davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
A VaDOriZeti Production,


 We find the folio wing sublimated specimen of literature in the editorial columns of the Richmond Enquirer, which strikes Us as being unworthy of the space, unless the writer had assured us that he was merely trying his hand' l at bombast. It must be the production of some inflated freshman or sophomore of the Virginia University, for it displays a strange deviation from the ability which has characterized the articles of the Enquirer. For the benefit of those who admire what Is laughably sublime we feel constrained to publish it, hoping at the same time that the author survived the vehe- nent effort it must have required to produce it. | JOUR CoUNTRY.-Freedom and liberty are deeply radacated in the bosom of every true and sincere patriot. Liberty, guae sera tansen resperi inertesa, which was achieved by that small and inexhaustbie band of veomanry, has been transmitted from heart to heart of every onaans patraae, like the successive waves of the ocean each consecutive giving force to its antecedent until its lustre and glorv with dilatable inhu. ence, irradiates the horizon that terminates oui broad and expanded country. The declaration of independence, the epoch in the annals of our country's history, is still the tablet on which the basis of our consttvtion is enameled and inscribed. That tablet signed by the hands ol Washington, pater suae patrje and his contem. pOrarleS, all llustrlous ancestors to whom we are indebted for the bequeath of glorious le- gacy, has descended to posterty, which vindi- cates the inherited freedom of our country with no God but Jehovah-no King but the Law. Within this land of freedom where na. ture has deposited man, inspired by that Infinite Providence who keeps the sybilline books of his destinieS with all the donations and en dowments to make him great and happy, where nature has lavished her choicest gifts; where she has imparted and endowed man with that wisdom and intellectual power to fabrlcate the foundation of noble and united government, from which originates national power and na- tional glory, we can discover and revere the arts and sciences to adorn our country. Here with in the ripping and slvery waters of the Allan tic, Pacific St. Lawrence and Rio Grandc, we can decorate the sphere of usefulness and en- terprse, translate 1t to the cerulean sky and pierce the cloud of greatness to immortaize its genius and integrity. Whose heart is not in fated with vernacular love to view such a structure of government, what d comprehen- sive policy, and to see the stars and stripes, the emblem of unmoested freedom, wave over the soil of our countrv?'
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
LATER FROM HAVANA.
South lcest Pass March |

oOnh1- UeS IaSS M arch II.
 The steamship Black Warrior, which left New York on the 2d and Havana on the Stb inst, arrived at 5 o'clock this morning. She brings very interesting news from Nicaragua. Perue and New Grenada, but none of particu- lar from the ''ever faithful isle"
 The ASpnwal Courier of the Sd inst. re cel'ed at Havana, reports that Walkers party have forced their way up the San Juan river to the lake with trih ng loss and that they cap tured considerable arms ammunition and pro- visions and obtained possession of another steamboat, the J. w. Scott
 Accounts from Perue, published in the same paper state that the revolution party is suc- cessfu
 Recent accounts from Bogota state that the Hon. Isaac E. Morse the United States special commissioner, had received favorable person. al reception, but the New Granada Govern ment showed strong indi>postion to negati- ate favorahly on the subject embraced in his mission. They labor earnestly to impose on the Americans all the blame for the Panama riots.
 The U. s. sloop-of-war Saratoga left Aspin- wall on the 2i inst, for San Juan del Norte. All we'll on board
 There is no Isthumus news of special inn portance. The weather was pleasant, health good, and political affairs were quiet
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
Swamp Land Taxation.

Some Of our Memphis neighbors are exer- cising themselves in regard to the present laws of this State taxing the swamp and overhowed lands that were previously exempted from taxation, by an enactment of our State legisla- ture which was clearly unconstitutional, and which was repealed at the session of l854-5. friend has handed to us the following article upon the subject which was written with the view of publication several weeks ago:
 ART. VII. Secti,n ?, (rnader hehead of Revenue)
 of the Consultation cf A,kansas, reads thus:
 SEC. 2. All property subject to taxation shall be taxed according to it's value--that va iue to be aScertained in such manner as the General Assembly shall direct; making the same equal and uniform throughout the State. No one species of property, from which tax may be collected, shall be taxed higher than another species ol property, of equal value" This lan- guaSe, It will be readily admitted, is PARAMOUNT TO AND INDEPENDENT OF ANY SIMPLE ENACT hENT. This being the case 1t is clear and DO. sItlve, that the law passed by our legislature exemptng swamp land from taxation for gwen number of years was null and vodG.
 To say that the taxing of those lands is A violation ot contract, is simply ridiculous, be- cause the making of the contract attempted to violate the constitution itself It was as well known to the purchasers of those lands as it was to the legislature who passed that foolish, and much to be regretted act that the law itself ,1as unconstitutional and void on its face.
 Ii anything could now be done in the premi. 'es between the parties to the contract, (the ntate and the purchasers of the land) it would be simply 10 an1d Ae contract, give up the lands md claim the money paid, and this if the parties are imposed upon would be right and proper in itself
 word upon the score of "equitv and ius- tce' in this matter. Should it be desired. that we have raised up amongst us priuiledqed or der Of landholders? Certainly not For in. stance, suppose 4. buys half of section of land from the United States at Sl 25 per acre, and that E. buys the remaining half from the State oi Arkansas at 75 cents per acre. where IS the equity and justice of making A. pay his taxes for the support of the government which ls for the equal benefit of B. as well as of him. self. Justice forbids it. the constitution annuIs 't! and common sense approves the conclu- sion
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
St. Louis and Galveston, and Ell Paso, Tex. as-CairO and Fulton railroad.

We are indebted to Hon. EDWARD CRoss, Of Arkansas, the very able and efficient President of the Cairo and Fulton railroad, for copy oi the law of the State of Arkansas, turning over to this railroad the land granted by CongeSs to | the State to aid in building it. The land that will accrue to the Cairo and Fulton company by this act is near tloetUe Hundred housand acres in quantity and much of 1t Is of the very best cotton lands in the country; worth, to quote it l low, S5 per acre on the average, or 6,OOO,0OO altogether.
 l The grant by the Arkansas Lesislature is ex- 1 ceedngly liberal The State reserves no DOT 1 ton of the income from the lands, but simply provides that after the road has been built and shall have declared a dividend of ten per cent pei annum on the capital stock, then the railroad shall pay to the State two and one hall per cent of their net proceeds annually. ! The Cairo and Fulton railroad company IS 1 in most excellent condition for work. Its lands are all selected-its preliminary surveys paid for--its agencies all adjusted-the right of way for tn. r road in great part obtained, only lew cases to be settled--so that at the opening of summer their whole work may be put under contract. Stock subscriptions are making ra- | pidly in Arkansas to the road.
 I road runs through very valuable portion of South East Missouri. And to promote its con- structon Missouri has granted the aid of State credit to the total amount of S3OOOOO. The counties of south east Missouri will aid by in- dvdual and corporate subscriptions to the ex- tent of fully S5OO,OOO more, making Sl,3OO,- 900 of Missouri money for that portion of the road between Cairo and the Arkansas State l wiIc itS orlv
 The Iron Mountain railroad, in its extension south of the Knob, will connect with this Cairo and Fulton road--the gauge being the same. This connection will give St. Louis an entrance by railroad into the heart of Arkansas, uniting our city with Little Rock and Fulton.
 At Fulton, the southern terminus of this road, the Mem phis, Fl Paso and Pacific railroad company are at work, grading their road; and steadily northward from Galveston to the same point. considerable portion of this road k l finished, and all is under contract, Iand bull ding.
 Thus do we see the way opening for St. Louis to reach the Gulf of Mexico and the waters oI the Pacific, by the "southen route." The first will certainly be achieved, and within q very few years. Cars will probably be run, .JtOc Yctt/S HUH IiIS udIt, lIOu OG to Galveston, Texas, without change, conveying to that far of Gulf city the wares of the work shops of St. Louis.
 1 We cannot but regard this Cairo and Fulton road with deep interest. We are advised by Judge CRoss that agents will shortly be dis patched to New York and London, to negotiate for the money necessary to build this road We wish them speedy success-S. Louis h. 1 telllnencer
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
True Democrat Enlarged.

The proprietors of the True Democrat pre- sent to theirnumerous patrons this weel,a paper materially enlarged. The columns have been heightened inch-by which enlargement, a column and half of reading matter is added to the usual amount. This improvement affords an additional iaducemenr for others to become subscribers The terms remain as heretofore. Let no one deny himself of a copy of the True Democrat, when 1t can be had for S2 % year, in advance. There are none too poor to spare this trivial sum for full digest of the news of the day. But these advantages are too palpa- be to be urged upon the people. They will readily perceive and appreciate them.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
GA copy.)
General Land Office, March 7th, 1857

His Excellency, ELIAS N. CONWAY, Governor of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.
 SIR-By an act passed on the 3d of March 1857, Congress has confirmed the selections o swamp and overtlowed lands granted to the se veral States by the act of Congress- approved September 18th, 1850, "heretofore made and reported'' to this office, and, "so far as the same shall remain vacant and unappropriated, and not nterfered with by any actual settlement under any existing law of the United States, ' it is required that the same shall be approved and patented as soon as practicable
 The same law continues in force, the act oi 2d of March, 1855, and extends its provisions to all entries and locations of lands claimed as swamp lands made since its passage.
 By this law all of the contested cases remain ing unadusted are at an end, and we are pre- cluded from entertaining further objections against the approval of any lands heretofore SC. lected and reported under the law; the States are entitled 10 all of their selections remaining vacant and unapproprlated, and not interfered with by any actual settlement; also to the pur- chase money in cases of cash entry made since the passage of the act of 1850, and an equiva- lent in lands for the tracts located with military bounty land warrants or scrip.
 Every effort will be made to promote the speedy adjustment of the swamp grant ill con. formty with this recent legislation, and the selections in each State will be acted upon il the order of their receipt at this office. The lists tecessary to enable the States to derive the benefits of the acts of 2d March, 1855, and Sd March, 1857, will be prepared and transmit ted without delay.
 As the act of 1857 continues in force, the prior law of 2d March, 1855, the provisions oi the latter regarding the issue of patents to the purchasers, etc., will be considered as binding and the same will be withheld in case of priol sale by the State until tue execution of the re- lease therein mentioned. It will be necessary therefore, that we should be advised of all sales Of swamp lands made by the State since the passage of said act of 1855, which report should be made within ninety days from the date oi the law of 1857, in order that we may be ena- bled properly to discriminate.
 The necessary information relative to the form of the report, etc., will be found in the letter from this office of March 9th, 1855, and it is respectfully suggested that you give the earliest possible attention to the matter.
 With great respect
 your ob't servant,
 THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
 Commissioner.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
GNilurrAxiOnal.

Washington, March 11.-In the Senate, to. day, Mir. Benjamin, from the judiciary commit tee, made report, asking to be discharged from the further consideration of the protest against the election of Simon Cameron as U. S. Sena- tor from Pennsylvania, on charges of informali- ty and corruption.
 MT Push. from the same committee, made minority report, urging that it was the duty o' tne Senate to investigate the charges. It IS evident that the majority will sustain Cameron.
 The Senate in executive session, has con. llrmed Ii. Mechanism as marshal for the Yves. tern District of Tennessee, Wm. M. Lowry. reapponted marshal of the Eastern District. and Jesse $. Clements, reappointed marshal of the Middle District of that State.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

UT We are not given to apologies, but this week we must offer one for the sparseness of editorial which the paper exhibits. The pro. mise which we made last week to review the inaugural and sketch the universally admired composition of MT. Buchanan's cabinet will have to be forfeited Much of our time is a, present occupied in reading and comparing the printed proofs of the Senate journal, to say nothing of those duties enjoined upon us by virtue of the office we hold, and which of course are paramount to any other business ob- ligatlous After the expiration of the present month We will be able to notice more fully the passing events of the day-a task which is to us
 '' 4 feast of reason and flow of souln
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

PERSONAL.--While we do not approve of the custom of many newspapers !n reproducing the courtesies extended to them by their cotem- poraries, too often to the exclusion of other subjects more interesting to thcir readers, we trust the charge of egOtism may not attach 10 Us for republishiuS one of the very tiattering notices, which our trethren of the editorial fraternity have 50 courteouSly extended to the editors of this paper on tine occasion of our temporary connection with il:
 THE TRUE DEMocRAT-Col. HI. Johnson, the worthy editor of this able aud influential journal, is, We learn, absent from the scene of his editorial labors, luxurating for the present in Desha county.
 J. D. kimbell, esq, formerly editor of the Hampstead Democrat which position lie filled with signal ability and eminent usefulness to the democracy, has assumed the associate editor ship of the True Democrat, where he IS sure to win fresh laurels for his talents and devotion to the great and glorious cause of democracy and consttutionality. We congratulate the True Democrat and its readers in Mr kimbell's assumption of the associate editorial chair of that paper and hail with hearty welcome MT. kimbelfs appearance as associate editor of the central democratic organ of Arkansas.-Ptne Bluf Democrat
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

A D. >-

PARTY OF ENDLESS NAMES ANDNo PR1N.
 cIPLEs-lt is worth while to look back upon
 the many meaningless names taken from time
 to time by the opponents of the democratic
 party First they were dissatisfaction fe. deral repubicans-then the peace party then
 Icderallsts again-then best men-then no
 party-theh antl-J men-then national repuollcans-then peoples party-then whgs -then republican whigs-then freesoil wbes then native Americans--then anti. Nebrasi io
 men--then liberty party--then Know Nothigns l-then Americans--then republicans-then
 Fremonters-last and longest freemen- who- are. friendly-to-the-ticket-adopted- by-the-Union.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

ADDRESS OF THE VICE PREsIDESr.-On taking his seat as president of the Senate. the Hon. J. c. Breckinrdge made the following address:
 SESAroRs--In assuming the duties of this station, l an quite conscious that l bring to their discharge few other qualifications than q deep sense Of the importance of this body in the scheme of the government, and feeling of respect for its members. Happily my du- ties are comparatively few and simple and I am sure they will be made easy by prevail ing sense of propriety, which will of itself be sufficient on all occasions to preserve the digni- ty and decorum of the Senate.
 In administering the rules which you have adopted for the convenience of your proceed ings. 1 shal often need your kind indulgence and anticipate with confidence your forbear- ance towards the errors that spring from mex perience Cherishing the hope that our official and personal intercourse will be marked by mutual confidence and regard, look forward with pleasure to our association in the perform ance of public duties.
 It shall be my constant aim. gentlemen Of the Senate, to exhibit at all times and to every
 .f--
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

THE NATIONALITY OF ST. LoUIs.-The election for mayor of the city of St. Louis will come off next month, but up to the 10th inst. there was not a candidate in the field- The Evening News states, that "JoHN How, the municipal MagnuS Apollo of the Benton party, and the man on whom they rely to beat their opponents, and drag the ticket through, in desperate cases, has declared that he will not be a candidate again.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
To rHE NEwspApEss nr raIs SrArE.-M

To THE NEWSPAPERS OF THIS STATE.-We call attention to the publication of the pro- posed amendments to the Constitution by the Secretary of State, on our first page to-day as corrected. Prem the inaccuracy of the manu- script furnished us, several important words were left out to which we call the attention of those papers. ifany, that have already published the amendments as they appeared first ill this paper For instance in the fourth line of the second amendment, the word "second" should appear after the word twenty" and the words "of this State," should follow the word ",con- sttution," in the succeeding line. It is inn portant that these amendments be published correctly the requisite number ofstimes, and we sre therefore specific in calling attention to the corrections made.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

(E- The case of the State vs Whitock, on an indictment for murder-which has been some time pending, was tried at the last term of the Sevier circuit court, and resulted in a conviction for manslaug ughtcr-fxing the time of punishment at ten years in the penitentarv.
 For the prosecution, E. W. Can't, Esq., and Gen. G. D. Royston- For the defence, Col. E.. A. Warren, B. c. Parker, James Penny and Charles T. Jordan, Esqs. Under the rule adopted by the court, but two counses were permitted to address the jury on each side.- The defence was opened by B. c. Parker, and closed by Col Warren. This cause was ably and skilfully conducted on both sides-and the verdict appears to have met general appro- val, as just vindication of violated law HempsteaI Democrat
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
Land Sales of the Illinois Central Rail.

The sales of lands by this company for the last two months are far in excess of what they were for the same period last year. In nJanuarv. loo6, the sales amounted to Sl74,OOO; in Jan "ary, 1857. they reached $35O,OOO. In Feb ruary loo6, the sales amounted to S75,OOO; no m reoruary, 1857, the aggregate reaches S262.
 we learn that the sales are made principally
 New York furnishes larger number than .u. snv
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

A LITTLE AHEAD OF Us.-We thought it was only in New York that "Reliqionn is all a sham-but we read in late English paper that
 Many prayer books are now sold in Lon. don wl'h looking glass inserted in the inner side ot the cover, in order that ladies may ar range their hair or admire themselves while using the book at church." l hat beats our fans--in hot weather, Mr.. "Churchman" So says the New York Ex. press.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

05- An exchange, the Fort Smith Herald, complains that it has not, for some time re- ceved a copy of the True Democrat, and asks the question, What is the cause?' We echo, what is the cause?" Every mail brings sim :. liar complaints from subscribers, and not un- frequently good patron thinks his paper is stopped when in fact it is regularly mailed.- Such state of things cannot be more unplea- sant to the subscribers, than to the publishers of this paper.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
Bv Telegraph.

Washington, March 13.-Among the confir. nations by the Senate were those of five senio, commanders of the Navy to be captains, sever senior Iieuteuants to be commanders, and all the masters with four midshipmen, to be lieu. tenants Medary and Anderson were confirm. ed as Governors of Minnesota and Washington territories respectiyely
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
---...-.s-

Or Charles w. Harriger, handsome, TO- mantle and foolish young man of eighteen, who recently lived at Columbus, Ohio, took a dose of strychnne, because flirting buckeye girl wouldn't dance with him at a ball, and died in two hours. He had previously con- suited fortune-teller, who predicted that he would live but short time.-C Courier.
 The fashion or custom of self-destruct;on. by swallowing poison, blowing ont ones brains or garvoting one's self to death is certainly poor satisfaction for any sort of grevance.- But these are perhaps the appointed means of an inscrutable Providence for ridding the world of great many fools.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
AN EpEnEM1c -It is said that M nttasnn

AN EPEDEMIc-It is said that Matteson, one of the corrupt members of Congress, wrote to the investigating committee that he was con- fined to his room by the prevailing epidemic" in consequence of which confinement he did not of course expose himself by going be- fore the committee. By the way, we find that the prevailing epidemic" had quite different effect on others; for instance, Horace Greeley was carried o8 in the worst stages of the di- sease, and the same effect was produced on others of like susceptibility.
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24

AMUSING. hear small politician, who owes his whole importance to the influence of the press, talk contemptuously of newspapers and editors. There is no stronger proof of the power of the press " than the fact that it can raise such timberheads into high places. Luck fly single pull on the same lever can bring them down again to their proper level-did
The true Democrat., 1857-03-24
New Appointments. X etc.

Washington March l2.-samuel Medarv, esq, has been appointed as governor of Min nesota, and J. 5. Anderson as governor of Washington Terrltory--the latter appointment to take effect on the expiration of Gov Ste vens' commission.
 The Senate to-day have amended and rati- lied the las-Clarendon treaty by a vote of 3l against 15.
 The Mexican Treaty.
 Washington, March 12.-The President has refused to send to the Senate the new treaty with Mexico made by Mir. Forsyth.