davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13
The Mysteries Of the La w.

About fifteen months ago James 5. Robin
son, white, Of Anne Arundel county, killed
Charles II. johnson, colored, Of the same
county. johnson was at a store in the neigh
borhOod OF Governors Bridge, making some
little purchases, when Robinson and party
of friends came in. He was intoxicated, and
very soon began 10 pick "A quarrel with the
colored man out OF pure wantOnne,,. To es-
cape from him Johnson left the store Robin
son followed him and stabbed him to death.
II was a clear case of wanton murder, and no
reasonable defense could be made. If the
victim had been Il white man Robinson would
not be alive to-day. His learned counsel,
however, managed to get up an argument be-
fore the jury something like this Robinson
was drunk, and therefore could not reason
and discriminate like sober man colored
people sometimes carry razOrs /; Robinson, in
his crazed condition Of mind, imagined that
Johnson had n razor this phantom" razor
so wrought upon him that he was apprehen-
sive for his own life IN hs dread aud terror
he drew a dirk knife and cut the life out OF
Johnson; the fact that Johnson had no razor
should have no weight because Robinson
thought he had: at the instant the mortal
wounds were inflicted the retreating Johnson
was standing in an attitude that made j. pos.
sible for him TO kirk the advancing Robinson ::
/ the fact that he did not kick or make any al.
temp: at resistance should have no weight, be.
cause Robinson, in the imperfect condition Of
( his reasoning faculties, imagined that Johns son
might kick. IL was also argued, although
not proven, that there had been a previous
difficulty between these men; that Robin on
had heard that johnson had made some re-
mark that might be interpreted as a threat !;
/ that this threat, whether it had ever been
made or not, operated powerfully upon his
mind, and that all these facts being taken
into consideration Robinson ought 10 be ae-
quilted. The jury found Robinson guilty Of
manslaughter, although from the evidence
they ought TO have found him guilty Of mur.
der. The case was much more wanton and
brutal than the murder Of Mr.. Putnam by
Foster, yet the highest New York Court has
held Foster TO be guilty Of murder in the Or,
degree, and would not allow the fact Of his
being drunk when he struck the fatal blow "a
lessen the degree Of his crime.
Robinson was tried and convicted about a
wear ago, but his counsel fled a bill of e,ceo.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13

,ions 10 The rulings Of the court, with intent
:" liAe inc same Co the Court Of Appcals.
hooinson has been in Jail ever since await
,"S me determination of the question raised
by The bill Of exceptions Yesterday his
counsel came into court and announced that
the appeal would not be prosecuted arJ
thereupon Judge Miller proceeded to pas
sentence upon the prisoner. The sentence
we regard as exceedingly light. and not nj all
commensurate with the horrible crime.
ne point 10 which we wish to call attrn-
lion Is this: When Robinson was asked by
,he court whether he had anything 10 say
otinre sentence was pronounced, he replied.
1 nave no recollection of doing the deed
never had any ill-fceling toward the man.
mis- is his own solemn declaration. Whit
becomes OF the pretenses set up bv his coun-
sci; the quarrel alleged to have taken ylace
some days before the murder; the rumorcd
threats; the dread apprehension the "rhan-
tom razor; the conviction that he was in
danger OF his life; the justification on the
ground OF selt-detenss? We ask, what be-
comes OF all this labored defense, which the
jury was asked to accept as true and VALID
Robinson says that there was no quarrel;
no threats; no malice; no ill-will He has
declared that the excuses and
pretenses urged upon the jury by his counsel
were false. We submit this case to the con-
slderation of those learned and modest GEN.
tiemen who. are known rs great criminal
lawyers The virtuOus people of the COM
Inunlty are fast coming to the conclusion
that there ought to be some reform in the
manner OF conducting criminal trials.-Bah.
American
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13

PINE BLuFr, January IS, 1873.
Eiiioy- Of Tie Nrrr NnfionnI En-.

PINE BLUFF, January IS, 1873.
To the Editor Of the Nesc National Era:
In your issue o. January 10th, | motto
Clairyoyance" credited to the Chicago Tr
bune. 1 have seen so many proofs of thi
power, in certain individuals, that | mus
claim to be firm believer in it. As far bac
as 1874, while Prof. j. Bovey Dods wa
lecturing in New York, New Jersey, an
other Atlantic States on Mesnerism, or Ami
NAL Magnetism, as he chose to call it, saw
many truly wonderful evidences of this facul
ty. The full belief was forced upon me in
| peculiaf manner. / had occasion to pur
chase and use one of Sherwood's magnets
batteries. 1t was accompanied by small
manual Of directions for use. Among these
he said the mesmeric sleep can be pro
duced by giving the positive pole of the bat
terry to the ubject-holding the negative
yourself-and joining the other hands. Ust
the battery at light power" tried this or
various subjects, and found they were as
really mesmerized as were Prof Dods' sub
jects; for could perform with them in the
same manner. No passes had been made
there was simple passivity on the part Of the
subjects and activity on my part. e.,
willed to mesmerize them.
AS / proceeded with my cautious expert
ments, in private manner, / was induced
by friends to try whether any of my subjects
possessed the clairvoyant power. We were
all exceedingly astonished at the results.
Matters we were un:cquainted with were
brought out and proven to the satisfaction OF
the most faithless. In this Renaissance i
will mention but one. Our minister had two
dear little boys. In their play one of them
fell from off 9 pile Of chairs and struck heavily
on the back of his head. Much interestwas
excited among his friends, as he was threat
ened with congestion of the brain. We had
been talking his case over at p. NJ. None
of us had heard how he was since noon. We
tried one of our clairvoyants, as ignorant as
the rest ofus. l said "will you go with me
TO Mr.. B.'s?" She started with horror; said
II. is dead! There he lies on the bed, and
his mother is sitting there by the bed weep
ing" "Where is his father:?" Cup in his
study praying" "And Mrs. c., the nurse?
=" Here, in the room, fixing things" We as
certained Immediately that all these things
were so, and the subject, on being brought
out of the mesmeric state, was as ignorant as
the rest of us until we all went over to see,
and learned the facts. l could ill small
volume with interesting and curious details
of experiments for number of years but as
the interest in such things died away gave
up further experiments. and was only re-
minded Of them by the article from the Chi
cago Tribune. NJ. w. MARTIN,
Teacher Of Freedmen
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13

TRENTON, n. j., Feb. >, 1873.
To the Editor Of the New National Era:
/ send enclosed the action of the Ma.
sonic Grand Lodge of the State of New
Jersey, which assembled here on Wednes-
day, ODD, and Thursday, ODD ultimo, at which
time certain charges were preferred against
Newark Lodge for admitting colored men
to membership. After much warm discus
sion, the action of the Newark Lodge was
sustained This charge has been two or three
years standing. SO much for the fifteenth
amendment. The next thing will be the
recognition of the colored Masonic fraternity.
Equality in all the ramlications and depart.
ments Of society is not far distant. This is
unavoidable. This is IN accordance with
republican institutions. This is in conformity
with the eternal laws of justice and right
THIS is as it should be.
Yours for the right,
WIN. f. WALKER.
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13

ton Of the belligerens in Cuba by the Unite'
States is an informal declaration Of war will
Spain but there is no International breach
and this position secures US the sympathy o
all anti-slavery nations. On the contrary, I
demand from us that Spain should, at on
bidding, emancipate her slaves in Cuba, is {
breach of the first principles of international
rights, perfect equality efnghfs.
Unfortunate for international law that i
has repeatedly, by its principles, recognized
the legality of tie slave trade, while it ha'
condemned its moral justification. This is 8
blot upon the cole Of laws which govern ths
civilized Powers. and the sooner it is erased
the better for human souls and Governments
To say that the slave trade is not contrary
TO the law Of nations, is to declare the law
not based upon the eternal principles Of truth
and Justice
As early as a. D. 1907, every maritime
nation in Europe pledged itself to the aboli.
ton of the slave trade. Have they kept their
word: No, not even England.
BY the treaty Of Paris Both May, 1914,
Louis XVIII. declared that the above traffic
was repugnant to the principles of natural
justice, and all Christendom should engage
in its abolition. This being so early con-
ceded, is it at all difficult that the civilized
nations should agree, by treaty, IN a grand
international convention, that no nation shall
maintain or uphold the accursed system of
slavery, and that if slavery and the slave
trade be carried on by any nation, party to
this treaty, it shall be justifable cause Of
war: Also, let the municipal law of every
State in the civilized country call it crime.
and place it in its catalogue as felony.
This, now, is my proposition as an efficient
and efiectual remedy against slavery in any
civilized portion of the globe. There being
no receivers we would have no thieves. This
is far better than war. Let us cast off the
insignia of war, and forever wear the olive
branch Of peace. Let us approach the world
sion. And l advise that it is left for the
United States-who can, beyond all other
States, tell of the dreful effects of slavery
upon people-to instruct the nations of the
earth how to forever abolish slavery. We
have just placed upon the pages Of interna-
tonal law, jointly with England, the indeli-
BILE method of settling dollars and cents
when in dispute among nations let us go
forth in this grander work in similar spirit.
The spirit and intelligence of the age forbid
war as means of remedy for grievance.
Mcntesquieu spoke the truth when he said
in substance, that when we could admit hui
man beings to be slaves, we might we'll ques-
ton whether we are Christians.
have only written these remarks in order
to remove any hasty conclusions which might
have been arrived at in reference to my for
mer letter on this subject. 1 do not desire
to see the United States at war with any ma
ton. This fright to be wrong" is no pet
doctrine of mine; neither do admit that
right is consequent upon power.
d, A. STRAKER
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13
Population Of the Globe.

In an elaborate paper by Benin u Wagner,
published in Petemann's .y.ai,irnqr,,. we
have the result Of a careful inquiry into the
present population Of the globe, the sumna-
ton Of their result being ~ follows: Europe.
S0i COS, 900; Asia, 794 go 900: Australia
and Polynesia, 4, 3G5 90 Africa, 1872 $4,000 !;
America, - ga, 900 or total Of 81 900, :
600. These figures are derived from The est!-
mates or statistics Of population for the years
1863, 1870. and 1871. In the enmms ration OF
the population Of towns. London stands az
the head. with 1881 900; next Su-,choo, in
China, 100000; Paris, l,s3j. 900: Pekin.
.6et 900 Jeddo, ,55i, 900 /; Canton, go, :
900; Constantinople, ,O75 eco; slang tau,
China, 1000. 600; Tchang-tchoufoo, China,
200 600 New York, 9ie, 292 Vienna, s35,
SO Berlin, SIS, $50
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13
Cuban Beiligercncy Recognized
The SnOrtest Route to Eman.
cipatlOn.

WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. 10, 1878.
To the Editors efths Ns4o National Era:
In casual conversation with some of my
friends learned that my late letter, entitled
Non-1nterference with Cuba" is construed
as either indifference to the emancipation of
the Cuban slaves or advocacy of slavery it,
self, which Is tantamount the same thing.
For the information of those doubling reply,
1t 10 neither, and the presumption is passing
strange, when considered.
Since nations are, by mutual consent, gov
erned by certain rules and regulations pro-
motive Of their highest welfare, it is both
proper and just that their intercourse should
be in obedience to such rules. l fully &C.
knowledge the right Of the United States
Government to recognize the insurrectionists
in Cuba in the light Of belligerents, if deemed
expedient by the Government, since there is
no rule of nations prescribing when, and I'M
DER what circumstances, one nation may grant
aid to the insurgent party. The books say
that this should be when the revolution grew
out of justifable cause This leaves the
right in the discretion and judgment of q ma
ton, and this supports the reason why we
may, in our discretion, recognize Cuba. Is
not slavery, with its accused adiuncts, a
justi6able cause for revolution Less than
slavery in its effects and denominations caused
France to recognize Us when under the mis-.
rule Of the mother country. Ours was only
political thraldom-thers human bondage
Ny former letter treated not Of the right Of
the United States to recognize the insurrec.
tionists in Cuba Is belligersnt power, and
thus give that aid which every civilized m.
ton, in keeping with its civilization, should
grant 10 those who seek to free themselves
from the chains Of human slavery; but
sought TO deny the right Of the United States
to demand Of Spain the abolition Of slavery
within her domains. except the demand wa.
based upon previous treaty. Such course
would be false step towards the end aimed
at, but sure one to place US in an unfavor
able attitude to other nations. The recogni
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13

THE Masonic Grand Lodge of this State,
after a most numerously attended session
held for two days in Trenton, adjourned late
yesterday after electing officers as follows:
w. E. Pine. NJ. W. G.. NJ; w. A. Penn.
broke, r. W. d. G.. NJ; James V. Bentley,
X. w. S. G. W.; John W. Sewlin, Il. W.
J. G.. w; Charles Bechtel, II. w. G.. T. ;
Joseph II. Hough, II. w. &. s.; j. w.
Rutan, II. w. ID. G. s.; Rev. Henry Vcsh-
lage, G. c.; j. A. Hedden, S. q. D.; J. l..
De La Cour, j. G. D.; G.. Il. Edwards, G..
NJ; c. A. Parsons and X. A. Terhune, G..
Stewards Joseph Wilson, G.. 5. B.; c. T.
Buckley, G. p. X. surber, visitor to German
Lodges Amos Howell, Grand Tyler.
During the session charges Of two or three
years standing against Newark lodge, fol-
admitting colored men TO membership, were
again warmly discussed. 1t was finally de-
cided to sustain its action, and sanction o.
the Grand Lodge thereby given TO the blaei
man becoming member Of the order, a. vel
as white trash. "-TSsnson CS. ~ Sentinel
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13
GRACE GREENWOOD writes from Wash
ington to the New York Times as follows:

GRACE GREENWOOD writes from Wash
ington to the New York Times as follows:
visited Mr.. Spinner the other morning
on behalf Of poor woman who aspired to
the humble position of sweeper. thought
the situation must be easy to obtain, but
might as we'll have asked him to supersede
with my client the old woman in the nursery
rhyme, in her immemOrial employment Of
sweeping the cobwebs out of the sky" He
was Obliged to refuse my request, but he did
it in such a way that my feelings were spared.
He followed up his refusal with a statement
of affairs, which it is ''borne in upon mel
should make public for the good Of all good
women who have designs on the United States
Treasury. am assured that at the present
time there are no situations to be had in that
Department for love, or money, or pity, or
political considerations. Gen. Spinner SAYS
that when the new civil service system was
adopted, he hoped it would reduce the num-
Der of hopeless applications, but it has not
done so. Young ladies', assured by impartial
relatives and iniallible school ma Jams that
their attainments will stand any test, and
buoyed up by internal convictions that they
are armed at all points, come here, perhaps.
from great distance, with abundant hope,
but little mOney-lail TO pass the ordeal, and
are left without the means Of returning home,
without friends or resources Of any kind. He
says that ladies, well-bred and educated, have
come to him and begged for messengers
work, cleaning and old Jobs about the build
ing. Very many apply for the light employ
ment of sweeping. He cannot be the bosom
friend of them all, but he is often tempted &c
act the part of good fairy, and scatter chat
and torn paper over the building at night
after il has been swept and garnished, Il
give them work to do in the morning
New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-13

of the good people of your city are confidently
counted upon in this trnly grand endeayor of
self-helpfulness on the part of the colored
people. Letevery ono then, ''lend hand
Truly yours, MARGARET WILSON.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-05-01
M02,2.60ges.

On Thursday, the 9TH Of April. at the resi-
dence of George W. Mauzy, Esq. near MEGA
heysville in Rockingham county. by Rev Mr.
Hensel, DR.. Thos. H.. Weaver Of Rockingham
and Miss D. E. Mauzy, eldest daughter of r
Mauzy, Esq. of Staunton.
Near Mt, Sidney, on April 9th, by Rev. DR.
Handy. Mr.. Gilbert NJ. Zirkle, of New Market
to Miss Mellia A. Walker, of Augusta.
On April 9th. at the residence of the brides
mother, by the Rev. j. I. Miller, MIR. JOSEPH
W. Myers to Miss Sarah E. Stafford, bot hof Au.
gusta
On North Fork, near Green Bank, Pocahontaa
county, on the morning of April 9Th of dropsy
Mrs. Snyder. wife of Solomon A. Brown. ano
daughter Of Snyder, decd, of Pendleton, il
the 10Th year of her age.
In Cumberland. Md. on Monday the 31st O
March, Mrs Cecilia Smith, wife of Calvin N
Smith, and daughter of Agnes McCloud, former
ly of Harrisonburg, Va
Christina Miller, widow Of the late Abraham
Miller, and daughter Of the late Daniel Arnold
of Hampahire county, departed this life at her
home. near Sangersville, Augusta county. on the
18th inst. in the S0th year of her age.
/. Near the Big Spring on Elk, in Pocahonta.
county, w. Va, on the 9th of April, B. FRANKLIN
Potts, of epilepsy. He leaves wife and fly.
children to mourne his death.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-05-01
Affairs in LNuisiana

Governor Kellogg Las written the follow
ing letter, which speaks for itself:
New ORLEANS, April %.
Hon. A. P Fields, Attorney General.
Dear Sir-Many citizens of this state,
having complained to me Of your failure to
prosecute the PERSONS who, On the 9Th day
of March, 1873, organized an armed resist
ance to, and preciptated an attack upon the
constituted and legal, authorities Of this state,
whereby the lives of several citizens were
sacrificed and as am advised that the per-
sons who committed that outrage were guilty
Of the capital crime of treason, and having
information in my possession which duplicates
John McEnery in the crime Of aforesaid, and
believing the state can establish that he &ud
his aiders and abettors have continued to
maihtain their reasonable organization, and
arestil projecting and levying war against
the commonwealth, and that the massacre in
the parish of Grant, if not directly planned
and ordered by this man aud his associates,
was the result of their tfaesonable acts agai1st
the state government, therefore direct you
to lay before the grand jury of this parish
such proof as may be furnished you looking
to the Indictment Of the said John McEnery
and any other person implicated with him,
for treason. You will spare no effort in this
prosecution. IF you meet with any illegal
or unwarranted opposition, you will report
the same to me imm ediately. inclosc
herewith certain papers, signed by the said
John McEnery, assuming to be governor Of
this state.
Other papers and proofs will be furnished
you, together with the names of witnesses.
Very respectfully,
VIM P. KELLOGG
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-05-01
lease No. 3O6.l

THIS rs 70 GIVE NoTIcE: That on the
10Th day of March. A. D.. 1878. Warrant in
Bankruptcy was issued against the estate of JAS
W. Green, of Milldale, Warren county aid State
of Virginia, who has been adjudgea Bankrupt
on his own petition THAT the payment of any
debts, aud the delivery of any property belong
hidden by law THAT meeting Of the Cred
itors of said Bankrupt to provs their debts and
choose one or more Assigpees of. his estate. vii
be held at Court of Bankruptcy, to be holden
at the Office of the Register in Bankruptcy ir
Harrisonburg, Virginia, before G. Douglas Gray
Esquire. Register, on the 22nd day Of May
A. D., 1878, at 10 o'clock o. nj,
JOSEPH S. EFfINGER,
anri1 24-2t
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-05-01
Spring e Sumzner.
r. xvxTz a. BROTHER,
MAIN STREET, STANTON,

MAIN STREET, STAUNION,
are now opening beautiful assortment OF -.
sonable goods for
SPRING &c SUM M Err.
enbracing every description Of wear for Ladies'
and Gentlemen, Misses and Children. The sen.
or partner has just returned from tho ! eastern
cities. where he made careful selections with fst-
erenee to the demands Of this market. j "a
Thsir stock of PE1srs is unsurpassed az
ranging through all the grades Of
LADIES' DRESS G U U y D.
they hatter themselves they can present As ~ -
attractive array Of styles as can be found IN 'a''
Especial care has been taken in the selection :r
GssiMEnEs, CLOTHS, Sc, fol. gentlemen. rms
line will be found to embrace everything desirs-
de.
They respectfully return their thanks for p, PEE:
patronage and invite their friends and the pubEs
eenerally to call apa examine their stock, which
is large and complete.
N. 3. They keep on hand. Carpets OF best
quality, Mating, Oil Cloth, &C., which will be
Sid ut short profits. aprll w..
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-05-01

THE WHEAT CRoP.-From the report of
the conditions of the wheat crop, just issued
from the Agricultural Department, il appears
that in Middle States a great Improvement
Upon the showing of last spring is everywhere
conceded especially in New Jersey and Penn
sylvania. The prospect in the States south
Of Narylandis less favorable. than last year
and there indications Of diminishing area in
the cotton States. In Kentucky a more
checkered showing is made, giving present
appearance of decidedly unfavorable cast
with indications of future improvement as
the weather becomes settled.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-05-01
Tease No. 3O5.1

THIS IS To GIVE NOTICE THAT on the 18th
day of March, A. D., 1878, Warrant in Bank
ruptcy was issued against the estate of Noah F.
Foltz, of Grove Hill, Page county and State of Va,
who has been adjudged Bankrupt on his own
petition THAT the payment of any debts and
the delivery Of any property belonging to- said
Bankrupt to him or for his use, and the
transfer of any property by him are forbidden
by law THAT a. meeting of the creditors o
said Bankrupt, TO prove their debts and choos'
one or more Assignees of his estate, will be hele
at Court of Bankruptcy. to be holden at thu
oficerof the Register in Bankruptcy in Harrison
burg, Virginia before DOUGLAS GRAY, Esq
Register, on the 22nd day of May, A. D., 1879
at 10 o'clock, q. NJ.
~. ;. JOSEPH, S, EFFINGER,
Deputy i. S. Marshal, as Messenger.
april 24-2t