The Colorado Citizen (Columbus, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 1, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 3, 1859 Page: 2 of 4
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Texas Digital Newspaper Program and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
j. p. baker ben* m. baker. . . . .a. h. baker
j. 1>. BAKER 4k BROTHERS,
EDITORS AND*PROPRIETORS.
COLUMBUS,
•a. m±A
3,1859.
£3T See advertisement of D. Be Fisher,
who Las bought out Chas. Schmidt and
occupies bis old and popular stand. Mr.
Fisher is a clcver and accommodating
gftrtkman. (jive him a call.
Hog Wallows.
Every one who ha been in Texas knows
what hog wallows are. They are simply
depressions in certain prairies resembling,
to some extent, hog wallows, whonce they
have received their name. Sometimes
whole prairies aTe covered with these hog
wallows. How to account for them has
atways been a mystery to us, till quite re-
cently. Our theory 06 their formation is
simply the cracking open of the soil during
drouth, and the washing down of the soil
by the subsequent rains, undoubtedly
causing the depressions or hog wallows.
Now, in proof of this theory, we state this
fact, that only a few days ago we rode
through a hug wallow prairie and observed
that almost every hog wallow had a hole
in its center—some of the holes being as
large as a man's head and perhaps several
feet deep. Now it is evident that these
holes have been caused by the shrinking
of the soil from the dry and hot weather
of the summer. In the winter the rains
will wash down the soil from the sides o I
! these holes and fill them up—causing, as
a matter of course,, a still greater de-
pression.
But there are some . prairies in Texas
where these depressions lose their circular
shape and assume that of long troughs,
having their corresponding ridges, so that
in traveling over thera with a buggy the
motion is that of a vessel riding wayes
These are sometimes a quarter of a mile
or more long. How have they been
caused! We are of opinion tffat they
have been caused, by long and severe
drouth , which craeked open the earth to
an extent corresponding with these long
ridges and troughs, A drouth sufficient to
cause an unbroken crack in the earth
quarter of a mile long must have been
tremendous and much greater than we
have any knowledge or tradition of. There
must have been a succession of years when
there was no rain at all or very little.
This evidently comes in contact with
the theory of Mr. Kuechler, who, from the
rings in trees, has arrived at the conclu
sion that there are never more than four or
five dry years together in Texas. His
theory is that the rings in a tree denote its
growth, consequently a thick ring corres
ponds to a wet year—a thin ring to a dry
year, and intermediate rings to average
years. Bis tjieory may be correct for a
succession of years, but it evidently gives
no indication of such a "dry spell" as
must have caused the a Dove long ridges
and hollow . ^
Another proof that hog wallows were
formed according to out theory is, that
sandy prairies never have them, whereas
they are always found in prairies that have
stiff, sticky soil.
Xtcclion Rettfrns.
We ire indebted to the Intelligencer for1 the
following recapitulation of tlic vote of the State
Almost all the counties are heard from, and lur-
thcr speculation as to the rosult is useless:
Sam Houston 36,073
H. R. Runnels. . .27,744
Majority for Houston.
EAClark.
F. R. Lubbock.............
Majority for Clark.
Frank White
Stephen Crosby
White's majority.
A. J, Hamilton
T.N. Waul....
Majority for Hamilton......,
8,329
31,208
30,748"
..... 460
32,632
......27,69
4,933
16,874
15,807
1,067
JC3T On Friday about four o'clock in
the morning the Autora Borealis presented
a very brilliant and striking appearance.
The sky overhead and eastward and also
in the North-east was tinged with a deep
red, which was so extensive and brilliant
'hat it was-as light as if the moon was
>Lining. Long, white streaks ran through
¿lie red, similar to (hose we see when we
say the sun is drawing water. We have
never noticed the Aurora Borealhs so bril-
liant or occupying so vertical a position,
before.
jt^The Lutheran denomination of
christians have been'holding a- protracted
meeting in this' place during the week.
Several persons have professed Christianity
and others haVe become convinced of sin,
and are seeking for tlie pearl of great
price. The meeting is still continued.
VST The Houston. Republic does not
visit our office regularly. What's the
matter, Daly? The Telegraph is one of
our most punctual exchanges—never hav-
ing missed making us a weekly visit in
two years.
« ^
OCT We came very near having a fíte in
Golumbur one day this week.' A kitchen
chimney took fire at the top, bat was
promptly extinguished by our citizens, be-
fore any damage was done, in the present
drv-weather condition of our well?, a fire
would have free headway in our town.
A Fisl&-Fry that Turns out to be
a Pie-Nic.
Some how or other, or some how else, or
t'other way (it matters not) we found our-
selves at a pic-nic away out in the country
at least twenty miles from Columbus. The
party, which was small, chesea beautiful
and romantic portion of the country on
Clear Creek for the scene of action. A
[>ecan grove situated on a gentle slope
constituted head quarters. The.first thing
to be done was catching the fish. Accor-
dingly the gentlemen set out to the'creek,
and having arrayed their fishing tackH,
engaged in the delightful sport of taking
the finny tribe from the water. The editor
must here boast of catching two whole
fish himself. Two other gentlemen caught
two more apiece; and we will not say
whether any morfe were caught or not.
During this time a seine arrived on the
ground, but the sun came down with such
power that the ladies forbade the gentle-
men to use it. Besides, there was such an
attraction at head quarters that iba lazy
bipeds most willingly obeyed the precettffrg
behest.
The editor soon had a chance from a
position in a buggy to notice the operation
of the laws of attraction and gravitation,
and spiritual affinities ! Blankets were
spread on the ground and the ladies invited
to take seats thereon—which they did in a
very graceful manner, like swans alighting
on the smooth and brcpzc-rippled wave,
Th9 gentlemen knelt at their feet and en-
deavored to entertain thera, being attract-
ed by the aforesaid laws, and each direct-
ing his conversation to such and such a
one as suited his taste or inclination.
Now, what was sa:d and the speeches'
that were made on the occasion we know
not, and if we did, propriety would Suggest
silence on our part.
Among the ladies we noticed Miss O.,
with certfleaft-colored eyes ; the Misses W.,
with eyes the color of night when no stars
are seen ; Miss B. T., a sparkling young
lady j Miss Í., with a very pretty eye ; and
Miss L. B., who—
" Blushed at the praise of her ovVn loveliness."
At length the dinner bell rang—a sweet
clappered bell that rartg out with a clear-
toned voice, " Dinner is ready"—£0 which
the entire company responded Iry taking a
position at the festive board, \Vhieb con-
sisted of a clean, white cloth spread upon
the ground, and perfectly covered with edi-
bles—such as meats, cakes, custards, pit-
ies, et ceteras. Great credit is due to Mrs.
Terrell and Mrs. Ivy for making such
ample provisions for the occasion. But
Mrs. Ivy observed, "No one would praise
the dinner." Well, '.he reason the editor
didn't praise it was because he got choked
on a piece of sponge cake, which would
have proved fatal if water had been a little
scarce! We take occasion to praise the
dinner here. It was an excellent dinner;
none would want a belter. We beliéve
we speak within the bounds of reason
when we say that twelve baskets of frag-
ments were taken up after the appetites of
all were amply satisfied! That cup of
coffee M'iss C. handed* us was delicious !
Arising from the tabíe, we looked over
towards the kitchen, and—did you ever !
we saw the poor six little fish wo had
eaught, perfectly fried ! There was" the
editor's little perch and his little cat, side
by side in the frying pan. TJiey were not
eveflfconored by being eaten! Not being
enough to go round, no one would touch
thera. Ihey Were taken home^by some
one as relics of a fish-fry t'hat turned out
to be a pic-nic !
After dinner the gentlemen smoked their
cigars and the conversation Wae resumed,
«be. Time passed—
Till the sun gets low.
And the soft winds blow,
When all the company re1 timed to their
homes, having, no doubt, enjoyed theui-
selves^riglit well.
O* 1 he Richmond Reporter says that Catfrol|
Fike was hung in that place, on the 26th ultimo.
He appeared to be indifferent as to his fate-be
ing very cuiten and cross.
Cr The Telegraph says Houston is building
up so fast that it can't keep up with tho im.
provements—that is, the ho uses go up bo fast
it can't count 'em; hardly.
B. B., B. de C. R. R.
We are informed by good authority that
our Railroad will pass up on the other side
of the river unless a sufficient amount is
subscribed to build one bridge across the
river at this poiut, by our citizens and
others who are interested in its crossing
here.
A depot on the .other side of the river
will certainly be inconvenient and expen-
sive to Columbus ; besides, the trade will
] be divided and a large portion of it, we
tliiuk, will go to the depot, thus crippling
our town. All who live on this side of
the river are interested. Not only are the
merchants inteiested in securing the trade,
but the farmers are interested ins saving
the expense of ferriage. For every load of
cotton or produce they take (0 the depot,
on the other side of the river, they will
have to pay two dollars ferriage, one for
going and one for coming
Thus not only the citizens of Colorado,
but of Lavaca and the surrounding coun-
try, are interested in having the road to
cross at Columbus. What amount would
be necessary, we are not informed. The
Company should inform us of the amount
accessary, and then we would have a basis
upon which to act.
ItJ would be a melancholy circumstance
indeed if another town were built up on
the other side of the river, making both
Columbus and itself places of insignifi-
cance. We should be pleased to see t
concentration at one point, and a respect
able town built up. We call attention to
the subject that our citizens may take the
matter into consideration^
The Histrionic Cliib.
, hardly
IT \Ve see that the San Antonio Herald is a
candidate for the public printing. We think the
Intelligencer entitled to it above all others ; but
•incc that paper has announced i'. intention not
lb be a candidate for it, we know of no one whom
wc would prefer to have it ttlian he Iterald.
United States' SsnaTor.—THfe Eastern pa'
per*, assuming that that section iscntitied to the
succession of the United Slates " Scnatorship, are
busy discussing the claims of their respect,ve
favorites. Judge Reagan and Evans, Ruonelr,
Smylhe and others have. been Mentioned. Of
course the issues which decided the late contest
Will be controllingdementi in the election. No
rftan Who " buckles on lili armor " tó prostrate
tHe Democracy who have achieved the victorv,
can be placed in a p6siUon Where he can do'
mcr« mischief in making a mere spoils ahti*
adniinistration crgariizatiori.—Intelligencer.
in
of
We see a* good move on foot among the
young gentlemen of our town to organize
a Thef^jpn Society, for tho entertainment
and amusemeftt of our citizen* during the
long winter nights, which, efe long, will
be upofl us. This is £ stej) in the right
direction.
f hé good that will accitre from the for
mation of such' a Club in our midst must
surely be apparent to etfer* one. The
tendency will be to promote a thirst for
literary pursuits — a competition attong
the young riven as to who s¿al¡ wear the
laurels of victory in their appearance be
fore an audience of those among whom
they have been most Used to associate. The
Society has fy>r its aim', tho, efevatiou of
man to a higher degree of moral excel
!ency. Drunkenness ánd debatfchéry are
crimes which they will not tolérate
members of their club. A spirit of Conge
niality is taught, and it will surely be
incalculable value in promoting a happy
temperament in the community, and diffu
sing a' gerteroiis and harmonious feeling
among its members
Besides, it will serVe to while away the
long and tedious evenings of the young
folks, which might, if not thus employed
be in some haunt wheré good, religiou
feelings are not predominant, and tfhere
vico "stalketh abroad."
The young ladies of our biirg ni'ifet lend
us their aid in this undertaking. Without
their assistance, all our efforts will be in
vain. Woman's smile has more to do
with such projects than sparkling diamonds
or clinking dollars. The flash of her
lustrous eye is but inspiration to our young
hearts. Then, gentle readers, give uayour
smile of approbation—your words of en-
couragement.
The Latest Intelligence.
Liverpool, Aug. 13.—The sales Of cot-
ton during the week amount to 43,000
bales, of which speculators took 3,000,
and exporters 5.500.
The market generally closed dull, and
all qualities have slightly declined during
the wéeki Middling «qualities have de-
clined 1-16. Some authorities say the
general decline is 1-16 to middling and
lower grades having declined most.
Holders are offering freely, but show no
disposition to press sales.
The sales on Friday were 7,000 bales,
the market closing steady and somewhat
firmer at the following quotations from the
Brokers' Circular: Fair Orleans, 8£d.; Fair
Mobile, 7§d.; Middling Mobile, 7 l-16d.;
Fair Uplands, 7$d.;. Middling Uplands,
7 15-16d.
The stock of cotton at Liverpool amounts
to 633,000 bales, of which "6 *7,000 are of
American production.
The advices from Manchester continue
to be of a favorable character.
The demand for goods and yarns was
moderate, but the prices closed firm at the
quotations of last week.
Advicos frotu Turin represent that the
feeling of hostility to the return of the
Austrian Grand Duke is increased among
all eh sses of the people in the Duchy.
Iu Parma the opposition to the return
of the Duchess Regent Maria Louisa, who
bad taken refuge iio Switzerland, was very
strong
The lied Republicans of the Mazzina
school, had created some disturbances in
Parma by theft open demonstrations of
hostility, not only tb the return of their
upon the ba3i's of the treaty of
Villa Franca.
Since the conclusion of tho peace a most
unfriendly feeling exists between the Aus-
trian and Prussian troops in Germany* who
in common garrison the Federal fortress,
and frequeut quarrels take place.
A serious collision has taken place be-
tween the Austrian and Prussian troops
stationed at Frankfort on the Maine, the
particulars of which are not given.
It is stated that the Emperor would not
enter Paris at the head or the troops, be
cause the Cabinet and Privy Council urged
that he would incur too much risk by
exposing himself for so long a time.
Bodies of French troops were continu-
ally arriving from Marseilles to Italy. .
The naval disarmament of France con-
tinued. Orders have been given to disband
all mariners having served five years.
It is stated that thé French Government
had definitely resolved to employ in works
of public utility the- 150,000,000 francs
which remain unexpended out of the late
loan.
The Foreign Ambassadors at Paris have
determined uot to attend the graucf mili
tary fetes soon to take place, if the colors
taken from the army are to be carried in
the procession.
A rumor wasvin circulation which had
obtained some credence, that Prince Na-
poleon would be made Sovereign of Tus
cany.
The King of Prussia, it was expected,
would die shortly.
It is believed that no lives were lost in
the collision between the Austrian and
Prussian troops at Frankfort.
Spain had resolved to increase the fórti
fications of Cnba.
The British Parliament Was prorogued
on the 13th inst
The Paris correspondence of the London
press report that the Gmperor Napoleon is
about to publish a general political am-
nesty, including Gen. Changarnier, Louis
Blanc and Ledru Rollin.
Serious trouble is apprehended in the
Dukedoms in Italy.
The emissaries of the fugitive princes
are fomenting discord,- and the people are
generally opposed to the return of their
former rulers.
The Dictator of Modena threatens to
level the city to the ground sooner than
see the Austrian Grand Duke restored by
force of arras. *
Tho people of Modena and Partita have
been invited to a rábnéter banquet, for the
purpose oldeóiding the following questi
which will be submitted for discussion
First, the dethronement of their former
dynasties. Second,/the annexation of
Piedmont. Third, the formation of a po
liiical and rrilitary Confederation with Tus-
cany,
Tiré drscOn'c nt still continues throughout
the States of tho Church, although n
serious disturbances had taken plan .
The Italian question was being discújuAl
in Germany, aud the treaty of Villafrataca
was being severely commented up'6'n.
There were also other indications unfa
vorable to the establishment of the pro-
posed Italian Confederation.
miners were flocking from ever
It is also stated that sevc
arrived a few days since with one
ounces of gold, taken from
fields. V " .
Philadelphia, Aug. 23.—A
bappy affair took pláce at Ta
this city, to-day, by which three
lost. It seems that the Franklii
German vo'unteer comj
>arade, when, from soi
other, they were attacked
riot ensued. The difficulty,
finally settled by the interposition of the
authorities, but not until after the Jon of,
three valuable lives.
Boston, Aug. 25.—A fife broke out ia
North Water street, New Bedford, jester-
day noon, which destroyed twisty, five
buildings, mostly stores and warehouses.
The fire was finally arrested by blowing ap
with gunpowder several buildings conta-
gious to the burning district. ^
Several thousand barrels of ml stored i '
the buildings were destroyed*
The ship John ancUÉdward were also
burned to the water's edge. •' • '
The ship Illinois took fire, bnf was towed
out into the harbor, and was raved with
the loss of her sails and rigging.
The totaHóss is estimated at $200,000
or $300,000.
Several captains and owners of vessels
have been ruined by the total loss of oil
that was stored in the warehouses.
The political ne^Vs from Paris'is of i
páfeifíc nature, and indicates that the Ém
péíor. Napolcrn intends to inaugurate i
permanent atid solid peace policy.
The £ihperor, it is stated, proposes to
reducé the ihipórt dilty óri coal aud; iron,
U> encourage railway enterprises, and to
stimulate the commerce of the country.
A terrible earthquake has occurred near
Erzerouh, Turkey, which entirely dtestróyed
the town; together tfitli its ramparts^.
The latest advices" from the Continent
report that' very little progress had been
made at the Zurich Conference.
It was rumored'that representatives had
come to an Ubdíérstariding in regard to
Tuscany and Modena, biit the question ot
Parma presented difticuHiés Which impeded
their progress.
It is also re^&rted tliat tlie English Gov-
ernment is exerting i itfftfence upon
Sardinia with a tfiew of presenting a final
settlement of the Italian Cotifederalkn by
the Zurich Conference.
DOMESTIC INTE LLIGEHÍCE.
Washington, Aug. 23.—The Govern-
ment has resolved upon the imibediate
adoption of further vigorous measures for
the suppression of the African slave trade.
These measnres are of a two fold Char-
acter:
1. The increase of the squadron upon
the coast of Cnba, and in the adjacent
waters. The vessels detailed for the ser-
vice will he the U. S. war steamers Cruiser,
Mohawk, Fulton and Wyandotte. *
2. The increase of our squadron on the
African coast itself. And to this service
are to be ordered at once the screw steam-
ers San Jacinto, Supporter, Mystic and
Mohican; and the sloops-of-war Constella-
tion, Marion, Portsmouth and Yincennes,
22 guns each, except the. Marion, which is
a 16 gun sloop.
All these vessels are of light draught,
and thereby capable of entering mat.y of tl e
smaller streams heretofore inaccessible by
our squadron, and will, it is believed, ef
fectually put a stop to the traffic.
The number of guns of the African
squadron will be 116, though the joint
treaty with England makes it obligatory
upon us to keep a fleet of only 80 guns
on the African coast.
The Constellation will be. the flag ship
of the squadron.
lire naval depot of the squadron is to
be removed from Poft Prava to San Paul
de Loando.
St. Louis, Aug. 23;—Late advices have
been received in this city from the Pike's
Peak gold regions. The news continues^
favorable.
New and rich diggings had been dis-
covered about one hundiad and fifty miles
old rulers, but to any settlement of Italian noith-east of Cherry Creek, whither
Houston and the Presidency.
Gen. Houston seems to be the roost
prominent man in the country for the next
Presidency. We prophesy that he will bo
the man upon whom this honor will fall
for the next Presidential term. The New
York Sun, a largely circulated neutral
journal, thus speaks ef the old hero:
" There seems to be no room for <*
that pur old friend,. Gen. Sam H<
whom we proposed for the Presidency ii
1856, has been elected Governor of Tex*
by a handsome majority over Runnels, who '
claimed to be the regular Democratic can-
didate. Sam,' however, ran as a Democrat,
and the people of Texas have decided that
he i« the better Democrat of the two. A
few years ago, Sara strongly inclined to •
the Know-Nothing or American party, *
lieying that it might exert a useful ii
ét*c¿ in killing off mere detua
when he found that the leadership
had been usurped by some of the old
hacks, and that the more honest and
cere of the rank and file were sold
regularly by those in 'whom they
placed confidence, b4)feclared the
zation a failure, and resumed his
as a square Democrat.
" In'his late camfp'aigitj
his • suppofl not only alt who
can or old Whig sympathies,
das; of Democrats wi)a4am.~
from paltry party tricks, and «
mito rather by théir past acts than
they promise to do in- the future*
people of Texas kqow Sain, Houston to
a blunt,- open hearted, strai
politician—one who ntfver
real sentiments, and who'
devoted to .the Union and the (
His very frankness and
¿bams baVe made him
these «tetóles/sided by
takes, veré able two years agfe to
him in aaminority. But their *v *"
over his'supposed1 expulsion fr<
life has been ot short duration1,
gain a victor on Texan soil.
" There aré few AmfericanV living who
have had so chequered a caVeér as Sam
Houston. His history, written by a com-
petent hand, would be more interesting
thari any romance. Atan early agp, he
left'the UbUse of his «fojowed mother to
fight hisf ótfn way through the world.
First, an ambitibiis tk>y,striving to acqniro
learning enough to fit him for entering
upon the study of law; then a. volunteer
and soldier under Gen. Jackson, di
guisbing himself in some severe
with the Indians, and receiving worn
which, for i time, threatened his life i
which failed, at the time, to rec
him to the grateful notice of his
Next, an adventurous politician, risii
the chief 'magistracy of the
nessee-^aa office
resigned, to make companionship with the
Indians of the West
" Emerging from the Indian wigwams,'
we find him an active sympathiser witfe
the cause of Texas Independence, and
going forth to organize the patriots, and
lead them to a decisive victory at San
Jacinto. He has indeed been called, not
unworthily, the Father of Texan Inde-
pendence, and Texa has shown her-
tude by conferring on him repeaU
of her favor. As Commander in
her forces; as her President while sue
an independent Republic; ;
tiator to brinff her into
Union, and as her Senator
of her admission until the <
session of Congress, h
faithful to her honor and i
has been a true, national i
slave of the
an advocate of peace and
rejoice, therefore, at lm six
evidence that Texas is still a
Stale."
We might transfer numberless
upon the General, from
tial papers,, both - North and
rejoice at his sucoessftih
and who express their pi
for the Presidency,
the present ~ *
KrTUt5ao~
E. C.Jtaf
the i.ett n
the sums of £500 i
assault with intent to I
m # -
üü
M
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Matching Search Results
View one place within this issue that match your search.Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
J.D. Baker & Bros. The Colorado Citizen (Columbus, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 1, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 3, 1859, newspaper, September 3, 1859; Columbus, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth177578/m1/2/?q=%22~1~1%22~1&rotate=90: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.