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This newspaper page contains 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Alton Spectator
Location
Alton, Illinois, United States of America
Date
May 25, 1837
Page
2
Refugees recount multiple steamship disasters with boats burned and people drowned. Allegations surface that captains failed to aid others amid fires on the Mississippi frontier, with figures cited of 120 to 160 lost across vessels Ben Sherod Mogul and others.
In New York the banks announced a suspension of specie payments following a bank run the day before, causing the major news to center on this decisive action. The report notes the strain on the banking system and the public banking response during the period.
The document records a guilty verdict and two year six month sentence for forgery while noting a separate trial and penalties. It reports a fire in a block owned by Godfrey Gilman & co with two engines aiding containment and a possible push for organized fire protection in town.
Sherman W. Robbins announces his bid for Justice of the Peace in the upcoming election. He appeals to Alton voters and urges support from the community, asserting his fitness for the office and noting the election date is near.
Reports describe a bank run draining spe money across major cities including Philadelphia New Haven Washington Pittsburgh and others. The Bank of the Metropolis and another bank reportedly planned to continue specie payments while directors claimed private fortunes rely on bank soundness. The piece also notes Chicago elections and a murder indictment probed during a county circuit term.
A long historical notice discusses Chester and the Illinois region as a growing town site. It highlights river navigation to the Ohio, nearby resources, and the potential for farming and emigration. It mentions John Van Buren and Whig reactions to Presidentials and treasury orders affecting state development.
A dated letter discusses the extent of executive power over land sales and the Treasury’s receipts and expenditures for the year. It notes ongoing examinations, a potential repeal of specie payments on public lands, and the impracticality of an immediate congressional session due to representation issues in several states.
To conform to a Senate resolution of March 2 1837, notice is given that March receipts from customs amount to 1 907 303 and lands 1 228 063. For the congressional recess quarter, customs total 5 015 826, lands 3 472 499, miscellaneous sources 280 000, grand total 8 768 325. Expenditures for the quarter run about 7 408 325, leaving excess receipts near 1 358 504.
A rumor spreads through Market Street that an attack on commerce will hit Philadelphia as news claims the Old Court House at Second and Market has been raised by City Council order. The stoppage centers on repairs to the town clock in the State House Steeple, traced as the source of market panic.
The American rebukes The Evening Post for mocking its tale of Mr Biddle visiting the President. It laments the city’s distress from business derangement and attacks Biddle as vain and unfit to advise on finance, while condemning partisan presses praise as improper. The Globe notes a May 5 New York committee visit to Washington regarding merchants’ complaints.
The Spectator notes a quiet stock market with high demand for francs and bullion from Puyis, while bullion remittance from Avserivca is delayed. Railway shares fall as New York brokers see depreys. Lord bre may resign. Naples reports royal happiness. Bourbon decree allows Indian imports. Constantinople reports about new canal projects.
Reports from Buenos Aires state the Argentinian government bans movement from Argentine territory to Bolivia and Peru, while welcoming emigrants of good character. Chile declares war on Peru over Santa Cruz’s perceived threats and Peruvian actions. Nash reports a Connecticut judge’s odd remarks, prompting calls to identify the speaker.
A Jackson letter to the Mobile Register says propositors push state banks to issue post notes due in twelve months, loaned long term with ten percent damages for non payment. It predicts more bank charters, including Chick country two million, Vicksburg two million, Natchez four million. New York injunctions halt Buffalo banks amid charter violations. editors note the harm of actions against banks during this period.
Damaged OCR describes a bank panic at a financial institution with many banks refusing to receive the hire of the Dei Deck. It notes deposits paid out, a loss of one hundred thousand dollars, and discussions among presidents and governors about a resolution. The Dry Bank is not a society and has vaults described but not fully explained.
The Richmond Enquirer cites Whig commentary on federal interference and overtrading as drivers of distress. It notes speculation circulation policies and a debate over remedies while referencing prices, speculation, and a French telegraph fraud example.
The May 1837 Pennsylvania convention elected a president for the convention amid attempts to propose amendments. Delegates from various counties attended as candidates were nominated by Democrats and other groups, with votes tallied to determine the convention leader.
A garbled note hints at a political struggle within the opposition. The fragment mentions a dilemma facing leaders and potential fractures in strategy amid mounting pressure. No clear names or dates could be read from the available text.
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