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Franklin Repository: May 27, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The National Ticket
(Column 01)

Summary: The article recounts the nomination of Grant and Colfax as the Republican candidates for President and Vice President then explains each of their qualifications, urging readers to support the pair.

Full Text of Article:

The Union National Convention met at Chicago on the 20th inst., and on the 21st unanimously nominated Gen. U. S. Grant for the Presidency, and with entire harmony presented Hon. Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the Vice Presidency. As was expected, Gen. Grant received the unanimous vote of the Convention on the first ballot. For Vice President there were five ballots cast, the last resulting in the nomination of Senator Colfax. His nomination was then made unanimous.

In nominating Gen. Grant, the Convention but gave formal expression to that which the whole people had already decreed months ago. As he came forth at their extreme need, when the imperiled country was struggling with a monster rebellion at her throat, and rescued them from national murder, they now demand that he shall again lead them in the approaching conflict. Never before in the history of our American politics, was such undivided confidence, such unmistaken preference for any one man. The soldiers were unanimous, and the politicians were of like mind. California joined hands with Maine; and the Southern States, which had felt his power in war, declared their faith in his ability to maintain peace. The judgment of the people is right. The wild enthusiasm with which his nomination is received everywhere, even when it was a foregone conclusion, proves it. Let the country rejoice at the auspicious dawn of a better day.

The trust of the people is well founded. Gen. Grant was ever true to his country, true to his flag, and a terrible but honorable foeman to their enemies. He fought that there might be lasting peace, and good will, and fraternity; not to degrade, not to impoverish the people, but to restore and make happy. The reconstructed South feels and knows this, and will go into the campaign with an earnestness and enthusiasm that perhaps no other candidate could arouse. This nomination itself will prove to be the most efficient agent to re-unite and knit together in lasting peace the North and the South.

Hon. Schuyler Colfax, the nominee for the Vice Presidency, has been the popular and efficient Speaker of the House of Representatives since 1863, and it is commonly remarked that no one has been so efficient in that difficult position since it was filled by Henry Clay. He has represented his district in Congress since 1854 with marked ability and fidelity, and has been in public life ever since he arrived at man's estate. He, too, like so many of our best men, has raised himself by his own unaided exertions from a poor and unknown boy, to be the unanimous choice of the Republican party for the second gift of the American people. His popularity is universal; his character for integrity and uprightness is unimpeachable, and his public life, during the most bitter and tumultuous times in which he has always took a bold and decided part, has never been assailed. He is the type and the acknowledged leader of the young men of the Republican party. His presence is sympathetic and the enthusiasm he creates is unbounded.

With such standard-bearers - the first Captain of the United States, if not of the world, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives - the Republican party need fear no defeat. A triumphant victory in November is in their hands, and naught but their folly can wrest it from them. A permanent peace, a tranquil prosperous people, a bond of union wrought out of the harmonious interests of the whole people, the practical and assured freedom of all classes of men, as well as the abstract right to be free, and a higher type of prosperity and civilization than the nation has ever yet seen, are some of the blessings guaranteed by the success of this ticket.

Our Duty--Plain Talk
(Column 02)

Summary: The article encourages Franklin county residents to take an active and committed role in the coming presidential election. The author acknowledges that Franklin county will almost certainly go Republican, but urges a large turnout, support of the Republican press, and energetic campaigning.

Full Text of Article:

Now that the nominations for President and Vice President have been made, and a call issued for a meeting of the Republican County Committee, it becomes the duty of each individual member of the party of labor to secure its election. To labor effectively to that end, every member of the party should be thoroughly in earnest, and an organized system of work should be perfected by means of which the efforts of each can be made most effective. Work is the great condition of success in anything, and concentrated, simultaneous work is as much better than individual effort, as thoroughly educated labor is better than uneducated. Enthusiasm is good, but enthusiasm alone never achieved a victory. Grant pounded the Confederacy to pieces by steady, long-continued, hard knocks. His declared intention "to fight it out on that line, if it took all summer," is the key to unlock the secret of his success in war, and the same means if intelligently and honestly employed by the Republican party during the approaching campaign, will secure his election to the Presidency.

Franklin county is but a small portion of the great State of Pennsylvania, and the merest trifle in its relation to the United States, but it is as essentially a part of the great battle-field as is the city of Philadelphia and if our line be broken here, it will weaken it throughout its entire length. To bring success to our cause everywhere is the bounden duty of every Republican in the land, to succeed here is the bounden duty of every Republican in Franklin county. How is it to be done? First of all, a majority of all the votes of the county is in favor of the principles of the Republican party.

This is not a disputed question. Whenever a full vote of both parties is polled our ticket is sure to be elected. Whenever an election fails to call out all the votes our majority is greatly reduced if indeed the ticket be not defeated. We must bring every Republican voter to the polls. The first step to accomplish this is to make such nominations for County and Districts officers as every right-minded citizen can cordially endorse. Selfish preferences and partisan dictation must be discountenanced. "Rings" must be broken up and "Slates" and Cliques must be abandoned. The great Republican party cannot afford to be fettered and trammeled by these selfish, unpatriotic little combination in such an emergency. The public good demands that the best citizens, of irreproachable characters and tried Republicanism be put in nomination. Let there be a return to the good old times when offices sought the men and not men the offices, and there will be no reason to doubt that our whole party will unite in a common effort for the success of the principles which we hold so dear.

Next, let every Republican voter go to work in his own township, in this own immediate neighborhood; let him counsel with his fellow Republicans and work for his ticket until the interest of every loyal voter therein is thoroughly aroused in its success. The voters of Franklin county are men of intelligence and sense, and can be moved to act by rational causes. There is no occasion for claptrap, for the exercise of cunning tricks and chicanery. The use of these will only react upon the heads of those who employ them. If our principles are what we represent them to be they cannot be too openly discussed nor too widely disseminated. If they are not we deserve to be defeated. The mere success of the party is nothing. If our success is not the triumph of Right over Wrong, of Loyalty over Treason, of Truth over Error, it is not worth fighting for. That certain men should fill certain offices interests no one, and rational men soon cease to concern themselves in public officers if it be not for the public good.

But it is not enough to strip up the flagging interest of lukewarm Republicans. The warfare of truth is never a defensive one from its nature, it must always be aggressive. Error and prejudice and bigotry resist. They stand on the defensive and cry out "what have we to do with thee," "Let us alone."

The most powerful weapons to overcome these is the Republican Press. A noble army of Republican editors are spread all over the land. They are regularly enlisted for the war, and fight under true colors. There are no guerrillas or bushwhackers among them, who plunder or defame the dead, and outrage the living by their blasphemy and obscenity. There are no Brick Pomeroy's, no New York Day Book's, no Pittsburg Post's, scavengers cowardly and merciless, who hand on the flanks of an army, more to be feared than an open enemy, more to be dreaded than the Prince of Darkness.

In 1866 there were over eight thousand votes polled in Franklin county. It is safe to predict that there will not be less than nine thousand next October. More than half of these are Republicans, and should subscribe for a good Republican newspaper, but the truth is scarcely more than one-fourth of them do. Here is a field of energetic Republicans. Every man of any influence whatever, can procure at least one neighbor, who does not now, to take his county paper, and whoever does this is far more likely to make a vote for the loyal ticket of the county, than he who goes about making stump speeches. Now is the time to go to work to equip, and marshal, and organize our forces for the October election. If that be done, and we go into battle under true and tried leaders, the honest, unbiased choice of the people, success will be assured and the county will be rescued from the hands of the Democracy.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The article mocks the Staunton Spectator's claim that their foremost desire in a Presidential candidate is the ability to win and thereby end radical Reconstruction. The author sarcastically argues that the Democrats, then, should nominate Johnson.

Full Text of Article:

The Staunton, Va., Spectator speaking for the South, discourses thus on its choice of candidates to the Presidency:

"So far as the South is concerned, we wish it to be distinctly understood, that we have no preferences and no prejudices, in regard to men - we will sustain any sound Conservative man, whether he comes from the North, the East or the West. All we ask is give us the man who is strong enough to win. We go for success. What we desire about all things, is a release from radical domination. The man who can most certainly accomplish that end, is the man of our choice. We go for results - we care not for the means, or the men who are to achieve them. We will go for Pendleton, Hancock, Seymour, Hendricks, or any other good man. We indulge in no narrow sectional or personal jealousies. We seek to gratify no personal partialities. Victory in the coming contest is our first object. * * * We care not what our candidate may think on this or that question - the great inquiry is, can he win the battle? Has he the capacity to beat the radicals? In other words, does he profess what John Randolph called 'the turning out faculty?'"

This is truly liberal. The "Mother of Presidents" modestly waives her privilege and is willing "to sustain any sound Conservative man, whether he comes from the North, the East or West," only so that he can defeat the radicals. "Narrow sectional or personal jealousies" are ignored. "Personal partialities" are set aside, and victory alone is asked. We can't approve a policy that has no end but the success of a political organization, and "cares not what a candidate may think on this or that question." Still the statement is evidence of a transition state in the Old Dominion which must lead to anything worse than the old "sectional jealousies," and "personal partialities" which brought war and all its countless woes upon the South. The list of candidates enumerated, however, is neither complete nor unexceptionable, from the Spectator's own stand point of "success." Pendleton is a defeated hack besides being a repudiator, and all Democrats have not yet reached that exalted pinnacle where absolute freedom from prejudice reigns. Hancock was once a "Lincoln hireling" and squelched numerous Confederate brigades and divisions. Doolittle, unfortunately, once wore a becoming Republican garment, though we confess it would illy become him now. Seymour and Hendricks always opposed the war, and never were betrayed into any sentimental Republican nonsense, and never were defeated candidates for the Presidency. Neither have they any foolish scruples about principles. Either would do well enough, if better could not be had. But better can be had. Why is not Johnson's name among the list of candidates? He answers the description exactly. He "goes for results," and "don't care for the means," and can adopt his thinking on "this or that question" to suit any kind of circumstances. Besides, if Democracy had any gratitude the party should nominate him. He has done more for them than any other living man, and came nearer defeating the Radicals. He had never done anything but what is mean, and therefore Democratically his character is above reproach. It is true he had the misfortune to be born a "low down white," which is against him, but then he never discovered where his father was buried until last summer, which should be put to his credit.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reports that journals in Virginia have been agitating against the Civil War amendments to the Constitution, arguing for either repealing or ignoring the changes. The article then insists that this will only lead to misery for the South.

Full Text of Article:

Many of the journals in Virginia under the management and control of traitors, are crowding their columns with denunciation of the new Constitution. They make no argument against its adoption, but continually appeal to the prejudices of those who have lost their fortunes and "their cause." The Richmond Enquirer of the 19th inst. goes still further, and says:

"Peaceably, if possible, it shall be broken to pieces - but failing in that, let us register a sacred pledge to one another that by the God of our fathers we will fight it out as long as a brave arm can strike for our homes and our firesides."

There were appeals of the same kind made in April, 1861, and none know better than themselves the result. It creates no fear in the North to see such threats. The power of the South is completely conquered, its pride has been taught a fearful lesson, and its aristocracy has been destroyed. Maledictions on the work of the loyal men of the Old Dominion are to be expected, and should they succeed in defeating the Radical ticket, and thereby prevent the restoration of their State to its place in the Union, it will be but consistent with their suicidal policy of the past. Northern men, unless in large numbers, find it unsafe and unprofitable to locate in the South, so long as traitors hold the reins of power, and no promises from those who have so often broken their word, can induce them to think otherwise. But let the Congressional plan of reconstruction be sustained by those who have the true interests of their Commonwealth in view, and a new day of peace, prosperity and plenty will dawn on the unrepentant followers of Lee and Davis.

The Waynesboro Railroad
(Column 04)

Summary: The article advocates the proposed railroad through the area, arguing its benefits for business. It includes a table of the shipping tonnage the county currently ships via wagons and would thus be better served by a railroad.

Full Text of Article:

To the Editors of the Franklin Repository.

During a visit of a few days to this thriving town, I find the most popular topic of conversation among the people, is the projected railroad to some point where they may connect with the Cumberland Valley Railroad. That it is not "all talk" with them, is shown by the liberal subscriptions already made of our sixty thousand dollars, and which they say will be increased to one hundred thousand, for the township and borough. Committees are now out, and they expect to be able to report in a few days this additional sum subscribed. They have information that liberal sums have been subscribed in the other townships through which the road is expected to pass, so that the question of the road being made is no longer one of doubt, but a "fact" that will be realized in less than two years.

Under the Free railroad law, we shall soon see new lines of railways connecting extreme points of our State, as well as many shorter ones coming from our rich agricultural and mineral regions to form connections with these main stems, by which their products may be carried to the best markets, and in return bring back the many articles needed for agricultural and manufacturing purposes. The history of these short roads show that they pay on the capital stock invested, develop the resources of the country through which they pass, and create business at the point where they connect with the main stems.

Waynesboro in projecting this road, does it for her own advantage. She wishes to secure an outlet for her products and facility for getting back coal and material for her manufacturing establishments, which have grown up so rapidly within the last few years. One of the establishments Geiser, Price & Co., manufacturers of Grain Separators, employs over one hundred hands, and turn out twenty five machines per week, worth from two hundred and fifty to four hundred dollars a piece. Seven-eighths of all the material used in the manufacture of their machines, have to be hauled from the railroad to their works by wagons, and the machines when completed taken from their works to the railroad by the same means of transportation, thus adding greatly to the cost of manufacture. What is true of this establishment with reference to transportation is true of other branches of industry carried on in the town, and on the line of the projected road, not to mention the large tonnage of the Mt. Alto works, every pound of which has to be transported by wagons. The road, prospectively, has been located with direct reference to touching at the most important points for trade; to secure the best ground plan and gradients, and the shortest distance between this borough and the point most eligible to connect with the Cumberland Valley railroad. Scotland has been selected thus far as that point, because it is believed the road can be made at a much less cost there than to Chambersburg; and as they have made a close calculation as to the amount that can be raised on the line of the road, they wish to expend it to the best advantage to secure their object. So the matter becomes a very plain one, so far as we are concerned. If we want the road to connect at our place, it can only be secured by the active and substantial co-operation of the citizens of Chambersburg. The advantages of this connection to the interests of our place were so fully and forcibly set forth in the REPOSITORY of last week, that it is useless to repeat them at this time. Chambersburg should be the entry port for all the principal towns of Franklin county, and be connected with them by railroads. We should also have a railway connection with Mercersburg, and I hope it is only a question of time when all these roads will be made.

It is believed by those who have estimated the probable amount of tonnage that would pass over this Waynesboro branch, by the amount that is now transported by wagons to and from this productive region of country, that the road would pay a percent upon an expenditure of three hundred thousand dollars, the estimated cost of the road to Scotland.

In this and Quincy townships there are fifteen flouring mills in operation, one of these mills last year shipping nine thousand, five hundred barrels flour. It is estimated that the fifteen mills sent to market over sixty thousand barrels of flour during the year 1867. This alone would give six thousand tons of freight.

Your correspondent has taken some pains to secure authentic notes upon which to base the following table showing the amount of freight estimated in tons, that has to be carried by the ordinary means of transportation to and from the railroad from different points of the county through which it is proposed to run this road. There is but one item in the table which is estimated upon the prospective demand, when the road is made - and that is iron ore - any one who is familiar with the character and quantity of the ore found on this route will say that seventy thousand tons is a very low estimate.

Flour 6,500 Grain 1,300 Whiskey 400 Lumber 1,500 Merchandize 1,250 Hay 2,000 Coal-anthracite 20,000 Coal-bitumen's 500 Pig iron 60,000 Other iron and castings 10,000 Iron ore 70,000 Lime 500 Manufactures 1,500 Live stock 1,400 Other articles 900 Total 177,750

If we add one-third increase of freight when the road is made, then we have an amount of tonnage as large as several roads of about the same length that are paying six percent on over three hundred thousand dollars capital stock. I believe there is not a doubt that this road, as a paying investment, will be good stock, and that it will be made within two years, I am equally sure. It is for the citizens of Chambersburg to determine by their action, within the next six weeks, whether they will have the point of connection at their place.

Attention Comrades
(Column 01)

Summary: This announcement invites local residents to join in decorating the graves of the dead from the Civil War.
(Names in announcement: F. S. Stumbaugh)

Full Text of Article:

Saturday, the 30th day of May, 1868, having been designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defence of their country during the late rebellion, all soldiers and sailors in the borough of Chambersburg and surrounding country, are cordially and earnestly invited to attend and participate in this patriotic ceremony, and also to attend a meeting of soldiers and sailors to be held in the Court House, Wednesday, evening, 27th inst., at 7 1/2 o'clock, for the purpose of making arrangements for such fitting services and testimonials of respect for our heroic dead, as may be deemed proper.

On Saturday, the 30th inst., at 7 o'clock, A.M., all soldiers and sailors desiring to participate will meet at the Court House, when they will be immediately formed, and headed by a band, will proceed to the cemetery and other grave yards, where the ceremonies will be had.

May we not hope that our patriotic ladies who so constantly cheered the braves while in the field, to greater deeds of valor, will not lend a helping hand, to garland the passionless mounds above our deceased comrades with the choicest flowers of Spring time. Join us then, soldiers, sailors and ladies, in doing homage to those of the Nation's defenders, who are no more.

F. S. STUMBAUGH, P. C.

P. S. - Sheriff Doebler has kindly tendered his office room in the Court House, to be used as a depository for such bouquets and flowers as the ladies may see proper to furnish. F.S.S.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: J. Madison Bell, the African American poet and orator from California, will give readings and recitations of original poems on June 1st in Repository Hall. The paper urges all persons of "taste and intelligence" to attend. Bell arrived in town unannounced last week and gave a thinly attended lecture, but followed up with an hour devoted to reading and recitation to a packed house. Chambersburg's "best citizens" invited him to give a repeat performance. "Mr. Bell is a polished scholar, a refined and elegant gentleman, whose labor is given to the amelioration of his race. His oratory is natural and impressive, his voice musical and full, and his poems are the production of a mature cultivated intellect, guided and directed by a philanthropic heart."

To Farmers and Horse Dealers
(Column 02)

Summary: Frank Miller, Chambersburg agent for the Great Western Insurance Company, recently reimbursed Dr. Suesserott for the death of a valuable horse which he had insured. Interested persons can purchase insurance from Miller or G. J. Balsley.
(Names in announcement: Frank Miller, Dr. Suesserott, G. J. Balsley)

Report of the Chambersburg Building Association
(Column 02)

Summary: This is a report of the Chambersburg Building Association, detailing its expenditures and assets.

Full Text of Article:

Report of the Chambersburg Building Association, from November 25th, 1867, to May 18th, 1868, six months:

Receipts for entrance fee $125.00 Receipts for transfer fee 18.00 Receipts for dues 6,443.85 Receipts for premium on forfeited shares 3.42 Receipts for interest 127.80 Receipts for fines 39.45 Receipts for premiums 2,442.25 Total 9,499.97 By amount paid Secretary 56.25 By amount paid Secretary Attorney 25.00 By amount paid Secretary for printing 59.75 By amount paid Secretary fitting up room 22.07 By amount paid Secretary recording charter 4.25 By amount paid Secretary 37 shares in full 9,250.00 Balance in hands of Treasurer 82.65 Total $9,299.97 Assets over liabilities $9,411.80 Amount paid on each share 13.00 Present value of each share 18.82

Supreme Court
(Column 02)

Summary: The following cases from Franklin County were decided in the Supreme Court: Helser vs. M'Grath, affirmed; Ritter vs. Downey, affirmed and appeal dismissed at cost of appellants; Wickey vs. Eyster, affirmed; Hetrick vs. Smith, affirmed; Hughes vs. Oaks, affirmed; Cumberland Valley Railroad Company vs. M'Lanahan, reversed and venire de noco awarded; Schlosser vs. Sollenberger, reversed; Knepper vs. Kurtz, affirmed.

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

Summary: Dr. Edmund Culbertson of Columbus Lodge No. 75 of Chambersburg was elected District Deputy of the county at a meeting of the Lodges of Odd Fellows of Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Edmund Culbertson)

Entertainment
(Column 02)

Summary: C. B. Howard, "a talented and popular young tragedian" will perform in Repository Hall.

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: James Murray and Miss Elizabeth Gosshorn, both of Franklin, were married at Shade Gap on May 21st by the Rev. W. C. Kuhn.
(Names in announcement: James Murray, Elizabeth Gosshorn, Rev. W. C. Kuhn)