09 Jul 1850
Page 1
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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Jul 09, 1850
Page
1
A Philosophical Paper explains that clouds and atmospheric vapors diffuse sunlight, lighting the sky on cloudy days and creating twilight. Even when the sun is below the horizon, diffused light persists, making the sky appear bright and the night still gentle in summer.
The Senate bill proposed a one cent and a three cent piece. The cent would include a tenth part silver and feature a central hole to match the dime in size, aid transport, and deter counterfeiting. The three cent piece would be mostly silver with a copper edge, radiated liberty cap, and Roman numerals IL, aiming to ease change and replace worn Spanish money. The Mint would exchange these coins at face value, and the bill seeks to reduce reliance on foreign coins while addressing currency circulation concerns.
The House passed a substitute by 155 to 86 providing land grants to surviving veterans of the War of 1812 and Indian wars and Mexican War service. Grants include 160 acres for twelve months service, 80 acres for six months, and 40 acres for three months, with eligibility restrictions. Wives may inherit if a veteran dies. No benefit for current Congress members. Estimated cost reaches 40 to 50 million acres.
The steamer Anthony Wayne with Capt Able and a large party ascended the St Peter's river about 150 miles. The river showed eight feet below last April’s high water, with scarce current. Descriptions praise deep narrow shores, bottom lands, and prairies, noting springs and potential for corn crops after floods. The piece envisions a farming future, with natives yielding to Anglo Saxon settlement as the river becomes a corridor for commerce and markets.
In Rochester, New York, a committee of independents examined the Hochester ladies to determine if knocking sounds originated from physical action. The tests included standing on inverted tumblers and careful watching, yet no movement was found to explain the noises. The inquiry seeks a satisfactory result and calls for competent, free investigation.
A humorous fragment recalls two Dutchmen discussing a method to avoid water by adding viskey to a parrel. One pursues singing while the other suggests filling the parrel with viskey, then adding water later to keep a steady supply of alcohol, ending with an oblique flourish.
The Journal notes favorable reports from Freeport and Carroll county fields with winter wheat now rust free and prospects of large yields. Corn and oats look promising after a slow start, boosting farmer confidence and aiding railroad stock subscriptions as payments come due.
A severe storm with heavy wind swept parts of the county on the 3rd, destroying standing grain, downing timber and damaging several farmhouses. A storm at Lewisburg Pa on the 22nd caused further damage to buildings and moorings along Buffalo Creek. The telegraphic hoax about Washington was denounced. Other notes report census duties for Stephenson County and an Army health statistics summary for 1849.
Fourth day of Lopez examination in New Orleans reveals new facts as observers testify arms moved from the arsenal in April and May to unidentified recipients under General Rowley. Testimony names Francis Garcia keeper and Garcia, Jacob Soria.
Bills advancing in Congress propose grants of public lands for several railroad projects. The Hinds Central Railroad with branches, the Dubuque and Keokuk line, and the Hannibal and St. Joseph likely to succeed after Senate passage. The Alton and Terre Haute grant has been reported against by the Senate committee.
An assistant marshal has been appointed to oversee the census collection in Jo Du Niphs County. The role includes coordinating enumerators, ensuring coverage across precincts, and reporting progress to the county clerk.
A listing of historic locality name changes in Illinois shows areas within Cook County renamed to modern suburbs or towns. Included are Cuanorp The Grove to Northfield, Wickliffe to Lemont, Bachelor's Grove to Bremett, Leyden to Leyden, Lyonsville to Flag Creek, Palos to Palos, Cooper's Grove to New Bremen, Bremen to Pierce, Forestville to New Erin, and nearby changes in Monroe and DuPage counties.
The tenth on the 23d ult of Miss Janu Ponten in Bristol at her brother Dr. W O Porter’s home. She was 74 and famed as author of the Scottish Chiefs and other works. Cause of death was pulmonary apoplexy. Interment reports show week prior deaths: 148 Philadelphia 204 New York 76 Boston, with warm weather and no bowel diseases typical of cholera, suggesting a mild epidemic season ahead.
Andrew N Buckley son of John J and Mary Anne Buckley drowned while bathing near Yellow Creek alt Lees Mills Stephenson County on a Saturday evening. A freshet left deep fissures in the stream bottom causing his instant strangulation before aid could arrive. He was about 18, praised for his amiable character and promise. Relatives mourn the loss and note his July Fourth participation in a village youth ceremony. Unclaimed dividends of the United States Bank advertised dated March 4 1811. Also mentions Ann Duchess of Cumberland stock and quack cures. Minnesota notes report loons near St Paul and a captured loon brought home.
A young woman of note rejects old maid stereotypes and boldly prints on her calling cards that no reasonable offer will be refused, a declaration whispered amid a bustling feast and chilly coffee. The playful quip signals wit and social defiance in a period-tinged scene.
Stephen Hempstead of Du Buque is the locofoco candidate for governor of Iowa. The bill to abolish capital punishment in Connecticut was defeated in the Senate by one vote.
A bill passed both Houses of Congress appropriating $20,000 for public buildings in Minnesota and $20,000 for the erection of a penitentiary. William Keats murdered his wife in Louisville last Monday with an axe. She died almost instantly. The murderers escaped. police pursue a suspect described as medium height with a dark complexion and a split upper lip.
In a Garden Prairie area of six miles east of Belvidere, Hiram Bennett attempted to kill his wife with a gun in a jealous rage. She blocked the attack with a board, buckshot struck, one lodged near the spine. He then shot himself, collapsing. the wife’s condition is uncertain while the assailant perished on the scene.
Later from Europe notes the steamer Hattras arrival July 4 and Europ at 6 PM after leaving Liverpool June 22 guiding seven hours on the American steamer Pacific. Asia reached Liverpool before Europa, Boston departure December 12, nine days fifteen hours. Europe carries about 82 passengers bound for New York. In Parliament Lord John Russell defends the Ministry on the Greek question and censures the Lords veto. Palrmerston and Gen La Hitte fray appears unlikely to settle. Manufacturing districts report good employment and fair wages. East Indies and Australia overland mail reports are overall satisfactory. A France President assassination attempt is said to have occurred with few details disclosed.
A new bridge near Montgomery Alabama with lightweight scaffolding was demolished by direction of Mr Remington and a large crowd watched tests. The Montgomery Journal reports the structure, appearing fragile, endured heavy loading with planks thinning toward the center and joined by cement. The design, though seeming impractical, held up and is described as eminently successful and valuable where lumber is scarce.
The confession of Prof. Webster to the Parkman murder is presented to Boston’s Council via his spiritual adviser. Webster denies premeditation and says Parkman abused him, provoking a frenzy that led to Parkman’s death. Separate notes sketch Texas agitation for independence and possible U S action amid gun‑toting rhetoric.
The Kenosha Telegraph reports farmers in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois enjoy a rich crop prospect while western Wisconsin sees mainly winter wheat. A northern observer notes corn looks excellent though wheat is not as good, and a tea rang addition and global cholera mentions appear in brief notes.
A fragmentary notice from Lawrenceville dated February 1 1850 advertises advertising edlurtins for concére to having sick horace a better medicine. It mentions Sl o av seg and a pamphlet of agents with further particulars and testimony.
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