davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
LARGEST MAN I'M THE WORLD.

The funeral sermon of Mr.. Miles Darden.
who died at his residence, in Henderson
county. will be preached on the 4th Sun
day in this month. FIVE miles South west
from Lexington, Tennessee. The Masonic
fraternity will be in attendance, in full re-
gala. on the occasion.
The deceased was, beyond all question,
the largest man in the world. HE height
was seren feet sir incheS-two inches higher
than Porter, the celebrated Kentucky giant
His weight was fraction over one thousand
pounds! 1t required seventeen men to
out him in his coffin. Took over 100 feet
of plank to make his coffin. He measured
around the waist six feet and four inches.
After the funeral services, a friend in
Henderson county. who has long known
Mr. Darden, promised to give u brief
sketch of his life, emb"dying some interest
Mr.. L. p Williams. editor of the Ten
nessee Farmer and Mechanic" gives the
following facts in relation TO Mr.. Darden.
which he heard in the neighboring town of
Bolivar. Mr.. Dardeu was said TO have
been very sensitive at any allusion to his
unusual size, and would never consent to
be weighed ; but by an ingenious trick of
some of the youngsters of his town, who
were anxious to know his weight, that OBJ
iect was attained. Mr.. Darden had a bug
CIV ordered to be made for him, an ordinary
one not being strong enough. Mr.. ID.
getting in it one day to take ride, some
SLY young rascal crept up and marked the
distance the springs had been depressed by
Mr.. DIS. weight. Getting an opportunity
a while afterwards, it was filled with men
and boys until it was depressed the same
distance as by Mr.. DIS weight. The
men and boys being weighed, of course
gave the desired weight. Mr.. d. was very
much displeased when he found it out, but
couldn't help himself to any consolation on
that account. He was often very much If
ritated by letters from different persons
and quarters proposing to make an exhibit
ton of himself.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
r~~<~O%~>~--

ADMINISTRATORS St. Louis Republican,
in concluding congratulatory notice
of its prosperity and success, says Of
advertising:
"The truth is, advertising has become
a great feature in the business of the
country. No merchant can better under
stand this than those who engage in it most
extensively. The prominent advertisements
Of our fancy goods dealers, and our Wholesale
merchants, spread all over these pages,
best attest the estimation in which they
hold it. If they can in this way secure a
reading by tens of thousands Of persons
every day, this is just what they want.
If they can by SO easy a process and so
cheap cost attract hundreds of buyers to
their counters every day, what matters it
to them that they pay few dollars for
doing it. But the merchants are not the
only persons benefited by advertising.
Every one who he's anything to buy or
sell-every one who wants anything o.
has lost anything-every one engaged in
any business whatever-now resorts to the
newspapers to communicate with the public
AS matter of course, every man in search
of particular object or thing, looks to the
advertising columns Of a newspaper to find
it; and if there be any one so stupid as
not to read those columns he will never
keep up with his neighbors, or the progress
of the age"
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
v1noros LAST EXPLOIT.

The last exploit of Vidocq, the famous
French detective, who died quite iately 10
paris is said to have been as follows:
rich merchant went to him to consult
on deficit of l5O, 900 francs which ne Iouno
on his books. Vidocq demanded
"What is the age of your cashier"
"Twenty-fye. But am as sure OF hlm
as of myself: he has also been robbed; ne Is
a victim like myself"
"Are you married."
ayes"
allow old is your wife! Is she handsomes
Is she honest?
..Oh, sir, my wife is virtue itself-honor-
able, attached to me, above
"Never mind all that; your cashier is rs.
Is your wife handsome?"
SSince you insist upon knowing, she IS
handsome; but
"But! but! no matter about the butts!
You wish to find your money, don't you;
and you have confidence in me!"
"Of course I have, since Lam here"
"Very WELL then; go back home, make
believe you are going on a journey, and
introduce me into the house"
and Vidocq hid himself in the closet near
the chamber of the lady. Breakfast was
served, young man was shown in, and was
thus addressed by Madame:
"Very well, Arthur. he is gone, but he
suspects US, and we are lost"
The rival of Carpenter went over long
TRADE of love and desolation, concluding
with the words:
Only one road is left open for u.s.;
let us take what remains and embark
for"
vidocq stepped out of his concealment.
Tableau!
"My children, be calm, or I'll break both
your heads" said Vidocq. ave understand
each other, Isuppose9 Now, tell me, where
is the stolen money!"
1--WE have only 100000 francs left"
replied the woman.
Are you telling the truth!"
ooh, I swear it."
avery well! Give it to me-" The money
was given over.
Now, then, let this affair be forgotten;
never speak of it to your husband, and he
shall know nothing. As for you, sir, give
me your delicate little thumbs" He placed
handouts on the gentleman, conducted him
to Havre, put him on a ship bound for
America, and left him with the French
allen, go and hang yourself elsewhere"
Vidocq came back to Paris, handed the
100000 francs to the merchant, saying:
"Your cashier was the thief, but he had
spent $4,000 francs of the money with a
danseuse Iembarked him for New York"
Afterwards no happier family was ever
known than that ofthe merchant.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
AN UNKIND MASTER.
From the Columbia Times.


We regret to learn through the annexed
paragraph that another gentleman recog-
nized as a Southern man has. after using
and pushing his slaves to make fortune,
having acquired it, has become too stingy
to feed and cluthe them for what they have
done and has turned them loose to shift for
their own support in Ohio.
The man-Geo. G. Observation-Disclosures
us as one of the relatives of the late Mr.
Mendenhall of Charleston, who was one of
the best men of that city and faithfully ad-
ministered justice in the Court of Ordinary
after his loses as n Merchant and Factor.
We believe George is a brother of the de-
ceased and we regret to find one of the
name so forgetful of the duties of humanity.
Modern philanthropy teaches some men
to work their negroes down and after ac-
quiring fortune by their labor turn them
off to erase, like an old horse, at the ex-
pense of others. George c. Mendenhall is
one of this class we believe.
LIBERATION OF SLAVES George c.
Mendenhall, Esq. of Guilford county, n.
c., has just brought company of ten of
his slaves to Ohio to be liberated. This is
the third company he has brought. He
originally owned about eighty slaves worth
$7U,OOO. and has already liberated fifty of
them. The balance he designs setting free
ut an early day.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
a PLEA ron SNAKES.

There is q vulgar prejudice against these
reptiles, which however easily accounted
for, is both unwise and Improbable. The
common belief that the first tempter assum-
ed the form of a serpent. is doubtless the
original source of this almost universal
dread of snakes. Every son and daughter
of Eve seem to have a special license to
bruise the head of all the serpent kind
All fear them, and all delight in their des-
truction, whether harmless or not. The
venomous serpents are few. and the attacks
of these are rarely fatal. The copper head.
the rattle snake and the moccasin are
troublesome animals, and we do not include
them in our plea.
The large majority of the varieties found
in our country. are not only harmless but
positive helps to man in his cultivation OF
the earth. They are all insect eaters, and
fairly earn their right to live, by the good
they do The black snake. the adder, and
the striped snake, are commonly found
about our fields. Open the stomach of one
of these fellows. and you will find it as well
stuffed with insects, as that of the bird
whom New York legislators are careful to
protect with the arm of the law. While
the birds are laboring for man in the tree
tops, and devouring the moths and slugs that
prey upon the leaves of plants, the snakes
are busy with the grubs that infest the
roots. Their favorite shelters are old walls,
stone heaps. lodges and neglected hedges,
RI
deposit their eggs. Here also the serpents
breed, and cherish their young. using only
neglected portions of the field. The dread,
which man has of them is heartily recipro-
Gated, and even the venomous, it is believ-
ed, only use their fangs in self defence
They never attack man, and are certain to
be out of the way, whenever you want the
ground for anything else.
Ought not such unobtrusive helpers in
the cultivation of the earth to have human
of laborers which Providence has raised up
to keep in check the insect tribes. It is
because this army of helpers is so warred
against and exterminated by man, that the
insects are multiplying so fast. and the fruit
crop in the older States is endangered most
every season. In the new settlements, the
birds, snakes and toads. and all the tribes
that live upon insects. are found in largest
numbers. Here orchards always produce
the finest fruits. But as settlers come in,
and clear up the country, they begin a war
of determination, upon their best friends,
and the insects multiply so that every fruit
that sets in orchard Or garden has score
of enemies waiting to puncture and destroy
it. The balance which Nature designed to
be kept up between her several tribes of
creatures is destroyed.
1t is evident, then, that the destruction
of snakes, so common, is not only foolish
practice, but I'M curious to the best interests
of the farmer. Why not let them share his
protection. with the blue bird and the robin,
the sparrow and the wren, and if necessary,
have laws enacted to shield them from harm.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

This Institution, located in the No.,
part of Iredell county, N. c.. vii, UnA'Eaa,o
exercises on the gid of July. unds, 'esOpa i
dency of Rev. B. Clegg, assisted bv IN as
ed teachers. SCcOnpdI
Board and Tuition will range f,,.
to $65 per Session of five moo1 vs.
Tuition always in advance
Those coming from distance will,
bury a convenient point to obtain na nad VI
Arrangements have been made VIII 'Ise
Grant, proprietor of the Mansion How.
convenience of students. hi
For further information, address
Oh: REV. B; CLEGG,
June %, 1857. 5I-6t 'Ae
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

THE DEFENCE OF VERA CRUz.-The
Mexioans are preparing for the threatened
invasion by the Spanish expedition. A late
letter say that the works of defence at
Vera Cruz, Tampico and other ports of the
Republic proceed with activity. Among
other movements of troops 1900 men have
recently been cantonized at Jalapa. to be
at once transferred to Vera Cruz in case
of necessity. 1t is stated by the Eco Ma
tiOndL that, in case of war with Spain, the
President will put himself at the head of
the Mexican army. Other papers record
evidences Of the greatest enthusiasm, in de-
fence of the soil throughout the Republic.
The National Guards of Cordova. and
Tlalpam, in offering their services to Com
onfort, beg. as a favor, to he permitted to
march as an advance guard against the
enemies of their country. Other equally
patriotic and chivalric offers of services are
constantly being made.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
4ouR TERRITORIES"


To delude the ignorant. and to enlist the
sympathy of innocent philanthropists, the
Northern champions of the negro are in the
habit of designating the unsettled West as
..our territories" They reiterate the as
sertion that the Declaration of 1ndepend-
ence. the preamble of the Constitution,
certain extracts from the private cores
pondence of Washington. Jefferson. and
Patrick Henry, as well as the undefnable
s.h1gher law" spontaneously in every human
breast, forbid that Southern citizens shall
desecrate the free soil'' of 'our territories
by removing thither with their slaves. No
one not Southern born can fully appreciate
the bitterness and malignancy concentrated
in the terms and taunts of their selection :;
nor be likely to detect the premeditated'
though covert and cowardly, affronts of such
refined individuals as the Summers and Sc
wards The repetition of such phrases by
Fred Douglass and Wilson. and the preach
ers. ELECTS no feeling but contempt; for they
are supposed to be merely repeating the
sounds enunciated by others. like parrots
and without comprehending the meaning of
the words.
We will endeavor to expose the insult
partially concealed in their phraseology.-
But, first let the reader stand before the
map of the United States, and run his fin
ger up the Delaware to Wilmington; thence
West a. far as PittSburg, and from that
point due North to Lake Erie. Between
this line and the Atlantic Ocean. he will
find embraced all the North as it existed at
the beginning of our national career. Then
let him survey the illmitable expanse of the
South, the West, the North West, and he
may form some conception of the magni-
tude of the Southern States at that epoch.
They were as twenty to one in area, and
more than hundred to one in value. And it
was this inequality, then generally conced-
ed, and the admitted necessity of an equili-
brium to ensure a permanency of union,
which induced Virginia. Carolina and
Georgia, to bestow a sufficient weight of
territory upon their Northern sisters to
prevent the existence of any dangerous sec
tional preponderance. They did more. TIC
conciiate the North, and to establish t
guarantee against any species of oppres-
sion on the part of the stronger section, the
Southern Delegates in the Federal Conven.
ton consented that Jersey, and the cluster
of diminutive New England States, should
each have as many Senators as Virginia.
They were allowed ten Senators, and Vir-
ginia but two although. at that time Vir-
ginia held more territory than all of them
together and. emitting Massachusetts, she
had a greater population than the whole Of
them combined. Thus the Union was form
ed; by gratuity, concession, and sacrifice
on the part IF the South. 1t was character
i<tic of brave, chivalrous and noble pep
pie.
But to ''our territories" Virginia gave to
the Union about 100000, 900 acres.
Georgia, 5O,OOO,OOO /"
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
Notice.

We, the undersigned, have this DAY O0T
the entire Stock of
GROCERIES, LIQUORS., &c.
belonging to J. & E. Lonergan, two door
low the Mansion House, at which place W. 49,
keep the best brands of the various LqS
Cigars, and other articles usually kept ID OS !.
where gentlemen can be accOmmodaf" ~
times, Sundays excepted. The business CS
concern will be conducted strictly on Ins aas
System, as we have great horror OF on n
and accounts. DAVID ORR o. w
S.-We have also two excellent S~I
over our Store to rent, either as bed Too c0
Offices DAVID ORK O. W
June Is, 1857. So
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
Fatal Railroad accident.

C1Nc1NNArI, July 2.-The train between
this city and Marietta, Ohio, when on the
trestle work, to-day II miles west of that
place, ran off the track.
One car with 80 passengers fell distance
of so feet. Four were killed, and twenty
wounded.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
$13U,UOU,OUO
$15,OO0.OOO
5,00U,OO0
1O,0OO,OO0
22,OOO,OOO
$52,UUU,OO0
Leaving s78. GOO, 900, still unexpended.

Leaving S7S,GUO,OOO, still unexpended.
Thus it will be seen, and it can never be
successfully oontroverted, that the South,
besides giving to the Union Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky,
Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, also
furnished the money to pay for Iowa, Min
nesota, Washington, Nebraska, Oregon,
California, New Mexico, Utah, Louisiana
Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.
And what was the magnitude of the con-
tribu:ions of that mighty section whose
philanthropic people claim the right to ex-
exercise exclusive jurisdiction in ''our ter
ritories :" New Hampshire, Massachu-
sets, New York and Connecticut, did re-
linquish something-but not money, or its
equivalent They relinquisEed Jurisdiction
merely, in Maine and Vermont 3; and con-
scented that they might be admitted into the
Union as States-not donating them as
TERRITORIES or either property" for they
had previously sold to private individuals
every arabic rood that could be found in
the valleys between the mountains of rocks
That was about all the North contributed
to ''our territories.' And more than all.
For. in the ''History of Congress- pub
lished by Lea Il Blanchard, page 277, we
find that New York exacted bonus of
$4,000 (Spani>hed milled,) from Vermont,
for the surrender of certain titles.
Thus we learn from whence ''our terrific
ries" were derived. And whatever may be
the character of the final decision of the
people; and whatever may be the conse-
quences of ANY rupture or collision precip-
itated upon our devoted country; He who
gave US victory in the Revolution, will Judge
the cause of the South. Impartial history
will do her justice, if her own strong arm.
and eagle eye, and lion heart, should fail.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

A CoNTENDED MAN.-Editorial life has
many burdens and cares, but the following
incident shows that it is not wanting either
in dignity or comfort: Black was great
favorite with Lord Melbourne. On one
occasion the peer said: "Mr Black, you
are the only person who comes to see me
who forgets who | am" The editor opened
his eyes with astonishment. "You forget
that am the Prime Minister. Everybody
else takes especial care to remember it; but
[ wish they would forget it, for they only
remember it to ask me for places or favors.
Now, Mr. Black, you never ask me for
'nything; and wish you would, for
seriously l should be most happy to do
'nything in my power to serve YOU" 81
tr, truly obliged said Mr. Black, "but
don't want anything. am editor of the
Morning Chronicle. l like my business,
and [ live happy on my income" Them
said the peer, Il envy you; and you are the
only man lever did"
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
NOTICE..

We, the undersigned, have this day 'SnS
our entire stock Of Groceries. Liquors, &C..
NJ ssrs. David Orr e. Co., of this place, anc ;"
retired from business. We return our quo.
thanks to our friends and patrons for the kDoDs
and liberality bestowed on us while in Du'p.
for several years, and take pleasure in is''
mending them to our successors. i.
Our Notes and Book accounts are pIauSS y.
the lands of VIM S. Norment. Esq, for ~ y.
ton, with the instruction to close up tDc ~
ness of the concern forthwith, as we als "
PEELED to have money. n,v
June Is. st. J g. E. LONEK0AN
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

FIDELITY.-Never fursake a friend
When enemies gather around-when sick
ness falls on the heart-when the world is
dark and cheerless-is the time to try true
friendship. They who turn from the cry
of distress betray their hypocrisy, and prove
that interest only moves them. Ifyou have
friend who loves you and studies your
hapPiness-be sure to sustain him in adver-
sity. Let him feel that his former kindness
away. Real fidelity may be rare, but it
exists in the heart. Who has not seen and
felt its power! They only deny its worth
and power who have never loved friend
or labored to make friend happy.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
TRUST SALE

BY virtue of Deed of Trust to me e,s,,,
by Robert Shaw, will proceed on MOpd"t
9th of July next, to sell the following pppo
viz:
Two Negro Women, Lizzie and Kat, :.
House and Lot on TryOn street, at prpspr !,
cupied by Mr. Shaw; Household and KIM
Furniture; one Piano Forte; small lot M
lencry Goods and one Cow and Calf.
TERMs.-Six months credit, with interest
date.
S. P. ALEXANDER, Tuss
June 2, 1857. asst
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

VERY MYsTERIoUs.-A few days ago,
we were consulted by friend under pecu-
liar circumstances. A box was received
from some unknown person in New York,
which excited suspicion. In it was found
a part of a skeleton of a female. The bones
were very light. and evidently belonged to
delicate person, and although the head
was wanting. yet a fashionable bonnet.
though very small. and pair of gloves, de-
cided the point as to the ownership of the ar
ticles. We advised the case to be submit
ted to the Coroner, and the decision of a
jury, but we have as yet seen no report of
it.--COlunl6id Cdroiinian.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

70 We learn from the Fayetteville OBJ
server that the Steam Saw Mill of D. A.
Boyd, of Richmond county, was burnt down
on Friday night last. 1t was the work of
an incendiary.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

JOHN w. WHITE.-This notorious Kansas
lecturer has turned up in Fayetteville,
Lincoln county, Tenn. Parson Brownlow
has taken up the 'cudgels" against him,
and handles the individual with gloves off.
as the following will show:
Those who saw our last weeks issue
will recollect that this scoundrel. who is
sneaking along the line of Tennessee and
Alabama making speeches, has Just escaped
from steamboat on the Ohio. where he
had been collared and made to give up a
gold chain he had stolen in Fincastle, Va!
They will recollect that he is Ascending
from engagements he had made at different
points in Virginia to meet companies of
Volunteers he had raised for Kansas. and
shamefully, imposed upon! They will
recollect that he was advertised and run
out OF Georgia and the CaroIinas, for raising
money under false pretences! They will
recollect that he is foul mouthed black
guard, coarse insulting, profane swearer,
an Inbred ruihan, utterly unworthy ofbeing
countenanced IN any decent community.
Aud they Will at once see that his featuring
IN the counties through which he passes,
is to keep up show of boldness and
independence, to prevent his arrest and
return to Georgia, where there il !. re,vard
offered for him
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

A DuEL.-We learn that duel between
two gentlemen of Charleston, (Messrs.
Conner & Stuart,) was fought yesterday
morning at Fair Bluff. The parties ex-
changed shots without injury, when an
amicabe adjustment was effected, and they
left in the train going South Wiimington
Herald 3OM ult
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
The Metropolitan Police Bill.

ALBANY, July 2.-The Supreme Court of
Appeals yesterday decided in favor of the
constitutonality of the Metropolitan Police
bill. There was full bench, with the
following resuIt--four in favor, and two
against.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

SERIOUS AFFRAY.-George Mowery and
Andrew howery, assaulted Frederick
Shouse at the Rail Road Station i'm this
place, at a late hour Oh Saturday night last
and beat him SO badly that his life is en-
dangered- They were arrested on Sunday,
but George escaped. Andrew was COM
mitted to jail.-.SaLisbury Waiehmqn.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07
Trustees of Davidson Coll..,

THE Board of Trustees will meet in ,h.:Vr
at the College, at ii o'clock, A. NJ, on Tna1
the I4th of July, 1857. A Professor o ny y
Letres will be elected. Na
f. NYE HUTCHINSON So.,
Board Trusts of D. Coh.
June 16, 1857. St
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1857-07-07

10 1t seems that Rheum.t;.V
Neuralgia, Swollen and Stiff Ism Deaf.
IT,, lo pan 70 which we are all suS md
i 6e, tnelr terrors. Prof De GratbS h.
oll Is war anted to relieve any es,I. q. ,S
space OF time and with trifins 10 a"s
Il can be had of the agent hers eSSr'n..
Prltchard. See advertisement, Dr. L. \
column. NAV IA In apo,t