Newspaper Clippings, Daily Union, 1863-64

DANCING AND POLITICS IN COMO.

COMO, Palmyra District, N.T. }

August 18, 1863 }

VIRGINIA DAILY UNION:—Yesterday was a jolly day for our thriving young city, and our streets were paraded by an extra supply of crinoline. The morning coaches brought us from Dayton a delegation of some twenty of the fair sex, who were out on a pleasure excursion to this place, and bent on having a good time generally. Of course their advent here was hailed with joy by all the masculines, for—

"Lives there a man with soul so dead,

Who never to himself hath said,"

Naught can the human heart beguile

Like the sunshine of sweet woman's smile.

At the residence of S. B. Hunt, Esq., they were received by his estimable lady and the other ladies of the District, and treated to a substantial collation, after partaking of which, and resting from the fatigues of their journey, they and their hostesses all repaired to Scammel’s new hall, which was gaily decorated for the occasion with evergreen wreaths and branches of pine, which, on the wall at the farther end of the building, was formed into the glorious word "Union."

Now, to say that the men of Como didn’t "go in" for the "Union," and with heart and soul, in the "gay and festive scene," would be a slander on the gallantry of the sex. Indeed, they did "sail in," and for two or three hours the happy assemblage tripped it on the "light fantastic toe" to their hearts' content. The jovial fiddler and the melancholy banjo player did miracles of music, and quadrille, waltz, schottische and mazourka followed each other in rapid succession. About five P.M. our fair guests left us, well pleased with their visit, and the dashing roadsters of Robert’s line whiled them off merrily on their road home to Dayton.

Whether it was the influence of this delegation of pretty women here which caused it or not we will not say, but one thing is certain, there were two Union primary meetings held in the evening, one of which—the true-blue, unmistakable Union—nominated G. W. Swain for Justice of the Peace, J. Craig for Constable, and S. S. Chinn for Mining Recorder for this District. The other meeting nominated T. W. Penny for Justice, J. White for Constable, and S. Magee for Recorder. A. D.

UNION MEETING AT COMO.

COMO (Palmyra District) Aug. 23, 1863.

VIRGINIA DAILY UNION: —Last evening we had a political meeting, which was quite a spirited affair for Como, or any other place. The unconditional Union forces were assembled—ladies and all—to hear the grand principles of true, loyal Democracy expounded, and to see the various Union candidates "trotted out" before them.

F. H. Kennedy, of Dayton, candidate for the Constitutional Convention, first took the stand, and addressed the meeting in a speech of some length; he explained to us what a "copperhead" is, ripped up the platform of the so-called "Peace Democracy," and pitched into that delectable party with a perfect looseness. He quoted the death-bed remarks of the lamented Stephen A. Douglas, shouldered the whole blame of the present bloody war upon the imbecile old bachelor, James Buchanan, held up each plank of the true, loyal, unconditional Union platform to our view, and showed us the soundness of the material of which it is composed; on it he was willing to stand or fall. His remarks were well received.

Mr. Gates, of Dayton, candidate for District Attorney, followed with a capital good speech, remarkable for its energetic clearness and soundness of sentiment. His felicitous remarks and happy illustrations were much applauded, and what few copperheads were within reach, writhed beneath his stinging lash. W. H. Virden, of this town, candidate for the Constitutional Convention, then made a short speech, defining his position and giving us his sentiments, which were of the perfectly sound order. R. E. Trask, of Dayton, candidate for the Assembly, made a right loyal, common-sense speech, endorsing the Administration and all its acts, which was received with much applause. G. A. Bier, of this town, candidate for Road Supervisor, being now loudly called for, mounted the stand, and gave us a speech in his own peculiar style, explaining how he will mend our ways, in case he is elected; and how he is "Union" from his heels to the top of his head. (Six feet two inches.) His spirited remarks were happily received, and wound up the meeting with a grand flourish. A. D.

UNION MEETING AT COMO.

COMO, Sept. 1st, 1863.

VIRGINIA DAILY UNION:—Last evening the quiet of our little city was broken by the sound of a hand-bell of the Como House traveling up and down street, and calling a meeting at Sacramento Hall. Of course your correspondent joined in the rush, and managed to squeeze in without any difficulty, for there was plenty of room. Mounted on the rostrum, and pouring forth his eloquence, was J. Blackford of Dayton, candidate for the assembly, who came up here this evening to demolish the Union party and its nominees, and to stop everybody from voting for any one but himself for the Assembly.

His audience was composed of some of our good old staunch Copperheads, a few bogus Union men and some few of the true loyal stripe, about equal quantities of each—a jolly mixture. Blackford told all about what we have so often read and heard before—the origin and progress of slavery in America—and followed it down to the present time. He pitched into the rabid Abolitionists of the North, and the Secessionists of the South; and said that Crittenden would have saved the Union if his "compromise" had been adopted. But no; there must be fighting done, blood shed, the whole nation must be plunged into a bloody war, and "farms for every one of ye, away down there" in the South, was the inducement held out to Union soldiers to fight for. He denounced the South for seceding, and trying to break up the Union, and was not in favor of fighting her and punishing her until "she shall once more acknowledge the supremacy of the Government." Lincoln was naturally a good man, but his principles had become depraved by the set of evil counselors he had about him. R. E. Trask, his (Blackford's) opponent for the Assembly was naturally a good man in his way, but the mob spirit was rife within him. Trask was decidedly in favor of suppressing treasonable newspapers, by force, if necessary, instead of leaving it for others to do; therefore, Trask and "them other fellers" that were nominated by the Union Convention at Dayton, wouldn’t do to vote for. He told Dad Vestal’s story, about the "sheep," illustrating that "them other fellers" that were nominated with Trask, were in "dam bad company." He represented to us the danger there was, that the Abolition party might eventually get the power, and crush us all under foot without benefit of the clergy, and then he told us the stale, but funny old story about the "feller and the girl" and her "agility." The speaker then drew his remarks to a close, having effectually squelched the Union party, league and all. But he must be electioneering for Trask and "them other fellers," for he has secured their election, as far as Como is concerned, even allowing that it was not safe enough before. S. R. Belden, Esq., President of the meeting, being now loudly called upon, got up and said it was no use for him to try to speak after their listening to the eloquence of the preceding orator. He was "something like a scrub mustang, brought out to trot against a fine stallion" —"couldn’t do it." T. W. Penny, Esq., Vice President, excused himself on the grounds that he was no orator, but an excellent worker. McCumber, candidate for Road Supervisor, couldn’t be induced to speak at all, so the meeting had to adjourn. A. D.

COMO CORRESPONDENCE.

COMO, Sept 15th, 1863.

VIRGINIA DAILY UNION: The clouds of war have now blown over; the forces have retired from the field, and a calm succeeds the political tempest. Secesh and Copperheads were very few in your neighborhood compared with what they were here, therefore you were all right. They were very plenty here, and on election day ran us pretty sharp, as you saw by the returns, but it was a "draw game" between us, we electing some of their candidates and they electing some of theirs. The thing will never happen again, however; for, although this district has been heretofore noted for its secesh proclivities, yet there are too many Union men coming in now. Copperheads will have to drop back into their coils, or wriggle off into the sage brush, out of the way. They are "played out." They did not see it, though, before the election, but knowing their strength here they confidently put forth their votive powers in a highly spirited manner, evidently under the fond delusion that "as goes Como so goes the world." Indeed, so confident were they that secesh and Copperhead would carry the entire Territory that in the evening, while the votes were being counted, they talked freely and officially of their future plans. In fact, one jubilant individual, as soon as he ascertained that he was some dozen votes or so ahead of his opponent, took all the boys down to the Como House and stood treat to several rounds of Barrett's best, perfectly reckless as to the expense, privately informing several as to how he was going to have his plans carried out in regard to public improvements, when he should have entered upon the duties of his office. He spoke forgivingly of his opponent—admitted that he was "a d---d good feller," but not "good enough for the office—the people knew that, therefore wouldn't vote for him; to be sure he might get a few votes in Silver City and a few in Dayton, but h—ll, that warn't nothing; couldn't possibly be elected; no show; let's have another drink." One aspirant for legislative honors also felt quite jolly except that he was "all right" as far as his own precinct was concerned, and therefore surely the other precincts wouldn't "throw off" on him; no danger of that; couldn't be done; got too many friends." But, alas! For the doomed. The arrival of the stage next day brought the news that treason and Copperheadism were made to bow, everywhere, low in the dust before the triumphant march of the true loyal sons of the Republic of the Starry Banner. What an amusing contrast. Merrily twinkled the eyes of the "elect." Pendant hung the lower jaws of the disappointed. Long faces wore the passengers for "Salt River," as they silently stepped on board the boat. Blistered hands have they now, as they pull at the oars, toiling up that stream, where many an illustrious passenger has preceded them, and where many more must go. Farewell! Don't come back until having eaten prodigally of the husks of repentance, ye may resolve to turn from the error of your ways, and crawling no longer on your political bellies as copperheads, arise and take a place in ranks of the faithful; those who have no "North" and no "South," but go in for the best interests of the whole country, the Government, and the Union, "right or wrong." But never fear; sensible men will think; and their eyes will become opened to the light. Copperheadism has received a rebuke that it will remember; and as far as Como, politically, is concerned, you will never hear of anything else than a Union majority in all public elections, from now henceforward.

The one great reason why Secesh and Copperheads have been so numerous in this District heretofore, is because of the absence of female society; it being a stereotyped fact that the ladies are all for the Union—"to a man." But within the past few weeks many ladies have found their way hither. About all of them, however, are married, there being only about one marriageable Miss in the district. She is for the "Union," and is a "belle" without a rival.

The superintendent of the mill says it will be completed and ready to start in six weeks, but although we have only one quartz mill here as yet, we can boast of nine whisky mills, all in full blast with some half a dozen others in process of erection. When they all get to running, we shall be able to crush something, if it be nothing more than men's souls.

Daniel's new hotel opened a few days ago, and he is doing a thriving business. Mons. Belliard has also opened a French restaurant and boarding house. Mr. Cross is building a fine, large first class hotel, which when completed, will, probably, be the "crack hotel" of the place. Of the mines I need not speak. They show for themselves, and will yet astonish outsiders with their richness. The Shiloh, Monte Cristo, Minerva, Orizaba and Independence, are a few only among the "coming" Comstocks of this district, as we will show you in a few weeks when the mill starts. The Shiloh has always assayed "big," and if it pays under the stamps only one tenth part as well as it assays, it will be a very rich institution. A new claim now about being incorporated, the Dacotah, also turns out rick that cannot fail to prove very rich. A.D.

COMO CORRESPONDENCE.

COMO, September 29, 1863.

VIRGINIA DAILY UNION: Still boldly striding onward in the march of improvement, Como maintains her place in the front rank, and notwithstanding the great and increasing rush towards the barren regions of Reese River, whose thin, rich ledges, in the far distance, glow with the brightness of enchantment, our promising district receives a fair share of attention from the emigrating crowd, and every day brings us fresh accessions to our lively community. The greatest drawback we have to contend with, in the way of building up our town, is the scarcity of lumber, which we cannot get near as fast as it is required. We can have no churches yet awhile, as all the lumber that can be had is used for making whisky mills and hotels. An extensive brewery is now being erected, so that in a short time we shall be supplied with an A No. 1 article of "lager," better than ever before drank in this part of the Territory, if we may believe what "Joe" tells us, and we think we may for Joe is the same "Joe" who used to brew lager for the inhabitants of Columbia, California. However, we shall try Joe's lager, when he gets some brewed, and report.

Daniels keeps a good hotel in our town, and the traveling public will all find such to be the fact; his grub and liquor, and other accommodations being found unexceptionable, and bills as reasonable as could be wished. His boarders are all in fine order, and say Daniel "can keep a hotel." We have also a Lyceum here which meets once a week, on which occasion the "men of Como" meet in high conclave, and after solemn and soul-stirring debates, in which the eloquence of Webster, Choate, Demosthenes, or "and other man," are completely surpassed, the great and all-important question, connected with the public welfare are all finally and satisfactorily settled by these giant minds.

By the time of the next Presidential election the fame of the Como Lyceum will have become so widely spread that it will attract the attention of Old Abe, and he will probably select his next Cabinet from the members of our Lyceum.

Professor Pinkhan, from California, has been delivering a series of lectures here, during the past week, on the subject of Phrenology, in the course of which he examined the heads of the members of the Lyceum, and found their bumps to be of a splendid quality and hardly to be improved upon.

Gideon McCumber has just opened a fine, large billiard saloon called the Como Exchange. Just before moving into it he gave the use of it to the public for the purpose of having a grand ball. The public, of course, improved such a good opportunity and the consequence was that the ball of the season was gotten up and came off in gay style, and was highly enjoyed by all who participated. The very charming music of the Como Cotillion Band enlivened the light fantastic toe, lovely forms and happy faces whirled merrily through the mazes of quadrille, schottische, waltz and mazourka, and among the bright galaxy of female beauty which graced the occasion, the witching eyes of the belle of the district beamed the enchantment of her smile upon the captive swains, who "felt her magic power." The supper, at midnight, was given by Daniels, at his hotel, just across the street. The festive crowd seated themselves to a supper, the like of which was never before known in this part of the Territory, and which it takes Daniels to get up. All the luxuries and delicacies that could be procured were placed before his delighted guests, prepared by that prince of good cooks, "John, the barber," who, although a barber, is no barbarian, and, unlike John the Baptist, believes in something to eat besides "locusts and wild honey." Dancing was soon resumed, and the merry company, reinvigorated by the capital upper they had just partaken of, entered with renewed zest into the enjoyment of the "gay and festive scene."

"Music arose with its voluptuous swell;

Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spoke again,

And all went merry as a marriage bell."

The approach of day "told the hour for retiring," and each departing guest left the scene saying within themselves:

When there next doth be a ball

"May I be there to see."

Well, we do manage to have some merry little times here in Como. The ladies are all lively, good looking and intelligent; and in fact, in the estimation of the men of Como, they are the finest lot of women in the Territory, and considerably above mediocrity. But then, any one coming here and viewing the pine clad hills, fine scenery, and rich mines of Palmyra district, must naturally become convinced that this is the place to live in and get rich. The pioneer mill will shortly get into operation, and rich results are confidently looked for. Other mills are also being contracted for, and will soon be on their way here. That they will all pay well there is no moral chance for a doubt, for the ledges assay rich, many of them high up in the hundreds, as, for instance, the Montezuma, a new claim just being incorporated, which assays one thousand dollars to the ton in the croppings at the surface of the ground. There are many which assay nearly as good as that. The Margaret White ledge, for instance, which belongs to the mill company—and many assay even better than that. But then, if they only average one hundred dollars to the ton, under the stamps, it is as good a thing as any one could ask. A. D.