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Franklin Repository: December 18, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Southern Convention vs. Mr. Johnson
(Column 1)

Summary: In contrast to the impudence articulated by President Johnson and the Democrats, say the editors, it is refreshing to hear what is taking place in the various constitutional convention now meeting in the South. There, they relate, "capable and trustworthy men" are drafting legislation to make the southern states "the freest, purest, happiest, and best form of commonwealths."

Full Text of Article:

When disgusted by Johnson's impudence, or wearied or chafed by Democratic harping on the wornout strings of passion and prejudice, we often turn for relief to the daily reports of the saying and doings in the Conventions now in session in most of the rebel States, which are met for the uniform purpose of drafting loyal constitutions for their respective communities. We are invariably cheered by the reading. It is apparent, as one watches and notes the daily progress, that the members mean business; that they have either brought up with them from their country homes correct notions of the popular needs, and of the best forms of government to supply them, or that they have speedily learned to profit by the lessons of others success in discerning and supplying; that they are neither too indolent to labor, too captious or pragmaticul to agree, nor too proud to imitate and learn. The natural result is that which, by being daily apparent, cheers our eyes when we turn them from Democratic balderdash or stupidity, namely, the steady growth of free constitutions, under and by and because of which the late slave States will, we trust, soon become, so far as their governments can make them, the freest, purest, happiest and best of commonwealths.

When Andrew Johnson, daring to say at last what the hypocrite always cherished as a conviction, that certain men exist who ought simply to be governed, without any show of authority in the community they inhabit, we turn to read in their well considered declaration of rights, that a share in the government in some degree, is an inalienable right conferred by the God who made us all; when rural Copperhead writers denounce the negro's race as an inferior one, doomed never to produce a thinker or an actor who may rank with a Democrat in cognitive or executive ability, we laugh as we see that negro thinkers and talkers and voters are largely helping to shape an excellent form the constitutions of States, and casting aside the workmanship of their arrogant predecessors are surpassing them on their own ground; and when Johnson and the Copperheads in unison are vociferating that the Congress and the loyal nation have failed and are failing to solve the problems of reconstruction, and will eventually be compelled to adopt the plan they offer of healing wounds and retrieving losses, by letting all things run their own sweet way, we laugh again as we see, the swift coming day, when these labors will be happily concluded, and when a grateful people having applauded their work by their votes of adoption, a gratified nation, by the mouths of their Congress, will welcome their return to the halls of their fathers, clothed and of right mind. When that day comes even Democrats, in the retrospect, will see the magnitude and the excellence of their work, and it will go hard with the Democracy, if with even more than Catholic zeal they do not at once seek, with the honied words of admiration and sympathy, to proselyte the voters they to-day so foully abuse. We are content to wait for this day ourselves, for we see it fast coming. The Democrats feel that it is coming, but they hope by slander and misrepresentation to delay it. It is useless--this great globe of ours, spins round and round with irresistible force, but with noiseless motion, and the vulgar who feel no jar and see no milestones, often deny their transit from constellation to constellation, yet they do not deny, winter and summer to be facts, nor fail to enjoy the delights of the one or escape the hardships of the other. The sphere of our polity moves at the bidding of forces, which emanate from the center of all justice as of all power, but the heedless or purblind partisan may deny that it bears him in the pathway of the stars, even though he may revel in the sunshine of humanity and benevolence, or be scourged by the blasts of injustice and inequality. The world does move, however, and some school-master will one day prove it to even Democratic satisfaction.

Congress and Christmas
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors call on Congress to continue its work so that it may finish the present session "uninterrupted to its end." This, they say, is necessary to insure that Congress's plans for reconstruction are implemented, and to counter any attempt by President Johnson to "destroy the good work of the loyalists." "Never had a legislative body more solemn duties imposed upon it."

Full Text of Article:

While we write, Congress is hesitating as to whether they will adjourn over the holidays, or remain at their post to counteract the wilful wickedness of the President. The recent elections have elevated his excellency to a high pitch of self-complacency and arrogance; and, relieved from the apprehension of impeachment, he bullies and defies the National Legislature with the spirit of the whilom overseers. Backed up and urged on by such reckless characters as Black, Foorhess, Morrissey and their associates, he will leave no effort unassayed to destroy the good work of the loyalists, and to restore to their former supremacy the rebel democracy. If Congress can prevent any evil from these sources, it is their duty to continue their session uninterrupted to its end. The hopes of the true people of the nation rest upon the wisdom and courage of their legislators. Never had a legislative body more solemn duties imposed upon it. The restoration of the Union to peace and harmony, the securing of justice and equality to its citizens, and the establishing upon a firm and honest basis the financial policy of the government, will tax the sagacity of the wisest. The issue of elections next fall will measurably depend upon the actions of Congress this session. If they prove unequal to the just demands of the people, no name, however great, will save our party from final ruin. We hope and trust that a perception of this truth will control our friends at Washington; that they will lay aside all unnecessary issues that may beget discord, and will unite in support of the great principles recognised by all as just, right, and imperative. We do not fear that they will abandon any of the high ground they have taken. To do so, is to accept defeat. It is itself defeat. There could be no more fitting observation of the hallowed season dear to the christian heart and home, than the fulfillment of the duties which we owe to our country and to our fellow men. The lowly and down trodden, the poor and oppressed were the special care of the blessed One, whose advent consecrates the approaching holidays; and their influence should soften the hearts of our people so that they may go out in sympathy with the despised and humble children of a common Father, in whose sight they are as precious as the most distinguished and powerful of the earth. The unchristian, unphilosophic and ungenerous, not to say vulgar, mean, and brutal, theories which hold that men are made to be the abject slaves of favored fellow-mortals; to be denied the rights which are inherent to humanity; to have all innate aspirations after a higher grade of life, which of themselves establish the kinship of the races, crushed out by rude violence; to be condemned to humility and degradation by scoffs and ribaldry and bitter jeers; to be classified by ignorant pretenders to technological science with the most loathsome orders of the brutes, and to be hooted at, and cuffed, and stigmatised with obscene epithets by the coarse minions of partisan naturalists "falsely so called." Such theories, we aver, are not in harmony with the loving, all-embracing, refining, influences of the sacred Christmas-tide. This is a humanizing season, when christian people, of whatever sect, or race, in whatever land or clime, of whatever rank or condition, unite in one common faith, and bring their tributes of reverence to one common shrine, their "hearts adoration" to one common Redeemer, in whom "all the kindreds of the earth are blessed."

We trust that Congress will take new inspiration from the occasion. That it will be strengthened in its resolves to discharge its duties, for the duties sake, and we are resigned that the approval of the country will follow them.

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: The article castigates Gen. Hancock for his behavior since the end of the war, particularly his "official conduct in command of the Gulf Department." During his command over the military district, Hancock has overseen the virtual restoration of "the Louisiana Slaveocracy." His justification for these actions "grossly insults the loyal people his order outrages, presumes upon the ignorance of the people whose servant he is."

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: Extracts from the western journal repudiate the Tribune editor's negative assessment of McClure's views of the Indians and the "'blundering and inefficient policy of the government'" toward them. Having no first-hand experience with such matters, it is "'impertinent'" for the Tribune editor to "'slur'" McClure's reliability.
(Names in announcement: A. K. McClure)

Editorial Comment: "Mr. McClure's views of the Indian question meet with more favor among the Western people than the Tribune's comments. The Rocky Mountain News, refering to the letter which originally appeared in the Tribune, and which was afterwards copied into these columns, says:"

The National Republican Convention
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that the National Union Republican Convention was held in Washington on Dec. 11th. At the meeting, it was determined that Chicago will host the following convention where the candidates for President and Vice-President will be nominated.

How They Voted
(Column 3)

Summary: The article lists the members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation, and their votes on the impeachment resolution.
(Names in announcement: William Koontz)

Far Off Chats With Friends
(Column 3)

Summary: In his article, McClure discusses a few of Montana's "heroes," and relates some of their exploits.

Our National Finances
(Column 5)

Summary: The piece examines the various monetary policies promulgated by politicians as a means to stimulate trade and repay government loans.

Local Items
(Column 1)

Summary: The article offers a detailed sketch of John Brotherton's life; Brotherton, formerly of Chambersburg, recently died in Springfield, Ill., where he had lived for the past few years. In the days since John's death, his brother William passed away in Lock Haven, Pa. In fact, the family has suffered a number of tragedies in the past couple of years, losing one son in the war and another shortly after.
(Names in announcement: John Brotherton, William Brotherton, James Brotherton, George Brotherton, Dr. James BrotheronSr.)

Local Items--Constitutional Amendments
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces that a meeting will take place this Wednesday at the Court House to discuss the "movement now in progress so to amend our constitution, State and National, as to incorporate therein a reverent recognition of the Almighty." Rev. T. P. Stevenson, of Philadelphia, will preside over the gathering.

Local Items--Fraternal Visit
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that seventy members of the George Washington Lodge, No. 143, A. Y. M., of Chambersburg, visited their brethren at the Friendship Lodge in Hagerstown, Md. The group was accompanied by the Silver Cornet Band.

Local Items--Dedication
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that the United Brethren in Christ congregation will dedicate their new church in Mowersville on December 29th.

Local Items--No Relief
(Column 3)

Summary: When it met last Wednesday, relates the article, the Congressional Committee on Claims "reported aversely" on the petitions lodged by the citizens of Chambersburg for indemnification for damages suffered as a result of the burning of the town.

Local Items
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that Upton Washabaugh, "one of the most highly respected and esteemed citizens," died last Friday from the effects of a "long and painful" illness.
(Names in announcement: Upton Washabaugh)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On Dec. 3rd, Franklin Skinner and Sarah Jane, daughter of Joseph Galbrain, of Cumberland county, were married by Rev. Woodburn.
(Names in announcement: Franklin Skinner, Sarah Jane Galbrain, Joseph Galbrain, Rev. Woodburn)

Died
(Column 3)

Summary: On Dec. 9th, David Humbert died in Loudon. He was 80 years old.
(Names in announcement: David Humbert)