davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
Daring Robbery.

On Wednesday night last two trunks, belong
ing to gentlemen temporarily sojourning at
the American Hotel, were taken from the bull
ding by some unknown rogue. AS soon as the
loss was ascertained immediate search was made
for the stolen property, and the trunks were
found, broken open and the contents scattered on
the ground. One of them was found under the
Railroad Bridge and the other on Abney's Hill,
near the reservoir. Unfortunately the thief or
thieves escaped arrest. The trunks contained
articles of wearing apparel and as but few of
them were taken, it is presumed that the per-
sons engaged in the robbery were in quest OF
money. Sundry depredations committed In
the town within the last few months demon
strate the fact that there are men of very bad
in our midst, and it is to be regret
ted that they cannot be brought to punish
ishmant
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
Family Poisoned.

We regret to learn that the members of the
family of Mrs. Bear, widow of the Rev. Jacob
Bear, residing near Churchville, in this county,
were well nigh fatally poisoned on Thursday
night last, by eating biscuit for supper in which
some unknown medicine, mistaken for saleratus,
had been used Our informant states that all
who partook of the bread were made very sick,
and became black in the face. Mrs. Bear and
Mrs. Koonty, who was on visit to the family,
were more seriously affected than the others
DR.. Wilson was attending them and had taken
some of the bread for the purpose of Analysing
it. Fears were entertained that some of the
family would not recover, when the gentlemen
from whom we obtained these facts left Church
VILE
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
Prof sehele,s Lecture.


We regret that owing to the very hmlted no
tice given to the public, so few OF our cilze.s hau
the pleasure of listening to the lecture delivered
before the Young Mems Christian Association
on Thursday night last, by Prof. Scheie de we're
of the University Of Virginia We are sa''S,
fled that all who were present were entertained
and instructed by Prof. Schele's deeply interest
ING narrative of the rise and progress ana re-
markable preservation of the "MoraV'ah
Church. His sketch of the life anu character
of Conpt Zinzendorf, the founder OF the sect, was
tull of thrilling interest, and many remarkable
facts in the almost marvellous history OF the Mo-
ravian brethren, were so agreeaoiy oeta'ieo as
TO detain the breathess attention OF the audi
ence without an interruption during the entlre
Lecture.
We anolooize for the thin attendance because
but few of our citizens were aware tha' VIC
Lecture would be delivered In this we are lon.
est; but at the same time, we may be permitted
to saw that the people of Staunton do not seem
to appreciate such entertainments at their prop
er value, and are more disposed to give their
money to strolling MINISTRIES ard itinerant jug
slers. than they are to receive for half price the
solid and substantial entertainment afforded to
people of good taste by sensible lecture upon
some interesting subject When Sharpley plays
the buffoon, the Town Hall is filled to overflow
ing. especially when he holds out tho glittering
bait of an Indifferent watch and few tritiing
articles of iewelry; but when able Lectures are
announced, a quarter assumes the size OF half
dollar, in the eyes of many, and even the dead
heads" can scarcely muster sufficient power OF
will, to overcome positive dissemination to at
tend. 1t has sometimes been the case that the
powerful lecture that has cost the author many
DAYS and weeks of hard study and careful
preparation, is deliver ed before little group OF
conscience driven hearers scarcely sufficient to
paw for the lights that hang upon the lonesome
posts. These things ought not so to be. We
are regarded abroad, (whether mistakenly, or
not) as people of refined and cultivated taste,
but the public mind will soon be relieved of a.
nv such impression, if distinguished strangers,
visiting us ofentimes at considerable trouble in
convenience and expense to themselves, meet
with such reception at our hands.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21

| THE INDIANA SEYAToIsHlPs.-The contest oy-
err two seats in the United States Senate, has
commenced with spirit in the Indiana Legisla-
ture. The House is Democratic, the Senate Re-
publican, and the Democrats would have ma
jority on joint ballot The Republican Senate,
therefore, is determined not to go into joint bal
lot. The Democrats are determined that they
shall. Willard, the Lieutenant Governor, under
took to call the Senate to order, and it was APP
pretended he would refuse to swear in some OF
the Republicans on the ground that their certl-
ficates of election were insufficient. But the
Senate defeated this manGuvre by electing
President pro tenn. The two presiding officers
took their seats side by side, and finally the
Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the certifi-
Gates I'd be valid, and swore all the members in.
Then arose another difficulty. 1t has been
customary Though not required by law for the
Legislature to hear the Governors message read
in joint convention. The Democrats were con-
fdent that this would enable them to spring q
motion on the joint convention, to take vote
for United States Senator, when the Republicans,
being in minority, would have to submit. But
the Senate, discerning the Get under that meal,
disappointed them by refusing to go into Joint
convention, either to hear the message or for
anything else, leaving the Governor to adopt our
custom of sending copy into each branch
This he did not do-so, on Friday, he read his
document to the House alone, the Senate having
adjourned-and the vote on the senatorship is
as far off as ever
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21

NloARAauA-The last intelligeneer from Nj
caragua is to December 29d. and Is not decisive
as to Walkers fate, though it shows him to be
still in a desperate condition. A portion OF his
force was still in the city of Granada, surround
ed by the enemy. The recruits on the way tc
Nicaragua from New York, New Orleans and
San Francisco, probably reached him by the end
of the year, and their presence may change the
aspect of affairs.
Later news than the above has been received
via New Orleans. The Costa Ricans, aided, re-
port says, by the British fleet, had seized every
steamboat Oh the San Juan river, thus interrupt
ing the transit route and cutting off Walkers
access to the Atlantic. One of Walkers officers
had possession of Punta Arenas but the Costa
Ricans with large force held every other point
ON the river. In consequence ofths state OF at
fairs the steamship james Adger, from Norfolk
with the fhbusters taken from the Tennessee,
had gone to Aspinwall with the intention of for
warding her passengers by the Panama route
These facts make it evident that Walkers situa-
ton was critical to the EXTREMIST degree, not
withstanding the report, arriving by the same
conveyance, that his forces We're in good spirits
whilst the enemy were fighting among them
selves. If the Costa Ricans succeed in getting
possession of the Pacific, as they already have
of the Atlantic terminus of the transit route,
Walker will he cut off from reinforcements both
of men aud material, and must inevitably perish.
1t looks very much now as if that would be the
end Of the Nicaragua drama.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
DISPERSION OF THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION.
"A Washington letter says:

"A Washington letter says:
The members of the present administration
are making their arrangements for withdrawal
after the 4th of March. II is probable that the
President will remain here until the middle of
March, and then visit Cuba for a month or more.
Mrs. Picrces health has always been feeble, and
her physicians advise against the sudden change
from this climate to that of New England in the
Spring, owing to q pulmonary tendency. The
family are much urged to make tour of the
Southern States, but Mrs. Pierce has invariably
shrunk from the demonstrations that would ne
cessarily attend such movements and these in
vitations will hardly be accepted. Mr.. Marcy
is established so comfortably in the west end
that he will probably let another quarter day
roll over his head after the 4th of March, espe-
cialy as his former residence at Albany has been
recently sold. Mr. Guthries establishment in
Louisville has been kept open during his stay
here, and will be ventilated early in March for
his reception. Mr.. McClelland, like sensible man
of business. will 20 at once back to his profess
sion. Mr.. Davis, after attending the executive
session of the Senate-to which Els elected
will visit Mississippi, and settle down again into
a backneyed member of Congress. Mr.. Dobbin
entertains the purpose of seeking o genial eli
mate, to recruit his health, which has suffered
seriously by his labors here. Mr.. Campbell will
return Immediately to Philadelphia, and Mr..
Gushing, like his friend Mr.. Micawber,may wait
for something to turn up. In few months more
the Administration will pass into history, and
the men who compose il, into comparative OBJ
livion. Such is the fate of political honors.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21

RUSSIA AND THE ALLIEs.-Notwthstan
the recent treaty of peace between Isusaia and
the ales, European affairs still remain in a
very unsettled state. The plain and uncontest-
lille object of that treaty, in one most important
particular, was to deliver the Danube from
Russian ascendency. To this end the Russian
frontier was to be thrown back further North,
and to pass through place called ''Bolgrad. -
The Russians admit this-but claim that the
"Bolgrad," which they meant is much farther
South being place unknown to the other ne
gotiators at the time of the Treaty. 1t is now
said, that France is willing to accede to this
Russian demand. Another claim which Russia
preferred, was to the 'Ise of serpents" in the
Danube; but this claim was put forward merely
to be compromised by obtaining the wished-for
"Bolgrad' Russia is also building her COM
mercial steamers in the Black Sea, In style
better adapted for war than peace. She is like
wise accommodating her forces in the direction of
Persia to be ready to take an active part against
England in the East.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
-rhe Pennsylvania senator.

More than usual interest has been felt in the
election of United States Senator by the Legis-
lature of Pennsylvania, owing to the fact that
John W. Forney was the, regularly nominated
candidate of the Democratic party. The inter-
est was still further increased by the additional
fact that Mr.. Buchanan was understood to favor
Forneys pretensions. He is the right-hand man
of the President elect, and in the recent canvass
in Pennsylvania rendered him most important
service. Mr.. Buchanan naturally feels grateful
for this service. and the Partially of personal
friendship probably causes him to overlook or
excuse delnquencies which are almost universal
" denounced as dishonorable Previous to the
election of Senator, therefore, Mr.. Buchanan in
terested himself in behalf of his friend, and, &C
cording to the Harrisburg correspondent of the
Baltimore Sun, wrote letter to q member of
the Pennsylvania Legislature urging Forney's
election. Sundry Democratic papers in Virginia
have indignantly denied the truth of this re-
port; they are outraged that Mr.. Buchanan
should be accused of such an improperly. SIN
Virginia" says the Valley Star, "there is but
one opinion in reference to Mr.. Forney. What
that sentiment is, Mr.. Buchanan is doubtless
we'll aware Of" Yet in spite of the well known
zone opinion" of the Virginia Democracy, Mr.
Buchanan there is every reason to believe, did
recommend Forney, and declared that he ''could
do more for his administration than any other
man." The public will believe the statement of
the Baltimore Suns correspondent in preference
to the random denials Of newspapers, which do
not profess to have any information on the sub
ject.
In pursuance of Mr.. Buchanans wishes, the
Democraticm of the Pennsylvania Legisla-
ture, in caucus assembled, nominated Forney for
the office of Senator. AS the Democrats have
majority in the Legislature, in joint convention,
Forney's election was considered quite certain;
but it will sometimes happen that 1.-THE best laid
schemes of mice and men" miscarry. At first
the Senate proved refractory and refused to meet
the House in convention; and when an election
was brought about, one Simon Cameron turned
up the lucky man. The vote stood, for Came
ron 81, Forney SO, Foster 7, Wilkins l. Three
Democrats voted for Cameron, seven for Foster,
and one for Wilkins. So Simon Cameron is T.
nited States Senator from Pennsylvania for six
years from the 4th of March next and Forney,
". Buchanan's favorite, is left in the lurch.
Cameron is q democratic Republican"
old intriguer, and very likely no better than For
ney. Hints are thrown out that the election
was carried by bribery, and it significantly re-
marked that Cameron is President Of the Mid
dletown Bank A protest against his election
has been offered in both houses of the Legisla-
ture, on the ground of informality.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
For the Spectator.
To Edax Reruln.


i am merry to see that am, during this fast
age, atfording at least some pastime to you and
others--making You, | would guess, take no
note of time, not even from its lo,s.n 1t has
made my bell ring with laughter to observe your
funny retreat from the tight place you were at
tempting to put me in. | admire your sober
second thought" You remind me OF the beau
titul child ballad which you doubtless often hear
i'm Your nursery:
Hiccory diccory dock the mouse run up the clock;
The clock struck one (Which ought not to have done)
And down the mouse did run,
~. Hiccory, dlccory dock.
My friends are trying to get me straight again
giving assurance that there is Il good time
coming" If am not radically wrong engage
shortly to do my best to keep you informed OF
the passing moments, may be to catch you nap
ping again when you should be "al aboard" the
cars-and when asked "Watchman. what of the
nightl" will strike every moment upon the tyn-
ranum of your ear, ''the morning cometh and
also the night"
When getinaugurated again as town regu-
lator," wilEsjo you and our ally the Specta-
tor in putting things right side up. We are too
prone to censure without enquirng first who is
to blame-thls we must avoid-but where blame
The ways of our town require lnendng in
more ways than one Lei us pave the way for
a proper beginning in the spring-if better ma
terial thar good Intentions with which article
it is said the streets are paved in certain conn
try, Ito which country, by the way, it ever see
you journeying will endeayor to wake you up
too late for the cars gding thitherward) loI
will agree with me, know, that if some people
would put fewer bricks in their hats, and more
on the payements, their walks and conversation
would be nended-and you would have less oc-
casion to let them slide as you have me on the
plea of having imbibed too freely-of the ''o-be-
joyful"
We must not hold the powers that reign in
town responsible for the failure in the spring
no more than we should for other failures in our
place; they can't cause rain to come and replen-
ish the earth with water-but they can remedy
the temporary deficiency, and ought to stop the
waste and abuse OF it by the careless and lawless
citizens.
The Cemetery is a grave matter, from what
am told. wonder if the Executive Committee
ever 60 there save when they go with solemn
tread to hide some friend lin the Wondering
realms of peace" wonder if the Supernten-
dent ever strikes lick except when with his
spade and shovel lie makes narrow tenement
for some one for whom tolled last hour. |
wonder where are the trees. and shrubs-the
hedges and rustic bridges-the beautiful walks
the cottage-the "thorn-rose 2" Let us stir
the Directors up with long pole, and as you
have your hand in, ring the changes with your
best efforts, and promise place less like pot
ter's field. Yours till strike again.
Town CLOCK.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
The Public Lands.

Mr.. Garlic, of Virginia, has introduced bill
in the House of Representatives for equallzng
the grants of public lands to the various States,
The following is said to be the number of acres
asked for by the States mentioned, for Railroad
purposes: Iowa, S,456000; Florida, 1874, 900;
Alabama, 1,213, 800; Louisiana, 1902 500; Mis-
sissippi, 95O,400; Wisconsin, 1922, 300; Michi-
gan, 100000 Total number Of acres, 13,755,-
$50; value, S3O,OOO,00O! In this way the pub
lie lands are going. 1t is high time for Virginia
TO come in for share.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
REAL ESTATE in Market:

VALUABLE REAL ESTATE in Market:
v The undersigned, having determined to sell
his FARM, lying on both sides of the road leading
from Staunton to jennings Gap, ~ miles from
Churchye, will sell the same privately on accommo-
dating terms. I;.h;
we'll finished. convenient and comfortable BRICK
DWELLING HOUSE, with Cellar, and Kitchen at
tached, two Wells of good water near the dwelling
house. a large and good Barn shielded all round-to-
ceber with all necessary out houses and two Orch
ards of good Fruit with about l50 to 100 acres Of
under Cultivation and well enclosed. The tract ad,
;ons the lands Jno. NJ Huff and others aud is bounded
on the Northeast side by Jennings branch.
As am anxious sell this land should it be unsold
on the 22nd day of of May 1857, will then, on the
premises offer II for sale at public auction to the highest
bidder The terms, which shall be accommodating
will them at any previous time be made known 10
those interested Should sale be effected before the
22nd of May next, the public will be duly notified of
the same. Full possession will be given or before
the 18th of September next, but the purchaser can
commence operations on the farm before that time
My Post-ofice is Churchyille, Augusta county, Va.
AMOS CROSBY, Sen.
January 81, 1s57.-tds
~ Rock. Reg insert until 22nd May next, unless
notified stop before that time, and forward account
to Spectator Office.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
Narrow Escape,

On Thursday morning last a team offour hor-
ses, attached to heavy road wagon, took flight
near the tol-gate on the McAdanized road, and
ran with frghtful rapidity from that point to the
store of Mr. Adam Bickle on the corner OF Main
and Augusta streets where they were arrested
by coming in contact with the building
Very much to the surprise of every body who
saw them, neither the horses nor the wagon re-
ceived material injury. The team belonged to
Mr. Wallar
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21

INDIGNATION AND JoY-A letter from Phila
delphia on the 10th says:
Well, that indignation meeting" of the Key.
stone Club did take place last evening. That
s,abont two hundred and fifty of the disappoint-
ed assembled, condoled with each other, denoun.
ced Waggonseller " Co. for selling" the wheel
horse of the Democratic "wagon," deplored the
defeat of Mr.. Forney in most pathetic terms, and
threatened, as recompense to the feelings OF
that maladroit worthy, to petition for his APP
pointment to some other office! The meeting
was not only smalbut Unexpectedly lukewarm,
showing that Mr.. Forney is likely to experience
the proverbial ingratitude of Republics, as well
as the ''gerrotting" Of the Republicans" VIM.
B. Rankin, Edward W. Power and Stephen j.
Remark were the chief mourners.
AS an offset to this meeting, the Republicans.
being decidedly jubilant over the election of
General Cameron to the United States Senate,
and the consequent defeat OF Col. Forney, fired
OF guns this morning, in honor of the event
one gun for every vote received by General
Cameron.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
Augusta county statis,ics.

During the year 1856, 167 marriage licenses
were issued from the County Office and 10 from
the Corporation Office, making total of III
This shows q falling off on last years operations
in the matrimonial hne--probably occasioned
by an indisposition on the part Of the gentlemen
to interfere with the Leap Year privileges of
the ladies.
In 1856, there were 600 births in the County
of Augusta, exclusive of the Corporation. Of
these SIT were in the 1st District land 319 in the
Cd District. In Staunton there were 20 births,
making a tota- OF 724.
In the same year there were 1888 deaths in the
whole county. OF this number al were in the
LIST District, 155 in the I'd, and 81 in Staunton.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
Very Mortifyipy.

President Pierce recently sent communica-
ton to the Emperor of China, in the manner
provided for in our treaty with that country
His Majesty, however, having no relish for en-
verse with outside barbarians, returned the let
ter unopened, The fact that letter from
Queen Victoria was rejected in the same way,
helps the President to bear the modification of
the slight
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21

SOMETHING NEW FOR THE GoURMAND.-A Paris
Journal, the Union, says that in consequence of
the success which attended the efforts of M.
Godfrey Saint Hilaire to bring horse flesh into
use as human food, q society has been formed in
Paris for causing the flesh OF young asses to be
eaten also. sThe society,"" says the Union,
maintains that such flesh is the most delicious
in existence, and it holds weekly banquets in
which the flesh is prepared in various ways. y
The Union adds that the famous MecGnas and
Cardinal Dupont both distinguished commands,
''were passionately fond of the flesh Of young
asses"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21
r,o,d XyeatharTbe Poor,

For some time past the weather has been ex-
tremely cold, and there is doubtless much suffer-
ing among those who are not able to supply
themselves with fuel Cases of the extreme des-
titution have recently come to our knowledge,
and we would urge upon the benevolent to seek
out and relieve the wants of those who are in
need. "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for
thon shalt find it after many days"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-01-21

The INVESTIGATING CoMMITTEE.-A despatch
from Washington on Friday, says J. r. Swee-
ney of New York, who served as All assistant
door-keeper to the House at the last session, was
to-day examined by the Corruption Investigat-
ing Committee.
Mr. Trplett, formerly Chief Clerk in the Pen
sion Office, and Mr.. Charles Banker are reported
to have been summoned,
Mr.. simerton, the correspondent of the New
York Times, answered every question affecting
himself, but declined responding to some respect
ing Others, on the ground that he could not do
so without dishonorable breach of confidence.
He also insisted on the right and duty of news
papers to act on moral convictions, without hold.
ing themselves responsible 10 present proof, I'M
less specific charges are made against individuals
by name.
Mr.. Chester, the correspondent of the Phila
delpha Inquirer,was summoned as witness, but
refused or failed to attend,