davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Woman.
SAMUEL LOVER

Few writers have more truthfully depicted
the character of a true woman, than has Mrs.
Ann Stephens, in the following striking Ian
guage:
Woman, woman truly thou art a miracle.
Place her among flowers, foster her as a ten
der plant, and she is a thing Of fancy, way
wardness and sometimes folly-annoyed by a
dcw-drop, fretted by the touch of a butter
fys wing, and ready to faint at the rustic of
a beetle the zephyrs are too rough, the
showers too heavy, and she is overpowered
by the perfume of a rosebud. But let real
calamity come-rouse her affections-enkin-
die the fires of her heart-and mark her
then; how her heart strengthens itself-how
strong is her purpose. Place her in the heat
of battle-give her a child, a bird, anything
she loves or pities, to prOtect-and see her,
as a shield, as her own blood crimsOns her
upturned forehead, praying for life to pro-
tect the helpless. Transplant her in the
dark places of the earth-awaken her encr-
gies to action, and her breath becomes a heal
higher presence a blessing. She disputes,
inch by inch, the stride of the stalking pesti
lence, when man, the strong and brave
shrinks away, pale and frightened. Misfor
tune daunts her not, she wears away a lif,
of silent endurance, and goes forward will
less timidity than to her bridal. In prospect
ty she is a bud for the winds of adversely t.
scatter abroad-in misfortune she prove
pure gold, valuable, and tried in the furnace
In short, woman is a miracle-a mystery, tn
centre from which radiates the great charm c
eXistence.-Nrs. Ann s. Stephens.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23

CONVENTION OF ELDERS AND DEACoEs OF
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.-A Convention
of the Elders and Deacons of the Presbyteri-
an Church of the State was held in the Pres
byterian Church in this place, commencing
on Tuesday night the 18th instant. About
sixty delegates were in attendance, embracing
men Of much worth and talents from the diff
ferent sections of the State. Rufus Barring
er, ESQ.,, Deacon, of Concord, was chosen
President, and DR.. Wier, of Greensborough
and Mr.. Baskerville, Of Granville, were ap-
pointed Secretaries. A committee Of six,
consisting of two from each P~resbytery, and
headed by Judge Shepherd, was appointed to
prepare business for the action of the Con-
v%ention; and on Wednesday night this com
mittee through its Chairman, made an inte-
resting report, which, with some resolutions
appended, were ably discussed and unani-
mously adopted.
The best spirit seemed to peryade the body
during its session, and a number Of questions
of interest to the Church were discussed by
Messrs. j. W. Osborne, Judge Shepherd, W.
J.. Bingham, c.. H, Wiley, Y. c. Barringer,
Mr.. Gibbs, Jesse H. Lindsay, Mr.. Faucette
and others. The Convention, after a most
agreeable session, interspersed with devotion
al exercises, adjourned on Wednesday night
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
a Heroine.

In former times, when, however, there were
no woinau's rights, woman had a soul above
muslin; though they did not distinguish
themselves by Intellectual superiority, they
invaded the attributes Of the male sex by
heroic deeds Of actual yalor and glory. Many
Of these deeds arc almost unknown, and the
military fame of the sex has rested on a very
few hcroincs, such as the Maid of Orleans,
Jeanne Uachottc, aud two or three others
In the chronicles of other days, there are,
however, records of a most romantic nature:
amongst others, is the history of a young
girl of sixteen, who lived in the year 1862,
n the province Of Dauphinc, in France. Her
name was Phillis, she was the daughter of
the Marquis dc la Charre.
The Duke of Savoy, having attacked the
province in which she lived, the inhabitants
became panic-struck, and allowed the enemy
to take their towns and villages without re-
siStance. Phillis, cxasperated at this, rushed
to her pallrcy, and followed by two or three
faithful Squircs, She rallied the people, placed
hcrsclfat their head, and taking the command,
cut down the bridges and surrounded the
passes, so that the enemy was effectually re-
pulsed.
Lotus XIV, efIeminate and absorbed in
luxury as he was, knew how to appreciate
heroic actions, he gave Mile. de la Charrc the
pension Of o general officer, and caused her
sword and her coat-ofarms to be suspended
in the Cathedral of st. Dennis, amongst the
heroes Of France.
Phillis de la Charre died at Lyons in 1903,
and a simple stone marks the spot where she
lies buried in the cemetery of that city. The
inscription on the stone does not record thu
heroic deeds of her youth, but states that sh,
was a dutifnl and faithful wife; and that he,
sorrowing children erected this stone to he
memory. So that after all, she was a tru
woman, aud found that the true happiness G
woman was not in being brilliant or conspiC
nous, but in home and in the affections of tn
heart.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
EilIsboro' Recorder.

The No. Of this Paper received last week,
was the beginning of its .tfortieth year-its
present venerable Editor being its founder
and conductor all that long period-DENSIs
HEARTT, ESQ. He makes a n appeal to his
friends to aid in increasing his circulation
We hope his appeal will be responded to by
a large increase of pay-in-advance subscribers.
The Editorial fraternity may well be proud
of Mr.. Heartt-the Father Of the Press in
North Carolina. He is a gentleman of the
old school-refned and courtcous-an hum
BILE, devoted christian. We love to look on
that good old man-his head silvered with
the frosts Of three score anC ten, and face
wrinkled and furrowed by the plough-share
Of time and care-yet with a reputation with
out blemish, and a heart free from guile. He
is q snoble specimen of what a heightened,
conscientious representative of the Press
should be-beloved by his political friends,
and honored and respected by those who diff
fer with him. We believe all parties and
creeds of the Press in our State will join us
in the wish, that his number Of subscribers
may be greatly increased, and that his few
remaining years on earth may be peaceful
and happy.
We extract the following from the appeal
in the Recorder:
+ We see many of our brethren of the press
frequently acknowledging the receipt of clubs
: of subscribers, accompanied acih the cash.-
: We should like to make a few acknowledge
: ments and that our friends may make VI
these clubs, we offer the Recorder to new
subscribers upon the following terms: A sin
l gle copy, one year, $500; six copies, on
year, $1,000; ten copies, one year, $500
:, Payments always in advance.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
For the Spirit Of the Age.
Jottings by the Way.


While travelling on business, a short time
since, 1t became necessary for me to pass
through the thriving little village of c..
which is situated on the lake of K Tt
is a charming little place, numbering about
800 inhabitants, and has two churches, "a
Methodist and Presbyterian,) a handsome
court house and jail, and several large stores,
which are better supplied than most village
shops.
AS | had a few hours to spare, [ walked
around the village and took a general survey.
| found two doctors Offices, two law offices,
plenty OF stores, and an oyster saloon. The
merchants generally, were very polite, and
did honor to themselves and their village. |
understand that they now have an agency for
the bank Of South Carolina. This will be
very convenient, as the present currency is
mostly North Carolina bills.
In my walk. | came across the village grave
yard, where | presume reposes the remains
OF those who were once inhabitants of the
village. Loved friends Of those who are left
behind. 1t is a lovely place, a sloping bank
by the side of a gently flowing lake. Large
trees cast their shadows over the graveyard,
and through their INTERVIEWING branches,
CLEANS of Gods glorious sunshine penetrate,
and radiate the green turf which hides many
a loved one from view. Yes, it is a fit rest
ing place for the spirits Of the loved and
dead. / noticed one tombstone in memory
of an old minister of the gospel. It was a fit
monument to his many virtues. As walked
through this large city of the dead, l could
> not but muse on the falsity of all human ex-
pectations. Here, thought |, is the end of all
our Creams. The young belle, full of hope
and JOY, IS taken from friends and compan
ions, by the relentless hand of death, and con-
l signed to the cold sod. The young bride,
full offond anticipations for the future, is laid
by her husband beneath the willow tree
The infant, the aged father, aid mother, and
the stranger, all are placed side by side. Al
share a common grave. All must give al
account of their actions, whether for good o.
evil. AS thus meditated, l glanced toward
the church, and unused no longer; for [ i'm
agined that many who were buried there, hat
heard the church going bell and answered it
calls many, many times and were now shou
ting the praises Of the Most High in tn
courts of the Great | Am.
a | returned to my boarding house which
by the way, is unsurpassed, and the next da
left the charming village. But though | ma
lie never enter it again, memories Of kindnes
ID received from the inhabitants, like sweet ST
vor, will ever arise to cheer and bless my So
4 hours. Heaven bless the dear inhabitants
er C, and may they never disregard til
W calls of the church going bells, but attend an
at be blessed. cola UNDINE.
lg Oak Hill.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Late Foreign News.

HALIFAX, Feb. 1.-THE steamer America
arrived here to might from Liverpool, with
dates to the goth ult.
War rumors still continued to be ~circula-
ted in Europe. Paris letters speak of great
activity in France in making warlike prepa-
%rations, and Of a general impression prevail
ing that a momentous crisis is approaching.
England is e~xerting herself for peace, and on
her attitude, it is believed, the question of
peace or war will depend.
France forbids immigrants recruiting on
the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar.
The Princess Frederick William has given
birth to a son.
Cotton.-All guam lities have declined ],
particularly Uplands.
Manchester advices are unfavorable, and
the market dull.
Observation-Disclosures has a declining
tendency.
The English Government has contracted
for the manufacture of 68 pound cannon,
with three foundries.
In France, the demand for cavalry was so
great that they were buying up nine year
old horses.
Sixty-two war transports have been order
ed to Toulon by the first of March.
/ Three men-of-war had departed for Genoa,
: it was supposed to accomF any the Prince
: Napoleon and his bride to France.
Three ships-ofthe-line will also proceed to
the Mediterranean
/ A Congress of Foreign Powers, will assem-
BILE in London, to make arrangements to pre-
vent difficulties on the Continent.
A Vienna correspondent of the London
: Times, says that Austria will never consent
: to a settlement of the Italian question by the
e European Congress.
LATER The Prince Albert brings ons
weeks later advices. The British Parliament
t had opened. The Queens speech was non
committal and silent on the subject of war
which had caused a decline of funds in Paris
Cotton had advanced an eighth.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
.pirlltoft Agt.
"A H,E.c.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY %, 1859.
Special Notice.

The SPIRIT OF THE AGE is conducted strict
ly upon the CASH system. All papers are
discontinued at the expiration of the time for
which they have been paid. Subscribers
will be notified FOUR WEEKS before their time
is out, by a CROSS MAR on their papers and
unless the subscription is renewedth papers
viii be discontinued. This is a rule from
which there will be no departure. Watch
for the CROSS MARK, andrenew your subscrip-
ton.
- Subscribers desiring their papers
changed, must mention the Post Office, from
as well as the one to, which they desire th'
change to be made.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Hasty and Imperfect Legislation.

No one who has bcea present on the last
two or three days Of q session Of eur Lois
l~aturcs, could fail to notice the hasty and i'm
perfect manner in which bills were passed or
rejected The country has largely and seri-
ously suffered thereby. Laws arc rushed
through under headlong and improper infu-
ences, and measures adopted or rejected un-
der the spur Of temporary excitement and
partizan rivalry and contest. This evil has
long prevailed AMI has been greatly depreca-
ted, but, we regret 70 say, that tie sad expe-
riencc of the past in this REGARD. does NOT re
strain the tendency 4, succeeding sessions
Hence, a large portion = tie time Of each
Legislature, IS spent II i. arig what is pre-
decesSors did.
The time Of the earlier portion oF the sc--
sion Is squanicred, and thus at the close the
consideration Of innumerable bills Is crowded
into two o. three days which oaaht 10 oecuny-
weeks. Many bills are rejected that Give
great trouble TO localities interested in thcir
passage others are passed which would not
have been under more deliberate circuunstan.
ces-and . great many are left sleeping on
: the tables Of the S eakers for want of time
to complete their readings, when perhaps day.
/, and weeks had been spent IN r.ecta- them
! For the want Of tvo Of Ghree hou7s. some
c times important measures ere TIN. .l.7astIed
' to the great injury Of the public interest.
e These things are great gr.cyanrcs. and r.,
7eoplcare frequently great srt-sn By ther,
What remedy might be applied, vc are az
loss to suggest, unless there coelt bo som
rule established that would prohibit tae lie.
lie %islature from adjourning, until all the bus
in ness before the two Houses shouldb e dispe.,
y Of.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
The Adjournment.

The Legislature adjourned on Thursday
last, after a session of 90 days-the longest
session ever held by the General Assembly
of North Carolina. Many matters Of the
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. were under considera-
ton, requiring much time and attention for
their disposition; and we believe the people
will not be disposed to complain ofthe length
Of the session, if they are satisfied that the
interests of the State and her people have
been wisely and prudently cared for. This
is the great consideration, after all.
The closing sessions, as usual, were mark
ed by great noise and confusion, giving a
spectator a very curious idea of deEiberatiot
bodies, if these were of that class.
Many bills were left sleeping IN the Speak
er's desks unprotected, but we believe all the
most important bills were disposed Of;
synopsis ofwhich we give in another column
There were two measures defeated, which
we deeply regretted, viz: the bill for the NOR
speedy completion of the Western Extension
IIdlirOdQ. dIlu lif6 DllI 10 dlu lIlC AlbI1Ildl L
and Chesapeake Canal. These two meas
ures wire Of paramount interest and impol
tance to the people Of the Western and Ea:
tern sections of the State, and in our humbl
Judgment ought to have passed. Especial
did we sympathise with our trans-montan
fellow-citizens, who have always been tn
fast friends of all works Of internal in
provement in every section of the State, ar
but for whose votes, none could ever hay
had existence; wesay, we did sympathise vii
them in being refused such just and reaso
able assistance as they asked for in order
facilitate the progress of a great work, to Il
completion Of which the faith Of the State
Individually pledged. We hope, howeye
their disappointment, though sorely felt, W
be temporary and that two years hence su
assistance will be rendered as will more tn
make up for the detention.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
For the Spirit of the Age.
The Slandererl

OF all the low, mean, dcspicable beings
that this mundane sphere of ours is cursed
with, the Slanderer is the worst, and the most
to be dreaded. The innocent and guilty alike
share in their vituperations. The slanderer
is more noticeable in a small village, than in
any other place. There they carry their dose
Of death, dealing double distilled poison from
house to house, perhaps running the fair fame
of some innocent girl, and casting her from
the high place she has occupied, and doom
ing her to the very depths of despair. Then
g~loating, in secret, over the ruin their SER
pent tongue has wrought.
There are those who SANDER their neighbor
merely for their own amusement. But as a
general thing, their passions have, in some
way, been excited against the one they strive
to put down. Either the person is in the
way of their advancement, or in the way of
their attaining some desired end. Or, per-
haps, the offending party is rather the supe-
rior of the ~tattler, and their guilt. blackened
soul is made even blacker by the venom of
envy which arises in their heart.
just let a man or woman, by industry and
frugality, amass a fortune and rise above the
common level, and the forked tongue of the
slanderer commences that man has not at
tanned his riches honestly or there's some
thing dark about that woman, depend on it
she's not too good.
Let a young man or woman strive to win
an honorable name in the literary world, and
they are Immediately chosen as a target for
the tongue and scandal of the village Cos.
sip. Their articles are criticised and found
fault with. And if they are in purity O
thought and diction rather a60Ue the c0mpre
tension Of the critics, they are pronounced
bv them to be 'copied." And some unstar
who swept the rooms of a building called O
college, arises, indites a very affecting poem
entitled the Butcher Boy" Tin which sh,
butchers" up the english language e~xcrucia
tingly,) and dedicates it to all young authors
and -, particularly. And then burns il
OF all the beings under Gods heaven tina
we do most heartily scorn and contemn, W
despise the slanderer most. Sooner would
trust myself to the tender mercies of a po
sonous rattlesnake, than risk the tongue of
Slanderer. | know of no companion suitabl
to them, except that of an adder stealth
slowly along among the spires of green gras
hidden from view, until it reaches its victim
and with one strike infuses the deadly poiso
in it's system. Then as noiselessly as befor
steals away and leaves its victim dying Will
out knowing who dealt the blow.
Dear readers, we hope that none who D
ruse the Spirit of the Age, belong to tn
class Of beings called Slanderers. If so, IL
so Dner you change your course in life the be
! ter. For the Bible says that 'all liars sha
have their part in the lake that burneth vii
fire and birthstone J" and my opinion is, TIL
: the lowest place in torment was made esp
; cially for them. MINNIE E. RAY.
Near Wilmington, n. G.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Lectures.

We learn that Mr.. Edward I. Finch, Of
Va, intends delivering some four or five Lee
lures in this city, commencing on the night
of the ed, at the large hall of the Raleigh
Female Seminary. The themes of his Lee
lures are Electricity and other branches Of
Chemistry, illustrated by interesting expert
ments, &c. A gentleman who is well &C
q~uaintcd with Mr.. Finch, and who is compe.
tent to Judge, assures us that he thoroughly
understands the subjects On which he treats
and that the public will not be ~humbugged
as they too often are by persons who know
little Of what they are protesting to teach
See Handbills.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Honorable and Truthful.

The heightened chivalrous Editor of the
Camden 6, c. Journal, makes the following
capital remarks:
FRIENDSHIP AMONG NEwsPAPERs.-It is a
small business to see newspapers quarrelling
among themselves, and each endeavoring to
Guido and undervalue the other it betokens
a little spirit and exhibits nothing magnani-
nous or noble.
There is never any need why gentlemen
should act otherwise than as such towards
each other III either the social or business re-
lations of life, and there is no excuse for the
many determinations which so frequently
occur. "A soft answer turneth away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger"
A drop Of oil on the grating machinery of
human intercourse may serve to give ease
and rapidity of motion to those who are toll
ing and plodding their weary way through
life.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Gaoits' department,
Mrs. M. E G0RMAN, Editress.
New Books.

THE GOLDEN AGE-A Poem by Rev. L. w.
Peck, New York-Goodenough, Publisher,
New York. This volume is printed in very
neat style, and handsomely bound. The
style Of the Author is chaste and beautiful
far above many Of tho modern poetical cffu-
sions. lie advocates the noble cause of Tenn
pcrance with elegance and force, for which
we thank the gifted Author. The volume is
"a compound of blank verse and rhyme, of
the narrative, dramatic and allegorical,' and
although not without defects, reflects credita-
bly, upon the genius of the writer. We hope
20 be able to give some extracts from this
Poera next week.
The MINISTRY or LIFE.-Thc Editor spoke
in commentator of this book last week, but
receiving myself 50 much pleasure from its
perusal, ! must say a word in its behalf. 1t
is n work which the scholar, the philosopher,
and the christia" may read with appreciation
and profit. From its pages CLEAN forth les
sons Of virtue and morality and a vein of
deep religious feeling and heavenly aspira-
ton peryades the entire work. The scenes
are laid ~ England, and old English manners
and customs are happily drawn and portrayed.
Those who open its pages and follow its char
actcrs to the end, will, | assure them, be led
in paths Of pleasantness, and their hearts in
clined to a sympathy with the pure princi-
pies its pages inculcate. We advise every
Mother to procure a copy. ID. Appleton &
Co., Publishers, New York. Price 81.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
The Son to his Mother.

If there is a son in the world who has had
a Mothers care, and heard a Mothers prayer
for him, whose heart does not beat to the
music of the following touching lines, his We
ry soul and nature must be so encased by sin
and degradation as to shut out every ray of
sunlight and every CLEAN of hope for him in
the future:
There was a place in childhood that | re-
member well,
And there, a voice of sweetest tone bright
fairy tales did tell;
And gentle words and fond embrace were Civ
en- with JOY to me,
When | was in that happy place, upon my
mothers knee.
When fairy tales were ended, Good night -
she softly said,
And kiss'd and laid me down to sleep within
my tiny bed;
And gentle words she taught me there-me-
thinks yet can sec
Her angel eyes, as close | knclt beside my
mothers knee.
In the sickness of my childhood, in the perils
of my prime,
The sorrows o fmy ripper years, the cares o
ev'ry time;
When doubt and danger weigh'd me down
then pleading all for me,
1t was a fervent pray'r to Heaven that ben
my mothers knee.
And can | this remember, and e'er forget t
prove
The glow Of holy gratitudc-the fulness {
my love!
When thou art feeble, mother, come rest tn
arm on me,
And let thy CHERISHED child support the age
mothers knee.
SAMUEL LOVER.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-23
Female Wit.

\ good story is told of a lady wit, whose
pUHni"g propensities were brought to bear
on one Of the honorable NJ. C.'s of the old
North State, She was dining at the Presidents
the other day, and was seated at n table be-
tween a certain representative from Tennessee,
and the Hon. Mr.. Rufin, of North Carolina.
GLOW arc you getting on my dear madam ~
asked the jolly bachelor of the White House.
" Well as could be expected, with a Savage
on one side and a RufR(a)n on the other"
was the instant response.