davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
The Arsenal-What will we do with it2

In recent visit to the beautiful grounds occupied by the Arsenal, formerly belong ing to the United States, the idea forcibly suggested itself, that this was of all oth- ers, the most appropriate site for military school. Would it not be we'll to apnro. priate it to that purpose if the State secedes, and if the Union by any unlocked for con- urgency is preserved, would 1t not be well to retain the place by the consent of the United States? It would be given up to the myrmidoms of Lincoln very reluctant ly, for we want no bayonets to over-awe the capital, and to jeopardize the lives and fortunes of our citizens. If, however, we remain in the Union, the Arsenal sbould be converted into a frst-class military institute, such as the State needs at any rate, and let the place still remain militia " depot for U. $. arms, to be guarded by officers and cadets of the school
 An institution of this kind would not only be an ornament to the State, but would be quite an acquisition to the city. Arkan- sas 's sadly deficient in educational facili. ties. We belong to that class who think the State can do nothing so advantageous to her citizens as placing before them the best means for educating the youth of the land. Especially should she resort to every means for moulding public sentlnent after
 Cr.
 great central school or schools, is like ship without rudder. There is no radia- ting centre from which common, cultiva- ted public taste, and a united public senti- ment, may overspread the land, binding the northern and southern and the eastern and western portions together in the bonds of school boy affection, and harmonizing the discordant feelings that too perceptibly mark the different portions of the State towards each other in the halls of legisla- tion. We know of no enterprise so easy Accomplishment, which promises so much to the State of Arkansas as the establish ment of a good central school, and we be- lieve that the genius of the western people is peculiarly fitted to military discipline and the prestige of a military institution. To this subject we will recur hereafter and give it more thorough discussion.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
From the Van Buren Press Letter from Capt. Montgomery.
FoRT SMITH, ARK, Feb. 8, 1861.

FORT SMITH, ARK, Feb. s, 1861.
 N'.. Editor: A report has been put in circulation here, by some very nervous or designing persons, that I wished to send off from this depot, on the steamer Alamo, which left here on Tuesday last, large quantity of ordnance stores, (ammuni- tion, etc., to St. Louis, Mo-, and that the master of the Alamo refused to take it. To defeat the object of the panic maker- if such was its source-I beg leave to state, through your columns, that the ammunition in store here is few boxes of case shot for field pieces, which have been in store here for several years, and for which transportation to Little Rock-not to St. Louis-was required of me several months ago, as being damaged by long keeping, and unserviceable, and moreover because there are no guns here suitable for such ammunition.
 l have also, in store, box of condemned carbines, and non-commissoned officers swords, invoiced to St. Louis, Mo- These packages have been in store here for a long time, awaiting transportation. I proposed to ship them on the Alamo (it being the first opportunity have had, as your read CTS all know, for many-saanthsl l2aS- de. clined doing so, because the master of the Alamo. asked $2 50 cents per 100 lbs. to St. Louis; whereas by waiting for rise of water, I can have freight transported to that point at from s to Ss1 50; and because the stores being aoorthless, it is not important MatsM sMey should De shipped until such time as Meir transportation WILL NOT AMOUNT TO MORE THAN THEIR VALUE.
 l am sir, very respectfully,
 your obedent servant,
 A. MONTGOMERY. Gn1taA4 4 q M IF &
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
Time a Vindicator.

The secessionists of the South have been maligned from one end of the republic to the other as mad, extravagant and fanatical
 Yet everything that has yet been done by them strikes us, and must strike every one, ns eminently conservative, wise and pru- dentlal In the selection of President and
 Vice President, in the adoption of consti. fution' and in the future policy of the gov ernment, so far as it has been marked out, the young republic has fully justified the
 nost sanguine auticipations of it's friends, and retuted the predictions of all who have tried to crush the youthful giant, springing into life and manhood, and like Minerva fresh from the brain of Jupiter, displaying the caution, the prudence, and the wisdom pf age and experience.
 Among the many charges against the keoessioniSts, no one gave ground for more remuneration and demagogueism than the ott-repeated one that the ultraists were in favor of reopening the slave trade, and that " southern republic was organized that the pests of the south would be opened to the importation ef African slaves. With. out pausing to consider sbe effect of this trade, should it be re-opened. we cell atten- tion to the significant fact that clause has been inserted in the new constitution ex pressly prohibiting the African slave tradel What commentary on those self-confident politicians who could interpret so readily and so lucidly the events in the womb of time, and unfold the hidden schemes of secessionists who Gas they thought) were crazed with splendid dreams of the untold wealth that the South was to reap from the traffic in slaves! Should they not here after be silent-those prophets of evil whose ill-ommed auguries no longer alright the brave and gallant sons of the South?
 Time is the vindicator of the wronged and the injured, and in this case the vindi- cation has been swift and unmistakable, for that much abused patriot, Hon. w L. Yancey, was one of the ablest advocates of the clause against re-opening the slave trade.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
Capt@A. 4. Q. M., z. s. 4.

MURDER.-A most foul murder was com ruitted in this city, on Monday night last, at the American Eagle Saloon. Mr. John P. Haag, the proprietor, and his barkeeper were assailed between II and 12 o'clock at night, on the premises, and killed almost instantly. Haag was shot in the head, and the other man in the region of the heart. Four or five men, charged with being concerned in the killing, were arrested the same night, and the excitement against them, particularly among the Germans, was so great that it was found very diff cult to prevent them from being hung i'm mediately. Good order, however, pre- vailed-and three of the men were put upon examination before the Mayor. Yes terday, however, before the examination was concluded, the populace again became excited, and made some demonstrations toward the prisoners. During the disturb ance, some person told one of them to run, which on attempting to do, he was fired upon and instantly killed The other one, Gone already being discharged on bail, ) was then hurried off to Greenwood jail.
 It should have been mentioned above, that two of the men who were present at the killing, took horses immediately after ward, cut the telegraph wires, and ran away.-35M Parallel, Feb. 10.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
Lincoln's Policy.

We have been watching closely in order to see what policy will be foreshadowed by Lincoln and Seward as the hour approaches for them to assume the reins of govern ment. A few days ago he addressed the citizens of Indiana iu a short but carefully elaborate speech. Of it the Day Book piquantly remarks:
 " MT. Lincoln has delivered his first speech, and with verdancy equal to backwoods attorney. undertakes nterrogatiyely to define the difference between coercion and enforcing the laws. Mr. Lincoln is in state of blissful ignorance, if he supposes that the people of the United States did not know beforehand that the coerconists rest all their arguments for civil upon the right to en- force the laws in the withdrawing States Where has the northern sectional president been that he has not heard the arguments pro and con, on this subject? His speech is open declaration of war against the South, and will be so regarded. He goes to Washington declaring that he will initiate civil war, that is if are permitted to interpret hls evaalve interrogations to be his sentiments, as they undoubtedly are.''
 There can be no doubt that the policy which Mir. Lincoln and his party would adopt, if they could, is coercion. To play the Jackson is his ambition, though an empty treasury and the determined attitude of the seeding States may force him to consider the cost of civil war, and to re- sort to stratagem and diplomacy to accom- plish the purposes of his party. His arri- val in Washington at this time, while the peace congress is in process of incubation, and a strono conSarvativa in nAroroo :, ,.u4l cred around the capital, may and doubtless will give tone more or less to his inaugural, and impress it with some commonplace promises of concession and justice, but how hollow and how deceptive must be the pledges of fanatic or a demagogue, for one or the other Mir. Lincoln must be.
 But suppose the inaugural promises con. cession and compromise, it then becomes an interesting question, how much depend ence is to be put in the extorted pledges of black republican president, whose mani fest policy will be to rivet his letters and stamp the genius of his party upon the country? A respectable portion of the South will put but little faith in such pledges. The seeded States we may safely assume will regard them as the dictates of cuhpipg and diplomacy, more dangerous to the freedom and independence of the Sonth than the besle blast of war or the openly avowed primer sles-ef-saA-ahelitie-.-, party. But that portion of the South rejoicing in the sobriquet of "middle States" so re- gently disgraced by the conduct of Tennes- see, will probably be gulled by promises no less fair than deceptive, and will still cling to the efete forms of the constitution and union, until the future shall reveal the faith lessness of fanatical demagogues, and time shall educate them up to full realization of their ultimate destiny. The events of the next two weeks will determine the po- sition of Arkansas, and we will soon know whether the loyal people of this State are to be deceived and decoyed into the meshes
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

ACTION OF TExAs.-We have heard it urged that if Texas seeded from the Union she would refuse to enter a southern con- federacy. This fact was used as an argu ment against secession. It was argued that instead of one grand confederacy, we should have, in the event of dissolution of the Union, dozen or more little repub- lies.
 The action of Texas puts all such argu- ments to rest. She has not only decided to enter the southern confederacy, and to share the fate of her southern sisters. but she has appointed delegates to the southern Congress. She has appointed Louis l.. Wigfall, J. II. Reagan, J. Hemphill, T. N. Waul, Judge Gregg, Judge Oldham, and Judge w. B. Ochiltree, to represent her in the southern Congress now is session at Montgomery, Alabama.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

BELGIUM ARMs.-We have examined three samples of army rifles sent by the direct trade company of Belgium, to the direct trade company of New Orleans, with authority to make contracts for the same. These arms were manufactured at Leige, in Belgium, and have been brought to our capital by Mr. H. s. Faulkner, secre- tary of the New Orleans company,-at the request of Gov. Pettus, and have been ex- amined andthoroughly tested, proving that they are of veay superior workmanship and finish, and are of such accuracy in shooting as to be entirely satisfactory They have a range of 900 to HOO yards, and we learn that in trial of them, the other day, at 230 yards the balls penetrated 3 inches of solid timber and buried in the tree against which the target rested. They were thoroughly tested in New Orleans at at 900 and HOO yards, when it was clearly shown that they would hold up even at greater distance.
 These rifles are certainly very beautiful as we'll as very substantial weapons. Those of longest range weigh only 8 lbs. They have the sabre bayonet tattachment-itselfa a very elegant and effective weapon on the gun or in the hand.
 These rifles in the hands of the gallant sons of Mississippi would do fearful exe- cntion. Wo be to the enemy that should come within ths range. .-Mississippian.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
Seed Potatoes.
COMMIsSIONER,s sAI,U

RY virtue of, and in obedience to a de- IS cree, of the Honorable the Chancery Court of Arkansas county, in the State of Arkansas, rem dered therein at the October term, A b. 1860, in the case therein pending, wherein Harrss Cross r, is complainant, and Zerah S. Alton, and others, defendants, the undersigned, as commissioner of said court, will proceed to sell to the highest bid der for cash in hand at the door of the court house in the town of DeWitt in the county of Arkansas aforesaid, on Monday, the 18th day of April, 1861, within the hours prescribed by law for judi or pa of land lying and being situate in the county of Arkansas, and immediately on the bank of the Ar kansas rver to-wit: fractional sections 20, 2l, 25. 29 and 9O in township south, in range four west, (south ot the Arkansas river) containing eight hundred and seventy eight acres, more or less, for the purpose of making distribution of the proceeds of the sale of said lands among the heirs of Harriss Cross, ST., late of said county, deceased.
 These lands are among the most valuable lands on the Arkansas river, portion of which are in high state of cultivation, having comfortable dwell ling house, negro quarters, good gin and other ne cessary out buildings upon them.
 ". fl. HALLIBURTON, Com'r.
 Feb 2S le6l 2w
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

TIE PEN AND THE SwoRp:-If the "pen Is mightier than the sword," South CaroIi- na has seoen editors who, ignoring the fact. have gallantly taken up arms in defence of the State. The Abbeville Press is repre- sented by w A. Lee, esq, its gifted editor, as thigh private" in the ranks of the Ab- beville company now at Charleston Capt. F. F. Marley of the Darlington .Southerner, Messrs Shooter and Fairlee of the Marion Star, Logan of the Kingstree Star, Rugg of the Lexington Flag, and Capers of the Pee Dee Times, are, also, upon the tented field. We wish them all an honorable escape from the balls of Fort Sumter; or sweet sleep in glory's grave.-YorkviAe Enquirer
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

CoRREcTIoN,-In our account of the pro- cession on Saturday night, we wounded one of the truest hearts that ever beat in a southern bosom. Our gay, flashing and vivacious young friend, Miss Hal Rodgers, was reported by us as the representative of Tennessee in the triumphal car that pa- raded the streets. This was an unpardon- able offence. In view of the humialiating position which Tennessee occupies, Miss Rodgers scorns the position in which she was placed. We dislike to loose the friendship of one who has mind lowered with the riches of splendid intellect
 GA smile that turns the sunny-side of the heart On all the world, ,''-A
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

slavish submission, for that would be "the fruitful parent of this brood of woes;" but by separate State secession, and by co-ope- ration with our southern brethren, after ward in the construction of a new confeder- tion. Our political salvation depends upon the union of the southern States, for united South could bid defiance to the world. The only way to obtain union of the South by immediate secession and cooperation afterwards. Our duty is plain, let us procrastinate no longer.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
The Rod of the Avenger.

Great national sins are always productive of misery and suffering Sooner or later comes a fearful retribution, The North has sported with dangerous fanaticism until it has smitten her people to the ground, and bound them down beneath the heel of traitors and demagogues New York first tolerated and then honored such men as Greedy and Seward, and she is now reaping the just and merited punishment for her political iniquities. Read the fol- lowing from the Day Book:
 TERRIBLE TIMES IN NEW YoRK.-We were in formed by prominent lawyer on Saturday, that no less than Hundred failures occurred in this city on Friday. In fact it is said that whole blocks are tumbling down together. This is fearful state of affairs, and it renders one sad to contemplate such wide spread ruin and misery in the midst of such universal prosperity. When Providence has blessed nation with all that heart could wish it is lamentabe to think that fanatical and sec, tonal party should step in and destroy all this af huence and sweep away in breath the hard earned competence of years ofindustry. The time was, few eks snce-we fear it is too late now when the question could have been settled in twenty-four hours, and peace and prosperity sent their healing wings over every portion of our great republic. But alas! the blindness of unscrup- nla,as politicians -na4laess af- -faAatiaal zealots have nearly extinguished every hope of peace, and we see long and gloomy night before the North, bereft-as she gradually will be, by a southern confederacy, of her commercial position.
 So much for sin of commission. Let us hope that the South by emitting so long to defend her rights, and the border slave States especially by hesitating at this perilous moment what course to pursue, may not bring down upon themselves the coercing arm of Abe Lincoln and his myr- midons.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

MAIL ROBBERY IN TRxAs.-It was re- ported here few days ago that the mail had been stopped and robbed by the author ities of the State of Texas, The whole thing turns ont to be without any founda- tion. No robbery has been committed, and the mails come through as usual.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

of abolitionism, or whether like true sons of the South they are to trust to their own good swords and the advice of their best and wisest statesmen,
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

R A correspondent of the Courier des Etats Unis says that Commissioners have arrived in Paris from the Sate of South Carolina, and have had an inter- view with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

MASSACHUSETTS, PATRIOTISM. When we were engaged in foreign war in 1872, and again against Mexico in 1S46, Massa- chusetts folded her arms and refused all aid and assistance, but gave all the "aid and comfort" she could to our enemies; but now, in difficulty with her southern breth- ren, difficulty brought on by her own violations of the constitution, she shows the greatest alacrity to tender both men and money to the federal government. with which to subjugate the South. Massac4u- setts Is sister with whom we are called upon to remain united in preference to union with our southern sister States!
 One of Massachusetts own citizens, Capt. Charles H. Manning of the SalAn artillery, in letter to the Governo of that State thus refers to the subject; bd some of the submissionists of Little clz might we'll take & patriotic lesson from tn:
 " They, the Salemn light artillery are now kled with astonishment at the alacrity with Mich Massachusetts offers her services in the war against her brethren. That she who swept on by political rancor, proposed to shut up her arsenals and her store-houses and bury every military ensign i the dusty seclusion of deserted armories, while foreign foe was sweeping seas, destroying our towns aza c-z=t=.:sss; ro7, rush to arms against those of her fellow-citizens who ask for position equal with her own under the confederation, is as strange and unnatural as tha. national madness which vents itself in the horrors of civil strife. That she who denounced and defied the Union while it was in the hands of her political opponents, should now be so eager to fight for its preservation, is something significant"
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

GS- MT. James F. Ritchie, land attdr- ney and State collector, has opened an of flee on Markham street, opposite Lock- mans corner. When absent, J. H. Black will attend to the duties of his office.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

Gg- Through the influence of the Emper- or and Empress, shops are shut in Paris on Sunday to great extent.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

E- Fifty ship loads of cotton, valued at between five and six millions of dollors, cleared from New Orleans last Monday.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
T H E S I G H T .

A FTER great deal of trouble we have "A finally succeeded in getting up such an assort- ment of Spectaces can safely recommend to our customers. The frames are gold, silver, steel and plated We are to suit everybody and should the Specs not suit we are ALWAYS willing to change them A. COHEN X CO.,,
 Feb 2S UenrY's Store.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
A superb Residence for s.,s

ENOR sale on good terms a very beautiful A new biick house, containing six rooms. efe. gantly finished. It is perhaps the most desirable dwelling house in Little Rock. Twelve or six lots will be sold with the house. There is a good well and eistern, servants house, etc. The residence office. Feh 0S ls6l LUST RECEIVED per steamer, Julia e Roane- sa.4 brs. Molasses;
 l hhd prime Sugar;
 sacks Coffee;
 IA dog Preston's and Merrell's Yeast Powders;
 tierce Rice;
 brls Mackerel
 boxes Cod Fish;
 For sale by W.,c. scRUGGs BRO. Feb 2S
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28

DECEIVED per steamer Little Rock, 1e direct from Nashville, Tenn,
 100 sacks first quality Tennessee Millet, which will sell low for cash.
 Feb 25 JACOB HAWKINS.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-02-28
2 s T R A ' s

The True Democrat has been selected to adver- tise Estrays for ls6l at one dollar for each esray