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Newspaper
Quincy Whig
Location
Quincy, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Apr 10, 1869
Page
5
The piece mocks an aged Irish gentleman through verses about hunger, love, and a jig at a funeral. It recounts a patch of potatoes and mutton as favored fare, describes his clothes and thrift, and ends with a drunken revival scene and a defiant quip about death.
A mosaic of oddities and witticisms. Jests about teeth clocks and marriages mix with stray dialogues and vignettes from a forgotten era. Names, places, and snippets hint at a juried collage of humor and social commentary.
Transmission to the Senate of Cass and Buchanan correspondence reveals Cass urged immediate reinforcement of Charleston forts and tax collection readiness, while Buchanan favored non coercion. The piece argues Cass supported decisive war policy, whereas Buchanan’s stance aided rebellion, costing lives and money.
Local observers in Hannibal discuss a proposed shorter rail connection to Moberly via Monroe City. Proponents argue a 40 mile route reduces costs, improves cross Mississippi access, and creates a north east to southwest network linking Quincy Chicago and Galveston. Critics claim earlier plans persisted. Generals urge thrift and acceptance of the natural route.
A Chicago Daily Tribune summary reports Gov. Palmer may veto dozens of bills from the Illinois Legislature. It argues longer sessions and general laws curb rash acts. It also details Rep. Burr of Illinois in a Washington clash with Rep. Stevenson, where Burr struck Stevenson, prompting self defense and committee room disruption.
The Quincy Whig cites Gen Stoneman removing Gov Wells and assuming the governorship, while the Decatur Magnet questions this action as a potential usurpation. The piece notes Illinois leaders and the Magnet’s critique, contrasting with Grant’s relief order and upholding Wells’s restoration and a Republican government amid Copperhead counterclaims.
The piece questions Gen. Longstreet’s loyalty after the Johnson era and contrasts Democratic and Republican views on his nomination. It notes B. W. Campbell’s appointment as Marshal of the Northern District of Illinois, replacing J. Russell Jones who may receive a foreign post, with rumors of a Liverpool Consulship and the probable appointment of 600 Fludburton, Iowa, as consul. The column also hints at Washburne’s European ties and Jones’s friendship with him.
Secretary Bouing issues the March public debt statement showing a reaction of the public debt in the last period. The brief report notes the prompt release and highlights movements in the debt profile.
A Chicago era record item lists general and local bills vetoed by the governor. It notes acts to incorporate Western Presbyterian Publishing Company, Aledo, Payson, Covtslarg, Bowen, Bardolph and La Pratria, plus reforms to garnishee process and court powers. Objections cite unconstitutionality, public policy, or unspecified conflicts.
Citizens at Fair Play School House Lewis County Missouri assembled March 27 to form a committee with County Court officials on a railroad from West Quincy to Edina Kirksville and Nebraska City. William Rickards chaired the session and resolutions urged locating and building the line, pledging support and urging township meetings to gather sentiment. A follow up committee was named Wm A Wright E W Couter and R A Johnson.
The Kankakee Gazette and Springfield Journal discuss Fuller’s railroad bill and a potential release from the seven percent tax. They suggest the Central Railroad Company would oppose losing its preferential tax status, arguing it saves them from higher local taxes on property and that a state bonus would not be accepted.
Corporators met in Keithsburg on March 24 to organize the Quincy and Dixon Railroad Company. Directors named from Dixon Geneseo Keithsburg Oquawka and Quincy with Col McManus as president and Dr Parks as treasurer. McManus to confer with other companies to secure early construction. Route links Dixon to Burlington as a key North and South trunk line.
A described plan links the Burlington and Quincy line with routes to Chicago and St Louis through Carthage, Burlington road, and a river rapids corridor. The map suggests a continuous line around the rapids and notes the project will benefit a premier Western agricultural region by shaping future trade routes.
In Peoria County Joseph H. Newkirk, aged 31 to 32, attacked his father-in-law Joseph Parnell near Princeville, striking him with an old corn knife and forcing money from the household. Parnell was badly wounded, and Newkirk fled toward Spoon River but was captured in Peoria after neighbors alerted authorities. He allegedly admitted wishing Parnell dead, while Parnell’s family sought aid and police moved to jail as the case awaited word on the wounds. The assailant’s motive tied to years of discord and prior thefts, including stealing horses from his father.
Special correspondence from Quincy notes that Democrats in a small city split their vote to contest Republican nominees. The piece lists mayoral, city marshal, attorney, and ward slates, plus board of education candidates. It mentions Oscar D Fitzsimmons and H Lee Match, with further ward names and the status of nominations as election day approaches. The Jacksonville Journal is cited for Fitzsimmons declining a Citizens ticket nomination.
The late Secretary of State Lewis Cass writes to President Buchanan resigning over policy rifts on Charleston fortifications and revenue moves. Buchanan replies with surprise, regrets Cass’s resignation, and argues the Navy dispatch was not necessary. Both letters reflect deep divisions over Union preservation and constitutional authority amid secession tensions.
Correspondence from St Joseph Herald recalls a 1868 German revolutionary tale. Carl Schurz escapes monarchists in Germany and, in exile, learns Italian, dons costume, and tours Italian prisons with a hand organ seeking the fate of prisoner philosopher Kinkel. The tale ends with a note on a familiar old song.
Schurz visited a prison and sang to his pupil Kinkel to lift spirits and trigger an escape. The pair moved on to a seaport, found work on an English coal ship, and safely reached England.
From Chillicothe Missouri a grim tale unfolds of a 12 year old Thomas Chrisman and an 8 year old boy Irvin who vanished after being sent to fetch sheep. A search found a bloodstained scene by No Creek and the body of the younger boy, shot and killed. The elder Thomas Chrisman was arrested but bailed due to youth. The report notes fear and public anger, and mentions broader local news such as gas company charters and a telegraph line to Aledo.
An Alton Telegraph note reports a sandstone boulder on the Lovers Leap bluff bearing three distinct human footprints. Artist Mr Richard Connor detached the section for Smithsonian preservation, noting the sole resembles a Caucasian foot. The site sits about 150 feet above the river, with speculation that ancient river margins and receding waters formed the impression.
Curtis argues independent journalism must critique party follies to keep principles pure and ensure truthful reporting for public welfare. He urges capable, well tempered journalists, not cynics, to elevate national life and curb party excess. Office seekers prepare for work. wood-sawyer joke noted.
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