davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

SIGNS OF THE TMEs.-It is unusual for
public men Of the South, in the hight OF
their fame and influence, to persist in retir-
ing from service. But now, this singular
spectacle is shown in several instances. Mr..
Stephens, of Georgia, peremptorily with
draws. There is mash up coming, he is
said to have remarked, and it is time to get
off the train. Geo. W. Jones, Of Tennessee,
takes similar course. The same is true of
Mr.. Dowdell of Alabama. Not least, Mr..
Orr, of South Carolina, late Speaker Of the
House, has likewise refused reelection, and
gone into voluntary retirement. We have
before mentioned the opinion of Mr.. Doug
las, as to coming events, and the following
from the Washington correspondent of the
New York Express, shows that Nj. Orr has
the same presentiment:
After the adjournment of the last Con-
gress, the speaker, Mr.. Orr, of South Caro-
lima, was requested by friend, to give him
his views on the political future. Mr.. Orr
replied, without hesitation-"In my opinion,
the Opposition will organize the next House
of Representatives, and, if they selected a
conservative, national candidate, will elect
the next President. Gin. Gazette.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

AN IMPORTANT Dsc1sioy.-B Before the State
of Iowa was admitted into the Union, tract
of land in that State was set apart and deslg-
mated as the "Sacs and Fox's HalfBreed
Reservation" Recently, the authorities of
Iowa intimated to the Commissioner of the
General Land Office an intention Of setting
up claim to five per cent. on the value of
said lands, on the principle involved in the
acts of Congress referring to the Greek,
Choctaw and Chickasaw lands in the States
of Alabama and Mississippi, and also con-
tanned in the act for the admission of Iowa.
The Commissioner, after having duly consid-
cred the matter, has decided adversely to the
claim of Iowa, on the ground that this tract
was set apart by the United States, by the act
of June 30th, 1884, prior to the admission of
the said State into the Union, and hence does
not fall within the meaning of the law in any
Of the cases cited.
The attention of the authorities Of Iowa is
called to the fifth paragraph of the sixth sec
ton of the act of March 3, 1915, (under which
that State was admitted, which provides that
''live per centum of the net proceeds of sales
of all public lands lying within the State which
have been Or shall be sold by Congress from
and after the admission of said State, &C.,
enures to the State" This, the Commissioner
contends, applies only to lands sold from and
after the admission of the State. - Washing-
tan Meas.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

A VIAL IN TIE HEART OF TREE.-A gen.
tleman left in the Office of the Houston TEX
as) Telegraph, some time since, what the
editor calls natural curiosity. 1t is the
section of the trunk of an oak tree, imbed-
ded in which was found vial and plug.
The vial had been put in an augur hole, and
the plug driven in after it. Over the head
of the plug are thirteen rings of solid wood,
besides the bark, showing that many years
must have elapsed since it was placed there.
The bottle contained sweetish liquid
Who placed it there, and what for, are ques-
tions which anybody curious enough may
answer at his leisure. The tree was n' 'i's
limo of +L~ n------~~. <.aIlroad, and was found
W ihe railroad men in clearing for the bed
of the road.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

STEAMBOAT RUNNERS AND THE CHINESE ON
THE SACRAMENTO RIvER.--The San Francisco
correspondent of the New York Times,
writing under date of the 2lst of March,
says:
The opposition on the Sacramento river
still continues, and the fare in the cabin is
but one dollar. Freight two dollars per ton.
1t is quite amusing to 90 down to the wharf
at the hour the boats leave Runners from
the different boats waylay every man seen
coming with carpet-bag in hand, and every
effort made to secure him for the boat to
which the runner belongs who first gets hold
of him. When Chinaman appears, poor
John is Immediately grabbed, and marched
off aboard without giving him chance to
express his views on the subject. The idea
of his having any opinion of his own in the
premises is entirely ignored. John is con-
sidered fair plunder, and is collared and
walked aboard as if he was prisoner, in
stead of an honest miner bound to the gold
regions. He submits to his fate without
sny opposition, and after he is put aboard,
deposits his pack and sits himself down as
meekly as possible. Sometimes he grum-
bles soto coce, exclaiming, sAmeliky man
no shambee me-" which, being interpreted,
means that he don't exactly know what to
make of it, but on the whole supposes it
to be all right.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29
Coy. Lowe.

Gov. Lowe left this city, for his home at
keokuk, few days since. lie is in fine
health and spirits; +, ady, rs ever, to con-
tend mantully for the right, and strong in
purp Sc to serve the State of his adoption,
that has conferred upon him the highest Of
flee in its gift. The inquiry has been pro-
pounded to Gov. Lowe by Ills friends in
various parts of the State, whether he designs
being o candidate for denomination. To
these inquiries, he responds that he is in the
han Is of his friends. He has no soicitude
upon the suject, except for the triumph of
the cause in which he iabored SO earnestly
during the last Gubernatorial canvass. If
the Republicans of Iowa desire him for their
standard bearer, in the next canvass, he is
ready to serve them, TO the best of his abil-
ity, against any man who may be designated
by the opposition. If they think that any
other good and loyal Republican can do more
to secure triumph, he bows to their wishes,
and avows his readiness to take q place in
the ranks, where he will battle as steadily
and earnestly as if his own election depend
ed upon the result. BY this sign we con-
quer. While this spirit animatcs the lead
ing Repuli ans of Iowa, they are invincible.
The State has never had Chief Magistrate
whose course has been more straight-for-
ward, upright and honorable than that pur-
sued by Gov. Lowe. In his official relations
he has been courteous and kind to all and
his efforts have been directed untiringly to
the right performance of the duties devolv
ing upon him,
Among these whose names have been
| connected with the Office OF Governor, are
Hon. Z. Sells and Hon. S. J. Kirkwood. The
former has announced peyemptorily, that
he is not and will not be a candidate for the
position at this time; having just been
chosen for second time, as Secretary OF
State. We are not advised as to the inten-
| ton of Mr.. X. But, We are sure that when
he is chosen as candidate fer the office, it
will be by no seeking Of his. Nothing but
an imperative sense of duty, will induce
him to accept of political honors.-Des-
moines Citizen
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29
THE NEWS.

A dispatch from Washington of the 2lst
saws: ssNIr. Jones, our new Minister, is here,
ready to leave for his new post. His
instructions are nearl y ready, and he will
go out in the steamer Of the 5th Of May"
The usual crowd was in attendance at
the sickles trial, yesterday, (2lst.) Among
the letters read by the counsel on either side,
from various parts of the country, one was
received by Mr. Brady, from Il lady signing
herself, in great characters, Olympia Aiken,
describing herself as one Of the order of
frailty- one of the simple walters for the
waive of some masculine pocket handker-
chief. The letter was dated in West Ran
dolph, Vt, and asks the couusel's attention
to the following abstracts from "White
Lies:" "Id have no wasps around my
honey; if my wife took lover, would not
lecture the woman-what's the use; I'd kill
the man then and there; I'd kill him in
doors or out; I'd kill him as would n
snake. If she took another, I'd send him
ulIci tut uESt, atuu 81 VII Glil dil NcIc hlllcu.
"A dispatch from Leavenworth (kansas)
of the 2lst says the official majority in favor
of constitution is 1881. Gov. Medary ha,
issued proclamation for the return Of the
Delegates to a Constitutional Convention to
assemble at Wyandotte in June. County
Conventions have been called throughout
the Territory to perfect party organizations.
Efforts are being made to consolidate the
Opposition against the Democracy, which
will probably be successful. Both parties
will make strenuous efforts to obtain control
of the Constitutional Convention.
FROM TIE PACIFIC.-The steamship Cont
zecolos arrived at New Orleans on the 2lst
with dates from San Francisco to the 5th.
A ferry boat at San Francisco exploded on
the 4th inst, causing the death of 6 persons
and wounding Is others. business at San
Francisco was dull. Markets were over
stocked. Haxal Flour So so. The amount
of specie taken down by the Panama steamer
is not reported.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29
FAST TEAvELING.-- The most important

FAST TEAvELING.-- The most important
and powerful railroad combination ever en-
tered into in this country, has gone int rs-
feet. 1t embraces coalition of the New
York Central, Hudson River, Lake Shore
and Michigan Roads, against the New York
and Erie, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Gen.
tral, for the through business Of the West.
The Central trains will make the distance
from Buffalo to Troy or Albany, in 10 hours,
and to New York in Is hours, or about SO
miles an hour, including stoppages--a most
remarkable schedule of speed, and one that
involves extraordinary wear and tear of ma
terial.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29
The Elld of the World.
From the Newark (N. J.) Advertiser

The Millerites, or Second Adventists, in
Newark, are preparing for the second
coming of the Messiah, or the end Of the
world, which they compute will take place
on or about the Passover of 1859, which
commenced on Monday night, April Sth,
and continues for eight days.
Quite large number have believed for
seve raj years that the consummation of all
things was at hand, and various times have
been set, but expectation has been disap-
pointed. Their faith, however: remains
firm, and several converts have recently
been made and baptized. Six persons--four
won ell and two men--were baptized in the
river, near the Morris & Essex Railroad
bridge on Friday.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29


THE MAsroDoN GiGANTEUs. The follow
ing article from the Chicago Prairie Farm
er will possess an interest to all of our read
ers, who will learn with pride that Iowa not
only bears the palm for the biggest produc-
tions of the present age, but for all geolog-
ical time:
been directed to an article in the last number
of your journal, on the Mastodon Giganteus,
written by my friend, Prof. Q. D. WILDER,
with one single expression of which wish
to take exception. 1t is, that ''the largest
specimen of this order once lived near Auro-
ra, where his remains were recently found.' -
For this specimen he claims tusks IL feet in
length, and teeth measuring 8 inches in
length and breadth, and weighing from 5 to
s pounds each.
Some fifteen years since, the bones Of one
of these huge monsters were unearthed at
Blue Grass, in this (ScotD county, the tusks
Of which were II feet in length, and one Of
the teeth, now in nay possession, after being
considerably abraded by time and handling,
at this time measures 8X12 inches, and it
weighs full II lbs. So my friend will per-
ceive that this animal was from one-fifth to
one-fourth larger than the specimen, whose
remains were recently found near Aurora.
His size by the same mode of measurement
must have been height, lS feet, and length
36 feet.
DR.. D. D. Owen was of opinion few years
since, on examining the tooth in my cabi
net, that it repres ented the largest specimen
Of the Mastodon that had yet been discover
ed. Since then, am confident no remains
have been brought to light that will warrant
the conclusion that they belonged to an
animal of 50 prodgous size; indeed those
referred to by Prof. Wilber, are the largest
| remember to have seen.
l will add, that the tusks of the specimen
alluded to above did not leng stand exposure
to the atmosphere, and though case was
prepared in which to preserve them, yet they
soon crumbled. In addition to the tooth
l have also some Of the bones which show
very clearly the osseous formation, as well
as by their surroundings the kind of earth
in which the huge animal was found imbed-
ded. Respectfully yours, A.SANDERS.
Davenport, 10 wa, March 22d, '59.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

W-The Philadelphia american proposes
to cure the evils of extra sessions and hurried
legislation by the perpetual session of legisla-
tive bodies, both State and National, paying
the members an annual salary, and enforcing
the presence, at all times, of a quorum.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

CJ'It is significant and outrageous fact
that, in the trial of the Oberln rescuers of an
alleged slave, at Cleveland, ere,y man on the
Jury is q Buchanan Democrat, as also is the
presiding Judge. With the knowledge of
this fact, and aware that the doughface U. S.
Marshal had the sole charge of the selection
of the jury, right-minded people will have less
surprise that the men on trial are being con-
victed than that such nefarious system of
tampering with common justice should be
tolerated
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

sWe We are indebted to Mr.. j. B. Cass
for a copy of the Leavenworth (Kansas)
Times of the 10th inst, received from Mr..
Jennison. This paper is jubilant over the
departure of the first regular Overland Ex-
press from Leavenworth for the gold regions.
Itspeaks of a small quantity Of Cherry Creek
gold-dust exhibited by jeweler of that place,
which had been purchased of returned
Pixies Peaker. The Times says:
The value of the dust was about twenty five
dollars, and was wholly composed of minute
particles OR scales, blackened by the quick
silver which had been used to separate it from
the sand. We have heard of other small lots
of gold-dust being in town within few days.
We trust this is but the beginning Of large
shipments of the precious ore.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

The LAST OF THE LINE,-"Some men,
says the Philadelphia Press, eagerly covet
notoriety, even though it is rather of an un
enviable than a creditable character; and it
is a matter worthy Of consideration, whether
Mr.. Buchanan, clearly seeing that it is utterly
impossible, from present indications, to win
honorable fame in the position he has so
much disgraced, is not animated by the de-
sire to immortalize himself as the last of
the line of Democratic Presidents
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

WESTWARD, Ho!-Under this caption, the
St. Louis Democrat of the goth inst. thus
remarks:
The steamboat-landing is still crowded with
Pixies Peakers' wagons of all styles and sizes,
mules, oxen, and many other things that the
ardent Pixies Peaker supposes to be necessary
for the ~"overland journey" The task of
keeping journal of the arrivals of Pixies
Peakers at this point soon appeared such a
huge undertaking that we renounced it in
despair. The crowds press on. There is no
abatement. 1t is wonderful; it astonishes
even Mississippi and Missouri river steam
boatmcn.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

GV The Southern States are moving in
legislation to get rid of their free negroes, by
banishing them or reducing them again to
fetters. The free States, as rule, are not
willing to welcome this class of population !;
and so the poor creatures have but sorry
prospect ahead. Alas for ''man's inhu-
manity to man."
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

ADULrERY.-The New York Tribune says:
"Mr. Graham's speech in the Sickles case
will be to tens of thousands revelation
of the fearful guilt of adultery-its treach-
cry, its baseness, its hypocrisy. Whatever
may be thought in the main of his law or
his logic, his array of the testimony of the
Good Book in represention of it are most
forcible and impressive. We should not :be
surprised that even Mr.. Sickes was there-
by made acquainted with some truth which
had not heretofore made adequate impress
sion on his mind, while we are sure that no
one else can have heard or read that speech
without imbibing from it salutary lessons
not soon to be forgotten
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

~The Cleveland Plaindealer takes a
philosophic view of the result in Connecticut.
1t announces the fact thus: Farewell, old
Nutmeg! The last nest egg of New England
Democracy was knocked to immortal smash
on Monday last
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

DEsTITUTIoN IN MICHIGAN.-It is found as
the result of careful inquiry by the local au-
thorities that lS9 out of 81 families in
Montcalm county, Michigan, are in state
of destitution. The report of the Board OF
Supervisors says that 'they are in such
Strengthened and necessitous circumstances
as to require aid beyond their own means to
enable them to procure suitable food, and
seed for Spring crops" The Board proposes
to borrow, and pledge the County for pay.
ment, 81 200 for immediate use in relieving
the wants of the distressed.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

The New IssUE.-The Washington States
has taken its position against Congressional
with slavery in the Territories,
on the ground that the Constitution and the
Drsd Scott decision abundantly protect it
there already, and fully guarantee its interests
during the territorial condition.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29
An Appeal to the Republicans of
NlaSSa chi uScltS.

The Republican State Central Committee
of Iowa has addressed the following preamble
and resolutions to the Republicans of Massa-
chusetts, concerning the proposition now
pending in that State to prohibit foreign-born
citizens from voting till two years after their
naturalization. We need not say the resolu-
tons meet with our hearty concurrence. We
have already given our views on this subject,
and will only express our earnest hope that
the proposition referred to will be voted down
by our Republican brethren of Massachusetts,.
Wecopy, in connection with the resolutions,
the closing paragraph of the Introductory
remarks by John A. kasson, the efficient
Chairman of the Committee:
This committee, therefore, in the interest
Of National Repubicanism, enter their delb-
crate protest against the incorporation, in
whole or in part, of any such exclusive prin-
ciple of legislation into the creed of the
Republican party. In behalf of that party in
this State, they most emphatically reject it.
And they invoke of that portion of the people
of Massachusetts who have hitherto so gal
hntly upheld the National Republican stand
ard in that State to condemn this proposition
at the polls, and maintain the integrity of our
national platform.
| RESOLUTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE.
WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of
Massachusetts has passed an amendment to
the Constitution of that State, by which
foreign-born citizens are deprived of the right
Of suffrage for two years after their natural
iZatiOn; and
WHEREAS, This amendment will be sub
mitted to vote of the people of Massachusetts
on the 9th of May, 1859, for approval or dis
approval;
Therefore, Be it resolved by the Republican
Central Committee of the State of Iowa,
l. That the abovc-namcd Act of the Legis-
lature of Massachusetts, is a violation of the
principles of the Republican party as affirmed
in the National Republican platform adopted
at Philadelphia, in 1856, and should therefore
meet with the earnest rebuke of the Repub-
lican party in every State of the Union.
2. That we regard this act as making an
unjust and offensive discrimination between
citizens on account of their birth place, and
showing therefore tendency to undermine
the foundation on which the Republican party
is based, which carefully preserves strict
acknowledgment of the equal rights of citizens
under the Constitution of the United States,
without regard to nationality, and in the
condemnation of all prescription in legislation.
8. That the Republican party in the State
| of Iowa cannot and will never approve of an
act by which our naturalized citizens are
deprived of part of their rights as guaranteed
| by the Constitution and existing laws.
| 4, That we earnestly request our Republican
brethren in Massachusetts to reject by their
vote a proposition which would be stain
upon the fair fame of State which has here
tofore been foremost in the advocacy Of free
principles and equal rights to all men.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

RISK oF TRAvEL.-Since the commence
ment of ocean steam navigation in 1888, it
is said, 100000 persons have crossed the
Atlantic; and that Is steamships with 5000
persons have been lost. In the last four
years an average Of one passenger in eighty
has been lost. AS compared with railroad
travel, it is as safe to ride from New York
to St. Louis and back again by rail, as it is
to go .1fre miles on a steamship!
The risk of each passenger of being killed
in going one mile by railroad in France is
one in oo,0O0,00O; England, one in 65,-
100000; New York, one in 1000, ,O0O-by
Atlantic steamships, one in $1,000.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

PREMAruRE.-The Lyons Mirror raises the
name of J. H. Flint, Esq, of that city, as a
candidate for Lieut. Governor, subject to the
decision of the Republican State Convention.
Mr.. Flint is doubtless the able and deserving
man the Nirror represents him to be, but
such nominations are ill-advised, and we hope
will be discarded by our brethren of the
press.
Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

A WORD FOR THE BRDs.-Wilson,
the ornithologist, computes that each
red-winged blackbird destroys on an
average fifty grubs day during the
summer. A few figures will show you
how many this would amount to in the
course Of the season. The robin, the
wood thrush, the blue bird, the cat
bird, the sparrow, the oriole, the wood
pecker, and many other birds, are
equally useful. The folly Of killing
them is equalled only by its ickedness.
While hceing in my garden the 9TH
er day, | observed small bird alight
near a row Of cabbages. He COM
menced at one end Of the row, and
making the entire circuit Of every plant
and examining the under-surface Of ev-
cry leaf, went through to the other end.
His search was not unsuccessful, for he
found and devoured worms or insects
from almost every plant. Now, no
gold could buy the service which the
scores of these winged assistants that
labor so diligently for me perform SO
faithfully and effectually without mon
ey and without price; giving me sweet
songs without number in addition.
Reader, encourage the birds.