davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
:" On the i'cnce."

The court room of the little town of NJ was filled with citizens, eager to hear the evi- dence Tn case of trespass that had been brought against Uncle Zedeklah, as he was ia niliarly known, by an il-natured neighbor.- Several witnesses had been examined and now came the turn of d keenvisaged, tall young man, who was considered one of the hardest fellows to corner in the whole country:
 Are you familiar with the cattle of Uncle Zedckiah, as he is caled?-
 Wal, meow, am that" he replied "Yeou see, Squire, l hcv known them air cattle since they've been so high to 'nothin.'"
 What is their character for iumrino fences and trcspassing on other peoples pro, perty?"
 Their character, Squire, stands very high, in this air community. Yeou see, all them kcows hev been rig unkimmon we'll None on lem I'll go into field oness there be a gate open, or a low part to the fence-then they sorter jump it."
 " What would you call low part to a fence?"
 "Wal, you see there are two kinds of fences, Squre In this section; one kind is putty high say from three to five feet above the ground. The other kind is what l call sorter low; for instead of building up fence the fence Is dug inter the ground-sometimes hev seen this ere fence five feet lowi''
 Are these considered legal fences out where you reside?'' asked the Justice
 Wal, not exactly" he replied, musnglv, "though that depends on what side of the hole you throw the earth"
 How is that?"
 You see, our Squire has decided ef the dirt IS thrown on the side next the road, the fence IS onlegal, because the cattle then can hey a good chance to jump inter the field, which is lower down. And ef the dirt is thrown on the side next the field, Squire Slocome has decided as how the fence does not hold good in law, because it gives the cattle too much chance to jump out again."
 Why, sir, according to what you say, the fence Tn any event, would not be col sidered a lawful enclosure"
 "No! that's jist what told the Squire when he was making the decision Wal, then, says he, Jed, 'spose as now Isplit the difference, and decide that the dirt shall be thrown in the mid dle of the hole. Sez l, that's it, then they kin get neither in or out"
 E "Why that would make it level-tbe same as it was before you commenced digging"
 Wal, Squire, don't know whether it 'ud make it level or no; but I'm sartan that that's good law where live"
 "foue Justices knowledge in regard to fences must be exceedingly limited" NO, It amt, Squire, for he's had a great aeai of experience in that line I've known nm twenty years, and all the big politicians ever heard speak about Squire Slocome. hev sad they never knew Slocome to be any where sure, but on tue Jenceh' Fraacisco Mo,n;no Gull '''''''' '''"S
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
Railroad Meeting.

We learn through the columns of the Arkan. saw Traveller of the 12th inst, that there was to be railroad meeting at Philadelphia on Sat urday last, for the purpose of explaining to the citizens of Clark county, the situation and pros- poets of the CAIRO AND FULTON RAILROAD, and of giving them an opportunity to become stock- holders in the enterprise. Judge Cross was ex- pected to be present. The Traveller in clear and nasty glancc,' set fourth the prosperous condition and brilliant prospects of the com pany--irom the body of which exposition we clip the follwng response to an irrelevant, but oft-repeated inquiry:
 IL may De asked-"why is the Cairo and Fulton railroad company, asking for more stock. slnce they have this grant of ands?, In the hrst place, II we understand them aright, they wish, before closing their books and going abroad, to induce every citizen of Arkansas who Is aoia, to take stock. In the second place reason and railroad experience teaches that whenever you go abroad to borrow money to build railroad, capitalists prefer to know that the road IS popular al home. They must know. that the citizens aiong the line are Gin for it'' anu dlhiOts Iits1k lt suuuiu De built, and there is no better way of doing this than by putting your names upon the stock books, and subscrib. ngliberally. In truth 'ts the only way. This IS guarantee to them that the road will be omit 1t they lend the money; that the people Will throw no obstacles in the way.
 Let us, then, look at the contrast presented :. 1T dn SIX months, the citizens of few counties in eAaS ,s, subscribed near S1, 1,O0O, 900 to the Mem pms, El faso and Pacific railroad, and are still pushing on. Whereas, after several wears of exerIion, there is not more than e256 OO0 to the Calro and Fulton railroad We do not thins that the citizens along inc line of tb;s road are able Nf themselves to build it. but we twice or thrice they have already snhsor;hoJ Capitalists, nor, in fact, any one else, likes to help one who will not do himself: and wa sa'. it-and will risk our all upon it that if tbe citizens of Arkansas would come forward as they should, and subscribe to the amount ot SloOo,oOo, the road will be built, and tha speedily.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
The OIphan Boy.

A hstle boy, an orphan too, Whose finger ends wiih cold were blue, With pearly drops ill either eve Ready to start W hen pity nigh With tlmid steps approached door, Some scanty pIttance to implore, Whose brlzen knocker smoothe and bright Mocked all the efforts of the wight His little hands its place supplied, And open flew the portal wide; A clergyman of modern date, Less famed for kindness than estate, Now eyed the boy from top to toe, And listening to his tale of woe, Sad, tak ke this crust, 'tis mouldy too, But still, 'tis good enough for voul The boy received it with good grace. And turned about to quit the place Stop, said the priest, an orphan boy Should not pursue such bad employ: Answer me this, pray can you read? An. no, sir; 'tis a truth indeed. Not read! why then you cannot pray, I'll teach you; after me thus say: Our Father, who in Heaven art, "Our Father" touches his little heart. Is lie your father, then, and mine? Yes, said the reverend divine;
 God is the father of us all,
 Of rich and poor, of great and small. With feelings undisguised, the boy Summ'd mp the whole ln this reply: "We're brothers-let it not be said You ever gave me mouldy bread"
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
The Cairo and Fulton Railroad, Abr ad.

The Cairo and Fuiton Railroad, Abr ad.
 A prominent merchant of this place has very kindly submitted to our disposal d letter which he lately received from an intelligent gentleman of Philadelphia, who Is well known here, touch- ing the prospects and standing of the c. and F. road In that section of the Union. As we can- not publish the entire letter without garbling it, we will notice succinctly the principal items which 1t contains. The writer after touching upon the importance and magnitude of the en. terprlse, and the necessity of every citizen in the State taking stock, if only to the amount of one share, urges the policy of keeping the affairs of the company in reliable and tangi- ble shape, so that capitalists will readily and willingly negotiate when their aid is sought. We would remark that no misgivings exist in the minds of the people, as far as we know, in regard to the actions of the company. Having never been deceived, or made the victims of "wid-cat" speculators the company will go abroad with clean hands, attracting the overtures and enlisting the confidence of men of capital.
 The author of the letter before us. says that he has information from a source that cannot be doubted, that Messrs. Brown, Brother iG Co. have taken hold of the Texas branch of the Southern Pacific railroad and that the en- terprise is regarded with more than an ordinary degree of interest. The loans and grants made by that State to their company, in addi- ton to the almost unprecedented investment of stock along the line of the road, insures its rapid progress
 A powerful influence, says the writer, is at work to divert the Mississippi terminus of the Southern Pacific railroad to point near or op- posite Fcksburg, and if possible to blast the fair prospects of the Cairo and Fulton railroad. Let the people rise and proclaim their faith and friendship for the road by subscribing what stock may be necessary, and no such influence can ever impede the progress of the enterprise Such manifestation would give the company a standing al once, and enable it to issue con- vertibe bonds on the land, for the purpose of raising the money to built the road, without calling on the stockholders for more than small per cent. of their subscrptions
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
Death ot Hon ,rcston \. Brooks.

This gentleman died at his lodgings, Browns hotel, in this city, yesterday evening, shortly after dark. He had been sick of infammatorv sore throat for few days On the day before yesterday, (MOnday morning, he frs: dee med 1t advisable to call in resident medical advice his affection having become serious, though m to half an hour before his decease no apprehen Slons Of its fatal termination were entertained We learn. The immediate cause of his death was asudden attack of quincy or croup, incident to the affection under which he labored. About twenty minutes before the sad event took place powerful emetc was administered to him. which failed of any effect whatever. Drs Kid "ell' hall and Boyle were present, as we'll as some of his friends.
 Instantly after the sad event took place it was Known over the city, and the halls of the hotei were crowded with inquiring and sorrow stricken citizens and strangers. We never be- fore knew such an event to give rise to such widespread, real grief as was manifested in this community on that occasiou. No man ever in Congress has been more universallv and sincerely beloved here, for no other has boen an dowed with a nober nature or more Io,ohIo traits of character The heartfelt grief roa infested last night by so many men of au parties, of high intelligence, all of whom kne, him well personally, atfixes the stamp of false hood to the partisan islanders concerning him with which so large portion of the northern press has teemed, for political effect, for year past. If ever death touched the heart of this communitv-of all classes and parties congre- gated In the federal metropolis-it is in this case. That of Preston s. Brooks is mourned mourned, mourned.- Waslinqto1 Star.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
MT. Buchanan's Cabinet

The most fruitful topic of political dis cussion at present, is the subject of the cabinet to be formed by the approaching administration. Scarcely single prominent character in the grand retinue of our wisest and best statesmen has been suffered to "blush unseen" since the speculation upon this subject commenced. On several names many conjecturers, and those who "profess to know," have generally concen- trated. And so unanimous have been the opin- ions in regard to some of the appointments that they begin to assume the color of certainty. or of great probability. We are, however, of the opinion that the cabinet will not be better known than when directly announced to the world. To know who shall compose it, is not a common privilege of the American citizen, nor should his curiosity render him so inquisi- tive as to intrude upon the sanctity of the Pre- sident's confidence. The suggestion or re- commendation of one pre-eminently fitted for any one of the positions to be filled, is perhaps, right and proper But the friends of the go- vernment need have no fears upon this subject That Mir. Buchanan will adorn his cabinet with an embodiment of the wisdom and greatness of the nation cannot be questioned The ve- neraton and esteem which is entertained for his character, by every grade and description of politicians will preclude every idea that sell fish consideration will intrude itself into his mind, when he comes to exercise the preroga tive of choosing his constitutional advisers.
 In the selection of cabinet wisdom and experience, coupled with unquestonable integ- rlty are considered the peculiar requisites to choice. The successful warrior al one, though he lives " in the hearts of his countrvmen.n is justly regarded as secondarily entitled to the first place in the temple of constitutional and diplomatic learning. Indeed the highest grade ot military talent, however brilliant, is little thought of, except perhaps in the filling of but one seat in the Presidents cabinet Trace up the career of that individual who is suited to such position. Follow him from the spring. time of his youth to the summer of his man. hood and to the earl autumn of his years, and If it is found that the pure principles of our republican government have been closely ad- hered to, we can scarcely resist the conviction that his future course will be consistent with his past, and that with his matured abilities his firm integrity and his extended and enlghten- cd views as statesman, the particular depart ment over which he may be called to preside and counsel, will be ably administered.
 Such, we believe, will be the material which MT. Buchanan will present to the country in the formation of his cabinet.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
THREE GREAT SPEECHES KY

THREE GREAT SPEEcHEs-The Washinoton correspondent Of the Charleston Mercury. es. teens the speeches of Gen. Qutman of Miss ana of Messrs. Brooks and Keitt, of South Carolina, as the three great speeches of the soc sion, and suggests that they be printed togetbo, in pamphlet form. He says:
 They stood like three pillars sustaining each other and supporting a common truth. to which the southern mind is waking up. Going side oy side, or rather hand in hand, before the conn. ny the influence on the public mind would be more decisive They embrace evervthipo tha can or Is to be said on the slavery question ir us Poiitical relation to the Constitution. w, need such views before our people, and nacsd too, in the most imposing form. N p"'''
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

LIVING TO EAT.-The age of eating to live is passing away, and that of living to eat is about to begin. The Legislature of Missouri, partaking of this progressive spirit of the times, recently adjourned and went from Jefferson city to St. Louis, where the hospitable citizens spread before them banquet, which cost the trifiing sum of $5,o00 The Evening News, in descantng on the grandeur of the occasion, sums mp the "bill-o' fare" Qeaving out the wines and liquors) in the following strain
 Mountains of prairie chickens, avalanches of quails, oceans of fish, beds of oysters, for estS of venison, diversified by pyramids of vel low oranges heaps of red apples, and whole arctic region of frosted cake, frozen lemonade and other icy phenomena"
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

Gov CoNwAY's HEALrH.-The people of this State, and Gov. Conway's friends and ac- quantances generally, will be gratfed to learn that his health has much improved within the past month. It gives us pleasure to chronicle this intelligence, because the late Legislature of this State confding in the wisdom and in- tegrity of the Governor, entrusted to nim the execution of many important and laborous trusts, in the performance of which, his excel lency though yet in feeble health, bestows his undivided and constant attention. May he soon enjoy the strength and vgor of good health
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

A SINGLE lNsTANCE.--W hst returning from our former home in Hampstead county few days since-being overtaken by might've stopped at the beautiful town of Rockport in Hot Spring county, where we met with our UT. bane friend, Col. B. c. Harley, the present efhclent mail agent of this State. Through him and some citizens of the town, we learned that the post-office at that place was then seek- ing" an incumbent. We presume this is an in- stance of "the office seeking the man;"-though we have not learned whether the post office has yet found an incumbent or not; we hope however that some one of the self-sacriiicing and patriotic citizens will accept it.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
Ranking in Texas.

Messrs. R. and D. G. Mills have lately been tried in the district court of Galveston. upon an indictment for violating the law to suppress illegal banking The jury returned verdict ol guilty, and fine of one hundred thousand dollars. The charge of Judge Gray to the iu- " is published in the Galveston News and is clear and lucid charge. We will not pretend to discuss the correctness of the charge, but it does seem to us to be strictly in accordance with the intention of the law makers, and well calculated to suppress the evils designed to be remedied.
 ltis matter we'll known, we believe through out the State, that the Messrs. Mills have for several years past, circulated in Texas, large quantities of the bills of the Northern Bank of Mississippi under some arrangement with the bank The endorsement of R. & D. G Mills upon the bills, have been their passport to cir culation in this State, and without that endorse ment, they would be discarded The house of h. & D. G. Wills has, in e, cry practical sense of the term, been a branch of the Northern Bank of Mississippi
 If this system of agencies for the banks of other States, (and which seems to be extending, ) by which the paper of those banks is to be put In circulation amongst us, is not suppressed, it will not be long before we will be placed con- pletely under the control of money shavers. The bank notes thus put into circulation, will displace the like quantity of gold and silver, and the men who circulate the bank notes, will get the gold that is in circulation in the place of the bills issued by them. In short time we will have 10 circulation but the rag curren- cy of other States, which the men who first is- sued 1t, will not redeem at par, but will shave in the hands of those who may hold it. We may say more upon this subject here after It certainly demands public consdera- ton.--Austin (Zeras) Stote Gaadte, Jan. 24.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

A FLASH IN THE SocKET-The N. York Know Nothings have recently been holding a convention in Syracuse, under the preposterous notlon ot deciding upon plan of action for the future; as if they had any future but the rot tenness of the grave before them. A commit tee ot conference was appointed The "feel- lnS' was strong in favor of doing something. the flag of our country was unfured, and the American eagle spread his wings for another flight, and, says the account before us: "The attendance was smalln
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

GEORGE D. PRENTICE. Chicago cor respondent of the Louisville Courier in his cor respondent of the 24th ult says:
 George D. Prentice was here this week and lectured last Thursday night. He had fair audience whose expectations were wrought up to high pitch. much regret to say that they all went away awfHlly disappointed. His man ner was prosy, dull and wholly unsuited to the audience on the occasion, and his lecture rather the harangue of disappointed politician, than the production of a statesman or a scholar.n
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

kRFEcTLY lMPARTIAL.-Old Judge F. was ih some respects very remarkable ms lie was never known to speak well of anyb and never suffered any one to be praised j hearing without rebuking the eulogjst andy Ing some flaw in the character of the nersO
 losized-whether it were John Summerfs. George Washington. Yet the iudye .ba cold blooded, selfish, and ilIiberal in the
 treme, was reckoned man of sterlinO into. Tn all financial or other business matters
 TOT that reason, together with his undOu' good sense, enjoyed the confidence of the 5 munlty. He was for many wears judge of pate Tn his county, and filled the office O
 satisfaction of the public. "How does iis pen inquired one of his townsmen of ancs
 that such crabbed, ilI-natured old 2 makes n i,s such a popular judge of probaisF
 " n.y." replied the other, "it'. plain 2 enough-it Is owing to the justice of his ., sions. He can't help being pe,tectly imPs' tor he hates eusry boay just alihe!" The mark sounds like a joke, but it containsd real solution of the problem.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
Fulton and Fl Pa,o Rajtroad.

We are happy to learn that the call of per cent amounting to $7O0,0O0, is being satisfac- torily responded to. A grading contract for ten miles is about being let. out The en2i- neers are expected to have the line run as far as Paris by March next. In the spring, the Pre- sldent goes to the North to obtain the aid of northern capital We are glad to learn of the energy and activity of this company, which so far Ieaises the confidence of the community TeraS .Statc GuzeHe
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

DIAMOND CUT DIAMoND.-The Albany Tran. script gives an account of the operations of some ingenious villain in that city who is fil- ling his pockets by pretending to sell, but not actually selling counterfeit coin Itseems that having first bated with circular. he sends good coin to the applicants at his shop, who, having bought small tot and found it to pass without objection, sends $50 or SlOO for lar ger supply, which he cooly pockets and shuts down the gate, leaving his fellow-knaves to whistle for their money.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

os srATE OF SUPERIoR.-A petition, largely sign GU, was presented to the Michigan Legislature. isw days since, by citizens residing in the iron anu copper region north of Lake Michigan and
 soueh of Lake Superior, asking to be separated
 rom the remainder the State and restored to . territorial government, so that a new Sta,a may eventually be erected out of that isolated portion portion o, the world. The geography of the country shows the propriety of such division I-LouisufNe Courier. ''9'on.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

0IT It Is said that large number of peti- tions have been presented to the Legislature of Ohio, praying that the word "whte'' may be stricken from the constitution of that State, and that all laws be repealed that make dis functions on account of color. It is great pity that some men in Ohio were not born black It would have been more in keeping with their sympathies and sentiments.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
0IF Notice the advertisement of pocket. book lost, by an agent of T. B. Thrall & Co.

LEGISLATIVE ACTs.-For public convenience and favor, wepabish, this week, several impor- tant laws enacted by the recent Legislature of this State, and suggest to those who are con- eerned in the operations of the same, the policy of preserving them, for reference to their pro- visions, as occasion may require. The two concerning land titles, are particularly impor. tant ;
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17

GEN. WILLIAM JoHNsoY.--Gen. Johnson. of Scott county, as we stated few days ago. was called upon by the citizens of that county to be- come candidate for the Lower House of the Kentucky Legislature. He replies through the columns of the Georgetown Gazette that he is yet undecided. The democracy of Favette, however, protest against the call or the accept. ance, claiming him as their next candidate for the Senate. The Generals talents appear to be Tn demand, and we don't wonder, for he is cal. culated to adorn any position-LouismUe Dena- oc7ut.
The true Democrat., 1857-02-17
JOHN D. KIMBELL.

teT The card of Messrs. Noland d- Huey. appears in our paper to-day. These gentle men are so favorably known, as business men, that the announcement of their names is sufi- cient to insure prosperous business.