davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
DELAYS in State Legislation.

Some persons have argued that the cxpe.
riment of biennial sessions OF the Legislature
is failure, because ut each session of that
BODY, since the adoption OF the new Constitu.
ton, the chief part of the Legislation Of the
session has been crowded into the few last
days of the session, and, rs a consequence, ii
has been crude, ill-diSestcd, and often OF
doubtful proprcty. That would, indeed, be
a strong objection to this feature of the new
constitution, if this result necessarily grew
out of biennial meetings of the legislative
body. But such is not the fact. While it is
true, that, for the last four years, Legislation
has been postponed until the session was
lust about to conclude, it is also true that
the same thing happened every session before
the constitution Of 1850 became the organic
law of the State.
We desire to say. what every wcll-nlorm-
ed man hercabouts will most heartily en-
dorsc, that all the delays Of the last two SEES
sions of the Virginia Assembly, cannot he
charged even to the forms proceeding which
obtain in that body 1t is very well known
in Richmond, and to all the members Of the
legislature, that at each assembling Of the
legislature since the new Constitution went
into operation, there were III both houses,
men who deliberately strove t. postpone,
from day to day, and even until the very last
hour, important measures Of public legisla-
ton, to promote and advance pet schemes
which they were resolved to push through,
by any and every cxpedient, however hurt!ul
to the general welfare Of the legislation Of
the State. These men were aided in their
efforts by another class, who desired to have
the sessions prolonged beyond the period fix
ed by law, and BY another class who endea-
vored to compel the Governor to convene the
legislature in extra session, and by the unit
cd action Of these persons, days were wasted
and FILTERED away which would have amply
sufficed for the dispatch of the ordinary bust
ness Of Il session of the legislature.
These are notorious facts which will not
be denied and they 30 far to relieve that
clause of the Constitution oi 80, which pre-
scribes biennial sessions Of the legislature,
and limits their duration to the term OF nine
ty days, of the odium which it hns been nj
tempted 10 cast upon it. As IN original qucs.
ton, We prefer, for many reasons, annual
meetings Of the legislature, but VIC are dccid-
edly of opinion that the ninety days now al
lowed for sitting of the Assembly. would
suffice for the purpose, if the members would
devote themselves honestly to the public
business during tia. period. There would
be no doubt Of this, il members would work
early IN the session, a. they do 1T later stage,
and if they would learn this other thing,
that much speaking ~ a great FOLLY. In n
multitude Of words anywhere, and ut any
time, there is folly, but this Is peculiarly 50
in our legislature IUWn!n iHdcE.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
Den of Snakes.

party of huntsmcu were out after a coon,
short time since, on tie high mountain
range located south of the road leading from
the Valley ~ l.uray, about five miles south
Of this place, when the dogs began to bay in q
manner that indicated that they had sudden
" come in contact with some animal upon
the ground. Surprising it was a bear, as
one had recently been seen in that vicinity,
the party hastcnrd to the spot, struck a light,
and discovered that the dogs had 'treed sey-
erai large snakes" They were dispatched,
and others made their appearance from the
surrounding brush, which were also killed.
Upon examining more carefully, den Of
snakes was discovered in the ground, in
which large number were seen; and hear
ing them in the brush and leaves around
them, our hGntSmen, drcming discretion
the het,cr part Of va!or," made tracks from
that place in double quick time. The only
weapon they had was an axe. They could
not tell what kind Of snakes they were, but
our informant says some Of them were OF
enormous size jIoodSiock Tenth LeyiOn.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
The Masonic Fraternity.

There are now two important bodies "i
the Masonic fraternity in tr!ennlal session
at Chicago The Times OF that city, gives
the following concerning them.
The Grand Encanrrment OF knights Tenn
nlars Of the United States, was organized IN
lSlG. its first convncaton being held June
10Th Of that year: the celebrated DE Witt
Clinton, was elected Grand Master and con
tinued to hold the office until his death, III
1870. There have been thirteen regular
conversations of this body. Hon. VIM. i.
Hubbard, Mason of great cmtncnce. and
a well known citizen of Ohio. has been
Grand Master for the past twelve years
Hon. b. Il. French, OF Washington, u. e..
treasurer of the National Agricultural A-so-
citation, is Grand Recorder. The system
upon which the order of knights tempars
i'm the United States is established. involves
State Grand COmmandery IN each State.
OF these there are near fifteen, and the en-
tire order embraces about one hundred sub
ordinate communicates with mem bership
approximating to 1000.
The General Grand Royal Chapter of the
United States, is an older and much more
numerous body. There are twenty-five State
Grand Chapters 1.-THE States OF kentucky
and North Carolina having seeded during
tho last three years. under It's control, and
three, viz Pennsylvania, Virginia and Flo
rida. which have never acknowledged its au-
thority. The only State in the Union IN
which there is no Grand Chapter, Is pe!a-
ware. of subordinate Chapters, there are
about 500, embracinga membership of near
" 10000. The General Grand Chapter was
established in 1877. The present General
Grand High Priest. is the Hon. Charles Gil
man. of Baltimore. Nd, q Mason Of great age
and experience. and long the Grand Sccreta-
~, an Office now filled by the Hon. d. B..
French.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
Sunday School Anniyersarv

Correspondence Of the .iLlanj,,, o..
send you an account Of the ANN.
of the Townsville Sabbath School I,.,
that it may not be uaacceptallc n i,
readers. %
The thirteenth celebration Of ,ni, Sci =.
took place on the llth Of the pro>ca, ,. -,
The day was, in every respect. ,r,.a
and. about 10 o'clock in the morn. !,
crowd began to assemble in Lcau,i,ul
OF oaks, about equi-dstant between =,
Church and Lewinsyillc, and No, a.. !.
Pimmet Brook. All seemed T. lr%
humor, determining to please aud l,.l,w...I
Quite sensation was produced 4, n, -.
pearance of the carriage on the cr,rr,
bringing in the little children com,.;
the Sabbath School. for who's. grot;s.,..
/ the entertainment was principally ip,rris
The carriage was irstooncd with the -.
+, Spangled banner, and arraycd IN the j.
est flowers Of the season, and il Va. .,...
animating to hear the hymns Of the L.,,.
group. ""
The assembly was called 10 order H. "
Carpenter, the Superintendent oi the <,l.'.
who has laborcd with fidelity in n.
cause. The proceedings of the d.ly a.,
commenced by some bret, but pertinent :.
marks, from Mr. Coc lie was followed !.
Mr.. Carpenter, who held out strong ru..w:
agemcnts to perseverance in tie g,al v.rt
The speeches were inter>per>ei with hymn.
from choir, composed 1t gentlemen ma
ladies, and the woods were animated l.y A..
charming melody. The bugie then .ay, II.
signal for a repast, when the children A.
their teachers first repaired TO the s,h,r
board. All the other guests were saa,~
siyely served.
In the afternoon. the assembly va, A
dressed by the Rev. Mr.. Smith Original.
from Connecticut, but last from princeton
\. }. lie drew n pleasing picture Of ,uu.,
full life. but, ut the same time. rointr! an,
the perils by which it is always cnirnnai
Ills remarks contributed mucn u the >ari.
faction of the day. After plentiful d,>
scrt, the Rev. I. Il. BaIch, the "o!i man
eloquent" was introduced 10 the stand h
the Superintendent. lie spoke tor the space
Of forty-fye minutes, expaiiatins IN the ori.
gin and advantages o! Sabbath school ia.
structiun, illustrating the subject by yarou,
historical illusions. lie paid n deserve.
compliment to tho NorthrrncrS, who. ii 4.
few years past. have added - much /, III.
population Of Fairfax, and contra>tei til.
present agriculture Of the county wl,h wu,
it was during his residence ut "SaIona FARM .
in this vicinity.
We then broke up. and our homes wrra
but the more pleasant for i day spent IN l.c
woods. OSE or THE DArGurER, or ha
Lewinsyille, Fairfax Co., Va. Sept H.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

BCRGLARSIN FREDERicESEuRG.--L Last night
the kitchen OF Mr.. John f. Scott, was entered
before nine o'clock. and trunk with negro
clothing taken therefrom.
Later in the night the Foundry was enter
ed, but the burglars were run oil by two Of
our citizens before any damage was DONE
An attempt was made on the Iron Safe.
Tho Office Of John Hayden was also enter
ed but nothing taken.
The Eating House Of Edmund, near the
Market House, was also broken open.
"Thcy won't in and sat at their ease.
They took what they called for and and called for
what they pleased"
Mrs. Phillips room was robbed Of some
$50 a. We learned at the Mayors Court.
Several arrests have been made, but moth.
ing definite has been ascertained.
Thornton Bundy, free negro, has been
committed, by Mayor Scott, tor breaking in
at the Foundry News.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The Bro FIsn.-Thc Bug Fish" rs they
are termed, dcspiscl and rejected in this
market in the spring Of the year, are repre-
sented to us rs being a most excellent fish
Mt this season, when no bug" is 10 be found
in their head. Our informant says they are
caught in very large numbers now near the
mouth of the Rarpahannock, and they are
fat, juicy, and well favored He has eaten
them sailed, and pronounccs them TO be su.
rerior to either herring or shad.-ficder,
icksJpry Ue1ui1
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

An arrival from Port au Prince, Hayti,
brings intelligence that the daughter OF
President Geffrard was shot dead, while sit
ting in her fathers chair, from the palace gar
dens, on the evening of the Sd. Great e1-
e so.nsss Sss dog Flour was dull
at 50. 40 Iaytisn money. General Prophete.
ex-minister of the interior. and his son, nave
come passengers to New York.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

A disastrous fire occurred ut Chicago on
the night of the 18th, consuming two blocks,
bounded by Clinton north, Canal, West,
Lake, Fulton, and Jefferson streets. Thence
the fire communicated to the Vulcan works,
destroying the block bounded by Fulton,
Carroll, Clinton, and north Jefferson streets
The two blocks adjoining were partially de,
stroyed. The total loss is set down at $780,
600. with an insurance of about S25O,OoO
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
The New Hall of Representative.
The Washington Star says:

The Washington Star says:
The hall of the new House Of Ecpr"s"nta
tivcs presents rather u singular Sp"ctarI" II
it's new arrangement Of seat, for the mem
beers. The rod.cushioncd fiagrce carve.
chairs and desks which ornainented tie too
last session, Costing. the chairs $50 AMI th'
desks 500 each, have been spirited away
and their places are to be supplied vi.
rows uf benches, much like IN >har" 10th
pcws in Wesley Chapel. In place Of dc,h'
tables AFRO to be provided, in the corner ,pa
ces eacI, side Of the SIP cakcr's chair. where
members are expected to do their writing
How the arrangement will work, remain %
be seen. A few of the proposed hcn'lr'
have been made and placed in ia" llal, inr
tho inspection Of Capt. Mcigs. who, II Is ,n'i'
doesnot particularly admire them. tcrtg,
ly they do not progresses one very la'"rah''
in point Of beauty Of form; but they IT" slr"I,'
and durable-thc ends and centres bean: ]
heavy cast iron. and the remaining part 81.
wood and possess one advantage, ~ vs.
remarked by gentlemen this morning. s..
was looking at them. ia fight should ''
any possibility ever occur between thrl'''
bers, they will be deprived of tie IaAnry 81
chairs to knock each other dawn WIN -
two men beingstrong enous h 10 ilit tn" ''s".
est Of them.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
Gold Crop OF stnfford-The Eagle Mime.

The Eagle Gold Mine continues its rich
and generous crop Of gold. Col. Morgan
was in town on Thursday, with n nugget
weighing SsSo-the product ofthe last week.
The yield has not fallen "a low as 500 any
week the Mine has been worked for the last
three months. During this period the az.
gregate yield has been from - 900 10 * 900
A very handsome per ccntase on the labor,
which does not cost over 800 per week.
fretlelieks1uY Herald.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

We have received copy of the able and
eloquent address delivered before the Society
Of Alumni of the Virginia Military Insti.
tute, on Monday, July 4th, 1859, BY Joseph
Mayo, IT., ESQ.,, of Westmoreland county, Va
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

misunderstanding in our career, as :!
journalist, we were taught by friend,
veteran editor and author, to be governed in
the expression Of our censure or disapproyal
Of the conduct and course Of others, by these
three simple little mental reservations
First, is it true? Second. is it kind?
Third, is it necessary?"-Rters. Press.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The Charlestown Free Press says: ave
don't intend in future to send our paper to
any one who does not pay US. We can't live
on any such patroneye-and we will hand
them over to any of our contemporaries who
may be more fortunate than ourselves, to buy
paper, pay hands, &C. upon empty nothing"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The city council of Portsmouth. Va, has
passed an ordinance making it fine of S.
for any person under 81 years of age to run
with fire apparatus.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The recent experiments that have been
made-and several Of them, it is said sue
cessfully made-in running steam carriages
on common roads, are attracting much
attention. In England, France, and in this
country, the subject is prosecuted with much
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The Massachusetts, Democratic Conven-
ton have appointed four delegates at large
to the Charleston Convention-Caleb Cush-
ing, Isaac Davis, Oliver Stephens, and Jas. 5.
Whitney. All Of these arc claimed as popu-
lar sovereignty men. The Committee on res
olutions reported a long series, in which the
doctrine of popular sovereignty is spoken Of
in high terms of approval. The Admins
tration of Mr.. Buchanan is highly compliment
mented for its foreign and domestic policy,
but the resolutions also distinctly recognise
as Democratic, the idea that the American
flag covers and protects the native or natu-
rallied citizen, wherever he may be.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The policy of the Regency" section OF
the New York Democratic Convention at
Syracuse, in adopting, almost without change,
the nominations for State officers of the con
testing faction, will attract general attention.
II was astute beyond doubt, but its au-
,hors will scarcely heal the feuds between
the clans by the move, though, they may
greatly strengthen the candidates thereby
The feelings of the hostile factions are too
decided, and Fernando Wood and his friends
will not soon forget the humiliation to which
it was the purpose of the Regency" sec
ton to reduce them.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

WALKING GSpER W ArgR r,trriHE =
ternoon, a man named Wilson, clothed W .
suit Of marine armor, successfully 'r'
from the Eastern to the Western b1'a
OF the Schnylkill, = short distance p'i."
the Wire Bridge, and returned + ne j
from whence he started. The eHsiib'"''
attracted an immense cuncourN' q ~,
tators, probably ten thousand benz rf'''I.
A small rope was tied round hi- body 20.
end Of which was held by an assistant q" :
canal boat, BY means Of which the 'u.9 ,.
man was to give signal il, ca" 81 a'','i.'.-
Another rope was also suspended una|' -
ter from one side of the river 10 m" o'h''.
guide, which he held On To- "htic l|''.
over. The pipe Tor the supply Of 'r''' =.
not being long enough to reach acro'' !"
river, a boat. with the pump- and ma''''"'i i
accompanied him over and r"tnrn'as'
reached the Western side i'll tw"nty'il'' wv
utes from the time Of entering the Va.
The trip back was made in twenty i'i'''''.
Phiia american.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

The first drove Of stock cattle from Ten
nessee, passed through Wytheville, Va, for
the East on Friday, 900 in number, and look
cd fine. Prices ranged at high figures.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

How TO Look YouNG.-How is it that some
men, thought to be so old, still look 80 young
while others, though young, look old! The
cause very frequently lies with themselves.
Mr.. Rant once said, on being asked the rea-
son:
II never ride when can walk; ] never eat
but one dish for dinner; never get drunk.
My walking keeps my blood in circulation
my simple diet prevents indigestion, and,
never touching ardent spirits my liver fears
not being eaten alive" But he forgot to add
one of the greatest causes Of lasting youth
"a kind unenvious heart" Envy can dig
as deeply into the human face, Us time itself.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
Preparing for Emergencies.

In view Of the probability of having 8
stump candidate, and thus having the North
Western Democracy severed from the Demo
cracy Of the South, public attention should
be directed to the selection of some man, by
the Charleston Convention, Of known sound.
ness of principle. of tried devotion to the
rights of every section, of tested firmness in
defence of Southern institutions, of proved
talents as q popular orator, OF personal cou'
rage, of unblemished reputation, OF business
capacity; in fact a man whose public and
private character, and whose executive Gu.
pacity will give him position and hearing
in every section Of the country. Such q
man in public discussions would present the
questions, now being discussed by Judge
Douglas, to the people of the country in all
their bearings. Such candidate would &c
quaint the people of each section with the
constitutional rights of both North and
South. lie would inculcate a regard for our
rights and also inform the Northern people
plainly and fully what they might expect
if our constitutional rights are denied and
assailed. A canvass from such candidate
would do much to dispel the clouds that now
threaten the Union; it would teach the peo-
people constitutional rights; 1t would con-
strue the platform alike in both sections,
and place the Democracy upon principles
common to the whole country. And why
should the Presidency be exalted above pop
ular discussion?
Since 1855, when Gov. Wise initiated pub
lie discussion for the Gubernatorial office,
aud adopted open, face-to-face and hand
to-hand popular addresses, instead of dou-
bic meaning Janusfaced platforms and let
tiers, the system of public speaking has be-
come common to oil the States, and even in
the Illinois Senatorial contest it was selec-
ted as the best mode Of instructng the peo-
ple upon the issue involved in the election
We are, therefore. inclined to prefer popular
discussion to a douLlcln faced platform.
We do not wish to be understood ~ advo-
eating popular discussion for the Presiden,
cy, but only rs indicating policy to be OBJ
served in the selection Of u candidate by the
Charleston Convention. In our opinion,
that body should make such q nomination
as the probability of the necessity for popu'
lar discussion may dictate.-Rich. Enquirer
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

Ex-rnited States Senator James Cooper,
Of Pennsylvania, has recently addressed
letter to his friends and the public, on the
question of cheap postage and protection for
the iron interest He is III favor Of reduc-
ing our rate of postage to correspond with
that of Great Britain. and the establishment
Of a national factory for the the more economl-
cal supply of stamps and stamped envelopes.
Is regards the iron interest, he is OF opln-
ION that should Congress afford it adequate
protection against foreign competition, 1t
will outstrip in magnitude every other inter
est in the country.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19

PoLYGLoT DlNNER.-Thc ProNldenr"y, -,
nal says: a gentleman, q nat'vr ,i, -.
helm, on tho Rhine, and long r''llS'; ;r,.
this city, started for Europea tew Day i. ~"
with the intention Of visiting his iri'',''.
the city Of his birth. Previous to D1 En-, i.
ture, he gave dinner to a number y y, ill.,.
auaintances in Providence. Anon ..r
present were the Representative q ,,,o,,.
distinct European nations. seven .'. .ir..
ges were fucntly spoken, and at yea, l,; n, r.
Of the gentleman could r.nv@r'' rS.: e.,..,r,
FIVE of them. The yicissltude- % -. ~ h,
had scattered them in other land', ""'.. .l,.,
languages Of the people among whom a,,',iiar =.
several lots were east became I ,r,,,o,o,
them. There may be many more E'" Int -
spoken in any city Of the country, ,r.r.,s
many are not often found At 'I'' s. ..,n
board IN the house Of & private ''''A'"'
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
The old press at which Franklin worked

The old press at which Franklin worked
in Boston, on the New England Courant, in
1920, has been preserved for more than o
century in the Office of the Newport Mercu-
~. The Mercury was established by James
Franklin, brother of the philosopher, who
then owned and used the press. 1t has re-
Gently been sold, and is now the property Of
John b. Murray, Esq, of the firm Of John
b. Murray & Co. bankers, New York city,
Mr.. Murray is already the owner Of one press
at which Ben jamin Franklin worked in
Watts printing house, near Lincoln's Inn
Fields, London, in 1856. This old press
Mr.. Murray procured in London in lS4l,
and deposited for safe keeping in the U. 5.
Patent Office ut Washington, in lS42, where
it still remains. The only two presses iden-
titled with the name of Benjamin Franklin,
are now under one ownership, and will be
kept together during the life time Of the own
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-19
PUBLISHED DAILY AND TRI-wEEKLY BY
EDGAR SNOWDEN.
MONDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 10, 1859
ALEXANDRIA,:

The National Intelligencer, in its able
and elaborate review Of the Territorial ques,
ton, when giving a history Of the proceed,
ings Of Congress with regard to the famous
Kansas Nebraska bill, says, that whilst the
friends of the bill differed as to its true in
depreciation, these was one common advan-
tage which they all promised themselves
from its passage, and that was the total ban
ishment of the subject Of slavery from the
Halls of Congress. 1--WE were told" says
the Intclligencer, "that this would he tho
bcncfcent consequence of the bill. There
might, indeed, he turmoil in the Territories
under the operation Of the new system, but
if there was to be contention over slavery
anywhere, it was better that the unseemly
strife should be localized, than that the whole
nation should be set by the ears every time
new Territory was to be opened for occu-
patton. How well this promise has been rea-
lied, can be learned from a perusal of Con-
gressional debates during the last few years"