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Franklin County : Politics

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Franklin Politics

Franklin Repository, May 4, 1859, p. 4, c. 5: "Borough Election."
Repository crows over the "People's Ticket" (Republican) victories in local elections in Chambersburg. Claims that "Republicans and Locofocos, Jews and Gentiles, Catholics and Protestants, all joined in voting the same identical Ticket.... Such unanimity of political sentiment, probably, never has been exhibited in any town of the same population in Pennsylvania."

Franklin Repository, July 27, 1859, p. 4, c. 2: "Fiendish Malignity - Mr. McClure."
Assails the Valley Spirit's "imbecility and malice" in attacking Republican Alexander K. McClure.

Franklin Repository, August 24, 1859, p. 5, c. 1: "Meetings of the People!"
Schedule of the next week's People's Party meetings, which will be held throughout the county. The Hon. Joseph Casey of Harrisburg, A. K. McClure and George Eyster, Esq., will speak and local bands will play at each meeting.

Franklin Repository, August 24, 1859, p. 5, c. 1: "High Treason!"
Frederick Douglass "delivered a flaming address to his friends and admirers" in the Chambersburg Public Hall the previous Saturday night. The principle editor of the Valley Spirit, John M. Cooper, sat in the front row -- "evidently as the 'right supporter' of the sable speaker." This compels the Franklin Repository editor to ask, "What expedients will not that party resort to in order to rescue their sinking political ship? . . . Are they now about to don the garb of abolitionism?"

Franklin Repository, August 24, 1859, p. 5, c. 3: "The Other Douglas."
Account of the recent speech by Frederick Douglass in the Chambersburg Town Hall, focusing on his oratory style and the reasons why immediate and unconditional emancipation is impossible.

Valley Spirit, August 31, 1859, p. 5, c. 2: "High Treason!"
Spirit includes Transcript's article about Frederick Douglass's visit, which basically accuses the Spirit and the Democrats of being abolitionists and cozying up to Douglass. According to the Spirit, McClure and the Transcript are being hypocrites, since Douglass is a Republican and had his advertisements printed at the Transcript office, and the Transcript's editor called on Douglass.

Franklin Repository, September 7, 1859, p. 4, c. 5: "The Locofoco Slaughter-House."
Another look at the Locofoco County Convention held on Aug. 30th.

Franklin Repository, September 14, 1859, p. 4, c. 6: "A Card."
Jeremiah Burke writes a letter to correct rumors that he intended to run for Sheriff as an independent, because he thought the Republican party had treated him unjustly. He has no such intention, and plans to vote for the Republican candidates, including "Honest Billy McGrath," who won the nomination over Burke.

Franklin Repository, September 21, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: ""Old Buck" Subdued."
An humorous article that discusses how the Valley Spirit's editor, Johnny Cooper, and its owner, Judge Jerry Black, desire to win the Charleston nomination for President.

Franklin Repository, September 21, 1859, p. 4, c. 3: "Qualifications Of Voters."
A description of the qualifications for voting in the general election. A reminder that Oct. 1st is the last day by which citizens must be assessed, in order to vote. The Repository notes that Capt. McGrath will be at his home on Sept. 24th and Oct. 1st to do assessments.

Franklin Repository, October 12, 1859, p. 4, c. 5: "McClure's Vote."
The Repository responds to the Spirit's claim that A. K. McClure has split his ticket in the past; The Repository has Jacob Henninger, known to be an honest man, swear that he examined McClure's ticket, just before he handed it in, and the ticket was straight Republican. The Repository is confident that James Crawford will not be insulted that McClure did not vote for him (as the Spirit had claimed).

Valley Spirit, October 12, 1859, p. 1, c. 2: "Come Out And Vote."
An article urging Franklin voters to come to the polls.

Valley Spirit, October 12, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: "The Last Dodge--Bogus Tickets."
Claims that the Republicans printed up bogus ticket to distribute to Democrats. They hoped these would confuse voters, especially the Germans.

Valley Spirit, March 21, 1860, p. 5, c. 1: "Election."
Local election results.

Franklin Repository, May 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "A Lesson To Republicans."
Editorial suggests the highly partisan nature of the County School Superintendent race and claims that the Democratic Directors voted uniformly for Shoemaker while Republicans were split.

Franklin Repository, May 16, 1860, p. 5, c. 1: "Local Items."
Article gives the results of the local elections.

Valley Spirit, July 11, 1860, p. 5, c. 1: "The Ball in Motion!"
Report of the meeting on July 7th of the Democratic party of Chambersburg, during which a Douglas-Johnson club was organized.

Franklin Repository, August 1, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Congress."
The editors urge that the local congressional district re-elect Hon. Edward McPherson for his reliability, honesty and staunch support of Republican ideals, so that he can be of support to Lincoln.

Valley Spirit, August 22, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "Democratic County Convention."
Official report of the Franklin County Democratic Party meeting, which calls upon Democrats to promote "unity and harmony in the party." All the members support Foster for governor and agree to tolerate the different opinions on the subject of the presidential nomination.

Franklin Repository, September 5, 1860, p. 5, c. 3: "Wide Awakes."
A meeting of the Wide Awakes met at P. Harlacher's Hotel.

Valley Spirit, September 5, 1860, p. 1, c. 3: "County Convention."
Further discussion of the County Convention (see Aug. 29th issue for the initial report). While C. T. Campbell wanted peace and harmony in the party, other members wanted the meeting to declare Douglas and Johnson the regular nominees of the party. The latter resolution was passed.

Franklin Repository, September 12, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Campaign Opened."
A description of the Republican campaign's commencement in Chambersburg with the arrival of Morton McMichael, Esq., of Philadelphia, who came to speak, and who was greeted and escorted by a committee partially consisting of Wide Awakes.

Valley Spirit, September 12, 1860, p. 5, c. 3: "Union Meeting."
Invitation from the men listed above to join them at a meeting of the Franklin County Democratic party on September 15th for the purpose of showing support for the Cresson compromise. The list of names includes all those already listed in the September 5th issue plus the additional names included here.

Franklin Repository, September 19, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "The Breckinridge Meeting."
A meeting of anti-Douglas supporters who endorsed the present administration and the nominee, William P. Schell, for this district, but they could not come out against the resolutions of Douglas' party, for fear that they might be ousted from the Democratic party.

Franklin Repository, September 19, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "Town Clique."
The Repository accuses the Valley Spirit of being two-faced towards Douglas supporters and candidates--calling them the "town Clique" (Keyser, Toms, Hamsher and Co.) --and yet not allowing Democratic opponents (of Douglas candidates) to advertise for their elections in the Spirit.

Franklin Repository, September 26, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "Shameful Treatment Of A Candidate!"
A follow-up on a previous Repository article that accused the Valley Spirit and a clique of Democrats of controlling which Democrat candidates were allowed to run publicly for office, and a letter from one such candidate, William Piper, whose name was omitted from election ads.

Valley Spirit, November 14, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Vote of Franklin County."
Table of vote totals for Franklin County. The county voted overwhelmingly Republican.

Valley Spirit, February 20, 1861, p. 4, c. 1: "County Convention."
Resolutions of the Democratic County Convention. An address by Mr. Sharpe indicates that the Franklin County Democrats are against war and seek to uphold the equality and the rights of the States.

Valley Spirit, March 6, 1861, p. 1, c. 1: "Address by Hon. George W. Brewer."
Transcript of George Brewer's address to the Franklin County Democratic Convention. Speech reasserts the desire of the Democratic party to find peaceful means to address Southern grievances and alleviate the difficulties that have led to the secession of the Southern states.

Valley Spirit, March 27, 1861, p. 5, c. 3: "Spring Election."
List of Municipal election results in Franklin County.

State Politics

Franklin Repository, January 12, 1859, p. 4, c. 3: "Speaker of the House."
Repository rues the defeat of native son Alexander K. McClure for the position of Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of representative. The article suggests that the upright McClure was defeated by the activities and emoluments of Pennsylvania's US Senator Cameron in the Legislature.

Franklin Repository, January 19, 1859, p. 4, c. 4: "Gov. Packer's Annual Message."
The Repository gleefully notes the Valley Spirit's silence on the governor's recent address, which failed to support notable Democratic positions on the sale of the public works, free trade, slavery and "nullification and disunion." "Mr. Packer has seen proper to take the reverse of the above positions, and the consequence is that a large number of the so-called Democratic papers of the State are denouncing him for the independent utterance of his views, and the Spirit is as mum as the grave, which is equivalent to an open opposition."

Franklin Repository, April 6, 1859, p. 4, c. 4: "Two Democratic Parties."
Article describes the split between Buchanan and Packer forces in the Pennsylvania Democracy, with great glee.

Franklin Repository, April 27, 1859, p. 1, c. 2: "Great Speech of the Hon. John Hickman in the Independent Democratic Convention at Harrisburg, on the 13th Inst."
Repository summarizes with great glee the anti-Buchanan speech at Harrisburg. Hickman especially notes the demands of Southern Democrats that their Northern brethren defend slavery at all cost. This he compares to "slavery" itself.

Franklin Repository, August 24, 1859, p. 4, c. 2: "Wisdom of the Acts."
This article praises the acts of the Pennsylvania assembly that provided for the sale of the state-owned Public Works. Selling the money-draining canal and railroad system is allowing the state debt to be reduced at the rate of one million dollars a year, and taxes will supposedly be reduced as well. The author then shamelessly plugs Col. A. K. McClure as one of the men responsible for the passage of the bills and deserving of the People's vote.

Franklin Repository, August 24, 1859, p. 4, c. 5: "Presto Change! Now you see it and now you don't."
Scathing description of the Locofoco's eleventh hour swap of senatorial candidate. Instead of J. Wyethe Douglas, who had the support of the Valley Spirit, they are now presenting James Nill as their candidate.

Franklin Repository, February 15, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Don't be Frightened."
Argues that the current Republican legislature will not try to elect a U.S. senator in the winter, since they will be able to elect one handily in 1861.

Franklin Repository, June 13, 1860, p. 4, c. 5: "Address of the People's State Committee, of Pennsylvania."
A speech noting the corruption of the Democrats' eight year control of the country, and that it is time for pure men--such as Lincoln, Hamlin and Andrew Curtin (running for PA governor)--to rid the territories of the "blight of servile labor."

Franklin Repository, August 15, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "Fusion and Confusion."
An attempt by Pennsylvania Democrats to fuse the party together again, but the Douglasites refuse to join with disunionists, written with a quote from the Harrisburg State Sentinel.

Franklin Repository, October 3, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Where Do They Stand Now?"
The editors point out that democrats were against the Public Works sale, and yet Foster voted with McClure and Brewer for the sale. The editors wonder how local democrats will vote--due to Foster's voting record.

National Issues

Franklin Repository, February 2, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: "Not So Fast."
Article clarifies the Repository's tariff position, in response to the Valley Spirit's earlier challenge and charge of inconsistency. The author defends a tariff as advantageous to home manufacturers and points out the economic difficulties created by the present low duties.

Valley Spirit, February 23, 1859, p. 4, c. 5: "Who Are the Friends of "Freedom?""
Article complains about the hypocrisy of Republican and Know-Nothing so-called advocates of freedom, who oppose the admission of states with Democratic proclivities. The issue was brought to a head by the admission of Oregon. Article complains about the New York Times and New York Tribune.

Franklin Repository, May 18, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: "The True Friend of Working Men."
Story makes the usual indictment of the "imbecile national administration" and deems it responsible for the economy's "prostrate" position. It goes on to vigorously espouse a high protective tariff for the nation's economic ills. "When Pennsylvania is flourishing, the whole country is prosperous. The most certain method, therefore, of advancing the business prospects of every section of our country, would be by giving ample protection to every industrial enterprise which affords large employment for working men . . . "

Franklin Repository, June 8, 1859, p. 4, c. 2: "Very Consoling."
This article roundly mocks the Valley Spirit for their championing of President Buchanan.

Valley Spirit, August 31, 1859, p. 4, c. 3: "For the Valley Spirit; Our Country as it is."
Partisan letter, addressed to "Mr. Editor," about how wonderful America is. Its greatness can only be protected by the Democratic party.

Franklin Repository, September 21, 1859, p. 1, c. 5
Another complaint by the Repository of the shameful mistreatment by the Democratic Party of some of its leading people. The party denounced the use of money to carry elections--a condemnation of Judge Nill and Mr. Reilly, but the two men had spent even more the year before with no censure from the party. The Repository wonders if it was done to cover the retreat of Douglas.

Franklin Repository, September 28, 1859, p. 4, c. 6: "What Is The Money For."
The editors note that although the Democrat convention banned the use of money for aid in elections, and yet Democrats have raised the largest amount yet this year--$300 (Douglas gave $20)--the editors give several speculations and suggestions as to how the money is be used.

Franklin Repository, January 25, 1860, p. 3, c. 2: "Disunion Begun."
Commentary on the House of Representatives' failure to organize itself as evidence of disunion underway.

Franklin Repository, February 8, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Organization."
Editorial calls for the Congress to get down to business, in particular to pass a revision of the tariff.

Franklin Repository, February 8, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "Forney Vs. Buchanan."
Article describes the falling out between John W. Forney and President James Buchanan, calling him "the old celibate (the old denizen of "Bachelor's Roost")."

Franklin Repository, February 22, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Need of a Tariff."
Argues that Congress should pass a tariff on imported manufactures to ensure that domestic goods remain competitive.

Valley Spirit, February 22, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Need of a Tariff."
"The fact that every branch of productive industry is completely paralyzed; that all classes of society are suffering from the effects of the ruinous policy of Federalist locofocoism -which produced the terrible panic in the financial world during the Fall of 1857, as a necessary result of destroying the manufactories of our own, to build up those of foreign countries -should open the eyes of the blindest, and shine in upon the most obtuse intellect in the lower House . . . "

Franklin Repository, February 29, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "A Third Party."
Editorial brands the Union Party movmeent as an effort supported by the Democratic party to prevent the further growth and success of the Republican party.

Franklin Repository, March 14, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Party Aims."
Article specifies the differences betweeen the parties.

Franklin Repository, April 18, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "A Picture For Naturalized Voters."
Editorial views Democratic support of Know Nothing candidate in Rhode Island as evidence that the party's leadership and direction is firmly in Southern hands. The editorial suggests to immigrants that the Democratic Party is no longer representative of their concerns and by extension that the Republican Party is more responsive to them.

Franklin Repository, April 18, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "The Homestead Bill."
Editorial skeptical of success for the Homestead Bill, suggesting that President Buchanan will veto the measure. Condemns the Democratic Party's "veto whenever a popular right is to be vindicated."

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Tariff."
An article explaining that a Tariff is needed to curb the import of Foreign goods, in order to help the working free man. The Democrats, however, favor Slave labor and therefore have no need for the Tariff.

Franklin Repository, June 27, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Poor Men Haters."
A reference to Democrat opposition, in the Senate and Presidency, that poor men be given acreage in the territories, the basic purpose of the Homestead Act.

Franklin Repository, December 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Heavy Bid."
An article referring to the rumored resignation of Chief Justice Taney and the pro-Southern Caleb Cushing's bid for the position.

Sectionalism, Slavery, and Free Labor

Franklin Repository, April 20, 1859, p. 5, c. 2: "The March of Freedom."
Celebrates the Democratic party's national troubles rising from its attempt to "enslave Kansas." Revels in the rapid ascendance of the Republican Party.

Franklin Repository, April 20, 1859, p. 5, c. 2: "The Democracy and "Niggers.""
Attacks the Southern Democracy's supposed distaste for "niggers," and notes their close quarters with blacks at home, including the propagation of "half-niggers."

Franklin Repository, April 27, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: "What Next?"
Story condemns the "sycophantic" Northern doughfaces (Northern Democrats) in their devotion to the Southern cause. It especially attacks the Southern Democrats' claims to "nationalism," while reserving power in the party for Southerners alone. The Democracy has brought the once-revered American judiciary low into "the dust of political filth." The author concludes by declaring that God will someday punish America for its "cruelty, oppression and wrong."

Franklin Repository, May 18, 1859, p. 4, c. 3: "A Mirror for Democrats."
Reprints a copy of the Washington States story pointing to the causes of recent Democrats' routs as their consistent deference to Southerners' demands for pro-slavery laws, especially the odious Fugitive Slave law and slavery in the territories. The Democratic "States" identifies these issues as the death of the Northern Democracy. The Repository agrees, with the final commentary: "We ask the Northern Democrats to look at the appalling list of surrenders of principle they have made to retain party fellowship with slaveholders; and put this question to them: `How much Jeffersonian Democracy have they left among them?'"

Franklin Repository, June 8, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: "Judge Taney."
This article scores the rival Valley Spirit for defending Judge Taney's Dred Scott decision. It goes on to argue that "descendants of the Revolutionary sires... should spurn with contempt the edict of any body of men, which would circumscribe within improper bounds the workings of our glorious system of American independence and freedom." The article argues that Taney is unfit for the Supreme Court because his chief recommendation for the position was his truckling subservience to President Jackson in removing the federal deposits from the Bank of the United States. It concludes by arguing that before the Dred Scott decision, all reasonable Americans were agreed on the evils of slavery and were devising plans to end it. Taney's verdict threw the force of the federal bench behind slavery, and fatefully re-opened the question.

Franklin Repository, August 10, 1859, p. 1, c. 1: "The Novel Compromise Of Swapping Rogues For Innocent Men."
A tirade against a compromise court ruling in Ohio that allowed 4 men accused of kidnapping fugitive slaves and 15 people accused of aiding fugitives to go free. The author attacks this maneuver as a corruption of state and federal rights, and the judge's action as "insolent defiance of God and Word."

Franklin Repository, October 12, 1859, p. 4, c. 3: "Preference For Negro Labor."
The Repository complains that not only are the Democrats and the present Administration trying to prevent free whites from working and living in the territories, but now also preventing them from working in Washington--instead they are hiring slave to work as messengers, door keepers, etc. in the offices of the government.

Franklin Repository, November 2, 1859, p. 3, c. 2: "Fillibusterism."
An article criticizing William Walker's expeditions and efforts to acquire Nicaragua as another slave state. The Gazette also criticizes the administration for allowing the neutrality laws between countries to be violated.

Franklin Repository, November 2, 1859, p. 4, c. 2: "Where Is Judge Black."
This article criticizes Judge Black for enforcing the Fugitive Slave Law, but not the Act of Congress that forbids the import of slaves. The article suggests that Jerry Black will not prosecute these pirates because he wants the presidential nomination and, therefore, will need Southern support.

Valley Spirit, December 14, 1859, p. 4, c. 2: "Helper and His Friends--Their Revolutionary Platform."
Quotes from Impending Crisis on the evils of slavery. The Spirit claims that Helper recommends treason and insurrection. List of Republicans in Congress who support Helper's views.

Franklin Repository, January 11, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Nationals."
Editorial accuses Democratic Party of sectionalism and affirms the Republican Party's committment to national unity.

Franklin Repository, January 18, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Oppressed South."
Editorial suggests that the South be limited in its political power in accordance with its overall size relative to the North. It argues that the South has received disproportionate power in the governance of the nation.

Franklin Repository, January 18, 1860, p. 5, c. 5: "Slavery in Nebraska."
Editorial on the controversy over Territory of Nebraska's law to prohibit slavery. Article condemns President James Buchanan's suggestion that the law is not binding.

Franklin Repository, February 1, 1860, p. 1, c. 3: "Slavery in Nebraska."
Article points to the Buchanan appointed governor of Nebraska's veto of the bill to abolish slavery in the territory as further proof of Democratic party determination to hold and expand slavery at any cost.

Franklin Repository, February 1, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "The Equal Share."
Editorial scoffs at Southern claims of unequal representation, instead asserts that the South holds disproportionate political power in the Union.

Franklin Repository, February 8, 1860, p. 8, c. 1: "Northern Cowardice."
Article defends Northern willingness to fight against Southern claims of Northern cowardice.

Franklin Repository, February 22, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "Traitors."
Editorial condemns South Carolina as treasonous for continuing to press for disunion.

Franklin Repository, February 22, 1860, p. 6, c. 1: "The Disunion Party."
Editorial argues that Democrats in the South are using the threat of disunion to win the presidential race in 1860.

Franklin Repository, March 7, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Nigger Democracy."
Editorial sharply criticises the Valley Spirit and the Democratic Party for their allegiance to Southern slaveowners.

Franklin Repository, April 11, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Is Poverty A Crime?"
Editorial criticizes Senator Wigfall of Texas for his comment that "poverty is a crime." Editorial suggests that Democratic party is two-faced, appealing in the North to the poor and working men and in the South condemning the poor and working men.

Franklin Repository, April 25, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "The "Nigger" Again."
Editorial characterizes the Democratic Party as overly concerned with "the nigger" as an issue in party politics. The article states the Republican position to be only against the extension of slavery, not slavery itself, playing down the party's opposition to Southern slavery.

Franklin Repository, April 25, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "No Higher Law."
Editorial argues that Southern Congressmen and Democratic Party members are wrong in suggesting that the Constitution is the highest law of the land. Instead, the editorial suggests that God's law is above the Constitution.

Franklin Repository, May 9, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Sectionalism Illuminated."
Editorial lays the blame for sectionalism on the Democratic Party in the South.

Franklin Repository, May 9, 1860, p. 8, c. 1: "Glowing Extract."
Article recounts Hickman's statements concerning the sectional attitudes in the South.

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "Who It Is That Suffers."
The article points out that the tax burden is heaviest on the individual working man's earnings, and that the slave-holder pays little in respect to the property tax on his "stock" of human flesh.

Franklin Repository, June 27, 1860, p. 6, c. 1: "Pro-Slavery Tyranny."
An argument, with examples, that the South forces Republicanism to be sectional, by preventing and harassing any expression favoring Republican political views among Southern people.

Franklin Repository, July 18, 1860, p. 1, c. 3: "'Equal Rights' In The Territories."
This article compares the different interpretations of "equal rights" as applied to the territories by Republicans, Douglas Democrats, and Breckenridge Democrats. Republicans: all men have equal rights. Doug-Democrats: Before statehood, the Courts have the decision of allowing slavery. Breck-Democrats: Men have the right to bring slaves into the territories.

Valley Spirit, July 25, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Transcript on the 'Nigger Question.'"
Includes an excerpt from the Transcript on what it terms "Nigger Democracy," which aims to crush free white labor with slave labor. The Spirit criticizes this view and says that the Republicans care more for slaves than for poor laboring white men.

Franklin Repository, August 1, 1860, p. 6, c. 2: "The Prospect Before Us."
A discussion of two types of Democrat voter: one that is patriotic, and holds to the Democratic ideals, and the other is ignorant and only votes for whoever seems to promise to be successful. The ignorant have already banded in equal parts behind Douglas or Breckenridge. The intelligent, patriotic voters should, and some are starting to, examine the Republican candidates and the Platform, and hopefully support them.

Franklin Repository, August 8, 1860, p. 3, c. 1: "Douglas Deprecating Agitation."
A response to Douglas' complaint that the slavery issue occupies too much of Congress' time, instead of dealing with the Tariff, the Pacific Railroad, and mail service. The Tribune reminds us that Douglas himself has constantly brought up the slave issue--in 1854 he championed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and later the Kansas-Nebraska bill.

Franklin Repository, August 8, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "The Southern States."
Criticism of the Southern "slave power."

Franklin Repository, September 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Strange Harmony."
The Repository's humorous response to the Spirit's attempt to 'harmonize' the two Democratic factions.

Franklin Repository, September 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Disreputable."
Criticism for Locofoco Senators of Southern states that are quoted as belittling, criminalizing poor white people; the Repository editors also defend the publishment of a Republican paper.

Valley Spirit, September 12, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Northern Disunionists."
Argues that the Republicans should not blame southerners for disunion since so many Republicans have long sought to break up the Union. The abolitionists realize that it is impossible to abolish slavery under the current system of government. Instead, they hope to drive the South to secession and then blame southerners for destroying the Union.

Valley Spirit, October 3, 1860, p. 1, c. 1: "Slavery in Territories--The Democratic Doctrine."
Argues that the Douglas men misrepresent the Breckinridge position on slavery in the territories. His platform doesn't call for Congressional protection of slavery. Instead, it states that the government, according to the Constitution, protects persons and property wherever the Constitution is in effect. No branch of the government can confiscate property.

John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry

Franklin Repository, October 26, 1859, p. 1, c. 5: "Who Is Responsible?"
A response to the Journal of Commerce's question "who is responsible?" for the John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry. The editors provide a history of John Brown's experiences in Kansas, and the riots in which his sons were killed (or died as result of mistreatment during arrest) and his property destroyed. The editors argue that if the attempt to force slavery on Kansas had not been made, John Brown would still be living there peaceably.

Franklin Repository, November 2, 1859, p. 5, c. 4: "What A Contrast!"
A comparison between Locofocos' reactions to the Harper's Ferry Insurrection and the war in Kansas where Free State settlers were murdered and property destroyed or stolen. The Democrats disregarded or ridiculed the events in Kansas, but are up in arms over Harper's Ferry.

Franklin Repository, November 2, 1859, p. 8, c. 1: "The Harper's Ferry Insurrection."
The Gazette argues that the incident at Harper's Ferry is nothing more than the actions of maniacs, but that the South is using it for all its political worth.

Valley Spirit, December 7, 1859, p. 4, c. 1: "Admiration for Old Brown."
Complains that Republican papers, including the Transcript, are giving Brown favorable coverage, and don't understand that the entire incident is a result of misguided Republican principles. The Spirit is especially upset by the endorsements of Brown's "Speech from the Scaffold."

The Election of 1860

Franklin Repository, August 24, 1859, p. 1, c. 1: "The Next President."
According to the Harrisburg Telegraph, most of the Opposition papers in Pennsylvania favor Gen. Simon Cameron as the anti-Democratic candidate for next President. The editors believe this native of Franklin county capable of appealing to the various Opposition parties, comprised of "Old-Line Whigs, Old-Line Democrats, Republicans and Americans" and that a united Opposition is necessary to defeat the "offensive pro-slavery platform" the Democrats will undoubtedly unveil at the forthcoming Convention in Charleston, S.C.

Franklin Repository, August 31, 1859, p. 1, c. 1: "The Basis of Union."
The New York Tribune critiques the Philadelphia North American for suggesting that the Opposition drop the slavery issue in order to better unite and "attain the great good of a more perfect Union." The Tribune asserts that slavery is central to the Presidential election and recommends that the Opposition select a candidate who "fairly reflects its views" on the slavery extension issue. The article goes on to assert that if Southern Oppositionists do not support their candidate, thereby giving the contest "somewhat of a sectional aspect, upon them will rest the responsibility."

Franklin Repository, May 2, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Strike for Freedom."
Editorial suggests that the Republican party will win the presidential election and spread into the South.

Valley Spirit, May 2, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The National Convention."
Acknowledges that the Valley Spirit's fears of disunity at the Convention were realized, and that the outcome can not be predicted at this juncture.

Valley Spirit, May 9, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "The Difficulties in Charleston."
Laments the division of the Democratic National Convention along sectional lines.

Franklin Repository, May 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "Not Afraid of Their Own Hobgoblin."
Editorial suggests that if secession were a real threat, then the Northern delegates at Charleston would have submitted to Southern demands, not broken the Convention.

Valley Spirit, May 16, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Constitutional Union."
Ridicules the Constitutional Union convention.

Franklin Repository, June 1, 1860, p. 1, c. 6: "Mr. Douglas, the Catholic Candidate."
Article noting Archbishop Hughes' presence at the N.Y. demonstration for the Catholic presidential candidate Stephen Douglas. It implies that A. Hughes is unaware that Douglas uses his Catholic wife to win the Catholic vote.

Franklin Repository, June 1, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "What Will Please Them?"
Article pointing out that the Democrat's expressed sympathies and apparent approval of Governor Seward are a very sudden (and hypocritical) change of tune, and only a means to split the Republican party.

Franklin Repository, June 1, 1860, p. 8, c. 2: "The Republican Platform."
A list of seventeen planks, of which include prohibition of slavery in the territories, admission of Kansas to statehood, and construction of a railroad to the Pacific Ocean.

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1860, p. 3, c. 1: "Mr. Lincoln's Opinions."
In response to the N. Y. Tribune's question of Lincoln's opinions on the Fugitive Slave Law and the Admission of New Slave States, the article reprints Lincoln's responses to Judge Douglas in 1858. In his short answers, he does not pledge to end slavery in any place, but in his elaboration he makes clear his preference of doing so.

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "At It Again."
A note that the Democrats are meeting again, in Baltimore this time, to choose their presidential candidate. The Repository hopes that it is S. Douglas, so as to renew the contest between Lincoln and Douglas.

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1860, p. 8, c. 3: "Lincoln On Snakes."
Lincoln gives an snake illustration for his position on slavery. A poisonous snake, alone, would be killed/removed; a person would hesitate to kill/remove a poisonous snake in a bed with children ie. the slave-holding South; and a person would not intentionally introduce a snake into a child's bed ie. the territories.

Franklin Repository, June 27, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Just The Man."
Accuses Douglas, the recently nominated Presidential candidate, of playing a large role in the slave dispute and promulgation in the territories, and that he is the perfect representative for the "slavocrats".

Valley Spirit, June 27, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Nominations."
The Spirit supports Douglas for president and criticizes the men who attempted to disorganize the Convention and who then nominated a rival Democratic ticket.

Franklin Repository, July 11, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Highly Appropriate."
Abraham is the appropriate Republican candidate since he is a perfect example of what good will happen if the Republicans' policy of "Free homes for Free white men" prevail. Give a poor white man land in the territories and he will become 'the self-made man.'

Franklin Repository, July 18, 1860, p. 8, c. 2: "A Personal Fight."
A suggestion that the drastic division in the Democratic Party is the result of personal differences between Douglas and Breckenridge, since their political views are quite similar.

Franklin Repository, July 25, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "The Old Whigs."
Prediction that the former Whigs who have not yet joined a party will finally join the Republican party when they see Lincoln as another Henry Clay, as an excellent representative for Whig ideals.

Franklin Repository, July 25, 1860, p. 8, c. 1: "The Stampede Commenced."
A number of Douglas supporters consider voting for Lincoln, since it will help defeat Breckenridge and be a revenge on the Southerners for their mistreatment of their Northern allies at the conventions in Charleston and Baltimore.

Franklin Repository, August 1, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "Douglasism Waning."
Nothern Democrats and others are choosing to support Breckenridge instead of Douglas, because Breckenridge claims the Slave issue has been validated by the Supreme Court, whereas Douglas says that it has yet to be decided. Douglas lost many Northern supporters during his battles with the Buchanan administration.

Franklin Repository, September 12, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "What The Republicans Intend To Do."
A Bell supporter lists the six main objectives of the Republicans--protection of Industry, construction of railroads, aid to naval commerce, end the slavery discussion, pass the Homestead Act, and purify the administration.

Valley Spirit, September 26, 1860, p. 1, c. 1: "Regular Nominee."
The Spirit changes its position and decides no longer to support Douglas. It denies that Douglas is really the regular nominee of the party, since he never received the required two-thirds of the vote from the National Convention.

Valley Spirit, September 26, 1860, p. 1, c. 1: "Bad Faith."
States that the paper can no longer support Douglas because he flip-flopped on a key issue. In 1856, Douglas said that no power could deprive slave-holders in the territories of their slaves after the Supreme Court stated that slavery was recognized in the territories. However, in the Lincoln-Douglas debate at Freeport he stated that the Territorial Legislature could legally exclude slavery.

Valley Spirit, October 3, 1860, p. 5, c. 1: "Approval of our Course."
Two newspapers, the Pennsylvanian and the Patriot and Union, as well as two readers, believe that the Spirit is right in its support of Breckinridge and in its endorsement of the Cresson compromise.

Franklin Repository, October 17, 1860, p. 4, c. 5: "Who Support Breckinridge and Lane."
A response to a Spirit's article titled with the above quote. The article was a list of over seventy names of Breckinridge supporters--all of them wealthy whites. The Repository wonders where Bill Boyle's name is--that he must not be grand enough.

Franklin Repository, October 24, 1860, p. 4, c. 5: "The War Of The Bills."
A battle between the editors (both named 'Bill') of two opposing Democratic newspapers, in which 'Gimlet-Bill,' the editor of the Spirit, apparently won, and 'Bunty Bill' has cast his support to Douglas.

Franklin Repository, November 14, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "The Victory."
A cry of victory--that an new, honest administration will take control, and the poor man will get a job due to the protection Tariff, and the Free Homestead bill will provide opportunities for Western livelihoods free of slavery.

Franklin Repository, November 14, 1860, p. 4, c. 4: "Our Hopes."
A reminder that, although the Republican candidates have been elected, both houses of Congress have a Democratic opposition and will make things difficult for the new administration.

Valley Spirit, November 14, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Election."
Abraham Lincoln has won a decisive victory in the North, the first time a president has been elected by a purely sectional vote. As a result of Lincoln's victory, "Fifteen states are without a President--they took no part in his election, and refuse their consent to come under an administration founded upon a sentiment hostile to their social system."

Valley Spirit, November 14, 1860, p. 4, c. 2: "Its Days are Numbered."
The Republican victory did not really represent the "true expression of the public sentiment." Republicanism will not last beyond Lincoln's first term.

The Sectional Crisis of 1860-61

Valley Spirit, November 21, 1860, p. 4, c. 1: "The Secession Movement."
The Spirit reprints numerous extracts from Southern papers dealing with the secession question. While they believe that the South has "just ground for complaint," they don't think that secession "is the best remedy to right her wrongs." They invite the reader to peruse the extracts and "judge for themselves how portentous are the dangers which threaten the Union." The Spirit blames the Republican press for the desire to "plunge the country into civil war."

Valley Spirit, November 28, 1860, p. 4, c. 3: "Let Pennsylvania Unite with Virginia to Save the Union."
Southern states will leave the Union if Northern states don't "strike from their statute books all laws that infringe the constitutional rights of the South." However, it appears that Virginia will stay in the Union and act as a mediator between the Union and the secessionists. The Spirit hopes that Pennsylvania will act in conjunction with Virginia to settle the key issues.

Valley Spirit, December 12, 1860, p. 4, c. 5: "Shall We Have Civil War?"
The Spirit states that it cannot see how civil war will be averted as things are going, especially if Northern states don't repeal their "aggressive laws."

Valley Spirit, December 26, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "The Union Dissolved."
The Spirit bemoans the fact that the Union is dissolving. The crux of the disagreement is that the Democrats "maintain that our government was formed by white men to be controlled by white men for the prosperity and happiness of their race." The Republicans, however, argue that the black man "is entitled to equality with the white man."

Valley Spirit, January 2, 1861, p. 4, c. 5: "Southern Feeling."
Reports that, despite the claims of the Republicans to the contrary, there is a significant Unionist presence in the South. Article intimates that this element is crucial in effecting a compromise and avoiding war.

Valley Spirit, January 16, 1861, p. 4, c. 2: "The Poverty of the South."
Ridicules the attempt by the Republicans to make the South appear poor and weak. The article blames Republicans for precipitating the crisis by their unwillingness to compromise. Article goes through column 4.

Valley Spirit, February 27, 1861, p. 8, c. 1: "An Abolition Despotism to be Established by the Sword."
Accuses Lincoln of pursuing a war policy and indicates that violent opposition to civil war will spring up in the North.

Valley Spirit, March 20, 1861, p. 4, c. 2: "Southern Confederacy."
Extracts sections of the Confederate Constitution and bemoans the fact that the "noblest government on the face of the earth has been broken up for the sake of a party which is largely in the minority in the country".

Valley Spirit, March 27, 1861, p. 4, c. 2: "On the Decline."
Reports that little news of importance has come out of the South and the President still has not decided what course of action to take. Article asserts that the war spirit is dying out in both the North and the South.

Valley Spirit, April 10, 1861, p. 4, c. 4: "The Downfall of the Country."
The Herald blames Lincoln and the Republicans for the crisis and asserts that failing to evacuate the Forts will result in war and bloodshed.