This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 25 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Feb 16, 1881
Page
2
Widespread opposition develops against the confirmation of Stanley Matthews as Associate Justice, with considerable doubt voiced about the ultimate fate of the nomination.
The Senate select committee bill to seat Cabinet members in Congress seems likely to pass before adjournment. Early government practice had Cabinet officers attend sessions and explain department matters to Congress.
The Bulletin editor expresses mortal dread of the Opera House and notes staying away would free a seat for paying patrons. He argues no law compels attendance, unless he chooses to face the dangerous venue.
The fight for the U S Senate seat continues as Grow and Oliver exit and Gen Beaver with Congressman Bange enter, with roughly equal backing. No sign of compromise between Cameron and anti Cameron factions. Municipal elections occur this week, offering a potential public verdict. Other states have already chosen.
The House count declared Garfield and Arthur duly elected President and Vice President. The piece denounces Democratic efforts as failed, praising the Republican party as progressive, honest, moral, and prosperous, while predicting the Democrats’ decline for decades.
February thaw causes widespread flooding as New Orleans area subsides after ten square miles waterlogged. Toledo Maumee River surges flood streets and load basements with water while wrecking boats. Washington Palomae freshet floods areas including Pennsylvania Avenue. Long Bridge on the Potomac suffers destruction. Many rivers and creeks east of Indiana to New England overflow. numerous bridges damaged.
Hon. Fernando Wood, former mayor of New York and long time congressman, died last night at the Mineral Springs resort in Hot Springs Arkansas after a period of ill health. Born in Philadelphia June 14 1818 he built a shipping business in New York and retired wealthy in 1850. He served as mayor three times and was a leading figure in the Democratic party, noted for his role in New York politics and national influence.
During this session the Legislature has seen nearly eight thousand different bills introduced. The figure highlights a rapid pace of lawmaking with wide legislative activity and numerous proposals moving through committee stages.
The Bulletin faces criticism for false statements about the Opera House labeling it a fire trap while promoting other acts. Readers ignore the column, attend performances, and defend the venue as good or better than many others nationwide. The feud centers on Mr Herbert and local ad business practices.
Across the nation floods bring disaster while our city endures a heavy snowpack. Gutters are blocked by snow and will worsen with warming days and possible rain. Officials urged to open and clear gutters immediately to avert damage and danger.
A fierce blizzard blocks Nebraska Iowa Wisconsin and northern Illinois cutting off trains Friday night and Saturday. Most through trains on major lines remain stalled with some breaking free Sunday. full resumption may take days as northwest rail service slowly recovers.
A historical note promotes treating inflamed wounds by smoking them with burning wool. Twenty minutes in wool smoke is claimed to relieve pain from severe wounds and repeated exposure supposedly calms the worst inflammation. The method is praised as simple and accessible to all.
The Washington Letter notes March changes in society as a new administration arrives. It recalls early inaugurations from Washington to Polk, detailing crowds, pageantry, and rowdy scenes, including White House revelry and street disorder. The piece reflects on past presidencies and the evolving social life surrounding inaugurations.
Complimentary note from Kendall County Record Yorkville Illinois commends Senator Sunderland of Freeport for a bold speech on directing Congress to fix interstate commerce and railroad rates. The writer calls him highly able among the new senators and notes the audience listened attentively.
A chain of jokes about ink pens pencils and validators runs through quotes from Xeokuk Constitution Hawkeye Omaha Ree Omaha Bee Detroit Free Press Boston Globe Norristown Herald. The exchange ponders utility of puns in cold weather and their weighty impact on papers.
In The Mobile Register, the writer notes that most Democrats favor a revenue tariff only, a stance once in the party platform but later dropped. The piece suggests tariffs were seen as dangerous to touch and both sides failed to gain broad support.
A collection of editorials and opinions from multiple papers discussing political figures and proposed reforms. It cites Butler and Matthews, De La Matyr’s Florida move, a suggestion to add the President’s private secretary as Cabinet officer, and remarks on campaign work by Tammany Democrats amid opposition crowds.
The text asserts unwavering support for the Democratic leader from start to finish. It claims to represent New York City and County Democrats, backed by incontestable facts and the full body of historical record.
The Vickaburgh Herald reports a Northern backed plea to retire General Grant on limited competence. Proponents argue it risks little harm to the South, while opponents push party and section lines, offering excuses and urging prompt acceptance or rejection.
The WV Tribune ridicules Senator Butler claiming he was placed in the Senate by bulldozers and ballot-box staffers due to his alleged leadership in the Hamburg massacre. It argues his swagger and chivalry dialect mark a stolen, impassioned performance from a South Carolinian occupying a contested seat.
A Forreston Herald report discusses Brookman being wounded by comrade Fusha during a rabbit hunt and the ensuing death. It claims doctors Wales of Lanark and Burbank extracted a hammering slug from the wound, shattered fibula, severe swelling, and a doubtful recovery. The piece disputes Herald commentary and notes blood poisoning risk to the father.
Prof S A Forbes, director of the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History, reports in Bulletin No 3 on fish diets across the state and on bird food, based on microscopic analysis of 425 fish stomachs and 423 birds. The Illinois legislature recently appropriated funds for further work.
An 1881 report lauds Prof Forbes for systematic studies of birds and fish food, with endorsements from H A Hagen and W S Baird. The piece notes the State Laboratory director’s work as vital to agriculture and economy, urging continued legislative support in Springfield.
A very peculiar disease is attacking cows in the northwestern part of the county. It resembles a prior horse ailment and defies solution. Infected cows bow the back, limbs stiffen, and some become unable to walk if untreated. One farmer lost a cow recently, and a Norwegian farmer nearby lost all his cows. Only milking cows appear affected thus far.
Mr and Mrs K Ellis return from Clinton Wisconsin where they attended the sickness and burial of Mrs Ellis father E Mabie who died February 6 1883 at age 79 after a brief paralytic pneumonia. He faced death with calm and faith remarking that sixty years ago he prepared for this hour. His life was marked by mental and physical vigor and a public benediction to all.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.