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Franklin Repository: May 15, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Chignon
(Column 6)

Summary: The article discusses the latest in women's fashion in London--the Chignon. The article cautions women from wearing chignons because they allegedly promote the growth of lice, which "thrive amid the grease and heat, and grow fat and saucy at 360 deg. Fahrenheit." To support this allegation, the piece includes a number of mock testimonials from the parents of women and girls who have sported the style.

Learning a Trade
(Column 8)

Summary: The piece calls on parents to make sure their offspring learn a craft so as to avoid the predicament facing myriad soldiers in both the North and South, who now find themselves unemployed and "seeking situations where the pen only can be used."

Constitutional Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors defend their position on the issue of legislation in the face of criticism levelled by the Patriot and Union, which labeled the proposed constitutional convention a "'Yankee scheme to run around organic laws, and take snap judgement upon the people.'" The editors recognize their plan is not without faults, yet they assert that it is better than doing nothing, as the Patriot and Union suggests.

Full Text of Article:

The Patriot and Union does us the justice to publish our disclaimer of the purposes it charged us with entertaining, in regard to the proposed Constitutional Convention, and at the same time takes occasion to denounce the proposed Convention as a "Yankee scheme to run aground organic laws, and take snap judgement upon the people." It would have been more satisfactory if our contemporary had given us some reason for the faith it professes and preaches. What it says in regard to fixed ratios and legislative districts, even though true, would not warrant any such conclusion as the above, and we are compelled to look elsewhere for the cause of its hostility to the proposed measure. We suggested a basis of representation that we thought just and equitable, one that could hardly fail of making the Convention a fair exponent of the popular will, and expressed at the same time a perfect willingness to favor any other plan that our contemporary could suggest that would effect the same thing equally as well. We care not what the basis of representation is, only so that it will insure a correct expression of the sentiments of the people. The plan we suggested may be faulty and partial--though we fail to see how--yet this fact in no wise makes a Convention any the less necessary, still less does it warrant any one in denouncing the proposed Convention as a Yankee trick, &c. It may not be possible without an utter disregard of all principles of justice and fair dealing to establish a basis of representation that would insure to the Democracy the control of the Convention, but that is the fault of the people and can hardly be urged as a fair objection to the measure itself. It certainly is possible to frame and adopt some method whereby both parties would have an equal chance in the contest, and the wishes of the people be honestly expressed. This is what we want and what we will try to have. Any thing else we will condemn as earnestly as we favor this.

The plan proposed by the Patriot is to let the Constitution alone and elect good and true men as representatives. A most admirable plan if it could only be adopted and practiced upon; but if the statements of our friend in regard to the last half dozen Legislatures are to be credited, the impracticability of the plan is apparent. The Patriot has championed the cause of honesty and purity ever since its own party lost the ascendency in the State, yet according to its own showing matters have gone from bad to worse until the Legislature has become a byword and reproach. Under this plan when can we look for reform? The evil has become intolerable and we must have speedy relief. Can we afford to allow another half dozen years of doubtful experiment?

It is worse than idle to talk about the purity of our legislative bodies depending upon the ascendency of any particular party. That time has never been yet when the faithless and venal were confined to either party. They batten as well in minorities as in majorities, and as long as they can do this they are content. To charge all the blame upon one party, and to acquit the other entirely, is part of a system of political tactics that has grown useless, and can only be practiced with success now upon a few of the ignorant and bigoted. It is high time the Patriot would make a change.

In the same article our contemporary reminds us of the fact that the Constitution provides a method for its own correction. This is true, but we favor the other as being more efficient and more likely to correct the abuses from which we suffer. The method provided by the Constitution leaves the suggestion and discussion of proposed changes and alterations to the Legislature, elected probably without any regard to them. We would prefer a Convention composed of the wisest and best of our citizens, men in whose patriotism, ability and integrity all could rely, and elected for the express purpose of reviewing and revising our organic law. Our present Constitution is the result of the labors of just such a body. There is nothing novel or strange in a Constitutional Convention, and instead of being illegal, irregular and unconstitutional as the Patriot alleges, it is warranted by the highest law, and has always been recognized as the true method of Constitutional emendation. The same power that makes can correct or destroy. If the Constitution that now governs us is not the work of the people then it is without any binding force whatever, if it is the work of the people then it is within their power to do with it as they please.

While it is perfectly competent for the Legislature to call such a Convention, we would have no serious objection to submitting the question to the people whether or not such a Convention should be called. We cannot see that anything more could be accomplished by this course than that would be sure to follow the other. The matter is for the final determination of the people, and what difference would it make whether the Convention was called by them or the Legislature? If the result of its labors is not approved by them they can reject it and that is the end of it. They are the final arbiters and there can be no such thing as thwarting their will or defeating their purposes. There would be no chance to play a "Yankee trick" or take snap judgement if any one were disposed to do so. But if by consenting to submit to the people the question of a Convention we can make of the Patriot an ally in this matter, we will most cheerfully do so, and accept any other suggestion it may make that improves upon the plan we have proposed. As we said before, all we want is a fair expression of the people, and we held our views upon this question, as upon all others, subject to any modification or change that can be commended to our better judgement.

Six Years Ago and Now
(Column 1)

Summary: Within the last six years, explain the editors, the world has changed dramatically. Over the course of that time, 32,000,000 slaves were freed from their servitude. Yet, the editors remind readers, the struggle for human liberty has not ended.

Full Text of Article:

"Six years have witnessed the emancipation of 25,000,000 serfs in Russia; the liberation of 4,000,000 slaves in the United States, and the virtual manumission of 3,000,000 negroes in Brazil. It is a glorious six years work--32,000,000 of men restored to freedom, and a curse taken off three of the largest empires in the world."--N. Y. Tribune.

The above few lines of a newspaper editorial embrace, within themselves, a compendium of the history a revolution as important in the political world, as all the formidable volumes of the records of the reformation contain in regard to religious liberty. Six years ago tyrants could gaze complacently upon the map of the country whose fertile wheat fields, rich mines and vast snow covered hunting grounds extended over one-half the area of Europe, besides practically unlimited wilds of territory in Asia and America, and could smile approvingly upon the servitude of the poor serf of Russia, as a precious proof, a certain demonstration, that the world had never thrown off the yoke of slavery and that men yet knew universal freedom, in reality, only as a vague uncertain idea, looming up in the dim distance along the political horizon, far off and unexpected as the last great judgement day. Few dreamed how rapidly ever since the forced march of Russia forward in civilization, intelligence and all that is good, during the reign of Peter the Great, she steadily advanced toward freedom and right, until the fetters of serfdom fell from the last of her subjects. Six years ago the United States of America stood before the world the champion of liberty, and yet strange anomaly, within the limits of our country, by our own laws, four millions of people were held in servitude more cruel, more heartless and more debasing than were ever slaves on earth subjected to before. Our Goddess of Liberty was compelled to hold under a cloak, a chain to bind each human being of one race, who flying from the tyranny of Africa's petty potentates, found on arriving at a Southern port in the land of freedom, a bondage infinitely worse than that from which he had fled. Six years ago throughout many States of our Union, Slavery was a holy word, not to be named except in reverence. Six years ago in all the rebel States was reared a traitorous de facto government, whose boasted corner stone was Slavery. Now the last stain of Slavery is removed from our escutcheon and every human being in our land is free. Six years ago in the vast empire of Brazil three millions of men were held in chains,--chains not so heavy, not so cruel as those in our own country, but still chains of slavery and oppression. The echo of the last gun of the slaveholder's rebellion had scarcely died upon the air, the last groan of the slave within the United States had scarcely ceased, when the edict went forth to loose the fetters of the bondmen throughout Brazil, and three millions more freemen, three millions fewer slaves inhabit the earth. Never since government began, were the lovers of free government blessed with so cheering evidences that all forms of despotism and oppression are surely fading from the face of the earth, as during the last six years, in which so many men have been released from shackles the most irresistible and hopeless, as well as the most savage and degrading. But while we rejoice and are encouraged by the glorious results, let the friends of freedom suspend no effort in the great conflict for human liberty--

"Not yet
Mayst thou unbrace thy corslet, nor lay by
Thy sword; O Freedom."

Far Off Chats With Old Friends
(Column 2)

Summary: In his dispatch, McClure ruminates on life in Chicago, and casts a rather dismal portrait of the geography and hospitality found in the territory west of that city.

Trailer: A. K. M.

Letters From Mrs. Jane G. Swisshelm
(Column 4)

Summary: In her column, Swisshelm continues her assault on the sacrosanct, criticizing Gen. Grant for his ill-treatment of wounded soldiers during the Richmond campaign and his pronouncements on the supposed "loyalty" of southerners.

Trailer: Jane G. Swisshelm

Harrisburg
(Column 6)

Summary: "Horace" speculates that Judge Linn will win the Republican nomination in the contest for the "Supreme Judgeship," though it appears he will face a challenge from Judge Pearson.

Trailer: Horace

Local Items
(Column 1)

Summary: The Southern Relief Commission of Philadelphia has organized auxiliary committees across the state, relates the piece, including Franklin county. The funds raised by the organization will be used to "the terrible destitution that prevails throughout many of our Southern States."
(Names in announcement: John B. McLanahan, Fletcher, Austin, Elder, A. K. M. McClure, John Stewart, George Chambers, D. O. Gehr, F. S. Stumbaugh, George Eyster, George W. Brewer, William McLellan, J. T. McLanahan, Samuel G. Lane, B. Y. Hamsher, H. C. Keyser, C. M. Duncan, Wunderlich, Nead, C. L. Bard, H. S. Stoner, Rev. J. W. Wightman, Rev. Thomas Creigh)

Local Items--Temerance Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: After much consultation, the State Temperance Union Convention will be held in Chambersburg on May 28th. The gathering will draw attendees from Adams, Franklin, and Fulton counties.

Local Items--The Murder of Sergt. McClure
(Column 1)

Summary: It is reported that Sergt. McClure died in Fort Reno, Dakota Territory, when he and a group of soldiers "suddenly encountered a party of fifty Indians, and were attacked" while hunting buffalo. Three of the soldiers were captured by the Indians, among them McClure. McClure's body was found some time later bearing marks indicating he "yielded only after a severe struggle."
(Names in announcement: Sergt. McClure)

Origin of Article: Cincinnati Commercial

Local Items--Borough Officers Elected
(Column 1)

Summary: In the election held in Greencastle, the following men were elected: Jacob R. Smith, Burgess; J. R. Shank, William Snyder, John Goetz, and David Detrich, and George H. Miller, Council; Addison Imbrie, D. Watson Rowe, and J. Hostetter, School Directors; James C. Morehead, High Constable. In the contest held in Waynesonbo, the following men were elected: Hugh M. Sibbett, Burgess; George Fouthman, George Harbaugh, Henry Gilbert, Jr., Peter Dock, Hiram Snyder, Council; Jacob Brenneman, Jr., High Constable.
(Names in announcement: Jacob R. Smith, J. R. Shank, William Snyder, John Goetz, David Detrich, George H. Miller, Addison Imbrie, D. Watson Rowe, J. Hostetter, James C. Morehead, Hugh M. Sibbett, George Fouthman, George Harbaugh, Henry GilbertJr., Peter Dock, Hiram Snyder, Jacob BrenemanJr.)

Local Items--Accident
(Column 1)

Summary: John Marshall, engineer of Crowell & Davison's machine shop in Greencastle, narrowly averted a potential life threatening accident on May 3rd, reports the article. Marhsall slipped on a piece of bark and fell on the circular saw which cut deeply into his leg. Fortunately for Marshall, the blade cut the skin and muscle, but did not reach the bone. From all accounts, he is doing well.
(Names in announcement: John Marshall, Crowell, Davison)

Local Items--I. O. G. T.
(Column 1)

Summary: The article corrects an error made in the last issue of the Repository. The following men were selected to represent the chapter in the next Grand Lodge, which will be held in Allegheny City: William H. Wanamaker, Wilber F. Eyster, George Palmer, Allen C. McGrath, Charles H. Bradley, and Mrs. Rachael A. Sloan.
(Names in announcement: George Palmer, Allen C. McGrath, Charles H. Bradley, Rachael A. Sloan, William H. Wanamaker, Wilber F. Eyster)

Local Items--Turnpike Elections
(Column 1)

Summary: The following men were elected officers of the Waynesboro and Maryland State Line Turnpike company at the meeting held on May 6th: President, Alexander Hamilton; Treasurer, George Besore; Managers, Abraham Burr, Henry Good, Abraham Frantz, L. S. Forney, W. P. Weagly, and John Walter.
(Names in announcement: Alexander Hamilton, George Besore, Abraham Burr, Henry Good, Abraham Frantz, L. S. Forney, W. P. Wengly, John Walker)

Local Items--Sentenced
(Column 2)

Summary: Samuel H. Wentz was sentenced to 6 years in prison for embezzling $300,000 from the Mechanics' National Bank in Baltimore over the course of twenty-five years. Wentz was former resident of Chambersburg, where he kept a drug store.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Wentz)

Local Items--Call Accepted
(Column 2)

Summary: Rev. D. T. Carnahan, a former pastor at the United Presbyterian Church in Chambersburg, has accepted a call from the Presbyterian congregation at Bellefield, Allegheny county, Pa.
(Names in announcement: Rev. D. T. Carnahan)

Local Items--Accident
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that a boy named Will Reilly broke his nose last Tuesday when he was hit with a bat while playing baseball at the King Street School.
(Names in announcement: Will Reilly)

Local Itemss--Revival
(Column 2)

Summary: Currently, explains the article, a "spirited revival of religion" is in progress at the U. B. Parsonage Church of Greencastle, under the charge of Rev. John Dickson.
(Names in announcement: Rev. John Dickson)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On April 30th, Oliver R. Dunkle, formerly of Upper Path, Franklin county, and Carrie C., youngest daughter of the late Robert Johnson, of Philadelphia, were married by W.W. Conkling.
(Names in announcement: Oliver R. Dunkle, Carrie C. Johnson, Robert Johnson, Rev. W. W. Conkling)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On April 25th, Henry A. Alexander, of York, and Hattie Reitenbaugh were married by Rev. J. H. Menges.
(Names in announcement: Henry A. Alexander, Hattie Reitenbaugh, Rev. J. H. Menges)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On April 29th, George Miller and Anna Craig were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: George Miller, Anna Craig, Rev. P. S. Davis)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 6th, George Stepler and Amanda M. Burns were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: George Stepler, Amanda M. Burns, Rev. P. S. Davis)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 6th, J. D. Walker and Samuel J. Murphy were married by Rev. J. Smith Gordon.
(Names in announcement: J. D. Walker, Samuel J. Murphy, Rev. J. Smith Gordon)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 1st, George W. Stouffer and Laura A., youngest daughter of Michael Gordon, were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: George W. Stouffer, Laura A. Gordon, Michael Gordon, Rev. W. F. Eyster)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 10th, Mary Arter died in Chambersburg. She was 63 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary Arter)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On April 17th, John Ecker died in Chambersburg. He was 42 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Ecker)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 1st, Anna Mary, infant daughter of John S. and Alice A. Weiser, died in Chambersburg.
(Names in announcement: Alice A. Weiser, Anna Mary Weiser, John S. Weiser)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On April 29th, Ida Caroline, infant daughter of John M. and M. Shearer, died in Amberson's Valley. She was 5 months old.
(Names in announcement: Ida Caroline Shearer, John M. Shearer, M. Shearer)