davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
As Necessary as tn e Law.
tom Green Times.l


What is the object in putting a
criminal into the penitentiary? Is it
not two fold? First, that others may
be deferred from committing like Of
fences by the dread of similar pun
ishment. Secondly, that the offender
himself may be influenced, first, by
the discipline he is subject to, second,
by the unpleasantness of enforced re-
straint, third, by such teaching as it
may be expedient to give him; to
adopt different mode of life on his
release, and become useful
member of society. If this
statement of the case is correct all
we have to find out is whether leasing
our convicts to men whose sole object
is to make money out of them, is
more likely to attain the end in view,
than to confine them in the p nitenti-
airy under the control of state officers
who have no private scheme to adj
vance, and can gain nothing by ILL
treating or unduly favoring them.
An absolute equality of punishment
for all who violate the law, prospect
i've of what their former opinion was,
is too evident to need argument. 1t
is as necessary as the law itself.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE Compendium of the. Tenth
Census" has appeared in a stout vol
ume of more than eighteen hundred
pages, or double the number in the
Compendium of the Ninth Census"
The first six hundred and forty-eight
pages are devoted to the statistics of
population, treating of the aggregate
population by states, counties and
minor civil divisions; race; and gene
raj nativity, in similar tables. Then
come tables giving the native, native
white and native colored population,
by state or territory of birth; coun-
ty table of the native and foreign
population, by state or territory of
birth in the case of the former, and
by foreign country in the case of the
latter; the native and the foreign pop
ulation, of fifty principal cities, CLASH
fled by state or county of birth; sex of
the population, with race and general
nativity; the national militia; the
males of voting age; school, military
and citizenship ages; all ages, CLASH
fed by sex, race and general
nativity. Other tables relate to occu-
pations. areas, families and dwellings.
foreign parentage, the population of
Alaska, illiteracy, the defective, de-
pendent and delinquent classes and
mortality. The main body of the
population statistics are succeeded by
those of agriculture, which comprise
tables giving the general statistics of
agriculture by states, number and
size of farms, ETC., and the principal
vegetable and live stock productions.
The statistics of manufactures COM
prise comparative tables, by states, of
certain general statistics; the general
statistics of 1872 different industries;
general statistics by counties; statis-
tics for twenty principal cities, and,
finally, statistics by states of twenty
seven of the leading articles of
manufacture. The accompanying
statistics regarding power used in
manufactures open a subject here
tofore untouched by the census. The
statistics of mining and mineral pro-
duction, petroleum and quarries fol-
low; then those of transportation, in
GLIDING railroads, steam craft, canals,
telegraphs and telephones. Statistics
of occupation of the population, with
age, sex and nativity, are placed be-
tween the foregoing and the statistics
of fisheries-these last. greatly sum-
married., occup' ing only two pages.
Likewise, on the subject of foreign
parentage and areas, families and
dwellings,, only summary tables are
given. The statistics of life, fire and
marine insurance are given at consid-
cradle length, as are also those upon
assessed valuation, taxation and pub
lie debt. Finally, there are tables, by
states. of the defective, dependent and
delinquent classes, and of mortality.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE Medico Legal society of New
York has prepared a bill for presenta-
ton in the legislature, abolishing
coroners' juries and substituting med
ical examiners. These examiners are
to be paid officials of the state, and
their duty will be confined to ascer-
tanning the cause of death in such
cases as now go to coroners' juries,
and they are to submit report to the
coroner, who is invested with discre-
ton to continue the inquiry, if not
satisfied with the case as reported to
him by the examiners. Such a law
would be good thing anywhere
There are a lot of members of an
overcrowded profession sadly in need
of something to do.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
Telephone Wonders.

Washington Special to Cincinnati Gazette.l
Much interest is taken in the Bax-
ter transmitter, by which long-dls-
tance conversation by telephone is
made possible. Mr.. Lester Baxter,
the inventor, is clerk in the surgeon
generals office. He has been a de-
voted student of electricity for many
years, and has made numerous dis
coveries which have not yet been
brought to practical use. In refer
ence to the transmitter and Sounder,
which is expected to revolutioniZe
communication. he said to-day that
he has not been present at any of the
experiments between New York and
Cleveland, but that he has tested the
invention over a five-mile wire in this
city, and the results have been Satis-
factory. He says that over this wire
he has heard a whisper spoken at
distance of over seventeen feet from
the instrument. Mr.. Baxter says an
ordinary tone of voice can be heard
when the speaker is seventy feet away.
One of the most important differ
ences between his invention and the
Blake is that whether the speaker
talks in a whisper or shouts close to
the diaphragm, the same is heard
equally well through the Baxter
transmitter, while loud tone spoken
to the Blake transmitter will so agi-
tate the current as to make hearing
an impossibility to each other by
wire. Mr.. Baxter is now experiment.
ing upon a system for applying the
duplex system to the telephone, and
he is sanguine of success. The COM
pany controlling this patent do not
intend to construct their own lines,
but will lease privileges and instru-
ments to telegraph companies. The
company already have many offers
for exclusive rights, and are now con-
sidering proposition for the entire
territory of New England. Arrange
ments'are making for a further test
of the invention between New York
and Washington. A wire of the Bal
timore and Ohio company has been
secured, and it is expected that before
Saturday the capital and the metropo-
lis will be talking.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

1T is reported that the president has
concluded to reduce the cost of col
lecting the internal revenue now that
its amount has been decreased. As a
consequence, he will consolidate the
one hundred and twentv-six districts
now organized to one hundred and
ten. This will be quite an effective
reduction, as it will do away with
much of the machinery employed; but
there is no doubt it might be made
much more effective. Legislation of
a practical order would not only con-
solidate many of the districts, but
would reduce the number of employees
and hangers-on. Until it is abolished
or further reduced the internal reve-
nue. system ought to be cheapened in
a marked degree.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

A MINISTER of Newburyport, Mass,
has set the example of invoking the
law for the suppression of vicious
dramatic representations. He made
complaint against travelling theat-
rical company, which presented the
late highwayman. Jesse James, in the
character of hero. In this play. as
presented, highway robbery was pic
tured as noble calling. offering a
tempting field of occupation to the
youth Of the land. The minister had
the actors therefore arrested upon the
charge that they were corrupting the
morals Of the young. by making vice
attractive. The court considered the
charge grave enough to bind the ac-
cused over for trial.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05


"Treating" is exclusively an Ameri-
can custom. 1t seems to be one Of
the poisonous outgrowths of republic
can institutions and personal indepen-
dence that destroys independence IT.
self. The custom of creating" is
HE fly confined to saloons where
iy ltuous or malt liquors are sold by
glass or bottle. A man steps into
one of them for morsel of creature
comfort, and finds half dozen ac-
quaintances who have already been
comforted. AS matter of duty
or geniality and according to
custom he "treats" the crowd.
Their somebody else treats, and so
the flowing bowl goes round by the
tyranny of custom until every
one of the party feels inclined to
cuIse his friends and wish he Yae a
free man in a free country where The
tyrant "treat" is unknown. The par
asite has come into absolute power
and saps the very blessings of friends
ship, free will and independent ac-I
ton. Some moral philosopher lately
made practical test of the logic of
treating" He had enough OF the
goodies" of the saloon, and when 1t
came his turn to ''set 'em up" again
he invited the genial, jovial party out
to furnishing store and asked them
what they would take. One
took a scarf pin, another a
handkerchief and another a
clean collar; others wanted notn-
ing. But treat" all round was the
order. and clothing store was ne,.t
visited. and all were asked what they
would take. The business was be-
coming serious, and all banked out.
A hat and fur goods store was next
tried; but all were apparently wen
topped off and wrapped up. A jew
eler was then visited, but none of the
party seemed to want watches or
diamonds, and the man whose turn it
was to "treat" gave it up. He could
do no more for friendships sake, and
he exposed a pernicious, If not vicious,
system of American hospitality.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
The Dining Station.
IGlobe-Demoerat.I


Col. HI. NJ. Hoxie, vice-pressdent of
the Gould lines, has made another
movement in the interest OF the trav-
cling public. The eating house sys-
tenn on the general run of the roads
has been a nuisance, and to arrest any
mistreatment of the public Col. Hoxie
has appointed James Carroll superin-
tendent of eating houses for the
whole system. 1t is his duty to see
that cleanliness is adhered to, the
most polite attention given, and first
class edibles furnished at all eating
house stations. Mr.. Carroll viii have
over thirty dining points to look after,
and it will take trip of nearly 5000
miles to visit them all. Col. Hoxie is
determined that the travelling public
shall have no cause for complaint
while on the roads of the system he
u5Gs charge of.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
How 10 Tell Diphtheria.
Lincoln, Nebraska, Journal

lA%AiSOAi, ANNDA ehohtt, OOuhiittisl
Il was called out of bed past mid
night to go four miles in the country
and attend what the messenger stated
you went ~ Had to. When | ar
rived l found ten-year-old girl cry
ing with sore throat. l looked into
it, asked the girl few questions, and
found that she had done a big wash
ing that day. Had little cold-noth-
ing else" How can you tell the diff
ference?" "I'n give you a rule by
which you can always determine"
was the response. IF the throat is
red and smaller, no fear of diiphthe-
ria; but if it looks as though some
one had thf6wn IA handful of ashes
into -the~throat-a dull gray color
LOCK out. It's diphtheria's danger
signal"
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
Ever on the Alert.
Mason County Register.

If there is any one thing more than
another we admire in the STATESMAN
it is the opposition OF that paper to
such legislation as the penitentiary
lease system. We are averse to any
paper assuming the role of censor
over the law-making body of the state,
but when paper attacks so palpable
a wrong as the penitentiary lease sys-
TEN and kindred legislation, which
the legislature is trying to foist upon
the state, we join with it and are glad
to find so strong a champion of the
people as the STATESMAN ever on the
alert for their defense.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
The People Condemn.
[San MarcOs Free Press. ]

We have noticed the tenor of our
exchanges and other indications of
public sentiment, and are convinced
that the STATESMAN is correct. The
senate, being composed presumably of
intelligent, well-informed men, we
are driven to the conclusion that they
knew they were misrepresenting their
constituents in the. action taken on
the subject. Nothing was ever plain
er than the general Condemnation of
the present system of leasing the pen
itentiary and hiring out the convicts
by an INSCRIPTIONS, mercenary ring.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

Now THERE is talk of an Irish re-
public. The executive committee of
the National Land league discussed
the question as to whether or not the
coming convention at Philadelphia,
to be held when Mr.. Parnell ar
rives, should be strictly Land
leaguej convention. The opinion
seems to prevail since the Land league
has been absorbed in Ireland by the
wider national movement, including
the Home Rule idea, that all the Irish
societies and all Irishmen should be
invited to take part in the conven-
tion, with view to a general union
of all organizations on one grand pa
triotic basis. A movement is on foot
to declare the autonomy and the bel
ligerent rights of Ireland as a nation,
and it is expected the league will fall
into line.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

DIR. J. q. GIVEN, of this city, has
been offered the first assistant physi-
clans position at the lunatic asylum,
and he accepts the responsible place.
DIR. Given acted in the same relation
under DR.. Wallace, in 1878 and 1879,
and because of his earnest devotion
to duty and his understanding of the
treatment of the insane he acquired a
reputation that now attaches to him
in that capacity. He will be of very
great assistance in the treatment of
patients, and the STATESMAN is espec-
tally pleased that the value of his ser
vices have been recognized.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
Sugar Statistics.

The Chicago Grocer stated that in
this country we use annually of sugar
and molaSseS, or Sweetening materials
of all kinds, an equivalent of forty
pounds per capita of our entire popu-
lation, which at the last census
enumeration was little in excess or
60,OOO,0O0, which is not far out of the
way, this will give yearly consump-
ton of 2,2OO,OO0,OOO pounds, or 1,OO6,-
600 tons. This, if all loaded on cars
of twenty tons each-the large capac-
ity now built-would freight $4,000
cars. If these were all made up in
one train, allowing thirty-three feet
to each car, they would form contin-
GUS line of 424 miles, or about half the
distance from Chicago to Albany,
New York. These calculations en-
able us at a glance to form an idea of
the immense magnitude of the trade
in this country. 1t includes all sugar
or sweetening products from what
ever source produced. The actual
cost can best be arrived at
from reports of the treas
ury department, showing the value
of imports and the amount of
duties collected upon the same. For
the ii seal year ending June 81, 1881,
there was imported for immediate
use, or withdrawn from warehouse,
sugars, molasses, confectionery. me-
iado, etc., to the value of $89,982 ,048,
which were dutiable, and So, 962, O56 of
sugars from the Sandwich Islands,
which were admitted free of duty,
making a total value of importations
of 1914, 782, 104. The duties collected
amounted to $47 ,986,041. 1t is impos-
sible to arrive at accuracy in regard
to the domestic production. The
sugar crop of the south is estimated to
average in value 100000 annually.
1t will be in bounds to estimate the
value of the products of sorghum,
maple and beet sugar and glucose at
$15,0O0,0O0, making the total domes-
tic supply $25.OOO,0OO in value. This
added to the value of the foreign sup
ply and duties, makes grand total of
1851 100000, equal to $2.85 per year
for each person in the United States.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
Does Not Look In Vain.
fort Worth Gazette. ]

The eyes Of the people of Texas are
upon the members of the house of
representatives. $The people look to
that body to annul the contract made
in the expiring moments of the Rob-
erts administration, and not to place
this vast interest beyond the control
of the state. Were there no objec-
tions, such as inadequate compensa-
ton, the length of the lease is sufii-
cient to condemn it, and IL should be
annulled. The Gazette trusts that
the people may not look in vain to
their representatives TO protect the
interests of the state.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

The German nobility have been
notified that they must publicly prove
their right to the titles which they
bear before the first of April. The
reason for this order. which is likely
greatly to thin their ranks, is that for
a century past the custom has grown
up of all the members of each noble
family assuming the title instead of
combining it to the elder branch
fhereof
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE REGION known as Oklahoma
in the Indian Territory, was granted
TO five Indian tribes-Creeks, Choc-
taws. fherokees. -Chickasaws and
Seminoles-by formal treaty,-when
they were removed from Georgia,
Florida and other southern states
nearly fifty years ago. The govern
ment cannot, without the consent of
the tribes, permit white settlers to
move into the territory and occupy its
lands; and this consent has never
been given.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE physicians of st. Louis have
come to the conclusion that this
country will be visited by an epidemic
of cholera during the coming warm
season. They are on the anxious seat,
waiting for bettertif1es
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

Prominent citizens of Austin have
had an amendment prepared to the
state law against gambling, making
1t a penitentiary offense. There is
time enough to take the matter in
hand and pass it before the Legislature
adjourns. Who will champion itY
Whoever does will receive the thanks
-of every good citizen of the state.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE fuss raised about the pardon
of a convict in New York, on condi-
ton that he should drink no liquor
for five years, is decidedly unconsid-
cred. 1t appears that the law of the
state directs the return of the convict
if he violates the restrictions con-
tanned in his pardon. 1t is hard
chance for the man, and novel way
of promoting the temperance move
mani
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

tories inside the walls, paying for
convicts a good deal more than it
would require to sustain them. But
suppose the revenue of $4,000 were
all, and hundreds of convicts were
kept in idleness inside the walls.
On $4,000 per month, deducting ex-
penses of guards on the outside, they
could be kept like fighting cocks. But
the idea of the convicts inside the
walls not sustaining themselves is
absurd. Properly managed the peni'
tentiaries and convicts. would make
fine revenue for the state.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE STATESMAN must not be I'M
derstood to mean, in its reference to
a quotation from the Fort Worth
Democrat, that it Endorsed the charges
therein contained as applying to Sen
ator Johnston, of Shelby. The
STATESMAN knows nothing of any
matter duplicating the senator as
being improperly influenced in rela-
ton to the penitentiary leases; in
fact, its long time knowledge of the
man would lead to an entirely differ
emit conclusion.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
A Sharp Candidate.

Especial To the Commercial Gazette.l
The last examination for promotion
in the treasury department is now be-
ing held, previous to turning that
duty over to the civil service commits
sion. Several papers were submitted
to-day, the answers to the printed
questions being in most cases correct,
and showing a very high standard.
Among the candidates are messengers
and watchmen, who are anxious to
become clerks. One Of these, in
stating the qualifications necessary
for citizen to become President Of
the United States, said he must be
national born citizen, thirty-five years
of age and of sound mind. Another,
in replying TO the important inquiry
of how far the sun was from the
earth, Witty answered: 1.-The sun Is
not so far away that can not see 10
do my work, If l am given the place
/ want"
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE STATESMAN Is not inclined to
crow over this victory. 1t is one of
the people, and the paper has labored
IN their interest. That they are tri-
umphant is evidence that personal
government is not supreme in Texas.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

ACCORDING to the report of the
secretary of war, the organized
strength of the militia of the United
States is S7,7l4. OF this number
$3.50 are commissioned officers and
S1,031 are non-commissioned officers,
musicians and privates. The number
of men available for military duty,
but unorganized, is 6,797,000
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
SWUNG INTO KINGDOM COME.

WASHINGTON. March 3O-Charles
William Beaver, a colored youth, was
hanged in the jail yard at Leesburg,
Virginia, this morning for rape. The
hanging was witnessed by not over
fifty persons. He spent quiet night
and ale hearty breakfast. The con-
demned boy walked firmly to the
scaffold, and as the black cap was
drawn over his head, said; Fare
well friends and fellow-creatures.
The trap was sprung at 6:52 and his
neck was broken by the fall. Beaver
yesterday signed written confession
of his crime.
Beaver was dusky mulatto and
between sixteen and seventeen years
of age. His crime was committed
upon ten-year-old daughter of Geo.
l.. Hunt. who knew Beaver well, and
whom Beaver assaulted In public
road as she was returning from
school. The child recovered from her
injuries, and upon her testimony
Beaver was convicted. An attempt
to lynch Beaver was made two days
after the crime, but precautions III
been taken in advance against such
an attempt. Gov. Cameron was APP
pealed to to commute the sentence to
Imprisonment for life but he refused.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05
The MASSACHUSETTS, reformation,

The Massachusetts reformatory
prison for women is not simply a
penal institution, but it is meant to
reclaim the women sent there. The
discipline is peculiar to itself. The
prisoner is informed on her entrance
that upon her own behavior depends
advancement. The first four weeks
she passes by herself, seeing only such
officers of the institution as have
occasion to visit her. At the end OF
that time, she is regularly entered as
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE passage of the new city char
ter, now before the legislature. is one
of the best things that can be done
for the capital city. 1t will not only
greatly improve the character of our
city government, but it will elevate
its moral standard by destroying the
influence of corporation rings that
have in the past too greatly influenced
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

MIR. SHAw's Independent Pulpit is
beyond all doubt an organ of infideli-
ty. That is what sensational preach
ing leads to. But Mr.. Shaw has a
perfect right to preach and write as
he Dleases-
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-04-05

THE legislature has no idea OF
maintaining convicts in idleness, and
paying therefor $250,0OO annually.
Governor Ireland is probably the only
man who has had such a conception