davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
TIoRNTos.-F the past week our town has

IIoRsTos.-For the past week our town has
presented an unusually dull appearance, the
patience of the miners being nearly exhausted.
Should there not be fall Of rain during the
coming week, we expect to hear Of a general
stampede for the river, as it is impossible to
work the placer dggings in this vicinity with
out more than the present supply Of water.
What contrast does this present in compar-
son with other mining counties Of this State,
which are not half so rich in minerals, yet
have canals and water in abundance.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

EFFECTS OF THE Dry SEAsoS.-Wc are
informed that the farmers in this and adjoin-
ing counties are in great fear that the contin-
ued dry weather will destroy nearly all the
grain crop. The volunteer crops Of barley are
said to be nearly an entire loss, and without
rain very soon, the seeded land will scarcely
produce one third of last years yield. The
volunteer crops, though but a few inches
high, have all headed out" The grass on
the plains is completely dried up, and in con-
sequence, the cattle are falling very fast, and
many must inevitably perish, if the present
dry weather continues. In Tularc county,
where large business is done in hog-raisng,
we learn from a gentlemen direct from that
section, and who is himself in that business,
that numbers of hogs are dying off, as the
clover has become very scarce.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

TIGHT TINES IN ILLNoIs-A Boston paper
says gentleman who has spent the last two
months in the West, writes from Illinois in
terms by no means encouraging. He says that
grain is plenty but in no demand Wheat at
forty cents, and corn at twenty cents a bushel
find no buyers. The farmers cannot raise
money enough to pay their debts, and almost
every day somebody's farm is put under the
Sheriff hammer.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

RENEWING THE SLAVE TRADE.-By private
letter received in Washington City, the Union
is informed that the French have practically
engaged in the slave trade under the name of
apprentices, and that ship, the Clara of Bor.
deaux, was at Loango on the 23d Of Septcm.
Der, 1857, loading with negroes for Martinique.
A French war steamer lay alongside to protect
her from the English cruisers, who would have
seized her but that she had a French naval
officer on board with orders from the French
Commodore to protect her. The English are
also using negroes as slaves at Sierra Leone.
The French and English Governments are par
tcipating in a trade which they affect to deem
so hideous A barracoon has been built by
the French at Loango to be used for the safe
keeping of the slaves until they are ready for
shipment There is no secret in this business,
and no disguise is attempted.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
segregation ofswamp and Overlooked Lands.


The following is an abstract of the bill in.
troduced in the Assembly a few days since,
by Mr.. Sheridan of Sacramento, providing for
the survey and segregation of the swamp and
overhowed lands Of the State:
The bill proposes to authorize the appoint
ment, by the Surveyor General, of surveyors
to segregate the swamp and overfowed lands,
who are not to be owners Of or interested in
any grant, who are to give bonds, ETC.; their
surveys to be in strict accordance with the u.
S. surveys Of the public lands. 1t requires
that the lines shall be run and the boundaries
marked with great accuracy; and when any
doubts Of the true character of the land exist,
the testimony of persons conversant with the
facts is to be taken, for which purpose the
surveyors are authorized to administer oaths
the facts SO derived, being recorded in books
provided for the purpose. The Surveyor Gen
eral is to be governed by the circular issued
from the General Land Office, under date Of
March Sth, 1854, to wit: when the greater
part of forty acre tract, or other equivalent
legal subdivision is swampy, or subject to such
regular periodical overflow as to injure or des-
troy the crops, it shall be considered as swamp
and over1owed land within the meaning of the
Act of Congress, approved September 2sth,
1850, and therefore inure 10 the State. Lines
Of " circumcursation" are first to be run in all
cases, under the immediate supervision of the
Surveyor General or his deputy, connecting
with the U. S. surveys. The testimony taken
to be filed along with plats made in these and
in the general surveys in the Office of the Sur
veyor General. That officer is to make out,
from them, complete maps Of the swaup and
overAowed lands, which are to be placed in
the hands of the Governor as soon ss possible
that he may certify the same to the Depart
ment at Washington, to the end that patent
may issue therefor to the State. All surveys
made under this act shall be by contract en-
tered into with the Surveyor General the
compensation for surveyors and witnesses
summoned by them, are left blank. This Act
to take effect from the day Of its passage; to
remain in force until the 10th January, 1860,
and no longer, unless revived by Legislature.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

THE STORM IN THE NORTHERN MINEs.-The
storm which commenced on Saturday evening,
says the Mountain Messenger, continued with
scarcely moments cessation until Wcdnes-
day morning, during which time the snow fell
to the depth of about five feet, and at this time
the snow in front of our office is nearly eight
feet deep, while at Gibsonville, eight miles
above, it is enormous Itnow depends on the
manner in which Old Sol will show his hand,
whether the miners will be grateful for the
white dispensation or not. Should his rays
come pouring down as they did last spring, the
deep SHOWS will be Of no lasting benefit to
them. A moderate spring in which the SHOWS
melt off gradually or when we have copious
supply Of rain, is by far the best for ditch
companies, and consequently for those who
use the water.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

An EMINENT MAN A PAUPER.-The practice
of selling out paupers to the lowest bidder-or
rather of putting up at auction the undertak-
ing for their support-still prevails, it seems,
in some of the towns of Maine. The Rural
htelligencer, of Gardiner, in that State calls
attention to the sad case of Park Sheldon, a
few years ago one of the most prominent bust.
ness men of the State widely known and
highly respected, several times member Of
the Legislature, once member of the Execu
tive Council, formerly Collector of the Port Of
Bath and the first Mayor of Gardiner after il
became city. In old age, and reduced to
second childhood, his bodily and mental pow.
ers exhausted, and his property all gone he
is now pauper, dependent on a neighboring
town, and was lately disposed of at auction tc
the lowest bidder for his support
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

Gov WELLER ON STATE Prison MATrERs.-
The Governor, on Thursday, transmitted to
the Legislature communication stating that
in compliance with the act passed February
9th, he had taken possession Of the State
Prison, and in doing so was compelled to use
little force. He then proceeds to state that
he had appointed c. W. Robinson, Supcrin.
tcndcnt, and Major Mckay has been placed in
charge of the commissary stores. Other ar
rangeh.ents were made in connection with the
prison. The condition of the prisoners had
been improved since the report Of the joint
committee Of the Legislature. Owing to the
inconvenient accommodations for so large a
number of prisoners, he renews his suggestion
for branch prison, and intimates that it would
be well to employ portion Of the convicts in
putting up the necessary buildings during the
present summer. The Governor suggests also,
that the practice Of Courts in sentencing pris.
oners for long periods is unfayorable to their
reformation; and that, in ordinary cases Of
burglary, larceny, and felonies of that charac-
ter, for the first ofiense, the maximum of pun
ishment should be five years. lie concludes
that permanent organization of the State
Prison should be effected at as early day as
possible.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
To the Patrons OF the mar,posa Democrat.

Our patrons will notice that change has
been made in the proprietorship of this paper.
In assuming the sole control of the establish
ment, the editor deems it necessary to say
but little in reference to it, as the change,
although in ownership, will work no change in
the conduct of the paper, as the humble eff
forts by which its columns have heretofore
been controlled, will still be exerted, with in
creased zeal, for the benefit of its patrons.
We have, by unremitting attention to busi,
ness and the strictcst economy, since the COM
mencement Of our proprietorship, in Septcm-
Der last, relieved the establishment from en-
barrassmcnts which, it may be said, menaced
its very existence, and thus, by our individual
effort, secured to the Democracy of Mariposa
county the continuance of journal among
them which, from its first organization has
been looked upon by them as their organ
That 1t has not met the views of the majority
of the party at all times, since its organization,
is no fault of the present publisher As far as
our ability will enable us, we shall endeavor
to so conduct the paper, that no causes of diff
ference shall arise and by so doing, endeavor
to merit the undivided support of the Democ-
rncy OF Mariposa County. We may err-all
men are liable to--but stubborn clinging to
error shall never be imputed to u.s. at the
same time, it will be our aim to maintain that
proper spirit Of independence which should
characterize every public journal.
With the commencement of the second vol
ume, on the 9Th of April next, it is our inten.
ton, should that patronage be extended to us
which we may justly hope for from our fellow
citizens, to render the DEMOCRAT still more
worthy of its present popularity, by improving
its columns for the benefit of its readers.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

In retiring from the DEMOCRAT, it is due
many friends to return thanks to them for
their kind wishes and support during my con-
nection with it. The establishment falls into
the hands of one fully competent to keep it in
successful operation, as can be seen by its pros.
perity since his connection with it. Among
newspapers in this State, the DEMOCRAT has
attained standard far above MEDIUMS
true supporter of Democratic principles, and a
reliable source Of news. Leaving it to the
people, by their support, to make the DEMO
Graf what its present proprietor hopes to be
enabled to make it, bid you adieu.
CHAS. p. DAVIS
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

BEAR CREEK DncH.-We are informed that
the supply Of water from this ditch, which has
furnished our miners in this vicinity with all
they have used this winter, has entirely ceased
and in consequence, the miners have suspend
ed operations and we suppose are praying for
rain. May their prayers DO heard
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

DEcDED.-The long contested suit between
sundry celestial Johns vs. Morton, ct ais, has,
after four trials, been decided in the Johns
favor-giving them the right to a certain min
ing claim. We understand that this decision
in the Justices Court has been appealed.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

SOUTHERN HOTEL AND REsTAURANr.-The
advertisement of this house viii be found in
another column, and from which it will be
seen that Mr.. and Mrs. Mcveagh have made
the most perfect arrangements for keeping the
best accommodations in the town of Mariposa
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

SrocKroS FEMALE SFxINARY-This insttu-
ton, says the Argus, will be opened on Mon
day, the first of March. We believe it is des.
tined to become one of the most popular Sem
naries in the State, situated as il is, in loca-
ton convenient to the southern farming and
mining districts. The building san ornament
to the city, and affords superior accommoda
tons to pupils from abroad.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

ANOTHER GIGANTIC PRoJEcT.-A proposition
is being discussed among the engineers and
capitalists of France and England to construct
a tunnel under the Doyer Straits, from France
to England. The estimated cost is l69, ,000,0
francs, or about $34, 900 Six years is
deemed time sufficient for its completion.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

DE. A. j. LAsETER-The numerous friends
of this gentlemen will be pleased to learn that
he is enjoying excellent health and prospering
in his new home, Topic, Mexico. A friend has
shown US letter from him, in which he
states that he is engaged in the culture of
poppy, for the manufacture of opium.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

IMPROVEMENT IN QUARTZ MILLs.-A quartz
mill has recently been erected near Sonora
with the new improvement of what is termed
a circular battery. The mill has eight stamps
arranged in circular form, which improvement,
it is said, requires much less power than the
old fashioned mill, and yet crushes as much or
more than by tho old plan. Much expense is
saved in erection.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
Hornitos P o.-Arrivals and Departures Of Mail

Arrives from Stockton at O'Clock NJ, every Tuesday
Thursday and Saturday, alternating weekly with wednes-
day Friday and Sunday. Leaves for place on alter
nate days, at O'clock p. NJ.
Arrives from Marposa at O'Clock, NJ, Monday We'd
nesday, and Friday alternating, weekly with Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday. Leaves for place alter
nate days, at O'Clock, M
Arrives from Milleron and vsaa at O'Clock p NJ,
ry Wednesday and leaves every Thursday at O'Clock
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

DEArH.-Mr. ]. I. j. Cain died on Satur-
day evening last, about eight miles below
Smelling, of congestion of the lungs Deceased
was from Virginia, and about thirty years Of
age His funeral was largely attended by his
numerous friends.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

ATTEMPTED AssAssNAToN.-An attempt
was made on the I'd inst to assassinate Sheriff
Milford, of Mokelumne Hill. The Sheriff es-
capped with two cuts on the head. 1t is sup
posed that the two men who made the attempt
were two of Tom Bells gang. He had very
narrow escape.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

CoNAGE.-Ihe U. S. Branch Mint at San
Francisco received for coinage, during the
month of February, 77771 ounces of gold,
which was coined into twenty pieces,
amounting in value to 100000. No silver
was coined during the month.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

icy A petition, signed by over three hun.
dred citizens of Stockton, asking an appropri
alton for the purpose of removing snags from
the San Joaquin river, is in the hands of Q
member of the Assembly. The cost of remov
ing the snags is estimated at 100000.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

fs- Mr.. Charles Lang, the Mariposa Newspaper
Expressnan has again placed under obligations fol
Atlantic papers.
ss- Wells, Fargo & Co. have our thanks for sup
plies Of San Francisco papers.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

The undersigned, having purchased the interest of
G. P. DAVIS, in the MARIPosA DEMOCRAT printing
tablishment will hereafter conduct the business apper
tanning thereto All accounts due the late irm will
be collected by me or my authorized agents.
A VIM. GODFREY
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
SPECIAL AGENT.

Mr.. c. P. DAVIS will act as the Special Agent for
the MARIPosA DEMOCRAT and is authorized to collect
moneys and receipt therefor until further notice.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

ALUM MnE.-In Poverty Peak, hill just
below Lancha Plana, Amador county, is vein
or lead strongly imprcgnated with alum.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
NJ O t i G g.

COUNTY SURVEYORS OFFICE, l
MlIRRToN, FRESNO Co. November 3D., 1857.
E undersigned Surveyorof Fresno County, respectful
l. ly informs the Public that he Is prepared TO Sur
vey Swamp and 0vertowed Land Presumption Claims, and
all kinds of Surveying Civil Engineering etc Also, that
he viii attend to having the Declaraoy Statements taken
Of persons wishing TO locate Public Lands
Any business entrusted 10 his charge will be promptly
attended to on application at his office IN Mlerton.
7. C. STAILO,
n1o -3m County Surveyor, Fresno Co.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.

The partnership heretofore existing between the un
dersigned, under the firm name Of DAVIS & GODFREY
Is this day dissolved, by mutual consent.
OK c. p. DAVIS,
VIM. GODFREY.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

eR- A hen at Auburn last week laid an
egg measuring 6s inches laterally, and eight
inches longitudinally.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
A. G.. BLACK,

Dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Hardware Liquors
Miners Supplies etc. west side Of Main street. soutl
of the Plaza, at Wells, Fargo Co. Express Office
Hornitos. flsqly
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
SPECIAL NOTICES.
CLOSING OF THE MAIL.

THE MAIL will close at this Post Office for the Atlantic
States and Europe, SATURDAY March 49, at IL O'Clock
NJ W. G. GOSS, r. II.
HoRSuos, March IL, 1858
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

as- We would call attention to The Card Of DIR. Van
Zand of San Francisco who is treating eye and dsea
with truly great success since his return from abroad
Office in wnghts Building, S. W. of Montgomery
and Jackson streets where he may he consulted daily "A
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

QUICK FALL.-The Merced river, at the
Falls, six miles from this place, fell two feet
during Friday and Saturday last.
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
Notice to Contractors and Builders.
PARTICULAR NOTICE.

EREAFTER all persons having business with theSherd
of Mariposa county, must be prepared TO meet all ex-
penses with the cash. credit will be given after this
date. j. ID. CRIPPEN,
Sheriff, Mariposa County.
Marposa, March 4, 1858. mh4tf
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11
j. ELIAS,

Main street, Hornitos, keeps constantly on hand a
fine assortment of Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes
Hats, Caps Fancy Goods etc. which he offers for sale
at the lowest prices. flsqy
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

DIR. L. j. Czapkay.-ThIs sIkillful Hunga-
rian Surgeon and Medical Adviser is attaining wealth and
fame by his wonderful His advertisements may be
seen in another column
Mariposa Democrat., 1858-03-11

HS- Advertisements and mun icat tions
intended for publication in the DEMOCRAT reach the
office before II O'Clock, on Wednesday morning.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-02-11
Forenoon Weather Repors.-Err. 10

fBy the Eastern Northern Western and Southern Lees
ceived at No. q Wall street,
PITTSBURGH Pa-Clesr; q.
INDIANAPoLIs.-Clear; L.
EVANSVILLE, Ind.-Cear; Ia.
NNcENNEs Ind.-Ceer; wind ~ W. ~
LOUISVILLE, Ky Clear; wind n. q.
BUFFALO, N Y.-Cea wind W; q.
CLEVELAND O.-Cloudy; barometer &'S ~.
COLUMNS, O-Clear; D.
TOLEDO O-Clear; wind w. l6.
DETROIT Misunderstanding; Is.
1T. LOUIS, Mo-Clesry6
BURLINGTON Iowa-Wind N. W. &c below
SPRINGFIELD, ll--Beow Zero p
FULTON Il-Hsavy snow inches deep wind w i,.lcw
JAsEsvILLE, Wis-Wmd N. w. 10 below
PRAIRIE CHIES.-Wnd N; 10 below.
DUBUQUE Iowa.-Nind v. w. below.
PORTAGE CITY.-Wind w; ~ below.
MILWAUKEE Nis-lo below.
FoSD DU Lac, Wis.-Wind w. II below.
CHICAGO Il.-Clesr; BE- low.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-Cloudy %.
NEw-OELEAss, Le.-Appcsrsnce OF rain Co.
EVENING REPORTS. "Wednesday, Feb lo-t r. m.
DySKRk, N. Y-Spowing fast and drifting badly
HoRSELLsyILLE, y. Y.-Snowing high wind.
Pohr JERvs, ~ Y.-Cold; wind n. w.
kEwBuRGH, ~ Y.-Cesr: wind N W.; 80
BUFFALO, N. Y.-Clesr, wind N. w: 10.
BosToS, Mass-Clesr clustering N. w. wind; p.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass-Cle3r; 81.
ROCHESTER, ". Y.-Cold and windy; 10.
seHEsEcIApy. N.Y.-Clesr; wind W. %
ALBANY, y. I.-Bright and clear %
NEwYoRE. gP. m.-Cold aud clustering wind y. W. ..
BALrINoKE, Md.-Wnd ~ w, baron. 1885, theT N.
PORTLAND Me.-Clssr; wind n. w; ..
81 JOINS. N. F-Cloudy; wind s.. n.
CHARLOITEToYN n B.-ClOudy and ceaI wind l..
CALAIS, Me.-Cloudy; wind n T.; 49,
ST JoHN n B.-Mod, rate; wind y. W; y.
WASHINGTON, ID. C.--Cear wind " W.; -.
HALIFAX, " s.-Nesther calm and toggy.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-02-11
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

The House went into consideration Of the bill
amendsoy Of the act relative to the safety of pasen
gers on boats propelled wholly in part by steam.
Mr.. NASHBURNE lIlll showed tho necessity Of
the passage Of the BILL and explained that it brings
under the operation of the law Of 1852 ferry
and tug boats; imposes additional restrictions on
carrying spirits Of turpentine, gunpowder and all
other combustible articles penalties against in
scribing false names boats; more thorough inspec-
ton of boilers; requires sailing vessels TO carry
lights water-tight compartments; limits the humber
of passengers; asd requires the removal OF rotten
plenks etc.
Mr.. SCOTT (Csi) argued the necessity OF provision
to protect life on ocean steamers and brehy reviewed
the features of his bill for that purpose.
Mr. MILES TAYLOR lLa.l advocated new pro-
visions to carry the present law, which is IN many
respects inopeI at We.
MIR. JOHN COCHRANE explained the necessity
for an immediate passage of the bill.
Mr. CLARK IN. ", in stating his objections TO the
BILL said that that part allowing only one passenger
to eyery seven measurement tuns would confiscae
ten millions Of property and lay up at the wharves OF
New York every steamer engaged in commerce on the
ocean He wanted further time for consideration OF
the subject. , 500
Mr.. LETCHER (ya) regarded the bill as vi-lstive
of the Constitution proposed to control the pri-
vate business of those aged in feghtng, and to in
terfere with the rights of the States.
Without taking the question the House adjourned.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-02-11
United states Supreme Court.

WASHINGTON, " Wednesday, Feb. IU, IoN'o' ,
No. 81. Ann c. Smith, &C., vs.. The Corporation %
Washngton.-Justice Grier delivered the opinion OF
the Court, affirming the judgment of the Circuit Court
of the District Of Columbia with costs.
No a. Robert HudgiDs Ct a. w. Wyndham Kemp.
Justice Nelson delivered the opinion of the Court,
affirming the decree of the Circuit Court Of the United
States for the Eastern District Of Virginia with costs
and interest.
No. -. Elliott w. lIudgins ct al. Va. Wyndhsm
kemp.-Justce Nelson delivered the opinion OF the
Court, affirming the decree of the Circuit Court of
the United States for the Eastern District of Virginia,
with costs.
No $50. Charles McMicken vs. Franklin Perrin
Justice Mclean delivered the opinion OF the Court
dismissng the appeal from the Circuit Court OF the
United States for the Eastern District of louisiana
with costs TO the appellant.
No. 81. Cyrus II. Mccormick Va. Waite Talcott ct
a., survivors of j. II. Many.-Areument commenced
for appellant.