davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10

A Very Dangerous Man a.
mOng the Widows.

West Randolph. VT. has an interest
ing subject to talk OF in two breach Of
promise suits brought against Il b.
Batchelder, we'll to-do farmer living
about mile below the village. Mr.
Batcheldar was a widower, about 80
years old and naturally not inclined 20
lead the secluded life Of single bltssed-
ness, 50 last summer he
commenced an indiscriminate slaughter
among the widows. The first victim Of
his smiles was widow Kellogg, who
soon suecumbed to his arduous wooins
but alas for human charlottesville r
billing and cooling for time, this gay
and festive Lothario became enamored
of another lady, "brevet" widow, by
the name of Laura Brown, nee Ordway,
less ancient than his first love, and again
the siege commenced; the heart provir z
not OF stone, soon reposed in the safe re-
pository ofhis faithful l?i breast. Then
came the tug of war. and before he could
make choice between the two another
gushing widow crosses his vision. and
with all the frey ardor OF youth he again
lays siege, and soon she, too, like all the
reast, surrendered her heart, and they
were married. Now Mrs. Kellogg wants
So, 900 damages and Mrs. Brown claims
$4,000, while Batchelder says he shall
fight it out il it takes the last dollar, and
as each of his accusers can command
plenty of money, lively time and some
rich erun5ai NAV hp axnertad
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10
Dishonest Broken Bankers.

RICHMOND VA, April 3. John f.
Bossieux, president, and Thomas s.
Armstead, cashier, of the Dollar Say
lngs Band, an institution which col
lapsed during the panic in Septem-
Der, 1873, We're arrested to-day on
warrants charging them with en-
bezzling fourteen thousand dollars of
the funds of the bank, and with MAX
ing fraudulent entries to conceal the
same. They were committed to Jail
until Tuesday, bail being refused.
The affairs of the Dollar Savings
Bank are now in the hands Of the
United States District Court
FISH COMMISSION,
The Governor to-day appointed
General Fitzhngh Lee, of Stafford.
II. Nj. Tidball, of Winchester, and
DR.. Robertson, Of Lynchburg as Fish
Commissioners for Virginia, to aid
in the propagation of fish in the wat
ers of that State.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10
Justice in Turkey.

A poor Turkish slater, of Constaati-
nople, being at work upon the roof of a
house, lost his footing and fell into the
narrow street on man who chance q to
be passing at the time. The pedestrian
was Tiled by the conclusion, while the
slater escaped without material injury.
4 son Of the deceased caused the sla-
ter to be arrested and brought before tho
Cadi, where he made the most grave
charge, and, claimed ample redress.
The Cad listened attcntively, and 10
the end asked the slater what he had to
say in his defense.
"Desperser Of Justice answered the
accused, in humble mood, 'it is even as
this man says; but God forbid there
should be evil in my heart. ! am poor
man, and know not how | can make
amends
The son of the man who had been
killed thcreupon demanded that condign
punishment be inflicted upon the accus-
ed.
The Cadi meditated few moments
aud finally said
st shall be so.
Then to the slater he continued
"Thou shall stand in the street where
the father of this man stood when thou
did'st fall upon him.
And to the accuser added
"And thou shalt, If it so please thee,
90 upon the roof, and fall upon the cul-
prit, even as he did fall upon thy father.
Allah is good!
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10

The reports of Mexican depreda-
tions on our frontier are said to be
greatly exaggerated, and intended
more for purposes of speculation than
anything else, and with view Of
sounding public sentiment in refer
ence to another war with that coun-
try. Whether this is or not, we are
inclined to the opinion that it will
require something more than the
stealing of cattle by lot of desperate
Mexican marauders to inveigle this
Government into war when the
real purpose is with view of getting
possession of Mexican territory.
However desirable this may be for
certain interests, and however much
it might stimulate American adven-
turers, we hardly think the people are
Just now i'm the humor of adding any
thing more to their present Southern
troubles. The theory of the Monroe
doctrine and of manifest destiny,
and all that sort of sentimentality,
may sound nice in a Fourth-of-July
speech, but when involved in q prac-
tical shape it assumes quite q differ
ent character. Mexico presents plenty
of inducements for enterprise and
business adventure, without a war Of
conquests, in the splendid system Of
the internal Improvement she is
about, and has in some instances in
augurated, to satisfy the wishes OF
any real intention Of developing her
resources, and we have every reason
to believe that the Mexican govern
ment is disposed to receive all such
propositions in friendly spirit, and
il that country is to be brought un-
der the influence of our American
system this is the only legitimate way
to do it. And further, it is the duty
of this Government to adopt such a
course in dealing with Mexico.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10
CIGAR MANUFACTORY
No. 4 Queen ST., Mdrfinsbn,y.
SMOKING AND CHEWING
TORAC(0S

of the best and most popular brands.
We will keep constantly on hand large
stock of Cigars, imported, and ofour own
manufacture, which we will guarantee to
be first quality. Retail dealers supplied on
short notice.
In addition, We keep complete stock
of Pipes Tobacco Pouches, Cigar Cases
and Holders, and every article in the line
Of our business. Give us call. and we
guarantee satisfaction.
Apl 10 POTTER 4 Co
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10
Everett Housea
CORNER QUEEN AND BURKE STREETS.
VIM. Rutledge, Proprietor

EThis popular House has been thorough
ly renovated, and the present proprie
tor who assumed charge on the LIST OF
April, is now prepared to accommodate
guests in the most comfortable and sat-
isfactory manner. The House contains
"a chambers, all of which have been
handsomely furnished with new furni-
ture.
THE TABLE will be well supplied
with the best the market affords, pre-
pared by experienced cooks. Charges
moderate.
THE BAR will be supplied with q
choice variety of Pure Wines and
Liquors.
Abundant Stable room, With atten-
tive Ostlers'
My old patrons and the general pub
ic are invited to give me call
April lily. w.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10

MEMPHIS, April BIN the United
States circuit Court to-day Judges
Emmons and Ballard overruled a mo-
ton of the State Attorney General
to dismiss the Gibson county XII
Klux cases for want of jurisdiction.
The trial willproceed next week.
Governor Porter has pardoned ex-
State Senator McKenna, who was
recently sentenced to five years in
the penitentiary for marrying his
former wife's granddaughter.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10

Having remodeled his old stand, re-
spectfully calls the attention ofthe pub
lie and his customers to full supply of
Drugs, Medicines, Dye Stuffs, Paints,
Oils, Varnishes, Fancy Goods &c, now
on hand, to which fresh supplies are
constantly being added. He being de-
termined to sell nothing of an inferior
quality solicits portion of the public
patronage, and takes this occasion to
return thanks for past favors. Pre-
hriptions carefully dispensed at all
hours. July low | v.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-04-10

Prosperity is the thing in the world
we ought TO trust the least.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16

closely followed by the Grenadiers. Pitcairn rode
In 'front.' and when within i've six rods or the
minute man. cried out:-"Disperse, We villains;
We rebels usperse; lay down your arms; why
don't You lay down your arms and dlsperseW Tne
main part OF the cOuntrymen stood motionless
III the ranks, witnesses against aggression. TOO
few 10 resist, too brave 10 NY. At this Pitcairn
discharged pistol, and with loud voice crled
"Fire ~ The order was instantly followed. nrsr
by q few guns, winch did no execution and then
by q heavy. close and deadly discharge of musketry
In the disparity or numbers, tue Common was
field OF murder not OF battle. Parker, therefore,
ordered ms men to ulsperse. Then, ana no, TIL
then, did lew OF them, on their own Impulse,
return the British ire These random shots or
fu2ttlyes or dying men dld no harn except that
Pltcairn's horse was, perhaps. grazed and prl
vate In the Tenth light infantry was touched
slightly In Inc leg.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16
FREDERIC HUDsoNs OPINION.

CONCORD. Mass. April Is. 1875.
70 TIE EDITOR OF rHE HERALp:--
see By the RERALD Of this morning that you
nave some doubts In regard to where the shot
was fred In April. 1878, which was "heard round
the world.n II Ia strange that Q journal SO well
informed on oil subjects should nave o single
doubt on this important event. There are two
points in tho progress or events on the 10th OF
April, 1875. clearly establsned;-
Frst-Tnas The Concord night which opened
the war OF the Revolution, took place At the old
North Bridge in Concord, a: halfpast nine O'Clock
IN the morning.
Second-rnat the battle or Lexington, so.called
took place after the British had been driven out
OF Concord, and At two O'Clock in the afternoon,
and on the arrival OF nugn Percyis reinforcement
nom Boston. The latter, IN fact was simply
continuation OF the Concord light, bot assumed
larger military proportion BY increased strength
on DOtn sides and the presence Of two pieces or
artillery with percy's troops.
In your editorial remarks you ignore the claims
OF Concord and give all the glory to Lexington.
Thus seems 10 me
uSIrsr TO CONCORD.
There il no doubt that tnc frst American blood
was shed in Lexington. There was massacre
there IN the gray OF the morning." but the nrst
British blood was shed in Concord ana the nrst
eractual resistance 70 England was made in that
town.
TuE EVIDENCE.
send you the sworn statement OF Captain
Parker 70 she you what was done In Lexington
on tho arrival OF the enemy
JOHN PARKER's AFFIDAVIT.
LRxrNGguN, April rs, 1875
!, John Parker, OF lawful aye and commander
OF the militia Ia Lexington, 90 testify aud declare
mat on The 18TH inst ia the oruing, aoout one
the clock, being informed that there were
s@mDer OF the regular cHcers riding mp and down
me road, stopping and insulting psOpls a. they
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16

pos OF these statements, as that at Lexington the
Americans did not IRE as line, but simply as In
dividuals, while dispensing"
"But as lar as the honors OF the first shot are
concerned you award them to Lexington ~
"oh, 1t was practically one AFFAIR" MIR. Curtis
Piled. with o deprecating smile; "the British
troops only tarried twenty minutes at Lexington
and then marched on to Concord. where they found
It was quite q different affair. Had IL not been
for Concord the day would have marked mas
sacre II not q defeat OF the Americans"
And thus Mr.. Curtis, who was evidently born to
be diplomatist, distributed the aures equally be.
tween both rivals, adding, in . tone OF good.
natured regret 'It's really very disagreeabls that
there should be this lriction.n
Sand do you not think the controversy win be
settled one or these days9n
'oh, no." Mr.. Curtis returned with q laugh;
'seven cities claimed Homer. and why should nos
two claim the nrst shot In the War OF Independ-
ence ~
This question was unanswerable, and rns inter-
view very suddenly collapsed.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16
MR.. G. W. CURTIS CROWNS BOTH.
Opinions Of the Oldest inhabitants of the
Two Towns
INTERESTING SKETCH OF CONCORD
A Lecture by DR.. StOrrs on the Great Open.
ing Of the Revolution.
BOSTON, April Is, 1878.

BOSTON, April is, 1878.
The rival celebrations OF Concord and Lexins-
ton are based upon the idea OF each town that the
war began within Its limits. This point being In
dispute, called to-day upon some of the leading
citizens TO ascertain their views In regard to the
matter at issue.
WHAT MR.. CHARLES HUDSON SAYS.
The first person to whom 1 spoke was Mr..
Charles Hudson, OF Lexington, very prominent
man, and the historian OF that place.
Mr.. Hudson said that upon one point-vlz., that
The nrst blood shed on the 10th OF April 1875 was
In Lexington-tnere was no dispute. He said
he believed, however, that Concord claimed that
the volley fred by the British on Lexington
common was not returned. This was mistake.
There Is ample testimony TO show that the IRE on
that day was returned. Elijah Sanderson made
out the case very clearly in 1927 and 1t seems
reasonably certain that Pitcairn's horse was
wounded By one OF the shots from the retreating
patriots Not only did Solomon Brown repeatedly
Are At them from Buckman's Tavern. but many
stner shots were also nrss.
WHAT Mr.. MukzR SAYS.
Alter conversing with MIR. Hudson spoke to
Mr. Muzzy, one OF the encyclopedias OF the town,
who merely laughed very heartily at the idea that
there could be any dispute In regard TO the point.
He said the nrst blood shed between the British
and the armed Americans was shed at Lexington.
WHAT Mr.. JAMES O. MELVIN SAYS.
Subsequently I conversed with Mr.. James q.
Melvin, OF Concord, on the same subject.
Mr.. Melvin drew o very funny picture OF the
devices or the Lexington people TO secure for
themselves the chief glory OF tue 10Th OF April,
and saio that Concord never claimed that the
nrst blood shed In the Revolution was spilled in
shat town. Undoubtedly eight patriots were
killed By the British in Lexington before Davis
and Hosmer lost their lives &C Concord Bridge.
WHAT CONCORD CLAIMS.
II must be remembered, however, that there
were massacres BY the British troops before the
massacre ct Lexington, though none were 50
elective 10 arousinR the American people.
What Concord claims il. that the nrst armed re-
nstsnce was made In that town; that the ngnt at
Concord North Bridge was the nrst time the Amer.
leans met the British grenadiers in arms, and,
consequently, tnat that battle, as glorious in itself
almost az in its consequences was The actual be.
ginning OF the war OF the Revolution.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16
BOSTON BEsTIRRING HERSELF.

BOSTON, April Is, 1875.
The interest IN the approaching Concord and
Lexington Centennial absorbs every other topic,
ana the outpourlng OF the people on Monday next
win be unexampled. The statues OF John Han
cock and John Adams, both Of which are to be
unveiled at Lexington, Will arrive in time. That
OF the former IL below, on the brig J. L. Bowen,
and that Of the latter is on the Cunard steamer
Parthia, which Is Que tomorrow. The Marine
Band arrived to-day on the United States steamer
Tallapoosa.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16
THE TOWN OF CONCORD.
CONCORD, Mass, APP

CONCORD, Mass April IL. 1875.
Concord Is indeed pleasant town, and though
Mr.. James Russell Lowell has sung OF Its modern
population that
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16

passed on the road. and also was informed that
number Of the regular troops were on their march
from Boston, In order 10 take the Province stores
at Concord, ordered our militia to meet
on the common in said Lexington to
consult what to do, and concluded not 10
be discovered nor NEEDLE or make with said reg
ular troops II they should approach, unless they
should insult or modest US, and upon tleir sudden
approach 1 Immediately ordered our militia TO
disperse and not TO fire.
Immediately said troops made their appear
ance, and, rushing turiously. fired upon and killed
eight OF our party. without receiving any provo
cation therefor from US. JOHN PARKER.
What was done in concords / send you the
afndavl' Of Colonel Barrstt which speaks Tor
ITSELF 81
COLONEL BARRErT'rhe csTDAvIT.
LEX MON, April %, 1875.
\ Janes Barrett, OF con. ri, colonel OF regi-
ment OF militia in the cclnty OF Mlddlesex, DO
testify and say that on Wednesday morning last,
about daybreak, was informed OF the approach
or number or the regular troops to the town or
Concord. where were some magazines belonging
to this Province. When there was assembled some
OF the militia OF this and the neighboring towns
ordered them to march to the North Bridge, So
called, which they had passed and were taking up.
/ ordered said militia TO march 10 said bridge and
troops unless they were first fred upon.
We advanced near SAID bridge, when the
said troops fired upon our militia and
killed two men dead on the spot and wounded
several others, which was the first firing OF guns
in The town or Concord. Ny detachment then re-
turned the fire. which killed and wounded several
OF the Kings troops. JAMES BARRETT.
These sworn statements were made before a
committee OF the Provincial Congress specially
elected for the purpose. do not wish to take one
little from the good and patriotic name OF Lex
ington. Her sons were as gallant and as brave az
the best in the Revolution. Hope she will have
A SPLENDID TIME NEXT MONDAY.
My only purpose Is to show you that what / have
detailed in the sketch or the Concord fight pre-
pared for Ha7pers Magazine which you have SO
kindly noticed, are facts not to be controverted.
FREDERIC HUDSON.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16
DIR. sToRRg LECTURE.

Itisa singular thing that the older Powers Of
Europe WIN naroly acknowledge the existence OF
an American nation. They sheer at what IL
termed our new.iangled na,ionaity-say thas
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16
WHO FIRED IT?

WHO FIRED IT?
We Mean The Shot Heard
Round the World"
CONCORD VS.. LEXINGTON.
The First Battle Of the Revolution
Being Fought Again.
DID PARKER'S MEN RETURN THE FIRE?
The Lexington Massacre and
the Concord Fight.
Bancroft and Washington Irving
Enlaurel Lexington.
Mr.. Frederic Hudson Claims the
Honor for Concord.
MR.. G. W. CURTIS CROWNS BOTH.
Opinions of the Oldest inhabitants of the
Two Towns
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-16

CONTINUED ON TENTH PAGE
The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-24

ecutlon of tax laws, nor by any stern and
oppressive inAiction of tax penalties.
In Louisiana something similar in the way
of relief ought to be done. There are thou
sands of cases in which the small properties
of poor men are liable to be sold for accumu.
lated taxes, costs and interest, which the
owners are quite unable to settle. Besides
putting taxes for the coming year at
the lowest rate that strict economy
may render possible, the General Assembly
ought to devise measures for the relief of
distressed delinquents, especially for the
high taxes assessed for former years of disas-
ter or of extreme stringency Forbearance
on the part of creditors is very often the only
wise policy. 1t is not polite for the State
Government to expel her inhabitants or re-
duce them to beggary by exacting taxes which
they can not pay and which their labor and
property will not produce
The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-24
A RADICAL JUDGE

Our dispatch from Franklin, st. Mary par.
ish, as published Thursday morning, reciting
the address of all the principal members Of
the bar of st. Mary to Mentz, the Parish
Judge, requesting him to resign the position
which he is not qualified either by capacity,
learning or character to fill, will excite no
small degree of surprise in those States which
are free from usurpation.
Mr.. Mentz is everything described by the
signers of the address, and even much worse
His intellect, dull by nature, and without
culture or discipline, has been impaired by
inebriate habits. OF scholastic learning he is
almost, and of legal learning entirely, desti-
tute He is not capable of approaching an
argument or of forming rational legal
opinion. He scarcely attempts to deny or
disguise his venality, and his court is sheer
mockery of justice. He has long been an
eye-sore and nuisance to the bar and all de-
cent? men who have suits before him for
trial. Yet he declines to leave the seat dis
honored by his incompstency aud corrupt
ness because he has not beeu asked to resign
by his negro constituents
Mentz is genuine sample of the scum
which the Radical rule has brought to light
in Louisiana-perhaps in point of intellect
a little below the average carpet-bagger, but
in point of morals about on par with the
rast
The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-24
THE BIDS FOR DRAWN PREMIUM
BONDS.

The offers of old city bonds in exchange
for the drawn premium bonds now in the
possession of the city, as opened on Wednes-
day and reported in detail in our Thursday s
issue, were evidently made on the basis of
par in currency of the face value of the lat
ter, or counting each drawn premium bond
as worth $40 and no more. The bidders, in
almost every case, rated their old bonds at or
above the current market value The calcu-
lated average price at which the offers were
made was little short of 20 cents in the dol
lar, which is more than the same line of
bonds would probably command in cash if
put upon the market at one sale. 1t is evil
dent that the offers were made without
respect to the premiums which the new
bonds are liable to draw, and which, as we
demonstrated on the 21st, would be worth
on an average chance ten dollars on each
bond.
In old bonds Sl50,950 were offered for
S43, 6S6 in premium bonds, rated at par or
$40 for each bond. 1t is very evidently not
the interest of the city to accept these offers.
By rejecting the offers and retaining the pre-
MUM bonds, the cash interest and prizes or
premiums will amount to nearly 100000,
with which old bonds at 80 cents in the dol
lar may be bought to the amount of 5000, 900.
The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-24
TAX DAMAGES.

Under date OF November 20, 1875, Hon. W.
H. Gibbs, Auditor of Public Accounts for the
State of Mississippi, issued a circular order
to tax-collectors to continue to receive taxes
without damages until the first Monday in
January.
On taxes of 1876 remaining unpaid on the
first of December. statute of that Safe as
sesses thirty per cent damages, and the first
Monday in January is the date fixed for
commencing sales Of property for unpaid
taxes. Collectors are directed TO sell on
that day for taxes and costs of sale," but
not for damages. The Auditor thus orders
on the opinion of Gen. J. T. George, in
dorsed by Attorney General Harris, that
sale to recover such damages can only be
valid after regular suit and upon due notice
to the delinquent. The authority of the
State to collect taxes by summary sale with
out suit is conceded on the ground that
" such power is essential, in order that the
government may have speedy and summary
for the collection of the revenue
necessary to its existence" and on no other
ground.
The action of Auditor Gibbs appears to be
humane and proper. A State gains nothing
~ enforcing the rigid, Sudden and literal ex-
The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-24

FAILURE OF CoTToN RAISING IN Missouri.
There was general impression among agri-
culturlsts in the southeastern portion of Mis-
souri, early in the season that cotton could be
successfully and probably grown in that re-
gion. These anticipations, however, do not
appear to have been fully realized, at least
we judge so by the statement in the Stoddard
county Messenger, giving the cost of cultivat-
ing twelve acres of cotton in that district,
thus: Labor Of one man for four months,
with board, 500; horse and feed, $40; rent
of ground, $40; picking, eighteen hundred
pounds per acre, at one cent per pound,
S2l6-total cost, 1896. The product, it says
will be half bale to the acre, or six bales to
the twelve acres. Estimating five hundred
pounds to the bale, at eleven cents pound,
the proceeds will be $3.50, or $65 less than
the cost.