davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
, 1866-05-18
f. Monefeldt ESQ,
St. Croix.
Dear Sir,

You have doubtless seen the ac-
counts Of a recent extensive fire at Bris-
bane by which no less than fifty houses
in that town were totally destroyed.
The occurrence Of so many serious
contiagrationS during the last few years
in towns, where timber is extensively used
for building purposes, induces me to draw
your special attention to this case, as an
example ofthe extreme hazard of taking
large sums on any one block of buildings
or district liable to such accidents.
There is one particular feature. in this
case, to which it will be useful TO draw
your special attention as confirming an
opinion, which is not perhaps so general
ly received as it might be with advantage.
In the block destroyed were several
buildings Of brick which had been relied
upon as likely to stay the progress of a
fire, the fact of the roofs being shingled
having been either overlooked or consid-
cred OF little importance. The result
shows the faIlacy of this opinion for the
fire rushed along these roofs with amaz-
ing rapldlty, and the buildings so con-
structcd were an easy prey to the flames.
| mention this point as one worthy
VI ONA uGlCitlOuS anu us puuIlCtIy
will perhaps prove of service in your
te~~ - ,~."i"s " .nvo0 wnU UOusIuer
they are safe from the ravages of a fire
simply on account of the brick walls, and
induce them to make further improve
ments, the cost of which is so dispropor-
tomato to the advantages conferred.
We are more or less liable to these
extensive conAagrations in all Colonial
towns, where large numbers of the build
ings are timber.
[ am, Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
JNO.EM. w. LAIEN,
Sub-Manager.
Royal Insurance Office, Royal Insur-
ance Buildings, North John Street and
Dale Street, Liverpool, LIST March 1866.
, 1866-05-18

TO the Editor of the St. CrOix Avis
Dear SIT

Dear SIT!
For many years past-I believe some
ten years ago or perhaps longer-I un-
derstand there was a commission APP
pointed to examine the Court House of
this town, and report whether it should
be repaired or rebuilt. This commission,
as l should suppose, must have fulfilled
its tuty but nothing has been done.
l! is certainly a bad sight to see a pub
lie building-a Court House where the
public records are kept-in its present
dilapidated condition. The whole thing
could be remedied at once, and seeming
ly without much trouble and doubtless at
less expense TO the Colonial Treasury, if
another building, in better order, could
be purchased for the purpose. There is
a very fine and strong one in front of the
present Court House, and, it may be,
that the owner would dispose of it. The
hint is thrown out without offering or
meaning any offence.
| beg TO remain,
Dear Sir
Your obdt. servt.,
JOSEPH.
Basin, May II, 1866.
mcgee
To the Editor of the st. CrOix Avis!
Dear Sir,
New Building laws being at present
under consideration, I beg leave to en-
close an extract of a letter from my actuary
of 1st March 1865, which | beg you will
extract in your first issue, containing
valuable advice on the matter in ques-
ton.
Yours, truly,
E. MONEFELDT,
Agent.
Royal Insurance Office, st. Croix Agen-
cy, 18th May 1866.
, 1866-05-18
Lutheran Church, Chrisaiamsted.

On WHIT SUNDAY, the goth inst. there
will be divine service held for the Eng
lish Lutheran Congregation inthis Church.
On WHIT MONDAY, the 21st inst. there
there will be divine service held for both
Lutheran Congregations in this Church.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
From Washington.

Special to the Missouri Republican, v n
WASHINGTON, June 6.-Senator Howe,
of Wisconsin, occupied the time of the
Senate all Of to-day on the restoration
question. A good portion Of has speech
was directed to his colleague, Mr. Doc
little, who, of course, replied. Mr..
Hendricks quietly remarked that Wis
consin seemed to consume of late nearly
all the time of the Senate. In the course
Of his speech, Mr.. Howe said he had
been informed Mr. Dooliite had de-
Tended slavery as a divine institution.
Mr. Doolittle sprang from his seat and
excitedly said " That is false, sir. |
have been an anti-slavery man for twenty
five years" 1t is the intention of n.
majority of the Senate TO take the final
vote on Friday, and then proceed to
business. An old Senator remarked to-
day that he never knew the Senate so
far behind in ten years, while the House
was never closer mp with its business.
The House inanlged to-day in a fonr
hours debate on the question of selecting
New London, Conn, and League Island,
as sites for new navy yard. Itissome-
what doubtful if either proposition sue
ceeds.
The House today, pruGting by the
losses of the Government in the recent
failure of the Merchants National Bank
here, passed a very stringent act TO reg
ulate and secure the safe keeping Of pub
lie money intrusted to the disbursing OIL
GERS of the United States. 1t provides
that it shall be the duty Of every dis
bursting officer Of the Government TO
deposit his funds with the Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer, and all transfers
from the treasury Of the United States
10. a disbursing agent shall be by draft
or warrant on the Treasurer or on an
Assistant Treasurer; provided, that in
places where there $40 Treasurer nor
Assistant Treasurer OF the United States,
the Secretary of the Treasury may, when
he deems it essential 20 the public inter
ests, specially authorize in writing the
deposit Of such public money in any
other Pablo depository, or in writing
authorize the same 10 be kept in any
other manner, and under such rules and
regulations as be may deem most SAT,
and effectual to facilitate the payments
10 public creditors. Some penalties are
provided for any officer loaning publ,
money on deposit, and for any banker o.
broker, not authorized receiving AM
public funds on deposit eil. y.
The Reconstruction Committee held IL
= last session to-day and made its FIRST re
port Of the evidence to the House.
Senator Fessenden submitted a yer,
elaborate report on the question Of re
construction, which entered into ever.
phase Of the question and justifes ih
{ Committee throughout II makes re
view Of the many propositions before tn
r Committee. Proposing a settlement Q
the great question he presents a resum
E of the evidence taken and indorses full.
= the FINAL conclusions Of the Committe,
He looks upon it as a mild punishment
for the leading rebels
The postponement Of the trial Of JEFF
Davis till October was fully in accord
ance with the views entertained by ih
{ Government here. The question Of pa
! doning him was discussed fully at th
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
ALABAMA LANDS.

Accounts from Alabama frequently IN
dictate that the possession of lant there
was rather improbable, and that owners
of plantations were letting them out on
shares, owing to the difficulty in obtain
ing labor and the means necessary 70
pay tic laborers and provide for them.
The return of land sales just received az
the General Land Office, from the Dis
trict Land office at Montgomery, Ala 90
not seem to corroborate these statements
as they show that cash sales were made
during May amounting to 81 ,469,sss, ana
also that beginning has been made IN
entering for actual settlement under the
HON estead law
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
From GALVESTON. Texas.

GALVESTON, May 26-General Wright
has ordered ten men from every infantry
regiment in the State to be mounted and
report to General Kids, for the protecr
ton of Bureau officers and the enforce
ment of their orders. t40d Oh. .u.ils-
General Kids wounds are aggravated.
and fears are entertained that ne will
have to ask to he relieved. D,ti
Col Mason, son of the exConfederate
Minister to London, is retained to prose
cute Fletcher, the colored soldier, whe
shot Holfestne. Strong efforts are max
ing to have the accused tried by civil
tribunal. Gen. Wright refused to sur.
render him and they threaten TO appeal
to the President. im saf liis
Weather fine and the condition of the
crops is improving. 90
GALVESTON, May 20. - The bottom
lands in the most fertile cotton region are
overhowed for many miles. All the cot
ton is washed out The river is higher
than ever known before. .ess
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

terms, however there we're but few APP
plications for the money, and it was Left
to its Natural increase. ~ 1911 this
fund amounted. with interest, to $4,000,
and on February 18th, 1866, it was slio,-
l56 Sc. FRAsKLIN anticipated that in
one hundred years from the time Of his
death, the fund would amount to $685.
600, of which 100000 were to be ex-
pended in public works for the city OF
Boston, and the remaining $4,000
loaned out again ON the same plan as
the Grst fund. He then estimated that
at the end Of the second hundred years
this sum, at compound interest, would
amount to S2O,3O5, 900, Of which sl5'-
900, 900 are to.be donated to'the State,
and the remainder to the city of Boston,
thus terminating the fund.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
TURNED OUT.

Secretary McCULLocH has written a
letter to Mr.. CHANDLER, Chairman OF
the Senate Commerce Committee, in re-
lation 10 the Southern revenue and Gus
toms officers who cannot take the test
oath. They have been notified OF the
disposition of Congress, and have been
informed that their designations will be
aecepted, as under the circumstances
they can no longer be allowed TO hold
office. He asks that provision be made
for their salaries to date, and bill was
accordingly presented by Mr.. CHANDLER.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
THAT B.

The Nashville Gazette says; :" A gem
tleman who took drive along the White
Creek Valleys on Sunday last, brought
10 our Office yesterday blade of oats on
which was stamped plainly the letter
ar" He informs US that he visited
several large fields, and found on nearly
sverv blade the letter plainly stamped
Considerable excitement prevails in the
peiebborhood in regard to this strange
,benomena. Some Of the old settlers
,h;,k If denotes more blood; others think
!, stands for bad; one gentleman was
beari to say that it stood for bully, but
another veteran farmer insisted that IT
was the scourge of BRoESIow, and would
certainly be followed by the rust
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
SOUTHERN HUMANITY

The St Louis Democrat says one Of
the rebel organs of Memphis has the fol
lowing; .f,5.l.,.olE
oso House on the. Sd of May, for the
benefit Of the MANNED soldiers of the ar
mics of the Confederate States. This
noble project deserves every encourage,
ment from our citizens, and will not fail
to prove a grand success Feed the Con
federates and let the id Union people
starye. rH
Let the Democrat, or any other Rad'-
cal.crat name the Memphis rebel paper
that said that
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
The Renovation Of Cities.

Napoleon, it is said, has set his heart
upon exhibiting Paris in new and untold
glories, upon the occasion of the Exhi-
bition Of 1861 1t is now the most luxu-
rious city in the world for stranger TO
visit, and some find it the most com
Portable to live in at even n moderate
cost. The reign Of Louis Napoleon may
be considered as distinguished for hav-
ing done more for the city. as distinct
from the royal residences, than any other
OF its monarchs. In this he has exceeded
his uncle, whose wars kept him from car
ryiug out many of the magnificent plans
which the nephew has more than re-
allied. The police system, for one dis
posed to let politics alone, is a most per
feet protection and convenience, giving
10 the whole city an organic unity truly
wonderful The Emperor has done more
10. pull down and destroy the abOdes of
| low vice and crime than ever was before
adyentured upon, and so far with great
apparent success. Whole nests and
quarters where vileness and pollution
reiCned in their worst forms he has
converted into palatial residences and
streets Of the greatest magnifcence T;
and in this respect he has proved a model
reformer to the world He purchased
much of the land, and where he did not,
| had whole districts planned out entirely
anew. so as TO necessltate the demolition
| of the whole Of the old houses, and the
rebuilding Of them on an entirely fresh
plan All these plans had TO be submit
ted 10 and approved by Government,
and this accomplished, loans of money
| were granted to enable the proprietor OF
hovel 10 become owner OF a magnih.
cent mansion, the superior rents Of
which would soon repay the Government
and leave the landlord also a weather.
man. And now the city is 10 receive IT:
final touches, and then offer itself as a
sort Of centre Of the civilization Of The
world in 1867.
The great weakness Of all this has
been, not taking fully into account The
vast number Of the poor thus disposses.
sed Of their abodes, wretched, indeed
but still the only shelter Of vast multi
tudes. And this was all done by thu
despoiic will Of one man. In part, how
ever, this tificnliy has been met by th'
T system Of different fats for diiferen
classes Of families, 50 that the respect
able poor could be far better aecommo
dated on the fifth and sixth stories o
the palaces created below Much con
tamination is thus saved, and mucl
crime and vice driven out Of Paris q
spread itself out, like the sewage OF larg
. cities NOWADAYS, over fats and vast
; lands, disinfecting itself and serving a
, manure for the soil
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
The European Crisis.

Additional particulars of the late Eu-
ropean news is interesting
The position of affairs is unchanged.
A Congress appears to be assured, but
war continues to be prepared for.
A Paris telegram of the 25th says
Identical notes were dispatched yester-
day and to-day by the English, French,
and Russian Cabinets TO Berlin, Vienna,
Frankfort, and Florence for the purpose
of the assembling of Congress to delib-
crate upon the question of German Fed
eral reform-that is, the Elbe Duchies
and the Austro difficulty. 1t is expected
that the Congress will assemble on the
9th of June
The assent of the disputing powers to
a Congress is generally regarded as set
tied, and it is said Austria will consent
to the discussion of the Venetian ques-
ton on the basis of territorial compen-
sation. According to one statement, the
Congress cannot be held before the 10th
of June
1t is stated that thePrussian and Ital-
ian treaty names May 18th for the com
mencement of hostilities.
Earthen-works for entertainments near
Vienna have already been commenced.
The Arch Duke, Albrecht, had ad-
dressed the order of the day to the Aus
trian troops.
A proclamation was looked for in vi.
emma 1t was expected that a proclama'
ton of state of siege would follow.
The vigorous execution of the death
penalty was threatened against all
Venetians immigrating to take service in
the Italian army. II was stated that the
Crown Prince of Prussia had been
offered the Regency during the war, but
! he declined, saying his place was with
the army. In case of war Prussia in.
tends to convoke the German Parlia
ment to meet at Berlin.
Reports were current, but not con
firmed, that the Italian patrol had APP
peared on the oath on the frontier of the
Cairo, and took away half of the bridge
on the Italian side of the river. The
Italian volunteers were proceeding day
by day in thousands TO TIE depots Gar.
ibaldi was not expected on the scene un.
til the last moment But it was reported
he left Caprero on the 23d, for the coast
Of The Adriafic In letter dated Ca
prero, May IL, Garibaldi says; at isl
every way advisable for the country, that
all are ready and united"
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
Sketch of General Scott as no Appeared
Before his Decease.

The Lieutenant General was man,
regarded in physique as in history, who
will have few competitors in any future
period Nearly seven feet high broad,
powerful, graceful, shere was also a
splendid dignity in his address, quiet
ness and candor which bore out none OF
the partisan jests of which he was often
made the theme. The great composed
face of General Scott was deeply Melted
his large yet well proportioned features
were calm, and his gray eyes bore the
softened penetration Of an old age toe
ripe to be either ardent or indignant
1t is well that life so filled with mar.
tial deeds should be finished at West
Point, the conservatory at the military
art in America I...
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

pdr The Union Flag says ut is asin-
gular thing to behold the mountains
around Jonesboro wrapped in mantel OF
snow in June, and yet tits So For the
past week the weather has Seen singing
cold, with several heavy frosts, materially
injuring vegetation. 4
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
PACIFIC RAILROAD.

The progress of this road has been
surprisingly rapid. The track has been
constructed and put in running order for
one hundred miles west of Kansas City,
making continuous line three hundred
and eighty-three miles in length FROM ST..
Louis. Including the Leayenworth
Branch, the Union Pacific Company are
now running nearly one hundred and
thirty miles of road IrrI.F
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
HELM lsOID'S

FLUID xTRACT UCHU,
In affections peculiar to Females" Is une-
quaiei by any other preparation, a. in Chornss
or Retention. Painlulness, or Suppression If
Customary Evacuatinns. liberated or SrhiTrus
to the SEX whether arising from habits of dis
sipation, imprudence in, or the decline or
change in life.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

py- On Sunday night, at Maumee
City. Ohio, a party Of six individuals, in
disguise, entered The house Of a married
woman, who, in the absence of her hus-
band, was entertaining a young man.
and took the twain from bed and admin
istered thorough coat Of tar and feath-
ers. At last accounts the parties were
doing as well as could be expected under
the circumstances.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
ngy-A Dutchman had Two pigs, a large

Dys A Duichmon had Two pigs, a large
one and small one The smaller being
the older, he was trying to explain to a
customer, and he did it in this wise ;
1.-THE little pig is the biggest" Upon
which his wife assuming to correct him,
said: lyon will excuse him, he no
speaks as good English as me; he no
mean that the little pig IS de biggest, but
the young pig is the oldest"
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

Bay" The Abingdon Trginidn says
the wheat crop in that section will he al
most total failure-at best not more
than a fourth OF the usual yield 10
make amends, however, the prospect is
excellent for an unusually large corn
crOp
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
MFv Yp5s June Z. isS.

uHE CITY ASSESSMENT FOR THE
i fortieth Corporate Year being completed;
All parties who own property IN the city OF
Memphis are hereby notified that. a. they de-
ire 10 mako or have made, in the City Asses
sor book for the Fortieth Corporate eaf, any
change. or wish 20 offer any objection % tne As
sessment, that the Assessor : book VAL oe epen
tbis date- Am parties who have purchased
nroprrty DURING the last corporate year; %
srbaso property has been inaccurately uescIl ~
in last year. tax book. either ~ name ~ 49,
~ nfice within the next ten tloldAys ana naNe
ne ;sl llGP'' JOHN PARK. Mayor.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

sGy- A boy named RrNIcK robbed his
grandfather, at Hebron, Ohio, last week,
of $1,000 in United States bonds, and
then went to Columbus on spree, spend
ing $1,000 of the money ere he was ar
rested
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

pH-Itis stated that the Cuban planters
have lately offered TO give certificates OF
freedom to all their negroes who would
contract to labor for a''erm Of years, and
that many of the latter have accepted the
condition.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

Cabinet meeting on yesterday, when
each members views were given, but no
conclusion was reached. OConnor and
Shea are still here, and had interviews
to-day with the President and the Attor-
ney 0nerd on the subject They pro-
fess TO be able to give any amount Of Sc
curity IL he is paroled or admitted TO bail.
The House Committee on Territories
have decided to report adversely on n
bill to make Utah State. The commit
tee have received n vast amount OF evil
dence' which reflects severely on the
Mormon officials. The present Terrific
rial Government is. so inefficient that
some OF the committee are disposed to
favor a military government for Utah. -.
The Postmaster General to-day awar-
ded a contract to Jessee d. Carr, of CAL
ifornia, to carry tri-weekly mail from
Virginia City, Nevada, by the way of
Humboldt to Boise City, Idaho Territory,
lor four years, from the first of Septem-
Der next, at $75, 1000 year.
The Department of State has been IN
formed by the United States Consul at
ST. Croix, West Indies that the crop OF
sugar this season will probably reach
$4,000 hhds., with a corresponding guam
tity of molasses and rum from 5000 10
5000 hhds. of molasses and 5000 hhds.
rum. This will be forty per cent. more
than the crop of 1865, and fully double
that of the preceding year
The Commissioner of Agriculture has
received from New Mexico, specimen
of fibrous grass that grows on the table
lands of that region, which is very strong
and tough. He is about sowing some OF
the seed to determine whether the grass
can be grown in this climate
1t is believed this grass will prove to be
an excellent and cheap material for the
manufacture of paper, cordage, mating,
etc.
Fifty clerks in the Treasury Depart
ment will be notified their services will
be dispensed with on the 10Th of July
Want of work is the cause.
I Raphael Semmes and Head Centre
Stephens were among the prominent
spectators about the capital to-day.
A colored man, named George Wash
ington, who is confined in jail at Alex
andria, under sentence of the Judge of
the District which includes Alexandria,
has petitioned the Supreme Court of the
District of Columbia, for writ Of habeas
corpus, alleging that the law retroceding
and State of Virginia is lille
gal, and that Alexandria county is within
the jurisdiction of this Court
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

Say The death is mentioned Of Mr.
PHILIP STANHoPE WoRsLEY, known as
the translator of the Odyssey and as
tie author of many poems contributed
Bldckpoods Magazine.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

si3" The friends of WILLIAM LLOYD
GARRISON, who has grown old and poor
in the Abolition cause, propose to give
him $4,000.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

Bay The great Tunnel under Lake
Michigan, which is being constructed by
the people of Chicago, for the purpose of
procuring an adequate supply Of fresh
water. is rapidly progressing. In all, a
distance Of 7454 feet has already been
excarated, and the work progresses at
the rate of IS feet per day. There re-
main but 3lO6 feet to be excavaied.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08
nv rRAEKLIE's FUND.

m By the terms Of FRASKLISs viii, an
s,cbspre paper says, $4,000 were left to
the city Of Boston, in 1871, to be loaned
rrder certain restrictions, the loans made
$50 Maid back, one-ienth Of the prlnei
pal, with interest yearly On ''''
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

nA- A canal boat driver, arrested in
Syracuse, N. Y, proves to be woman
in male attire, who says she could find
no employment until she put on panta-
looms.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

Pa- The Houston (Texas) Telegraph
saws: Physical causes are making
Texas one of the largest-we believe it
win be the largest-woOl-growing States
in the Union. 1t would be a matter OF
no surprise to us If, in a few years. she
wool clip should exceed in value the cot
ton crop in Texas"
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-08

stY- On the 9th of June the veneer
able AMOS KENDALL leaves this country
for pleasure tour of year in Europe.
Thirty-two years ago he was Postmaster
General of ANDREW Jackson Cabinet