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Franklin Repository: November 03, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Spirit and the Border Damages
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper refutes Democratic charges that defeated gubernatorial candidate Asa Packer would have done more to meet the border war-damage claims than the Republicans.

Full Text of Article:

The Spirit, on the subject of the payment of the Border Damages, says "it is time for the Republicans of this section to take a decided stand in this matter. What will they do? Can any of their organs inform us?" This calling of time, and these interrogatories were prefaced by two contrasting sentences, thus:--"With Asa Packer in the Governor's chair, and a Democratic majority in the Legislature, relief would speedily have come to our long suffering people. With Geary and a Republican majority what promises does the future hold out when viewed in the light of the past?"

It might be as well to dispose of this prophecy or speculation as to what Packer would do if her were Governor, by stating once more, what the Spirit dared not deny during the recent political campaign, that he always cheated the State out of most of the taxes which he owed her, and that from this one could not argue very strongly that he would voluntarily add to them to pay the border losses. It is true he might have reasoned this: "I now succeed in cheating the State, and I may safely assume that if this additional tax be imposed I can elude the payment of it also, and while others pay it I will receive the credit arising from having urged it." But it was not likely. At any rate, Packer took great care to have no opinion on any political subject while he was a candidate for Governor, and on the question of border damages he was equally reticent.

There is as little upon which to predicate a desire to pay these losses on the part of the Democratic party in the State as on the part of Packer, and the history of the party proves, if it proves anything on this subject, that a much stronger probability of their payment by a Democratic Legislature would exist if they were rebel losses, and not losses of loyal men. We infer this from the fact that all our Democratic legislators during the war opposed every measure of border defence, as well as every measure which had for its object the suppression of the rebellion. This fact is well known, and a part of the history of the war not likely to be soon forgotten. Though it is irresistable from their antecedents that the Democracy in the State were opposed to any apropriation for the payment of these losses, we believed that both parties and their organs in the border counties favored it. From the editorial in the Spirit, to which we have referred, we found that we were mistaken, and that it at least had rather that these losses were not made good to the sufferers. If interrogated we have no doubt that its editors would deny such a charge, but in spite of the denial that impression will remain in the minds of all unprejudiced readers.

We believe that the Legislature of Pennsylvania has hitherto refused to do a simple act of justice to the border counties, and we fear that it may still refuse. Yet it is not only unfair to the Legislature to allege that this refusal was made because that body was Republican, but it is also damaging to the claimants themselves, inasmuch as it tends to array the Legislature against the objects sought by the claimants. Other things being equal a Republican Legislature would be far more likely to appropriate a sum of money to the payment of these losses than a Democratic one. The one would be in sympathy with the cause which provoked the rebel wrath, and invited rebel plunder. The other would be more likely to sympathize with the rebels themselves, and their cause, and hence would be reluctant to make good the losses. Indeed we must not forget that what was already appropriated, though by an insignificant part of the losses, was so done by a Republican Legislature.

In this question of border damages there is no place for party politics. Republicans should be in favor of making whole those whose homes were plundered and devastated by the enemies of the government while their strength was withdrawn from their homes to protect and defend a nation's life, and Democrats, unless their anceint prejudices in favor of rebels still linger in their hearts, should not oppose it. We do not believe that party politics ever controlled a single member of the Legislature on this question, or that it ever will. The conviction in the minds of the members that the taxpayers of the State are opposed to it, however unworthy the motive if the cause be just, has controlled a majority of them and we fear will do so hereafter. Personal popularity with one's constituents is as keenly appreciated by members of one political faith as of another, and Democrats are as loath to run counter to the unjust prejudices of those who palced them in office as Republicans. It is possible that the Legislature will be willing to do us manifest justice while it is believed that a large majority of the taxpayers of the State are opposed to it, but it is not probable. On the contrary, we are satisfied that if the people were known to be in favor of it no member of the Legislature would oppose it because he was either a Republican or a Democrat.

In these lines we have abstained from discussing the grounds upon which our citizens base their claim to compensation by the State. They have been fully presented a number of times already, and are admitted to be fair and just, and unanswerable.

Dr. Schaff
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper prints an account of the career of Dr. Schaff, a widely respected theologian in the U.S. and Europe who recently returned from a trip to his native Germany.

Full Text of Article:

The newspapers tell us, says the Pittsburg Commercial, that this gentleman has returned from Europe, having accomplished the object for which he went. This was something connected with the Evangelical Alliance--in regard to which we may soon expect to receive a report from the Doctor himself.

Dr. Schaff seems to us a good illustration of the benefit conferred upon the United States by the class of scholarly men from the Old World, who take up their abode among us. Rather, the career of Dr. S. Shows how much good these men can do us when they earnestly study and honestly endeavor to adapt themselves to the new conditions by which they find themselves surrounded in this country.

Some twenty-five years ago Dr. S. came to this country on the invitation of the Synod of the German Reformed church, to take charge of a theological school. He had just completed his studies at the University of Berlin with great distinction; the eminent men in that celebrated seat of learning regarded and recommended him as one of the most promising young divines in Germany. He could read English, but did not speak it correctly on his arrival hither. And it was no secret at the time that he was very much under the influence of the prejudices against American things and notions which, until quite recently, prevailed among the educated classes of his native land. But Dr. S. brought with him an eye to see and a heart to appreciate whatever was good among us.

We do not propose to give a sketch of his labors. We wish merely to say in general that study and observation in this country destroyed his hostile preconceptions. They also led him to take views of two or three German questions which brought much odium upon him among a portion of the German-Americans. He infused new life into many German churches in this State. While efficiently performing the duties of his official position, he produced a history in one volume, of the Apostolic Church, which speedily gained for him a European reputation and a place among the ecclesiastical historians by the side of his teacher, Neander. As a recognition of its merit the University of Berlin made him a Doctor of Divinity. This volume was in course of time followed by two volumes more in continuation of the subject.

About 1851 visiting his native country and finding the land of his adoption enjoying a reputation there almost infamous--the result in good measure a systematic calumny prompted by aristocrats who feared the example of our popular institutions, Dr. Schaff delivered a course of lectures on America directly adapted to remove prejudices and impart correct information on the subject. These lectures were delivered in Berlin, and were heard by an audience of the most distinguished and influential character, and when afterwards published in a book, they were very widely read. It is difficult to estimate their effect; but we are justified in ascribing great influence to this work in producing the friendly attitude of mind with which the cultivated classes of Germnay looked upon the North during our civil war.

More recently Dr. Schaff has resided in New York, and as editor of a translation of Lange's Commentaries and additions, he is furnishing the American clergy of all sects with the most complete and satisfactory pulpit assistant in the world.

In the preface to his history of the Apostolic Church, Dr. S. spoke of the Germans and the Americans as the Greeks and the Romans of modern times; and humbly offered himself as an interpreter between the mind of the former and the mind of the latter. Not only by his books, but by his practical activity in several ways, he is nobly fulfilling the office. His recent visit to Europe was in this character. Such a man ought to be understood by all--our apology for this slight notice.

Court Proceedings
(Column 01)

Summary: Account of recent proceedings of the County Court.
(Names in announcement: John Marshall, D. Harper, Daniel Baker, David Shatzer, Abram Sollenberger, Harry Weaver, Joseph Brown, Jacob Stouffer, Robert Lane, Margaret Packer, Henry Sites, Jacob Barncord, Gilds, Henry Startzman, George Brewer, David C. Brandt, John B. Osbaugh, Francis Bowden, John R. Turner, John Russell, Charles Gelwicks, Alexander Martin, John B. M'Lanahan)

Full Text of Article:

The following cases were disposed of since our last issue:

Com. vs. John Henninger.--Surety of the peace, on oath of David Teeter. Case dismissed and prosecutor to pay the costs.

Com. vs. John Marshall.--Surety of the peace on oath of D. Harper. Case dismissed and prosecutor to pay the costs.

Com. vs. Daniel Baker.--Larceny. Verdict not guilty.

Com. vs. David Shatzer.--Larceny. Stealing a horse from Abram Sollenberger. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to pay the costs of the prosecution and undergo an imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary for three years.

Com. vs. Harry Weaver.--Forgery, and obtaining money from the agent of the Adams Express at this place, about a year since, under false pretense. There was no conviction under the first count, but under the second count in the indictment defendant was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of one cent, costs of prosecution and undergo an imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary for a period of one year.

Com. vs. Joseph Brown.--Larceny. Verdict guilty. Defendant stole a mare from Jacob Stouffer last August. Sentenced to pay a fine of one cent, costs of prosecution and undergo an imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary for three years.

Com. vs. Daniel Baker.--Accused of receiving stolen horses, knowing them to be stolen. Verdict guilty. Defendant lived in Antrim township, and was charged with receiving stolen horses from his brother in Virginia.

Com. vs. Robert Lane.--Assault and Battery, on oath of Joseph Smith. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to an imprisonment in the County Jail for ten days.

Margaret Packer, Administratrix of Henry Sites, dec., vs. Jacob Barncord. Attachment Execution. Verdict $234.21 for Plaintiff.

Gilds & Startzman vs. George Brewer. Action in deceit. Defendant sold plaintiffs a steer, which plaintiffs alleged was diseased and unfit for use. Plaintiffs took a non-suit.

David C. Brandt, use of Jno. B. Osbaugh, vs. Francis Bowden & Henry Startzman. Action on a Promissory note. Jury withdraw and case submitted to the Court.

SECOND WEEK'S PROCEEDINGS

The most important motion that was heard before the court on Monday morning was the one made for a new trial in the case of the Com. vs. John R. Turner. It will be remembered that Turner was indicted for forgery in fraudulently altering a deed from John Russell to the said Turner, at the August term of Court, and found guilty. Fortunately his counsel discovered,

"That when the jury in the said case were being called, and when the Clerk of the Court drew from the jury box the name of Joshua Long, who had been selected and returned as one of the panel of jurors for the August Sessions, 1869, and called the said Joshua Long to take his seat as one of the jurors in the said case, the said call of the Clerk was answered by Joshua Loy, of Antrim township, and then the said Joshua Loy came forward stating that his name was Joshua Loy, not Joshua Long, and took his seat in the jury box, was sworn, heard the evidence, and united with the other persons on the jury in rendering the verdict as guilty as aforesaid. His counsel were of the opinion at the time, that a mere clerical error had been committed, and for that reason made no objection to Loy taking his seat, but afterwards discovered that no person of the name of Joshua Loy had been drawn or selected to serve as a juror at this Court, and concluded that the presence and service of the said Joshua Loy, in this case, was in their opinion such an irregularity and error as was not cured by the trial and verdict."

This was the only reason that was pressed for the granting of a new trial, and was supported by English and American decisions. The Court decided the point well taken and said that the motion for a new trial was granted very reluctantly, but under the circumstances could not be refused. But for the above mistake John R. Turner would be in the Penitentiary to day.

Com. at the relation of Charles Gelwicks, vs. Alexander Martin. This case grew out of the appointment of Mr. Martin as Treasurer of the Directors of the Poor of Franklin county, last February, and the removal of Mr. Gelwicks, the former Treasurer, who claimed the position on account of having been elected at the annual election of officers a short time before. The jury found for defendant.

John B. M'Lanahan vs. Cumberland Valley Railroad Company. Ejectment. On trial as we go to press.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reflects on the increase in trade and railroad traffic in Franklin County over the past 10 years.

Full Text of Article:

Few persons have any idea of the vast increase of trade and travel in this valley during the last few years. The time is within recollection of those living along the line of the Cumberland Valley railroad--which by the by has done more to develop the resources and increase the value of the lands of our citizens, than all other investments--when one freight train hauled all the produce to market, and two passenger trains carried all the travel Eastward, yes, and when one rickety car and spavined horse was sufficient for the travel southward. This was only ten years ago. It was no unusual occurrence then for the afternoon passenger train to leave Chambersburg for Harrisburg with very few passengers, occasionally the conductor had no tickets to collect for the first ten miles at least.

Now, however, the business is quite different. Three freight trains each morning leave here, oftentimes four, and not unfrequently five large engines are at work pulling long lines of cars laden with the harvest yields of well tilled land. Eight passenger trains are each day well filled with the travelling public, and no empty cars leave this depot. Seventy cars are the average number daily employed in hauling grain and coal over the Franklin railroad, and the company are seriously talking of a second freight on this same road. Six passenger trains are profitably employed in transporting passengers from here to Greencastle and Hagerstown. These facts should greatly encourage our Franklin county friends who are contemplating the building of lines to connect with the Cumberland Valley railroad.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Synod of Baltimore met in the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church on Tuesday. Rev. A. D. Mitchell opened the meeting with a sermon. A Farewell Missionary Meeting was also held, at which the Rev. Dr. Harper, recently returned from China, and Secretary of the Board of Foreign Mission Dr. J. C. Lowrie, spoke. The synod also discussed education, especially Chambersburg's new women's college. They also discussed the state of religion within the bounds of the synod.
(Names in announcement: Rev. A. D. Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Happer, Dr. J. C. Lowrie)

Border Damage Claimants
(Column 03)

Summary: The Border Damage Claimants met in the Court House on Monday. H. Ruby was elected president of the meeting, and John M. Cooper and S. W. Hays, secretaries. A resolutions was passed calling on the legislature to act on war damage claims.
(Names in announcement: H. Ruby, John M. Cooper, S. W. Hays)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reports that two of the marriage announcements published in the last issue were fraudulent and submitted by a practical joker. The articles in question had announced th marriage of Adam Leydig and Maggie Farmer and Samuel Foust and Rachel Stumbaugh.
(Names in announcement: Adam Leydig, Maggie Farmer, Samuel Foust, Rachel Stumbaugh)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Jacob Brindle of St. Thomas was found dead in his yard. An inquest was held by Justice William T. Graham. The cause of death was found to be heart disease. He was 63 years old.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Brindle, William T. Graham)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Samuel Garner was assaulted on the way from Greencastle to Antrim and robbed of $93.00 on Saturday. A black man named Fred Evans was arrested for the crime.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Garner, Fred Evans)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The Town Council made the following appointments: Capt. M. W. Houser, Chief of Police; Nicholas Snider and John Ditman, wood measurers for N.W. and S.W. respectively. Sergt. David F. Leisher, tax collector; Levi P. Lippy, lamp lighter.
(Names in announcement: Capt. M. W. Houser, Nicholas Snider, John Ditman, Sergt. David F. Leisher, Levi P. Lippy)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The ladies of the Lutheran Church of Waynesboro will hold a fair in that town on the 9th in order to raise money to furnish the new church.

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The Franklin County Soldiers' Monumental Association will meet in Judge Rowe's rooms in Austin, Elder, and Fletcher's building on Thursday.

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Smith M. Robinson, editor of the Fulton Democrat, and Miss Emma R. Dickson, daughter of Mark Dickson, were married on October 26th at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. S. W. Pomeroy.
(Names in announcement: Smith M. Robinson, Emma R. Dickson, Mark Dickson, Rev. S. W. Pomeroy)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: Clarence E. Downey, son of John and Agnes Downey, died on October 22nd. He was 10 months old.
(Names in announcement: Clarence E. Downey, John Downey, Agnes Downey)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: Charles Elmore Kennedy, infant child of Charles R. and Henrietta Kennedy, died near Greencastle on October 22nd. He was 1 month old.
(Names in announcement: Charles Elmore Kennedy, Charles R. Kennedy, Henrietta Kennedy)