The Texas State Times (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 4, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 23, 1854 Page: 2 of 4
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PUBLISXSD mn BATUBDAT BT
FORD, WALKER & DAVIDSON.
J0D1 FORD. jo. VALKXB. W. T. DATID60S.
! J ? - JSfc- ---
JOMJf 8. JORP, Editor.
AUSTIN, SATURDAY, DEC. 23, 1854.
TERMS.—Three dollars per annum, invariably in
ADVERTISING.—For each 8qn«re of ten lines,
•r loaa, one dollar for the first insertion, and fifty
cents for each subsequent insertion. Advertise-
ments not marked with the number of insertions de-
sired, wfll be continued until Otherwise ordered,
aad charged accordingly. A liberal discount will
be made to those advertising by the year-
40* Announcement of Candidates for State offi-
mm tan dollar*—County offices fire dollars.
■0* Political circulars, and communications of
a private or personal nature, will be charged at the
i advertisements.
j|&*In order to allow those connected with
the Ernes opportunity to enjoy the festivities
of the season, no paper will be issued from
this office on Saturday next.
J9* The Carrier boy will present his com-
pliments to the patrons of the Times on New
Yew's morning.
The Weather.—For the last eight or ten
days die weather has been remaikably fine.
The days have been temperate and the nights
quite cool. The clear sunshine—the absence
of rain and mod, have been sufficient to make
one fall in love with Texas.
VA A memorial having reference to an altern-
ation in the time of holding the Federal Court, and
for a change in the Federal Judicial Districts was
in too late for this issue. It shall appear in
u Let's Sit down and talk together-
Boys we were, but now we're men—
We meet awhile, but know not whether
We shall meet to talk again."
The return of this season of gaiety and
festivity is hailed throughout the christian
world with joy and gladness. The old and
the young, the rich and the poor, bond and
free, all welcome a day hallowed to the mem-
ory of by-gong hours, around which the en-
chantment of time lingers and lends a thou-
sand imaginary beauties. The realities of
The Cuban Slave Trade.
It was stated inthe English papers that the
Spanish Government have returned a nega-
tive answer to Lord Hcwden's demand that
they would declare the slave trade to be pira-
cy, and that the reason alleged for their refu-
sal to do so is the impossibility they feel of
doing anything to add to the discontent which
exists in Cuba—a declaration which is con-
sidered tantamount to saying that the slave
trade must continue, because the Cuban pro-
prietors require its continuance. The mor-
tality of slaves in Cuba is said to be so great that
in ten years the whole would be swept off
,
t ST * "i.
- A collection of Revival Sermons, by
the Bev. Daniel Baker, President of Austin
College, are on sale at the store of R. M.
Johnson and the drug store of Messrs. Ba-
ker & Smyth. The work is finely printed,
richly bound and oontains a life-like portrait
•f the venerable author. The intrinsic ex-
cellence of the work recommends it especial-
ly to the piously inclined, while the elegant
manner in which it is gotten up invites at
tendon to it as a very appropriate gift book
firtite approaching holidays.
Fahch Free.—We notice a number of ar-
ticles from the pen of our popular contributor
Fancie Free, copied into other Journals with-
out hong credited to the Times. For this
breach of editorial etiquette there is no ex-
cuse. The articles under that signature are
Written expressly for this paper, and if they
are worth republication, the paper from which
they are taken should receive the credit.
|^_The death of .R. Jones Rivers was appro-
priately noticed by the bar of the Supreme Court
by resolutions fcc., The Court will reply to day.
Ms. Blkdsox'b Academy.—Wo invite
attention to the advertisement of Mr. Joseph
,.tg be found in this day's paper. Mr.
i been among us but a short time,
hot hit amiability of manners and entire suc-
cess as a teacher, has made him a host of
friends.
K^ We had the pleasure a few days since, of
taking by the hand our fellow townsman J. W. Law
rence, who has been absent for the past few months
on a business tonr to the old States. Mr. Lawrence
is well known throughout Texas as a reliable and
^ffldeot land agent.
■A, Our friend Brownrigg has also "turned up,"
as IGcawber would say, and is welcomed home.
Son or. Temperasc*.—This pioneer institution
la ftt cause of Temperance formally surrend-
| on Thursday eveningi
Hid dismembered. The surplus funds were or-
dered to be equally divided between the Good
Samaritans, and the newly organized and highly
flourishing order of the Temple of Honor.
Gov. Pease has gone to San Antonio, it ig
said, on business connected with the Ranging ser-
vice. .He,will use every exertion to procure the
mustering-in of the companies. The want of a few
six-shooters and a few recruits are the causes in-
ducing the mustering officer, under his orders, not to
i the muster.
the present are lost in the contemplation of t were their number not replenished by eon-
the past, and even the bright hopes of the j stant supplies, and that, in fact, the continu-
future lose many of their rose-colored tints in j ons supply of fresh slaves forms an indispen-
comparison with
" Morning's winged dream,
The light that ne'er may shine again
On life's dull stream."
To the old a retrospect of the past affords
a melancholy pleasure, and in the mirth and
hilarity which surrounds them, they live their
childhood's hours again. There is music in
the merry laugh of those whose hearts are yet
untouched by the canker worm of care,
which troubadours never sang, nor minstrels
yet have played.
If there is a scene on earth upon which
angels might smile, it is where assembled
around the holy altar of home, the father
surveys with all a parent's pride his house-
hold jewels, when the christmas carol and
wassail bowl usher . in the natal day of the
Saviour of mankind. Here the eye of affec-
tion may look benignly upon the chain of
love unbroken, and there the vacant chair
will bring to remembrance the form of him
who one short year ago mingled his joys and
his griefs with the family groupe, but who
now sleeps his last sleep beneath the sod of
the valley. And the wanderer who has
launched his frail bark upon the fickle waves of
life, will be missed from the family hearth,
but a mother's prayec will be wafted to heav-
en to bless her absent boy; and he, when
home anil all its endearments rush in fitful
fancy to his mind, will pause amid the cares
and anxieties of a busy world to ask—
" Does the fire still burn on the household'heartk,
By the elm-tree old and hoar ?
Oh I carry me back—oh 1 carry me back
To my mother's home once more.
Like the weary bird that has wandered long,
I will seek my mountain nest,
And lay this aching head once more
On my gentle mother's breast."
But to the young—these little ones so
fresh from the hands of God, the return of
this season is indeed a gala day, and he who
cannot feel a glow of pleasure in watching
their sport and pastime is less than.human.
To conduce to the fleeting joys of childhood—
to add to their mirth—to give full scope to
the amusements of" unchecked innocence—
to chide gently their errors, and to admire
and applaud their undissembled goodness is
the allotted happiness of those to whom ro-
mance has grown old.
The blasts of December are tolling the
knell of a dying year. It is natural and right
that the recollections of the past should be
revived, and if a shade of melancholy dark-
ens the picture which we would paint, it ren-
ders it more real:
" Since the last solemn reign of the day of reflec-
tion,
What throngs have relinquished life's cherishing
* breath ?
How many have shed the last tear„of dejection,
And closed the dim eye in the darkness of death ?
How many have sudden their pilgrimage ended
Beneath the dark pall that envelopes the bier;
Or to death's lonesome valley have gently de-
scended,
And made their cold beds with the grave of the
year?"
To the patrons of the Times, at home and
abroad, we tender the compliments of the
seast>n, with our best wishes for their health,
happiness and prosperity.
•The citizens of San Antonio have ten
dered Capt. Travis a complimentary Ball.—
The deeds of his patriot father who glorious-
ly fell st the Alamo will be ever fresh in the
memory of the citizens of Bexar.
Death of Da. Thomas C. Elgin.—The
recently received intelligence of this young
gentleman's death has been received with
deep regret by his friends in this place.
Dr. Elgin was a resident of Austin for
Kteral years. His goodness of heart, amia-
bility and strict integrity, caused him to be
regarded with general favor. No young man
had a larger circle of devoted friends; none
deserved them more, for he possessed in an
eminent degree those sterling qualities which
ensure their retention. His whole life pre-
sented, in a pleasant manner, the bearing of
a high toned gentleman, tempered J>y a dis-
position of great gentleness yet firmness.—
Peace be to him, who never intentionally
caused the shedding of a single tear, or re-
fused to perform a noble, generous act, even
where the consolation of having been disin-
terestly charitable was the only reward.
... t *
St. Paul's College.—It is proposed to remove
the location of this institution from Anderson,
Grimes county, to Austin City. A meeting of the
citizens of this place was held on Thursday, the
21>t inst, at which it was resolved to subscribe
825,000 for erecting the necessary buildings. A
Committee was raised for the purpose of soliciting
subscriptions, consisting of Messrs. Capt. J. G
Swisher, J. A. Green, Esq., Jas. H. Raymond, Rev.
Chas Gillette, S. M. Swenson and George W. Glas-
cock.
Several of our citizens have subscribed $1,000
each. There is little doubt but that the whole
amount will be raised.
The Seminary contemplated is to be devoted to
the education of .boys. Such a'school* is badly
needed at this point. The importance of the move-
ment wil! convince every' one of tl^ propriety of
aiding it. The establishment of a first class insti-
tution will be a matter of great advantage to the
whole State, and in a local point of view, it will
affect much in building up Austin.
Improvements is Austin.—Swenson's
flew building on the Avenue is the largest and
meet elegftnt private building in Texas. It
it rapidly approaching completion. Mr. Geo.
Glaaieock has nearly completed two very large
. and noble structures of brick,, three stories
high, also on the Avenue. The City Hotel
which Waft finished during' the summer is al-
so an ornament to the lower part of the city.
It 1s occupied by Mrs. Jane M. .George, the
former excellent hostess of the Missouri House.
Various other buildings are being erected in
other portions of the city, and on the suburbs
beautiful little cottages, arc springing up in
every quarter.
In addition to these, four new and very neat
Church buildings have been erected during
the part season for the Episcopalians, the Ro-
man Catholics,, the Cumberland Presbyteri-
ans and the Methodist Congregations. Each
of these buildings would ornament any city,
and from their beautiful locations add great-
ly to the beauty of Austin.
Thb Bastes Accbptid.—It will be seen by ad-
vertisement in this day's paper that the challenge
of Mr. Burlfson to run Thomas A. Moore, for one
thousand dollars, against any named two year old
Texas raised colt, has been accepted by Mr. Van
Began.
The City Suit.
A notion prevails to some extent that the
opinion of Judge Watrous is in favor of the
claimants of the Goucher location, and that
under his ruling they stand a good chance to
recover against those holding patents under
the Government, in the District Court of the
United States.
We do not pretend to know the opinions of
the Judge upon the subject. It is well known
he overruled the demurrer to the bill, thereby
determining that, if the plaintiffs prove their
case as stated, and the defendants do not
prove a stronger case in themselves, the plain
tiffs are entitled to recover. He claimed in
favor of the Federal jurisdiction, and that
the Court of Chancery had the jurisdiction to
try the strength of opposing titles—the de-
fendants being in adverse possession, holding
under titles from the Government. And so
zealous did he become that he said he would
convince Judge Oldham himself; but he only
convinced every one present that he intended
to soft soap the gentleman with a compliment,
and thus to palliate a positive infraction upon
the well-marked distinctions between the
common law and chanceiy practice.
The readiness with which Judge Watrous
run ahead of the complainant's counsel, left
an unfavorable impression among the unini-
tiated as to his impartiality, and it is even
believed that had not the counsel abandoned
the position that the law condemning the pro-
perty to public use was unconstitutional, the
Judge would have sustained that allegation in
the bill also. This may be so.
In this instance the Judge did not effect
much towards removing the previous impres-
sions of our-cftiaeu^iegarding his impartiali-
ty and integrity. Whatever may be thought
of his capacity and ability to fill his present
office, will matter little so long as the people,
whose rights he adjudicates, fail to accord him
some other qualifications. The alacrity with
which he decided grave points against them,
has only revived feelings that were beginning
to*slumber. He may be in the right, yet it
is ever a misfortune for a judicial officer to
occupy a position among the people of his dis-
trict which causes them to attribute errors to
intention rather than fallibility.
The property holders of Austin should not
be discouraged, or allow this vexatious suit
to lessen their confidence in the value of their
.property. Equity and right.are with them,
and in selecting the Federal tribunal, the
fact that there is an appeal to one of the
ablest and most impartial tribunals in the
world is not to bo overlooked. Our " vigi-
lance committee" assure us that 'all is yet
right.
sable element of the prosperity which Cuba
enjoys."
And this is the return Spain makes to hu-
mane Albion for all her efforts in behalf of
the abolition of the slave trade. It would be
cheaper for the English were Cuba in the
hands of the United States. An immedi-
ate check would be given to the slave
trade. The British fleet which has hovered
around Cuba might then be placed on other
duty. A word from Great Britain would in-
duce Spain to sell Cuba to the United States.
Were the British half as solicitous to abolish
the traffic in Africans as they are to retard
the growth and expansion of the United States,
the affair would soon be. settled. The pre-
tended efforts to suppress the slave trade have
had their real origin in jealousy to our coun-
try and a disposition to have a force near our
shores and prevent the landing of Americans
upon the Island of Cuba to support the in-
habitants in revolutionary demonstrations
againSt the Spanish authorities. England
desires to see the balance qf power more equa-
bly struck upon this continent. The rapid
advancement of the United States fills her
statesmen with fearful forebodings. Render
the acquisition of Cuba by the United States
no longer probable—break down the filibus-
tering proclivities of " Young America," and
Great Britain would suffer no further uneasi-
ness concerning the Cuban slave trade.
Notwithstanding the fair exterior of our
British neighbors, ahd the recently expressed
protestations of friendly feeling there is little
doubt but that they would pass by no oppor-
tunity to cripple us. Could British volition
put a period to our advancement we would
come to a dead halt in our progressive march
to power and grandeur immediately. There
can be no mistake on this head. The oft-re-
peated opinions of the British press and peo-
ple relative to us, prove it. Their actions
prove it, and the query is, whether they would
not attempt to put in practice some of those
theoretical expressions, could they come out
of the Russitm war honorably. We have
nothing to expect from British friendship, or
British favor. Our safe-guard is in our cot-
ton. It is better than an army of 1,000,000
of men against England. What France and
Spain might attempt as the allies—the cat's-
paws of the British—is quite another thing.
From these quarters we may expect trouble
in the future, and the ostensible cause will be
Cuba.
The present is a most auspicious period for
our Government to assume high grounds upon
the Cuban question. Were our representatives
at the Courts of Saint Cloud and St. James
to make unequivocal declarations of our in-
tention to acquire Cuba, and if need be to
use force to consummate the acquisition, not
only against Spain but any power intermed-
dling, it is more than probable the way would
be at once smoothed for the purchase' of the
Island by the United States.
Russian and Austrian Forces.—The
total of the six Russian corps d'armee, which
are supposed so menace the Austrian frontier,
amounts to 288,000 infantry, 80,000 cavalry,
18,000 artillery, and 720 guns. The Aus-
trian troops under Baron Hess amounts to
220,000, with 300 guns; this number can be
rapidly increased if necessary.
What a nice fight it would make between
these two grand armies. Were there no oth-
er questions involved than those arising from
a war between Russia and Austria, the lovers
of freedom would take no great interest in the
affair. The Czar of Russia has never been
remarkable for his want of good faith. The
house of Hapsburg have a world wide reputa-
tion as the most faithless sovereigns on earth.
So far as Americans are concerned they have
no cause to dislike Nicholas, but they are con-
fident of being most intensely hated by Aus
tria. Nicholas is now reaping "some of the
fruits of his Hungarian interference. But
for his legions Hungary, in all probability,
would be an independent government at this
moment. He has it in his power to make
amends by affording aid to Kossuth and his
compatriots—by turning Mazzini loose upon
Italy, and by erecting all of Poland into an
independent kingdom. With the support of
the liberals and the exiles of Europe, Nicho-
las would be invincible.
Not Exactly tiie Right Man.—The
New York Courier and Ehquirer, one of the
most able, dignified and influential public
journals in the United States, thinks that Mr.
Raymond is not exactly the proper man to
decide, as to the value of the deposits, recent-
ly tendered by the Pacific Railroad Company,
and rejected by the Chief Executive officer of
our State. That paper says :
"Mr. Raymond, it will be seen, is one of
the contractors named, although he occupies
the position of State Treasurer. His unfit-
ness to act officially in the premises is there-
fore very obvious."
We copy theabove elegant cxtractfrom the
Galveston News. How our friend Richard-
son found out the New York Courier and En-
quirer to be one of the most able, dignified
and influential journals is beyond our ken;
but why the latter paper should consider Mr.
Raymond " not exactly the right man," we
can easily divine. The Courier is the espe-
cial mouth-piece of the Wall street brokers,
and lives, moves and breathes for them alone.
To secure the contract for a Company of
Northern capitalists is his aim, and he can
foresee no success in any stupendous enter-
prize if his favorite clique of stock-jobbers
are not interested in it.
We doubt if the history of-any newspaper
editor in the United States presents so much
glaring mendacity as docs the career of James
Watson Webb. Bought up by the Bank of
the United Suites to defame and villify Gen.
Jackson, his abuse of the old Chief was as
rancorous as his former adulation had been
loathsome. Becoming involved to the amount
of §52,000 to the "monster," when an as-
signment of its assets took place, he support-
ed with all his energy the bankrupt law, of
which he was the first to avail himself, and
having swindled his creditors in a good round
sum, he advocated its repeal. He establish-
ed Matthew L. Davis in Washington City, as
the correspondent of his " able, dignified and
influential journal," who, under the signature
of the "Spy in Washington," wrote and pub-
lished a series of Congressional letters which for
billingsgate abuse have never been equalled.
One of these letters produced the fatal duel
between Cilley and Graves. Mr. Cilley de-
clared the Courier and Enquirer a nuisance,
its editor a blackguard and its correspondent
a hired tool. Webb posted to the seat of
of Government and demanded satisfaction.—
Mr. Cilley, one of the most upright men in
Congress, declined to acknowledge him a gen-
tleman. This was what he wanted, and the
conventional rules of the code, made Mr.
Graves the unwilling murderer of a personal
friend whom he held in the highest esteem.
Previous to this he had attempted to assasi-
nate Duff Green in the Capitol. He has been
kicked and cowhided by a number of New
York editors, including Bennet of the Her-
ald, and participated in as much of the sin
and crime of the "upper ten " of New York
as any unconvicted villain in that modern
Sodom.
When Monroe Edwards was on trial for
forgery, his daily issues teemed with articles
calcutated to prejudice the prisoner. These
were laid before the Court and jury for no
other purpose in the world than to secure his
conviction, and thereby serve the interests of
the Wall street gamblers. Tom Marshall who
defended Edwards, expostulated with Webb,
and pointed out the injury done to his client,
(guilty though he may have been,) in vain,
until finally he called him out and shot him
through the calf of his leg. An arrant cow-
ard and a sordid huckster, this first and last
duel taught him a lesson, and for the lastjfew
years he has "Been comparatively decent, but
his paper never was and never can be what
the Galveston News would have us believe,
" an able, dignified and influential journal."
Mr. Richardson is welcome to all the glory to
be acquired from such an auxiliary.
John Bright, Esq., M. P. has publish-
ed a letter condemning the course of Great
Britain upon the Eastern Question, and of
course opposing the war with Rossia. Such
things are reprehensible in any citizen while
his country is engaged in a war. Notwith-
standing Russia has many sympathisers on
this side the Atlantic, there are few even of
that class, who would endorse the act of Mr.
Bright. After a man's government is. meas-
uring urms with another power it is a poor
evidence of patriotism for him to be lending
his moral inflnence to the enemy. If his
sense of rectitude condemns the course of his
rulers, let him remain silent and take no part
in the affair. The letter of Mr. Bright ought
to damn him eternally in the estimation of all
men who lore their country.
Our friend of the Dallas Herald seems
to be laboring a mistake in regard to, at
least, a portion of the members of the Legis
lature from the coast counties. Some of the
ablest advocates of the Pacific Railroad Bill
had represented counties lying near the Gulf.
Col. Riley made one of the most eloquent
appeals in behalf of the measure, which was
listened to during the session. He, if we
mistake not, moved the previous question,
which wnscarricd, and forced the bill through
the House of Representatives, without allow-
ing its enemies time to encumber it with ob-
jectionable amendments. Gov. J. W. Hen
derson approved the bill, and he resides in
Harris county. The record will not show
any considerable opposition to the bill from
the coast counties. It is true however there
are persons oppose! to the Pacific Railroad
because it does not propose to have a termi-
nus on the Gulf. This is short sighted, be-
cause the building of the main trunk will en-
sure the erection of all requisite branches.—
The best harbor on the Atlantic, presenting
the shortest line of land transportation to the
Pacific Ocean, will be the grand emporium of
the European trade to Asia. If that harbor
is at Galveston, the building of the Pacific
road secures the future greatness of the place
beyond doubt. It would not be within the
power of man to divert the trade to any other
cBahn'el." This-fact cannot' be refuted, and
every effort made against the main road but
indirectly striked at coast interests
Gum MbTzqIjite.—Dr. Geo. G. Shumard
has discovered that the niezquite tree of the
western plains exudes a gum of very near
kind to the gum arabic; and Gov. Thos. S.
Drew, of Arkansas, Superintendent of In-
dian Affairs, heralds this discovery to the In-
dian Bureau with a good deal of parade.
Whatever may be the value of the niez-
quite gum as an article of export, its proper-
ties have long been known to the Mexicans
and We?tern Texans, and its gum is often
called gum arabic.
Should Dr. Shumard, however, sufficiently
concentrate public attention to cause the arti-
cle to become one of commerce, he will have
rendered as valuable a service as did the first
exporter of Pecans. I
R. J. Rivers, Esq.
This distinguished orator and advocate died in
Georgetown on the 14th inst. He Was attending
the District Court for Williamson county, and fell
a victim to an attack of Typhoid Pneumonia, which
.proved fntal in spite of all the kind services
friendship and medical skill could afford.
Jones Rivers was no ordinary mail, and deserves
more tliau the passing notice that is usually allow-
ed in the columns of a weekly newspaper. It is
not too much to say that among that class of Sou-
thern orators of which Prentiss, of Mississippi, and
Marshall, of Kentucky, may be said to be the rep-
resentatives, Rivers was entitled to no secondary
rank. His speeches were unusually short—seldom
longer than fifty or sixty minutes: but he spoke so
rapidly that he would say as much in that time as
! most speakers would say iu an hour and a half,
j He possessed, to a remarkable extent, that singu-
lar combination of powers that simultaneously con-
vince the reason, move the heart and arouse the
passions. Clearness, animation and richness of il-
lustration were the most prominent characteristics
of his eloquence. In his style and manner he
seemed to have formed for himself no model and
followed no example. The very rapidity with which
he spoke was attractive, and hurried an audience
into the wildest excitement. W*e call to mind now
an occurrence that will not soon be forgotten by
those who witnessed it: Two or three years ago a
woman was indicted in one of the counties of this
district for murder in the first degree. Her little
daughter, thirteen years of age, had been induccd
to elope with a man, whom the mother had refused
to permit her to marry, because of her tender age.
A young man who was believed to have aided in the
elopement, whilst walking the street, in open day-
light, was killed by the mother with a shot gun
from an attic window. Popular excitement ran high.
The young man was thought to have been unoffend-
ing, as he had acted only as a friend, and had done
what is not unusual in this country. The case was
plain and the prosecution was conlucted with
marked ability. Abo^e all, the law was clear, and
made no allowance for that pitiless and unearthly
flame that rages in the bosom of a woman who has
been wronged. Rivers defended. In a consulta-
tion with his colleagues inthe cause, who had care-
fully examined the authorities in order to unite up-
on a plan of defense, he remarked with character-
istic point and quickness: " Show me no law
books ! She is a icoman and a mother—and that is
sufficient!" The proof was all made and the case
came to the jury. Many of our Western Texas
readers will recognise the picture that memory
brings np before us now. The small, thin, atten-
uated form—not taller, perhaps, than five feet,
eight or nine inches, and slightly bent; broad fore-
head, dark bright eyes, and sharp Grecian nose.
The hair is silvered with fifty winters; but the
whole face glows with the fire and freshness of
youth. He rises with a hasty but easy motion,
and without preface or apology, pours fourth a
stream of eloquence and pathos, enriched with al-
ternate veins of bitterness and denunciation, that
makes the listeners catch their breath and know
not where they are. He speaks an hour, and clo-
ses with the same easy abruptness with which he
began, f e is done, and to use the language of the
Judge afterwards on the street—" there could be no
reply 1" The verdict was " not guilty!" and the
avenged mother was free.
In private conversation, Rivers had no rivals.
He scattered from his lips, as from a living censer,
rich thoughts, sparkling witticisms and happy re-
partees, with a lavish profusion that made him an
idol in all circles.
The day of his triumph has passed, and there
exists, save in the hearts of his friends, no perma-
nent memorial of his genius. In a few years;
when the daisies shall bloom above his grave, beau-
tiful as those images with which his prolific brain
ever teemed, his fame will be but,traditional. He
lies in a grove, where the night birds join sweetly
in the music of a clear, dashing, wild little stream.
It is meet that such should be his requiem.
Rendition or Slave*.
The annexed extract is from the Jackson
(Tenn.) Central Democrat. They ar to the
point and deserve the attention of every outh-
ern man. Were a fraction of the loss& 0f
property annually occurring in the South 'o
take place at the North, the whole population
would demand satisfaction and "security for
the future." If nothing short of a war could
procure these, their representatives would
plunge the country into it regardless of con-
sequences. But so long as the philanthro-
pists and the lovers of justice, north of
Mason and Dixon's line are free from loss in
the matter they are, and will be, Willing to
ask for no redress. Should our government
call attention to the subject there is no telling
the aiuouut of holy horror it would create
among the northern saints.
"While our Government is so promptly
making and concludingtrcaties, why not make
one with England for the rendition of slaves
which are constantly being stolen by the abo-
litionists and run into Canada to starve? If
the South has rights in the federal compact,
it is nothing but right that the Government
should use every exertion to secure to the
South the untrammeled and unrestricted en-
joyment of those rights. The southern States
have already lost enongh by the. stealiug go-
ing on every day, to justify an interference
on the part of the Federal Government, and
no time, in our opinion, could be more favor-
able than the present. John Bull has his
hands full atprescnt, and is no doubt anxious
to preserve our friendship, notwithstanding
his apparant bellicose disposition towards us,
with resrard to our, western policy. If the
English Government should refuse so reason- confidence of the people. Until some-
able a demand, we have but little hope that thing can be heard from them, all that may
justice in other things will be any more he said, will be conjectural.
Law Libraries in Austin.
The last Legislature of Texas appropriated
§15,000 for the purchase of a law library for
the Supreme Court—one third to be expend -
ed for the use of the court at Austin, one-
third at Galveston, and one-third at Tyler.
Some §4,000 worth of books have been re-
ceived and put up in alphabetical order in the
Supreme court room in the State Capitol.
The collection for the most part consists of
Reports and Digests, with a slight intermix-
ture of elementary books. The English Com
mon Law and Chancery Reports, the New
York, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kentucky,
and the Reports of several of the other
States are very near complete. The collec.
tion, including the broken sets in the State
Department, exceeds 1,000 volumes.
The room is large and spacious and the ar_
rangement convenient, and as the library will
at all times be accessible to the bar, the law-
yers during vacation will find the court room
an excellent place to prepare their briefs.
We may add that some of the lawyers of
our city have shown a very commendable am-
bition in the collection of books.
Messrs. Paschal & Duval have about 1,000
volumes; Oldham, Marshall & Terrill 800
volumes; Peck & DcNormandie, and several
other gentlemen have excellent and well se-
lected libraries. It cannot therefore be said
that there is any scarcity of " law and law
yers" in Austin. We have a bar willing and
able to settle the quarrels of the country; and
what is more, they have books enough to
keep all litigants in good spirits.
Expedition to the Mmpla.
In our last week's issue we failed to men-
tion the contemplated expedition to the Lim-
pia. Gen. Smith has determined to chastise
the Indians by sending a force into their
hunting grounds. It is intended to hunt
out the lodges of the Apaches and other Indi-
ans, who have committed' depredation^ upon
our citizens. The troops to be employed are
the Rifles and Rangers. There will be some
eight companies directed upon the country
adjacent the Limpia. The season of the
year is inauspicious for such an enterprise.
It will be impossible to furnish forage for the
horses of the command and the grass will not
be sufficient to keep them in moving order.
If the Indians should be met with they will
assuredly receive well merited castigation for
their misdeeds.
The want of forage and grass—the cold-
ness of the weather during winter in those
elevated regions, all militate against success,
but the perseverance and indomitable energy
of the officers and men, will, if possible, over-
come those [obstacles and cause the Indians
to remember their visit with sorrow. The
expedition was to have made a forward move
ment as early as the 5th inst., but the diffi-
culties attending the mustering in of the
Rangers prevented its departure. The term
of service of the Rangers will have expired
by the time they can return. The boys will
find a winter campaign not particularly fun-
ny.
J&afThe Central Texian notices the escape
of Copeland from Grimes county jail. He
was confined upon a charge of robbery.
Read " Doesticks," in this day's pa-
per. It is the best satire on quack medicine
venders that we have ever met with.
The Courts.
The Supreme Court for the Austin Dis-
trict closes its session of ten weeks to-day.
The law allots this Court no greater length of
time.
We regret to say that not one half of the
important causes have been decided; and
among those delayed, there are causes which
have been on the dockgt-a number of ye*rs.
The absence of Judge Wheeler, made neces-
sary by the sickness of his son, has contribu-
ted a considerable share to the delay. But it
is very apparent that the business is too
much for the joint labors of all the Judges.
These delays are a source of great evil, and
the remedy is a consideration of no small
consequence. A longer term certainly should
be given to the district at Austin. And we
think that lawyers might greatly facilitate the
labors of the judges by agreeing upon the
points intended to be relied upon, and only
sending up so much of the records as bear
upon the errors complained of. And in all
countries judges might lessen their labors by
giving fewer reasons for the faith which is in
them. Precedents alone are valuable. Ar-
guments should be left to counsel and facts
to the reporters.
A good deal of dissatisfaction was felt
among the bar in consequence of the conflict
between the several courts in this city. We
are not advised that the conflict produced
greater inconvenience to the bar and the
county at large than would the great length
of confinement which holding each court at
different times would require. Strict prepa-
ration iu every cause, and proper courtesy
among counsel, would soon enable them to so
divide business as to keep all the "laws" go-
ing without serious inconvenience. Business
would be done faster and vacations would be
longer, so that those who chose to travel would
have an opportunity of doing so.
Connubial.
We find in one of our Texas exchanges
the following advertisement of one Mary Edy,
in relation to her absconding husband, to
whom she had been married but four weeks.
"I am satisfied he is a base scoundrel and
swindler," is her unequivocal language to-
wards her truant lord. In nine cases out of
ten the sympathy expressed for those who
marry "base scoundrels" is altogether misap-
applied; and those who rush recklessly into
matrimonial misery have no one to blame but
themselves and their too unguarded friends.
Over indulgent parents, or what is still worse,
parents who desire to avoid the expense of
supporting their daughters, have thrust many
a child from the parental roof and consigned
them and all their hopes to misery forever;
while the fear on the part of young ladies of
being styled "old maids" have made thou-
sands "wretched wives." If Mrs. Eddy, in
four weeks after marriage, discovered her
husband to be a scoundrel and a swindler, we
hazard the remark, that she married him
without sufficient acquaintance with his char-
acter, and her fate should be a warning to
those who may be tempted to commit the
same folly:
"Look out for tiie Scoundrel !—This
is to notify -all persons that my husband,
John Edy, left this county on or about the
1st of September, for parts unknown, taking
with him my only horse, and all the money
I had. We were married about four weeks
before he left. He has left me with two
helpless children, in a distressed and penni-
less condition. 1 am satisfied he is a base
scoundrel and swindler. It is supposed he
has a wife now living in Independence coun-
ty, Arkansas.
Said Edy is about 25 years of age, five feet
high, and weighs about 145 pounds. He is
a noisy talker and a gambler.
MARY EDY."
The Paclf c!
Present appearances indicate a very deci-
ded opinion favorable to the conrae of Got.
Pease, not only among the journals but the
people. The destiny of the company is in
their own hands, if they evince a determina-
tion and ability to proceed with the work, the
people will come to their support with great
unani-nity. They desire the building of the
road an<l any company giving proo& of an
hon&t intention to prosecute the great enter-
prise with energy will receive the hearty oo-
opcratioh of the people generally. Should
the Sussexlron Company's shares prove val-
ueless, if H J. Walker and associates are
progressing with the road, the fret would be
immaterial, everything would be merged, lost
sight of, in the progress of success. The pro-
bability of a consummation of the greatest
scheme of any age, would over-top every oth-
er consideration. But as yet no evidence
been offered to invalidate the solvency of
the Sussex Iron Company and the incon-
trovertible facts, which might have* been rea-
sonably anticipated from the tone of the press,
have not come to light and erushed the con-
tractors and their friends by their ponder-
osity.
The doings of the directors at Mo ntgomery
Alabama, will soon transpire. They will
decide the matter. If the company are una-
able to make a good shoiKng to the world,
their failure will be complete. Should they
present to the public, evidences affording a
likelihood of success, they will speedily regain
V
promptly rendered us. And, as the St. Louis
Intelligencer says, a refusal on the part of the
English Government to give up the fugitive
slaves in Canada, would be as good cause for
war as any thing which has come up for
years." "
From Mexico.
The revolution in the South of Mexico Ls
still unsubdued. Gen. Ampudia has been
appointed Governor of Yucatan.
The Diario Oficialofthe28thult., contains
a despatch from Gen. Torrejon, directed to the
ministry of war from Morelia, the capital of
Michoacan, in which he says that the revolu-
tionists, to the number of 2,500 attacked that
city on the 24th inst., and were repulsed with
a loss of 300 in killed, after a vigorous fusil-
lade which lasted for six hours. He says
they attacked the place by the various ap-
proaches, and succeeded in getting possession
of the heights of San Jose, San Francisco,
and Santa Calarina, but were, nevertheless,
dislodged, and entirely put to flight. He
acknowledges that the government met with
some loss, but docs not say how much. He
says that Gen. Echagaray, the governor ^nd
commandant general of the province, was
killed on the outside of the palace as he was
resisting the attack upon it. This has been
confirmed by later advices. We give this ac
count without comment. We are unable to
form an opinion, not having heard the other
side. %
Grand funeral ceremonies were celebrated
in Tampica on the 16th ultimo, in honor of
the late General P. de Cos.
It is reported in the Diario Oficial of the
1st inst., that the revolutionists were twice
routed by the government troops in Tlaxcala,
with great slaughter. Still, notwithstanding
all these victories we are called upon to chron-
icle, the revolution is not put down, nor does
it even appear to be checked or contracted in
its limits.
The papers of the capital say that Santar
Auna. as a mark of esteem to Napoleon, has
ordered that the 162 French prisoners re-
maining from those engaged in Boulbon's late
movement, be placcd at the disposal of the
French Minister, and arc on their way from
Perote, where they have been confined, to
Vera Cruz, where they will embark in a
French man-of-war.
During the month of September, there were
coined at Zacatecas $444,000; during that of
October, §237,600.
The five judges of the civil courts in Mex-
ico have been suspended from their civil
functions for one month, by the President, in
consequence of their having addressed him a
disrespectful communication relative to the
late law on the taxation of costs. Comment
is superfluous.
The great election to decide the question
whether Santa Anna is to be continued in the
government jvith his present powers, came off
on the 1st inst. The returns from Vera Cruz
of that day show that, though 5000 votes had
been polled in his favor, not one was given
against him. It being ascertained that many
had not voted, who desired to do so, it was de-
cided to continue the polling the next day;
with what result is not stated—of course the
same. The Eco says that the voting was con-
ducted with the greatest harmony. Shonld'nt
wonder.
A few days previous to the election, Santa
Anna issued a decrae to take effect, that any
employee of the government, whether in a
civil or military capacity, who neglected to
vote at the popular elections should be imme-
diately deprived of his office—verb sap. Con-
sequence ,—unanimous election ! Great har-
mony !
The above items were clipped from the N.
O. True Delta.
The Central Texian has a communica-
tion purporting to come from "spirit land."
It was written by J. A. Griffiths and purports
to have come from the spirit of the Rev. W.
R. Tryon.
Vermont vs. the Fugitive Slave Law.
—The following law passed by the Vermont
legislature indicates very clearly a disposition
to obstruct the execution of the Fugitive Slave
Law. Such enactments will effect a great
deal in keeping alive an excitement on the
slavery question. They do much harm and
their authors deserve the reprobation of all
lovers of law and the Union. If such a course
of legislation should be adopted by the North-
ern States generally, it will be met with coun-
teracting statutes in the South. The mischief
ensuing would be incalculable. It is little
short of treason for a State to wilfully pass
a law to prevent United States officers from
carrying out the laws of the General Govern-
ment. It is the first step towards resistance
to the laws of the land and ultimate revolu-
tion . Here'is the law:
Sec. 1. Every person who shall falsely and
maliciously declare, represent or preteud that
any free person within this State is a slave,
or owes service or labor to any person or per-
sons, with intent to procure or to aid and as-
sist in procuring the forcible removal of such
free person from this State as a slave, shall
pay a fine of three thousand dollars, and be
imprisoned in the State prison not less than
five years. Provided, That nothing in this
act shall be construed as applying to any
claim of service from an apprentice for a fixed
term.
Sec. 2. No declaration, representation or
pretence that any person, being or having
been in the State, is or has been a slave shall
be deemed proved except by the testimony of
at least two credible witnesses, testifying to
facts directly tending to establish the truth of
such declaration, representation or pretence;
and every person who, upon any trial arising
under this act, shall falsely and wilfully rep-
resent or pretend, with intent to aid any par-
ty accused under this act, that any person
was or is a slave, or owes or did owe service
or labor to any persoh or persons, shall pay a
fine of three thousand dollars, and be impris-
oned in the State prison not less than five
years.
Sec. 3. On the trial of any prosecution
arising under this act, no deposition shall be
received as evidence of the truth of any state-
ment contained in such deposition.
Sec. 4. Every person who shall obstruct
any officer in the sen-ice of any warrant is-
sued in accordance with this act, or who shall
aid in the escape of nny person arrested un-
der this act, while pursued by such officer, or
in his custody, shall be imprisened in the
State prison not less than one year.
Below is an extract from a communication
to the Trairie Blade. * '*'
Judging from the evident suspicion with
which the Governor seems to have scrutinised
the stocks, and the evidence of their par mine,
we might suppose that he ns more desirous
of securing 8300,000 to dm State without
the loss Gf one cent, than to sooure the build-
ing of this great railroad. He seems to have
forgotten that the great object in the passage
of the law was to secure the building of the
great nighway. He seems to have forgotten
that a cry went up from the people of Texas,
as from one man, " let us have this road." I
say he seems to have forgotten these things,
and to have permitted his mind to become
fixed on this pitiful $300,000, as if he thought,
the legislature had fixed this as a "trap" to<
catch any unfortunate company who might
undertake to build the road and fail.
Citizens of Northern Central Texas ! Are
you willing to sit idle and see the greatest en-
terprise of the age thus crippled and obstruc-
ted ; and one which, if completed, would
make Texas the " Empire State" of the Un-
ion, and fill her coffers, and the pockets of her
citizens, with untold millions? Are you wil-
ling to hear the characters of the men en-
gaged in this effort to promote your interest,
slandered, their motives impeached, and their
efforts crippled ? What thinyou of your own
well beloved M. T. Johnson, now acting
President pro tern, of the company ? of yonr
hitherto unimpeached Treasurer and Comp-
troller? of your ex-Governor, J. Pinckney
Henderson, the distinguished jurist and
statesman ? What think you of the Hon. R.
J. Walker, late Secretary of theTreasurer of
the United States and distinguished finan-
cier ? Are these the men against whom you
will listen to foul slander? Do you intend to
forever pay " tribute" and " black mail" to
a few one-horse towns on your coast? Do
you intend to forever flounder in die mnd
between this and Houston, behind yonr oxen
and at your wagon wheels ? And do yon in-
tend to transmit these blessings to yonr pos-
terity ? If not, awake to your duty. Give
the present company your countenance and.
support. Assist to get this great road fairly
started, and," Kfee Ihir"'stone11 £zekiel
saw " cut out of the mountain," it will-roll on
gathering volume, and spread as it progresses,
and none shall be able to hinder. Aqd re-
member the hand writing upon the wall r
Mene tekel upharsin," is recorded against
all who oppose. A RAILROAD MAN.
DeBojvs Review.—The December num-
ber of this excellent work is before us. The
table of contents are as follows:
" The Spanish Donation in Cuba," by A.
W. Ely, 31. D.; " Progress of Geographical
Science," by Lieut. M. F..Maury; "Pacific
Railroad, Plan of the Southern Convention;"
" Donation of Lands for Railroad Purposes;"
" The New Orleans Academy of Sciences;"
"Southwestern Cities;" "The Virginia State
Fair;" Pestilence at the South;" "The
Slave Trade, California;" "Commerce of
New Orleans;" "The South and its Pro-
ducts," by a Southern Planter; " Manufac-
tures of the United States;" " Internal Im-
provements;" "Address to subscribers and
others;" " Editorial Notices."
Texas Orphan Asylum.—The Brenham
Enquirer learns from Mr. Go6s, agent of the
Orphan Asylum, that the affairs of the insti-
tution are in a prosperous condition. The
Enquirer says:
They now have a building completed suffi-
ciently large for the comfortable accommoda-
tion of one hundred and twenty-five students,
erected on an excellent tract of land owned
by that institution. The sum of five thousand
dollars has been collected and expended in
this praiseworthy cause; and the agents are
now engaged in endeavoring to raise the
amount necessary for erccting a home or
boarding house, which is to be commenced
shortly. It is unnecessary 'that we should
make an appeal to our citizens in behalf of
this noble enterprise—they know their duty,
and as Texans, are prepared to perform it.
Railroad Meeting.
The citizens of Travis county are respect-
fully requested to meet at the Old Capitol on
Monday, the 8th day of January next, to
take into consideration the subject of a Rail-
road from the city of Austin to the Gulf, and
to appoint delegates to represent Travis coun-
ty in a General Railroad Convention.
W. L. Robards, Wm H. Henderson, C. L.
Mann, W. S. Oldham, A. W. Terrell, John
T. Marshall, W. D. Miller, F. Dieterich, H_
P. Brewster, George L. Walton, K. Finnin,
Wm H. Carr, J. Hampton, John M. Swisher,.
James S. Payne, G. W. Davis, James Swish-
er, J. W. Robertson, A. Fore, Thomas Mill-
sap, John S. Ford, J. C. Lee, Wilson T.
Davidson, John T. Pruitt, J. A. Beveridge, J.
S. Gillett, S. Crosby, C. Stein, T. J. Ran-
dolph, Wm O'Connell, Josiah Bishop, F. S.
Roy, S. C. Blanton, George S. Hughes, Jas.
G. Swisher, A. G. Compton, George H. Gray,
A. S. Johnson, M. A. Taylor, Martin W.
Townsend, F. Brichta, S. G. Sneed, Nath'l
Townsend.
District Court in Navarro Couktt.—
The Prairie Blade speaks in high terms of
the conduct of Judge Jewett and the Dis-
trict Attorney, at the fall term of the District
Court for Navarro county. The Blade thns
sums up the results:
We have sentenced one representative to
the penitentiary, on a charge of ox stealing,
for one year. Some eight or ten trne bills
have been found, arrests made, and the par->
ties held to bail in bonds of $10,000 each, for
their appearance at the next term-of our Dis-
trict Court, for the late murder of J. H.
Wells, in this county. We understand that
strong proof was adduced before the Grand
Jury; and several of our best cituens seem
to have bean engaged in this diabolical and
tragic affair—and we have no doubt but that
the ferreting out, and the due punishment of
those concerned in this matter, will have a
a great tendency to wipe out the foul stain of
dishonor which, like a mighty fungus, hangs
over ourotherwise delightful county. Suffice
it to say, that crime has winced under the
rod of justice this court; though the utmost
order has prevailed throughout the entire term.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon our
esteemed Sheriff, J. B. Barry, and his posse,
for the prompt aad energetic manner in wh)(h
they have executed the laws.
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Ford, John S. The Texas State Times (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 4, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 23, 1854, newspaper, December 23, 1854; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth235740/m1/2/?q=tex-fron: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.