smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1860

SIGNATURE OF THE CRoss.-The mark which persons
who are unable to write are required TO make instead
their signature, is in the form of cross and this prac
tce having formerly been followed by kings and mobiles
is constantly referred to instance of the deplorabe
ignorance of ancient times This signature is not how
ever Invariably proof OF such ignorance ancieny, the
use OF this mark was not conEed to illiterae persons
for amongst the Saxons the mark of the cross as an at


estaton of the good faith of the person signing was
qulred to be attached to the signature Of those who
could write, well to stand in the place of the sig
nature Of those who could not write In those times


could write, read, bis knowledge was con-
sde'cd proof presumptive that he in holy orders
he word cIeracus or clerk synonymous with pen
and the aity, people who were not clerks, did
not feel any urgent necessity for the of letters.


The ancient use OF the therefore universal
alike by those who could and those who could not write
was, indeed the symbol OF oath from its holy as
sociatlons and generally the mark On this account
Mr. Charles Knight, in bis notes to the Pictorial Shak-
speare explains the expression of God save the mark
as form of ejaculation approaching to the character OF
an OATH This phrase occurs three times in the
plays OF Shakespeare but hitherto it has been left by
the commentators in its original obscurity.
Year: 1860

We are requested to state that in accordance with
Democratic usage Meeting of the Democratic citizens
of New Hanover County will be held at the Court
House. in the town of Wilmington, on Tuesday evening"
March l3h 1860 at O'clock for the purpose of adopt
ing measures for the organization Of the party in view of
the elections to be held during the ensuing Summer and
Fall
Year: 1860

NOT SO BAD.-A young lady who has not left off hoops
and VINO plays game of whist please her papa
Messrs IS trump card What is that ?'' asked the
unsuspectng parent why their tray Of diamonds to be
Year: 1860

CAN'T STAND lT.-No, we will DOT submit to have
our sex s!audered by The twice married mink, Fanny
Fern, as in the foowirg:


Mems Eyes ucM Wander-Show but strip of white
stocking above your boot, bit o an embroidered
skirt or Balmoral, and you may lead a New Yorker
by the nose all over Manhattan though all Wal street
stand waiting for him. have positively seen gentle
men stand al the ferry gates when their were halt
broken with bundles eagerly bobbrg their heads this
way and that to catch sight of the gater boots as
they aghted from the various omnbusc8. And no. all
young men either, but gray-headed old codgers who
had grandpa written all ever them. Why should a
woman care about it, if her ankles be pretty p? Care 2?
1t may be just possible that if an exhibition is fore
ordained and inevitable she may prefer to choose her
audience.


Now, we can positively affirm, and shall be sustained
in our assertion, that there is gentleman of correct
habits and good taste, but what would instantly turn
his back to lady who showed more of handsome and
Weturncd ankle than usual that is, if he was sure by
a rightabout face of seeing turo prettier ones!
Year: 1860

The particular shade Of blackness which may apper-
tain TO Mr.. Pennington's Republcansm will be known
by Friday next.


After organizing, and passing the Postal Deficiency
Bill the House adjourned until Thursday, with the view
Of giving the Speaker time to make up the Committees
If as predicted he places Mr. Sherman at the head of
the Committee of Ways and Means making him in
effect the leader of the House. we cannot how much
better Pennington will be than Sherman.


OF course strong effort will be made during the pre-
sent Congress to modify the system of the coQn
try in some very important particulars-n fact to
simulate the Tariff to protective rather than
venue standard. With the Senate constituted as it
cessuy carried out to any great lengths but it will be
made one of the main issues in the next campaign.


A sort of Constitutional Union -" Peoples
Party all sorts of party is likely enough to take the
place of the present Republican organization and there
may be truth in the the assertion that it will carry at
it's masthead Bates Of Missouri for President, and
Simon Cameron of Pa, for Vice President, while For
ney will stay at the rudder to do the maneuvreing.


neA We take pleasure in publishing the Card signed
by the passengers by the Wilmington Manchester R
Road on last Sunday morning.


We understand that Mr.. Mears finding that the track
had at particular place accidentally become so injured
twisted, probably by tie passage of train On Sat
urday evening, that the express rain if running at
tempting to run il at its usual rate of speed must
have been throw off into the swamp to the great risk
OF lie and property.


Being unable. himself to rerair the damage, Mr.
Meas built binself ur fire and waited for hours to give
the alarm to the coming train which he succeeded in stop
ping thus certainly saving valuable property, and prob
ably, still more valuable lives.


1t is proper to remark that Of the passengers at
tribute any blame to the Company, its officers or
to the road itself
Year: 1860

The Chicago Times of Friday last has the following
account of a singular incident at funeral:


One OF the strangest occurrences happened yesterday
at the funeral of Michael Guthrie, who was accdenty
killed the day previous on the Northwestern railway
which we have been called upon to chronicle The
family OF Mr. Guthrie, consisting of wife and three
children had made extensive arrangements for the ac-
commodaton of the friends of the deceased at the fu-
neral. large number of carriages and numerous as
semby OF mourners were present when the undertaken
Mr. Berry, arrived with the hearse. About the same
time, another carriage containing richly and
ashionaby dressed, driven to the door, The woman
aghed and entered the house. To the astonshment of
the assembly, to all of whom she was total stranger
she greeted the children of Guthrie her own and they
IN turn addressed her their MOTHER manifesting the
greatest JOY mingled with surprise at seeing her, The
wife, on the other hand coDfounded She knew
not what to say what to think of this sudden and
strange appearance of one who claimed also to be the
wife of the deceased and who was addressed by bis
children as their mother She knew herself to be their
sepmother having been married to their father in due
legal form, and in full confidence that his first wife was
dead. This supposition being now overthrown by the
sudden appearance of one claiming to be that deceased
wife, the other wife began to upbraid the children for
not telling her that their mother living. The real
mother, or such the stranger was assured her that
the children not to blame, as they as well as their
father had TO believe her dead She had desert
ed her husband in the city of St. Louis where they


lived and shortly afterward caused an announcement Of
her death to be published in the newspapers of that city,
But she not dead Leaving ST. Louis she had lived
in Chicago not knowing that her husband was here un
iii she the account of his death published in the
papers yesterday morning. She had come to reclaim
her children and to behold for the last time on earth the
form of their father
Year: 1860




To the Editor of The Wig:


have no doubt your readers are tired of hearing
about the total failure of the wheat crop in most sections
of the county, but have concluded this evening to send
you few lines about the crops Amherst and Appomat-
tox aud to complain through your paper oa nuisance to
which the people along the canal frequently subject
ed. mean the habit of allowing negroes the canal
boats to carry and guns. 1t is no uncommon sight
to see the black hands these boats hourshng their
guns and popping away at everything they see upon The
banks Not many weeks ago rode upon one on which
there was a negro who had his gun leveled 10 shoot at
dove, and had pointed directly at my horse And
last week another boat passing along and had been
left entirely by the captain to the black crew, and they
were firing about in every direction If these boats are
to become drill inform negroes in the mill
tary manual it is time the people should know it, have
no idea that the owners of the lands along the canal at
the time they allowed the land to the company had any
thought of granting the privilege negroes to be hunt
lug and shooting all around their farms. Ought they
not to be arrestedy What is the law the subject?


The wheat crop in this section and that portion of Ap
pomatox over which have travelled can truly say is
perfect failure. Fields that two months since bid fair
T. yield twenty one not worth reaping and have
heard of many good farmers who wiling aud glad to
take the seed they sowed for the crop 1t is really dis
ressing One can form idea (uness he has seen the
ke) OF bare fields with hardly head which two months
ago gave fattering promise. Tom"
Year: 1860

=
We have received from distinguished Senator, Col
Payne. a letter received by him from Monsieur Lacou
ure OF Paris France upon the subject Of direct trade
between the South and France translation of which
we Law before our readers 1t il Of considerable interest
and shows that on the side Of France those who have
been moving in this matter are in good hearty earn
est
Year: 1860

For the Standard.
Mr.. EDITOR: 1t is now a fixed fact that Judge
Douglas is to be in Raleigh the 3Oth of this month";
and take it for granted that all those who think
this distinguished statesman, who has stood up so
manfully for the Constitution and the Union against
faction and fanaticism, worthy of respect and COM
mendation, will join in his cordial reception. Let
them remember his noble defence of the rights of
our section in the contest with Lincoln in 1858, and
how can they refuse to rally to his welcome?
hope THE PEOPLE will not fail to come on the 30th
of this month to hear him. -,-


JUSTICE.
Year: 1860

s91 We surrender to correspondents and news
items most of our space to-day, and even then sew
eral matters are crowded out which we desired to
present in this ISSUE Our readers must be patient
--ace are.
Year: 1860

Judge Rector in order to show his better ability to fill with credit to the State, the gubernatoral chair, has cut some fantastic intellectual tricks, and evidenced his great want of practicability in letting people know what he favored.

 His bank policy was one of these, Ii 1t could be so styled, interwoven as he had 1t with railroads. He laughs at "Governor Conway's policy" which, as l understand 1t, Is to make the assets of the bank, and the securities given by stockholders pay the bank debt, thereby relieving the credit of the State of suspicion and protecting tax payers from loss.

 His (Rector's) policy is to give to rail- road companies bonds of the State of Ar kansas, drawing six per cent. interest, and running twenty-five years, to an equal amount with the outstanding indebtedness of the State. The railroads are then, as an eqivalent for these bonds, to give their stock to the State in a like amount. The State is then to take the stock so transfer red to the bank bond holders and cancel the bonds; thereby not only paying the State's indebtedness, but at the same time building roads without its costing the State a cent This looks very well, and if the young man had lifted himself over the fence by his straps would have some faith in the scheme This thing of paying debts and building railroads without money, is in finance, what perpetual motion Is in me- chanics, something not yet discovered. Suppose we examine this splendid pro- position. State bonds are now worth from forty five to ffty-cents on the dollar. The | State indebtedness is little over three millions What would be the result of putting on the market three million dol lars worth of bonds--if they would sell at all, it would be at some very low figure If they fail of sale entirely, then, of course, overheard goes this strap lifting proposi- tlon. If, however, the bonds were to sell tor thlrty-ive cents on the dollar, would the railroad companies trade their stock for such paper? If they would not, then of course the straps are busted, and the young man not yet over the fence. But say the railroad companies would trade their stock for this depreciated paper; say they would let their dollars worth of stock go for thir- ty-five cents-what would be the result?- A road which should have cost the people of the State one million of dollars, would by this splendid scheme, cost them over three millions. The stock would be worth less, of course. But, they may say, the StaIe would make her bonds as valuable as
Year: 1860

EDIToRs TRUE DEMOCRAT

 A few items in regard to matters and things in this part of the State may possi- bly, interest some of your readers. Busi- ness has called me to this and some of the adjoining counties, and l have taken pains to inform myself as to the prospects of the democratic candidates, and 1 am able to give you correct and reliable information on the subject.

 In Bradley county Johnson and Mitchell will get majority of one hundred; in Ashley county, two hundred; in Chicot one hundred; in Desha, one hundred and fifty; and in this county about one hundred. Had the election come on few weeks back Rector and Can't would probably have carried the county; but great reaction has taken place, and 1 should not be surprised if the above vote was even larger.

 Two men, good and true will be sent to the General Assembly, who they will be is yet difficult to tell, but there is one thing certain, it will not be Hemingway or any of his ilk. am inclined to think however, that it will be Dr. Puttney and some other good man.

 Dr. Puntney is an able debator, and uses the same keen blade against Hemingway which he did against the " know nothings J in 1855. There is no man in the county who did so much to break down Sam J as did the Doctor, and the democracy intend rewarding him at this election. l have seen we'll informed gentlemen who have been around in the canvass, they assure me there is no doubt of Hemmingway's defeat by large majority.

 More anon, IRA VELER.
Year: 1860



 EDlToRs TRUE DEMocRAT-.Sirs: It af- lords me great pleasure to inform you that Col. R. H. Johnson will carry this county for Governor by handsome majority. All the prating and noise about fraud and for gerv is "6uncona6e," and Is so regarded here I shall vote for and support Col. Johnson, and I would not be surprised if the vote for him will double that for Rector. The cor respondent of the Old Line evidently wears magnifying glasses, for the statements he makes cannot be discovered with the naked eve by one in the same vicinity. Colonel Cypert speaks here to-day. He will run good race here but do not expect to sup port him. I am democrat in principle and practice, in every sense of the word, and expect to support the nominees of my party; but I hate to support Hindman for several reasons affecting his private as well as his public character.

 In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to assure you that Johnson's friends here are numerous and they are sanguine of success. Van Buren county will be certain to maln- tain the democratic majority she has always given, and that has been very respectable.

 Respectfully yours,

 s HI B.
Year: 1860

islature to adjourn and attend a railroad jol- ifcation. I do not recollect whether or not he said anything about per diem pay during the adjournment. The Colonel has invented new style of oratory, the Van Buren Press calls it the sledge hammer style -perhaps your learned men would call it yigmarol After what have said about Col Hays, it would be superHuous to add that he is the most accomplished wire worker of the day-in truth, this IS the oninion of that celebrated lawyer, Mir. Will liam Walker, and you will agree with me, that his opinion on all such subjects is at least equal to Talleyrand and Van Buren, I will say superior, yes Martin

 "your fame. forgotten chief, is now gone by,

 Eclipsed by brighter orbs in glorys sky"

 You are aware, Messrs. Editors, that 1t has been the national custom of our party to promote the most worthy-this being the case, I call upon you to assist in elect ing Col. Duval to the legislature, so that he may have a chance to be elected to the U. s. Senate, which he is as well qualified to adorn as the drawing room and the levee.

 I call on you to support Major Green for the Judgeship in this district, as he has heretofore been badly treated by our party. He has made numerous attempts to get of flee and has invariably failed; human na- ture cannot stand this always-in regad to his ability, that profound jurist, Judge Wheeler, says we need just such man in this district By what process of reason ing the Judge arrived at this conclusion am unable to say. hope Judge Wheeler will deliver his opinion before August, on the following subject, whether an individ- ual who would make use of ninety-six dol lars of either public or private funds, with out rendering an equivalent, would be a safe man on the bench?

 Very respectfully,

 PERICLES.
Year: 1860

*

 have just returned from mass meet ing in the upper part of this county-some three hundred were present, and l give you my word and honor as a gentleman, that there was not one Can't man in the crowd, and but 12 Rector men, no mistake, for we counted noses. put Johnson's majority at $50, Mitchel's at 250.

 Oh! what glorious rebuke will we ad- minister to the recreant traitors that threw or wished to throw the second choice of this county to Can't in the Congressional Convention on the first Monday in August. by standing staunch and firm and throw ing for the "old war borse," in proportion to our strength the largest majority in the district. I should not be surprised Ii Mitchell exceeds the above named majority, and I am certain he will reach it.

 was unable to attend the speaking at Rockport on account of sickness Ill my family, but I am told he handled Can't, just as he deserved, but the best joke oi the canvass, was Gantt's saying Tn hls speech "that he had for several weeks | (days) past been the mark of the assas- sin, that some men were following to kill him, and thereby prevent his election;" the funniest idea that 1 ever heard of Mitche replied by asking him ''to catch hold O his coat tail and he would carry him througf safe''-and in my honest judgment Cant will be holding to the coat tail at the enc of the race-for he is destined to work be hind, unfortunately for him.

 I guess I have tired you out with thi' long letter but I feel so exuberant over tn glorious prospects ahead that l must need pour them out in profusion to those thlnl will enjoy them with me.
Year: 1860

THE POWER OF INsTNcT.-It is some what remarkable how quickly politicians abandon sinking ship. A correspondent writes us that Col. Can't too has abandoned Rector. How ungrateful! At the begin ming of his canvass, he was very much in- terested in the success of the Cincinnatus of Saline It was amusing to hear his at tempts to ridicule Conway and his policy something he did not understand. Finding Rector's South sea bubble" universally unpopular, he now cuts himself loose from it, and says he cannot defend it. We hear that he gives up his friend Peek also, as a hard case-an incorrigible disorganizer- whom he will not undertake to defend. Now this is too bad, especially as MT. Peek is not in situation to resent 1t.
Year: 1860

live to put down disorganizers and clean the Augean stables of their filth and politi- cal corruption.

 lam truly glad to see your paper getting so large and extensive circulation in our county-it is the peoples paper-not q bought up Peek's narrow contracted sheet.

 Col. Johnson-and 1 saw with my own eyes--is certainly the man for the people: He is universally beloved by the old and the young; and wherever he goes, gains ad- ditional strength; while on the other hand the people look upon Judge Rector as wish ing to shoye himself in whether they want him or not-a dictator and an autocrat. COMMON DEM.
Year: 1860

The past week has been busy one in this great city of Gotham. First came the great ball at the Metropolitan Hotel, given by the city of New York to the Japanese, and a magnificent affair it was. The jam was immense, and the crinoline came out, looking somewhat the worse after the con test. There was at least nine thousand persons at the ball, and although the num- Der may appear to some of your readers to be an exaggeration, yet l can assure them that am speaking within bounds, when 1 state that number to have been present. Dresses of all colors were worn, from the pure white down to a dingy black, and some there were that seemed by their fash ion to be better fitted for the nursery busi- ness than for ball room; reminding me of the anecdote of the countryman who on being asked if he had ever seen such a sight replied, never since l was was weaned.- On Thursday the Great Eastern arrived and of course produced a great sensation. Spectators are not yet allowed on board of her, as they are putting her in order The agent for the stockholders has decided to place the tickets for admission at one dollar each If this is presisted in but few persons will visit her. took small boat and rowed along side and around her on Friday. She fully equalled my highest ex- pectatons, although at first sight from her fine proportions, she hardly seemed so great a monster as represented.

 l met Mir. Rowley one of our State en- gineers and F. A. Staring, esq, of Little Rock this week, both were looking well.

 The political world seems to be in quite a muss," but from present indications Breckinridge stock is increasing. X.
Year: 1860

Messrs. EDrroRs-Although am not a citizen of the district and will not be all lowed to vote for Dr. Mitchell, it affords me infinite pleasure whilst in the State to de- clare preference in his behalf. He is one of natures best works and combines as many superior qualities to commend him to the people as any one man to be found in any one country. Small sketches will not express his worth, but it is by his every sentiment and action under any and every circumstance that those generous and manly impulses are exhibited, which characterize the man. He is possessed of every requi- site for the position he asks, and being an old resident, of sound experience" the truest oracle of wisdom '-should surely be elected In so much of the district as l have travelled he will get heavy majoriy.

 July 10M, 1860. SENEA.