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Franklin Repository: January 10, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Salt Lake City & Brigham Young
(Column 4)

Summary: The piece praises the Mormons for having persevered in the harsh climate of Utah, but chastises the group's leader and theology, particularly the doctrine sanctioning polygamy, which, it contends, is a graver sin against humanity than slavery.

Speech By Gen. Sherman
(Column 7)

Summary: While visiting Arkansas, Gen. Sherman attended a state-wide political convention where he delivered a speech admonishing those present to focus their energy on developing the state's infrastructure and economy rather than the vexing political questions of the day.

Let Congress Act
(Column 1)

Summary: The article commends Congress's decision to deny the southern states representation in the current session as a "wise" and "necessary step, to arrest the growing sentiment" in the South that "the crime of causeless rebellion was to be without atonement or penalty." Yet, it notes the absolute necessity of formulating a just policy to re-admit the former rebel states as quickly as possible.

Full Text of Article:

Congress did well to decide on the first day of the session that the States lately in rebellion could not claim representation as a matter of right and that the credentials of their members elect could not go to the committee on elections. It was a wise, a necessary step, to arrest the growing sentiment in the dominions of treason, that the crime of causeless rebellion was to be without atonement or penalty.

But there are other duties of the gravest character devolving upon the faithful members of Congress. It will not do to rest with the declaration that the rebel representatives shall not be admitted. That is but the negative part of the duty--the positive remains to be performed, and it is to this task we would urge the early action of Congress.

The rebel States cannot long be denied admission, unless they shall willfully refuse to accept just conditions. All agree that there must be exactions or conditions precedent to the return of the rebellious States to full fellowship in the Union. The President and Mr. Stevens may differ as to the extent of these demands; but while conflicting theories are advanced as to the status of these States, the practical solution of the question brings all to a common centre.

In most of the rebel States provisional governments have been supplanted by Executives and legislatures chosen by the people, in pursuance of the President's assumption of supreme power in regulating a conquered people, and all the functions of local government are performed. Courts have been re-established; municipal and county officers have been qualified, and mail communication has been resumed, or soon will be, with every section of the rebellious territory. They have chosen Congressmen and Senators, and they are now at the doors of Congress. When and how shall they be admitted?

Their admission is but a question of weeks or months. Let no true man mistake the signs of the times. They mark the future too plainly for intelligence to err. The rejection of the members from the rebel States cannot be indefinite. It can now be done, and--what is more important still--it can be maintained if the loyal members of Congress will unite on a just platform, adopt the measures necessary to give it complete success, and then leave the issue with the southern people. But if Congress shall merely recognize the unfitness of southern representation without defining the atonement and guarantees to be given by treason, depend upon it, the right will lose in the struggle.

Reconstruction is now clearly in the hands of the true men in Congress, but let them not waste their power by divisions or weaken their cause by needless delay. Treason is untiring, and its means are neither few nor feeble. It could not be better served than for Congress to procrastinate. It would triumph on its own terms over unreasonable delay, as surely as it has failed in its bloody war to overthrow the government it now seeks to administer. Let the patriotic men of Congress be wise and consider; let them make common cause and act with unity and fidelity.

We do not assume to define the guarantees and the atonement to be demanded from the men whose hands are still stained with the blood of our brethren, and who come defiant and unrepentant to the doors of Congress; but it is for the loyal men who have been charged with this solemn trust, to perform it without fear or favor. They differ as to what conditions shall be accepted; but their differences must cease, or their cause will be lost. The lives of three hundred thousand heroic martyrs will have been sacrificed in vain, and the Freedom we boast as our crowning victory, will be blotted again as it is handed over to the cruel embrace of its deadly foes.

We appeal to the faithful men in Congress to accept some common ground upon which they can unite, and in behalf of which they can appeal to their country and to their God. Just as may seem the enfranchisement of the emancipated slave, we prefer to see him secure in his person, his property, his labor, his household and his equal rights before the law, to endanger his re-enslavement, more abject than before, by the triumph of Wrong over the distracted counsels of Right. Clearly as justice may demand the confiscation of rebel property to make restitution for the desolation and debt it has imposed upon the loyal people, we prefer to surrender it rather than see treason regain power unrestrained, and repudiate our national debt, or destroy our credit by the assumption of the debt incurred in fruitless effort to overthrow the Republic by the sword.

These are no idle fears. If the true men in Congress fail to harmonize in the work of re-construction, it will be accomplished by the foes of Freedom, and they will perfect it with fearful consistency. One by one their members or their States will gain admission, and when once they triumph it will be the end of loyal rule. The freedmen will be enslaved again without even the poor compensations of slavery, our National credit will belong to history, and the fruits of our bloody sacrifices will be laid at the feet of the vanquished by the victors.

The time for action is now! Let those who doubt it turn to the teachings of the few brief weeks of the session. How many have fallen? How many more are faint and feeble? Raymond ran well but a day--others reached the shadow of a season. He voted that the rebellious States were without rights as States, denied his record before his country knew it, and now would mock a bereaved nation with "glittering generalities," miscalled "exactions," and bid the traitors welcome to full power and fellowship--to consummate by faithless statesmanship what they lost by the sword. He has followers, and will have more. Doolittle responds from the Senate, and Cowan, of ill-fated Pennsylvania, answers that treason shall regain its potency unwashed of its wanton blood, and unshorn of its appalling perfidy.

Let there be union of true hearts for the sake of the Union. Let there be conditions and guarantees accepted by all, even at some sacrifice if need be, rather than peril all involved in the struggle. There are amendments to the constitution which, unless passed by Congress and their adoption enforced as a condition precedent to admission, will leave all the legitimate fruits of the war at the mercy of traitors. Define the paramount duty of States and citizens to the national authority; forbid the payment of debt incurred in rebellion against the government; enforce equal rights for all before the law; demand a just basis of representation; make the organic law protect the national faith with its creditors, and then define, by enactment, the clemency of the nation, with fixed limitations. The issue would then rest with traitors--the Executive and the loyal people could not but sustain Congress, and the contest would be over. All that should be realized as the results of the war might not be attained; but the present would bid us to a hopeful future, and all would in time be well for the Republic!

New Pension and Indemnity Bill
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that Thad Stevens introduced a bill to double the amount paid to pensioners and others who suffered damages as a consequence of the late war. The bill calls for the funds to be raised from the sale of property confiscated from "the enemy."

Legislative Relief
(Column e)

Summary: The article relates that Chambersburg's "long-suffering citizens" are delighted by the outpouring of support their memorial has received by the "leading press of the State." The memorial in question was sent to the state legislature by town residents who hope to be indemnified for losses they suffered during McCausland's 1864 raid.

Full Text of Article:

The tone of the leading press of the State in response to the memorial of the people of Chambersburg to the legislature, for partial relief from the utter destruction caused by McCausland's vandalism on the 30th of July, 1864, is most gratifying to our long-suffering citizens. A number of the leading journals of the State, which earnestly resisted any legislative relief while the war was still in progress, have spoken out with great positiveness asking the legislature to deal generously with Chambersburg. Last year most persons insisted that the resources of the State must be husbanded for the terrible struggle with treason, and others felt that however just indemnity might be considered, there was the possibility of the destruction of additional millions, to assume which would destroy the credit of the State; but now the black, desolating cloud of war has passed away, and all seem to recognize the justice of lending a helping hand to the few people of Chambersburg upon whom the fullest measure of rebel vengeance fell. They are unwilling to see our town singled out from the many in a great and prosperous commonwealth, and sacked and laid in ashes by rebel vandalism, without extending some relief to those who have thus been rendered homeless and bankrupt.

Chambersburg does not ask to be indemnified. In addition to the overwhelming destruction that fell to their hard lot on the 30th of July, 1864, they have suffered in common with all the other citizens of the border by raids and invasion and their inevitable spoliations; but they do appeal to the generosity and justice of their fellow-citizens of the State, for a helping hand to enable them in time, by frugality and industry, to recover measurably from the crushing blow. They bore it for all the loyal people of the State. The vandalism that made the flames kiss each other over our happy homes, was aimed at the whole North for its fidelity in maintaining our Nationality; but the few upon whom it fell were prostrated by the stroke. Their homes were made hideous, blackened walls to strike terror into a free people struggling for the right; but over their shapeless ruins they maintained the great common cause until victory was made complete by the valor of all actions of the State and country. Their sons and fathers have been upon almost every battle-field; they have met all the demands of an imperiled government; they have the same bereaved and broken circles which are common to all, and in addition, they have received treason's most barbarous and destructive blow, leaving naught but desolation and poverty as its fruits. It is gratifying, indeed, in the midst of our ruins to hear the kind words of generous journals and legislators, and we have abiding faith that the legislature will respond to the appeal in a generous manner.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: It is reported that David McConaughy presented a petition to the legislature contesting his defeat in the recent state senate election. McConaughy alleges that his opponent, C. M. Duncan, triumphed in the contest because votes from deserters were illegally included in the final tally.

Local Items--Winter
(Column 1)

Summary: With the weather "excessively cold," readers are reminded to help those who are less fortunate.

Local Items--Lecture
(Column 2)

Summary: William Howard Day, the "famous colored Orator," will give a lecture in the Court House on January 16th. This engagement will be his second in Chambersburg: several weeks earlier, Day delivered an address at the Methodist Church which was well-received by many in the community.

Local Items--Musical Festival
(Column 2)

Summary: On New Year's evening, a musical festival was held in the Lutheran Church to benefit the Sunday School. The event was "a decided success, and the performance was highly appreciated by the large audience."

Local Items--Hotel For Sale
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces that Brown's Hotel, "a desirable investment," will be offered for sale on Jan. 19th.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Balsley)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: John Ditzler, "a worthy, energetic and faithful man," has been appointed Steward of the County Poor House. Ditzler replaces Sheriff McGrath.
(Names in announcement: John Ditzler, Sheriff McGrath)

Local Items--Contested Election
(Column 2)

Summary: Informs readers that Col. Rowe has notified William Stenger of his decision to amend his petition before the court contesting the legality of Stenger's election. As a result, the case will not be tried until the April term.
(Names in announcement: Col. Rowe, William Stenger)

Local Items--School Statistics
(Column 2)

Summary: According to the official report of the Superintendent of Common Schools, Franklin county has 231 schools, 150 male and 82 female teachers, and 6,075 male and 5,127 female students.

Local Items--Qualified
(Column 2)

Summary: Maj. John Hassler assumed his duties as the new Treasurer last week. Hassler appointed George J. Balsley as his Clerk.
(Names in announcement: Maj. John Hassler, George J. Balsley)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 4th, William A. Reed and Emma A., daughter of Joseph Snively, Sr., were married at the residence of Benjamin Snively by Rev. J. W. Wightman.
(Names in announcement: William A. Reed, Emma A. Snively, Joseph Snively, Benjamin Snively, Rev. J. W. Wightman)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 31st, Daniel Talhelm and Mary M. Sheely were married at the residence of William Henneberger by Rev. J. F. Oiler.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Talhelm, Mary M. Sheely, Rev. J. F. Oiler, William Henneberger)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 28th, Scott Reynolds and Mary Ann Martin were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Scott Reynolds, Mary Ann Martin, Rev. W. F. Eyster)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 28th, John W. Boltz and Susan Stouffer were married by Rev. J. Evans.
(Names in announcement: John W. Boltz, Susan Stouffer, Rev. J. Evans)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 24th, Jacob Helfrick and Catharine Long were married by Rev. J. C. Smith.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Helfrick, Catharine Long, Rev. J. C. Smith)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Jan. 2nd, C. M. Ditslear and Sarah Duck were married by Rev. J. W. Burd.
(Names in announcement: C. M. Ditslear, Sarah Duck, Rev. J. W. Burd)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 28th, Christian Myers and Sarah Z. Wingert were married by Rev. Samuel Zook.
(Names in announcement: Christian Myers, Sarah Z. Wingert, Rev. Samuel Zook)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Jan. 3rd, Michael Harmon and Maria Kissel were married at the residence of William Bratton by B. A. Cormany.
(Names in announcement: Michael Harmon, Maria Kissel, William Bratton, B. A. Cormany)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Jan. 3rd, Jeremiah Byers and Priscilla C. Ricker were married by Rev. S. H. C. Smith.
(Names in announcement: Jeremiah Byers, Priscilla Ricker, Rev. S. H. C. Smith)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Jan. 5th, John E. Lego and Mary Harbert were married by Rev. F. Dyson.
(Names in announcement: John E. Lego, Mary Harbert, Rev. F. Dyson)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Jan. 6th, Jacob Jones and Sarah J. Davis were married by P. Hamman.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Jones, Sarah J. Davis, P. Hamman)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 29th, Jacob Houser, 45, died near Greencastle.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Houser)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 28th, Samuel Stoler, 71, died at Snow Hill.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Stoler)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Dec. 5th, Frisby Jones, son of H. M. and Susan Jones, died in Quincy. He was 2 months old.
(Names in announcement: Frisby Jones, H. M. Jones, Susan Jones)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Jan. 1st, David Dietrich, son of John R. and Lizzie Eberly, died of membrane croup. He was 3 years old.
(Names in announcement: David Dietrich Eberly, John R. Eberly, Lizzie Eberly)