davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Mexico.

On the 9th of March two steam propel lers came in sight of Vera Cruz, without showing any colors as customary. Capt. Turner of the U $. ship Saratoga had with her two small steamers, the Indianola and Wave Supposing the strange steamers to be pirates, as they ahowed no colors, and they proved to be part of the piratl- cal expedition of Marin, Capt Turner ordered the steamers to be in readneSs.- One of the strange steamers, the Havana, surrendered after one broadside from the Saratoga The other vessel, the Maramon, commanded by Marin, with three heavy guns and some smaller ones refused to sur render and kept up a running fight for three quarters of an hour with the American steamers. They were both captured and brought to the U. s. As these vessels were undoubtedly fitted out and were sent to aid the usurper, Marimon, it was an act on the part of Spain which if not properly ex- plained, may lead to suspension of the neutrality laws between that government and ours Miramon was before Vera Cruz, but the liberals had cut off several detach- ments of his army, the city of Mexico had declared against him, and late report was to the effect that he had abandoned his men and taken refuge on board the French fleet. The star of Juarez was in the ascendant .and if the government of Mexico can be placed in his hands our detferences with Mexico can be speedily adjusted.
 In the meantime Sam Houston, bent on being President, is resolved to make flli- bustering popular. He is raising troops and is evidently determined on the anneXa- ton of Mexican territory.
 Government troops have been ordered across the country and down through the Indian territory The Navajoes and Ca manches are to be taught a lesson, and a heavy force will be concentrated on the | Texas frontier. Several war steamers have been ordered to the Gulf of Mexico, and Uncle Sam evidently is preparing for warm times both by land and water.
 Another element now enters largely into the calculation of Mexican politics. The K. G. C's, or the Knights of the Golden Circle are beginning to play conspicuous part. The objects of the order were not fully understood, but speeches lately made by General Bickley, the commander-in-chle1 of the order and others, are avowals that their aim is to Americanize Mexico. The organization is spread all over the south, and embraces a numerous membership within Mexico. They have several regiments ready; some companies now on the way or on the frontiers and it is even said that the guns in the fort at Vera Cruz that played such havoc with Miramon's men, were worked by Knights of the Circle, from the United | States.
 Upon the whole the sick man of oul continent" appears to be amply provided with doctors. A kill or a cure will soon be effected. Whether Protectorate will
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Tha Right of Secession.

When the Old Line Democrat propounded its question to us concerning the right of sscessi.n. it was already in possession oi onr views, and on one occasion had puo- I;sbed them. It knew full we'll that we were an advocate of the right of secession, and it's question was entirely captious, pro- posed solely for the purpose of finding fault with our reply. We so believed at the time, and the sequal has shown it.
 The attempt to torture our response into disavowal of the right of secession IS an attempt at misrepresentation. While we believe in the abstract right of secession, we believe peaceoJle assertion Of that right impracticable. Secession, if ever resorted to, will be a question more of n'tght than oi right. This is the opinion of those south ern state rights democrats, who nave advised the South to arm for the emergency and it is ours. Our belief may be erro- neous-we should like to think 1t was, but we do not.
 If secession is ever resorted to as remedy against injustice or oppression, it will be done under black republican rule. If at tempted when that party has control of the government, that party will use all the power of the government to resist the at tempt. This is what we meant when we stated the question of secession was more one of might than of rigM. We look at this question from practical point of view, and that is the view we would like to see the South take of it, and prepare for it accordingly.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Telegraph Line.

Indications are more favorable, that we are to have Telegraph Line to Memphis All admit its great advantages-the trouble seems to be in getting the necessary stock. As a preliminary to the efforts, the "Ar- konsos Telegraph Compony'' has been or ganized, with the following board of trus- tees, a list that would seem to warrant suc- cess: C. P Bertrand, R. l.. Dodge, J. A. Henry, Peter Hanger, J. B. Johnson, w. E. Woodruff, H. E. Ashley, John Pope. The trustees of the company elected c. P. BERTRAND, President: R. L. DODGE, Trea- surer; J. A. HENRY, Secretary.
 The shares are $50 each, payable in in stallments, as the work progresses. A committee of gentlemen will wait on our citizens to receive stock subscri ptions As this is exclusively Little Rock project, we hope we are not to be disgraced by the word failed, particularly, when we take into consideration its vast advantages to the progress and interest of the city.
 The leading of four branch lines into oul city, to be commenced this season, Is only awaiting the determination in regard to the erection of the line from Little Rock tc Memphis.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Tri.weeklY True Democrat.

We publish this week prospectus for = tri-weekly issue of the True Democrat, in addition to the present weekly issue. We publish 1t in advance of the State Demo- cratic Convention. so as to submit the pro- iect to the individual members thereof, and obtain the assistance of those of them, who should be friendly to the enterprise, Tn pro- curing us subscribers, on their return home.
 When we purchased and assumed the control of this paper in 1851, now nearly nine years ago, 1t had but about six or seven hundred subscribers, but now It has over fve Mousond, and is read every week by at least eight or ten thousand of the citizens of the State. By industry and perseverance, and by the advocacy ot sound doctrine, and the bests interests Of the State, we have brought its business to such degree of prosperity, that we feel com pelled to procure another press and issue It more frequently. This we intend to do as early tHlS SuitlHleT as Wt CaH oCNoiN 'O ~ ditional press and material necessary to the enterprise. We have already ordered a fine power press. in addition to the one we have, and may safely expect it and the ne- cessary type, cases and paper, in the course of a month or six weeks.
 We are moved to this enterprise by the demands of the times, and a desire to sup ply fully the wants of the community We would wish to start it out with at least a thousand subscribers, and relying upon tn, friends who have aided and supported us so long, we feel confident of being abe to do so.
 The establishment of the tri-weekly IS a fixed fact, and those of our subscribers to the weekly issue, who would like to take the tri-weekly, will oblige us by at once notifying us of the fact. All who wish it,, will please present their names at once.
 Our terms will be, for the tri.weckly True Democrat, s5 %, inparioJly in ad- pance. As the enterprise is q new one in our State, and will necessarily be an ex pensive one, we cannot undertake it on the credit system We hope our friends will remember this, and give us their hearty support.
 Those of our contemporaries who will give our prospectus a few insertions, and direct attention to it, will greatly oblige us, and receive in return, in exchange, our tri weekly issue.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31

A CONSISTENT FRIEND OF THE SoUTH.- To our question-why he did not advocate the repeal of the laws prohibiting the Af- rican slave trade when he was in Illinois, a free State-Mr. Peek returns the follow ing answer
 Because neither the interests nor constitution al rights of the people of that State required it. y
 We never knew before that the consti- tutional rights of the people of free State were different from those of the peo- ple of slave State. If the African slave trade was reopened would not the people of Illinois have the same right to fit out ships and engage in it, that the people of Arkansas would have? We never knew before that the constitution was different in one section of the Union from what it is in another Mir Peek rs opening our eyes. Will he explain? His because" is most remarkable one, but does not satisfy us why man should be one thing in Illinois and another in Arkansas.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
generally will attend.

ELEcTIoss-The opposition are brag- ging largely on having carried New Hamp- shine by 1000 or 2, 1000 majority. In 1856 the vote stood: Fremont 3S, ,342; Buchanan 32,7S0; Fillmore 420.
 The news from Connecticut is most cheer ing. The black republicans admit that the contest there is doubtful. In Maine, of which we had very little hope, the demo- crats have carried many of the towns, an swering to our counties, by handsome ma jorties. The punder of the treasury and the complcity of the black republican lea ders have disgusted the people. The demo- cracy are aroused. Such men as Caleb Cushing, Connor and others have pulled off their coats and rolled up their sleeves and are teaching the Helpeiites that l" Jor dan is hard road to travel..'
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31

EF- Speaking of the democratic party, and trying to excuse himself for not sup porting the democratic nominees of this county, the editor of the Old Line democrat holds the following language
 "We were taught to respect the doctrines of that party because of their abstract truth and practical adaptation to the administration of pure republican government; but we at the same time instructed that principles and doctrine were above all obliga- tions to mere party allegiance, and that it was our sacred duty to protest and loudly proclaim against any and every departure thereirnm-al- ways keeping in the mind the great and glorious m1xim that it is better to submit to party defeat with our principles clearly inscribed our ban ners than to snatch victory from defeat by any sacrifice of principle or corruption of doctrine"
 We write to ask Mr. Peek if he subscrib- ed to Douglas squatter sovereignty doc Urine when he supported him so zealously in Illinois? If he did not, we would like to know if he then thought, as he now says he does, Mnt principles and doctrines we,e a6ope oN oJiigat;ons 70 mere oarty dlie q;ance2 What did he then think about "snatching victory from dcteof' by q sacri flee of ofprinciple or corruption of doctrine>
 Perhaps Mr. Peek can appeal to the con- sttution to explain his inconsistency in this matter. as he did in the matter of the Afri- can slave trade,
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
News Items.

The New Orleans papers say that they are putting the alligators which infcst the swamps, to a good purpose. Their hides are tanned and the leather is said to be un- equalled. Soft, tough and easily worked, alligator leather is all the rage
 For the first time in the history of the country an abolition convention has been held in slave State. On the 10th ot March some 200 black republicans met at St. Louis, and elected delegates to the Chicago convention. The speeches and re- solutions were as incendiary and treasona- ble as those of Boston meeting.
 The recent city and town elections in the white slave States show democratic gains In Troy, \. Y., Camden, \. J., and other places, democratic mayors were elected.- And where the Helrertes have succeeded it has been by reduced majorites.
 They have revived the project of forming new State out of northern Mississippi western Tennessee and corner of Ken lucky. If this is done, Memphis, being near the center of the proposed State, will be the capital of it.
 An English paper says:
 "A pauper in a Liverpool workhouse kept for many hours without food, tried to swallow his dinner whole and choked to death in the attem%t His hunger was SC sharp he could not wait for the nurse to cut up his food, and he was too infrm to do 1t himself"
 Just suppose that had been a southern negro?
 "Caiker" is mighty cheap in Yankee land. 69,000 pieces or bolts were lately sold at Providence for 4, } and 5 cts. a yard. It sells here from l5 to 30 cents
 The bill to prohibit the marriage of cou. sins, was voted down in the Senate of Ken lucky. The vote stood 19 noes to II ayes
 A game of euchre was played lately at Milwaukie for $20, 0,000. Rather steep bet ting.
 Nine of the aldermen of St. Louis were recently sent to jail for contempt of court
 Charles Bland, of Mason county, Ky, raised 10, 300 pounds of good tobacco on five acres of ground. On twelve acres he raised 20, 300 pounds.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
The African Slave Trade.

The editor of the Old Line Democrat says he does not od0scate Me indtscrineinote re-opening of he Atrican slaoe trade, and yet he advocates the repeal of the laws prohibiting it !! Who can reconcile these two positions? What is the distinction between re-opening the African slave trade, and repeating the laws prohibiting it? Would not one be the direct and certain effect of the other? Would not the re opening of the African slave trade certainly follow the repeal of the laws prohibiting 1t?
 We suspect Mr. Peek is backing down from the position he assumed when he first came to the State. His friend Hindman did the same thing before he got half way round his district last fall, and we notice that he has yet taken no steps in Congress to obtain the repeal of those prohibltory laws, which, at one time, he professed so earnestly to desire A new spirit seems to have come over his dreams.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
The Presidency.

As the time approaches for holding the national conventions, the prospects of the different aspirants are examined more closely and the relative strength of each more nearly ascertained.
 At the Charleston convention the most prominet names presented will be those of Hunter, Lane, Breckenridge, Dickinson and Douglas. Our own belief is that Mr. Hun ter will be the nominee. He is more gene rally acceptable to all and there is no par ticuar opposition to him from any quarter, except from rival politician in Virginia. From the day Lanes name was presented to the people he has been gaining ground and he now stands a good chance for the nomination.
 The Chicago convention will have to choose between Bates, Seward, Banks and Chase. The effort to galvanise the defunct Fremont is a failure He is played out- Our opinion is that Seward will be the man. The object in nominating Bates is to catch the votes of the opposition in the South. But it is now nearly reduced to a certainty that Sam Houston will be the candidate of the South Americans. Under cover of 6llibustering, extending our territory and enlarging the area of freedom, he hopes to reach the presidential chair Should he run, and carry off the vote or part of it, that is counted for Bates, tho black repub- licans will nominate Seward and make the contest a purely sectional one. In that event, union of the South is indispensa- ble. The loss of one southern State, Texas, for instance, may prove fatal.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Death of Edward Payson Washbourne

It is with deep regret we announce the death of Mr. E. P. WAsHBoURNE, the tal- ented young Arkansas artist" He died in this city, after short but violent attack of pneumonia on the 26th inst. It is but week since we were called upon to chronicle the death of his father, the Rev. Caphas Washbourne, who closed long and useful life in the triumphant death of a christian.
 Edward P. Washbourne was born in Arkansas in the year 1853; reared and edu- catcd on our soil and was proud of his na- tive State as she was justly proud of him. At an early age he evinced a talent for drawing and love of the art, but 1t was not until he was nearly grown that he had an opportunity of procuring paint snd other materials of the artist Without instruc- ton and guided by his genius alone, he commenced life as a self.taught artist.- The portraits and landscapes painted by him in his youth are worthy the pencil of many an older and carefully trained pain ter. He afterwards visited New York where he had an opportunity of examining galleries of paintings and the studios of celebrated artists. He painted some pie tusS there which were approved by eminent
 judges His picture of the "Arkansaw Traveller" which has been engraved, is one of the most popular in the south and west and is truly a southern picture by a southern artist Had he been spared to at tain the allotted age of man, with his rapid improvement, his high aims and devotion to his profession, he would have attained to marked distinction.
 Mr. Washbourne was a scholar, a grace | ful writer, and in all respects, gentleman. His modest unassuming department; his unblemished character; his genius and his irankness won the hearts of all who knew
 him- His remains were escorted to the grave by large concourse of friends and | by the masonic fraternity, of which society
 he was member.
 To ms surviving relatives we tender oul | sympathy. They have lost one of whom they were justly proud and who was an or nament to them and to his native State.- We have lost true and gentle friend
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
EE- The editor of the Old Line Dem,

EE The editor of the Old Line Demo crat continually plumes himself upon the elegance of his editorial style, and its free dom from slang and abuse.
 Here is sample of that style;
 70 bosh. Mr. Johnson, ,rhen did ,oe make an at tack uuoa your big brother Bod, the eldest of tho JOhnsons.
 Mir. Peek has been constantly assailing certain men under the name of "the John sons," and this is the response he makes to our request to begin with the eldest, and state the sins and misdeeds of each separate ly. He don't respond, but comes back with slang. He dare not resort to facts and figures.
 Rob't w. Johnson has served the people of Arkansas, in and out of Congress, for more than fifteen years-his record is pub lie to all, and, if Mr. Peek has it not, we have, and will supply him. The Congress sional Globe, for the whole time that Sen ator Johnson has been in Congress, is in our possession and at his service. Will he cease his slang, and, as we request, come down to facts and> arguments? If so, we will meet him in all courtesy and cheerful
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Cairo and Fulton Railroad

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Co.,, of Missouri, was held at Cape Girardeau, Mo-, on Monday the 12th inst. The following gentlemen were elected unanimously, direc- tors for the ensuing year: M Brayman, of Springfield, H., s. G. Kitchen and II. II |. Bedford, of Bloomfield, Mo-; w. II. Hor- ner, of Dunklin county, Mo, and Charles $. Hamilton, of Birds Point, Mo.
 The Board was organized by the election of the following oficers:-
 NJ BRAYMAN, President,
 SOLOMON G. KITCHEN, Vice President,
 GEoRGE R. TEAsDALE, Secretary,
 GREEN l.. PoPLIN, Treasurer,
 CHAs. $. HAMILTON, Superintendent,
 JOIN H. CRocKER remains Chief Engr
 J. V. H. Lott remains, Gen. Fr't. and Pass. Agent.
 This meeting we learn, was more large ly attended than on any former occasion, more than $l 200, 900 of stock (almost all ] being represented, and the unanimity of action on the part of the stockholders af- lords encouraging evidence that the people of Southeast Missouri, who have so vital an interest in the success of this road, will carry it through.
 The Board ordered the work of grading. furnishing ties, etc, for the completion of the track to the fiftieth mile, to be contract ed for immediately, payable wholly in the Land Grant Bonds of the Company. Par ties having proposed to do the work on very advantageous terms.
 The President was authorized to make loan upon the obligations of the compa- ny, secured by its bonds, sufficient to dis charge all outstanding and accruing debts, including the interest already advanced by the State upon the S650, ,00O bonds issued to aid the work, also the interest payable in July next.
 The resources of the company as shown by it's published report, appear to be ample, though not available for the rapid pro gress of the work.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31

Rv card in the Pocahontas Advertiser and Herald we see Dr. Beshoar withdfaws from a candidacy to the legislature. A statement in that paper, by the sherf' shows that nearly quarter of million 'oi'"' worth of merchandise was imported in'o Randolph county during the present year. The amount assessed for taxation during that year was s277,134 %.
 The Independent Balance, with It's pro fessions of neutrality, yet keeps up US as saults on us and puts in good word TOT the disorganizers Batting the venom dls- played in his attacks on us, we cannot blame it for the course it pursues. of course, as an opposition journal, 1t en- courages a split in the democratic party. We have only time now to notice point or two made by Mr. kenard As to Hind mans not having any connexlon with A. J. Rogers, Mir. K. should remember that Hindman was parading the streets ot Helena with shot guns in company with Rogers and trying to get up duel between him and Key He was his firm, fast friend he made him his mouth piece and lndorSed him. In a manner meant to be derlslve, the Balance finds fault with our saying the masses of the people were intelligent Nevertheless, it is so and the best evidence is the scarcity of know nothings among them. We will attend to these opposi- tioners before November, and repay these licks with compound interest. In the >meantime, the Balance can take up its time abusing us, praising Hindman, and .distrib- uting Hindman's circulars. We wish him iov of his new associations
 If the editors of the Sage of Monticello will read our last issue, they will find the Peek questions answered, and if they will read Mir. Carroll's letter, they will find the decision of the Alabama supreme court m regard to per diem set out fully. The decision was made and the name ot the case is there given. 1nasmuch as the Sage depdes it. we will take pains to get 1t and republish it.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31
Branch Telegraph Lines from Little Rock

/As soon as the stock of the Telegraph Line, from our city to Memphis, is sub scribed, we learn that MT. Snow, will visit all the thriving localities of the State to enlist interest in Branch Lines, centei1ng at Little Rock.3
 %Of the routes named, a line to Bates ville-to Helena-to Pine Bluff and Ma poleon-to Camden-to Clarksville and Paris, Texas, and thence to GaIveston0
 Tn addition to Fort Smith and Van Buren having taken stock and secured ottl- ces in the Missouri line, we learn from a gentleman from Fayetteville, Washington county, that the citizens of the latter place have promptly taken the necessary stock for an office in that place, on the Missouri Line In the month of June, these three localities, will be in lightning communication with "the rest of man Lind
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-03-31

Two Ours rIoNs.-Mr. Peell's fort is in asking his opponents hard questions. We hope he will not think us impertinent, if we play back the same game at him. We would like to know more of Mr. Peek s Illinois politics, and desire him to answerus:
 1St When supporting Douglas for the United States Senate, did he indorse Doug las squatter sovereignty doctrine, and his doctrine of excluding slavery from the ter ritories by "mntiiendLy iegislatione"
 2d. Did he join Douglas in his war upon Mr. Buchanan administration?
 We hope Mir. Peek will favor us with a reply to these questions at his earliest con venience.