davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
THE CONTRACTIONISTS.
Queer Practices of the Queer
 Fellows.
From the stcubenville to..) Gazette.

From the stcubenville (o.,) Gazette.l
 The contractionists are queer sort of fellows. They go to the butchers, and after procuring their meat, they lay down a legal ten der. While they are waiting fof the change, they tell the butcher that it is dishonest money he Is receiving, lie, a cheat. Yet the butcher puts this same money in his drawer; never intimating that the dollar is only S6 cents. He gives his patron change in the same dishonest money. He takes the dishonest money he has re- ceived to the baker for bread, who likewise gives it to the miller for four. However dishonest it may appear to the contractionists, it never fails to buy dollars worth of meat, bread or flour. While Tn Wall street, what these men like to term honest money, is going up and down in price every hour in the day. This dishonest greenback to-day buys the same number of loavcs Dt bread, the same weight of flour and as many pounds of meat as it did yestcr- day. And no matter if they are called irrcdeemable, will they not buy these commodities next year as well as to-day, and will contin- ue to do so as long as there is faith in the government, if it be for an indefinite period of time. The fact that you can buy % S-1O grains of gold with greenback. isn't any nicer to contemplate than that you can buy a dollars worth of some other commodity which is of more REAL value.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
One Hundred and Five.

Last Sunday, the 18th inst. Peter Mankins, senior, of this county, was l05 years old. Ee is still in perfect health, with not an unsound tooth in his head though he had one knocked ou, sixty-fve years ago. Mr. Man, kins was born in Georgetown (then in the state of Marvland, D. C., on the 18th of September TITO, which was thirty years be. fore the United States Capital was located in few miles of his birth place. Mir. Mankins has been chewing tobacco and taking his bitters" for over ninety years if it wasn't for that he thinks that he might live to be old.-Sen- tlnel.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
Meetings of Masonic Bodies.

The Grand Secretary has given notice that the annual meetings of the Masonic grand bodies of Arkansas, for 1875, will be held at Little Rock, on the following dates:
 Grand Chapter, Thursday, Oct. q; Grand Council, Saturday, Oct. 9; Grand Lodge, Monday, Oct. II. The Grand Commander has issued an order for a special con clave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, on Tuesday, Oct. ,.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
BLOCKADE AGAINST CIV. ILIZATION AND COM-
 MERGE.

Ex-Gov. Fletcher, of Missouri, one of the Sioux commissioners, having announced himself in favor of removing the Sioux to the Indian Territory" the St. Souls Republican says:
 "Let it then be known now, that Missouri repudiates Gov. Fetch CTS recommendation. We have enough to contend with already, with the half-tame Indians of the territory, who do so much to inn pede the progress of civilization and commerce, and we protest most solemnly against the pro- posed removal of the wild Indians of the plains, for the undoubted purpose of strengthening and per petuating this blockade"
 All Arkansas indorses the Re publican's protest. Arkansas Gazette.
 Most emphatically she does.
 
 What in the name of common sense do we want with a pack of paiated savages located as our very doors. Arkansas gets the reputation as she is, of having a population rough, unrestrained and savage enough, without hay Ing added to the weight we have to carry, the depredations and lawlessness of a set of uncivilized red skins, and the tremendous ex- pense ofsuppressing the depreda- tions which they would commit on our border citizens.
 Let all such recommendations be repudiated, no matter from whom they come.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

dues. There are some little in conyeniences, however, incident to a change, owing to the obliga- tions of the government, wisely or unwisely, entered into, which we are not financcer enough to know how to dispose of consis tently. Our interrogator will un- derstand what we mean when we refer him, by way of comparison, to the difficulty attending the receivability of state scrip, which is redundant, for all state dues. We fear there might be some considerable accession to the national debt if the govern ment paper were discounted in the same ratio as state scrip, and that it would be so discounted is to us as plain as the nose on q mans face.
 Finally, the following extract from neighboring journal gives our view of what this Ohio pest was intended for, and which ob- ject we have striyen to avert:
 "The ultimate meaning of this is that the existing pa,ties shall be de- stroyed; that there shall be no dem ocrats and republicans in the next election, but only intlationists and resumptionists; that the imitation democrats will give up the five cer- tain democratic states of New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Cali fornia and Connecticut, with their sixty-one electoral votes, to begin with, and attempt the hazardous ex- pertinent of replacing them with re- publican states of equal voting strength; and that all the constitu- tional distinctions between democ- racy and republication shall be forced out of sight, and the naked money issue be made to engross the popular mind. This is the attitude ill which the Ohio democrats and their imitation friends are shaping up matters, whether they design it or not; and if they persist in their intolerant prescription of those who do not agree with them, they will probably find, after the election is over, that their triumph, if they do triumph, has cost the disruption of the democratic party.'
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
The County Jail Again.
DOVER, ARK, SEPT. 30, 1S7

DOVER, ARK, SEPT. 30, 1873. MIR. EpIToR:-I have noticed in your paper for the last two weeks, that you have had some thing to say about building a county jail, and as I am a reader of the DEMOCRAT, and a taxpayer, and see and know something about the expense that the county is put to in consequence of not having a jail, will give you my views on the subject, and l be- lieve that it is the true sentiment of a large majority of the tax-pay- CTS of this portion of the county.
 By all means let the county have jail. It is highly necessa- ry. The county has long since paid out enough to Yell county and to guards, to have built two jails.
 I understand that it costs about ten dollars per day at present to guard the prisoners at this place besides it is a hardship on the sheriff. and the prisoners are lia- ble to escape.
 What is necessary for the peo- pie to do to get this matter be- fore the county court? Is peti- tion necessary or can the court let out the contract?
 Whatever is necessary let us have it at once, and go to work right and build q jail that will be of some benefit to the tax payers.
 My notion is that the court shonld levy direct tax in green backs, and let the contractor un- derstand that he is to- get curren- cy, not scrip, and we can get a good jail built for much less than the other cost, and much better.
 A TAX PAYER.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

General Kirby Smith, of the late Confederate army has been elected professor of mathematics in the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, and Gen. Pemberton, of Vicksburg fame, has been employed by the Penn sylvania railroad Company to superintend the construction of their new iron works at Perth Amboy.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
Twenty thousand majority

Twenty thousand majority in California for the Democrats, nine thousand Democratic major ity in Connecticut, forty thousand Democratic majority in Kentucky, and large Democratic gains in Maine are regarded as pretty strong indications that Gen. Grant will not be a candidate for a third term.-Shreveport Times.
 Or, at least, that he will not be elected, even if he should be a candidate.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Don't give up the ship" Con- modore Perry's flagship Lawrence, which was sunk in Erie harbor sixty-two years ago, was raised on Monday, the 18th ult., and the bottom found to be in q good state of preservation. She is to be ex- hibited at the Centennial.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
FRATERNAL.
Reunion of Brooks Regiment. From the Arkansas Sentinel.

| ANcuHIOu Ol DTOOhS leS lHicut' From the Arkansas Sentinel.
 A meeting of the surviving members of Brooks Regiment oi Arkansas Infantry was held at Prairie Grove, Washington coun- ty, on the 25th of September, 1S- 75, at which Maj. F. R. Earle was chairman, and J. R. Pettigrew, secretary.
 On motion of Col. T. NJ. Gun ter, it was decided to have a re- union of said regiment, at Prairie Grove, on the 30th day of October, 1875, The following resolutions were offered and adopted: l. That said reunion take place on the Prairie Grove battle ground, and all concerned are earnestly requested to be in at tendance.
 }. That a cordial invitation be extended to all honorably dis charged soldiers of the late war in the surrounding country without distinction of "the blue and the gray
 3. That a committee of five be appointed whose duty it shall be to procure provisions and prepare on the grounds a suitable dinner.
 4. That a committee of three be appointed whose duty it shall be to arrange a programme suita ble to the occasion, and to make all notices, invitations and ap- pointments necessary to carrying out said programme.
 Whereupon Capt. $. B. Pittman, Arkansas Wilson, William Nit chell, Bart Carl and w. C. Braley were appointed committee of arrangements; and Major Earle, Co.'s. Pettigrew and Guntcr a com mittee OF programme.
 It was moved and carried that the Arkansas Sentinel and Fay etteville Democrat publish the proceedings of this meeting, and all state papers be requested to copy. On motion the meeting adjourned.
 F. R. EARLE, Ch'm'n,
 J. R. PErTIGREw, Sec'y.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
The Last Cotton Crop.

The New Orleans Cotton Ex- change has figured out the crop of lS74-75 to be 3,S27,S45 bales, of which 2,674,44S bales were ex- ported, foreign; 1,200,437 taken by home spinners, including l26,- $50 net, for Southern consump- ton; Sea Island crop, I6,6S7 bales, including S,l29 Florida, l,075 Georgia, 1908 South Caro- lima, and 166 Texas. Average weight of crop, 46S lbs. per bale; Sea Island, 392 lbs. per bale. The direct overland movement is given at 9l,640 bales. The following shows the production of cotton by States: Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, 993, ,4S2; Alabama. 320,S22; Texas, 36S, 245; Florida, 37, ,467, Georgia, 576,6S4; South Carolina, 439, $50; North Carolina, lOl,16l; Virginia, 4l9,G64; Ten nessee, Kentucky, Missouri, etc, 444,220. Consumption in the United States, and total crop of the United States for 1874 and 1875, 3,S27,S45; stock at ports at the commencement of the year, 124,011, total, 3,95l, 1856. Ex- ported during the year 2,674,44s; sent to Canada, 3,3S3; burnt 2,139; stock September l, 1875, 71,413; total, 2,75l,3S3. Takings of spin ners in the United States, l,200,- 473, taken by spinners in South ern States, l29,6l2; total takings by Northern spinners, 1,079,S60.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
HEALTHY.

It is always truly gratifying to see the powers that be, conduct themselves in such a manner, and regulate thelr actions and policy so wisely, that they will command the respect and confidence of not only political friends, but even of political opponents also. It is a healthy sign and shows that pa triotism and good will toward the masses prevail. in the councils of our rulers more than partyism and political connivance. And we be- lieve the time is coming when each administration will be re- spccted and have the confidence of the people just in proportion as they consult the public good re- gardless of party policy anl the wishes of schemIng politicians. We think we have ample cause to feel proud of our present State administration in this respect. And we think it does credit to our political opponents to lay aside their party pfedilections and lend cordial support to the ex- isting officials, and to accord to them that degree of credit which is due them. We are glad to see evidences that there is disposi- tion of this kind springing up.
 Everybody will remember V. V. Smith, a gentleman, the mention of whose name will not call up any very pleasant recollections. We'll, this same V. V. Smith has written letter to the TeXarkana Democrat in the course of which |
 he takes occasion to utter the fol lowing sensible words: "As near as I can judge, Garland is making a good governor, and is entitled to the support of the Republicans who desire the State to prosper, and peace to reign supreme with in its borders. At one time l feared that if the Democrats ob- tained control of the State Gov ernment they would persecute those who so consistently fought them. In this, l am glad to know that I was mistaken"
 These are sensible words and do credit to the candor of the writer. We can admire even in a political opponent that candor which will actuate him to give due credit to on. whom he has bitterly opposed, and who will give such sensible advice to his party associates. Really, to the country and the people it matters not by what name our officials may be known so that they rule wisely and for the general good. If they do this they are entitled to the good will and wishes of all parties. Truly, we feel a degree of pride in believing that wher- ever pure democracy is in the as- tendency, the people will rejoice, but we do not think that any party should be made shrine at which to worship. The only shrine at which freemen should worship is the shrine of pure pa triotism which alone can bring the blessings of good government
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
FROM ILLINOIS.
PocAHoNTAs, ILLS, Sept 26, 1875.

EDITOR DEMOCRAT: Perhaps you and the many readers of your valuable paper in Old.Pope would like to hear of the doings and prospects of other parts of "The Greatest Country"
 On Tuesday the 21st left the beautiful city of Russellville via L. R. & Ft. $. R. w. with that elegant conductor Buckner, and with my eyes skinned" and on the lookout for anything new or interesting proceeded on my way From Russellville to Little Rock the crops on either side of the R. R. looked very well espe- cially the corn. We arrived at Barring Cross on time and after a period of ten minutes waiting the train for St. Louis on the St. l.. I. NJ. & $. R. w. halted at the plat form and I stepped aboard and right into the arms of conductor I. L. Clay, and just here permit me to say that in all my travels of thousands and thousands of miles 1 have never met any man who, as a conductor, could hold can dle to Clay, he is one of the most pleasant men 1 ever met. In short he is one of Gods greatest works-a perfect gentleman. 4 sound of the bell and we were borne away at the rate of 30 miles an hour and from that time until night we passed through . part of Arkansas covered with such crops of corn and cotton as com pared with last years looked as though everything and every body were preparing for a feast.
 At Newport night overlook us and I saw nothing more until l arrived in St. Louis, having avail ed myself of that great luxury of the traveller, berth in a Pullman sleeper. After spending the day at St. L.. viewing the sights and improvements of the "Future Great" I boarded a train of the Vandalia line at the Cn:on Depot and was soon moving rapidly through the great tunnel under the city from there onto the great bridge which from the car window appears to be a forest of iron with road cut through for trains to pass. Then into the great Amer ican bottom where every man who has five acres of corn has to rent five more of vacant land to store it on. Wheat and oats are an en- tire failure here but corn is mag nificent.
 Everything that Is loose is shaking with the ague, more sick ness than has been known for years.
 Next week is fair week at St Louis, I'll attend and send you a few notes. Yours &c.,
 DREW.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Through specials to the New York Herald we gain the intelli- gence that the famous African explorer, Henry M. Stanley, at the head of the Herald and Tele- graph expedition, was at Kagehlji
 on the 1st of March, safe and well.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The tax on dogs reaches 40C persons in one county in Tennes- see who have no other taxable property. Exchange.
 If the owners of those worthless CUTS were residents of Arkansas, we would expect to hear some of our demagogical newspapers cry out for remitting the tax because the owners were 'poor men,"
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

We hope all the merchants of North West Arkansas will freight their merchandise by the way of the L. R. & F. $. R. R. We understand the road across the Boston Mountain has been great ly improved and notwithstoo ding It is good distance to haul from AItus, we doubt not the North West will receive their freight as cheap or cheaper by this route than to transport it over other roads.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
A fatal disease has hroto,

"A HUH uIseasU HaS DrOken Out among the hogs in Southern In diana, causing the death of large numbers in the last few days, The hog cholera is also causing extensive loss to breeders in DOT tions of Illinois.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The Forest City Times of the 25th ult., contained well written report of the trip of the editor to the Grand Lodge of I. o. c. T. which was held at our sister town of Dardanelle on the 23d ut. The editor paid a handsome com pliment to the hospitality of the citizens of both Dardanelle and Russellville.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
THE FINANCIAL~POLICY
 QUESTION.
Views of the Gazette.

Views of the Gazette.
 Below we give an extract from the Gazette of the 2d instant, containing some pertinent ques- tions addressed by one of our prominent citizens to the Gazette, on the all-absorbing financial question, and the answer of that paper to the same.
 From these answers we may put the Gazette down as against contraction and not for imitation, and as opposed to making the if nances an issue in the coming campaign:
 EDITOR GAZETTE: First-Will the Gazette do subscriber, and the pub lie, the favor to tell it's readers, to what particular plank ill the Ohio platform it objects?
 Second--Is the Gazette in favor of further contraction of the green back currency, and the substitution of national bank bills for green backs?
 Third-Does the Gazette believe the government should repudiate it's own issues by refusing to receive greenbacks at the custom houses?
 1 do not wish to be impertinent, but sincerely believe that these issues cannot and should not be overlook ed; that they are of paramount inn portance. Very respectfully yours,
 c. F.. T.
 Norristown, Ark, Sep. 30, 1875.
 REMARKS:
 We have no hesitancy in an- swering our much esteemed cor respondent, in general and partic- ular. To his first question we an swer:
 Our quarrel with the Ohio f. nancial platform is not so much an objection las construed by Mir. Pendleton as protest. A pro test against the wanton, and un- necessary endangering of the democratic party unity that ex- isted before the Ohio platform was born. It was our duty to en- ter this protest, because, as in terpreted by the enemies of the party it was step toward infia' tion, and contrary to the platform adopted at Baltimore in 1872. To use the figure of the Courier Journal, the Ohio fight is picket skirmish, attended with heavy loss, which is likely to bring on a genersl engagement--out of time, out of season, and with part on ly of our forces, when grand victory was easy of accomplish ment, without the loss of a man or gun.
 To the second question, we an- swer no. We are in favor of let ting the national currency alone. It is just what a republican ma jority gave us. If there is any thing wrong about it it is the sin of the republican party. When democrats are in power, it will be time enough to begin to talk aboutgrubbing up national banks and making banking free.
 To the third question, we an swer that we would like to see the government receive it's own issues for customs and all other
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

President Grants letter, dated Sept. 22d, accepting the resignation of Hon. c. Delano, Secretary of the Interior, assigns as the reason for no earlier ac- ceptance, the fact that the Sec retary was, in his opinion, un- justly persecuted through the public press.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The Arkansas Sentinel says there arc rumors to the purport that new paper will soon be started at Fayetteville in the in terests of the Christian denomi- nation.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The Washington Telegraph publishes a list of 3l names of citizens from 70 to SS years of age, who have been residents of Hampstead from 19 to 59 years. Undisputable evidenceofa healthy rli,no+a
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

There will be a reunion of Brooks Regiment at Prairie Grove, Washington county, on the 30th of Oct, 1875. We pub fish the call in another place in to days paper.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The Pine Bluff Press has a correspondent from Desha county, who suggests the name of Maj. Woodruff for our next governor.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The annual meeting of the Grand Council of Temperance Reform will convene at Harmony Council Hall in Van Buren, on the second Thursday in October.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Spelling isn't my profession ! one man cant do everything. Whats printer for? If printer can't spell he'd better quit his business" is the line of argumrnt adopted by Joaquin Miller, when a cold, unfeeling critic ridiculesi his orthography.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Hon. David Walker offers a prize of five dollars for ten of the largest ears of corn grown in Washington county during the present year.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Tho Fayetteville Democrat has entered upon it's eighth year. May it be its most useful and prosperous.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Edgar Snowden, editor and proprietor of the Alexandria Ga zette. died at his home in Alex andria, Va, on the 29th ult., in the 65th year of his age.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Little Rock had another fire Friday night-this time on Main street, between 3d and 4th. Loss from S7O0O to $12000.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The Batesville Republican of Sept. 29th comes out on a half sheet. No cause assigned.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

Gold streaks playing tag down my back" as the way a little De Valrs Bluff girl describes the ap- proach of an ague chill.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

300 bales of cotton had been weighed at the city scales in Pine Bluff up to Sept. 30th.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

The Weekly Shreveport Times has changed publication day from Friday to Thursday.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
T II E D E M o c R A T
il, sgas!.vl!s Printing Association,
 Publishers aud Proprietors.
Office Up stairs, Bsttenfeld Building,
 East Main Street.
J. E. BATTENFIELD, --- EDITOR.

The Marshal (Texas) News has suspende publication.
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07

A Council Bluffs doctor hangs out a sign inscribed: ''Dr. II. o. Greene, Medico Electricio." o!
The Russellville Democrat., 1875-10-07
THE NOVELTY OF WEST
 ERN ENTERPRISE.

At the County Fair of Eaton county, Michigan, held at Char lotte during last week the follow ing premiums were offered, and we presume there was a good deal of fun over the awarding of tba cana.