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Semi-Weekly Dispatch: August 23, 1861 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Proclamation by the Governor
(Column 3)

Summary: Proclamation in which the governor requests Pennsylvanians to come to the aid of the government by providing more troops to quash the rebellion.

From Harrisburg
(Column 3)

Summary: Commends Pennsylvania for furnishing more than 3,000 men of late who are "en route for the seat of war."

The Fat's in the Fire
(Column 1)

Summary: Article in which the Dispatch reproaches the Repository and Transcript for declaring which candidates in the Union Party it would and would not support for judge and then declaring that if their candidates were not elected, they would feel no compunction to support the Union Party. The Dispatch also offers the candidates it would recommend for judge.

Full Text of Article:

The "Union" will have to "slide" now, we suppose--not the Federal Union--but the Union Party which was so gloriously and so patriotically inaugurated in the Court House, on the evening of the 15th inst. The Repository and Transcript, in its last issue, has graciously condescended to intimate to the Union Party whom it will and whom it will not support for Judge. So far as its influence upon the action of the Union Convention is concerned, it might as well have extended its list, and say whom it will support for the other positions that are to be filled. Now we opine that the Convention of the Union Party will make its nominations regardless of secession sympathisers or unblushing dictation from a presumptuous editor--and, by way of approval, the nominees of the Union Party, who ever they may be, (supposing them to be unconditional Union men) will be triumphantly elected, even though the Transcript and its editor should be found in opposition.

The favorite candidate of the Transcript for Judge, it appears, is Wm. McLellan, Esq., of this place, a gentleman of undoubted qualifications, and than whom a more sterling man is not in our community; but Mr. McLellan, we understand, is not, and does not desire to be, a candidate. If, however, Mr. McL. should be the nominee, and would accept it, no one would support him more heartily than we would.

But pre-supposing that his Honor, Judge Kimmel, might be chosen as the candidate of the Union Party for that responsible position, the Transcript very gravely tells the party beforehand, that "WE [the editor of the Transcript,] "will not consider OURSELF bound by the action of the Union movement; but will oppose it and its candidates down till the evening of the second Tuesday of October, with all OUR might"!!! After this, will not our readers agree with us that "the fat's in the fire?" Or will those who know, regard the declaration of the Transcript as sublimely rediculous [sic]? For our part, we scarcely know which to admire most--the presumption or the egotism of that editor.

So far as our humble selves are concerned, we have gone into this Union movement with a zest, and without any political "mental reservations or self evasions." To suppose that the Union Convention will put in nomination a man as a candidate for any position to be filled at the approaching October Election, who is not an out-spoken, unconditional Union man, and a firm, decided supporter of the war policy of the Administration in its efforts to suppress the rebellion, is to suppose that the Convention will be composed of fools--which we are free to confess, we do not anticipate as likely to be the case. In this view of the matter, then, let who may be the candidates--Judge Kimmel, or who ever else--we will support the Union Ticket with whatever humble ability we may possess, regardless of the political anticedents [sic] of the gentlemen who may compose it, and regardless, also, of any narrow-contracted, personal considerations or objections.

As a matter of course, we would prefer to see a citizen of our own county on the Bench. Somerset has occupied the position in the persons of Judges Black and Kimmel for the last twenty years, and for twenty or more years prior to that, the late Judge Thompson, a citizen of Bedford, filled the position, so that Franklin county has not had a President Judge for nearly the last half century. So far as Fulton is concerned, we believe she presents no candidate; but whether she did or not, her claims would be weakened by the fact, that she belonged to Bedford during the Judgship [sic] of Thompson, and has since had candidate in the person of a Mr. Lyon.--The claims of Franklin, therefore, we apprehend, will be readily and willingly conceeded [sic].

While we have no particular choice of candidates, yet we believe the Union party would act wisely in selecting Judge Nill as its Judicial candidate--and in saying this, we believe we express the desire and the hope of a decided majority of the people of the county. The character of Judge Nill, and his fitness for the position, are so well known, that an attempt by us to portray either, would be supererogation.

If the candidate, however, should come from another county, we would be pleased to see John Cessna, Esq., or Alex. King, Esq., of Bedford, receive the nomination. Both are gentlemen of fine legal attainments.--But let the candidates be whom they may, for this or any other position on the Ticket, they will triumph gloriously over the combined opposition of quasi-secessionists, and supercilious editors.

But upon the principle that it is preferable to make a man your friend rather than your enemy, however contemptible he may be, we would advise the Delegates to the Union Convention, to consult with the editor of the Transcript prior to making any nominations. It appears that he has been "very much pleased with all that has thus far occurred," in this Union movement, and there is no use of unnecessarily incurring his supreme displeasure now, or of recklessly running against the thick bosses of his buckler.

The "Peace" Party
(Column 2)

Summary: Criticizes the Valley Spirit for promoting peace at the expense of the Union.

Full Text of Article:

The Spirit says, that its party (the Breckinridge faction it means we suppose) is "the only party that can restore peace to our distracted country and re-establish the Union." That may be, for it is the only party in the country that proposes terms of Compromise with the Rebels. The Douglas Democracy, to their honor be it said, are as firm in their support of the Administration in the war now waging to suppress the rebellion, as the most ardent Republicans. The followers of Breckenridge are for compromising with Jeff. Davis, which means, to give the traitors their own terms, and the North to assent to a peaceful, dismemberment of the Union and the consequent distruction [sic] of the Government. How does the Spirit's party propose to "restore peace," if it is not upon the rebels' own terms--for it is certain they will submit to no other, unless they are forced.

The Tories of the Revolution also deplored the war in which our fathers involved the Colonies on account of their opposition to further foreign domination. They claimed also to be "the only party" that could "restore peace," and if they had been chosen by Washington, Jefferson, and their compatriots, as the pacificators, a complete surrender of the Colonists to the demands of the mother country would have been the result, and a "peace" would have resulted there-from, such as it would have been --procured at the sacrifice of their manhood, their self-respect, and their independence.

While Northern sympathisers with treason and clamoring for "peace," it is refreshing to read the protests of Southern Union statesmen and journals against concessions to and compromise with the desperadoes who are in arms against the government. "The only compromise I have to make," cries Andy Johnson, of Tennessee, "is ground your arms; obey the laws; acknowledge the supremacy of the Constitution." "All idea of compromise is now to be deemed base--is scouted as dishonorable," says the Winchester (Ky.) National Union. The Danville (Ky.) Tribune, the Louisville Journal, and the Louisville Democrat, are equally emphatic in the demand that the rebels shall be made unconditionally to surrender before peace is discussed or entertained.

On the 4th, of March last, when the President was inaugurated, he found seven States in arms against the authority of the Government, the Constitution and Laws of which he had just sworn to administer and enforce. What was he to do?--What would the Spirit have had him to do? Sit with folded hands, disregard his oath, and permit the Union to crumble to pieces without an effort to stay the destruction?--or would it have had him to do as he did, is, and as all loyal and true friends of the Union hopes he will continue to do, wage war upon all who are found in arms against the Government until the rebels submit to its benignant and mild authority? No other course was left open--it was life or death to the Union--and that is the only question now, Union or No Union, and it will be no difficult matter for loyal men and loyal journals to choose between them.

More Troops Ordered
(Column 2)

Summary: Argues that the Confederate army must be preparing to attack Washington, given the late call for troops by the President.

Resolutions of the Late Union Meeting
(Column 3)

Summary: Reprint of the resolutions adopted at the Union Meeting of Franklin County.

Full Text of Article:

Below we re-publish the Resolutions adopted by the late Union Meeting of Franklin County:

WHEREAS, The Government of this Nation is now involved in a war for the suppression of Rebellion, the maintainance [sic] of the Union, the Constitution and the Laws:

AND WHEREAS, It is of vital importance, in this struggle for existence on the part of the Government, that there should be perfect unanimity of sentiment on the part of our people--therefore

Resolved, That in the selection of the candidates for the different offices to be filled at the coming October election, the partisan should be merged in the patriot, and men should be merged in the patriot, and men should be selected without reference to former political predilections, possessed of capacity and integrity, who are willing to give all their energies to the Government for the purpose set forth in the preamble to these resolutions.

Resolved, That those of our fellow-citizens of the county, who concur with us in sentiment, be requested to meet in their respective districts at the usual place of holding delegate meetings, on Saturday, the 31st day of August, for the purpose of selecting delegates to a County Convention, to be held at Chambersburg, on Monday, the 2nd day of September, for the purpose of forming a County Ticket and selecting Conferrees to represent us in the Judicial and Legislative Conferences.

The following Resolution was submitted by J. W. Douglas, Esq., which was also adopted unanimously:

Resolved, That we urge a most vigorous prosecution of the War, solely for the purpose of the suppression of the Rebellion, the restoration of the Government in its unity, the maintenance of the Constitution in all its compromises, and the Enforcement of the Laws; and not for the purpose of the Abolition of Slavery, or for impairing in any degree, the Constitutional Rights of any section of the Republic.

Card
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that the Board of Directors of the Farmers and Mechanics' Industrial Association have decided not to hold the annual fair during the coming fall. The decision was made because the fair ground buildings have been damaged and some destroyed due to their occupation by state and national troops.

Full Text of Article:

For the Dispatch.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Farmers and Mechanics' Industrial Association, held at the Secretary's office on Tuesday, 13th inst., it was unanimously resolved not to hold the usual Annual Fair this coming fall.

The motives which induced the Directors to take this step are as follows:

The Fair Ground and buildings having been occupied by the State and National Troops during the last summer, and by them so much injured and destroyed as to render them entirely unfit for use; and not being able to get a definite understanding when the Government shall appropriate money to place the same in proper order, the Directors feeling unable to do so at their own expenses. Again: The Directors at a former meeting appointed a Committee to call upon the leading business men of Chambersburg to contribute to this enterprise (which, in its effects, benefits all,) and which call was responded to so illiberally, that the Directors feel no encouragement in undertaking the responsibility attending the holding of the usual Annual Fair.

By order of the Board.
W. S. Everett, Sec'y.

Trailer: W. S. Everett, Sec'y.

Drafting
(Column 1)

Summary: Attempts to allay reported fears that the federal government will be compelled to conscript men into the army to fight the rebellion. Points out that "thousands of brave men" have thus far volunteered, lessening the chances of a draft.

Burglary and Incendiarism--Arrest of the Villains
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports the arrest the previous morning of two "scoundrels" who are believed to have broken into the large warehouse of Messrs. Oaks & Austin and blown open the safe. The Dispatch warns that patrols must be organized or such criminal activity will doubtless continue.

Campbell's Artillery Regiment
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes the enthusiasm with which the people and soldiers of Washington have met Campbell's Artillery Regiment, expressing delight in particular at the "grand movements of the men" during drill.

The Volunteer Company
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that only nineteen men signed up for the new volunteer company, though the meeting at the court house for its organization was attended by a large crowd and indicated much enthusiasm.

Full Text of Article:

As we stated in our last, an adjourned meeting was to be held in the Court House on Tuesday evening last, to organize a Volunteer Company. The Brass Band turned out on the occasion, and discoursed, in its usual excellent style, some soul-stirring music, and a much larger crowd was attracted to the meeting than the most sanguine had reason to expect. Everything indicated the formation of a company without difficulty, but to the surprise of all, but thirteen persons signed their names to the paper, signifying their readiness to participate in the laudable undertaking. It may the part of those in attendance, as to the course to be pursued by the company, in the event of its organization; be that as it may, the result was anything else than creditable to the military spirit of the town, especially in view of our close proximity to the enemy. We hope other efforts will be more successfull [sic].

A gentleman of means, since the holding of the meeting, has called upon Capt. Jeffries, the President of the meeting, and assured him that as he was incapable of bearing arms, he would contribute $50 towards uniforming a company. This is patriotic.