The agitator. (Wellsborough, Tioga County, Pa.) 1854-1865, July 19, 1855, Image 2

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

    V •
" Ftvut liau»a».
• A cdrresprfbtJdnf bfthe'ilT. • Y. Tribune,
writes as follows, from Leavenworth in that
territory«
“This place contains probably near 100
voters, and I know 7.0. fur Free State, yet
with the aid of their paper and some eight or
ten desperate characters they have said who
should and who should not live hero. 1 know
i«nd feel that to a Northern Christian man
this way of dealing with an evil would find
but few supporters, yet with ufl my precon
ceived ideas of right and wrong, 1 um, how
ever reluctantly, brought to (hi? conclusion,
and have urged meeting force with force.—
An exemplification of this was given some
two or threo weeks since in the notorious
Phillips case, .which occurred afier his return
from Weston, where this self-constituted Com
mittee had token him. On the next morning
he armed himself ond waited on these scoun
drels in squads of two and three as he found
them. He met two of the most forward of
the Committee walking down the street and
about entering a tavern. He inquired of (be
Georgian if he was to be subject hereafter to
the like treatment. The Georgian drew him
self up and proudly answered that he sup
posed the Committee would carry out their
design of making him leave the Territory,—
Phillips told them that hereafter he would
■boot the first man down who would (ouch
him, and would come out from the walk and
settle the matter in single combat, and at the
same lime drawing a revolver, made a motion
to that effect. Now these fellows were
armed; they never go wiihoui arms; yet
after recovering from their astonishment at
this unexpected offer, they stepped mto the
tavern as they said to get a pistol. Phillips
waited some ten minutes or more, probably
twenty, without seeing cither of these beau
ties. Ho made the offer to one and all the
Committee who collectively were so brave as
to lat and feather and otherwise abuse him.
i am fearful of another outbreak here. —
You have seen in the papers an account of
the case of McCrea, who shot Clark. His
trial before LeCompt, Chief Justice of (he
Territory, terminated a day or two since.—
The Judge alter hearing the evidence on both
■ides declared it to be a bailable offense, as
suming I list Me Oreo killed Clark in sel-fde
fense whirl) all disinterested persons knew
before; yd the Judge did not remand him to
the fort, ns sonic say he did, and be is now
under the lender mercies of the most unscru
pulous scoundrel in ■. He stands no
more chance of living until Court sits (Octo
ber) than a fat calf would among butchers.
It was expected that a company of Missouri
ans would be over last night to.glut their re
venge. 1 would not give five dents for bis
life ; yet this man (if any act ever commit
ted was Jusiifiabli) was justified in killing
Clark, as Clark was in the act of striking
him with a piece of scantling over the head
when McCrea shot him.”
• Another writes concerning the McCrea af
fair as follows:
“I lake occasion this morning to inform
you that McCrea's examination came o(T on
the 22d inst., and resulted as might have
been expected. 'On the arrival of ihe Mis
souri superintendents of Kanoo* off.;r»,
wore armed to the teeth, the Judge, in the
midst of business, took occasion to stale that
be did not consider on Abolitionist, or negro
stealer, better than a horse-thief. . This re
mark, so uncalled I or, was well understood.
McGrea appeared thunderstruck. lie had till
then hoped for justice, and expected to be ad
mitted to bail. He now simply directed his
counsel to abandon his petition, and the Mar
shal to lake him back to prison.
Poor McCrea is doomed unless the friends
of Freedom wi’l moke his case ihpir own. —
The black deny of Slavery Ims decorated
her altar for the sacrifice. It is believed by
that diabolical crow that but for him the
XVllh, like the XVth and all other frontier
Districts, would have fallen into their hands
without a struggle. He is without relatives
and without money ; he has an affectionate
angelic wife and one child dependent on him
for support, now poor indeed. Yet day by
dhy her wasting form may be seen hovering
round his place of confinement, though three
miles distant from -their late happy home;;
(he is allowed but half an hour to converge
with him, and that in the presence of his. life’s
enemy, the very ruffian who acted as certain
of the gang who outraged the person of Phil
lips. Yet her every word breathes courage ;
and pointing to their bright boy she exclaims
Never mind my sufferings—they will soon be
over; but ah, think what a disgrace your
flight would bring on him.”
The Marshal, Mr. Donelson, has taken
him out of the guard-house at Fort Leaven
worth, although bo alone, some two weeks
before, remained in confinement when the
guard-house was broken open in the dead of
night and all escaped who wished. McCrea
had all his irons taken off some ten days pre
vious.) As a reward for his magnanimity he
was removed from the. guard-house of the
Fort and placed in the bands of his bitterest
enemies, such men as think his death would
be*« mailer of triumph—those who were en
gaged in tho assault made upon him by
Clark. Mr. Donelson knows full well, as
does every one at all acquainted with the
case, that the issue is not with McCrca for
crime, but between Liberty nnd Slavery."
Concerning the recent outrage upon Gov,
Feeder, this correspondent says :
“The Governor maintained that mien of
dignified composure which is his wont .in the
midst of effrontery and abuse, Slringfellow
oo the contrary became very angry and
threatening in his aspect, left the room, and
returned with a pisiol in his hand ; whereupon
Governor Reeder removed a paper that cov.
ered Ms own, lying on the table before him.
At this crisis one of the gentlemen stepped
between them and the excitement was toon
lulled. VVJien it was supposed that quiet had
been restored, the Governor assumed a half,
reclining posture. Slringfellow taking advan
tage of his attitude sprang upon him and
struck or pushed him backward to the floor.
Both spectators rushed to the rescue, seized
tht aggressor before he could use any fatal
weapon, and led him out. Mr. H. added
that the Governor’s face bore marks of some
rtjugh contact, of. what nature he could not
positively affirm; but Slringfellow. said that
tw bad kicked bint in-tbs face.* 1
the AGimioi.
H, a COBB, Editor.
*,* All Builncsvind other Comrnunicatfoni mbit
be addressed to the Editor lo Insure attention.
WELLSBORODGH, FA.
Tlmrsjay Itloruing. Jnly 16,1855.
BepabOcuu County Convention.
The undersigned, members of the Republican
Standing 'Committee of Tioga County, earnestly
recommend that a Convention of those opposed to
Ihq betrayal or Freedom by Northern traitors as ex
emplified in the repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
and nJRv determined lo resist the further aggressions
of the Slave Power at the ballot-box', be held at Tio
ga Village on THURSDAY, August 33d, to select
suitable persons to fill the several offices at the dispo
sition of tfio - people .liie coming Fall, and also to
make all necessary preparations for a successful
campaign against the wrong thrust upon freemen by
Northern doughfaces.
The Committee would likewise recommend that
not less than three delegates be elected lo represent
each election district in the Convention. And they
lake this method to inform the public that a Repub
lican Mass Convention will be held on the same day
at the same place, at which all those who bold that
“in the union of freemen witlmut reference to former
political attachments is the only safely for freedom,”
—are earnestly invited to attend.
The commute earnestly recommend that meetings
far the election of delegates be held in each election
district, at (ho usual places far holding elections, on
Saturday, August 18lh.
S. G. Enswostii, C. 0. Ett, L. Cache, G. W.
Stanton, W. W. McDovoall, E. Rovce, J.C. Whit.
TAKER.
O’ We are requested to state that Elder J. T,
Surra of Tioga, will preach in the Presbyterian
Church m (liis village, on Sunday, 93d inst., at 10)
o’clock, A. M.
Exslanatoiit.—We neglected to slate last week,
that Judge Wilmot’s absence on the 6lh was owing
to an attach of rheumatism brought on by a severe
cold, and which rendered the journey next to on im
possible undertaking. Probably those who were dis
appointed on that occasion, may have the opportuni
ty to hear him speak before many weeks.
O' The Maine Law is being rigidly enforced In
the rural districts of New-Yurk. We notice in the
Javmal, the report of a meeting of the of
Corning, at which Msj, Field of the Dickinson
House, declared bimscll in favor of enforcing the
Law. Hum for the Maroa! May he ever contin
ue master of the Field, os ho is of the best House
on the N. Y. & Erie.
RetoblicXn State Convention An article from
the Pittsburg dazrlle, suggesting that the Republic
an Slate Convention be held an the 291 h of August,
at Pittsburg, will be found in another column. We
heartily endorse the movement, and so will every
Republican in the County. The grand inquiry on
every hand is—" Are we to organize, thoroughly and
We never remarked slo much eager
interest in the people as is now being manifested.
All are eager for the fray.
The time suggested suits us as well a* any other.
The place also.
O' The Republicans of Indiana have just held n
monster Stale Convention at which were present 20,
000 persons! The utmost harmony prevailed and
strong ground was taken against the Administration
and the Nebraska rascality.
The Ohio Ftccsoil Convention came tjff on the I3lh
inst, and'passed resolutions with 'backbone' of the
peroendieAlar felamD. The Wo*t will .1.. i*-
will Pennsylvania do hera 7 With proper exertion
the largest'assembly that ever convened in tills Com.
monweallft can be had at the proposed Convention
in August Shall we Iry it 7
“STRIKE DOWS THE ALLIES!"
Wo hive before u« several letters from gentlemen
living in different sections of the county, all bearing
cheering evidence of the better spirit that is leaven
ing the minds of the people. However strong the
Republican feeling may have been one year ago, it
is certainly much stronger now,ns we learn from re
liable sources. If any have backslidden, double tho
number have forward-sliddcn to fill up the gaps, and
with the excess to extend the wings of the Republi
can army, Wc know of no individual who lias
turned back from bis stand of last fall, while ttic
number in wham the germ of a new action lias la.
ken deeper root and stretched boldly upwards and
outwards, is much increased.
Politically, we have studied'homsn nature in it,
most untoward and unlovely manifestations, as sll
most do who keep pace with Ilia news of the day;
and in contemplating the wreck of integrity in sneb
men as Webster, Cass, Fillmore and—shall we say
it 7—yes, let Frank Pierce be pul in the list, though
he will hardly be noticed in the shadow of such in
tellects—one is almost templed to doubt (he exist
ence of human integrity. Happily,there is a leaf
in the book inscribed with the names of Sumner,
Seward, Giddings, Chase, Wilmol, Hole, and a heat
of other stout-hearted men, or tlie picture first allu.
dod to would frighten confidence in human integrity
from the bosom of every candid man. Perhaps the
ugliness of (ho first is necessary (a reveal the beauty
of the second. Charity points that wav.
There is now every reason to believe I list the Iri
umph of Freedom in .this county, will, in the com
ng slrugglc.be more signal than (hat of last full.
The scales seem to have dropped from the eyes of
the old line Democrats and lienee, aa we are inform
ed, (he customary preliminaries to a thorough snd
vigorous campaign are foregone, at least publicly for
the present. Once (he Free Democrats wailed for
the old parties ; new the order is reversed and here
in Tioga the Hunkers arc waiting for the Republic
ans. This is a fair, though somewhat reluctant ac.
knowlcdment of weakness, albeit, arguing much lor
their wisdom and sagacity.
But lei no Republican deceive himself aa to tlie
true stale of affairs. The enemy is not. idle—they
are too wise to fold their hands even in tho extremi
ty of despair; and herein they are worthy of imi.
(alien. If men can afford to work in a bad cause,
how much better can they afford itwho,are enlisted
in the cause of causes— equal rights and equal priv
ileges to ALL men, and eternal opposition to theag.
gressions of the Slave Power. Not a hand that can
work should be idle. Let us all work aa though our
enemies were the strongest, that we may be prepar.
ed meet every emergency and overcome every un
foreseen obstacle.
To prepare for a trium|ib (lie Republican parly
must organize. Every one can understand lint
strength undirected is misdirected, and can but de
feat itself. Every one can understand that twenty
yoke of oxen arc able to move twenty tuna if lliey'
J»U tnguhtr, not otherwise. The same rale applica
as well iq the operations of intelligent beings: If
we do not think together two cannot act together;
and it we cannot act together we may better not act
at all.
We see but one way to render the Republican
strength effective, and that way was pointed out last
week. Friends, our thoughts must ba common
properly. We must all contribute to the mass of
.thoughts and suggestions our thoughts and suggest
the xio q a ;cgunty a.gitatob..
tioni's On'ont partite deprecaloSho system ofae
cretSlrcpulling pumbd by Ine «S|t parties. ’A ii
in unmanly, i system, pod deduced from
the er/uncoo* supposition of ignotisifee end incornpo.
lencydatiie rainei. The wholeayitem of leader
ship ii Alee—in insultoffered to the general intetli.
gence of the people. Every’men hsia partassigrt
ed him in the economy, of nature, and the Mtneis
truein politics md every held of action, 'Distrust
the mm who assumes the responsibility of your sc
tiom m a moral and social .agent; for each is res
ponsible to God, his own conscience and posterity
for Ilia every action, No man baa the right to
give Either his conscience or his reason into .any
individual's keeping. Nor can lie shirk a tithe ol
the resoonsibilily oy so doing. Freeman, yon are
no man’s keeper but'your own; and knowing this,
it stands yon in hand to prove an inflexible jailer.
A friend writing to os says:
"Are we to have n Republican organization in this
county this' fall ? It seems to me that it la time we
were op and doing. We laid out tho “Bouhooa”
last foil, handsomely, and can do it again if we but
organize soon. Thu doughfaces ire alive and organ
izing and we must be active. For one, I will aup
port no man far an office this fait unless he shows
his. hand publicly, on the all-absorbing questions of
the day. 1 apeak tho sentiments of Ihree.fourlhs of
the voters in this township, * * lam ready
for the Gght, and conscious that a 'glorious victory
awaits us if we bat acquit ourselves like freemen.”
This gentleman sends as two subscribers, far
which'he will accept thanks. In reply to his query
we are glad to refer him to the call for a Moss Con
vention If bo held at Tioga on the 23d of August
next, at which place all who are apposed to the re
peal of tho Missouri Compromise, and are deter
mined to resist the further spread of Slavery at the
ballot-box, ore invited to attend.
Vfe hope every Republican will adopt the rale
laid down by oar correapoodenl—“to rapport no nun
for office whp doe* not openly and baldly pledge
himself to resist the farther aggressions of the Slate
Power.” David Wilniol was right whea he said
that tho only hope fur Freedom lies in “ striking
down the ALLIES of Slavery." Who are the al
lies of Slavery 7 Every man who ignores, under
rates or holds the great question of Slavery seconda
ry to any other question; who shows by his actions
ho loves party, or preferment better than Freedom;
who talked bravely about rebuking the South lor its
aggressions and Northern doughfaces for their infa
mous action in voting for the Nebraska bill, yet vo
ted and induced others to vole for that prince of
patlyfaces—William Bigler! These arc the allies
of Slavery—all, and the latter are the most to be
guarded against. Lacking the spirit of the tew
that openly advocated Bigler’s cause because they
believed him to be friendly to the Administration
and therefore to the Nebraska infamy, they played
a game to deceive tbc people. They failed, but who
will trust them this fall 7 Nat the cautious, for one
year is too little probation for men who deliberately
falsified their word on the most important question
of the present age. Strike down the allies t
Every roan who apologises for tire Nebraakq in
famy, excuses the recent border outrages in Kansas,
Those outrages were the offspring of the slavery
propagandists, and legitimate. A solemn compact
was broken and this is but one of the many yet on.
developed results. It may be asked, “what have
wo at Ihe North to do with Sbivcrjp 7” We have to
rebuke its insolence and to defend our hearths from
its aggressions. It has broken down the barrier and
removed the ancient Undmarks of Freedom. It has
fixed its fca xe upon the great West, beholding, its
boundless expanse of fertile prairie only to plan its
desolation. But what is (hat loos? Everything!
Let the curse take root in the West and wo to Free
•vkuvn A>, *trv > tvorvv ~■* —■ j a - . Jlti . i « L, ~ ,1
is the blight of death. We only have to roll back
Slavery, or Slavery will overwhelm us.
To roll back this desolating tide of Slavery the
North has only to “ Strike do urn the Allirt i
O* The Old Line Democrat Slate Convention a*,
semblcd at Harrisburg on tho. 4th. Wo have read
the proceedings with considerable interest, and feel
constrained to exclaim—
"How are the mighty (alien !”
A more wisliy-waslij-niilk-snd-waler-afliiir never
came off under democratic auspices. The old cere
mony of endorsing the National Administration was
religiously observed, the Union was propped up with
an additional pillar of putty crowned with a capital
of damaged dough, Nebraska was studiously ignor
ed in the majority report, and made the god of the
minority report, tho latter being led on by Hendrick
B. Wright, of Luzerne. Niggers were declared a
kind of foreigners that must be proscribed, and
Know Nothinglsm was laid out cold. Altogether,
it was the most brilliantly stupid affair ever got up,
Mark the brilliancy of the leaders, who in one breath
endorse the policy of the Administration, and in the
next, refuse to endorse tlie pet measure of the Presi
dent-rtho Nebraska bill! What a masterstroke of
policy ! Ignoring the treason while they hog the
traitor I Applauding the Administration while they
refuse to sanction its measures! Wonderful fore
sight ! But what a contemptible estimate they do
put upon the intelligence of the Democratic rank
and file, when they expect the people to swallow
such a monstrous absurdity ! Who is silly enough
to believe tho people will do any such ridiculous
thing I ,
Well, Ebcnczer the Cute wss there, and covered
himself with three shilling glory. He wanted one
little wall-strip—a plank would have been too broad
fur Ebene^er —whereon to stand and preach Democ.
racy to the astonished multitude in Susquehanna .
so be reported a tolerable mulatto resolution, which
was immediately laid on the table. Thus, the ex
speaker is led to bop between two platforms—demo
cratic and Cbaso-erratic, like a roan of pith between
two electric plates. Alas—well, be died in demo
cratie harness.
Mark (he cunning of (he leaden in this Conten
tion : Mr. Chare offered a resolution compliment
ing Got, Reeder for resisting the Missouri border
ruffians, sod thus carrying, out the popular sovereign
ty doctrine. Did this loyal body of democrats adopt
that resolution ? O no! they laid it on the table,
and thus refused to bear testimony against the law
less violence of the mob that aims to subjugate free
tcrrilory by force and arma! Verily, "The wicked
flee when no man pureuelh, but the righteous are
bold as a lion.”
Will the Tioga,democrats endorse the platform of
that Convention ? Of course oul; they will attempt
the game of last year—promulgating parly gospel
from a free-soil platform. Aims verrtmi.
CT Under (he head of "Insanity from Spiritual
ism," the Williamsport Preu says:
"There are but comparatively few persons so men
tally constituted as to render it sale to dabble in
what is proving lbs portal to the mad-house. The
science that dethrones reason most be a dangerous
one."
Wo had thought that (Viond Baaarrrstood a little
fbove the sphere of such argument. Suppose, we
adopt the rule at the close of tho above paragraph ;
Befpre us lies the Report of the State Lunatic Asy
lum of Missouri, showing that out of 21 inmates,
11 were crated by protracted meetings, 4 by Spir
it ualiun and 6 from, grief at the.loss.of friends.
Now we hepa-frieod BaireU will treat bis readers to
a dissertation on tbo dangerous “sciences” of grief
and religion. It strikes ns tint the rule is founded
in a lamentably suppSeinl knowledge ot mental act
enoc... irfaihematicajbaa drivea thousands mid; and.
so on through tho list—each hat proved “tlie portal
to the mtd-hoaae*cfo some, without balance whale
to preserve the equilibrium of the quiescent aid ac
tive faculties. The rale is absurd.
A Scientific Question Settled.
. , JiCbßniKb,July 13,1855.
Enma oy tux Aovtxtox ; Noticing in your pa
per a paragraph on tho little fish that was said to
have, come down the spout at the office of the Jour
nal, I thought I would set you right on Dial matter,
as well as some others (for others have taken it up,).
Some buys, were goings fishing and went, to the
river for some little fish for ball, and put them in 1 a
water-pail. The shower prevented the excursion,
and the pail was put under the spout to catch water.
Ol course the'pail filled' and all of thd fish but one,
ran over tho top. T.he “devil” went to the spout
for water and thinking to have a little fun, put the
fish in bis pail and'said it came down the spout.
This will suffice to explain the “fish story,” Sot
them right on it. A SUBSCRIBER.
Very well, we own up to a capital hoax somewhere.
Our mistake lay in attributing it the operation of
divin? law, whereas it is proved tq have been s trick
of the “devil!” It was a good joke, and we ven.
tore to pledge the Journal devil our vote and influ
ence, should lie cvVr 'be so unfortunate as to'get
nominated far the Presidency. Keep your eye on
that boy, Doctor. Ed.Ag,] ~
O* A friend writes us from Middiebury relative to
tho great issues of the day, as follows;
. “The Bank and Tariff questions are only known
among the tilings that were. The great question
is, “Is Slavery to became national and Freedom sec.
tioual, or nice atria 1 The old parties are ill no
more, and tiie next Presidential campaign will be
(ought on the issue of Freedom or Slavery. All oth
er questions are swallowed up in this.”
Oar friend will please accept our thanks for (he
material addition to our subscription list contained
in his letter—twelve new subscribers, procured as
ho stales, “in a short lime and without trouble.” If
we had a friend ol this kind in each election district*
in the cooniy, we should soon print 1500 copies per
week. Wo are also under obligations la friend J, B.
P., far 13 now subscribers, making in ail an addition
of 25 to our list. Come on, gentlemen, we'll gel a
power press when it reaches 1500.
The American News, published at Keene, N. H.,
one of our most valued anti-Slavery exchanges,
comes to us this week merged in the Sentinel, pub
lished at the same place. The Sentinel is one oflhe
roust reliable and Influential Journals in the Granite
Slate, and a faithful advocate of the cause of Free,
dom. We congratulate friend Woodward on his
good luck in life, and hope he will' reap in his new
position, ample reward for past struggles and like
wise for future labors.
The Caors,—We hope the farmers are more
frightened than hurt about the weevil. We under
stand that it is the wheal midge instead of the wee
vil, that is at work in the wheat fields, and that but
a narrow strip on the outside of many is at all dam
aged. We hope far (he best, and look forward to a
not distant day when flour can be bad tor $6 a bbl.
It is now selling at 35 50 in the South.
The Phrenological and Water-Cure Journals,
published by Fowlers & Wells 308 Broadway New-
York, should have been noticed last week. The Ju
ly numbers are filled to the brim with useful hints
and suggestions calculated to benefit the reader.
These Journals are published monthly on superior
paper, each number containing 24 three-column pa
ges devoted to mental ond physical science, agricul
ture and Mechanic*. F. Sl W., also publish Life
li-lobtrateo, without exception the most beautifully
printed ano conducted family newspaper ever
offered to the Americon people. This poper is pub
lished weekly. We will furnish the three one year
for 93* Either of the Journals and our paper for
$1 50.
Pcterson*B Magazine for August is already
an our table, in advance of all competitors. This
periodical is fast risinjg to the position of a 33 Mag
azine, and is afforded at $3.
Democratic State Convention.
This body assembled at Harrisburg on tho
20ih of July. Its proceedings nre lengthy
and full of Buncombe. The Democracy
were as usual characterized as the “suit and
sugar" preservation of the Union, and soon.
We give the principal resolutions :
Resolved, That we have undiminished con
fidence in Ihe ability and integrity of Frank
lin Pierce, and his administration of the gov
ernment of our country.
Resolved, That we are opposed lo any
change in our State Constitution conferring
upon negroes the right of suffrage. We are
not willing that this class of Americans shall
rule this part of America, conceding to oth
er stales Ihe right to gratify their own tastes
in (his particular, however much we may dif
fer from them in opinions.
Resolved, That if ihe people of ihe whole
Union, by their representatives in Congress
assembled, have no legitimate power to force
slavery or anti-slavery on the people of a ter
ritory, it follows, by much stronger reason,
Ihqt no such power can be rightfully exercised
by any eelf-constiluled body within the States,
and composed of a pari only of the people.
Resolved, That every new State ought lo
be admitted into the Union with such,a Con
stitution os a majority of the citizens thereof
shall odopl, provided there is nothing (herein
conflicting with ihe Constitution of the Uni
ted States ; and whether suqji Stale shall have
[•adopted or rejected slavery, is not a matter of
inquiry by ihe general government. The
adoption of any measure which would defeat
this, is o direct encroachment on the popular
sovereignly of such State.
Resolved, That under these views, and
which we believe to be correct, the hill cree
ling Nebraska and Kansas into Territories,
•leaving the question of slavery with thepuop
le, was not only constitutional, but expedient
and proper, and that we do hereby endorse
and approve the same.
It is proper to slate here that (he three last
resolutions were rejected.
A gentleman in Washington city adver-
tises for sale a negro girl, because “her own.
er does not wish to hold a slave.” . How can
the philanthropic gentleman sell a slave; and
perhaps to a less humane master than him.
selfl He has a lender conscience, truly.—
Another advertiser in the same city wished to
hire-a slave woman, and directs inquiry at
“the Benevolent Employment Store.” It .is
certainly benevolent to provide employment
for afl, provided yoli pay them for it; but it
is decidedly the reverse to receive the servi
ces of a'womah, and make payment'thorefor
to some other person. —National Era.
Harvest Hands tiro receiving 92,00 per
day in Illinois.
£
/,'e -v.', . lyv r |
WARD MUll
:pinrttp6&»c*jbf Tie Ejttmng Foot. ,
Mow., Saturday, June Ifi, 1855.
* Never In the history of this town has this
orderly end peace-loving community been so
shocked and horrified ns by .the sad event
whichoccurred ok '-fte llth inst,
resulting in the instant demh of one of our
most esicemed and valuable citizens, Prof.
Clark S. Brown. j
The fads os detailed by the witnesses may
be briefly stated subsequently as follows:
Prof C. S., Brown, assisted by the Rev.
M. B. Feemsleras Assistant Principal hss for
several months had charge of the “Pontotoc
Male Academyi” and having occasion a few
days prior 10 this fatal event to discipline for
some misdemeanor one. Cary Wray,a lad
about twelve years, of age, jnflicled upon him.
a moderate chastisement,- 'This merited cor
rection called forth a very insolent remark
from John, an elder brother, who iwice de
clared to Prof. Brown that if he whipped his
brother again I here would be This
occurring some lime in the latter part of the
week no particular notice was taken of it till
the school reassembled on Monday morning,
when the sentence of expulsion was pro
nounced upon him by Mr.Feemsier, to whose
department he belonged.
The expelled student soon communicated
what had happened to his friends at home.—
What plans were discussed or what advice
given in (he councils of his friends we know
not, but from what quickly followed it is not
difficult to conjecture.
Keith Wray, a young man about 18 years
of age, engaged in the study of medicine in
one of the medical firms of this place, entered
the office of bis preceptors between 10 and
II o’clock, A. M., and in a fit ol great ex
citement asked for pistols. To the inquiry
what he wanted of them, he replied, “Give
them to me and you will soon see"—using
Brown's name in connection. Fulling for
some reason to obtain weapons here, he next
went to the printing office, where he found
three or four of his more intimate associates,
from whom he procured a bowie-knife 0$
inches in the blade and a six barrel pistol,
which was then carefully charged for the oc
casiffi.
With these weapons of death concealed
upon his person this sone of ’’Southern chiv
alry,” with ihe pacific advice “lo keep the
law on his side,” set out upon his mission
of peace to seek satisfaction at the hands of
Brown. Repairing to the Academy about
twenty minutes before noon, he addressed
himself lo Mr. Feemster with the request to
tell Prof. 8., who occupied an adjoining room,
to come out doors, as he wished lo settle Ihe
difficulty between him and his brother. Mr.
F. replied that Brown was busily engaged
hearing recitation—beside*, the call to settle
difficulties appeared to him quite unreasona
ble. Wray with some warmih repealed his
demand, saying that he desired “to see him
and settle the difficully now,”
Mr. F„ observing the slate of exciiement
under which he was laboring, and fearing that
he mighi act rashly, advised him “to go away,
become cool, let reason resume her sway,
that you may bo able to act like o man,”—
To thif salutary advice he warmly replied,
"Tell Brown 1 will see him on his way home
and settle the matter with him then.” After
the close of the school, Wray’s request was
communicated lo Prof. 8., and after a short
consultation between Ihe teachers ns lo the
probable design of ihefyoung man, they, con
scious of having done toothing but their duly,
came to the conclusion that no apprehension
need be felt, and, impressed with this convic
tion, separated for their respective 'homes,
each taking his own road, leading in different
directions.
Prof. Brown had not proceeded more than
three hundred yards from the Academy, about
hulf way across the public Park, w hen he
was met by Wray, who had stationed himself
in partial concealment by the' wayside, and
rudely addressed him in the following man-
"you have been imposing on my
brother." To which Browtq with great mild
ness, in substance replied, that in what had
been done he had acted in the conscienlous
and fearless discharge of his duty, and for'
the justification of his conduct he was “willing
lo leave it to any reasonable man in town, —
I will explain the matter to you"’ said he.
But before lime was given for explanation,
Wray, regardless of Ihe advice of his friends
lo “keep Ihe law on his side,’’ and thirsting
for ihe blood of his viclime, angrily uttered
the still more insulting words, “You are a
d— —— d dog,V and instantly aimed a blow
with his fist at the face of Brown, who, with
the instruments of death now for the first
lime revealed lo view, saw that his days were
numbered unless by superior strength and ac
tivity he could by a single blow strike his an
tagonist to the earth. Drawing his only
weapon of defense, a little riding whip which
by chance he had in his pocket, he entered
the fearful struggle between life and death.
But, alas ! how short the conflict! 'how
tragic the result 1 In on instant the gutter
ing blade flashed in the meridian sun, and
the ill-fated Brown staggered, and reeled, and
fell to theearih a lifeless corpse, pierced with
seven horid wounds.
The above is a summary of ihe testimony
as given by the witnesses of this mournful
tragedy. Never was there a deeper felling
of indignation pervading any community than
has been awakened here by-this melancholy
event. The loss of such a man -under such
circumstance, and in a community, too, en
joying a high character for sobriety, order
and refinement, has produced the most pro
found sensation. The affair has undergone a
thorough investigation in-, the magistrates’
court, and the youth has been- committed to
prison, notwithstanding the vigorous efforts of
his friends to forestall justice by promptly 1 se
curing all the legal pounsel (he place affords.
Space’will allow me at this lime to speak
but briefly of the character and, many virtues
of'the deceased. Suffice it to say that Prof.-
Brown was a native of New Hampshire—a
graduate of Dartmouth College—a ripe schol
ar, a high-toned gentleman, and a devoted
Christian. In classical and metaphysical at
tainments he had few if any superiors in this
country. In the cause of education he was
quite an enthusiast, and had devoted some
thing over twenty years of his life in the bus
iness of leaching. c.
(MMBNIdifIONS.
fbr Me Agitator.
: Common School*.;
„M«. Editor Allow me in roy baste to
see alllhe schools of this county, to drop
through, your paper a letter to the School Di
rectors bespeaking their patience.'- I have
always known that one man could only
cupyone place with his bodily presenCe at
(he same time; and that knowledge has not
been shaken by forped drives/rw» school to
school, and town ti) town, since the spring
schools have opened. Yet I know tfial many
Directors feel that I apt slow off—patience,
patience, gentlemen. .When I come to your
town, just hitch op your horse and go with
me to your schools, an'd if that dont satisfy
you, try the next town.andif you do not get
enough hot baste before you’ve driven one
week with us, we’ll pot you dowojfrit clot*.
As soon aft the Schools started I started, and
have hardly had time to breathe,since. I
do not despair of seeing every school and
school ho'use in (he county yet, before the
summer schools close.' Nearly half the’
schools are still to be seed. Bill my appoint
ments are out and here they are for the sub
sequent three weeks, their publication here
may meet the eye of some directors or leach- ■'
ers who have failed to get my letters, and
such failures in the paucity of our mails in
most towns of this county ore frequent:
July 9th and 10th, Union; 11th, Ward;
13th 13th and 14th, Sullivan; 16th and 17ih,
Richmond; 18th nod 10th Rutland ;<2oth
and 21« t Jackson ; 23d and 24, Tioga ; 25ih
Lawrence, and Lawrenceville; 26th I and
27th, Middlebury.
I am taking notes and when I have finished
the circuit I’ll publish the' result.
Many inquiries are made about teacher’s
reports. Those we published are out, and
the department have published a supply, as
will be seen, probably frotp the next school
Journal, But (hey have not come to hand
yet. We Jpdpe a great improvement will be
made in these blanks before another supply
is issued from the department. For further
information on matters in which school direc*
tors are interested allow us to extract from a
circular recently received from Harrisburg:
"Nearly ten per cent, more School money
than heretofore has been appropriated and
paid to districts for the past year, except
where the County Commissioners’ certificates
showed a decrease in the number of taxables,
which is the standard of distribution. This
' fact pxplodes the popular notion that the sal
aries of the County Superintendents absorb
to that extent the usual pro rata share of the
appropriation due to each county —8185,000
being the annual average disbursement here
tofore, while for the past year it will amount
to within a fraction 0f‘8200,000.
The new edition of the Law end Decision*
cannot be ready before the middle of July.
As soon as it can be got out, one copy will
be immediately mailed to the Secretory of
each Board of Directors in the State—os well
as to the Superintendents—and a full supply
for each Board, in packages, distribution by
the latter. Copies of the last Annual Report
and Appendix will also be enclosed in the
same box. Superintendents will be furnished
ot the same lime with Blank Monthly Reports
to Directors—similar to the enclosed speci
men—to be delivered to Teachers free of
charge. This experiment—which, by the
way, is not chargeable to the School fund—
is to secure uniformity and increased accura
cy in the statistics of the Schools. Limited
supplies could be sent at an earlier day, by
mail, if needed for the Summer'lerms.
It is uncertain at what time, precisely, (ha
“School Architecture” will be ready—cer
tainly not before the first of August. It is in
contemplation to ha*e some of the plans
printed and sent out in loose sheets, in ad
vance of the publication of the book, to re
lieve somewhat the most urgent present der
mands for a guide of some kind.”
Very Respectfully, H. C. HICKOK,
Deputy Superintendent.
We hope to have some statistics of value
to lay before the people of this county when
our present hurry is over. Experience is a
great teacher in this superintendent business.
Yours Truly, J. F. CALKINS,
County Superintendent,
Old Opinion on Slavery.
In the course of an article, the 7Vibune
quotes Patrick Henry whowrote: “Would
any one believe that lama master of slaves
of my own .purchase! lam drawn along
by the inconvenience of living hero without
them. 1 will not —1 cannot justify it. 1 be
lieve a time will come when an opportunity
will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.
Everything we can do is to improve it if it
happens in our days; if not let us transmit
to our descendants, together with our slaves,
a pity for their unbappv lot and an abhorence
of Slavery.” “1 cannot onlv say,” wrote
Washington, “that there is not a man liv
ing who wishes more sincerely than I do to
see a-plan adopted for the abolition of it, (i.
e., Slavery ;)but there is only one proper and
effectual mode by which it can be accomplish
ed, and that is by-legislative authority, and
this as far as my suffrage will go, shall
never be wanting.” In the earlier and
belter days of Jefferson, before sectional
ambition had it was bis great
ana leading aspiration to set on fool (and in
this Madison sympathized and co-operated
with him) sgmo such legislative measure of
emancipation ns that for which Washington,
in the letter above quoted, pledged his influ
ence and his vote.
Pennsylvania Democratic Convention.
—The State Democratic Convention assem
bled at Harrisburg on the 4th insl., lo'nomi
nate a candidate for Canal Commissioner.—
The Hon. J. Glancy Jones presided. On the
third ballot, Arnold .Plummer, of Venango,
was nominated ns Canal Commissioner. The
committee on resolutions made a minority and
a majority leport. The majority report avoi
ded the liquor law and Nebraska question.—
The minority Voport took decided ground on
both exciting subjects. A motion to
substitute the minority for the majority report
was negatived —yeas 19, nays 89. A mo
tion to amend the majority report by inserting
the minority Nebraska resolution was lost by
a vote of 40 to 59. The Majority report
was then adopted, as also an additional reso
lution against negrods voting.