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Franklin Repository: November 9, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Struggle Ended
(Column 1)

Summary: The Repository describes the struggle between the Democrats and the Union parties in the 1864 elections. In the improbable case of Democratic victory in the presidency, the paper pledges to support McClellan as long as he maintains the unity of the United States and overthrows treason.

Full Text of Article:

The great political struggle of 1864 belongs to history, and few there be who do not rejoice that its passions and prejudices have fulfilled their mission, or at least exhausted their efforts for evil. That their baneful fruits must linger and survive the field of mad strife and phrenzied political hatreds and hopes, is, we fear, but too true; but it is a welcome hour to every faithful man that closes the contest and bids the conflicting host to retire and yield the victory to those who have won it.

Never before have we struggled through a National contest with such a sense of responsibility, and with such mingled hopes and fears, as in the one just closed. We had no idols to consecrate with power; no shrine of personal devotion that called out a Nation's overflowing love and enthusiasm, such as wept in the train of the tall white plume of Harry Clary. Men and men-worshippers were dwarfed in the colossal issues of the conflict, and they faded into insignificance as a mighty Nationality struggled with deadly treason in the field and subtle treachery at home, for its own life. Candidates were but the representatives of ideas, around whom gathered their supporters often with sullen, earnest, tireless effort rather than the hearty shouts which have usually made the welkin ring in Presidential contests.

Passion deepened into prejudice--prejudice into implacable hatred even of a beneficent government; and there were thousands upon thousands who were insensibly led, step by step, until they mourned our country's triumphs and rejoiced at its misfortunes. Clouded by intensified political inclinations, they forgot the holy duty of the citizen to law and order, and lawlessness sprang million-tongued from one side of the contending lines, and spread the seeds of anarchy among friend and foe. On the side of the Democratic party there was an habitual teaching of disregard for law--a constant wearing out of the sanctity with which all have been taught to regard it in better days; and it culminated in thousands of skulking conscripts who, forgetful of honor, shame and country, turn upon their own homes, upon their house-hold gods and upon their Nationality, and peril the last hope of Free Government by their perfidy. Equally, earnestly and persistently were the people taught that our taxes are but needless oppression; that our debt but the fruits of remorseless tyranny, and that the calls for troops to strengthen our brave armies in the field, are but the steady strides of a grasping usurpation; and resistance even to revolution was counseled, either in spirit or in fact, until the last refuge of a free people--the majesty of law--was threatened in the very house of its friends. Could such elements in a National struggle fail to be fruitful or evil? Not alone within their own chequered ranks did it lessen the sanctity for law; but its pestiferous breath spread like a deadly miasma over friend and foe, and aimed at the very vitals of the life of the Republic.

We write without knowledge as to the result of the great contest. We hope to record in these columns the re-election of President Lincoln by a decisive majority, but improbable as it is, a different result is remotely possible, and we would have all men, of whatever political persuasion, prepare to leave passion and lawlessness on the field so desperately contested, and make common cause for the preservation of the government. If Gen. M'Clellan is chosen President of the United States, he has a right to demand the support and co-operation of every citizen in his effort to administer the government. As its constitutional head, we should sustain him in all things looking to the safety of our institutions. We should differ with him doubtless in many of his measures and council against his policy; but looking as we do to the majesty of law as the only safety to person, property and our institutions, we should seek to strengthen rather than weaken his power so long as he stood firmly for maintaining the unity of the States and overthrowing treason. And equally sacred is the duty imposed upon the opponents of Mr. Lincoln if he is our Chief Magistrate, chosen in conformity with our laws. Mere political differences cannot justify an open, desperate effort to defeat the measures of the government in a deadly conflict with traitors. He who assumes that he is the best judge of what measures the government should adopt to preserve it, and refuse assent or support to any other, is himself either deceived or purposely faithless to his country; and whatever may be the political affinities, of our chosen rulers, let them be sustained with one voice until treason is overthrown, and an honorable and enduring peace gained for ourselves and posterity. We hope indeed that the torrent of partizan prejudice has spent its fury, and that henceforth we shall make common cause to rescue the Republic from its relentless foes, and give speedy and decisive triumph to Liberty and Law!

Bold But Fruitless Fraud
(Column 1)

Summary: The Repository reveals that the Democratic judges' efforts to nullify army votes did not work. Koontz defeated the Democratic candidate Coffroth.
(Names in announcement: General Coffroth, General Koontz)

Lawlessness
(Column 2)

Summary: The Repository discusses the general lawlessness encouraged by the war. The article mentions thievery and murder committed by soldiers and urges citizens to promote harmony .

Vote For Judge Official
(Column 4)

Summary: The Repository ponders a possible dispute over the election for judge. Kimmell received the majority of the home vote, but the army vote gave King the victory. The editors wonder whether Kimmell will challenge the vote or concede graciously.
(Names in announcement: King, Kimmell)

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: The editors criticize the Valley Spirit's suggestion of another draft to dissuade citizens from voting for the Union presidential ticket. The editors argue that the large number of Copperhead deserters provides the only possible reason for another draft.

Manufacture Of Tar In Pennsylvania
(Column 6)

Summary: Describes the high quality tar manufactured in Cambria, Somerset, and adjoining communities.

The Great Central Fair
(Column 6)

Summary: Details the amount raised by the Central Fair last June as $1,071,343.30.

The Republic Lives! President Lincoln Re-elected! Lincoln's Vote Nearly Unanimous! 176 Majority In The Electoral College! The Greatest "Failure" Of The War! The Thunders of the Loyal North!
(Column 7)

Summary: The Repository publishes the presidential election results from all states except three not yet reported. The paper announces the almost unanimous re-election of Lincoln. The editors describe the events of election night including a speech by A. K. McClure.
(Names in announcement: A. K. McClure)

Court Proceedings
(Column 1)

Summary: Describes the court proceedings beginning October 31. Judge King, with associates Judges Carson and Paxton, sat on the bench. In Com. vs. J. Andrew for assault and battery (excessively whipping his son) with J. Eberly leading the prosecution, the court found the defendant not guilty and ordered Eberly to pay 2/3 of costs of prosecution and Andrews the remaining. In Com. vs. W. Williams for larceny, the court ruled not guilty. In Com. vs. P. Troupman for throwing stones, with J. Hadebaugh as the prosecutor, the court ruled not guilty for the reason of insanity and ordered the defendant sent to poor house. In Com. vs. L. Yeager for assault and battery with J. Caseman as the prosecutor, the court ruled not guilty and ordered each party to pay half the costs. In Com. vs. W. Stoner for assault and battery with J. Harris as the prosecutor, the court ruled guilty. In Com. vs. C. Harris for assault and battery, the court ruled not guilty and ordered each party to pay half the costs. In Com. vs. W. Butler for larceny with J. Weisgarver as the prosecutor, the court ruled guilty. The Repository describes the defendant as "a colored boy about sixteen years of age." The court sent Butler to the House of Refuge. In Com. vs. G. Smith for horse stealing, with J. Kissecker as the prosecutor, the defendant pled guilty and the court sentenced him to two years and nine months in the Eastern Penitentiary. In Com. vs. J. Needy for assault and battery, with A. Whitmore as the prosecutrix, the court ruled guilty and ordered each party to pay half of the costs of prosecution. In the case of Com. vs. W. Stoner for assault and battery, with J. Harris as the prosecutor, the court ruled guilty. In Com. vs. J. Bohn and J. Heits for larceny, with R. Black as the prosecutor, the court ruled guilty and sent the defendants, two orphan boys, to the House of Refuge. In the court of common pleas: M. Zellers vs. J. Rale--Action in Assumpsit, for the Plaintiff (sum is illegible); M. Philipy vs. J. Ashway--Action in Assumpsit, for the Plaintiff of $10.19; A. Lochbaum vs. J. Lambert and J. Huber--Action in Replevin; for the Plaintiff (sum is illegible). The Repository praises King's execution of his office.
(Names in announcement: John Andrew, Joseph Eberly, William Williams, Philip Troupman, John Hadebaugh, Leonard Yeager, John Caseman, William Stoner, James Harris, Caleb Harris, William Butler, J. W. Weisgarver, George Smith, John Kissecker, Jacob Needy, Ann C. Whitmore, James Bohn, John Heits, Robert Black, Michael Zellers, James Rale, Mathias Philipy, John Ashway, Andrew J. Lochbaum, Dr. John Lambert, John Huber, Judge King, Judge Carson, Judge Paxton)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: Praises Crawford's promotion to major general and provides a history of his heroic efforts in various wars.

Important Order
(Column 2)

Summary: The Repository reprints General Couch's request that Franklin County citizens scrutinize the large numbers of refugees for potential spies.

"The Burning Of Chambersburg."
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes that the first edition of B. S. Schneck's "The Burning Of Chambersburg" sold out. Schneck plans a new and enlarged edition. Dr. Seibert writes a condensed German version.
(Names in announcement: Rev. B. S. Schneck, Rev. Dr. Seibert)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces the appointment of C. H. Forney by the Eldership of the Church of God, meeting at Newburg, Cumberland County, on October 26.
(Names in announcement: C. H. Forney)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On October 13, by Rev. Brown, C. Lowe married M. Smith, both of Mercersburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Brown, C. G. LoweEsq., Miss M. E. Smith)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On September 29, Mr. Hutton married A. Mahaffy, both of Chambersburg. (The reverend's name is illegible.)
(Names in announcement: Mr. Isaac Hutton, Miss Anna M. Mahaffy)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: M. Gray, of Mercersburg, married R. Diggs, of Hagerstown, Maryland.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Mason Gray, Miss Rachel A. Diggs)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: J. Hall, of York County, married M. Lauck, of Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: Mr. John Hall, Miss Mary C. Lauck)

Died
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports the death of the infant daughter of Rogers.
(Names in announcement: S. Emma Rogers, Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Matilda Rogers)