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Franklin Repository: October 26, 1870Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
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Constitutional Reform
(Column 01)Summary: The Repository suggests that the citizens of Pennsylvania are concerned with corruption and favor constitutional reform. The article argues that the "power to legislate upon private, special and personal matters must be removed," the "State Treasurer must be made elective, the salary fixed by law and the use by him of the public funds prohibited," and the "number of members of both Houses should be largely increased."
Full Text of Article:Wisdom in ChunksSince the election the subject of greatest public interest to the people of Pennsylvania is Constitutional Reform. All classes and parties admit a fearful degree corruption and profligacy in that department of public affairs popularity called politics. Especially in our Legislature have dishonesty and fraud developed themselves. The Constitution of the State, imperfect in many particulars and wholly inadequate to the wants and the condition of a people as great in population and material wealth as many European Empires, needs to be amended. It is the organic law, and though it may be sufficient to protect us and our rights from the unlicensed law breakers, painful experience abundantly proves that it affords no protection against a horde of lawless law makers. When in 1838, the present Constitution was framed and adopted, our fathers in the simplicity of their lives had not learned to know and fear the dangers to be apprehended from the latter class. In that early day the power of wealth, the power of patronage, and the grasping and mercenary motives of both, had not been taught them by bitter experience as we have been taught, and they framed the constitution in the belief that the people selected and elected their law makers from the wisest and best of their number. Instead of that the people often have least to do with the choice of their public servants. Powerful corporations, and exalted political position aided by the corrupt use of government patronage and money often forecast the Legislature months before the election, and deliberately secure the election of such persons as are pledged to barter away the best rights and interests of the people. This experience is so common as to be generally admitted. Every Legislature for at least half a dozen years past has proved it, and very often the members who were most zealous in debauching themselves, and paraded their shame most publicly were the first to be re-elected to the places they had disgraced.
The people have one way of escape from these misrules. It is in constitutional reform. The power of the legislative body must be limited to legitimate fields of legislation. The power to legislate upon private, special and personal matters must be removed and then there will be no farther occasion for the exercise of the influences which corrupt legislatures. The State Treasurer must be made elective, the salary fixed by law and the use by him of the public funds prohibited. The number of members of both Houses should be largely increased. It would be a barrier against the flood of corruption. And best of all, if these be done, the dupes and tools, the knaves and villains who have disgraced our Legislature will find their occupation gone; there will be no further inducements for them to infest the places of better men. These are some of the most needed reforms.
The Union League of Philadelphia has wisely taken the lead in this matter, though nearly all of the best journals of the State, of both political parties, have been urging it. The resolutions which the League adopted favoring the project will be found in another column. Strong, stirring speeches were made, and a committee organized with a view to direct public attention to the subject. The project is fairly on foot, the best men of both parties endorse it, the respectable journals of both parties favor it, it is the only hope the people have to rescue the State from the incubus of dishonesty which has sat boldly in its high places for years, and if they exert themselves, whether the Legislature will or not, it will be constrained to call a constitutional convention. When this is done, let it be filled by the soundest heads and purest hearts in the Commonwealth, not by politicians, and, our word for it, the good old State will be rescued.
(Column 01)Summary: The Repository responds to the Bedford County Press after that paper commented on why the Republicans did poorly in the previous election.
Full Text of Article:AFTER a political party loses an election, there is no fool in the land who cannot state the specific cause of defeat. It is always safe to attribute such an event to a scarcity of votes, but there are few wiseacres who do not discover a more subtle cause than this.
For the defeat of Mr. Cessna in the Sixteenth district, the very profound and astute editor of the Bedford County Press, published in the little village of Bloody Run, informs us that the Republicans of Franklin county are responsible, and then, with praiseworthy energy, and bountiful lack of sense, proceeds to unfold his ignorance to his handful of readers in the mountains. He tells them that Franklin county Republicans defeated Cessna, and mainly because somebody whom he calls "leaders" promised a majority of 300, and the returns show a majority of 186 for Meyers. Who made the promise we are not informed, except that they were leaders, and that they promised this fabulous majority.
Now it is possible that a Democratic majority of 186 in the late election might be accounted for, especially as the same party had a majority of 308 in the Gubernatorial election of last year, but all chance to do so is denied by our heroic Bloody Runner who, cruelly we think, admits of but one of two ways to explain it. Says he:
To be plain, it was brought about either by treachery or incompetency on the part of those who manage the party there. And to be plainer, we are inclined to think that the disgrace is attributable to both these means."
No doubt after being tried and convicted in the peremptory manner by our mountain editor, those whom he calls leaders would be glad to escape and hide themselves from his terrible wrath, but the mind which is sharp to discern is also quick to execute, and he at once pronounces sentence upon the culprits. "Her Republican leaders deserve to be shorn of their authority, her appointed offices to be given to men of influence, her post offices distributed among reliable men from one of the other countries, and the county itself placed under confederate rule." From which one of the other counties should, reliable men be brought to take possession of our post offices, pray tell us? Don't be modest, now, we beseech you. Modesty as a marketable commodity don't pay.
For ineffable coolness, coolness that chills to the marrow under a July sun, we would recommend the gentleman who sacrifices the mightiness of his intellect to the drudgery of editing an influential journal up in Bloody Run, if the quality were not spoiled by the alarming ignorance and stupidity that accompanies it. We are pained to write this, because we had been led to think rather well of the Bedford County Press. We always do admire the taste of those editors who do us the honor to publish our articles in their editorial columns. Our satisfaction is a little marred when we find them surmounted by a strange head, and standing upon feet which were never shaped by our pen, as we generally did find them in the Press; still it was gratifying to know that so far as our articles were left unmutilated the paper had something readable, which it never had when the editor relied upon himself. Judging from the number before us, we would still advise him not to grow vain and set up housekeeping for himself, but rely upon the brains of his brother editors. On the whole where there is a total paucity of ideas and no capital whatever save stupid malignity arrayed in exceedingly bad grammar, we deem it rather creditable than otherwise to steal. The only terms we would wish to impose in our own case would be that there be no mutilation. Think of an article being stolen and then such horrid contempt for pure and undefiled English displayed in disfiguring it as the following:
"We believe that other counties in the district done the best they could. Bedford certainly done nobly."
Only no more of that and we care not for aught else.
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The Davenport Brothers
(Column 01)Summary: The Davenport Brothers performed in Chambersburg on Tuesday. They did a magic trick in which musical instruments commenced playing while the brothers were tied up in a crate. They claimed it to be the work of spirits.Sheriff's Sales
(Column 02)Summary: This article lists real estate that was sold at a recent Sheriff's sale. The report mentions the prior owners, the buyers, and the amounts paid.
(Names in announcement: Isaac Newman, John Graham, D. W. M. M'Laughlin, James Brewer, Jones Smith, John H. Hoerner, A. K. M'Clure, Benjamin Brubaker, Peter Brough, Peter Murgal, John H. Lizar, Mary Lizar, J. B. Barnhart)Full Text of Article:Special CourtThe following real estate was sold at Sheriff's sale, on Friday afternoon, the 21st inst., in front of the Court House:
A frame house and lot of ground, in the borough of Greencastle, the property of Isaac Newman, was purchased by John Graham for $260.
The property of D. M. W. Laughlin, consisting of an unimproved tract of land, situated in Montgomery township, was purchased by James Brewer for $900.
A lot of ground with a brick house thereon, situated in the borough of Chambersburg, the property of Jones Smith, was purchased by John H. Hoerner for $500.
Seventy-five acres of land, with improvements, situated in Hamilton township, the property of A. K. McClure, was purchased by Benjamin Brobaker for $4,300
A tract of land containing two hundred and sixty two acres, with improvements, in Peters township, the property of Peter Brough, was purchased by Peter Morgal for $7,000.
A lot of ground, with a log house thereon, situated in Middleburg, Antrim township, the property of John H. and Mary Lizar, was purchased by J. B. Barnhart for $35.
(Column 03)Summary: This report lists recent court proceedings, including the defendants, the plaintiffs, and the verdicts.
(Names in announcement: Judge Rowe, J. Y. Bushey, George Peters, Daniel S. Reisher, P. Hamman, James Hassler, Peter McFerren, Nancy A. Miller, David Miller, Edmund Wright, J. J. B. Levering, William Reber, Dennis Creton, David Guyer, William Forbes, Nicholas Bonebrake, E. J. Bonebrake, John Bonebrake, Lewis S. Forney, Anton Brinick, William Kimpel)Full Text of Article:Important to Land OwnersA special term of Court was called on Monday, the 17th inst., at 10:30 A.M., his Honor Judge Rowe, presiding. The following cases were disposed of:
J. Y. Bushey, Agent for George Peters, vs Daniel S Reisher. Appeal by the defendant from the judgment of P. Hamman, Esq, in favor of the plaintiff for $88 38, with interest from the 8th of September, 1866, and costs. It appeared from the evidence in this case that this suit was brought on a note given by the defendant for trees purchased from the agent of the plaintiff. Jury found for the plaintiff $110 00.
James Hassler, vs. Peter McFerren, et. al, School Directors of the township of Guilford. Mr. Hassler enlisted in the fall of 1862, and was promised fifty dollars bounty from the county, and one hundred dollars from the School Directors of the township, by the agent of the township. Several of the taxpayers of this township alleged that their agent was authorized to pay but $100,00, and that the fifty dollars given by the county were to be appropriated to the payment of the township bounty. The Jury found for the plaintiff $74,33.
Nancy A. Miller vs. David Miller - Summons in Assumpsit. Jury found for the plaintiff $165,00.
Nancy A. Miller vs. David Miller - Summons in debt. Jury found the plaintiff $16,66.
Edmund Wright and J. J. B. Levering vs. William Reber and Dennis Creton - This was a summons in debt founded on a judgment obtained in Ohio. The Jury found for the plaintiff $358.03.
David Guyer vs. William Forbes - Summons in Assumpsit Settled.
Nicholas Bonebrake and E. J. Bonebrake, Administrators of John Bonebrake, vs. Lewis S. Forney. - Jury found for plaintiffs $412 97.
Anton Brinick vs William Kimple. Settled.
(Column 03)Summary: The paper warns that more than 700 tracts of land in Franklin County remain unpatented, "against which liens have been entered by the Commonwealth, and suit will be brought by the Attorney General if not speedily satisfied." Emanuel Kuhn, county surveyor, reports that 81 liens have been satisfied in Franklin since January and gives instructions for landowners who wish to receive patents. The breakdown of unpatented tracts in the county are as follows: Antrim, 68; Fannett, 90; Green, 37; Guilford, 38; Hamilton, 53; Letterkenny, 50; Lurgan, 25; Metal, 32; Montgomery, 111; Peters, 90; Quincy, 16; Southampton, 38; St. Thomas, 22; Warren, 35; Washington, 52.[No Title]
(Names in announcement: Emanuel Kuhn)
(Column 03)Summary: This report notes that a monument has been erected in honor of the late Dr. Harbough who was an author, poet, and professor at the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Harbough, Rev. Dr. Gehrhart, Rev. Higby)Full Text of Article:[No Title]AT Mercersburg, on Tuesday of last week, the monument erected by the Reformed Church to the memory of Dr. Harbough, was unveiled. The ceremonies attending it are reported to have been highly interesting and affecting. A committee of the Reformed Synod were present. Rev. Drs. Gehrhart and Higby conducted the services. Dr. Harbaugh, though still comparatively a young man when he died, was distinguished as one of the first men in the Reformed Church and occupied a Professorship in the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg. To the public he was perhaps better known in the department of literature than in the field of theology. He was an extensive writer and his works are noted for great beauty of style. As a poet he won a wide reputation as the author of a series of poems written in the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, in which he caught not only the fugitive dialect, but the spirit and feeling of the quaint and old fashioned folks who spoke it. He needs no marble to preserve his memory so long as a type of the Pennsylvania Dutch remains.
(Column 03)Summary: John Cessna visited Chambersburg and seemed, in contrast to some members of the Democratic Party, serene about the results of the recent election. "His presence we have been informed, disturbed the serenity of some of the Democracy, and one excitable ward politician felt himself so outraged by the unwarranted arrival of a defeated Republican candidate for Congress that he thought he should be murdered as a warning to all defeated candidates in the future."[No Title]
(Column 03)Summary: A Children's Temperance Mass Meeting will be held in Repository Hall on Wednesday, to be followed by a mass meeting of all citizens in the evening. S. B. Chase and Thomas Roberts will speak at both events.[No Title]
(Names in announcement: S. B. Chase, Thomas Roberts)
(Column 04)Summary: The editors of the Repository visited the Chambersburg Nursery Association to observe the operation of the Lyon's Patent Rock, Stone and Root Digger in operation. They were impressed with the machine. It "removes rocks, stones and stumps, clears out underbrush and chaparral, cuts ditches, sub-soils and grades roads." F. A. Ward is exhibiting the machine and will sell township and county patent rights.Horse Thieves Captured
(Names in announcement: F. A. Ward)
(Column 04)Summary: The paper reports that two "lively lads of colored persuasion, not having the terror of the law before their eyes, and without well established ideas concerning the rights of property" stole a horse and buggy from John Hunsecker and George Palmer in Hamilton. They were caught and taken into custody by Chief Houser.[No Title]
(Names in announcement: Chief Houser, John Hunsecker, George Palmer)
(Column 04)Summary: This report notes the proceedings of local court activities.
(Names in announcement: John Hassani, Frank Kean)Full Text of Article:[No Title]THE regular October Term of Court commenced on Monday last, his Honor Judge King presiding. Several Surety of the Peace cases were disposed of, when the following case was taken up and occupied the Court until Tuesday morning:
Com. vs. John Hassan and Frank Kean. The defendants in the case were charged with Assault and Battery on Peter Cummings, with intent to kill. The Commonwealth only succeeded in making out a simple case of Assault and Battery, and in accordance with instructions from the Court the Jury found a verdict accordingly. John Hassan was sentenced to pay a fine of $20 and undergo an imprisonment in the County Jail for ten days, and Frank Kean was fined $10.
The negroes who stole the horse and buggy last Friday night, are on trial as we go to press.
(Column 04)Summary: Five barrels of corn were stolen from a lot near Quincy belonging to Dr. J. Hess. Twenty two pounds of beef were stolen from the spring house of A. S. Monn at Snow Hill, and a pair of chains, a half bushel measure, and a garden hoe were taken from William B. Monn.[No Title]
(Names in announcement: Dr. J. Hess, A. S. Monn, William B. Monn)
(Column 04)Summary: Joseph Brendle, a workman at Wilson College, fell from a scaffold and broke his left arm and leg. He was taken to Chambersburg for medical attention.[No Title]
(Names in announcement: Joseph Brendle)
(Column 04)Summary: A son of Ralph Smith died after falling from a tree in the vicinity of Funkstown on September 11th.[No Title]
(Names in announcement: Ralph Smith)
(Column 04)Summary: The Methodists of St. Thomas will hold a festival in their church on Friday and Saturday evening.[No Title]
(Column 04)Summary: J. G. Schaff will preach in the Court House on Sunday. His sermon is entitled "A fire unkown will consume the wicked."Married
(Names in announcement: J. G. Schaff)
(Column 07)Summary: Thomas Shurer and Miss Julia Ann Kelley, both from near Carrick, were married on October 18th at the residence of John Kelley by William Noonan.Married
(Names in announcement: Thomas Shurer, Julia Ann Kelley, John Kelley, William Noonan)
(Column 07)Summary: Samuel Culbertson and Miss Ann J. Culbertson, daughter of Joseph Culbertson, all of Amberson's Valley, were married on October 13th by the Rev. William A. West.Married
(Names in announcement: Samuel Culbertson, Ann J. Culbertson, Joseph Culbertson, Rev. William A. West)
(Column 07)Summary: George W. Carbaugh and Miss Ella M. Bowman, both of Greencastle, were married at the U. B. parsonage in Greencastle on October 18th by the Rev. J. X. Quigley.Married
(Names in announcement: George W. Carbaugh, Ella M. Bowman, Rev. J. X. Quigley)
(Column 07)Summary: William J. Hade and Miss Charlotte West, both of St. Thomas, were married in St. Thomas on October 20th at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. J. Fohl.Married
(Names in announcement: William J. Hade, Charlotte West, Rev. J. Fohl)
(Column 07)Summary: Dr. Charles Garver and Jane B. Kimmell, daughter of F. M. Kimmell, were married on October 12th by the Rev. J. A. Crawford.Married
(Names in announcement: Dr. Charles Garver, Jane B. Kimmell, F. M. Kimmell, Rev. J. A. Crawford)
(Column 07)Summary: Henry Klipper and Miss Anne Mary Spring, both of Chambersburg, were married on July 17th by the Rev. G. Roth.Married
(Names in announcement: Henry Klipper, Anne Mary Spring, Rev. G. Roth)
(Column 07)Summary: Albert Arnett and Elizabeth Schneider, both of Chambersburg, were married on July 24th by the Rev. G. Roth.Married
(Names in announcement: Albert Arnett, Elizabeth Schneider, Rev. G. Roth)
(Column 07)Summary: George Anderson and Miss Kate Eckstine, both of Chambersburg, were married on October 23rd by the Rev. G. Roth.Died
(Names in announcement: George Anderson, Kate Eckstine, Rev. G. Roth)
(Column 07)Summary: Mrs. Martha Magee died in Amberson's Valley on September 30th. She was 85 years old.Died
(Names in announcement: Martha Magee)
(Column 07)Summary: Jacob Leininger died near Loudon on October 17th. He was 73 years old.Died
(Names in announcement: Jacob Leininger)
(Column 07)Summary: Mrs. Mary Spital died at the residence of her son-in-law on October 14th after suffering a lingering illness. She was 75 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary Spital)
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