The Columbia Democrat. (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, January 11, 1840, Image 1

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    I have sworn upon the Altar of God, eternal hostility to every form of Tyranny over" the Mind of Maiu Thomas Jefferson.
YoitlEKC mi.
OFFIECE OF THE DEMOCRAT,
X)rrosiTE St. Paul's Ciiuncn, Main-st.
-The COLUMBIA DEMOCRAT will be
published every Saturday morning, til
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and Tivcnti-fivc cents for every subse
truent nscrtlon. f.C7.4 liberal discount
made to those who advertise by the year.
LETTERS addressed on business, must
be post paid.
From the New York Messenger.
THE FROZEN CREW.
Miserable they
Who here cnt.mglcd in tlio gathering ice
Tti!:c their list look at the descending Ban.
Whilo full of death and fierce with ten-fold frosts,
Tho long, l.mg night, incumbent o'er their head?:
Too horrible." Thompson.
There aro fearful wonders upon tho ocean
wonders in the lempest and in llio calm,
in tho tropical heat and in'thecold and fro
zen seas. Thmixnmls and tens of thotis
amis go down in the deep, and arc no more
Been forever. A more fearful fato has be
fallen a thousand sons of the ocean. Long
before llio idea of the existence of a new
-world was contemplated by Eutopcans, the
northern seas ha been traversed in every
direction by the daring freebooters of the
,jiorih,,.wh(i often bore the title of " Tho
King of the Sea." Thuy had discovered
I -flan J, and the settlement Jrerc?'furmed,
became an asvluni for the hosts" m norlh-
'" 'men, who were driven frouT'ScJndiiiavi
bv the gindual approach of southern civili
sation. In time Iceland, also sent forth her
colonics, and early in the century effected
-i ..iilnmr!iit on the coast of Greenland. It
lqng languished for want of sufficient popu
lation; iu 088, Ericko Haude, an Icelandic
chieftain, fitted out an expedition of twen
ty gallics at Snatjcll, and having manned
them wiih sufficient erew3 of colonists, set
orih from Iceland, bound to what appeared
to them to bo a more congenial climate.
They Railed upon the ocean fifteen days,
.and they saw no land. The next day
Ibrought with it a storm, and many a gal
lant vessel sun!; in the deep. Mountains of
ice covered the waters as far as the eye could
lencli, and but few gallics of the fleet escap
ed destruction. The morning of the 17th
day was cle.nr and cloudless. The sea was
calm, and fir away to tho north could be
teen iho glare of tho ice fields reflecting on
the sky. The remains of the shattered
fleet gathered together to pursue their voy
ngc. Hul the galloy of Eticko was not with
them. The crew of a galley which was
driven farther north than the rest, reported
that, as the morning broke, tho huge fields
of ire that had covered the ocean, were
tlrivea by the cm rent past them, and that
they beheld the galley of Ericko Raudo,
biirne by a resistless force and speed of tho
wind, before a tremendous flake of ice.
2Ier crew had lost nil control over her they
-were tossing their arms in wild agony.
irscarcely a moment elapsed ere il was wal
led in by a hundred icy hills, and the whole
innss moved forward and was soon beyond
the horizon. That the galley of tho narra
tors of this story escaped was wonderful.
It remained, however, uncontradicted, and
the vessel of Ericko Itnu.de was never more
Co:i.
Half a ccnlury after this event, a Danish
colony was established upon tho western
jc oast of Greenland. The crew of (ho ves
sel that carried tho colonists thither, in their
excursion into the interior, thai crossed a
rango of hills that stretched to the north
ward; they had approached, perhaps, near
er to tho polo than any succeeding adventur
ers. Upon looking down from Jhp aura-
BMLOOBISBURG, CQETOIMA
mil of the hills, they beheld a vast and al
most interminable field of ice undulating in
various places and formed into a thousand
grotesque shapes. They saw, not far from
tho shore, tho figure of an icy vessel with
a glitering icicle in place of a mast arising
from it. Curiosity prompted them to ap
proach, when thoy beheld a dismal sight.
Figures of men in every altitude of wo
were upon the deck, but they were icy
things. One figuro alone stood erect, and
with folded arms leaning against the mast.
A hatchet was procured and the ice split a
way, anil the features of a chieftain were
disclosed, pallid and deathly, but free from
decay. This was, doubtless, the vessel,
and that figure tho form of Ericke Raude.
Benumbed with cold, and in tho agony of
despair, his crew had fallen around him.
lid alone had stood erect while the chill of
death passed over him. Tho spray of the
ocean and the falling sleet had frozen as it
lighted upon them, and covered each figure
with an icy robo which the short-lived glance
of a Greenland sun had not power to re
move. The Danes gazed upon the specta
cle with trembling. They knew not but
the samo might be their fate. They kneel
ed down upon the deck and muttered a
prayer in their native tongues for the frozen
crew, then hastily left the place, for the
night was fast approaching.
From the Lancaster Intelligencer.
THE EXECUTION OF KOBLER.
On Friday last, between 2 and 3 o'clock,
Henry Kobler Alusselman was executed in
the yard of the county gaol for the murder
of Lazarus Zellerbach ; according to the
stern requirements of the law he had offen
ded. Wo attended, not because we desired
to witness a spectacle like this, but simply
to bo enabled to' givo U plain and accurate
statesmen of the affair to the public.
The Execution, though private taking
place in a yard surrounded by a wall nearly
thirty feet high created a large amount of
excitement. in the popular mind. In the
neighborhood of the gaol, tho crowd was
dense; and one or two of the houses in the
precincts, masses of spectators clustered to
the roofs, straining their eyes to get a
glimpse of the fatal ceremonies, which,
however, unfortunately for this morbid cu
riosity, but luckily for lic feelings of the
prisoner, had been so arranged as to be
seen by none other than those admitted as
witnesses, or by the large body of physi
cians, of whom, counting students and all,
there were some thirty or more present.
We regret to say, that so far did this desire
extend, that about a dozen of the more ad
venturous spirits managed to scale the wall
clinging to it, and peering over into tho
yard, forgetting their danger in the over
weening anxiety to see a man hung ! Du
ring the awful sceno that took place before
tho execution, and as Kobler was swung
off, the air resounded with the yells, shouts
and blasphemy of tho crowd on the roofs
and wall, though implored by the Sheriff
to desist.
At about a quarter past 2, Kobler entered
the yard, accompanied by the Sheriff and
gaoler. We watched him narrowly when
ho saw the scaffold: but there was no
change in hit) countenance. Ho approach
ed it quickly, but with a firm and clastic
step: his features, though rather melancho
ly, did not seem to in ve much of fear or
penitence iu them. He gavu a quick glance
at tho spectators; and, altogether, seemed to
look like a man who had determined to
bravo the terrors of his fate. When he
had partly ascended tho scaffold, ho stop
ped, raised his eyes to Heaven, and cried
out repeatedly, in German, Lord Jesus,
receive my soul !" Ho then ascended en
tirely to the platform, where ho sang with a
remarkably clear and distinct voice, some
verses in German composed by himself, a
few clays pieceding. Wo aro told that
those outside could hear tho voice distinct
ly. This concluded, ho said loud enough
to bo heard in every part of tho yard,
'Whatever I may have done to others, of
this murder I am clear;" then forgavo all
who b.ad ever injured him; and. then turning
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY II. WEBB,
COTOTY, FA. SATURDAY, JAffltARY H,
abruptly, said, "And now Sheriff hang
me! Immediately after this he prayed
with great fervency; called on God to wit
ness his innocence; and once called out,
"My God why hast thou forsaken me ?"
Even after the ropo was adjusted, and cap
drawn over his face, ho continued hia pray
ers. After bidding a cordial "good-bye" to
the humane Sheriff and gaolor.he was hung
and in a few moments ho stood in the
presence of an offended creator, a sacrifice
to outraged justice. It was an awful sight.
The undaunted bearing or the prisoners
seemed to increase its solemnity and add to
its unspeakable interests. A moment be
fore, and he stood before us, with unquiver
ing lip and flashing, eye, calling upon the
living God to witness his innocence. A
moment after, and he swung before us in
iho agonie3 of death 1 lie did not struggle
much : a few convulsive heavings, and all
was over. He was left on tho scaffold
nearly half an hour before he was taken
down.
We know that these protestations of
Kobler will be looked upon by many who
aro unacquainted with the facts, as so many
proofs of his innocence. But, in order to
place the proper countenance on the affair,
we think it is best to add that tho clothes
of Zellerbach were found on the person of
Ivoblcr; and never accounted for in the testi
mony that he told William ho had outer
cd the name of Dill at tho Pioneer office
for his own, the morning after the murder,
which, on being sworn to by William,
rendered a search of the. record ofthe Pas
sengers at that ofllco necessary, when the
name of Dill was found under the very dale
sworn to that lie was recognized as hav
ing been in company with Zellerbach bo-
fore tho murder, that he grasped at every
opportunity to implicate others who were
respcctablo citizens and other evidence
scarcely less conclusive. It would be
dreadful even to imagine the execution of
an i.inucciit man. We have therefore, con
sidered it proper to revive these strong
points in the testimony elicited on his trial
in order that public opinion may form its
conclusion correctly.
Kobler wa3 a singular man; and when
we recollect his singular language, we are
almost constrained to believe that lie was
not wholly sane. lie seemed to be a per
fect frtaliit, at least so far as his execution
went, which he believed inevitable and not
to be averted by human agency. All the
solicitations of those around him to extoit
a confession were unavailing; the efforts of
the clergy, the reasonings of Sheriff Ro
berts and others, proving equally fruitless.
He died without so much as an indication,
on liis own part.thatho was a murderer. He
said that he would have justice dono to him
m the end, that in fifteen years the genuine
murderer would be found, and so on. He
declared frequently that he had been sacri
ficed by fhj Jews; and one of his unnatural
decla.ations was, that they conspired against
him as against Jesus Christ.' It is not one
of the least singular points in his character,
that in a written agreement, drawn and
signed a few days before his death, he actu
ally sold his body, for a stipulated sum, to
one of the physicians of this city, the mo
ney of which ho spent for wine, beer, &c.
Of his guilt, we have never doubted, and
when we reflect of the fiendish murder ho
committed, we aro reminded that justice
has only been dono upon the offender a
gainst divine and human laws-
We aro indebted to our friend Dr. Neff,
ono of the physicians piesent, for the fol
lowing satisfactory description of the effect
produced by the Galvanic Battery on tho
body.
"When the platform fell, Kobler swung
both feet backwards and forwards, slowly
and regularly, for precisely ono minute,
then appeared to be dead; but at the end of
three minutes there was a conclusive shud
der over the whole body, and this was the
last effort in the agonies of death.
At the end of about thirty-fivo minutes,
the body was taken down and conveyed to
a room, whero tho physicians of Lancaster;
and a few from Philadelphia, . made experi
rnents upon it with the Galvanic Battery,
Electrical machines, Sic The wind pipe
was cut open, and a tub was inserted, to
which was attached a bellows, and with this
apparatus artificial breathing was established
when the Galvanic Battery was applied,
Kobler moved his arms and legs, his loft
hand was raised from the box upon which
he lay to his breast, and his fingers were
opened and shut, as if to catch something,
his features expressed every passion, his
eyes were opened and closed rapidly, his
jaw moved as if eating, and ho breathed
with sufficient power to blow out a caudle
fi"e times in rapid succession. This was a
kind of artificial liie, which of course was
only temporary.
f'hen a dead man opens his eyes and
looks about, moves his limbs, throws his
arms upon his breast, grinds his teeth,
end tries to catch you, it requires strong
nerves to witness tho spectacle.
If any of those present ran out of the
room after seeing him open his eyes, &c,
and reported to the people that Kobler was
brought to life again, we would tell them
they have nothing more to fear of the man
whose whole lilc, if known, would proba
bly unfold a tale of horror, whose lightest
words would harrow up your souls; and
that the reason the physicisns could not re
side a permanent instead of a temporary
life, was that he was too dead when brought
in-he was very dead.
THE LABORING CLASSES.
Among the choice blessing conferred by a
Republican Government upon its people,
are those which secure to all, equal privi
leges and equal right: which discountenance
all schemes to oppress the poor: and wliicb.
give to merit its appropriate sphere, unmind
ful whether it originated in tho gorgeously
decorated parlor, or in the lowly and hum
ble cottage of the laborer. These advanta
ges should be guarded with diligence and
care. If onco sacrificed at the shrine of
wealth, their purity will be tarnished and
they can never be regained. Therefore, to
secure their preservation, it is indispensiblo
that the laboring classes should feel, to the
fullest extent, their value and importance.
To the laboring classes this country has
ever looked with confidence for the perpet
uation of its freo institution ! their opin
ions and view3 have been earnestly sought
for, because they arc always the result of
sound sense and practical judgement. And
who is better calculated to administer ad
vice than he who has acquired knowledge
during the brief intervals of labor; or who,
while in the exercise of his laborious avo
cation, suffers his mind to wander still fur
ther in pursuit of instruction, until, eventu
ally, by close application, all doubtful points
arc set at rest, and correct conclusions drawn
upon his untiring efforts ?
Our legislative halls are daily resounding
with the eloquence of self-made men; men,
whose genius was first discovered in the
work shop. The ablest jurists, logicians,
and scientific men of our country; arc those
who, after following the plough oi laboring
in tho capacity of apprentices for years,
were placed by tho people in the honorable
and appropriate sphere which they now oc
cupy . Their leisure hours wero spent in
tho secluded comer, and not lavishly thrown
away amidst tho excess of rioting and de
bauchery. While others were passing a-
way a tedious hour in idle and unprofitable
amusement, their whole exertions and study
were devoted to the grand and laud?ble ob
ject of improving the mind. Industry and
unwearied application triumphed over every
obstacle, until the eager and inquisitive
mind brought within comprehension the
ambiguous subtleties of tho law, and the
abstruse depths of science,
Tho peoplo saw, approved, and rewar
ded their exertions, and now that they are
in public life, imparting usefulness and ben
efit to all, tho people will not desert them.
Opportunities are offered to all for an imi
Vation of these noble examples. Nature
dispenses her favors equally upon the rich
and poor. Wealth cannot give intellect to
its pessesior. Tho poor, hard working an
fftini1dr J57.
night is upon an equality with tho ricl
man's soni Although his means are limi
ted and his leisure hours few, still, if those'
hours arc occupied In the pursuit of known'
edge, lie cannot fail in attaining It, and oil
using tiom the haunts in which povsrty hatf
placed him,to command that applause which
the world ever confers upon the sclf-madd
man. Young men whom fortune ):aS plac
ed in Ilmilcd circumstances in lifo are of
tentimes prone to give themselves up tode
spondency and despair. They immagine"
themselves slighted, and looked upon as in
ferior to tho foppish and ignorant coxcomb,
whoso few borrowed phrases not unfrequenW
ly pass him off a man of sense among hia
equally ignorant companions. But this id
a foolish and Unfounded supposition. Mer
it alone secures respectability and influence
"mind makes tho man.1' Dress cannot
cover the deformities of a weak intellect
nor can i fa gaudy appearance blind the eyo"
of common sense into a belief that knowl
edgo is always its uccompanionmenti
Therefore, let not the young mechanic des
pair a vast field is open for improvement
and all that :3 required for its successful cul-
tivalion is n strict perseverancs andunrcmit
ling assiduity.
The Traitor Arnold. Arnold possessed
undoubtedly, animal courage; he could stand
beforo a battery, and call on his men to ad-
vance. He was once at a levee in England!
immediately after the clo30 of the American
war, when he was introduced to Lord
as the American General, Arnold. 'What
the traitor Arnold V exclaimed his lordship
turning on hia heel with disgust. A dial!
lpnga was given hlJhc2Sn5a pract
ed by his lordship who received Arnold a
fire, and discharged his own pistol in tha
air. 'Why do you not return tho fire?' ex-1
claimed ihe General. 'Because I am not
an executioner,' replied the noblemen, fol
ding his arms, and looking disdainfully o-
ver his shoulder at his antagonist, as he qui
etly walked away from him.
Close Quarters. A young ensign resi
ding in lodgings the sitting room of which
was very small, was visited by ono of his
fashionable military friends, who on taking
leave 3aid, alluding to the smallness of tho
apartment 'Well, Charles, and how much
longer do you mean to continue in this nut
shell?1 To which he wittily replied
'Until I becomo a kernel!.1
Contented Poverty. Do not sigh for
this world's goods, nor lament tho poverty.
Out of the meanest hovel is obtained as fair
a sight of heaven, as from tbc most gorge
ous palace.
Short paragraphs suited to the season'
Shut the door.
Don't believe all that the almanacs and
politicians say.
Put tan around your buildings, and koep
out Mr. John Frost, vulgarly nicknamed,
'Jack Frost.'
Insure against fire.
Never go to sleep in church or keep
your hat on, coming in or going out.
Wear thick soled shoes.
Indulgo in rational amusement mart
was made to differ from the brute; let him
not thwart the object of his creation.
Go early to the Lectures.
Follow Fashion, if Reason leads her
when she don't kick Fashion out of doors
or else she'll turn you out.
If you can't spent; to el I of your neigh
bors, give your tongue a resting spell.
Keep your children (those who havo
them) out of tho street at nights, and teach
them to love homo and books time will
pay you Wall street interest.
If you havo differed with a friend or
neighbor go to him make up mend tho
breach.
See that your pumps and wells are in
ptopcr order before cold weather comes in
good earnest, and don't be dependent upon
the courtesy of others for a cup of cold wa
ter to make a cup of coflco,
ft