davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
TTUIH UNt hcuUUcKY com Progress of Democracy

Democracy Is as young, vigorous, and pro- gressive now as it ever has been. The assaults of open enemies and the defecton of pre.ended friends are alike uuavailing to check it's trum- plant career
 The State elections which have been held this year show. says the Clucinnat Enquirer, the most astonishing changes in favor of the democracy and the most brilliant democratic vlctores ever witnessed in our political history 1858 will ever be memorable in this respect. If any one doubts that there has been tremen- dous reaction in favor of the democracy since 1856. let him look at the following facts and figures. The latter do not lie, and their cor rectness will not be disputed:
 New Hampshire, in November, 1856, went against the democracy by over 6,OOO majority. In Mar h, 1858, were beat less than 5000 Democratic gain, 5000
 Connecticut, November 1856, gave over TO- coo majority against the democracy, that being the joint preponderance of Fremout's and Fill more's vote over President Buchanan. In 1858 the whole Fremont and Fillmore opposition beat the democracy by 2. 300 majority. Democratic gan 7,5O0.
 Missouri gave the demoG ats, 'n November 1856, over 5000 majority 1855 ve carred every Congressman in the Sta an heat the oPposlton one 2o, 900 votes. L moor tic gain. l6OOO
 Kentucky was democratic in No ember, 1856 by some 1000 majority. h 1858 she gave the democracy 5000 majority. Demo- cratic gain, 6UO0.
 Arkansas nearly all democratic in 1856, but still stronger iol that party ill 1858
 North Carolina, democratic in 1956 by H.. GOO majority. On Governor, in 1858, it was 16,oOO Democratic gan 5000.
 Vermont gave Fremont, in 1856, 29, ,O5O ma jority. In 1858 the democracy were only beaten 15O0O on very large vote. Democratic gain, 13UO0.
 Maine gave Fremont, in 1855, 28,OOO major- ty over Buchanan. In September, 1858, the democracy were beaten only 5000 votes De- mocratc gain, 19,OOO. The republican vote was 6OOO less than Fremout's, while the de- mocratc vote was 13,OOO greater than Buch- anan's.
 California, in 1856, gave Fremont and Fill more 5000 more votes than Buchanan. In September, 1858 the democracy elected their State ticket by 5000 votes over the combined opposition, aided by all the strength of the Bro- derrick faction We thus find, in the eight States where elections have already been held thls year, the democracy have gained the enor- nous number of 79,OOO votes since 1856.
 Think of it. What an enormous gain is that 79,OOO votes It is made, too. in all sections of the Union, north, south, east, and west, the greater portion being in the north. In the five free States where the people have voted, the democrats have gained 54UOO votes since l056 and in the three slave States 25 ,OOO.
 This will do for the five months since the Lecompton question was settlei in Congress- With like ratio of increase from now until the next presidential contest, the democratic banner will wave in triumph over all the isms and Iac- tonS combined throughout the broad Union.S So mote 1t be.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

OT The opposition papers, in view of the difference of opinion among democrats in re- gard to Douglas, have been very satirical of late. One paper called it the Protean party, and another, nearer home, used the phrase |" that india rubber shirt, ycleped democracy" Some have become heroically indi gnant; others caustically severe or mildly ironical
 To these virtuous or funny fellows, we com mend the following, from one of their tribe Truly the editor says: "A Gardner or straight republican of 1857, or even Fillmorite of 1856, is just as good republican as anybody" They had better restore harmony in their own household before accusing the democracy of a want of concord.
 An exchange says:
 REMARKABLE CANDoR.-The Springfield Republican,, rank republican paper, must be getting heartily ashamed and disgusted with it's own party, or rather facton, for the editor bold ly ayers that it isn't party yet, and still worse, isn't likely to be at present.
 In well-regulated, parties, as in the demo- cratic for instance, the editorintimates that desertion would be attended with some risk, but to desert the so- called republican party, he deems 1t otherwise. But hear what he says:
 The fact is, the republican party isn't a party yet and still worse, isn't likely to be at present. What it needs worse than anything else, is definition of itself, discipline. a boundary, habtation, doors to let people in, walks te. keep them iu, and recognized head of the house to look to as protector It has none of these things now, but nnhabits sort of ten-acre lot, half the bars of which are down three quarters of the time. You admit one squad and another squad escapes at the same moment like the Highland Chieitain. It is 'anti-nigger in St. Louis, to save Mr. Blair pro- tectionism in Pennsylvania to accommodate Henry Carey, and save two or three Congress. men; old fashioned whiggery in Ohio, so that Tom Corwin may make himself at home; Fill moreism in Kentucky and Maryland, so that Humphrey Marshall and Henry Winter Davis may be reelected, truck and dicker iu our State committee so that Burlingmae may not be beaten, and so on. A Gardner or straight re- publican of 1857, or even Fillmorite of 1856, is just as good republican as anybody. There Is no risk in deserting, for the deserters are not shot, as they are in the democratic and every other well regulated party"
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
Public Lands.
We subjoin portion of letter received from Clark county, in relation to the public lands


 We subjoin portion of letter received from Clark county, in relation to the public lands.
 "* A number of our citizens have been, either by the ignorance or cupidity of go- vernment officials, deceived in the purchase of lands within the ix-miles reserve of the Ciaro and Fulton railroad line. In 1855-'6, much land was entered within the reserve by poor in- dustrious men, under the graduation act, they being then expressly advised by the Register and Receiver that they would be safe in so do- Ing. These persons are now informed that these sales were erroneous, that they must pay two dollars and half an acre. Most of the land is thin and would not have been enter ed except at the graduated prices. Some of it, with the labor and improvements put on it, is now not worth two and half dollars an acre. The parties must either abandon their homes and improvements which they were induced to make, or purchase the results of their own labor at heavy price.
 Will not the True Democrat and the other papers of the State refer to this matter and urge upon those having the power, to have this evil remedled? These poor honest men should nave thelr homes secured to them.
 The yeld of both corn and cotton in this county will be below an averge.
 Yours respectfully, A."
 In answer to A. we have to remark that the Registers and Receivers are not so much to blame. They acted under instructions from the general land office at Washington city, and they aver that these were different at different times, or the first were so ambiguous as to be liable to be misconstrued
 ora ma il, bo ro,;+;or z .La,. ,.bo l... purchased land at the graduated prices and are called upon to pay as much more as will bring 1t up to the maximum price, we should wait until we see what Congress will do in this be- half. bill was before Congress at the last ses- sion, and, perhaps, passed one house, to reduce the price of lands within the reserved limits of the different roads to double the price per acre of those outside, or rather to double the prices the landsawould have borne under the provi- sons of the graduation act had they not been reserved. Thus land that if not reserved would have sold at twelve and half cents an acre would be sold for twenty-five cents, aud so of the other graduated prices.
 Congress may legalize those sales dread y made, and under the circumstances, should do so. Our delegration to Congress are, no doubt, awake to the importance of this subject, but it will do no harm for our friend A. and others in- terested to address the Senators and Represen- tatlves on the subject and urge the matter upon their immediate attention. The bill before Congress, to which we allude, is simply doing justice to the people and settlers within the re- serve, and we hope to be able to note its pas sage during the approaching session.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
Benton Saline Co., Oct 23d 1958

Benton, Saline O., Oct. 23d, 1858. EDITOR TRUE DEMoCRAT-Our circuit court, Judge Clendenin presiding, has just adjourned, and we have had busy week in the trial and conviction of criminals.
 The case of the State against John w. Dark, changed from Pulaski county Twas tried, and the prisoner convicted of murder in the second de- gree and sentenced to five years in the Peniten- tiary.
 The State vs. Peter Garner for horse. steal ing, five years in the Pententiary. The State vs Fielding Garner, for horse stealing, five years in the Penitentiary. The State vs. William Thornton, for horse stealing, six years, and for arson (burning the jail of this county) four years more. All the offenders were residents of adjoining counties.
 Let other counties initiate this and the coun- try will soon be got rid of horse-t thieves who give so much trouble.
 J. WIS.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

THE ST. LOUIS FAIR.-The late fair of the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Associa- tion was more profitable one to the stock holders than either of the two preceding ones. The rent of the booths under the amphitheatre. amounted to $6B0O The entrance fees were something like $lO,OOO The receipts at the gates, from the sale of tickets and fees for the admission of carriages, are estimated at S3, 700 per day. Total receipts, $39,OOO. What the expenses were is not stated, but it is stated that the proceeds exceed the expenses by $l6.OOO.
 The Republican relates this interesting incl dent:
 Tuesday evening, an incident occurred at the fair worthy of the palmiest days of chiyalry.-- A beautiful horse dashed gaily into the circle of the amphitheatre, exciting the admiration and plaudits of the assembled thousands. As he pranced wildly around the circle, lady, re- markable not only for her beauty. but her mo. desty, unable to control her delightful emotions, unlocked the jeweled bracelet that her arm en- crcled, and cast it at the feet of the bounding steed, wholly unconsciouJthat the owner of the animal witnessed her generous enthusiasm. The premium was awarded to the horse, and the owner, not to be exceled in generosity, gracefully and gallautly Fessutsd it to the lady.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

MAJ T. B. FLoURNoY.-Many distinguished and honorable gentlemen of our party are can- didates for the United States Senate. We have the pleasure this morning of mentioning one who is pot. Maj Flournoy has been spoken of as candidate for the Senate, and, in conse- quence, has written and authorized us to state that he has not and never had any such aspira- tious.
 With or without office, Maj. Flournoy is democrat. Devotedto the principles enunciated ia the democratic platform, he would accept office only for the purpose of carrying them into practice. There is no position at the disposal of the democracy of Arkansas which Maj. Flour noy would not fill with credit to himself avd honor and advantage to the State. He is gen. tleman of the most sterling qualities of both the head al~ the heart His talent is we'll known and his magnanimity is proverbal. In whatever aspirations he may have, he will al- ways be supported by troops of both personal and political admirers and friends.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

GT The forcibly written article, in to-day's issue, over the signature of "Old guard of forty eight' invites attention. Our own views on the subject have been heretofore expressed, and we see no necessity just now, for going over the whole ground again. It is fact, patent to all who read, that Douglas voted with, acted with and played into the hands of the black repub- licans during the last session of Congress- Since then, during the canvass in nois he has uttered some noble sentiments, but at the same time has enunciated others, which we do not think our correspondent is prepared to in- dorse. What Mir. Douglas may do hereafter we cannot tell, and his future standing--his status in the democratic ranks, is yet to be finally fixed His present position is an analomous one. Let it be remem bered that he placed him. self there.
 We can easily conceive why "Old Guard" should lean towards Douglas There is chi valry, fearlessness, gallantry about Douglas, akin to the noble nature of our friend, and the fact that he is contending against an avowed abolitionist is calculated to arouse his sympa- thies. We watch his tall plume roaring in the the thickest of the fray; we see his bright sci meter flashing in the sunlight; we see him charge headlong into the columns of the adver sary, and cannot help but admiring his galantry and his skill. Yet we cannot permit this to blind us to the fact that these weapons were once turned against his friends.
 We have held and still hold that upon sub- jects like these, where there may be difference of opinion among democrats, that each side should be heard, and that the columns of our paper should be free to the arguments of both sides. Our high regard for "Old Guard of forty eight" would have prompted us to give his article place, no matter how much we might differ with some of its conclusions, but, apart from this, it is due to the party that full expression of opinion should be had
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

PERsoNAL.-We have, heretofore, silently suffered many annoyances from certain busy gentry about this city, because they were too trivial, or of such character as not to deserve special notice. But this year they have con- menced so early and so rabidly that it is due to ourselves to notice it. These gentry make the acquaintance of the different candidates for of- fee, and take pains to tell each that the True Democrat, or its editos is opposed to him, and by this means persuade some of our friends that we are their enemiesV V If candidate announces himself for an office, they go to the present in- cumbent and say to him, the True Democrat has brought out this man to beat you" They then go the other candidate and tell him the present office holder is our favorite and to oust him he must carry our weight.
 This is low, dirty conduct, and we now warn those engaged in it, that unless it s.stopped, we shall publicly expose them.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
Or See choice fruit advertisement Wheaton of Memphis.

A NUT FOR TREEsoILERs.--We clip t lowing from the Jefferson (Texas) Gag
 VOLUNTARY SLAvERY.--At the distr now in session in this county, free neg man named Belly filed her petition to the slave of MT. J. c. Rhea. Also free ed man (name not recollected) has petition enSlave himself to the same gentleman. are both said to be very sensible blacks, seemed to have perfect knowledge of th, bilities they prefer to assume--that they be responsible for the debts of Mir. R., aS ble at any time to be sold by the sheriff sI pecuniary mis sfortune overtake him, etc said they preferred being slaves-that it life more congenial to their feelings, and felt that they would be happier in every Those recollections that often induce the s minded man to exclaim-
 Would l were boy again." in order that every care and responsibillt be lifted from his shoulders, we have n< this day induces thousands upon thousah liberated blacks to wish for their masters h cabin, with all it's com mforts, and luxuries sports, once more, with no care or dread that implanted in the minds Of eveEy SC boy-a good scoldng or thrashing for wroni ing.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
John w. FOrney.

The rattle trap sailing under the above cap ton has lately made speech at Tarrytown, in Pennsy ylvania, for his friend John Haskin. We once read some lines on the struggles of dy ing dog; and Forney's last attempt his vilifica- ton and ungenerous attack upon the President seems so much like the dying agonies of a mean man, that it reminds us of "the dying dog" in all save in the strength of the noble animal.
 Honest John Forney, after licking salt from his masters hand, and after being fed from the crumbs of his owners table, shows his gratitude by pouring trade of abuse upon the man who permitted the dirty fellow to lick salt from his hand. The utter and full depravity of the man. the total and complete prostitution of every perception of truth shown forth in that speech can place him as being so odious as ouy suitable to be laughed at. His feeers were on the wrong part of his head, for his nsincerity and unmaulness have made him the "falstaff |" of the republican, party "When Greek m meets Greek then comes the tug of war" When the black republicans meet fellow who wants to be black republican, and they won't let him. then friend and foe must look out; then must the one who took him to the door and told him to leave, he had no further use for him. expect the black mOuIu anu tHo scipetIt touSuo to pout iUftu HIS filth and slime upon him.
 Forney was fast fading from the arena of po- litics. He had been weighed in the scales and found wanting" aud, to make one last impress sion-to give one long struggle before he sank to rise no more, issued from that rotten, slimy mouth of his, tissue of infamous words, more sIanderously false than those spoken by Aeschy- Jus against the Athenian orator.
 His betrayal of personal friendship his de- tails of private conversations between the Pre- sident and himself, truly show the material of which this honest John Forney is composed.- The sycophantry of the man has justly brought upon himself the ridcule and contempt of the party of which he was 50 valiant member l lst winter. Wallow, John, in the slough into which you have jumped.-South Arkansas De- naocrat.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
From the Memphis Bull

VOLUNTARY RETURN INTO SLAvERY.7 2 have come to our knowledge which spea CT than any argument we could offer, folly and wickedness of political abol They are as follows: About thirteer ago bright mulatto girl, belonging to P. Pryor, ran of from Memphis and Cincinnati, where she remained for od About two days ago, she voluntarily { this city and delivered herself up to A Wilkinson, friend of the family, him to write to Mr. R. H. Parkam, near LaGrange, and is the father of M and who raised the girl. to come down phis and receive her again into shaver preferred slavery to Cincinnati freedo girl is named Emily, and is well know city. She says she had hard time Il nati-that she was sick good deal az a great difference in having master tress to take care of her when sick, andI to take care of herself. She says she r from Memphis and had to run away ira cinnati to get back. The foregoing fad be relied on as authentic. By reference chancery advertisements, there will De another instance of voluntarily seeking turn to slavery. in the case of girl name nah, with the facts of which we are not as3 ed.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

T We have been presented with an inge- niously contrved segar-case, that can be made to hide the segars in it or to exhibit them- They are very neatly made, strong enough to protect the segars in the pocket of the wearer and to a smoker who is stingy they enable him to show case apparently empty, which, in rt- ality, may be full of regalias. They are made by and for sale at the bookstore of Henry Jacoh
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
Overland Mail.

We received the San Francisco Herald of the date of September 2lst some days since. Letters and papers to and from California can now be sent and received in three or four weeks.
 We clip the following from the Herald:
 DEPARTURE OF OVERLAND MAIL-PAssEN- GERS FOR THE EAST BY OVERLAND The fol- lowing named gentlemen left this morning for the Atlantic States, by the overland mail route (3utterfeld & Co) The coach took its de- parture at one o'clock this morning, (before our going to press,) the cause being to go through Pacheo Pass before dark, which place they will reach this afternoon:
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

0r One or two of our local exchanges mis- represent or misunderstood our position in the Douglas controversy. One does us the gross injustice to say that we favor the election of Lincoln. Our position is very plain and easily to be understood. We are not for Lincoln in any event, or under any circumstances, and if possible, we would prefer to see sound demo- crat like Breese elected over both Douglas aud Lincoln. Those who charge us with taking any other position are mistaken--if they repeat it, they will utter caumnv.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27

G Dr. P. Brugman the well known dentist of this city, proposes to visit the southern coun- ties in the practice of his profession. His &C., knowled skill in dentistry will deserve and should command success wherever he goes- We commend him to those needing good den- tist.
 The Doctor has consented to act as agent for the True Democrat in the counties he may visit He is authorized to receipt for amounts due us settle with agents and to receive and forward subscriptions
 He expects to visit the counties of Saline, Hot Spring, Montgomery, Polk, Pike, Sevier, Hampstead, Ouachita, Lafayette, Columbia Union, Calhoun and Clark.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-10-27
Quickest Time on Record.


 "Mr. Asa Bennett of this city, arrived here by the overland mail stage, on Saturday last only four days and a half running time from Boston to this place. This time cannot be beat, and to use Mir. Bennett's own language Butter field teams make bctter time than any other with which he has ever travelled"
 If Mir. Bennett could reach Fort Smith from Boston in four days and half running time and bring the editor of the Times a Buffalo paper only five days old, we had better get our mails by way of Fort Smith. If such facilities are enjoyed by the city of neglected western inter- ests, we should begin to hope that other parts of the State may be neglected in the same manner.
 The Arkansaw Traveller takes decided ground in favor of secure jails in each county and de- nounces the practice of admitting accused per sons to give "straw bail" If we mistake not, the Traveller, some weeks since, spoke of a plan to build a jail that would holl its prisoners se- curelya This is more difficult thing than peo- plesuppose A jail built of brick is easily broken out of. If those confined can pick out the mor- tar so as to loosen one brick, in a few minutes they can make hole of any required size stone jail is just as bad in this particular unless iron clamps or bars. But this is too expensive. The old plan of huge logs is obsolete, and in a few years the logs rot. It has been suggested that an ordinary brick wall will answer, if, in- c;J of th ic h,,;lt tbo hal sing each other and rivetted at the crossngs.- w That is needed in mauy of the counties is a building strong, durable and cheap We will furnish copy of the True Democrat for year, to any mechanic, or other person, who will fur nish the outlines of the plan for such build- ing, for publication.
 From the Jacksonport Advocate we take the following proceedings of public meeting and the comments of the editor:
 Free Negroes.
 The following resolutions fully express the wishes of those who were present at our town meeting on Monday and Tuesday last, upon the subject of removal of free negroes from the State.
 Eight years ago, the writer, then printer at Batesville, in connection with Neely, Kirk wood, Patterson, Byers, Puddle, Col. Miller and others. strenuously urged this subject upon the people. At that day, in amore general view Of the subject Col. J. II. Patterson pointed to the future coming of events and results which have proven but too true The FIRST cause of alarm, in this part of the country with regard to the existence of free negroes in our midst, grew out of the intermeddng with them, as we'll as with the slave, of the notorious abolition conference of the Northern Methodist k. Church, styled the Missouri conference. A minister (Robe't- son) of the northern church at Batesvills at the