davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
A Fragrant Subject.

All over the West, says the Buffalo Ex
press, in an article on the Skunk mania
which has lately broken out, skunk skin ira
ders abound: and skunk hunters are on the
alert for more victims. That which hereto
fore everybody it seems, has been anxious
TO avoid. is now eagerly sought for. Skunks,
which have heretofore been allowed to -four
ish and enjoy their domestic habits in peace
and quetness, now find their homes ruthless
ly invaded their unhappy progeny knocked
on the head, and in spite of their hitherto
supposed inyincible armor, themselves and
their families inhumanly hayed for the pur-
pose If decorating hitherto despised race
The supply seems to increase with the de-
mand. and yet prices are constantly going
up. 4 few weeks since, when the excite
ment first broke out, ~ and 20 cents was
considered good price, but now 80, %, and
even as high as 1870 cents each, we under
stand have been paid for the odoriferous ar
ticle. The skins are taken to Germany,
where they are deodorized and changed into
Siberian Squirrel" and then returned to
decorate the shoulders of our beaux and bellies,
and it is now well ascertained that the prin-
ciple cases of the most popular Partisan per-
tuners are supplied from the essence Of the
defunct animal.
In Buffalo, a thriving and exceedingly ex-
tensve business is already being done. A
skunk depot has been established, and huge
packages are daily taken through our streets,
by express managers. from the West. 1t is
said that the employees of the express com
panes suffer some from their confinement in
the close car, and that many have been forced
to lay up in consequence of the odor; but
all these little inconveniences must yield to
the necessities Of commerce.
The Hartford Press says that five thou
sand skunk skins have been sold in that city
during the last and present seasons. The
prices vary from fifty to sixty-seven cents,
those entirely black being worth the most
One dealer in New York has exported thirty
thousand skins within few weeks. The
fur is used in Europe for carpets, articles of
dress &c
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
Letter of the Postmaster General.

WASHINGTON. March u, iNI3.
SIR: have just learned that it is the de-
termination of the President not to call al
extra session of Congress, aud in view of
this, and Of the failure of the Post Office aP-
preparation bill, should he glad t" learn
what course of administration i proposed
by the Department for the relief of its credI-
tors, and especially if any provision Is con
tcmplatcd for cxtinguishing its liabilities
which have already maturcd, and are now
payable. have the honor to be, very respect
fully, Your ob't. serv't., GEo. MATTISGLY.
Sup't. Potomac Steamboat Company.
HIoN. JOS. Hour, Postmaster General.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
American Sculptors in Rome.

A letter from Rome to the Boston Courier
says:-
Several of the American sculptors have
lately changed their studios. Ives has ia
ken the studio formerly occupied by Bar
tholemew, Story removed to the one vacated
by Ives, while Miss Emma Stebbins has en-
tablishcd herself in Story's old quarters
Miss iOsmer has now studio by herself in
the Margutta, and in the same street Rogers
and Mozier have taken large apartments in
Il fine building recently erected.
"Iyes has lately modelled statue of I'm
dine-Miss Hosmcr one Of Ienobia-Mozier
one Of Esther. Rogers has nearly finished
modelling the colossal statue of Gen. Nelson
for the Richmond Monument, and his statue
of John Adams. ordered for the Mount Au-
burn Chapel will soon be ready for ship
ment Several months since he sent to the
Munich foundry the cast for the bronze
doors Of the Capitol, but he retains dupli-
cate cast in his studio, which attracts many
visitors and wins their universal admiration.
| think that this work will give Rogers a
great reputation, both in America and Eu-
rope. There are nine principal compart-
ments Of the doors, representing the follow
ing passages in the life of Columbus:-Co-
lumbus before the Council of Salamanca; his
departure from the Convent Of La Robda,
his interview with Ferdinand and Isabella;
his embarkation at Palos; his first landing,
his first encounter with the natives; his tri-
umphal entry into Barcelona; his return to
Spain a second time in chains, and his death
The composition Of each Of these is very
pleasing"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Of matchmaking the st. Paul and Puget
Sound route established in March, 1850.
bur not yet put into operation--it has been
estimated would require al annual appro-
priation from the Treasury of 1904 Loss, over
and above the receipts accruing theretrom.
Not dollar, however, has been appropri-
atcd for this purpose, and, AS necessary
result. the contracts for these routes, though
they have been advertised and proposals re-
ceived cannot be closed until the necessary
funds shall have been provided by law.
Very respectfully, your obedicnt servant,
To GEo. MAITTSGLY, ESQ. j. HOLT.
Sup't Potomac Steamboat Co., Washington.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
ALEXANDRIA,:
WEDNESDAY MORNING, MARCH %, 1859.

1t will be seen by the letter of the Post
master General. published in another col
umn, that, after protracted deliberation in
repeated Cabinet Councils. the Administra-
ton has determined not to call an extra ses-
sion of Congress-; and, in order to sustain the
Post Office Department, will rely, We sup
pose, upon the expedient of issuing Post Of
fee certificates, which it is hoped to make
available in the money markets for cash,
and thus afford contingent adequate to the
maintenance, in some degree, Of the postal
facilities for which Congress neglected to
provide the necessary appropriations at its
last session. The reasons for the determine
ton of the Administration, in the premises,
are set forth, at length, in the Post Master
Generals letter.
The National Intelligencer regards the
plan as liable to the gravest objections, and
the determination as an evasion of the direct
and appropriate remedy provided for such
e1igencies by the terms of the Constitution
Whilst the lntelligencer condemns the
"partizan e1pedieney," which, it says, is one
of the reasons for not converting Congress to
legislate on the matter, it wishes to know
how the hard-money Democracy will receive
and relish this paper-certyfcote currency,
which has been hit upon by the Admins
tration as the alternative proposition EN-
ployed to ward of the dreaded presence Of
the Peoples Representatives in Congress.
1t adds AT what waste this certificate
currency is to be negotiated in the money
markets, and by what agencies and inAuen-
ces it is to be redeemed, we leave our rea-
ders to infer, when we cite the fact that these
unauthorized manifestoes, according to the
representations of the official paper, do not
bind the Government, and are taken at the
risk of contractors, subject to all the offsets
of the Department and to all the annoyances
which must attend their recognition by a
Congress which will be little likely to be for
ward in giving validity to this Executive as
sumption of make-shift expediency, resor-
ted to in partial derogation Of its peculiar
rights in the premises, and in obvious ne
glect of the plain constitutional remedy"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Lord Brougham has brought in bill, in
the British Parliament, which provides that
any person ON trial for treason, felony, or
misdemeanor may offer himself as witness in
his own behalf, and his wife as we'll, in her
husbands behalf. Such person must be
sworn on the Holy Evangelists, and be sub.
iect to cross-examinations. No writing of
such person will be receivable in evidence
unless called for by the prosecutor. The
most important clause, however, is that
which withdraws from such prisoners pro-
lection from answering questions tending to
criminate.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Mr. Jacob Strawn, Of Illinois, has earned
for himself the reputation Of the giant farmer
of the West. Twenty-seven years ago he
settled in Illinois poor man. His opera
tons were small at first, but continued TO in
crease each year until he had reduced over
10000 acres Of land To state of cultivation.
He has one farm Of ! 800 acres, and another
Of 10000. He has usually employed from
200 to 300 men, and large number ofhor-
ses. Every year untilquite recently he has
called from 5000 10 5000 head Of cattle, and
kept other live stock in proportionate num-
bers. In this twenty-seyen years he has made
fortune of million of dollars, and he is
still hale and vigorous to enjoy it, He has
one eorn.6eld in Morgan county nearly six
miles long. but has lately been ourtsiling bis
business, and converting some Of bis real
estate into cash Chicago Paper.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

1t is very doubtful if many of those in
Congress who lately voted for the abolition
Of the ranking privilege were in earnest
though if the people knew the enormous
abuses of the system, it is believed, by many
that they would be almost, if not quite unan-
imous. in calling for wiping it out. The
transportation of books alone is very heavy.
We have been informed that the cost OF
sending to Utah the books of the delegate
from that territory, is seven thousand five
hundred dollars, and others in proportion.
Again, one house of Congress passed an
amendment to the Postal Bill raising the
rate of postage from three to FIVE cents on
a single letter, an increase Of sixty-si1 and
two-thirds per cent. Does any one seri-
ously believe that the people desired such
a tax to be laid on thems Perhaps after all
it was only move to amuse "Buneombe
and intended to be used on the stump; d
cheap kind of patriotism truly, akin to that
exhibited on various occasions by the patrl-
otto members of Congress. The people tor
Q long time petitioned Congress for cheap
postage, even lower than it is at present,
and do our Solons think they will let such q
beneficial revolution 60 backwards?
It would no doubt be good measure to
abolish the franking privilege, as is now the
case in Great Britain. But as our rulers are
not paid as we'll as those of Great Britain it
would be right and proper that certain
amount in postage stamps should be furnish
ed to al, to whom it should be deemed ne'e',
,.ry and proper to allow the privilege and
them and not till then, will it be known
What The Post Oiice Department earns and
vhsshsr or motif con be made 'elf.sost'in'ns'
No Aoab& +. very different exhibit would o'
.bsaw,1n, II such change was made and man!
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

On Friday last, Mr.. Peter Sweeny, the pro-
prietor Of pork and bacon packing establish
ment, Baltimore, sent to the Citizens Bank
his clerk, young man, named Patrick Henry
Campbell, to make deposit of about $500
The youth. who is not more than l9years old,
was in the confidence of his employer, and
during a service of FIVE years. had been en-
trusted with thousands of dollars. But up
to Yesterday he had failed to return from his
errand, and upon inquiry at the bank it was
ascertained that no deposit from MIR. Sweeny
had been made there in the meantime.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

VIM. Thompson, esq, formerly the editor
and publisher of the Washington News, has
resumed his former occupation, and issued
the Washington Examiner, to be published
weekly, devoted to Washington city affairs,
education, literary, police, local, and mercan-
tile affairs. We wish our old friend every
success-and he will obtain it, if attention
and efforts to please and instruct the public,
can command the general appreciation.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

The Kansas papers report the emigration
as being greater than ever known before in
this country. The Kansas city Journal of
Commerce of the 30th ult has the latest ad-
vices from the mines. The news was favora-
BILE, the miners making from three to FIVE
dollars day, on an average. MIG. Ramsey.
says the country around the head waters OF
Kansas is as rich in gold as the Platte, be.
sides it is much superior for agricultural
purposes. He cautions emigrants against the
Indians, who are disposed to be troublesome.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
CONaUNTr ~

| regretted to notice the fact thar al
fires on Sunday and Monday night, .'.
the most efficient fire companies b'Ion-i :
the Fire Department-thc Friendship.
unable to 90 to work, on account ~ .
informed, Of not having sufficient ga'
Of hose. As their petition has been pr
ed to the City Council, asking for h'"
dred feet of hose, we hope that j, VI. 70
mediately granted.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

A couple stagestruck boys, respectively
l6 and Il years of age, and students at Har-
ward College, ran away from Boston and
gave reading" in Albany. Their audi
ence consisted Of 80 persons. At the end they
received token of regard, in the shape OF an
arrest by the police, at the instance OF their
parents. The boys were taken TO Boston.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
ALo,s of Three Thousand Lives.

Near Taganrog on the Sea of Azoff, a
catastrophe occurred, about the beginning Of
February last, which involved a loss of life
unparalleled except by memorable earth
quakes or volcanic eruptions. 1t appears
that some three thousand inhabitants of Ia
ganrog, relying upon the promise OF fair
weather made 10y the genial atmosphere and
the cloudless sky, proceeded to the Azotf sea
TO indulge in the sport of fishing beneath the
ice-a favorite pastime of that region. The
atmosphere continuing serene, the party
were lulled into feeling Of security, and
ventured further than usual upon the ice, in
the hope of obtaining a good haul. Sudden
ly breeze sprung up from the east, which,
growing boistcrous by degrees, whirled the
loose snow and fine particles of ice in all di
rections and before long succeeded in de-
taching the Ice from the shore. The large
ice-feld then broke into numerous pieces,
which, with their terrified and helpless hui
man freight, driftcd towards the open sea.
No assistance be rendered the unhappy be-
incs by their frantic relatives and friends Oh
shore. and within two hours not sign of life
was visible on the surface of the sea. On
the following day cake Of ice drifted in
shore upon which were FIVE of the unfortu-
mates. three Of them dead, and the other two
numb and insensible The two latter, u girl
and an old man, were restored by means OF
the usual appliances. The girl, however,
survived but few hours; the man recovered
but lost the use of his tongue-a consequence
probably, Of the fright caused by the scene
he had passed through. He prepared writ
ten narrative of the occurrences of that fear
full night on the Azoff By this catastrophe
at least three thousand persons found wa
terry grave.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Messrs. Thompson Brothers report thai
Land Warrants are firmly held, under the
belief that the spring and summer demand
will be such as to insure higher prices.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

1t having been charged that E1-President
Pierce, now absent in Europe. was anxious
to secure the democratic nomination for the
presidency, he has written letter to friend
in Boston, in which he declares that under
no possible circumstances will he again per-
NIT the use of his name in connection with
apy public Office
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Mr.. Thomas prospects in King George
County, are, We learn. very dsttering.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

The next news from Europe should reach
us by the Nova scotian, at Portland now IN
her 18th day, due.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

The Vatican Manuscript, the most famous
codex of the original Scriptures of the New
Testament, will shortly be made available to
scholars at reasonable price. The Vatican
Manuscript, edited by Cardinal Mai, con-
tains not only the New Testament, but also
the Septuagint version of the Old Testament
Scriptures, and is comprised in five folio vol:
umes The first four contain the Old and
the fifth the New Testament. The COdex
Vaticanus of the New Testament will soon be
printed in London, verbatim from the Roman
edition recently published, at the price Of
only twelve shillings per copy. This Manu-
script is believed to be the most ancient in
existence, and modern Biblical critics assign
its date to the middle of the fourth century,
No one can tell at what period it was first
placed on the shelves of the Vatican. but
early in the sixteenth century it was gen
orally known throughout Europe as the
most venerable manuscript of the New Tes-
lament
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Ex-Governor Campbell, Virginia, died at
Abingdon, in that State, 18th inst, aged 81
years.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

The New Orleans papers, for two or three
weeks inclusive, were received by Monday
and Yesterdays mail. The came all M a
h,,urht
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

Cucumbsrs made their first appearance IN
the Savannah market on Friday last.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

TAUTIER'S HERB DROPS; Browns Bron-
" chial Trochcs, for hoarsenes., cough, &C.;
Shaving Soaps; Honey Soap Fine EItracte for tho
handkerchief; Chsmois Skins; Rice Powder, and
Toilet Powder, for the skin; Charcoal Tooth Paste;
Balm Of 1000 Flowers. Just received by
mh 80 r. II. 5TABLER, No. 1875, King-st,
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

A war has commenced in Pennsylvania
between the Administration Democratic par
ty, and the Douglas Democratic party. The
Douglas Democrats are indignant at the
p proceedings of the late Harrisburg Conven-
ton, nd have issued the following manifesto:
1.-THE Democratic citizens of Pennsylvania are
invited to assemble in State Convention at Harris
burg, on Wednesday, the 18th day of April, 1859,
TO consult upon the propriety of adopting mea-
sures to virdicate the name, fame and principles
Of tho Democratic party outraged and in""lfcd by
q convention assembled at the State Capitol on
the 10Th Of March.
To resist the high handed attempt Of til fede-
raj Administration to dictate political creeds to the
people;
Federal despotism upon State sovereignty and
State rights;
To re assert the great principle of Popular Sove-
reignty and non nterventon, rs well in the Terri
tories as in the States-non- intervention by Con-
gress with slavery in the Territories, and non
PREVENTION by the Federal Executive with the
franchises of the people of the States.
To rs-endorse the old-fashioned creed of the De-
mocratic party, repudiated and trampled under
foot by men claiming to represent the party.
And, finally, to proclaim our unfaltcring conf
deuoe in William F. Packer. Governor of Penn
sylvania who has been assaulted and prescribed be-
cause he refused, at the bidding Of Federal dcta.
tion to betray the trust desert the principles and
falsify the pledges of the Union State Rights De-
mocracy."
Forney heads the rebellion, and unfurls
the standard Of revolt, in the following terms:
"The call for q Democratic Convention at the
State Capitol, on Wednesday, the 18th OF April
will b found in the PRESS Of to-day. The sigma
turss sufficiently attest the sincerity, resolution and
character Of the movement. The time has come
for an organized national resistance to the men and
tho heresies that are fast hurrying the Democratic
party and the Union itself to destruction Longer
submission would be not only cowardice but trea-
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23
INsuRANCE AGENCY
CITY FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, ~
NEW ENGLAND N. LIFE INsURha"i .
BOSTON.

NEW ENGLAND ID. LIFE lNSOh
Boston.
ACCUMULATED FUSD, Sl.3S0'o%%
Will receive applications. aud I''ue = .''
~ favorable terms. a. other resr"nsir,- N'"i
NH lS-d6m
dissolution OF COPAR1NhE''
- The copar,nership heretofore ~. e,,'','-
the name Of STOyER, Ht1'HlH"N
this day dissolved by mutual c"n'"''
indebted 10 the firm will please maze
payment 10 Slower 4 HrrCHrNNoN. ..r.
T. b. HrTCiIl,,..'
JAMES :. oDkN
Psuquier Co., Va, NH l--eo2m
HAVING purchased the interest r ~ a.. ,
II OpEy, in the firm Of sTovEE' Il, 49,.
Co., the business will hereaite: be c-",r,ry,
the subscribers, under the title Of - -.
HUTCHINSON, who will sndeavor' oy ~.
ton 70 business, aud . regard 70 the "aI. -
customers, TO merit \ continuance o. 'serrfcgs
sxtsudsd 10 the old trm. JOHN h: sITrl
Fsusuist Co, Va, nh iA--eo2m
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-23

mai matter carflcu oT hoiHhS' va
fcrent departments and Congress, would he
very much astonished. lf the present Post
Master General docs not put the ''cut on on
some of the excrcscenccs Of the Department,
also, he will disappont some of those who
know him.
Discussion At FAIRFAX G. IA discus
sion took place at Fairfax Court House, on
Monday last, Court day. between Messrs.
Shackelford, Smith, and Thomas, the three
candidates for Congress, in this District, in
which, We arc informed, each one of the
gentlemen acquitted himself in very sat
isfactory manner, to his friends. The dis
cussion was opened by Mr.. Shackelford,
in speech of an hours length. Mr.. Smith
followed, and was in turn followed by Mr..
Thomas Mr.. Shackelford rejoined in a
speech of half an hour. Mr.. Smith was al
lowed three quarters of all hour for his re-
ply, and Mr.. Thomas closed the discussion,
(which was conducted courteously,) occupy
ing half an hour We have heard but one
expression of opinion, from those who were
present, in regard to Mr.. Thomas's speeches
they were able, eloquent, and forcible, and
produced a fine impression. Wherever MIR.
Thomas has spoken, during the present can
vass, his ability and power have been felt
and acknowledged, and his friends have been
encouraged and melted to renewed e1ertions
in his behalf, and the prospects for his sue
cess are daily Frightening.
Prior to the discussion alluded to above,
the Wing and American party of Fairfax
County, held meeting at the Court House,
and unanimously nominated ORLANDO W.
Hunt, ESQ.,, for the House of Delegates
Mr. III. is deservedly one Of the most popular
gentlemen in the county, and if elected,
would make very efficient representative.
The Democrats also held q meeting and
nominated UProN II. HERBERT esq, as
their candidate for the House of Delegates.