smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1860

The people of CINCINNATI enjoyed rather
a novel scene few days ago in the cross
ing of the Ohio River by Dan Rice's tanned
elephant, ''Lalla Rookh." A crowd gath
cred to see the huge beast take the trip
from the Kentucky side, and the CONNER
cial says everything being in readiness the
elephant plunged into the water, but was
Immediately out of sight. The cooling
effects of the fluid were so agreeable that
her ladyship seemed disposed to neglect
the task assigned her, and regardless of the
assembled multitude, roll and splash
around at her ease. The exertions of her
keeper, who piloted her in skiff, soon
brought her TO sense of her duty, and
she struck out manfully into the stream
At times nothing but the end of her trunk
would be visible, then the top of her head,
and again she would dive entirely out of
sight, remaining under water until those
on shore began to think she was drowned,
when of sudden she would come to the
surface, with surge that would throw her
huge bulk halfway out the water.


Thus sine preceded, until opposite tbs
Covington ferry landing, when an amusing
incident occurred. The fleet of skiffs
which accompanied her upon her trip be-
came so numerous as to seriously incom-
mode her ladyship, when becoming indig-
nant, she turned about and gaze them
chase. The result was some rowing which
would have put even the famous Harvard
Boat Club to blush. One of the skiffs
she pursued to the bank. The consequence
was, that, allowing due calculating for
the force of the current, so as to make
landing at the required point, it became
necessary to take her ashore and let her
try fresh start. The second time she
started short distance below the mouth
of the Licking, and proceeded diagonally
across the river, diving with a 'blow" at
times, and landing safely at the foot OF
Race street, thus giving the whole line OF
spectators fall view Of her performances.
The sight was entirely novel to the greater
portion of those present, and all seemed
to enjoy the spectacle exceedly, notwitn-
standing the intense heat to which their
position exposed thsm."
Year: 1860

A great if not general European war seems
to be imminent and scarcely avoidable. The
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies is completely
in the hands of Garibaldi and the Sardinians,
and the States of the Church are fast follow
ing in the footsteps of their Southern neigh
Dor. The City of Rome and two or three
outposts are still held tor the Pope by a
French army; but the Papal host, under La
moriciere, has been utterly routed and is no
longer available for any military purpose. The
flight of the Pope of Spain to Austria is be-
lieved to be close at hand, upon which it is
supposed that the French will quietly abandon
the Eternal City itself to the victorious army,
which will then be master of all Italy but the
northeastern corner, strongly held by Aus
tria, studdeds with fortresses and bristling
bayonets. Against this iron wall, it may fair
ly be presumed that Victor Emanuel and Ca
vour will hesitate to precipate their legions;
but can Garibaldi and his flushed companions
be likewise restrained by the dictates of pru-
dence? Having liberated Southern Italy by
what every one would have branded as sheer
madness had they failed, will they begin now
to weigh probabilities and calculate chances
When the thousand who so nobly yet so rash
ly responded to the appeal of Sicily are swelled
to One Hundred Thousand, are they likely to
turn a deaf ear to the frantic outcrieS of Ven
etia2 We believe they will rush straightway
upon her oppressors-that Austria will there
upon declare war against Sardinia-that the
fleet of Young Italy will forthwith transport
revolutionary expedition to the coast of
Dalmatia, and that Kossuth will once more "a
rouse Hungary to a struggle for liberty and
nationality. Then if the Gear should once
more cast the heavy sword of Russia into the
Austrian scale, Louis Napoleon will be COM
PEELED to march to the defense of Italy, and
thus the flames of war will sweep from Etna to
the Caucasus.


Such is the prospect opened by the thrill
ing events which successive arrivals have dis
closed so rapidly that they seem rather like
the incident of some extravegant romance
than like those of sober history. The Italy
of few years since was but Gas Metternich
said) SEA geographical expression;" the Italy
of to-day is a nation of Twenty Millions, who
ask only of the rest of mankind to be allowed
to incorporate with themselves the Five Mil
lions still held in chains by Austria, while
frantically desirous of becoming an integral
part of the Italian nation. The Austrian and
the Gar may have power to defeat their ar
dent wishes, but not without fearful effuSion
of blood. Manifestly, the events of 1861 will
be more momentous than those of 1859 or of
1860. The elder Napoleon's prediction that
become Republican or Cossack," extrayagant
though it was, seems again in fair way to-
ward realization. Should Louis Napoleon
permit the Austrians to re-establish the abso-
lutte sway of the Pope and the King OF Naples
over the fairer half of Italy, his prestige is
gone for ever, and his throne will crumble at
the first breath of popular discomfort. But
ne cannot be SO shert-sighted as to premit this.
Year: 1860

Douglas soubriquet of the ssLittle Giant''
seems destined to be soon superseded by the
more appropriate one of the ssLittle JOKER"
His facility in shifting himself from the n Or
thern to the Southern, and then to the Squat
ter Sovereignty thimbles, is remarkable. For
instance, now you of the North see him, as in
his speech before the people of Illinois:


SIT matters not what way the Supreme Court
may decide the question, the people have con-
troll Of it, for the reason that slavery cannot
exist day or an hour anywhere, unless it is
supported by local police regulations; these
police regulations can only be established by
a local Legislature, and if the people are op-
posed to slavery they can elect representatives
to that body who will by unfriendly legisla-
tion, efectually prevent the introduction OF it
into their midst.''


And now you don't see him, or oughtn't to,
as jim this speech in the Senate. intended for
the Southern ear alone:


ssBear in mind that this question, touching
the right of property in slaves, was referred to
the Territorial Courts, with right of appeal to
the Supreme Court. When that case shall a
rise, and the Court pronounce its judgment, it
will be binding, and the army, navy, and mill
tia must be used to carry it into effect.''


And so goes the little joker, and you never
know where to find him. Now you see him,
as at cfam-bake in Rhode Island, declaring
his preference for clans to Southern niggers,
and now you don't see him, as when hard
questions propounded to him in Maine.
Now you see him in Virginia, or North Caro-
lima, under the Southern thimble and now
you don't see him, for he has gone North, and
has again got under the Northern thimble.
Now You see him stumping the country for the
Presidency, but after November you won't see
any more of him for the remainder of his life.
So watch the little joker while he is in sight.
Year: 1860

Messrs. EDIroRs-According to appoint ment the candidates for Governor and Pro. scouting Attorney met here to-day and pre- sented their claims to the sovereigns.- Johnson, the democratic nominee, led off in sensible business like speech, and with out any hattery, l can say that he made just the kind of speech to leave an i'm pression of favorable kind on the minds of his hearers There was no attempt at the hightolutin, no bombast, not a word of abuse of his opponents, but q plain straight forward statement of facts made in such candid, truthful style that none doubted his sincerity. Rector, the disorganizer, fol- lowed in a long speech and though a law yer accustomed to make the :" worse appear the better cause" l think failed to convince single democrat that he was not on the wrong track.

 That plan of Rector's of issuing more bonds has no friends here The burnt child dreads the fire," and l do not believe a sensible man in this county can befound who will sanction it. Rector had much to say about the awful condition of Arkansas as to~railroads and other mprovementS.- Is it not astonishing that such a giant mind as his has not originated some plan to relieve the poor down trodden State of Arkansas, particularly when it is re- membered that he boasts that he has been at work for abont quarter of a century in both houses of the assembly and various other offices? And moreover, is Arkansas really in such ' bad fix" considering all the facts? Few States in the Union have increased in wealth and population faster Railroads have been started and 1 think we are on the road to wealth and prosperity, notwithstanding the carping of such as Rector & Co.

 After Johnson and Rector had concluded, we had speeches from Holowell, our pre- sent able prosecuting attorney, and HarreIl, his opponent farrell has made grand b!under by running as a Rector man in place ofrelying on his own merits We want good lawyer for the office, and his pin ming his faith to the sleeve of di.organiz ing democrat is no recommendation. But allow me to ask question or two of this new candidate. Did he not procure the very money which he is now spending in travelling about to abuse the "family" through the influence of the .JohnSons? Is it not the worst kind of ingratitude for one who has accepted such tavors to turn against his former friendS.and accuse them of all sorts of corruption without making any specific charges or producing one word of proof? Is 1t not passing strange that these pure patriots discover so much ras calty just 6etore an election, and always when Mey want an office?

 The people here cannot be humbugged with such stale worn out assertions. Rector did not gain single vote by his speeches, but Johnson did gain friends and we were all agreeably disappointed at his efforts as a speaker, for he acquitted himself well.

 T. D.
Year: 1860

EDITOR OF THE TRUE DEMoCRAT-Your agent J. c. Henderson, was at this place last Saturday, soliciting subscribers for your able paper, and my opinion is that he did well. l tell you that he walked the boys into the right MT. Henderson it is true Is not a man of the first class of beauty, but at the same time good talker, and mixes well with the boys 50 far as am acquainted with him think he is the man for the people. He was wide awake and duly sober, and left with high heart, de- termined to perform the work for your paper. l gave him my name, and am waiting patiently for the True Democrat to make its arrival. 1 am located at this place, and am ready at any time to obey the calls of the democratic party. So far as l am acquainted 1 think that all is right for Johnson for Governor, there appears to be but one opinion about the whole thing; and that is, he will be the Governor. There is but little said about our candidates for the legislature; but I hear but one voice here and that is, Dr. P. s. Caffrey is the man for the people of Yell.

 l regret much that the candidates for Governor will not be here; well they can't be at every point-perhaps they are ex- cusable. Danville is in a .hourishing con- dition now and bids fair to be place of considerable note. In the course of 3 or weeks there will be number of men at work clearing out our river Petit Jean; hence, the next rise we will have boats here; this is not gas; we will do what we say. Crops look well here and farmers are in fine spirits, looking forward for fine yield. Well so far as 1 have examined the soil oi this county, put it up as being one of the counties to grow the stuff

 DANVILLE
Year: 1860

all admit; and forms no part of the ques- tion under onsideration-upon that score 1t is at least fair and safe to consider them both equal

 There Is of course, some contrarlety of views upon some State matters, but 1 am aware of no great measure advocated by one of the candidates, and objected to by the other; then again we will consider them equal Both have long been prominent citizens of the State and useful members of the community, again we consider them equal.

 Having, as I think, fairly stated the views generally entertained upon the two candidates as referred to above, 1 will con- tinue the subject. It appears to be forgot ten that there is a third party, equal in in- dustry and intelligence in the field, ready to take advantage of any division in the democratic party The American party, 1t is true, have made no nominations, yet, one week would suffice to bring their united forces together, and therefore possibly in- sure defeat to both the present candidates. This is generally understood amongst the leader of that party, and will, doubtless, at the proper time be brought to bear.

 As l said, no great difference of views exist between the two candidates; then, the safe plan is, to act upon the principle, that as Mr. Johnson is the regular nominee, no other candidate has the right to expect or ask for the suffrages of any member of the democratic party. That party has spoken through its convention; and if Mr. Rector had been the nominee, then Mir. Johnson, feel sure, would not be in the field. If he was, then I would advocate the same rule against him-let him look to others for votes-this reasoning is surely fair and right This, 1 know. is the sentiment en- tertained and expressed by at least nine tenths of the voters of the democratic party, of whom 1 have had intercourse and ex- changed opinions upon the subject.

 The crops in the section of country l have visited have suffered much for want of rain. Corn very scarce and as a conse quence very high.

 Should this letter be worth the space it will occupy in your columns, l may, as l visit different portions of the country, give you an occasional letter.

 X FARMER.
Year: 1860

MeSSrS. EDITORS

 Dear .Sirs: Once more in life have I as stunned the task of depicting to you in all of its colors, the great rejoicing here both among the opposition and some who pro- fess to be democrats, and some too, who have held high positions in the democratic party-that Col. H. NJ. Rector IS the nde- pendent democratic candidate for Governor Great God what are we to expect of men? To see men almost taken from the dust, and men in an obscure position taken up by the great democratic family of the Union and placed in position, and to see them re- creant to the nominee of the democratic party for Governor, and supporting in lieu of this an independent candidate, 1 must be permitted to ask permission of Him who controls the destinles of men, for us all to get on our pended knees and pray for the forgiveness of our sins, both omis- sion and commission-and just here let me say that 1 have been resident of Ouachita for the last sixteen years. l came to the State a democrat in every sense of the word. 1 have no recollection of ever vo- ting against my party. My first vote for president ] gave to James K. Polk-my first vote for Congress gave it to Robt w. Johnson in 1S46, and l have been a very close observer of all of our public men in Arkansas, and especially the Johnson and Conway family, as they are termed, and l will venture the assertion that under no circumstances whatever have those men l haop lp tn ra,u5rata ha of the party, and that R. H. Johnson should be repudiated here by men that he and the democratic party has supported

 God deliver me from such men. Be this however as it may. W tn a l the isms combin- ed with the opposition, Ouachita will send up larger majority than she has done in the last eight years. Mark this. That there are spurious men in our party all must admit, but the honest, the faithful unterri- fled will vote for R. H. Johnson to man. 1Nark Mis sciU you also; and the trap that has been laid by those seceders in running H. NJ. Rector to gull and get the opposi. tion vote of Ouachita, will not acin here- The most of the opposition voters here are composed of men of fine sense, and much prefer an honest strait out and out demo- crat to one whom they all know is run ming especially to get their votes-this is plain talk. am at best very plain man, but speak the truth in soberness, and those men who are repudiating our Stale conven- Ltion and its nominee, are chiefly the main supporters of Mir. Can't, and is it to be supposed for one moment that the demo cracy of Ouachita, county that boasts so much on its intelligence and patriotism will give this man Rector and Col. Can't l majority--ne,er, nevsy. And that Col
Year: 1860

~TT3~ Most of the professed democratic papers in the first district, that under the lead of the True Democrat, so bitterly opposed the nomination of Col. Hndman have, in strict obedience to their teachings and the secret wishes of the oIigarchy refused to indorse the nomination of that gentle man, although made by the unanimous vote of the Dover convention!e

 This is what is called true democracy by the sup porers of the dynasty in that district. The True Democrat smiles blandlv and most 9racously on the treason and says nary uord.-O Old Line Demo ocrat.

 Truly our neghbor is most laughably that hoist the names of democratic nomi- nees and those that refuse to do so. In the stultifes itself by hoisting the name of Col. R. H. Johnson because he is the de facto nominee, and then taking it down without the shadow of an excuse. Is Col. John son not still the de tacto nominee? Was he not made so by the unanineous vote of the State convention? Yet the Old Line Democrat calls it heason to repudiate a nominee-when that nominee Is Col. Hind man. The papers that have refused to support Col. Hindman have given their reasons for so doing our neighbor refute their reasons if it can. We are doing the party better service by keeping our neigh Dor right on the record. In the meantime allow us to ask ii you are not, in "obedience to the secret wishes of the oligarchy" that you serve, favoring the opposition candi- dates in this county? It is so rumored in the country
Year: 1860



 HoN. GEo. c. WATKINs As it will de- volve on me at the next session of our State legislature, to assist in eecting some person to the high trust of United States Senator for Arkansas, and as 1 shall try to exercise that privilege with an eye single to the interests of our State, 1 am induced to ask you to permit your name to go be- fore the legislature for that honorable posi- ton. You "have done the State some service and they know it," and while the people appreciate your talents and character and have ever been ready to promote you to any position, the extreme modesty of yourself and friends has thus far prevented your promotion to those places which all admit you are so well qualified to fll

 l have taken the liberty of addressing you this letter without any hint or intima tion from yourself or friends, that your as | pirations looked 10 a seat in the Senate. l have consulted with no one in the district . represent, but have no doubt your election would be hailed with pleasure, by ninety nine in every hundred of my constituency. l am prompted alone, hope and believe, by sincere desire for the general welfare ] of our State.

 A recent publication from the Hon. Albert Rust, seems to narrow the contest down to himself and Gov. Conway; and while MT. Rust makes good member of the lower House, and Mr. Conway is a good Governor, think it is no injustice to { say, that neither is well qualified to give F dignity to the position or character to the State, in the new sphere to which they as pire. Is it not time that the best talent in our State should be promoted to the best places in her gilt? We have had second rate men squabbling long enough over first rate places, and if the dispositions of good men disqualify them for these contests, the people should take them in their hands and lift them over the heads of those who are Jess modest and less worthy.

 Your early attention to this letter will much oblge,

 Very truly yours,

 FRANCIS A. TERRY.
Year: 1860

@ We learn that on last Saturday q justice of the peace was shot and killed at Pine Bluff, by man named Smart. our informant states that Smart and anotbor man were quarreling, when the justice in sttempting to quell the disturbance was killed
Year: 1860

Gy From reliable authority we learn that the entire northwest will roll up an unprecedented majority for Col. Johnson majority of seaem Hundred is claimed for him in Johnson, and one tsousand in Wash ington. All the empty boasts of the organ grinder of THE family oligarchy notwith- standing.
Year: 1860




A Rio Grande City correspondent of the
Texas Rdnchero gives the following painful
history, which reminds US Of the days of
Salem witchcrah and Puritan superstition;
There is q man living at Camargo named
Ambrosio Ramierez who has been for some
time suffering from loathsome disease. As
he has been unable to recover by the medical
treatment he has rsceiyed, both himself and
wife concluded he had been bewitched by an
inottensive woman, named Antonio Alanis
An American citizen and resident of Roma
llnrias Sanierez, the father Of this Ambroso
kamierez, who is one Of the most wealthy
Mexicans on the river, owning large tract of
land aud much stock ON this side, sent party
OF men to the house of the poor Antonio
Alanis to kidnap and take her to CaInargo.
This they-did in the most brutal manner.
They lassoed her and dragged her on the
ground until they feared she would die, and
they would not be able TO get her TO Camargo.


They beat one Of her daughters very badly
for interfering to protect her poor mother;
shot at another for the same reason, but
finally succ eeded in taking the old woman
| across at Roma. She was taken to Oamargo,
severely beaten, and her body stuck full of
thoTns of prickly pear, and this beating, &C.,
repeated as soon as she recovered sufficiently
to be able to endure it, for the space of some
two weeks This treatment Of the witch did
not however, improve tho health of the
Calico, and the witch doctor then told them
| that they must burn her; that the sick man
had pigeon bones in his head, and that as
soon as the witch commenced burning the
bones would protrude, and he (the witch doc
| tor) would then pull them out, and the man
! would recoverl This was actually done, The
poor woman was tied up and corn shucks
lighted under her feet, and she kept in this
horrid torture until she was SO badly burnt
that she soon afterward died.
Year: 1860

DRINKING IMPURE WATER.-Set pitcher
of iced water in n room, inhabited, and IN a
few hours it Will have absorbed from the
room nearly all the respired and perspired
gases of the room, the air of which will
have become purer, but the water utterly fil-
thy. This depends on the fact that the wa
ter has the faculty of condensing, and there
by absorbing all the gases, which it does
without increasing its own bulk. The cold
er the water is the greater capacity to con-
tain gases. At ordinary temperatures pint
of water will contain pint of carbonic gas,
and several pints of ammonia. This capac-
ity is nearly doubled by reducing the tenn
perature to that of ice, Hence, water kept
in a room awhile, is always unit tor use,
and should be often renewed whether 1t has
become warm or not. And for the same
reason, the water in pump stock should all
be pumped out in the morning before any is
used. That which has stood in a pitcher
over night is not ft for coffee water in the
morning Impure water is more injurious
to the health than impure air, and every
person should provide the means of obtain
inc fresh pure water for all domestic uses.