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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Freeport Journal
Location
Freeport, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Oct 19, 1870
Page
2
A Republican tax critique frames Democrats as scheming in Jo Daviess and across the state. It notes Col Turner’s late nomination, Massenberg as a rival, and hints at resignations by Secretary Cox and Attorney General Ackerman influencing a Senate seat.
The writer claims Stephenson County German voters act from pure motives and high principles. Massenberg allegedly serves as a decoy for the Democratic party to lure them into the opposing camp. Col Turner is said to spring the trap to win the vote. The piece urges voters to resist switching allegiances and warns against being drawn into the Democratic fold.
The piece notes that in 1868 Democrats Seymour and Blair carried Indiana by a narrow margin after an official count, granting Grant the state. In the late election Republicans largely stayed home, Democrats showed modest turnout, and Indiana is deemed safe for Grant and for the Republican ticket in 1872.
The Freeport Journal publishes a card urging Massenberg as a candidate for the Legislature. The note asserts his fitness and calls on Republicans to support him, while questioning Democratic endorsements and suggesting Cal Turner and allies back the candidate.
Commodore Vanderbilt bought the old Mercer Street Presbyterian Church for 50 000 dollars for his friend Rev Dr Deems who calls it the Church of the Strangers The opening services were held on the 81st inst with several clergymen speaking Vanderbilt attended with his young second wife prior to this he had not attended a church in over forty years Rev Dr Deems moved from Raleigh to New York after the war and started the Watchman a religious paper which was suspended for lack of funds He hopes to convert Vanderbilt and possibly Jim Fiske with his preaching as the story notes the social and religious aims surrounding the purchase
General Robert E. Lee died in Lexington Virginia on October 12 after brain congestion at 63 years 8 months and 283 days. He was the rebel armies greatest leader whose courage earned respect of the North and who was revered by Southerners as a president of the University of Virginia. Local Republicans debate legislative ticket locality claims as Turner and Massenberg from the city near the first ward face questions of representation.
The two Senate seats in the district are in play as Wm Shannon, the Democrat nominee, campaigns across the district seeking Republican support. Democrats push a strategy to back one candidate while bolstering Shannon, who travels to rally GOP voters. If Republicans fracture, Democrats could win the state. Republicans are urged to stay united to prevent a Democratic victory in Illinois.
The fall election in Illinois hinges on revising the state laws to fit a new constitution and redrawing districts after the census. The piece warns that Democratic control of the legislature could weaponize gerrymandering to secure Senate and congressional seats for ten years, urging Republicans to vote carefully to block such outcomes.
The September and October elections show Republicans winning in Pennsylvania Indiana Ohio Iowa and Nebraska by large margins. Democrats gain two Pennsylvania seats and one Indiana seat, while Iowa and Nebraska go Republican in a clean sweep. Nationally Republicans hold forty eight seats to Democrats twenty two. gains arise mainly from intra party rifts in Republican ranks.
A reader letter rebukes Copperheads for the Civil War, arguing their role in liberty and treason. The writer ridicules Democratic logic that links Democrats and traitors to freedom for Black citizens, noting the warped reasoning and the ironic use of titles like General by allies and by the witty Giles.
Advertising columns publish the official bank tax payments showing both National Banks paid 1774 dollars and 83 cents in taxes. The piece also critiques Democratic claims and references Massenberg’s moves, while detailing Paris siege reports with Moltke and Bismarck debates, artillery, balloons, and prospects of Paris falling to King William. The note dismisses some sensational reports and confirms ongoing siege dynamics.
Mount Carron Oct 4. Two distinguished politicians Hon Richard J. Oglesby and Hon H C Burchard visited. A large crowd met them at the depot and the Germania Band escorted them to the Pratt House for a collation before moving to the Court House where Governor Oglesby and Congressman Burchard addressed an enthusiastic audience. The meeting opened with James Shaw as chair. The remarks drew warm applause and favorable remarks from Democrats. Burchard spoke on national finances and was well received.
A critical piece contrasts Democratic land grant methods with Republican aims, arguing that Democrats favored state level grants to benefit local development while Republicans backed nationwide projects like the Pacific Railroad. It cites Illinois Central lands, total acreage, and revenue, asserting the Pacific route serves national military and commercial interests, unlike earlier state grants. It cites Senator Douglas and Benton, and condemns Democratic rhetoric while praising Republican land policy as national in scope.
Exxaary Indiana October 18 reports Williams leading Hascall by 374 in the city and predicts a 6000 district majority for Republicans. It discusses Prussian conduct in the Franco Prussian War, noting both brutalities and later testimony praising Prussian discipline and humane treatment of French prisoners.
General Kilpatrick is troubled by enlarged neck muscles caused by lengthy speechmaking. This health note cites the strain from public oratory as the likely cause and notes concern for his stamina during sessions.
The Chicago Republican argues the land grant policy should be contrasted with the Republican stance to prove the latter aligns with the Constitution. It notes national grants have achieved their aims and calls for disposal of the public domain under Homestead and Preemption laws.
Hon H C Burchard delivered a terse vigorous address on the finance questions and the people’s interests in Sterling. The meeting ended late with voters persuaded that Republicans should lead on finance and government.
A detailed list of Republican meetings across Stephenson County with dates from October 20 to November 7. Notable speakers include J. M. Hunter Gen Ankeny E. De Puy G. W. Snyder H. C. Burchard Rev G Bliss and others. Venues include Lena Ridott Book of J. M. Hunter and Freeport Fry's Hall among towns and school houses. Meetings start in the evenings and last about ten minutes per speaker as noted.
A Democratic article rebuts vague condemnations by detailing supposed Republican outrages. It itemizes measures from homestead laws and emancipation to financial reforms, Indian policy, revenue reform, and civil equality, arguing these acts benefited the nation. It contrasts this with praise for Republican governance amid broader political strife.
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