davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
Ancient Mode of Baking Walls.


Among the recent discoveries at
Hissarlik by DIR. Schilemann are the
remains of buildings which he sup
poses to have been temples. The
walls are respectively Las met ers and
1.25 meters thick. Nothing, he SAYS,
could better prove the great antiquity
of the buildings than the fact that
they were built of unbaked bricks.
and that the walls have been baked
in stu by huge masses of wood piled
up on both sides of the wall and
kindled simultaneously. Each of the
buildings has vast vestibulum, and
each of the front faces of the lateral
walls is provided, with six vertical
quadrangular beams, which stood on
well polished bases, the lower part of
which were preserved, though, of
course, in a calcined state. DR.. Schlie-
mann maintains that in these an
Gent Trojan temples we may see that
the ante or parastades, which in later
Hellenic temples fulfilled only tech
nical purpose, served as an important
element of construction, for they
were intended to protect the wall
ends and to render them capable Of
supporting the ponderous weight of
the superintendent crossbeams and
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

A LETTER is received from prom
inent citizen of Gonzales, asking how
the vote stood in the senate on the
ratification of these penitentiary
leases. The STATESMAN published the
vote only in its legislative proceedings.
and in this way it may have escaped
the observation of some. The vote
stood: For Observation-Disclosures
Cooper, Evans. Fleming, Getzendaner,
Houston, johnson of Collin, Johnston
of Shelby, Jones, Kleberg. Matlock.
Patton, Peacock, Perry, Pfeuffer, Pope.
Against ratification-Chesley, Col
Inns, Davis, Farrar, Fowler, Gooch,
Gibbs, Harris, King. Martin, Ran
dolph, Shannon, Stratton, Terrell,
Trayllr.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
That Road Tax.

1t seems as if our legislature will
give us a road tax of some import
ance. From what some of the legis-
lators say on the subject we are the
most oppressed of any people under
the sun. We did think that, and SO
expressed it, while we were paving
the odious road tax under the Davis
administration, and demanded relief.
The trainers of our constitution and
the fifteenth legislature gave us re-
lief, and l am glad that there are
some members of the eighteenth leg
lslature who dare to speak out and
oppose additional taxation. The
young American idea has crept in
and tells legislators that young men
of to-day are better than their fathers
were, for all know that almost every
old man in Texas has faithfully
worked the public roads fromeighteen
to forty-five years of age, wherever
he lived; and now, in the decline of
life, when no longer able to work, the
cry is tax him or his afflicted old
widow Gf he has been gathered home)
on the little home prepared to sup
port them in their last years, and let
the stout, able bodied young man and
the tradeSmen-an of whom travel
the roads half dozen times to the old
man and widows one-be exempt
from road duty. For a road tax
amounts to naught. Such legislation
is tending to communism; and sup
pose these commune principles could
be put in full force and an equal
division made, in five years the
same state of affairs would
exist as now. The industrious.
energetic man would have a compe-
tency to live on, while the drone
would have nothing, unless it be a
house full of children and clamoring
for tax to educate them, tax to
work the roads for them; and, by
that time, they would call for tax
to cloth and feed them, and would
tell you that one was as consistent
with the true principles of a republi-
can form of government as the other.
Surely we have not so soon forgot
ten the oppression of heavy taxes, and
how the road tax was squandered in
the fraud and corruption in gobbling it
up, and our roads not worked. Ask
the people of Washington county if
they ever had any trouble in prosecu-
lions, even for fellonies, that grew
out of it. The legislator that will
now vote to again saddle such a tax
on his gray-haired old father or wild
owed mother ought to forever here
after remain at home.
NORTON MOSES,
By request of many of the best citi-
Zens of Burnet county.
Strickling, Burnet county, Texas.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
A RemarkabIe Vein Of Natural Gas,

For several months drilling has
been in progress for natural gas at
Hills Station, on the West Pennsyl-
vania road, some nineteen miles dis
tant from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
on the line of Allegheny river. A
plate glass mandatory is under con-
struction at that point, under the
management of ]. b. Ford, formerly
of the New Albany works at Indiana.
Between 100000 and $3,OOO,OOO will
be invested in the plant. February
Is, when the drillers had reached a
depth of ITO feet, remarkable vein
of gas was struck. The vapor imme-
diately ignited, burning down the
shanty and derrick. The drillers bare
ly escaped with their lives. The strike
caused great excitement, and the par
ties interested in the works are de-
lighted, as it will. they think, make
them independent with respect to
fuel for melting and annealing pur-
poses.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

IT is DIR. Dorman b. Eaton, the
president of the civil service COM
mission, who is reported to have said
that Republican congressman are so
vigorously filing up all the vacancies
in the governmental service that
there win be nothing for him and his
associates to do for a long time to
come. He might just as well confess
that his commission is not expected
to do anything until a Democratic
president is elected, when the work
for which it was created viii begin
The sole and only purpose of this
commission is to keep Republicans in
Office when the White House holds a
Democratic executives; and it is
humiliating to think that Democrats
worked for this end in voting for the
Pendletop biii.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
The New Mint.
[Brenham Banner.1


The News Austin correspondent
says the ratification of the peniten.
tiary lease would never have been
urged so persistently as it has been
unless there was a mint of money in
it. 1t is believed the lessees will
make from $4,000 to $4,000 year
out Of it. Some members of the
house think the lease will be
rejected by. that body, but when
they begin to feel the influences
that for weeks have, for days
and nights, wrought on the senate
rial mind and convenience, they will
come to different conclusion. The
correspondent predicts that the lease
will remain in force even if the house
refuses to ratify, In view of all the
facts developed but one conclusion
can be arrived at. and that is, that the
penitentiary lease is a job, out of
which some persons will make vast
amount of money. 1t is further made
apparent that the lobby is as power
full as the legislature.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE STATESMAN has worked per-
sistently for the success of the Demo
cratic party, and to this end it has
never failed to advocate the repudia-
ton of any member of the party who
does not labor for the protection OF
its principles. Democracy lives, and
it will live; but, unless purity of gov.
eminent be vouchsafed by the agents
of organized Democracy, there is an
independent element in the party
which will assert its power in the cor
rection of evils.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE STATESMAN has been an advo-
cate of railway supervision. The
Chenoweth bill was dangerous to the
best interests of the state, because il
would cripple railways, retard the
progress of the country and destroy
values of home products. The Gibson
bill. on the other hand, proposes COM
petent supervision. while the other
bill proposed Incompetent supervision
Railroad men ought not to object to
the substitute, while the advocates of
the original bill can find no valid
ground for opposition. The opposi-
ton of either, in fact, would show an
unreasonable opposition to any meas
ure which ought to become law.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE bill in the Ohio legislature
providing for supreme court COM
mission of five members, has passed
the house and is now in possession of
the judiciary committee of the senate.
There seems to be no doubt that it
will become law.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
"Bravo for senator Davis"
fisherman Courier.I

We are most glad tOnotice that our
talented young Senator Davis is occu-
plying a bold and determined stand on
the penitentiary lease. In a discus
sion of that issue Tuesday he was
most emphatic in denouncing It as
unjust, saying that he favored "wip-
ing out the entire thing. He alluded
to a growing political power which
he believed was headed by the lessees,
and he considered it dangerous, and
urged that it be knocked in the head.
He alluded to them being present in
the lobbies for the purpose, he said,
of stopping legislation. He said that
for the state to control the peniten-
tiaries will insure better care of the
convicts, and is prompted by the die
tates of humanity" Bravo for Sena-
tor Davis.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE Brown County Banner is OPP
posed to mixing church and state. In
relation to the proposition to legislate
the Bible into the public free schools
il says: "There are great many
who do not believe in the religion OF
the Bible. and do not want their chill
dren TO study it, but at the same time
desire to avail themselves of the adj
vantages offered by the state. especial
" when they contributed to the sup
port of her institutions. And besides,
such legislation would be repugnant
70 cur constitution"
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE failure of Ferry & Thompson
Senator Ferry's.house) brings to light
most shameless fraud. Enough sur
plus notes issued by that firm have
come to light to bring. the liabilities
up to over 100000, and the credit
ors cannot expect to realize even five
cents on the dollar. And yet organs
of the party of which Mr.. Ferry has
been shining light do not pay one
half the attention to his case that
they do to the Polk and Vincent de-
faleations
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
Prayed Straight at a Mark,

The first stationed Methodist min
lister in Troy, Alabama, was the Rev.
Mr.. Kelley, who had charge of the
church there in 1857. There was in
the town ten-pin alley, which was a
great nuisance to the religious and
moral portion of the community, and
the Rev. Mr.. Kelley desired very
much to have it abated. He was a
very gifted and earnest man in prayer
so, one Sabbath morning, he prayed
most fervently and devoutly that the
Lord would send wind to blow the
ten-pin alley down. Wednesday af-
ternoon following wind came and
did blow down the house which con-
tanned the alley and Immediately
ceased, doing no other damage. There
has not been a ten-pin alley in the
place since then. This is an actual
fact, which came under the observa-
ton of the writer, and which will be
verified by any of the citizens of the
place who resided there then and still
survive.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE Bolton Journal calls attention
to the fact that railway companies
have for some time suspended active
operations in Texas, because of fear
that they were going to be crippled
by legislation. When the people ar
ray themselves against capital invest
ed for their benefit, it is time to be
alarmed; but, like our contemporary,
the STATESMAN does not believe the
people are so arrayed. The Journal
says: Whatever may have been the
disposition of the people few years
ago against railroads, at the present
time the large majority seem to be
perfectly willing that the roads should
earn fair percentage on the capital
invested. The leading object now is
to prevent the roads from making
determinations in favor of or
against certain places. This once ac-
complished, the question of freights
would soon regulate themselves.
While the Journal is in favor of hold
ing railroads to the strlctest account
ability, and preventing any discrimi-
nations, still it would dislike to see
any laws passed that would cripple
these great arteries of commerce"
These statements, as to the DISPOSE
ton of the people, are correct. The
result in the house yesterday-the
adoption of the Gibson bill, as a substi-
tute for the Chenoweth bills an
indication as to how the people
are disposed towards railways. There
is desire to see them made amenable
to the law for its violation, but the
people are the friends of the great ar
teries of trade, and it is well for the
development of Texas that such dec
laration is being made by their repre-
SantatiVaS
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
What is in Resumption,
dallas Times.l

The penitentiary ring having tri.
umphed in the senate, the house is
looked to by the people to save them
from disgrace. The report of Super
intendent Goree shows that the ex.
pense of maintaining one convict for
one year, including pro rata pay of
guards, sergeants and the expense of
state officers, as 1893. The return
in labor of one convict is 1892 per
year, leaving net profit of one hum
bred and one dollars to the lessees.
The average number of convicts being
1908, the estimated profits to the state
upon the foregoing basis, in case OF
resumption for fifteen years. would
be SO, 488,22O, after deducting the
amount to be paid by the lessees. This
majority of the senate have deliber-
ately taken from the people to enrich
a ring of war companions.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE published letter of Fish Com
missioner Robertson reads well. Not
long ago he was notified by some OF
the lobby that his place could be held
if he would go to work to help secure
the ratification of these penitentiary
leases. He would not do this, and
his case has hung fire, and now he
presents his resignation before the
programme of retirement strikes him
He has made a splendid fish commits.
sioner, but he declined to be lobby
list, and the STATESMAN glories in his
manlineSS
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
No Matter How Fanatical.
Palestine Advocate.l

Action on the bill to submit a pro-
hibition amendment to the state con-
stitution came up in the lower house
of the legislature on the 18th ult. 1t
required two-thirds majority to pass
the bill through, and failing to get
this, it was lost. A majority, how
ever, voted to submit the amendment
to the people, on account, we suppose,
of the petitions sent up to that body
asking as much; but the names
on these petitions represented but a
very small fraction of the voters of
the state, and we think the prayer of
the petitioners was very properly ig-
nored by the house. 1t would be poor
craftsmanship to run the state to the
expense of an extra election simply to
crafty the wishes of few fanatics,
however honest and sincere their IA
naticism may be.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
KNOW All Ahont Onera.
HVW HHH AUOuU OVCI ne
New Orleans Times-Democrat.


The operatic critic of the Galveston
News has discovered that Tournie is
not much of tenor, and by implica-
ton suggests that Mr.. Defossez and
the critical public of New Orleans
have been greatly deceived in him.
The critic praises Delrat and Jour-
dan, and holds that Tournie's Is not in
keeping with theirs, 1.-The trembling of
his voice being decidedly detri-
mental" If Mr.. Defossez should hap
pen to come across this adverse bit of
criticism he might feel like cutting
down Tournie's large salary, which is
more than that of Delrat's and Jour-
dams combined. In New Orleans,
where we know little or nothing of
opera, the general opinion is that
Tournie is well worth his salary.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE record of assertions from SER
vice in the United States army last
year, shows that sixth of the enlisted
men walked or rode away from camp
or garrison with all the clothing and
equipments they could carry, the cav
airy men even taking their horses
when they had the opportunity.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE compulsory education bill
which has passed the Illinois senate
provides that children between the
ages of eight and fourteen years must
attend school at least twelve weeks in
the year, and provides penalties for
parents and guardians who neglect
their duty in the premises.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE circulation of the STATESMAN
in Comal county is increasing since
the senator from Comal, among 9th
ers, concluded to cut down its circula-
ton. The people of that county find
a representative in the STATESMAN
when more legitimate agencies fail
thaYn
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
DEPARTMENT. OF INSURANCE..

bTATISTICb AND HISTORY,
- AUSTIN, TEXAS, February 10, 1888,
To all whom IL may concern:
This Is to certify that the New Orleans In
surance company OF New Orleans, Louisiana,
mas In all respects fully complied with the laws
OF Texas as conditions precedent to its doing
business In this state, and that said company
holds certificate of authority from this office
emitting II to do business IN this state for
WE'VE we months from the list day Of January,
1883 To the 81 st day of December 1883.
Given under my hand and seal, at office, I'm
J.. s. Austin, the day and date first above
written. ii. p. BREWSTER,
-. ZIMPELMAN & BERGEN, Agents, Austin,
Texas. mib-W3t
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

Col. HARRY GILMORE, the noted
rebel scout, died in Baltimore some
days ago. He was noble man in
private life, and the bankers and mer-
chants of Baltimore are going to con-
tribute fund of $4,000 to be used
in the education of his three orphan
ohfIdran
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

OF THE twenty Democrats who
voted for the tariff bill. seven were
from Pennsylvania, three from New
York, three from New Jersey, two
from Virginia and one each from
Maine, Massachusetts, Alabama
Georgia and West Virginia. OF the
sixteen Republicans who voted
against it, six were from Pennsyl-
vania and four from Ohio.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE Greenback members of the
congress just expired have issued an
address to the people, the burden OF
which is that the country made a
great mistake in retiring them from
public life. The defunct Greenback
party will be missed only by the few
whom it helped into Office, and the la
ment of the retiring congressman is
more for the loss of place than be
cause of apprehensions for the future
of the country.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
Mr.. Chesles All Right.
IBrenham Banner.l

The penitentiary lease was ratified
in the Senate on Wednesday by a vote
of 16 to Is. Mr.. Chesley, senator
from this district, voting against rati-
flying. A very large lobby has been
in Austin working in the favor of
the lease. and it is evidently a very
good thing for the lessees, or they
would not have been at so much
trouble and expense to secure a ratifi-
cation.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.
STATISTICs AND HIQTnRN

AUSTIN, TEXAS, March 8, 1888.
To all whom IL may concern:
This is to certify that the Swiss Lloyd Trans
port Insurance company Of Winterthur, Swift
erland, has In all respects fully complied with
the laws OF Texas as conditions precedent 10
its doing business I'm this state and that said
company holds certificate of authority from
this office emitting II TO do business In this
state for twelve months from the 1st day of
1888
Given under my hand and seal, at office, I'm
l.. 5. Austin, the day and date first above
written. IL. p. BREWSTER,
- Commissioner.
- AUGUST BUTrLAR, Agent, Galveston.
Texas. ml5-w3t
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

1T APPEARS that Vincent's salary
as state treasurer of Alabama was
$500 year. A misery state which
deludes itself with the idea that it
can secure IN honest man to hold
such position at barkeeper's salary
ought to be robbed. says the Chicago
Herald, and we are glad of it.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
STAYS Or AN OLD STYLE.
COrsets That Are Without Clasps
and That Must be Laced at the


cincinnati COMMERCIAL
French corset makers are reintro-
ducing the old fashioned corset that
had board-like "busk" down the
front, but no clasps, the lacing all be-
ing done at the back. This method,
though causing extra time and trouble
in arranging, produces, it is claimed,
more graceful outline to the form
than the usual method of fastening
the corset. A dressing maid will be
fashionable necessity if these cor
sets come in. The busk is of ivory or
steel, is about two inches wide
and extends from top to
bottom of the corset in place of
the clasps. The corset is put on
hind side before" and it is loosely
laced and then whirled around so as
to face front. This movement is the
tug of war, and will be likely to i'm
peril the success of the new departure
in corsets. Satin is the faYOrite IA
brio for corsets among good dressers,
as this classic material moldS itself
more closely to the figure than either
jean or French coutille. 1t is open to
two objectionS-itS cost and fragility.
Over the hips of the new corsets are
set wide guSsets of silk elastic web
bling, which give a peculiar ease to
the Wearer.
Returning French modistes bring
word from over the seas that French
bellies who are troubled about
their too ample proportions
very frequently discard the cor
set altogether and have the Innings of
their dresses made of extra heavy
materials, almost crushing the dress
bodice inside with strong whalebones
finished with silk castings. Other too
solid ParisienneS who are determined
to look ethereal have taken to wear
ing nickel-plated corsets warranted
never to give an inch" These are
credibly reported to be worn next the
flesh, without the tender intervention
of any Undertaking whatever. The
French have a proverb that it is
necessary to be beautiful, and this
new departure in corsets is probably
intended to eXemplify it.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE eX-Confederate MisSourianS of
Ross and Ector's brigades, and of
Fitzhugh's regiment, have appointed
the second Tuesday in August as the
day for holding a reunion at McKin-
ney. All other ex-Confederates are
invited to be present.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15
DEPARTMENT or INSURANCE,

AUSTIN, TEXAS. January %, 1883. y
To all whom IL may concern:
This is TO certify that the Hamburg Bremen
Fire Insurance Co., Of Hamburg, Germany,
has in all respects fully complied with the laws
OF Texas as conditions precedent 10 its doing
business In this state, and that said company
holds certificate Of authority from this ONCE
twelve months from the LIST day OF january,
1883, to the 31st day of December, 1888
Given under my hand and seal, at Office I'm
IL. 81 Austin, the day and date first above
written. A. w. SPAIGHT,
Commissioner.
., ZIMPELMAN s. BERGEN, Agents, Austin,
Texas. rniO-Wst
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-15

THE penitentiary lobby is the most
complete that ever piled any legisla-
ture. The one or two newspaper cor
respondents at the capitol, who be-
long to it, have Il hard time finding
papers to publish their effusions; and,
therefore, when they do they are
recklessly lavish with falsehood.