seized by an English officer,
who offered protection to any one who offer
ed to leave Walkers service. Titus used
insulting language to the officer and was
seized and carried on board the English
frigate Cossack, but was subsequently re-
leased. The British steamer Clyde arrived
at Aspnwall from Greytown had 80 deser-
tiers from Walker.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

TIE CONCERT AND TABLrAuI, at the Town
Hall, Tuesday eve, passed of with great sue
cess. In spite of the unpleasantnsss of the
evening every available seat was occupied
before the time for commencing, and many
we learn left the doors from inability to
obtain seats. The stage was enlarged and
draped with several large American flags,
row of gas foot lights were arranged in
front drop curtain was sxtemporized,
which was raised and lowered by two pref
ty misses, and the arrangements generally
were excellent. The tablsaux exhibited
were as follows "Pochahontas :" "Antony
and Cleopatra :" december and May !"
The "Magic Wand; !" Taking the cue !"
"a Turkish Scene !" Scene from Hamlet :
ION the Fence" Morning and Night, 2
scenes; The Card Players; Uncle Toby and
Widow Wadman'; 'Othello and Dssdemona;
Greek Scene, from the Corsair Signing of
the Magma Charta Tanning of the Shrew {;
and as grand patriotic finale, the Star
Spangled Banner.
The variety, 1t will be noticed, was great
and all were admirably got up. The cos
tunes were rich, the attitudes well taken,
and many of the scenes were strikingly
beautiful We shall not attempt to par
ticuarse. All pleased all. The prompt
ness with which the several pieces were pro.
duced was especially commendable. A
varied selection of glees, choruses, and songs
under the direction of w w Partridge sung
in full fancy costumes, and of lively pieces
by the Burlington cornet and string band
the latter led by Mr.. Crossman's skilful
voin-alternated with the Tableaux, with
pleasing effect. Several pieces were encored
and the most unmistakable marks of graf
ifcation were freely bestowed by the audi
ence throughout the evening
All agree that the tableaux were by fal
the most elaborate and effective ones, tina
were ever exhibited in Burlington, anc
that unqualified credit is due the ladies ant
gentlemen who have devoted 80 much time
nd labor to the affair. The public are in
debtcd to them for q treat and the Widow
and orphans for much needed aid.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

LATEST FROM KANsAs.-A despatch from
St, Louis, March 23d says - In compli-
ance with resolution passed by the Topeka
Convention, Mr., Robinson withdrew his re-
signation of the Governorship OF the State
of Kansas, and declared his adhesion to the
Topeka Constitution, A Committee was
appointed to frame a petition, asking the
President to hold the lands Of the Territory
subject to presumption for two years from
the present time. The Convention was the
largest ever held in Kansas, and the pro-
ceedings were of very enthusiastic char
acter,'
The correspondent Of the Commercial
Advertiser SAYS, persons who have accom-
panied Gov. Geary to this city, state very
freely their opinion that civil war will
take place there within 80 days, if the Gov
eminent takes part with the Border Ru iian
party.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

ADVANTAGE OF HAVING THREE WIVES
John S. Sprague has escaped punishment,
at Portland, Me, by being proved more
guilty than he was charged with in the IN
dictment. lie was tried by the supreme
court for bigamy, last week. and the fact
of his having had two wives was clearly es-
tablshed, when his council introduced
evidence to prove that he already had one
wife when married to the other two, in fact
that he had three wives at once and as the
indictment was based upon the assumption
that the second marriage was the first and
legal marriage, it was contended that as to
the last marriages considered by themselves,
no bigamy was committed because Sprague
was the legal husband of neither. The
Judge sustained this position, the case was
mol proS'd, and the man who was charged
with having two wives got clear by proving
that he had three Great and wonderful is
the law
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

New HAMPSHIRE ElECTIoN-Ihe Concord
Patriot (Democratic} has returns from all
but four towns, which foot up as follows ::
Halle, Republican, 34,75S; Wells, Demo
crat, 81, 357; scattering 233. Hale's ma
jority over Wells 3405, over all 3l42 -
Returns from all but three towns, accord
to the Patriot. elect $50 Republican and
1877 Democratic Representatives-Rep
can majority g. The Senate stands Re-
publcans to Democrats, the Council 4
Republicans to Democrat The Republi-
can majorlties for Representa- tives to Con-
gress vary from 1000 to 1900, Messrs
Tappan. Cragin and Pike being reelected
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

INT RAT POISONING ArTAlR.-It is stated
that the singular illness at the National
Hotel, which has afflicted nearly every guest
OF the house for two months, has been pro-
nounced an epidemic by the Medical Board
of the city. 1t is presumed that it
will be closed. The Washington correspon-
dent of the New York Times pronounces the
poisoned rat story pure fiction, got up by
a discharged waiter He afirms that the
whole cause of the sickness is the defective
sewerage. The propretors are suffering
severely, as their Hotel is almost completely
deserted, Another correspondent says -
" Washington was never healthier than at
this time. Though if pestilcnce were
raging there would be no lack of strangers
in the capital, because the hope of Office Is
stronger than the fear of death"
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

LIE SHahatIE EN- VI THE ONlIED
STATES SUPREME CouRr.-The following ta-
BILE of the white population residing in each
circuit of the United States Supreme Court
together with the number Of Representa-
tives to Congress from each, shows the sec
tional character of that tribunal
White No.
population Reps.
LIST Circuit-Maine, New Hampshire
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 2,02s ,j9i %
ID Circuit-Vermont, Connecticut,
New York, S,T24,s2G 40
Sd Circuit-New Jersey. Peunsyl-
vania, 2.723,GC9 80
ath Circuit--Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, l,3s3,ll2 20
oth Circuit-Alabama, Louisiana, GS2,OO5 II
9Th Circuit-North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia, l,s9l,le3 90
7th Circuit-Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Michigan. 4,l7s ,3o9 As
Sth Circuit-kentueky, Tennessee,
Missouri, 2,llO,253 Is
9Th Circuit-Missssppi. Arkansas, 457,9O7 :
Thus, according to the dictum of the
Court, as recently announced by the Chief
Justice, ~ $40 ,49S ." citizens = are repre-
scented by four judges, while G OPS ,240, not
quite half that number, have not less than
five. A new apportionment of judicial
circuits is needed to correct this palpable
injustice. If the court had been properly
constituted at the hearing of the argu-
ments in the bred Scott case, it is probable
that its record would never have been rem
dered by a majority of its justices
The inequality and injustice above noticed
will appear still more striking by compar-
ing the different circuits in regard to the
amount of business which they severally
furnish. The commercial business of the
country-comprising by far the largest part
of the business before the L. s. Courts is
chiefly in the first three circuits Probably
the % Circuit alone has more business be.
fore the court than the 4th, 5th, 9th, sth
and 9Th taken together. 1t lies wholly in
the discretion of Congress to determine the
number Of circuits and their extent. The
constitution says " The judicial power of
the United States, shall be vested in one
Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts
as the Congress may from time to time or
dain and establish" Congress can at pleas
ure modify the courts and vary the number
of Judges.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27
From the Providence Journal !.

The Journal Of Commerce informs us
that IN 81 Northern colleges, there have
been ISL religious conversions, and in IL
Southern colleges there have been 249, all
of which that pious sheet thinks is owing to
the blessed influence of slavery in the South
and to the wicked preaching of freedom in
the North. There are so many kinda OF re-
ligion now that the total of the conversions,
unless classified, do not give sufficient evil
dsnce of the net amount of piety. We
should think that one genuine Yankee con.
version, for instance, was fully equal to ten
brought up to the Journal of Commerce
standard, which only reaches to the point
of 'slaves obey your masters, and to the
doctrine of the return of Onesimus.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27
From the Watchman.
The State HOnso.

APPOINTMENTS BY THE GovERNoR.-Geo.
P. Marsh, of Burlington, Norman Will
liams of Woodstock, John Porter of Hart
ford, Commissioners under the act for re-
building the STATE House. Thos. Z. Pow
ers of Woodstock, Superintendent
We learn that a commissionership was
rendered to Hon. Erastus Fairbanks Of St.
Johnsbury, which he declined.
The Commissioners have had meeting
tbs probable that the original plan of the
walls will be preserved, with an enlarge
ment of the centre and wings,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27
The Decision.The Resuit.The Remedy.

hc Dechlousi he Resultsl ne NtHeuy'
Gen. James Watson Webb writes from
Washington to the N. Y Courier and En-
quirer long letter on the recent decision
Of the Supreme Court We extract two
pithy paragraphs
The only decision in the DRrD ScoTT case,
is, that one drop of African blood in the
veins Of any human being, disqualfes him
and his descendants forever, from being a
citizen of the United States and to this
decision the people will bow submissively,
until such time 40 they can change the
character Of the Court by the election of q
succession of Presidents pledged to purify
it from its time-serving and party mem
bers. That agitation will necessarily fol-
low, no man in his senses can doubt ; but
this is no fault of ours. 1t was the South
who revived Slavery agitation in 1854, and
thus made the late Presidential election
sectional and it is the South which has
thrown this frebrand into the political
arena OF this time.
cannot doubt but the result Of the ex-
citement and agitation growing out of this
foolish act OF usurpation, will be most
beneficial to the country at large. 1t will at
once band together the entire conservative
element OF the country and render the he
publican Party more essentially Ndtiondl
than any other party ever has been. And
this nationality will not only give us sue
cess in 1860, but it will ensure success in
every succeeding Presidential election, un.
til the Supreme Court Bench shall hayC
been thoroughly purified. In truth that
great and necessary work can be accom-
plished in 1861, if the people viii but sc
! decree. United and concerted action in ev
cry town, county and State in the Union
from this time forth, will, beyond all ques
ton, give us the President, and both bran
ches Of Congress in 1860 and consequent
ly, the Congress which assemblies in 1861
will only be required to increase the Judi
cial Districts and the Judiciary from nint
to fifteen, to vindicate the Constitution
from the late ruthless assault of thost
whose special duty it was to guard anC
protect it.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

STATE AID FOR KANSAS Joint Com
mittee of the Massachusetts, Legislature
have reported resolves in lavor of State aid
to Kansas. They appropriate the sum Of
100000 to be expended, if necessary, for
the relief of such settlers in Kansas as are
or may hereafter be reduced to want by
ravages committed upon them in unlawful
attempts to exclude them from the territory
on account of their prediction for Free
State institutions The resolves make pro
vision for the appointment OF three com
missioners to dispense the bounty of the
State.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

Perforated lctter-stamps have been pre-
pared by the Postmaster General. They
have series IF small perioratons around
the edge, which render them separabe from
each other without the aid Of a cutting in
strument +; while the ragged edge left after
the separation, serves to msten tho
stamp more securely
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

The LUDLOW BLoTTER has foundered its
lateEditor says, "on the rock Bankruptcy"
RS. Warren says "Being appointed coroner
over the defunct Blouer, we beg leave to
report the following verdict
Came to its death by the violent hands
of the Sheriff, together with The inability
of the Printer, under the circumstances, to
keep the breath Of life in it..
The Sheriff has nabbed everything, made q
clean sweep of presses, paper, end fix
lures, even to our DeUii, who was sold with
the rest, for the enormous sum of five cents
per pound"
The aforesaid deri speaks of the matter
this way
=" The principal cause of the untimely
death of the Blotter, is because have de-
cided to leave town, The step has been
rendered necessary, on my part, by the fiat
refusal of +" Boss" to work for me any lon
ger Judging from recent developments,
Ludlow can rely on her own resources in
future, and not be under the necessity of
sending out of town for A DEVIL"
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

The MANCHESTER LADIES presented an ear
nest petition to the City Government of n.
H., few days ago, in which they set forth
" the fearful fact that more than three
fourths of the poverty ana crime in the
place is caused either directly or indirectly
by the use of intoxicating drinks" They
pray the Government to take measures to
suppress the illegal traffic of liquors in that
city, The petition is forty.fre feet long
and was sigued by Sl2Q ladies Of the place,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

The STATE HousK Commonwealth
Woodstock Standard states that Mr.. FAIR
banks has not Gas has been stately been
appointed one of the Commissioners under
the building act and that the report that
Mr.. Thos. W. Silloway, of Boston, has
been appointed architect, is also inbound
ed. Several architects have applied for the
job, but no decision has yet been arrived
ut -
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

Tue Mormon DEsPoTlsN.- is stated
that the administration will send new
governor to Utah, with sufficient military
force to cause its authority to be respected,
The administration has been forced to this
action by representations made by Z. S.
Judge Drummond of the territory. In
communication to the government. just re-
ceived, he makes these statements -
The leading men of the church are more
traitorous than ever. Only few days since
all the papers, records dockets, and nine
hundred volumes of the laws, were taken out
of the supreme court clerk office and burn
ed Ana this is not the only instance Of the
kind say to you again, and through you
to the president, it is impossible for US to
enforce the laws in this territory. Every
man here holds his life at the will of Brig
ham Young and here we are without pro-
lection. | am firmly Of opinion that Bah
bitt was murdered by Mormons under d.
rectlon of Brigham Young, and not by In
dams. Murder is common thing here !;
and Mormons cannot be punished with q
Mormon jury, witnesses, officers, and gov
ernor to pardon. 1t is too cruel. and must
not be endured A man mot member of the
church, is murdered, robbed, oastrated and
imprisoned, eoisiy CO.. 1s...;~~;-s 49, a.
thoritv of the church Persons are now
in the penitentiary, convicted before the
probate Judge, who are wholly innocent of
any crime. Is there any other country
where this abuse would be endured
Let all. then, take hold and crush out one
of the most reasonable organizations in
America.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

NKw YORK APPoINrMENTs.-lt 10 under
stood that the following appointments for
New York were made Wednesday, although
the official PRONUNCIATION has been withheld;
Collector-Augustus Schell ; Surveyor
Emanuel d. Hart Navy Agent-Geo' G.
Sanders Marshal-Capt. Isaiah Rynders,
Naval Oficer-Mr Birdsell.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

DEMocRArIc,-Among the appropriations
of the Civil List recently voted at W ashing-
ton, was one of an annual salary of $1,000
for a Steward, whose duty is "to have the
charge" of the silver plate and furniture in
President Buchanan's house
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

THROUGH THE IcE.-We learn that the
stage from Port Kent on Saturday afternoon
broke through the ice near Appletree
Point, and two horses, the property of the
proprietors, Messrs Rush & Lane, were
drowned, The two or three passengers on
board escaped unframed.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

Mr. E. W. CHASE, heretofore of Winooski
has decided, as our readers will observe
from his advertisement, to remove his sash
factory into the Pioneer Shop in this place
lie expects to be ready to fill orders in about
three weeks
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

The California ladies are setting an ex-
cellent example to the ladies at the East.
At Placeryille they have formed Calico
Society no lady is entitled to membership
unless she is willing to appear at church,
at balls, or on the street, in o calico dress.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1857-03-27

THE SENTINEL endeayors 10 avoid the
force Of our simple statement of facts by
stating that "the same hand still wields
the editorial pen, which welded it when the
present proprietors of the Free Press first
took possession on the South side of College
Street That may be 30 but what of 1t
we merely said that when Mr., SAKE had
charge of it's columns, the Sentinel was q
courteous paper, and that since its change
of editors, there had been an entire change
in that respect, When the change took
place we we did not say. We have not
thought OF such thing as crediting the
Sentinel with freedom from personalities
within year or two. We may remark
however, that we think the Sentinel, in its
present hands, changes for the worse in the
respect mentioned. Bad habits are apt to
strengthen with time.
The Sentinel owns up at last to the charge
of mistaking others property for its own,
but cries you're another" We beg leave
to correct the Sentinel The Watchman
never charged us with "garbling' its re-
ports. During the recent session, as in
previous sessions, we copied such portions
of the legislative journal as would be of
interest and value to our readers, and gave
the Waterman daily credit therelor The
Waterman suggested, Saying that it knew
we meant to do it no injustice) that our read
ers might think that the extracts we gave
were the complete report. And we prompt
ly explained, But the Sentinel takes out
right, and when asked to give credit, ridi-
cules the claim of the owner, calls the
sketches its own, and then pronounces them
carieatures, Return my jaek-kniie,"
said Dick =" won't" replied Tom The
knife is mine besides it Is spoiled and ]
want to use it myself