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Newspaper
Richmond Mail
Location
Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
Date
Jun 20, 1854
Page
2
The Richmond Mail dated Tuesday morning June 20, 1854 presents a newspaper snapshot from mid June. Editors A A Kosh and W M Semple are credited on the masthead as the publishers guiding the issue.
A proposal in Congress calls for a July to October recess with members still paid. The piece notes seven months of session, passage of the Nebraska and Homestead bills, and a veto on the Insane Bill. It humorously critiques the pace, favors a pause to let energy recover, and mocks the idea of pay during adjournment while the President vacations at Old Point.
The New York Express remarks on rising American shipbuilding and a new four-vessel line between European ports and Boston. It notes launches aimed for August and collaboration with the Emigrant Aid Company for Nebraska colonization, plus a new Havre steamer replacing the Humbolt. A trial of J R Fisher’s Steam Carriage shows 6 mph on pavement, 12 mph on smoother surface, with plans for practical use.
The Richmond press urges an August White Sulphur Springs convention to unite supporters of the Covington and Ohio railroad project. It favors late August dates, warns against an extra legislative session, and notes worries about rival papers handling the plan. It also reports Virginia and Tennessee railroad progress and a July barbecue at Newburn.
Washington correspondent notes the Administration faces a difficult gauge of tomorrow as New Hampshire and Pennsylvania politics tilt toward opposition. Anti Nebraska sentiment weakens the Democrats, predicting defeats for Gov. Bigler in Pennsylvania and limited Democratic gains in Congress. Indiana echoes the turmoil, signaling a fractured party likely unable to field a strong presidential candidate in 1856. A Whig coalition might carry the race if southern states back a capable leader.
A detailed account from March 24 1854 describes Captain Buchanan hosting Deputy Governor Y Zamain of Uraga and nine attendants aboard the Susquehanna. The dinner, first foreign formal meal in Japan, featured turkey tasting and adapted customs, with toasts to Commodore Perry and squadron officers, interpreters, and Japanese participation amid lively music and songs.
A Washington dated June 5 address by Senator Atchison to Missourians discusses Missouri politics in relation to national affairs and criticizes his opponent Mr. Benton. The piece notes the growing contest between their respective friends in Missouri. Also mentions Donald McKay planning a 90 ton yacht for the Emperor of Japan and Miles Greenwood receiving a horse valued at 850 dollars.
The letter from William C Rives recounts James Madison's birth on March 16 1751 in King George County near Fredericksburg Virginia his education at Princeton and legal study. It covers his political career in Virginia and national roles including Constitutional Convention and Jefferson’s cabinet while praising his private charm.
June 18. Quebec papers summarize the Elgan treaty settling the Fishery Question reached in Washington. Article 1 opens most British American fisheries to Americans except Newfoundland fisheries river mouths salmon shad and shell fisheries. Article 2 allows British fishing to the 56th parallel. Article 3 lists free exchanges of flour bread cotton cheese butter tallow lard coal pitch tar turpentine lumber rice unmanufactured tobacco. Article 4 opens St Lawrence and Canadian canals to American vessels with U S urging state access for British ships. Article 5 covers ratification, Article 6 contemplates Newfoundland inclusion if she consents.
A June 15 report from Parrapetphia notes Mayor Conrad’s Sabbath liquor ban largely respected by tavernkeepers. Several retailers sell to customers entering through back doors or openly contesting the law’s constitutionality. Rum shops flock to Camden and Windmill Island for inflated sales while Lager Beer Saloons close. signs are scraped and one placard reads Gone to Church for ease of all creation open to morrow. The city remains unusually quiet and most citizens back the mayor’s enforcement.
West Point June 17 The annual examination of the United States corps of cadets is expected to close today and the corps will encamp next week. The graduating class numbers forty six, having entered four years ago with one hundred ten members, a smaller class yet higher proportion of original members remaining to graduate.
The Perr from Porto Cabello reports tranquility in the republic and rising produce prices with coffee at 102 to 11, hides 17, Indigo 8 reals, cocoa 20. New York and Brooklyn street preaching passed quietly with five arrests on riot charges. Illinois and Michigan Canal repairs were completed but a new break near the first disrupted plans. A patent health ad promotes Carter's Spasisp MixTURE for liver ills and revitalization.
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