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Franklin Repository: July 14, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

What Next?
(Column 01)

Summary: This article focuses on how the Republican pro-tariff policies are superior to Democratic free trade policies. It also mentions a belief that the Civil War ended all meaningful conflict between capital and labor and that there is now no distinction between any region of the country economically.

Full Text of Article:

In the future politics of our country the subject of protection to American industry is destined to become vital and engrossing. We speak of the near future, in this relation, and not of a distant, indistinct time in the next hundred years. Of logical necessity the fact of the existence of our government, at all, superseded the fact of its prosperity, and banished for the time being all consideration of the questions of protection to American Capital and Labor, and the free trade policy. This necessity exists no longer, and the material, industrial and social problems of our rapidly growing population, and the inexhaustible natural resources of our country, awakened to life and activity by what was accomplished when all our means were directed to the suppression of the rebellion, are impatient for solution.

Perhaps the most important revolutions wrought by the war, are those which scarcely received a thought during its progress. They were not the affirmation of the question of the perpetuity of governments by the people, or the practical realization of the theory that all men are equal, secured in the destruction of slavery, though these are the conditions of their success. The war has made the population of the United States one people, one in interest, one in aim and destiny. It has made them homogeneous, and forever banished the distinctions of North, South, East and West, except as geographical points. When slave labor was swallowed up in the war, the only real antagonism which existed in the country between labor and capital came to an end. The power of a class was broken, and logical hostility to the protection of American industry ceased. Whatever advocates and disciples the doctrine of free trade has to-day, they are to be found among those whose commercial relations with Europe put them in hostility to the best interests of the masses of the people, and those whom their sophistries have deceived.

The experience of the two great political parties may soon be that of all those which have preceded them. The work which the Republican party set out to do is well nigh completed. Perhaps but one thing yet remains for it to do, and its accomplishment is not even doubtful; we refer to the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment. Opposition on the part of the Democracy to this measure would be powerless to prevent its adoption, if made, but the signs of the times clearly show that their resistance from this time forth will be slight and unimportant. The negroes are soon destined to exercise the right of suffrage in Pennsylvania and all the free States, as well as in Virginia and the other States of the South. Many of them will vote with the Democratic party, doubtless, as well as with the Republican, when their right to vote is no longer imperilled by Democratic opposition. In the recent Virginia election many negroes voted with the Democrats against that clause of the Constitution disfranchising ex-rebels, though the radical Republicans were united in its favor. The opposition of the Democratic party to negro suffrage was genuine, but only so far as their belief that it would be used against themselves carried them. All else about the inferior and half savage negro exercising the same rights which white men do was the purest buncombe and balderdash, to be discarded whenever it was no longer needed. If the Democracy accept the situation, as these brief sentences have stated it, there is no longer any conflict between them and the Republicans upon any of the issues which have divided them since the election of Lincoln to the Presidency. Slavery is dead, secession is dead. All men are free and equal under the law without regard to color, race or previous condition.

Already both political parties see and feel the changed relations, and are adapting themselves to them. Naturally the Republican party are the champions of American labor and industry, and naturally free trade falls to the lot of the Democracy, who, as always in the past, follow with reluctant steps, the path opened by their more liberal opponents. Republican State Conventions declare in favor of protection. Those of Democratic faith reiterate their adherence to the old free trade dogma, with the same blindness which characterized their party during the war. As for example, two weeks ago the Democratic State Convention of Ohio pledged the party to the policy of striking down her most important productions by removing the fostering protection which had built them up. About the same time the National Convention of adopted Irish citizens;, at Chicago, pledged their influence among our Irish population to aid and encourage American industry, and denounced the free trade policy of the Democratic party, which, they declared, tended to enrich Great Britain, and impoverish their adopted country. The action of this Convention is significant, and shows clearly that our Irish population will no longer aid the prosperity of England by bigoted adherence to the Democratic party, when that party is inimical to the best interests of their adopted country.

Spanish Barbarity
(Column 02)

Summary: This report on the alleged execution of 100 Americans by the Spanish government in Cuba strongly condemns the Spanish regime.
(Names in announcement: Albert Wyeth, John Wyeth)

Full Text of Article:

The people of this country have had another instance of Spanish cruelty, in the late execution of one hundred Americans, by order of the Spanish authorities in Cuba. We know nothing of many of these men, not the circumstances attending their capture, but the fact that they have been shot down like dogs, without having committed any crime, arouses just indignation in the heart of every citizen of our Republic. Among those murdered was Albert Wyeth, aged about nineteen years, son of John Wyeth, Esq., of Chambersburg. The REPOSITORY a few weeks since, upon the authority of a member of the Cuban Junta of New York, and a dispatch from the Associated Press, announced the death of this young man. It appears, however, that an error had been made, for during the past ten days Mr. Wyeth, much to the joy of his family and friends, received a letter from his son, stating that he was a prisoner and as well treated as could be expected. He asked that summer clothing might be sent him, and expressed hopes of release from confinement. A second letter was received on Thursday evening of similar purport. On Saturday evening, however, an official dispatch from Washington brought the sad information that Albert Wyeth had been executed by his heartless captors. This young man had not intentionally violated any international laws, and was prepared to prove that he did not leave New York for the purpose of fillibustering. The Spaniards knew this and promised that he should have an opportunity of showing his innocence. The next day they murdered him without cause, and only to gratify their hellish thirst for blood and brutality which has characterized their vain effort to suppress the present revolution. Such fiendish acts as this will and ought to damn any cause. We hope the day may soon come when these deaths may be avenged, but in the meantime it will be the duty of the State Department at Washington to have these butcheries of American citizens thoroughly investigated.

Who are Carpet-Baggers?
(Column 02)

Summary: The article points out the inconsistency in the current popular definition of the term "carpet-bagger." Whereas it used to mean any Northerner who moved South, it now means only Republican Northerners.

Full Text of Article:

The country is greatly in need of a new political dictionary. Old things have passed away, and the new departure in Virginia politics requires new definitions for the proper understanding of its terms. Once a "carpet-bagger," as defined by Southern newspapers, meant an individual who settled in the South from any of the States which remained true to the Union. This we could understand. It was broad and distinctive. It made no confusion whatever, and though first applied as a term of reproach and abuse, it won a share of respectability from its application to many good and patriotic men, who were doing far more for the South than its own people were willing to do for themselves. Now we are taught differently. All Northern men who go South to live are not carpet-baggers, even though they take no trunk with them. A single plunge in the pool of Democratic politics, can wash "all his sins away" from the most odious Northerner, and make him white as Democratic wool. This creates confusion, and will until it becomes understood. The true rule is this. Only a Republican going South is a carpet-bagger now. Democrats never are; turncoats are not. So too with scalawags, who, we are happy to learn, are not necessarily wholly given up to the bad. The vilest sinner of them all may become a saint. Hunnicut, the Prince of Scalawags, is now a very Bayard of gentlemen and the purest and prettiest of politicians. But Hunnicut, from a dirty nigger worshipper has been transformed into a Democratic candidate for Congress. Hence Hunnicut, is no longer a scalawag. The Richmond Whig is our authority for saying that his standing in the Democratic party is as good as the best. How lovely are they whose feet walk in Democratic paths. Aye, even though still rank with the odor contracted by association with niggers.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The New York World, a Democratic paper, recently reported that Virginian Democrats reluctantly accepted "negro suffrage" as a fiat accompli and moved on to simply outvoting Republicans, resulting in Conservative control of the state. The Repository takes this acceptance of universal suffrage as a positive sign.

Full Text of Article:

The New York World - Democratic is engaged in the laudable but well nigh impossible task of reconciling the Caucassian Democrats to the necessity of swallowing some nigger with their Democracy, and advises them to disguise the dose, until they become strong enough to take it "plain." The advise sounds like the compromise the temperance lecturer made with principle, who thought that if his friends could introduce some gin into his glass "unbeknownst" to him, whilst he was lecturing, he might drink it with good effect to himself, and without prejudice to the cause. It says:

"In the election, on Tuesday, which resulted in the signal overthrow of the Radical party in part which may expose them to the censure of such of their brethren elsewhere as think in an abandonment, or, at least, a compromise, of principle, to forego a vigorous opposition to the negro voting. The Virginia Democrats formed an alliance, for this election, with a bolting section of the Republicans. For the sake of accomplishing other objects, deemed of more importance, they acquiesced in the bestowal of suffrage upon the negroes, at a time when that very question as to be decided by the adoption or rejection of a State Constitution proposing to confer the privilege. The Democrats of Virginia might, had they so chosen, have acted by themselves, and have recorded their indignant protest against the participation of the negroes in politics of the State. Instead of this, they judged it wiser to withdraw all further opposition to negro suffrage while the question was yet undecided, and cooperate with the Conservative Republicans in rescuing the State from the control of the Radicals. Whether this action was wise and sagacious is a question which challenges the consideration of Democrats in all parts of the country.

"We do not understand that the Democrats of Virginia intended to abandon any principle, or to renounce any opinion, which they have heretofore held. They think of negro suffrage as they have always thought - deeming it unwise, inexpedient, and fraught with danger to the State. But, on the other hand, they knew that, do what they would, they could not prevent it; and they asked themselves what they would gain by a futile and impotent protest of which the only effect would be to surrender the State to the control of the Radicals and negroes. Without professing any change of opinion, they consented to waive the question of negro suffrage, to accept a State Constitution which made the negroes all voters, and nullify, at least for the present the calamitous consequences of negro voting. The coalition has been successful, and the government of the State is rescued from the Radicals and negroes and placed in Conservative hands. Negro suffrage can work no great evil so long as the negroes and their Radical confederates are outvoted. The important question is not, Who vote ? but, Who are a majority? If the negroes and their allies were a majority, they would control the Government of the State; but, the Democrats and their allies being a majority, they control the State, and the negroes have no more effective power than if they did not vote at all.

This is very shrewd of the World, which sees the inevitable, but dare not brave the fury of its party by telling it plainly, what is the truth, that Impartial Suffrage is a fixed fact. In time, all in good time, the Democracy will learn it. It took the party a long time, and gave it many melancholy visages, before it learned that emancipation had been accomplished, but it believes it now. So it will believe this, at least some years after it has been in active force.

The Harrisburg Patriot, the leading Democratic paper of Pennsylvania, has already made one step forward, and has withdrawn all its objections to the XVth Amendment, urged on the ground that it gives negroes the right of suffrage, but still keeps up a show of opposition, because, as it says, it violates the reserved rights of the States.

Wouldn't it be as well to drop the whole thing at once?

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the registry law that Democrats had been denouncing. The editors assert that the law will ensure "an honest election next fall."

Medical Society
(Column 01)

Summary: The Franklin County Medical Society met in Chambersburg on July 6th. Resolutions were passed expressing sympathy upon the deaths of Dr. E. D. Rankin of Greencastle and Dr. J. S. King of Mercersburg. Dr. Samuel G. Lane was chosen to read an essay at the next meeting.
(Names in announcement: Dr. E. D. Rankin, Dr. J. S. King, Dr. Samuel G. Lane)

Supreme Court Proceedings
(Column 01)

Summary: Two Franklin County cases were decided by the Supreme Court: Horner's executor vs M'Gaughey, judgement affirmed; Pritchett, Baugh and Co. vs Jacob B. Cook, judgement affirmed; Smith vs Austin, judgement reversed.
(Names in announcement: Horner, M'Gaughey, Pritchett, Baugh, Jacob B. Cook, Smith, Austin)

Stolen
(Column 01)

Summary: Thieves stole horses from Jacob Strickler and Samuel Lamy. The paper gives descriptions of the lost animals.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Strickler, Samuel Lamy)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The devotion of the Forty Hours was recently held in the Catholic Church of Chambersburg, Rev. Edward O. Field, pastor. The altar was decorated with wreaths compliments of the Ryder Nursery Association, and the choir was excellent.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Edward O. Field)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: John M. Cooper has sold his interest in the Valley Spirit. Duncan and Stenger will remain as proprietors. The editors of the Repository have only good things to say about Cooper "in every respect, save that of editor of an organ whose political principles are damnable."
(Names in announcement: John M. Cooper, Duncan, Stenger)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Rev. Charles G. Fisher, formerly of Chambersburg, was installed as pastor of Boehm's Reformed Church in Montgomery County on June 20th.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Charles G. Fisher)

Another Methodist Church
(Column 02)

Summary: Presiding Elder Kerns held a meeting of the quarterly conference of the M. E. Church of Chambersburg on Saturday. Permission was granted to a group to form a new branch of the society in town.
(Names in announcement: Elder Kerns)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The members of the Chambersburg German Building Association elected officers on July 5th.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Shafer, F. X. Deckellmayer, George Beitsch, John R. Orr, Casper Wickey, Frank Elliott, Peter Kreighbaum, Calvin Gilbert, John R. Orr)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: John R. Turner, a well-known building contractor in the Valley, was arrested in Carlisle by officer Houser on the charge of forging a judgement note for $6,800 on Henry Shepler of Chambersburg. Turner posted $2,000 bail and will appear in court during the next term.
(Names in announcement: John R. Turner, Houser, Henry Shepler)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Rev. C. P. Krauth of Philadelphia will administer Holy Communion in the German Reformed Church on Sunday.
(Names in announcement: Rev. C. P. Krauth)

Religious Notice
(Column 03)

Summary: Rev. Randolph White of Illinois will preach on Sunday in the Church of God Bethel.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The town of Greencastle bought a clock for $950. L. H. Fletcher deserves credit for the purchase.
(Names in announcement: L. H. Fletcher)

Lutheran Church
(Column 03)

Summary: Rev. J. A. Kunkelman, former pastor of the Lutheran Church, will preach on Sunday morning and Rev. C. P. Krauth of Philadelphia on Sunday evening.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. A. Kunkelman)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Rev. Jacob Hassler of Shippensburg has accepted a call from the German Reformed Churches of Funkstown, Boonsboro, Mt. Moriah, and Sharpsburg, Maryland.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Jacob Hassler)