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Franklin Repository: February 25, 1868

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[No Title]
(Column 01)
Summary: The paper triumphantly announces the passage of the Impeachment Bill by the House.
Full Text of Article:

The telegraph brings us the gratifying intelligence, as we go to press, that the Impeachment Bill passed the House on Monday evening by more than a two-thirds majority. This determination on the part of Congress fearlessly to perform its duty, will be applauded by the entire country. The nation repeats to Congress the exhortation of its martyred President: "And having thus chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear and with manly hearts."


Impeachment
(Column 01)
Summary: The editor rejoices that the House will soon vote overwhelmingly to impeach the President. He said all Republicans were enthusiastic supporters of the measure and that even the Democrats know they cannot defend Johnson's actions. Therefore, he predicts a speedy trial and conviction of Johnson and the installment of Senator Wade as President.
Full Text of Article:

Editorial Correspondence of the Franklin Repository.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 1868.

At five o'clock this afternoon the House of Representatives will declare by an overwhelming vote, that Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, shall be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.

In this movement of such solemn import, the Republican column of the House is not only unbroken, but it has not a reluctant or hesitating supporter of the measure. When Judge Spaulding, of Ohio,--one of the most earnest opponents of impeachment until now--declared that there can be no peace, because of Executive usurpation, while Andrew Johnson remains President, he told the whole story in few and fearful words.

I cannot now see what is to interpose to prevent the early success of impeachment, and I hazard little in saying that two weeks hence Andrew Johnson will be displaced in conformity with the constitution and the laws, and Senator Wade installed as his successor. Thus an official career commenced in unblushing debauchery, continued in perfidy and culmination in utter lawlessness, will fitly end in ignominy and shame.

While there is intense feeling in Washington, there is but little excitement.--From the time the Reconstruction Committee reported on Saturday afternoon, with Bingham and Spaulding uniting in the demand for the extreme constitutional redress, the end has been apparent to all but the mad and wilfully blind incumbent of the White House. Democrats saw the hand-writing on the wall, and could not raise their voices against the just and inevitable doom he had so wantonly and wickedly invited.

Until late on Saturday evening the President believed impeachment impossible, but when the Democratic National Committee (in session here on Saturday) refused to defend him or to make any issue in his behalf and the Democratic leaders almost with one voice abandoned and disowned him, he began to appreciate that he was at last without apologists and at the mercy of the Congress he has so often insulted and defied.

When the resolution of impeachment was introduced, Mr. Brooks made a show of opposition; but after he had delivered his speech, he did not conceal his mortification that he was compelled to defend Andrew Johnson. He said to a Republican member that it was a most unpleasant duty to be called upon to defend a President who was not of them, who did not consult them, and was so palpably culpable in his official acts.

Senators are reticent on the subject, as they are the jurors who must try the President, but there is a quiet, earnest determination manifested on every hand that is ten fold more terrible than the passionate assaults of those who originally pressed impeachment. I regard it as certain that some most unlooked for change must be wrought if every Republican Senator does not declare the President guilty of the grave charges preferred against him, and of the few who will vote to shield him, not one beyond his son-in-law will regret the retributive blow.

There are many rumors floating as to resistance, but I do not credit any of them. On Saturday the gallant old soldier of Tennessee, Gen. Geo. H. Thomas, flung back the President's baubles in the shape of brevets, and thereby notified the usurper that he must look elsewhere for sympathy and support. Thus has every great soldier of the nation abandoned him.--Yesterday he called on Gen. Emory, the local commander, but it is understood that he gave no encouragement. Gov. Swann is here, and talks some of the prowess of his Maryland Militia, but he soon learned that a war for a lawfully deposed Executive, who had deceived every party and been faithless to every principle, would find but few earnest supporters.

Just what the President will do, I cannot guess. He is capable of anything, but he is powerless. Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Thomas are all prepared with their heroes to maintain order and enforce the laws, and the Democracy refuse even to appeal to the people in behalf of Johnson in his extremity.

I saw Mr. Stanton yesterday in the War office, surrounded by a score of Senators and Congressmen. He has not left his office since Friday last, nor will he do so until his right is unquestioned, when he will doubtless resign and retire. He will prove to the world that he has not made this struggle to gratify his own ambition.

At precisely five o'clock this evening Mr. Stevens will, amidst breathless silence, call for a vote on impeachment, and it is well known how every man's vote will be recorded. The debate is now in progress, and the galleries, and floor of the Hall are crowded to suffocation. Before the close of this week the President will be arraigned before the bar of the Senate, and as his great offence only will be complained of, the trial must necessarily be brief.

The last great trial of the Republic has at last been reached, and it will be met with a dignity and majesty that will crown the many wonderful triumphs of our free government. It will demonstrate to the civilized world that "government of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

A.K.M.


Another Crisis and How to Meet It
(Column 02)
Summary: The paper denounces President Johnson and fully endorses his impeachment. Asserts Congress must step up and end the tyranny of Johnson's rule for the good of the nation.
Full Text of Article:

The treasonable disposition of the President has at last found expression in bold and flagrant usurpation. As if to insult the loyal people of the country and to defy the power of their chosen Representatives, he openly and boldly nullifies the law, and assumes to exercise a power unknown to his office. At last he has passed the Rubicon of his fate. Even while we write Congress is deliberating on the subject, and discussing the measure of impeachment, and before these lines can be in print it will have solemnly arraigned the great criminal for his trial.

Forbearance has ceased to be a virtue. The country is tired of it and Andrew Johnson himself does not desire. The necessities of the hour summon the Representatives of the people to a fearless performance of their highest and most solemn duty, to protect the life of the nation and to vindicate the law. It is not a question, whether Mr. Stanton or some one else shall be our War Minister. In such crisis as this individuals are of small moment. The question is one of principle and law, far reaching in its results, and rising far above all merely personal considerations. It is whether Andrew Johnson is President or King, whether the limitations or restrictions applied by the Constitution to his office are to be regarded and observed, or whether at his pleasure he can exercise unlimited power. The question would not be materially changed were the issue made on Mr. Johnson's right to continue in office after the expiration of his term, instead of his right to displace another functionary before the expiration of his. Is Mr. Johnson subject to law, or is he independent of and above it? The issue is made by him and it must be met. We cannot doubt that Congress will act promptly and with a full appreciation of the importance of the issue and the supreme necessities of the hour.

It needs no casting of lots to discover whence the terrific storms and tempestuous waves that endanger the security of the national ship. The Jonah in this case is recognized at once by all, and all know that for his sake this great tempest is upon us. It is madness to talk of outriding the storm in safety with him aboard. We may row vigorously to bring the boat to shore; we may use every means and practice every precaution to baffle the waves in their furious lashings, but until we take him up and cast him into the sea we are liable at any moment to be shaken to pieces.

The safety of the Republic, the peace of the country, the majesty of the law and a decent regard for the administration of justice, all demand of Congress prompt and decided action.


The International Memorial Church in London
(Column 04)
Summary: The paper reprints an article describing efforts to build an International Church in London to commemorate Lincoln. The founders of this movement want to create a dialogue between American and British clergymen and more cooperation between the two nations. The editors fully support the measure and ask for donations.
Full Text of Article:

To the Editors of the Franklin Repository

The Rev. Dr. Fred Tomkins, D.C.L., who is well known by Henry Ward Beecher as a friend of this country in England, will deliver a lecture in this place, on Friday evening next, on "Our duty in the present crisis of the World's History." The following communication will explain the object of his visit to this country. A meeting was held last week at Mr. Jay Cooke's residence, near Philadelphia, at which a large representation of the clergy and laity of the churches of Philadelphia was present, and fully endorsed the paper drawn up at New York:

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 1867.

The undersigned commend to their fellow countrymen the project of erecting in the city of London a church and Public Hall, commemorative of the late President Lincoln and the triumph of Freedom in the U.S. of America.

It has been felt by many that innumerable blessings would result from the more frequent interchange of thought between Christian Ministers in the United States and those resident in Great Britain. Distinguished men of all denominations visit Europe from time to time, whose names many do not know and whose voices they never heard. It is designed to establish in connexion with the International Church an American Service, to be conducted exclusively by American Ministers, supplying for one or more Sabbaths. This will afford an opportunity for brethren in England and from the United States to hear and converse with each other, as well as to engage in devotional exercises for the out-pouring of the Spirit of God upon both nations and upon the whole world. The Hall is to be fitted up as a library, will be suitable for conferences of Christians, both British and American, and will be used for public meetings and the various purposes for which a Hall is needed. We believe such an institution will contribute to a better understanding between the two nations, to the formation of a common sentiment upon subjects of equal importance to both nations, and so to the maintenance of peace in future years and generations. We also heartily commend to the confidence of the churches and Young Men's Christian Associations, the Rev. Dr. Fred. Tomkins who is now among us as a delegation to present the plan and to solicit contributions on behalf of the object. (Signed)
STEPHEN H. TYNG, D.D.,
HENRY WARD BEECHER,
JOS. P. THOMPSON, D.D.,
JOSEPH T. DURYEA, D.D.,
HOWARD CROSBY, D.D.,
THEODORE TILTON,
EGBERT S. PORTER, D.D.,
GEO. WHIPPLE,
THEO L. CUYLER, D.D.,
R. S. STORRS, JR,, D. D.,
STEPHEN H. TYNG, Jr.,
WM. IVES BUDINGTON, D. D.,
RAY PALMER, D. D.,
JOHN COTTON SMITH, D. D.,
J. HOWARD SMITH, D. D.,
CYRUS D. FOSS, D. D.,
THOMAS SEWELL, D. D.,
JOHN DOWLING, D. D.

The above enterprise has been entered upon by able men in London, known for the deep and friendly interests they took in this country during the dark days of the struggle, through which we have happily now passed. The present undertaking has nothing whatever to do with the "Lincoln Tower," which the Rev. Newman Hall proposes to build some years hence on his own projected church. Dr. Tomkins, who is in this country to explain the plan of the International Church and Hall, is not in any way connected with the "Lincoln Tower," nor with Mr. Hall, except the latter gentleman happens to be on the committee of the London Freedmens' Aid Society of which Mr. Tomkins is one of the Secretaries. The proposed Church and Hall have the approval of Benjamin Scott, Esq., R. A. S., Chamberlain of London; Samuel Morley, Esq., J. H. Estcourt, Esq., Chairman of the Union and Emancipation Society of Manchester, Dr. John Waddington and other gentlemen, well known in London for their attachment to this country, and their desire to promote a closer union between the two great kindred nations. Land is already secured, and Mr. Samuel Morley by his own subscription and aid obtained by him promises to give 10,000 dollars to the Church. It is quite possible that he may be disposed to aid the Hall in which he takes a lively interest.

There are plenty of Churches in which Americans can worship in London, but the present undertaking contemplates a far different thing than the erection of an ordinary sanctuary. It is designed to furnish an ecclesiastical head-quarters for Americans in London and what has not been unaptly denoted a kind of "Religious Exchange." The principal object contemplated is to bring the clergy of both nations more closely together in order to influence their countrymen and to promote union between the Christians of both nations, and the reign of peace and righteousness throughout the world. It is hoped that this may be accomplished by establishing a service to be conducted by American clergymen on one part of the Lord's Day, and a second service by English clergymen of different denominations, invited from various parts of Great Britain, on the other; it is intended that there should be a home for the American clergyman during his visit, and it is hoped and believed that friendships will spring up between the brethren of both nations, leading to a much more frequent and more agreeable acquaintance than has heretofore existed.

In the Hall it is designed to hold public meetings and conferences on questions affecting the vital interests of the two nations. It is hoped by this means to promote at least to some extent, those great objects dear to the thoughtful and Christian men of both nations. It is not intended to expend money extravagantly, but to carry out the work with the utmost regard to economy. It is estimated that the whole cost will not be more than 20,000 pounds sterling, one-half of which it is proposed to raise in the United States. Dr. Tomkins is well-known in this country as having co operated with Mr. Beecher, and as having superintended the great American meetings held in Exeter Hall, London; and as being also the Hon. Sec. of the Freedmen's Aid Society, which by its direct and indirect efforts was instrumental in sending upwards of $700,000 in money and money's worth to this country.

It is to be hoped that the press and the public will hereafter distinctly understand that this enterprise has nothing whatever to do with Mr. Hall's "Lincoln Tower." The International Church and Hall were projected and land secured whereon to build, and the project approved by meetings of Americans both in London and Paris, long before the idea struck Mr. Hall of building a "Lincoln Tower" on his Church.--Donations may be sent for the International Church to Messrs. Brown Bros., New York, who have kindly consented to act as bankers for the fund.

We cordially wish success to an enterprise which has already enlisted the sympathies of the clergy of all denominations. H.


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Reopened
(Column 01)
Summary: The Presbyterian Church at Greencastle is open after being closed for repairs. The Rev. J. W. Wightman preached the dedication sermon. The repairs included building a front addition, raising the ceilings, and installing chandeliers and diamond-chased glass. The project cost $7000. E. D. Bair of Chambersburg was the contractor and builder. Prof. R. A. McClure played the new organ on Sunday. The church now has 68 pews capable of seating 476 persons.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. W. Wightman, E. D. Bair, Prof. R. A. McClure)
New Proprietor
(Column 01)
Summary: William M. Rupert replaces Mr. Sellers as proprietor of the Washington House. The people of Chambersburg bid a fond farewell to Sellers, but are confident Rupert will do well. He is a well-known hotel man in town. Rupert has refurnished the hotel and renovated the stable that can now hold 75 horses. The livery will be continued and stage lines will continue to stop at the hotel.
(Names in announcement: William M. Rupert, Mr. Sellers)
Border Relief
(Column 01)
Summary: Senator M'Conaughy spoke before the State House on behalf of the citizens of the border counties who have submitted war-damage claims. A House Committee subsequently reported the bill favorably. The paper advocates passage: "The border counties had to bear the whole brunt of the injuries resulting from their exposed condition, by reason of Rebel raids and the battles of July 1863. The defeat of the Rebel army at Gettysburg saved the State from Rebel spoliation, and the State should indemnify our people for the heavy losses then incurred."
(Names in announcement: M'Conaughy)
[No Title]
(Column 02)
Summary: Professor Alexander Wolowski, "the well known Pianist and Vocalist," will open a class in Chambersburg for piano forte and vocal music. The paper claims that Wolowski formerly gave lessons to President Lincoln's family, and has created a "sensation" in America since his arrival from Europe.
(Names in announcement: Alexander Wolowski)
Musical
(Column 02)
Summary: Prof. G. W. Reynolds gave a concert of sacred music in Greenvillage's Lutheran Church in honor of Washington's birthday. The church was crowded with spectators including many "sprightly, good looking girls" and "several bachelors."
(Names in announcement: Prof. G. W. Reynolds)
Personal
(Column 02)
Summary: A. K. McClure will deliver in Harrisburg, upon invitation of the state legislature, a lecture on his tour through the Rocky Mountains. He will give a repeat performance in Chambersburg for the benefit of the Freedmen's School.
(Names in announcement: A. K. McClure)
The Lectures
(Column 02)
Summary: Rev. James F. Kennedy delivered the sixth lecture in the series for the benefit of the poor. His topic was "Blindness." The evening raised $24.00.
(Names in announcement: Rev. James F. Kennedy)
Lecture
(Column 02)
Summary: Rev. T. De Witt Talmage of Philadelphia will lecture in Chambersburg's Repository Hall on Monday. He will deliver his famous lecture "Rocks on which People Split." Tickets are 35 cents.
Married
(Column 02)
Summary: Edward D. Kendig of Orrstown and Miss Lottie A. Wilson of Metal were married on February 18th by the Rev. J. Smith Gordon, assisted by the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: Edward D. Kendig, Lottie A. Wilson, Rev. J. Smith Gordon, Rev. William A. West)
Married
(Column 02)
Summary: N. Walgamot of Illinois and Miss Laura M. Keyser of Welsh Run were married on February 4th by the Rev. I. G. Brown.
(Names in announcement: N. Walgamot, Laura M. Keyser, Rev. I. G. Brown)
Married
(Column 02)
Summary: Samuel Needy and Elizabeth Weyant, both of Greencastle, were married on February 6th by the Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Needy, Elizabeth Weyant, Rev. W. F. Eyster)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: Mrs. Henrietta Rhodes died at her Chambersburg residence on February 15th. She was 49 years old.
(Names in announcement: Henrietta Rhodes)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: Mrs. Elizabeth Ebert died near Greencastle on February 12th. She was 76 years old.
(Names in announcement: Elizabeth Ebert)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: John Beams died in St. Thomas on February 2nd. He was 72 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Beams)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: Mrs. Elizabeth Wile died in Funkstown on February 12th. She was 26 years old.
(Names in announcement: Elizabeth Wile)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: Mrs. Hannah Johnson died in Guilford on February 8th. She was 72 years old.
(Names in announcement: Hannah Johnson)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: Mrs. Eve Keefer, wife of Isaac Keefer, died in Hamilton on February 7th. She was 83 years old.
(Names in announcement: Eve Keefer, Isaac Keefer)
Died
(Column 02)
Summary: Mrs. Mary A. Strock, daughter of John and Susannah Over and wife of Daniel Strock, died on February 15th after suffering a protracted illness. She was a long-time church member, and left many mourning friends.
(Names in announcement: Mary A. Strock, John Over, Susannah Over, Daniel Strock)

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