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Franklin Repository: April 29, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Impeachment Trial
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that the impeachment trial of President Johnson will end within a week, opining that the verdict will surely be "guilty" and arguing why this should be the case.

Full Text of Article:

The trial of Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, before the highest tribunal of the government for high crimes and misdemeanors, will close this week, and the verdict and judgment will be pronounced on Saturday or Monday next. It cannot be complained that the accused has not had every possible facility to prove his innocence or mitigate his acts. Never before in a great trial has such latitude been tolerated to enable the defense to build up a plausible net-work of excuses for the flagrant usurpations committed by the President. His own declarations, made after the violation of the rules of evidence, to make his innocence apparent if within the range of possibility. He has had the ablest of counsel, the amplest time for preparation, the most liberal decisions at every stage of the proceedings, and now the drama is about drawing to a close.

It is noticeable that while the Democratic Senators have voted as partizans on every question raised relating to impeachment, the Republicans have only in rare instances voted in solid phalanx. No matter what demand the President's counsel made, there were twelve votes certain to sustain it, while at various stages the Senate voted against the managers who conducted the prosecution. The Republican Senators have voted on questions of evidence not merely in a spirit of fairness, but most liberally and even generously, so that the whole truth could be given to the Senate and the country. The singular spectacle was presented from the outset of a State prisoner discharging the duties of the Chief Magistracy of the Union, instead of being a prisoner at the bar of the court, under bonds or in custody as was Senator Blunt, when he was arraigned before the same tribunal, and he was allowed every channel of power to manufacture a defense for himself. On Tuesday last he played his last card by the nomination of Gen. Schofield as Secretary of war, in place of Stanton "to be removed," thus disowning his violation of the law, and attempting to come back within the provisions of the act he defied as an unconstitutional statute; but we judge that it was too late to be availing. Had he made such a nomination at first, instead of attempting to usurp the whole power of the government he would have escaped impeachment, but in his blind frenzy to compass the restoration of unrepentant traitors to power, his zeal outran both discretion and law, and there was, at last, no safety for the nation but by his removal from office.

We do not care to speculate in detail as to the issue of the great trial. Suffice it to say that we cannot doubt that the verdict will be "guilty." There are both weak and venal men who, directly or indirectly, have some power in controlling the decision, but it will be impossible for them to control the number of Senators necessary to insure an acquittal. While the result has not been entirely free from doubt at times, we have to-day abiding faith in the final action of the Senate. Two, and possibly three, Republican Senators may vote to acquit, but it does not seem to be within the range of possibility to secure the votes of seven - the number necessary to defeat conviction. Why there may be Republican votes for acquittal is well understood in intelligent circles in Washington, and it is enough for the present to say that history will not accord to such votes the merit of integrity.

We await the issue with unshaken faith in a just verdict, and thenceforth the long distracted nation will have peace and re union on the enduring basis of freedom and justice.

What of the South
(Column 01)

Summary: The article reports that in Arkansas and Louisiana, reconstruction is proceeding successfully. The paper denounces resistance and violence in North and South Carolina.

Full Text of Article:

Of ten Southern States still unrepresented in the General Government, four, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Arkansas, are to-day practically in the Union. Each have held elections, and adopted State Constitutions, that in the main compare favorably with the best of the original free States. Thus the most momentous difficulty that grew out of the war, the reconstruction of the Seceded States, is being gradually but surely overcome. Between the upper and nether millstones - the determination of the loyal people that the principle of universal liberty must be a fact as well as a theory in our Government, and the resolve of demagogues and traitors both North and South that it must not - has been wrought out a fitting foundation for the fairest Temple of Liberty on the earth. How much the people of these States are indebted to Andrew Johnson for three years of anarchy and robbery, and murder and poverty, they can best tell, for upon them have they fallen unrelentingly.

Of these States Arkansas has her legislature, has elected members of the House of Representatives, and two United States Senators. She is ready to take her place in the Union a wiser, and, we doubt not, a better State than ever before. Louisiana has adopted the Constitution submitted to her people by a fair majority and is ready to take the successive steps to put her alongside of Arkansas. She will loose no time in putting herself fairly in the Union. South Carolina, as if in condemnation of her conduct as the originator of Secession, is most emphatic in her denunciation of it now, and adopts her constitution by an overwhelming majority. She is resolved that there shall be no lukewarm, half-way endorsement of Reconstruction for her, whatever others may do.

The returns from North Carolina, though still very imperfect, are enough to show that she has rendered her verdict in favor of reconstruction. Complete returns will, without doubt, show a good, fair majority. Alabama, as our readers know, has also had her election but unwisely the framers of her constitution provided that a majority of her registered voters should be required to adopt it. Through terrorism and violence so many of her loyal people were kept from the polls, that less than this number voted. Though 75,000 votes were cast for the constitution and less than one-tenth of this number against it, she is compelled to fold her hands and wait the friendly intention of Congress in her relief. There should be no hesitation on the part of Congress to come to her aid. The will of the loyal people is clearly manifest in the almost unanimous vote in favor of liberty, and it was never contemplated that by remaining away from the polls themselves, and by frightening and driving away others, the Secessionists and friends of Andrew Johnson, though a hopeless minority, should keep Alabama in her present anomalous condition. It is but just that she should be relieved from her foes, and that right speedily.

Of the remaining States, Florida will be the first to hold an election. This will be in May, and as the disaffections in the Union party have been healed, she will be able to announce her emancipation from rebel dominion from that date. The Impeachment trial, which will be completed before that time, will doubtless have its influence upon the Florida election as well as those of Mississippi and Texas and Virginia. If the President is convicted, as we most firmly believe he will be, these States will loose no time in putting themselves fairly and squarely on the side of the Union. There are large loyal majorities in each of them, and nothing but the assistance and encouragement Johnson lends the disloyal element can keep them from the polls.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper publishes a service record of Jacob M. Campbell, Republican candidate for Surveyor General.

Full Text of Article:

Our attention was called to the fact, by an article in the Harrisburg State Guard, that all the Republican papers of the State, the Repository included, fail to give Jacob M. Campbell, our candidate for Surveyor General, his full rank as a soldier. He entered a company of the three months' volunteers, of which he was elected first lieutenant, and was the officer who assisted to pitch the first tent in Camp Curtin. At the expiration of the three months' service, Lieutenant Campbell organized and was made Colonel of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, P. V. After being in the field only a short time, Col. Campbell was ordered to the command of a Brigade, which he led in many a hard fight for a year and a half, retaining the confidence of his subordinate officers as a man of bravery and a soldier of ability. March 13, 1865, Col. Campbell was made a brevet Brigadier General. In view of the above fact, so honorable to a deserving soldier, we give Brigadier General Campbell his proper rank at the head of our editorial columns.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports that the American Colonization Society is appealing to African Americans for emigration to Liberia. Four thousand freedmen have petitioned Congress for funds to make the move. The paper supports the plan as long as African Americans truly wish to go.

The Rump
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reports that Democrats have long been denouncing Congress as an unconstitutional "rump" body because of the lack of southern senators. The editors gloat that Democratic Party members were forced to back down from these charges when border state senators attempted to use them as an opening to allow all the southern states immediate readmittance to the Union.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper applauds the progress of the new free school system in the South. The editors are especially impressed by the quality education now being afforded African Americans and poor whites.

Letters from Mrs. Jane G. Swisshelm. Divine Right of Kings Opposed to the Equality of Men.
(Column 03)

Summary: This letter to the editor describes the unusual costs of the impeachment trial of President Johnson as an artifact of America's desire for the Presidency to hold royal bearings. Eventually, she argues, America will overcome this desire for a kingly president and marble representations of the government's might.

Full Text of Article:

Correspondence of the Franklin Repository.

NO. XXXI.] WILKINSBURG, April 24, 1868

In reading the history of the past, nothing so impresses me as the determination with which the world held to its belief in the divine right of Kings. Sunday school books have taught us to wonder at the fanaticism of the Hindoo mother, who throws her child to the sacred crocodiles, and to contribute pennies for her enlightenment, but we are not far enough down the stream of time to look back with equal horror on the persistence with which the Reformers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries sacrificed themselves and children to the gaping monster of kingcraft. We begin to wonder at the sturdy Lutherans of the Low Countries inaugurating their great revolution as beggars, for the privilege of serving their despotic King, and continuing it, a half century, as beggars for a King whom they might serve; and the blind devotion of the Scotch Presbyterians to the two Charles's is felt to be a something requiring explanation; but the wonderful family likeness of these features of "The Great Reformation," to the India crocodile worship, is but very dimly discerned. Our Declaration of Independence was a great projective thought cast into the future, which rebounded from the hard wall of Ignorance and Superstition behind which the world lies in waiting its deliverers, and fell back but little in advance of its starting point. In this world the idea of the equality of men has not yet formed a lodgment, and our reformers of to day, like the Netherland ambassadors, go about seeking a King - some one to represent the majesty of a great people - some local dignitary on whom they can look, and see the reflection of a nation's power. The possible exception of a nation without such focus has scarce entered into the calculations of any people on earth, and until it becomes the corner stone of our national existence we can be nothing better than in a transition state between Monarchy and Republicanism.

Thus far our voting citizens have been political equals until one was elected to an office. Then both he and those who elected him fell into a quandry as to the degree in which he ceases to be one of them, and how far he is all. "Who shakes me shakes the Commonwealth," is a boast not confined to a hindrance in executing the will of the Commonwealth, but becomes applicable to the official person in his individual character. "The servant of the people" has about as much significance in our language as the "the benignity of his majesty" had in the court of Philip II. The servant of the people must represent, in his person, the power and glory of the people; and both he and they have very crude ideas of how this is to be done. English Justice is represented by a gown and a wig, and Religion by a role and surplice, England's power finds its focus in a petty diamond head-dress for the Queen, but how shall the wealth and grandeur and prowess of the Great Republic find expression, in some kind of pocket edition for convenient reference? Aye, there's the question. Poor Mrs. Lincoln conscientiously believed it her duty to represent her country by having prettier dresses, and more of them, than any lady representative of any foreign government, and while thousands of people laughed at her for her pains, they actively or silently acquiesced in the common idea that our President should have a house and appointments to represent the wealth and refinement of the country - that the public buildings and public salaries should represent it - that our public men are not as other men: but, in the reflected glory of representative honor, are far removed from the common herd.

It is this dim idea of reflected glory which induces the people to tolerate the expensive and grandiloquent proceedings of the impeachment trial. As a Tennessee tailor Mr. Johnson could be tried and convicted, or acquitted, at a public cost of one hundred dollars; but as the representative of the majesty of the people, that same trial will probably cost a million. Maybe some one can see how our great working population are benefited by this maintenance of their dignity, but to my mind it has as little to do with their welfare as Mrs. Lincoln's dress had with the comfort of the sewing woman who paid taxes to buy them. Does any one suppose there will be any more justice in the verdict of this expensive court than there usually is in the decision of a country tribunal? Verily no, but the people either demand or tolerate the ceremonies of a court. The English people must have drawing-rooms and presentation dresses. The French cannot be peaceable without Empirial entertainments, state coaches and Empirial nods and smiles. The greatness of their estate must be represented by palaces and parades while they look up from the desolate hovels to bask in the sunshine of a stray glimpse of royalty, and we poor Americans, having no one royal family of our own, make a little imitation of the royal accessions, and fasten them upon any tailor or tinner, any rogue or honest man, whom we chance to select for that particular part of the play. Then we all sit and look on, quite pleased with the strange spectacle, and content to feel that we pay our part in getting it up. We have a little royalty of our own, on a somewhat different plan from other royalists, but on principles not altogether different, and the day of the people's majesty, and of the equality of all men, and a simple Republican form of Government, for the benefit of the people, is yet in the dimness of the great future. When that comes, instead of marble monstrosities, in which to shut public officers out from the pure air of heaven, the people's servants will build school houses and asylums, and justice will be as cheap for the highest as the lowest. The greatness of the government will be represented by its farms and workshops, and no man will carry it in his coat pocket.

JANE G. SWISSHELM.

The Road Law
(Column 04)

Summary: "Guilford" writes the paper to outline provisions of Franklin County's existing road laws. The laws provide for supervisors who are charged with laying off the roads each year, inspecting and repairing them, and levying taxes for their upkeep.

Second Week of Court
(Column 01)

Summary: This listing of court proceedings begins with an account of a lifelong Democrat who switched political allegiances during the War and began to vote Republican, had his right to vote questioned by the "Copperheads," and was affirmed of this right by the courts.
(Names in announcement: Judge King, Adam Frank, Frederick Foreman, Isaac Cushwa, Brewer, Kimmell, John W. Skinner, Oliver S. Brown, Sharpe, Cessna, Stenger, Samuel Baker, John Miller, W. S. Everett, David Everett, Jacob Hargleroad, Adam Wingert, Henry Sellers, Kennedy, John G. Wallach, William M'Neal, Jacob Wentling, Stumbaugh, Gehr, Carsner, S. W. Hays, Addington, L. S. Clarke, Brown, J. S. Eby, Elizabeth Middour, David Mentzer, Joseph Douglas, George W. Welsh, Judge Rowe)

Full Text of Article:

Tuesday afternoon. His Honor, Judge King presided. Adam Frank, of Letterkenny township, an alien, was naturalized under the act of Congress naturalizing all aliens who were honorably discharged from the army. Adam arrived in this country some twenty years since. He always voted with the Democracy without any suspicion on the part of the Republicans that he was not entitled to a vote. In 1864 Mr. Frank enlisted in the 3d Penna. Cavalry - one of the best regiments that volunteered from this State. His experience satisfied him of the hostility of the Northern and Southern Democracy to "Boys in Blue." He returned home with his political views entirely changed, and desiring "to vote as he had fought," attempted to cast his ballot for Freedom and Humanity. The Copperheads being nettled by his forsaking their party, challenged his vote on account of his being an alien. His vote was rejected. The order of the Court, however, has created him a free American citizen, and next fall his rights at the polls will be respected.

No one objecting, William Holtry was granted license to keep a tavern at Fairview.

The first cause tried was that of Frederick Foreman vs. Isaac Cushwa. Capias ad respondum. Bail in $300. The Jury failed to agree. Sharp for Plaintiff; Brewer and Kimmell for Defendant.

John W. Skinner vs. Oliver S. Brown - Summons in covenant founded upon Articles of Agreement between Plaintiff and Defendant, dated January 11, 1866. Jury failed to agree. Sharpe and Cessna for Plaintiff; Kimmell and Stenger for Defendant.

Samuel Baker use of John Miller vs. W. S. Everett. Ex'r of David Everett, dec'd. Summons in Assumpsit. April 23, 1868, the case compromised and settled by the parties in open Court and Defendant confessed judgment for the sum of $300 with costs. Brewer for Plaintiff; Everett and Sharpe for Defendant.

Jacob Hargleroad vs. Adam Wingert and Henry Sellers. - Summons Case in Deceit. The Jury after being out but a short time found for the Defendants. Sharpe and Kimmell for Plaintiff, Cessna and Kennedy for Defendants.

John G. Wallach vs. Wm. M'Neal and Jacob Wentling. Summons Debt on promissory note not exceeding $200.

On motion of Stumbaugh & Gehr, Examiners were appointed to take testimony and report the facts in the following applications for divorce: - Carsner vs. Carsner, S. W. Hays, Esq.; Addington vs. Addington, L. S. Clark, Esq.; Brown vs. Brown, J. S. Eby, Esq.

Elizabeth Middour, by her next friend David Mentzer. Application for divorce. On motion of Joseph Douglas, Esq., petition was granted and the Court appointed Geo. W. Welsh, Esq., examiner to take testimony for libellant and report.

The last week of the Court was an unusually busy one for all concerned. Three night sessions were held - something that has not occurred since the October Term, 1865. His Honor, Judge King, left on Friday for Bedford, as he was compelled to be present there on Monday of this week to preside at the opening of the Court. Judge Rowe presided from Friday noon until Court adjourned. A lengthy discussion took place on Friday evening in regard to opening a road through Letterkenny township into Horse Valley. The President Judge left his opinion with Judge Rowe, which was in favor of the road, but the Associates opposed it and it was not granted. On Saturday court adjourned, Judges, Lawyers and Jurors having labored faithfully for the Commonwealth and her citizens.

Meeting of Presbytery
(Column 01)

Summary: The Presbytery of Carlisle met in Greencastle on Tuesday. The pastoral relation between Rev. B. M. Kerr and the church of Mechanicsburg was dissolved, and the relation between Rev. J. H. Mathers and the churches of McConnellsburg, Green Hill, and Wells Valley. Measures were adopted to found a female seminary somewhere in the district. The church at Bedford invited Rev. R. F. Wilson to assume pastoral duties. Dr. Creigh of Mercersburg gave notice of resignation from the church there. Rev. Kennedy and Crawford were elected to the next general assembly.
(Names in announcement: Rev. B. M. Kerr, Rev. J. H. Mathers, Rev. J. A. Crawford, Rev. R. F. Wilson, Dr. Creigh, Kennedy, Crawford, Hays, Rex, Howland, Blair, Keel, Roland Austin)

Protestant Episcopal Church
(Column 02)

Summary: Chambersburg's Protestant Episcopal Church will resume services that had been cancelled since the burning of the town in 1864. Rev. William George Hawkins of Massachusetts will preside. The congregation has secured use of the lower hall of the Masonic Building and has installed pews and organized a choir. The Rev. Dr. C. M. Butler of Philadelphia will be present at the inaugural service.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William George Hawkins, Rev. Dr. C. M. Butler)

Science and Art
(Column 02)

Summary: Whitney, the "celebrated and popular scientific illusionist," will perform this evening at Repository Hall. He is known and renowned throughout the country for wondrous experiments delivered without "airs" or false pomposity.

I. O. O. F.
(Column 02)

Summary: Orrstown Lodge No. 601, I. O. O. F., elected the following officers: John Powders, D. E. Kendig, H. J. Stewart, S. C. Golden, Samuel Knisely. Marshall Lodge No. 233 of Mercersburg elected the following: Thomas Metcalfe, Henry Waidlich, David McConnell, Frederick C. Waidlich, S. L. Tabler, George Myers, Andrew Myers, W. Wilkins, A. W. Black, I. Y. Atherton, John K. Shatzer, William Selser, Henry Spangler, David Long, M. J. Slick, Thomas Pensinger, A. M. Whetstone.
(Names in announcement: John Powders, D. E. Kendig, H. J. Stewart, S. C. Golden, Samuel Knisely, Thomas Metcalfe, Henry Waidlich, David McConnell, Frederick C. Waidlich, S. L. Tabler, George Myers, Andrew Myers, W. Wilkins, A. W. Black, I. Y. Atherton, John K. Shatzer, William Selser, Henry Spangler, David Long, M. J. Slick, Thomas Pensinger, A. M. Whetstone)

Bible Society Anniversary
(Column 02)

Summary: The Franklin County Bible Society held their anniversary celebration in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday. Rev. J. A. Crawford preached and a number of officers were elected, including Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck, president.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. A. Crawford, Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck, Rev. F. Dyson, Jacob Hoke, Rev. Irving Magee, Rev. P. S. Davis, Rev. Samuel Barnes, Rev. H. S. Hummelbaugh, Rev. John Hunter, Rev. John Roth, W. G. Reed, Dr. G. F. Platt, George R. Messersmith, Jacob Eberly, B. Wolf, William Heyser, Charles M. Burnett, Jacob S. Brand, David Oaks, Samuel Walker, S. J. Stitzell, Anthony Shellhoss, Casper Wickey, John Klipper, Peter Kreichbaum)

Finished
(Column 02)

Summary: Renovations to the lodge room of Chambersburg Lodge No. 175, I. O. O. F., have been completed.

Railroad Meeting
(Column 03)

Summary: A railroad meeting was held recently in Repository Hall, but attendance was sparse.

Borough Ticket
(Column 03)

Summary: The Republicans of Chambersburg nominated the following candidates for borough offices: Lyman S. Clarke, for burgess; Dr. J. L. Suesserott, Samuel F. Greenawalt, T. B. Wood, F. S. Gillespie, Peter Kreichbaum for town council; A. D. Caufman for auditor; Michael W. Houser for high constable.
(Names in announcement: Lyman S. Clarke, Dr. J. L. Suesserott, Samuel F. Greenawalt, T. B. Wood, F. S. Gillespie, Peter Kreichbaum, A. D. Caufman, Michael W. Houser)

Mite Society
(Column 03)

Summary: The ladies of Chambersburg's M. E. Church have founded a mite society. They plan to purchase furniture for the parsonage for the comfort of the pastor and his family.

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Theophilus Nelson and Susan J. Shatzer, both of Chambersburg, were married on April 23rd by the Rev. F. Dyson.
(Names in announcement: Theophilus Nelson, Susan J. Shatzer, Rev. F. Dyson)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: John W. Watson of Cumberland County and Miss Susan Faust from near Roxbury, Franklin County, were married at Pleasant Retreat Parsonage on April 23rd by the Rev. James M. Bishop.
(Names in announcement: John W. Watson, Susan Faust, Rev. James M. Bishop)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Michael Diehl and Miss Mary Grove, both of Chambersburg, were married on April 23rd at the residence of John McKalby by the Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: Michael Diehl, Mary Grove, John McKalby, Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Peter Roseman and Miss Barbary Hale, both of Chambersburg, were married in the U. B. Parsonage on April 23rd by the Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: Peter Roseman, Barbary Hale, Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Daniel C. Lebernight and Miss Annie C. Shatzer, both of Franklin, were married at the U. B. Parsonage on April 26th by the Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: Daniel C. Lebernight, Annie C. Shatzer, Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: Miss Sarah Reynolds died in Mercersburg on April 25th after a short illness.
(Names in announcement: Sarah Reynolds)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: John Christ died in Chambersburg on April 26th after suffering a long and painful illness. He was 23 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Christ)