davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
, 1866-12-28
Home Correspondence.

EDITOR SrATEsMAN:-All is quiet, as common.
ly expressed, on the Potomac considering that
Christmas has just made its exit, and the New
Year being about to enter. Business at this sea-
son is brisk, and general news very scarce. The
changes in Walla Walla are amazing to those
who have witnessed its growth from early infan-
cy. For years past, man for breakfast was a
matter which barely attracted attention; but, to-
day, all is quietude, peace and harmony the
busy throng moves along with one accord, and
disorder, riotous conduct, theft or murder, is
something altogether foreign to our community
notice that VIM. Adams, alias Six>toed Pele,
who was sentenced to the penitentiary for life
il promenading our streets, once more a free man.
Ia consideration ofa petition forwarded to Gov
ernOr Pickering by the people of Walla walla,
recommending the convict TO pardon, be re,
ceived the same, upon tue condition that be
leaves the Territory within 40 days, never 10
return. The act appears to meet with universal
approval, and it is sincerely hoped that bis ca>
reer in the future will be such, that the people
will have no cause to reprOach themselves for
having procured his pardon.
Several soldiers belonging to the Fort have ta-
ken French furlOugh, taking with them horses
and equipments. The commanding officer is
using every effort for their recapture. Some de.
serters from Fort Lapwai, have been arrested
and are at the post, awaiting general court
MARTIAL am of the opinion that many leave
their comfortable quarters that will wish them
selves back before they fairly lose sight of the
fac which they fed hem selvas hpfnra God
, 1866-12-28
The Observance of Christm as.

EDIToR SrATEsNAS:-Will you allow me to
add few facts to what was said in the STATES,
MAN Of last week about Christmas?
Rev. Jonas King, D. D., for many years past a
Missionary of the A. B. c. F. NJ, to Athens,
Greece, in a recent communication to American
Christians, says; "Many, have no doubt, sup>
pose that Christmas has been kept from the time
of the Apostles, whereas, it was not kept in the
Eastern church till the fourth century after
Christ, and was then introduced from Rome. OF
this, have prOOffrom Oue. Of the sermons (hom-
ilies) of Chrysostom, delivered at Antioch about
three hundred and eighty years after Christ, in
which he urged Christians to keep Christmas,
and said; 1t is not yet ten years since the day
become known to u.s. A Greek writer IA bish-
op) of the seventeenth century declares that no
one knows the day, nor even the month, in
which Christ was born"
The 25th Of December was a heathen feast,
from the keeping of which it was found difficult
to draw Christians, and 60 it was baptized, if l
may so say, with Christian name, aud has
since been kept by many as a Christian feast
just as the feasts of Bacchus are, in substance,
still kept by the Greeks, but under Christian
name.
In the article on "Chrstmas," in the Religious
Encyclopedia, it is said, "Tbe custom ofmaking
presents on Christmas eve is derived frsm a old
heather usage, practiced among the northern
nations at the feas. of the birth of Sol, on the
25th Of December, to which it succeeded, and
retained the name of YHle or Lnnul, /. e., the
Wheel or revolution of the sun.
Mr.. Seldeu, in his "Table-Talk, - speaking of
this festival, says, "Christmas succeeds the Sat
urnalia, the same time, and the same number o {
holidays" The Saturnalia was, "among the
Romans, the festival of Saturn, celebrated in
DeFriment for all classes extending even 10 the
slaves
So much for the origin of this festival. Its
obsesvanee among Christians has not been
as universal as many suppose. Its Observance
Is rejected by the Church Of Scotland and by the
Disseuters Of England. And in,this country. its
observance has never, so far as l. have known
beer sanctioned by any of the non Episcopal de.
nomfnations, Presbyterians BAptists, Congreqa-
uonaiists, &c. These all acting upon the broad
protestant principle that "The Scriptures are our
sufficient and only rule of faith and practice. -
and hnding nothing in the Scriptures respecting
the observance, have generally rejected it.
make these quotations and remarks in no
spnrt OF echtroversy. Il seemed 10 me proper
IN bringing such a subject before the public in a
paper ofgeneral circulation lthat the whole sub
Jeet, OF, 1t you please, both sfdes Of the subject
sneuio Dc fairly stated. P. B. oHANBERLAD.
, 1866-12-28
OFFICE
Of Acting CcmmissarY Of suhssl

FoRT LAPwAI, |. T., Dec. w :, 1
SEALED PROPOSALS, in DUPLlCA,Hs, ~,
y he received at this Office till u w. y
3lst inst, for furnishing
Fresh Beef on the b'l
to troops, &c, at this Post, for tscal \,
ing June Both, 1867. Said Fresh pee
good and marketable quality, and 10 "
portions of fore and hind quarter me-,
shanks. and kidney, tallow EXCLUDED
delivered on such days and in suen q-,
Lhe commanding officer Of the P9s. ,...j n
nate. Tne necks Of cattle slaugp', q
cut off at the fourth vertebrai lOI'EI
breasts trimmed down. the shanA' b,r
quarters shall be cut of from tntee
es above the gambrel or heck lo,nt, ,,s
Proposals must be expressed ~ a,,rs, ~
have a copy of this advertisement a, w n,
be accompanied by. guarantee o. " ,r
BILE parties that should cOntraet, IN -, q
contractor will give bonds 10 nali i.as. ~
beef furnished by him. bn's'OF
proposals for Fresh Beef. ," .;u
PrOposers may be present al OP.1 Pr,, d
posals, and the United States re''''
to reject any or all bids. = crlSlu
1wa 1t. la U. S. Oar'lr,
, 1866-12-28


DOUBTFUL COSvERr.-Advices from 0lym-
pia state that neither the democrats or radicals
have any confidence in the conversion of Hon
Phillip D. Moore, Collector of Internal Reve.
nue. for Washington Territory A few months
since Mr.. Moore returned from Washington City
where be had been to settle up his acco UNITS, and
he then proclaimed himself a flaming radical
President Johnson was characterized by the
Collector as a "bull in China shop" and the
radical Congress represented the sum of human
wisdom. Thusthings remained down to compar,
atvely recent date, when the Collector e1pel
rienced a change of heart even more sudden
than Paul's miraculous conversion. The sud,
denness of the change, and the fact that Moore
has all his life been a radical abolitionist, even
going SO far as to advocate and practice negro
equality, leads very many persons to doubt the
sincerity of his conversion and hint that he is
actuated by desire to retain office. The man
who would thus "wheel about and turn about"
for the purpose of eating the Presidents bread
and butter, scarcely deserves a place at the
public crib.
, 1866-12-28
@-|l|WN~~---
The Ladies' Fair.

EDIroR SrArEsNAN:-Wth your kind leave,
the Sisters Of the ST. Viucent's Academy would
take the advantage of small space in the COL
utnns of your valuable journal for the expires.
sfen of their grateful sentiments over the bril>
liant success Of the late fair held 10 their favor
The total proceeds, larger than those of auy
previous year, amounted to 81 ,655, from which
deducting the necessary expenses, not exceeding q
S625, there is left the handsome gift of ST. .o25.
as net proceeds. Their most sauguiue wishes
could scarcely have anticipated so bright a re.
suit, and they cannot too highly praise the until
ring zeal and deYotedness to the cause Of charity
displayed BY the lady managers, and more espe .
cially by the lady president and vice-president.
Their most sincere thanks are also rendered to
the gentleman who most kindly put at their dis
posal the large aud commodious balls Of the new
building he bad recently erected on Main street
May kind Providence bestow the abundance OF
his blessings upon them, and all those who have
so literally contributed towards the success of
the cause is, and will be forever the earnest pray.
er Of their humble and grateful servants,
THE Sisters or CHARITY.
, 1866-12-28

WELL REPREsESTED.-A friend who has Just
feturned from Olympia, informs us that the Wal
IA Walla members have made highly favorable
impression. Social, courteous, and attentive to
business, they have already secured the esteem
OF their brother members, and established an in =
duenee that will enable them to get through all
proper bills that may be deemed useful to their
constituents. Our O(d typo friend, Major Rees,
has been particularly fortuuate-ia this regard
and already takes rank as one of the most useful
members of the House, Messrs. Langford aud
o'Brysnt, are arso spoken of in terms of praise.
We are pleased to learn that our representatives
are thus well thought of away from home
, 1866-12-28
Bic BEED MISEs.-Our tOwnsman, Or. E. Shisl,

BIC BEND MINEs.-Our townsman, Ur. b. Snlel
has returned home, after an absence of several
months in the Big Bend country, where be was
largely engaged in mining operations. He re-
eortS that outstanding the mines have gen.
Srally been regarded as failure, large amount
Of gold was taken out during the last season,
and that the prospect is good for still larger
yield with the coming year. About seventS-fve
persons will winter in the mines, and these are
satisfied that they have an excellent prospect
The drawback has been that the mines are "spot.
ted" and that while few have made money,
the great mass have run behind. The explana-
tiou of this is, that the "maip lead' has never
been struck This lead they are now prospect
ing for, and when found they e1pe ct great re-
suits. The DR.. says that towards the close
Of the season there was a growing conf
dencs that the mines would ultimately prove
rich, and with this conviction Operations will
be resumed with renewed energy the coming
spring. Thus far mining has been confined to
French Creek, and but two or three claims can
fairly said to have paid What another season
will bring forth can only be cOnjectured, but
this at leastis certain, &at old and experienced
miners feel certain as to the result.
, 1866-12-28

THE GoLD DUsr NUIsAScB.-We notice that
paper is being circulated and very generally
signed, piedging our merchants and business
men to receive gold dust at the rates adopted by
our Umatilla neighbors. Thus far but one firm
has refused to sign the agreement, and upon fur
ther reflection we doubt not this dissent will be
Withdrawn and the movement made unanimous
The proposed rates are fully equal to the value
of the different descriptions of dust specified,
and all talk about taking the dust for more than
tits worth is simple bosh. We have authority
for saying that the honest traders in the mine
desire that measures be taksn to drive from cir
culatOn the "mi1ed' and ''doctored" dust
about which there is is so much com plant. The
only parties in the mines who favor the existing
condition of affairs are the anufacturers of the
bogus" dust, and the parties who are in with
them. Those who refuse to concur 10 the pro-
posed measure are really aiding the kuaves
When the matter comes to be underitood in this
light, we doubt not every fair trader and business
man in the country will join in the movement.
, 1866-12-28

NEW TERRIToRY.-Mr S. S. Fem has
introduced in the Idaho Legislature a mes
mOri2l to Congress asking the creation of
new Territory that will include all that por-
tion of Idaho lying north Of fortysfour de>
grees and forty>fve minutes; aud that part
of Washington Territory lying east of the
Cascade Mountains. The new Territory to
be called Columbia. We trust that the clam
eaters down on the Sound will not be alarm
ed at this proposition, and attempt to make
it party issue. The country east Of the
Mountains is growing, aud with this Develop
ment comes the demand for Territorial re-
organization.
, 1866-12-28

OTFIciAL CHASsE.-We have it on reliable au.
toorty that change is about to be made in the
once Of fCOlleetOr Of Internal Revenue for this
district. We have not learned the name of the
new aPpOfosee, but presuns be will be an i'm.
psrtAtiOn from the Pdget SQUAD country. Tn.
eohog country is equal to the production Of
any number of ohee holders.
, 1866-12-28

SENATOR NEsMIrH. A private letter from
Washington states that Senator Nesmith is ON
nfpOtent at the White House, and that be has
entire control of the Federal patronage in Ore,
Ton and Washington Territory. We happen to
know from personal observation that no man
stands higher at Washington t6aa.S1@ @ator Nes.
NTH, and that he commands The ss.
teen Of men of all parties. Ii =. -. Vi re-
cord and his admitted services, it certainly i,
matter for regret that few small beer noli,i.
eaAh', with less foresight than the mole were
able to defeat his reelection.
, 1866-12-28

ASorHEa RIeHHoxD.-We understand that III,
S'P0'heAn' Of Clark county will present the
nAn'"fH. G. suUTs as their sfst choice for
pSiegAIs to COngrsss. Nr. struvs il. a sos,,Is,
..a @asili'y, and IL nominated would make an
Abls sanrass
, 1866-12-28

THE Hoo CRoP Of this Valley is rapidly beccm.
ingone ofour great staples. We hear of single iu-
diViduals who have killed three or four hundred
head Of hogs, and prominent merchant informs
Us that there is scarce a farmer 10 the Valley
who has not from one to two thousand pounds
OF bacon of his own curing. The low prices that
rule below necessarily reacts upon this market,
and, as consequence, We have to quote bacon =,
10 quantities, at lT9lS cents. Lard, 2l022
cents. Very many holders refuse to sell at these
fgureS; and will hold until spring, when they
propose to freight their bacon and lard to the
mines, and most likely will realize good prices,
, 1866-12-28

We understand that the politicians down
ia the Sound country are terribly exercised
about the annexation question, and de-
clare that they will never support for Con-
gress man who has at any time supported
the measure The republicans propose to
incorporate in their platform plank de-
nOuncing annexation, and possibly the dem
Gratis will be guilty of the same folly. This
is the talk down on the Sound, and we refer
to it for the purpose Of saying that whatever
may have been the feeling year since, at
this time we know of no one who favors an
nexation to Oregon. To raise question of
this kind is substantially to inaugurate fight
over dead issue, and is simply waste Of
energy that might be better employed. In
this Valley, prominent republicans as well
as democrats, at one time favored annex>
alton to Oregon, not as a party measure,
but as a question of local convenience. To
prescribe men for thus exercising an un
doubted right, can have only one efect-that
Of i"Jurlng the party that adopts such a Gus
icidal policy. The issue having been ADAMS
dCned, to raise it now can only be for the purr
pose of Furnishing its original advocates, and
when this is attempted our Sound friends
will find that they are involved in warfare
in which blows are to be received as well as
dealt. An attempt BY neaussdf party dis
cipline to prevent in all future time the agir
tation of the question OF Territorial reOrgani
zaton is sure to fail In itself it is guess
tiOn outside of party, and men will take sides
upon it without regard to party convictions.
Just now the feeling east of the Noun.
tains is in faver of the creation of new
Territory that will include Eastern Oregon,
Northern Idaho, and all that part of Wash
ington Territory this side of the Cascades.
For party conventions to declare against the
agitation of the question, will be about as
supreme an act of folly as was the attempt of
Mrs. Partington to mop up the Atlantic
The more the old lady mOpped the more the
waves poured in upon her, and so with this
question, the greater the opposition from the
one horse politicians on the Sound, the firm
er the hold it will take upon the people
whose interest is at stake. This, however, is
a measure distinct from the exploded idea Of
annexation to Oregon, aud it Is against the
reOpening of this latter question that we en-
ter our protest. No party can be benefit.
ted by the revival of dead issue, and if
men are to be prescribed for the part they
took when it was live question, it will
be found that an element of discord has
been introduced where a wise policy sug.
gests harmony and Cancellation
, 1866-12-28

A NEw HoBBY.-A year since Governor Pick.
ering was crazy over the "Mercer Girl" PROPOSE.
tion, and questioned the loyalty of any man who
doubted the capacity of the Territory to absorb
eight hundred feminines on sight. To carry out
the Mercer scheme, he sought to appropriate
$4,000 from the Territorial treasury. The good
seuse of the Legislature defeated the hobby, and
the money was saved. This year the Governors S
hobby is the SnOquolOmie Pass, to open which
be proposes to appropriate $4,000 or $40, ,OCO
from the public treasury. Considering that our
taxes are already oppressive, our representatives
will hesitate before appropriating the public
money to any doubtful project. An appropria,
tion toward opening military road through the
Pass might very properly be asked from the Gen.
eral Government, but beyond this the members
of the Legislature should refuse to countenauce
the Governors hobby.
, 1866-12-28

feh oLrAPIA.-Nessrs. D. NJ. Jesse andT. p.
rage members of the Legislature from this
county started for Olympia yesterday. These
Eenuemen were detained at home at the opening
0' Tue session by pressing business engagements,
Hoo even now leave under circumstances Of
great inconvenience
, 1866-12-28

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.-Mr. J. D. Cochran, wri-
ting from Blk City, December Sd, says: "Mich-
Ael DOvau was instantly killed, while at work
in bis claim BY the falling Of a tree. This was
on the lst Of December. The deceased leaves
relatives living iu San Francisco, who will re-
ceivs full particulars on Addressing ]. D. Coeh-
ran, Elk City"
, 1866-12-28

TEE DALLEs MINI. - A Washington cores.
pondsnt writes US that the bill provving for
the establishment of a Branch Mint at the Dalles
has not been repealed, and that the only obsta-
Gle in the way of proceeding with the work is
the refusal Of the Secretary of the Treasury to
carry out the law of Congress. A Branch Mint
is just now the great want of this Northern
country, and if possible measures should be
taken that will induce the Secretary to with l.
draw bis opposition. In this connection, we add
as matter of Justice, that Senator Williams
has repeatedly urged upon the Secretrry the i'm
portance of proceeding with the work, and
represented that nothing short Of Mint will
meet the wants of the country. We make this
statement with the more pleasure, since we have
differed with Senator Williams 10 regard to 9th.
or matters.
, 1866-12-28

The hfeless professor is sure to be a bigot, 9
Pharisee, and full of self,rigbts0usuess- -chris-
fiaA AdeoeGts
How HP'ly brother Benson drkwI his own pOr
, 1866-12-28
Dissolution.

HSHE COPARTNERSH HIP HERETOFORE EXIs-
L ting berween STARK & KING. in thS LEW
loTUN AND WALLA WALLA STAGE LINE. has
been dissolved BY mutual consent. Mr.. King will
debts due the late firm.
TucAnon, Dec 81. 1886. a4v
, 1866-12-28

FAILED TO OoSSEcT,-oWing to the absence Of
Judge Darwin, the regular Deeembsr term OF tn
Supreme Court Of the Territory was adjourned
over. 4
, 1866-12-28
SALE of SCHOOLLANlI.

vo,,-.| A-<AAN -"
RY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
II Commissioners, the following SchOol Land will
os sod to the highest bidder for cash in hand OH the
IVlh day Of January. 1867. at 10 o'clock A. In at the
Court House. in tire City of walla waila: X of
'enI4, ana Il Of Z 4 of Section No. SO in Town
Sc u ofN Z u Of Section No. l6, in Township Z,
N of Range IS East.
J. II. BLEwETT, County Auditor.
December IS, 1865. a.2w
, 1866-12-28

A Ii PERSONS INDEBTED To ". r. coupr
n NEY & T. K. McfcOY fo- T6rashin9 dono T.
ls6s. win please settle at once and save COSTS ~
2-4W COURTNEY a Mrr,0v
, 1866-12-28
-IAS w sTEVENl
sa5 RewnHra' Il
StraNed or StVr !,

HaoM ~. ABBoTTs RAM Doc. !
II HORSES, Doc. and Ss0SS S0S. 1ish
=. s. on len shoulder; no on" orsno d. u,
The .mane Of both hOrses hang ~ T,.turp =.
above reward win be paid on tns THOpbi
ses 70 -N (l-tvl Gbo'
Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-04-10

New YORK, April 9.-The following news IS
taken from Cork papers Of the 9th
Notwithstanding the Easter Holidays the
cabinet meetings were not suspended. The
Tines Herald. Adrertiser and Post condemn with
more or less severity Mr. Brights birmingham
letter.
The P9r SAYS the objections Of turning out the
recent ministry Is a difficulty of finding strong
government to take their place.
The Commons. SO little moved by an abstract
question has again and again supported q bad
measure by bad government, because II could
not see its way TO a better one.
The bishop Of London is stu seriously ILL.,
BERLIN. March 27.-The .Scits Riche correspon-
dent to-day publishes an article representing the
present state of Austrio-Pruslan relations rs Sc
rious. The Berlin correspondent OF the ltmes
saws that Prussia has not modified or spatched
in the direction OF the frontier single regiment
Some few reserves have been called IN, out II
can positively be said they do not come up 70 the
number which. in most peaceful times. have been
collected on the appearance Of danger IN the d.
plomatie horizon. That the mobilization OF the
entire army is contemplated apd were prepared
to be carried out ut q moments notice, does moi
admit of doubt. HI.
There isno foundation in the rumored alliance
between italy and Prussia. The Italian govern
ment desires 20 observe the most strict nsutraily
in any conflict which occurs between the fEusslAh
and Austrian governments.
Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-04-10
RIVER NEWS.

The river, after having risen a few inches
during Saturday, commenced to decline on Sun
day. There are now fully four feet on the shoals.
ARRTvALs-hercurV, Louisville; Norman, St.
Louis Cumberland Cairo.
DEPARrUREs-loperi St. Louis; J. P. Webb,
Evansville.
The regular Louisville packet. Mercury, is ad-
vertisod TO depart her return trip this evening
at o'clock. This packet is quite favorite with
shippers and passengers. Corbett & Boyd are her
agents.
The unrivallcd steamer, Cumberland, Capt b.
+. Eagan, is in port and will leave for Cairo this
morning at 10 o'clock. Captain Ben. says passen-
gers and shippers all along the river wait for his
pet institution" Apply on board for inior-
nation.
The steamers Camclia from Pittsburg, the
Wooa,rard, from st. Louis, and ReJecca, from
Cincinnati, are looked for to-day.
BURNED OUT.-We regret to announce that the
Office Of our old friends, II. II. Harrison & Son,
steamboat agents in this city. was entirely con-
sumed by fire, on Sunday night last. By the ex-
crtons Of citizens and the crews Of several steam
ers in port, all the furniture, safe. books and
papers were saved. Capt. Harrison & Son return
thanks to all who assisted in rcscuing their prop
erty from destruction. They have rented an
other Office, next door. Cup stairs and are again
under full Roadway:
The Louisville Courier of yesterday says:
The river rising slowly yesterday, with fully
seven feet six inches water in the canal in the
evening by the mark. During the previous forty
eight hours it had risen only three inches at the
head Of the falls, and nine inches at Portland.
The weather has again assumed n wintry hue,
with snow storm, the heaviest Of the season,
heavy
whiten the house-tops and sidewalks. but soon
disappeared.