davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1857-10-31
LIST OF LETTERS

REMAINING in the Post Office, at Musca-
tine, Iowa, November LIST, 1857.
Persons calling for advertised letters are
requested to give the date of the list.
On and after Nov. Isl, the Post Office will
be open on Sundays from to 9 A. NJ.
CENTS, LIST.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1857-10-31
DISSOIuTI0N

DISSOLUTION.
Tue copartnership heretofore existing between
i the undersigned in the mar BILE tomb and grave
stons manufacturing hHsnes is this day dissolved
bV mutual consent-a!laccountst to be settled bv W.
D. McIlroy. VIM. D. McILROY::
Oct. l2-d3tw4w. rs. DAUGHEkIY
/ P.S-W. D. McIroy will continue he above bus
mess. He has just opened a new shop on Iowa
Avenue, first door above Isett q t3rewsfer's bar k
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Beaver Academy.

We have been favored with the "Cata-
logue" of this Institution for 1856. 1t rep
resents it in a prosperous condition, and as
the Academy is deservedly worthy ofpat-
ronage, we shall expect to hear of its con-
tinued growth. 1t is located at Beaver; Pa.
a pleasant and healthy locality and easy of
access. Ample accommodations are made
to receive boarders, and the whole expense
for board, light tuition, &c, for session
of five months, need not exceed $500
The number in attendane during the
session just closed was over 120. The next
session commences February 1st., and con-
tinues until the last of June.
The Teachers in the Female Seminary
are Rev. ]. A. MG1LL, Principal, Mrs. ].
B. MGILI, Assistant Principal, with Miss.
M. E. ELLIOTT, Miss EMMA DUNLAP and
Miss M. WARNocK, Assistant Teachers
Miss ELLEN GnL1s, has charge of the Mu-
sical department.
In the Academy or Male Department, the
Teachers are, Rev. J. A. NJ GILL, Principal,
A. G., WILSON, Assistant Principal, and
MATHEW DUFF, Assistant teacher.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Bombardment of Canton.

Late telegraphic dispatches show that,
for some cause, the British and American
men-ofwar are battering down the walls of
the Celestials, and that French ship was
about to make her appearance before Cam
ton. We suppose she too will take a hand
in the affair. On general principles we
think few cannon balls may let in a lit
tie civilization into the Chinese, vet ue
have no doubt the chastisement is for some
offence deserving it. The American man
of-war, Portsmouth, which has opened her
batteries, is under the command of Capt.
A. H. Foot, well known to many as ju-
dieious and brave officer, and one who has
heretofore served so faithfully on the Afri-
can coast. Capt. Foot will not act impet-
uously, but when he does move be will go
through the walls of Canton.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Sherif,s Sales.

On the 9th day of February, the east half
of lot no. 20. Taken as the property of
Mathew Williams.
Same day, 10 acres off Of the south east
quarter of sec. s5. Taken as the property
of Jonathan Cutter.
Same day, so acres off the southeast
quarter of sec. 8. Taken as the property
of John Poulson.
On the 2eth day of January, the north
half of the northeast quarter of section 8.
Taken as the property of Adam Deetz.
On the 2eth day Of January, in-lot no.
l52 in the town of Mnlersburg. Taken as
the property of Joseph Mcdowell.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Kansas.

We are glad that the Free State Le-
gislature has adjourned. Elected without
law, they should have had the good sense
not to meet, knowing that their attempting
to do so would be the signal for the renew
al of hostilities there. Gov. Robinson fee
ling it in his bones that he would be ARES
ted if they met, took to his heels few
days in advance of the time set for their
meeting, and 1t. Governor Roberts, very
prudently staid away. There is such a
thing as running good cause into the
ground, and it looks to US as though some
of the Free State men in Kanzas and else
where were trying to do so Just now, with
the cause of Freedom in Kanzas. 1t is ad-
mitted among Free State men everywhere
that Gov. Geary is doing as well as he can
for them, yet they do not seem willing to
let well enough alone, but would provoke
him to take sides with the Border Rufians.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Tit for Tat.

In Indiana the Senate is Republican, the
House Locofoeo. On joint ballot the Lo-
cofocos are in the majority. Heretofore,
when Just the converse was true, one house
Locofoco and the other Whig, with Wing
majority on joint ballot, the Locofocos
would not go into joint ballot, and thus
prevented the election of United States
Senator. Now the boot is on the other
leg, and the Republicans propose TO play
the same game. The plan laid by the Lo-
cofocos to entrap the Republicans, on the
organization of the present Legislature, was
a deep laid one, but fortunately did not
succeed. 1t was arranged that Lieut.. Gov
Willard { (Locofoco) should, as President of
the Senate, refuse to receive the certificates
of three Senators, against whose seats pre-
tended objections had been trumped up,
thus the Senate would stand on a tie, he,
Willard, having the casting vote. That
done, of course the Senate and House could
vote at ony moment to go into joint ballot
and elect two Locofoco United States Sen
ators, and then when the contested cases
were reached, give the rejected Republicans
their seats. But the Republicans were rot
to be caught, and, therefore, wonld not ac-
knowledge the authority of Lieut.. Gov.
Willard as presiding oficer-he being on
ly made so by custom, which gives him the
chair for the purposes of organization mere
ly. Finally, on being assured that he
would not attempt such game, the Re
publicans acknowledged him as presiding
officer, and the Senate was organized.
The next Loeofoco trick coneocted, was
to spring the election of Senators upon the
two Houses, when in joint session for the
purpose of hearing the Governors Message,
and on the instant to go into an election
But the Republicans were too wide awake,
and, failing to get any pledge from the Lo-
cofocos that such an attempt would not be
made, they staid away, and the Governor
delivered his Message to the House only
These bad spots being past, the Republi-
can Senate propose, in imitation of former
Locofoco Legislatures, not to consent to
the election of Senators this winter
Cleveland Herald
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
S2l3,94S


Excess of contract price over lowest re-
sponsible bid, $64,361 per year. For five
years the extent of the contracts, the excess
will be ss21,9o5.
Such, in as brief space as we could
compress the report, are some Of the i'm
portaut facts relating to these canal con-
tracts. They show that system of favor
itism has been practiced by the commits
sioners, reprehensible in the extreme, and
by which the people of the State may
draw some profitable lessons for their fu-
ture action. If these canals are to remain
the property Of the State, and not to be dis
posed OF, the people must look sharp in the
selection of their Commissioners, or they
may be fleeced more close in the future.
We have only given a drop from this
dead fountain. The report contains rivers
of such knowledge as we have, in the above
abstract, gathered up: When il is printed
we shall have occasion to speak of some of
the other matter which it contains. AS
we said in the beginning it is THOROUGH.
The Committee make long and able
argument to prove that the Legislature has
not only the power, but that it is its duty
to repudiate these contracts, with the soli-
tary exception named. Whether it will
satisfy the Legislature remains to be seen.
The inviolability of the contracts is a car
dinal doctrine of our political faith. We
have been committed TO it all our life. We
cannot change it now. We would suggest
that the validity of the contracts now un-
der consideration be Immediately tested in
judicial form. The Supreme Court is in
session in the same building with the Leg
islature. The law officers of the Govern
ment, the Attorney General, is in the city.
Let him be instructed to make case be-
fore the Court. Let him be empowered to
employ aid if he desires it, the most emf
nent in the State. Let the contractors ap-
pear with their counsel. Let their side
be heard, and after hearing of the parties,
let the court declare the law. If they say
the contracts are binding, no vote Of the
Legislature can unloose them. If they
pronounce them fraudulent and void, no
vote of the Legislature can save them from
its doom. We presume that if the Legis-
lature should declare them void, the con-
tractors will test the question in the Courts.
So, to that complexion they must come at
last. The sooner it is decided, the better
for all parties.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Curiosities i'm California.

C. Messrs. JAMES w. and ISAAC N. DON-
ALDsoN, of this county, have recently re-
turned from California, where. they have
been for few years past, ard report say,
done well. They are industrious, enterpri-
sing young men, and that kind always sue
ceed. One of them kindly presented us
with couple of large Lithographs-a num-
Der of which be brought home with him
giving fine views of scenery in California.
One of these before us is a representation
of the Mammoth Tree Grove" situate in
Calaveras county, Cal, where are found
some of the largest trees in the world
The dimensions of number are given: the
Father of the Forest, l12 feet in circumfer-
ance, and when standing, 450 feet high.
Another, called the Mother of the Forest,
80 feet in circumfel ance, and 327 feet high.
A tree SO feet in circumference, 200 feet
high, was cut down 1853, employing 5
men rs days in boring and saving it off
In the body of one of them they have
4tPioneer CABIN" 80 feet in diameter, $50
feet high. The "Miners' Cabin" in anoth-
er, is 80 feet in circumference, and 800 feet
high. In the body Of another, which has
fallen, they have Horseback ride" IS
feet through, and IL feet in the clear.
These are "some trees"
The other of these plates is representa-
ton of the "Yo-Hamite Falls" situate in
the Yo-Hamite Valley. 1t is the highest
waterfall in the world, rushing over the
precipice at one bold leap, it falls 1900
feet; and the whole height from valley is
$500 feet.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
News.

Tobacco has become one of staple pro-
ductions of the Chemung Valley, New
York, it is said to be more profitable than
any other. 1t is only about three years
since it was first introduced, and this year,
two or three hundred tons have been raised
in that county alone.
Mr.. L. L. Hill, now of Greenport, N. Y,
the same whose means of taking daguereo-
types in colors attracted much atte ton
few years since-is claimed as the discov-
erer of valuable means of ''eatilizing," or
otherwise changing the atmosphere, so as to
produce bright light at little expense.
The method is by passing it through
fluid the nature of which is kept a secret
A man in Berlin, Prussia, who was Ia
boring under pecuniary difficulties, cut UP
his wife and two children with hatchet
and then cut his own throat. The next
day, lottery ticket, which he held, turned
up prize of forty thousand francs
Martin Hampton, of Lawrence county,
O. having gone partially blind, went to
Cincinnati, where an oceulist totally de-
stroyed his sight, in attempting to restore
it. The patient returned home, to commit
suicide, by hanging himself with hand
kerehieE
Charles Wheeler, an estimable young
man, of GAINESVILLE, was drowned in the
Muskingum, on New Years day. He was
returning with Alex. S. Cox, from New
Xear's visit to the family of Judge Cox
He was in the 22d year of his age, and was
engaged with Mr. Gilbert in the foundry
business. Mr.. Coxsaved himself by SWIM
ming.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Mormons Perishing on the Plains

A correspondent Of the Missouri Repa5-
lican, writing from Independence (Mo.) on
the 4th. giving the information received
from the conductor of the Salt Lake mail,
which arrived there the Goth of December,
mentions much suffering among the mail
parties, and detentions by terrible snow
storms, and gives the following account of
fatal privations among Mormons on their
way to Salt Lake:
On their way in, near Bean River, they
(the mail train) met the third hand-cart
train of Mormons going west. This was
one of Brigham Young's favorite methods
of travel, and the successful arrival of the
first and second trains induced the citizens
of Salt Lake City to hold a public meet
ing, passing resolutions expressive of their
thanks, &c, to the Governor. In reply he
stated that it was not Brigham Young's
measure or suggestion, but that of the spi-
rit of the Lord, and that when he under
took the work nothing could retard their
progress.
The fourth and fifth trains were met at
the three crossings of Sweet Water, in a
very different condition from those in ad-
vance. They were suffering beyond meas
ure for the want Of provisions, and on ac-
count of the cold. They were very badly
clothed, and in consequence of the hard
ships many of them were dying; in one
camp they buried fifteen in one day. The
mode of burial, since they cannot dig the
frozen ground, is to lay the bodies in heaps,
pile over them willows and heaps of stones.
Gov. Brigham Young, learning something
of their condition, dispatched some men
and provisions to their relief; but these
were met by mail party returning to the
city again, having been turned back by the
violence of the storm they encountered.
What the poor creatures will do, or what
will become of them, it is hard to tell
Under delusion they have left their homes,
in foreign lands, and to satisfy a.whim Of
the Governor, undertook a journey of
thousand miles, not half provisioned or fit
ted for trip that, even in good weather,
is difficult enough, let alone at this incle-
ment season Of the year.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
Clippings.

The State debt of Michigan is $780,
600; Illinois, $13,O0O,0OO,
Mr.. Simmons, of Rhode Island, has
been elected U. S. Senator for six years.
There are upwards of one hundred thou
sand germans in the city of New York.
Hon. Henry W. Willard, of Alabama,
is now preaching for the Episcopal Metho-
dists.
Hon. James NJ. Mason is chosen Presi-
dent of the United States Senate. He is Il
Virginian.
AT the municipal election, held in Lex
ington, KY, on Saturday, the American
party was successful.
Joseph Russelland wife, were found
dead in their bed on the 3Oth ult., at
Thompson, Delaware county, O.
On the 7th, teams crossed the st. Law
renee at Quebec, on the ice. This winter
is about as cold as last.
The Massachusetts House of Represen-
tatives have elected Chas. Summer U. S.
Senator by an almost unanimous vote.
A bill admitting negroes to equality with
whites, as witnesses in courts, has passed
the Iowa Senate, and no doubt will be con-
CURED in by the House.
The ladies of St. Pauls Church, New
Haven, made their rector, the Rev. A. N.
Littlejohn, Christmas present of Life
Insurance policy for S135,OOO.
Mr.. Congdon, of the Boston Atlas, retired
from the establishment on the first of Jan
uary. He is engaged on the New York
Tribune, at large salary.
The gas has been shut off from the street
lamps in New Albany, owing to the scar
city of coal The company has sufficient
coal to last them only a month longer.
The Philadelphians are projecting new
park. Two gentlemen have already give
ten thousand dollars each; and various
sums, varying from five thousand to five
hundred dollars, have been pledged to the
movement.
Mr.. A. Strauss, a merchant of Delaware,
Ohio, was waylaid and knocked down by
robbers, whose object was plumber, but as
sistance coming, the robbers fled. Mr.. S.
is in fair way of recovery.
At Belfast, Me-, one of the girls employ
ed in the paper mill of Messrs. Marshall &
Kimball, picked from the rags a set of
teeth, in gold fastenings, and worth some
ten dollars for the gold alone.
The engine houses of the Michigan Cen
trail Railroad at Niles, was burned down on
Saturday night, the 2sth ult. The engine
which was in the building was very much
injured by the heat. Loss about $4,000.
The Mariposa, California; Democrat
saws that the Board of Supervisors of Mar
iposa county have assessed the Fremont
grant at 100000. which, at the fixed
rate of taxation, will make the tax upwards
of 1000.
Col. Frazer, an eminent lawyer of Lam
caster, Penn, bar died on Tuesday in the
Insane Asylum of Lancaster county,
Over-taxing his mental and physical ener-
gies is said to have caused his arrangement
and death.
A drunkard confined in the Harrisburg
Jail, was found dead the other morning,
having drank burning fluid, mistaking it
for liquor.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
agThe Message of Governor Matteson

HThe Message of Governor Matteson
of Illinois, states that the total indebted
edness Of the State on the 1st of JAN, was
S12,sS4,O00. The amount lquidated du-
ring the past four years was s4,5oo,ooo.-
Balance in the Treasury on the lst of JAN
uary, $4,000. He says therei is no doubt
the State is fully able to pay interest regu-
larly in future, and to extinguish the whole
debt in seven years. He thinks that the
revenue from the Central Rail Road will
soon pay the entire expenses of the Gov
ernment, leaving surplus from the Illinois
and Michigan Canal, for charitable and
beneficial purposes in the discretion of the
Legislature.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
New Acknowledgement of ali
Iranslent Printed Matter Com.

pulsOry. ''oA WV
The following regulations have been
made by the Postmaster General in orIar
to carry out the provisions of the act inst
passed, requiring prepayment of hostage
on ali transient printed matter, viz.
1. Books, not weighing over four pounds,
may be sent in the mail prepaid by post
age stamps, at one cent an ounce, any dis
tance in the United States under three thou-
sand miles, and at two cents an ounce over
three thousand miles, provided they are
put up without cover or wrapper, or in
cover wrapper open at the ends or sides, so
that their character may be- determined
without removing the wrapper.
2. Unsealed circulars, advertisements,
business cards, transient newspapers, and
every other article of transient printed mat
ter except books, not weighing over three
ounces, sent in the mail to any part of the
United States, are chargeable with one
cent postage each, to be prepaid by post
age stamps, Where more than one eircu-
lar is printed on sheet, or a circular and
letter, each must be charged with single
rate. This applies to lottery and other
kindred sheets assuming the name and form
of newspapers, and the miscellaneous mat
ter in each sheet must also be charged with
one rate. A business card on an unsealed
envelope subjects the entire package TO let
ter ostage. Any transient matter, like
circular OF handbill, enclosed IN or with a
periodical or newspaper, sent to subscri-
Der, or to any other person, subjects the
whole package to letter postage, and when
subject to letter postage, from being sealed
or from any other cause whatever, all print
ed matter, without exception, mus: be pre-
paid or excluded from the mail. 1t is the
duty of the Postmaster at the mailing Of
flee as well as at the office of delivery, care
fully to examine all printed matter, in OF
der to see that it is charged with the prop
er rate of postage, aud to detect fraud
At offices where postage stamps cannot be
procured, Postmasters are authorized to re-
ceive money in prepayment of postage on
transient matter; but they should be care
full to keep supply of stamps on hand.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22

Coal VERSUS GoLD.-It appears that
the Coal extracted from the mines of Penn
sylvania the last year, has been equal to
the sum of forty millions of dollars, which
is well up to the yield of The gold mines of
California; and yet while we have heard
little or nothing of Pennsylvania coal, all
the world has been running crazy after Cal
ifornia gold. Shrewd people, these Penn
syIyania Dutch.
Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1857-01-22
From Columbus Journal.
The Contracts for the Public
Works. Report of the Inves-
tIgating COmmittee.-HOyy the
Money has been Qlandered.


The Contracts for the Public
Works. Report of the Inves-
tigating COmmittee..HOyy the
Money has been Sqnandered.
1t will be remembered that the Board of
Public Works-namely, James B. Steed-
man, Wayne Griswold, Jacob Blickensder-
fer, in November last, acting under law
of the State passed in le45, offered to let
by contract for five years the keeping of the
Ohio canals in repair. The Legislature at
It its last session, having reason to believe
that the contracts awarded by the Com
missioners, had not been given to the low
est responsible bidders, appointed Com
mittee of three members of the Senate and
House, to investigate the matter, and re-
port at the next session. This Committee
consisted of Hon. G. S. Hamilton, of the
Senate, and Paul Wetherbee and John A.
Blair, Esqs. of the House. This Commit
tee made their report yesterday. 1t is
most thorough document. 1t has sifted
the whole matter of our canal lettings to
the bottom, and the facte disclosed will
strike the people with amazement. The
report is necessarily voluminous. 1t will,
when printed, make a document of some
hundred pages. We have been permitted
the examine briefly the report before it is
placed in the hands of the public printer.
We propose to give brief abstract of that
part of the report v hich relates to the let
tings.
On the 18th of May, the Committee adj
dressed letter to the President of the
Board of Public Works, Mr.. Blickensderfer,
informing him that they were about to
commence their investigation, asking the
cooperation of the Board in the labors be-
fore them. Mr. Blickenderfefer immedi-
ately replied, and rendered them all the
assistance in his power In the advertise
ment published by the Board of Public
Works soliciting bids, the whole works
were divided into eighteen sections. In
making their report the Investigating Com
mittee take each section separately, and
give the facts relating to it. We shall fol-
low the example of Committee.
Section Number One.
Is the Ohio Canal from Cleveland to,
and including the Walhonding acquduct
and lock, near Roscoe, and the Walhond-
ing Canal.
This contract of this section was award
ed to Medbery & Co., at 27,500 year.
On this there were the following bids, all
of which were lower that Medbery's q