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Franklin Repository: September 23, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Republican Mass Meeting. The Victory of Vermont Celebrated. The Boys in Blue Present. Hartranft, Campbell, and Cessna
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces that a mass meeting will be held on September 25th to support the Republican county ticket. The Boys in Blue will attend, and all will celebrate the recent victories in Vermont.
(Names in announcement: Gen. Hartranft, Gen. Campbell, John Cessna, Henry S. Wilson, W. H. Burleigh, John Cessna, Edward M'Pherson, S. F. Greenawalt)

The Mass Meeting
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reminds readers that the Republican mass meeting will go forward on the 25th. It promises to be the largest meeting that Franklin County has witnessed in quite some time. Speakers will stress the importance of the upcoming election. "Let every loyal man in the county give one day at least to the cause of the country. Better let the plow stand idle in the furrow for one day, than by your indifference endanger the cause of Right."

From Maine
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper celebrates Republican victories in recent state elections in Vermont and Maine. "It bore on the breeze the same message to all, to the patriotic and to the disloyal, to the veteran soldier and to the veteran traitor. To the one it was confirmation beyond all doubt that the universal sentiment of the loyal masses, who brought the rebellion to a successful and glorious issue is still true to the principles upon which that rebellion was fought. To the other it was confirmation no less sure that treason, whether in arms or under the thin disguise of Democracy, is as odious as when Lee surrendered to our Matchless Chieftain."

Senatorial Contest and the Candidates
(Column 04)

Summary: The Repository throws its support behind Dixon rather than Duncan for Senate, basing this support on his war record. Duncan, it continues, is an able lawyer but was against the war and is not worthy of the office.

Full Text of Article:

We trust our friends are sufficiently alive to the great importance of the senatorial contest in this district. The coming legislature will have a United States Senator to elect in the place of Mr. Buckalew, whose term has been a stigma upon the loyal reputation of the State. We have been unfortunate in losing several districts in late elections, so that the Senate is in danger of falling into the hands of the opposition, which would seriously embarrass legislation and thwart measures approved by the sentiment of the people. It would be lamentable if a party so capable of mischief, and whose record is so unpatriotic and shameless, were to get control of a branch of the legislature, whereby they might lock the wheels of the government at their wicked will. Every thoughtful Republican will see the danger we allude to, and will use special effort to prevent its occurrence. This district is a close one, but honest and faithful work will save it to us. We should labor zealously for the sake of the interests at stake; and we should labor heartily for the sake of the gallant and most worthy gentlemen, whom we have asked with unexampled unanimity to be our representative. He is not on our ticket by his own seeking, or from his own choice. In his case emphatically, "the office sought the man," and we owe it to him, whom we found quietly attending to his own business, without political aspirations and with a native aversion to partizan ambitions - we owe it to him to struggle with special energy to justify the county convention in asking him to serve the country once more "for three years." In Gen. Dixon we have a candidate in every regard worthy of our support. The meanest of his opponents dare not question his integrity. He is a man upon whom the shadow of reproach never rested - plain, quiet, open, honest, just such a legislator as the times demand. There is a general feeling in this country that our legislatures have been too often afflicted by politicians who have been tainted by corruption in office, and that reform is needed in our legislative halls - that a seat in the Assembly has been sought for dishonest purposes, not as a post of honorable distinction, or for the end of serving the people. We point the friends of reform to Gen. Dixon, and bid them "go, mark him well." True, the General is not a lawyer: but we are not convinced that a knowledge of how to draw up an indictment, or to fit together pieces of evidence so as to convict under a given statute, is what is needed for a legislator: a man may know all this and be a miserable pettifogger, the least to be trusted member of a community.

Candid men of all parties admit the fitness of Gen. Dixon for the position. This is enough to secure him a full vote. But he has more than fitness to commend him. He has claims upon the gratitude of the people for his gallant services in the field during the rebellion. He was a prominent and distinguished officer in that body of heroic men, whose achievements on so many bloody battlefields gave such lustre to the fame of the soldiers of Pennsylvania. Wherever the history of the Pennsylvania Reserves is known, Gen. Dixon will need no voice to sound his praise. His company joined the Sixth Regiment in Harrisburg in June, 1861, having participated in almost all of the fierce battles and wearisome marches of the Army of the Potomac, beginning with the triumph at Drainesville and ending their services with the decided victory at Bethsaida Church, in the Wilderness campaign, after their term of enlistment had expired. Men of the Reserve Corps are living among us, and we refer to them, whoever may inquire of the military or personal character of Gen. Dixon. We of Franklin are proud of our soldier citizen, - Adams, our associate in the Senatorial district, owes him a debt of gratitude which it were a damning shame if she did not seek to repay. As long as the Round Tops lift up their heads above that memorable field of glory, which has given Adams county a name in the world's annals forever, they will be monuments of the valor of the Division which saved the fight; and we will not believe that the men of Adams will turn to disgrace the opportunity of rewarding a soldier who so largely participated in "that glorious day's renown." To save your property, your families, your own persons, fellow-citizens of Adams, Col. Dixon ventured his own life upon your son - can you vote against him, in return? Such of you as wished Lee as your master may; those whose hearts sank when Reynolds fell - Reynolds who was so long the immediate commander and personal friend of Dixon - must be perverted from all good impulses, if you can.

The opponent of General Dixon is happily selected. The rival candidates have nothing in common. No man can lean to both. Mr. Duncan is a professional politician, a member of a family of politicians. As a man, we respect and like him; as a private citizen, no person can rightfully object to him. He is a lawyer of good standing at our bar; and, we believe, can render as valuable services to any unfortunate who is involved in the administration of the law as any of his professional brethren. During the rebellion, he and Col. Dixon fought upon opposite sides - the Col's enemies were clothed in gray; and murdered, and poisoned, and starved "the boys in blue;" Mr. Duncan's foes were they who "rallied around the flag," whether borne in the smoke of battle, or among those at home whose hearts yearned for the brave men at the post of danger and glory. Mr. Duncan had no stomach for soldiering, and no pride in the soldier's cause. His voice was not for the war. He opposed it manfully. He opposed all who favored it. Vallandigham was his type of a statesman then, Seymour and Forrest are now. He is a constant in his love and practice - he may be relied upon in his hostility to suppressors of the rebellion. And he has had his reward. The party which would have given up the Union when the war was just closing in success, chose him three years ago as its standard bearer; the same party which finds its models of patriots, statesmen and soldiers in men steeped in the blood of loyal citizens, choose him now as their pet representative. Then he claimed his election by the votes of deserters; now, he would add to his peace-men and deserter voters as many "boys in blue" as may be deluded to follow him.

Fellow citizens, can you mistake your duty in your vote for Senator? Soldiers, will you go back upon your record? How many of M'Causland's men, could they vote at our polls, would have General Dixon's name on their ticket? How many would not have Calvin Duncan's?

Answer, and govern yourselves accordingly in October!

The Proposed Female College
(Column 05)

Summary: The paper urges the citizens of Chambersburg to raise money to support a bid to locate in town a women's college proposed by the local Presbytery. The editors stress the beneficial economic impact the school would have on the community. Greencastle has reportedly raised $8,000, Chambersburg $2,500, and Gettysburg is moving to take action. Chambersburg must attempt to beat its competitors.

The New Road Law
(Column 05)

Summary: The paper takes no stand on the proposed new county road law, but urges citizens to make up their own minds and vote accordingly.

[No Title]
(Column 05)

Summary: The paper criticizes Democrats for obstructing efforts to institute one national currency, but now supporting the endeavor in their party platform.

[No Title]
(Column 06)

Summary: This article mocks the recent parade of "Fantasticals," hardline Democrats who are strongly against Reconstruction. The article casts them as parodies of Democrats and the author laughs at their mottos.

Full Text of Article:

The "Fantasticals" had a grand parade on Friday night last, in honor of the victory in Maine. It was a most ludicrous spectacle and evidently intended to burlesque the Democracy. About eight or nine o'clock they formed in the Diamond with Chinese lanterns, on which were inscribed "Seymour and Blair," and with transparencies bearing the following ludicrous mottoes: "Abolish the Freedman's Bureau and pay the debt," "Vote against the Congress that gives millions to niggers but nothing to burnt out white people," "White men made this Government, and white men should administer it," "No negro suffrage: No negro office holders," "Republican majority in Maine reduced to 23,000. Hurrah for Maine."

The burlesque was so capital, and withal so funny, that one could scarcely held believing it to be a real Democratic demonstration. The Teutonic element was largely brought out in the display, and in the parade which followed, repeated cheers were heard for "Simoyer." When the procession returned to the square, a speech was loudly and vehemently called for, until at length one of the number was introduced as a distinguished Democrat of our borough, whose devotion to the p-a-r-t-y was guaranteed by many years of laborious and painstaking and poetical speeches made in its service. This was doubtless the most humorous feature of the evening and the speaker didn't look unlike the gentleman whom he personated. He began by expressing his regret that Democrats were so much more numerous than Chinese lanterns, but hoped on future occasions the supply of the latter might be equal to the demand. However, said the orator, inspired by the occasion with genuine Miltonian frenzy, if we have not lamps enough, snatch a Star-r-r-r from the sky and light you on to Democratic victory, over the uncivilized African who is trampling the noble Anglo-Saxon under his heel; and the welkin rang with cheers, and the Teutonic shouts for "Simoyer" rent the air, and the horns blowed, and the dogs barked, and the crowd dispersed, and altogether they behaved as much like Democrats as any thing so broadly farcical possibly could do.

[No Title]
(Column 06)

Summary: The paper urges citizens to attend the upcoming mass meeting to kick off the campaign. Prominent men will speak, including many "gallant Union Soldiers." The editors believe the political prospect looks encouraging.

[No Title]
(Column 07)

Summary: The paper rhetorically asks why veterans should vote for Seymour over Grant. It points out that Seymour tried to stop the draft rioters in New York by promising to stop the draft, which the paper sees as jeopardizing the Union.

Full Text of Article:

Fifteen hundred honorably discharged soldiers of Franklin county want to know what Seymour ever did for the country or the soldiers that would justify them in voting for him against the hero of the war, General Grant. They also want to know on what principle of patriotism and loyalty he encouraged the draft rioters in New York and promised them to stop the draft when the life of the nation was in fearful jeopardy from rebel armies, and the loyal forces had been greatly reduced by battles and disease? The Spirit can perhaps tell.

Republican County Meetings
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper prints a schedule of Republican rallies throughout Franklin County. The article also includes a list of probable speakers.
(Names in announcement: Louis W. Hall, J. B. Cessna, George W. Z. Black, Col. A. K. M'Clure, Col. George B. Wiestling, Col. F. S. Stumbaugh, W. U. Brewer, W. Adams, Lyman S. Clarke, E. J. Bonebrake, George Chambers, Jere Cook, Jacob Eby, H. Gehr, John D. DeGolley, S. Wilson Hays, P. Hamman, George Eyster, Frederick Henninger, I. H. M'Cauley, Joseph M. M'Clure, John Stewart, Theodore M'Gowan, T. M. Mahon, S. F. Greenawalt)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Boys in Blue publish a program for the torchlight procession planned for September 25th. The Grant and Colfax Club and the Republican Invincibles will also be participating in activities. The paper urges citizens to join the parade: "Let every one having the interest of the country and the success of his cherished principles of Free Speech, a Free Press and Freedom from Maine to Georgia, turn out. Turn out and thank God that you live in freedom-loving Pennsylvania, and not in rebel eighty thousand Democratic majority in Kentucky, where the assassin's knife, the halter or the bullet is now the reward of Union soldiers for honorable service in defence of their country, or of quiet, peaceable citizens for daring to think treason odious. Turn out now as you will on election day, and let Democrats, Locofocos, Copperheads, Ku Kluxes and Rebels, 'many in one,' stand from under."
(Names in announcement: Col. F. S. Stumbaugh, Col. Joseph A. Davison, Maj. John Doebler, Maj. Luther B. Kurtz, Capt. James C. Patton, Capt. William Burgess, Capt. William Skinner, Lt. Walter Crawford)

Speakers for Republican Meetings
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper prints a schedule and list of speakers for upcoming Republican rallies in Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: I. H. M'Cauley, George Eyster, Jere Cook, John Cessna, Col. G. B. Weistling, Stewart, J. M. M'Dowell, P. Hamman, Volney Rogers, Bonebrake, M'Gowan, Stumbaugh, Cook, Eby, Henninger, Eyster, Louis W. Hall, George Chambers)

A Fatal Affray
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports on an incident between Republicans and Democrats, crossing paths from their rallies in Waynesboro and Greencastle, that resulted in a fatal shooting. The author describes the incident such that it seems to have been an accident; the shooter, a Republican, claims that he was only firing into the air to scare off the Democrats.

Full Text of Article:

On last Saturday evening the Democrats held a meeting at Greencastle, and the Republicans one at Waynesboro. On returning from the meeting at Waynesboro, the Republicans encountered some ten or twelve Democrats returning on horse back from the Greencastle meeting. As the Democrats passed along the line of wagons filled with Republicans, the former employed their time in striking at the lighted torches carried by the latter, and otherwise acting in such a manner as to create a fear with many that they would be injured. Finally the Democrats surrounded and attacked a carriage containing four Republicans, when George Benner, in the carriage, fired a pistol, instantly killing a young man named Lechrone, residing near Waynesboro. A gentleman by the name of Adams, who was riding with Benner, said "why, Benner, you might shoot some one." "No danger of that," Benner replied, "as I fired into the air for the purpose of frightening them off." It was not until they reached Shady Grove, about a mile from where the shooting occurred, that they learned Lechrone had been killed. Benner at once proceeded to Greencastle and handed himself over to the authorities. He was brought to Chambersburg on Sabbath morning, and placed in jail.

Torchlight Procession
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports on a recent Republican rally in Chambersburg in response to Republican victories in Maine. It describes the march of several groups and applauds the vigor shown by the assembly.

Full Text of Article:

The "Boys in Blue" and the Grant and Colfax Club of Chambersburg had a grand torch light procession on Tuesday evening, the 15th inst., in honor of the great Republican victory in Maine. Over three hundred men turned out with torches. There was no effort made to have a large crowd, or the number could have been doubled. The "Boys in Blue" formed in front of Repository Hall, in command of their Marshal, Col. F. S. Stumbaugh, where they received their torches. They then marched up Front street to the South Ward, where they met the Grant and Colfax Club in charge of its President, Harry Stoner, Esq. The two bodies then united, and marched through the principle streets of our borough. Cheers were frequently given for our next President and Vice President, Grant and Colfax, for Maine, Vermont, and our state, District and County Tickets. Our patriotic ladies welcomed these loyal men by the waving of handkerchiefs and their presence at doors and windows all along the route. After their return to the Court House appropriate remarks were made by I. H. M'Cauley, Esq. This demonstration was a success and showed signs of activity and earnestness on the part of Republicans that mark the defeat of our opponents in Franklin county.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: This short article attacks the Democrats for having a rowdy meeting in Greencastle recently. It accuses them of drunkenness and shooting an old man from a moving train.

Full Text of Article:

The Democracy have no reason to congratulate themselves on their meeting in Greencastle on Saturday evening last. We are informed that from the time they reached the town until they left, they made the streets echo and re echo with their drunken yells. The hotel keepers closed the bars against them. It was almost impossible to hear the speakers, who attempted to address the meeting, on account of the noise and confusion caused by these Seymourites. The good citizens living along Railroad street felt compelled to close their windows and doors as the train left for Chambersburg, fearing that stones might be hurled into them from the cars. One inoffensive quiet old gentleman, who was watching the cars pass, was shot at from a car-window and narrowly escaped being killed, as the ball in its course almost touched the back of his neck. A few more assemblages of this kind will give the Republican ticket at least 150 majority in Antrim.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Boys in Blue of Waynesboro, Greencastle, and Quincy held a grand torchlight procession in Waynesboro on September 19th. They were joined by the Grant and Colfax clubs of Washington, Antrim, and Quincy. "Washington township is fully aroused and will give a handsome majority for our ticket."
(Names in announcement: John Walter, Abram Barr, Volney Rogers, Dr. W. M. Wright, Col. G. B. Wiestling, John D. DeGolly)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper asserts that several horses belonging to Mr. Royer were injured by the extra train returning from the Democratic meeting in Greencastle. The paper charges that Democratic revelers committed "many outrageous acts" that evening that included the decapitation of a dead horse. The head was allegedly carried through the train to the "great enjoyment" of party members.

The Mass Meeting
(Column 02)

Summary: Men have been selected to take charge of the procession at the Republican mass meeting.
(Names in announcement: Col. John L. Ritchey, Capt. John Doebler, Maj. L. B. Kurtz, Sgt. Samuel M'Gowan, William Forbes, John Link, John M. M'Dowell, Leonard Ebbert, William Gelwicks, James King)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Col. O. N. Lull, superintendent of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, announces that tickets will be made available half-price to the Boys in Blue and other veterans who wish to attend the Soldiers' and Sailors' Mass Meeting in Philadelphia.
(Names in announcement: Col. O. N. Lull)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The members of the Grant and Colfax Club of Scotland turned out in full force on Friday. Several speakers addressed the crowd.
(Names in announcement: S. W. Hays, Fred Henninger, Thad M. Mahon)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: Henery Grove, formerly of Franklin, died in Adams County on September 7th. He was 68 years old.
(Names in announcement: Henery Grove)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: Mary Elizabeth Rhodes died near Chambersburg on August 28th. She was 33 years old. "Her end was peace."
(Names in announcement: Mary Elizabeth Rhodes)