davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
The Presidential Question.

The days for the meeting of the Repub-
lican and Democratic Conventions have
been fixed. The former is to convene on
the seventh of June next, and the latter
on the fourth of July. Now that these
preliminaries have been settled, it is to be
presumed that the contest among the
friends of the various candidates for the
Presidential nomination, will, from this
time, like the dance of the witches in Tam
O'Shanter's vision, "wax fast and furious"
1t is to be hoped, however, that the special
partisans of any one man will not permit
their Partially for him o go beyond their
regard for the welfare of the c.untry.
They may use all legitimate means to pro-
mote the success of their favorite, but it
should never be forgotten that the cause
of the nation is incomparably more inn
portant than men.
There is another fact that should be
borne in mind, and which should temper
with GOODNESS and discretion the zeal of
the several factions. The election of the
nominee of the Republican Convention,
whoever he may be, must be by the people
at large. The votes Of the professional
politicians, the soldiers, and all the nu-
merous officials of the Government, will
not amount to a majority of electors.
The sutfrages of a large body of voters
who are controlled only by their independ-
ent judgment, by regard for principles,
and an honest, disinterested concern for
the safety of the Union, must be secured.
But such votes can hardly be obtained in
these times by any political organization
whose leaders exhibit a greater solicitude
for their own private aims and objects than
for the public good. Whatever the prodi-
lections of any party may be as respects
men, they should be kept in strict subor-
dination to considerations of far higher
import and consequence
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Death Of Mrs. German.

We regret to learn that Mrs. MARTHA
GoRMAN, the wife Of Gen. German, fthis
city, died at Bloomington, Indiana, on the
evening of the first instant. She has
been in feeble health for several months,
and went to Bloomington, (the home OF
her parents) last fall, hoping that a'milder
climate would be beneficial. Gen. Coz
MAN has been with her all winter. Mrs
G. came to Minnesota in 1852, and resid-
ed here constantly until General GoRMAN
went into the army, since which time she
has been with him except while he was in
active service in the field.
Her death, although not entirely I'M
looked for, will bring sadness to the hearts
of her family, and to large circle of
friends, by whom she was respected and
endeared.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
IMPORTANT DISPATCH.
THE DRAFT SUSPENDED,
Dispatch from Col. Fry to Lieut..
Col. Averill.

Col. AvERILL received the following dis
Friday evening:
WASHINGTON, March 4. 1864.
To LIEUT.. Col. AvERILL, A. A. p. NJ G.
Orders requiring the draft on the tenth inst
are suspended.
A subsequent day for commencing the draft
will be announced in time to make all neces-
sary preparations.
Notify the Governor.
JAMES B. FRY,
Provost Marshal General.
true copy.
JOHN L. AvERILL, A. A. P. NJ. G.
Although we are in favor of the volun-
; tary system, above all others, for filling up
the armies, and regard volunteer as
worth more than two cOnscripts, yet as the
system of drafting is authorized by law,
it should be enforced and not. used merely
as bug-bear to brighten men into the
service. We believe the draft at this time
is imperatively called for, and cannot but
regret that it is suspended for single day
beyond the time required to make the
necessary preparations for its execution.
If the course hitherto pursued is persisted
in, volunteering will soon cease. There is
little encouragement for patriotic commu-
mites to drain themselves of all their
young men, and incur heavy pecuniary
liabilities, when their neighbors are utterly
Indifferent to the calls of the government,
and refuse to contribute men or money,
and are practically upheld in such course
by the government.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Republican Union Convention

The Republican Union Convention held
yesterday in this city made choice of the
following gentlemen as delegates to the
Baltimore National Convention, to be held
on the 18th of June next, for the nominal
ton of successor to President LINCOLN ::
THOMAS SIMPSON, of Winona county.
W. G. BUTLER, of Wright county.
ID. CAMERON, of Houston county.
CHARLES NJ. DALEY, of Ramsey county.
CHARLES TAYLOR, of Rice county.
JOHN MoKUsIcK, of Washington county.
D. G. SHILLooK, of Brown county.
WARREN BRlsToL, of Goodhue county.
The sentiment of the Convention APP
peared to be unanimously in favor OF
the denomination of Mr.. LINCOLN If
there were delegates present who pre-
ferred any other person, they lacked the
moral courage to make known their senti-
ments. The delegates elected we're not
positively instructed to vote for Mr. LIN
coin first and all the time in the Con-
vention, but Mr.. LINCoLN's denomination
was expressly recommended by resolu-
ton, which was unanimously adopted.
There is nothing in the platform, save the
third resolution, which any loyal man can
object to. This resolution prescribes a
test that might as well have been omitted.
1t is out of place in Union platform.
The endorsement of the measures of the
President for the suppression of the rebel
lion was amply sufficient, and covered the
whole ground
Res ,lced That this Convention invite all cit
liens of Minnesota, irrespective of their polit-
ical antecedents, who are in favor of the sup
preston of the Rebellion and the maintenance
OF the Federal Union, to unite in the support
OF the candidate for President and Vice Presi-
dent of the United States, who shall be NOM
mated at the National Convention to be held in
the city of Baltimore on the eth of June next.
Resotced, That while we deplore the neces-
sity of war, and would hail the advent of
peace, a sense of the paramount duty to our
selves and our posterity of maintaining free
dom and constitutional government, requires
that the war should be waged, until armed
Resolved That whatever terms of pardon Or
restoration may be granted TO those who have
been engaged in rebellion, no rights or guaran-
ties should be restored to slavery which have
been forfeited and destroyed by rebellion and
war.
Resolved, That we most heartily endorse the
great measures inaugurated by the present
National Administration for the suppression of
rebellion, the perpetuity of the Union. and the
eXtirpatiOn of slavery; and we recommend the
nomination of Abraham Lincoln as President
of the United States for the next Presidential
term.
Resolved, That this convention protests
against the repeal Of the Homestead" Law,
or any change therein which shall abridge the
privilege now granted to the people to secure
free homes on the public domain.
Resolred That every citizen of Minnesota
who has been engaged in the military service
of the Government, merits the deepest graft
tudc of the people; and while we hold sacred
the memory of the dead, we tender to the liv-
ing our thanks.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
General 1lcClclIan,s Report.

We are indebted to Hon. IGNATIUs DON
NELLY for the Congressional edition OF Gen.
MoCLELLAN's report. Instead of being a
ponderous volume of thousands of pages,
it is thin octave, and can be read through
in few hours. 1t. possesses intense
interest, and will probably have more
readers than any other book ever issued
in this country. The Congressional edi
ton was exhausted in a few days, and
Representatives and Senators have appli-
cations for thousands of copies which they
are unable to supply. The enterprise of
private publishers, however, will keep pace
with the demand. We notice in Eastern
journals advertisements of more than q
dozen editions, of various styles and prices.
Every intelligent reader in the country
will desire to possess copy.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
The Great Want Of More Private
Patriotism and Public Honesty.

The disturbed condition of the country
is making us so familiar with certain great
public evils, that we already begin to pass
them unheeded, and no longer deal out to
them the just measure of our censure and
public condemnation. 1t is another grand
illustration of the truth of the lines of a
great philosophical poet, showing the in
sidious danger of becoming familiarized
with vice. In more than one way we are,
in almost national point of view, expert
encing the disastrous truth of the old ailage
that what is everybody's business is no.
body's business"
One of the most serious aspects of this
evil is the deteriorating effect it is having
upon the general tone of American patriot
ism. We begin to feel that whatever we
do now for the country, even if 20 aid in
putting down the rebellion, is to be well
paid for, at least, if we do not, as often is
the case, even consider the necessity of
compliance as more properly resulting
from governmental coercion than any de-
mand on patriotic duty. Everybody seems
to think that the job OF suppressing the
rebellion has been let out to the army, and
those who, following the advice of IAGo,
are putting money in their purses by fol-
lowing these wars. Each one takes little
interest, apparently, whenever draft is to
come off, or the martial clang of some re-
turning or departing regiment calls them
to witness the spectacle; but SO soon as
they find that the particular quotas of their
respective individual districts or neighbour
hoods are filled, they draw long breath
of relief at their lucky escape from the
draft for while longer, and the brave SOL
diers whom they cheer through the streets
receive about as much atter-thought or con-
sideratien as though the seat OF this dread
full war was in Schleswig instead of
| America.
The best evidence of this is the fact that
the strife does not seem to be as to who
shall have the honor of doing most for the
country, but on the contrary as to who
can get most out of the nation. If popu-
lar sentiment makes expression in refer
ence TO choice of a commander of our
forces, it exhibits more partisan bias than
unalloyed popular desire to cause triumphs
to our arms, and by decisive action and
victory put an end to these troubles. Will
it pay to go to the war? is more frequent
" the question than, Shall we do our duty
to the country of our nativity? Thou
sands upon thousands are this day mere
hangers on to the Union Army for the
pecunisry advantages they reap; and
whose prayer, if prayer they ever make,
is that this rebellion shall continue to the
ruin Of the country, rather than that their
ill-gained emolulnents shall cease. And
although almost every third man you meet
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11

Gen. SHELLEY has returned from Milwau-
kee, whittier he and Gen. SULLY had been
called for consultation with Gen. POPE in
relation to operations against the Indians
the ensuing season. 1t is understood
the general plan of the campaign was
marked out and agreed upon, and that the
details, to some extent, will in due time be
arranged and developed to the public. 1t
will not surprise those who are acquainted
with the numerical strength Of the various
tribes of the Sioux nation, and their vim
dictive and warlike character, to be in
formed that the military authorities have
learned from most reliable sources,
that they contemplate hostilities du-
ring the spring and summer on
holder and much grander scale than
last year. They do not propose to scatter
their forces in predatory bands over large
extent of country, but will make the most
desperate efforts to obstruct the passage of
the whites across the plains, and up the
Missouri river, to Idaho. Their massacrel
of the miners last year, on the river, was
their most successful exploit, not taking
into account their almost unopposed raw
ages for few days on the Upper Mime
sofa in 1862. They have therefore deter
mined to mass their forces this year on the
river, at a point near were they were
driven across last year by Genera
SIBLEY, and perhaps in one or two other
places, and will endeavor to capture, or to
stop the passage up the river, of the large
fleet of steamers which they have had the
sagacity to predict will be en- route to the
Yellowstone and Fort Benton early in the
season. They are well aware of the fact
that boats are frequently aground for
months on the river, and anticipate an
easy capture in such cases. 1t has also
been ascertained with a considerable de-
gree of certainty, that raid in large force
on Fort Thompson, has been much talked
over by the leading men of the lower
tribes, during last winter 1t may te
considered as certain, therefore, that the
Indian war hereafter, will be conducted
far beyond the borders of Minnesota, and
the very imperfect outline we have given
Of the ascertained plans of the Indians,
may suggest to the reader some ideas of
the Summers campaign against them.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
THE WEEKLY PIONEER AND DEMOCRAT
s in some way either directly or nomina.ly


connected with the army, yet so far as
any exhibition of jealous American patri-
otism is concerned, you would find it DIS
played as much on the Rialto as in any
gay gathering on any of the most throng-
ed of our northern city avenues.
Indeed from the beginning our patriot
ism has had entirely too much of spas
modic character to be greatly relied on
through long and fuctuating struggle.
The sudden effervescence which respond
ed to the call for seventy-five thousand
troops and as suddenly subsidized, did not
exhibit that heart and determination of
purpose which has been shown all along
by our enemies. The undue depression
produced by any comparatively slight re-
verses we have met amidst all our many
triumphs and achievements, shows how
Overweening has been our self confidence,
and that there was waiting some of that
spirit that makes the strong grow mightier
in tie hour of adversely. And even now,
while success and victory seem almost
about to perch upon our banners, no arm
stretches forth with renewed vigo- to grasp
and make sure the prize, and no new voice
rises and shouts on the nation to the one
great, final act for its redemption.
Another distressing phasis of these evil
times is that while so very few show dis
interested potriotism we very nearly all
seem willing to let anybody in the name
and pretence of serving the country to
perpetrate even the most selfish and wan
ton public acts. Millions of the peoples
money may be. squandered and diverted
from its legitimate use to the accomplish
ment of the basest ends if they be but dis
guised and gilded with professions of 10y
atty. The wild raving of the radicals is
permitted to usurp the functions of states
manship under their specious boast of.
patriotic fidelity; and while the whole
body of the. people at home seem intent on
self interests and aggrandizement, the au-
thori:ies at the helm of public affairs too
often turn aside the sway of that author
ity to the accomplishment of private po-
litical ends.
We need not pause to give instances Of
these several evils, for the whole history of
the last eventful three years of our national
experience is indelibly marked with these
great public faults, which readily can be
recalled to the mind of every impartial
reader. But we felt called upon as public
journalists to point out some of the dan
gers these things have subjected us to, and
some of the consequences of i'll as we be-
lieve they must lead our Northern people
to, if the remedy of speedy reform is not
at once applied
We are by no means fearful to make the
prediction that if these continue we shall
see this war continue for five years longer,
and that we shall lose by our own suicidal,
short-sighted selfshness, much of all we
have striyen for.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Protection Of Emiarants to Idaho.

Governor MILLER has received the fol-
lowing dispatch from Hon. IGNAr1Us DoN-
NELLY:
WASHINGTON, March 5, 1864.
Coz. Stephen Miller, st. Paul, MINI:
A bill has passed both Houses giving ten
thousand dollars for the protection of emigrant
trains from Fort Abercrombie to Idaho. This
is exclusive of appropriation yet to be made
for opening the road.
(Signed IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
We presume the appropriation above
named for the protection of emigrants
coDtemplates an expedition, the ensuing
season, of the same character as those
heretofore conducted by Capt. FISK. The
appropriation made for his last years ex-
petition was of the same amount.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
The Laws.

The list of Acts published on Saturday
embraced all those passed by the Legisla-
ture which were approved by the Govern
or. The following bills, passed at the close
of the session, were not approved, and are
consequently void:
Extending the time for the payment of taxes
in Sibley county.
To authorize the payment of tho expenses
of the arrest of Christian A. Lind.
To allow the legal voters OF school districts
containing less than ten voters when lawfully
assembled. not less than three being present.
to transact certain business.
To vacatc Il portion of the town plot of
Chaska.
To vacate portion of the town of St. AL.
bans. in the equity of Hennepin
To vacate portion of the town of Dakota
in Dakota county.
To provide for the reference of certain court
actions.
To amend section 20, of chapter 81, of the
Complied Statutes, in relation to eouitv nroS
ceedings.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
GOOD NEWS.
ROJJNTIES EXTENDED UNTIL THE
FIRST DAY OF APRIL.

COL JOHN T. AvKRlLL, Provost Marshal,
received the following dispatch on the
evening of the Sd inst:
WASHINGTON, March 3,-5 T. NJ, 1864.
To Superintendent Of Volunteer Recruiting Ser
cice, 81. Paul:
Congress has extended the time for paying
the extra bounty to April LIST, 1864. Notify
the Governor. JAMES B. FRY,
Provost Marshal General
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Adjournment of the Legislature.

The Legislature adjourned sine die yes
terday noon. The proceedings of Friday
evening and yesterday are on the second
page. On the fourth cage will be found a
list of acts passed and approved by the
Governor up to this time.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Commissioners TO Receive Soldiers


Vote.
The Governor has appointed the follow
ing gentlemen as Commissioners to receive
the votes of soldiers:
For the Eastern Dish!ct-Chas A. Warner, of
carver county, and J. j. Porter, of Blue Earth
county.
Cumberland Uistrict-Ansell Smith, of Chi
,ago county, and Truman Parker, of Goodhue
county.
Mississippi Dist,ict-Joel B. Bassett, of Hen
nep!n county, and \. G. Dunn, of Faribault
county.
Northern District Minnesotd-L. NJ. Bum, of
Scott county, and G. X. Gilbert, of Mcleod
county.
Southern District MinneSotn--J l.. Gibbs, of
Freedom county, and Charles B. Sperry, of
Houston county
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Visiting Soldiers in Hospital.

The compensation fixed by law for an
agent to visit the Minnesota soldiers in the
hospitals and in the field. will not secure,
as such agent, the permanent services of a
good Surgeon. In addition, therefore, to
one such visit which will be made by the
Governor, in person, if at all consistent
with his other duties, he has appointed the
following physicians, each of whom will
be requested to act in that capacity, for
sixty Or ninety days, at such time as may
be hereafter indicated:
j. II. MURPHY, of st. Paul.
LUKE MILLER, of Chatfeld.
J. V. WREN, of st. Cloud,
DR.. STAPLES, of Winona
j. R. REINER, of Washington County.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11

PROMOTED Sergeant R. r. Hutch.
inson, Company O, 9th Regiment, has
been promoted to Second Lieutenancy
In Company O, vice AcAlexander, re-
signed.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11

Gov; MILLER received yesterday dis
patch from Senator RAMSEY, stating that
the Red Lake Treaty has been ratified by
the Senate.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-15

as to the recommendation of the State
Auditor in his Report, that Sinking fund
be created for this purpose. And for de-
tailed information in regard to the differ
ent funds and the manner of their invest
ment, the estimates of disbursements for
the current year, banks, and all the va
riOus financial interests OF the State, I take
pleasure in referring you to the full and
satisfactory Annual Reports of the Auditor
and Treasurer of State, which will be laid
before you. The Land Department was
established by an act of the Legislature in
1862, and its operations have since been
chiefly confined to the disposition of the
School lands under the wise and conserva-
tive regulations adopted by your predeces-
sors. The wisdom of that policy, which
has been ably seconded by the officer hav-
ing in charge its practicable application,
has been amply demonstrated by its re-
suits.
The first sales of School lands were
made in the fall of 1862, and have been
continued the present year with the fol-
lowing results:
Number of acres of school lands in
the counties in which sales have
Number of acres sold up to date. 90,440,A
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-15

fidelity and success, with which the large
ly increased and complicated business of
the several Offices has been transacted.
The condition of the Treasury was ne
yer more satisfactory than now.
The receipts from all sources for the fs-
cal year ending November 80, 1868, was
as follows:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-15

For State revenue fund on property
Observation-Disclosures tax. -. .$112, 959 Sc
The State revenue fund by poll tax, 12,061 Sc
For State Interest Fund ..... 52,149 OIL
For United States War Tax. &c, 355 Is
For Permanent School Fund. .... 1868 90
For General School Fund. ........ 35,379 78
by act of Sept. p, 1862 ....... 1o1, ,25o 90
From United States in partial pay
ment of Sioux War Claims. 49,. 200, 900 90
From miscellaneous sources. ...... 6,475 ~
From balance in the Treasury, Dec.
1, 1862. 36,555 81
$685., 1854 IS
The total disbursements have been, SIG, ,539 80