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Franklin Repository: September 15, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Township Elections
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reminds Republicans of the importance of the upcoming township elections. Tickets must be printed and distributed in time for the general election--the second Tuesday in October.

Our County Poor House
(Column 01)

Summary: The Repository accuses Democratic directors of mismanaging the county poor house. The article includes statistics for the institution for the past decade.

Full Text of Article: Our County Poor House, p 2, c 1-2

The expense of maintaining this institution is, undeniably, becoming a great charge to our taxpayers--much heavier indeed than they generally think. The cost has been gradually increasing year after year, while the number of paupers maintained has not increased in proportion. During the times of high prices caused by the war, there was a reason for this increase of cost; but now that the prices of everything entering into the support of the inmates of this institution have so greatly fallen, there ought to be a corresponding reduction of expenses, unless indeed there is some waste or mismanagement somewhere. That there is some such mismanagement we are forced to believe, and we are therefore impelled to call the attention of our people to it. The majority of the Directors are now, and have been since the first of last January, Democratic, and therefore upon that party rests the responsibility of showing why these things are so.

For the purpose of showing the cost of the maintenance of this institution in past years, we have prepared the following tables, showing the amount expended each year since 1854--the number of paupers in the institution on the first of January of each year--the average number maintained during the year--and the cost of keeping each pauper during each year. The value of the articles produced on the farm in 1868, was, in round numbers, about $3,000--taking them at their cash value in that year. They were all consumed, and their value must of course be added to the money expended in order to get at the cost of keeping up the institution.

Prior to 1862, when prices were low, we estimate the produce of the farm at only half this sum each year, viz: $1,500, and have added that amount annually to the money expended. This we think is not unreasonable, and the following is the result:

1856, Money expended $4,178.97 Produce of farm 1,500.00 Total $5,678.97 Paupers in house 1st January, 1857 116 Average during year 1856 112 Cost of each pauper per year $50.70 1857. Money expended $5,726.58 Produce of farm 1,500.00 Total $7,226.58 Paupers in house 1st January, 1858 97 Average during year 1857 120 Cost of each pauper per year $60.22 1858. Money expended $7,052.07 Produce of farm 1,500.00 Total $8,552.07 Paupers in house 1st January, 1859 106 Average during year 1858 95 Cost of each pauper per year $90.20 1859. Money Expended $8,153.99 Produce of farm 1,500.00 Total $9,653.99 Paupers in house 1st January 1860 115 Average during year 1859 145 Cost of each pauper per year $66.58 1860. Money expended $7,235.25 Produce of farm 1,500.00 Total $8,735.25 Paupers in house 1st January, 1861 145 Average during year 1860 108 Cost of each pauper per year $80.88 1861. Money expended $7,729.26 Produce of farm 1,500.00 Total $9,229.26 Paupers in house 1st January, 1862 131 Average during year 1861 125 Cost of each pauper per year $73.81 1862. Money expended $7,875.30 Produce of farm 3,000 Total $10,875.30 Paupers in house 1st January, 1863 111 Average during year 1862 103 Cost of each pauper per year $105.58 1863. Money expended $7,999.97 Produce of farm 3,000.00 Total $10,999.97 Paupers in house 1st January, 1864 114 Average during year 1863 111 Cost of each pauper per year $99.09 1864. Money expended $13,187.50 Produce of farm 3,000 Total $16,187.50 Paupers in house 1st January, 1865 105 Average during year 1864 97 Cost of each pauper per year $166.88 1865. Money expended $14,089.12 Produce of farm 3,000.00 Total $17,089.12 Paupers in house 1st January, 1866 108 Average during year 1865 108 Cost of each pauper per year $154.53 1866. Money expended $15,445.55 Produce of farm 3,000 Total $18,445.55 Paupers in house 1st January, 1867 127 Average during year 1866 111 Cost of each pauper per year $166.17 1867. Money expended $15,430.51 Produce of farm 3,000 Total $18,430.51 Paupers in house 1st January, 1868 115 Average during year 1867 111 Cost of each pauper per year $166.37 1868. Money expended $13,477.42 Produce of farm 3,000 Total $16,477.42 Paupers in house 1st January, 1869 138 Average during year 1868 113 Cost of each pauper per year $145.82

These tables are made up from the published annual statements of the Directors of the Poor, and they show that the expenses of our Poor House are now three times as much each year, as they were twelve years ago; and that whilst in 1856 it cost $50.00 to keep a pauper one year, it now costs over $150.00 to do the same thing. The greatest increase of cost was during the years 1864-5--the years of the war--and perhaps a like expenditure could not have been avoided during the high prices which prevailed in 1866-7-8. In the latter year the expenses of the institution were reduced about $2,000, under the management of that "good and faithful Steward" David Piper, to correspond with the fall of prices generally; but if under the present Democratic management they go on increasing as they have since February last, when the Democracy got control of the Board, they will exceed $21,000 by the 1st of January, 1870.

Last year (1868) the Directors drew $12,790.00 from the county as follows:

In January $1,800 February 1,160 March 1,030 April 1,400 May 730 June 1,300 July 1,120 August 1,150 September 575 October 950 November 690 December 885 Total $12,790

This year (1869) the Directors started with a balance in the hands of their Treasurer on settlement of $576.10, and they have drawn the following additional sums from the County Treasury, viz:

In January $1,530.00 February 840.00 March 925.00 April 2,280.00 May 1,400.00 June 1,720.00 July 1,560.00 August 882.00 September 2,200.00 Balance 576.10 Total $13,913.10

Beside this they have received some six hundred dollars, or more, from other sources.

Now, tax payers of Franklin county, what do you think of this sample of Democratic economy>? How do you like the way your Democratic Directors are making your money fly? In eight months time they have already drawn from the county treasury, and from other sources, more money than was expended by their Republican predecessors during the whole of the preceeding year; and at the same rate of expenditure for the unexpired three months of the year, including the proceeds of the poor house farm, the total cost of the institution will not be less than $21,000 or $22,000. Think of it fellow citizens! and if you desire to bring the expenses of this necessary and useful institution back to what they should be, and secure a certain future reduction in every thing about it, go to the polls on Tuesday of next month and cast your votes for that practical farmer, JOHN FREY, of Green township. If you elect him to a seat in your Board of Poor Directors you may rest assured there will be no waste or mismanagement of your funds during his term of office.

We believe that the Poor House farm has been a decided failure financially. The land is very broken, and hard to farm. Many years it has not produced the interest of three per cent, upon its cost; and year after year produce of every kind, both for the support of man and beast has been purchased at a heavy expense. At the present time, we are informed, that two farm hands are employed to work the land, in addition to the labor of the paupers, at a cost of $20.00 per month each, and their boarding. This we think is a useless and unnecessary expenditure, and one that the Directors are not justified in making. Certainly one such hand should, with the assistance of the able bodied paupers in the institution, be able to do all the work on the farm and thus save the $300 per year expended upon the other hand.

The best interests of the county would, in our opinion, be subserved by selling all of the land attached to the Poor House, except about forty or fifty acres just around the buildings. There are, we are told, some 210 or 220 acres in the tract. One hundred and seventy or eighty of these might be sold, at about $100 per acre, which would put some $17,000 or $18,000 into the County Treasury--and the balance 40 or 50 acres would be amply sufficient for all the wants of the institution, and could be worked by the labor of the paupers--thus saving much expense to the county. Besides, if this land were sold there would be no necessity to keep more than two horses, and all the balance of the live stock and farming implements not needed could be also disposed of--and there too a large leak hole would be stopped.

We shall notice other matters connected with the management of our Poor House, in our next issue. In conclusion we would say that we have been informed, by authority we believe to be reliable, that the Poor House wagon has recently been seen delivering hay after night, to at least two of our citizens of Democratic proclivities--and we would like to know why the Directors or their Steward are now selling hay when they must know that before next hay harvest they will be compelled, as in former years, to go into the market and purchase the same article. Let the people have a reason for this course of conduct, Messrs. Directors, if the fact be as stated to us.

From Wisconsin
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper highlights Pennsylvania Democrats' backward position on race by pointing out that the Democratic Party of Wisconsin supported the 15th Amendment.

Full Text of Article:

The Democracy of still another State turn their backs on the fossils of Pennsylvania. Wisconsin, that portion of her population which is Democratic, has actually arrayed itself squarely against the Democracy of this State in the only vital position laid down in their platform, that of the Fifteenth Amendment and negro suffrage. A few weeks ago we mentioned the fact that our Democracy still cling desperately to the grinning skeleton of the defunct "nigger," while everywhere else, the fact of the existence of the negro in politics was rapidly finding recognition in the same party. Since then the action of the Wisconsin Democracy has given additional force to what we then published. In State Convention on Wednesday last, the following resolution, among others, was adopted.

Resolved. That the Democratic party of Wisconsin rejoice in the extinction of slavery, in the prompt and general acquiescence of the Southern people in the results of the war, in every well-directed effort for the enlightenment and elevation of oppressed humanity at home and abroad, and in every measure compatible with good government and public order to broaden the basis of suffrage, and extend the blessing of free institutions to all classes of people.

This, of course, is a flat-footed endorsement of the Fifteenth Amendment, and negro suffrage, and puts a "right smart" distance between Wisconsin Democrats and Pennsylvania Democrats. The same liberal policy promises to be adopted by the Democracy of the other North-Western States. Massachusetts took the lead, some weeks ago, and nominated J. Quincy Adams for Governor, on a similar platform. In the South the recent conservative or Democratic successes were obtained by means of negro votes which were secured through the pledges of the Democracy that their right of suffrage should be maintained inviolate.

It is easily perceived that this wonderful progress of the Democracy is no mere local spasm, but extends from the extreme South to the extreme North, and it becomes a question whether or not the Democracy of those few States, which still cling to the nigger, are in the party.

For example the Democratic State Convention of Pennsylvania emphatically denied the right of Congress to submit the Fifteenth Amendment to the Legislatures of the States, denied the right of Congress to amend the Constitution in the manner provided by the Constitution, and declared "that the Democratic party of Pennsylvania is opposed to conferring upon the negro the right to vote." This is just what the Democracy of the other States, to which we have referred, not only admit Congress has a right to do, but recommend that the basis of suffrage be broadened, and that the blessings of free institutions be extended to all classes of the people. For advocating just these measures the Democratic journals of this State, and the Spirit in our midst, never cease to denounce and condemn the Republican party in heated and bitter terms, and make them the ground of their appeals to the people for a restoration of the Democratic party to power. Even in politics such ridiculous inconsistency, to say nothing of the bald and manifest duplicity, is astounding, and we are glad to say rarely encountered. The readers of the Spirit and the Harrisburg Patriot, the two Democratic papers most generally read in this county, will bear us out in the declaration that not a single issue of these papers is published which does not charge as the chief crime of the Republican party its advocacy of the rights of the negroes to citizenship and suffrage. At the same time their readers must admit that these papers would be searched in vain for a single word concerning the Democracy of the other States for advocating the same thing. Now if it be so awfully wicked in the one party, which we deny, ought it not be a little wicked in the other at least? If it be wholly wrong for Republicans, can it be wholly right for Democrats?

This issue is a test of the sincerity of the Democracy of Pennsylvania. If they were sincere in their hostility to it they would fight it wherever found. But they do not. They are afraid to say aught against the Democratic party, and hope, by excluding from their journals the action of the Democracy of the other States, that their readers will remain ignorant, and accept their word for truth, that they oppose the Republican party because it favors negro suffrage and the Democratic party does not. Now let the Spirit tell its readers that it and the other Democratic journals of the State make their fight with the Republican party in the present campaign on this issue because they believe that it is popular to do so in Pennsylvania, and not because it is the policy of the Democracy, which they falsely tried to do hitherto. Let them tell their readers that they have been playing the part of demagogues, that they have been trying to win votes by a trick, and that there is no sincerity and truth in them.

The World Moves
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper sneers that Democrats, in the past oppossed to all connection between politics and religion, now argue that extending the rights of suffrage to non-white races is a threat to American religion and morals.

Full Text of Article:

Notwithstanding the moral inertia of the so-called Democracy, once in a while a faint glimmering of light breaks through the deep gloom in which it has enshrouded itself, and which it has been its boast to regard as impervious to all moral ideas. With what sneers have its organs, time and again, as though it were a stigma, denominated the Republican party "the party of great moral ideas." Who has not witnessed the deep solicitude which Democrats seemed to feel lest politics and religion should be mixed? But at length, no doubt from the reflex influence of the "party of moral ideas," the Democray have been aroused from their sleep in regard to the interests of morality and religion, and they behold our whole social and religious fabric in danger from the proposed enfranchisement of all races. At once how dear to the hearts of our Democratic brethren are the interests of religion. Must the white population, their religion, their civilization, be swamped in the flood of the heathen idol-worshippers, who, with the ballot, can take possession of the State? What a hopeful party this Democratic organization must be! They must have their social status protected against the advances of the negro, so as to guard them against negro equality, and now they are alarmed for the fate of their religion, in case the Chinaman should be invested with the right of suffrage. Be careful, Democrats, that the interests of religion be not damaged by thus lugging this great "moral question" into politics. Or perhaps you only intend to incite a little religious enthusiasm in the minds of some of the pious. Democrats, so as to secure their prompt action in the present campaign against that party that would mix religion with politics.

Religion was first established in the heart of a pagan country, governed by pagan idolitry. Under the benign influence of the injunction of their Master, the ministers of the new religion defied the power and cruelty of a pagan dynasty, while proclaiming the doctrine "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

At least, Democracy is not wholly lost to all sense of moral ideas, which their past course would seem to imply. Religion herself, i. e., in the abstract, should be guarded by political power. But for this high privilege at the hands of the Democracy, she must enter into bonds to keep the peace toward all Democratic allies, such as slavery, bad whiskey and sescession. Democracy says to religion, as long as you permit us to carry out all our corrupt political schemes, unrebuked, we will see to it that idolatrous Chinamen do not "swamp" you; but interpose any of your "moral ideas" between us and our purposes, and we denounce you at once as an innovator.

The Coming Fair
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces the the second annual exhibition of the Franklin County Agricultural Society is drawing near. The editors are confident of success. A large number of industrial and agricultural products and livestock will be on display. $2,000 in cash prizes will be offered in the various exhibitions and races, inclduing various cash prizes in different horse races.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Franklin County Horticultural Society met on September 7th at the seed store. W. D. Guthrie chaired the meeting in the place of Pres. Suesserott. A number of new members signed the constituion and paid their dues. Preparations were made for promoting the upcoming exhibition, and committees assigned to prepare produce for display. Some fruits and vegetables were exhibited as well.
(Names in announcement: Suesserott, W. D. Guthrie, H. S. Gilbert, Dr. E. Culbertson, John Jeffries, Hays, Jenkins, J. S. Nixon, Dr. E. Culbertson, J. L. Dechert, John Jeffries, T. B. Jenkins, W. G. Reed, Jacob S. Brand, R. P. Hazelet, William Heyser, Frank Henderson, Josiah W. Schofield, John P. Keefer, Enos B. Engle, Dr. George F. Platt, Dr. W. H. Boyle)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The 77th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers held a reunion in Pittsburgh. Lt. Col. William A. Robinson was made temporary chairman. A committee was chosen to draw up a constitution for the organization and to select permanent officers. The following were chosen: Brig. Gen. F. S. Stumbaugh of Chambersburg, president; Lt. Col. F. S. Pyfer of Lancaster and Maj. W. A. Robinson of Pittsburg, vice presidents; C. Snively of Pittsburg and G. W. Skinner of Chambersburg, secretaries; George Hartman of New Castle, treasurer. Col. Stumbaugh gave a succinct history of the regiment, and G. W. Skinner delivered an eloquent speech.
(Names in announcement: Lt. Col. William A. Robinson, Capt. Stern, C. Snively, Lt. Denning, George W. Hartman, Maj. J. J. Lawson, Capt. Shock, Lt. D. Lowry, J. Franke, Brig. Gen. F. S. Stumbaugh, G. W. Skinner)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper asserts that the Democrats of Franklin met on Saturday to disburse the spoils provided by Packer. The editors speculate that his nomination must have resulted in a windfall for Franklin's Democrats.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Harry Weaver, convicted of forging an Adams Express Company order for $45.00, and G. A. Carton, a horse thief from West Virginia, attempted to escape from jail. Deputy Sheriff Brown discovered them and Sheriff Fletcher moved them to more secure quarters and put them on a diet of bread and water for several days as punishment.
(Names in announcement: G. A. Carton, Harry Weaver, Sheriff Brown, Sheriff Fletcher)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper asserts that a railroad from Chambersburg to Loudon would be practicable if efforts were made to establish one. "The farmers living along this proposed route are men of wealth, and their lands are valuable. They should see to it that they avail themselves of this splendid opportunity to enrich themselves, as well as to enhance the interests of Franklin county. Lehigh Valley, which is now crowded with furnaces, and giving employment to thousands of laborers, does not by any means possess the natural resources of the Cumberland Valley." Making a connection would benefit all.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Joseph Brown, from near Chambersburg, was arrested for the theft of a horse belonging to Amos Stouffer. He was brought before Justice Davison and lodged in jail. Officer Houser recovered the horse that had been purchased in Virginia.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Brown, Amos Stouffer, Justice Davison, Houser)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Miss Esther Heffner, "an aged lady," died suddenly at the residence of Leonard Senger near Leitersburg. She was visiting the Senger residence to wait on Mrs. Senger, who was ill. She was seemingly healthy until suddenly attacked with a fit of paralysis that resulted in her death.
(Names in announcement: Esther Heffner, Leonard Senger)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The following were nominated by Republicans as candidates for office in Green township: William Pool, Jr., for judge; William Wallace, Sr., for inspector; Daniel Rock, Henry Lutz, and Michael Reilly for supervisors; Jacob Caufman and A. M. Criswell for school directors; Henry Sleichter for auditor; and Franklin Besore for township clerk.
(Names in announcement: William Pool Jr., William WallaceSr., Daniel Rock, Henry Lutz, Michael Reilly, Jacob Caufman, A. M. Criswell, Henry Sleichter, Franklin Besore)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Ryder Nursery Association has changed its name to the Chambersburg Nursery Association. The following are the officers: J. S. Nixon, president; E. B. Engle, secretary; William G. Reed, treasurer; and T. B. Jenkins, superintendent.
(Names in announcement: J. S. Nixon, E. B. Engle, William G. Reed, T. B. Jenkins)

Guilford Township
(Column 03)

Summary: The Republican voters of Guilford will meet at Lesher's School House on the 25th to nominate a township ticket.

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: William Friese and Miss E. C. Bryson, both of Franklin, were married at Boyd's Hotel on August 31st by the Rev. A. Tripner.
(Names in announcement: William Friese, E. C. Bryson, Rev. A. Tripner)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Isaac McDonithen and Miss Marion E. Hollman, both of Franklin County, were married at the Washington House in Hagerstown on September 5th by the Rev. J. S. Kieffer.
(Names in announcement: Isaac McDonithen, Marion E. Hollman, Rev. J. S. Kieffer)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Thomas Monks and Louisa Thompson, both of Chambersburg, were married on August 19th by the Rev. B. S. Schneck.
(Names in announcement: Thomas Monks, Louisa Thompson, Rev. B. S. Schneck)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: William Divelbiss of London and Rebecca C. Jones of Path Valley were married at the National Hotel on September 1st by the Rev. B. S. Schneck.
(Names in announcement: William Divelbiss, Rebecca C. Jones, Rev. B. S. Schneck)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: Porter Wilson Kegerries died on September 11th. He was 30 years old.
(Names in announcement: Porter Wilson Kegerries)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mrs. Elizabeth McCartney died near Spring Run on September 7th. She was 52 years old.
(Names in announcement: Elizabeth McCartney)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: J. Chambers Flickinger, late of the firm Morrow and Flickinger of Shippensburg, died near Fannettsburg on September 7th at the residence of his father, Jacob Flickinger. He was 29 years old.
(Names in announcement: J. Chambers Flickinger, Jacob Flickinger)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: Jacob Hege died in Green township on September 4th after suffering a slow, lingering disease. He was 61 years old. He was a devoted member of the Menonite Church, and leaves family, friends, and a wife of 40 years to mourn his loss.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Hege)