davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
Report Of Secretary Of Var.

The authorized strength of the
army is posted as 19, 165, but the ac-
tual strength on July 1st was H.
498. These troops compose the
whole numerical force of our army,
distributed through the States and
Territories Of the entire confederacy,
manning all the Notifications occu-
pied by troops, holding all the posts
now garrisoned, defending all our
extended frontiers, and protecting,
as far as possible, the different routes
extending across the continent from
the Mississippi valley to our posses
sions on the Pacific. The absolute
demand for men in the various posts,
stations, &c., as well as for what
might be termed the police opera
tions of the army, left only Is regi-
ments for actual service in the field.
And upon this small force, number
ing little over 900 men, devolved
the arduous duty of prosecuting all
the Indian wars, which have extend
cd this year from the British posses
sions on the pacific to the border set
Elements of Mexico, as we'll as of
crushing the rebellion in Utah, which
from its vindictive spirit and large
numbers, threatened at its outset to
become, and indeed was, very formi-
dable.
1t may safely be asserted that no
army Of the same size ever before
performed in 80 short q space of
time marches and movements of such
extent, surmounting in their prog
ress such formidable obstacles. No
disaster has befallen the army
throughout it's immense ramifca-
tions, and the privations, hardships,
tolls and dangers to which it has
been continually subjected, have been
borne without q murmur. In speak
ing of the war with the Indians on
the Pacific the Secretary says that
permanent peace has been establish
ed by treaties entered into with them
and the army has already distributed
to points where the presence Of a
force was greatly needed. In allu-
ding to the Navajos he says they
probably number $1,000 mounted
warriors, an extremely Tormidablc
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
Whole No. lSS.
A Cure for scrofula.

The Cincinnati c Commercial publishes
the following communication from
Nicholas Longworth, the great vino
manufacturer Of that city:
All the papers had, giving the euro
for scrofula, have been distributed to
persons sending for the remedy. /
have never heard Of case where it
did not effect speedy cure, and in no
case do any injury. In several in
stances, where it has been applied to
old sores, it has also speedily effected
perfect cures. Put one ounce of aqua.
fortis in bowl or saucer; drop in it
two cents; it will efervesce; leave tho
cents in; when the effervescence ceases,
add two ounces of strong vinegar. Tho
fluid will be dark green color. 1t
should and will smart. If too severe
put in little rain water. Apply it to
the sore, morning and evening, by
soft brush or rag. Before applying it
wash the sore with water. Its first
application known to me, was poor
girl, sent TO our city from Memphis,
to have her leg cut of, as it was feared
she might not live long enough to have
it cut off in that hot climate. .s
She vas refused admittance to tho
poorhouse, and was lying on the side
walk, as she could not even stand up.
From her knee to her foot one-third Of
the flesh was gone, and all the skin,
except trip about two inches wide.
She was laid on bed, and the remedy
placed on chair by it. She could
not rise up and apply it. In few
days her peace returned, and she de-
clared it was getting well. twas sup.
posed it was relief from from the
pain only, but when examined, fresh
flesh was found growing and the skin
over it. She was soon running about
and would work, which delayed the
entire cure, leaving small sore, which
was in few months entirely healed.
a young girl with scrofula in her neck,
having a large open hole, and deemed
incurable, came one month after entire.
ly cured, and recently married, with
her husband on their way to the East.
1 have never known case where it
did not effect cure.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17

CUhS5 ASot IuCIO 10 dtf0uulIlOn OI
lS, S,O02 miles to the lepgth of routes,
and $l,173,372 to the cost. The to-
tai estimates for the current year are
$10,615,947. The total expendi-
lures of the Department in the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1853, amount
ed to S12,722,470. The estimate of
receipts and expenditures in 1859 !;
expenditures $14,776,52O; means
$11 ,094, 1893; deficiency, So, ,6S2, 127.
On the subject of Ocean and For
eign Mail service, the Postmaster
General, among other things, says
by the time the contracts for the Cal
ifornia lines, via Panama and Tehu-
antepec expire, on October 1st, 1850,
it is probable that the route by Lake
Nicaragua will have been reopened
and in successful operation. This
presents the question whether one,
two or three of these routes shall here
after be employed for mail purposes.
The Tehuantepec route is the short
est and most readily protected against
Interruptions, but it will be compar-
atively too new and the line of stag
ing too long, to furnish with certainly
adequate and satisfactory communica-
tion between our Atlantic and Pacific
possessions, while it is destined no
doubt, to become transit of the first
Importance, and will deserve the
highest patronage and encourage
ment, still it cannot supersede the
necessity Of one or more routes
through Central America.
1t is of the highest Importance that
the route by Nicaragua should be re-
opened, and its undisturbed use for
the transportation of the mails, pas
sengers, troops and munitions of war
secured by the solemn guarantee of a
public treaty. Without this, in
view of the unstable condition Of the
local governments of Central Ameri-
ca, the safety and security of trans
portation can hardly be relied on
AS calculated. to furnish the requisite
faculties of communication between
Europe and the Southern and South
western States, the projected lines be-
tween Norfolk rnd England, and be-
tween New Orleans and Bordeaux,
are among the first to be established.
As regards line from some suitable
port in the United States to Brazil,
and the extension of the California
line to the South Pacific coast, which
for commercial as we'll as for mail
purposes, it is SO desirable should be
established, and the line from New
Orleans to Vera Cruz, it is apparent
that the postage to be derived there
from would defray but trifling por-
tion of the expenses of the same
The Postmaster General regards it
as highly important that the line to
Vera Cruz should be continued.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
A Short Patent Sermon.
BY DOW, JR.
Ie1t-Pdu the Printer,

My DEAR FRIENDS The debt that
sits heaviest upon the conscience of a
mortal, provided he is one, is the
debt due the printer. 1t presses
harder on ones bosom than the
nightmare, gals the soul, frets and
chafes every ennobling sentiment,
squeezes all the juice Of fraternal sym
pathy from the heart, and leaves it
dryer than the surface of roasted
potato. ....#n..
A man who wrongs the printer out
ofa single red cent can never expect
to enjoy the comforts of this world,
and may we'll have doubts Of finding
happiness in any other.
Oh, you ungrateful sinners IF
you have hearts moistened with the
dew of mercy, instead of gizzards fl
led with gravel, take heed what l
say unto you. Ifthere be one among
you in this congregation who has not
settled his account with the printer,
go and adjust it Immediately and be
able to hold your head up in society
like giraffe; be respected by the
wise and good; free from the torture
of a guilty conscience, the mortifica-
tion of repeated duns, and escape
from falling into the clutches Of law
yers, which is one and the same
thing. If you are honest and honor
able men, you will go forth and pay
the printer.
You will not wait for tomorrow
it is but q visionary receptacle for
unredeemed promiscs-an added egg
in the great nest Of the future, the
debtors hope, the creditors curse. -
Hyou are dishonest, low-minded sons
of Satan, | do not suppose you will
pay the printer, as you have no repu-
tation to lose, no character to sus-
tain, no morals to cultivate. But
let me tell you, my friends, that if
you do it, your path to the tomb will
be strewed with thorns; you will
have to gather your food from bram-
bles, your children will die of dysen-
tary, yourselves will never enjoy the
blessings of health.
] once called upon sick person
whom the doctor had given up as a
gone case. / asked him if he had
mado his peace with his Maker. -
He said he thought he had squared
up. ! then inquired if he had for
given his enemiesP He replied yes.
| then asked him if he had paid the
printer. He hesitated q moment,
and then said he thought he owed
him about two dollars and fifty cents
which he desired should be paid be.
fore he bade good bye to the world.
His desire was Immediately gratifed
and he from that moment became
convalcscent. He is now living, in
the enjoyment of good health and
prosperity, Mt peace with his con-
science, his God and the world.
Let him be an example foryou my
friends. Patronize the printer, take
his paper and pay for it in advance,
and your days will be long upon the
earth, and overflowing with the hon
ey of happiness.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17

SCENTED OIIs.--Some Of these are
sold by pcrfumers at very high prof
it; they can all be prepared at a very
small expense. Take u quart Of com.
mon olive oil and heat in a stone.ware
vessel up to 212 degrees, thon add
half an ounce of sal soda, and stir all
up for fifteen minutes. Allow tho oil
to cool and q sediment will fall to the
bottom; pour off the clear ond scent
it with any Of tho essential oils, sncb
as rosemary bergamont, and Lavender.
One. fourth Of an ounce Of essential oil
will scent quart Of prepared oil which
is very excellent for the hair, and c.
quail to Rowland's celebrated Macas.
ear oil, sold at such cxtrassgsnt prices,
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17

o92, and the aggregate amount of
their payments is $3.50, SOL. 1t ap-
pears that the total disbursement for
pensions up this date is about $780,
100000. If to this sum be added the
bounties in lands (62,739, 1862 acres)
estimated at 81 25 per acre, the total
account granted for pensions and
bounties will be $168,424, ,2O2, 5aa
On the subject of the next census,
the Secretary recommends an adher.
anca to the law Of the 23d May, 1920,
in belief that census taken in accord.
ance with its provisions will afford the
greatest amount of accurate informa-
tion and prove most satisfactory to the
country.
The income of the Patent Office for
the three-qunrters ending Sept 80,
1858, was $150,9S4. It's expenditures
during the same period amounted to
$l44 ,433, showing surplus revenue
of Sc, $50 against an excess of expendi-
lures over the receipts of S2,526 for
the corresponding quarters of 1885,
From the 1st January to the 30th Of
September, 1858, 4,091 applications
for patents we're received and COG
caveats filed, against 4,095 appplica.
Itions and $50 caveats for the cores.
ponding quarter of last year. During
the same period 2,S15 patents were
issued, Is extensions granted, and
1886 applications rejected. The Sec.
retary recommends the establishment
of a board of appeal in addition to the
present force of the office.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
Morgantown, Va.) Friday, December IL, 1858.

two steamers will be launched carly in
the spring, and be ready for trial by
June. The side-wheel steamer now
being built in California, will be launch
ed in the spring and ready for sea in
August.
All past experience evidences a ne
cessity for an increase of the Navy
Twenty effective vessels of smaller
class can be built and kept at sea for
what it would cost to build and keep
at sea four or FIVE vessels of larger
class. Let Congress increase the mum.
Der of heavy armed vessels of light
draught, until we can frequently dis
play our flag at every point where "A
merican interests shall need its pro.
lection. And the work will be already
done. The addition of at least ten
more vessels of that description is not
only necessary measure, but will be
found to be as efficient as any that can
be devised, requiring so small expendi-
ture of the public money.
For the support of the Navy and Ma
rine corps, and all other objects under
the control Of the Navy department.
for the fiscal year ending the 30th of
June 1858, It'd estimates wese $13,-
8O3,212; appropriations $14, ,508, ,354 ;
these have been largely retrenched in
consequence of a adiminution of the rev.
enue, and again increased by appropri-
ting 81 200, 900 for eight light draught
war steamers which we're not embrac-
ed in the estimates For the fiscal
year ending 30th June, 1850, the es-
Inmates were $13,5O0,370, including
$674, 900 for completing the eight
light draught steamers, authorized at
the last session of Congress, and not
including the usual compensation of
$935, $50 for Steamship and Mail SER
vice.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17

What an absurd as we'll as barbarous
act to cut off dogs tail |! With his
tail dog expresses not only gratitude,
as Fido did, Gut hope, entreaty, com.
plaisance, affection, love, obedience,
wrath, shame, defiance, fear, and frolio.
1t is clear, then, that in dopriying the
dog of bis tail, you deprive him Of an
organ of speech, ,--Blackwoo3, :
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
Report Commissioner General Land
Office.

This report covers period Of five
quarters ending September 30,1S5S
During that period there were surveyed
of tho public lands Is, ,209,376 acres,
which, with former surveys, make a
quantity of 81, ,951, ,046 acres of the
public lands surveyed and ready for
market on Sept. 30th, 1858, which had
never been offered at public sale
During the same period there were
sold for cash 4,S04,919 acres, from
which 50, ,524, 1877 was realized. Lo.
Gated with the military land warrants,
G,983, ITO, and reported under swamp
land grants, 1,401, ,565, making an ag.
gregate of cash sales, land warrants,
locations, and swamp selections of 13,
1873, ,594. The cash realized seems dis.
proportionate to the quantity Of lands
sold, but this is accounted for by the
very large sales at 1854. Under the
acts of 1S49 and 1850, granting the
swamp and overAowed lands in the
States in which they are situated, there
have been selected and reported to the
General Land Office SIS, ,129, ,492 acres,
upon which warrants, having the effect
of patents, have issued for 36, ,O96,S28
acres.
The Commissioner recommends n.
mendments to the pre-. emption laws
with view to uniformity in the system,
and to settle disputed rights and to
terminate controversy in litigatcd cases.
Report Of the Commissioner of Indian
p. Affairs,
The commissioner states that the
whole number of Indians within our
limits is estimated at about 350,000.
The whole number of tribes and separate
bands is 175, with al of which we have
treaty engagements. The number Of
ratified Indian treaties, since the adop-
tion of the Constitution is 393, nearly
all of which contain provisions still in
force. The quantity of land acquired
by these treaties is about 591, ,163, 1873
acres. The entire cost of fulfilling
these treaties will be $49,S16, ,344.-
From part of these lands the govern
ment received no pecuniary advantages,
because they were needed to the re-
spectiye States within whose limits
they were situated. From those sold,
the Federal Treasury received not only
the whole of the expense incurred for
their acquisition, survey, and sale, but
a surplus of at least $1O0,0O0,000
The amount applicable for the ful.
filment Of the treaties and other objects
connected with the Indian policy for
the present fiscal year was 81, ,S52, 2,407,
Of which sum S204,662 was derived
from investments Of trust funds. The
whole amount of trust funds held on
Indian accounts is $40, ,59O,74 of which
$3,502,241 has been invested in stocks
of various States and the United States;
the remainder, viz: 7,088,407, is re.
tained in the Treasury, and the intcres,
thereon annually appropriated by Con
gress. The Commissioner thinks il
worthy Of consideration whether it will
not be advisable, when the National
Treasury will be in condition tc
admit Of it, also to invest the above
amount of 81, 7,088,507 in like manner
with the other Indian trust funds.
The Commissioner points out three
fatal errors which have marked ou,
policy towards the Indians from the
very beginning, viz: 1st. Their re
moyal from place to place, as our popu
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17

Randolph, colored speaker at a
late Convention in Utica, told tho
Abolitionists end underground railroad
men, 'it 10 you and such as you who
are the real enslaverS Of my race
Your injnaicious efforts to free us havo
done more than all other things com.
bined to perpotuate our bondage"
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17

That which have found the best
recreation, both to my mind and body
whatsoever either Of them stand In
need Of it, is music. - Bishop Betc.
ridge.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
Report of the Secretary of Interior.

|
The Secretary says that under the
various acts of Congress of 1847, so
so and '55, there have been issued
516,758 bounty land warrants, requir-
ing 55,731,890 acres of the public do
main to satisfy them. OF these 49,.
632 had been located to the 30th Sept.
last on IA, ,238,030 acres of land, leay.
ing outstanding 100, 1876 warrants, cal
| ling for / 1 ,493, 1850 acres of land.
In is confidently expected that du-
ring the next.calendar year hereceipts
from the sales of the pubic lands, and
the quantities sold and located will be
greatly increased. 1t is estimated that
without some detrimental change in
our system, the income from this source
will reach at least $5,000,000.
1t is now satisfactory ascertained
that mines of the precious metals are
to be found in the Territories of Wash
ington, Oregon, New Mexico and Kan
sas, and the time has arrived for the
Government of the United States to a.
dopt some definite policy as to its min
eral lands.
The Secretary therefore submits
whetherit would not be wise and sound
policy at this time to pass general
law, reserying all auriferous, silver and
cinnabar mines from sale, for the use
and occupancy of the people of the u
nited States, under such regulations
as Congress may prescribe, and leaving
those lands containing copper, iron,
lead and coal, subject to the ordinary
laws of settlement and sale, for their
developemont The extent of these
defies estimate, and gives assurance to
our people, in the future, of unbound.
ed wealth.
Peace and quiet has been restored to
Utah, and some legislation will be re.
quircd to place its inhabitants on an e.
quality with those Of the other terrific
ries. In that territory there are
already more than two millions of acres
returned as surveyed and ready for
market. Occupants are upon these
lands and want to obtain titles to their
homes. He therefore submits wheth-
or it would not be an act of Justice to
the people Of Utah to establish in that
Territory land Office, and at the same
time in express terms extend the pre-
emption laws so as to embrace all the
inhabitants residing within its limits.
The graduation law will continue to
prove fruitful source Of fraud and
annoyance unless some change is made
in its terms. Congress should require
proof Of settlement and cultivation
prior to the admission and ontry, or
should release the purchaser from tho
condition now imposed.
The Secretary recommends q portion
Of our past policy with regard to the
Indians, says the removal of tribes
should be avoided, Separate lands
should be assigned to individuals with.
out tho power to ALLEVIATE or cucumber
them, and money annuities should be
expended for the common good, instead
of being divided per capita.
The whole number Of army pension
ers under the various acts Of Congress
is 1922, requiring for their payment
the annual sum Of $902, 100. The
whole number Of navy pensioners is
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
Report of the Secretary of the Navy.

heport vi tne secretary Oh the Navy.
The Secretary says that since his
last annual report, the naval forces
have been required in resisting unlaw-
full expeditions egTnst Nicaragua, re-
sisting the exercise ofsthe right of
search by British cruisers in the neigh
borhood Of Cuba, and enforcing de-
mand for redress for insults to our
flag, and for injuries to cur citizens by
the government of Paraguay. After
explaining this subject, the Secretary
says it became necessary to charter
number of vessels. As these vessels
would be useful, he recommends their
purchase. The sum required for six
of these steamers would be S244, 900,
of which $94,800 must be paid for the
use of them for period of six months
and q proportionate sum for a larger
time if no purchase be made.
The sum required for the three side
wheel steamers would be $780, 900, of
which, if they be not purchased, the
sum of $4,000 will be required for
the same period, The recent addition
OF o considerable number of steam YES
sells to the navy will necessarily re-
quiro an increased demand for the SER
vices of officers at sea, while the great.
er activity which now prevails in it,
and is likely hereafter to prevail, will
still further increase that demand. TO
meet the immediate wants of the SER
vice, an addition Of twenty to the pros
ent number of surgeons, and as many
additional assistant surgeons will suf-
ice. He also recommends the appoint.
ment of fifteen or twenty additional
pursers, and an increase Of tho Marine
corps--of privatos-7-to two thousand,
with the usual number of officers.
The FIVE steam sloops. .of.war authori-
zed by the act of 1851, will soon be
completed. The seven steam screw
sloops.of-war, under the act Of 1858,
're in a state Of great forwardness. -
Five of them are to be launched du.
ring the present month, and be ready
for sea in May next, and the other
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-12-17
qua AmlRagAN UNlDu,
S. sIEGFRIED, EDITOR.
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