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Franklin Repository: 11 07, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Late Election
(Column 8)

Summary: The excerpt declares that the election has given the Republicans a mandate to implement their Reconstruction policies, and warns the President that his role is "to execute not legislate."

Origin of Article: New York Nation

Editorial Comment: "The New York Nation closes a long article on the election by the following well-timed remarks:"

Full Text of Article:

The New York Nation closes a long article on the election by the following well-timed remarks:

"The verdict has been given against the President. His past course is not only condemned, but he is informed as plainly as possible that he must mend his ways--that he is neither a leader or restorer, but simply a stop-gap. What we want at this point is statesmen to take up the work of reconstruction, botched though it be, and complete it on the great principles which the country has once more affirmed. What we do not want is a bevy of sharp attorneys to distract and rend the nation with a tedious and farcical but exciting trial, in which we should wait and fret while counsel wrangled and chopped logic. We have a two-thirds majority in both Houses. We can do whatever we think just and expedient. Let us do it if need be over Mr. Johnson's head. He has now received a solemn warning that he is to execute and not to legislate. Let us see that he executes faithfully. Should he neglect or fail to do his duty now, he will sin against the light, and we can then proceed to punish him, with the consciousness that we have not taken him unawares, and that we have not saddled him with duties to the discharge of which neither his education, nor his head, nor his conscience is equal. To heal the wounds left by civil war and lift millions of people out of bondage and darkness into liberty and light, is the most sublime and awful task which was ever imposed on a legislature. In a moment of weakness, or confusion, or thoughtlessness, we all connived at or acquiesced in its assumption by one weak, ignorant, and overelated man. He has failed miserably. Let us cast him aside--contemptuously, if you will; but for mercy's sake do not let us treat the world at such a crisis to the paltry and degrading spectacle of a whole nation trying him judicially for having been presumptuous, conceited, obstinate, uneducated, and for having passed the flower of his years as a little village politician of a slave State. All this is his misfortune and our shame, but no lawyer's tongue can ever make it a crime worthy of any heavier penalty, if heavier penalty there be, than a nation's scorn and rebuke.

Everyday Life of Gen. Grant
(Column 7)

Summary: Relates an anecdote that illuminates Gen. Grant's unpretentious qualities.

Origin of Article: Providence Journal

Editorial Comment: "The Washington correspondent of the Providence Journal relates the following:"

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The total vote in the election for governor was 597,370; the total vote was 24,663 higher than the tally in the Presidential Election of 1864. Gen. Geary won a majority of 17,178.

The Trouble in Maryland
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors criticize Gov. Swann, of Maryland, for his disregard of the constitution and rule of law. They assert that Swann is trying to restore to power "the men who attempted in '61 to carry the State over to the Confederacy." Though Swann enjoyed considerable popularity as a consequence of the service he rendered "the Union cause in the early part of the war," his subsequent betrayal of those principles has greatly diminished the level of support for him.

Full Text of Article:

Gov. Swann, of Maryland, seems anxious to secure for himself a like fame with Andrew Johnson. He is advancing with rapid strides over the same path to the same goal, and has but a short way yet to travel. The pillory is before him and in sight. If he has mistaken it for a shining goal he can blame no one but himself, for it is surrounded with sufficient shame and ignominy to enable any one to discern its true character. When once he has reached it, and become the mock and scorn of the loyal people he has so foully betrayed he will have time to reflect on a truth he had done well to consider before he started on his course--"Corruption wins not more than honesty."

Gov. Swann was elected by the people of Maryland, not so much on account of his ability, as in recognition of the service he had rendered the Union cause in the early part of the war, and because the loyal people of the State reposed entire confidence in his patriotism as a citizen and integrity as a man. He had been identified with the struggle in Maryland ever since treason attempted to drag the State from the Union, and had borne an honorable part through it all. He was hated by the rebels of that State, just as his illustrious prototype had been by the rebels of Tennessee, and for the same reason. Of all others he seemed to be the man in whose hands could be safely entrusted the interests of the State, and of her loyal people. With a generous and grateful enthusiasm they elected him Governor, only to find that their confidence had been misplaced, and that what they had taken to be patriotism and integrity were but the meretricious adornments of a political gambler. He has chosen a time to betray the men who have been his friends and the friends of the government, when he thought he could do them the most injury and himself the greatest service. The object of his perfidy is the restoration of power of the men who attempted in '61 to carry the State over to the Confederacy, and the consideration for it is his promised political advancement. By a constitutional amendment, adopted at the close of the war, all who had participated in the rebellion were disfranchised and none were allowed to vote except such as would take the oath of loyalty prescribed in the amendment. The strict enforcement of the provisions of this amendment by means of a registry law resulted in placing the power of the State in the hands of the loyal men. It is Gov. Swann's purpose now to prevent a strict enforcement of the law, so that all may vote and rebels henceforth be as potential at the ballot-box as loyal men. To this end he has appointed registrars throughout the State of known Rebel sympathies, and has directed them to put a "liberal construction" upon the law, which is well understood by all to mean that they shall not regard sympathy with treason as a disqualification, and that they shall virtually nullify the laws.

In the city of Baltimore thousands were added to the lists of qualified voters who had served in the armies of the Confederacy, and other thousands who had been disqualified by reason of aid and comfort rendered to the rebellion. At a recent election in that city, these registers were disregarded by the Union election judges, and the votes of men who were notoriously disloyal were rejected, in conformity with law. The displacement of the Police Commissioners, who appointed the election judges, was determined upon. Charges were preferred against them, and after a hearing before the Governor, which was but a mockery of justice, the order for the removal was published and their successors appointed. This proceeding was had in the exercise of a very doubtful authority, and not only so, but in utter disregard of established and recognized forms of justice. The charges that had been preferred were not sustained by the evidence, but on the contrary the efficiency and good conduct of the Police department was shown by witnesses whose credibility and respectability could not be impeached. The Commissioner determined not to yield to the decision of the Governor but to appeal to the Courts, and, until by them adjudged guilty, to continue in the exercise of their duties. The attempt was made by the Commissioners appointed by the Governor on Saturday last to set up their authority, and having been qualified by the Sheriff they proceeded to give their orders and appoint their subordinates. They were at once arrested on the charge of inciting to riot and disturbance, and in default of bail were committed to jail by Judge Bond, who wisely decided that although he could not determine their right to exercise the office, yet he was charged to a certain extent with preserving the peace of the city, and was bound to issue the process of the Court against men who were attempting to assert by violence claims, which, if just, could be enforced at law.

A writ of habeus corpus was applied for and obtained from an inferior court in behalf of the Commissioners, and served upon the Warden of the jail, who it appears has three days in which to make his return. Should he decline to make a return to this writ until the third day, which seems probable, there will be no conflict of authority and consequently no disturbance on the day of the election.

This action, taken by the regular Police Commissioners, in pursuance of law will most probably defeat the perfidy of Gov. Swann and avert what seemed to be an impending calamity. In his nefarious plot to subject the Union men of Maryland to Rebel rule, Governor Swann has been advised and encouraged by Andrew Johnson. He has not presumed to move a step in the matter except by his counsel and direction, and what Swann has boldly attempted to execute in Maryland was drafted and designed by his master in Washington. It was contemplated at one time to use the military power of the United States for the purpose of installing the new Commissioners and its assistance was freely promised Gov. Swann. The manly and independent action of Judge Bond in the matter makes it impossible for Mr. Johnson to redeem his promise. He dare not interfere with the Courts. His usurpations must stop there and Gov. Swann be taught how dangerous it is "to hang on princes' favors."

Senatorial Instructions
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors reiterate their justifications for the proposed reforms to the system of selecting the Republican party's choice for Senator.

Full Text of Article:

In order that no Republican may misunderstand the question of instructions for U. S. Senator, we recapitulate the circumstances which made the party desire it and the purposes the party have in view.

Before the election, the Republican candidate for Assembly voluntarily and solemnly pledged himself to respect instructions made after the election, and desired it not to be done during the contest lest it should endanger our success. With this all were satisfied, and all who desire to observe good faith are satisfied today.

The request for a Convention came from a large number of the leading and most active Republicans of the county, and was not the result of the personal desire or effort of any individual. It was moved in as a matter of justice to the whole party, and if it shall advance any particular candidate for Senator, it must be because the party honestly and earnestly desires to promote the success of that candidate. It appealed to the people--the highest tribunal of the party, and it could have no selfish or personal ends to attain.

The Republican Committee, in the fullest meeting held for years, decided with but one dissenting vote, to call for the expression of the preference of the party for U. S. Senator, and the People of the party will express that choice in their delegate elections on Saturday next. The right of the party to express its preference for Congress, Assembly, Prothonotary and even County Auditor is conceded by all, and its right to express its preference for the most important office to be filled in the State, will not be denied by honest and sane men.

The policy of instruction is not new in any part of the State or Nation. Our ablest and best statesmen have been instructed, both before and after their election, and none but those who have become abandoned to honor and virtue have disregarded them when they came from the power that created them. The People elect their representatives to obey their wishes and protect their interests. They are the masters--the representatives the servants. They confer honors and give expression to their interests, and the recipient of their trust discharges his highest duty by official deference to their will. Instructions can therefore be no reflection, in any degree, on a public servant. On the contrary, the representative who desires to perform his duty, will ever welcome an authoritative expression of the wishes of the people who have delegated their power to him, so that he may be faithful to his trust.

Instructions cannot be regarded as offensive to any candidate for U. S. Senator who may not be preferred. Lancaster instructs for Mr. Stevens, but surely that choice expresses no disrespect for, or want of confidence in, Gov. Curtin, Col. Forney or Mr. Grow. If any candidate should feel aggrieved because the Republicans of Franklin or Lancaster preferred one of the other distinguished gentlemen named for the office, the offended candidate simply demonstrates how utterly unworthy he is of the high honor to be conferred.

The assumption that to express a preference for U. S. Senator may prejudice the interests of the border counties in the matter of damages, is not the creation of an honest purpose. Who of the candidates for U. S. Senator demands the support of this county for that high office, and threatens the border with legislative failure if it is not given him? We cannot believe that there are any such aspirants for a seat in the highest legislative tribunal of the Republic. If there is one such, the people of Franklin would spurn his pretensions and his bribe.

No honest Republican can have any distracting issue with his brethren on the question of instructions. Republicans may honestly differ as to who should be elected U. S. Senator, as they differ about lesser nominations, but when the voice of the party is declared by its highest authority--the same tribunal that determines the claims of every candidate for every other office--all who do not mean to subvert its solemn judgement and defraud the people of their noblest gift, will yield cordial obedience to the majesty of their will. The weak and the corrupt may be bewildered by brief authority to forgetfulness of the supreme power of the people, and insolent disregard of their wishes, but their day of retribution must come, and he upon whom it falls will be ground to powder.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: The New York Post has issued an ultimatum to the leaders of the South, informing them that "the law punishing treason with death and confiscating rebel property will certainly be enforced" should the South fail to ratify the proposed amendments.

Origin of Article: New York Post

Harrisburg
(Column 3)

Summary: Horace, the Repository's Harrisburg correspondent, relates that the chief topic of discussion in the state capital is the "summary removal" of the Baltimore Police Commission by Gov. Swann. Swann's actions are seen as a blatant attempt on the part of the Democrats to "enable the rebels of Maryland to vote and control the State of Maryland, in defiance of the Constitution and laws of the State." In other news from Harrisburg, says Horace, a "cruel hoax" was perpetrated in an attempt to discredit Col. Stumbaugh and undermine the attempts to reform the selection process for Senator. Apparently, an address purporting to come from Stumbaugh was sent to the offices of the Telegraph and inserted in that journal. The piece "forbid" Stumbaugh's supporters from expressing "any choice for the important office of U. S. Senator."

Gov. Curtin in Brooklyn
(Column 6)

Summary: Contains a portion of Gov. Curtin's speech before Brooklyn Republicans, in which he states what the federal government's policies for re-admitting the former rebel states should be.

Editorial Comment: "Gov. Curtin addressed an immense Republican mass meeting in Brooklyn on Friday evening, by which he was received with three times three hearty cheers. It was one of his ablest and noblest efforts in behalf of the Right, and we regret that we cannot publish it entire. We give the following extract expressing his views of the great question of re-construction and of the issue betweeen a faithful Congress and an apostate President. On these overshadowinbg questions in the Empire State as in Pennsylvania, Gov. Curtin gives no uncertain tone, but reflects in their full measure, the earnest and patriotic convictions of the loyal men of the Nation:"

The Pennsylvania Election--Official Returns Complete
(Column 7)

Summary: The article provides a detailed tally of the results from the election for governor.

Latest News!
(Column 7)

Summary: An account of the growing conflict in Baltimore, provided by the "Magnetic Telegraph."

Local Items--Court Proceedings
(Column 1)

Summary: A summary of the cases heard by Judge King during the court session held last week.

Local Items--A Probable Fraud
(Column 1)

Summary: The article includes yet another piece attributed to Col. Stumbaugh, whose authenticity is disputed by the editors of the Repository. Similar to the article that appeared in the Telegraph, it contends that Stumbaugh does not want his supporters to express "their wishes on any question upon which he is to act as their representative."

Origin of Article: Country Merchant

Local Items--Church Robbed
(Column 2)

Summary: A carpet valued at $125 was stolen from the German Reformed Church by "some miscreant" last Saturday, say the editors. The carpet was recovered at the railroad depot on Monday, however, before the thief was able to spirit it away. Apparently, the thief was a stranger staying at McGrath's Hotel. The man caught the attention of McGrath who kept an eye on him, believing that he was the perpetrator of the "dastardly act," which "led to the recovery of the carpet." Still, the thief managed to escape.
(Names in announcement: McGrath)

Local Items
(Column 2)

Summary: The dedicatory services at the new Odd Fellow Lodge at Newville were held last week.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Mowery, Rev. S. H. C. Smith, William Kennedy)

Local Items--Good Templars
(Column 3)

Summary: Several officers of the McMurray Lodge, No. 119, were appointed by John M. Gilmore at the meeting last Monday.
(Names in announcement: William S. Roney, W. F. Eyster, Mary E. Black, J. Amos Miller, Samuel Z. Maxwell, George Palmer, Harry Gilbert, Rev. F. Dyson, John Jenkins, Annie C. Forbes, Minerva Heiner, Emma Stuart, Samuel Atwell, Chas. Wright)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Jonas C. Palmer, the newly elected County Commissioner, was sworn in last week.
(Names in announcement: Jonas C. Palmer)

Local Items--Returned
(Column 3)

Summary: Samuel D. C. Reid and A. Jackson Brand have returned to Chambersburg after traveling to Montana this past summer. They are "looking well and hearty after their long and perilous journey."
(Names in announcement: Samuel D. C. Reid, A. Jackson Brand)

Local Items
(Column 3)

Summary: It is reported that a suit has been filed against John Benedict and John Snider, both of whom were Union representatives on the Fayetteville election board, for refusing the votes of deserters in the late election.
(Names in announcement: John Benedict, John Snider)

Local Items
(Column 3)

Summary: George Davison, of Greencastle, has resigned from his position as the Collector of Internal Revenue. A replacement has yet to be named.
(Names in announcement: George Davison)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 28th, J. Dallas Fry and Ettie Weagley were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: J. Dallas Fry, Ettie Weagley, Rev. W. F. Eyster)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 30th, Martin Hocklander and Mary E. Duffy were married by Rev. W. F. Dyson.
(Names in announcement: Martin Hocklander, Mary E. Duffy, Rev. W. F. Eyster)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 21st, Jacob Poper and Rebecca J. Barnes were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Poper, Rebecca J. Barnes, Rev. W. F. Eyster)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 30th, George A. Gross, of Harrisburg, and Mary A., daughter of A. B. Wingerd, were married by Rev. S. N. Callendar, and assisted by Rev. T. G. Apple.
(Names in announcement: George A. Gross, A. B. Wingerd, Mary A. Wingerd, Rev. S. N. Callendar, Rev. T. G. Apple)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 31st, D. M. Niswander and Kate Wolff were married by Rev. T. G. Apple.
(Names in announcement: D. M. Niswander, Kate Wolff, Rev. T. G. Apple)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 25th, William Seilhamer and Susanna Whitmore were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: William Seilhammer, Susanna Whitmore, Rev. P. S. Davis)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Nov. 1st, Robert E. Typer and Lizzie M. Skinner were married by Rev. J. Smith Gordon.
(Names in announcement: Robert E. Typer, Lizzie M. Skinner, Rev J. Smith Gordon, William Skinner)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 30th, George W. Coble and Laura Berlin were married by Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: George W. Coble, Berlin, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Nov. 1st, J. C. Flickinger and Maggie S., daughter of John Keasy, were married by Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: J. C. Flickinger, John Keasyt, John Keasy, Rev. William A. West)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 25th, Sarah E., wife of A. J. Eyler, died near Chambersburg. She was 29 years old.
(Names in announcement: Sarah E. Eyler, A. J. Eyler)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Nov. 1st, Helvina, daughter of Lewis B. and Helvina Eyster, died in Chambersburg. She was 8 months old.
(Names in announcement: Helvina Eyster, Helvina Eyster, Lewis Eyster)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Nov. 1st, Elizabeth Lowry, relict of Curtis Lowery, died in Guilford township. She was 51 years old.
(Names in announcement: Elizabeth Lowry, Curtis Lowery)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 25th, Clara Ann, youngest daughter of Adeline Ramsey, died in Fannettsburg. She was 1 month old.
(Names in announcement: Clara Ann Ramsey, Adeline Ramsey)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 30th, Sarah, relict of Henry Nusbaum, dec'd, died near Fannettsburg. She was 79 years old.
(Names in announcement: Sarah Nusbaum, Henry Nusbaum)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Oct. 30th, John Heintzelman, Sr., 75, died in Fayetteville.
(Names in announcement: John Heintzelman)

Death To the Indiana Black Code
(Column 3)

Summary: Relates that the Indiana Supreme Court issued a judgement in the Smith vs. Moody case, voiding the thirteenth article of the State Constitution, known as the Black Article, and "all laws passed in pursuance of its provisions."