davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
THE SOUTHERN CONVENTION.

The following resolution in regard to the
slave trade was adopted at the late Southern
Convention, at Vicksburg, Mississippi.
AT six o'clock, the vote was taken by States
on the adoption of the following resolution:
" Resoloed, That, in the opinion of this Con
vention, all laws, State or judicial, prohibiting
the African slave trade, ought to be repealed.
"The Convention then took a recess of thirty
minutes.
the thirty minutes having expired, the
President then called the Convention to order,
when the vote was taken on the main question,
which resulted as follows:
" For repeating the laws of Congress prohib-
iting the African slave trade = Alabama, 5
votes Arkansas votes South Carolina, (di-
vided,) votes Louisiana, votes Texas, 4
votes Georgia, 10 votes; Mississippi, total,
40 votes.
Against the repeal Of the slavetrade laws
Tennessee II votes /; Florida 3 votes; South
Carolina, divided votes-total, l9 votes"
When it is recolleeted that this Convention
was gotten up by the Slavery fanatics and dis
unionists, and that the delegates were either APP
pointed by the Governors of the Gulf States, or
else selfconstituted, it is remarkable that so
large a share of good sense found its way into
it, as is indicated by the above vote.
We have elsewhere given a brief sketch of a
speech of ex-senator Foote, in which he de-
nounced the traitorous sentiments uttered by a
Mr.. Spratt of South Carolina, in the language of
an honest patriot.
Mr.. Foote is also said to have denounced and
ridiculed the idea of dissolution Of the Union
in the event of the election of a Republican
Presidents and it is remarkable that this fire
eating Convention, which avowed determine
ton to resist the laws prohibiting the slave
trade, tabled series of disuniou resolutions.
These resolutions declare that various acts of
the Federal Government would warrant the
South in dissolving the Union, and one of them
insists that the election of Republican Presi-
dent, would call for resistance. They were laid
on the table at the instance of the mover, Gov.
j. J. McRae, subject to be called up, but the
call was never made or not needed.
Mr.. Foote and several other gentlemen Of
fered written protest against the slave-trade
resolution, but were refused permission to have
II recorded. 1t is published in the Mississippi
papers.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

Such were the sentiments ayowed by Mr..
Bruce, in strong slarehoIding section Of Vir-
lyinid, near about the time of the publication
of the Ruffner pamphlet.
i In l849, t,oo years after the publication OF
the Ruffner pamphlet, Robert E. Scott Esq,
distinguished citizen of Fauquier county, and
STAKEHOLDER, gave utterance to the following
sentiments on the subject of Slavery:
In our dealings, therefore, with Mexico, we
have departed from the principles of our own,
and proceeded upon those of other Govern
ments. Ought we now to force upon this
people domestic Slavery against their, consent
| THE WORLD, ACKNOWLEDGE TO BE
A SOCIAL AND P0LITICAL~EVIL2 faa
In contemplating our condition, we may
have the courage to acknowledge the DlSAD-
| VANTAGES which flow from the institution (;
there are few among us WHO WOULD NOT
HAIL WITH SATISFACTION THE Pc
Rod THAT WOULD PUT AN END TO
IL FOREVER, if at the same time we could
be relieved from the presence of this unfortu-
nate race bas ut3
Sand again, in 1850, in the county of Pow
hatan, Hon. j. N. Bolts, a distinguished leader
of the Opposition party, used the following
language in his speech to his constituents, re-
speeding Slavery:
an Vi muse VINO Jnlnk OtCJC6Iy In the 40
sfrGct as much to be deprecated; and whilst |
think that, as at present organized in the South
ern States, it is humanizng, civilizing, and
outstanding institution, as all must agree
who will take the pains to compare the present
condition of the slaves with the original Afri
can race get regard ii as a calamity that it
should have ever been entaied upon us, and
should look apon that man as the first and
greatest beRetactor of has country, whose wis
dom could point out to us some practical and
satisfactory means by which we could, through
oar o,cn iastT10nentality and without interfe
renee from our neighbors, provide for the utti-
mate emancipation and remOeal Of all the slareS
IN the country. ..
within month past, Mr.. Bolts has re-
affirmed the opinion thus expressed, and with
out word of condemnation from the leaders
of party who arraign me for a want of fidelity
to the institution. These extracts demonstrate
clearly that not only in 1876, but even as late as
l849-'50, leaders of the party opposed to me in
Eastern Virginia considered the institution so
cially and politically wrong"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
A GOOD TINE To SUBSCRIBE.

Herman" the admirable story which has
so long entertained our readers, will soon
close.
We shall have no other long serial till about
the first week il July, when we shall commence
the publication of an original story by Edward
Spencer, the author of Jasper.
At the same time, we may expect Editorial
Letters from abroad, concerning the state of
things in Europe.
Now, then, is the time for new subscribers
to the Era. Let them begin by the first of
July or sooner, and, if not disposed to take the
paper for gear, order it for six months, until
the close of the volume.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
Vol. XIII.

gained on his first visit here. The other soIo.
were sustained by Sigs. Muller and collar. and
the chorus was effective, and we'll sustained rba
solo performers.
This evening Lucrezia BOrgia is announceJ
with Mon. Gazzaniga and Sig. Stefan, This e.,
appearance in Boston,
For the last two weeks, we have had vor-
cold, cloudy, and unpleasant weather. .s:,
winds, and rain. No news stirring, but peorio
all on the lookout for it, especially from EproTpa
Breadstufs have gone up some, but the peorlo
are waiting for something further; so will I
Till then, as ever,
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
BOSTON CORRESPONDENCE.
CITY Quiet-Burton, Norris Brothers, Mr.. and
Mrs. Florence = Opera Season - General
Ne,os, dc.

. LNetOS, &c.
BosroN, May 20, 1859.
To the Editor Of the National Era:
Since my last letter, Boston has been very
quiet. The lateness of the season made the
houses at the various places Of amusement very
poor, and Burton at the Boston Theatre failed to
draw. Morris Brothers and company started
on the 10th inst, fora trip South and West.
Their farewell entertainment was given at the
Museum, which was crowded. We commend
them to our friends for their skill as artists and
their mirth-provoking humor.
MIR. and Mrs. Florence are this week playing
short engagement atthe Howard, and to very
good houses. AT the Musuem, Mr. KimbaiI
still presents the same variety as usual, having
played out Lord Timothy Dexter.
Last evening, Mr.. Ulman commenced the
short season here by giving the very popular
opera of Martha" to the most crowded house
that have seen for long time, and from its
success it is announced for Saturday at grand
matinee. Madame Laborde as Martha gave good
satisfaction-her singing good and her acting
graceful and pleasing.
Mrs. Phillips made her first appearance as
Nancy, and was an entire success. Her voice
and execution good, and her acting very
piquant and pleasing.
The " new tenore," Sig Striglia, made his
debut as Lionel, and was received with much
coolness and Justly, too. His voice is small in
quantity, and poor in quality, his ear incorrect,
and his acting tame. In some Of the finest
passages of the opera, be tried the nerves of
sensitive people by singing fiat, and shirked the
high notes once or twice. He will have to put
forth most strenuous efforts to gain popularity
here now, and whether possible or not time will
show.
Carl Formes, as "Pllmkett,' was perhaps
the fayorite of the evening. His perfect per-
sonation, the immense voice, good humor, and
evident desire to please, won the hearts OF all.
He will retain his high standing as an artist
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
THE POSSIBLE AND THE ACTUAL

We clip the following beautiful lines from a
Virginia newspaper. Feeling surprise at find
ing such sentiments in journal thoroughly
devoted to Slavery, the fugitive slave law, and
the domestic if not the foreign slave trade, we
turned it over, in order to reassure ourselves of
its place of publication. 1t so happened, that
Immediately on the back of the poem, as if by
way of endorsement upon its humane senti-
ments, we found the advertisement of a run.
away slave, which we append to the poem
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
EX-SENATOR FOOTE ON THE SLAVE
TRADE.

Our readers of eight or ten years standing
have not forgotten Senator Foote, of MISSISSIPPI
pi and those who had the opportunity of at
tending the deliberations of the Senate will
relish the following characteristic account of
his impetuous dash into the assemblage of
Southern fanatics, known as the Southern Con-
vention, at Vicksburg. He is said to have re-
manned quiet spectator of its proceedings,
listening patiently to all sorts of extravaganza
and nonsense, until proposition was made to
print, with the appreciation of the Convention,
the speech of Mr.. Spratt, of South Carolina,
brimful of treason, and urging the practical
adoption Of the slave trade, in defiance of the
laws:
"At this juncture, says the New York Times,
Governor Foote appears to have been unable
to contain himself any longer Springing to
his feet, he roared into the ears of the startled
delegates, that Spratts speech was reasonable,
and that any man who would attempt to put
into practice the views which it contained, de-
served to be hanged by the neck until he was
dead, dead, deadl The confusion AMONGST
the chivalry which followed the enunciation of
this unanswerable proposition, as sound in NOR
ais as it is in law, was immense. They Shrek
ed, howled, protested, and spat, but in vain.
Foote loaded again, and fired another broadside
into the mob, in the following fashion:
90 The proposition that the Constitution of
the United States is no longer valid and bind
ing instrument-the proposition that the sacred
laws of the Union-enacted by wiser men than
now live, and wiser men, fear, than will ever
live in the country again-[apprcciative laugh
ter and cheers the proposition that these laws,
marked with the most profound wisdom the
object of admiration to the most enlightened
men of all natons--that these laws are entitled
to no respect and that violation on violation of
them may be perpetrated on the high seas, and
on the land of this glorious Continent-that
these laws may be set at naught, and the Gov
eminent functionaries defed, and that reliance
may be confidently placed on the juries of the
country BY perjury to acquit felons, is one Of
the most monstrous and vile propositions that
could be made in the hearing of an intelligent
and highminde people
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

them what they 50 earnestly desired to know.
But his promise was not kept; he returned no
more. Often, when bright dragon.hy, did
he hover over the surface of his old home, but
he had no power to communicate with those
below.
This will give the reader some idea of the
manner in which these stories are written but
it can convey no adequate conception Of their
naiUete and beauty. Not only the sayings, but
the expressions and gestures of the little birds
and insects are portrayed with much pictur-
sequences of effect. 1t is little gem of a
book for children, and we hope will find many
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
What Might be Done.

What might be done, il we were wise
What glorious deeds, my suffering brother,
Would they unite
In love and right,
And cease this scorn of one another
Expressions heart might be imbued
With kindling drops of loving kindness,
All knowledge pour,
From shore TO shore,
Light on the eyes of menIal blindness
Oppression, warfare, lies, and wrongs,
All vice and crime might die together,
And milk and conn.,
To each man born,
BE free as warmth in summer weather
The meanest wretch that ever trod,
The deepest sunk in guilt and sorrow,
Might stand erect
In selErespect,
And share the teeming world tomorrow
What might be done This might be done,
And more than this, my suffering brother-
More than the tongue
Fer said or sung,
Ii men were wise and loved each O her
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

. A Remarkable CoINCIDENCE.-The Hon.
John Letcher, of Virginia, alias honest John
Letcher, makes clean breast by frank con-
feSsion Of his abolition hereses in his recent let
ter, and mentions the singular fact, that he
never had any glimpse of the error of his way
until he became candidate for Office. He
says:
The head and front of my offending in re-
gard to this matter is, that, in common with
many people in Eastern and Western Virginia,
in l847, entertained the opinion that " lSIa-
Gerry aCGS a social and political erH" | have
always admitted, in the frankest terms, that [
entertained and expressed that opinion in 1917,
and that / did not change 1t until the tall Of
l849. At that time / became satisfied, from
an examination of the question, that my opin-
ion was erroneous. ! avowed the change, and
l refer to my Congressional record as furnish
ing conclusive evidence of my sincerity.
an 1850 became a candidate for the Re
form Contention, and, in district largely OPP
posed to me on general politics, was elected
by majority Of more than 1000 over such
man as A. II. H. Stuart, Esq, late Secretary
of the Interior under President Fillmore"
Was it not very singular, that the scales fell
from Mr.. Letcher's eyes only two or three months
before the day of election?
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
WASHINGTON, d. C..
THURSDAY, MAY %, 1859.

To ADVERTISERS Business men viii find il greatly to
their advantage advertise in the Era.
Messrs. Peitngill Co, s. B. Miles, and Joy, Coe, &
Co are our authorized advertising ents for Boston,
New York, and Philadelphia.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
MODESTY.

The Southern Citizen paper published il
this city by John Mitchell, an Irishman, who
has been in this country barely long enough to
become naturaized citizen, uses the following
language:
"But, he says, let rs enforce the laws Ger
tainly; but the pretended law declaring the
slave trade piracy is no law. 1t cannot and
shall not be enforced and if Mr.. Wise we're
President to-morrow--with all his Jacksonian
resoluteness-we would defy him to begin to
enforce it.
" Let Congress mind its own business--let il
make such laws rs it is empowered TO make
and its laws will be respected and executed
otherwise not. In the mean time, we do assure
Mr.. Wise, and other polite Presidentmake
at the South, that theg will have to cultivate a
more polite style of la7guage in addressing the
slave-trading portion sf tho community. Folly
and wickedness will mot go down.
The modesty, to sag nothing of the patriot
ism, of this foreigner, in threatening to over
throw the laws of the country, cannot fail to
command general adIsaration.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
INCENDIARY PAMPH
s LET'S

John Letcher, the candidate of the sham De-
mocracy for Governor in Virginia, referring to
the Ruffner pamphlet, thus charges upon his
opponents:
"The Opposition have labored hard to prove
that aided in the circulation of the pamphlet,
but the effort has signally failed. This pamph-
let, characterized by themselves as an ince's-
diary has been published and circulated
through their leading organ. The most often
sive expressions relating to Slavery have been
embodied in D pamphlet gotten up under. the
direction of their State Central Committed,
published by their orders, and on the first page,
in capitals, is found the injunction, Read and
Circulate and in obedience to that order il
has been sown broadcast over the whole State
This pamphlet, which the Virginia Opposi.
ton" have circulated with view to injure
Letcher, speaks of Slavery as curse more
destructive in its effect than war. pestience,
and oppression rulers civil and ecclesiastical,
as this consuming plague of Slavery" as /" a
black vomit and yellow fever" What is better,
the pamphlet demonstrates these charges and
its dissemination over Virginia, for whatever
motive, cannot fail to produce deep and last
ing impression upon the public mind. In the
name of the friends of Freedom, we tender our
hearty thanks to the Virginia Opposition, as
well as to the Richmond Enquirer and other
organs of Governor Wise, for their agency in
the circulation of this admirable Anti-Slavery
document. The Republican party have yet
done nothing for the diffusion of free principles
in the South, compared with these indicators
of Slavery
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

The following gentlemen accredited agents for the
Era @ W. Light, Boston, Mass; J. A. Innis, Salem
Mass; Thomas Wheeler Cincinnati, Ohio L T. Park,
Mount Union, Ohio
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

DEATH OF BISHOP PoRTIER-The Right Rev.
Michael PORTER, Catholic bishop of the diocese
of Alabama and Florida, died ct Mobile on the
l4th instant ~ f gni r
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

POPULATION OF MFcHIGAN.-From the Ian
sing Republican we learn that there are 23O, 900
children in that State between the ages of four
and eighteen. On this fact it is fair to assume
that the total population is about 100000.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26

passage into air. Altogether, we suppose there
is not more startling or remarkable accident,
or more miraculous escape, on record
Wheeling Hateliigencer.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-26
Ifmen were wise, and loved each o her.

DUNAWAY ARRESTED-OWNER yvANTED-A
property OF a MIR. Gulby speaks of n place called HID
dleston speaks also Virginia says he was stolen
last August while on his way in the field has
been arrested An city of the States of Virginia or
North Carolina The boy is very smart and is Is or
10 years ofage.
The owner get full particulars by addressing
Frank care of the Press Office Petersburg Wiz.
GINA
SMITHSONIAN LEcrURE.-Henry W. Miller,
Esq, of Raleigh, North Carolina, will deliver
lecture at the Smithsonian Institution.
Monday evening, the Both instant, on the
Eighteenth Century. The proceeds of the
lecture will be given to the fund for the
purchase of Mount Vernon. Mr.. Miller is
one of the most able and eminent lawyers in
his State, distinguished for his commanding
oratory, and we feel assured that he will not
fail to delight Washington auditory by the
repetition of his lecture in this city. 1t has
been several times delivered in North Carolina
| and Virginia, as we learn from the press OF
those States, and with success only equalled
by that which has attended Mr. Everett's eff
forts In the same patriotic cause.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06

n he NEW fORk MUSICAL hEFiE puo-
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tenth year Each nubeI con'sios sixteen qoario pages icud
rs psrs Of NEW Music thus giving over one hundred
nun The music psees edited " MessrA GEO ROOT
ana WIN B. BRADBURY, and many Of their choicest coneo
sdps musicians Of the country contributors 70 it feldid
columns, which Contain casia resume Of ne masca x
Music fesebpe 40 Biographies Anecdotes Reviews Of new
Music Booh and general Poss up ct The woa progress In
mU. The Reuew many Correspondents In this country
md Europe vbo inousaooy for It's columns cuns he
bes, thipas Tor al instruction and Entertainment
Club. supplied low Specimen copies any address
,ra,ultsssiy. Published by
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06

Y RCa-fhs uDdsuignse has IN stars. = wtolsa1o
n5 an1 = dsy ,sosviDs hon he fso.O,ss IN ~ uniiss
Esie gshsics snbracins al naAe b ssue.kne, veeyG
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New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06
O1s WORTH Of MUSIC FOR Is CENTS.

fHE GENTLE ANNIE xEL0Disr contains The WORDS
ana MUSIC Of Cry q the oesrul of ths GAY
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YlRfH. FOND co. NJ. 81, Brssvsy ~ !.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06
TMPORTANT NEW BOOKS.
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New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06

AT JONESr, Nos. 10 aud 12 Ann-st., a
n French Csh DRESs SCOTS; ea50 Doahls soh WkfEa,
PROOF BOOfS fssse CAL and thsu bsexs pasehaanG
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06
HISTORY OF FRANCE,
PROM TAP EARLIEST TIMES TO MDCCCxLNII

JAMGS WHIT,
Author Of the "Eishteen Christian Centuries"
1 vol, svo. Pnce s..
@aSs hry believed to be especially adapted TO the bcneet
Of raj anxious for historical well s other
lpd of but who respect the History Of France
a,e p-ed em attempt acquire by tho drynss OF the
L.rstiye unn.s resting 1 Of the snser volumes de-
voted u the subjsc and time AID labor required for the
rerusal Of The more extensive and valuable WORKS.
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06
Gillette Young Mems Association.
A Course Of FOUR LECTUkL6 will be given BY
Prof o. n. MITCHELL,

Rfof y. N. MIIUHELL,
on ASTRONOMY, Calvary Bsptist Church West sd st.,
ssAIb opposite 5h Hote the EVENINGS Of the llh,
18th l5h and 18th Of October.
have before been delivered In this city
ASTRONOMY OF THE BIBLE.
FRsr LECTURE Evidences Of the Being Of God, drawn
from The Physical Universe. .
SECOND Creator Of the Universe the God Of
the Bible
corded BY Moses.
FouRTH AnusioDs and Illustrations
6upd In the Hebrew Scriptures
Tci.ts for the Coure 81 Single Tickets 30 eensony ct
the door ON the evening Of the Lecture.
DooIp open at =; Lecture commence ct O'CLOCK
Comsc ficAets 10 had Sbels No. u Wal IT. r. J.:
Crow ms Broadway and 4hst Appetons Boadway Hazard
Casv e,Ps yh ay Hotel JAMES 6ANDFORD,
Chairman Lecture Committee
New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-10-06

NOTTON BATTING.
~ Merchants vil l'rese ma1e vru hH hAkAJNStUNS
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