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Newspaper
Freeport Daily Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
May 11, 1907
Page
2
The Freeport Journal receives a label from the International Typographical Union recognizing the newspaper’s use of Union labor in its mechanical departments.
The piece argues that some Illinois legislators treat railroad passes as part of a salary and that Mr. Yerkes’ distribution of greenbacks after the Allen street railway bill was likewise a salary component. It frames such gifts as bribes and mocks the logic.
City council raised liquor license fees to 1000 per annum prompting renewals. Of 17,237 saloons, all but five paid 500 for six months, pulling in over 3.6 million dollars. Funds to hire 500 additional policemen will come from the revenue.
General Bragg of Wisconsin at a National Democratic convention praises Grover Cleveland and notes pride in the enemies he has made. He says the Pennsylvania Republican machine opposes Roosevelt and cites graft exposures in Pennsylvania State Capitol construction to claim Roosevelt’s luck reappears. The Pennsylvania machine would distrust any candidate the state Republicans back.
The interstate commerce commission reports for three months ending December 31, 1906 that railroads caused 20,944 casualties with 474 deaths and 20,473 injuries. The warning urges readers to consider life insurance if they ride the cars.
In Joliet State Penitentiary one inmate, Paul O. Stensland, is earning more than Chicago’s mayor. He holds trustee roles in 4,000 deeds of trust on real estate, and his signature is required to release mortgages. Interested parties must pay $5 per release, predicting about $20,000 income in the coming year.
The letter argues that if Chicago can ignore state laws via a special charter then Freeport, and every city in Illinois, should have the same right. It contends there is no justification for selective enforcement and calls for uniform application of laws across all municipalities.
Dennis Kearney of California has died. A drayman by trade, he became a fervent speaker and agitator who led outdoor Sand Lot meetings in San Francisco about thirty years ago. He founded the Workingmen's Party of California which denounced Chinese labor and helped shape state politics before fading back into obscurity.
He will be remembered as an honest man by those who opposed his sharp denunciation of the rich, earning respect from supporters and detractors alike.
Hon John C McKenzie of Elizabeth representing this district in the Illinois State Senate denounces a so called lie by the State Board of Charities and rejects threats of a special session He vows the Senate will not be terrorized by the board or Chicago newspapers and earns Stephenson County praise for his stance.
Theodore Roosevelt spoke at the May 2 unveiling in Washington, urging peace only on right terms. He warned that peace without duty invites self indulgence and praised the peace of righteousness and justice alongside readiness to defend rights if needed.
The piece notes persistent deadlock in states like Rhode Island Wisconsin and Delaware delaying Senate vacancies and raising questions about direct elections. It cites constitutional rules that restrict governors from filling vacancies and discusses shifting trends toward popular elections and direct selection methods.
W. W. Finley, president of the Southern Railway, appears poised to steer the carrier through strategic changes. Observers note his leadership style and plans for network expansion and modernization amid a changing rail landscape.
A Memphis speech by Mr. Finley argues for fair treatment of railways and customers, urging no secret rebates and a square deal. He notes railways are vital to progress, criticizes overcapitalization myths, and cites Chairman Knapp’s call for fair valuations, while stressing balanced value of farms and roads.
The item hints that governors feel relief as General Assemblies adjourn and mentions a Denean reference in passing. It reads as a political quip about historical figures and congressional duties.
A New York bank clerk, arrested within hours after stealing a quarter of a million dollars in bonds, exclaimed My God Tas it come to this so soon He has still five years as a fugitive from justice. A Georgia murderer then surrendered himself for trial admitting the crime and saying he wished to be hanged Be sure your sin will find you out.
A humorous remark circulated last week claiming a man evolved from a camel as a donkey. The quip contrasts camel endurance with human habits, suggesting a goat descent due to chewing tobacco and other quirks.
The text debates whether fees kept by state officer in Springfield and county officer in Chicago should be disgorged. It notes customs in Chicago and Springfield, and argues that regardless of custom, if funds are not tight they should be openly accounted for and used alike.
General Smith D. Atkins of Freeport recounts a sweep against former State Treasurers aimed at recovering funds that should have been turned over to the state. The tale suggests years of schemes and control attempts by others seeking to influence the Treasury. The scope and number of involved treasurers remain unclear.
The Kewanee Star-Courier notes that many who acted with General Atkins are now facing hardship as they were unpaid, while the thieves who took funds are unlikely to restore them. The paper asserts Atkins’ strong reputation and reliability.
The Town Senate defeats a joint resolution to submit a woman suffrage constitutional amendment to voters. Some speakers say they speak for their wives who oppose added duties. strongest argument notes women themselves are not united in seeking the privilege.
A tale from Loran township tells of a lazy farmer and his equally lazy son who fail to plow a field when told. The moral: one should do their own work rather than rely on others to do it for them.
A year ago the vice president of Anheuser Busch paid 100000 for 2600 acres of Southern Illinois oil land and sent a manager to develop it. After 34 flowing wells yielding 15000 barrels daily, the land sold to Standard Oil for 1000000. The VP then gave the manager a 175000 check, leaving a net profit of 724000 for the brewery.
A Freemason, in an unsteady condition, sought entry to a lodge meeting. The guardian, a new hand, pressed his nose to the keyhole and could not smell the password Abstinence. The Mason argued the word was right, but the guard claimed the smell was wrong.
It argues that many self installed chauffeurs lack skill and judgment. It notes reckless driving by car operators behind their horn and questions why people tolerate it. It calls for regulation until drivers gain proper knowledge and sense and urges public protection and sentiment in favor.
In Carroll County loggers and Joliet Match Company teamsters ship timber from Elkhorn Grove to Milledgeville for match production. Basswood brings $7 per thousand on the stump and travels worldwide as matches, with history tied to flour barrels, plow beams, wheels, furniture, and shipment to England.
General Smith D Atkins editor of the Freeport Journal reveals in his Saturday issue an account of his dealings with former Governor John R Tanner. The piece portrays Tanner’s character as accurate to those who observed him during his summer and fall near his tenure in Springfield. The Gazette previously refused Tanner’s editor offer and declined Springfield conferring. The article hints the Yates administration inner history will emerge with less credit to Gilena Gazette’s predecessor Deneen.
A wartime oration praises endurance and duty, contrasting easy times with hardship. It urges veterans to value actions done in adversity, hoping future generations remember their steadfastness and sacrifice. The speaker stresses unity, courage, and the unforgotten burden borne by those who served.
An excerpt frames Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words praising sacrifice and duty, stating that citizens earn a special pride by choosing the hard path of duty over ease. The passage emphasizes resolve and national commitment.
Pith and Point features a string of quick exchanges among residents and observers. The snippets touch on whispers, art versus money, a starving writer, a widow and children, a derided character, a walking practice, and a debating parson on dancing.
In the House debate on the pure food bill, Representative Stanley performs a dramatic demonstration with neutral spirits and essences to show how easily whiskey could be forged. His showing helps persuade peers, leading to the liquor clause being included in the pure food act.
The Edwardsville Intelligencer notes that General Smith D Atkins, editor of the Freeport Journal, is regarded as a strong citizen and politician. It recalls his wartime service, public spirit, and his 1896 Republican bid for State Treasurer, which led to later accusations of bad faith against party leaders that appear substantiated.
L. Sherman voices that the majority of Illinois residents forbid certain occupations on the Sabbath. He states no legislator can vote to open saloons on Sundays without betraying parental heritage and consciences of the people. The speech rejects blue laws rhetoric and emphasizes deep, shared religious scruples across faiths.
The piece portrays Foraker as a dynamic rallying figure in Ohio politics, a speaker who drives convention action rather than a strategic organizer. It compares him to Blaine and Conkling, notes his battles with the party machine, and highlights a record that includes a Cincinnati Superior Court judgeship and multiple governor campaigns with two victories.
The Milwaukee Free Press asks Democrats to define their stance with the prompt What is a Democrat and respondents reply in part that they feel close to being orphans in a time of change. The exchange reflects uncertainty and aims to clarify party positions amid shifting politics.
The speaker recounts a 19th century political shift describing a divorce in 1893, deaths in 1896, and Democrats who realigned to Republicans for jobs. He claims many who joined Democrats during 1893 to 1896 drifted to Socialism or Populism, leaving behind only those with longstanding Democratic ties.
The Rockford Republic reports a growing battle between Governor Deneen and both houses of the legislature. Tensions mount as Speaker Shurtleff and Senate leaders resist the governor's favored bills, with threats of a special session and probes into state fee recoveries affecting former treasurers and auditors.
The piece critiques W. J. Bryan for resisting another Roosevelt nomination, noting Graves suggests a Roosevelt bid might be best. It portrays Bryan as self-promoting and asks what the Democratic Party gains after two defeats while Roosevelt faces a wealth of praise and money in politics.
A fat engineer recalls a close call when a three year old girl wandered onto a railway track ahead of his heavy train. The scene seemed doomed until a black Newfoundland retrieved the child, sparing her from harm as the engine slowed and stopped. The engineer, moved to tears, says he cried afterward thinking of his own daughter at home.
The text argues that while the state must protect citizens and curb the misuse of vast wealth, especially by corporations, true democracy hinges on balancing individual liberty with corporate influence. It contrasts Jeffersonian democracy with the rise of fictitious corporate personhood upsetting political and economic accountability.
The text states Roosevelt seeks to curb corporate power to aid national development. It characterizes his aims as conservative, avoiding radicalism and hostility to interests. It cites Burke on reform through equity, implying reform should be just and steady rather than driven by heat or malice.
A nine year old asks his mother to return from the beyond the blue sky while a father kneels in grief. The child longs for guidance and comfort as a heavenly light appears, sealing the family to God’s design.
A 1906 newspaper discussion explains that apparent large appropriations exceed actual spending once technical and offsetting items are removed. It notes postal credits, a sinking fund payment, and bank note redemptions that do not drain Treasury cash. Actual next year drafts and income projections are outlined, showing growing receipts and a shrinking fiscal squeeze.
The piece argues Democratic use of Harriman and Van Buren letters as political tools in 1908. It recalls historical examples where Mulligan letters and other missives swung party favor, noting how newspapers and leaders could wield documents to shape delegates, nominations, and public opinion.
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