davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-07

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Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25

;s any attempt at war on the part of the North we can soundly thrash them on any field of battle, and not only tnat' we can give them to Jean Jacques, and leave them to manage that. ,,,,
 We know our strength. Why, we ex- nort over two hundred millions of produce, which the world eagerly seeks and cannot ao without. The North exports some SIX tv millions, in competition with the Euro na,n nroducers. The North without our custom for it's manufactures and our pro- dnce for its commerce and its exchanges is neither more nor less than the poores. nort;on of the civilized world To that It |. has come on an infdel and abstract idea;
 Mr. Hammond thus shows that we not only have the right on our side, but the emancipation of the South from the bonus $ of the old Union will be as productive W Ol injury to the North as of benefit to us. VI that the North itself is now becoming con yinced. Their disgust at the southeIh movement is by no means lessened py the discovery.
 It would be as we'll, too, for the northern and the border slave States 10 take notlce of Mir Harnmond's declaration that the Union is .'forever dissolved" " That ne speaks the sentiments of South Carolina and of every other seeded State, there can be no doubt. Those who imagine that any course whatever that the border slave States might pursue would ever induce the Con federate States to return to the old Unlon' are making grave mistake. The separa- tion, like that of the American coilnles from Great Britain, is perpetual .--Ne" Orle0ns LreSceaA
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
Meeting in Hot Spring County

Pursuant to public notice meeting of the citizens of Hot Spring county, was held in the spacious saloon of the Hale House in Hot Springs, on Wednesday evening the 17th ut.
 The meeting was organized by calling the Hon. H. A. Wilmington to the chair, and Thomas B. Hale and F. D. Parker as sec retarles.
 The chairman in few pointed remarks explained that the meeting had been called to determine what action it was proper for the people of Arkansas to take in view of the fact that the present black republican administration had declared war against the southern confederacy, and were calling for men from the free States to engage in this desperate and fatricidal struggle, and ale evidently determined to bring the Cir repressible conflict to final and bloody issue.
 On motion, committee of five were ap- pointed, consisting of Messrs. c. J. Turn bull, c. c. Akin, R. $. Clayton, J. w. Fullerton, and G. w. Lawrence, to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
 Alter the committee had retired, the Hon. Thos c. Chester of Mo-, was called upon and delivered speech of great force and eloqucnce, pledging the people of Mis- souri to a determined and prompt resist ance to any attempt on the part of the federal government to coerce the seeding States.
 At the close of Mr. Chester's remarks the committee reported through Maj. Chas. J. Turnbull, chairman, the following preamble and resolutions which were unan- imously adopted
 WHEREAS, From recent telegraphic dispatches we have ascertained that hostilities have com meneed between the administration of the federal and the Confederate States of Amer ica. . attendant train of horrors, interest, sympathies and fealngs are all with the South, that in the coming contest the Confederate States shall have our support and material aid, and that earnestly call upon the State authorities to take such action as will enable us efficiently and promptly to render cordial assistance to our southern brethren
 Resolped, That we as citizens of Hot Spring county, and of the State of Arkansas, earnestly demand of the President of the convention recently in session to issue his proclamation, convening said convention at as early day practicable to take action upon our federal relations.
 Resolued, That copy of the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to the Governor, President of the convention, and the True Democrat for publication.
 Loud calls being made for Col. D. P. Hill of Georgia, that gentleman came for ward and enchained the attention of the meeting by an able, eloquent and unans- " erable defence of the Confederate States.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25

MONTGOMERY, March l5.-The injunc- tion of sccresy was to-day removed from the veto of President Davis, of the act lately passed by Congress, prohibiting the African slave trade. It is as follows:
 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Feb. 2o.
 Gentlemen of Me Congress-: With sincere deforence to the judgment of the Congress, I have carefully considered the bill in re- lation to the slave trade, and to punish persons offending therein, but l have not been able to approve. and therefore return it with statement of my objections.
 The constitution, section 9, article l, provides that the importation of African negroes from any foreign country other than the slaveholding States, is hereby forbidden; and Congress is required to pass such laws as shall effectually prevent the same. The rule herein given is emphatic, and distinctly directs legislation which shall effectually prevent the importation of African negroes. The bill before me denounces as high misdemeanor the i'm portaton of negroes or other persons of color, either to be sold as slaves, or held to service or labor, affixing heavy and degrading penalties on the act, if done with such intent To that extent 1t accords with the requirements of the constitution; but in the 9th section of the bill provision is made for the transfer of negroes who may have been illegally imported into the Confederate States to the custody of for eign States or societies, upon condition of deportation and future freedom, and if the proposition thus to surrender them shall not be accepted it is then made the duty of the President to cause said negroes to be sold at public outcry to the highest bidder, in any of the States where such sales shall not be inconsistent with the laws thereof, etc., etc.
 This latter provision seems to me in op- position to the policy declared in the con- stitution, of prohibition of the importation of African negroes, and in derogation of its mandate to legislate for the effectuation of that object Wherefore the bill is returned for your further consideration, together with the objections.
 Most respectfully submitted.
 JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
From Eot Spring County.
Hor STRINGS, April 20, 1861

IIoT SPRINGS, April 20, IS6I.
 Editors Tue Democrat: The news that hostilities had commenced between the federal government and the seeding States created the most intense excitement among the people throughout this section of the State, as you know, majority of the citizens of this county voted for Union delegate to the recent convention, and the Union men were jubilant over their victory and have since carried matters with rather a high hand, and been somewhat intole- rant and dictatorial in their speech and behavior towards those of their fellow citizens who differed with them as to the duty and policy of the State in the exist ing emergency. Upon the receipt of the war news, however, a sudden and violent reaction toQ1l place; the genuine southern feeling was aroused, the timid and the backward no longer hesitated, and Union men become secessioniSts by the hundred. Almost spontaneously, the people assem- JIed and held a meeting in this town. The gathering was large, the enthusiasm un- bounded and former Union men joined with sccessionists in giving spirit and uuanimity of the proceedings. The off cial account of this meeting has been for warded to you, and you will see that many of the best and most substantial men in tho county were present and participated.
 In view of the very short notice given, inc meeting may be regarded as an inn 1aense success. A fine band of music en- liyened the proceedings and spirited speeches were made by several gentlemen. Of these, l may be excused for making particular mention of the effort of Col D. P. Hill, of Georgia, who, you will recol- lect came to Arkansas as commissioner from the State of Georgia. The Col's. speech was eloquent and able, admirably appropriate 10 the occasion, full of sound argument and unanswerable reasoning, and rich in humor and pathos. l make this special mention of Col Hill in simple acknowledgment of the great lgood he has effected for the southern cause in this county Upon all public occasions, whenever called upon, he has promptly and vigorously re- sponded, informing and arousing the people, and making clear as sunlight many of those disputed points ont of which Union men have made capital against the Confederate States.
 You may rely upon it, Mr. Editor, that Hot Spring county will nobly respond to any action that may be taken with a view to reunite Arkansas with her brethren of the Confederate States. Let the call be made and you will find none will be more prompt in answering with men or material aid C.J. $.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
Public Meeting.

Pursuant to notice, a goodly number of citizens met at the Representatives Hall in this place, on Thursday night, the 18th instant.
 snOn motion of Mr. Matthews, l.. E. Barber esq, was called upon to preside over the meeting, and Charles c. Farrelly, esq, ap- pointed secretary.
 Dr. A. w, Webb explained the object of the meeting.
 Dr. Kirl1wood offered the following reso- lution, which was adopted:
 Resolued, That we will not permit any boat, or other means of conveyance, to ascend or descend the river with arm3 provisions, munitions of war intended for the army of the United States, and that a committee of ten be appointed to see that this resolution is carried into effect.
 On motion of Mir. Williams, commit tee of ten was appointed to draft resolu- tions expressive of the sense of this meet ing. of which committee Messrs Williams, Bertrand, Webb, and others were mem bers, who, after retiring, reported the fol- lowing resolution
 Resolped, That, in the opinion of this meeting the condition of the country requires a call of the State convention at the earliest practical day; and that the President of said convention be respectfully requested to issue his proclamation to that effect; and that the secretary be instructed to forward to the president of the convention a copy of the pro- ceedings of this meeting.
 Mr. Borland moved to amend by adding the following:
 ResoIpcd, That in the opinion of this meeting, the time has arrived when it becomes necessary for the State of Arkansas to sever her connection with the United States and unite her destiny with her sister States of the Southern Contederacy.
 The resolution of the committee and that offered as an amendment were both adopt ed
 On motion, the city papers were request ed to publish the proceedings of the meet ing, which then adjourned.
 L. F. BARBER, C1r'n.
 c. c. FARRELLy, .Sec'y.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
I1y- A Republican paper of this cit

ES 4 hepuplleal paper ol thlS clty, says the N. Y. Day Book, which stuffs its readers with all manner of sensation frauds and falsehood about the South, in speaking of the rebellion by which our fathers threw off the English yoke, says
 They themselves resorted to rebellion only when all peaceable attempts to obtain justice had failed. They suffered for twelve years, and they did not appeal to arms un- til no other road to justice and liberty was left"
 For hc:ce tocelye gears the southern States of this Republic suffered all kinds of taunts, gibes, insults, threats, wrongs, robberies, raids of plunder, assassinations, poisonings, and perpetual warfare upon their domestic institutions and peace, from the murderous swarms of northern abolitionists, who swore to beat down both church and state if they stood in the way of their negro emancipa- tion; and when they succeeded in bringing the northern half of the confederation to indorse their bloody doctrines, the South demanded of the victorious bandits guar antees for their rights, and they were scorn- fully refused This is the real state of the question, stripped of all the wrappings of republican falsehood and hypocrisy.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
NIn. JoHnsoN---

Mn. JOHNSON
 Dear Sir. I notice in the late issue of the Gazette. the editor denies the necessity of a special session of the legislature be- cause of its expense and because, he says, the convention can do all the legislature can do and other things of which the legis- Eatnross inkable.
 Fully recognizing the liberal tone of the article in the Gazette, and certainly not in any eaptious mood, Iwish to suggestsom questions that present themselves in con noction uith this subject.
 Is there no limit to the the powers of the conrention. The act of the General Assembly calling the convention may have been simply an advisory act. The people could, and would have met at the polls and sent delegates to 8 convention whose power and authority would have been as unques- tionable as those of the present delegates. But, inasmuch, as the people assembled at the polls and elected delegates under that act for the purposes therein set forth, and the delegates confined themselves to discus sion of the attitude to be assumed by Ar kansas in regard to the other States, while nothing was said of change in our State constitution, can they make any changes therein?
 For iustancs, the constitution says that all appropriations of money shall be by law; that is, by an act of the General As semLly? Gan the convention appropriate money? Admitting the fact that the con- yention can change the constitution, we may be told that when the convention so acts it repeals or changes, or suspends the constitution so far as its action goes But then ought not this change, or suspen- sion 10 De prior act, expressed in apt terms?
 The editor of the Gazette has been Au- ditor of public accounts and is well inform ed as to the law on this point Would he, if now Auditor, draw on the treasury for money appropriated by the convention, for general purposes? There are other matters, such as redistricting the State, so as to give Us four members of Congress in the South ern Confederaey, which it is doubtful, if the convention can legitimately act upon.
 These questions are put in no carping spirit, but if they can be satisfactorily an swarod, then it would be folly to call the legislature, but the General Assembly alone possesses certain powers until the constitu ton is changed, then it will be absolutely necessary to have a special session.
 NOAH.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25

TIE UNITED STATES FLEET AT CHARLES ToS-THE OBJECT OF ITS NIslT-ITs DE- FEATURE.
 The steamship Isabel, Captain Rollins which arrived at her wharf Tuesday morn ing about eleven o'clock, brought the in telligence that the United States fleet which remained of the harbor from the commence ment of the bombardment of fort Sumter to its surrender, a silent spectator of the struggle going on, had weighed anchor and returned with Anderson and his command to New York The object of it's coming here has been the subject of much curiosity and speculation among our people. If it was sent for the purpose of giving aid and succor to Major Anderson's garrison, there was certainly no movement nor manifesto tion of such an object at the time when Anderson most needed their assistance. If on mission of peace only, what could have been the meaning of the naval demon stration accompanying it? The general belief was that they meditated rase, in order to throw in supplies, in which they have signally failed.
 It is perhaps, well for the cause of hu- manlty that prudent precautlon was ob- served by the commander, and that a trial of strength between their troops and ours was carefully avoided by the respectful dis tance at which thier vessels were kept out of the range of our batteries. Some sup l posed the fleet was intended for blockade and awaited endorsements. The mystery, however, has been partially solved by the intelligence, since recieved, of the speaking of the steamtug Yankee about ten miles off our bar with men and provisions for fort Sumter. It was no doubt the intention oi the fleet to make an attempt to run this vessel in, had it arrived in time and to have backed it by force. Learning that the fleet had already sailed and that letters of mar que had been issued by the government oi Confederate States, the tug put about with all possible speed for New 4ork.-CAorles- | lon Courier.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
Senator Hammond on Secession.

The following extract from letter late ly written by Hon. James H. Hammond of South Carolina, to friend in New York, explains in brief terms the causes of the whole southern movement:
 ."You are right in supposing that the congregations of the northern press-per- init me to say its infamous islanders and lies on the South-have greatly assisted in bringing about the present state of affairs. But the causes lie deeper. The North has always sought to share-and to have the lions share-of our productions, and seek 1t now.
 Slavery is not sin. Read the Bible with your own plain interpretation, if you are believer in revelation-and you will sec that Moses and the Israelites, Christ and Paul, did not so considerit. All this is fully set forth in sermon by Rev. MT. Van Dyke, in Brooklyn, on the 9th of December last. Get that and read 1t. If slavery is an evil, it is an evil for us, and leave us to grapple with it. It is mere question of politics and economy. We feel fully able to manage it, if we are not disturbed by outsiders. We think it a blessing to white and black here. We don't think ut all whether it is an evil with you That is none of our business. You can deal with it as you choose, but just let us alone with it. Anybody who can put two ideas together must know that we are as much bound to it as Mazeppa to the wild horse. Come what may, there is no riddance.
 We dissolve the Union-and it is for ever dissolved, be assured-to get clear of Yankee meddlesomeness and puritanical say this, being half puritan. We absolvc you, by this, from all the sin of slavery, and take upon ourselves all its supposed sin and evil. openly before the world and in the sight of God. Let us alone. We shall make no war on you-- Let us work out our salvation in our own way. We agree that you shall do the same. And, let me tell you, that if there
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
lSearcy, Ark, April r, 1861.
From the Augusta (Ga.) Constitutonalist. Important from Montgomery -Poclama-
 tion of President Davis.

Important from Montgomery---Poclama-
 tion of President Davis.
 WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, has, by proclamation, announced the intention of invading this confederacy with an armed force, for the purpose of capturing its fortresses, and thereby subverting its independence, and subiecting the free people thereof to the do minion of foreign power-and, whereas, it has become the duty of this government to repel the threatened invasion, and to de- fend the rights and liberties of the people by all the means which the laws of nations and the usages of civilized warfare place at its disposal
 Now, therefore, 1, Jefferson Davis, Presi dent of the Confederate States of America, do issue this, my proclamation, inviting all those who may desire, by service in private armed vessels on the high seas, to aid this government in resisting this wanton and wicked aggression, to make applications for commissions, or letters of marque and Ieprisal, to be issued under t}o seal of the Confederate States; and l do further notify all persons applying for letters of marque to make statement in writing, giving the name and suitable description Of the char acter. tonnage and force of the vessel, and the name and place of residence of each owner concerned therein, and the intended number of the crew, and to sign said state ment, and deliver the same to the secretary of state or to the collector of any port of 1l- to G4ota fn lo l, him transmitted to the secretary of state.
 And l do further notify all applicants aforesaid, that before any commission or letter of marque is issued to any vessel the owner or owners thereof, and the comman- der for the time being will be required to give bond to the Confederate States, with at least two ressonsible sureties not interested in such vessel, in the penal sum of five thrussnd dollars; or if such vessel be pro- vided with more than one hundred and fifty men, then in the penal sum of ten thousand dollars, with condition that the owners, of ficers and crew who shall be employed on board such commissioned vessel shall ob- serve the laws of these Confederate States and the instructions given to them for the regulations of their conduct, that they shall satisfy all damages done contrary to the tenor thereof, by such vessel during her commission, and deliver up the same whea revoked by the President of the Confederate States.
 And I do further specially enjoin on all persons holding office, civil and military, under the authority of the Confederate States, that they be vigilant and jealous in discharging the duties incident thereto.
 And do moreover solemly exhort the good people of these confederate States, as they love their country-as they prize the blessings of free government-and those now threatened in aggravated form, by those whose enmity is more implacable, be-
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-04-25
From the Charleston Courier. Tone of the Charleston Press.

WAR.-Treaehery stupidity and vacil lation have marked the course of the present administration ever since 1t came into power. The steps 1t has taken recently have increased our disgust and contempt. The knowledge we have gained of the character of the creature whose ignorance and vulgarity disgrace the chair once filled by the most august of men, has served us ln good stead. We read him in his in- augural, and the acts he has committed since the appearance of that enigmatical paper have given us a clearer idea of the choice of party of fanatics. We have made fine use of his characteristic mean ness and cunning. We have not been im- posed upon by one of his false ayowals. Satisfied that he intended to perpetuate the folly of coercion, we have prepared ourselves to meet force with force The signs of the times are obvious to the most dul-eyed and cold blooded, and the wis dom of the coulse our military authorities have pursued have been abundantly justi- fed
 We are prepared to apply the last argu- ment. We are growing impatient under the delay. It is time the matter was de cided. We are sick of the subject of evac uation. It is manifest that Lincoln has shifted the responsibility he assumed with such an air of clownish solemnity to the shoulders of the commandant of Fort Sumter. The man who sneaked into Washington has quailed at the curses and threats of the party that raised him to the dignity he has made contemptible, and the demand must be upon the soldier We would not presume to dictate to those who have the management of affairs. They have shown admirable discretion, and we cannot praise too highly their foresight, l zeal and energy. But has not the time ar rived when the next step should be taken? Shall we submit any longer to the annoy ance of impertinent and stupid messages and reports borne by persons whose com-- ing is an insult?
 We know the intention of our enemy. 1 We have taken advantage of his enforced delay. Braver and better soldiers than now occupy our Notifications, and that are ready to march at the blast of the bugle, | never drew sword or pulled a trigger. The spirit of our people is fairl y aroused. The brothers of those who won imperi6h able glories on the plains of Mexico are at the guns. Our hearts are fired by the rs. membrance of grievous wrongs, and by the anticipation of greater injustice; our arms are made strong by the justness of our cause. With implicit reliance on the god of battles, we go forth to meet the deadly foe. Let the strife begin--we have no fear of the issue.