26 Dec 1853
Page 1
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Newspaper
Quincy Whig
Location
Quincy, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 26, 1853
Page
1
The December 19, 1853 message disappoints readers with boastful tone and unclear stance on Pacific Railroad plans and tonnage duties. Democratic leaders show muted support, awaiting concrete policy signals while public expectation remains high for a foundation of growth and progress.
The New York Fire losses amount to 1,560,000 with 338,000 insured, Harper & Brothers cited at 1,400,000 and 200,000 insured. The Herald cites rumors of a lamp dropped into camphene in the engine room as cause, igniting easily in paper filled surroundings. All twelve Harper buildings between Cliff and Pearl remain smoking ruins after a blaze that damaged sixteen structures.
The note recalls a practice of sealing government messages sent to major cities and read in Washington, with some papers allegedly obtaining the text early. It cites New York Tribune and Times scooping the reading, while Boston Post is said to have been duped. A Norwich Courier report links Abner Pierce to a massive forgery scheme and a sudden disappearance. Also, Fryers Bennett libel case yields a $10,000 verdict for the plaintiff against the New York Herald.
The Secretary of the Treasury considers alloying a German silver like coin to replace copper, with experiments directed and results to be reviewed in session. The piece discusses implications for currency and trade.
December reports from Washington show Mr Adama proposing bills to reduce public lands prices and ban notes under five dollars in the District. Mr Stanton of Kentucky presents two memorials contesting New Mexico Delegates seat. House considers Mr Washburns railroad power resolution. joint resolution to thank Gen Wool for Buena Vista battles tabled. Senate acts on Niagara Canal documents and Nebraska Territory bill. News from New York, Pittsburgh, and Halifax items follow.
A correspondent "Fabius" accuses the Palmyra Whig editor of misrepresenting the Tribune and aiding Quincy abolitionists. The Palmyra paper counters, defending its language on slave issues and denying endorsement of abolitionist schemes while accusing rivals on both sides of Souri river tensions. The editors call for cross-ch river accountability and reject charges of supporting robbery of enslaved people.
The Asia from Liverpool arrived in New York with ports to December 3. Market notes report flour soft, corn steady to buyers, and provisions dull. In Europe, Turkish advances in Asia, naval clashes, and seizures of enemy ships are reported. Austria proposes a new project, Danube skirmishes continue, and Portugal and Servia show unrest amid broader alliance rumors.
Washington reports the first part of the Message and documents 525 pages printed by Armstrong, laid before members. Gardiner trial for swearing in Criminal Court begins. Union questions Tucker’s Printer selection and a Senate coalition. New York markets note flour, corn, and wheat prices. Ohio whisky steady. New Orleans prices for four, bacon, and lard. A Beechron funds appropriation note and Bishop Vandevelde honored with a gold box from Chicago friends.
Mark Money Market notes no change in notice with stable supply. On call rates hold at 6 7 percent while first class paper remains in demand at 9 10 percent, with occasional transactions at 7 8 percent. Market paper supply is not pressing.
Two able bodied fugitives arrived this Wednesday morning on the last train from the south. One from Missouri and the other, Robert Herman, from Arkansas, endured a slave chase in Illinois before being sold for jail fees. He later won habeas corpus and escaped to Canada via Underground Railroad. He thanks his ex-master Richard Thurston of Van Buren Ark for freedom. The note cites Voice of the Fugitive. Hog market shows no change with heavy hogs at 3,500 dollars. cold weather speeds pork arrival.
The San Francisco Times reports the death of Jacob Pool at Sacramento. He was seventeen, eldest son of Mr. S. L. Pool of this city, described as a young man of high promise and great worth. The paper offers sincere sorrow and condolence to his relatives.
A circular signed by many teachers and education friends urges a State Convention in Bloomington on Monday December 26 to unite the Illinois educators. Dr J F Egan formerly of Chicago died at Downieville California aged 40 and was a former Illinois Legislator. Georgia legislature debates name change for Mary Dolly Doxy Ann Lewis to Mary Dolly Doxy Ann Lapp. South Carolina moves to appropriate $30 000 for a Calhoun monument. Auburn prison reports widespread smallpox with forty inmates ill.
In Pittsburg on December 12 M Bedini the Pope s nuncio was escorted to church by Catholic societies. After mass some rowdies puffed cigars at him and pushed the Bishop mistaking him for the Nuncio. The offender was chastised on the spot. Mayor Riddle warned of demonstrations but the Bishop denied knowledge of any cannon or music protest. The Nuncio remains in the city. Also a note from Elgin reports altered one dollar bills circulated as tens. the Bank of Elgin had not issued ten dollar notes.
The report details Col Walker’s seizure of La Paz on Nov 3 to establish the Republic of Lower California. The Republic’s government is formed with William Walker as President and a full cabinet, while military actions against Mexican forces are described. Capabilities and aims include fortifications, a move of the capital, and governance based on Louisiana civil law.
A summary of California crime notes details numerous killings and assaults in counties including Calaveras, El Dorado, Placer, Siskiyou, Alameda, and Yuba. Victims named include Alex Hall of Missouri, a Maine resident, and a Mexican attacker in Pere’s Valley, with several executions and grisly discoveries reported amid ongoing property crimes and horse theft in southern mining areas.
Wednesday December 21 1853 report details a deadly clash near La Salle after payroll protests at the Illinois Central Railroad. Striking workers and loyalists fought with weapons as a mob surged, resulting in an irishman severely beating Story and others at a contractor store before the group moved toward the scene. Shields Guards arrived from Ottawa and locals armed themselves. the riot is reported to involve six to seven hundred intoxicated men, with a grave skull fracture and multiple confrontations described.
Abridged notes from the era cover California expedition details with a small force of 45 men and a provisional government. The report references a New York Herald item with full particulars for reader interest. Also noted are bread malpractice warnings from Boston papers and a Sandusky estate claim, plus a Batess Theatre dome collapse in St. Louis with injuries and damages of about 33,000.
A German revolutionary figure, Mr. Roesler, is profiled amid the 1849 Wartemburg upheaval. The piece traces his arrests, near escape from Hohen-Asperg fortress, and perilous maneuvers to evade Prussian authorities, including a planned ladder escape from a fortress ditch and a wife’s daring aid.
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