25 Dec 1869
Page 1
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Newspaper
Quincy Whig
Location
Quincy, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 25, 1869
Page
1
A collection of fragmented quips and dialogues features figures like an astronomer, a sly rejoinder about “beaux by conlight,” a wag comparing a lawyer and a doctor to highwaymen, a four year old’s mishearing, and Dr. Johnson at table. The pieces play on social roles, miscommunication, and polite irony in a bygone style.
After three days of debate the convention votes to adopt a self serving pledge claiming to support both the U.S. and state constitutions only insofar as it fits the member’s duties. The gesture aims to shield Bryan and Rice, questioned under the constitution, while opponents condemn the move as misleading and disastrous for public trust.
Judge Chaze reviews the Court's opinion on taxing State Banks and states that Congress may constitutionally authorize bills of credit. He notes there is no question of Congress' power to emit such notes and make them widely receivable in debts to the government, providing a uniform currency in value and circulation. The Chief Justice's exact stance is not explicit, but strong favorable expressions carry significant weight.
The discussion centers on the convention authority and its relation to constitutional law. Republicans argue for a self restrained body while Democrats push for sovereign power. Critics note some judges face opposition due to associations and eligibility questions.
The piece notes Democratic threats to impeach Secretary Boutwell and deride the administration over private claims and bond redemption. It mocks Chicago Times coverage, cites Judge Trumbull’s bill on Supreme Court jurisdiction, and outlines a proposed Congress driven definition of the political nature of certain government actions and rebel state governance.
The examination into complaints against the Soldiers' Orphans Home management debunks the Times and Register charges as untrue. The board praises the superintendent and staff, noting well-clad, well-fed children, widespread happiness, and good behavior cited by neighbors and citizens.
Cable reports the pope’s address at the Great Council with the claim The Church is stronger even than Heaven. Critics note possible distortion in English transmission that altered wording to stronger than ever. The original phrasing appears to be The Church is stronger even than Heaven.
New stamps announced will depict profiles of notable Americans including Ore cent Franklin, two cents Jackson, three cents Washington, six cents Lincoln, ten cents Jefferson, twelve cents Clay, fifteen cents Webster, twenty-four cents Scott, thirty cents Hamilton, forty cents Perry.
Executive Mansion letter from President Lincoln dated Nov 4 expresses condolence to a Boston widow whose five sons died for the Union and whose sixth is wounded at Readville. Lincoln prays Heavenly Father eases grief and preserves the memory of the loved lost as a sacrifice on the altar of freedom.
A vote by West Florida to approve annexation to Alabama requires ratification by both Alabama and Florida legislatures and by Congress before the transfer becomes legal. The outcome hinges on formal approvals across state governments and the federal body.
The Peoria Transcript condemns Democratic stance on the oath to support the State Constitution arguing that if the Convention omits it, Governor and state officers must refuse to recognize the body. The Alton Telegraph and Republican presses deem the move dishonest and unserious, reflecting wide GOP skepticism.
The telegraph reports that New York merchants and taxpayers are satisfied with the President’s message and the Secretary of the Treasury report. Wall Street gamblers dislike the positions, but the public expects a prudent administration to ease the money market soon.
The New York Tribune outlines the national debt decline under President Grant, detailing reductions by month and week and noting the dramatic pace of progress. It emphasizes the scale of repayment and the accelerating tempo of debt relief during his administration.
The text accuses Democrats of arguing that the Constitution or laws cannot curb Convention actions, enabling them to bypass a popular vote. It questions their intentions, cites alleged denial by “Our Savior” and suggests safety rather than duty or honor governs whether they submit the Constitution.
Mr Ingersoll has introduced a House bill authorizing an additional issue of legal tender notes totaling forty four millions. The proposal appears to aim at currency inflation and has been referred to a committee to study the matter properly. The writer opposes inflation and favors currency changes only through banking facility equalization.
The proposed end to the franking privilege, urged by the President and Postmaster General, appears unlikely to win approval in the House and likely to fail in Congress.
The Hartford Courant notes it has examined the Alaska purchase and its balance sheet, suggesting hopes to soon see a notice that Alaska is for sale.
The Epitosn Whig reports a Washington scene of beauty and flirtation as Congress sessions begin. It notes many young government employees and lobbyists aided by attractive women, and warns of patronage and influence. The article covers Census bill progress, committee battles on finance, and possible vetoes. It mentions Dolm Pier and Hayden expedition reports forthcoming.
Correspondence from Springfield reports a chaotic opening day at the Illinois Constitutional Convention. Democrats faced criticism for breaking procedural forms while Judge Skinner on Wednesday drew praise for his research and wit. A heated exchange between Browning and Hay centered on the oath, with Col Daniel Cameron noted for well meant but mistaken kindness. seating by lot began as key figures were excused.
The narrative recounts a heated Adams County convention moment over seating favors for aging or infirm members Col Cameron seeks early seat choice for age and infirmity J Browning objects claiming no infirmity and chooses a Republican seat amid Democratic peers prompting speculation about loyalties and resentments.
Danes attacked Scotland at night but a barefooted Dane stepped on a thorny thistle. His cry alerted the Scots, who hurried to arms and repelled the invaders, leading to the thistle becoming Scotland’s national emblem.
A Senate bill by Mr Sumner proposes amending the banking act to raise the credit note limit from 300 million dollars and allow enlargements and new banks at Treasury discretion. It requires canceling an equal amount of legal tender with each issue and caps annual increases at 50 million dollars, to balance banking interests across states.
A Governor’s statement shows the state bonded debt at December 1 was 5 104 859 64, down from 5 989 450 53 on December 1, 1868, a year decrease of 883 693 89. An additional 20 186 has been set aside to pay bonds called by proclamation but not surrendered per the Springfield Journal.
A Fast City San Francisco opens stores and saloons on Sunday with heavy drinking and universal smoking while business thrives on rapid, high risk fortunes. A deep dive into Cape Colony diamonds reports natives mining in vast numbers, white men under pressure, and new gold finds at Tatin with Australians striking rich veins. Old pits and furnaces hint at historic mining depth and methods.
The New York World lauds Father Hyacinthe for a subtile magnetic charm and fluent earnestness. It notes his voice holds listeners with attentive, compelling power, capable of rising to convincing strains from depth of feeling rather than thought.
Senator Corbett proposes funding 1.0006 billion dollars of maturing five twenty bonds into a 35 year bond. Principal and interest to be paid in coin and non taxable. Interest rates start at six percent, then five, then four and a half, then four percent for the final period. Overall interest averages about 5 percent for fifteen years and 4.431 percent over 35 years.
The Lynchburg Republican laments the departure of many young men from Virginia and North Carolina to seek fortunes in the far West, viewing it as a loss of bone and sinew from the land.
Smallpox and hog cholera prevail near Belleville while a Chicago bricklayers convention opens January 1. Edgar Stanton of Illinois named Consul to Bristol England. A Chicago beggar girl has five fingers and three thumbs on her right hand. Sycamore farmers feed wheat to hogs to save corn. The deepest coal shaft in America is at Minonk Illinois, cost 15000 dollars. The 1862 convention constitution majority stood 16061 against. Wm Lance of Blackberry Kane County, age 103, regarded as sharp as a 50-year-old. James L Rock editor of Cambridge Democrat has absconded with others’ funds. Holly Water Works in Peoria fails to curb fires. State Horticultural Society meets at Ottawa. fruit districts show rising interest in fruit culture. Addie Messer of Illinois is first Yankee schoolteacher at Sitka, earning 75 dollars gold and 1200 proposals per month. Trustees select ground for Southern Insane Asylum near Jonesboro on 400 acres with spring and quarry. Mr Sullivan of Ford County owns 40000 acres of tilable prairie, a seven-mile square farm with 250 miles Osage hedge.
The president appointed a slate of circuit judges: First Circuit General George F. Shepley of Maine. Second Circuit Lewis B. Woodruff of New York. Third Circuit William McKennan of Pennsylvania. Fourth Circuit George A. Pearce of Maryland. Fifth Circuit William B. Woods of Alabama. Sixth Circuit George A. Yeaman of Kentucky. Seventh Circuit Thomas Dummond of Illinois. Eighth Circuit James F. Dillon of Iowa. Ninth Circuit Lorenzo Sawyer of California.
A Suez canal excursion features a venture to Elephantine Island and the Nilometer built before Christ’s birth. The uninhabited island offers tropical beauty while a French company plans balloon trips above the Nile and the Pyramids to avoid long ascents and beggars.
A noble woman declares fearlessness to live, yet refuses to marry unworthily. She strives for duty and loyalty, preferring single life if needed, and requests to be let alone. The passage contrasts quiet strength with public scrutiny, noting pride, delicacy, and avoidance of disgrace.
The Treasury reports about 71 million in coin on hand and 10.6 million in estimated receipts from customs this month, totaling 81.6 million. Weekly gold sales will reduce the amount by 6 to 8 million, leaving roughly 44 to 46 million after a 32 million semiannual interest payment on 1881 bonds and five-twenties due next proximo.
A King of Prussia visitor saw superfine needles weighing an ounce collectively, then witnessed a borer carve a thread from his hair and create a finer needle. Queen Victoria owns a miniature Trajan column needle with Queen Victoria scenes, all viewable with a magnifier, and a second sealed Victoria needle opens to reveal more scenes. Kentucky post offices may close if residents do not curb lawless letter theft.
Secretary Cox rules that if there are multiple children, each child receives two dollars more per month in addition to the regular eight dollars. The adjustment applies after the death or marriage of the mother.
Appletons Journal illustration describes Bouted plan for a Franco British bridge with two options a single span or ten spans of two miles each from Dover chalk cliffs to Cap Blanchez on the French coast. Each span uses five vertical frames and a floor strong for twelve fall trains. Wind resistance estimated at twenty six times the strongest gale. Pillars in the sea require careful artificial foundation work. Estimated cost fifty million dollars. touted as the grandest enterprise of its kind.
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