smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1859




The avarice of an adventurous Yankee who
some years since imported into this country
huge weed from the land of spices serpents
and poisons, where there is a good deal be-
sides man that is vile, Bishop Heber to the
contrary Notwithstanding has entailed upon
this City nuisance of the greatest magnitude
This nuisance, which every one will name with
out a second thought. is the pretty Ailanthus,
which is now in full blossom, exuding its nau-
seous odOr, and making the atmosphere of our
streets and squares heavy with a sickening and
detestable perfume which it is impossible to
escape from without going upon the water, or
getting into the country. The ordinary odor
of our streets is sufficiently nausesting; but the
worst scent which an incompetent City In
spector has given u.s. Is refreshing compared
with the unwholesome and sickly odor of the
ailsnthus As this worthless tree grows rapid
ly, il has given US a mushroom forest in our
streets, avenues and public squares of this veg
etable nuisance, to the exclusion of our sweet
native trees, many of which are superior to il
as shade trees, and for ornamental purposes
No insect can live on the ailsnthus, nor can any.
animal feed on its foliage. 1t is as deadly in
its effects as the upas, and even where it does
not absolutely destroy life, il impairs health
and enervates the system. We publish note
from well-known chemist of this City in re-
lation to this subject, from which our citizens
will learn, if they have not already made the
discovery by terrible experience, that they
have been planting under their very windows
a blooming poison, which difuses its odOus
essence through all the apartments of their
dwellings, and undermines the health of their
families. There are thousands of our people
driven from their residences into the country
to escape the enervatiDg odor of the ailsnthus
The worst features of the tree belong to the
female ailanthus, and in an excess Of gallantry
this unfortunate sex has been everywhere pre-
ferTo1. The catalpa is as FREQ from worms as
the ailanthus; it is infinitely more beautiful,
and grows almost as rapidly. The ailanthus
puts out its leaves very late and sheds them
very carly, and very slight wind breaks off
its brittle branches and strips it Of its foliage
which renders it most unsuitable tree for city
planting. The ailanthus nuisance must have
now reached its height, and if our City author
ities do not pass law to remove il, the good
sense Of the people will, in time, rid US of the
annoyance; but for the present, it is hardly
endurable, and is rendered doubly odious by
the excessive heat of the weather.
Year: 1859

Advices from Japan state that the British Consul had
made progress in respect to the currency question.
The trade consequently was in allegiance


Tho American sloop ofwar Germantown was at Japan
Year: 1859

from Browns party tho citizens Of the Ferry Hstes


mopy was merely in corroboraon Of the facts stated by
the previous witness


TERRENCE BURNS sworn-was taken prisoner by Captain
Cook and two Others was Of the two hostages
Hued in the engine house; Brown had fv6 six Of his
men there; did not give any reason to why VIC were
put there except that was for his safety he said
he did not think any attack would be made upon the
gine house while the hostages we're there.


Here the defence closed their Testimony. None OF the
witnesses were cross examined foo the State.


Mr. Chiffon for the prisoner, and submitted mo


ton that the prosecution In this be compelled elect
on the on the indictment and abandon the others. Tho
indictment consists Of four counts and Is endorsed
can indictment for treason and advising and spring
and consprng with slaves and others 10 rebel and for
the charge OF treason in the s and the second count
alleges charge different from that which Is endorsed on
the back Of the indictment and which is upon record Tho
second count Is under the following sta,nte:-"If
n free person advise or conspire with a
slave 70 rebel make an instruction,
he shall DO punished with DEATH whether such rebellion
or nsurrccon be made not But the second count Of the
indictment that these parties who charged by tho
indictment conspred together with other persons 10 In
duce certain slaves the property Of Mess Astadf and
washington 70 make rebellion and nsurrec4ion. There IS
broad distinction between advising and conspirng with
slaves 10 rebel and conspring with others 70 induce
slaves to rebel whether he TO avail himself Of their
rrceularity by instruction from Court 70 the jury dsrc
gard this second count entirely, whether would bc
proper to wait until the conclusion Of the trial. and then
move an arrest Of Judgment he left his Honor decide
He proceeded argue tho motion that the prosecution be
compelled to elect count and abandon tho Others quot
ing Archibad's criminal pleading in support Of lis view
Year: 1859

WINTER IN EARNEsT.-For two weeks We of
Ohio have been reading accounts of cold, bitter
cold weather at the East. While we were enjoying
the genial smiles of a Christmas sun, the dwellers
near the Hudson were crossing that river on the
ice, and chopping diligently at the icy fetters which
bound their steamboats, While, for week past,
we have muttered curses at the profound depths of
mud and the street crossings which (dis) grace our
city, the railway passengers in New York and New
England were shivering through long weary nights
while the workmen were busly engaged in shovel
ing paths for the iron horses, and mails freight and
passengers were delayed for days owing to the
depths of snow. Even up to Thursday. might last,
we listened TO the stories of sleighing at Dunkrk,
Erie and Painesyille inwardly thanking our stars
that we were not as other men were, but now we
must come down TO the naked truth and own that
winter is upon US. Snow has been constantly fall
ing since Thursday, but lnti yesterday noon it but
added to the mud and ''sush" in the streets; then
came sudden change and through the afternoon
and evening cold, raw, clustering, driving storm
of snow and seet rendeied it most piercing cold
We never saw the snow come Gown faster or drive
harder than It did about four O'Clock. There was,
at midnight, strong prospect of snow enough for
sleighing to-day.
Year: 1859

The SEvENTEENTH.-The typos of this city
are determined that the Printers Festival on the
18th inst shall eclipse anything of the kind ever
held in this city, and that the day shall be ceebra


ted in a worthy and appropriate manner Horace
Greeley and other distinguished members of the
typographical corps are expected to be present,
and grand time will be enjoyed. All the arrange
ments will be made with special reference to the
comfort and enjoyment OF the occasion, and an in
definite amount of pleasure and entertainment is
expected to be crowded into the few hours of the
night Of the 18th 4lf
Year: 1859

and most fascinating songstress in the world,
and that the mistake had only taken place
because she was as beautiful as his sister
She had his most humble apology for what
had occurred, and if she would not be salts
isfied, he would return what he had taken.


When this note was translated to the be-
witching Marie, and she was assured Of its
sincerity, she laughed immoderately, and
said she had supposed perhaps kissing
pretty girl there she looked very arehly) on
meeting her, was an American custom. 1t
had frightened her at first but now she did
not care, for, said she, in her attractive
English Tuscan !" Zekees deed me no arm
Indeed it vas not so dees-vat you say eet
s?-dees-a-gra-ble."
Year: 1859

A MOVE IN THE RIGHr DIREcTIoN.-Prom
our Philadelphia exchanges we learn that
an organization has been formed in that
city, the leading object of which will be to
provide for better and more general OBJ
servance of our national holidays, with a
view to the cultivation of a spirit. OF patriot
ism and yeneratien of the institutions of the
country and the men OF the early days of
the Republic-the authors of the liberties
and blessings we enjoy. The association,
for this praiseworthy work is styled the
I" American Patriotic Union, and was in
augurated on the 22d of February. This
movement is well worth the attention of the
citizens of Evansville.


The Nashville Gazette forcibly and truth
fully remarks, that it is we'll known fact
that there is no country in the civilized
world that has SO few holidays as we have,
aud consequently there are no people who fnd
80 little proper enjoyment in them. As a
means of civilization and refinement of man
ners, the proper observance of anniversaries
which bring to mind the virtnous deeds of
patriotic men, may not be neglected with
impunity In the turmoil of business and
the struggle of life, we are too apt to forget
the instrumentalities which exert the great
est power in promoting the welfare and
prosperity of a nation.


1t should be regarded as an important
part of the public education to keep promi-
nently before the minds of youth the gen
erous and unselish deeds of virtuous and
courageous men, for such examples stimu-
late the young and lead to desire to pnr-
sue ''the path of honor and the way of great
ness" Love of home, love of country, kin
dred and friends, are holy feelings, which
should be cherished and encouraged and a
desire to aid in the work of placing our
country in advance of all others in the work
of civilization and religious freedom, should
be implanted in the bosom of every child in
the community; and there are no better nor
more agreeable means by which this work
can be accomplished, than by formal and
aeremonious exhibitions of our gratitude to
those who have faithfully served their coun-
try in its hours of need.
Year: 1859

Mr. John La Mountain is busily engaged
in making preparations for The construction
of the balloon with which he hopes to be
able to cross the Atlantic during the COM
ing season. For two weeks one of butchers
patent machines, at the rope and cordage
works in Troy, N. Y, has been used in
making the twine to be used for the net of
the ship. This is about onetenth of an
inch in thickness, and composed OF thirty
six strands of the very best Holland linen,
carefully selected from the stock at the Me-
chanicsville thread mills. 1t was necessary
to gauge the machine and drills in order to
turn out cord of the required size. That
produced is remarkably beautiful in its
make-as smooth as even woven silk. Its
strength may be inferred from the fact that
IT will resist q steady strain of three hun
dred pouads. The silk for the balloon has
been selected from recent importation from
the East Indies at New York. 1t is remark
able for the strength and frmness of its
fibre, while at the same time it is as light as
any in the market The balloon is to be
constructed at Lancaster, Pa, upon the
frame and with the apparatus used by Mr..
Wise, the father of aronautics, for the pur-
pose. 1t will probably be completed early
in May. The first trial trip will be made
from Chicago during the latter part of that
month-and Mr.. La Mountain designs cross
ing one of the lakes, and travelling at least
one thousand miles over the continent
Whatever may be thought of the practical
bility of his scheme, he has entered into it
with hearty earnestness which proves
that he believes its accomplishment practica-
BILE, and is prepared to risk everything in
the venture, with no possible hope of max
ing anything unless he succeeds. In this
nineteenth century it will not do to laugh
at any proposition, however absurd it may
seem. We can, therefore, only wait; and
we shall see what we shall see. If Mr.. La
Mountain should cross the Atlantic with an
aerial ship, his name will of course go down
to pOsterity with those of the most famous
men if he does not, he will, it is to be
feared, share the fate of those who " go down
to the sea in ships.
Year: 1859

EThe Cincinnati Enquirer tells of a de-
lightful blunder that young gentleman
made at the Spencer House in that place,
whereby Piccolomini got kissed three sever
al times by the young gentleman, who mis-
took her for an absent sister that he had not
seen for several years. Finding out his mis-
take, be Immediately wrote her an apology,
saying he could not regret what had occur
red on his own account, but would, if she
desired it, on hers. He had no idea he was
pressing the Psychean lips of the loveliest
Year: 1859

CHERUBM.-A preacher in one of the
Southern counties recently held forth on the
subject of the Cherubim and the Seraphim,
which, as every Christian reader is aware,
are frequently mentioned in the Bible. His
elucidation of the subject was highly edifying
"You may wish to know, my hearers" said
he, "the meaning of the word Cherry BEAM"
will explain the same unto you, each and
all" Here he spit upon the floor and wiped
it up with his foot, blowing his nose in his
handkerchief with noise like the snort Of a
horse) Il suppose Cherry beam Though
there aint no explanation in the Scripture) to
mean the timber outen which the holy TEN
piles of the Lord, and sich like, was built
They was made of beams, Cherry beams, that
Is beams that was made out O Cherrg ,cood-
the same kind o cherry that freckentlv grows
in and around various portions of Californy,
and more pertickerler II the mountings
Cherry wood, my hearers, is a mighty lastn
kind O timber Its mighty hard to wear
out, and it polishes tell you kin see your
face into it. Insecs sildom disturbs it, bekase
its uncommon hard and it takespurty strong
teeth to git into it. This is the reason, l
suppose, that it was selected for the building
of the holy temples, the ark o the kovernnt
and the like o that 1t wouldn't never wear
out Sich is the Cherry beam-a sackrid
timber that's holy unto the Lord


"Now, my hearers, I'm a comm to the pint
of how much this cherry wood must cost in
them ar times. Things was heap higher then
than they is now, and cherry timber costs a
heap more now than een-a.most any other
Aind o wood that Is bekase the cherry tree
bars fruit, and a fruit-baring tree is always
of more vally than a tree that don't bar no
fruit" DC, DC.


The preacher concluded by promising to
explain the meaning of the word Seran6i,o
at the next meeting.


We are assured, on good authority, that
this ludicrous conception was actcally enter.
tanned and uttered as we have reported it.
1t is scarcely possible to conceive of such
mingled ignorance and stupidity in the sa-
cred desk.
Year: 1859

CHEvALIER WIcKoFF-The Washington cor
respondent of an Atlantic paper writing on
April oath, says:


The Chevalier Wickoh who has been here
since the commencement of the Sickles trial.
at which he is a daily attendant, has employ
ed his time to good advantage l learn that
he is appointed bearer of the ratified treaty
to China, and will proceed on his mission
this week. He has also received quite a
snug sum, though somewhat less than he de-
manded, out of the secret service fund for
past labors with the Herald and elsewhere.
The Chevalier's friends rejoice over his good
luck
Year: 1859

D. D.-John Myers and Hugh Mclean
were raising q noise near the Western House
yesterday afternoon, under the Influence of
liquor, and were taken off to the Station
House. They were put into a cell together
where they soon fell to fighting. and wooled
each other considerably. They soon tired o.
this, however, and contented themselves with
railing at the Captain of Police.
Year: 1859

LADIES FEsTIvAL-There was n very lorge
and brilliant attendance, last evening, at the
Ladies Festival at the Pavilion. Everything
went off delightfully."- and there was n good
time generally. The hour is too late for
more extended notice at present.
Year: 1859

TALKING OUT IN MEErING.-The Calaveras
Chronicle, Lecomptonite, publishes the fol-
lowing in communication from q whilom
member of the Lecompton organization:


The people are heartily tired of going to
the stall like flock of geese, and being
plueked by those whom they have placed in
office in the utmost confidence They are de-
termined not to be victimzed by any more
Mudges and Brushes They are going to
make an effort this year to free themselves
from the horde of vampires that have been
lowering around, feeding on, and sucking to
the last drop the animating blood of the
county since its first organization


1t is understood here that Judge Hardy is
one of the most prominent candidates in the
Democratic ranks for District Judge, but he
will never be supported in this vicinity un
less some reasonable explanation is given in
the Brush bond aft ir. There seems to be a
bribe of seventeen thousand dollars offered
to Brush and lnnes for them to leave the
country.
Year: 1859

CRESCENT CTY.-The Crescent City Her
aid of May 18th has the following:


The trade of the season may be said to
have fairly opened, though as yet to a very
limited extent. Some two hundred and fifty
to three hundred mules have come in over
the trail, and the majority of them loaded
and gone out again There is now, and prob.
ably will be for some time great demand
at Crescent City for pack animals, and
freights rule high.


The wagon road is not yet open, though a
party went cut the other way with n view
to get large number of cattle which are in
Illinois Valley, to come down that way
They would do much towards beating down
the track. -Four miles of snow is reported
on the road with depth of five or six feet.
Some idea may be formed of the unusual Sc
verify of the late winter, by rejecting that
such body of snow remains when it is near.
y the first of June, while the previous sea-
on, there was no snow at all in the same
pot during any portion of the winter.
Year: 1859

CnARLEsTowN, Va, Oct 2S.-The after
noon proceedings in the trial of Brown, sew
eral witnesses were called for the defense,
and not answering, Mr. Brown arose from his
mattrass. and. evidently excited, standing
on his feet, addressed the Court as tollo ows ::


"May it please the Court, | discover that
notwithstanding all the assertions that |
have received, nothing like fair trial is to
be given me- As it would seem. gave the
names Of the persons wished to have called
eursd that they should be subpeoned
wrote down q memorandum to that effect,
and where those parties were. butit appears
tnat they have not been subpeoned, as far
as can learn, and now ask, If am to have
anything at all deserving the name and
shadow of fair trial, that this proceeding
be deferred until tomorrow morning, for
have before stated on whom l can rely, but
sm in hopes that my counsel may arrive,
who will attend to seeing that I get the
witnesses who are necessary for my defense.
am myself unable to attend to it have
given all the attention possibly could to it.
but am unable TO see or know about them,
and cant evt n find out their names; and
have nobody to do any errand, for my mon
ey was all taken from me when | was
sacked and stabbed, and have not dime
/ had $3.50 or $3.50 in gold aud silver taken
from my pocket, aud now have no posi-
ble means Of getting any body to go my er
rands for me, and they hav not been done;
nor have all the Witnesses been subpeOned;
they are not within reach, and are not here
| ask a. lesst till to morrow morning to have
something done, if anything is designed. and
if not. am ready for anything that may
come up


Brown then laid down again. drew his
blanket over him, and appeared to sink into
q tranquil slumber.


Mr.. Hoyt Browns counsel from Boston,
asked for an adjournment till morning, Gu
the ground that Judge Tilden would proba-
bly, arrive during the night, and be able to
appear as counsel. He excused himself
from conducting the defense because he was
not acquainted with the Virginia criminal
code.


After further consideration between the
counsel, Mr.. Green arose to state that Mr..
Bolts and himself would now both with
draw from the case and could act no longer
in behalf Of the prisoner, he having got up
and declared that he had no confidence in
the counsel who have beer assigned to him.
Feeling anxious that | should have been
able, after this statement of his. should
feel myself an intruder upon this case were
l to act for him from ttis time forward. l
had not the disposition to undertake the
defense. but accepted the duty imposed. ]
do thiRk, urder these circumstances, when
l feel compelled to withdraw from the case,
that the Court could not insist that should
remain in such an unwelcome position.


The Court would not compel the gentle
men to remain in the case, and accordingly
granted their request.


The proceedings at this point were post
poned, and great excitement prevails in the
town, aud the guards have been increased.
the conduct of Brown being regarded - .
trick.
Year: 1859

now leading to DE Witt and another near
Big Rock. This would give Us sufficient
trade from the interior Of C,inton county to
pay for the bridges IN two years. Our
merchants can draw this trade il they will
only move in the matter, for We have con
versed with citizens Of Cedar and Clinton,
and they assure us they would much rather
come here to make their purchases than to
any other point in the State. All that they
wish is facilities for reaching US. They
mu.t have such facilities, and that too
shortly.
Year: 1859

COUNTY RoADs.-We have at diff
ferent times alluded to the building and
improving Of our county roads, SO as to al
low travel on them at any season Of the
year. As they are now, it is impossible for
our farmers to reach town during several
weeks, both spring and fall. the roads not
permitting the passage of empty wagons,
much less when they are loaded. There is
a great deal of grumbling among those per-
sons living in the back part Of the county,
who have to bring their produce to this
market, and many of them prefer hauling
their grain to stations on the line Of the G.
l. l. N. r. R., where they are paid about
the same prices, and save a long haul over
very poor roads.


No city will prosper unless the thorough
fares leading into the interior are well
built and kept in good order. If We had
several lines OF macadamized roads starting
from this city and extending to the lines of
Clinton, Cedar and Muscatine counties, We
should be able to draw very large portion
Of the trade which now goes to Muscatine
and stations on the line Of railroads running
through the above counties.


Another important matter is bridging the
Wapsie. At least two bridges should be
thrown across this stream-ons st the ferry
Year: 1859

EFFICIENT, VERY.-A certain rev.
erend gentleman of this city rendered
very efficient service at the fire on Satur-
day night. BY his untiring labors much
of the plunder with which the houses were
filed. wos carried out and deposited in pla-
ces Of safety. Our neighbor Sanders. will
never make good fireman. unless ne does
better than at this fire. You should take
hold and assist at the breaks when you are
ordered go to do. and not stand afar of
and hear your worthy associate screaming
through his brazen trumpet for help. and
nary man but our friend, the preacher, CON-
ing to his assistance. The labors Of Fire
man are by NO means light. and our citizens
should give them every assistance in their
mower.
Year: 1859

TuE funeral of young Herrig took
place yesterday afternoon. His remains
were followed to theie last resting place by
a large concourse of friends and citizens, and
the firemen Of Davenport in a body. The
procession was an imposing sight to
witness. About two hundred Of his brother
fircmen turned out to perform the last sad
services over his grave. Young Herrig was
very popular with his countrymen, and his
untimcly death casts a gloom over the
endeared. What an awf full fate for one go
young.
Year: 1859

LOOK Our.-Two attempts were made to
enter houses on Saturday night. 10 one
instance the burglar had got the window up
but he was frightened away by the loud
ba, king Of a dog which had been allowed to
say in the house. There is a nest of these
scamps in this vicinity, and it would be
well enough for our citizens to keep sharp
lookout for them, and prepare to give the
fellows q warm reception.
Year: 1859

A BLUE looking day was Sabbath,
but we did not perceive that it in any way


interfered with the general attendance Of
our citizens upon church. st. Luke's was
filled with an attentive concOurse Of both
its own members and those Of Trinity. Mr..
Louderback, the pastor of Trinity, being
absent. We are glad to notice much inter
est in religious matters among our citizens.