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Newspaper
Elkhart Observer
Location
Elkhart, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Sep 24, 1873
Page
2
October 14 1873 voters in Elkhart and LaGrange counties were urged to consider William A Woods of Goshen for judge of the Thirty fourth Judicial Circuit and Wessey C Glasgow of LaGrange for prosecuting attorney both seeking election on the judicial election slate.
The Goshen Democrat disputes an earlier claim about Senator Morton back pay and concedes Morton did not receive back pay, confirming the original assertion that he never drew that money. The exchange centers on Morton’s pay from the Secretary and his stated intent to refrain from taking back pay.
English papers applaud Captain Hall's Arctic voyage as the Pole distance from Cape Shackleton to 82.16 lat marks the closest approach by civilized man. The ice remained soft and observers say a stronger vessel could have reached higher latitudes. The London Observer lauds Hall as a heroic figure and his monument as a grand memorial.
The Laporte Herald notes the Middlebury resolutions as the first authentic Republican stance on key issues. It praises Northeastern Indiana for speaking out and aligning with the party on Credit Mobilier and back pay grab, while affirming confidence in party positions.
The piece argues land grants cost the United States nothing as taxable value rises elsewhere and railroads spur higher land prices. It states broad approval has faded since necessity passed, leaving only a few politicians clinging to the issue as obsolete.
In a debated issue from a recent election a case is made for adopting a city government in Elkhart. Proponents argue population size age of town and tax strength justify the change and predict lower costs stronger standing and accelerated progress for the community.
A Warsaw Indiaman report notes a local businessman seeking wagon transport to Ft Wayne. He learns that sending wagons by road costs a small sum compared with rail, prompting an investigation into freight practices and costs.
A railroad worker compares short distance rate rules to forcing a merchant to sell as cheap at retail as wholesale. He argues that in cited cases the railroads themselves are the obstacle, hindering fair pricing.
The Goshen Democrat quotes a polemic from the Elkhart Observer critiquing railroad monopolies while joking about voters’ servitude. It notes current possession interest by the Lake Shore line, and expresses mixed regional support for railroad expansion to Benton Harbor, reflecting democratic tensions over rail policy.
A visitor spent hours in Elkhart noting brisk business and rapid building. He says the town has likely more than doubled since 1870 and that the railroad shops are among the largest in government service with many workers from Laporte. The Otis Erver paper covered the visit and praised Elkhart’s facilities for the next Editorial Convention.
The article recalls Chicago’s post fire rebuilding, noting rival cities’ contrasts with Boston. It praises rapid reconstruction, from Grand Pacific and Singer buildings to new exposition halls, warehouses, and offices. It credits business vigor, credit, and willpower for Chicago’s return to prominence, declaring pluck built a stronger city.
Residents in Chicago faced fresh scare as a large fire broke out midweek raising anxiety about a renewed burning process. Fire crews responded promptly, containing the blaze and preventing wider damage.
A fire in dry conditions consumed tar barrels and nearby structures, destroying about $250,000 in property and leaving nearly a hundred families homeless. Live cinders from a passing locomotive were blamed for starting the blaze, described as the era's worst since 1871. News sparked citywide alarm in St. Louis and other metropolises.
A dramatic Friday morning report announces Jay Cooke & Co suspends payment amid widespread panic. The piece links failures from Clark & Co to Fisk & Hatch, notes tight money at ruinous rates, railroad overexpansion, and calls out recklessness and corruption in finance, while urging restraint impact on farmers and the public.
A return letter from Wa. B. Garon recounts travel from Elkhart to Selins Grove via Toledo Erie Williamsport and Sunbury. He praises the Lake Shore and Northern Pennsylvania railroads and notes dry weather with poor corn between Cleveland and Erie. He observes lumber coal shipping towns along the Susquehanna and reports wheat and corn yields, land values, and ongoing wheat sowing. he concludes the area is not suitable for him and plans to write again.
The Long case resulted in a guilty verdict and five years in the State Prison. The column covers local society news, marriages, a booming Violett House, and remarks on local businesses, politics, and a concert at Hascall's Hall. Also notes Johnson Saylor's grand larceny verdict, Westervelt in jail, and humorous local legal anecdotes. The piece also discusses female authorship fortunes in Europe and advertising effectiveness.
The piece reflects on the panic's danger to the nation, praising Jay Cooke & Co. for wartime support and urging measures to prevent future disasters. It notes opinions on free banking and gradual reserve release, while emphasizing prudent economy as a universal precaution during the temporary crisis.
A first class yoke of working cattle is for sale by Henry Stauffer. Also land for sale near Locke and various farm equipment including wagons, harness, plows, and harrows. J F Hunt & Co promote black silk and silk velvets with new neckwear styles. Meader stock of boots and shoes. 451 of M F Saver.
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