davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
Trial of Marion Whithurst.

The San Francisco correspondent of the
Sacramento Union says of this case, that the
testimony was brought to close on Tuesday
evening, before Judg Hager, in the Fourth
District Court.
At the conclusion of the evidence, Mr.
Thomas, District Attorney of Placer county,
addressed the jury on the part of the people,
stating the several grades homicide is classi-
fed by our statute. He reviewed the facts
disclosed by the evidence, and charged on the
prisoner the commission Of a cowardly, ma
lignant, diabolical murder. He disclaimed
any feeling on his part towards the prisoner,
and would be satisfied with whatever verdict
the jury would render. He said the people
of Placer county were anxiously looking for
the result of this trial. and it was for them
to say whether Vigilance Committees and
mob laws would be justfiable, and it be made
necessary to cast the statutes into the fire by
allowing prisoners to go unpunished. He
was very severe in his denuncations of the
prisoner and some of the witnesses for the
defense. Mr.. Thomas was followed by Mr..
Mills in behalf of the prisoner He referred
to the serious responsibility the jury were
called upon to meet and the fact that the
existence of human being depended upon
the issue. He called attention to fact
which might be considered strange-that
the prisoner and his counsel should have
selected San Francisco as place for his
trial. 1t was known this city had been con-
vulsed by revolution, recently, and it was
reasonable to suppose the greatest prejudice
would exist against, and the least favor
would be shown the prisoner. The reason
was, because he trusted TO the justice Of his
cause, and did not fear to entrust his fate to
the honesty and conscience of a jury in San
Francisco. He reviewed the testimony, and
contended the evidence showed the prisoner
to be guitless of the otfense charged against
him, and that the jury,if free from prejudice,
as he was satisfied they were, would render
a verdict of acquittal. Mr.. Latham occu-
cupied the attention of the jury this morning
in a brilliant speech for the defence, and was
followed by Mr.. Nunes, in an argumentative
address for the prosecution. :.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
Mount Pleasant Correspondence.

Mt PLEASANT, Placer county, March 10, '58.
Pursuant to previous notice, a meeting conven-
ed at the Mount Pleasant School House, on We'd
nesday evening March 10th, the object of which
was the organization of Debating Society,"
Rev. p. W. Mllen was called to the chair, and
w. A. Henry appointed Secretary. The Presi-
dent, after stating the object of the meeting, made
a few eloquent and appropriate remarks in regard
to the Importance of such an object as connected
with the cause of education and the improvement
of the mind, which were received with merited
applause; after which the meeting proceeded to
business
On motion, it was ordered that the society be
called the Mount Pleasant Lyceum. committee
was appointed to draft constitution and bylaws.
A committee was also appointed to solicit sub
scriptions for the purpose of obtaining suitable
Library, and James W. Goode elected Librarian.
A question was then proposed by the President
for debate at the next meeting, viz: Should capt.
tai punishment be abolished? The affirmative
was sustained by S. d. Burge, the negative by
w. A. Henry. Further business was postposed
until Tuesday evening the 10th inst, the time
appointed for the next regular meeting.
On motion, it was resolved, that copy of
these proceedings be sent to each of the Auburn
papers with request to publish the same.
Meeting adjourned to meet on Tuesday even
ing, March 10th, at o'clock.
w. A. HENRY. Secretary.
EF The city of Portland Oregon, is said
tn ho ran;1lv ;vnnroy;nrr
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
Purchase Of the Capitol Building.


The bill introduced some time since, in
the Senate, for the purchase Of the present
Capitol building, came up in that body on
Thursday and after amendment was ordered
to an engrossment. A motion to indefini-
tely postpone was lost by vote Of Ayes T..
Noes 25. From this it would appear that,
the bill will finally pass the Senate. The
bill provides, and the County Of Sacramento
has offered to take Sl25,ooo for the build
ing. When the purchase was first spoken
Of, we did not suppose any one was serious
in the matter; but upon the introduction Of
the bill, and from subsequent information OBJ
tanned, we were satisfied that Sacramento
county was anxious for its disposition to be
relieved somewhat of Indebtedness. Were
the house such as 10 be in every way suited
to the requirements of the State, or could
be made so at a reasonable outlay of money
there could be 70 great objection to its pur-
chase; but from all we can learn, it is not
such a building. From the haste with which
it was built, it is believed to have sustained in
jury by settling. The cracked plastering does
not impress one much with an idea of the
solidity and strength that would be desirable
in structure that is to be the permanent
Capitol of the State. A desire on the part
OF Legislators to see Sacramento county re-
leved in her financial condition, should not
render them unmindful of the interests of
the State.
When the State becomes the owner of a
Capitol, let it be durable, ample in dimen-
sions, and creditable in its architecture 1t
has been proposed, by the establishment
of a branch Penitentiary at Folsom, that
convict labor could be extensively employed
in preparing granite blocks for Capitol,
and that much of the work upon the edifce
could be done by them, and at comparative
ly small cost to the State. This certainly
seems feasible plan. 1t has been tried with
success in other States.
We enter our protest against the purchase
of the Sacramento Court House.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
Religious Notice.
GREAT EXCITEMENT!
At the Corner of Commercial and Main sts.
r.. RF7TEI.


Clothing and Gents Furnishing Goods,
From SAM HYNEMAN, so long and favorsbly
known at the
Corner Of Commercial g. Main Sts.,
AUBURN.
N addition to this stock, have received and
Il will be constantly receiving, a we'll selected
stock of Clothing and Gents Furnishing Goods,
consisting in part of the latest styles of
Fine Blue and Black Frock Coats
Black and Blue Sack Coats;
Business Goats, Cashmere Raglans, etc.; to-
gether with large stock of Pants, of all patterns
and quality; also fine stock Shirts and Drawers,
Handkerchiefs, Cravats and Gloves.
Hats of all colors and descriptions, together with
complete assortment of Blue and the finest
of White Blankets; also large stock of
BOOTS, SHOES AND CATERS.
hereby tender an invitation to the old custo-
mers to pay me visit, and pledge myself to
give as good satisfaction as formerly. invite my
friends and the public in general to call and ex-
anime my stock before purchasing elsewhere; and
remember the old and popular
Corner of Main and Commercial st, eet, former
ly occupied By SIM. HY.VEJN.aW.
G. BETHEL.
Auburn, March goth, ls5S-my.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

LAST CHANcE-The Placer Courier learns
that the citizens Of Last Chance have laid of
their camp into streets and squares, prepa-
tory to building their town with some regu-
larity. The population Of the place has
doubled within few weeks. Last Chance
is far up the slopes of the Sierra Nevadas,
where they never have snow to exceed six
teen feet in depth during the winter. As a
summer residence it is very pleasant. The
gold discoveries in that vicinity are making
we'll up toward the summit.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

The Placer Courier, in imitation of Hutch
ing's Magazine is publishing biographical
sketches of the officers of State, from tie
pen of its distinguished correspondent, Col.
Bunner. The sketches are accompanied with
lkenesses skillfully carved out with jack
knife. The Courier's sketches are decidedly
rich; leaving Hutching's entirely in the
shade
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

NICARAGUA STEAMSHIP Co.-This com
pany dispatch their fine steamship the Sierra
Nerada, on the 5th of April. The opposi-
ton has fairly commenced, and travellers
have now the opportunity for cheap fares
to the States. This company's steamer, the
Orizoba, on her late trip out, took large
number of passengers, some of whom OBJ
tained through steerage tickets for ten dol
lars.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

INDIAN NENGEAScE.-The Mary.ville Er-
press tells Of ruin on branch of the Ar
kansas where, many years ago, white mcn
sold whisky to the Indians. who after =
while got angry with the traders, murdered
them all, and left their abode in ruins. which
are solitary TO this day
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
The Marysville Meeting.

The Democrats opposed to the admission
Of Kansas under the Lecompton Constitution
called meeting at Marysvile on Wednes-
day evening. J. w. McCorkle and Chas. II.
Bryan were the principal speakers, on that
side Of the question, and took firm ground
against the the administration. McCorkle
justified the acts of the Topeka Convention.
An attempt was made to prevent any
speeches in defence of the Administration.
Mr.. Montgomery finally obtained the stand,
and spoke ably in support of the course of
the President. The resolutions were finally
put to vote Of the meeting, and the Presi-
dent declared them carried, but those oppos-
ed to them, declare they were lost. The
Marysville Express (Dem.) but opposed to
the Presidents Kansas policy, declares its
inability to decide, from the vote, wheth er
the resolutions carried or not.
Messrs McCorkle and Bryan are evidently
desrous of pushing the present difference
among Democrats, to rupture in the party.
We regret the course they are pursuing, as
ill-,imed, and calculated to SOW the seed of
dissension, where all should be harmony.
Mr.. Bryan's former Stree dirt" procivities
as exhibited in the resolutions introduced by
him in the Senate Of California in 1854,
do not recommend him as good guide for
any Democrat in the present emergency
We would warn Democrats to beware of all
such false lights.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

EE- The Alleghanians, the favorite troupe
of vocalists, that in times gone by cheered
the hearts of Caifornians with the good old
songs of home, are about to revisit our shores
again. Though gladly welcome, the melody
Of one sweet voice. that has ceased for NOR
tai ears, will be absent from the little band
Miss Goodenough is dead.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

CHINESE REGArTA.-The Johns, of Sac
ramento, had a grand boat race on Wednes-
day, on the mud puddle (Sutter Lake,. Six
boats were entered: Two by the Sam Yap Co.,
and four by the See Yup Co. The Sam Yaps
were the victors. Mclean men and egisla-
tors attended in large numbers as specta-
tors.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

New TINwARE SroRE.-We would call
attention to the advertisement of the new
Tinware store Of G. F. Holmes e. Co. They
intend keeping a good stock of articles in
their trade, and sell them cheap. They are
opposed to the old fogy system-of doing
business, and believe to sell at smaller profit
is the way to get customers. Try them!
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

MUN1c1PAL ELEcr1oN-The election for
city officers took place in Marysville on Mon
day. The Democratic candidates for Mayor,
Clerk, Treasurer, and ten members of the
Council were elected. The Independent
ticket, succeeded in electing the Recorder,
Marshal, Assessor, and two Councilmen.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
LOST-..SlO REWARD.

II OST on Saturday the 18th inst, between
IL Auburn and Gold Hill, on the Auburn Ra-
vine Turnpike, heavy GOLD RING, with the let.
ters H. G. engraven on the square part in old
style English letters. The above reward will be
paid to the finder by returning it to me at my
store in Auburn HENRY GILLESPIE.
Auburn, March goth, 1S58.-2w
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

CALIFORNIA TANNERIEs-The Prices Cur
rent says that there are sufficient number
of Tanneries in California to supply the whole
demand in the State.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

ADJouRNMENr.-The House refused to
consider resolution the other day, provi-
ding for an adjournment on the 5th Of
April. We are curious to know how
much longer than that time they expect
to legislate. Would the 5th of MAY
suit gentlemen better!
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
EE- In San Juan Monterey county, abou

EE- In San Juan, Monterey county, about
two o'clock on Saturday morning last, the
house of Mr.. Bennett Odom was destroyed
by fire, and his wife and four children, and a
Miss Burns, were consumed in the building.
Mr.. O1om was absent from home at the
time. 1t is believed the family were mur-
dered and the house then set on fire. as the
skulls of each of the unforunates were found
broken. Intense excitement prevails in that
country regarding the affair. a Mexican,
shortly before discharged by Mr.. Odom,
is suspected of the commission of the crime.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

EE We are indebted to Mr.. Kabler, O
the Assembly for documents.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

QuARrz.-A quartz lead has been struck
within two miles of Auburn, this week, that
is making some stir. The lead is about
twelve inches thick, the evidences Of gold
numerous, and the claimants hopeful, Of 500
to the ton at least. Glad to hear it,
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

Ns- See advertisement of G. Bethel in another
column. He may be found at SAM Hyneman''
old stand, where he is selling goods about right
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

Found Capitalization Whithurst has
been found guilty Of Murder in the second
degree, for the killing of A. A. Mason, at
Michigan Bluff last summer. The trials of
Roberts and Bearss are now progressing in
the Fourth District Court of San Francisco
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

Es- St. Patrck's day, the 18th, was Gel
brated by our Irish citizens at Sacramento,
San Francisco, and various other parts of the
State.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

EF The Courier says business is quite
lively at Iowa Hill.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

1t is quite common nowadays to have
compassion upon those WHO steal on a mag
nifcent scale. Had not the Legislature bet
ter pass an act to compensate Bates for the
loss of his valuable time while incarcerated
in prison!
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

EE The Boston Courier dislikes the ex-
preston of Sin our midst" as inelegant.
Well, suppose we say hereafter, "round
among u.s." This will be substitute-as
an improvement deponent sayeth nothing.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

QUARTZ MILLs-The two quartz mills at
Ophir, and the Union and May q Co.'s mills,
a mile distant from that place, are now all
in operation. May g. Co.'S mill has been in
operation but few days, running two bat
teries of four revolving stamps each. When
their works are entirely completed which
will be in week or two, there will be an
additional battery for dry stamping, and two
arastras, each fifteen feet in diameter. The
quartz crushed in this mill prospects very
well; the gold is fine, and much care is neces-
sary in saving it. When the mill is in COM
plete running order, we shall give our read
ers more extended description of it. The
dry crushing battery is new feature to the
quartz men of this county, and should it
possess the merit claimed for it, will be found
Of great advantage in working lodes in those
localities where water is not abundant.
TAX CoLLECToR.-Th act separating the
Office Of Tax Collector from that of Sheriff
~ WIS 0ouHty, VIII pe iouHu Ill tO-uayS pa
per. The bill takes from the office of Asses
sor the collection of the Poll Tax and gives
1t to the Collector. Hereafter in Placer
county, Office will not be considered so very
proftable-the Sheriff's and Clerks offices
being divided, and stated salaries being given
to Clerk and Recorder. The days of
retrenchment are coming about in California,
and fat places and big fees will soon be
among the things that were
re- The Placer Press desires the people
OF this county, irrespectives of party, to hold
meetings and give an expression on the Kan
sas question. As the only politics that pa
per is now in the possession of is opposition
to the admission Of Kansas, under the Le-
compton Constitution, it is all important to
It that the Democracy should split at the
present time. What has the Press done
with it, Know.Nothingisms Has that phys.
ic been thrown to the dogs!
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

DR.. Bates Ex Treasurer Of State, Hen
ry Bates, is now free man, having been
declared by ajury Of his peers, not guilty
of the crimes Of which be so long stood ac-
cused We are glad of it.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

Eg- The delightful spring weather Of the
early days of March, have been succeeded by
cold and windy days and frosty nights dur
ing this week Monday, Tuesday, and We'd
nesday nights brought heavy frosts, and ice
formed to the thickness of a quarter of an
inch The heavy clouds, on Wednesday es-
sayed an attempt at snow storm which
was not success, but looked somewhat
wintry. The fruit growers of this vicinity
are hopeful that the frost, has not done much
damage to the trees in blossom. In the up
per part of the county the frost has been
more severe.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20
NOTICE..

THERE will be meeting of the Stockholders
i of the Mineral Bar and Iowa Hill Bridge and
Road Company, at the Office of the COMPANY at
Mineral Bar, on Monday, March 2sth, 1858, for
the purpose of eecting officers for the ensuing
year. CHARLES RICE, Secretary
March Goth. 1S58-K
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

NOTICE.
THE undersigned having sold bis stock oI
l. goods, hereby notifies all persons who are IN
debted to him. to come forward and settle their
accounts without delay. SAM. HYNEMAN.
Auburn, March 18th, lS58.-1m. ---
DLANK EXECUTIONS
ID Yon can get them at any time ~
the Placer Herald office.
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

BEATEN BUT NOT kILLED.-Some excite
ment prevailed among the Mexicans Of this
vicinity on Sunday last at the disappearance
Of one Of their number, named Sacramento
Santa Cruz, who had been seen in town the
previous evening on big spree, and at
later hour was observed lying on the side
walk in front Of negro drinking house.
On Sunday morning, he was looked after by
some Of his friends, but was nowhere to be
found; but the front of the house before
which he had been seen lying, was found
marked with blood in number of places,
also several pools upon the ground. Foul
play was Immediately suspected. An arrest
was made, and q thorough search instituted
without success; and from the unusual num-
Der Of Mexicans that gathered into town, it
was evident that they thought murder had
been committed Late, in the afternoon,
however, the hombre turned up about two
miles below town, considerably alive but
with badly damaged MISUNDERSTANDING
the Fourth Of July cut over his eye, and
more new chronological developments on
his head than would fill chart. His story
was, that some belligerent white man had
knocked him over with club or stone, from
the effect of which he was rendered oblivi-
Gus of all terrestrial affairs until he woke up
on Sunday, and found himself covered over
with a pile Of brush, and several miles away
from Auburn.
If the mans story was true, it looks as if
somebody thought they had committed mur-
der, and had attempted to conceal the evil
dence of it. But fortunately cheap whskey
had so mellowed the greaser's noddle, that
ordinary killing had no effect upon him.
There is some virtue in the ardent after ALL
The Placer herald., 1858-03-20

R The city Of Portland Oregon, is said
to be rapidly improving.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-02

A WaETcB.--Fredorck Burkee has boap arrested
In Rochester, y. Y, for beating and starving hi.
wife TO death. The body of the poor woman
T. rribly emaciated. and was covered with bruises
- sores. The children we're almost eaten NJ with
vermin. The family ware SWISS AID one of the
little children testified upon the inquest. that her
fsiher was sent away from Switzerland for his
a5tv.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-02

MARRIAes VALID pv MsgE AsREEssNr-A case
has ust been deci 1ed, in inapolis by which 1t
10 declared that marriage in Indiana requires ~
formaltiss TO make It legal except the more agree
msnt IF the parties; that it Is civil contract only,
aud differs from the other civil merely in
this-that II cannot bs dissolved, even by mutual
0uaeent.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-02

INTERESTING sTA,IsrIos.-From the sixth annual
report Of the board Of supervising inspectors Of
ss.Amers, made TO the Secretary Of the Treasury,
we CLEAN the following interesting statistics:
During the fss years from 1913 to lS52. incla.
sivs prior the establishment If the board OF su-
pervisors. there we're fifty steamboat explosions.
causing a loss Of l.l55 lives, AMI as persons
wounded ny ether disasters duriug the same Pc
ro 4l6 lives wsre los making total lors Of ,571
lives IN thu five years. Daring the four years from
1854 to 1857. inclusive subsequent to the passage
.! the steamboat law, there have been seven ex-
pio Ions AMI 49, lives lost By other disasters, col
hsiDns. Are, sinking &c, there have been lost du-
ring the time ia lives, making total loss Of
lie for the five years Of ;i3.
BY an examination of these statements We find
that for FIVE years prior TO tue passage Of TIL
steavab at act have accounts of the loss of ,l
lives. and for the i've years since said passage the
total loss of life the Western rivers is 3ts leae
ing a difference of ,225 lives.
The total humber Of steamers inspected during
the year In the Cnited States was ,l22, with an
aggregate tonnage Of 4el.370 tons. The number
OF pilots 10 2,sS4 and number Of engineers 1854
The total number of passengers carried hy licensed
steamers wss ,Bl0,3t7.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-02

sIoss sPEEcHEs.--In the English House Of Com
mons they will not hear N IN speak at length
who IL not kaown beforehand TO have something
10 say. They cheer him down, cough him down,
laugh him down, clap him down, stamp him down.
or 90 down themselves to dinner. Long speeches
ara An abominatfon.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-02
UfpE FGR ThAfELLEhs AM
RAILROAD LINES

RIoRMoED, FREDERICK BURG AND Po-
fenAc RAILROAD. going North leaves twice every
AAy. lSAaaAy evenings excepted at Gas uck, A. u
and &C M ocick, p NJ. for the Potomac river, where
a steamer 10 taken for Washington, thence by Rail
rvai ~ baltimore. &c.
VIRGINIA CENTRAL, going North, leaves this cit3
~ Many, (oulia evenings excepted at O'clock
NJ, AMI IL y clock p. VI FIR Gord0usyie, wheT
Gh1l emneet with the trains Of the Orange and Alex
,.ndrts. Nseangt,u Baltimore. nc.
itlCuM nd AHp DASvfLLE-Leapes Richmond at
o'cloca A. A., aud coun,-cts with the Seath Side
as the Jaactiun. at IL O'clock NJ, euudtys excelr
ted. An evening Train leaves the Depot every day,
except sunday, Mt alb O'Clock and connects with the
S,uth-5ide at the function. ut . IS.
RICHMOND AND PEfERsBvRa--L Leaves this city twice
every day, lSundays excepted,) at O'clock A. NJ
and ass oeik p. NJ. An accommodation train leaves
here every Monday, "Wednesday and friay at
FOR NORFOLK &C.
rhs steamer CURTIS PECK, Capt. SAINT Barnes
Iea vos her wharf at Rockets every Saturday Tues
day and Thursday mornings, at 50 O'clock A. VI.
aal the GLEN COVE, CAPT. John Davis, every Mon
tty, Wednesday anil Friday mornings at So O'clock
fw Norfolk and Portsmouth. touching at all the
regular landings on the river
FOR NEW YORK, &C.
rhe steamship JAMESTOWN. Captain Parrish
leaves every Tuesday evening at clock, for New
York touching at City Point and Norfolk TO receiv.
psssengers. &c. leaving Norfolk next morning, al
FOR PHILAD LPHIA, &C,
By the steanehips pENSs iLVASIA, VIRGINIA
saiCITY OF RICHMOND. Jne Of these steamer
leave every Monday aud Thursday stopping at City
Point add Norfolk to receive freight and passengers
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-01-02

Ges.f BILLuRD March. The match Of billiards
fIg $4,000, between Michael pheau and X. Behjt-
min t>'k place "a Phi!sdelpha Wednesday night.
aud Wa. w,n bv phel4n. His competitor won only
twu ont Of eleven games