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Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
May 08, 1878
Page
2
In Freeport Journal readers see that the sharpest Democratic politicians in the district push to renominate Durchard for Congress. They argue a stronger opponent could be found to beat him, acknowledging they cannot defeat Captain R. M. A. Hawk.
The silver cent piece will henceforth serve as a relic after the President signed legislation abolishing further coinage. It has long deceived unwary passers by, resembling a quarter dollar and proving both unnecessary and misleading.
The note states that buyers of large quantities of the new silver dollars must cover their own transportation costs. The Treasury will pay charges on subsidiary coins but cannot do so for silver dollars.
William S. O'Brien, a bachelor bonanza man with Flood & O'Brien on the Pacific coast, died yesterday afternoon in San Francisco after several days illness. His estate is estimated at 15 to 20 million dollars, and heirs are believed to be two sisters, two nieces, and a nephew.
The Moffett-Dell Punch law taxing liquors sold at the bar is now in force in Louisiana. It imposes a quarter-cent tax on each ardent spirits drink, with annual revenue estimated at 3300,000. Saloons and debtors oppose the measure as a check on dishonesty and the credit system, and the tax is expected to influence similar economies in other states.
A large enthusiastic gathering of prominent Republicans marked the campaign start last Thursday. Delegates from every district voiced strong speeches, declaring the grand old party still alive and ready for battle. The Sil District represented by BR McClellan of Galena A M Jones Warren James Shaw Allison Hughes Mt Carroll J M Bailey S D Atkins A V Richards Ireeport E B Warner James Dinsmore Whiteside County.
In Montreal, Orangemen warn of an Orange uprising if their July 12 Boyne Day celebration is interrupted, claiming up to 150000 Orangemen could march to the city. Catholics threaten an influx of American supporters, heightening fears of a larger battle than Boyne Water.
The JOURNAL argues renominating Burchard risks a Democratic win in the district. It cites strong anti Burchard sentiment, fears of a Burchard victory, and supports Major Hawk as the clear alternative. The piece condemns the Burchard ring led by Atkins and Burchard, vows independent stance, and predicts defeat for the corrupt group.
In Sterling Illinois on May 4 1878 A V Richards receives a letter from A A Terrell admitting authorship of a controversial Sterling letter and telegram. Terrell states he will explain circumstances to the district when time comes and wishes to see right prevail.
The Sterling Standard reprints a critique from the Freeport Journal accusing Richards of fabricating an influential Whiteside county citizen letter as editorial content. The piece attacks the postmaster contest in the district and accuses a ring of spreading falsehoods to undermine Sterling.
A Freeport Journal paragraph warns Capt Hawk against ties to the Burchard ring while the Carroll County Herald asserts Hawk seeks congressional honors without any ring or clique backing him, promising a fair fight. Local papers portray Hawks as a candidate of integrity, with supporters predicting his strength will grow daily.
Sterling May 1 1878 A NASE writes to A W Richards Esq expressing regret at being drawn into a quarrel with Atkins and Burchard and asks to publish Mrs Smiths statement regarding the telegram in question to ensure justice.
Electa E Smith of Sterling Iowa in April 1878 states she asked Major to join a telegram to Mr Burchard about an article in the Freeport Journal regarding the post office and herself. She says she authorized Terrell to sign her name and that the dispatch was sent as dictated and is a verbatim copy.
A letter discusses names tied to the Sterling Post Office outrage and a telegram doubting a Journal article. It notes Mrs Smith and others disputed the article and a revised statement read Not true as published not authorized by Mrs Smith or her friends. The writer avoids confirming truth and cites a separate author’s letter.
A dated profile portrays Mr Burchard as the era’s prominent political letter writer. It notes his rapid, prolific output and his fame surpassing his own ring master’s editorial skill. The piece warns he may exhaust himself by overexplaining, ultimately harming his congressional prospects.
The Carroll County Herald asserts Captain Hawk runs on his own merits and interests, denying ties to any group or “job.” It warns the Burchard ring likely aims to harm Hawk’s bid, and calls for Burchard to quit politics while praising Hawk as a strong, self-made contender even if missing a limb.
A caller reported by telephone that Hon. Thos. S. Ridgway of Shawneetown is a candidate for the State Treasurership. He surveys the southern part of the state, aiming to win votes as a second choice if Gen. J. Smith is not nominated, and he is expected to carry a strong first ballot presence.
At a Chicago gathering of the Republican State Central Committee the group decided the State Convention would be held in Springfield on June 26. The decision came after a meeting that addressed party organization and future statewide activities.
The Chicago Tribune quotes Mr. Burchard defending a bill that cuts tobacco tax and adds an income tax to cover revenue losses. It notes his casting vote in committee, claims he voted for the final tobacco cut and income tax, and argues his stance conflicts with his stated opposition to tobacco tax reduction.
The debate attacks a tobacco tax bill backed by Confederate brigadiers and opposed by Wood of New York and Phelps of Connecticut. Critics accuse the measure of violating House instructions and warn it would shed revenue to fund an income tax, while provoking backlash against Northerners and Western allies.
The Chicago Tribune argues against Burchard's income tax proposal, saying it unfairly taxes heavily mortgaged real estate holders by not allowing interest deductions. It contends that property owners with high mortgage interest exceeding rents would pay 2 percent on the net rental shortfall while merchants and manufacturers with large rents pay no deduction, leading to unjust tax outcomes.
Mr Burchard writes to The Tribune defending opposition to a proposed federal income tax and criticizing H C Bulard and the Ways and Means Committee. He argues the plan reseats the Confederacy era aim to tax wages and industry, enlarge government, and pry into private lives, while noting his vote against tobacco reductions in the bill.
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