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Franklin Repository: 10 24, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Great Lesson!
(Column 8)

Summary: According to the article, one key issue--the debate over "national unity and peace"--dominated the political discourse in the last campaign. Others topics, such as the tariff, internal improvements, and foreign relations were "discussed but only incidentally." Consequently, the results of the various elections indicate that the general public in the North approves of the Republicans' efforts to force the South to accept to proposed constitutional amendments before being re-admitted to the Union.

Origin of Article: New York Times

Editorial Comment: "The New York Times, the leading organ of President Johnson, thus calmly and truthfully sums up the great verdict of the People in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa:"

Full Text of Article:

The New York Times, the leading organ of President Johnson, thus calmly and truthfully sums up the great verdict of the People in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa:

Seldom, indeed, has a contest been conducted with so exclusive reference to a single issue. True, the antecedents of candidates during the war have had much to do with the question of individual eligibility. Clymer has been consigned to private life because his sympathies and efforts were against the war for the Union, while Geary's were heroically in its support. But, after all, there have been few of the considerations which in ordinary times have entered into party controversy. The tariff, internal improvements, the currency, the foreign relations of the Government, have been discussed only incidentally. Everywhere the conditions of national unity and peace have formed the theme of debate, and the standard by which party nominations have been weighed and judged. Minor questions, therefore, cannot be pleaded in abatement of the account as it now stands. It is a settlement which can be altered only to be made more stringent. It is a declaration of the popular determination to exact from the South guarantees for the maintenance of the Union as the war has made it; a Union assuring national citizenship to black and white, assuring equality before the law, the just representation of the sections, and the inviolability of the legal debt, and providing effectually against the future assumption of the rebel debts or claims. This is the sum and substance of Tuesday's verdict. Not negro suffrage--not confiscation--not harsh or vindictive penalties; but the plan of restoration dictated by Congress, and designed to be a final adjustment of our national difficulties.

It is too late to say that the popular verdict hardly comes up to the rigid constitutional standard. It would avail nothing now to argue that the Amendment, equitable and moderate though it be, ought not to be a condition of restoration. Equally useless were it to consider by what possible combinations and compromises the view for which we have contended might have acquired greater prominence and support. The people have been heard from, and from their decision our form of government provides no appeal. The South, if wise, will hearken and comply. And the President, if politic, will not refuse to listen to a verdict which specially concerns himself and the plan to which he is committed.

At least one source of apprehension has been removed. Had these elections ended adversely to Congress--had promises been held out of any considerable change in the complexion of that body--the idea of a second House, with the Southern representatives unconditionally admitted, might possibly have assumed dangerous dimensions. The proposition that a second Congress should be organized, and that the President should recognize the one favorable to his plan, might then have been more plausible. Fortunately this beginning of revolution has been obviated. Not the faintest pretext can now be found for impugning the validity of the Congressional decision, or for mooting the legitimacy of any other body. The people have taken care that this threatened peril shall not be heard of more. They have decreed, not only that Congress as it now is, faithfully represents their convictions and purposes, but that the Congress which will come after shall sustain substantially the same policy. Neither the South nor the President, then, has aught to expect from delay. The South must choose between prolonged exclusion, with the probability of more stringent terms, and the acceptance of the overture already submitted to them. The President must be content to see Congress push forward its new method of settlement, despite protestations and vetoes, or must frankly accept the verdict pronounced by the people who elected him, and use his opportunities to hasten restoration on the only basis that is practicable. He has stated his own case, and the people have refused to accept it. The part of statesmanship surely is to concede graciously and promptly to the popular requirements, and to exert the influence of the Executive in support of the compromise now tendered the Southern States.

Union County Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: Calls on local Republicans who "voted the ticket" to hold primaries to select delegates for the Union County Convention on November 13th. The purpose of the county meeting is to "express the preferences of the party for United States Senator."

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Informs readers that the Republicans will hold a majority of 9 in the state senate and 24 in the house, therefore there is little doubt that the proposed constitutional amendments will be ratified and a new U. S. Senator will be selected.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: It is reported that Gen. Geary will re-appoint William M. Meredith as Attorney General. Meredith has held the office for the past five years, yet it is unclear whether he will accept Geary's offer due to his "infirm health."

Senatorial County Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: Having been betrayed by the state's last two choices for the U. S. Senate, Republican men of Franklin county do not intend to be duped again. Instead, the article relates, they have scheduled a convention to meet so that they can tell "their Senator and Representatives, and ... their Republican brethren throughout the State, who they deem most worthy of the many worthy men named for the high and responsible position."

Full Text of Article:

It will be seen in reference to the official call of the Union County Committee, given in to-day's paper, that a regular Convention of Delegates from the several districts of the county, is called to meet in Chambersburg on Tuesday, the 13th of November, to express the preference of the Republicans of this county for U. S. Senator in an authoritative manner. The delegates are to be chosen on Saturday, the 10th of November, at the usual places for holding primary meetings of the party.

The fact that a call for a meeting of the Committee to consider this question, brought seventeen of the twenty-two members form every section of the county; that three other members who could not attend advised action in favor of positive instructions, and that of those in attendance but one voted against officially directing the Republican party to declare its choice for Senator, clearly demonstrates the earnestness prevailing among the people on the subject. Betrayed by Cooper, again betrayed by Cowan, they desire to say to their Senator and Representatives, and to their Republican brethren throughout the State, who they deem most worthy of the many worthy men named for the high and responsible position.

The Republicans of the "Green Spot" take this action now not because of any new or unexpected occasion demanding it. They would have done it before the election, but for the general desire to cast aside all questions but the one great purpose to succeed until success should be attained. That time has now come. The triumph has been gained, and they exercise but their confessed right and supreme authority in directing who shall wear the richest garlands of their well-earned victory. They propose no reflection upon any one. They assume simply to discharge a plain duty, and when discharged in a manner that will preclude cavil or dispute, as must be the case when a convention elected on the single issue shall declare their wishes, we doubt not that their voice will be cheerfully obeyed.

The Delegate Convention is the highest tribunal of the Republican party in this county. To its decision all profess obedience. We struggle for the success of cherished friends to secure its nominations for subordinate offices, and when its mandate goes forth, expressed in integrity and fairness, the friends of all who appealed to its favor, whether victors or vanquished, rally to give victory to its banner. And so it will be in nominating a Senator as the choice of this country. Whether the Republicans shall declare for Gov. Curtin, Col. Forney, Mr. Stevens, Gen. Cameron or Mr. Grow, it will be the unbiased, faithful reflex of the sentiment of the 4,200 Republican voters of the county, and as such will be respected by all.

We have no choice to urge upon the Republicans of Franklin county. Our individual preference is known to all who have desired to learn it, and for that choice we shall cast our vote at the delegate election. But in these columns we seek neither to advance or retard the success of any gentleman named. We only ask that there shall be a fair, full, unbiased expression of the whole party, and then none can complain. We appeal to every Republican to attend the primary elections and cast his vote for delegates in accordance with his own convictions. In the late contest for Congress it even overshadowed the Gubernatorial struggle. Earnestly as the Republicans labored for the success of Gen. Geary, their chief aim was the success of a faithful Congressman. How much more important is the election of a United States Senator who will hold his position for four years longer than our Congressman? It is the most important office within the gift of the party, and its power will be felt not only during the remainder of Johnson's administration, but during the whole of the succeeding administration. Let the masses of the party fully appreciate the importance of the subject, and the managers of delegate elections will have but little work to perform.

We trust that the steps taken in Franklin will be imitated throughout the State. We hear from several quarters that the people are decided in their choice for U. S. Senator, but their Representatives are not so decided since the election. It is just this criminal negligence that has cost our State so much of her just power in the first legislative tribunal of the nation. Let the people speak in an authoritative manner, and their voice will be obeyed. If they prefer Gov. Curtin, let him be chosen; if Mr. Stevens, let him be Senator; if Gen. Cameron, let him wear the honors fairly won; if Col. Forney, he has the highest right to demand his success. But let not the decided preferences of the people in their respective counties and districts be smothered, while the legislators go to Harrisburg to barter their votes for personal advancement or legislative success.

Let the People speak, and politicians who trust and obey them will best serve themselves and their country!

Jefferson Davis
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors characterize President Johnson's actions with regard to Jefferson Davis as disingenuous. Despite claims to the contrary, Davis has not been tried because Johnson is unsure as to how to proceed since the current charges against the former Confederate leader are for the assassination of Lincoln. As such, if Davis were tried and convicted of those charges, he would most likely be given the same punishment as Booth, Surratt, and the other conspirators--death. Of course, such a ruling would undermine Johnson's ability to appeal to white southerners for support, which is an integral component of his political strategy.

Swinging Around Again
(Column 3)

Summary: In the wake of the resounding Republican victories in the recent elections, and the rebuke of "My Policy," it is still uncertain whether President Johnson will continue his intransigence or will acknowledge defeat and consent to the Republicans' policies.

Full Text of Article:

We have seen various conjectures in the Washington correspondence of the leading journals, as to the position the President will assume since the crushing repudiation of "my policy" by the people. Some have insisted that he would bow to the inexorable verdict, and advise the adoption of the constitutional amendments by the rebel States, and thus facilitate the great work of reconstruction, while others have insisted he is only the more obstinate at his overthrow and will fight out his treasonable policy to the bitter end.

We have no faith in Andrew Johnson. We would not accept any pledge he could give as evidence that he meant to retrace his perfidious steps and henceforth maintain a loyal policy. That he is chagrined, humiliated, overwhelmed by the decisive verdict of the people against him, we are well assured, and we are convinced that he will endeavor in some way to break the force of the fall, but it will be utterly vain. We speak advisedly when we say that he assured a leading Republican M. C. within the last ten days, that he would be in harmony with Congress in a very short time; and he excused his removals by saying that he had removed but few comparatively; that he lost largely by it; that every appointment offended all who were disappointed, while his appointees very often voted the Republican ticket to save themselves in the Senate. We know, also, that in at least two instances he has revoked appointments already made and continued the Republican incumbents, and in one of the instances he proposed to do it if a Republican Congressman desired it. These are facts within our knowledge, and we give them to show that Andrew Johnson would, at least in some lucid intervals he seems to enjoy, attempt to retrieve his fearful, fatal fall.

The people have saved this government in defiance of Andrew Johnson's treachery, and in defiance of his shameless, corrupt use of his patronage, and they will not now stop to inquire whether he is faithful or faithless. If he shall assent to loyal reconstruction, it will be because he could not succeed, after an exhausting effort and the most appalling prostitution of power, in giving success to treason in the work of restoration, and it matters not whether he assents or dissents--the grand commission will be attained because the people have so decreed it. It matters not, therefore, either for himself or for the country, whether he shall yield a passive obedience to the policy of Congress, for he can do nothing less. He has no power to resist it. He has no remedy against it, but in revolution, and that would end his official term in a day. Having betrayed every party and every principle that he has ever espoused but the Democracy, it would be singular indeed if he did not complete the circle around which he has been swinging by cheating them, particularly since they are not worth being faithful to. But whether he shall be faithful or perfidious to them, his record will be all the same. The people have repudiated him with profoundest scorn and consuming retribution, and whatever may be his vagaries from right to wrong and from wrong to right, they will maintain their terrible verdict until he passes into the crucible of impartial history, to stand as a monument to all mankind of the fate of a faithless ruler, who attempted to sacrifice the liberties of a free people, and failed in utter dishonor. He has cast his lot with the foes of the country and lavished his patronage upon them, and there let him stay. The people rallied in their supreme might to save their nationality from his treachery, and they have no terms to make on the blotted altar of his perfidy.

Congress Official
(Column 3)

Summary: The article provides the district's official vote for Congress in 1862, 1864, and 1866. The results represent an "overwhelming verdict" that the people expect "some measure of justice in the restoration of the rebellious States."

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: It is reported that Gov. Swann and President Johnson have been consulting about methods to remove the "loyal Police Commissioners of Baltimore so that the rebels may be allowed to vote and regain their sway in Maryland."

Pennsylvania Legislature
(Column 5)

Summary: The piece contains a full list of the men elected to the Legislature. In the next session, Republicans will hold the balance of power in both bodies. The Senate remains as it was before, with a 21 to 12 majority for the Republicans; in the House, the Democrats gained a total of four seats, but still trail the Republicans by 24 seats, 38 to 62.

[No Title]
(Column 5)

Summary: Thomas Williams, "one of the ablest lawyers in Pennsylvania," was re-elected to Congress on the pledge that he would pursue charges of impeachment against President Johnson.

[No Title]
(Column 6)

Summary: It is reported that a company of 175 Americans and 30 Mexicans under the command of Gen. Ford tried unsuccessfully to capture Matamoras in Mexico on Sept. 27th. A subsequent attempt was "equally unsuccessful."

Harrisburg
(Column 6)

Summary: The Repository's correspondent relates that rumors continue to swirl in the capital over who will be appointed to replace Senator Cowan. Currently, the odds-on favorite is Gov. Curtin.

Greenvillage Slightly Ahead
(Column 7)

Summary: "Green" brags about the high turnout in Greenvillage for the Republicans, and suggests that the vote collected there included ballots from the county's oldest and fattest residents.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Immell, Thomas Wallace, Christian Fry, Jacob Bittinger, Daniel Lesher, James Bowers)

Full Text of Article:

To the Editors of the Franklin Repository:

We claim (I think justly) that we gave a larger majority for the Union ticket than any other district in the county, in proportion to the number of our whole vote, and we also claim that more old men voted in our box. Mr. Jacob Immell, aged 91 years, walked to the election; Mr. Thos. Wallace, aged 86; Mr. Christian Fry, aged 84 years, and Mr. Jacob Bittinger in his 80th year. Mr. Bittinger and Mr. Wallace are both veteran soldiers of 1812. Long may those glorious old men live to vote the Union ticket. We also claim that the largest and heaviest man in the county voted with us, Mr. Daniel Lesher, who weighs 365 pounds. Mr. L. is at the same time one of the best men that Franklin County can produce. And lastly, we claim that the strongest man in the county, or in the Congressional district, voted in our box, Mr. James Bowers, our Supervisor, who has engaged in the good work this summer in levelling the hills between this place and Scotland. Union districts let us hear from you.
GREEN.

Trailer: Green

[No Title]
(Column 8)

Summary: It is reported that a "large portion" of the corn crop has failed as has the cotton crop, which was "severely injured by drought and worm." "The people in the inland and northern portion of the State are destitute, and unless there be immediate assistance the suffering during the winter will be great."

Local Items--Union County Committee
(Column 1)

Summary: At its meeting last Monday, the Union County Committee voted and scheduled a convention to meet on November 13th to discuss the best method of determining the next Senator.

Local Items--"Kicked Out"
(Column 1)

Summary: The article informs the newly appointed Postmaster, Matthew P. Welsh, that his days are numbered since it is unlikely that the new Congress will approve his nomination.
(Names in announcement: J. W. Deal, Matthew P. Welsh, Jacob Flinder, Elizabeth P. Welsh)

Local Items--Union County Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: The piece indicates the number of delegates that each district will be entitled to when the county convention meets on November 13th, as determined by the resolution adopted by the late Union County Convention.

Local Items--Robberies
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that two robberies occurred in Greencastle last week. In the first instance, a thief entered S. Hamilton's saloon and stole $15 from the "money drawer." In the second, John Smith, a "hireling who had been discharged Joseph Snively, stole Mr. Christian's pocket-book, containing $27. Smith was later arrested and is in jail, awaiting trial.
(Names in announcement: S. Hamiton, John Smith, Joseph Snively)

Origin of Article: Greencastle Pilot

Local Items
(Column 1)

Summary: The Franklin County Teachers' Institute will hold its next session in Greencastle in the second week of November.

Local Items--Call Accepted
(Column 1)

Summary: Rev. Kunkelman, of Indianapolis, Indiana, (and formerly of Franklin county) has accepted an offer to lead Chambersburg's Lutheran congregation.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Kunkelman)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On Oct. 10th, H. S. Sibbet and Sadie J. V. Smith were married by Rev. C. H. Frey.
(Names in announcement: H. S. Sibbet, Sadie S. V. Smith, Rev. C. H. Forney)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On Oct. 18th, John Hunsecker and Mary Sollenberger were married by Rev. B. S. Schneck.
(Names in announcement: John Hunsecker, Mary Sollenberger, Rev. B. S. Schneck)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On Oct. 18th, Jacob Conrad and Susan Dull were married by Rev. William McElroy.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Conrad, Susan Dull, Rev. William McElroy)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On Oct. 5th, Daniel Gutshall, of Cumberland county, and Elizabeth Hetrick were married by W. H. Blair.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Gutshall, Elizabeth Hetrick, W. H. Blair)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On Oct. 16th, Conrad K. Stumbaugh and Kate P. Snively were married by W. H. Blair.
(Names in announcement: W. H. Blair, Kate P. Snively, W. H. Stumbaugh)