Blair County Newspaper Articles
News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.
Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,
Wednesday, September 23, 1863
From Gen. Rosecrans.
For some days past we have felt rather gloomy in consequence of the unfavorable reports from the late engagement between the forces of Gens. Rosecrans and Bragg, the latter being reinforced by several divisions of Gen. Lee's army, and also from Beauregard's army at Charleston. Gen. Lee is said to have been in command. The fighting on Saturday and Sunday is said to have been terrific. At one time the rebels were driven back, and again they drove the Union forces, and on Sunday night each army occupied about the same position held when the fight commenced. On Sunday night, Rosecrans moved his army back to Chattanooga, the fight having taken place some ten miles South-east of that place. This movement was rendered necessary in consequence of the heavy reinforcements the rebels were receiving, and in order to secure a favorable defensive position for the Union forces until reinforcements, on the way to Rosecrans, should arrive.
The first reports received stated that Gen. Rosecrans' army had been cut to pieces and was rapidly retreating, followed by the rebels, but later news states that all will yet be right - the Government having more cheering information from that quarter. Preparations have been made for meeting every emergency that is likely to occur in this field of operation.
The rebels have a decided advantage from the fact that they can concentrate their forces much more rapidly than the Government; yet we do not despair of Gen. Rosecrans' success in finally defeating the whole crew. While they are fighting Rosecrans, they may leave a hole open some place else, which will let a Union army into the dominions of Jeff Davis.
A Proclamation.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 1863 - WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States of America has ordained that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless, when in case of Rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it; and whereas, a Rebellion was existing on the 3d day of March, 1863, which Rebellion is still existing; and whereas by a statute, which was approved on that day, it was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled that, during the present insurrection, The President of the United States, whenever in his judgment the public safety may require, is authorized to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in any case throughout the United States or any part thereof; and whereas, in the judgment of the President of the United States the public safety does require that the privilege of the said writ shall now be suspended throughout the United States in the cases whereby the authority of the President of the United States, the military, naval, and civil officers of the United States, or any of them hold persons under their command or in their custody, either as prisoners of war, spies, or aiders or abettors of the enemy, or officers, soldiers or seamen, enrolled or drafted, or mustered or enlisted in, or belonging to the land or naval officers of the United States, or as deserters therefrom, or otherwise answerable to military law, or the rules of regulations prescribed for the military or naval service, by authority of the President of the United States, or for resisting a draft, or for any other offenses against the military or naval service:
Now, therefore, I Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim and make known to all whom it may concern, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended throughout the United States in the several cases before mentioned, and that this suspension will continue throughout the duration of the said Rebellion, or until this Proclamation shall, by a subsequent one to be issued by the President of the United States, be modified or revoked. And I do hereby require all magistrates, attorneys and other civil officers within the United States, and all officers and others in the military and naval service of the United States, to take distinct notice of this suspension and to give it full effect, and all citizens of the United States to conduct and govern themselves accordingly, and in conformity with the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Congress in such cases made and provided.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the United States to be affixed, thus fifteenth day of September, in the year of' our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three (1863), and of the independence of the United States of America the eighty-eighth.
(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President.
(Signed) WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.
Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, September 23, 1863, page 2
LOCAL ITEMS.
THE UNION MEETING. - Notwithstanding the threatening appearance of the weather, on Friday evening last, there was a large turn out to the Union meeting, held in Mann & Laughman's new building. A few airs performed by the Altoona Brass Band, which had been engaged for the occasion, called the people together, whereupon Hon. L. W. Hall was chosen President of the meeting, assisted by Dr. Wm. R. Findley, John London, Edwin A. Beck, Isaac Barkla, Alex. A. Smyth, John Allison, James Williamson, Wm. M. Lloyd and Martin Runyen, as Vice Presidents, and George W. Kessler, Col. Jacob Szink and Jas. H. Dysart, as Secretaries.
On taking the Chair, Mr. Hall made a few pertinent remarks, after which he introduced, as the first speaker of the evening, A. H. Chase, Esq., of New York. Mr. Chase opened by stating that he had always been a Democrat and was still a Democrat, but not of the Seymour- Vallandigham-Woodward kind. He was a Union Democrat. He supported for office men who were in favor of crushing out the rebellion and conquering it peace-not those who give aid and comfort to the rebels by opposing the constituted authorities and sycophant-like bowed at the feet of Davis & Co. and sued for a dishonorable peace. He closed by appealing to the audience to cast their votes for Andrew G. Curtin, that he might thereby be elected, and the Union men of New York encouraged to battle for the Union ticket in that State.
The next speaker introduced was Col. F. Montgomery, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, formerly editor of the Vicksburg Whig. His speech was one of the richest to which we have ever listened. Wit and humor sparkled in his eyes and rolled from his tongue in a constant stream. His description of the characters who got up, and are keeping alive, the present rebellion, and the bombardment of Vicksburg by Gen. Grant, was sidesplitting and kept the audience in a continued roar of laughter for nearly an hour. He contrasted the difference between white and slave labor as only a man who fully understands the subject could have done. He showed that it would be better for the South were slave labor abolished, and also that it would be better for white laborers, from the fact that so long as slave labor existed in the South it would be degrading for a white man to labor there, but if slavery was done away with, white labor would become as much respected in that locality as it is in the North, and the land being much more productive, the labor of the laboring man would be far more remunerative. He went on to show that the hue and cry raised in reference to the overrunning of the North with slaves, in case slavery should be abolished, was only a political hobby; that the slaves did not want to come North, unless they could not get their freedom in any other way. If they could be free in the South they would stay there, but if by remaining they must remain slaves, they would certainly take the first opportunity to gain their freedom by slipping off to the North, and thus bring their labor in competition with that of the white man. His remarks on this point could not fail to convince all reasonable men that the arguments used by those opposed to the abolishment of slave labor are totally groundless. He closed by giving his reasons why he wished every man in the audience to vote for Andrew G. Curtin for Governor, among which was this, that around Gov. Curtin, more than the Governor of any other loyal State, centered the hopes of the Union men of the South. They knew that he was true to the country and true to them and that he had done more for the suppression or the rebellion than any of his colleagues.
He was followed by H. N. McAllister, Esq., of Bellefonte, who is a fluent and able speaker, and deals altogether in facts. He went into a disquisition on the slavery question, which he handled without gloves, but the audience tired of it and called for Judge Shannon, of Pittsburgh, who was on the stand. Mr. McAllister gave way, and Judge Shannon was introduced to the meeting. The Judge, it will be remembered, has always been, and still claims to be, a full-blooded Democrat. His remarks, which were short, owing to the lateness of the hour, were listened to with close attention, and his words fell with weight, considering his former political associations, his high position, and will tell favorably for the cause he has espoused.
It was expected that Gov. Curtin would be present and address the meeting, but important business called him to Harrisburg that evening, and he had to pass on in the Fast Line, only stopping long enough to take supper at the Logan House.
Quite a crowd of people were present from all parts of the county and several from Huntingdon county. Had the evening proved favorable, it would undoubtedly have been one of the largest political meetings ever convened in the place.
It is the intention of the party to hold another mass meeting, in this place, between this time and the election, to be addressed by Gov. Curtin and Daniel Dougherty, Esq., of Philadelphia. It is expected that arrangements will be perfected to have Gen. Benj. F. Butler present on the same occasion.
A WISE PRECAUTION. - Railroad travellers are so proverbially incautious that unless the carrying companies employ expedients rendering it impossible for travellers to expose themselves to danger, accidents are continually occurring. The practice of thrusting the elbows out of a car window has caused so many accidents that railroad companies are generally adopting the safeguard of putting a perforated iron plate, eight inches high, across the bottom of the window, outside of the sash. This renders it impossible to thrust the elbow beyond the car body, and saves the arm from being crushed against the timbers of bridges. Against the danger of accidents from passing from one car to another while in motion, there is no remedy yet discovered except locking the car door, as is done in Europe. This is so great a restraint upon the motion of a live Yankee that it is not generally adopted, though it would tend to a greater security from accident if it were. Against jumping from railroad cars while in motion, there is no remedy which can be devised, for no mechanical restriction can compensate for the absence of brains in a traveller.
TUESDAY'S PIC-NIC. - The Pic-Nic in aid of the Catholic schools of this place, held in M'Cartney's Grove on Tuesday of last week, was really, as it promised to be, one of the most enjoyable affairs of the kind that has had its occurrence amongst us during the present season. The large number in attendance, the zest and spirit with which all entered into the enjoyment of the occasion, as well as the good order and decorum maintained throughout the day, rendered the Pic-Nic in every sense of the word a complete success. We did not learn the amount realized, but as there was a goodly crowd in attendance, and as all seemed prompted by the most liberal motives, we have no doubt the sum was a handsome one. May we soon look upon its like again.
LEFT US. - We are sorry to chronicle the fact that our old and respected townsman, Charles R. McCrea, Esq., has pulled up stakes in this locality and settled himself in the city of "Brotherly Love," as foreman of M. W. Baldwin's Foundry. Sorry that he has left us, but glad that he has obtained so good a situation. We dislike to part with the old settlers and prominent business men, who have displayed that public spirit which helps so much to build up a town. In the removal of Mr. McCrea we have lost one of the foremost in this respect. He was always ready to give of his means and influence to perfect any enterprise which looked to the convenience of our citizens or the ornamenting of the town. May prosperity attend him in his new home.
GOOD FOR HER. - A few days since we heard of a little transaction, not far from this place, which will bear publication. The conscription caught a man who was able-bodied, but disinclined to fight. His mother is living, and he conceived the idea that he would bring her to his house and claim exemption on the ground of being the only support of a widow. The old lady refused to go with him, whereupon he attempted to force her to go to his house, for a time at least. The old lady would not consent to force work, and told the conscript that as he never kept her before she was not going to stay with him now to get him out of the draft.
OFFICERS LEAVE OF ABSENCE. - The following is an answer to a question which is frequently asked by officers. It is the decision of the Paymaster General. U. S. A.
An officer is entitled to half-pay during the term of his leave of absence, and is not entitled to any pay from the time his leave expires till he reports for duty - until cleared by a board. If this is done he is entitled to half-pay for the additional time he has been absent without leave.
It is not the business or duty of Government to furnish transportation to officers returning from leave of absence. They are bound to be at their posts in proper time, at their own risk.
- The Logan House, at Altoona, is equal, in every respect, to any first class city Hotel in the county. The building is a noble and beautiful structure, admirably planned. The conveniences of the House are many, and of Messrs. Miller & Sons it may with great truth be said - "they can keep a Hotel." Altoona is only a few miles from Cresson, and we think we prefer it to that favorite resort.
So says Col. Fitzgerald, of Fitzgerald's City Item, and so say all who have enjoyed the comforts, luxuries and kind attentions of the proprietors of the Logan House.
DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CONVENTION. - We understand that the Democratic County Convention, which met in Hollidaysburg, on Tuesday last, resolved not to nominate a county ticket. We think this a judicious proceeding. There is no use in nominating men for office and causing them to spend money, when there is scarcely a chance of an election. The probabilities are that the Administration party will have things pretty much their own way this fall, unless the Independents give them some trouble.
THE BOROUGH ACCOUNT. - We, as well as a number of others, have waited patiently, for the last six months, for a sight of the Borough Account, of last year, but have seen nothing of it up to this date. The Borough must have a very lazy or a very busy set of Auditors. Hurry up, gentlemen and let the inhabitants of the Mountain City know what you did last year, else they will not want to re-elect you next spring. We never like buying a "pig in a poke."
UNION MEETINGS - We are requested by the Chairman of the Union County Committee to announce that Hon. L. W. Hall and Sergt. J. H. Keatley will address Union Meetings at Blair Furnace on Friday evening and at Tipton on Saturday evening of this week.
- Judging from the report given in Fitzgerald's City Item of the visit of the Athletic Base Ball Club, to Altoona, the visitors must have enjoyed themselves hugely. The Mountain Club did their best to render the visit of their "brethren of the bat" an agreeable one, and they have the satisfaction of knowing that they fully succeeded in their undertaking, and made for themselves a good name among the fraternity.
PROTRACTED MEETING. - Rev. S. K. Boyer, of the Free Baptist Church, will commence a protracted meeting in Logan Hall, this borough, on Saturday evening, September 20th, to continue over Sabbath, and during the following week, as circumstances permit. Rev. J. W. Plannet of Latrobe, Rev. Jas. Colder of Harrisburg, and other ministers are expected to assist. The public are cordially invited to attend.
POSTPONED. - The conscripts from this locality were first notified to appear at Huntingdon on the 8th, 9th and 10th of October, but we have seen new notices about to be served delaying the time of reporting until the 7th, 8th and 9th of November. The cause assigned is that the Commissioners cannot get through with more than fifty cases per day, instead of one hundred, as they first intended.
AGENT WANTED. - By reference to an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that an agent is wanted in this place for several lines of steamers. A man who could attend to the agency in connection with other business, without increased expense or trouble, might make a good thing out of it.
DEMOCRATIC MEETING. - The Democrats of this place will hold a meeting in Kertz's Hall to-morrow (Thursday) evening.
Notice.
In order to avoid political contests, reflections and difficulties, and with the view of devoting my whole time to my daily business, I would respectfully withdraw my name as an Independent Candidate for the Assembly, leaving the whole subject of politics to the regularly organized usages of the party.
I would here take occasion to return my thanks to my many friends for the honor conferred in their promised support, and for the interest they have manifested in my welfare.
Respectfully, ISAAC BARTOW.
MARRIED.
On the 8th inst., by Rev. Thomas F. Hallowell, at the United Brethren Parsonage in this place, Mr. Samuel Garver to Miss Mary J. Cole, both of Mifflin Co., Pa.
On the 16th inst. By Rev. W. R. Mills, Sergeant William Miller (of Company G 11?th Regiment Penn'a Volunteers,) to Miss Mary A. Hamilton, of Altoona.
On the same day, by Rev. A. H. Sembower, Mr. George W. Rose to Miss Dorcas Cos, all of Altoona.
On the 17th inst., by the same, in this place, Mr. John McKallip to Miss Amanda Kistler, both of Leechburg, Armstrong county, Pa.
Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, September 23, 1863, page 3
JOINT RESOLUTION PROPOSING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, That the following amendments be proposed to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, in accordance with the provisions of the tenth article thereof:
There shall be an additional section to the third article of the Constitution, to be designated as section four, as follows:
SECTION 4. Whenever any of the qualified electors of this Commonwealth shall be in any actual military service under a requisition from the President of the United States, or by authority of this Commonwealth, such elector's may exercise the right of suffrage in all election by the citizens, under such regulations as are, or shall be prescribed by law, as fully as if they were present at their usual place of election.
There shall be two additional sections to the eleventh article of the Constitution, to be designated as sections eight and nine, as follows:
SECTION 8. No bill shall be passed by the Legislature, containing more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in the title, except appropriation bills.
SECTION 9. No bill shall be passed by the Legislature granting any powers, or privileges, in any case, where the authority to grant such powers, or privileges, has been, or may hereafter be, conferred upon the courts of this Commonwealth.
JOHN CESSNA, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN P. PENNEY, Speaker of the Senate.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH,
HARRISBURG, July 1st, 1863.
PENNSYLVANIA SS.
{SEAL}
I do hereby certify that the foregoing and annexed is a full, true and
correct copy of the original Joint Resolution of the General Assembly,
entitled "A Joint Resolution proposing certain Amendments to the
Constitution," as the same remains on file in this office.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the Secretary's office to be affixed, the day and year above written.
ELI SLIFER,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
July 7, 1863.
Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, September 23, 1863, page 4