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Franklin Repository: January 15, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Sheridan
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reports on Andrew Johnson's attacks on Phil Sheridan and the latter's defense of himself. The editors sides with Sheridan by pointing out that Sheridan removed certain men from office in his district because they were former rebels disfranchised by acts of Congress. They claim that since Johnson would not execute the laws, Sheridan was justified in doing so. They also predict that future generations will praise Sheridan and vilify Johnson.

Full Text of Article:

"The highest authority in the nation" has charged Gen. Sheridan with being "tyrannical and a partisan." We do not intend to put in a plea for gallant "Phil," for the people have judged between him and his accuser, and hurled back into the teeth of the "bold, bad man" his groundless charges. The people have commended the course of the hero of Winchester, in no niggardly manner, and thereby rebuked the mean jealousy and wicked policy of a faithless President.

But while we offer no plea for the late commander of the Fifth Military District, because he needs none, he has seen fit in a report to his chief to defend himself against the charges of the Executive of the nation. In this able report the Gen. modestly sets forth the difficulties with which he had to contend, and the means he used to overcome them. He found upon careful examination that all, or nearly all, the civil functionaries had been soldiers in or aiders and abettors of the rebellion, that they had been elected solely upon the ground of their services in the attempt to overthrow the general government; that they were disfranchised by the law; that they were either openly or secretly opposed to the law and to himself as the officer charged with its execution. This was undoubtedly a difficult situation in which to be placed, and was rendered still more so, says the General, by the apparently open sympathy of the President with the functionaries above alluded to. Certainly it was absurd to expect any man to execute the law and retain these unrepentant rebels in office. He was enjoined by the law of Congress "to protect all persons in their rights of person and property, to suppress insurrection, disorder and violence, and to punish or cause to be punished all disturbers of the public peace and criminals." He found it impossible to execute this enactment without exercising the power of removal. He resorted to this power and forthwith the bull of Pope Andrew was fulminated; because he did in his humbler sphere what Andrew Johnson failed to do in this higher office, viz: executed the laws, therefore he is denounced as a partisan and tyrant by the latter. "I decided," says the report, "to use the authority vested in me as leniently as possible, to allow myself to be forced to the wall by open overt acts before action was taken; and in every order issued the cause of removal was specified. I had no desire to oppress and did not oppress. I only wished to give security to all good citizens, and did so; and insecurity to all office holders who failed to carry out the law, or who put impediments in the way of reconstruction. In all my dealings with the people of Louisiana and Texas it was governed by honor, justice and truth; no political influences or interests were allowed to control my actions."

These are manly words, and as they are embodied in an official report to the Gen. in Chief, and therefore always subject to investigation, we can have no doubt of their truthfulness; the people have accepted them as such and hence the axe has fallen upon "Phil" Sheridan's official neck in vain. Nay, not in vain, for it has been the means of bringing to the view of the people the gallant services of Gen. Sheridan, and of showing to the same first source of power the faithlessness of the chief magistrate to the welfare of the Republic. Sheridan will live in the remembrance of those services and his gallant deeds in war.--Andrew Johnson will also live in the recollection of his deeds else Benedict Arnold, Aaron Burr and John Tyler would have lost to memory.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper asserts that Congress made an error in placing the responsibility of appointing commanders of military districts in the hands of the President. The editors are pleased with a newly proposed bill that would transfer that authority to General Grant, whom the editors feel would appoint better generals to carry out Reconstruction policy.

Full Text of Article:

CONGRESS committed a very serious mistake when it entrusted the appointment of commanders for the military districts of the South to the President. So far he has used this power to delay and embarrass the very work Congress sought to accomplish. A bill is now before Congress which, if passed, will correct the mistake so far as regards the future operation of the reconstruction law. It takes the appointing power from the President and virtually places the whole responsibility on General Grant, who will neither fear to assume it, nor hesitate to enforce the law in all its parts. It would have been far better had Congress passed this or a similar bill last spring and saved the country the misfortune and disgrace of the Hancock rule. Its necessity was just as apparent then as now.

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper ridicules General Hancock for dismissing black jurors on the grounds of ignorance despite the fact that a judge in his military district did the same thing to a white jury. The editos sarcastically ask if Hancock would uphold the judge's ruling or hypocritically reinstate the white jurors.

Full Text of Article:

The best commentary on the recent order of General Hancock proscribing the colored men of Louisiana, is the order of Judge Howe of New Orleans, discharging a white jury, empanelled under the Hancock rule, for want of sufficient intelligence. In view of the action we presume Gen. Hancock will supplement his famous order, and proscribe certain white men who are unfitted for jurors. He disqualified the blacks because they were too ignorant. Will the General let the rule work both ways?

The Lecture
(Column 02)

Summary: The Rev. S. H. C. Smith delivered the first in a series of lectures for the benefit of the poor. Smith discussed "the duties of the community in general benevolence." The evening raised $55.56 including a $15 contribution from Columbus Lodge No. 75, I. O. O. F. Jacob S. Nixon is overseeing distribution of the funds, and families in need are encouraged to see him. The Chambersburg Cornet Band provided musical entertainment for the evening. The Rev. Irving Magee will deliver the next lecture in the series.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. H. C. Smith, Jacob S. Nixon, Rev. Irving Magee)

Personal
(Column 02)

Summary: John M. Cooper of the Valley Spirit is being considered for nomination as the Democratic candidate for Auditor General. Judge C. S. Eyster and family left Chambersburg for Denver, Colorado. Col. A. K. M'Clure was nominated for notary public of Madison County, Montana Territory.
(Names in announcement: John M. Cooper, C. S. Eyster, Col. A. K. M'Clure)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: J. Frank Rhodes and Miss Ellie J. Holliday, both of Dry Run, were married on January 8th by the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: J. Frank Rhodes, Ellie J. Holliday, Rev. William A. West)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Conrad Gress of M'Connellsburg and Miss Elizabeth Mann of Greencastle were married on December 31st by the Rev. I. G. Brown.
(Names in announcement: Conrad Gress, Elizabeth Mann, Rev. I. G. Brown)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: John Smith and Miss Susan Jane Divilbiss, both from near Chambersburg, were married at the Mercersburg residence of John Waldlick on December 24th by the Rev. A. M. Whetstone.
(Names in announcement: John Smith, Susan Jane Divilbiss, John Waldlick, Rev. A. M. Whetstone)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Jane Palmer died in Chambersburg on January 9th. She was 54 years old.
(Names in announcement: Jane Palmer)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: Philip Overcash died near Canebrake School House on January 6. He was 84 years old.
(Names in announcement: Philip Overcash)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: William Weaver of Chambersburg died in Harrisburg on January 6th. He was 22 years old.
(Names in announcement: William Weaver)