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Franklin Repository: August 21, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Plea To The Ignorant No. 2
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors chastise their Democratic counterparts throughout the state for publishing an article allegedly from the Salem Journal, a fictitious newspaper, that calls the Dutch, English, and Irish in Pennsylvania "'ignorant, stupid, and stolid.'" Publication of the article, the editors contend, was a blatant attempt by the Democratic party to sway voters against Judge Williams, the Republican candidate for Supreme Justice and a native of New England. Yet, they note, this is just the last in a long line of stunts pulled by the Democrats since 1861 designed to manipulate public perceptions.

Full Text of Article:

The Democratic organs have probably discovered ere this that the Salem Journal article was a creature of their own. But did they find the forgery so successful as political capital that they have determined to procure a genuine article of the same tenor from the New England Press. If so, surely the address of the Democratic State Committee will bring it. Can any man--let him be of New England or Patagonia--having a modicum of brains and a knowledge of the merest rudiments of logic, come to any other conclusion, upon reading that address, than that those addressed are "ignorant, stupid, and stolid," whether Dutch, English or Irish. Such premises being laid down an intelligent being can make no other inference. But we hold that these are altogether faulty, and we protest against this misrepresentation of our people. We do not believe that even a respectable minority of those wont to vote the opposition ticket straight can be cajoled by such contemptible pleas as constitute the Democratic address. We are sure there is too much intelligence and common sense among that sturdy class--the back-bone of the State--which the opposition--in their forgery, accredited to the mythical Journal,--denominate the "Solid Dutch" to allow them to entertain for a moment the arguments to ignorance and prejudice contained in that address.

We read therein that the Democratic organization is devoted to the maintenance of its "immortal principles;" that it is "proud of its years, its triumphs and its heroism in disaster." In '61 one of its mortal principles was the perpetuation of Slavery. It has shared the fate of all things mortal. "Slavery is dead." In '61 one of its principles was that a State could not be coerced. Since that time several have been subjected to this treatment. Does the "principle" still live? In '61, and thereafter, until the overthrow of the confederacy they argued the right of secession. To-day, that principle is in the condition of Lazarus after he had been four days buried; it offends the nostrils of loyal men and many another thing smells as sweet even to Democratic nasal organs. During the dark days of the war they declared the contest a failure; at the close, deeming this principle dead, they consented to its burial, but it seems the obsequies were premature; for one, Andrew Johnson, a resurrectionist, has since unearthed this too hastily interred "principle," and the opposition finding therein remaining a spark of life, have ever since been busy blowing upon it, with the hope that the thing will yet prove "immortal." We hope ere long to see the Democracy following that "principle" of this party of "immortal principles." The South went to war in its defence and failed. Is State sovereignty dead or merely in abeyance? Another of the principles, to the maintenance of which it is devoted is the perpetuation of inequality of rights among men. This has in it the seeds of death, soon they will do their work, and "Liberty and Equality" will then be no longer an unmeaning phrase when applied to the condition of our people.

We wish the Chairman of the Democratic State Committee had noted some of the "immortal principles" to the maintenance of which the "Democratic organization" is so devoted. We can name many that have proved mortal, some that are dragging out a sickly existence, but any that bear upon them the marks of immorality we wot not of. Again the Democratic organization is "proud of its years, its triumphs and heroism in disaster." "Proud of its years," forsooth! The old man in his dotage boasts of his years. "Its triumphs," what have they been? Has it had any during the last six years? "Its heroism and disaster." Does it refer to the noble bearing of Davis, Lee & Co. during the last days of the rebellion? Or to the formation of the National Union Party, or yet again to its gallant support of Johnson and his policy? Will the chairman of the "Democratic organization" have the goodness to inform us upon these points.

We will not insult our intelligent readers by animadverting upon the false assertions in this precious document; they are so patent that the "wayfaring man though a fool" may detect them. There is a little shallow sophistry in this hotch-potch, however that may as well be pointed out. It compares the taxation of '60 with that of '65. The public debt of '60 with the public debt of '67. The expenses of the government for the year 1860 with those for the year 1867. All this difference according to this column of falsehoods, by courtesy called an address--is the direct work of the Republican party. The rebellion had nothing to do with it. The sympathizing of the "Democratic organization" with those in rebellion, by which the war was protracted did not increase the public debt, of course not. We have no doubt that William A. Wallace could show to his own satisfaction and to the satisfaction of those who are thick-headed enough for the purposes of such an address, that the public debt was lessened thereby. Finally, we have the substance of the stupid forgery accredited to the non-existing Salem Journal incorporated in an address to the "Democrats of Pennsylvania." We have "George Sharswood--a Pennsylvanian, a man of pure morals," &c., pitted against his "opponent, Henry W. Williams--a native of New England, and comparatively unknown to our people." Who dare defend Pennsylvania against the charge of being a "poor, ignorant, stupid" State when the chairman of a party, that hopes to obtain a majority in a poll of five hundred thousand votes--aims to secure that majority by the publication of such a despicable plea. The chairman further says that Henry W. Williams "prior to his nomination was said to be a worthy gentleman and an able lawyer." Dogberry lamented much that he had not been "writ down an ass." The Chairman of the "Democratic organization" has taken good care that no sorrow shall come to him hereafter through neglect on the part of any one to write him down a black-guard. He has forestalled regret on that account by doing it for himself in the passage just quoted. Only a low fellow could write it. If Henry W. Williams, since his nomination by the Republican party, has ceased to be the worthy gentleman and able lawyer he "was said" to be before it; if his connection with that party detracts from his legal ability and gentlemanly qualities; if such be the effect of affiliation with the party of progress, where, in the name of heaven, stands Judge Sharswood to-day. If evil communications corrupt "pure morals," then it is high time for the "session"--of which the Judge is a member, to be examining into the status of their brother.

We have faith in the intelligence of the masses, and therefore we believe that such arguments to ignorance as the Journal forgery and the "address of the Democratic State Committee," will conduce to the success of the Republican party. Hence we hope the Democratic organization will continue to forge or concoct still other argumenta ad ignorantitum.

Union and Action
(Column 2)

Summary: The article provides a celebratory account of the Republican Party County Convention held last Tuesday, and declares the ticket "commends itself to the good will of all."

Mr. Stanton and Mr. Lincoln
(Column 2)

Summary: The article praises Secretary Stanton for his unflinching loyalty and devotion to the Union. As proof it points to Stanton's desire to leave government during Lincoln's administration, a sentiment he abandoned after the President pleaded with him to stay.

Grant and the Secretaryship
(Column 3)

Summary: After noting that Gen. Grant has assumed Sec. Stanton's post, the piece speculates on the general's political loyalties, contending that he will follow a path similar to the one taken by Stanton. Consequently, it questions the excitement generated in the Democratic press about Grant's appointment.

Full Text of Article:

The position of the General, assumed upon his relief of Mr. Stanton, is a vexed question in the newspaper realm, at present. The copperhead press is ecstatic, and claim him as a captive to their cause; while the lamenting Republicans believe that he regarded his assignment to the War office in the light of a military order, which he had no right either to disobey or object to. We believe that Grant is in full sympathy with Secretary Stanton, and that he purposely meant that the people should know of his sympathy, when he publicly expressed his "appreciation of the zeal, patriotism, firmness and ability with which Mr. S. had ever discharged the duties of Secretary of War." Gen. Grant hardly regards these virtues as disqualifications for the Secretaryship! It is believed by those, who have the best opportunities to know, that the General and the Secretary are in full accord. But a short time will show. Should Grant accept the assignment to the War Department in the interest of Johnson, for the purpose of deposing Mr. Stanton, and becoming the instrument in the hands of a corrupt administration for the disgracing of the brave officers, who gained their glory under him and reflected no mean share of their own fame upon their commander in chief; if, we say, Gen. Grant could show himself capable of such meanness, he has not renown enough to save him from the just indignation of the people, who love and honor him for the services he rendered the country, and would abandon him as soon as he proved false to his own good name. The cause is higher than any man, however famous, and whosoever opposes it will go down. There is nothing in the character of Grant which would make us mistrust him. On the other hand, we feel gratified that he has taken Mr. Stanton's place, if Mr. Stanton had to go. The Democracy will find no cause to rejoice in the change; they have not made him prisoner. They fought him unsuccessfully in the field; they cannot conquer him in the Cabinet.

The Removal of Mr. Stanton
(Column 5)

Summary: The article contains the correspondence between President Johnson, Edwin Stanton, and Gen. Grant related to the cabinet changes.

Republican County Convention
(Column 6)

Summary: The article recounts the proceedings from the Republican County Convention held a day earlier.
(Names in announcement: Col. D. Watson Rowe, Jacob Crider, Dr. J. L. Suesserott, Robert Boyd, D. B. Kirby, Samuel Stover, Joseph A. Davison, Jacob Whitmore, S. S. Hays, A. B. Wingerd, J. S. Fleming, Jeremiah Young, John Wilhelm, Samuel G. Lane, S. Miller Shilito, Edward Aughinbaugh, John H. Harmony, F. A. Zarman, C. H. McKnight, C. H. Gordon, Matthew Wilson, John Alexander, John W. Still, M. B. Winger, J. B. Cook, David Greenawalt, J. H. Crawford, John H. Criswell, Henry Sleichter, Henry Wallace, William Vanderaw, Henry Miller, William Ferguson, Isaac Keefer, Joseph Eberly, John Deatrich, Jacob Crider, John R. Weist, William S. Keefer, Jacob Kaufman, Conrad Hollar, Eli McCulloh, Jacob Haulman, David Vance, Charles Maclay, George A. Gamber, Philip Skinner, William Adams, William H. McClellan, Thomas C. Grove, Robert S. Brownson, O. S. Brown, John H. Walker, William Fleming, John X. Smith, Daniel Keefer, David Kendig, John Hawk, Jacob Frick, James Patton, Henry Good, William Stover, George B. Wiestling, John Bemisderfer, Ephram Shank, Joseph Shaffer, Francis Peckman, Hezekiah Keefer, John Dice, Thomas Fuller, Michael Cressler, James E. Fagan, John M. Shearer, Davis Stewart, George Stover, D. S. Bonebrake, Jacob Potter, Benjamin Funk, John Good, E. W. Washabaugh, William A. Tritle, Robert Boyd, John Lackens, John Angle, Henry Thomas, Samuel Zimmerman, John M. Philips, William Fleagle, F. B. Snively, Reuben C. Lewis, W. W. Paxton, Samuel Myers, David Oaks, Thomas Carlisle, James C. Eyster, John E. McClay, John Rhoads, John Huber, N. W. Witherow, J. W. Deal, Capt. George Eyster, Samuel Seibert, A. H. Etter, James Black, James King, A. D. Caufman, William Vanderaw, R. E. Tolbert, W. S. Everett, Thomas McGowan, Jacob Henninger, W. D. Dixon, David Middlecauff, Thomas Early, Morrow R. Skinner, James S. Slyder, Addison Imbrie)

Local Items--Court Proceedings
(Column 1)

Summary: The article contains an account of the Court proceedings from the week of August 12th to the 16th. Cases were heard by President Judge King and Associates Paxton and Furgeson. Reuben Hofieus vs. Samuel Walker. Appeal, Verdict for plaintiff for $102.40. Borough of Greencastle vs. George Ilginfritz--Summons Case. Verdict for plaintiff for one cent. Many Ann Clark, Adm'rx, and William Burden, Adm'rx of Samuel Clark, dec'd, vs. A. S. Senseny. Scire facias. Verdict for defendant. James O. Carson and F. W. McNaughton vs. Samuel M. Seyer--Appeal. Verdict for plaintiff for $200. Com. vs. David L. Taylor--False Pretence, on oath of Frederick Foreman. Jury not agreeing, were discharged. Com. vs. George Kyle--Assault and Battery. Defendant pleaded guilty. Fined five dollars and costs. Com. vs. William Stoner, George Butler, and Diggs Little--Assault and Battery with intent to kill. Stoner, one of the defendants, has never been arrested, and the trial went on as to Little--Verdict, not guilty, and the county to pay costs. Com. vs. Thomas Hoeflich and Mary Hoeflich--Keeping a disorderly house on oath of Samuel F. Cooper. Settled by defendants paying costs and forfeiting license. Com. vs. Samuel Alleman--Malicious Mischief. The alleged malicious mischief consisted in defendant throwing down a fence which the prosecutor had erected across a road in St. Thomas township. Verdict not guilty, and the costs divided equally between the Prosecutor and Defendant. Com. vs. Benjamin Jackson--Malicious Mischief, on oath of A. H. Senseny. Not a true bill, and prosecutor to pay costs. Com. vs. Joseph Smith--Malicious Mischief, on oath of A. H. Senseny. Not a true bill, and prosecutor to pay costs. Com. vs. Samuel Reese and Rebecca Ward--Larceny of two hogs. Verdict, guilty, sentenced each to pay costs of prosecution and undergo imprisonment in the County Jail for thirty days. Com. vs. Margaret Johnson--Assault and Battery on John Johnson--Verdict, not guilty, and costs divided equally between Defendant and Prosecutor. Com. vs. Charles Hesser--Selling Liquor to minors on oath of Theo. Ruthrauff. Case settled by defendant surrendering license and paying costs of prosecution. Com. vs. Jacob Newcomer--Selling Ale to minors, on oath of Theo. Ruthrauff. Case settled by defendant surrendering license and paying costs of prosecution. Com. vs. David Harper--Selling Liquor to Minors. Defendant pleaded guilty. Sentenced to pay a fine of one dollar and the costs of prosecution, and to forfeit and deliver to the Court his license. Com. vs. Maria Morton--Selling Ale to minors. Case settled by defendant paying costs of prosecution and forfeiting license. Com. vs. George W. Wolfe and James Snider--Selling Ale to minors, on oath of J. Thompson. Case settled by defendant paying costs of prosecution and forfeiting license. Com. vs. H. M. Jones--Selling Liquor on Sunday, to Minors etc. Defendant pleaded guilty. Sentenced to pay a fine of ten dollars and costs of prosecution. Com. vs. Franklin Hollinsworth and Henry Kriner--Assault. Verdict, guilty. Sentenced the Defendants each to pay a fine of one dollar and the costs of prosecution. Com. vs. Daniel Greenawalt--Selling Ale contrary to law, on oath of Samuel Henneberger. Case settled by defendant paying costs and surrendering license. Com. vs. Henry Collins, alias Bower--Larceny of a silver watch, a gold chain and gold key, the property of Isaac H. Keefer. Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to undergo imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary for the period of thirteen months. Com. vs. Henry Collins, alias Bower--Larceny of about thirty dollars in gold and silver, the property of Michael Reed. Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to undergo imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary for one year, to begin at the expiration of the foregoing sentence. Licenses: Restaurant licenses were granted to Rice & Heffleman, George Miles, and Adam Wolf, Chambersburg, and refused to Benjamin F. Seycock and Childerson Robertson, Concord. The application of Unger & Smith, of Peters township, for a wholesale liquor license, was withdrawn. Roads and Bridges: The following reports of reviewers for public roads were confirmed by the court:--For a new road in Montgomery township, beginning near the house of Jacob Miller to David Martin's mill.--For a new road in Montgomery township, beginning at a lane near Abraham Whitmore's house to Martin's mill. Viewers were appointed for the following roads:--John Fry, Samuel Breckenridge and Daniel M. Long to re-view a road in Guilford township, from James Crawford's farm to Fayetteville. John B. Cauffman, James D. Scott, and Elias Patton to re-view a road in Fannet township, from the Dry Run and Concord road to a lane near the dwelling of James Kirkpatrick, dec'd. James McDowell, John K. Keyser, and James M. Brown to re-view a road in Antrim and Montgomery township, from the Hagerstown and Mercersburg road to the Greencastle and Williamsport pike. John B. Cauffman, Samuel Myers, and Andrew Banker to re-view a road in Hamilton and Letterkenny townships, from the St. Thomas and Strasburg road to the farm of Isaac Rosenberry. A petition was presented for a new road in Guilford township, from the road leading from New Franklin to New Guilford to the road leading from New Franklin to Grindstone Hill, and Emanuel Kuhn, P. W. Seibert and Jacob Zook appointed viewers. For a new road in Antrim township, from the road leading from Worley's mill to the Greencastle and Maryland Line turnpike, and S. M. Armstrong, P. W. Seibert, and William Vandraw appointed viewers. For a new road in Guilford township, from the Shady Grove road to the Waynesboro road, and Emanuel Kuhn, Jacob Lightwood and Pharez Duffield appointed viewers. For a new road in Green, Guilford, and Quincy townships, from the Alto Dale and Greenwood road to the Mt. Alto Iron Works, and Samuel Armstrong, John Brown, and Jacob B. Cook appointed viewers. A petition to vacate and supply a portion of the Scotland and Hambright's Mill road, in Green township, and Samuel M. Armstrong, Cyrus Hambright, and D. M. Long appointed viewers. To vacate and supply a part of the road in Washington township, leading from the Greencastle and Waynesboro turnpike to the road from Besore's Mill to said turnpike, and Henry Good, A. B. Stoner and -- Wingerd appointed viewers. A petition from the Town Council of Chambersburg for the appointment of viewers to view a new street to be called Grant, leading from Second Street through the lands of the Cumberland Valley railroad and John B. McLanahan to Third Street. Thomas J. Earley, George Flack, George Ludwige, James Hamilton, Jacob Sellers, and James L. Black appointed viewers. A petition for a bridge over the Conococheague Creek, in Green township, near Ebersole & McKee's Mill.
(Names in announcement: George Kyle, William Stoner, Margaret Kyle, Diggs Little, Samuel Alleman, Jeremiah Reese, Rebecca Ward, Margaret Johnson, David Harper, John Johnson, H. M. Jones, Franklin Hollinsworth, Henry Kriner, Henry Collins, Michael Reed, David L. Taylor, Thomas Hoeflich, Mary Hoeflich, Benjamin Jackson, Joseph Smith, Charles Hesser, Maria Morton, George W. Wolfe, James Snider, Daniel Greenawalt, Jacob Newcomer)

Local Items--Storm
(Column 1)

Summary: Last Tuesday, a "violent storm of wind, rain, and hail" ripped through the county knocking down trees and causing damage. Two people were struck by lightning, though neither was seriously injured, as was the Jacob Stouffer's barn, which lost its roof as a result.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Stouffer)

Local Items--The Treasurer's Salary
(Column 2)

Summary: Relates that at the last County Commissioners' Meeting, a resolution was passed setting the cap on the Treasurer's salary at $2,000.

Local Items--Odd Fellows' Pic-Nic
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces the Odd Fellows, of Waynesboro, will hold a picnic in Lesher's Woods on August 20th. Rev. Dr. Daugherty is scheduled to give an address.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr. Daugherty)

Local Items--Barn Burnt
(Column 2)

Summary: John Linn's barn, along with his entire crop of hay and grain, was destroyed in a fire after being struck by lightning on the August 10th. Linn did not have insurance to cover the loss, which is expected to be considerable.
(Names in announcement: John Linn)

Local Items--An Accident
(Column 2)

Summary: In a terrible accident last week, John Hemminger, of Quincy, fell off his horse and broke his collar-bone.

Local Items--Political
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces that the Democratic County Committee has set the date for the election of delegates for August 31st, and the Convention for September 3rd to nominate a ticket.

Local Items--On the Rampage
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes that the Conococheague Creek rose to "a great height" last Saturday, the consequence of the heavy rains from the previous days.

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On August 13th, Dr. George R. Kauffman and Mattie E., eldest daughter of John Kissecker, were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Dr. George R. Kauffman, Mattie E. Kissecker, John Kissecker, Rev. W. F. Eyster)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On July 30th, David Martin and Alice Bittener were married by Rev. G. H. Beckly.
(Names in announcement: David Martin, Alice Bittener, Rev. G. H. Beckly)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On August 17th, John B. Hamon and Catharine Royer were married by Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: John B. Hamon, Catharine Royer, Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On August 13th, William V. Stall and Ellen Smith were married at the residence of John Lober by Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: William V. Stall, Ellen Smith, Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh, John Lober)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On August 15th, B. F. Johns, of Pittsburg, and Mary Glessner were married by Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: B. F. Johns, Mary Glessner, Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh)