davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
The TYRANNY of Party.

The abuse which is being heaped upon Judge
Chase and the U. s. Senators who voted for the ac-
quittal of the President, by Northern Republican
papers, shows how illiberal and vindictive partv
men are. There is large class of men, North and
South in both parties, who to think that no one
has right except themselves to vote as he pleases
If you vote with such people, it is all right but if
not you deserve to be punished-in their estimation
fyou think and act as they do, you are q good pa
triot; but if you have the courage think and act
your conscience dictates, and it happens to differ
with their views, you deserve censure and denunca-
ton
How many men will determine hereafter to form
their own opinions without regard party leaders
How many will join in effort to crush out party
tyranny and prescription the South as well as at
the North? We intend to oppose it if not another
man in the State assists Unless party tyranny
is broken down, the merchant farmer mechanic, la
borer, doctor and lawyer, will become slaves to dema
gogca leaders, and dare not express their real sent
ments without being denounced untrue to their
country and native land We despise and condemn
the miserable spirit that denies the right of all
to think and act as conscience directs.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
The Homestead Exemption Article.

Our neighbor of the Charlotte Democrat is of
the opinion that the Homestead Exemption pro-
vision Of the new Constitution cannot operate
retrospectively, but only prospectively. While
we cannot agree with our neighbor in his con-
structon ofthe taxation article fully agree with
him in his view of the Homestead Article. 1t can
not operate retrospectively without imparing the
oblig ton of contracts which is prohibited by the
Constitution of the United States. The princi-
pie involved in this case has been repeatedly
decided by the Supreme Court of the United
States. Among others it was decided, if we
remember Alright, in the cases of Sturgis VS.
Crowningshield and Ogden vs.. Saunders. Many
other decisions 60 very far to establish the doc
trine that the law in force at the time the con-
tract was made enters into and forms part of the
contract. Certain it is that no retrospective ex-
emption law can be passed except by Congress,
and then only in connection with general bank
rupt law. And some of our ablest and most
learned judges have even doubted whether Con-
gress itself could pass any such law Judge
W Washington, it we are not mistaken, once ex-
pressed doubts, in dissenting opinion, whether
the trainers Of the Federal Constitution in the
prohibitions upon the States did not intend to
lay it down general principle that the obi
CATION of contracts should never be impaired by
either the State or Federal governments
Prospectively the provision will hold good as
to all debts contracted between citizens of the
State, but not as to those contracted between
citizens Of other States. This is also point that
seems to be settled by the decisions OF the Su-
preme Court in the above cited or other cases.
We will not indulge in any specuiations as to the
probable working Of this and another exemption
provided for in the constitution ghbor has
done. The Constitution is now fastened upon
US, at least for a time, and these things must be
left to regulate themselves under it, as they will
in the course of time The other exemption to
which we refer is that which exempts all the
real and personal property of the wife, whether
acquired before or after marriage, from execution
and sale for the husbands debts. This provision
is governed by the same principles which govern
the other, and if the one cannot operate retros-
pectively the other cannot.-ISahsbwy North
State.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
The Result of the Election.

We publish the Order of Gen. Candy announcing
the result of the late election and giving the
of the officers elected.
We surprised to that Gen. Candy requires
all the officers elected to take the iron-cad test OATH
unless relieved by Congress. We do not understand
where he gets his authority for such order These
officers do not enter upon the discharge of their
duties until after the new Constitution is approved
by Congress. As soon as that is done, the Govern
ment of the State ceases to be provisional, and the
officers act under the Constitution and not under
military orders. The Constitution does not require
the officers to take the ronelad oath and certainly
Gen. Canhy has no authority for doing so.
We know that persons elected who are banned by
the Howard amendment cannot occupy On Office until
relieved by Congress- those who not prescribed
in that way are entitled to hold Office under the new
Constitution without taking the test oath.
Certainly Gen. Candy is mistaken about the mat
ter and hope he viii discover the unfairness of
his order All officers elected ought to have fair
chance to fill their Offices without being required to
take Extra Oaths.
If the order is not rescnded the test oath can be
avoided in this way The Constitution provides that
the old officers shall discharge their duties until the
new officers installed therefore, let the new
officers wait until the State is declared entitled to
representation in Congress- when, according to Gen.
Canbys ORDER the officers take their places
without taking the iron-clad oath.
Since writing the above, the following para
graph in Northern papers, indicating that General
Candy has made mistake and that the oath will
be required:
according to Washington telegram, General
Grant has instructed General Meade that the oath
prescribed by the reconstruction acts to be taken by
all persons ''elected appointed to Office in the
socallcd States of the South, is not to be taken by
those elected under any Constitution which may
be adopted unless the Constitution itself provides.
Some time ago General Meade expressed the opin-
ion that the members of the Georgia Legislature
would be required to take the test oath. Recent ad
vices from Georgia, however, state that he has
rived at different conclusion, and that the members
elect will be allowed to take their seats subscr:b-
ing to the oath required by the Constitution recently
adopted
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
The Pitcher Plant.

Some weeks ago published communication
from DR.. Hunter in relation to the medical value of
the Pitcher Plant The Doctor has sent us a speci-
men, and further remarks:
LINCOLN COUNTY, N c., May IA, 1863
Mr.. YATEs:-I herewith send you a specimen of
the Pitcher Plant (Sarracenio purpurea) for the in
spection of those who may take interest in know
ing the native medicinal plants of our country. The
peculiar hollow leaves, with decatey tnged orifce,
will readily distinguish this plant from all others in
this section of country. 1t usually flowers in May,
and hence is the proper time TO find in bloom.
Flowers purple, and holding, a scape stem
about one foot high. In the specimen l send you |
have inserted thin splinter in the cavity, to show
the entrance, which, in the living state is round and
open, somewhat like pitcher, and is always about
half filed with water, containing many dead insects.
The specimen sent is considerably wrinkled and
under size, all plants have to be pressed and dried
between papers in order to preserve them in the
herbarum
1t is to be regretted that this valuable plant is not
more abundant than it is but botanists have found
it from Maine to Florida, and hence every owner Of
swamp lands a wet meadow should be the look
out for it, and when discovered, report it's existence
and locality. The botanical name should have been
given as another plant sometimes cultivated, bears
the same name but of very different medical pro-
perties. Respectfully, C. L. HUNTER.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
To Consumptives Everywhere.

Having seen much suffering from consump-
ton, and knowing thousands of dollars are year
ly spent by invalids travelling for their health,
and on medicine and physicians, we propose a
simple receipt by which patients may become
their own physicians, and if not too far gone, will
guarantee d perfect cure if made and regularly
taken according to directions. The ingredients
are hoarhound, mullen and molasses-ingredients
that are in reach of all, the mullen growing wild
in every field, the hoarhound in almost every
garden, and the molasses to be had any grocery.
The directions for making are to take large
handful OF hoarhound and boil as strong tea as
possibly can be made. Take up, then boil an
equal quantity of mullen in the same way.
Take a cupfull of the tea of the hoarhound, cup
full of the tea OF the MULLEN and mix together
in suitable vessel, then add a cupfull of mo-
lasses and stew a syrup-the thicker the better.
Take tablespoonful, or large swallow, three
times day. Be particular in following dlrec-
tious as to making and also as to taking it, and
we will guarantee relefin all cases not too far
advanced
The writer does not claim this recipe origi-
naf with himself, but has recommended it in
many cases always with good results. AS the
ingredients are so common and SO easily obtained.
it is best not to make more than quart at a
time particularly in warm weather, as the fresher
it is the better effect will be produced.
Papers of the country will confer blessing
on this alas! too numerous class-north, south
east and west-by publishing the above recipe
augusta Chronicle and Sentinel
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
aa- We copy the following from the Norfol

aas- We copy the following from the Norfolk
journal:
Singular circumstances are sometimes told us
Of the devotion of negroes to their old homes and
former owners. The following is vouched for by
gentleman of veracity:
During the war family of negroes in which
there were the father and mother of little ne
gro girl, belonged to gentleman in Nansemond
county. The mother of the little negro girl died
a short time previous to the occurrence of the
incident which we are about to relate. During
the latter part of the war nearly all the negroes
from the counties within the Federal lines, left
their cid homes-some enlisting, but many of
them locating in the towns and villages of East
ern North Carolina and Virginia. Among the
number was the father of this little girl, who,
much against her wish, was made to accompany
her father first to Hampton, then to Norfolk
and after visiting several points, her father finally
settled in Newborn. ssa
The singular part of the story is: that within
a week or two this little girl, now eight years
old, returned to her old mistress. for whom she
had entertained an earnest affection; having
walked from Newbern to Nansemond county
alone and unprotected, distance of eighty miles
The little girl is now at her old home, well
cared for, and we doubt if any parallel can be
found to the gratitude evinced by this little
negro for the kindness received from her good
old mistress in the days of her infancy
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
CHARLOTTE MARKET, May Is, 1858.

Cotton-Last week the market opened quite duh
and declined cent cent and half up to Friday
when it reacted and sales were made At 272 to %
cents for niddling, including tax. closing firm On
Saturday at the above figures. Sales for the week
81 bales.
Flour we quote at So So so per sack from wagons
as TO quality
Wheat 81. so to s.. 90
Corn s1.2s TO Sl.30--demand good: Peas $3.50,
scarce; Oates 60 to 65 cents.
Country Bacon, hog round, II to lit cents, from
wagons Baltimore Bacon sides 1si to 20 cents from
stores; Lard 20 to 222 cents-scarce.
Fresh Butter % to 30 cents; Chickens 30 to S3s
cents; Eggs 10 to 124 cents.
Liverpool Salt s.. so to 81. 60 per sack.
Corn whiskey and Apple Brandy, by the barrel,
S2.35 to So. As per gallon
Molasses 70 cents to 81 per gallon by retail.
Manufactured Tobacco 80 cents to 81 % per pound
Dry Hides 10 to 12a eents-
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

In this county, in the seth year Of her age, Mrs.
Sarah Jane McNight, wife Of Mr. John Mcknight
The deceased was comparatively well in the evening
and died before eleven clock the night Blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord.-CoM.
In Lincoln county, the 18th inst, Mr. Macon
Shelton, aged rs years. He was soldier in the war
of 1912.
Near Statesville, on the 18th Of May. after pro-
tracted affection, Mr. Jacob Rckert in the 9th year
of his age
In Lancaster District, on the l4th inst, Mrs.
Susan Hilton, wife Of Zadock Hilton, ESQ.,, aged 81
years.
In Illinois, on the 9th ult, Rev. James Stafford.
formerly of North Carolina, aged GO years.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
Railroads,

Gen. Candy has issued the following order in
regard to officers of Railroads in this State:
HEADQUARTERS I'd MILITARY DISTRICT,
Charleston, S. G., May 16, 1868.
General Orders, No. "a.
All elections for officers of any railroad COM
pany in which the State of North Carolina pos
sesses any interest whether by reason of having
subscribed to the capital stock, Or having guar
anteed the payment of securities, or arising in
any other manner whatever or in which any of
the officers is elected by directors appointed by
the Governor, or chosen by the Legislature, are
hereby suspended until alter the government of
such State shall have been fully organized under
the Constitution approved by the Congress of the
United States. By command of Gen Candy,
LOUIS V. CAZIARC,
Aide-de- Camp
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

"Then, let be of good cheer, and bear with com
posure present burdens, in hope of speedy
deliverance. The night has been long and dark and
the darkest hour is just before day. is not in the
nature of things for North Carolina to remain Afr
canized or continue to be impoverished. The day of
our deverance cannot be far distant Wilmington
Journal
That has been our position for a long time, and we
are gratifed that such able conservative paper
the Journal is beginning to up to it. Instead
of dealing in denunoiation and abusive epithets if
the press of the State will strive to promote good
feeling and by fair argument prevent the passage of
unjust laws and endeavor to influence the authorities
for good the day of peace and prosperity cannot be
far distant But that day cannot be fastened by
factiousness, prescription and evil-speaking.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

MURDER BY HIGHwAYMEN.-The Texas
papers give accounts of the murder of Col W.
r. d. Ward, prominent citizen of Marshall,
Texas, formerly of Warren county, N. c. The
affair Is thus stated:
On the LIST day of this month, he left Mar
shall, on the Southern train and passed the night
IN Henderson, Rusk county, with 900 for
the purpose of purchasing cotton, in which arti-
Gle he had been extensively dealing for a num-
Der of years past. The next morning he hired a
carriage to go through the surrounding country,
in company with Mr. Ely, and when they had
proceeded about 10 miles on the Nacogdoches
road and in deep valley far from any habitation,
old, and citizen of Kusk county, respectfully
connected, who instantly shot Mr. Ely twice
through the lungs, which caused him to fall out,
when the blood-thirsty assassin demanded his
money-to which Mr. E. replied that it was all
in the carriage.
Col. Ward, being entirely unarmed in conse-
quence OF the stringency of marshal law, and
seeing man approaching in the distance, laid
whip to the horses, but when he met the other
party he proved to be Harrison Robinson the
accomplish Of Poe who came up by this time,
drew aside the curtain and shot Col. Ward
through the heart, killing him instantly! They
then secured the money in the carriage, sup
posed to be in gold, and as much as they could
well carry off, and therefore failed to search his
person on which there was concealed in belt
81 200 in currency. They then returned to
complete the butchery of MIR Ely, but he had
crawled into the bushes and secured himself eff
fectually from their search, but died next day.
The citizens Of the country pursued and cap
tured one of the robbers, and at last accounts
were hunting the other.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

In this city, on the 10th inst, by the Rev Mr.
Bronson, Mr. Lewis L. Boggan of Arson county, to
Miss Eva Hammond, daughter Of Il. B. Hammond.
ESQ.,
In Union county, the 18th inst, by q. D. Broom,
Esq, Mr. John Laney to Mrs Dianah E. Wolf
In Wilson, N. c., on the Goth inst, Col Thomas d.
Kenan of Dupln county, to Miss Sallie Dortch Of
Mississippi
In Iredell county, on the 9TH inst, by the Rev. W.
B. Watts, Mr. ]. II. Reese to Miss Julia A. E. Moore.
Also, on the 18th inst, by the same hIr L. NJ. Ken.
nerly to Miss Maggie NJ MeNeely.
In Cabarrus county, the 23d ult., by the Rev.
G. D. Bernheim, Nj D. J. Goodman to Miss NJ. J.
pullman.
to Miss Emma Jackson, daughter of A. NJ. jackson.
On the 18th inst, Mr. d. Legg to Mrs Sallie Craw-
ford. Also, the 9th ult, Mr. Jesse GLADDEN. to
Miss Sallie Gayder-all Of Chester District.
In Lancaster District, ON the 18th inst, Mr. Laney
III. Funderburk to Miss Martha McAteer.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

The WEATHER AND CRoPs.-The almost
incessant heavy and cold rains this spring, we
fear have done much damage to the wheat crop
of this section. The crust" has already made
it's appearance in some localities, and great fears
are entertained that its ravages will be very dis
astrous. In this immediate vicinity it has not,
yet, made its appearance, but if the present
cold and wet weather continues, We do not see
any hope of escape from it.
All farm work Is very backward. Many per-
sons have not been able to prepare their corn
ground, and in regions where the rains were not
so ncessant as to prevent the farmers from, plow-
ing during early spring. they have not had time
to plant corn between the rains. a. 81.
The fruit crops continue to look promising, and
we still think they viii be abundant-AsheUiue
Neus 21st
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
The Republican National Convention.

This body met in Chicago on the Goth inst, and
adjourned on the 21st. Gen Grant was unanimously
nominated for President and, after several ballot
ings, Hon. Schuyler Colfax of Indiana, (the present
Speaker of the House of Representatives. was nom
mated for Vice-President. It seems that Mr. Ben
Wade has been thrown overheard.
The permanent President of the Convention was
ex-Goy. Hawley Of Connecticut "a native of Robson
county, N. c. Ex-Goy. Joe Brown of Georgia, con-
Quoted the President to the Chair and took active
part in the proceedings. All the Southern delegates
admitted to seats in the Convention. The fol-
lowing dispatch indicates the platform of the party
CHICAGO, May 21-The Committee on resolu-
tions reported platform which congratulates the
country ON the success of the Congressional plan
of reconstruction, and declares that Congress
must guarantee and maintain suffrage to the
Southern loyalst; denounces reputation
national crime national obligations must be paid
in letter and spirit; demands equalization and
reduction of taxes; favors extending the redemp-
ton debt to the latest day, with reduced interest
whenever honorably possible; that the Govern
ment should be administered with the strictest
economy; corruption and extravaganza should
be reformed Lincoln's death is deplored, as well
as Johnson's accession; denounces him as
usurper and violator of the laws and INSTRUCTOR
of reconstruction, and justly impeached of high
crimes and misdemeanors NO citizen, native or
naturalized, must be imprisoned, when abroad,
except for violations of the law; eulogizes the
United States sailors and soldiers, their bounties
are obligations never to be forgotten, their
phans and widows are the nations wards immi-
grafton should be fostered by liberal and just
policy. The Convention sympathizes with all
oppressed people who are struggling for their
rights.
Gen. Grant was unanimously nominated for
President.
The following is the ballot for Vice President:
Wade 149; Fenton 1872; Wilson 10; Colfax
119; Harlan l6; Kelly 6; Creswell IA; Pom
eroy l. On the fifth ballot Colfax was nominated,
receiving 552 votes.
Of the President
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

Our MINING INTEREsTs-The Counties of
Cabarrus, Mecklcnburg, Union, Stanley and
Montgomery make up the best gold mining re-
gon Of the United States, at least East of the
Rocky Mountains. Almost the entire area of
these counties abounds in gold, While at the
same time the farming lands are of a character
to afford ample provisions, if properly cultivated,
for the entire mining region. Gold is also found
in other counties contiguous, and in Burke and
other counties West. In these counties there
are number of mines which have been opened
and operated for years, which have yielded large
income. Many of them are now being worked
extensively and the yield is very profitable. New
mines are being discovered constantly, and, from
what we hear, the supply of gold is almost mex
haustible -Roleigh Sentinel
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26
InnDertant.

We call attention to the following statement
concerning the Bankrupt Law.
The BANKRUPT LAw.-It may not be known
to some of our readers that what is called the
htty per cent clause Of this act takes effect on the
LIST of June next, and after that date no one can
take the benefit of the act whose estate will not
pay fifty per cent to his creditors. The adjourn
ment of Congress and the present state of the
impeachment question renders it less likely that
any extension of this time win be given by Con-
gress. 1t therefore becomes those who intend
to petition for adjudication of bankruptcy for
themselves or against others, to apply before the
LIST of June Washington Chronicle
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

The La Crosse Democrat is really working in
the interest of the Radicals by making the sup
port of such Democracy as it processes too mani
testify hopeless, absurd and disgusting for decent
men to swallow-N y. Citizen.
Some OF the conservative papers of this State are
Just beginning to discover that the Ia Crosse Demo-
crat is doing the conservative harm instead of
good The Salisbury North State, Raleigh Sentinel,
Wilmingto Star, &C., are down on" the La Crosse
man. We long ago warned the Southern people
against such trashy the La Crosse Demo
erat II has no influence at the North where we de-
sire to see q change effected in public opinion.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

CREDITABLE-We recently card in the Will
mington Journal from Of the colored citizens of
that place, stating that they in favor Of select
ing the best for City officers without regard to
poticsthat they voted for the Constitution because
they thought it necessary to secure their rights but
now that it was ratified they wanted only good men
to hold office 1t is creditable to black white
men to be actuated by such feeling. 1t is impor-
tant to all classes to have but good honest
in Office.
The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-05-26

6ez5~ The Post Office called ''Alexandriana," on
the route between Charlotte and Davidson College
has been re-opened, and A. J. Baggett appointed
Postmaster. We have the papers authorizing the
opening of this office in possession, and re-
quest the Postmaster to call send for them. The
office will be of great convenience to large neigh
horhood,