davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
LOOK TO YOUR STAMPS.

a very interesting case, one iuvolv-
ing the responsibility of parties selling
or buying cigars, cheroots, cigarettes,
opes or jars, was decided in the United
States Circuit Court on Saturday.
Victoriano Lopez, a cigar maker,
was tried for having in his house ten
boxes (empty) of cigars, the stamps Of
which had not been entirely destroyed.
The law bearing upon such case
(section 3406 United States Revised
Statutes, and the following), is very
explicit and positive. 1t says: "When-
ever any stamped box, vessel, wrap
per, envelope, or jar, containing cigars,
cheroots, cigarettes, tobacco or snuff, is
emptied, it shall be the duty of the
person in whose hands the same is, to
destroy utterly the stamps thereon, and
any person who wilfully neglects or
refuses so to do, shall, for each such
ofense, be fined not exceeding fifty
dollars, and imprisoned not less than
ten days nor more than six months"
In Lopez's room, in an armoir, was
found an empty box Of cigars, and on
top of the armoir another box (the
latter being covered with dust must
have been there long time) whose
stamps had not been utterly destroyed,
according to the statue.
Lopez was tried by jury. The jury
seemed to hesitate, but after long deli
beration brought in a verdict of acquit-
tai. The case is an interesting one, as
it touches upon the responsibilities of
both cigar dealers and buyers who
neglect to destroy the stamps after the
cigars have been taken from the box,
-Ner Orleans Item.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
THE CREDIT SYSTEM.

a correspondent of the st. Louis Globe
Democrat. writing from tho South gives a
graphic description ofthe iniquitous conse-
Iuences OF the credit system as it exists
here. A perusal ofthe following will be in
teresting if not agreeable to many Of our
readers
Although this is tho very home Of cotton
the land producing from Il bale and hall
10 Two bales to tho acre, not one planta-
ton out of fifty shows any sign of thrift.
Broken fences, tum bio down cabins, minor
houses out OF repair, lean, horned cattle,
inevitable rule. In fact with ali the condi-
lions for favorable farming, the demon
credit has settled down on the country, and
debt crushes everything. The negro COM
mences the year in debt, tolls on from day
to-day without the hope of paying, and on
~ asks to live. The planter himself inner
it's mortgaged place, runs in debt for sup
plies and ends the year moro in debt than
ever. AS ono of this class said to the writer
the negro owns tho mule, the planter owns
the negro. the money-lender owns the
planter and all starve except the last.
ton, and the true solution of the labor
question in this as in other cotton growing
regions. must be sought in an abolition Of
the credit system. While the negro is kept
IN debt, forced to work this year to pay for
the bacon he ate last year, and only hopes
to live next year that he may be compelled
to work to pay for the bacon ate this year,
his cotton on the slightest provocation sure
that he cannot be discharged because he
owes too much. Hc should be paid wages
regularly in cash, be forced to buy his own
supplies for cash, and when he fails to
work be promptly discharged.
The responsibility thus forced upon him
would stimulate his intellect, give him an
education in economy-he would soon find
that he can not eat his plum pudding and
still have it-and make him better citi-
zen. 1t would also be Il blessing to the
planter. 1t would relieve him of hummer
able cares. place his crops at his own dis
posal. and while making his laborers
seemingly and actually more independent
or him, make their services stable and
twice as valuable.
The planter, however,, says "this can not
DO done. We are in debt, and can't pay ex-
cept from our next crop the negro is in
debt and can only pay with his labor next
season." True. bat the end must come.
and Will come from the heard. The I'M
PoFerished planter, like tho unfortunate
merchant, must fail and give place to some
ono else, or a bankrupt act must wash ont
his debts and give him a new start. Cor
tainly i'll no merely agricultural pursuit
can so much money DO made in PROPORTION
to capital as in growing cotton in tho Mis-
sissippi swamp country, but in that pur
suit. as in any other, capital is the first do
sideratum, and that capital must he
handled with business ability, labor must
be paid in cash what il honestly earns, and
the proceeds of tho cotton crop must not he
spent before the seed has boon planted.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
The STATE TICKET INiSSI,

There is good deal of political c"cusiug and
sMtaHoh going on just now, and combin alto
States for tho Stote election i'll 1881 arc boing
i4rmeu. ono OF thSso-,as Yet hut part made UPS
gwen rs follows: For Governor, Allen Jumel of
tuoeryiile; Lieutenant Governor, Harry Ogden of
nossisr Ircasurcr j. ii. Cosgrove of Natchitochcs;
tsrv aS NJ d; kayanangh ofSt Landry Secro:
Attorney General and Superintendent of Tublia
EnSa.s"n arc on the slate apparently left open to
Vaoe OH Tor intiucnce.-City Item,
Such a ticket will not suit the masses at
I,,; mnd ~ VIII have decided opposition both
before IT'S nomination and after. The neo-
pleh have become about MS tired of rinr;sn,
Tno oossism as they were of Radicaiism.
, 10 secure me harmony of the party the
next state ticket must be headed bv Such n
NAN man as Ex-Gov. Nichols, or Hon. John c.
Moncure OF Caddo. ticket headed by
snch men and made of like material womb
infuse new life into the party and enthuse
the people with the hope that tho victory of
the party would not be barren of results
It is time for the clement Of the party
which has been in the ascendenary to ster
enough of them and their methods. II is
time for change. Claiborne Goroiian.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
THE STATE UNIVERSITY.

The TELEGRAPH copies from the
Alexandria Express the following
tribute TO Col. Boyd, and it affords US
pleasure to add our testimony to that
of the Express as to the merits of Col.
Boyd:
Prof. J. w. Nicholson has announ-
ced that he will not be candidate for
President of the State University and
Agricultural and Mechanical College at
Baton Rouge. AS we have previously
stated we believe that there is no man
who could have administered the
affairs of the institution with more
ability and with greater success with
such resources as he had at his COM
mand, than Col. ID. F. Boyd, which
opinion is entertained by the public
throughout the state. We would re-
specially urge upon the members Of
the Board of Supervisors the impor
lance of deliberation in selecting sue
cessor to Col. Johnston.
Col. Boyd is so well known to the
people of the whole state that it is I'M
necessary to say anything of his fit
ness and qualifications for the place he
filled with so much ability for fifteen
years.
We have been informed that his
name has been mentioned in connec-
ton with the vacancy but we feel as
sured from our knowledge of Col.
Boyd that if he is again selected to fill
the chief administrative Office of the
principal educational institution in the
state that it will not be by any solicit
tation on his part of the place or from
any eagerness to return to a position
that is surrounded with so many
difficulties or fraught with so much re-
sponsibility.
We unhesitatingly assert, with a
knowledge of public sentiment, as far
as it has been determined in relation
to the Presidency of the University,
that the election Of Col. Boyd would
give the highest satisfaction to the peo-
pie of the entire State.
The action Of the Board of Super.
visors will be watched with profound
interest and should they determine to
recall Col. Boyd who has shown such
eminent administrative capacity they
will receive the hearty congratulations
OF all who have its welfare at heart.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24

In the Picayune of the 2lst, we find
the following dispatch from its special
correspondent at Shreveport, dated the
day before:
A Standard special gives an account
of three tramps entering store in Ger
mantown, Webster parish, yesterday
afternoon, and gagging and robbing
the proprietor and clerks. The robbers
are supposed to be coming toward
Shreveport, with sheriff's posse in
pursuit. Chief of Police Austin, here.
has been notified by telegraph to be
on the look out, but up to a late hour
tonight the robbers have not made
their appearance. The river CROSSINGS
are MI being watched.
This may explain the rumor circu.
lated here few days ago that two
men who had stopped in Monroe had
been caught in Il robbery in Webster
parish, killing their victim, and we're
subsequently captured and hanged
without judge or jury.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
The New Orleans Times. Democrat

The New Orleans Times. Democrat
makes the following announcement
"Mrs. j. Ellen Foster is an orator as
well as lady. She writes that she
will be here next Saturday. Her tenn
perance lectures are all fire."
This is evidently mistake. The
temperance lectures of the silver
tongued and charming Judith Ellen
Foster are more like water than fire
The ladies who are preparing to re-
ceive Mrs. Foster wish it stated that
her temperance lectures are to be free.
and that is probably what the I'D.
meant to say when it took fire.-N o.
Pica.y,1e.
The Picayune should be more care
full itself. How will the critic of that
paper manage this sentence from its
leading editorial of the same issue from
which the above is taken I?
If any action grow out of the final
determination of the Republican cau-
Gus to make one more effort to pass a
tariff bill, it will be in the nature of a
gag movement, and will give satisfac-
ton to none.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
WAR JOKES AND ANECDOTES.

Capt. T.. u. Kidd, of Vernon, jackson
parish, in this State, proposes t, compile
edit and prepare for publication Il work on
the late war, which promises to DO both
novel and interestingly book mingling
heroism and humor. The serious or grave
aspects Of the war have been already pre-
sented IN score of works, containing the
birth and death Of the Confederacy. The
Federal government has devoted itself to
tho collection of all the reports, official
papers and other documents relating to the
struggle, and is publishing them in book
form. What tho government is doing for
these dry details Capt. Kidd proposes to do
TOR the humorous side of the contict-fOr
tlefield-and intends to collect and publish
the anecdotes and jokes of our late I'M
pleasantness. There arc scores of stories of
camp life, of the march, and even of the
battle itself, which, if properly presented,
would form a very entertaining volume,
and under the name anecdotes he would
embrace incidents of Il serious nature, such
as acts OF heroism, strategy against the
of the camp fire.
There arc thousands of these anecdotes
floating around the country, many of
which are destined to die unpublished un-
less Capt. kidd'S proposition saves them
The only way in which they can be pre-
served is that which he suggests, that all
the soldiers, officers and privates of the
late war send to him in manuscript any
incident OF the struggle, amusing or enter
tanning, within their personal Knowledge,
which will DO properly dressed up by him
for publication.
The proposition is practical and if Can.
tain Kidd's invitation is generally circula-
ted and published through the country. so
AS to reach many of the old soldiers we
feel convinced that flood of correspon-
dence will pour in on him that will keen
him busy and produce in time a thrilling
interesting and yet laughable book, Who
is there that served i'll the war but has some
story to tell ? By sending it to Captain
Kidd, he will give the rest of the world the
same chance to laugh over it as himself
Light the camp-tires again, bows, and
gathering around them, tell once moro the
tales that twenty years ago relieved the
awful tragedy of war. Lot the late struw-
gle leave something behind it to which We
can turn back with smile. BY an ar
rangement with Capt. Kidd the most meri-
torious OF these humorous stories will be
first printed in the Times Democrat q.
Times Democrat.
What Capt. Kidd desires is that, all SOL
diers (ofllcers and privatcs) or others, who
may have within their knowledge any en-
tertaining story or andccdote of the war
shall send the same to him in manuscript
Mt his postotlice, Vernon, Jackson Parish
Louisiana. lie does not ask that contribu-
,ors shall DO particular in regard to their
style AS this will be attended to by the com
,iler. The names ofplaces where incidents
nave occurred as well rs Of persons, COM
oanics, regiments, ctc., connected with
hem should 10 given when propriety does
,ot forbid.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24

Gov. McEnery and Mr.. James have
at last carries their point and wruug
from the Secretary of War his reluc-
tant consent to allow the convicts of
the contractor to make their appear
ance as actors in the government levee
works for two weeks only. We hope
after this concession to importantly
there will be peace in the land, and
that the river, seeing the sort of COM
pany 1t is getting into, will lower its
crest and cease to threaten to overflow
its banks. The Governor is to be con-
graduated upon the successful result of
his perseverance.
five remember aright-copying the
above from the New Orleans Item
the metropolitan papers took sides with
the Secretary of War, but like the
Item, are now "coming around the
bend"
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
GEN. McMILLEN'S STATEMENT.

Especial to The Times Democrat.
WAsHINGToN,F Feb. 19.-With respect
to the statement Of Robert WorreiI re.
lative to the political prosecutions in
Tensas parish, Gen. McMillen says
that lie remembers seeing MIR. Worrell
at the st. Charles Hotel, and may
have talked with him about affairs in
Tensas parish, but he does not recollect
that he ever said to Mr.. Worrell that
he intended to prosecute the people of
Tensas parish for violations of the cleo
ton laws, and he does not believe that
he said to Mr.. Worrell that Judge
Boarman had promised him (McN1il-
len) all assistance in his power in such
prosecution, for the reason that he
never had any conversation of any
kind with Judge Boarman about the
political prosacutions in Tensas parish
or any other parish.
Gen. McNlillcn rciteratcs his state
mcnt, that he has had nothing what
ever to do with tho prosecution for al
legged violations Of election laws in
Tensas parish. That he has not been
consulted and has not given any adj
vice about them. He was not called
before the grand jury or in any other
way mixed up with the cases. He
says he did not know that any indict-
ments had been found until Informed
by Mr.. Tellus Watson and Mr.. Yea
mer, two of the parties indicted. He
says for proof of his statement that he
has done no single act in connection
with the prosecution, he refers to the
members of the grand jury and officers
of Judge BOarnan's court,
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
THE SOUTHERN ItOUTETO TIL.
PACIFIC.

No spoke, some time ago, upou the
opening OF the now Southern line to Tho
Pacific over the Sunset and Southern Poci
nc roads. of the many advantages that this
route enjoyed compared with the old one
VIA the Union and Central Pacific. Tn in
Illinois they appear to appreciate this fact
thoroughly, and tie Illinois Central Rail
road has completed arrangements bv which
through tickets will be placed on sale at
Chtcago for San Francisco by way of New
Orleans ut tho same rate as now paid oyor
the Union Pacific. This route, it is true,
IS 900 miles longer than that via Omaha,
ana in shape almost like 4 somi circle but
1t is thought that the advantages it posses
SEES Will make it the great winter line to the
Pacific coast. 1t will be free from all dan
gers from ice and snow, from all stoppaues
and delays, and tho traveller will DO able TO
make this trip through 4 balmy climate
ana a beautiful country, passing through
New Orleans, San Antonio, over the fertile
prairies of Texas, aud romantic New Next
co, and the orchards and vineyards of Sou
tnern California, instead of through the
bleak snow-clad mountains and barren
aikali deserts of Nevada.
IL VIII look strange to SEQ trayc icrs en-
route from New York and the East to the
aciitc slope taking in our city, but there
IS ittic donbt that this Southern route viii
soon soon necomc the winter line, at least to San
Francisco. ''''
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
THE CULTIVATION OF JUrE.
[Erank Wilkeson in Now York Sun. ]

frank WiIkeson in Now York SulI.1
Satisfied that the soil and climate of Mis-
sissippi, which produces u cotton fibre far
improve the jute fibre and enable the Amer
lean producer to control the market. Mr..
Menelas was not discouraged by the lack
machine would be invented. Machines
were invented, tried, and cast aside. In
1857 Mr.. Il. a. Smith of st. Louis perfected
machine that met all requirements. This
machine separates the tough outside hlsk
of the stalk, which carries the fibre. from
the pulpy interior, and cuts the husk into
strips about quarter of an inch wide and
the full length Of the stalk. After the me-
chanical operations are completed the
strips are made into small bundles and
completely submerged in water for about
two weeks. This bath dissolves the gum
my substance that envelopes the fibre.
When the gum has been dissolved, the jute
is removed from the bath and cleaned by
allowing running water to pass oyer it.
the market. The tibres are as long as the
stalks of the plant, say from seven to fiji
teen feet. When properly prepared, they
are of yellowish white color and e exceed
ingly tiossy. The yield, as obtained by ac-
tual experiment on this farm. is from 500
to 1000 pounds per acre. The Mississippi
Jute would pc worth l about four a half
that he produced the fibre for two cents
and a halfper pound this year.
Great advantages will result to the
Southern States from the cultivation OF
jute. In three months and a half from
planting the seed, the crop is ready for the
market. The .plant is drought proof. 1t
resists wet weather SUCCESSFULLY. 1t has
broadcast on we'll prepared ground, and,
after narrowing thoroughly, the crop ro-
4uires no further attention until ready to
cut: 1t blooms-cutting time is determin-
crop has been laid by, and. before picking
begins. The production of jute would sup
ply the cotton planter with an article to
soil at the season Of the year when he is al
ways short of money;it would also supply
the southern railroads with TRANSPORTATION
during the months when they have but lit
t!e TO do. 10 successfully produce the
fibre, there must be an abundance Of water
on the plantation.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
CONGRESSIONAL HUMOR.

The proceedings of Congress are not
always dry and stupid. We submit
first specimen ofhumor in the House,
and second specimen-and rare one
of Senatorial fun, Senator Morrill, be-
ing the humorist in the last instance :
We are for that kind of freedom in trade
that will take the shackles from industry
Government Of this country. That is our
position, and we can not be driven from it
by any man on this side or by any recu-
SAINT on that side.
Pennsylvania tMr. Kelleyl, since this dis
order has broken out in his ranks, that it
is about time for him to withdraw his
forces. req, reorganize them, and discipline
So I have voted and SO l expect to vote to
the end.
Mr.. KELLEY. What disorder does the
gentleman refer to?
again and discipline your members.
Mr.. KELLEY. What members need dis
Mr.. Cox, of New York. The gentleman
from Iowa [Mr. Kassonj, the Gentleman
from Kansas Mr.. Anderson,1 and others.
Nj. KELLEY. You can not think that
they need discipline, for you and your
friends applauded them to-day.
Mr.. Cox, of New York. love to see an
independent man, especially when he is
learning toward the right. hope many
things from tho gentleman from Kansas
mfr. Anderson. for he commenced life
right; he was a minister of the gospel of
peace and good will. [Laughter.l
l hope for nothing from the gentleman
from Pennsylvania IMr. Kelley1, either in
this world or the world to come. laugh
tori.
did not want to vote upon this question
at once, because wished to hear from
! have heard from my friend
the military Senator from kentucky IMr.
and think he is much less bel
ligerent than his colleague MIR. Beckl. I
agree with both Of the Senators from Ken
lucky that this is n low rate of duty, and
t hat 1t yields large amount Of revenue.
Eight hundred and eleven thousand dollars
of revenue is received from it. ! do not
agree with tho Senator from Kentucky who
first spoke on this subject, who seems to be
of the same opinion of the chap who was
going to take the pills of the physician
The Senator denies that this is to operate
as a protection to hemp, and the chap who
was going to take the medicine from the
physician said he would take the pills but
he would be burned if thoy should operate
[I.aughter.]
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24

Mr.. John Gartner, Of Dallas, Texas,
mas received letters patent from the
oni'ed States and from Great Britain
upon an invention of his own, which
ne claims will revoluiionize the pres
ent mode OF propelling steamships, and
increase their speed from one-third to
u ,,, their present running time.
A"e Invention consists of the attach
ihent OF second and third wheel, or
"propeller,' to a vessel so that it will
nave three instead of the single one
now IN use upon all steamships which
run across theoceans of the world.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24

With deep feeling of sorrow, we
note the death of Henry MerrelI, of
Camden, Ark. His health for years
past has been prccarious. His trip to
Europe, as one of the delegates to the
Pan-Prcsbyterian Council, seemed to
build it up somewhat, and the sudden
tidings of his death is to us both a sur
PRISE and Il sorrow. He was no COM
mon man. Large-heartcd, generous,
clear in his convictions, and thoroughly
loyal to principle, he was loved, re-
spected and trusted wherever he was
known. One ofthe very best things
to our notion at least-to which that
Council gave rise, was the correspon-
dence of the "Back Country Elder,'
which came from his pen. He was a
most trenchant writer on questions of
Church polity. His story of "The
Refugees" displays versatility of
style, breadth of observation, and de-
scriptive power that place him in the
front rank of Southern writers. He was
a noble character; fine Conversations.
list, charming and instructive CON.
panlon; and those who knew him
honored and loved him. Such men
are rare; and their departure from us,
makes us all the more keenly realize
the fact.
The story of the "Refugces" was a
splendid composition. The author we
never knew until reading the above i'm
The New Orleans Presbyterian.
The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1883-02-24
A drmmer Law diving.

About him We're crying;
The friends who had loved him tho bes,
But he lay in his stiffness.
As all through his illness,
For he knew he would soon be at rest.
All, slowly he's going.
Not asking, not Knowing,
with smile on his quivering lips
He has learned tho sweet story.
- He is touched with the glory
II won't carry my samples this trip"