davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

To CoRREsPoSDESTs.-Johnat n. Bropn, Hsalid
Your communication, dated 4th ult., was mis-
sent, and was only received this week, or it would
have been answered sooner We don't know you
Johnathan, and rather think you don't know us, OF
your communication would not have been sent
Your live pork and strychnine story is old your
description of Yisalia its people, and some of the
Tulare County officers, show more spleen than
generosity. Infuss the same power Of description
and humor into a communication on some interest
ing subject, and it will be an acceptable contribu
ton. Try again, Johnathan, but avoid offensive
short talk"
" A Democrat" Mariposa-we welcome you to the
columns OF the DEMOCRAT, and shall be pleased To
hear from you again.
" Monitor."-" Pitch i'm your arguments are good
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE LATE STATE PRIs-
ON EscAPADE.-The Alta gives the following
account, derived from official sources, of the
late State Prison escapade:
At 2 o'clock on the afternoon Of 23d March,
and shortly after the departure of the Gov
ernor from the prison, sixteen convicts headed
by the somewhat notorious Lynch (bettcr
known by the name of Pumpkins') and Or
linski, made break from the upper grounds,
outside the walls, for sail boat called the Nip
Cat, which was anchored some three hundred
yards from the shore Unfortunately for them
she was aground and it was low tide. lmme-
dately the alarm was given, the bell rung,
and the balance called in. The guards came
down the hill, running through the water and
mud waist deep. They soon got within range
and opened pretty brisk fire. One man was
shot, and they, finding the boat aground, and
at the same moment seeing the twelve-pounder
come over the hill thought best to cry quarter,
which they did most Justify. One by one they
came struggling in, and forlorn looking set
they were-covered with mud and dripping
with water-no hats or shoes on. They were
compelled to lay down on the beach and wait
for the balance. As soon as they had all ar
rived they were marched down to the black
smith shop and securely double ironed The
boat Nip Cat, somewhat renowned in prison
escapes, was beached on the following morning
and entirely dsmantled-so her career is end
ed for the present.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01
The cooIie Question.

MR. EDrroR-The increase of the Chinese in Cali
orna is subject which merits the serious attention
Of every person interested in the permanent welfare
of this State for il permitted to go on the result may
prove injurious to us, finally, than most people
imagine
The report Of June 1850 stated that the then
number of inhabitants &c. $50 in November, 1852,
the population had increased to 269G50 and we have
been increasing that at the end of the last yeaF
numbered 597 900, Of the following nationalites
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

Pills FOR UTAH.-They manufacture from
fourteen to fifteen thousand Mimic rife balls
daily at the Watervleit arsenal, in New York
State. Immense quantities have been sent ont
for the use of the army in Utah.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

The STEAM WAGoN.-The Sacramento pa
pers say that 0vertons steam wagon will
probably be ready to make trial trip in two
weeks, as il is rapidly approaching completion,
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

FIRE AT KNIGHTS FERRY.-Thc Stockton
Republican learns that fire broke out in
Keppelmans stable, Knights Ferry, about l2
o'clock, Sunday night, 2lst March. So rapid
was the spread of the flames, that some thirty
tons of hay and several horses were consumed
among the number lost was horse valued
at $4,000.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

No WATER.-Late advices from the Hartz
Mountains, Germany, speak of the great search
ty of water. People were obliged to dispense
with washing their hands and faces. Laun-
dresses were prohibited from pursuing their
calling, and cattle were dying for the want Of
water.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

HORRIBLE DEATH.-A quartz miner, at Dow
melville, was caught by the mill and had his
head dashed against spike which pierced his
skull, killing him.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

as- To the State Representatives in Congress, Hons
Chas. L. Scott and l. C. McKibben, we are under OBJ
legations for public documents
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

AS- Thanks to Rosenbaum Van Allen, Stockton
and j. w. Sullivan, San Francisco for files of Eastern
papers.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01
Ell DORADO HOTEL
AND
H ES II AU R AN II.
Opposite Wells, Fargo n Co.'S Express OHce.)
MAIN STREET, HORNITOS.

THE Proprietor Of this establishment thankful for pc
Il tavors socts continuance of the patronage Of the
public.
After the first Of March card with the regular prices Of
the various dishes annexed will be found his tables
for cleanliness both in the culinary and sleeping depart
ment, his house will remain IL has beenunsurpassed
Single dinners will be served in the best style for
dollar.
The beds and bedding will be clean and strangers
will find every thing about the establishment comfortable
can be found in San Francisco.
AS- No bar attached to the house.
febi1-3m PEDRO sAIZ, Proprietor
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01
PRoPRIEToR's PURSE, OF 800.
CITIZENS PURSE, OF $500.
N O t 4 @ g.

COUNTY SURVEYORS OFFICE, !
MIIIERToN, FRESNO Co, November ID, 1851.
TINE undersigned Surveyoro Fresno County respectful
ly informs the Public that he is now prepared TO Sur
yey swamp and Overhowed Land Presumption Claims and
ali kinds Of Surveying Civil Engineering, eo Also that
he will to having the Decaraory Statements taken
Of persons wishing to locate Public Lands
kny business entrusted TO his charge will be promptly
attended to on application at his Office in Milleron
7. C. STALL0
n123m County Surveyor Fresno Co.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01
NJ O t 4 @ @

rs HEREBY GIVEN THAT l. LUCENA ROGERS wife
/ Of John G. Rogers intend to carry the MERCAN-
TILE BUSINESS as sole trader, in my and for
nv own use the Of Hornitos Mariposa County,
California and that will be individually responsible in my
name for all debts contracted by after this date In
carrying said business Also that the capital invested
in said business exceed five thousand dollars
LUCENA ROGERS.
Subscribed and sworn before me- this 29fh day Of
March A. D., 1858. WILLIAM II. IONGE
Justice Of the Peace for Township No. l.
ala Mariposa County, Cal
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

CLOSING OF THE MAIL.
THE MAIL will close at this Post Office for the Atlantic
States and Europe, SATURDAY April 3D. at IL O'Clock,
NJ W. G. GoSs, Pm.
HoRSHos March 81, 1855
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

aS- Advertisements and Comm munlcat tions
intended for publication in the DEMOCRAT must reach the
office before II O'Clock, Wednesday morning
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-04-01

II will be seen from the above statement, that the
number Of Chinese is very great and what their num-
Der might have been, had not our legislation dscour-
aged their coming hther can scarcely surmise-but
believe that it would have been immense enough to
outnurnber more than double that of all those now
here. The question is now being and has been much
agated, regarding the propriety of hereafter keeping
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

Congressional Elections.

In his Annual Message, Governor johnson
recommends that the State be districted 20
that one member to Congress would be elec-
ted from each District This is matter
which ought not to be neglected by the Leg
islature. Ours is the only State in the Fed.
ersl Union which elects its members to Con-
gress by general ticket. All the other States
elect by single District, which is the only
proper, fair and equal mode of electing Con-
gressmen, and ought to be adopted in Cali
fornia before the present session closes.
The Governor also recommends that the
time of electing members to Congress be
changed. He says, very truly, that the rea.-
ons which existed when the present law wa.
passed, which justified the election fifteen
months before members are to take their
seats, "have at this time no proper appica.
ton" At that time sixty days were required
to enable the official returns to reach the
capital Now they can be delivered in Sac
ramento, without difficulty, within the two
weeks succeeding the election.
For these and other considerations, it is
urged that the Congressional election ought
to be held the September previous to tho
meeting of congress. Sac. Uvion
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

SETTING OUT TREEs.-Our citizens have
set out large number of fruit and shade
trees on their lots within the last month
A good deal Of attention has also been given
to setting grape vines and ornamental shrub
berry. No better evidence Of good taste, or
more convincing argument that California
society is becoming permanent, can be shown
that this desire to adorn and improve the
homesteads that are growing up all over the
country. When men begin to improve in
this way they are Californans in earnest, and
the prospect" for the State is as good as san
ounce to the pam"
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

NEW COUNTY Notice has been given in
the Assembly that bill will be introduced
for the formation of a new county out of
portions of Sacramento, Ell Dorado and Pa-
Ger. Folsom is to be the county seat. The
new county advocates will bear in mind that
Placer has a large debt to pay off, and if
they take slice of our territory they will
come in for a share of this Indebtedness
The same can be said of Ell Dorado and
Sacramento. 1t becomes important to the
people Of the proposed new county to
know how much of debt they will, from
this cause, start out with.
So far as taking any part of Placer for
this new project, we dissent entirely. VIII
our Representatives put veto on the meas
Ure.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13
The State Prison.

1t will be gratifying to the people of CAL
to learn that the outrageous manner in which
the State Prison has been conducted, is to
be broken up. Estell's contract is found to
be illegal, and it is proposed in future that
the State will take the institution under di-
rect charge, and govern it more economi-
cally, etfectually, and in accordance with the
dictates of humanity. 1t is proposed to erect
a branch prison, probably in the vicinity of
Folsom, which ultimately will be made of
sufficient capacity to contain all the convicts.
1t is also in contemplation to erect work
shops for the carrying on of different trades,
by which in the course Of few years, the in
stitution will be made self supporting. This
plan may cause the oatlay of considerable
money on the part of the State for several
years, but will be the most economical in
the end. We understand this policy meets
with very general favor in the Legislature,
the members being throughly disgusted with
the Lessee system, and its countless enor-
mites.
The time has been when it was considered
unsafe for the State to undertake the man.
agement of the Prison upon its own account,
from fear Of peculation and fraud on the
part of officials, but fortunately a more heal
thy sentiment has obtained in the country,
and it is now admitted that honest men are
and can be obtained for official position as
well as in the ordinary occupations Of life.
And under the assurance that integrity can
be brought to bear in the management OF
the prison it is now proposed to try the ef-
feet of a new system. The people Of the
State will welcome change that promises
to work not on y material benefit to the
Treasury, but to the criminals themselves.
The system about to be adopted, is, we
believe, pursued by all the States of the
Union, and in some the prisons are not only
self-supporting, but a source of revenue. In
California, our prison has been so long a
burden upon the Treasury and a swindle up
on the people, that if it be now made self
supporting, we may we'll think that an era
of reformation is about dawning upon all the
world and the 'rest of mankind"
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13
Chapter Of Accidents.

The Placer Courier, of the 18th, gives the
following list of accidents as having occurred
in the upper part Of the county, within the
past ten days:
On Tuesday, of last week, man named
Isaac Morgan was instantly killed by the
caving of bank at Todds Valley
On the hill above sarahsville (Bath,) Will.
Mr. A. Kidd was chopping tree, limb fell
upon him, striking him on the forehead just
above the eye, cutting the skin and flesh to
the bone leaving the skull bare, and knock
ing him senseless,
On Saturday last, Mr.. M. Couehlau. a
miner on the Middle Fork of the American
river, had bis face and head terribly mutila-
ted by the premature explosion of blast.
He passed through here on his way below.
for the purpose of obtaining medical assist
ance.
On Saturday evening last, while Mr.. Miles
Collins was at work in his claim at Green
Valley, in this county, the bank caved in up.
on him, breaking his arm in two places; also
breaking his thigh and otherwise injurinp
him. Our informant says, that he is not ex-
pected to recover.
The WEATHER.-Atter two weeks OF de-
lighttul weather, we were visited on Sunday
night with severe hail. snow and rain
storm, which continued until Monday even.
ing, when it cleared off, remaining cold.
The miners in this vicinity needed an ad-
dtional supply of water to prosecute their
work successfully, and we doubt whether the
late storm furnished them a sufiiciency.
Placer Courier.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13
The SUFFER- TITLE NoRTH-The following
ato Il, IL H.. I'll

The SUFFER- TITLE NoRrH.-The following
statement appears in the Grass Valley zsls-
graph of Feb. 9Th:
We learn from private source that Cen
eral Sutter proposes to enter into bond
with the settlers on lands which he claims, to
the east and south of Feather river, to sur
render all pretentions of title to the same for
the consideration of $l50,OOO, to be paid
him by the present occupants ofsaid lands
half cash and the balance to bc secured
by Mortgage. The settlers interested have
had several meetings, and are now engaged,
with good prospects of success, in raising tho
money. This is undoubtedly the best course
which can be pursued.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

REMovED.-H. Hazell has removed his
Drug Store from the old stand in Holmes
building to his new room over Munsell's wag-
on shop, in the centre block, where he is
opening large stock Of Drugs, Perfumery,
Oils, Paints, and large variety of articles
kept in the business. Customers will please
recollect the new stand.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

There are at least 1000 square miles, or
1885 acres of natural oyster beds in Virginia.
There are 1874 100000 bushels Of oysters in
the State.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13
Fatal ARRAY at Todd's Valley.

The cause of the fatal affray at Todd's
Valley, on Saturday night last, as we learn
from persons who informed themselves of
the circumstances on the ground, were, that
two women in. notorious dance house at
that place, quarreled, and came to blows
or rather scratches, (women are not from
the shoulder), when some of the men present
attempted to stop them but were prevented
by Sigsby, alias Buckskin Bob, who said the
women should settle their troubles with
out hindrance from any one. "Buckskin"
was then knocked down by pistol in the
hands of one Of those interrupting the quar-
rel. "Buckskin" attempted to rise from
the floor, and while doing so was in the act
of drawing knife, when he was shot nearly
through by man called "Irish George"
number Of other shots were fired during
the melee "Buckskn" died in about an
hour. He is represented as having been of
quarrelsome disposition. The knife he at
tempted to use on the occasion was enormous,
being six or seven pounds in weight.
The parties implicated in the killing,
"Irsh George" "Dutchey," and Henderson,
were frequenters of the house, as well as
Sigsby; all of the parties being considered
in the neighborhood as rather "hard stock"
A hanger on about the house. but no.
participant in the fight, received wound in
the knee by one of the balls fired.
Deputy Sheriff johnson, hearing Of the
affray, proceeded to Todd's Valley and ar
rested George Dutchey, and Henderson, who
were very much surprised that an officer
should take any notice of the affair, they
considering it a free fight, with the chances
even all round. On examination before a
magistrate, Dutchey was discharged, Hen
derson admitted to bail, and Irish George"
committed for trial.
1t is full time the citizens of Todd's VAL
ley had abated the infamous dance house
nuisance when this affray occurred, it having
been the scene of frequent outrage. As long
as they permit such a den to exist in their
midst, their town is not safe from the con
tamination of murder.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

George, you are looking very smiling.
What has happened!', "Tle most delight
ful thing. I caught my Jenny by surprise
this morning; in her wrapper, and without
hoops! and | got the first kiss I've bad since
Whalebone came into fashion,"
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

The New MARKET.-Wm. F. Britain
opened his new market this week in man.
ner not soon to be forgotten by his numer-
GUS friends and customers. A fine collation.
was spread with the agreeable accompani-
ments of champagne and other liquids, that
were partaken of by those present with a
right good will. Hiarity and good humor
prevailed throughout the entertainment,
which passed off to the entire satisfaction of
all who participated
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

BALL AT OpHIR.-Capt. John Hussey,
intends giving Ball at the Phoenix Hotel,
Ophir, on Thursday evening, March 4th.
The tickets are circulated and other prepara-
tions being made
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

Wont TRUsT.-The Solano Herald says
it will do no more printing for Solaro coun-
ty unless it receives cash in advance. The
Herald falls back upon its constitutional
privileges.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

DEEP SNow.-According to the Weaver
vile Journal snow is from fifteen to twenty
feet in depth on Salmon Mountain. Rush
Creek Mountain is also impossible to any but
footmen.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

ADJoURNMENT-From present indications
the Legislature will not adjourn until April.
Some members express their belief that the
10Th of that month will be reached before
Representatives will finish their labors.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

The MoRMoNs.-The Mormon agents in
England have stopped emigration from Ku-
rope during the pending difficulty, but will
probably resume operations as soon as it il
decided to what quarter they shall direct
their steps.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

Lieut. Gov Walkup made flying visit to
this place in the early part Of the week. He
was warmly greeted by his numerous friends,
who were pleased to know that his legislative
duties have not had the effect to impair his
health as at former sessions. AS presiding
officer Of the Senate, the Gov. has given
most ample satisfaction.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

BATES TRTAL-The trial of Henry Bates
Ex-State Treasurer, has been set for Thursday
the 18th inst
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

E.- The amount of freight now daily
shipped from San Francisco to Sacramento
is from $50 to 800 tons.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

WAsH1NeroN's B1RrHDAY.-Mr Bergantz
of the Empire Hotel, in this place, is pre-
pairing to give SPLENDID Ball on Monday
evening, the 22nd of February. 1t is useless
to enlarge upon the subject, as everybody
has determined to be there to see for them
selves. A joyous time is anticipated.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

or want of confidence that the proceeds
of these lands would inure to the benefit of
the State, Legislators have abstained from
any effective means to maintain the rights
OF the State in this particular. AS it is evident
that longer delay in the matter will greatly
prejudice her interests the present Legisla-
ture, it is hoped, will act upon the sugges-
tions given and provide for the establish
ment of Land Office, and the rapid selec
ton, survey and disposition of these lands.
To effect this end, bills have been presented
which should be perfected and carried thro'
before the adjournment.
1t is not desirable that the State should
cling with miserly tenacity to these lands,
or exact more or even as much in price as
the General Government. Their rapid sale
would induce permanent settlement, increase
largely the amount of taxable property, and
accumulate handsome fund for the sup
port of our Common Schools, and the estab-
lishment Of superior institutions of learning.
No question of greater Importance will
come before the present Legislature, but we
very much fear the session will be frttered
away in legislation Of secondary Importance,
and this great interest doomed to further
depreciation and sacrifice. We may mistake
the temper of the law -makers-but we shall
see.
Bag The Mass Meeting of the citizens of
Santa Clara county, that was called to take
into consideration the question of the inc
quality of taxation between mining and Ag-
ricutural counties, seems not to have taken
place. as we can find no reference to it in
the San Jose papers.
Perhaps the people Of Santa Clara have
determined upon reflection, that their griev-
ances in this particular were more in imag-
ination than reality. In this they would be
correct. The people Of the mining counties
also feel sorely the burden of taxation; the
Indebtedness of nearly every mountain coun-
ty is large, far greater than those of the val
les; and our ''cow county" neighbors can
rest upon the assurance that the mining
counties, to be relieved of debt, will net fail
in trying to collect every dollar that can be
legally derived from taxation. Our own ne
cessities require this to be done, and the ex-
ertions to swell the county revenues by close
collections of course adds proprtionably to
those of the State.
Because the mining counties have the lar
ger population it does not follow that they
contain the same proportion Of producing
property to the inhabitant as is found in the
agricultural This is a fact that should be
considered in holding mass meetings and
passing resolutions upon inequality of taxa
ton. And while the Agricultural counties
complain of the smallness of their Legislative
representation as compared with those of
the mountains, we have not understood them
yet as claiming that property should be
made the basis of representation. That
would certainly be at variance with our sys
tenn Of government
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

FEMALE REPoRTERs.-There are two fe-
male reporters in the U. S. House of Repre-
sentatves. Their names are Harriet Fan
ming Read, of the Charleston Courier, and
Miss Windle of the Boston Post.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

The CoNNERs.-Mr and Mrs. E. S. Con-
ner had an excellent house to witness their
Theatrical Entertainment at the Empire on
Saturday evening last. Quite number of
ladies graced the occasion. The audience
seemed pleased with the merit of the perform
ance, but regretted that Mr. Conner did not
have company that would have enabled
him to present plays in which himself and
wife would appear to better advantage.
They will give one more performance at
the Empire, on Monday evening, the 18th,
inst. Let there be a full house.
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

LOST AN EAR.-We learn that a rough
and tumble fight was INDUCED in one day
this week, at Forest Hill, by two men, one
of whom lost an ear in the scrimmage Earl
,oorI
The Placer herald., 1858-02-13

The SLAVE CAsE.-The Supreme Court
have decided in the case of Archy, who is
claimed as a slave by Mr.. Stovall, of Misss-
sippi, that he should be delivered to his mas
ter. This decision has created much surprise
at Sacramento, from the fact that Mr.. Stov-
all has been sojourning in the State since last
fall and has been engaged in the occupation
of School Teacher, and had not been regard
ed as a mere visitor to the State.