davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10
Great Powers.

A malignant wag has given to the world a
terrific account Of the modern effect of Music,
which of old had marvellous power over beasts,
savages, rocks and cabbages as the poets tell
us. The music employed on this occasion was
Verdi's as the roaderknows. Here is the sto-
| ry:
"At the last performance of the French ver-
sion of II Trovatore in Paris, there was says one
of our French papers, al accident at once la
mentable and extraordinary. a certain gentle
man who was so deaf that theroar ofthe cannon
of the Invalides was no more to him than the
ordinary shutting of the door, having tried near
IL all remedies went with his ear trumpet to his
physician and said tU.hiln, 'well, doctor must |
give M all hope of a cure?' There may be one
method of curing you answered ;he doctor, but
it is q very violent one 'Npafatter; what is it p
Your only chance of cure is ts 60 70 The ope-
ra and hear II 1rovatofe The patient recoiled
in terror. IF You yefus,.' said the physician,
won are lost man. The.vieiinf was silent for
d moment, but tlea. .he murnnred in broken ac-
cents, Very we'll; be it So | shall go and hear
II Trovatore but will you not go with, me, my
dear doetor9 Do not leave me for second, for
something dreadful might happen BE calm,
was the answer. Il will 60 with YOU
That evening the two friends went to the
opera. The physician watched his patients
face anxiousy The first act made no impress
sion; the second none. At last, in the third act
there was q sound in the deaf mans head like
drum bursting-bang The patient jumped up
and shouted with joy to his physician, VI can
hear, my dear fellow! can hear!" The ply
sician took no notice of him he had himself be-
come deaf
But this is not the greatest power just now
on record. A Mr.. @. w. Cathcart writes to
The Spiritual Telegraph, from Laporte County,
Ind, detailing the following instance of power.
He says: .,
During the last harvest swhrlwind blew OF
the straw hat of one of my hands. My atfen-
ton was attracted to it, as seated on my reaplng
machine, rounded the corner next to MIN.
The hat was forty rods off, and should think
nearly, if not quite three hundred feet high. l
called in loud voice, king, (the tamil
lar name of our presiding spirit) bring that man
his hat The man instantly stopped perfectly
STILL The hat whirled around, came back and
dropped precisely in his hands He was so
surprised that he did not even shut his fingers
upon it, when it fell to the ground at his feet;
and he picked it up without moving an inch
from his position, which he had held immova-
BILE from the time | called u
No more of comets. That fellow can stop
them as sure as destruction.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

UNIQUE LETTER FROM A PosTMAsTER.-lh
following letter was received by the President OF
the United States few days since:
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo-, April 80, 1857.
Mr.. BUCHANAN:
DEAR SIR.-Mr. - is the Postmaster at
this place, and he is gone ont West, and has
been gone tor three or four weeks, and lie has
no deputy here, but have beeen opening the
mails and attending to it since he has been gone
as he left the key with me, and the Postmaster
told me that must make report at the END OF
every month, and did not tell me who was
to write to; but suppose tits to you we should
make our reports, as we are now all citizens OF
the government of which you are now Presl-
dent. If you are not the right one to receive
the report, please drop Inc few lines letting lhe
know who am to report to, and will write
again.
Report at the end of April.-The weather is
cold for the season-Provisions are very high
But notwithstanding all that, we have regular
mails once week-gocd health, and the peo-
pie of this country are universally pleased with
your administration; this is all | know that
would interest you if there is anything
omitted in my report, please let me know
My best respects to you and Mrs Buchanan.
1t is said that Mr.. Buchanan is SO we'll pleas
ed with this letter that he intends to give the
writer q good office.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

FRIGHTENING CHILDREN.-The Troy Daily
Times contains letter from gentleman OF that
place, whose daughter, young child,was fright
ened into dangerous illness by the iDjudcioUs
course of treatment pursued towards her by her
teacher. The girl was of sensitive, nervous
nature, and threat of confinement in a dark
room, made, and partly carried into execution,
proved such shock to her as to cause an attack
of sickness severe enough to affect her mind
One of the most reprehensible, and in fact GRIM
ina acts of which a parent or teacher can be
guilty is that of endeavoring to enforce obedI-
ence in child through the influence of fear
By this we mean, not the Wholesome fear OF
correction, but the frightening of the offender so
rs to cause excessive nervous agitation. With
the exception perhaps of anger, fear is the most
terrible in its effects of the human passions. Its
power over those who are unhapplly subjected
to ito influence is ofton productive OF tho Hio>t
disastrous consequences. No corporal torture
can equal the anguish which its iniicts. There
are many children whose mental organizations
ale such as to render them peculiarly suscepti-
ble of its influence, and we know of nothing
more deserving of reprobaiion and punishment
than the tamperlng with such natures by those
who have charge over them. Few who have
not been taught by sad experience know the
mental sufferings of a timid and nervous chIld.
Many man and woman now in robust health
secretly suffers from the injudicious and crlnl'
nal course pursued towards them in their infan.
cy, for so delicate machine is the mind, and
especially the young mind, that slight shock
will cause arrangement in it which years seem
powerless to etface. PHILADELPHIA Erentng Jour
naI
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

There is no greater pest in good society than
an habitual punster-a fellow without judge
rnent enough to keep his wit in control, nor wit
enough 10 excuse his want ofjudgement-wltn-
out either modesty or poleness, who intrusive
" thrusts himself between speaker and listener,
to the vexation of both-a word catcher, pick
mouth. and trifer, who forgets the retinements
and courteses that should adorn gentleman,
the limits of good breeding,the proprieties of So
cia conversation, the respect due to age. or
sex, and lays an interminable tax upon good ma
ture for the sake OF wretched jest. This nu'
isance ought to he abated.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10
MISCELL A n Y
A Good Story.

n UOOu
A number of politicians, all of whom were
seeking office under government were scattered
on the tavern porch talking, when an old topper,
named D, came up 10 them. Now, SAID
D. is person who is very loquacious
when corned, but exactly opposite when sober.
AT the present time being tight" he said If the
company had NO objections he would tell them
story. They told him to "hre away" where
upon he spoke as follows;
A certain king-don't recollect his name
had philosopher, upon whose Judgment he al
ways depended. Now it so happened that one
day the king took it into his head to go a hunt
ing, and after sulnmoning his mobiles and making
all necessary preparations, he summoned his
philosopher and asked him if it would rain.-
The philosopher told him it would not, and he
and his MOBILES departed While journeying a.
long they met countryman mounted ON jack
ass he advised them to return, for, said he,
it will certainly rain. They smiled contemptu
ously on him and passei on Before they had
gone many miles, however, they had reason to
regret not having taken the ruStic's advice, as a
heavy shower came up and they were drenched
to the skin. When they had returned to the
palace, the king reprirnanded the philosopher
severely for telling him it would be clear when
IL WAS NOT. IHet u CHuuli iiati, o"iu nv
"and he, knows great deal more than you, for
he told me it would rain, whereas you told me
it would not"
The king then gave the philosopher his walk
ing paper, and sent for the countryman, who
made his appearance. Tell me" said the king,
show YOU knew it would rain" "Ididn't know, y
said the rustic, my jackass told me. And how,
pray, "did he tell you2' the king asked in as
tonishment. "By pricking up his ears, your
majesty" The king now sent the countryman
away procuring the jackass he placed him in
the office the philosopher had filled. And here,
observed D, looking very wise, here is
where the king made a mistake. How soF
inquired his auditors. Why ever since that time,
said D, with grin on his phiz, every
iackass wants an office
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10
From the Lancaster (Pa.) Express, Mayer.
Extraordinary Superstition..A Corpse Ex.
humed.

A case of superstition in this county has
come to our knowledge, which for Ignorance
and moral turpitude exceeds the darkest pages
of the history of R0backism or even Salem
| Witchcraft, and is disgrace to the boasted in
intelligence of the "Garden of the keystone
State" with her college, academies, seminaries,
common schools and churches.
| On Sunday last, the good people Of Ephrata
and vicinity were startled and shocked by the
| intelligence that the remains of certain Miss
Sophia Bauman, who died about nine years ago,
had been exhumed on that day by two men
hired for the purspose by the friends of the de-
ceased. Curiosity was naturally excited and
speculations started as to the cause Of such an
open desecration of the ashes Of the dead on the
quiet of the Sabbath and upon inquiry our cor
respondent learned that the young lady alluded
to had died of consumption, and that since hel
death. TWO Of iier sisters, her mother and two
brothers had died also of the same disease.
In all these cases aheredirary taint wasstrOng-
" marked. and no doubt was left upon TIL,
minds of physicians and all sensible persons a.
to the cause of their death, bur the opinions OF
physicians were set aside by the incursions OF
ignorance and superstition, under which the be-
lief was seriously entertained and acted upon,
that by some hocus pocus the winding-sheet OF
the corpse had got into her mouth, ard that by
continual suction (the modus operandi ofwhich
was only known 20 the spirts) she had actually
drawn the other FIVE members of the family af
ter her; and that unless this winding sheet was
speedily removed from the mouth of the corpse
she would in like manner cause the premature
death of the whole connection!
Incredible as belief in such monstrous su-
perstition may appear, it is nevertheless true;
for according to previous arrangements the
hired resurrectionists commenced operations on
Sunday morning. The earth was removed, the
coffin brought to the surface, and the lid re-
moved under the direction of committee OF
inspections; but to their astonishment no wind
ing.sheet was found there-the poor deluded
creatures having forgotten, in the zeal Of their
superstition, thar the last shred of piece of
bleached muslin would rot away long be-
fore the expiration of nine years. With disap-
pointment depicted in their countenances, the
committee caused the remains to be quickly and
quietly renterred, and then sought their res
pectve homes again to mediate upon the doc
trine Of spooks, and goblns,and sucking corpses
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

AFFIIcTIoN OF TIE CHRIsrlAN.--They have
frequently more OF these sutferings than Others
The husbandman does not prune the branhle,
but the vine. The stone designed for the tem-
pie above requires more cutting and polishing
than those which are for the common wall. Cor
rection is not for strangers, but children. The
Christian mourns over those infirmities which
are not viewed by others es sins, such as wan
dering thoughts and cold affections in duty. 1t
is said of that beautiful bird, the bird of Para
disc, that when it is caught and Gagged, it never
ceases to sigh till it is free. Just such is the
Christian. Nothing will satisfy him but the
glorious liberty of the sons of God.-Jay.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

ONE FOR DAN RIcE.-Dan Rice, the well known
clown, RENTED IN settlement of an account, to
the publisher OF paper in the west. a three dol
lar bill, which was returned with the blief re-
mark, This note is counterfeit. please send an.
other" II was two months before he heard
from Dan again, wien he apologized for the de-
lay, saying that he had been unable til now to
find another three dollar counterfeit bill. but he
hoped the one he now enclosed would suit, pro-
testing at the same time his inability to discover
what the objection was to the other, Which lie
thought as good counterfeit rs he ever saw
1t must be admitted that Dan swept that board.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

CoUgrRsIEs OF DEBATE-The Cincinnati En-
quirer C'Democmtic" paper) has quite genial
notice Of an "Amercvn" candidate tor Congress
in Kentucky, Col. Hanson, and gives the sub
Joined specimen of the Colonels adroiiness in
extricating himself in certain debate where
his opponent had obtained little advantage in
relation to matter of history:
Col. Hanson, in reply, said that on historical
and scientific Questions-indeed, in every kind
of book knowedge-he had no doubt that the
gentleman was his superior-that he had never
been to school nor taught school-that he had
gone into active life very early, with an axe on
one shoulder and rifle on the other-unlike the
gentleman, bis opponent, who came to Kentucky
bearing in one hand q spelling-book and in the
other bride. determined to make living
either by teaching school or stealing horse!
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

A SMALL DIrFERENoE-A tri-weekly German
paper, says western exchange. published in this
city, called the Grad Aus, straight out) announ-
ced few days since that Dr. Kane had recent
.ly returned from the Arctic region in search of
the lost steamship Franklin. To this the Atlas
German Republican, replied that it never be-
fore heard that Sir John Franklin was a steam
ship Shortly after the Grad Aus had long
article, endeavorng to prove how mean the At
las was in taking cognizance of such small mis-
takes, and wound mp by saying thar, as n mat
ter of course, franklin was not steamship, but
merely a sailing ressel!
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

A Rumseler was lately hauled up in Vermont
and fined. He grunbed bitterly at the Temper,
ance men as being very short sighted. He said
he had really been at work in their canse-that
he had already got the old soakers to drink IL
ouor that was at least half water, and would at.
ter a while, if let alone, have had them drinking
pure water without knowing it.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

PECAN NUTs.-A letter writer, addressing the
United States Patent Office, from Kerr connty.
Texas, expresses surprise that that department
has not noticed the pecan nut which grows A.
bundantly in Texas. About 100000 bushels of
the nut have been exported TO Europe anil else
here,producing 100000. Que tree will often
produce from fifteen to tw enty bushels, worth
from $50 to $40
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

During the celebrating at Jamestown, while
the ceremonies were proceeding, temporary
gloom was cast over them by the finding of the
body of young man who was drowned while
skating, last winter, on creek which runs o.
cross the island. The body was almost in q
complete state of preservation. The skates yet
remained attached to lis boots, and his clothing
was injured but little. The body was recogniz-
ed, and removed by the friends of the deceased
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

A Coop REpLY.-A clergyman travelling in a
stage coach was asked by one of the passengers
if he thought pioLs heather would go to leay-
en-. ''Sir," said the clergyman. II am not ap-
pointed judge of the world, and consequently
cannot tell 4; but if you get to heaven, you shall
either find them there, or a good reason why
they are not" reply well fitted To answer an
impertinent question dictated by curiosity.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

Aunt 'Tom," (Mrs. Stowe) arrived at Rome
early in April. We shall hear by the next steam
er, we presume, whether she "kssed the Pope's
toe" or the Pope kiSStd Harriet Beecher Stowe
1t is matter of serious reflection with us, which
we should prefer to do.-Nesc Haoen Register.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10
The Original Nicaraguans.

The Nicaraguans are supposed to have been
people of Mexican origin driven southwark ny
a great drought Their language and mode OF
writing were similar to that Of Mexico; their
religion differed slightly their architecture was
more simple they had rough form OF social
polity and their customs were IN one respect
UNIQUE. A young Nicaraguan beauty would
have many favored lovers; but after time, be-
thinking her that it would be well to marry and
settle. she would ask her father to give her
portion of land near to where he lived. When
he had appointed what land she should have,
she would call her lovers together and tell them
she wished to marry, and to take one OF them
rs her husband that she did not possess house,
but that she desired that they would build her
one on the land which her father had gven.-
The prudent damsel did not hesitate to enter
into details as to the kind of house she wished
to have built, and add that, if they loved her
well. the house would be built by such day,
irving them month or six weeks to complete
il in. To one she would give the chance OF
furnishing the wood work to another, to md
the canes which were to form the walls to an
other to provide the cordage; to another, to
gather the straw for the roof; to another, to
procure the dried fish to stock the house; to
another, to get deer and pigs for her; another
to collect maize.
The work was usually put in hand with the
utmost promptitude, nor was the least thing dis
persed with that she had asked for AT last the
house was ready. The provisions and the furnl-
ture were put in it, and the hearts of the over
worked competitors beat rapidly as the fortunate
or fatal moment approached solemn feast
was held in the new house. When supper was
concluded, the damsel lose, and made short
but gracious speech. She first thanked them
all heartily tor the labor they had undergone on
her behalf She then said, that she wished it
was in her power to make so many women as
TO provide wife for each of her sultors. In
times past they had seen what loving mistress
she had been to each of them but now she was
going to be married, and to belong to one alone,
and this is the one she said; whereupon she
took the chosen suitor by the hand, and retired
from the apartment. Her choice having been de-
clared, the disappointed suitors and their reSpec-
tive factions went away amicably, and conclud-
ed the feast by dancing and drinking, until the
senses of most of them were overcome. The re
iected suitors, after that day. could never hope
for smile from the bride. Generally they bore
their disappointment with meekness; but some-
times one or two of them, probably IN state OF
ambrosal derium, committed sniclde, and were
found next morning hanging on treee, in the
neighborhood of the palace of love, built partly
by their hands.-Halpy.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

you're loafer-a man without calling ,
said Judge to person arrested as vagrant.
II beg your pardon, your honor, have vo-
cation"
HWhat is it ~
II smoke glass for eclipses; but just now it is
our dull season."
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

There are no two letters in the alphabetofthe
Euplish language, which cause 50 much miscon-
strnction as | and J, as most people write them
eyactly alike. The rule for writing them prop
erlv is to run the below the line, and the |
aven with the line.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

You havn't opened your mouth during the
whole session. complained a member of the
Legislature to representative from the same
town. "Oh yee, | have,' was the reply; 4
yawned through the whole of your speech
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

Somebody speaking Of the new cent, says,
ut is n beautiful coin, all but the eagle and he
seems to he going somewhere in desperate
hurry probably because he is on new cent"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

All fiat seeds shonld be sown edgewise. for if
laid flat on the ground, they are apt to rot, and
at any rate they do not germinate so readily
This accounts for failures among gourds, melons
and cucumbers.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

Mems countenances more than their circum-
stances indicate their condition.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

The smallest and slightest impediments are
the most annoying. ard as little letters most tire
| the eye, 30 do little affairs most disturb us.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10
Staunton spettator.
JOS. A. wADDELL,l
I,,Hy 1 WApDELL' !, nn !, .',LV ~ Proprie'0rs'
TERMS


s1sy~ TIE '.SPECTAT T0R' Is published once a tfeeS
at 7co Lotisrs and ffty Cents year. ecd!ch "ay oe
discharged By the poyaeat Of Tco Dollars at any time
,cithia the year No subscription eW he discontinued
bit at tie option Of the Editors, until all arreGrages are
pail - ,.,
ree times for one doiar and Twenty-Five cents
subsequent Continuance. Larger
ia the same proportion.
A I6eral discount made to those ~ho adrsrtiSs by the
gear. IL, !.
Professional Cards. not ereeeding ssceH lines sc't 0s
inserted for one gear for s. 00-6 months foT 50 w,
One SqutrS, (tenl nlaes) i gear; VC VC
.........6 months. S...............o W
" " ..............3 ...............o w w
IpO squares l gear. "
.. 6 months. ..............SO 90
3 ...............5 % 90
Three SQUARES. i yeGr ~ W W
- .........6 .6 months. ..lV W
F" ............3 ....'...''''''',, oo
nv ,5;rdeol,ra1 I geQr Is 90
:" 6 6 months. .12 90
{" /" 3 go. ..........S 90
one colansn ..........l year, OO 90
.........6 6 months. .oV W W
ALL qOcerttsng for Tess time than three months, ar!@
Be CHARGED for at the uS4t rdesSl 90 per square or
e frst three iasertioAs aad t@ea'e cents f0r sacA
subsequent issue.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

COTTON YARNS 500 lbs Cotton Yarns iron
" No. 5 TO l6, for sale by oo
Ctounton Anril % 1857.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

TESTINGS.-We especially invite gentlemen to
examine our stock of Fancy Silk Satin, Silk Vel
vet and Marseles Vestings before purchasing else
where ). BkANDEbohU q W.
Staunton, April %, 80.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

A NCHOR BOLTING CLOTHS, of superior
N quality, on hand and for sale by
b. & j. s. CRAWFORD.
Stnnnton. Feb 27, 1s56.-tf.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

Observation-Disclosures received and for sale low
Il so Barrels of No. l Clipped Herring as well as
other fish. STAPLES, MARTIN i co.
Staunton April o. 1851.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

TyNE TEAS.-A full assortment of the finest
II Green and Black Teas that has ever been brought
10 this market. STAPLES, MARTIN Il co.
c,....,... NDr;1 1S57
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10

ITATS--HATS. Hats of all styles, qualities and
II sizes, in Cashmere, Beaver, Cashmerette and
Straw, sold cheap at o.: fVLLlIho
Staunton April Is, 1851. Ciothng House.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-10
i Nj. HANGER.

ATTORNEY AT LAW, STAUNTON, VA,
WILL practice in all the Courts held IN olannton
w audin the Circuit Courts of Albemarle anc
Rockingham. Office in the brick row, in the rear Of
of the Courthouse
Nov. 10, lS56.-lyr.