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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 15, 1853
Page
1
A Chicago conven tion of Temperance advocates gathers with delegates from across Illinois. The editor lauds the disciplined, moral, and religious character of participants, condemns corruption, and urges immediate organization to drive Maine Law support and ensure eventual triumph.
A Monday outing to Rockford included a Young Men's Association lecture by Geo W Curtis of New York on Young America. The party enjoyed city sights, a fine audience applauded, and locals praised the organizers for securing quality lecturers and lively discussion.
A harsh critique targets James Oliver Perry Burnside and the Bulletin editorials. The writer accuses Burnside of childish bluster and falsehoods about newspaper distribution times and carrier efficiency. They claim rival offices received alerts earlier and mock the editor’s claims about the speed of setting the message. The piece ends with a quip that messages should come only yearly to avoid newsroom madness.
The late Anson G. Phelps, a New York merchant, leaves substantial charitable bequests. Major gifts include $100,000 to the American Bible Society, $100,000 to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, $100,000 to the American Home Missionary Society, and $850,000 to a Liberia college foundation. Additional gifts support the New York Institution for the Blind, orphan asylum, Colored D..., and Congregational Church deacons, with grandchildren receiving $5,000 each to fund Gospel work. Total charitable sums exceed $390,000.
The report notes Apyir I Pierce of Norwich fled after a suspension and large loss, tied to forgery totaling about 890,000 centered on Erie Railroad acceptances. It mentions Brannan’s acquittal in a Winnebago murder case and references a destructive fire in New York harming Harpers publishing house with losses estimated at 1,660,500.
A fragmentary foreign-interest item notes James Montgomery’s eighty second year and experiments at the Crystal Palace Sydney Han regarding organ size and power. Committee estimates require 5400 feet area, 60 feet depth, and 140 feet altitude, with costs under 25000 pounds and a four year construction timeline.
At the Grand Opera during Guillaume Zell a liberty themed moment spurred cheers for the Turks amid Russia Turkey tensions. Ten days earlier the Leibnity captain learned of fire in the hold and found sixteen pore intruders hidden with old tags planned to secure free passage to America using oatmen and water for sustenance.
Washington reports the House elected public printer on the first ballot with Armstrong win and Bailey, Gales, and Greeley as other nominees. A major fire consumed 188 Main Street and adjacent wooden structures, causing unknown losses and insurance, while business owners faced substantial damage and evacuations. The Senate adjourned after routine notices and a call for rail and mail route discussions. Independent notices include counterfeiters in Columbus county and a Dumas immigration note with liberty sentiments.
Delegates from twenty three counties assembled at Clark Street M. E. Church for a Maine Law Convention. Dr W Raymon chaired the temporary body with S L Reown as secretary, electing M D P Sweet president and a slate of vice presidents and secretaries. The group formed the Maine Law Alliance to suppress intoxicating drinks, appointing a state committee and county chairs, planning petitions, publications, and local enforcement, with monthly reports and fundraising, and an agent to canvass the state. An evening program featured talks by out of town guests, and the second day focused on alliance plans and further actions.
On December 10 at 3 PM commissioners at harbor creek grade down the track and build a country bridge with a six foot width. A meeting will organize conveyances for women and children from there to Erie about six miles away. Rairview residents west of Erie met to back Erie supporters as railroad timber readiness to rebuild the bridge across State 81 is noted. The high constable ordered 40 feet more of the bridge removed this afternoon, totaling 100 feet. Timbers ready may not fit the gap. A large Eagle Village meeting aims to back Erie's stand to hold their current position.
From The Panama Star comes dispatches on Brazil seeking treaties with Peru Bolivia Ecuador and New Granada to monopolize Amazon trade. Peru seeks to open the river to the United States. Bolivia and New Granada lean toward the US. Bolivia resists war with Peru though hostilities possible. Callao and Lima quake fears linger after a distant early quake. Chilean Congress enacts vassal law affecting Valdivia. Sub-Treasury funds in New York for October 4 noted amid unsettled financials.
Reports from Maine New York Michigan and Illinois detail the Maine Law issue influencing elections. General Riley’s Ontario lectures boost pro law majorities while opponents lag. Editorials from Alton and other papers note rising temperance sentiment and a shift against liquor sellers in public office.
The Arctic arrives with shipments listed including flour and wheat prices. The Africa and Golden Gate events are reported with minor damages. Reports mention armistice rumors, Turkish and Russian actions near St. Nicholas, and fleet movements. Paris, Vienna, and London dispatches describe battles, casualties, and a Turkish victory at Oltenitza, with varied 800 Russians killed and Turkish advances along the Danube.
Chicago Desocratic Press Office reports market prices for December 8, 1853. Wheat at 90 cents, coin at 0 cents? oats 40 cents, rye five cents, butter five cents, hogs at 17? dollars per hundred or similar unit.
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