davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
The Presidential Oath Of Office

The fact that Mir. Buchanan did not take the oath of office until after the delivery of his inaugural, has given rise to an impression with many that 1t was an unusual thing. Such however. is not the fact. John Adams. John Quincy Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, Polk and Taylor delivered their inaugurals before taking the oath; Harrison took it just before deliver ing the closing sentence; and General Washing. ton, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Pierce took it before the delivery. Tyler and Fillmore had no occasion to deliver addresses, as they were elected to the Vice Presidential office, and suc- ceeded to the Presidency by reason of vacan. cles from death These inaugural addresses, i, may be remarked, though they have come to be regarded as an essential part of the ceremony of installing President, do not necessarily be- long to it, and are, in fact extra constitutional They are purely voluntary on the part of the President, who is only required by the consti. tuition to take the oath of office.
 It is remarkable fact that all the inaugural speeches of MT. Buchanan's predecessors, though he is now the fifteenth President of the United States, have been delivered since he was born, so young are we as a nation. Wash ington delivered his first and only inaugural speech to the Senate, as did both Adams and Jefferson; but he delivered none on his second election. Though Jefferson delivered his first inaugural in the Senate chamber, it was ad- dressed to his Friends and Conntrymen.o- Since his time the inaugural speeches of the Presidents have been addressed to the people. and have been delivered from the portico of the capitol.
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
Ex.Secretary Marcy.

The merchants of Baltimore, particularly appreciating Mir. Marcy's dispatch on mari time law, asserting the principle that private property on the high seas in time of war sha be held as sacred and inviolable as it is by the laws of all civilized nations admitted to be or land," invited him to a public dinner. His re- ply was in these words:
 Washington March 13 1857. GENTLEMEN-l have received with grateful feelings the invitation to dinner which YOU have Tn such complimentary terms, conveyed to me.
 On entering upon the station from which have so recently retired, it was my anxious de- sire, as 1t was my duty, to aid the President 1 chershing and promoting the interests of al classes of our citizens, which could in any way be affected by ms official conduct. Among the most important of these interests was that of foreign commerce, because it was, more than any other, immediately dependant upon the proper management of the exterior rela. tlons of the country.
 The approval of the conduct of the late administration, in regard to this great interest by the intelligent merchants of one of the largest cities of the Union, is most gratifying testimonial.
 The general recognition of the principle tc which you refer-the immunity of all private property upon the high seas in time of war am confident would prove blessing to the world The extreme limits of belliserant rights have been gradually contracted as civilization has advanced, and the spirit of the age calls for a mitigation of the rigors of war
 The beneficent principle proposed by thi:
 
 government oi exemptng property upon the ocean from pilage, to the same extent that il is now exempted upon land, by the usages o modern warfare, has been received with gene. raj favor by all enlightened nations; and the way seems to be already prepared for its intro. duction into the code of national law
 l highly appreciate your kind and compl mentary invitation, but there are circumstance. winch conStran me more respectfully to de. cline it.
 am with great respect, your obt serv't,
 w. L. MARCY,
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21

THE FORCE OF HABIT.-A celebrated writer aftirms that tobacco Is used among no less than eight hundred millions of men," Opium and other narcotics also have their millions of devotees. The craving for such narcotics and the habit of gratifying it, are described as little less universal than the desire for and the consumption of the necessary material of our common food. What commentary upon the power of habit! The story of Coleridge, the celebrated poet and philosopher, and that of De Quincy, the far-famed Eng ish opium eater, are striking illustrations of this almost omnipo. tent power and full of admonition.
 It is remarkable that tobacco the taste of which excites at first such loathing and dis gust, should by constant use, become finally so delicious to the tongue and obtain such a mas- tery over the appetite as to exert imperial sway over both the physical and moral nature. And the same may be said of ardent spirits and opium. There are few individuals who have natural taste for any of these, and yet few of those who ever become slaves to their will ever succeed in escaping the degrading thraldom. When we are told at first the danger of these fascinating Soothers and exciters, we are dis posed to rdicule the possibility of their ever becoming necessity and treat the idea of over indulgence with derision and contempt. Never theess the victims as Is well known, may be counted by thousands, nay millions. The slaves of excess, in one form or another, of tobacco, of opium, of alcohol, not to mention many oth- CT tempting narcotics. may be found in all por- tons of the earth among the rude and civil- zed the naughty and the humbe--in the palace of the prince and the hut of the peasant. We are indeed feeble creatures" small in bodily strength; grain of opium will conquer, or few drops of laudanum lay us prostrate. But how much weaker in mind, when knowing the evils to which they lead, we are unable to resist the fascinating temptations of these insid- ious drugs-BaAinaore American.
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
Narrowing Wheat.

It is the custom with many farmers to SOW clover or grass seed in spring, upon their win- ter grain. Before sowing the seed, if an ordi- nary harrow with sharp teeth is run over the wheat or other grain, the crop will be materially improved by it and the ground at the same time put in much better condition to receive the clover seed than if sown without harrowing.- Some might apprehend injuring the wheat by giving it thorough tearing with the harrow But select time early in the spring as the ground is just dry enough to work lively, and good narrowing will prove as great benefit to the crop as thorough blowing or cultivat- ing will to crop of growing corn. If you are afraid to make the experiment on a hundred acres, try it on ten, or even one acre, and re- port to us and the world, the result.
 Whether grass seed is to be sown or not, the narrowing will pay many times the cost of the labor of the operation. If the work should happen to be done just before shower of rain, the effect is readily marked. We have tried it and know grain on light, sandy land will be improved by running roller over it instead of the harrow
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
An ErrOr-COrn Planting.

It IS mistake that some agricultural jour- nais are making to recommend early planting lndlscrlmlnately, and without noting the excep. tions.
 The farmer of course will think for himself will use his agricultural paper to suggest thoughts and plans for his own acceptance or rejection, and not as an oracle by which he is to be led captive at another's will.
 Hence, wrong advice is not in all cases very harmful. We verify believe that the worst agricultural paper that could be concocted would do some good-wouid be worth more, in the absence of better journals, than its cost--be- cause 1t would lead to thought-would sharpen the farmers powers of observation and rehec- ton.
 o'lil wrong advice may prove injurious to some. The young, inexperienced farmer might be misled. Take, as an instance, the in- ulscrimlnate recommendation to plant early- It Is good advice, so far as 1t is sound. The oats will be heavier if the seed is sown about as soon as Jack Frost lets go his hold of the ground; potatoes, taking succession of wears oftener do we'll with early than late planting: winter wheat is on the whole more likely to escape its enemies and mature heavily with early than with late sowing It is so with crops generally; and then the enterprising farmer loves to see his work done in good tme-would rather drive his work than be driven by it. But how Is it with Indian corn? Does the earliest planting always give the best crop? No. Planting at the right time gives the best result And when is the right time? It is important to know, for, when that time comes, not mo- ment IS to be lost. Corn is tropical plant it loves great deal of heat and but a moderate degree of moisture; it will flourish only in tropical countries, or those which have the sum- mer of tropical climates. Under favorable cir cumstances, 1t grows rapidly Three months will carry 1t from germination beyond the dan ger of injury by frost, provided the weather be warm and not over wet. Without these favor Ing circumstances, it "gets contrary" so to speak, and won't grow. These are essential to its tropical nature. There is hardly more i'm portant problem for the corn grower than to hit upon the time for planting, when the seed will come in three or four days, and then grow fright on " without stopping
 Wheat, rye, oats, almost anything else, will wait for growing weather, without injury to the final result. Not so with corn. The farmer must give it the three hottest months in our climate, so nearly as his judgment will enable him.
 The true advice with regard to this crop is, not to plant early; but as soon as the ground is warm and there is a reasonable hope of its con- tlnung so, not to lose moment-Plo10, Loom aud AnUiI
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
n M 10 TOU IN I 4 Je6erSon Ea1ey, N. r., Jan. 25, 1S51
" In favor Of the HOg.o

In the good old county of C., State of Alabama, there lived one John Smith, who unlike the remainder of his small family. was peculiarly afflicted with want of dscrimina- ton between his own things and those of other persons, or who, rather, was ignorant of the laws relating to meum ct uuns." Now, once on a time, the said John Smith, while laboring un- der severe attack of the above m.ntioned dis ease, and being further mpelled by the vocife- ratons ot an empty stomach, went, under CO., yer oi nigh and feloniously y took and carried away from hls neighbours pen, shoat valued at one dollar and fifty cents, with the intention oi approprlatlnS the same to his own use But unfortunately, Johnny was detected, and in due course ot time was carried before Judge P. for trial. The witnesses were introduced, and the fact of the theft was proven beyond the sha- dow oi doubt. The jury retired to make ul ther verdict to an adjacent grove of trees, and were not out long before they returned with a verdict of guilty of hog stealin' in fust de- gree."
 The judge told them that the verdict was proper, except that they had omitted to assess the value of the property stolen, and that there was no degree to hog stealing, and to retire again and bring in their verdict in "proper form'' Again they retired, with pen, ink and paper. but rather nonplussed with regard to form. ? They pondered long and deeply oyer what he meant by form. At last old w. ,Jlm Turner who had been justice of the peace in Geor gla, with bright countenance, and sly wink. as much as to say, Look at me, boys-I un- derstand thing or two," wrote the verdict, and returned to the courthouse One after another they filed in, old Jim handed the yer. dict to the clerk, with anxious pomposity, and sat down. Judge of the laughter when the clerk read the following:
 7" We, he Jeurey. pus,laninaously find hedefen. dant g'lty 'n the sum of dollar 1s in favor Q, the hog."
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
Surfeited Trees.

It Is very common cause of failure to grow the finer varieties of cherries that they are set in soil too rich for them. They produce a large, very vigorous growth, and in few years become large, handsome trees but from the porous nature of the wood and the mmaturtv conseqent upon its rapid growth, the trees are liable to be split by the action of the severe cold in winter Thus thousands of handsome trees disappoint the owner just as they arrive at an age to promise sure return for the care be- slowed upon them. As a remedy, plant your cherry trees upon the poorest, dryeSt soil you have, and never manure them. We know of no soil in the west at all suitable for farming purposes that is not quite rich enough for cher | rles. The following from the American Agri- culturalist on this subject is interesting. We do not agree with the writer in regard to pear trees They will flourish in much richer soil than the cherry;
 A correspondent writes: have found by experience that young fruit trees and some Towering shrubs were often injured by over- feeding. For many years 1 lost all my cherry trees. planted them around my yards, and gave them the richest soil I could gather.- They grew finely; some bore good crops In 1 a few years they split from the branches to the roots, and in a few years more they died found in journals, that this splitting was supposed to be induced by the heat of the sun, for they generally occurred on the south west side Of the trunk, where the sun shone the hottest. l soon observed. however that cherry trees never split when they grow on 1 poor soil; so when 1 discovered them to check at once removed all ihe soil for five or six feet around them. and supplied its place with | ioom or poor gravelly matter. Since then not one has split and l presume they never will | W hen cherry trees are large and old, they may be safely manured. for then their energies are spent i'll bearing fruit, and they grow but slow ".
 | Pear trees are more easily surfeited than cherry trees but It affects them differently When overmanured the leaves come out of the new wood 1t the end of the new twigs. instead of being one inch or more apart, come out in a cluster or bundle, and the limb ceases growing at once
 few years ago procured fine young pear tree, and wishing it to bear and grow as soon as possible, 1 planted it in the range of the lowest point of my barnyard, so as to re- celve the trainings of the manure The new leaves all over It came out in thick bundles or whorls. l immediately removed all the earth from over the roots and filled the space with yellow loom, and turned the drain from it. In two weeks the new wood shot out and put forth Its leaves. l once manured an apple or | chard of seventy trees, and every twig threw out tbe same whorls-wood ceased growing The tips all dried, and l lost one years growth. So find trees as we'll as men or other animals can be over fed and surfeited.
 JAMES FOUNTAIN. JeferSon TaAeY N Y Jan 25 1957
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
---------~ss>n1n>e<--- Why the Democratic Party is Inyincit

crowning feature and glory of our great old party consists in the fact that it wars upon no section nor DO particular class of citizens on account of birth place or religion. Believing the constitution strong and broad enough to embrace every citizen of the republic, it would throw the protecting mantle of that great pal ladium around all; 1t would embrace the poor and the rich, the proud and the humble, within the folds of that great instrument as it was handed down to us by our fathers. It is this sentiment, adhered to with fidelity amounting to religious devotion, that makes the demo- cratic party invincible; and makes every page of its annals thus far luminous with bright deeds and splendid triumphs-which has ena- bled it to spurn every enemy from it's pathway, and to live down detraction and abuse, until it now stands proudly flushed with dominion. and abounding with power. To preserve it's high position, it has but to be true to its an- cent allegance-true to the faith of the fathers of the repubic-true to the great principles of the constitution, which have given it vitality and constituted it's strength--true to the mis- sion of human reform and advancement with which 1t seems to have been entrusted by Pro- vidence-and it may, with confidence, antici- pate future still more brilliant and success ful than the past-Nash. Union
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
The Dilemma
BY OLIVER WENDEL HOLME

BY OLIVER WENDEL HOLMES. Now, by the bles>'d Paphian Queen Who heaves the breast of sweet sixteen; By every name cut on bark Before my morning star grew dark: By Hymen's torch, by Cupl's dart, By all that thrills the beating heart: he bright black eye, the melting blue cannot choose between the two. had vision in my dreams; saw a row of twenty beams; From every beam a rope was hung, In every rope lover swung l asked the hue of every eve That bade each luckess lover die; Ten livid lips said heavenly blue, And ten accused the darker hue. ask'd the matron which she deemd With fairest light of beauty beamed; She answe'd, some thought both were fair; Give her blue eyes and golden hair. might have liked her judgment well, But as she spoke she rung the bell And all her girls, nor small nor few, Game marching in-their eyes were blue. l asked maiden; back she flung The locks that round her forehead hung, And turned her eve, a glorious one, Bright as a diamond in the sun, On me, until beneath it's rays, felt aS if my hair would blaze; She liked all eyes but eyes of green; She looked at me; what could she mean? Ah. many lids Love works between, Nor needs the coIorlng of his screen; Aud when his random arrows fly The victim falls, but knows not why, Gaze not upon his shield ot jet. The shaft upon the string is set; Look not beneath its azure veil, Though every limb were cased in mail. We'll both might make martyr break The chain that bound him to the stake, And both, with but single ray, Can melt our very heart away; And both, when balanced, hardly seem To stir the scales, or rock the beam, But that is dearest all the while, That wears for us the sweetest smile.
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
Agents fo1 the True Democrat.
ARKANSAS.

 Arkansas County-W H. H HALLIBURTON Arkansas Post: W. M JOHNSON, South Bend Ashy-JAs NORRIS and A. J. HAYs, Hamburg; Dr. L. L. BraAeg-JoHN HAvIs, Lanark; w. J. LEPHIEw, Vim M VANFALKgNBURG, Warren; JOHN M BURNS, Nit. Elba. BeH9a-'ien A. WHIsERY, spavinaw; Wm. J. How ARD, Benonvile. critendeH-lNo. s. HOLLOWAY, Marion. Copm6ta-W II. STEEL, Magnolia H. H. CLEARy, Falcon. SCOTT, Arkade phia carrou-ilon B. BUNCH, Kings River; w. w. WATKINS, CaroIlton. Coroay-R. L. CARGILE, Springfield. cneot-CALvIN AsHBRooK, Columbia; A. A. MCGEE, Gaines Landing. crn,qford-Geo. AUSTIN Van Buren, DreD-J. S JORDAN, Monticello. Desha-ir. Jo LBMLEY; JOHN CARROLL, Napoleon. Fraaklin-RoBERr C. TwEEDy, Ozark. FaitoH--JoHN :. SHAVER, Cross Plans; j. S RUSSELL Ramps Bsrens. Grses -Joux NJ. MITCHELL, GansvilIe w. NJ. PEERLESS Greensboro. Hampstead -Rop'r L. PHILLIPS, Washington. Hot Spring Dr. ]. q II HALMBURToN, Rockport Dr. w H. HANNoS1, Hot Spring>; 7. PHILLIPS, Far PIay JErH Ro HENDERSON, Wilmington. i1ard-Hon. J. qN A. BECK, Table Rock; D. w. JEFFREY and :. J. MASON, Mount Olive. IrdependeRce-- REUBEN TARTAN, Batesville; Dr. M H. JACKSON, sulphur Rock. J. JsFcrs9a-J J. HAmNErr, Pine Bluf J. SAVAGE, Lehi. JohHsoa- Col. IoHS :; iousros, Carksvle; JOHN T. HoRNER, Eubank Mills Jacksoa-C. H. JAcksQx, Elizabeth; D. NJ MARTIN, Mt Penson. Lqfaye,te-J. NJ. NoxreonERY Lewisvine. LlrreHceJ N. HMLHOUsE, Smithville H. kISG Jackson; M.J. HARDIN, Canton; Wm VAUGHAN, Evening Shade M'Htgomerg-JoHN P GARRETT, Mt Ida.
  Artsoa--J R. BERRY, Huntsville. M1ri9R--D. c. WILLIAMs, Melville. 0Hsc6ta-R. B. SMITH, Camden; RoB'T ATKINSON, Leeks Store P,rry--Hon L. D. HILL Peryvie. Pgasett-Ion. LEWIS SUrFIN, zen. ". THRowER, Boil
  PiiiIDs-C. H. ADAMsoN. Helena Pkc--W. B. SPsER Antoine; E. II. ADAMS, H. H. MERI DErH, Wilton; Wm. j. KELLEY, Nunreesboro Pof-Wm. BUTLER, Big Bend; THO MILLS, Panther; LEVI NuHERsPooN, Cove. PoDe-R. II. HOWELL, Dover; C. F.. ToBEY, NouistOwn. iric-Col. JA's F. GATEwoop, Des Arc. Raai9iph-JoHN Mccoy, Pocahontas s.. FraRciS-S. ". thILDREss, Madison; A. MCDANIEL, L'Anguille GEO w. SEAeoRN, raylor's Creek Saiae-Wn. A. CRAWFORD, Benton; Judge W. E. BEA- vERs Lost Creek. Seger-A.W. COLE, Paracfta L. NEAL, Center Point; Hon CHA's PETTIGREw, Brownstown. Scot-R. G. GAINES, Park; Dr. D. C. WRIGHT. Ssarey-HOn SAM LESLIE Wieys Cove. Caioa--W. E. HUNT, Hsboro'; H. B. CoBB Meeks; J. ARNOLD, Lisbon. Fan Bnren-L R. VENABLE, Clinton; D. B. CARGrLE, Quit
 
 Fashington-L. B. CUNNINGHAM, Fayetteville; J. C. MCGUIRE, McGuires Store. Whte--H. REED, Searcy. IHos VI. ALEXANDER, Velvet Ridge; GREEN C. CARUTHERs, Cold Well Yel-W. \. MAY, Danville; LEVI ARNOLD and Dr. JOHN l. SHERMAN, Dardanee; Jos GAULT, Blufon.
 ? In addition the above list of agents, Post Masters vho friendly the paper, authorized and requested act
The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
CONFIRMATION OF TAX TITLE.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN. Ina in purSu u ance of the laws in that behalf provi led the Auditor of Arkansas did sell at public auction ior the taxes due thereon on the l4th day of February 1853. the Southeast quarter of Section thirty four in Township three North. of Range ten Vest contain ing one hundred and sixty acres of land situate in Puask county, to William J. Rogers and Ben Blakeney for the of eighteen dollars and eighty one cents. bid by them and paid purchasers on that day to the Treasurer of said State; and which tract of land had been struck off and forfeited the State in the name of F. c. Lefevre, for he non payment of taxes. for the year l550 to wit: State tax twelve dollars and thirty cent: and county tax six dollars and fifteen cents And whereas the said l4th day of February 1853 by deed of that date: duly acknowledged and recorded in Pnlaski county the same day. C. C. Danev. as Auditor granted and conveyed to the said William J. Rogers and Be, Blakeucv and their heirs and assigns forever all tn, right title interest and estate of the former and of the State in and to the said tract of land: and whereas by deed dated the 24th of October acknowl edged the 10th of November and recorded in Pulaski the 18Th of December 1858: the said William.J Rog in consideration of one hundred dollars. paid tc him by said Ben Blakeny remsed re'eased and quit claimed to said Ben Blakency and to his heirs and signs forever his undivided half of said tract of land and he appurtenarces and whereby the said Ben Blakency became the sole of said tract Of land And whereas, afterwards the said Ben Blakenev died intestate; leaving as his sole heirs at law James Nj Blakeney his son. and Catharine M. C. Jackson. his daughter. both adults and the latter of whom had intermarrcd with Benjamin A. Jackson under which deed the said Ben Bakeney claimed. and bis heirs claim and demand the said tract of land. and are owners thereof.
 New therefore. All persons whocan mp any right to said tract of iand purchased at Auditor'> sale aforesaid. in consequence of infurmality irregularitv. illegality connected with said sale me hereby notified and required to appear on the first day of the Chancery Court, to be held nj the City of Little Rock. the seat of government on the First Monday of February. 1858, to then do so and to show if any they have. why the said safe should not be confirmed. pursuant to a petition to be then filed by in said court for that purpose and in accordance with the Statutes in that behalf provided,
 JAMES NJ BLAKFNFY.
 BENJAMIN A. JACKSON,
 CATHARINE NJ. C. JACKSON,
 Wife of said Jackson. s. H. HAMPSTEAD, Solicitor.