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Franklin Repository: December 29, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Edwin M. Stanton
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper eulogizes the late Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

Full Text of Article:

At the moment of going to press last week the news was received that Edwin M. Stanton had been confirmed by the Senate one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. His nomination by the President and his prompt confirmation by the Senate called forth approving comments from all quarters of the land, for the great War Minister was revered by every patriotic heart. Three or four days after his confirmation, and before he had assumed his place on the Supreme Bench he died. It is pleasant for his countrymen to reflect, while they mourn the death of him who stood almost alone in the sublimity of patriotism since the death of Abraham Lincoln, that his last moments witnessed an act which demonstrated his high esteem in which he was held.

Our country and government furnish unusual opportunities for calling forth great and remarkable qualities. The rebellion was such an occasion, and although Stanton was already famous in his profession, it was this which tried his patriotism, and made known to his countrymen his intellectual and moral greatness. If there was a man among the American people to whom the term grandeur could be applied, that man was Stanton. His mental and moral greatness were undisputed, and his patriotism was too pure and high for the exercise of ambition. All the power in the man was used solely to one end, and that end his country. He was the enemy of everything which stood in the way of his country's triumph over its foes, whether it was ambition, avarice, or imbecility in our own army, or armed men in the ranks of the confederacy. His career as War Minister made him famous throughout the civilized world, but it did not always cause him to be loved. He was stern and relentless, and unhesitatingly trod down everything which stood in the way of the success of our arms. Cromwell was not more stern and cruel than he in saving a nation's life. There was nothing too costly to be given for the triumph and salvation of his country. If it took men and means, men and means must be given, and given lavishly. He took no delight in war, but if war it must be that peace might be attained, by all means let it be war. All this made him enemies of the great army of those who sought to use the misfortunes of the government for their own wicked and selfish purposes. To them he was a cold, cruel, hard and terrible enemy, but to the patriot, honest and true, no matter what his position, he was fair, just and courteous.

Justice may be sure, but it is not always prompt. It was at least slow in the case of Secretary Stanton. His death will remind his countrymen of this. He died at the age of fifty-five years, while yet a comparatively young man. And though possessed of a wonderfully vigorous constitution, it is well known that the awful responsibility, the cares and duties which his office of War Minister imposed on him undermined his health, bowed his frame and slowly but surely wrought his death. He gave his life for his country as fully as ever did the soldier who fell fighting for her enemies. And he gave it freely, without reluctance and without complaint. Four years of unmatched thought, and labor, and responsibility he gave, and when all was done, and the country smiled again in peace and joy, he retired to private life, himself a wreck, his fortune wasted, and the necessity imperative to renew his professional labor.

When the President invited him to accept the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, he gave expression to the nation's wish; not that it would be a reward for his great services, but a recognition of them, and an expression of gratitude. As soon as the nomination was made the Senate, without waiting to submit the nomination to the appropriate committee, as is the usual custom, confirmed it at once.

The deeds of Mr. Stanton cannot be stated here. He and they belong to his country's history. As a War Minister he won a place among the highest, and it was then that the greatness of his intellect and the purity of his patriotism shone pre-eminent. Many who won splendid reputations in the war but for him would still be unknown. Now that his eventful and useful life is ended, let us cherish his name in grateful and loving recollection. Though his life on earth is done, his deeds can never die so long as genuine patriotism has a votary, and the greatness of human intellect and will an admirer.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper denounces the Mormons for treating "the government with disdain and contempt," ignoring laws, and "practically" setting up "a government of their own directly in conflict with the laws of the United States." The editors especially criticize the "crowning evil" of polygamy.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper denounces the Tennessee Legislature for removing a picture of Union General Thomas from the building. The editors assert that it shows that body's "genuine sympathy and affection for the 'lost cause.'"

Annual Exhibition of the "Marshall Literary Society" of Mercersburg College
(Column 03)

Summary: J. H. S. writes the Repository with an account of the annual exhibition of the Marshall Literary Society of Mercersburg College. The event included music and addresses performed and delivered by the members.
(Names in announcement: M. Ginrich, J. H. Lichliter, N. S. Cook, John Marshall, D. M. Whitmore, W. L. Heyser, C. Kessler, S. B. Schafer, W. F. Lichliter, Rev. T. G. Apple)

To Border Claimants
(Column 01)

Summary: A meeting will be held at the Court House in Chambersburg on January 4th for the purpose of explaining an agreement prepared by the Franklin Bar for reimbursement of war damage claims. Those wishing to pursue a claim must sign it.

The Cumberland Valley Railroad Company
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Summary: The Repository publishes extracts from the annual report of the Cumberland Valley Railroad. The report notes income, expendiatures, and plans for the future.

Full Text of Article:

We take the following extracts from the annual report of the Cumberland Valley Railroad. President Watts, in his report to the stockholders says:

* * * The large increase in the manufacture of iron, and the consequent demand for iron ore, has served to develope immense deposits of it in the vicinity of our road, not only along the base of the South Mountain, but in the Valley, and in the North Mountain. Hence there is being surveyed and located a road from Chambersburg to Mont Alto, a distance of about 12 miles, which reaches a deposit of hematite ore, which in quality is excellent, and in quantity apparently inexhaustible. This road will doubtless be built during the coming year.

The South Penna. Iron and Railroad Company also contemplate to build, during the coming year, a road to their mines near Loudon, in Franklin county, starting from our road at a point about six miles above Chambersburg, near Marion Station, and to erect two anthracite furnaces at their mines. It will be the policy of our Company to encourage both these roads by all the legitimate means in our power, for each will greatly contribute to increase the business of our road, and promote the interest of the people of the entire valley. The resolutions of the Board to extend their road from Hagerstown to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, have been already communicated to you, and since August last the work was let to a contractor upon terms which were satisfactory, and he is now engaged in constructing it; the grading and making the road-bed ready for the superstructure will cost about $96,000, and the rails, ties, water stations, &c. about $90,000, and we expect to have the same completed and in a running order by the 1st of July next. This extension has been located to terminate at Powell's Bend of the Potomac river, with a branch to Williamsport, a distance of about two miles. But since the location, a movement has been made by the people of Virginia for a further extension of the road up through the valley of their State, by the way of Martisnburg and Winchester, or by the way of Charlestown and the Luray valley. Our action, therefore, as to the terminus on the Potomac will be suspended a few weeks to meet this exigency, and until they shall have determined the route for the further extension of the road; for each of the proposed routes demands a different point of crossing the Potomac river.

It has been the policy of the Board to put and keep our road in the highest state of perfection, hence our expenditures in the past year have been great; the entire track has been raised upon stone ballast, and there have been put into it five hundred and thirty-five tons of new iron, twenty-five thousand nine hundred and seventy-two oak cross ties, and two thousand three hundred and eighteen chairs. There have been laid sixteen hundred feet of new siding at Mechanicsburg, ten hundred and eighteen feet at Middlesex, two thousand feet at the junction of the South Mountain railroad, five hundred and ninety two feet at the Carlisle freight house, fourteen hundred and fifty feet at Greason station, two hundred and thirty-one feet at Alterton, four hundred and nineteen feet at Newville, and five hundred and ninety-three feet at Greencastle, making a total of one and a half miles and all of which cost six thousand one hundred and forty-one dollars and thirty cents. Seventeen wooden bridges over wagon roads and water courses have been taken out, and replaced with wrought iron girder bridges, which cost, including masonry, four thousand four hundred and eighty-six dollars and five cents. Six eight wheeled freight cars have also been built, six eight wheeled and one four wheeled car purchased, which cost five thousand six hundred and seventy-one dollars and eighty four cents; there has been expended for a new locomotive engine, which will be finished in a few weeks, seven thousand eight hundred and seven dollars and forty-three cents. Thus it will be seen that the expenditures of the year, which do not properly belong to working expenses, have been:

New locomotive engine, built in our own shop $7,807.43 Grading and laying new sidings 6,141.30 Iron girder bridges and masonry 5,486.05 New freight cars and cars purchased 5,671.84 Real estate purchased 140.00 Ballasting 37,072.00 Paid on account of Williamsport extension 23,967.77 Total $86,286.39

Anticipating a largely increased trade upon our road during the coming year, we will require the freight engine which we proposed to purchase last year, but did not, because of our heavy expenditures for other purposes. We will also need some additional tools in the shop; eight hundred tons of new and re-rolled iron and twenty-five thousand cross ties. At Shippensburg, an important point of shipment of iron ore, additional siding is required, and every facility should be furnished to cheapen the transportation of this article, which will be a most important item of revenue.

If it be deemed expedient to change the point of the terminus of the extension to the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, this work may be completed by the 1st July next, when provision must be made for the increased trade which it will produce. Reaching with our road that important point, we must be prepared to carry anthracite coal for the supply of furnaces upon the Potomac, lumber to that extensive agricultural region, and bring back the semi-bituminous coal of the Cumberland mines to supply the engines and shops in the East. For this work we must now get ready, and it will require at least seventy-five new eight-wheeled freight cars. We propose to build one new passenger car this year. It does not require much foresight to enable us to predict that before many years, the business to be done on our road will require a double track, and a prudent management suggests that this should be attained out of the profits of the load, and that the work should be done gradually without interfering with the usual dividends to stockholders. And for this purpose it is suggested that we should now begin to double track the road from Mechanicsburg to Whitehall, a distance of four and seven-eigth miles, a point to which the road is already double tracked--from Bridgeport. The expense of this would be:

429 tons of 56 lb. rails at $75 $32,174 2,145 splice joints, at $1.50 3,218 11,700 cross ties, at 55 cents 6,435 23,400 lbs spikes at 5 1/2 cents 1,287 Frogs, switches and switch timber 750 Grading, culverts and cattle guards 6,000 11,700 perches stone ballast 11,700 Laying 4 1/2 miles of track 1,800 Total cost $63,364

This addition to our road would greatly facilitate even our present business; but when we contemplate the increase which the South Mountain Iron Company will in the next year bring to our road, such a facility for passing trains seems to be indispensible. The coming year will doubtless find both the Mont Alto and Loudon roads nearly if not entirely completed.

The tables annexed will exhibit the financial condition of the Company, and working operation of the road. And we take occassion here, in closing this report, to testify to our sincere acknowledgement of the devoted interest which all our employees have evinced in their respective departments to promote economy, secure safety, and exhibit accuracy in all its details.

The following is an exhibit of the receipts and expenditures of the company of the year ending September 30th, 1869:

Receipts

Cash and Cash items, October 1, 1868 $312,155.04 Passenger earnings $191,831.76 Freight earnings 321,268.43 Mail service 6,107.24 Adams express 4,785.42 Other sources of revenue 15,776.39 539,769.24 Stock issued 200,395.00 Total $1,052,319.28

Expenditures

Dividends $94,438.53 Interest on bonds 27,557.10 Expenses--Conducting Trans $93,451.07 Expenses--Motive Power 77,028.75 Expenses--Maintenance of cars 12,543.80 Expenses--Maintenance of ways 90,371.46 Expenses--General 11,362.94 Expenses--Construction and equip 62,318.62 347,067.64 Construction of Potomac extension 23,967.77 Trustees of Sinking Fund 394,990.00 Balance of accounts 28,240.45 Cash, October 1, 1869 136,048.79 Total $1,052,319.28

Rev. E. B. Raffensperger's Lecture
(Column 02)

Summary: Account of the lecture delivered by Rev. E. B. Raffensperger in Repository Hall on Thursday. The event was held under the auspices of the Mite Society of the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church in order to raise money for repairs to the church building. The lecture was entitled "The Humors of the Pulpit and Pew." There was a disappointingly small attendence, but received good reviews from those present.
(Names in announcement: Rev. E. B. Raffensperger)

Trinity Episcopal Sunday School Concert
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Summary: The Christmas Eve concert performed by the students of the Trinity Episcopal Sunday School received rave reviews. Mr. J. T. Wright enjoys special praise for directing the performances.
(Names in announcement: J. T. Wright)

Trinity Episcopal Church
(Column 03)

Summary: Account of Christmas services and musical selections at the Trinity Episcopal Church. The Rev. W. G. Hawkins administered communion.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. G. Hawkins)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The Franklin County Horticultural Society held its regular meeting on December 21st in Mr. Reed's building. The committees read annual reports, Mr. Jenkins officially presented the silver medal the society was awarded by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and a number of fruits and vegetables were displayed. One hundred sxty-six ladies and five gentlemen were proposed for membership.
(Names in announcement: Jenkins)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Account of Christmas services at the Reformed Church.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Davis, Rev. Raffensperger)

[No Title]
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Summary: The paper endorses the efforts of the Chambersburg Bar to pursue the war damage claims. The editors chatize those who refuse to cooperate.

Dead
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Summary: Jeremiah Burke, a Franklin County native, died in Halifax County, Va., on December 10th. His death was due to overconsumption of liquor at a cornhusking frolic.
(Names in announcement: Jeremiah Burke)

Origin of Article: Hagerstown Mail

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Bishop Simpson of the Methodist Church will lecture in Chambersburg on January 3rd. He will lecture on "The Cross and the Crescent," not the "Future of Our Country," as previously announced. The lecture should still be excellent.

Sudden Death
(Column 03)

Summary: John Stoler died suddenly near Mt. Hope on December 20th from an attack of paralysis. He was 84 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Stoler)

Origin of Article: Waynesboro Record

A Christmas Gift
(Column 04)

Summary: Joseph R. Hockersmith of Southampton made a gift of a lot of apples to the Columbus Lodge, I.O.O.F. Hockersmith was past grand master of the lodge.
(Names in announcement: Joseph R. Hockersmith)

Sudden Death
(Column 04)

Summary: John Jones, "an aged and well known citizen," was found dead at Poketown on December 15th. He had been at the house of a neighbor, Samuel Shank, before going to the stable to see a horse. His body was found in the stable. The cause of death is still unknown.
(Names in announcement: John Jones, Samuel Shank)

Origin of Article: Waynesboro Record

Sunday Evening Lectures at the Episcopal Church
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Summary: A course of eight lectures on the reigns of David and Solomon will be delivered at the Episcopal Church.

Married
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Summary: Rev. G. D. Pennypacker of the Central Pennsylvania Conference and Annetta W. Black of Huntingdon were married on December 16th by the Rev. B. B. Hamlin.
(Names in announcement: Rev. G. D. Pennypacker, Annetta W. Black, Rev. B. B. Hamlin)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Thomas J. Duffie of State Line and Miss Mary A. Hochlander of Greencastle were married at the Washington House on December 23rd by the Rev. J. G. Schaff.
(Names in announcement: Thomas J. Duffie, Mary A. Hochlander, Rev. J. G. Schaff)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: John D. Horst and Miss Charlotte R. Treher were married in Green on December 19th by the Rev. A. P. Tripner.
(Names in announcement: John D. Horst, Charlotte R. Treher, Rev. A. P. Tripner)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: A. A. Matthews and Miss Sallie J. Earley, both of Chambersburg, were married in Philadelphia on December 23rd by Rev. J. B. M'Collough, pastor of the Green Street M. E. Church.
(Names in announcement: A. A. Matthews, Sallie J. Earley, Rev. J. B. M'Collough)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Augustus Snare of Clearfield County and Miss Charlotte R. Embich of Chambersburg were married on December 26th by the Rev. L. A. Gotwald.
(Names in announcement: Augustus Snare, Charlotte R. Embich, Rev. L. A. Gotwald)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: John Nighswander died near Upton on December 19th. He was 81 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Nighswander)