davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
ATMOSPHERIC PHENoMENA.-The fol-

ATMOSPHERIC PHENoMENA.-Thef fol-
lowing account Of singular atmos-
pheric phenomena we clip from the
Hamilton freeman. The theory of:
falling or shooting stars we have never
heard sufficiently explained, but from
the fact that the phenomena connected
with them are more frequent in the
spring and fall, when there is more
vegetable matter passing into decay,
than at any other time, we are of the
opinion that they are more or less con-
nected with the gases arising from such
matter in state of decay, if not actu-
ally produced by them :-0,Oa City
Republican.
On Tuesday evening, about 8 1-2
O'Clock, some very remarkable meteoric
or electric phenomena occurred in this
vicinity. The sky was overspread with
thin haze, through which the moon
and stars were family visible, a dark,
heavy cloud hung over the northwest,
the weather was quite cold, and the
WIND was blowing at brisk rate, when
there came vivid flash of light, which
lasted continuously for eight or nine
seconds. Objects mile away were as
visible as by daylight, though the light
was hardly as intense as ordinary light
ming. It seemed to be greenish yell
low light, something like the appearance
Of the atmosphere when one puts on a
pair Of pale green spectacles-except
that it had tremulous, vibratory sort
Of motion. About seven minutes clap
sed, when heavy, booming report
came rumblingly from the northwest.
This was attended with a very sensible
vibration both Of the earth and the air.
Whether these phenomena were caused
by swift-winged meteor, which plung-
ed into the broad northwestern prairie.
or were simply thunder in the winter
are points upon which the natural phi
losophers Of this hamlet differ in opin-
ion. Whatever the cause, it was deci-
dedly Oh unusual and startling occur
renee.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

TIE LATE MURDER AT DoNIpHAN.-A cor
respondent Of the St. Louis Republican,
gives the following account of the late muir
der at Doniphan, Kansas:
McVay, who shut Lathim at Doniphan,
had selected claim within six or eight
miles of Atchison. This claim he had m>
proved to the amount of two or three thou
sand dollars. He had worked hard and
greatly increased is value. About the 10th,
Lathin,, who is said to be an insolent and
unruly man, one Of Jim Lanes old body
guard, sppaifsd upon MoVay's claim, and
in the language there used. dumped it,
He deeply exasperated McVay, who was a
man of very excitable temperament, and
high and fierce passions. McVay felt him.
self insuted and injured, and well knowing
there was little authority thereabout to in
terpcse in his behalf, he took his gun, Went
to Doniphan and shot Lathim in the street.
1t was altogether claim fight party feel
ineAad nothing to do with it-but because
McVay was prO-slavery, and Lathim free
State, the freedom shriekers wish, no doubt,
to make political capital out Of it.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

RAILROAD AND STEAMBOAT Acct
DENTs.-It is computed that during the
year 1857 there were 100 railroad &C
cidents in the United States, by which
$50 persons were killed, and $50
wounded. During the year 1856,
there were 143 railroad accidents, by
which 1875 persons were killed, and 629
wounded. The number of steamboat
accidents in 1851 is computed at 80,
by watch 1872 persons were killed, and
SO wounded. In 1856, there were
20 steamboat accidents, by which 35S
persons were killed, and 1877 wounded.
These statistics do not include a-going
steamers.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

A SUGGESTION. We observe that
Judge Williams, our former townsman,
now associate Justice. on the Supreme
Bench of Kansas, in a letter to the
Washington Union, casts the blame
Of the recent disturbances in that Ter
ritory upon the Free State men. We
suggest that as the Administration has
heretofore failed to find a man to carry
out the purposes Of the slave power as
Governor of Kansas, it at once re-
move Gen. Denver-who has already
proved recreant-and appoint Judge
Williams in his stead. The Judge will
put the refractory Free State men
/" through. J" If, however, it should
happen that he should ego the way Of
all'' the other Kansas Governors, and
turn out at last as the friend and apol-
ogist of the ill-used Free State men,
1t would be most remarkable instance
of regeneration.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

ew There are some sad sights in
this world-a city sacked and burnt
battle field after great Slaughter
London in the midst Of the plague
ship burning at sea-a family pining
in starvation-a jug Of molasses wreck
ed upon the pavement-a pair Of ire
vocably damaged pantaloons but the
saddest to us Of all is an old bachelor,
stolidly walking towards his end, his
great duties undone, his shirt buttons
off, stockings out at the toes, and no.
body to leave his money to. We're we
such man, the mild reproving eyes Of
a widow or maiden lady would drive
us mad. But there is still hope. Ug-
lier and older men than any Of our
friends have married beautiful women,
who trained them admirably, and spent
their money elegantly.-Sprin field
Republican.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

w Chief Justice Williams (Old Jo has
written letter to Washington representing
that the Fort Scott encounter of which SO
much has been. printed did not amount to
much and that nobody was killed.
Williams letter was dated the l4th of De-
cember we believe, and probably only re-
fers to the Introductory skirmish which may
have been followed by more fatal fight the
same or next day, as we think highly prob
able Williams of course tries to earn his
bread and butter by charging the ARRAY to
the disorderly and rebellious free State men.
His opinions are not worth any more than
those of any other cracked old woman. and
he would g manufacture facts' to suit his
master without the slightest conjunction.
Gate City.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

Some "Poic'' has indited a song for
the edifcation of Editor and Post Master
Gray, of Cleveland. We find it in the
Cleveland Herald, and copy the chorus under
the impression that it contains suggestions
which may prove useful to holders
here away;
Then pull Of your boots, Gray, lightly you must
tread,
And take all the fancy steps according,
IF vou don't, A0ld Buck" will cut off your head,
And send you on the other side of Jordan.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

SnR1EK1Na RiG11r OUr.-Douglas' organs
in Illinois are beginning to get terribly in
earnest. They no longer ''shriek for free
dom,' in tone gentle as that of sucking
doves, like our Iowa Locofoco editors, hut
they fairly make the welkin ring again with
the intensity of their shrieks for ''bleeding
Kansas" Listen to the Illinois Register:
ITO force the Lecompton constitution up
on the people of Kansas will be tantamount
to forcing them into rebellion. The British
parliament. forced oppressive laws upon
the colonies, and they had no resource
left but rebellion. In what respect does
the case of Kansas differ from that of the
colonies? In both instances the laws are
forced upon the people, in both instances
the laws are burdensome and oppressive, in
both instances it is usurpation of the peo-
ple's rights. and in both instances there is
but one remedy,
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

Corn RoT.-The injury to standing
corn in this State, to which we have so
often alluded, now appears to be al
most universal. We can see or hear of
no locality in which the rot does not
prevail, and to an extent that threatens
even the seed for next year. In Deca-
tur county, the Republican says, the
corr $50 bad that the stock won't cat
it. Indianapolis Journal, All.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

GA CAT IN the MEAL Tub. THE
Davenport Democrat says that -four
cannot be bought Of Bun rows & Pretty
man with Florence and Burrows & Pref
lyman shin plasters. They say that
they have engaged it all to the Missis
sippi & Missouri Rail Road Co., which
would be reasonable answer (says the
Democrat, if it were not for the fact,
that you can buy it with any good cur
re7cU,
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

$l,9l5,777 16

A DESTRUCTIVE INSECT. "A small
white ant has been introduced into the
Island of ST. Hviona Dy vessels from
the coast of Africa, and is destroying
everything in the shape Of wood, pro-
visions, vegetables, clothing, &c. They
eat into the woodwork of houses, and
then eat up all the inside, leaving mere
shell. New buildings in less than two
years will fall to ruins by their destruc-
tive operations, which entail q loss to
the inhabitants Of thousands Of dollars
annually.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
Indian Naves in .Nebraska.-The s

Indian Naves in Aehraska.-The St
Louis Democrat s.Ys:-We are informed
by gentleman Just from Nebraska, that
some Indians are now held in slavery by
citizen of that place. The holder Of
them is recently from Utah, whore he
purchased them from the Morlnons, where
Indian slavery is one OF the sdjsncis Of
the plurality wife system, ond he now
continues 10 hold them, doubtless in
conformity with the Dred Scett de-
cision.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
[For the Jourhal.]
s n OW FLAKES.
Br KITTY SAnRoLL.

winged snow flakes, We are falling
Softly down to Mother Earth,
And in voceless tones are calling
Saddened srirt-thoughts in birth
Ye are robing vale and meadow
~ IN the purest virgin white,
And there seeneth not a shadow
Resting on your pathway bright. -.
Weird winter winds are waiting
Dirges Ger last summers bloom
Ye in snowy vest ures yelling
lovingly dead Nat ure's tomb;
" IN mournful tones are sig hin ss--.
kequiems DER the death Of Rowcrs-- n
Of lost joys and sunshine dying,
In life's dreary Autumn hours. ess
And sadness stealeth DER me
With a strange, mysterious SPELL
Shadowy forms now fit before me
Sadly ringeth memory's bell;
Aspirations, hope and beauty,
All are withered, scar and dead;
Naught but stern and conscious duty
Cheers the dreary path tread.
Wildly raves the storm king spirit,
Fiereely blows life's wintry blast
Though it chills, do not fear it,
Such as they not always last;
Courage, weary heart thy sadness
Soon may change for radiant joy1
thou may'st yet exult in gladncss,
Life and love without alloy.
Wilton, Dec. %, 1857. 80 &
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

Nor A BAD CoMPARIsoN.-The n ew
York Anti Slavery Standard says
There never was prettler hight,
since the two ruffians in the ballad
fought about the Children in the Wood,
than that which seems likely to ensue
between MIR. Buchanan and Mr.. Doug
las. The first, the faithful agent of the
wicked uncle who has plotted to cheat
poor Kansas out Of her birthright, is
resolute to do his part in the villainy he
has been paid to perform. While the
other, who has been cheated out of his
wages and can have no necessary good
will towards his employer, is ready to
thwart the wicked scheme as that will
be the most likely to be profitable to
himself"
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
A DEL1BERArE FALsEHoop EXPOSED.

n DELIBERATE FALSEHOOD EAPOSED.
The Davenport Gazette Of the 5th
inst. undertakes to defend Nebraska
Wild Cats by decrying Illinois banks,
and in the course Of it's remarks, makes
the ridiculously false statcm ent that the
present value Of the Illinois currency is
but eighty cents on the dollar.
Without stopping to foot up the
market value Of the State Stock Secu-
rites, upon which the issues Of our
banks are based, which we understand
to be equal to the par value Of the notes
in circulation, there is decisive and
reliable test which the Davenport Ga
zefte writer can apply, viz: How
much gold or New York Exchange will
800 Of Illinois currency procure in
this city? 1t will get 500 Of the one
or $97 Of the other. Now how much
gold or New York exchange will 500
of his boosted "Florence'' procure, in
Davenpor; or Chicago? This test is
conclusive; and all the pettifoging of
Cook Il Sargent, through the columns
Of their organ, cannot gainsay it. We
are sorry to see the Gazette lending its
Influence to so dishonest, disreputable
and. tottering cause. Its advocacy
Of a rotten, swindling, wildcat concern
will end in loss to those who place faith
in its statements, and bring shame an(
confusion to itself.-Chicago 7rib.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

AND YET ANOTHER. TO the list of news
Iapers sustaining old Bucks Kansas policy
il Iowa is to be added one more the North
bean, printed at Usage, Mitchell County,
and probably under Land Office influence. -
There are therefore three papers-Dubuque
North Vest, Davenport Democrat and Osage
bwan-which support the party. Time
and Executive patronage will doubtless add
to the number.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
e@Wbo frs+ d;screii{E;;t,ad Floron

sgWho first discredited Florence !?
Cook 4 Sargent. How2 By refusing
to take it in payment Of notes due at
their bank. If Cook & Sargent Them
selves say their own money won't pay
debts, is the public to be blamed for
saving 50 too - Ddv. Dem.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
~. The "wild- cat !" war grows hott

Ey The "wild- cat war grows hotter
and hotter, and the ASSISTANTS seem determ
ined'to continue the good fight till = rs the
Chicago Tribune expresses it," the var
MiRte are driven back to their native Ne
braska swamps." The Davenport Democrat
Of the Eth, AZ for every day for more than a
week past, gives the delcctable brace Of
y cats in that interesting village perfect
broadside. We quote paragraph from its
leader, a;luiing to the repeated assertion Of
che Gazette that Florence is as good as Hi
nois currency:
'sIf Illinois currency is such mean truck.
how much Eleaner must Florence be when
il Is worth 10 l-2 cents less on the dollar!--
We know this; Cook & Sargent won't take
their own money for collections, but will
take Illinois; the Rail Road Company wcn'l
take Florence for back freight, but will take
Illinois; wheat is worth SO cents in Flor
ence and 81 lie in Illinois; these few facts
speak louder than all this special pleading
lodging and pettifogging about illinois SO
curitiee. We have much moro to say, but
shall defer further comments for future
time. Our object lie, aud our DISCRIMINATION
- to have Florence redeemable in Illinois
currency"
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

UEHAPPY IRELAND NO LoNGEK--0ne Of the
Dablin papers raises shout of EMULATION
over the present condition of Ireland. 1t
Gays that no banks have failed there, no
nsnufsoturing establishments have suspen-
ded, throwing thousands out Of employment,
but trade 10 active, the people have abund
anoe Of work, and the necessaries Of life arr
Cheap.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

FooLlNc his MAsrER Parsons, Clerk Of
tho Legislative Council, writes to Washing
ton that !. General Denver has arrived, and
says that If Buchanan thinks he will pursue
. different policy than that Of Walker and
Stanton, he is damnably fooled"
Another prominent man writes that Call
houn can never set up his Lecompton gov
eminent in the Territory with less than
twenty thousand Federal troops NJ his back
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

SlNau+AR DEArH.-John Abel, citizen
Of Luzerne county, Pa, died on the 9th
ult., from the bite Of . cat inflicted some
Ten weeks previous. He exhibited eymp-
toms Of hydrophobia.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
ened rebellion. The Committee will prob

ened rebellion. The Committee will prob
ably report in favor of MIR. Bernhisel.
Jan THIN the Senate, Mr.. Hammond,
Senator from South Carolina, in place Of
Mr.. Butler, deceased, took his seat. Mr..
Seward presented petition from the citi-
Gems of Canandaigua, New York. praying for
the adoption Of some practicable measure
by which the people Of the North may CO.
operate with the people of the South, in the
extinguishment of slavery, by making fair
and honorable compensation to slave owners
for the full value of their slaves.
FOREIGN. = The steamer Atlantic arrived
at New York ON the 9th, with Liverpool
dates to the Esd ult. The Klingender Bros T,
of Liverpool, had failed for half million
pounds. President Buchanan's message at
tracted great attention in England. 1t was
telegraphed entire from Liverpool to some Of
the London journals, being the longest dis
patch ever sent by telegraph in England.
The London Times in its review of the mes.
sage confines itself to two topics: the fnan-
cial crisis and the Central American ques'
ton. 1t CONSTITUTES Mr. Buchanan's remarks
upon the former subject into tribute to thu
monetary projects Of England. On the Cen
trail American question, the Times says tina
Great Britain should not be asked to Civ
up the treaty of 1850 without guarantee
that its most important provisions shall b
re-enacted and the whole series of irritatin;
disputes be brought forever to an end. AL
future attempts to launch the Leviathan vii
be postponed until the spring tides at tn
commencement Of January. The hydrauli
power was to be more than double. Tn
ship remains even and fair on ways, and a
high tide has nearly six feet Of water unde
her. An earthquake took pl.oc on the nigh
Of the 18th throughout the whole of tn
kingdom of Naples, and the effect was mos
severe in the town of Salermo. House
were rent from top to bottom. Numerou
villages were Destroyed.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

The IssUE.-It is not whether Cook
& Sargent are honest; it is not whether
Cook 4 Sargent are solvent :; it is not
whether Florence is better than City
Scrip it is not whether Cook & Sar-
gent shall "burst ;" 1t is not whether
Florence has been Of advantage to this
city =; it is not whether Cook Il Sargent
shall retire Florence but, simply,
aohether they shall redeem Florence
In Illinois and Wisconsin currency.
If they do that, Immediately, they will
do all that the public requires.-Dav-
export Democrat.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
ANOTHER BATTLE IN KANSAS.
rassE UNITED STATES DrAsooss KILLED.


Passengers who arrived at St. Louis on
Friday evening, report the following partic-
ulars of an engagement between Gen. Lane
and the U. s.. dragoons. Wequote from the
Democrat:
ION Friday, the 25tl ult., news reached
Leavenworth that an engagement had taken
place between the troops under Gen. Lane,
vt Sugar Mound, and IL company of United
States dragons. The officers ordered Gen.
Lane to surrender himself and his men TO
the United States authorities, which he re-
fused to do, when the Dragons charged up
on the troops, and were repul>ed, with a loss
of three Of their number. Finding Them
selves too weak to dis!odge Lane, the drag
oOns retired and an express was dispatched
to Gov. Denver for reinforcenents. The
Governor Immediately ordered three COM
panies of dragons to the seat OF war, and
they pass d through Shawnee on Saturday,
the 26th. IL was expected there would he
bloody work.
AS soon as news Of the engagement was
received by the people, they commenced or
ganizing in military companies, and were
hufrying forward to assist Lane. 1t wa:
expected that before the dragons would ar
rive, that Lane would be reinforced by some
1850 men. The most intense excitement
prevails.
One of the gentlemen who rassed through
Lawrence on Friday saw Gen. Lane ant
Gov. Robinson in that town. They wer,
mounted aud completely armed, and appear
ell much excl ed. They were addressing thu
people, who surrounded them in large mum
bers, and urging them to maintain thei
rights and succor their friends. The peopl
of Lawrence We're preparing t" take tho field
John Calhoun had fed from the Territory
and reported himself as going to Springfield
Illinois.
On the day Of the election no polls wer
opened in Bourbon county-as the Ere
State men refused to vote"
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

OxFoRD ,FoREvER. Oxford precinct in
Kansasxlittle Oxfort-.with dozen inhab-
itants, Is reported q have given thirteen
hundred votes for slavery Oxford has done
nobly. She should Be suitably rewarded
for her zeal in behalf of popular stove-
rcignty.'' 1t will be remembered that the
Industrious Democrat. who, at the October
election, copied sixteen hundred names from
the Cincinnati Directory, and returned the
same as tie Oxford poll book, was made
Secretary of the Lecompton Convention, on
the ground of important party services. If
the recent %tyote' at Oxford is due to a
like activity on his part, why not make him
the first Governor under the Lecompton Com
s,itution? lie evidently deserves elevation
of that sort or another Gin. GAG.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09
Let the People Arm for Resistance.

Let the recipe arm 1OT NcSastNHCes
The St. Lpnis Evening Neos, an indepen
dent American paper, in recent issue, has
bold and mandy editorial on Kansas al
fairs under the above caption. 1t takes a
strong position for a southern paper. After
glancing at the oppression, outrage and ty-
ranny exercised upon the people OF Kansas
by the last and present Administration. and
the "lying assurances given them by Pres
ident Buchanan, it continues:
"We turn to the people of Kansas. They
have been shametuily deceived and betrayed
in regard to the privilege of choosing their
own constitution and regulating their domes-
tic Institutions. And they have, sworn to
resist usnrpation to the bitter end. We APP
plau1 item for it, and say F.: God speed them
in the right. Let them take up arms and
DEFY IN. Buchanan and his troops, and re-
turn Aipt for shot, rs long as they have a
gun aud man to fire it, When they have
all fallen in the righteous cause, there will
be million freenen to take their places and
carry On the war.
sWiatr says the startled adlerents of the
ADM ,istration, Ewill you resist the law,
and become felon and rebel against the
governmental"
Yes, we reply, even so, if Mr.. Buchanan
wills it. Tyranny is tyranny, whether per-
pctrded by George the Third, or james
Buchanan and his myrmidons of office hold
erS. 1t is as righteous to resist usurpation
nc,r, Jas ever before on this continent. No
matter from what source it comes, it mast
and sllall be resisted. There is no dearer
right OF self governent, and if Mr.. Buchan-
an f,lsifies his own promises TO the people
of Kansas, and attempts, 10y murdcrous
meas, to crush their right to selt-govern-
mem, lie is no better than any common de-
ceiv.r or tyrant, and shall be resisted, per-
sonaly and officially, till his nsoence is re-
buk.d and his granny overthrown. And ii
the End is civil war and blood, SO let it be.
The like has happened before, and no doubt
will happen again, and ought to happen,
Whenever false hearted men gain power, and
use that to Cypress and harrass free poo
Iple, and trample upon their dearest rights.
The Kansas game of shuff1ng, eqniv",
cation, villainy and fraud. is fully played
out.
The issue is now made, and it is free
government on one side, and the forced rule
| of contemplate minority OF petty tyrantH
and usurpers, upheldby President Buchanan,
on the other. The issue will do as well t.
fight OF, now, as at any other time; and the
! people of Kansas, and the sincere adherents
! IT the principles of the Nebraska bill
| throughout the country, are as ready for ii
low, as they ever will be. Let it come"
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1858-01-09

ey Hon. S. Il. Curtis, Representative in
Congress from the first District of Iowa,
gave notice on the 22d ult Of a bill for the
construction of a Railroad via the Valley of
Platte, to the Pacific