davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
Eytravaeanee Of the Government.

Senator Trumbull, of Illinois, in speech re-
Gently delivered at Chicago, stated some iacts IN
reference to the extravaganza OF the oenerai
Government, which are none the less enti1ieo 10
influence because the speaker is "biack Ne
publican" Such facts are calculated to arouse
the whole country. The Senator stated that the
expenses of the Government during the ADMIN
istration Of General Pierce were S25z,ozV,o02'
This is more than the Government cost from
1890, when it was organized, for thirty years
together, including the war with Great Dti'S'h
in 1912. In 1928, the expenditures Tor all Pur-
noses exclusive of the public debt, were ~, 1914
154.59. In 1851, the expenses, exclusive OF the
nublic debt, were 500 0S2, 559.76. The pro rata
according to the population in 1923, was "a cents
on each Individual. The pro rata in 1857 was
So %. Mr.. Trumbull then gave in detail some
examples of Government extravaganza in the
expenditure of public money. During the last
year OF the Fillmore Administration there was
collected at Chicago $l11, 90S.S6, and six reve-
nue. offices were employed, at cost OF s.,
or little over two per cent. on the amount COL
lected. For the year ending June 80, 1856
there was collected at Chicago $l45, 6624O, and
sixteen men were employed, at cost OF Sl4,-
349. 30, or ten per cent. The speaker might well
ask if any one could tell why it cost ten per cent
the last fiscal year to collect the revenue at Uni
cago, and only little over two per cent Tour
years ago. This is but single case-there are
many more like it. The reason Of the increase,
saws Mr.. Trumbul, is partly because supernume'
rary officers have been employed. Places must
be made for party favorites, with good salaries
attached to them. Thus President Pierce added
more than three hundred clerks to the Custom
House in New York, and Mr.. Buchanan wants
81, 800 900 more to collect the revenue for sim
gle year than it took four years ago.
As the country increases in territory and pop
ulation, an increase in the aggregate of Gov
ernment expenditures may naturally be expected,
but the two should grow together and not ex'
hibit such disproportion as now appears
There is no reason why the cost of Government
to each inhabitant should be more now than IN
1928. Yet in that year the pro rata according
to population was only "a cents head, and last
year it was equivalent to tax of S2.2S on every
man, woman and child in the country. 1t
promises this year to be about 50 on each indi
vidual. Of course the little Principally Of Au-
gusta county must keep pace with the Federal
Government, and accordingly we find the county
levy increased from 70 cents in 1916 to $3.50 il
1858, with a fair prospect of reaching So mex
year.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
The Prospect.

Feeling an earnest desire for the nomination
of Mr.. Letcher, for more reasons than one, we
have been anxiously observing the "Signs OF the
times" and watching every indication OF pop
Mar sentiment on the subject There is no doubt
that lust around us, in this Congressional Dis
trict, Mr.. Letcher is the favorite with all
parties. In regard to other portions OF the State
we have to rely upon testimony, and that is very
conflicting. The Richmond Enquirer of Wednes-
day last says:
Gas we have before intmated, our own course
with regard to Mr.. Ietcher remains unaltered.
While we yield him hearty support in case he
can obtain the nomination, we still regard him
az the least acaiIa6le Of aU the prominent can
didates for taathonOr. So far as we have been a
BILE to Judge, by means ofprivate correspondence
and some travelling and sojourning in different
parts of the State, this position as generally en-
dorsed By the Democracy"
On the other hand, the Richmond South of
Thursday has the following:
''The result of our inquiries is an absolute con-
vietion that John Letoher is the tayorite ottour-
ffths of the Democracy"
With such conflict of opinion between the
two leading organs of the Democracy, we are
unable to come to any satisfactory conclusion in
reference to the matter. Perhaps, however, the
fact that the editor of the Enquirer has been
soiouring in East Virginia, and the editor of the
South among the mountains, may account for the
different opinions expressed by them. The West
is nearly unanimously in favor of Letcher, while
the opposition to him comes principally from the
East, and in this state of the case sectional con-
test in the nominating Convention is not i'm
probable. Democrats in this region tell US they
will never consent that Letcher shall be ruled
off the track--that his rejection, for the reason
alleged against him, would be stigma cast up
on the whole West. The East assert that his
nomination, under the circumstances, would be
a stigma cast upon them and the State at large.
So we 60. On the whole we rather incline to
think that Mr. Letcher will be tricked out of
the nomination. The majority of the voters of
the State, we believe, are for him; but major
ity of the politicians are either attached to 9th
or aspirants, or ashamed to nominate q candidate
who is liable to the same objection they urged
against Summers-snd the politicians viii pull
the wires.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
A New Watering Place.

The Rockingham Register notices new wa
tering place called Union Springs, in this county
about six miles from Mt. Scion. 1t is owned by
New York Company, and is now under the
supervision of Mr.. Irvine Woodell. There is s
ten.piu alley at the place (Which establishes its
claim to be watering place y and band o
music in attendance. Yet with ali these, ant
the amusement of killing rattle snakes to boot
the Register states that everything is "free," NJ
charge being made for any of the comforts ani
privileges enjoyed by the guests. Will the Reg
lister inform US how we may reach the Unior
Springs most expeditiously and with least ex
pense2 Perhaps the proprietors will take thei
guests down free"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

A SHOCKING AFFA1R-The following extract
from letter from Warrenton Fauquier county
dated August 24tb, gives account OF u most ter
rible and fatal affray at the Fauquer Springs:
"There was shocking affair took place last
night at the Fauquer Springs. You may have
seen notice of duel, frustrated by The authorl
ties of Washington City, between young man
named James Green son Of the late James Green
of Cupeper county, and Mr.. Carver of Mobile
1t appears that Carver has shown disposition
to raise the quarrel anew, since their return
Last night Carver was speaking OF Green, in
one of the passages, in very insulting terms, and
Green though he heard it, avoided Carver, and
took refuge in the room of friend, while Gar
YER who remained in hearing, continued to make
threats, and apply very insulting language t.
Green. After little the noise ceased, when
Green, accompanied by his friend, started fol
his own room. As he was descending flight
of sturs Carver came ont of room near Tie
foot with the remark, Here is the Cd ID
rascal have been looking for" Green contln'
ued on down the steps, when scHiiie OF ii mo
ment ensued, and most of the witnesses agret
that Carver made the attack, striking MT ana col
arine Green, when Green stabbed Carver with q
bowie knife, penetrating his heart and producing
death almost instantly.
"a coroner's inquest, followed by an exam'ha
ton before Justice of the Peace took place To-
day. and resulted in the discharge OF Greel.-
There is considerable excitement here TO nigh
on the subject, the news of Greens discharge
having just got here"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

BLOCKADE OF LAGUAYRA AND Porto CABELLo
The schooner Peerless, arrived at this port
brings the important intelligence that two Brit,
ish steam frigates and French war vessel had
blockaded the Venezuelan ports of Laguayra and
Port Cabello, aud seized a number of vessels in
each. The difficulty has originated ostensibly
from the following circumstances When the
recent revolution occurred in Venezuela by
which the Monagas family were deposed, Presi-
dent Monagas placed himself under the protec'
ton of the English and French consuls. The
successful party in Venezuela, disregardiDg this
protection, seized Mongas and proceeded to try
him for varioas high crimes, including maltea.
sence in office and the corrupt appropriations
of the public funds for the purpose of enriching
his own family and partizans. The British and
French representatives protested against thi:
trial as violation of the right of asylum, and
an insult to their respective nations, and this
protest being disregarded they have proceeded
to enforce it.-Baltimore american
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
A Fppvcr Rrr1rA HUNDRED YEARS AGO..

A FRENCH BELLE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
Madam de Genlis, in her memoirs, describes the
training she underwent to bit her for Partisan
society in the last century 81 had two teeth
pulled out: | had whalebone stays that Plnchec
me terribly my feet were imprisoned IN tight
shoes with which it was impossible for me to
walk; had three or four thousand curl papers
put on my head, and | wore for the first time In
my life hoop. In order to get rid ofmy coun'
try attitudes, had an iron collar put on my
neck, and as l squinted little at times, was
obliged to put on goggles as soon as awoke N
the morning, and these wore four hours;
was moreover, not little surprised when they
talked of giving me master to teach me what
1 thought knew well enough already-to walk
Besides all this, was forbidden to run, to leap,
or to ask questions"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
"Eyening with the Poets."

We had the pleasure Of attending the very in
teresting entertainment of Mr.. D. |. Edwards on
Saturday evening last. We were sorry to sees
few present, and feel sure that Mr.. E. will have
crowded house tonight. Mr. Edwards recites
selected poems in highly interesting style OF
elocution, and with irresistible effect upon the
audience. In the recitation of humorous pieces
he is particularly happy. Among the poems Sc
lected for to night are the ''Raven," by Poe, Sc
lection from the Merchant of Venice, &c. The
humorous description of a lawsuit between
"Daniel and DishclOth" viii be repeated. We
can recommend Mr.. Edwards entertainment to
the public with the confidence that it will prove
satisfactory.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

HOMICIDE AT FINoAsrLE.-At Flncastle, Bot
etourt county, Va, on the Goth inst, James Nc
Dowell, President of the Farmers Bank, of that
place, was shot in his Office, by Henry W. Bow,
yer, a highly respectable and wealthy farmer, OF
that county. Mr.. B. entered the office and fired
on Med three times, each ball taking such fatal
effect that the wounded man died shortly after
wards. The assailant then walked OFT and gave
himself up to the officers of justice. The Lynch
burg Virginian says that the cause OF TINS event
was "a domestic difficulty, in which MIR. McD'
and member of Mr.. Bowyer's family were in
volvedn The deceased was once prominent in
Virginia politics, and during the administration
of President Polk, was United States Consul al
Belfast.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

MusrANes.-There arrived at Princeton, Ind,
few days ago. drove of one hundred mus
tang horses, which the owners purchased IN
Mexico on the borders of the Rio Grande, and
had driven distance of 1900 miles, through
Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois to Glib
son county, Indiana. They had been driven the
entire Journey without one cent of expense fol
feed They had maintained themselves at night
upon the grass they found by the way. The adj
venturers started with drove of 100. They
lost but three animls by sickness or accident
and one of these was drowned by swimming a
cross the Wabash river on Sunday. In one in
stance the animals were driven over tournado
of nearly two hundred miles without finding
water yet they apparently suffered but little
Forty or fifty animals were sold on the route
and the owners are finding purchasers fol
those they brought in, at prices from $50 tc
S1OO-which makes the speculation very re-
numerating one.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

THE BRITISH HOUSE OF CoMMoNs.-If one de.

IHE BRITISH HOUSE OF C0MM0NS.-lf one de-
sires to get most untayorable view of the men,
bers of the House of Commons and become i'm
pressed with the idea that they are most me-
diocre-nay, below mediocre, set of men in their
personal appearance, he has only to sit awhile
in the strangers or speakers gallery, aud have
an opportunity of correcting his impressions by
closer observation. Seen thence, Lord Palmers-
ton has the look of vulgar, unintellectual,
frowzy sort of an individual, with vanity enough
to dive his wLiskers after he had become old e.
nough to give it up. Cornwall Lewis with bis
sharp visage and long nose, looks fit for u vii
lain in an opera or playa veritable cut-throat
Kean would make his fortune by giving him the
second cut-throat business to do. Lord John
looks only fit for position. The others on his
side of the House look like very good sort
of respectable niDnies and mediocrites, with
here and there dandifed young lordling scat
tered in to flavor the dish. Bright have not
seen. On the other side sit Gladstone, very
common place sort of a gentleman as seen from
the gallery 0hough he improved on closer IN
spection next day in the British Museum Dir
James Graham, who seemed thence very res
pectable farmer like parsonage, Lord Stanley
who has almost an insignificant look, nherltlDg
his fathers short perked up nose, with other
features on O somewhat diminutive and unlm-
pressive scale; Bulwer Lytton so closely resen-
bled his portraits that recognized him ilnme-
diately. though in the dim. distant light he look
ed rumped secondhand edition of himself;
Sir John Pakington is rather dandified little
gentleman, and Mr.. Walpole does not strike
the beholder as being q remarkable man.-
D'Israe, alone, out of the whole House, loom
ed out of the mist as man fit to lead. His
head is a study. There is something wonderful
in it. All the lines of his face are hardly
and deeply drawn, as if the face had been exer-
cised like thews OF an athelete's leg or back
The brain is massed up in front like tower,
anu one feels as he sits there, impassive and
seeming scarcely to heed what is going on, as II
one gazed on q lion or tiger in repose, who could
use teeth or claws terribly if occasion came
You would scarcely pronounce his face that OF
good man-for it is sinister and forbiddiDg with
al-but there is on it the clear stamp ct intel
ect, and of strong will to put that intellect to
use. London Correspondent Of Montreal Ga
zette.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

THE FIGHT IN ILLINoIs.-The Chicago papers
are filed with reports of the speeches OF Senator
Douglas and his opponent Mr. Lincoln, at the
great meeting at Ottawa on the 2lst inst by
an arrangement previously made, these repre-
sentatives of their respective parties had agreed
to hold seven public dscussons-this being the
first. 1t is estimated that not less than twelve
thousand persons were present; and we are told
that Ottawa was deluged in dust" whilst ma
tiona flags, notices and devices were visible IN
every direction. The friends of the respective
speakers met them on their entrance into the
city, and two professions were formed, each OF
which is represented as having been nearly q
mile in length. The debate was opened by
Mr.. Douglas, who spoke for an hour; Mr.. Lin
coin occupied an hour and half in his reply,
and Mr. D. made closing speech of half an hour.
AS might be expected, the victory IN this dis
cussion is claimed on both sides. The Chicago
Press has aheading-"A senator in tight place, 7"
while the Times informs Us that Lincoln breaks
down." &c. The Press states that at the close
of the debate Mr. Lincoln twas seized by the
multitude and borne off on their shoulders, in
the centre of crowd OF five Thousand shouting
republicans, with band OF music IN front. =
The Times, on the other hand, informs us that
Lincoln seemed to have been paralyzed. lie
stood upon the stage looking wildly at the peo-
pie as they surrounded the triumphant Douglas,
and with mouth wide open, he could not find
friend to say one word to him in his distress. y
The discussion was conducted in good temper
between the parties Douglas alluded to his first
acquaintance with Lincoln, twenty five years a
go, when be Oouglas) taught school and after
wards was cabinet maker, and Lincoln kept a
grocery. Lincoln denied that he ever kept a
grocery, out said he worked part of one win
ter in little still house.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

FIRST TELEGRAPH IN THE UNITED STATES
Elk President Fillmore, in his speech at Niagara
Falls on the reception of the message OF the Pres-
ident and Queen, referred to the period-he be.
ing chairman of the Committee of Ways and
Means in the House of Representatives-whe
Professor Morse sought aid from Congress to test
the practicablity ottelegraphing. Mr.. Fillmore
made favorable report for an appropriation OF
thirty thousand dollars 1t was received with
derision by large number of Congressman, who
secuted the idea of talking by telegraph, and of
fered all sorts of amendments designed to defeat
the bill The bill passed, and line from Wash
ington to Baltimore was soon ready for operation.
Mr.. Fillmore remarked that lie looked back with
pleasure upon this incident in the early history
of Geographic enterprise, and had ever since ia
ken great interest in its progress, and was
most happy to be able to mngle his congratula-
tons with the citizens of Niagara Falls upon the
success of the great enterprise of modern times
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

CHANGE OF CoNsTITUTIoN.-Th New York
Herald announces that at the next annual cleo
ton in that State the question is to be deter
r,ined whether the State Constitution shall be
subjected to revision. The Herald tavors the
revisal, and affirms that unless something OF the
Kind is done, anarchy will shortly ensue, as the
neople are retrogradng, politically and socially,
although they have every element of success at
bond "Never.n it continues, "was there more
disorder prevalent among us than at this present
Moment. Crime is rampant: and good citizens
ret;ra in despair from a contest in which corrup,
tion and brutal force are constantly victorious.
The principal change recommended oy Tue
Herald is the institution of new judicial system
which shall be non.eective.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
Turning a Penny.

Tiffany, thecelebrated Broadway Jeweller, has
purchased the eighty miles Of telegraphic cable
left on board the Niagara, with view to
speculation 1t is to be divided into pieces
three inches long, each piece to be bound with
brass bands, aud sold to the "curious" at fifty
cents. If the entire length of the cable is dis
posed of at this price, the receipts of the jew
sller will DO $S49,8QQ
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

Mr.. Stephens, of Georgia, favorably inclined
to Douglas, and said to be engaged in negotia-
ting between the recusant Senator and the Adj
ministration, is catchiag ii from some OF the
Georgia Democratic papers. The Macon State
Press, alluding to his open declarations in favor
OF the reelection of Douglas, says: -"lf the re-
port be true, we fully CONCUR with our cotempo
rary of the Columbus Times that MIR. Stephens
is no better than Douglass and as we have
already denounced the traitor, we stand prepared
to condemn all Southern men who excuse and
defend him.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

How Towns Grow IN THE WEsT.-lt seems in
the gerry tar out west there was a tribe OF indi
ans who lived in a very secluded vast wilder
ness, which they had owed for their lodges a
long time One fine morning they all started
off on horse stealing excursion, and did not
return for many days When they did, they
found first class hotel, with niger walters
and gongs, wine cards and Johannisberg, on the
spot where their council lodge had been, and a
town scattered all around 1t, with lots at two
hundred dollars foot Enterprising people,
this
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31
London OuarterIy Review,

The July No, of this publication, which we
have received from Messrs. L. Scott & Co., New
York, has the following table of contents: /
Admiral Blake, 2. History Of Civilization il
England, 3. Iron Bridges, 4. Life of Wyclfe, 8
Profess Blunt and his Works, 6. Shipwrecks, Z
British Museum, s. British India.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

Tie Cherbourg works, the completion of
which the French and English monarchs are
celebrating are marvels of engineering skill The
breakwater is $4,000 feet long between the arms
which enclose Cherbourg roads. At the bottom
OF the water (averaging about 35 feet,) its base
is 80 feet in breadth, while it rises to the
height of % feet above low water mark, with a
top-width of 103 feet. The great basin will
have capacity for containing twenty ships-ofthe
line. There are two other basins, with room
each for ten ships of the-ne. Vast magazines
line the banks, and workshops of every charac'
ter for constructing and fitting out ships OF war.
Every rock in the roadstead is fortress, and
the breakwater bristles with batteries. A great
semi circular fortress faces the sea. The works
are guarded by twenty forts and redoubts, and
an amount of cannon never before united for
the defence of one place. Military engineers
pronounce Cherbourg mpregnable
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-08-31

THE PARAGUAY EXPEDITIoN.-Fromt the Wash
ington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun, OF
Yesterday, on the subject of the proposed expedi'
ton to Paraguay:
"The exposition contained in the Union ofthis
morning of the intentions OF the executive in re-
gard to the Paraguay expedition is doubtless au-
thentic 1t is satisfactory to know from such
authority that the naval force at length proyi-
ded for the service will be adequate to the reduc-
ton of the forts above the Trees Bocas, and near
the capital, Assumption. The instructions to the
United States commissioners are also referred
to as having been completed, with view to
meet the evasive diplomacy of Lopez. Onr lit
tie fleet will no doubt give good account OF it.
self.
THE population and resources of Paraguay
are understated by the authorities ordinarily re-
ferred to. The population is estimated at 300,
600; whereas, according to Mr. Hopkins, who
was lately the o. S. consul at Assumption, it is
100000. That Lopez had 10000 men under
arms when threatened with an attack from his
hostile neghbors is well known. He has also
European engineers and tacticians in his service.
He has had too long time for preparation a.
ganst our expedition, and will perhaps attempt
TO obstruct the navigation of the river above the
"tbree MOUTHS But this again would involve
him in difficulty with England, France, Buenos
Ayres and Brazil.
'"Another of his lodges will no doubt be TO
seek the mediation OF mutually friendly pow
err, and even propose an arbitration, the accep-
lance of which is probably forbidden by the In
structions to our ministers.
president Lopez is the chief merchant, bro
ker, cigar maker and steamboat owner in his fer
tile dominions, and is reputed to be worth more
money than the whole amount now in our treas
ury, increased as it has been by the ten million
loan. He can, therefore, easily pay the amount
OF indemnity which is claimed on account OF
spoliations upon our people"