davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

FOREIGN OPINIoNs--We have been hand
GUS sheet published in Galloway, Sdotlanl.
which contains a lengthy article on the in
situations of Yankeedom, in some Of it. as
sertions quite correct, but in the main as
cross grained and erroneous as are the usu-
al conclusions of our benighted trans Allan
tic brethren The Advertiser INDUCES in
most innocent and diverting Highland duiS
at our democratic style of elections. and con-
graduates itself and readers on the model
institutions of merry England.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14
Virginia Democracy.

Col. Watkins, Member of the Assembly
Calaveras County, was a member of the
Virginia Legislature for twenty one years.
He was elected to the Cal. Legislature of 1856
as an independent candidate from Alameda
County, and during that session claimed to
Gus, and by refusing to unite upon anybody
but Senator Gwin, assisted in preventing an
election. The Record objected to his ad-
mission into the Democratic caucus at that
time, but he was vouched for as Democrat
of long standing who would be governed by
the usages of the party, by the Times and
Transcript, Edited by B. F. Washington,
Esq, Virginia gentleman whose democracy
no one doubts, and he was taken into full
communion. He was elerted Member of
the present Legislature by the Democracy
of Calaveras County, and We find him bolt
ing the Democratic caucus, and refusing to
vote for its nominee His course shows that
he is willing to be governed by the usages
of the party, when his candidates can be
benefited by his doing so, and unwilling to
be so governed when the majority are op-
posed to him. Although he has thus proved
himself bad party man, and one who is
DESTROYS to ruin when he cannot rule the
party. he exhibits desire to economic the
affairs of State, and brings into the body of
which he is a member, vast legislative ex
perience Was Col Watkins firmly connec-
ted with the Democratic party, his talent
and experience would enable him TO accom-
plish much for the benefit of the State, and
his constituents, which his present Guerilla
mode of warfare renders him incapable of
offecting His political course has the eff
feet of neutralizing his influence.
We beg pardon of Col. Watkins for men
tionng our County Judge in the same arti-
Gle with himself; but the Judge also halls
from Virginia. and is firm adherent to the
chivalry! He has been elected to various
positions by the Democracy of Butte. The
position he now occupies was given him by
the Democratic party in this county, and
yet he spreads upon the records of his courts
his orders commanding the patronage of the
pc sition he occupies, to be given to the OPP
ponents of the party that elected him, thus
maintaining an organization whose aim and
object is to crush the Democracy. While
the Republican organs are dying like sheep
with the bloody murrain, this Democratic,
Virginia Judge is sustaining their organ
here, and using his endeavors to crush out
the party to whom he is indebted for the
position he occupies. The treachery of
Judge Lewis, however, begets only contempt
and loathing from his former political asso-
ciates Is such Virginia Democracy trans
planted in California
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

CHINESE SUGAR CANE.-The Washington
correspondent Of the New York Times says
the Commissioner Of Patents is now sending
to the State Agricultural Societies parcel
of Chinese Sugar Cane seed, raised under
the direct supervision of the Patent ofice,
sufficient to plant sixteen acres, with view
of extending the culture Of this plant 1t
has since its introduction into this country,
proved itself well adapted to our geographi-
cal range of Indian Corn. l. is easy Of cul-
ture, being similar to that of maize or broom
corn, but will prosper in a much poorer soil.
A correspondent, writing to the Commits
sioner, speaks OF the extraordinary rich
mes and delicious favor of the milk of COWS
which had been fed on that description Of
food. Several gentlemen have likewise re-
Gently acquainted the Office with the fact Of
the success Of the lieorice plant, which is
hardly as far north as Connecticut. 1t is
employed not only for medicinal purposes.
but they say it is an important element in
preparing the best ale and porter.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

Hon. STEPHEN A DoUGLAss-In 1898,
says the Clevelander, after long and Sc
we're spell of sickness, Stephen A Douglass
left Clevela nd on Canal Boat, in search Of
a home and fame and fortune. He was then
young and poor, and unknown Twenty
three years had passed away, and he 10
turns to the same City with a Worldwide
reputation, an abundance Of wealth and is
received by the roar Of cannon and the loud
huzzas Of his party. Energy and industry
Will DO much for man in this country.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

ANOTHER STEAMBOAT PRoTo>IrIoy--W
were shown last night a document Drawn up
in the shape of contract between Henry
Felker and-those who choose to sign it
wherein Felker contracts to build steam
boat which he agrees shall arrive here by
the 10th Of April next, and also binds him
self to make the river navigabie during all
seasons Of the year; in consideration Of the
faithful ful6llment Of which propositions
those who sign the same. bind themselves TO
patronize his boat to the exclusion Of all
others In furtherenee Of the enterprise.
section is added as a subscription To raise
funds toward prosecuting the project Of
clearing the river. This proposition looks
ike . very practicable one. and seems to
meet with considerable encouragement At
the hands Of some Of our most euterprisiug
citizens.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

PERsoNAL.-Our eyesight and our other
senses were gladdened yesterday by the
presence of our quondam friend and pitcher.
Ned Burrows, who whilom, was mine host of
that ancient abode for the weary and store
house for trunks, the National, at Bidwelrs
Bar. The bracing breezes of Yerba Buena
seem to have lent health and good spirits to
our Ned, and made him handsomer than
ever. May his shadow maintain its present
proportions for unlimited period Of time.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

willing accomplices had gained triumph
They owned the ferry that had its location
in placidity, and as was very natural and
kindly, they wished to relieve poor Savage
from such tiresome labor as would be at
tached to running the ferry he desired to
establish, and interposed their gentle re-
monstrances against his being allowed a
license therefor, and knowing them to be
men of judgment and Of ,corth, the powers
that we're gave heed unto their voice and
consulting one with another said cit is not
meet that this rude Savage sail boat as he
desires-'tis dangerous, both to him and
these his friends, for verify they say as
much; and verify theJ are honorable men"
And Savage went his way and waxed wroth
and sorrowing, said "GUd save me from my
friends But Joe the Judge, and j oe the
descendant of Moses, and Bob, and George,
were pleased, and chuckled to themselves,
and the Jurist laid him down in quiet rest,
and dreamed as we have sung
We have caused another constellation of
stars to arise, ill-omened as they are, ami
like the others indicate lapse of time, and
a change in the spirit of our dream.
Perhaps we have omitted too much, and
should have filled certain spheres that have
been otherwise occupied by asterisks with
other and more tangible matter and in jus
tice to the title of our story, we will retrace
our steps and with the patient reader, stand
in Bidwell On the Bridge of Size.
Pack trains. plodding footmen, and rum
bling cars had rown more numerous as
passengers through Bidwell, and by their
frequency of passing to and fro had worn
upon the boat that stood in the tranquility
of the 90 Child of eternal snow and by the
same token, had suggested to our Judge and
those of his clan, the requirements of the
public veal, and straightway they did plan
n bridge and hired man to build it. The
bride was made, and this it is we've named
the Bridge CT Size, and it forsooth did render
yet more perilous the navigation of the
stream on which our Savage had tried to
move awhile upon his voyage of life. Pack
trains and ploddng footmen and rumbling
cars still wendell their way across the Bid
well ferry, and yet the Bridge of Size was
built-but thereby hangs a tale
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14
CHAPTER. Y.
Savage and Joe both made a race.
And proudly scorned to white;
And Savage run his swiftest pace,
But couldn't make the rifle.

And Savage run his swiftest pace,
But couldn't make the rifle.
Perhaps the narration of events which is
to follow, will be regarded as superfuous,
the description contained in the above poesy
being briefly true history of the entire
transaction; but in justice to the subject VIC
will proceed to be more minute, and lay the
details os the controversy between the
Bridge Of Size as represented in the Judicial
Joe, and Savage and the Ophirites, as per-
sonated by their proctor.
As we have heretofore remarked, the pow
ers had convened to perform their various
functions-to heal the sick aud fill up ruts
and holes upon the road, and mend their
own and the county's ways, and listen to the
voice of lawyers.
The sick had been provided for, the holes
and ruts had been filled up. with wheels
highways had been been adjusted all but
one-and the voice of lawyers had been heard
all but two,-when the gathering hosts
on either side the Bridge, told of the near
approach of battle, the end of which was to
decide tbs fate Of Savage. First and fore
most in the fight, clothed in panoply of
brass, and supported and stimulated By a
draft from the hands of John the chain
bearer, came the undaunted Joe, pale with
excitement. Next came the Savage hosts,
who, eager for the fray, were marching on
as they supposed to victory but all unseen
and hid behind the Bridge lurked Joe and
his army.
BY the foregoing metaphor we intend to
convey to the reader an idea of the way
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

stir up the placid waters near the Bridge of
Size, and possibly capsize the structure it.
self But the fearless Joe saw nothing in
the gathering clouds but ''wind;' yet, like
a careful navigator, Laid his ropes in readiness
to avert whatever danger might be pending,
and, mastering hi. minions, babe them be
be prepared to meet the blast. He took the
helm in hand, and with his eye upon the
compass of honest John the chain bearer,
stood up to battle with the elements.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

THE SRIRITUALIsr."-L. W. Ransom.
formerly proprietor of ths Marysville Her
aid. has caused to be published in that pa
per, prospectus of weekly journal which
he intends to issue shortly, to be devoted.
as its name indicates, to the cause of spirit
ualism- In the announcement is set forth
the object of the work, and the truth and
Importance Of the doctrines it is to advo
cate. The proprietor also intimates that
he shall ''play upon harp of a thousand
strings, spirits of just mcu made perfect
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

c. E. BINGHAM.-We learn by the San
Francisco papers that this pioneer Of the
stage in California, arrived in that city By
the Sierra Nevada, Mr.. Bingham has been
for some time past in Nicaragua with Gen.
Walker. We have seen many better actors
than Ned, but few warmer hearted or moro
generous men, and while wishing him a
speedy restoration Of health, bid him well
'one back again to the land Of his former
.abors.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

McDERMoTr lied. "A grand combat
came off at San Francisco day or two since
between a man who kept grocery and also
sold vegetables. and some Dutch women who
tcould sell the same in front of his doors -
The shop man upset their stands. and they
n return, poured fire of vegetables in up
. him with such fury that the sun was
a" 'ard, and then stormed the store and
/ IT. Grocery gave it up and fed
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

REBUnDING-The Iowa Hill Mars con
tains a list Of ille losses at the late hre ih
that place. It's enterprising inhabitants are
again rebuilding on the ruins OF tnoir de-
molished buildings, and the prospects lndi-
cate speedy restoration of the towh Inc
main street has been laid out twenty feet
wider than before the FIRE The enterprise
Of the Iowa Hill folks is in keeping with eE'
erything Californian.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14
TO THE DAILY BUTTE REG
BY the Orc Telegraph Line

SAN Francisco, Feb. 18th e.
Fred Cohen, (brother of A. A. Cohen\ and
Thomas S. King, editor of the Bulletin, had
a street encourttre last night,
Cohen assaulted King with loaded cane
with which he struck him two or three
times, when King drew Deringer and shot
Cohen, the ball striking his chin, but doing
no serinus damage.
FURTHER PARTICULARS.
San Francisco, 9P. NJ.
The meeting took place on Washington
street, near Dupont. As near as l have
been able to get the facts Of the case they
are abont as follows:
Cohen met King and asked him why he
had dared to mention his name in his DIS
gushing sheet. and at the same time struck
King severe blow ON the back of the neck.
with heavy cane which felled MIN to his
knees. and was about to strike a second
time, when King drew from his pocket
Derringer pistol and fired
After he had discharged his pistol be com;
menced re:reating, when Cohen clinchei
him around the waist, and in the struggle
King fell into the cellarway of Mr.. OMeras
house
Both were taken to the Station House
After hearing the circumstances as related
by those who witnessed the rencounter, Mr.
King was set at liberty and Mr.. Cohen held
to bail in the sum of $1,000, for his appear
ance before the police Judge.
The ball struck Cohen little below the
chin and passed out near the socket of the
jaw bone The wound is not considered
dangerous. The only injury sustained by
King was from the blow on the back part Of
the neck 1t is somewhat painful but not
dangerous. Cohen asserted that he was shot
before he struck King,
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

A STATE PoLcE.-There is a bill before
the Assembly to create a State Police Force.
for the arrest of criminals rnd fu-itives
from Justice. 1t is designed to operate
against the numerous organized bands Of
robbers now infesting the State.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14
The END OF VOLUME I.
LEG1sL the Assembly Oh e

LEGIsLATIvE.-In the Assembly Oh Tues
day, resolution appointing committee to
prepare articles of, and conduct the i'm
parchment of the State Treasurer, was
passed by a unanimous vote. Another COM
mittee was also appointed to proceed to the
Senate, and at the bar of that body solemnly
impeach the Treasurer, and demand that
the Senate take order for his appearance bo-
fore them to answer the charges. A COM
munication was received from the Treasurer
which seemed to be regarded by the Assem-
bly, as discourteous. The law providing for
the appointment of a person to fill the Office
of any State officer who may be impeaehed,
was approved by the Governor. A tele-
graphic despatch in the Marysville Express
of Thursday morning, announces that Dr.
Bates has resigned. and that the Governor
has appointed James l.. English, of Saera-
mento, to fill his place. We fancy the letter
CT DR.. Bates 10 be just such one rs an in
nocent man, who felt himself pushed by cir
cumstances to the wall, would write. In
this we may be mistaken, but we venture
to give our impressions. nevertheless. The
lact OF MS having palu out the ETA ,0OO
without authority. is doubtless, sufficient
grounds for Lis impeachment. The State
Controller having declined to make any
statement at present to the Assembly, notice
was given that resolution would be intro
duced on Wednesday, having in view his i'm
parchment The bill providing for q reno
val of the county seat Of Ell Dorado from
Coloma to Placerville, was orderrd en-
crossed. Mr.. Morrison INTRODUCED bill to
incorporate the town of Oroville. Mr.
Long gave notice of a bill relative to the
election of the Board of Supervisors in Butte
county. and fixing their term of Office An
act was passed compromising Richard Cole
for translating Ger tain laws into the Chi
nese language.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

The stars which intervene betwixt this
and the line above it, are to indicate lapse
of years, or months, or days, as the reader
may choose to fancy; and they also leave us
an excellent opportunity to introduce yet
another individual to the notice of the rea-
der; one whom from peculiar inheritance
is known as n Sauage, although a christian
and free white male citizens of the United
States, and one who has g done the State
some service both on the sea and on the
land, having ct different periods of his life
slushed the rigging of Uncle Samuel's ves-
sells of war in the capacity of a she'll back,
and cleaned that very good natured, and
greatly imposed- relatives muskets, as
high private in the land service. This Sar-
age in times when the deluded dwelers at
Bidwell's were wont to decorate and adorn
their places of abode, found occasional en-
the spreading on thereof, whenever the
whims or necessities of his patrons suggest
ed, and othe, wise kept himself beyond the
reach of scandal and and out of Incidence,
until one l-omened day he conceived the
;dea Of a partial return to life on the wa
ter, and TO be as maratime in his pursuits as
the nature of his inland abode would permit,
he essayed to establish ferry at location
on the branch of the Rio de las Plumas
about mile and half below the one of
which the gifted writer sang, as being the
location of beautiful placidity.
Little did that untutored Savage imagine
the wonderful rumpus, and fearful agitation
this apparently unimportant idea of his
would at no very distant day kick up. Lit
tie did he dream of the wonderful manoever-
ings and deep cogitations, the midnight oil
and the learned arguments that his little
plans for future store of earthly comforts
would bring into play. The humble aspirant
to the position of the &C man who keeps the
ferry" in his ignorance of county Supervi-
sion and official power didn't forsee the mo-
mentous interest his calculations were going
to generate. To use vulgarism, she hadn't
his eye teeth cut but that unpleasant and
costly dental operation was finally performed
upon him, as the sequel will demonstrate.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

THE STATE CONTROLLER Casa COM
mittee consisting of Messrs. Brent, Watkins,
Burch, Patrick and Hume, who were ap-
pointed to investigate the charges brought
against G W Whitman, State Con-
troller, made their report Oh Wednesday,
which concludes as follows:
la conclusion, your committee unanimous
~ report that G. ". Whitman, Controller of
STATE. has wilfully violated the spirit and
letter of the Act for the better protection of
the state Treasury, approved April 10th.
1850 ia refusing proper information to the
Board of Examiners, whereby the duties
thereof could be discharged, and drawing
warrants on the State Treasury without the
previous approval Of said Board, and that
IN virtue of said actings and doing. the said
@. W Whitman, Controller, has been guilty
OF mislemeauor in Office according to the
tenor and effect Of Section 18th of an act en-
titled nm act concerning the Office of Con-
troller, passed January 10. 1856.
All OF which is respectfully submitted.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

li%,.. Henry Brown. an omnibus
cti,,r. xai IS for an assault on a
l.. ID s,t!i L.. ~, e. San Francisco.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14

A MYSTERIOUS MURDER.-The Sacrament
to Ca'on of Wednesday, gives the particu-
lars If thc discovery of the body of muir
irrcl man on the Auburn road, about six
miles from Sacramento The body was dis
covered by a man named Oakly while hunt
.nr clttie. The body was found lying on its
fare with two bullet holes through the head,
which from appearances. were made by shot
from behind him. From the number and
-itultou of the fyot-tracks, it is thought
that the licensed was assaulted by two per-
sons. and was sho. while trying to escape
The murlerers had searched their victim,
proving Thar their object was gain At a
earoner's inquest IL was determined that the
mans name was Farr. who sometime previ-
Gus had been arrested in Sacramento on a
charge of assault with intent to kill and af-
forwards sentenced to the prison brig
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14
THE BRIDGE OF SIZE.
TALE,
Founded on Mdisputable Facts.
CHAPTER L.
A TALE,

CHAPTER 1.
As decayed monument of the uncertain
location of shire towns, there stands upon
the ragged and jagged banks of a branch OF
Feather river within the limits of Butte
county, and Immediately under the juris-
diction of that county's Judge, a drear and
desolate hamlet that was not entirely IN
known in years agone as Bidwell's Bar,
wherein not only the members of the bar
aforesaid, but of sundry and various other
bars once did exc out scanty and melan.
cholly subsistence. As is before mentioned,
few dilapidated remains of Bidwell's Bar
still are visible upon the bank of tributary
of Feather River, whereof the bard hath
said:
''South Fork child of eternal snow!
So placid near the Ferry Z"
And on the piece Of lumber that consti-
suites the ferry alluded to, we viii in good
time embark upon the broad sea of our mar
rative.
We will not tax the reader to encounter
the tolls and incidents to a journey through
the defle that leads to the deserted village
of which we have just taken precursory
glance, nor urge his living with us on the
scanty provender therein usually provided.
nor will we insist upon OBTAINING him, ex-
posed to its intense heat of summer Or its
credit system in winter, but introduce him
at once to the heroes of our story. Their
names are severally, Bob, and George, and
Joe,-of which latter cognomen there are
two,-one Judge, and the other descen-
dant of Moses, all of whom, together with
one or two unwilling acoomplices, are
formed into a company of pawn brokers,
general usurers, etc, whose purpose and
intent it is to inveighle unwary county Off
GERS wi thin their grasp, and use them as cir
eumstances may suggest. The t'king dog OF
the lanyard so to speak, of this associa-
ton, is he of the ermine, the Joe above allu-
ded to, and of him more particularly shall
we speak in future.
Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1857-02-14
CHAPTER III.
The wire suspended Bridge of Size

Hangs DER the wide and widening stream,
= Whose ebbing waters sink and rise,
Un-navigated yet by steam
So placid near the ferry.
Airy and light, and Oh above the flood
it spans, hangs our famous bridge, and