davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
ATTEMPTS AT BRIBERY.

One of the most foul transactions recorded
in the history of modern civilization was the at
tempt to force the Lecompton Constitution upon
the people of Kansas. Our readers can never for
get the leading facts connected with that affair.
They remember that the "Constitution was
framed by Convention elected by Missouri Ruff
fans, in which not one in ten of the inhabitants
of the Territory took part and that, notwth-
standing the notoriety of the facts, the Admin
istration of Mr.. Buchanan exerted all its power
and influence to have the State forced into the
Union under the fraudulent Constitution. But
it was not publicly known that the Admins
tration resorted to bribery to accomplish its
tyrannical purpose. That fact has now GENE
to light. Mr.. Hickman, in the speech which
we noticed last week, stated that the President
and Cabinet had attempted TO purchase his
support, and had offered him more than he
Uas ,corth." Mr.. Adrain, of New Jersey, has
been more explicit, and makes the following
statement on the floor of Congress
"During the Lecompton controversy, was
approached in such a manner as shows corrup-
ton on the part of the Administration. If |
had only given my support to the Lecompton
policy, was assured that l could secure for
eign appointment for one most near and dear
to me. A leading member of the House at
that time came to me, whispering in my ear,
"Sir, it is all settled in the Cabinet" "What
is settled?" "Why, that one who is nearest
to you by the dearest ties of blood, is to receive
the appointment" My reply was, "Send word
to the Administration to make the appoint
ment, and / intend to resist it to the last in its
infamous attempt to force a Constitution on
the people of Kansas, against their will" |
did resist it, and because did resist it, was
charged with being Black Republican, an
Abohtionist, and no Democrat"
No candid man could doubt that an Admin.
istration that could approve of the Lecompton
fraud would hesitate to resort to bribery. Bri-
beryis the fitting means of concentrating such
a measure; SO that we have the strongest
probability in support of the testimony of hon.
orable members of Congress to the fact that
the President and Cabinet have put up the
public Offices to sale to members of the Legis-
lative department of the Government, in con-
sideration of their supporting measures for
the extension of Slavery. It must not be for
gotten, in this connection, that the fraudulent
Constitution provided another bride to the PEG.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

pie of Kansas, amounting to millions of acres of
the public lands, as an inducement to its &C.
ceptance. .
The above statements only reveal unsuccess-
full attempts at bribery; but the country may
never know how many supporters of the fraud
were purchased. 1t is, however, known that
some sudden conversions took place on the eve
of the vote upon the. measure in the House,
and that men who had assailed the fraud and
about and voted for it. Ii is also well known
that members who supported that measure, and
have in consequence been left at home by
their constituents, have been provided with
snug berths at the public expense.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
next week.
DISCRIMINATION IN THE HOUSE

D4cOhGANILAIlON In The HOUSE.
&C. pc only legitimate business before the
Horse of Representatives is organization and
yet the sole occupation of the Black Democ-
rae n that body is disorganization. The Con-
gre, s;ondl Globe is filled from week to week
witt the inhammatory and incendiary diatribes
of tese gentlemen, whose whole object is to
pre- ont an organization, to threaten disunion,
anS 5y such unhallowed means to brighten, as
the -sainly hope, the Opposition into the belief
tina he salvation of the Union depends on the
elee>on of Black Democrat to the Office of
SpeA ker.
Ia the mean time the Republicans have main.
tame an almost unbroken silence, from a con-
victi, n that they have no right to waste time in
tall lg, while the public interests demand an
org ,ization of the House. 1t would be
gre mistake to attribute their silence to
dis :lination to meet their opponents in de-
bate The manifest superiority of the Repub-
licSt speakers in the debates which have taken
pla.eri in the Senate is a conclusive answer to
su2 suggestions. The Republican members
of Il e House have determined to pursue the
even tenor of their way until an organization
take. place, which, from what we hear of the
conc ition of the Treasury cannot be long de-
laye. 1t is said, indeed, that the Postmaster
&c raj declares that his Department cannot
be lept up longer without aid from Congress.
9Th circumstance will probably bring the
Pr sident and his especial friends in the House
to /: sense of duty.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
TUESDAY IN CONGRESS.

The Senate met and adjourned without pro-
Gee ling to business.
I the House, Mr.. Holman, of Indiana, pro-
Gee ed to address the House on the politics of
the bay. He undertook to state the position
,5ce aped by the Democratic party, and to dis
,swl fhe Interpretation placed upon the Cincin-
Qati platform by Southern gentlemen. He
quoad from the writings and speeches of
Mess 8. Cass, Buchanan, and others, in support
Of bi position. He deprecated the idea of dis
slni, and paid glowing tribute to the memo
ry Gen. Jackson, who by his famous procla-
ma fn laid down the true doctrine of the rela-
tioD of the Federal and State Governments.
and Icy his energy and determination queled
the revolutionary spirit displayed by South
Caro- ina.
Mi John Cochrane, of N. Y, thought that
the ountry had reached dangerous crisis.
He deprecated the violence and ultraism of the
Mort and expressed his sympathy with the
Sout But he was no alarmist, and had no
teats for the safety of the Union. He defended
The tnion meetings, and answered the chage
that hey do no practical good, by saying that
they IRE preparing the people to vote for Union
sent nents at the polls
Mi Cochrane attempted to show that the
ReId blican party was made responsible for
HelEtr's book, by the signatures of the Repub-
lica4 members to the prospectus of the work.
He thought their disclaimers were unsatisfac-
tor and ne proceeded to set forth its charac-
ter, ID to denounce its principles.
k,er call of the House, a vote was taken
for s,eaker, which resulted as follows:
N},sole number, 228. Necessary to choice,
LIZ \ Fourteenth ballot.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

NoN-INTERCoURsE.-Th Richmond ERqpi
rer despairs of any good result from the non-in-
tercourse proposed in the Virginia Legislature.
What the crisis demands is the co operation of
the whole South. The Enquirer says:
ave do notpropose any Southern Conven
ton to discuss sectional grieyances-let these
be the subject of State reflection, as they must
become of State action-but we propose that
Virginia shall appoint commissioners, two or
more, to meet similar commissioners from the
Southern States, whose duty it shall be to orig
mate and frame the principle of non-iutercourse
into such laws as will receive the sanction Of
the different State Legislatures. The commits
sioners should be the best and ablest sons Of
the Southern States, of tried and tested fidelity
and for whose wise and prudent consultation the
South would have the guaranty of past lives
faithful to her cause"
This may be regarded as Governor Wises
plan for bringing about a Confederacy Of the
Southern States. He is leading Democratic
candidate for the Presidency.
The Enquirer seems to be in favor of ez
Guiding Baltimore from the Southern trade. It's
hatred of Abolitionism is but little more intense
than its detestation of all forms of Opposi
ton to the Democratic party.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
would sustain the President elect, and insure

would sustain the President elect, and insure
his Inauguration.
| We have said nothing here in the way Of
menace. We have simply stated the case as il
presents itself to our minds. If we have in the
least exaggerated the obstacles in the way of
accomplishing severance of the Union, let the
| facts be shown.
We believe that the obstacles to disunion
above presented, when they come to be looked at
by the Southern people, will put an extinguisher
upon all such enterprises. They viii vote down
by overwhelming majorities, the proposed Sc
cession. But, supposing the majorities to be
the other way in all the States, the result aim
ed at will be far from accomplished. The
whole North WILL as we have said, stand by the
President elect, and insure his public inaugu-
ration on the east portico of the Capitol. Not
a corporal's guard could be raised north of the
Potomac to prevent the inauguration. Though
Maryland may still be Pro-Slayery, her people
will under no circumstances countenance dis
union, and Republican President could safely
rely upon the working and business men of
Baltimore to protect him against any revolu-
south side of the Potomac.
Recent events in Virginia have thrown q
flood of light upon this subject. The South can
not afford to be aggressive against any respect
able power, much less the great, free, and pop
ulous North. We shall hear no more threats of
marching Southern armies upon the Capits.
A large department of ire-eating eloquence has
been completely spoiled, and rendered Eidicu-
lous, by the ado of Governor Wise OVER John
Brown. If he had been killed at HarHers Fer
ry, and there an end of the matter, Of if only
captains company of the Jefferson county
militia had been called upon to guard the jail
and the execution, the preposterous threats and
the Wanting pretensions to military prowess
set up by the Slavery propagandists might still
be relied upon to alarm the timid, and~infu-
ence the votes of the conservative. But the
bubble has burst, and the humbug is transpa-
rent to the boys on the streets. The advice of
Governor Wise to the planters to stay at home
and watch their negroes, while John Bown was
executed, will become tenfold more necessary
while an effort is making to seize Washington,
and imprison or hang the President. In such
contest, every man north of Masons and Dix
on's line would be ready to march to the rescue.
But it is idle to suppose such thing. North
ern men will never be called upon to render
such a service. If any body or set of men in
Virginia, or south of Virginia, should be crazy
enough to plan such an enterprise Governor
Wise would overwhelm them with proclama-
tions. The railroads leading to the Capitol
from the Virginia side would be subjected to
martial law, as was the road leading to Harper's
Ferry; and no Southern man would be permit
ted by the wary Governor to cross the Potomac,
lest he might be of the crazy band. Gov. Wise
will see to that. He is man of peace, and
will never permit his beloved State to be in
volved in hostilities with the North by the folly
of her citizens.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

Ctr subscribers will please look out for their
bills. Don't let them slip out, unnoticed, or
lay item away unattended to.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

EXPULSION OF THE FREE NEGROES FROM Ten.
NEssEE.-Judge Catron, of Tennessee, justice
of the United States Supreme Court publishes
in the Nashville Union a strong and manly re-
monstrance against the base and cowardIy
proposition now pending before the Legsla
ture of that State, to expel or enslave the free
negroes. He denounees it like an honest
Christian gentleman; but the Democratic
newspaper in which the letter of Judge c. aP.
pears, expresses its decided disapprobation
of the spirit and character of the objections
which he makes to the measure" This was
to be expected from the organ of "the great
National Democratic party;" and the wonder
is, that Judge Catron, a member of the party,
should have avowed such heresy.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

EEF- The crowded state of our columns has
exelr ded several literary notices; but amends
wilr be made to the authors and publishers
next week.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
WASHINGTON, D. C..
THURSDAY, DECEMBER %, 1859.

fsF- All letters for the National Era must
be addressed to Mrs. NJ. l.. BAILEY, National
Era, Washington, d. c..
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
L. JAY s. TURNEY,
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT law

land States Attorney for Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Fairfield, Wayne county, Illinois,
win give undivided attention the practice Of his pro-
fcssior, in the counties of White, Wabash, Edwaros
Wayne, Jefferson, and Hamilton, and in the Supreme
and Federal courts Of Illinois. IA ."
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

Ta foaowng gentlemen accredited agents for the
Ere; &c. W. Light Boston, Mass; J. A Innis, Salem,
Mails Thomas Wheeler Cincinnati, Ohio; L. II. Park,
wosu, Union, Ohio; Joseph Hughes, Philadelphia, Pa
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22
Vol. XIII.

we have enjoyed unreserved and intimate IN
tercourse with the citizens of the town, as we'll
as with all ranks and descriptions of the mil;
tary, we have not conversed on the subject Will
q single individual who has failed TO exnre.-
the conviction that an attempt at rescue h.,
been prevented only by the large increase Il
the military force at Charlestown."
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN john BRowY.-Mr.
c. H. Brainard, of Boston, has published a large
and excellent photographic portrait of Captain
Brown, copied from a photograph taken in
Boston in May last. 1t is a very life-like and
spirited picture, and is probably the best like,
ness of him ever taken. DR.. Webb, of Boston,
for whom the original photograph was taken
certifes that the drawing is faithful copy of
the photograph, and the most accurate like.
ness of Captain Brown which he has ever seen.
For terms we refer our readers to the advertise.
ment of the publisher, in another column.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

fe't
<bAL OF THE New YORK HERALD.-The zeal
of tt New York Herald in the cause of Slave
~, ianifested by the publication of all the
most ultra speeches of the Abolitionists, is said
V p stimulated by something more tangible
tina disinterested love. An Albanian writing
for t.e Richmond (Va.) Enquirer says:
- he writer has travelled from St. Louis to
Ner York, the past week, and conversed with
per ms of all parties, and all deprecate and
der lance Browns party, except few red
mo ithed, stereotyped Abolitionists.
- he New York Herdrd has taken delight in
gataYing all the infammable speeches of these
noiy notoriety seekers, to exasperate the South,
as cell as to please those fellows, who have no
9th u way to make themselves known and it is
8 ellknown fact that the Herald has been
pal for publishing some of them"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

'EENcH PRoTEaTIoN-The Charleston Mer-
cn and Richmond Eransiner have published
art cles proposing a dissolution of the Union,
an resort on the part of the South to
II ynch protection
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

To oADvKRrzxRs-Business men win find il greatly TO
the y advantage advertise in the Era.
NeJsrs Petnngill Co., 8. B. Niles, and Joy, Coe,
Co. ere authorized advertising agents for Boston,
Me-. Yorksand Philadelphia
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

THE SATURDAY EVENING PosT-A PREvIrv
ENGRAVING TO EVERY SUBsCRIBER-We call
the attention of our readers to the Prospectu,
of the Saturday Ere'aing Post, in our advert.
sing columns. The Post is considered by many
the best, as it is the oldest, of the weekly pa.
pers. For 1860, we perceive, it offers a large
and beautiful steel engraving, called "Tbe
Speaking Likeness" as a premium to ersry
subscriber. 1t offers also two other large steel
engravings of The Falls of Niagara" as
premium to the getters up Of Clubs. The con.
tributors to the Post are not excellod by those
of any other paper See Prospectus.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

The Richmond Morning Nelos, the Bolts ~.
per, expresses the wish that the Democrat
members of the House may retire en- masse if.
Republican Speaker is elected, as nothing will
be easier than to supply their places with bet.
ter men. But the Nelos has no hope of spcb
result until rivers commence flowing up n ,bo
hills. The country may rest assured Of tia,
Not one of these men but knew, while canvas,
ing for election to Congress, that they wop5
have to encounter the Republicans, with ,
strong probability that the latter would orgs,
ize the House. They would never have IN.
intrigued as they did for their nominations and
then have resorted to all sorts Of demapoo;c.l
tricks and misrepresentation, merely for tba
honor of coming to Washington, to resign :,
disgust, without pay! They will be here until
the fourth of March, 1861, at the least and No
predict that nine-tenths of them will intri,pa e.
the honor of serving another term. 1t is eorsr
ly certain that every Southern Senator who's
term extends beyond that period will. if alive
respond to Che call of the incoming Republic,
President, for an extra session to sit upop h,
nominations for office. This much is certain
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

A CANDID SLAVERY PRoPAGAYDIsT.-Mr
Curry, of Alabama, in an able Pro-Slavery
speech some days ago, declared from the bot
tom Of his heart " that he acquitted the Repub-
lican party of all completely with the Harper's
Ferry affair. He also said that be accepted
in good faith the explanation which had been
given of the connection of Republican mem
bers with the Helper book. What next ? Shall
we have grapes of tborns, and figs of thistles?
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

DoINGs IN THE Missouri LEGIsLATURE.-A
dispatch from Jefferson city announces the de-
feat, in the Senate of Missouri, of the minority
bill to compel TO leave the State or enslave the
free colored population ofthe State. This was
more mild than the majority bill, and by its
provisions certain classes Of negroes were per
mitted to remain. The vote on the minority
bill was, ayes IL, noes p. The vote was then
taken on the passage of the majority bill, re-
sulting, ayes %, noes 10. bill is about to be
reported to the Legislature, making donation
of two millions to the Pacific railroad, one mil
lion to the Southwest branch, one million to the
Platte county branch, and to pay the interest
due ON the Iron Mountain road to January,
1861, and to release the North Missouri road Of
all liabilities.
GREAT UNION MEETING AT New York
LIEUT.. GEN. ScoTT NOMINATED FOR THE PREsI.
DEScY.-Neo Fork, Dec. l9.-The Union meet.
ing tonight was an immense gathering, being
estimated that 10000 people were drawn to-
gether. Strong resolutions were adopted, nomi.
mating Lieut.. Gen. Scott for the Presidency OF
the United States.
ELECTION OF U. S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS.
NeD Orleans, Dec. l5.-The Legislature OF
Texas has elected Mr.. Wigfall, regular Demo
crat, United States Senator, by two majority,
to fill the vacancy existing.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

TIE COMMONWEALTH HOMESTEAD Assocu.
TIoN.-We have received a circular from tho
Secretary of this Association, Mr. II. c. Simp.
son, Wabashaw, Minnesota. 1t is proposed to
plant new free State in the Western Terri,o.
ries, on the line of a Pacific railroad with
guaranty of homestead of eighty acres 10
each settler, with forty acres to be held in trust
for each child. Schools, churches. COLLEGES
libraries, and other appliances of civilization
are to be established; and the Association pr,.
claim that they intend to inaugurate a new era.
in which justice and common sense are to be
the supreme law. This is an admirable idea
if it can be reduced to practice.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-12-22

40 more ballots were taken, with similar
81, T.
New-York daily tribune., 1859-05-19
DIED..

BROwNOn Wednesday May ls, Mr. Samuel Brown. aged 60
Tie rsI and friends Of the family invited attend the
services Thursdsy May 49, at M, from his late
residence No. III East Broadway.
His remains will be taken to Port Chester for inerment
BROWN-The relatives Of the family respectfully
invited attend the funeral OF Eq,ena Brown only daughter
OF Mortimer and Martha Ann Brown, from Dr. Chapins
Church. Broadway, Friday, May %, at 9o'cock p m
BOGERT-On Tuesday May II, William p Boser after
Illness his late resdence, No 2Ss East Eleventh street
CARLIERIu Brooklyn, Tuesday, May II, Joseph Caiep
aged IS ycans and 7 months.
CHEsHIRE-In Brooklyn +. D. Tuesday morning. May H.
OF inAan nation tue hpgs Gertrude Nichols youngest
daughter Charles w and Lydia d. Cheshire aged year. IL
morshs and days
DE- MOTT-ou Tuesday, May N. Mars,re.a as Mott widow Of
and MATHIS R. e'ains., aged year, ssd months
The psas pSs sa Il & 9s 1s No. oS Hsay ;a .ios
New.York, Thursday morning, Nay 10, at II o'clock
KEOUOIi-In this city Tuesday, May II after short but
| severe illness, Mr. France KeOush aged . yea"
LlTTELL-At HobOasn, ~ u sp Tuesday May H. r. pumOnt
Tn" relative. and fricnd, are respectfully invited attend the
Thuday renoOn the lsth inst from the residence
ofs parents No 10 Union place, Hoboken al " o'clock
| Inerment IN Morsyan Hill Cemetery. Staten Island.
LIvINGSTON-In this city, Tuesday, May H. Mrs C. F.
Livingston.
| NJ Ludlow, eldest daughter Of Robert II. Ludlow.
MULLGANIu Br9S.lyn on Tuesday, May a. sfter short
LoDgOd Ireland and for many years resident OF Brook
oLIPHANT-on Wednesday May 49, Ann Marie, wife of Jas
funeral Thursday May TO- at o'clock without further no
Savannah papers please copy.
POELsn hi, city, suddenly Tuesday morning May H.
40co Elizabeth NJ second daughter Of Peter Poels, aged
II years, II months and II days.
RAYMOND-On Wednesday morning May 49, Of consumption
o. W Raymond eldest OF the late Capt Hiram Raymond
| aged 25 wears and months.
The relatives friends Of the family, and members Of the
company National Guard are respectfully requested to At
tcud his f from the residence OF his bToherinlaw ~.
day morning at 10 O'Clock, without further invitation
New-York daily tribune., 1859-05-19

A LITERARY NgcKTT.-A writer in one OF our
Philadelphia exchanges, describing fashion ably
dressed young geLteman, says that he wore " bluc
silk neck tie knotted with the graceful ease OF one
Of Macaulays sentences" Who ssys we are not
literary people
A DEMOCRATIC TRIo.-A woman ID W ythe County
Va, gave birth the other day to three children all
boys-Letcher, Montague and Tucker, were the names
conferred upon them These three gentlemen are on
the Democra'i9 State ticket in Virginia.
The San AHtonlo Herald, Of the Sd inst, has long
article about the United States Arsenal to be built
in that city on the grounds occupied by the residence
lately occupied by Ex Governor Bell. The arsenal
will be in charge of Capt. X. Il. X. Whitley.
The King of Bavaria offers prize Of 200 louis Tor
or about $500 for the best drama Illustrative oi Ger
man history; the competition to be open to authors OF
all nations, and the MSS to reach Munich previous TO
Dec. 1, 1860.
The Legislature Of Connecticut is in session at the
present time. Among other movements, License
ent Probbitory Law, and referred to the proper COM
mittee
The Canadian Legislature has addressed an invitation
10 Queen Victoria TO be present at the opening and
completion Of the Victoria Bridge at Montreal in 1861
William Cable was stabbed and killed, and Samuel
Grove badly wounded by Thomas Hanna on Friday
night, at cotllion party in Allegheny. Penbsy yvania
The Snow MYLTIsG.-Tbe rivers in New -lIamp-
shire are very high at this time through the melting OF
snow on the mountains, and the recent rains. The
warm south wind Of laet week started the snow u the
wood: and on the northern mountain elopes.
car full Of emigrants for Pixies Peak passed
through Norwich on Friday.