Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 1 February 1866 — Page 2

THE JOURNAL

THURSDAY* FEB. 1, 1866.

TOWNSHIP

UNION MEETINGS!

In accordance with the request of the State Union Central Committee, previously published in our columns, the several Townships of Montgomery county will hold Township Meet­

ings on Saturday, 10th day of February, nt their several places of holding elections, for the purpose of appointing Delegates to attend the Union State Convention, to be held at Indianapolis on the 22d day of February, 18G6.

This plan, upon consultation, has boon deemed preferable to a County Mass Convention. See to it friends, that Old Montgomery is fully represented on the 22d inst. Let no township fail to appoint delegates.

Tlie I'nlon State Convention. At no lime in the history of the country have there been weightier obligations resting on the patriotic defenders of the Republic than at present. A bold effort is being mado'by tlio Southern traitors and their Copperhead allies of the North to gain by political stratagem what they lost on the field of battle. The cause of treason went down in disgrace and ignominy when Lee surrendered h:s army to the victorious legions of the Union. But the crushed spirit of that hour is attempting to rise again and make itself felt as an element in our polities. Why are the Southern people so anxious to be represented in Congress by the leaders of the rebellion Why are dead patriot's sons excluded by Democratic Congressmen from West Point in order to make room for returned rebel soldiers? It is all in pursuance of a deep-laid scheme on the part of rebels and their sympathizers to rob the defenders of the Union of the glory of their gallant achievements, and to dissipate the infamy of their inglorious failure in a most dishonorable attempt to destroy their country, break down the bulwarks of liberty, and pcrpetuato a despotism disgraceful to christian civilization. It is now tho duty of the defenders of the government to see that this scheme is not permitted to succeed. It is their duty to stand shoulder to shoulder now as they did in the day of battle, against all who desire or attempt to make Treason respectable by investing it with the robes of office. We care not what particular men shall be nominated on tho 22d, to fill tho various offices, but we are anxious that the services of those who periled their lives in defense of the country shall be recognized in some substantial manner, and that some steps shall be taken to make treason and sympathy with treason odious throughout all the future of the country. For no government can exist where treason is not at least marked with the badge of disgrace. If Congress is to bo filled with robel Generals and WeBt Point with rebol cadet3. what incentives will the young mon have, in future years, to remain true to their country? Upon this subject the Convention of the 22d should speak out, and speak so its voico will bo heard even it the White House.

As we have said, tho mere nomination of candidates should be a secondary consideration. To establish principles to develop, or draw from the present political chaos some grand idea that will preserve harmony, augment our prosperity, and preserve through generations, the blessings of ft free government, should be the primary object of the meeting on the 2'2d.

Wo would liko to sco it a convention of conscientious siatesmcn, and not of mere politicians, looking out for the "loaves and fishes" and temporary expedients by which to gain them. 'As the selection of delegatos from our county has been left to the several townships, we urge upon the Union men the importance of selecting the ablest and truest men that can be found to represent them in tho convention. Wo hope the voice of Montgomery will not be a timid power in tho convocation of the 22d of February.

jE^rTbe Indianapolis Journal of tho 30th ult. says: The 7th Indiana Cavalry was muBtercd out at Galveston, •Texas, on the 9th instant, find has been 'placed en for honu'.

Howard's Varieties

Will appear at "McClelland's Hall," this city, this (Thursday) evening— Feb. 1st—for one night only. We see them highly spoken of wherever they have been. Tho liliputian King is a wonder of himself, being much smaller than Tom Thumb. LUM IIOWAKD has the management of this cntertaiment, and when hois on hand you may expect tho worth of your money.

Patriotism Rejected.

A Kentucky Congressman by the name of Ritter, a violent Democrat, had two applications by young men of his district, for situations at West Point, which, as most of our readers are aware, arc filled by the Congressmen of the several districts of the Union. The one was a son of the lamented Gen. Jaekson who fell at Perry ville, the other a returned rebel soldier.— Of course nobody expected Ritter to hesitate a moment as to which he would appoint. The dead patriot's son was unceremoniously kicked aside and the place given to tho "reconstructed" rebel.

How long will it be before devotion to the country in its great struggle for existence will be considered a crime?

The Jievfcw man thinks doggery

keeping a more honorable business than publishing an abolition newspaper. This is, however, merely the opinion of the Review, and is not ''binding" on those who think otherwise.— There are M??)egood people who think a life spent in efforts to maintain tho inalienable rights of man, is preferable to one spent in poisoning and murdering human beings with rot-gut whisky, and filling the land with misery and wretchedness.

School Notice.

The next term of Mrs. Coulter's School fur young ladies and misses, will open on Monday the 12th da}- of February, in the basement room of the 0. S. Presbyterian Church.

Fx- Gov. Aiken, of South Caro­

lina, is in Washington, lie says the new crop will be lost unless some means arc devised to induco the negroes to work.—Exchange.

If Gov. Aiken would go home, pull off his coat and go to work himself like other honest men, it might be the means of inducing some of the negroes to work. Tho negroes perhaps think they have as much right to be idle as Gov. Aiken has.

JC3T The "Democratic Almanac" for 1SGC publishes a list of some several hundred Democratic papers that were suppressed during the war, for taking sides with the public enemy. It introduces the list by exclaiming, "Here is the damning list." Trnly is it a damning list—not however, to the administration, as tho almanac man meant to bo understood but to tho Democratic part}*.

j£2r"IIoward Varieties" at MeC'hdland's Ilall, this evening. If you desire a seat, go early.

EST" Gen. Thomas, in a letter to the War Department, states that if the troops were withdrawn from his Department, no Union man would be permitted to live there. Such States suroly ought to bo represented in Congress, and it is a great outrago to deny their rebel mombers admission

©ST The Greencastle Banner, we notice, has again passed into tho hands of our old friend C. W. BROWN. Success attend tho '•'•Banner"—and Chris. Brown.

jCSTThe Louisville Courier, the organ of tho Democratic party in Kentucky, is urging tho election of John C. Breckenridge as a Senator in the place of Garrett Davis, whose timo will soon expire. Mr. Breckenridge, by his mean treachery to tho country, has earned, and now receives the enthusiastic admiration of every Democrat in Kentucky.

jOg* Remember the entertainmont at tho McClelland Hall, to-night.— Tho "Howard Varieties"—three great shows in one.

JBerTho Georgia Legislature a few days ago elected Alex. H. Stephens United States Senator, but he refused to accept, and Hershol V. Johnson was elected in his stead. Stephens insists that the Southern States should not elect men to either the House or tho Senate, who have been in tho rebellion, Good faith, ho thinks, requires that Union mon should bo elected therefore, ho refused to accept tho place of Senator. Would thai all wore ji* sensible.

Accident Insurance Travellers' Insurance Comp'ny of Hartford ••Gcit. Julius White.

In the entire range of underwriting annals for tho past ton years, no fact is moro striking than the rapid adoption of tho new principle of Accident, Insurance. It is not new, indeed, abroad, but in this country and the .Northwest it is not many months since the first policy was written. This progress is due very largely to the circumstances of there having been made a most excellent beginning. It gave tho system all tho benefit of first impressions, and those good ones, when, under auspices of the best class, a solid, well based company from the old insurance ccntro, Hartford, the Travellers' Insurance Company of that city, first introducing the system in America, became a candidate for popular favor. Tho amount of business already done by this Company in all parts of the United States is immense and constant!}" increasing. Who are its patrons would call for answers as various as the lists of the city directory.— Every man whoso business gives him no large surplus, and whose disaster in a casualty would bring his dependent ones to want, is a subject for this class of protection, and can in no wise afford to do without it. Whether his vocation be that of a traveller, or of an employe on a route of travel, or whether his only trips arc made on horse cars, or among the pitfalls of our sidewalks, or country roads, "in the house or by tho way," ho without it is unsafe. Let him not forget that if "honesty is the best policy" there is still another policy he will be only honest to his family to include with it, one in "the Travellers' of Hartford."

With tho broad extension of their company business in the -Northwest, tho management have been constrained to put its affairs into the very bost keeping. This has boen

done

in tho

choice of Gen. Julius White, an officer of deserved repute in tho armies of the Union whilo the war lasted, but who, by prompt resignation at its close, resumed his citizen capacity, an active and energetic business man.— His war record was a shining one.— Raising a noble regiment—the 37th Illinois—he entered the service at the sacrifice of the most lucrative Federal offiec in this city—tho United States Collcctorship. From these antecedents the Travellers' Insuraneo Company are to be congratulated in the selection of an agent than whom it would not bo easy to find another with a wider circlo of friends. Gen. White returns, on the resumption of citizen 1 utics, to his old vocation of insurance. Ho is happy in the selection of an associate, M. J. Goodwin, Jr., for four years in the office of the old yEtna of Hartford, most of the timo as Assistant Secretary, who will bring to tho duties of office management educated insurance qualities, accepted among his wide circle of acquaintances as of the very highest order.

Gen. White wiil chiefiy devote himbelf to the extension of the butsiness of the company in the West. With the ample authority committed to the Chicago General Agency under this management, the Travellers' Insurance Company of Hartford, now practically localized here, will bo a favorite with the public as it deserves to be. Not the least of the advantages is the prompt payment of losses without the delay of reference to the parent office. Gen. White's many friends will wish him all the success he deserves, and if it comes in largo amount it will not come under the head named in the policies of his company, for it will bo in no iespect an accident. 1l will be won and paid for by skill and energy.

Chicago Tribune. That our citizens—particularly men of moderate means—may avail themselves of the benefits of "Accident Insurance," we will in this connection t»ke occasion to state, that Mr. Huoit J. WEBSTER of this city, is the authorized agent of the above mentioned Company for Montgomery county.— Laboring men specially, and generally, of our midst, feeling a proper interest in tho welfare of their families, we are satisfied, will ultimately see and take hold of this matter this proffered means of support in time of affliction. It is within tho reach of overy ablobodicd man. Call on Mr.. W. .at the Recorder's office.

E. J. Carpenter, editor of a

Bloomington, Illinois paper, left home on the lith to visit a sick brother at Lyons, Way no county, New York.— On reaching Buffalo, ho was seized with insanity, and was picked up in the streets and sent to tho lunatic asylum, where he died in a few days.— Meanwhile his brother also died.

BQ^A dispatch from Washington states that sixty nine members of the House have speeches cut and dried on tho reconstruction question.

Bg^,Thc pirate Semmes has submitted to the President an elaborate argument in his behalf, claiming the benefits of tho Sherman-Johnston parole.

1'ho Constitutional amendment making voters the basis of representation, has passed tlio IIouso of Representatives by tho requisite twothird* majority, Tliero no doubt of its pass?., ip^ through tlu' Hoiiiitu, J:

President.!ohnson and a Senator. WASHINGTON, January 28.—Tho following is the substance of a conversation which took placo to-day between tho President and a distinguished Senator: Tho President said that he doubted the propriety at this time of making any further amendments to tho Constitution. One great amendment had already been made by which slavery had been forever abolished within thu limits of the United States, and a national guarantee thus given that that instil ution should never again oxist in the land. Propositions to amend tho Constitution wero becoming as numerous as preambles and resolutions at town meetings called to consider the most ordinary questions connected with the administration of lecal affairs. All this in his opinion had a tendency to diminish the dignity and prestige attached to the Constitution of the country and tho respect and confidence of tho people in their great charter of freedom. If, however, amendments are made to the Constitution changing the basis of representation and taxation, he did not deem them at all necessary at the present time.

Representatives shall bo appointed among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to the number of qualified voters in each State. Direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to tho value of all the taxable property in each State.— An amendment of this kind would, in his opinion, place tho basis of representation and direct, taxation upon correct principles. The qualified voters were, lor the most part, men who were subject to draft and enlistment when necessary to repel any invasion, suppress rebellion and to quell domestic violence and insurrection, they risked their lives, shed their blood, and spent their all, to uphold the Government and secure protection to property. It seemed but just that propertv should compensate for the benefits tlius conferred, by defraying the expenses incident to its protection S ich an amendment as the President suggested, would remove from CongtLs 'U issues in reference to the political equality of the races.

This would leave the States to absolutely determine the qualifications of their own voters, r.nd thus the number of representatives to which they would bo entitled in Congress would depend upon the number on which they conferred the right of suffrage.

The President, in this connection, expressed the opinion that the agitation of the negro franchise question in the District of Columbia at this timo •'*?as the mere entering wodgo to the agitation of the question throughout the States, and was ill-timed, uncalled for, and calculated to do great harm. Ho believed it would engender enmity and strife between the two races, and lead to a war between them which would result in injury to both, and the certain extermination of the negro race, and precedence of thought-should be given to tho important and august matters of legislation so essential to the restoration of the Union, the peace ol tho country, am', the prosperity of the people.

[from the Cincinnati Gazette, Jim. 30.]

The 1'rcsident on Amending- the Constitution. Since writing the article in these eolinns on the amendment to the basis of representation, we have been advised that tho statement in our dispatches vestcrday, of the substance of the President's conversation with -a Senator on amendments to the Constitution, was an authorized one. In this the President declares himseif favorable to an amendment apportioning representation upon voters and taxation upon property. We hope the deliberations of Congress will come to this complexion.

The various propositions introduced to amend the Constitution, do not imply so many changes. Many of them are different ways of doing tho same thing. On this change of representative basis, there are a number of different methods. It cannot be expected that men's minds will be alike.— Deliberation will sift down these amendments to a few. Many of those introduced are improper, and seem to be in ignorance of what tho Constitution really is.

It used to be the Democratic saying that the Constitution was formed by compromise, and could be maintained onlv by compromise meaning that in order to be preserved it must be continually changing. This was merely the doctrino of bad faith for if a compromise is to bo comprised, it is simply a delusion.

But such an event as this war is not a trivial occasion for amending the Constitution if it is clearly necessary.

We arc obliged to say, howover, that we have looked with some concern at tho number of amendments proposed, and at the poor estimate of tho Constitution as it is that some of them display. What is needed is the enforcing of tho Constitution in its letter and spirit, rather than amending. Tho reform in the basis of representation is needed, and that in taxation should go with it. Beyond that wo liavo serious doubts of tho proprioty of amending tho Constitution.

We believe that Congress has, by tiis? Constitution as it is. the power to

prevent (he States from disfranchising tho people, and to guarantee to every person the equal protection of law, and to the citizens of one State equal rights in all the States. Wo believe every negro code, North or South, which makes different laws for tlio blacks, unconstitutional, and that the United States Courts will so doc!are when they administer the law. We believe that whatever tho Constitution declares of personal rights it carries the power to enforce, therefore wo regard the second section of Mr. Sumner's emancipation amendment unnecessary and prejudicial.

We do not believo any amendment necessary to forbid the payment of the rebel debt, for the courts of tho United States "will stop the collection of any taxes for such purposes nor do we believe that the Constitution would stop such payment, if the Government and courts should fall into the hands of those who would bo willing to make it. In short, we believe much as the President does on tho subject of amendments, and wo think that what is required is the bold and faithful administration of the power that Congress and the other departments have, rather than cumulative amendments of the Constitution.

As to negro suffrage, it is not a way to tho pacification of the late insurgent States, nor in fact is any suffrage. What they need is government capable and willing' to protect ail classes of people, and to administer law till the people show their fitness for suff-

Amended Interest Law. The Special Session of the Indiana Legislature amended the Interest Law as follows

Section 5, amended to read as follows If a greater rate of interest than is herein bclore allowed shall be contracted for, tho contract Bhail not therefore bo void but if, in any action on such contract proof be made that interest at a rate exceeding six dollars a year on one hundred dollars has been directly or indirectly contracted for, the plaintiff shall recover only his principal with six per cent, interest, and he shall also recover costs but, that in ail cases in which money or any other thing of valuo shall have been voluntarily paid as interest for the loan, use, or for usance of money the same shall not be recovered back either directly or by any set-oft or counter claim or payment.

Section 6, amended to read as follows If anv action or contract in which illegal interest shall have been directly or indirectly contracted for, the defendant shall have, previous to the commencement of the suit tendered to tho plaintiff", his principal with legal interest the defendant shall recover costs, and tho plaintiff shall recover only the amount tendered.

No emergency declared. The act will not take effect until tho acts of the extra session are distributed to all the counties, and proclamation made.

Indiana Oivorce Laws. [From the Toledo Commercial.] Our lloosier brethren may be slow in some things, but they arc certainly up with the times—if not a little ahead—on the divorccquestion. Many years ago, tho philosopher, Robert Dale Owen, taught them that divorce made easy wa- a thing much to be desired. How fully the enterprising Iloosicrs have sinco developed that idea, tho following from tho Fort Wayne Gazette, will sufficiently indicate. "The annulling of marriages has become an extensive business, that in large cities associations have been formed for tho purpose, with agencies in tho West, especially in Indiana.''— The St. Louis Dispatch thus explains the process: "It is done in this wise. A man in New York gets tired of his wife, and, wishing a divorce, calls on tho agency in that city, and arranges simply the fee he is to pay. All else is left to the agency. The'case is sent to an Indiana lawyer, who commences proceedings, alleging in tho complaint half a dozen sufficient causes, not one of which is true tho case is referred to another of the same clans of lawyers, who reports, without hearing a word of evidence, in favor of the divorce the court see it is all right on the record, unsuspcctingiy confirms the proceedings and decrees tho divorce. A copy of the record is forwarded to the New York agency, and the injured husband, who has been living at home with his unsuspicious wife, coolly informs her ho has procured a divorce and desires her to find another home and mako way for the now wife."

Bitten by a Mad Dog. A boy about thirteen years old, the son of Mrs. Judd, a widow woman living in the north-eastern part of the city, was bitten in the hand by a mad dog, on last Friday. Tho dog has been killed, and medical aid employed to prevent if possible, tho dreadful consequences of hydrophobia in tho case. Mrs. Judd is tho sarao lady of whom wo spoke the other day, as being driven by poverty to eke out for herself and family of six children, a doubtful sustenance by walking two miles each day, and chopping cord wood for a living,—Tndianapoh's Journal, January Sin.

A Foolhardy Teat—A Man W, One Hundred Hours wl Sleeping.

Tho Portsmouth (X. II.) Journal gives tho following description of the feat of walking one hundred miles in one hundred consecutive hours, performed in that city last week by John Seavcr, aged twenty-five

On Wednesday afternoon, at tho close of the first twenty-four hours, (the match commenccd at 5 P. M., tho previous day,) ho became wear}', and felt a stronger disposition to sleep than he afterwards experienced. This was driven off, but tho effort produced a severo headache, which -continued through tho remaining days. On Thursday ho felt drowsy, but was so excited that ho would sit down without napping. Every hour tho circuiting the room forty-two times was regularly performed, in times rangjng from twenty to thirty minutes. On that morning he began to be discouraged, and oppressed a wish to abandon further effort. His advisors persuaded him, and he renewed his efforts, and, a* ho expressed it, with determined will to succccd Friday, the third day, ho was more wakeful, his nervous excitornent having increased—probably by the strong tea which was his only beverage. His bead was bandaged and bathed with rum and alum frequently. He stumbled from weakness and weariness, but got up without help. Saturday, tho fourth and lant day, was ono of weariness, aching limbs, aching head, and prostration. IIo required to bo supported as ho went his hourly rounds In the 9th hour he fainted and fell Every hour of tho last four he was bathed all over with rum and alum. In the 90th hour he again fell with faintness. The last hour at length arrived, and with his assistants ho completed his forty two circuits in thirtythree minutes. He now received fresh energy from the idea that he had accomplished his feat, and unaided ho literally dragged his limbs oneo more around tho hall to show that he was still awake and amid tho choers of a large audience, he retired after o'clock.

In an hour's timo ho was at his homo and on his pillow, no doubt- like Sancho Panza, "blessing the man who first invented sleep." But for him sound sleep was not safe. His medical attendant, Dr. Perry, was with him through the night, awaking him every hour. He was under so strong nervous excitemont that ho at times had to be held in bed by his attendants.— His dreams wero fearful of more miles to travel, and that his bandages were lost, and that his bathing materials had given out. This was evident by his exclamations. On Monday morning he was better, but ho has not yet got rid of the swelling of his limbs, of weariness in his back, and of his headache. He took his meals regularly during tho four days, and such doses as the doctors prepared.

Mr. S. tells us that ho went to tho extent of human endurance—ho has no idea that he could have sustained himself three hours longer. Although he realizes §500 on the bet and 82S0 as admission fees, yet ten times that amount would not induce him again to make a liko effort. A like feat was performed in California a fow years sinco. In Baltimore it was attompted by a man who died in the 97th hour.

UNSTAMPED RECEIPTS AND OTHER PAPERS.—Tlio neglect to affix revenue stamps to recolpts given for money, goods, express packages, and other papers, has become very common, even on the part of business men who are familiar with the requirements of tho law. Tho omission has become so general as to attract the attention of tho revenue officers, and tho Commissioner has directed, after an opportunity has been given for correcting omissions, to have proceedings commoncod for the recovery of tho penalty of fifty dollars, tho amount recoverable for each case of neglect. All interested are referred to tho 15Sth section of tho revenue law. Tho common mode of cancelling stamps with an is not a compliance with the law. Tho initials of tho person using tho stamp, and tho date when used, should be writton in ink. Any other mode gives an opportunity for a subsequent fraudulent use of the stamp.

fiSTA surveyor near Waynosburg, Pa., lately found a stone by tho roadside marked, "Due oast 2 4 6." Two rods, four feet and six inches from tho spot he found an iron box, a few feet under ground, filled with silver coin.— On tho other side of tho lucky stone was, "Duo west," with the same figures, and at the same distance from it a second box, liko tho other, filled with golden coin. When the money was put there, or who did it, is a mystery,.

Tlie University.

Tho number of students in attendenco at tho North-western Christian University is two hundred and ten.— Tho concerns of tho institution aro reported to havo never been moro prosperous and encouraging than at the present timo.— Indianapolis Journal, January 27.

»i^*There are but threo Indiana regiments stjll remaining in the service tho 34th infantiy, at Brazos Santiago, wobcli&ve: tho 7th Cavalr}7 and the 128th infantry.--Ind. Journal.