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Franklin Repository: December 16, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The President's Message
(Column 01)

Summary: The editor mocks President Johnson's last message to Congress and is thankful it is the last one from him. He especially criticized Johnson's negative comments on Reconstruction policies and proposals for repudiation of the debt.

Full Text of Article:

To-day a week ago President Johnson submitted his annual message to Congress. Being the last time he had the legal right to bore Congress and insult the people his message was looked for with even more than ordinary curiosity. Of course when he becomes, as he soon will, a private citizen, no one will care to listen to what Johnson, the tailor, or even the accidental ex-President, may have to say on the affairs of the Union. But the people repudiated him at the polls last fall, as they did in 1866, and endorsed the action of Congress in every measure wherein Congress had found itself compelled to differ from him. And it is barely probable, thought some, that in his last message the President may abstain from his disgusting abuse of Congress and stop his blind appeals to the people who have condemned him and all his official acts, every time he has appealed from Congress to the polls. Hence the desire to see what he had to say.

Except in the matter of Reconstruction, the message covers the same ground of all former Presidential productions written in peace times. The finances our foreign relations, Indian affairs and other matters receive their share of consideration. But it is in the discussion of Reconstruction by Congress and in the view taken of the financial field, that he out Johnson's Johnson. In these he exceeds the expectations of even the most sanguine, and he embraces the opportunity afforded by the message to scold Congress, and through them the people, for disposing of "My Policy" and electing Grant.

The inmate of a lunatic asylum explained his confinement by saying that there was a slight difference of opinion between his neighbors and himself, the former all believing him insane while he was fully satisfied that the whole community was crazy except himself. The majority carried, as in most cases it does, and he found himself in confinement though still unconvinced. This is precisely the relation of Johnson and the people. In spite of themselves he means to warn them against their mad freaks, as he believes them, no matter how often they refuse to hearken. He begins by referring to his duty to call attention to the state of the Union, and its continued disorganized condition under the various laws which have been passed upon the subject of reconstruction.

As more than half of the reconstructed States, and nearly all those that were not included in its provisions, have approved Congressional reconstruction, this declaration is refreshing at least, especially as the only opposition to it came from active rebels, encouraged and aided by the administration. Referring to unjust and arbitrary legislation and the unrelenting decrees of despotic rulers as the greatest wrongs that can be inflicted upon a people, he says that "the legislator and ruler who has the wisdom and magnanimity to retrace his steps, when convinced of error, will sooner or later be rewarded with the respect and gratitude of an intelligent people." This is well said, and prepares one to expect that at last he has learned to submit to, if not to respect, the will of the people. But it is a mistaken expectation. He hastens to add that our own history, during the last three years, gives abundant proof that all our domestic trouble is directly traceable to violations of the organic act and excessive legislation. Here, of course, the people, who think that our domestic trouble is due to slavery and the rebellion are, from Johnson's stand point, all crazy, and he alone is sane. They rejected such false and contemptible sentiments in the most decided manner before this his last utterance of them, and yet, in the narrowness of his blind and bigoted soul, he forgets the rebellion and the causes which led to it, his own open sympathy with its leaders during the last three years, his encouragement of all the riots and lawlessness and bloodshed which have almost made the South a waste his manifest desire to instigate a war of races between the whites and blacks of the South, and tells Congress that the Reconstruction measures have failed, and "that legislation which has produced such fearful consequences should be abrogated."

His message suggests one satisfactory emotion to all loyal hearts, at least, that of unalloyed thankfulness that this is the last of Johnson.

In his discussion of the finances of the country is an elaborate statement showing the relative growth of the yearly expenditures of the Government since it began with the increase of population. The result shows that the expenditures have incresed in a much greater ratio than has the population, and that at the same relative rate it will eventually lead to bankruptcy. He does not make any allowance however for the interest on the war debt, and the necessary expenditure resulting from the war, independent of the war debt itself, which may not be wholly obviated for several years. Nor does he deem it worth the while to mention that the yearly expenditures of the Government, independent of those things made necessary by the war, is less to-day than it was during Buchannan's administration. It might be justly added, too, that wherein he charges Congress with extravagance, he does not see fit to tell that the appropriations asked by the different departments of his administration have been cut down in most cases nearly one-half.

In the matter of the payment of the public debt the President has an idea both startling and original. It is well that it comes from the expiring administration and not from the new one.--Among the various plans proposed for relief from its burden, it is not surprising that he who has been false in all else should aspire to be the champion of bad faith to the Nation's creditors. It is left for Johnson to urge and recommend, in a grave message, simple and unadorned repudiation. We have seen the same thing in all sorts of disguises before, but never has it presented itself in its native ugliness, as it does in his hands. There is no mistaking this:

Our national credit should be sacredly observed; but in making provision for our creditors we should not forget what is due to the mosses of the people. It may be assumed that the holders of our securities have already received upon their bonds a larger amount than their original investment, measured by a gold standard. Upon this statement of facts it would seem but just and equitable that the six per cent, interest now paid by the Government should be applied to the reduction of the principal in semi-annual instalments, which in sixteen years and eight months would liquidate the entire national debt. Six per cent in gold would at present rates be equal to nine per cent in currency, and equivalent to the payment of the debt one and a half times in a fraction less than seventeen years. This in connection with all the other advantages derived from their investment, would efford to the public creditors a fair and liberal compensation for the use of their capital, and with this they should be satisfied. The lessons of the past admonish the lender that it is not well to be over-anxious in exacting from the borrow rigid compliance with the letter of the bond.

So much for the official end of a bad man.

For the information needed as to the various Departments of the Government, the President refers briefly to the reports of their various heads. Our relations with foreign nations are said to be promising, and hopes are expressed for the satisfactory adjustment of the difficulties so long pending with some of them. But apart from the questions of Reconstruction and the payment of the public debt, there is little of interest to be found in the message.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper supports the Senate's decision to allow President Johnson to deliver his address. "The time has past when their is sense or capital in flaring up at Andrew Johnson."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper assures readers that those who purchase life insurance will not be swindled. The editors endorse the National Life Insurance Company and point citizens to George Eyster, local agent.
(Names in announcement: George Eyster)

An Interesting Occasion
(Column 02)

Summary: The friends and relations of Mr. Joseph Snively, Sr., gathered at his home in Antrim to celebrate his 82nd birthday. "Mr. Snively is one of the oldest and best citizens of Franklin county. At one time he took quite a prominent part in public life, having been a member of the State Convention that formed our present constitution...Old as he is, he can read without glasses, enjoys excellent health and in many respects is apparently more youthful than many who are younger than him."
(Names in announcement: Joseph SnivelySr.)

Court Proceedings
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper gives a short account of business at the county court, where little happened this term because no cases were ready for trial.
(Names in announcement: Judge Rowe, Judge Ferguson, Judge Armstrong, John W. Skinner, Oliver S. Brown, Col. M'Gowan, John A. Hyssong, William U. Brewer)

Full Text of Article:

The December term of Court was opened on Monday morning last. His Honor Judge Rowe presided; Associate Judges Ferguson and Armstrong were present. The court called at 10:30 A.M. The forenoon was spent in hearing motions. But little was done in the afternoon, as the attorneys, owing to the absence of witnesses and for other reasons, had no cases ready for trial.

The Sheriff was ordered to notify the jurors summoned for the 4th of January not to attend, and another venire was ordered for the week commencing after the second week of the regular January term.

The case of John W. Skinner vs. Oliver S. Brown, was settled.

On Tuesday morning, Col. M'Gowan moved for the admission of John A. Hyssong and Wm. U. Brewer as members of the bar, both gentlemen having passed very creditable examinations.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Ladies' Mite Society of the M. E. Church will host a musical entertainment including speeches and dialogues on Christmas evening. Prof. Noftsker, the church choir, and students from the Sunday School will perform and speak. Tickets are 30 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. Proceeds will go toward re-furnishing the church.
(Names in announcement: Prof. Noftsker)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Monumental Association is working to prepare for the holiday fair that will be held in Repository Hall beginning December 22nd. Lady members are preparing "fancy work" and articles for sale. The association requests that "every community in the county that has lost any of its citizens in the late war would send the names of the dead to our office. Let the company, regiment, residence and manner of death accompany each name."

Arrests
(Column 02)

Summary: Chief of Police Houser arrested John Fulton on Friday night for stealing a trunk from Paxton's boot and shoe store. Charles King and John Shetter were also arrested for disorderly conduct.
(Names in announcement: Houser, John Fulton, Charles King, John Shetter)

Horticultural Society
(Column 02)

Summary: A number of citizens met to discuss forming a horticultural society. Permanent arrangements will be made in a meeting at the office of W. G. Reed on December 22nd.
(Names in announcement: W. G. Reed)

Installation Services
(Column 03)

Summary: Rev. Dr. Creigh presided over services at the Central Presbyterian Church held to install Rev. I. N. Hays as pastor. Other local ministers also preached.
(Names in announcement: Rev. I. N. Hays, Rev. Dr. Creigh, Rev. S. S. Mitchell, Rev. J. W. Wightman)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: E. W. Curriden, successor to S. S. Shyrock, has opened a large stock of holiday goods in his store.
(Names in announcement: E. W. Curriden, S. S. Shyrock)

Dead
(Column 03)

Summary: George Brindle, a "well known and highly esteemed citizen of Antrim," died at his residence on Sunday at age 69. "Mr. Brindle was one of our most thrifty farmers, and was known in that community as an upright business man and consistent Christian." His remains were interred in the Reformed Cemetery in Antrim.
(Names in announcement: George Brindle)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: W. C. Eyster will carry on the dry-goods business at the old stand of Eyster and Bro. He sold off all his old stock and has replaced it with entirely new offerings.
(Names in announcement: W. C. Eyster)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reports that the ordinance requiring residents to clean all snow off the pavements within three hours of accumulation will be strictly enforced to ensure safe town walkways.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Some citizens of Chambersburg have formed a dramatic association and will give a debut performance in January.

Temperance Lecture
(Column 03)

Summary: Rev. John Hunter will deliver a free lecture on temperance in the Court House on Thursday.
(Names in announcement: Rev. John Hunter)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Prof. J. H. Shumaker will lecture on "Manliness" in the school house in Greenvillage on December 18th.
(Names in announcement: Prof. J. H. Shumaker)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Joseph Grimes and Miss Susan Shaffer, both of Mont Alto, were married on December 1st by the Rev. J. G. Schaff.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Grimes, Susan Shaffer, Rev. J. G. Schaff)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Hezekiah Yauckey and Miss Margaret Elizabeth Kauffman, both from near New Guilford, were married at Feldman's Hotel on December 10th by the Rev. J. G. Schaff.
(Names in announcement: Hezekiah Yauckey, Margaret Elizabeth Kauffman, Rev. J. G. Schaff)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: M. B. Hassler and Mrs. Lizzie Byers, both of St. Thomas, were married in St. Thomas on December 6th by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: M. B. Hassler, Lizzie Byers, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Samuel Walter of Adams County and Miss Jennie Walter of St. Thomas were married on December 10th at the residence of Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Walter, Jennie Walter, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Adam Brindle and Mrs. Sarah M. Stoner were married near Mercersburg on December 10th by the Rev. Thomas Creigh.
(Names in announcement: Adam Brindle, Sarah M. Stoner, Rev. Thomas Creigh)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: Jacob Jarrett of Chambersburg died in Harrisburg on December 4th. He was 50 years old.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Jarrett)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Barbara Deckellmayer died at the residence of her son Joseph on December 14th. She was 82 years old.
(Names in announcement: Barbara Deckellmayer, Joseph Deckellmayer)

Died
(Column 03)

Summary: John A. Jones died in Path Valley on November 24th. He was 84 years old. "The deceased was born in 1784 in Culbertson's Row, this county, and was the father of twenty-four children."
(Names in announcement: John A. Jones)