davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29
The Real LegIslators.

"Occasional," the well-kuown Washington
correspondent Of the Philadelphia Press, draws
out from obseurity two or three Of that large
class Of men of labor and talent, who, in subor-
dinate places, make regulations for politicians,
and keep the machinery Of governments ia
easy motion. He says
The brains of the Committee Of Ways aud
Means are supplied by Mr.. Cochran, clerk,
"a modest, unassuming man, who has served In
that capacity for number of years) who de-
votes himself at all times to the preparation Of
bills and to the collection Of data and informa-
tion from the various departments Of the Co
vernment. Those who know him speak Of him
as most extraordinary Intellectual machine.
His knowledge Of figures is so accurate, his
integrity so unquestionabe, that his calcua-
tions are accepted and adopted at once. He
may be said, indeed, to be counsellor, adviser
and director in reference 10 the most important
appropriations. No scheme however carefully
concealed, can pass nnchallenged by this SEN
tinel at the door of the national treasury. /
understand that be has already prepared all
the bills for the action Of Congress, aud when
the Speaker is elected and the Committee OF
Ways aHd Means appointed, they will be i'm
mediately presented TO the House. And yet
who ever heard of Mr.. Cochran, except those
who care TO inquire into the secrets OF the
business In this great political center?
Another Of these unknown public servants
Is Mr.. John N. Barclay. Of Indiana. Journal
clerk of the House of representatives. Mr..
Barclay is as thoroughly versed in the parlia-
mentary secrets and details as Cochran is in the
expenditures and revenues Of the Government.
As you enter the House, when II is fully organ,
lied, you will see standing on the right of the
Speaker, young gentleman, named Thaddeus
Maurice, who may be called the prsmpter Of
the presiding officer. He began his service as
page, and | think it was Mr.. Cobb who first
took advantage of bis skill and talent. and
from that day he has been consulted by all the
Speakers When new Congress assemblies 1t
is curious to observe how rapidly he becomes
acquainted with the names and appearances Of
the members; and those who applaud the Speak
er for his readiness aud pro6eIescy do not know
that the quiet, unprstending young man by his
side frequently puts the words into the Speak
er's mouth,
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

SHASTA BuTTR.-- Lieut.. Williamson estimates
the hight of Shasta Butte at $4,000 feet above the
sea- In relation to the position Of this peak and
the surrounding mountains, he says:
This Butte is not only the largest and grandest
peak of the long ranges which divide he sterile
interior of the country from the fertile valleys of the
Pacific Slope, out it is also great center, from
which diverge the numerous chains that render
northern California one mass OF mountains. In
approaching it by the Oregon trail, both from the
north and the south, there is, independent OF the
high ridges a gradual increase in the elevation of
the country, for about fifty miles. The region near
the base itself thus attains an altitude OF about
1000 feet above the sea; and it is an interesting
fact, that most OF the northern mines are found
upon this vast pedestal Of tra giant Butte.
Great confusion exists in the nomenclature Of the
mountain ranges in the vicinity. The name, Cas-
cade mountains, ceases at Klamath river, but the
range in reality divides. One branch, called the
Siskiyou mountains, bends westward nearly to the
coast; the other, under the name Of the Western
Chain Of the Sierra Nevada, winds to the south
east. and unites with the main Sierra Nevada.
From the Butte, three steep and thiclxly wooded
ridges, called Little SCOTS mountains, and Trinity
mountains, extend to the westward. The two latter
are branches OF the Coast Range OF California.
Shasta Butte, although generally considered peak
of the Western Chain Of the Sierra Nevada, is, in
truth the great CENTER from which radiate besides
several smaller ridges, the Cascade Range, the
Coast Range, and the Western Chain of the Sierra
Nevada.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

DEATH OF Very OLD CALIFoRNIAN.-The
Los Angeles correspondent of the Bulletin, in a
recent letter, says: The venerable Antonio Maria
Lugo, of whom gave you brief sketch some three
years since, died last week, well on to a hundred
years Of age. He is said to be 81 years old but II
mistake not he told me three years ago, when he
seemed to have the full use Of his memory, that he
was considerably older than that. lie came to Cal
ifornia soldier under the King Of Spain, and set
tied on his ranch, about eight miles south of Los
Angeles in 1918, where he lived (nearly half CEN
tury) till his DEATH His descendants include the
children of the late COL Isaac Williams, Of DR.. S. G.
Foster, of his sons, (the Lugos,) and know not
how many other families in this country, of the first
respectabuity, TO the third and fourth genera
ton. The landmarks Of California's early history
are fast disappearing The old Padres are al gone;
the old missions are crumbling to ruins, and one
after another, the old poblanos, remainders Of a
former age, drop into "time's yeasty waves"-the
lot Of us ALTO be waited, we hope by the great
irresistible undertow" Of all sentient being, to the
far, far lethean shore.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29
NEVADA DEMOCRAT.

REPUBLICAN CoNvENrIoN.-The Republican
State Convention, called to elect delegates to
the Chicago Convention, assembled ct Sacra-
mento last Wednesday. 1t is said to have been
the largest Convention Of that party ever held
in the State--deIegates from nearly all the
counties In the State being in attendance. The
following gentlemen were elected to represent
this State at Chicago: F. P. Tracy, Leland
Stanford, D. w. Cheesman, A. A. Sargent, d. J.
Staples, Sam Bell, R. Mattheson. and Charles
watrOus. Frem the speeches and proceedings
Of the Convention it would appear that Seward
was the choice Of large majority Of the dele
gates but they did not deem it advisable to in-
struct their delegates to Chicago to vote for
leaving thcm free to act according to the
best of their Judgment.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29
nInnnfnotnrn nr Cnnl oII.


Works for extracting oil from coal are boing &
erected in all parts of the country where coal
abounds, aud the demand for The oil keeps pace
with the steadily increasing supply The fol-
lowing account of the manner in which the oil
is extracted from the coal is from the McKees-
port (Pa.) Standard.
We recently visited the large works, four in
number, of some 30 retorts each, situated near
Canheld, Ohio, and those at Darlington, Pa,
aud propose to give some account Of the pro-
cesses of its manufacture. The coal is put int o
cast iron retorts, holding from 6 to 10 owt.,
which are built into brick furnace SO con-
structed that strong fire can play around them.
The retorts being charged, their mouths closed
aud properly luted, the fire is gradually raised
until they assume white heat !; this intense
heat having in the mean time driven the oil
out of the coal, in the shape Of dense, white
gas. After the lapse of IL hours, in large re-
torts, or G hours in smaller ones the doors are
opened and the charge Withdrawn. The coal
has now been converted into coke, which IL
used as fuel to heat the retorts. Behind the re-
torts aRd running the entire length Of the fur
naces il a large pipe, that, as it passes the re-
torts, receives a smaller pipe from each. These
pipes convey the oil, in the shape of gas when
it leaves the retorts, but gradually cooling and
condensing on its passage, it arrives at large
vessel, called the receiver, fully converted into
oil. The oil Is now the color Of dark brandy,
and yet contains many impurities, such as pitch,
asphaltum, creasote, parahne naptha, &C., from
which it Is freed by dislilIaton and chemical
processes, The distillation which is carried on
in large cast iron stills, having worm miners
ed in cold water, after the manner OF the COM
mon distillng apparatus. frees the oil from the
asphalt, Daraphine and naptha. the two former
being heavier, and the latter lighter than the
oil. 1t is then deoderized, and subjected to re-
peated wasbiDgs in water holding costic soda in
solution, and afterwards treated with dilute
sulphuric acid.
After these processes it comes out the beauti-
ful transparent fluid we now have il probably
the best aud cheapest illuminator the world is
yet in possession Of
The business thus far, has proved highly re-
munerative, yielding a larger return for the in
vestment than any other business we know OF.
One ton of coal produces 40 gallons Of crude,
or 30 Of refined oil. As the coal only costs
$3.50 per ton, and the oil is readily sold for q
dollar gallon, it can at once be seen how
profitable it is.
The Darlington camel coal is as yet sappos-
ed to be the best from which TO make the oil,
but oil is now largely made from other camel
Goals, as well as btuminous coal The large
works at Freeprrt. Pa, use the latter, and make
great quantities Of excellent oil. Should the
bitumnous coal prove as good. for the making
OF oil as the camel coal, new field Of enter
prise will be opened fer those regions like our
own, so abundantly supplied with that quality
Of coal.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

INDIAN RELIcs.-Dr. Day, Of Springfield re-
Gently found several singular relics Of ancient
people, who inhabited this portion Of the world at
some remote period. Among the articles found by
the Doctor, are two kinds Of dishes, rudely shaped
like scollop shell, made Of species of asbestos,
about eight inches wide, and Of oval form. There
is also a mortar, formed out Of large pebble Of
grey granite, unlike luy thing in this county.
While writing ~ he subject Of antiquities, we
are informed, by gentleman lately returned from
that portion Of the State that about fifty miles from
the forks Of Walkers river he several ruins Of
ancient masonry, among the rest bridge, the arch
Of which, though considerably covered by earth, was
found to be nearly one hundred feet span. We do
not vouch for the truth Of the statement but as in
all probability, quite number Of people will travel
in that direction this spring, we shall feel obliged
to any one who will furnish us with some proof Of
the existence OF said bridge Columbia Times.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

AFFECTING ScBNE.-A scene Of sorrow was
Witnessed on the Levee Wednesday morning, that
affected in an unwonted manner all who were pres
ent. Officer Saulsberry, Of San Francisco, brought
up on the steamer, the night previous, insane
woman to be placed in the Asylum. Her little son,
aged eight years, was with her, and when it was
made known he could not accompany his mother to
the Asylum, but that he must be separated from
her his tears and expressions Of grief were such
to fill with sorrow those who heard him. The boy
was kindly taken in charge by Mr.. Henry until the
steamer returned TO San Francisco, whore French
family, country-people Of the insane woman, had
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

A YoUEo LEcTuRER-Nastor Gilmore, Q
promising youth of fourteen years, who lately
had one of bis legs anputated, delivered 3 lee.
ture a few nights ago, in San Francisco, on
California and the Pacific Railroad" He ID
the son Of poor widow woman, and the lee
ture, which is said to have been very Creditable
was delivered fos the purpose Of raising means
to purchase a cork leg and to enable him to
pursue his studies. The audience was large and
composed mainly Of ladies.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

INDIAN OUTRAGBs.-A correspondent OF the
Humboldt Times says that ths Indians have taken
possession Of the Bald Hill country in Humboldt
county. He says the same bands Of Indians sent
to the Reservation after the Kibbe campaign, are
now numbering citizens, killing stock and destroy
ing homes and il some eectual remedy is not forth
with applied the frontier settlements Of the county
will soon be depopulated.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

Quick CoRREsFoNpESsR--.The Alta says that
gentleman who went to the Atlantic States
on the Golden Gate and Baltic-leaving San
Francisco on the 9th OF January, when the
quick passage Of Is days aud 20 hours was
made-wrOte back by the overland mail the
news Of his arrival, which letter reached San
Francisco on the forteth day after the depart
ure hence of the writer. This is the quickest
return Of correspondencs ever made between
San Francisco and New York.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

FARMING IN SoHoMA CoUNTY.-Every indi-
cation, says the Petaluma Argus, goes to estab-
lish the conclusion that the number Of put in
grain this season, in this county, will far exceed
that Of any former year. Should the season prove
favorable to the maturing Of crops the amount Of
produce that Sonoma county will furnish the mar
ket will fully sustain the character Of her soil in
point of fertility, well the industry and enter
prise of her people.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

ONE GoETH AND ANOTHER CoMETH.-Thc first
generation Of houses in San Francisco, says the
Bulletin, we're constructed Of cloth and paper Tho
second generation was OF wood to which fires wind
wet-rot, and city ordinances have set a limit The
third was Of brick-and the first symptom Of the
decay Of this generation may be observed on the
west side Of Montgomery street, just out Of Com
mercial There in this town Of eleven years growth,
a brick building has grown too old TO cumber the
ground longer, and is being removed to make way
for smarter successor. Truly, we are fast people.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

CONVICTIONS BY THE WHOLEsALE.--In the
CaIavsras District Court. on the 10th inst, six
Cinnamon were convicted Of murder in the first
degree They we're indicted for numbering one
of their countrymen. at Campo seco, last sum
mer, aud all tried together
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

SLAvBRs IN THE PACIFIC. - The Honolulu
Advertiser learns that an American schooner had
kidnapped or enticed number Of natives from one
Of the South Sea Islands, and had brought them to
Koloa, where they were put to service on plan
tation, while the vessel had prepared to sail for
similar cargo. The editor Of the Advertiser thinks
1t system Of piracy, and the commencement Of q
a slave trade in the Pacific.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

HoRsR EXPRESS TO CAILFoRNIA-By late
overland mail we have rumor to the effect
that the Government is about establishing a
horse express from ST. Joseph, NO., to Placer
vile, to connect with the telegraph to San
Francisco This express is expected to make
tue trip in ten days
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

PETRIFIED YELLoy-JAcKET.-A gentleman of
this place, says the San Andreas Independent,
picked up from bucket, an it ascended from the
shaft in the Marlete claim, the other day. apetr6ed
yellow-acket, perfect in form, even to the entire
preservation Of its wings. 1t was dug out Of the
earth at least hundred feet from the surface, and
between the two rims or banks Of the "Old River
Channel"
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

SHASTA COUNTY FOR DicKXsoS-The Shasta
County Convention has instructed its delegates
TO the State Convention to vote for Daniel s.
Dickinson for the nomination for President, as
long as their votes will do him any good. On
an informal ballet for FIRST chiOce for President,
the vote stood ; for Dickinson, 81 Breckenridge
9; Douglas, g.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

SHATcHRD PROM THE GRAvE.-Not very long
since, child died, as was supposed, in Washington
county, Oregon. The body presented every ap-
pearance of death; breathing stopped discolorstion
ensued, which being mistaken for modification,
somewhat hurried preparations were made for burial
A few hours before it appointed to take place,
respiration commenced, and the child was found TO
be alive. 1t recovered, and is now entirely well,
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

FATAL MINING AcorDESr.-Jsmes Phillips and
Daniel Campbell were killed, last Wednesday,
at Sucker Flat, in Yuba connty, by the caving
Of bank, while drifting in q mining claim.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILRoAD.-The Wash
ington Territorial Legislature have passed joint
resolution, providing for, and appointing delegates
to, joint convention Of delegates from that Ter.
rtory and Oregon, TO be held at Vancouver, on the
20th of May next to take action to facilitate the
construction Of a Northern Pacific Railroad.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

HoMcIDE.-At Virginia City, Washoe Terri
tory, on the 18th inst, Spaniard was killed
by an American named Leonard. After the
homicide. the Spanards got after Leonard with
their picks and severely wounded him.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

The PER CENT PRINcIPLE.-A writer in the
San Francisco Telegram says that bankruptcy stares
California boldly in the face; and that our rner-
chants to-day cannot pay ten per cent of their in
debtedness. The most Of them are being rapidly
swallowed up by the two-and-a-halfper-cent.-per-
month principle.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

SILVER ORE IN TUoLuMNE.-The editor OF the
Sonora Age has examined some rich specimens
Of silver ore taken from a newly discovered
vein on the Stanislaus river, ia Tuolmne coun-
ty. The veiu is said to bO forty feet 10 width.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

ACCORDING to latest adVices from England,
an address to Lord Palmers.on, praying the
Government to use its influence in maintaining z
the integrity and Independence of the Pope's
dominions, was in course Of signature by the
Catholics Of Ireland.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

GREAT RACE.-A race is to be run over the
Yslo course in April next, between Mr.. CoombE'
celebrated horse Ashland. and Col. Lathrop's
horse Langford. The distance is four miles
and repeat, and the stakes are 5000 side.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

DESTROYING CRoPs.-The Napa Reporter says
that complaint is made by the farmers Of that county
Of the depredations made by the crows and black
birds on the newly sown grain. These pests and a
species Of lark have not been SO abundant In the
valley, or SO destructive to the crops, since the
spring of 1852.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

DISTINGUISHED DEPARTURS-Among the dis
tingui.hed departures from the State, we notice
the name Of Mr.. S Is. Collins. Of rope-tying no.
toriety. He left for the east on the mail steam
er Champion, which sailed for Panama on the
20th
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

BURNED TO DEATH-A little boy of three
years. son Of William Keunerson, of San Fran
cisco, was burned to death on Monday, Feb.
goth, by his clothes catching fire at the stove.
The child lived few honrs in great agony.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

Coon FOR SAN FRAScrsco.-A dispatch from
San Francisco, Fays that about Eve hundred
dollars Was collected at the Post Office in that
city on the 22d for the Washington National
Monument.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

TExAs.-Ths total population of Texas, ae-
cording to the returns Of the Assessors for 1859,
is 453948
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

Mint SrATIsrcs.- During the week ending
Saturday, Feb. 18th, GIGS ounces Of gold bull
lion were deposited in the Branch Mint; 1924
ounces OF silver purchased aud $24O,soO in
gold coined.
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

SBTTLED.-Itis is reported that the difficulty in
which challenge had passed between w. D. Fair
and Francis Gsnahl, Of Siskyou, has been amieably
settled BY referees
The Nevada Democrat., 1860-02-29

YAcHTING.-Three beautiful yachts are now being
built by nautical amateurs in San Francisco, pre-
paratory to the races Of next summer. One il
aYoEsdly intended to beat the "PTide Of the Bay"
The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-10-10
The Grand Ledge Mass Meeting

The Republican Mass Meeting at Grand Ledge,
was a fine and inspiriting occasion. The day
was perfection. The main speech of the meet
ing. was most able discussion Of National as
well as State topics, by Hon. AUSTIN BLAIR, who
never spoke more convincingy nor eloquentiy
He was listened to throughout with close atten-
ton, and left upon the minds of all, the happi' st
impression. Eaton county will roll up more than
her usual noble majority, for her iavoEite Blair,
who commenced his professional life within her
borders.
Lansing was handsomely represented by a
procession OF teams, half mile long, headed
by the Lansing Brass Band.
The VermontvilIe Brass Band lent interest TO
the occasion, marching before the car containing
thirty-three beautiful Grand Ledge girls, repre-
senting the States.
The Wide-Awake Glee Club of Lansing added
charm to the exercises.
The meeting was held in beautiful grove of
tall naples, near the village, where seats, and
commodiOus speakers stand had been erected,
and was called to order at three O'Clock z. ~,
by Dr. Convey, Chairman. The Throne of Grace
was appropriately addressed by Rev. Mr.. Jcn-
ney, when the chairman introduced the Lansing
Glee Club, who gave one OF their best songs.
The Lansing Band played choice and appro-
pirate piece, after which Mr.. Blair was introdu-
ced, and held the large audience until late in the
| afternoon, when after more music, :. ". FOwicr,
| ESQ., of Charlotte was called out, and spoke for
The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-10-10
Crime I'm Clinton County.

The Republican states that Norman W. Carr
was brought before Justice Spaulding on the LIST
inst, for examination on a charge of having COM
mitted burglary on the morning of that day, in
entering the gun shop OF Bethel Osborne, in St.
Johns, and attempting to carry away guns, planes,
&c. Held to bail in the sum of 5000, in default
of which he was sent to the lookup, to await
his trial at the next term of the Circuit Court.
Also, that on Friday morning the 2sth, at
about O'clock, the dwelling house of Henry
Moon Esq, on the south side OF the Looking
Glass river, at Dewitt, was burglariously entered
by raising window on the rear side of the
house through which the burglar found ingress
to the bedroom occupied by Mr.. and Mrs. Moon
He was in the act Of administering chlorofcrm to
Mrs. NJ, who was partially awakened by inhaling
the supplying drug, aud raising her hand, which
came in contact with some material substance,
she became conscious Of the presence of the in
truder, and gave the alarm, whereupon the bur-
glar beat 4 hasty retreat through the open win
dow, and made good his escape-leaying behind
him, however, the handkerchief saturated with
chloroform. Mr.. and Mrs. Moon caught a
glimpse of their nocturnal visitor as he escaped
through the window, and are confident that they
recognized in him young man who resides at
Dewitt, and who has hitherto borne a good
character. In the same room were Mr.. MOon's
pants, in the pockets OF which was upwards of
800 Of which fact the burglar was evidently
ignorant. Mr. Noon is wealthy farmer, and, il
is generally supposed, keeps a considerable sum
of money in his house at all times. On the fol-
lowing Saturday night, the barn of DR.. Geo.
W. Topping, of Dewitt, was entered by some
person or persons unknown, and a set Of double,
silver-plated harness, of the value Of si5, stolen
therefrOm. On the same night, Moses Headey,
of Dewitt, lost a set Of single harness, of the
Of the value of s25-undoubtedly stolen by the
same miscreants. On the same night, a horse
belonging to Horatio Hunter, Of Dewitt, was ia.
ken from his stable, but was found loose in the
road on the following day, about FIVE miles north.
west of the village, with the halter still upon
him. There is evidently gang of thieves PROV
ling about Dewitt, some of whose members OF
accomplices are plundering the citizens of their
property.