davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

GOLD is at one-half of one per cent
premium in New York. If bank notes
were greenbacks, and these receivable
for customs, and for all dues to the
government, this paper, for all common
uses, would be preferred to gold, and
for the very reason that gold Is pre-
ferred, especially In cities, to silver.
Paper an6 gold are more portable than
silver. Where current transactions are
small, as among farming populations,
silver is preferred. There Is honest
music in Its jingle that most delights a
good clodhopper's ears. He confesses
his independence when reciting his
prayers, morning, noon and night,
when honest silver dollars chant an &C.
compartment and a requiem to woes
of debt, and few dollars left recite in
rich, mellow accents the anthem of
his joys, springing up in clear ringing
notes of gratitude from his heart and
breeches pocket. A jolly god IN the
home of bronzed sons of toll is the
bright silver dollar, and when it has
reached those for whose uses it was de-
signed and the activity and prosperity
of the people are reproduced, silver
will no longer be heaped up unused
and below par in towns and cities.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

THERE is no more generous, honora-
bic gentleman or one of better instincts
and impulses than Gen. NJ. ]. Wright
of the late Confederate States army.
He has been selected by the Federal
government to collect historical and
personal records of the late war be-
tween the States. Those who have
and would preserve such papers or use
them in making the oountry's history
perfect, when passions have cooled
and truth may have its proper power
in shaping the annals of the past,
should forward these documents to
Gen. Wright at Washington. He was
soldier from the ranks who won his
Brigadier General baton in Cheatham's
division.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01
The Practical and sentimental
sides of Farm Life.

iScriJner for August says: Poets haYe
sung the delights of the farmers life
in strains so enchanting that one might
wonder why all the world has not for
saken every other pursuit and betaken
itself to the tilliug of the soil. But
the farmer himself, in the unshaded
hay field, or plodding in the cIayey
furrow at the tail of his plow, with a
freeholder's right sticking to each
boot, or bending, with aching back,
between the corn rows, or breasting
the winter storms in the performance
ST imperative duties, looks at his life
from different point of view. To him
this life appears as full of toll and care
and evil chances as that of any
other toller. And, true it is, the life
of an ordinary farmer is hard, with
too little to soften it-too much OF
work, too little of play. But as true
is what the poet sang so long ago:
''Thrice happy are the husbsndmeD y
they could but see their blessings; :"
for they have independence, more
than any others who, by the sweat Of
the brow, earn their bread, and the
pure all of heaven to breathe, and the
blessed privilege Of daily communion
with nature.
1t is rot easy for the farmer to see
any beauty in his enemies-the mead
ows full of daisies, with which he is
forever fighting, or by which he has
been ignominiously conquered; the en-
croaching ranks of golden rods along
the borders of his fields, and the brist-
ling bayonets OF those Canadian in
vaders, the thistles. How few farmers,
or other people for that matter, see In
the climbing bushes of the dawning
day, or gorgeous painting Of Its close,
or in the perfect day itself, anything
but the foretellIng Of fair or foul
weather; or notice the ways Of any
untamed bird. or beast. except that the
crows come to pull the corn. the hawks
TO catch the chickens, and the foxes to
steal the lambs and turkeysi HsW-
ever. the farmer generally does feel 3
thrill of pleasure when, In the bszy
softness of a February or March day,
he hears the cav Of the first carbon
seeking, hungry crow. The heart Of
winter is broke" In April, when the
fields begin to show 8 suspicion of
coming green and give forth an odor
Of sprIng, and the dingy snow banks
along the fences are daily dwindlipg,
be welcomes the carol OF the first blue
bird. and is glad TO hear the robin
utter his restless note from tbe
boughs Of the old apple tree /;
and the clear voice Of the new
come meadow lark strikes him as
not altogether unmusicsl; and when
he hears the plaintive cry Of the grass
ployer, be Is sure spring has cone, and
then thinks of the small birds no fnuFe
till the frst blasts Of returning winter
sweep over the bare trees sne frczen
fields, when, ell ~ ones, Re becoHes
aware that the troubadoufs arc gone.
He sees thst the brave little ekirkHAee
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01
The Turn OF Life.

Between the ages Of foTty-iye and
sixty . man, VINO has properly regulA-
ted himself, may be considered in the
prime of life. His matured strength
Of constitution renders him almost I'M.
pervioas 10 an attack of disease, and
experience has gwen soundness 20 his
Judgment His mind is resolute, firm
ana equal; all his functions are in the
highest order he assumes mastery over
his business; bEilds up . competence
on the foundation he has laid il early
manhood, and passes through perod
OF life attended By many qualifications.
Having gone oyer year or two past
sixty, he arrives st stand still. Bu,
athwart this Is viaduct called the
turn Of life, which, IL crossed in safety,
leads to the valley Of s.old age, round
which the river winds and then be-
yond, without boat or causeway 70 ef-
feet bis passage. The bridge 4, how
ever, constructed Of fragile material.
and Il depends how IE is Efoddss
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

TIE joint committee from the two
caucuses, which finally settled the GU
bernatorial candidatuFe in the State
convention, selected Hon. o. NJ. Rob-
erts, after 81 earnest opposition to him
on the part of Hubbard's friends. On
the second ballot taken in the JOINT
committee sixteen representatives from
the Devlne caucus gave him a solid
support, and he was selected on the
fourth ballot by q vote of eighteen
against fourteen, there beng two ac-
cessions to Roberts from the Hubbard
delegation, one of whom, Col. Hern-
don, cast ballot for Roberts at the
earnest solicitation of N. o. Green, OF
San Antonio, who called Herndon's
attention to the fact that Roberts was
chosen anyway, and his vote against
HIM could have no effect.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

U. S. TREASURER SHERMAN proposes
to send silver in pound packages by
mail to bankers who want it. The
First National Bank of Memphis has
ordered $500, 900. This is only the be-
ginning of the end. Before the grow
ing cotton crop is disposed of several
millions in legal tender silver dollars
will be absorbed by the country, and
each farmers annual profits will consist
of silver dollars. 1t was scurvy trick
practiced uponl the country when
the banks conspired against the peo-
pie, paid out Mexican dollars at par
and then refused to accept them at
more than ninety cents. Their actual
value at the mint is ninety-eight cents.
When silver is diffused over the coun-
try, Its value protected by its legal
tender property, and when the people
have recovered from fright gwen by
remorseless bankers and brokers' who
speculated so fiercely in Mexican dol
lars, silver will be preferred currency
in small transactions, and among peo-
pie who deal not in large sums or in
heavy credits. The policy pursued by
Sherman is greatly approved, and sill
yer must soon become the preferred
currency of the multitude.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

Edward Spencer writes to the Phils-
delphia Times. "The die was cast.
The army could not be recruited any
more, owing to the apathy and dlscon-
tent of the people, and General Lee,
it is now known, said the cause was
lost unless he was efficiently reinforced
before the winter ended. The Confed-
crate Congress met on Monday, No
vember Z, at noon, and as soon as it
was organized the message of Presi-
dent DAVIS was received. In this
paper, admirably written, with charac-
terestic courage and directness, he
met and stated the questions of the
hour. Referring to the act of Febru-
airy II, of the previous Congress,
which he said was less effective
than it was expected to be, he
remarked; But my present purpose
is to invite your consideration To the
propriety of radical modification in
the theory of this law. The slave, he
said, was TO be viewed not only as
property but as person under the
law. His service to the State increased
in value in proportion as he became a
veteran. For this he should be re-
warded as we'll as his master. He
would not advise anything further just
now than the equitable determination
of these relations. He was opposed at
present to the general levy and arming
the slaves as soldiers. " But should
the alternative ever be presented of
subiugation, or of the employment of
ha col
reason to doubt what then should be
our decision" In the meantime he
would recommend the training of
40, 900 negroes, of duties under
the act of February II. This mes
sage, in which the duty of the
State to the slaves as persons was
fairly and fully and ably stated, opened
the whole question at once, and hence.
forth the history of the negro enlist
ments is recorded in the proceedings of
the Confederate Congress and the
State Legislatures. The soldiers In the
different camps, as soon as it was agi-
tated among them, gave their appro-
val, and adopted resolutions to that
effect. The poor fellows were so hard
beset that they welcomed any measure
which promised them a modicum of
relief.
Hon. James A. Seddeu, Secretary of
War, in his report supplemented Mr..
Davis's message with some still
stronger recommendations of his own.
The slaves, he said, had even
stronger interest in the victory
of the Confederates than the
white people. The latter risked their
political independence, but the former
their very existence as a race. II the
cruel enemies of the South should tri-
umph, they would extingmsh the ne
groes In a few years, as they have al
ready eXtiuguished the Indians. He
recommended that the States which
had absolute and exclusive control of
this matter should legislste at once
with a view to the contingency of ne
gro enllstments. On the next day,
in the Confederate Congress, Senator
G.. A. Henry, of Tennessee, and Rep
resentative Wickham, of Virginia, in
troduced bills to extend and perfect
the operations of the act of February
II, 1864,
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

WE are told that while the tidal wave
of midsummer heat sweeps over Texas
that we should eschew ice water, neg
lect whisky and beer, and consume
claret. On the contrary, the great null
titude of dwellers in Texas towns swill
ice water by the gallon, and then take
enough whisky to restore the internal
thermometer to about 90 ., and then a
little iced claret may be endured. But
philosophers and doctors and hot
weather combine in vain to stop the ra-
tions of the average dram drinker.
Whisky cools the heated, and heats
the frozen. 1t is the paDacea of all
human woes, and mainly because it is
another term for moral and physical
death.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01
THE PRESS OF TEXAS AND Ar
CHEOLOGY OF THE STATE.

The bones of a mastodon Rave been
unearthed at Cleburne. In coming
years countless sons of Texas will de-
plore the fact that there is to-day no
association IN the State having the
means TO collect and preserve for the
museum of the State these remains of
extinct animals that preceded the buff
falo and the broadhorn, to be sup
planted in their turn by the short horns
and Herefords. Even more interest
ing to the student and arcb9ologist
would be proper collection of weap-
ons of war and of household and farm.
ing implements, of stone, iron or cop
per, used by different races that at diff
ferent periods have occupied the coun-
try we inhabit. The Indian flint mill,
or factory, near Round Rock, at
tracts the attention of strangers,
who are rapidly deporting evidences of
red mems skill and art in fashioning
arrow heads and axes. The great flint
mound four miles from Hockey, which
rises fifty feet or more above the plain,
and glitters, it is said, in the afternoon
sunlight like hill of sapphire, has
never been opened. The curious in
matters of this sort, and philosophers
who would learn more of the history of
the human race than is written in books,
would derive infinite satisfaction
from thesaurus of relics defining the
habits, perhaps the age and peculiarities
of races older than the red men, and
of whose works the Indians only knew
that they existed from time immemo-
rial. These reflections are suggested
by the meager collection of Texan an
tiqulties occupying place in the State
library room In the Capitol. The old
Spanish steel coat of mail taken from
the body of a Comanche chief, few
urns and vases from ancient mounds,
half dozen skulls and stone imple-
ments of war, constitute the whole of
a collection that should be infinitely
varied and interesting. Texans having
such relics sofextinct civilizations should
send them to State Commissioner King
and the intelligent newspaper press of
the State could hardly do a service
costing less and promoting a wiser
purpose than by urging the people to
forward to him everything that is old
and curious in stone, iron, copper, or
In letters. The time will come when
a reproduced Roman Pantheon will
crown the highest point on University
Place, and when the worlds first
scholars employed by the university
domain and its revenues, will lecture
there before successive generations
of Texan students and teachers.
Blest in exemption from plaques, Aus
tin will become the commemorative
central seat of learning. Therefore,
we have urged those who would serve
posterity, and make their own names
memorable by contributions to its
knowledge of the past, to send hIther
every unique and curious product of
archaeological discovery.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

THE Houst1R Age says the Austin
STATEsMAN's "Texas Facts and Fan
cies" are very "mixed," so much so,
indeed, that nobody can tell which is
fact and which fancy" l. requires an
acuteness of perception which nobody
ever ascribed to the Age. When we
speak of ''Texas-Facts and Fancies, +"
others than the editor are expected to
separate them-the facts from the fan
ciaa
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

Trade in New York city Just now in
fiat, but next September will bring :
revival, and it is 70 this that their at-.
tentIon is turned. Mr.. Libby, the pill
lar Of A. T. Stewart & Co., is engages
very laboriously in this work of prep
aration. He is now about sixty i've
and though OF powerful frame, begin1
TO show age. Indeed. there are fsN&
men in this city more heavily burdene1
than this dry goods king, Of whom n
may be truly said: UNEASY lies lid
head that wears a crown.n Libby,1'
great rival, Clsfn, has just sailed Tor
Europe for the double purpose Of in
proving his health and perfectLnR
plans for the future trade. Clafifn Is
well aware Of the vantage ground
which he now holds with regard 20 the.
Stewart concern, and he intends "a
drive the latter 70 the wall. Libby "a.
conscious Of the approaching atfack,
but he cannot but be coneciouI
that the chances are against hiu1
Claflin is q Yankee, and has been
brought up 70 trade from boyhood. At
one time be had petty store in New
England village. Then he moved 81
the thriving town Of Worcester, where
he made money, but the superior ad-
vantages Of New York soon attracted
him He came hitheT, and at thirty.
five, with f25. .000, and now, 1t the fFs
Of sIxty.eight, he IL worth . dozer|
millions. Claflin has for fifteen year,
been Stewards great competitor, bui te.
now intends 20 make himself felt moE<'
severely than ever before. he fs
bTight-fsced mzA on whom age nIi@
lightly, and he still retains tbs AMI
ton that marked his youth. HeA
in Brooklyn, and attends Plymoat
Church, paying $500 8 year for the
privilege Of hearing BeecheF. This q
his 1rst trip to Europe.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01
EvERY fair reader of the SrArEsN

EVERY fair reader Of the STATESMAN
viii peruse with approval or deep in
terest the letter from Sarah Parker.
The condition of Southern women
since 1861 rs wholly changed. Their
relations to society are thoroughly
transformed They are not guarded or
cared for, nor is virtue reYerenced as
when African servitude defined wo-
mans fortunes and sphere of action.
But we only ask each intelligent wo-
man Il. read what Sarah Parker says.
Each parent having youthful daughters
viii at least confess profound Interest
in her philosophy.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

CAPT. WALSH, the candidate for the
Commissionershlp of the General Land
Office, while acting as a notary public,
some years ago, invariably refused to
place his official certificate to real es-
tate transfers on the part of strangers
unless endorsed by well known citizens
of undoubted integrity. Had all no.
taries and other attesting officers been
guided by the same principle that
actuated Capt. Walsh in such cases,
land forgers. would have had poor
time of it IN Texas.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

RUSSIA, having incurred the enmity of
the rich Jews of Europe, can no longer
borrow money in the worlds great
markets, and Russia now proposes to
''foat loan" of $500, 600, 900 in this
country. If Belmont and the Selig-
mans oppose the scheme, the Graphic
thinks the American bankers, despite
this opposition, can take the bonds
proposed to be sold. at ninety cents and
bearing ak per cent. interest.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

THE resolution, presented by Capt.
Jack Martin for the consideration OF
the late convention. having reference
to the preservation Of the Alamo build
ing at San Antonio was loudly APP
plauded by representatives of Western
and Northern Texas. In fact, every
citizen of the commonwealth who
would preserve its history, traditions
and hallowed memories viii see that
the purposes of Capt Martin are sc
complished by the next Legislature.
The Alamo should be owned by the
State.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

TUE press begins to reflect the SEN
timents of delegates to the State con-
vention as to the holding of another
convention in Austin. The delegates
were necessarily annoyed by attaches
of the government who were in the
opera house and on the streets, ever
button-holing them in the interest Of
Hubbard. This feature of the case
should serve as civil service reform
text in the future.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

HORSE thieves and petty knaves oi
all grades are rapidly emigrating from
Virginia. The constable and the lash
and whipping post and the certainty
and promptness of punishment will
soon exile every villain from the old
commonwealth. If Texas do not sci
up counter irritant, if other Eastern
States adopt the policy of Virginia, and
Texas fail to do so, Texas will become,
because of dominant scoundrelism, al
most uninhabitable. 1t will be made
a Van Diemsns Land by the whipping
post. Would it not be we'll to set il
up, if only for few years, within oul
Dorders2
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01
How TO Avoid sunssroEe.

The New York board of health ha.
issued the following: Sunstroke a
caused by excessive heat, and espe.'
clally If the weather Is ''muggy.n It i
more apt to occur on the second, third
or fourth day of a heated term than|
on the first. Loss of sleep, worry, ex4
citement, close sleeping rooms, debit
ity, abuse of stimulants predispose "a.
it. 1t is more apt to attack thoaa
working in the sun, and especially be-.
tween the hours of IL o'clock in the
morning and 4 o'clock in the after,
noon. On hot days wear thin clothing.
Have as cool sleeping rooms as possi.
BILE. Avoid loss of sleep and all un..
necessary fatigue. II working in-'
doors, and where there is artificial
heat - lanndries, etc. see that the.
room is well ventilated. ff~Noskia
in the sun, wear light hat, (not black. 8
as it absorbs heat, straw, etc., and
put inside of it on the head wet cloth
on large green leaf; frequently lift
the hat from the head and see that the
cloth is wet. Do not check perspira<
tion, but drink what water you need
to keep it up, as perspiration prevents
the body from being overheated.
Have, whenever possible, an addition
al shade, as thin umbrella, whoa
walking, canvas or board cover when
working in the sun. When much II.
tigued do not go to work, but be ex-
cused from work, especially after II
O'Clock IN the morning on very hot
days, if the work is in the sun. II e.
feeling OF fatigue, dizziness, headache.
oil. exhaustion occurs, cease work imme.
dIately, lie down in a shady and cool
place; apply cold cloths to and pour
cold water over head and neck. II any
one is overcome by the heat, send Inn
medIately for the nearest good physi~
clan. While waiting for the physician,
give the person cool drinks Of water
or cold black tea or cold codee, il able
to swallow. If the skin is hot and
dry, sponge with or pour cold water
over the body and limbs, and apply to
the head pounded ice, wrapped In a
towel or other cloth. II there is no
ice at hand, keep cold cloth on the
head, and pour cold water ON it a.
well as on the body. If the person il
pale, very faint, and pulse feeble, let
him inhale teaspoenful of aromatic1
spirits of ammonia in two tablespoonsl
fuls of water with little sugar.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

THE Age says the vote between Chas.
Stewart, of Harris, and Ed. Bowers, Of
Dallas, stood TAB to 752, and that Col.
Stewart withdrew in favor of Col.
Bowers. 1t should have said that the
president of the convention, author
lied by this vote, declared Bowers
elected. 1t tells truthfully, however,
that the vote for the two was Hub
bard and antl-Hubbard vote.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

THE contest in the session of the
Joint committee between Roberts and
Reagan was a square fight between the
representatives of the Devlne and the
Hubbard caucusses. Col. Hern6on,
on the fourth ballot, after seeing that
Roberts had been chosen, accepted a
proffered Roberts ballot and cast it for
the ''Old Alcalde." Herndon's pur-
pose was to place Reagan out of the
way in the First Congressional District.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

THE Courier condemns the Austin
convention for wrangling over candi
dates for a week, when there were q
dozen or more good men from whom to
select. Let it find fault alone with its
friends. The opposition to Hubbard
did all in their power to break the
dead lock. They presented Throck-
morton, then Lang, and then Devine,
all excellent men, but there was nc
concession on the part of Hubbard's
supporters, and finally, when Judge
Roberts's name was presented by the
representatives of the Devine caucus,
opposition was still maintained by
those who held out for the Hubbard
interest. And yet there was no COM
bination between the friends of Throck-
morton, Lang and Devine with Judge
Roberts or any representative of his.
Let US understand clearly who main.
tanned the dead lock In the conYen-
ton.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-08-01

NORTHERN Texas gets nothing from
the State convention, and the fac,
arises alone from the Maxey opposition
to Throckmorton. a H1 selishness
not prevailed North Texas would have
had at least two candidates on the
ticket. As it is there was not candi-
date selected North of Tyler and Of
Austin.