davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
The Pre>idency..- letter. Speaker
COIfaX.

WASHINGTON, January 20.-The Cdron-
ic!e of this city publishes the following let
ter from Speaker Coltax:
House OF REPRESENT ArIvEs. January 70, lSd4.
To the Editor Of tie Washington Chronicle:
| notice that the Star announces this
afternoon that "Speaker Colfax has de-
clared in favor of second term for Old
Abe" Will you allow me brief space in
your columns to say that have expressed
noPresidential preference whatever? Sup
ported for the position conferred on me by
the House by Union members North and
South, East and West, of all shades of
opinion, have not felt it becoming in me
to participate in any Presidential move
ments in favor of or against any one of
the gentlemen spoken of as candidates !;
and while replying frankly to those who
asked me, that the popular feeling seemed
to be manifesting itself strongly in favor of
President Lncoln's reelection, I have al
ways stated that ii would afford me graft
fication in private life, to which 1 intend to
retire at the close of the present Congress,
to live during the next four years under
the administration of any of the distin-
gu;shed gentlemen named in connection
with the Union nomination.
Respectfully yours, &c.
SCHUYLER COLFAX.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
VOL. XV.-NO. 80
Il WINTER SERMON.

Thou dwellest in a warm and cheerful home,
my root in vain the winter tempest lashes
nile houseless wretches ronnd tiny mansion roam,
On whose unsheltered head the torrent splashes.
Thy board is loaded with the richest meats
Oer which thine eyes in sated languor wander:
Many might live on what thy mastih eats,
Or feast on fragments which thy servants squander
Thy limbs are mutied from the piercing blast,
When from the tireside corner thou dost sally;
Many have scarce rag about them cast.
With which the frosted breezes toy and daily.
Thou hast soft smiles TO greet the kiss of love,
When thy light step resounds within the portal:
Some have no friend save dim who dWellS above,
No sweet communion with fcow-mortal
Thou sleepest soundy on thy costly bed.
Luled by the power OF luXuries nnnumbereI:
Some pillow on a stone an aching head
Never again to wake when they have slumbered.
Then think OF those who, formed 0: kindred clay
Depend upon the doles thy bounty scattels.
And God viii hear them FOR thy welfare pray
They are his children, though in rags and tatrers
Household Words.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29

does sometimes seem that the time has
come when the rulers of the Southern Con-
federacy are about to take le We Of their
senses The wild projects proposed in Con-
gress are calculated TO shake the faith OF
those who never yet doubted the issue OF
the war Those whom the gods wish 70
destroy they first deprive of their reason
Is that the true Interpretation OF our lelgis-
lative insanity?
Let us hope still that Judgment has not
yet deserted her throne, and if every
fool must talk, even at this solemn time,
the wise and honest will decide the action
of Congress. If it may not be so, then
the days of the Southern Coptedcracy are
numbered. Politicians delude themselves
with defamation on this matter. National
action is guided by plain, tangible motives.
This people broke with the United States
because they saw their government EN-
barked on the sea of a, bitrary power.
They rose in defence OF certain iLstitu-
tions and laws their inheritence, which
neither they nor their ancestors have ever
teen willing to surrender for a mo-
menr. The movements Of parties and ex-
isting grievances were only incidental.
The States seeded because their liberties
would have been lost had they remained
in the Union. In defence of their inalien-
able rights the people have displayed en-
ergy and fortitude nearly unparalleled.
They will continue to struggle against all
odds SO long as they feel that they fight
for the cause-their own cause. But
when they lose the great motive, they will
not only refuse to fight for this new con-
cern, called contederacy, but will take the
frs. good opportunity to obtain at least ga
peace at any price"
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
From the Raleigh Progress, Dec. 90.

There Is not another man TO spare from
the farms or other industrial pursuits OF
the country, and a further draft on this
class will be fraught with the most disas-
trous consequences. If more men are
wanted in the line, let the thousands of
able-bodiet men alreadv in the pay of the
govefnmert hs placed there, and the
dropes ard m pr"''-c4rs who insult hon
est toll by their constant swagger, and
who have been shielded by the corruptions
of office-holders since the war commenced,
be gathered up and compelled to fight for
that liberty for which they ever profess to
be SO ready to pour out their precious
blood.
Congress, we fear, is disposed to run
into extremes, especially those members
whose States are largely or entirely in the
hands of the enemy. Fl this war is to be
fought out 10 the last man and the last
dollar, if we are really battling for inde-
pendence, we must husband our resources.
We must have men to fight, and we must
have something to feed on. Beware of
destroying the seed corn.
But, judging the future by the past, we
cannot say that we expect anything from
the present Congress. Its members seem
to have neither the patriotism or states
manship for the awful crisis with which
they have to deal.
The country rejoices that the end of the
present Congress is so near; and if there
was to be thorough change in the Cabi-
net and the Executive at the same time, it
would only terd to increase public conf
dence, for there can be but few intelligent
persons found now but will acknowledge
that the "six years term" established in
the formation of the government was a
blunder.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
From Nashville, Tennessee.
ADVIsED-IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION DE-
MANDED-SPEECH BY GOV. JOHNSON

NASHVILLE, Tenn, Jan. 22.-There was
a large meeting at the Capitol last night,
to consult on the restoration of civil gov
ernment in this State. Over 1000 per-
sons were in attendance Resolutions were
passed recognizing the authority of the
Federal government to secure republican
form of government in the rebellious States
by appointing Military Governors de-
nouncing slavery as an evil in itself, and as
the cause of the rebellion; advising the re-
organization of the State government by a
constitutional convention, composed of
delegates pledged to immediate and uni
versal emancipation and commencing the
integrity and fidelity of Gov. johnson, and
requesting him to call such convention.
A committee was appointed to select
delegates to the Southern Free State Con-
vention in Louisville.
Gov. johnson made speech of nearly
two hours length. The people, he said,
had right to amend their own constitu-
ton, for they are the source of power.
Who dared say that the convention should
not meet? Slavery has been the disturb
ing element which tried to put down the
government, and government should put
it down Immediately and forever. He
had unsheathed his sword for universal
| freedom, and thrown away the scabbard.
He wanted free white man government,
but his platform was broad enough for the
freedomSof bill, white and black. Let all
harness for she great battle for human
rights and justice to all, and defy the
negro aristocracy and slave-drivers. Our
victory is certain, for We seek the free
dom of whites as well as blacks. We
must restore the State government on
righteous principles, and defraud none of
their natural rights. Strike the fetters off
the slave, and let the oppressed go free.
Gradual emancipation was preposterors, for
it proposed to fit the slave for freedom by
prolonging his slavery No compromise
should be made with traitors till treason
is quieted down: Let truth triumph, peace
prevail, and slavery go down. Let US
strike for liberty and freedom. The altar
is erected, and he who will not come for
ward and worship is coward and slave.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29

mails to draw it to camp. There is no
forage at Chattanooga, and horses and
mules are dying by scores. Lean and
fragile frames are stalking over the fields
and through the streets of the city as
though famine were abroad in the land
Dead horses and mules cumber the streets
and alleys of the city, and their bodies are
rotting in the plains around. Hundreds of
animals, turned out to pick subsistence in
the fields, have wandered outside our lines,
and are now tottering over the old battlo-
field of Chickamauga, the neutral ground
between the two armies Until the rail-
road is completed to Chattanooga, forage
and supplies for the troops will be scant.
The river is running with ice that will
somewhat impede the boats.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
The Proper Temperature Of Rooms.

The following sensible remarks upon the
proper temperature of rooms, we cut from
the Gardiner Me.) Home JomuM We
would particularly call the attention OF
our lady readers to what the writer
says OF the insufficiency of female ap-
parel in winter-time. That ladies' should
absolutely wear thinner clothing from
head to foot in winter than men wear in
summer, is certainly an Irrational prac-
tice, an anomaly that requires correction.
With suitable quantity OF warm cloth
ing, there is no doubt the temperature OF
rooms could be reduced without inco1veni-
ence, and health, instead OF suffering as it
now does from vitiated air and sudden
change, be vastly benefited The eco
nomical aspect of the question IS also
worthy of consideration at this time As
it takes 2 double expenditure of fuel to
raise the speed of a steamer from twelve
TO fourteen miles an hour, so it takes dou-
ole also to raise the temperature of room,
IN cold weather, from G5 degrees 20 75:
TIE PROPER TEMPERATURE OF RooMs.-We
think, as genearl thing, in winter. nearly
every one keeps his rooms too warm The
other evening we We're in a neirhbor's house
and the good woman was sitting close bv the
stove. which We thought uncomtortablv warm.
i thermometer was hanging in the coolest
part OF the room. and we had the curiosity 10
look at it, and we found it standing az
eightv-siX degrees. Nor was this an eX-
treIne case. for we have seen in the same
house at 81. and Notwithstanding all we can
say about il we find it just about as had al
home. Now. why is it that people want theil
rooms in winter-when wood is 81 per cord
so much warmer than they can bear in sum.
mer when the sun warns them for nothing
The hottest day we had last summer. the ther-
mOmeter was down TO 81 in our office. and we
could hardly stand the heat.
We think the trouble is that we-ladies es.
Deciallv-dO not wear clothes enough and so
as soon as we step into the cold we get unduly
chilled. and then when we get where the fire
i. we have no more than is healthy 70 warm
Us up again. Do advise all to wear more
clothes and keep less fire. Don't allow voul
rooms to @et above 80. and ii YOU can beai
them down to -. 50 much the better. We
keep our office down TO that temperature
and work in our shirt sleeves. \ man. how
ever. i'll his shirt sleeves. has more clothe.
on than woman generally wear. Ii the weaker
(but together so far as standing exposure is
concerned) sex would wear more good warm
clothing. and shoes and have their clothing
more equally ditfu>cd over their whole system
We should have far healthier race of women
(and men too for the sins of the mother are
visited on the off>pring) than we now 90
Is not this question. ladies. one worth think.
ing of: and will it not be better. and cheaper
TOO 70 burn less wood. and take the money
thus saved and lay it out III wool? WIN you
pardon u. if we advise yOu to take more out
door eXercise-nO matter if il is cold W-ea. her;
wear more flannel and keep less fire.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
Some hfngs that Need Looking
After,

The Cincinnati Commercial, in pointing
out the necessity of economy, in view of
the enormous expenses of the Govern
ment, urges the stoppage of all leaks in
the national treasury that are perceptible,
and instances the following:
There is one palpable profigacy. concernn"
which there is swelling indignation that will
make itself felt, and that soon and strongly,
we trust. 1t is the support of an immense
crowd of officers who have nothing TO do. and
in many cases never have done anything WOr-
thy of their rank. The Secretary of War has
communicated to Congress an incomplete list
OF the unemployed Generals, which eXcites
about equal parts Of disgust and indignation
1t degrades the ordinary estimate of human
nature that some of these Generals have not
the grace to resign. Some of them have done
enough to entitle them to receive pecuniary
compliment from the Government. but the
majority of them are useless lumber, and the
general impression is that if there must be an
infirmary for incompetent Generals, their sala-
ries should be reduced. General Fremont. for
Instance, whose military term of service has
been brief, and who was relieved August 18th.
1862, has not only received his full nav and
allowances as Major General. but has a staff
ranking and salaried monthly as follows:
Anseline Albert, Colonel. S164 90
JOhn L. lala, colonel. .............. 164 co
GnarleS Aagonyl, Colonel. ............ 164 90
yohn risen, Llutenant Colonel. ... 14O 90
he0nidas Haskell, Major. ............. 116 co
X. w. Raymond, Captain LOG 90
These gentlemen are, doubtless, willing and
anxious to be in active service; but if there is
nothing for them to do, by all means let them
be retired. And We have good many Gener-
ais employed but nominally.
The northern States generally, in our opin-
ION, would be equally salubrious if there were
more notable scarcity of Major and Brigadier
Generals commanding departments, where
they have nothing to do but smoke cigars and
make plans ON paper for the Generals in the
field. In the armies also there is too much
rank-too many men carrying swords in pro
portion to those who carry the rifed muskets.
In the spring, regiments not filled up to the
minimum should be consolidated. No matter
about the fuss that is made. Let the super
fuous officers be sent home. fthey have been
good officers, their retirement will be no dis
grace. The plethora of rank clogs the way to
promotion. 1t is not only iprofiigacy dis
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
The Federal Army at Chattanooga.
Lack of Fuel and Forage.
of the Louisville Journal.

Correspondence Of the Louisville Journal.
NASHVILLE, January 1S.-News from the
front is that the army is shivering in
torpor. Fuel is so scarce in. the camps that
all the stumps in the valley have been
Clipped to the ground. A scythe would
not shave the grain from the field more
closely than the axes Of the soldiers have
shaved the vast forest in Chattanooga VAL
Icy. Wood could be procured near Mis-
sion Ridge, but we have actually no ami
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
NEW SERIES-NO. $50.

pleasing TO the tax payers, but it is an embar-
Flssment dlshearening to the soldiers. Both
economy and efficiency would be promoted bv
us aoaIement. Congress would do well to
press the investigations already initiatad
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29
The La Crosse Democrat says of the Second

Minnesota:
Not only heroes but gentlemen. This is the
La Crosse verdict concerning the gallant Sec
ond Minnesota Regiment which came yesterday
and went to-day, en- route for a brief respite
from labor and danger. This remnant of q
brave and famous regiment of stalwart Mime
sotians has been purified by the terrible vista.
tions of war, and return home filled Justly with
the pride they so well know how to honor. and
are greeted along their route with the most
earnest cheers and good wishes. During their
too brief stop in this city no one heard q word
or saw an action not gentlemanly. God bless
them all.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-29

a letter from Matamoras says: General
Sam Houston is certainly dead. He died at
Huntsville, Texas. l am with man who was
present when he died. j. Terrill Smith and
another have administered on the estate"
Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1864-01-16
From the Detroit Tribune. January g.
Whole Family Burned Cut and
Frozen to Death.

By,a, passenger who arrived here on
the Central railroad last night, from the
West, we learn Of one of the most fear
fal and heart rending affairs that has
ever occurred in this Sc -tion Of the
country, viz: that family of seven per.
soRs were frozen to death during the
cold weather on Friday last. About
thirty miles from the boundary line be-
tween Michigan and Indiana, in the lat
ter State, about midway between Cen
treyille and Crown Point, lived Ger
man, with his wife and FIVE children,
named ,Krutzer The oldest was boy
of seven years of age, the next boy of
kye, and three girls all of them less than
the boys, the youngest but an infant
The country where the family resided
is very rolling, and the snow had drifted
into the hollovs, making the roads al
most, if not wholly impossible for even
pedestrians "a
n The driver Of the stage coach coming
from Crown Point to Lake, via Cen
terville, found that Krutzer's dwelling
had been burned to the ground, It is sup
posFd the night previously, but none of
the family were to be, seen About d
mile further on however, he was horri-
led to find the father and two boys fro
zen to death The boys were in the faith
er's arms, and it is supposed that he had
fallen with them after having been so far
affected with the frost as not to be able
to proceed. The three corpses were
placed in the stage, but before it had
proceeded more than a quarter of mile
on its destination, the body of the Oldest
girl was found in a snow-drift, with
shawl wrapped closely around it, where
it had doubtless been deposited by its
weary mother, while yet alive, in the
hope that some chance traveller might
rescue it from an impending fate
This corpse, too, was placed in the
coach, and again it started Oil its way,
only to find, after travelling a short dis
tance, the lifeleSs remains OF the mother,
with the two youngest children. The
body of the mother was standing erect
in snow drift, with the children in her
arms, the youngest being at the breast.
The seven hfeless bodies were con-
veyed to CenterviIe by the driver of tho
stage, at which place they were decently
inferred BY the inhabitants.
This is certainly the most appalling
disaster that it has ever been our duty to
record, and the bare recital of the facts
could not fail to bring shudder even, to
a heart of stone. A whole family usher
ed into the presence of their Creator,
and none to tell the tale. Of their suffer
ings
Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1864-01-16
[Fro1n the Boston Traveller.

The Treatment of PrisOners-Gener-
al Buffers Plan Of Operations.
A gentleman who has recently visited
Gen. Buffers Department to inspect the
condition of the freedmen and for other
purposes, furnishes US with an interest
ing statement with reference to the po-
licy that General will probably pursue in
the matter Of the exchange of prison
ers.
Gen. Butler, it is TO be presumed, is
thoroughly in earnest in the work he has
undertaken to accomplish, and having
absolute authority will adopt decided
measures, taking pains, however, to in
form himself on all the points involved
in order that no injustice may be done
His first step, it is believed, will be to
select from the $4,000 prisoners who will
be sent to his Department, certain
number of rebels, whom he will turn
into some open place, of course, under
proper guard, where, without shelter OF
any kind, they will have an opportunity
to acquire the experience with which our
prisoners on Belle Island have been so
long familiar.
1t is believed, also, that all the rebels
will be deprived of coffee, with which
they have been heretofore supplied; and
should the Richmond authorities persist
il dealing out insufficient food to the
Union soldiers in their hands, Gen. But.
Ter will, without doubt, diminish the ra
tions Of all the prisoners placed under
his control.
1t isnot impossible that Gen. Butler
may have an interview, before retaliato
ry measures are finally adopted, with
Mr. Hatch, who now acts as the rebe
Commissioner, or with Judge Ould, OF
both. In "a recent interview at City
Point with Mr., c. Clement Barclay o
Philadelphia, who visited the Point OF
his own responsibility, Mr. Hatch admit
ted that our prisoners had not beer
treated as humanity would have dictated
and actually shed tears as the conduct o
the rebel authorities was commenteC
upon by Mr.. Barclay
1t is hoped by some that the rebe
Government will yet abandon the posi-
ton it has so obstinately held; but tn
gentlemen from whom these facts ar
gathered is not inclined to this conviC
ton, believing, on the contrary, that on
people should prepare themselves for tn
protracted confinement of all the prison
ers now in the rebel hands.
Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1864-01-16
GREEK FIRE.


The day was deepsning into night,
When, through the streets, iu sad alright,
Upon crooked hickory pole,
A rebel bore the flaming scr. II,
"Greek 6rel"
His brow with dirt was sadly grimmed;
His eyea tear ofsorroH dimIned;
he wore ragged suit Of gray,
And every moment stopped 10 say,
= ''Greek nrei"
''Stay, fellow, stay" JEFF Davis said,
"A nd rest thy weary aching head
UPoO this breasti' But on no went,
Aud answered back the President,
''Greek fret
"Stop here,'' a negro woman cried;
"Dis chile has got some oysters friSdi''
And forth frying pan she held; 41o
But leaping on he loudly yelled,
Scr elk hrel'
''Can't see it, sir,'' an old man said
'I'd like TO break your precious head!''
Our hero started double quick,
And shouted, as he lodged a brick,
''Greek irel'
"Bewara the shot that Gilmore throws;
Beware of falling On your nosei"
This was the p opley last goo bye;
Far up the street he made reply,
.Greek frei''
Next morn, their rations being short,
The dirty rebs in Wagner fort,
W lille cronching bread behind the wall,
Heard, high and loud, that same voice call,
''Greek nre!'
A rebel, by a hungry dog,
Was found behind rotten log;
And in his hand they found a card;
They read it-"G. T. Beauregard,''
Greek tirel''
There, In the win and mud and rain,
All through the night the wretch had lain,
Aud, as the drisZlng rain-drops fell
A voice ans like falling she'll.
Greek fire.