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Newspaper
Freeport Daily Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Feb 22, 1908
Page
4
The Freeport Journal is awarded by the International Typographical Union for employing union labor in its mechanical departments. The label recognizes commitment to organized labor practices and quality production within the newspaper.
Ex-Secretary of the Treasury J L M Shaw seems to waver on prohibition and enforcement, echoing a Maine man both in favor and against. The public may dismiss his presidential aspirations with a light remark as he weighs policy support and enforcement.
The piece argues that not every advocate of the license system is a criminal nor every prohibition supporter a fanatic. It urges dropping insults from public discussion, noting the license issue is substantial enough for debate and that all sides must live together after the outcome.
Capt N B Thistlewood of Cairo Republican was elected to Congress in a February 15 special election to fill the seat of deceased Republican George W Smith. Prohibition candidate Samuel T Brush faced defeat as regular Republicans backed Thistlewood, showing not all temperance Republicans will leave the party.
The piece notes opposition to William H. Taft for the presidential nomination from men who hate President Roosevelt and resist his reforms. It argues that any Republican aligned with the President’s call for cleaner politics and honest business practices should support Taft, while others oppose him.
The Oregon Reporter comments on the district's three house representatives during the primary bill fight. It singles out Johnson Lawrence for unwavering support of honest primaries, praising his manly stand and labors to deliver what the people demanded. It claims this weakens boss power and marks a stride for honest elections.
Indiana Senator Albert J Beveridge argues Congress cannot classify thousands of tariff items or settle disputes. He says a tariff commission is needed to investigate, find facts, and make accurate classifications so the public knows the rates they bear.
William H. Taft, urged by President Roosevelt, is seen as the likely Republican candidate at the Chicago national convention next June. If nominated and the Republicans win in November, Roosevelt era policies would continue with strict enforcement against corporate law violations and a square deal for all.
Governor Taft argues that laws poorly matched to local conditions cannot be enforced. The tale links his remark to Illinois Sunday liquor laws, noting Chicago jurors often find no guilty verdicts despite clear evidence, while Freeport faces the same enforcement challenge.
A reader questions why unenforceable laws exist in Freeport and proposes repealing old statutes to let each city regulate Sabbath observances for itself. The writer argues local self government could replace juries’ inconsistent enforcement and invites readers to answer the issue personally.
In a January 34 1908 speech before the Republican Club of New York City Charles Evans Hughes, GOP presidential hopeful, stated his firm stance on tariffs, outlining positions and policy implications.
The speaker defends a protective tariff as essential to wage levels and living standards while opposing exorbitant rates. Proposes revising the policy and appointing an expert commission to determine fair tariff readjustments and ensure Congress acts promptly.
Senator Knox of Pennsylvania urges a broad river transportation program as crucial alongside the Panama Canal. He argues improvements to interior rivers would pay off quickly, funded by bonds, and boost population and business growth while Congress pursues canal funding.
The writer recalls Col John Coburn of Indiana who died January 28 1908 in Indianapolis. He praises Coburn for defending Union soldiers during a Louisville incident in January 1863 when a Kentuckian tried to seize a colored servant. Coburn escorted Union troops, deterred arrest attempts, and ensured they reached their headquarter steamer. The memoir credits Coburn with preventing a jail danger and expresses lasting gratitude.
A columnist argues that Democratic States receive equal representation in convention delegate counts despite low Republican vote totals. The piece cites six Southern states with 65000 Roosevelt votes four years earlier, totaling 16 percent of GOP ballots, and contends conventions should be based on Republican votes by state to reflect support fairly.
A historical note argues that delegates should be allocated by the number of Republican votes cast, proposing one delegate per a fixed vote count. The writer urges a brainy, honest delegate to bring the plan to the National Republican Convention in June and to ensure this fair method is adopted at future conventions.
Col James C Churchill once stationed in Freeport rose to lieutenant colonel and quartermaster after Civil War service. At a February 9 1908 Lincoln memorial in St Louis he recounted the famed Freeport debates with Stephen A Douglas, detailing questions Lincoln asked and the crowd’s reaction in 1858. 20,000 attended and rail lines brought visitors. The veteran, aged and seated, recalled Lincoln’s interview and Douglas’s reply in a two hour argument.
The piece argues direct primaries better reflect voter will by nominating the candidate most favored in party ranks. It cites 1860 presidential race showing Lincoln won the popular vote but not a majority, yet carried a majority in the electoral college, illustrating that a majority of all votes is not always required for victory. It discusses two versus multiple candidates and fairness of nomination.
The text explains that in presidential elections the state winner takes all its electoral votes. In Illinois 1860 Lincoln led with 172341 popular votes, outpaced Douglas, Bell, and Breckenridge, and thus claimed Illinois’ entire electoral slate. It asserts that the candidate with the most votes is elected and argues that this standard should apply to nominations as well.
Quincy fails to obtain enough signatures for the local option petition, leaving the question off the April ballot. No further details on signers, petition drive, or official actions are provided.
A Oklahoma girl placed a matrimonial ad and found a husband at a cost of $11 covering the ad and wedding outfit. He died within a year, leaving her $10,000 in life insurance. The story notes how some say advertising does not pay.
Members of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Carlyle pressed charges against local saloonkeepers for keeping their doors open on Sunday. Five pleaded guilty, with fines and costs totaling 266 dollars. The group vows to continue the fight.
The Catholic church, cited as having advanced temperance more than any denomination, does not endorse prohibition. It supports moderation in all things and opposes absolute prohibition as contrary to Christianity and freedom.
The governor vents anger over alleged grave abuses in state institutions under his care. Four years ago he was quick to level such accusations himself, but now resents when similar charges are directed at him as his own medicine is administered.
The passage argues that machine politicians must be constantly watched and opposed to ensure good government. It contends that abuses of power occur because those who should guard it remain ignorant and fail to exercise their rights.
A Chicago paper reports white Southerners plan to drink heavily and exclude Black people, forecasting a social reckoning where Black communities gain money while whites risk economic and reputational decline. The piece hints at a volatile test of racial power dynamics in the region.
The excerpt lauds Secretary Taft as a fine, trustworthy man. It compares him to an ideal leader, saying he would deserve loyalty even in a sinking boat. The speaker emphasizes Taft's honesty, manliness, and high character.
Senator Beveridge names Washington Jackson Lincoln and Roosevelt as the four greatest Americans. He notes Grant’s declining popularity but remarks on Grant’s era stirring actions and a major achievement that surpassed several renowned generals. The piece questions what Old Hickory did to earn a place beside Lincoln and Washington.
Pat Crowe, the abductor, comes back via Denver in poor health and discouraged. He says he must soak all he possesses to raise money to return home. Crowe’s big score, the Cudahy kidnapping, exhausted his funds and crooked money always fails in the end.
In Milwaukee last night Charles Quirles spoke about a national movement aimed at ending corruption and special privilege. He argued the battle is not between rich and poor but between wrongdoing and good citizenship, pushing for clean business and square politics.
The Mohroe Journal argues that closing saloons and destroying liquor business would force higher taxes to cover license fees and taxes. It notes supporters of closures are willing to pay more, but the fiscal burden would fall on those already paying taxes who oppose further increases.
St Joseph Gazette notes Governor Polk declares tariffs must be repeated and living costs reduced, argues against shifting jobs abroad. The paper commends his courage but calls him shortsighted if he believes masses will strike at home wage earners to aid foreign labor.
A vocal defender of law enforcement, Roosevelt faced threats from criminals angered by efforts to enforce laws. The text describes men ready to harm him with violence for standing against crime.
The passage argues that Roosevelt embodies about 75 to 86 percent of the nation’s people and would win a presidency that continues his policy. It portrays him as the voice of the majority whose wishes will be respected, stressing a future aligned with his agenda.
The West Galena town will not vote in April on keeping or banning saloons due to insufficient signatures. Petitions circulated by R. M. Spensley and F. J. Dawson with church pastors lacked about seventy signatures of the required total by the final filing day.
The passage argues that no one is powerful enough to ignore others. A short trial shows this by imagining living only on self produced goods. It notes well meaning people ignore others at their peril and cites a public figure “kicked to death by grasshoppers” after spurning his friends who helped him.
The United States Department of Agriculture warns that a single pair of undisturbed rats could reproduce to about 20 million in three years, underscoring their costly impact estimated at 100 million dollars annually. The article notes rats threaten both rural farms and urban areas.
The United Societies of Chicago declare a commitment to peace and civil liberty while opposing vice and crime. They advocate strict regulation of dramshops and other gathering places, yet acknowledge prohibition fails to prohibit and sumptuary laws do not produce virtue.
In Illinois, Lincoln agreed with a judge to a horse trade at eight the next morning with a $25 penalty for backing out. The judge arrived with the sorriest nag, Lincoln soon came with a wooden sawhorse, and after parading the animals he quipped that he had finally gotten the worst of a horse trade.
In moonlight after a Sunday sermon Rev Dr John Hall helps a tipsy man lying in a gutter. The man asks if Hall is a minister and if he is Presbyterian. Hall confirms and guides him to rise, the man replying he is a Presbyterian too.
A nostalgic meditation on a mother cherishing simple childhood items. The speaker recalls tiny booties, a blue bow, a torn nightgown, and a baby’s dress as sacred tokens of love. Each kept object sparks tears and warmth, illustrating a mother’s devotion and private heart.
Mr Sunday’s Bloomington speech praises light humor in faith saying real religion should make a man smile. He jokes that God made the parrot and monk ey s and even some parishioners with long faces, urging folks to shine up their faces and enjoy faith with a bit of fun.
The Post Office Department urges postmasters to sign statements confirming they have read and understand a new ruling banning cheap mail rates unless subscribers prepaid. The measure places responsibility on publishers in towns with papers and signals firm enforcement.
In a notice of department action publishers are urged to finalize their subscription lists within a reasonable period while the post office inspector plans to intensify activity on this line throughout the year.
The excerpt contrasts delicate society girls with blunt appetite as an exchange recalls a scene. A girl named Mary Jane Green is teased for eating leftovers, illustrating social tension between refinement and appetite in a rural or domestic setting.
Kort Worth Texas February 10 132 year old Mrs. L Kilcrease of Pine Mill near here celebrated her birthday today born February 10 1776 in Halifax County North Carolina. Her daughter and granddaughter live with her and she walks with a cane. She recalls events from George Washington era and investigators confirm her age.
Taft's decisive win over Foraker in Ohio signals near unanimity among Republicans for Roosevelt's progressive policies. Even in Knox county Foraker's ticket faltered four to one, showing reactionaries unable to control the outcome. The result reinforces the belief that government by the people remains a living reality despite fears of pessimists.
T M Gilmore president of the National Model License League argues against charges that liquor sales are wrong. He contends that if liquor use is sinful then Christ and God erred in Galilee and in instituting the wine and bread rite, warning that proving Christ wrong would undermine Christian faith.
W. H. Taft argues that Lincoln supported lawful wealth and internal improvements while prioritizing individual rights, especially for the humble. He asserts Lincoln would defend the fight against illegal privileges for corporate giants, a stance that resonates with Theodore Roosevelt's appeal to common people.
The Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and St Paul lines drive continent spanning expansion from Chicago to Seattle and Puget Sound, with the Chicago Milwaukee line and Chicago Northwestern also advancing. The effort, amid economic strain, showcases robust enterprise and steady progress for through cars and regional links.
Judge Jenkin of the house committee on judiciary voiced opposition to persistent prohibitionist efforts. He told Rev Nicholson that many proposed bills are unconstitutional and should not be reported to the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need to save the government from endless legislation.
A judge cautions that politics must not enter judiciary work as reformers press bills to flood Congress with special laws. He warns that zealotry creates a nuisance and urges reformers to scale back prejudicial legislation while observing prohibitions against evasion of laws in prohibition territory.
The Mt Carroll Democrat notes Richard Yates is widely viewed as Deneen’s gubernatorial rival after a Chicago convention. A formal announcement seems imminent, positioning Yates as the sole challenger to the incumbent amid criticism of abuses in charitable and penal institutions. The paper endorses Yates and praises both Yates and Lowden as square, capable leaders.
Voters warned that the local option question's use of anti may invert choices from old and new laws. Under prior license rules a Yes meant saloons, a No meant prohibition, while the new phrasing Reverse signs so Yes equals no and No equals yes. Read the question twice before voting.
The supreme court may deem the Ili nois local-option law invalid yet a valid alternative will replace it. The principle of local choice on liquor treatment stands, and any constitutional flaw would be in wording. If struck down the law will be amended or retained in principle, with county city and village boards gaining the transferred authority.
In a bold defense of reform and vested rights, Taft argues vigorous action to stamp out abuses and uphold civil liberty. He praises Roosevelt’s leadership and the Republican stance on courts, employer-employee relations, railroad regulation, and prosecuting lawbreakers to resist socialism.
The April election centers on whether Chicago saloons stay open on Sundays. Law and Order League supporters push a hard fight against liquor interests, aided by a petition from United Societies with 174,146 signatures seeking to decide the issue at the ballot. The United Societies argue recreation should be allowed for the poor, while the Law and Order League insists on Sunday closure.
A tribute praising Theodore Roosevelt for his honesty, fair dealing, and foresight in public duties. The piece lauds his impartial administration and his inauguration of a new system in business and politics for the country’s future good, calling him an epoch maker and reformer.
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