davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
A PRACTICAL IMPROVE
 MENT.

The first step toward retrench ment in expenses and reduction of salaries has been taken by the Democrats of the House of Rep rese natives. This is direct blow at the Ring and Jobbers who under the rules of the House, as established by Republican domi- nation, have had no trouble in leading the appropriation bills with their schemes of plunder. The Democrats of the House will get credit for this move. The New York Sun, on this subject, says:
 "Under Republican domination the rules of the House of Repre- sentatives, by a strange perver- sion of power, only permitted ex- penditures to be increased and salaries raised, while they actual ly forbade reductions in the one or retrenehment in the other. It was a one-sided arrangement by which the rings and jobbers al. ways succeeded in crowding the appropriation bills with their plunder.
 On Monday the Democrats rad ically changed thls shameful prac' tice by an amendment which MT Cox reported from the Committed on Rules to retrench expendi' lures and to reduce salaries. The Republican leaders could moi swallow this bitter pill with com fort. Mir. Garfield wanted to TUT in the old groves, and said, "tt give the Appropriation Commit tee such a general sweeping pow CT now is to render obsolete the powers of all the other commit tees of the House." Mir. Hoal and Mir. Kasson also raised theil voices of protest. Mir. Hale saw the greatest dangers ahead if ex travagance did not go or. H' dolefully told the House; "l be
 lievc that if you give to that com
 mittee the power that s her' sought to be given. the pwer t change existing laws in tieir gen
 eral appropriation bills, whic!
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
THE JURY SYSTEM.

The retiring Governor, of the State of Iowa, has invited the Legislature to take steps to do away with the requirement of uni Eimity in q jury to secure yer dict. This requirement he looks upon as an antique absurdity, which has for long time letter ed the administration of justice, and says that a change would conform the jury system more nearly to modern ideas and prac- tical common sense.
 The question here raised by Governor Carpenter is one of vast importance, and one, too, which would have a most important bearing upon the administration of the laws in both civil and crim- iral proceedings. The annoyance, delay and defeat of the admins tration of justice from the cause of struck juries, has for a long time been a source of great objec- tion to the jury system, and no reasonable objection can be urged against such amendment or modi- fication of the system, as would secure greater expedition and eff ciency in the conduct of trials by jury. Why the opinion of nine men of equal intelligence, with the same evidence and law before them, should not overrule that of three in the capacity of jurors, as we'll as in other transactions, is something for which no ample reason can be given.
 IfIowa will lead off in this new system, there is but little doubt that the healthful results of the change, would soon induce a gen eral adoption of the new jury sys' tenn by the States.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

shall be issued by the county clerk against the district where it was given, and numbered and registered in the book provided for that purpose. If any war rant is rejected it shall be SO reg istcred in the same book on a separate page.
 Fourth-The clerk, sheriff, and witnesses who may be summoned in any investigation provided for by this act, shall be allowed the same fees as are now allowed by law for similar services, to be paid out of the county treasury. Sec. ?. That the order of any trustee or board of directors properly drawn after the passage of this act, other than those of single school districts in cities and towns, shall be presented to the treasurer of the proper county within sixty days after it was drawn by said trustee or board of directors: Provided, That If such order is not presented within the above specified time, it shall be rejected and become null and void. All such orders shall be paid in the order of their present. ation. If there are no funds with which to pay such order, he shall indorsc the same not paid for want of funds, giving the date and signing his name officially. Within thirty days thereafter the holder of such order shall present it to the county clerk, who shall issue to him a warrant for the amount of such order at par, pay able only at the county treasur- CTS office when in funds to the credit of said district. He shall number and record each warrant in the book provided for such purpose, keeping separate rec ord for each district; Provided, That ii such order is not present. ed within the above specified time, it shall be rejected and be null and void.
 See. 3. All laws inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed, and this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
 Approved, November 30, 1875,
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

they have the right to report at any time, the whole framework of this Government may be rcvolu- tionized by that committee. So far as It's reports may go, there is nothing that it may not do."
 The country has been robbed of hundreds of millions under this plea of existing laws,' which, with rules constructed to favor prodigality, blocked the way for every effort at reform on the part of the minority. The army, navy, Indian, and miscellaneous steal ings have been kept up fer years by this method. Now, when the majority is reversed, and it is proposed for once to legislate on the side of the people and against the Rings and plunderers, the Republican chiefs rush to the rescue, and are appalled, at the prospect.
 On the test vote the two par ties separated, and the lines were tightly drawn. The Democrats sustained the rule for retrench- ment in a body, and the Repub,i- cans opposed it solid. That di- vision indicates that all the pro- posed reforms will be resisted at every step, and they can only be carried by strict party votes. But this new rule moves the great ob- stacle to reduction of the public expenditures, and enables the House to stand up against any dictation by the Senate or veto of the President. One good is ac- complished, and the first step to- ward improvement is taken. Let us rejoice for that much at least, and hope for more.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
THE ENT OF
 THE PENITENTIARY.

The Grand Jury of Pulaski county have had the case of one of the guards, Mark Harris, pre- sented to them for investigation, on the ground of said guard vol untarily permitting the escape Of convicts from the penitentiary {; and m the course of their search they think they have discovered that there is a screw loose in the management; and the lessee is by them considered guilty of a gross violation of duty in permitting convicts outside oi the walls with out a sufficient guard, as they deem was the case in this instance. The jury in their report say; "Thcy feel that if there be no clause of the criminal law of the State winch is broad enough to meet such case as this presents so gross a violation of duty on the part of the superintendent, that there must be a check put upon such mismanagement by means of a forfeiture of his con tract, and they hereby give It as their unanimous voice that Ii such conduct be persisted in, the power indicated ought to be re- yoked for the protection of the people from the depredations oi these desperate men"
 Judge Williams in response to the report, stated that if they be lieved that the prisoners were sent out without a sufficient guard it was their duty to hold the les see equally responsible with tho guard, and the whole matter wal re-committed to the jury.
 The question with the homes laboripg people of the State nov is, will the lessee be held equally responsible, or will he swine ant dine' out of it.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
HOUSE BILL 223.

An act to provide for the cancel
 lation and reissue of outstand-
 ing school warrants, and to pro-
 vide for a uniform system of
 registering and issuing the
 same.
 Be it enacted, etc.
 Section l. That the county court of each county in the state shall, at it's first session after the passage of this act, provide for the cancellation ana reissue of all outstanding school warrants, in each school district in the county, and also provide for uniform sys- tenn of registering and issuing the same: Provided. That if they shall fail to take such action at said term of court, they may at any future time. They shall pro- eeed as follows:
 First-They shall provide a book in which separate record shall be kept of the financial condition of each school district.
 Second-They shall publish, in newspaper of the county, a copy of their proceedings, requir- ing all persons who hold school warrants or any other certificate of indebtedness against any school district in the county other than the single school districts of cities and towns, to present them within ninety days from the publication of said no tice of cancellation and reissue, and providing that if any person fails to present his school war rant within the above specified time it shall be rejected, and all rejected warrants shall be null and void. Provided: That if there is no newspaper published in the county, they shall cause mo- tices of their proceedings to be posted in the county courthouse, and in at least two conspicuous places in each school district in the county.
 Third-Upon the presentation of said warrants each piece shall be critically examined by the county judge ant county clerk, who shall determine the validity of said warrants, and tor the pur- pose of which investigation, the county judge may summons wit nesses where the validity of any warrant is in doubt. If they shall determine that it has bee I legally issued, new warrant
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

The time for letting the con tract for extending the limits of the penetentiary and adding more cells is on the 12th of next month. That's business! Make room enough within the walls to hold all the convicts and then keep them there, and don't send them out to compete with free labor.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
CONVICT vs. FREE LABOR
Popular Indignation in Ar
 genta.
Large and Enthusiastic Meet
 ing.
Resolutions AdOpted-Csm. mittee to Wait on the Gov
 ernOr Appointed.

The following are the resolu- tons unanimously adopted at the citizens meeting st Argenta last week:
 WHEREAS. The Memphis and Little Rock Railway company have thought proper, in defiance of public sentiment and the rights and interests of the people, to em- ploy convict labor at their shops and depot in Argenta, thereby deprivlng free labor of fair and honorable compensation, and bringing reproach upon our insti- tutions; therefore, be it.
 Resolved, l. That we, the citi- zens of Argenta, in mass meeting assembled, do hereby enter our most solemn protest and remon- strance against the perpetration of such an outrage, and in the name ofjustice, liberty and equal ity, demand the instant and i'm mediate discontinuance of the same.
 3. That the employment of convict labor outside the walls of the penitentiary is, of itself, an outrage upon justice and a scan- dal to good government; but when convicts are so employed as to crowd out free labor from it's ac- customed pursuits, it becomes 2 most grievous and intolerable wrong, and one which no free peo- pie ought to submit to.
 3. That the president of this meeting appoint seven prudent and discreet citizens to wait on his Excellency Gov. Garland with the request that he use all the constitutional power within his control to prevent the further em- ployment of convict labor in our community; and if it be found that the governor is not clothed with sufficient power to redrsss our grievances, that the authori- ties of the courts be invoked Tn our behalf; and if it be found that both the executive and judi cial departments of the govern ment are powerless to afford the desired relief, that we will then meet to consider how far the peo- pie are capable of directly exer- cising their sovereign powers to abate and remove an intolerable nuisance.
 4. That it is our firm purpose and determination that convict labor SHALL NOT be employed in our midst to the detriment and injury of our laborers and me chanics; and that as peaceable and law abiding citizens, we will adopt all peaceful and lawful rem edies to prevent such a wrong and outrage; but if it be found that the laws afford us no peaceful remedy for such fragrant and in tolerable wrong, that we hereby pledge ourselves to adopt such other measures as will be effica- cious in procuring certain and speedy remedy.
 5. That copy of these reso- lutions be presented to Gov. Gar land, and that the Little Rock Star and Gazette be requested to publish the same, with such re- marks as they deem proper and pertinent
 6. That this meeting, when it adjourns, shall adjourn subject to the call of the president.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
SUPREME COURT DECIS-
 IONS.
Abstracts Prepared by Chan
 celOr John R. Aiken.

From the Daily Gazette.l
 Lingheardt ct al. .ys. Deitz. Ap-
 peal from Pulaski.
 In an action against Linghardt before a justice of the peace, a garnishment was issued against the Cairo & Fulton Railroad Co. Judgement and appeal. Harri- son, Jr., delivered the opinion.
 ABSTRACT:
 The writ of garnishment cannot issue in a civil action before judge ment, except in cases of attach ment. Sec. 396 of Gannt's Di- gest is to be construed in it's orig inal connection with attachments in civil code.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
RUssELLvILLE, ARKANSAS,
 January 25th. 1876.


 Notice is hereby given that have this day executed bond as the as- signee of James G. Ferguson for the benefit of his creditors, which bond has been approved, and I have taken charge of the assets of said Fergu- son, and all persons who may hold claims against said James G. Fergu- son will present them duly authen- ticated that the same may be filed and allowed, and all persons who may know themselves indebted to said Ferguson are notified that they must come forward and pay such indebtedness if they wish to save cost and expense in the matter as the claims will after a reasonable time be put In the hands of an attor- ney for collection.
 J. B. ERWIN, 1-3t Assignee.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
To Collectors of Revenue.
AUpIToR's OFFICE

Little Rock, Jan. 21, 1S76.|
 The tax to pay interest on the public debt, known as the "Sink- ing Fund tax" is payable in Uni. ted States Currency, treasurer's certificates, issued prior to March 16th, 1871, and over due coupons of the ten year bonds. The liq- uor licence is payable in United States currency, treasurer's certifi- cates issued prior to the 18th April, 1873, and treasurer's cer- tificates issued since the 10th day of November, 1874, and over due coupons of the ten year bonds. All other State tax in state scrip issued at any time, and over due coupons of the ten year bonds.
 Very respectfully,
 w. R. MILLER, Auditor.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

The municipal election in Memphis, passed off quietly and was a complete victory for the democrats, Judge Flippin having been elected Mayor by majority of 1855. The democratic candi- dates for Aldermen, Councilmen and School Trustees were elected all over the city.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
Among candidates

Among candidates for the Re publican nomination for the Pres idency, Conkling expects the support of New York, Hartranft that of Pennsylvania, Logan that of Illinois, Blaine that of Maine and some other states in New En- gland, Hays that of Ohio, Bristow that of Kentucky, while Grant has that of the entire south, and the office holders. Grant can command almost majority at the start Exchange.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

-Babcock' trial will com mence on the 31st inst. Babceck has an array of counsel retained, embracing some of the most emi- nent members of the legal frater- nity from various portions of the United States.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
w. R. MILLER, Auditor.

On Tuesday night last Mir. Field was shot and badly woun- ded by one Mir. Literal. The cause, the same old, old story, of wHiskEy and CARDS. After the shot was fired Lltterel ran but was captured by deputy sheriff Wallace on Wednsday and was tried on Thursday and found guilty of an assault with intent to kill, before Mayor Glenn sitting as an examining court.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
The Democratic National Ex.

The Democratic National Elk exutiye Committee meets at Washington on the 22d of next month to determine upon the time and place of holding the National Democratic convention for the nomination of President and Vice President.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
THE GREAT ORGAN
 OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN ARKANSAS
THE LITTLE ROCK Daily Herald
PUBLISHED EVERY DAY IN THE YEAF
 AT THE CAPITAL.

The only first-class newspaper in the State. The largest and best dai- ly, and indorsed by leading Demo- crats. Nothing like it ever before published in Arkansas.
 Subscription $lI per Annum, in Advance including the SUNDAY issue, and an extra copy to the getter up of a club of five.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

Cincinnati, Ohio, has been settled upon as the place for holding the National Republican Convention. The convention will meet on Wednesday June 14th.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

They have very deep snow out in Nevada. Here it was so warm last Saturday evening that good fan would not have come alniss.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

vendor of land has g. equitable lien for the purchase money. If he takes an iniependent security, such us mortgage on the other land, or the transfer of negotiable paper, the presumption is that he means to waive the lien, and the onus IS on him to show that he did not. Nc such presumption will arise, however, from taking personal security on the purchase note. The onus is then on the purchaser to show that a waiver of the lien was intended.
 Decree affirmed, on the proof.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

The Little Rockers propose to make a grand affair out of Mardi Gras this year.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

In the Ohio legislature last week, q resolution against the third term was adopted, by q vote of S7 to l5.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
EDITORIAL NOTES.

Blaine is the sour apple tree of Radicalism.--[ N. Y. Herald.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

Fayetteville Demoerat;-Mr.
 George Gibson, living on Illinois
 river, in this county, brought us
 monster beet this week. 1t weighs twelve pounds.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

State vs- Webster, ct al. Appea,
 from Lonoke county.
 Appeal by the State from a de- cision of the circuit court quash- ing an indictment on demurrer, because christian names of de fendants were not given in full. Opinion by English, chief justice.
 ABSTRACT:
 l. Misnomer in an lndictmhnt is, at common law, only matter in abatement, and could not be reached by demurrer, nor can it now.
 ?. The criminal code, section 17S5 of Gannt's Digest, provides the mode of correcting an error in names in an indictment. If the defend dant had pleaded in abatement, furnishing the true names, the court would have en- tered it of record, and overruled the plea.
 3. Where some of the defend ants are fully named, and others not, the indictmhnt at common law would only be quashed as to those not sufficiently named.
 Judgement reversed and case remanded.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
Lavender, administrator, ct al. vs. Abbott, administrator. Ap- Appeal from Arkansas county.


 Abbott, administrator. Ap- Appeal from Arkansas county. This was 8 bill by Abbott, ad- ministrator of Wells, to forclose an equitable vendors lien on land sold by the ancestor of the intes- tate Wells. Personal security had been taken of these notes, which, it was claimed, was intend ed as a waiver of the lien. De cree of foreclosure. Appeal by Lavender. Opinion. by Judge Walker.
 ABSTRACT: The lien of a avendor for forclos- ure money passes to his heirs or devisee.
 The general rule is, that the
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

-Senator Dorsey has introduc- ed a bill authorizing the bridging of the Mississippi river at Mem phis.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

Land Commissioner Smithee is in Washington, D. C., looking after the landed interests of Ark.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

The Press says the city weigh CT at Pine Bluff has weigh cd l2- 200 bales of cotton.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

The widow of the late ex- President Johnson died, at Green ville, Tenn, on the 10th inst.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
THE ARKANSAS WEEKLY HERALD

is published every Wednesday, con- taining all the news of the Daily in a condensed form.
 THE WEEKLY HERALD is the paper of the people. Changers should read it. Merchants ought not to be without it. Subscribe for if at apca---ouly
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
TBEAsURy DEPARTMENT, OFFICE)
 OF INTERNAL REVENUE, " WkSurNCrnN n C Dec if 1ST6

WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 16, 1S75.>
 SIR: In your letter of the l4th inst. you state that many inqui- ries are made of you by your constituents-small farmers in the interior of your state as to whether they are allowed under the internal revenue laws to manufacture tobacco of their own production, Sin any form," for their own use exclusively, and you desire an answer to this question from this office.
 In reply have to inform you that the law regards any and every process of working or preparing raw or leaf tobacco for consump- tion, other than the ordinary mode of drying and curing it for general sale, manufacturing" But the several liabilities imposed upon manufacturers of tobacco are coupled with the condition that the person thus employed shall be employed to such an ex- tent, or in such a manner as to constitute "a business"
 The specific tax of twenty-four cents a pound imposed by law on all manufactured tobacco, is also coupled with a condition, viz: that the tobacco shall be manu- factured and sold, or removed for consumption or use. I am there fore of oplnlon that where the manufacturing of tobacco is not made business, and where there is no sale or removeal for sale or consumption, as for instance where a farmer upon his own premises twists or otherwise man ufactures tobacco of his own grow ing, and for his own use exclu- sively, and who neither sells nor offers for sale, nor removes from his own premises, either for sale or consumption, tobacco so grown and manufactured by him such farmer is not liable under the United States internal revenue law for special tax of a manu- facturer, nor to the tax of twenty four cents pound on such to- bacco. Yours respectfully,
 D. D. PRATT, Com'r.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
The Tobacco Tax.

HOUSE OF REPREsENTATIv
 WAsHINGToS, D. D., Dec. 2s, 1S75.] Editor Gazette, Little Rock:
 DEAR SIR-Mr. Leonidas H. Kemp, of Turin, Grant county, and several others of the Third district, having inquired of me whether a tax was required to be paid by persons who raised tobacco exclusively for their own use and consumption and being desirous of giving correct information on the subject, l com municated the inquiry to the commissioner of internal reven- ue who sent me the enclosed reply which being matter of general interest to many of our farmers, l hope you will give it space in your valuable paper and request your state exchan- gcs to do likewise as the best means of communicating the ruling of the department to the people. Yours truly,
 w, w. WusHIRE.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27

A negro baby was born in Scarcy last week, with full set of teeth.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
.DUE X ERE,

Publishers Herald,
 LITTLE ROCK. ARK. N. BIG. w. Robertson is our General Agent.
The Russellville Democrat., 1876-01-27
$2.OO per Annum.

An extra copy will be given the get ter up of club of ten.
 All communications should bc addressed to