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This newspaper page contains 18 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
4
Reports from St Louis and New Orleans recount high loss of life as two boats collide and burn on the river. The Ben Sherod and Mogul incidents leave as many as 160 passengers feared dead. Alton, Columbus, and other vessels are cited in rescue and blame debates. Captains deny or defend actions.
The banks decided to suspend specie payments following a run for specie, triggered by last day’s actions. The move marks a pivotal shift in the financial landscape as New York reports indicate the decision reached on the 13th.
The report records a jury finding guilty verdict in a homicide case with a term to the penitentiary and notes a separate forgery conviction with two years and six months’ imprisonment. It also mentions the May issue of a periodical, a call for local officials, and a town fire that caused damage and prompts discussion of forming fire companies.
Sherman W. Robbins announces his candidacy for Justice of the Peace in the upcoming election. He calls on Alton voters to support him, highlighting his engineering background and suitability for the office.
An examination into the Dry Dock Company prompted a withdrawal rush as nearly two million dollars fled the banks in a single day. Banks across Philadelphia New Haven Pittsburgh and other cities halted specie payments, forcing suspensions and prompting calls for a nationwide response. The Washington Globe notes some banks pledged to continue specie payments. In Chicago, Democratic candidates won most races, with Ward Mayor and several assessors elected by solid margins. The county circuit court closed its term after six days with notable cases, including the murder indictment of Zaboth Clack.
A 19th century notice extols Chester as a promising river town at the head of low water navigation from Alton to Ohio River, noting abundant building materials, spring water, and strategic position for trade with Missouri and the American bottom region. emigrants and speculators are urged to consider settlement.
Fragmentary historic letter discusses policy debates and relief measures for suffering citizens. It references administration decisions on treasury inquiries, specie in land sales, and potential congressional action. The text notes investigations by the Treasury and expected public disclosure, with emphasis on maintaining convictions while seeking relief within constitutional limits.
The Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury reports to Congress that March receipts from customs were about 1 907 303 and lands 1 228 063 with total monthly receipts around 3 135 366. For the quarter ending March 31, receipts from customs about 5 015 826 lands 3 472 499 and miscellaneous 280 000 totaling 8 768 325, while expenditures were about 7 408 325 leaving a surplus of 1 360 000.
The city endured widespread disruption as doors, shops, and streets buzzed with fear over a supposed firm causing a broad stoppage. Curiosity peaked until a Philadelphia Herald notice revealed the halt stemmed from town clocks in the State House Steeple undergoing essential repairs.
The American rebukes The Wework Evening Post for mocking Mr. Biddle's visit to the U S President. It calls the piece disrespectful during a time of national distress and accuses Biddle of vanity and poor judgment in advising the administration on finance. The piece notes Van Buren’s prudent restraint and condemns partisan praise of Biddle.
Reports explain unsettled stock markets in Quiet markets and waning demand for Francs while bullion from America fails to arrive. Liverpool railway shares fall amid chatter of failures. Notices say Napoleon’s era plots sound. Naples letters report a Queen in state. Governor in Bourbon loosens restrictions on spice imports from India. Constantinople reports road and canal projects as the Porte engages contractors.
Reports from Buenos Ayres announce a port arrival detailing a closed land and sea passage between Argentina and Bolivia and Peru with strict emigration rules. Chile declares war on Peru over Santa Cruz’s perceived aggression, while Peru faces Peruvian governance under Santa Cruz and threats to regional independence.
A Jackson letter to the Mobile Register describes bank measures before the Legislature including allowing state banks to issue notes for twelve months, loan long term with 10 percent damages for non payment, and potential charters for Chickasaw County Vicksburg and Natchez. It notes New York Bank Commissioners injunctions against Buffalo banks and relates concerns over charter violations and the need for bank liquidity.
A garbled passage suggests Buffalo banks face decisions about alarm protections and possible sacrifices in the context of new bills. The text is unclear but implies monetary safeguards and legislative action may be considered to ensure safety and stability in financial institutions.
A fragment from Naw Yom describes a bank failure where the Dry Deck Bank ceased operations after customers failed to accept its bills. It notes the bank had paid out large sums, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in deposits, and mentions a state meeting where officers promised action not fulfilled. The article references the Courier and Chronicle.
The Richmond Enquirer discusses national distress caused by government interference in commerce. It argues the specie circular worsened conditions and cites observers like the National Intelligencer. it asserts Congress restraint or abrogation would not instantly ease distress and notes speculation and production issues underpin the crisis.
Fragmentary report from May 3 1837 describes a Pennsylvania convention where delegates debated amendments to the state constitution and nominated John Bergeget for president. The text notes clashes over abolitionist positions and calls for reform, with broad participation from delegates across counties.
Fragmentary OCR text hints at a dilemma facing newspapers amid shifting markets and digital forces. Readers see vague references to industry pressures, technology, and editorial choices shaping future coverage.
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