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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1879
Page
2
The Journal notes Grant as a possible 1880 presidential candidate subject to the Republican National Convention. Garfield expresses surprise at the President's financial recommendations, urging that such legislation wait for natural business demand. The paper records a missed mention of an Alderman election for the first ward held Monday.
Hon Geo W McCrary was nominated by the President and confirmed as Judge of the United States Circuit Court for the 8th District, in the vacancy created by Judge Dillon. Ex Senator Ramsay of Minnesota was appointed and confirmed as Secretary of War in his stead.
The special election to fill Alderman Irvin's vacancy in the First Ward was quiet yet keenly watched. Republican candidate Mr. Dorman won by twenty eight votes as Mayor Cronkrite and allies campaigned early and late. The first ward remains Republican, and Republicans and Mr. Dorman receive congratulations.
Sunset Cox warns at the convention that Tilden is dead but the Democrats plan to bury his memory at the National gathering. The remark suggests a long, smoldering dispute likely to linger until June.
The editorial fiction notes that two years ago the Governor of Illinois elevated a militia captain, now head of Freeport’s entire military forces aside from the police, effectively commanding half of Stephenson County’s troops. The piece frames this as a grand, sensationalized boast in the P.O. organ.
The presidential commission sent to Colorado to quell the Indian outbreak and secure surrender of Utes from the Meeker massacre and Thornburgh clash has been largely unsuccessful. Chief Ouray promises surrender of guilties for trial in Washington, claiming Colorado cannot deliver justice. Secretary Schurz agrees on military tribunal outside Colorado. One Indian has reportedly surrendered.
Rumors swirl over meeting place for the nominating convention as supporters of rival candidates watch Venice’s view of a likely standard bearer. Democrats mock with nicknames, but public enthusiasm surges toward a spontaneous, sweeping nomination and election.
A JOURNAL reporter observed a single horse wagon near the 2nd National Bank with poultry duck and geese partly loaded. The owner refused to sell locally saying the birds had fed on carrion and might be fit or unfit for sale. The piece questions public health and suggests a remedy.
Tilden troubles the Democratic party as leaders seek a way to remove him but doubt success. It is widely believed he will secure the nomination or name the candidate, a development that angers rival leaders.
The Journal Office notes in basement of the new Post Office on Van Buren Street. Ireland faces a new agitation over landlord oppression as crop failures trigger evictions and fears of famine. A Chicago mass meeting voiced sympathy for Charles Stuart Parnell and Ireland, pledging support. A telegram to Parnell from Chicago officials urged continued patriotic efforts and relief actions.
The Journal excerpts a Budget paragraph tracing General Atkins from Captain to Major General with numerous claims. The piece compares romance to record, noting Atkins never served as Major, was not promoted as claimed, and cites Adjutant General records showing actual ranks and timelines, including command roles and postwar brevets.
The article reexamines a historical claim about a officer’s promotion, noting a brevet conferred at Savannah on January 12, 1806 and acknowledging an earlier error in stating he was never promoted during his term of service. It asserts a careful correction and commitment to accuracy.
War Department records outline Smith D. Atkins service from April 1861 to June 1865 with Illinois Volunteers, including command roles and brevet promotions. A contested Budget note claims a Brigadier General badge, which the Adjutant General disputes as untrue, maintaining Atkins held no permanent brigadier title.
Regular Washington letter from December 1879 notes capital society, fashion, and winter pleasures as Ute and Indian affairs draw attention. Mentions Secretary Schurz, Gen Scales, suffrage progress, anticipated adjournment, Bremen imports, Britain cotton goods, statues for Hooker Mead Custer, Diogenes-like Senator Davis, and newly freed citizens. Reflects on justice for 4,000,000 former slaves and a new vapor engine revolution in motive power with a forthcoming factory.
A ceremony at Rev J B Schrack's residence in Orangeville united Mr J W from Monroe Wisconsin and Miss Avil Schrack of Orangeville. Officiated by Rev O M Van Swearingen with a choral greeting and a generous supper, guests celebrated with hearty best wishes and gifts.
A letter from T A Imsay of Ellis Kansas shares outlook on Kansas farming in 1878 1879 detailing crop failures wheat corn and potato prices along with the droughts and prospects for next year He notes scarce game antelope and jackrabbits along Saline and Smoky rivers and offers to answer inquiries about unsettled lands by mail
A servant girl bargains with Mme Cagliostro to read her future. She protests paying four francs, noting she usually pays two. Mme Cagliostro insists four francs is the price for delving into the depths of fate, leaving the admirer stubbornly near the sum requested.
The St Louis Globe Democrat notes Illinois history from 1810 through Civil War era, praising free labor, extensive rail and manufacturing growth, rich land near Volo, and long‑standing support for free schooling and liberal education. It cites Illinois’ strong institutions and statesmen guiding the state toward national leadership.
A Zanesville letter reports Morgan and Allen promising diabetes relief via Constitution Water. The father’s appetite improved, nocturnal symptoms lessened, and urine output dropped after treatment. A November update claims full recovery after using the water, with notes of other cases aided and requests for circulars and stamps.
A fragmentary note mentions a wooden block claimed to be infected with fever and a speaker thanking a kind friend at Ment for assistance. The text hints at a plan to return a camp and the notion of someone going shooting, followed by a mention of a preacher.
A cryptic line discusses earning a degree and a long career. It hints at retirement after decades of service and the anticipation of a well-earned rest. The speaker mentions entitlement and a future period of rest following completion of 30 years of work.
A new theatre costing 5,000,000 francs from the Brunswick legacy has been built in Geneva. Its exterior mimics the Grand Opera Paris, signaling a grand architectural influence and a landmark cultural addition.
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