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This newspaper page contains 12 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Shepherdstown Register
Location
Shepherdstown, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Dec 11, 1849
Page
2
Dickens argues public executions corrupt society and urges moral reform in London. He cites brutality outside Morsemonger Lane jail and condemns the moral decline fueled by such spectacles. He urges readers to back just parties and resist those appealing to selfish passions.
The Europa reports events to November 23 in Europe. Leden Rollin and three others from the Paris June insurrection are sentenced to life transportation, twenty from the Legislative Assembly among them. Turkish intrigue, migrations from North Italy, the Pope, Narvaez coup in Spain, and a Belgium treaty are noted along with market dullness in grains and a rising American stock market.
An account of the London hangings of Menning and his wife for O Connor’s murder at Horsemonger Lane Gaol. Dickens witnessed the scene and urged Parliament to privatize executions within prison walls, calling the crowd’s brutality and revelry shocking and appalling.
The Register explains delays in its second issue due to unforeseen obstacles. It appeals for public support, argues a newspaper is needed in Shepherdstown, and stresses that a common platform will unite merchants, mechanics, and professionals to share public intelligence and foster improvement.
The article reviews the Parkman case at Harvard College, noting disappearances, the discovery of human remains, and Professor Webster's alleged involvement. It covers the investigation, the arrest, and the vault discoveries, with public alarm and pending official actions.
The passage argues that public policy should align with morality rather than party advantage. It laments partisan invective and warns against patriotism used to justify aggrandizing one’s country at others’ expense. It claims most public questions are moral rather than purely scientific or economic.
The article discusses concerns over the U S gold coin alloy and mint assay practices, citing J M Patterson and Philip Phinaix and noting changes to the standard over 16 years. It reports a convention at Pittsburgh proposing duties on pig iron and iron products to shield American markets, plus local notices on education, journalism, and the steam canal boat trial at Mercerville.
Minutes from Congress opening show 34 infants and 40 senators present in the Capitol. Millard Fillmore presides as vice president in the Senate with Henry Clay and James Shields sworn in. In the House 224 members responded, but no candidate reached the ballot threshold after multiple rounds. Balloting for speaker continued through Thursday and Friday with no decision, Winthrop and Cobb among leading names as Democrats fade. The Whigs pushed for united action, hoping to demonstrate moral power of unity.
Reports from Shepherstown talk of emigration hardships and disbanded crews while California news warns of famine threats and gold shipments from New York. Virginia and District of Columbia affairs include a Senate adjournment and a House election for Speaker. A Washington petition seeks territorial government for Columbia District. A Mount Valley church revival converts twenty whites and several people of color over a weeklong meeting.
A Baltimore Sun leak exposes the Post Master General's report showing a flourishing department yet condemning high rail mail transport costs. It cites projected next year at 24,750,198.18 with last year gross income 4,905,176.28 and expenditures 2,326,197.18. Recommendations include a uniform 5 cent postage for all letters and abolition of the franking privilege funded by the Government.
Marriages recorded include Rev George P Mursison uniting Miss EB Patib of Berkeley and with Rev L P Wilson presiding, and Mr James So Lams to Miss Khoreas dfitcheil Yuh, both of Berkeley. A Baltimore ceremony on the 6th with Rev Dr Atkinson united Dr BG Buckels of Hedges lle and Miss Catharine Wever of Berkeley.
Obscure notices report the deaths of Mrs Hannah Taylor and William Short both in this county. Short, aged about 67, died suddenly prompting a coroner led inquest returning a verdict of death by visitations of God. Short, born in Tiffshire Scotland, emigrated to the U S in 1810, worked on early turnpikes, settled in Shepherdstown, and was a cautious but charitable man affiliated with the Presbyterian church. his will of 1814 directs property to be sold by executor Henry Berry for the benefit of his sister in Seodadl.
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