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Franklin Repository: June 19, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

A Tour Through The Rocky Mountains
(Column 5)

Summary: McClure fulminates against the Indians, and questions the logic of continuing negotiations with them since, as he views the situation, they always demonstrate "their pacific intentions by fresh atrocities."

The Union Pacific Railroad
(Column 6)

Summary: The article gives a celebratory account of the Union Pacific Railroad's brief history, and the numerous obstacles that have impeded its development.

Republican State Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: At the upcoming Republican State Convention, there are two issues that must be addressed, say the editors. The first and most pressing is to select a candidate to represent the party in the election for the state supreme court. The second is much more difficult; the party must determine and declare its "purpose and faith." The party's stand on three subjects--legislative reform, the protective tariff, and reconstruction--will determine whether the Republicans will maintain their "supremacy as a political organization."

Full Text of Article:

The Republican State Convention will meet at Williamsport on the 26th of the present month. Its chief business will be to nominate a candidate for the Supreme Bench, and to declare the purposes and faith of the great party it represents. It will, we believe, be composed of good and true men, who will be influenced in their action by a patriotic desire to do that which will best promote the interest of the party and the State. We hope to see it far removed from the one man power, and earnest and zealous in the great work of building up and strengthening the cause of loyalty and liberty throughout the country. We feel no special interest in the selection of the candidate. We have no preferences to urge. The convention could not go very far wrong in selecting any of the many able men who have been named in connection with the office. They are all eminent in their profession, and either will give entire satisfaction to the party and to the State at large, if elected. We do feel, however, great interest in the matter of declaring the sentiments and objects of the organization. We hope to see it done with great care, and only after a full deliberation and fair discussion. New exigencies have arisen, and new issues have been forced upon us. The public mind is exercised on questions that have not as yet been declared upon by any representative body of the party. These questions must be met, and met fairly. We cannot hope to steer safely without a correct chart, no matter how excellent our pilot. First of all, we hope to see the convention take high ground on the subject of legislative reform. The party cannot afford to burden itself with the great load of infamy that was heaped up by our last Legislature, neither can it hope to escape an ugly dilemma by passing over in silence what is of itself notorious, and denounced by the good and the pure everywhere. We have been accustomed to speak of the Republican party as a party based on great moral ideas. If we wish to make any such claim in the future, we must not only espouse what is right, but we must unhesitatingly rebuke and condemn whatever is wrong among ourselves, as well as among our antagonists; otherwise what has been our greatest boast will become our bitterest reproach. The evil practices that obtain in our legislative bodies are notorious. Corruption has become so general that the public interests are imperiled and the State brought into disrepute. The people demand an immediate and permanent reform and they will have it cost what it may. If they cannot get it through one party they will try the other and failing in that they will secure it by independent action. We do not overstate the case when we say that positive action by our convention in regard to this great question of reform has become a condition precedent to our success as a party. The maintenance of our supremacy as a political organization cannot be expected unless we show ourselves deserving of it, and we can only do this by giving some public assurance, through our convention, that one of the great objects and purposes of the organization is to rebuke venality and to secure immediate reform. It can best do this by committing the party to the support of the measure we have long urged--the calling of a Constitution Convention. This much it can do, and we repeat, that this much it must do if it hopes for the triumph of the party at the coming election.

Then again there is the question of a high protective tariff. The Democratic Convention in its resolutions reproaches us with infidelity to our pledge on this great question. Notwithstanding the unfairness of the charge, our adherence to this doctrine must be reasserted in positive and unequivocal terms. We must not lose any of the vantage ground we now hold, but must meet every charge that is made by our opponents with firmness and sturdy resistance.

At the same time it must be remembered that we are a party of progress. We act not only on the defensive. On all questions pertaining to the reconstruction of the Union, we must be found on that side that looks to the accomplishment of some great good not yet realized, yet within constitutional reach. As a party we have been committed to a thorough and perfect restoration of the States on the basis of equal right. Much remains to be done before this can be accomplished. Let it be understood that the Republican party still stands pledged to the accomplishment of this final result, and as means thereto, advocates the civil enfranchisement of all men everywhere.

These are some of the things which being essentially right and true in themselves as bare propositions, we conceive must be done to place the party correctly before the people, and to secure our triumph at the approaching elections. We appeal in all confidence to the members of the Convention, to see to it that we do not base the high prestige we have achieved, as the party of great moral ideas.

The Doings of the Rip Van Winkle at Harrisburg
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors lampoon the Democrats, who, at their State Convention in Harrisburg last week, agreed upon a platform that focuses only on "'dead issues'".

Full Text of Article:

When "Rip" awaked from his score-of-years nap among the Kaatskills, he was still true to King George and merry England, and consistently so, for the soporific whiskey of the jolly bowling Dutchman had made him oblivious to the political charges which had taken place meanwhile. But what excuse will those who assembled in Convention at Harrisburg, on the 11th inst., give for the adoption of resolutions in behalf of "dead issues." True, many of the party have the weakness which brought Mr. Van Winkle to grief, but unfortunately, the vile stuff they imbibe has not the sleep inducing virtue of the article which the Dutchman quaffed. True, it might be alleged that the enemy which so many of the members of this party of mediaeval principles put in their mouths, had stolen away their brains, but to account for their action in this way would require an unwarrantable assumption. These resurrectionists of defunct issues could probably give reasons for their conduct, but undoubtedly they would be like those of Gratiano, "as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff."

These Pharisees stand up in the high places of the capital, and after thanking God--with their lips--that they are not as the (Re)publicans and other sinners, proceed to say, "We, the delegates of the Democratic party of Pennsylvania," are "profoundly grateful for the return of peace," when they took such strong exceptions to the Supreme Ruler's manner of bringing it about. This profundity of gratefulness comes with rather bad grace from those who opposed the war at every stage. If the South, instead of the North, had conquered the Peace, the representatives of the "dead past" would have been "profoundly grateful," not only for the return of Peace, but also for the instrumentality by which Peace was attained.

It is evident that the "delegates of the Democratic party" are but novices in prayers of thanksgiving. They have not cultivated very close communion with the Supreme Ruler, nor studied the manner in which he would be addressed, or assuredly they would not approach him with "buts" and "ifs." They are "profoundly grateful" for one thing, "but deeply anxious" on account of many others, particularly on account of the "trials and delays which impede the complete restoration and reunion of all the States." It is a great pity that these malcontents did not go to the South at the commencement of the rebellion, and join in the fight upon the side with which they sympathized. They would then have progressed with the progress of events, instead of now standing in the way of progress and battling feebly for "dead issues;" they would stand shoulder to shoulder with James Longstreet in the manly effort to secure equal rights to all and permanent union upon that basis, the only one upon which it can be attained.

The first resolution adopted at this convention is worthy of the Chinese, who cling not only to "the principles of civil government," but to everything else which their ancestors of two thousand years ago established. It is a wonder these fossils did not resolve "steadfastly to adhere" to the principles of civil government in vogue before King John and Magna Charta. We find in the preamble no profound gratefulness expressed for the overthrow of Slavery. Is this one of the principles which they are resolved to adhere to steadfastly?

The second resolution is in advance of their position during and before the war. For this progressive step we are "profoundly grateful." It is a sort of oasis in a desert of platitudes and nothings. Let them act in accordance with their resolution.

The sixth resolution is a neat non-committal piece of composition. Is the Democratic party in favor of free trade or protection? Where is the Daniel to interpret this writing on the wall?

Finally, their candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court is generally conceded to be well fitted--so far as legal ability is concerned--for the position, and is their strongest man, but if "evil communications corrupt good manners," there will be a grand falling off in Judge Sharswood's fitness by election day. Their candidate, we believe, has nothing but a legal record, nothing can be urged against him except that he keeps bad company, and if the proverb be true, that every man is known by the company he keeps. Judge Sharswood is not fit for that or any other office. If his political principles are embodied in the Harrisburg resolutions, then it is the duty of every voter to use his utmost efforts to defeat him. The party in its resolutions has ignored the soldier, let the soldiers ignore the party.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Assuring readers that the Union Pacific Railroad "will prove a success" and "a magnificent monument of American enterprise" that will open "the vast waste wilderness of the far west to human habitation," the editors note that a "limited amount" of the company's "first mortgage bonds" will be sold.

Far Off Chats With Old Friends
(Column 3)

Summary: In this installment from McClure, he discusses the ever looming threat of foul weather and Indian attacks. Additionally, he recounts Colorado's tumultuous history of settlement and expresses his belief that the territory possesses an incredible potential for growth.

Harrisburg
(Column 4)

Summary: "Horace" relates that a significant number of prominent rebel sympathizers attended the Democratic State Convention in Harrisburg last week; they came in hope of nominating Judge Woodward for the state supreme court. Woodward's chances were dashed, however, when it became apparent after the first ballot that Judge Sharswood had the greatest support. Horace indicates that members of the committee assigned the task of laying out the party's platform were "sorely perplexed when they came to consider the question of "'negro suffrage,'" lest they might seemingly rebuke their Southern brethren, who are now so beseechingly seeking negro votes."

Trailer: Horace

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: It is reported that the Republican Louisiana State Convention adopted the name "'Radical Republican Party'" as well as a "thoroughly radical" platform. The convention promised that half the "colored men" would receive half of the offices.

Important Law Relating To Judicial Sales
(Column 6)

Summary: The piece explains that the law enacted by the legislature in its last session is causing considerable anxiety and confusion. Apparently, the second and third sections of the act require those who purchase private property sold by order of the court to pay liens and other debts incurred by the former owners.

[No Title]
(Column 8)

Summary: In the correspondence, Longstreet expresses veiled support for the Republican party, explaining that the "principles" espoused by the South are "obsolete" and must be "abandoned." Yet, he notes, the principles endorsed by the Democrats "were staked upon the war and there lost," thus they hold little relevance either.

Editorial Comment: "General Longstreet, who appears to be a thoroughly reconstructed rebel, has written a letter in which he takes a strong ground in favor of the Republican party of the country. He lays down his platform thus:"

[No Title]
(Column 8)

Summary: In the "unavoidable and unexplainable" accident that occurred two years ago on the Pennsylvania Railroad at Landisville, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, of Lewistown, died, leaving "a large family of helpless children to mourn their untimely death." In a recently decided case, the Butler's orphans were awarded $18,000 in damages for the death of their father. The suit for damages for the death of their mother is still pending.

[No Title]
(Column 8)

Summary: Since the visit of the President to North Carolina, says the article, "the enemies of our Government are more exultant and defiant than they have heretofore been." The President, it explains, "has infused into his North Carolina friends somewhat of the bitterness which inflames his own heart."

Origin of Article: Raleigh Standard

Local Items--Jury Commissioners
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes that the Jury Commissioner representing local Republicans will be selected at the upcoming Republican County Convention. In a plan to depoliticize the jury selection process, the last legislature passed a law requiring each county to elect two Jury Commissioners.

Local Items--I. O. O. F.
(Column 2)

Summary: At the meeting of Orrstown Lodge of the I. O. O. F. held on June 3rd S. C. Golden, D. E. Kendig, and Samuel Knisely were appointed to form a committee to draft resolutions expressing the chapter's gratitude to local citizens who provided essential aid and support.
(Names in announcement: S. C. Golden, D. E. Kendig, Samuel Knisely, M. Spangler, I. H. McCauley, W. S. Everett, J. C. Altick)

Local Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that Joseph McConnell, one of the founders of McConnellsville, Morgan county, Ohio, died several weeks ago. McConnell was born in Franklin county in 1793 and moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, when he was 17 or 18. McConnell and his four brothers served in the War of 1812, and his father served under George Washington in the War of Independence.
(Names in announcement: Joseph McConnell)

Local Items--Death of Bruce Lambert
(Column 2)

Summary: It is reported that Bruce Lambert died in Sacramento, California, from Chronic Diarrhea. Lambert departed Franklin county fifteen months ago with a party of men who travelled to Montana to find employment. Upon discovering that there was no work to be had, the men then left for California. Of the seven or eight men who formed the group that left for Montana, three have died. One was killed by Indians; another died soon after he returned to Franklin; and Lambert.
(Names in announcement: Bruce Lambert, J. Porter Brown, D. C. Reed)

Local Items--Anniversary
(Column 3)

Summary: During the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Antietam National Cemetery it was determined that the dedication ceremonies for the cemetery will be held on September 17th; Ex-Governor A. G. Curtin was selected orator for the event.

Local Items--School Board
(Column 3)

Summary: Informs readers that the new School Board has been selected; S. M. Shilito will serve as the President, J. N. Snider as Secretary, and Jacob Henninger as Treasurer.
(Names in announcement: J. N. Snider, S. M. Shilito, Jacob Henninger)

Local Items--Immersion
(Column 3)

Summary: Relates that Rev. B. Y. Hummelbaugh, pastor of the United Brethren Church, baptized six people in the Falling Spring behind William Reed's garden last Wednesday.
(Names in announcement: Rev. B. Y. Hummelbaugh, William Reed)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On June 11th, John G. Frey and Mary E. Snively were married by Rev. G. Higham.
(Names in announcement: John G. Frey, Mary E. Snively, Rev. G. Higham)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On June 13th, Charles A. Clippinger and Sadie H. Martin were married by Rev. J. Hassler.
(Names in announcement: Charles A. Clippinger, Sadie H. Martin, Rev. J. Hassler)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On June 16th, Calvin P. Carmack, of Fulton county, and Mary E. Bender were married by Rev. Bishop.
(Names in announcement: Calvin P. Carmack, Mary E. Bender, Rev. Bishop)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On June 11th, Jacob Cook and Sarah Black were married by Rev. W. Howe.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Cook, Sarah Black, Rev. W. Howe)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On June 9th, Margaret McFadden died in Chambersburg. She was 78 years old.
(Names in announcement: Margaret McFadden)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On May 10th, A. M. Morrison, formerly of Franklin county, died in Columbia City, Ind., of pneumonia. He was 59 years old.
(Names in announcement: A. M. Morrison)