davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

THE MORNING OF LIFE.-To DO yOsng
to be twenty years old-tO hGVe no
aches, no pains. no regrets worthy Of the
name. 1t lisa glorious time-few of US
know how glorious until VIC are young no
more. Wcarc so like travlsrs with a long
journey before them, setting of at their
topmost speed in the pure bright morning,
dashing forward as II the miles would
stretch before us to infinity, weaFingOver
the carly ways that must be troddeN, dis
regarding the sunny landscape we arepas.
sing through, and the way side flowers
we are trampling down, because cur eat
ger eyes are fixed on some distant hill
where The MONDAY sun shines with dazs'
cling cftulgencc. The hilltop gained, We
behold sterile spots, parched and shadow
less rs African deserts; it is no more all
beautiful than the country we have trav-
crscd alrcady-nay, We think it less beau.
tiful. Looking wiStfully behind US, at
last we see distinctly the quiet stretches
of scenery, the green fields and woods;
the rivuctS, the calm light, the flying
shadows, that we made of such small &C.
count, and confess IN our hearts that the
morning is the best time Of the day, and
that we have passed over the lovcliest dis
trict our wayfaring feet had to tread, be-
fore we had learnt the wisdom Of enjoy
ing and being thankful. Children, we
arc impatient to grow up; travellers, We
long for our journeys end; old, we would
fain put back the swift hand on the dial
Of Time; resting at STANCE inns, We grow
home. sick and hcart.sick, and would faiU
return. But no! Forward is the word,
and Gods will be donel
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

We have undertaken in this land work
nowhere else carried out on the face OF
the globe. The idea, indeed, occurred in
England, but even there it has not yet
been regarded as safe to carry it out per-
haps even there it could not yet be done.
II is the attempt to govern without stand
ing armies TO depend in the execution
of the laws on the force Of public opin-
ion; to intrust everything, under God, to
public sentiment-the permanency Of the
Government. tue property Of individuals,
the vested rights OF all our institutions
1t is fearful TO reflect hoe many interests
in this country are intrusted to that; and
most grateful to reflect on the calmncss
which prevailsin the land in regard to the
security of the vast Investment. In our
country there arc more rights invested on
the presumption Of the diffusion Of intel
ligencc and pure religion than in any 9TH
er country on the face Of the globe-pcr-
haps it would not be too much to say than
in all other lands. All our banks, collcg-
cs, churches, manufactures railroad in
vcStmcntS, Scminaries Of learning and for
religious purposes, our hospitals; and our
asylums for the insane. the blind, the
deaf, were founded, have grown up and
arc sustained, on the presumption that
there will be an enlightened public scnti-
mcnt in the land, and on the presumption,
too, that tho Christian religion in its pu-
rity will continue to throw its restraining
and hallowed influence over the nation !;
and an apprehension that this land would
become iniidcl, atheistic, or Mahammedcn,
would at once change the value of these
vested rights, and diffusc a sense Of insc-
curity over them ALL The sudden with
drawal Of tho Christian religion would
produce shock from which nothing could
enable oar country to recover; and there
is not n vested right in the nation which
would not feel the shock, and which
would not from that moment be regarded
as Insecure. AS all these institutions
were founded on the presumption that the
Christian religion is to be the religion Of
this country, there is nothing which can
be rehcd on in giving them stability and
permanency but this religion.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

He who allows his application to falter,
or shirks his work on frivolous pretexts,
is on the sure road to ultimate failure.
Let any task be undertakes rs q thing not
possible to be evaded, and It will soon
come to be performed with alacrity and
chcerfulnesS. The habit Of strenuous,
continued labor, will become cCmpara-
lively easy in time, like every habit.
Thus, even men with the cemmOnest
brains and the most slender powers, will
accomplish much, il they will but apply
themselves wholly and indefatigably TO
one thing at time.
Sir Charles Napier, when in India, en-
countered an army Of thirty-five thousand
Beloochcs with two thousand men, Of
whom only four hundred were Europeans.
lie charged them in the centre up high
bank, and for three hours the battle was
undecided. At last they turned and fled.
II is this sort Of pluck, tenacity and
determined perseverance which wins sol
dicrs' battles, and, indeed, every bdttIc.
1t is the one neck nearer that wins tho
race and shows the blood the one puR
more at the oar that proves the beefnesS
of the fellow" as Oxford men say. 1t is
one march more wins the campaign the
five minutes more persistent courage TINT
wins the fight. Though your force be
less than another's, you equal and out
master your opponent il you continue It
longer and concentrate it more. The re-
ply of the Spartan father, who said to his
son, when complaining that his sword was
too short, add n step to it," is app!icH-
BILE to everything in life.
II is not how much man may know
that is of so much importance as the END
and purpose for which he knows it. Talc
object Of knowledge should be to mature
wisdom and improve character, to render
MS better, happier, and more useful-mOrc
benevolent, more energetic, and more eff
cicnt in the pursuit of every high purpose
in life. We must ourselves be and do,
and not rest satisfied merely with reading
and meditating over what other men have
written and done. Our best light must
be made life, and our best thought action.
The hunbIcst and least litcrate must&raiA
his sense of duty, aud accustom himself
to an orderly and diIigcnt life. Though
talents are the git Of nature, tho highest
virtue may be acquired by men Of the
-husnblest Abilities through careful Olson
pine. At least we ought to be able To
say, rs Richard did, ~ have made as
much out of myself as could be made ct
the stuff, and no man should require
more. "-TISc!f: Help. -----
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

Purity OF CHARACTER. the beau
ty Of the plum and tho apricot their grows
bloom and beauty more exquisite than
the fruit itsclf--a soft delicate flush that
ovcrsprends its blushing cheek. Now, II
you strike your hand over that, and it il
once gone, 1t is gone forever; for it never
grows but once. The flower that hangs
in the morning, impearled with the dew
-arrayed as no quecnly woman ever was
arrayed with jewels-once shake it 90
that the beads roll of, and you may sprin.
kle water over it as you please. yet it caR
never be made again what it was when
the dew fell silent upon it from heaven.
On frosty morning you may see the
panes Of glass covered with landscapes
mountains, lakes and trees blended with
a beautiful, fantastic picture.
Now, lay your hand upon the glass,
and BY the scratch of your finger, or by
warmth Of your palm, all the delicate ira
Gerry will he obliterated. So their 10 in
youth beauty and purity of character,
that when once touched and defiled, can
never be restored-a fringe more delicate
than frostwork, and when torn and bPe-
ken, will never be re embroidered. A
man who has spotted his garments in
youth, though he may seek to make them
white again, can never wholly do It, even
were he to wash them with his tears.
When a young man leaves his fathers
house with the blessing Of mothers
tears still wet upon his forehead, if he
once loose that early purity Of character,
it is loss that he can never make whole
again. Such is the consequence Of crime,
Its effects cannot be eradicated; it can
only be forgiven.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

BALTIMORE BEAUTIEs.-A Kentucky
gentleman who has been scjourning in
Baltimore for some weeks past, says: at
is my deliberate opinion that crinolinc
has more charms in just this locality than
in any other with which l am acquainted
with one solitary exception-which
have too much Kentucky modesty to
name. Whether the beauty Of the BAL
timorc ladies' is n hereditary endowment
in the main. or is chiefly dependent upon
the pure atmosphere Of the Chesapeake
Bay, or derives its unqucStionable quail
ties in part from each Of these, I cannot
say; but I record the fact of it's existence,
as n simple act of justice, and if any city
feels aggrievcd, and chooses to dispute
the saying, | shall consider myself under
obligations to 'vindicate the truth Of his
torv,' and will stand to the Baltimore Ia
dies to the last"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

lRIsH ELoQrENCE.-It has been a grow
ing habit Of modern years to scott at Irish
eloquencc-but let the scotrcrs produce
among themselves the equal of thou.
sand passages that still live in the records
ofthc by-gone parliament of Ireland. The
mcagrc and affected style which has ut
length so universally pervaded the depart.
ment Of public neutrality-suspicious. bar
pulpit.-shrinks with natural jealousy from
the magnilicencc and native power Of this
great faculty of appeal to the understand
ings of all men alike; whose excellence
was, that, at once enriched and invigora-
ted by the noblcst Imagination, it awoke
the reason not less than the feelings; and
even in its most fantastic decorations, lost
nothing Of its original strength. 1t was
Ornamental-but it's force was no more
sacrificed to its ornament than the solid
steel Of the Greek helmet TO its plnmage
and sculptures. Grattan and Curran, in
Ireland, Sheridan and Burke, in England,
were among the most logical Of speakers.
Their finest illustrations were only more
powerful arguments. The gold and Jewels
of that sceptre which they waved over
the legislature with such undisputed su.
premacy, only increased the weight and
substantial value of the emblem.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

A candidate for the honors Of rep
rcsenting four Fife-burghs in Pertinent
calling upon an honest shoemaker for his
vote and influence, took tho liberty Of kis-
sing the gudewifc, who was middle-aged
woman; and doing so, took the further lib.
Crty Of slipping couple Of guineas out Of
his own mouth into that Of the matron.
Instead Of being offended at such breach
of decorum, the lady slyly said, a. she
pocketed the two shilling pieces: "Gin 70
like sir, We may kiss my dOchter, too"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

% ANrT CRACKER.-One December night,
or rather morning, a wag gave thunder
ing rap at the door Of MIR. Jonathan Mutt,
who, benumbcdg with cold, opened the
easement, and commenced the following
dialogue
Mr.. Mutt" What do YOU want, sir, at
this unreasonable hour? ?"
Wng-" Does Mr. Mutt live here? ?"
ayes, sir. What do yon wantg"
81 wish to speak with him."
"Well, my name is Mutt"
Jonathan Nutt?"
ayes, sir-what is your wish?"
eff your name is Jonathan Mutt, may
the Devil crack you. Good night"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

A MoruEH's Children, look in
those eyes, listen to that dear voice, no.
tice the feeling Of even single touch that
is bestowed upon you by that gentle hand!
Make the most Of it while yet you have
TINT most precious Of all good gits-a
loving mother. Read the unfathomable
love Of those eyes; the kind anxiety of
that tone and look, however slight your
pain. In after life you may have friends,
fond, dear, kind friends, but never will
you have again the inexpressible love and
gcntlenesS lavished upon you which none
but mother bcstows. Often do | sigh,
in my struggles with the hard, uncaring
world, for the sweet, deep security felt,
when, Of an evening, nesting to her bo-
som, listened to some quiet tale suitable
to my age, read in her tender and untir-
ing voice. Never can forget her sweet
glanccs cast upon me when appeared to
sleep; never her kiss of peace at night !
Years have passed away since we laid her
beside my father in the cold churchyard
yet still her voice whispers from the grave;
and her eye watches over me as | visit
spots long since hallowed to the memory
Of my Enthusiastically.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

In Thatcher's Military Journal, under
date Of December, 1777, is found n note
containing the identical "First Prayer in
Congress-" made by Rev. Jacob Duchc, n
gentleman Of great cloqucncc. Here it
is, an historical curiosity:
40 Lord, our Heavenly Father, high
and mighty King Of Kings and Lord OF
Lords, who dOst from thy throne behold
all the jewellers on earth, aud reignest
with power supreme and uncontrolled
over all the Kingdoms, empires and gov
crnmcnts: look down in mercy, VIC be.
sccch thee, on these American States,
who have He'd to Thee from the rod of the
0ppr, s<Or, and thrown themselves on Thy
gracious protection, desiring to be hence
forth dependent only on Thee; to Thee
they have appealed for that .countcnancc
and support which Thou alone canSt give
take them, therefore, heavenly Father,
under Thy nurturing care; give them
wisdom in counsel, and valor in the field
defeat the malicious designs Of our cruel
adversarics; convince them of the un.
Righteousness Of their cause; and il they
still persist in their sanguinary purposes,
q let the voice of Thine own unerring
justice, sounding in their hearts, con.
strain them to drop the weapons of war
from their unncrvctl hands in the day OF
battle! BE thou present, q God of Wis.
dom, and direct the councils Of this hon.
orablc assembly; enable them to settle
things on the best and surcst foundation,
TINT the scene Of blood may be speedily
closed; that ordor, harmony and peace
may be elTectually restored and truth
and justice, religion and piety, prevail
and flourish among Thy people. Preserve
the health Of their bodies and the vigor
Of their minds; shower down on them
and the millions they here represent,
such temporal blessings as Thou secst ex-
pcdient for them in this world, and crown
them with everlasting glory in the world
to come. All this we ask in the name
and through the merits of Jesus Christ,
thy Son, our Saviour. Amen
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

A DANDY NEGRO stepped into store to
buy some potatoes; but before purchasing
he delivered the following on the nature
Of the root: ode later he am inevitably
good or inevitably bad; dar am no me-
dicumocrity in dc combination of later.
Dc exterior may appear remarkably en-
cmplary, while the interior am totally
negative; but scin' as dat you wcnds dc
article on your own responsibility, why,
without suckumlocution, dis cullud pus-
son takes peck"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29
The SnpDlY Of Cotton.

\ recent official return supplies inter
cStins information with reference to the
quantity of cotton and wool imported into
Che British Islands in the past year. The
total receipts Of raw cotton in 1858 were
l,m+.3i2, l7G lbs, (thc largest aggregate
yet reached, and Vt this enormous quan.
tity s33, 237,771G lbs. came from the Uni.
ted States, l9,GI7,ST2 lbs from the Bra.
zilS, 3S, 24S IL lbs. from the Mcditcrra.
mean. 1872, 722,576 lbs. from British India,
3G7 ,Sn8 lbs. from the West Indies and
British Guiana. and .l4S, OBJ lbs. from
other sources. The importaiions in 1858
from the United States were considerably
in excess Of any former year. In 1913
the total receipts from all countries were
$1,000, lGl lbs. so that the table had cx-
panded about 10 per cent. in ten years
The proportion of the various sources Of
supply in 1913 were as follows: United
States, SIT per cent. !; the Brazils, 2t per
cent; the Mediterranean, per cent !;
British India, II per cent. and the West
Indies, British Guiana, and other coun-
tries not specified, about I per cent In
1868 the United States contributed SOL
per cent, the Brazils about II per cent,
British India, l24 per cent, and the West
Indies, British Guiana, and other countries
not specified, about 1t per cent. 1t thus
appears that while the demand for cotton
has increased, in the period under review,
- per cent, the efforts made by the Man
chester interest to render themselves less
dependent on the United States, have sue
'ccedcd, to the extent Of y per cent. The
Americans, however, sent, last year, $685.
O0?,7l2 pounds in excess Of the quantity
they exported to Great Britain in l948.
The receipts from British India fell off
very seriously last year, the diminution
being no less than l l7,6l5,5 GS lbs. But
for this circumstance, the proportion Of
the American supplies would not have
been so great. The receipts from the
Mediterranean, in 1858, were larger than
in any former year, but the West Indies
and British Guiana refrigerated. From
other countries the supplies increased
considerably.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

liz that will believe only what he can
fully comprehend, must have either a
very long head or very short creed
Many gain false credit for liberalitv of
sentiment in religious matters, not from
any tenderness they may have for the
opinion or conscience Of other men, but
because they happen to have no opinion
or conscience Of their own.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

AFFEcTING.-A country editor closes his
leader in this unhappy strain; "The
Sheriff is now waiting for us in the Other
room, so VIC have no opportunity to be
pathetic; VIC are wanted and must CO.
Delinquent subscribers, you have much
to answer for. Heaven may forgive you
but we never can"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

TELL me, angelic hosts, ye messengers
Of love, shall swindled printers here bclo ~
have no redress above? The shining an
gel band replied, ITO us is knowledge
given, delinquents on the printers books
can never enter heaven"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

Wife, complainingly, ~ haven't more
than third Of the bed"
Husband, triumphantly, "That's all the
law allows vOu.'
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

FrN is worth moro than physic, and
whoever invents or discovers n new
source Of supply deserves the name ola
publi" bcncfactor.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

Az old bachelor says that during leap
year the ladies' jump at every offer Of
maryiagc-hcncc the term.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

They fought foot to foot. Thrusts were
rapidly ntrrchangcd, and were for some
time skilfully parric'l by the left arm,
which was used as bucklcr. The blows
were all directed at the body, and soon the
white vesturc of one Of the comhatants
was sullicd by crimson stain. This
seemed only To stimulate him to more
desperate cXcrtionS, and moment after
wards stream Of blood was seen flow.
ing from his advcrSary's bosom. Thus
they fought, more like demons than men,
their own crew silently gazing on the
fearful >eehe. M'anwhi.e some captans
Of American Vessels lying near FASTENED
on board To put st"I to the mortal strug-
gle. Eut nr they could reach the schoon.
cr, the Sranard> were both stretched OIL
the deck, wfich was fIoodrd with gore.
Tine had rrccivcd three dangerous wound.
in the ncn>t the other two in the breast
and three in the abdomen. They were
carried Oh shore, but whether they lived
or died We never learned, as VIC left the
harbor ofSt. Picrrcs few hours after.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

DEAF What's his name, my
dcary"
Young lady" Augustus Tyler"
Deaf lady" Bless me, what a name :"
Bust Ills Biler.' Eliza, you must be ma
king fun Of me-"
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

WV. y. AsroR, of New York, is said to
be worth 5000. 600.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29
WATCHES, JEWELRY,

PLACERVLLE ASSAY OFFICE,
MAIN STREET, PLACERvILIE.
GOLD DUST received for Melting and Assay
NJ ing, and rctNrncd In frOm to hours.
bAsSa$S Warranted.
All baTs discounted at SAD Franoiseo Priecs.
Jcl0-Jm G. ]. ARVIDSON X CO.
The semi-weekly mountain Democrat. (Placerville, El Dorado Co. [Calif.]) 1860-1860, 1860-08-29

A friend, whose wanderings have beer
extensive, says Tc once saw a duel fought
between two South American Spaniards
on board schooner belonging to Camta
ma, on the Spanish Main. She was lying
at the time in st. Pierre'S, Martinico.-
The cOmbatantS were the owner and the
captain OF the vesscl-both largo, muscu.
lar men in the prime Of life.
1t was early in the morning. Some
high words, evidently of All irritating ten.
dcncy, passed between them, and first at.
tracted the attention Of the crews OF the
surrounding vessels. The storm Of words
increased, and with looks of defiance, and
eyes sparkling with indignation, they
stood face to face, making violent gestures,
and applying to ench other the most in.
sulting terms which can be found in the
Spanish language. This wordy warfare
lasted perhaps quarter Of an hour, and
We expected every moment to sec them
come to blows. But suddenly, as If by
mutual consent, they ceased their revilings
and passed down the companion-way to-
gcther. In few moments they reappear-
ed on deck. They were now each lightly
clad in white shirt and trowsers. Around
the left arm were wound several folds Of
some parti-cOlorcd garment, and in the
right-hand they brandished that deadly
weapon, the Spanish knife.
AS soon as they stepped on the quarter
deck, they confronted each other, and we
shall never forget the dcmoniac expression
Of their cOuntcnanccs at that moment
On their swarthy viSages were fearfully
impressed all the evil passions which dis
grace human nature. Their lips were
firmly compressed, and We almost fancied
VIC could hear the grating of their teeth.
Their large black eyes, blood-shot with
frantic passion, seemed like glowing en-
bcrs.-Eor an instant they gnzcd- upon
each other, as if each sought to withcr
his antagonist with a glancc-thcn they
addressed themselves to their sanguinary
work. And never did we witness more
extraordinary display of address and agl.
ity than by those two SpaniardS, thirstng
for each others blood.