The difference between Republican and Democratic governing and administrative ability . . .

. . . is seen or will be seen in the conduct of the War Department respectively by Mr. Cameron and Mr. Stanton.  And it would be seen in the conduct of all the Executive departments if changes should be made in them.  Mr. Stanton understands this difference – he has learned it from the history of the country – and is therefore appointing only Democrats to the high subordinate positions in his department in place of Republicans removed. – Chicago Times.

This is the way Mr. Lincoln’s liberality and patriotism is met!  What is intended to promote harmony and unite parties in carrying forward the war is construed as an act of necessity – the only way to keep the Government running.  We are the salt of the earth – the governing class, says the Times – we embody all the ability and the virtue extant – Stanton knows this (probably he learned it while in Buchanan’s Cabinet) and is turning out Republicans and putting in Democrats!

We think well of Mr. Stanton and hope much from his Administration of the War Department – not because he is a Democrat, but because he is, as we hope and believe, a true and loyal man, possessing talents and energy, and entirely devoted to the office he now fills.  We care not what changes he makes so that rogues are turned out and honest men put in.  But we doubt very much either Mr. Stanton’s ability or wish to proscribe men for their opinion’s sake and turn out republicans because they are Republicans.

Any exhibition of magnanimity towards the late Democratic party is thrown away – is just about as foolish as the same measures have proven towards the rebels.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 1

Connecticut Election

HARTFORD, April 9. – Gov. Buckingham’s majority is greater than last year; it is 2,000.  The Senate is a united against the Democrats.  The House stands 181 Republicans against 56 Democrats.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

The Resuscitation of the Democratic Party

There is a conviction in the public mind that the war is drawing toward a close – that the events of a few weeks, lying immediately before us will deprive the rebellion of its life, and bring us to a point where no question can be made of the final restoration of national unity.  Under this conviction, certain ambitious men formerly connected with the Democratic party, are sweeping and garnishing the old concern for the reception of the renegades who polluted it, and went off to try housekeeping on their own account.  There is really an attempt in progress to resuscitate the Democratic party – a sort of indecent haste, while battles are pending and only one question is really before the people, to pull off gloves and be ready to take the hand of treason the moment the sword and musket are knocked from its grasp.  The basis for a reunion of the old fragments of the party, still lying around loose at the North, appears to be opposition to the emancipation message of the president and the endorsal of it by Congress.  In this, they have the sympathy and the characteristic co-operation of the Border State men, who seem to have abated none of the arrogance of these times when slavery was not convicted of high treason, and its friends were not hunted from fort to fort and field to field like felons.

Gentlemen, do not be in a hurry.  There will be time enough for these little operations after the last Union soldier is decently buried.  There are battles to be fought yet.  There are thousands of lives to be expended.  There are great conflicts yet to take place by land and sea, in which the blood of noble men is to be poured out like water.  There is to be wailing in myriad homes, over fathers and brothers and lovers slain.  The dirges are to be played yet, and the bells to be tolled.  Do not be in a hurry.  It is possible that, if you wait until you see how much this beautiful institution of slavery, which you propose to patronize, costs the nation, – how much treasure it swallow, and how many lives it sacrifices of men whose worst crime is love of country, you will change your mind.  It is possible that emancipation will not seem so black a scheme a year hence as it does now, even to yourselves, and it is very probable that the people will regard it very differently from those who have axes to grind.

There is a certain class of men, all over the North – we have them even in Massachusetts – who have been educated in the belief that there is a degree of sacredness about the institution of slavery which really pertains to no other institution.  Even to-day, while the whole military and naval power of the country is roused to the effort of loosing the grasp of the slave power upon its throat, there are men not wholly idiots, or consciously traitors, who think and speak tenderly of “the rights of slavery.”  They would not object to taking the horse of a slave holding rebel, or a barn full of hay, or a thousand barrels of flour – nay, they would not much object to taking the rebel himself and shutting him up in Fort Warren; but when we come to lay hands upon his nigger – when we talk of emancipating the poor fellow who has been held all his life in unrequited bondage – their hands are thrown up in holy horror. – It seems to them that slavery has a great many more rights under the Constitution than any other institution.  There would seem to be absolute insanity on this point.  Good God!  The institution of slavery to be treated tenderly by Northern men, on account of the sacredness of its right under a Constitution whose obligations it has shaken off!  Slavery is to be patronized, and emancipation in any form to be opposed by a Northern party that proposes to draw its support from a people decimated and fixed to keep slavery from destroying the Republic!

Well gentlemen, try it.  The Administration has taken its ground on this point, and the Republican party stands with it.  If slavery wants anything, even as favorable to itself as the emancipation message of the President, it has got to wind up this war in a very short space of time.  It has forfeited everything, and must forever remain, if it remain at all, simply a tolerated institution; and if men at the North wish to undertake the organization of a party based upon the old, unrestricted slave power, let them try it.  We assure them of one thing, as the result of this war, viz: that the republican principle of the restriction of the power and territory of slavery will be vindicated and established.

The American people, no matter what their political antecedents may have been, will never consent to see slavery extended over another foot of territory, will never consent to a predominance of the slave power in the national councils, will never consent to see slavery more than an unwillingly tolerated institution.  Respect for the Constitution, as it was framed by the fathers, is alone that which will give slavery a peaceful foothold in the States where it exists.  The policy of this nation, dating from that moment of the issue of President Lincoln’s message, is to be for freedom, and not for slavery.  The Government forever changes front on this question.  It says that the abolition of slavery is something to be desired.  It opens facilities and points out means for its abolition by emancipation.  Here stands the Administration and here the party that placed it in power.

Now if the democrats in Congress and around Washington wish to confront this attitude of the Government, let them try it.  Let them start their old machine, and advertise that it is to operate against the emancipation of the slaves in the mode suggested by the President; and the country will grind them to powder.  The country has learned something if they have not, and will in time teach them what they do not know.  While we think it would be well for them to wait a little, we do not make the request on account of the Government, the republican party, or ourselves.  The experiment may as well be tried first as last, and the rebels at the South and their sympathizers at the North whipped out at the same time.  We simply warn them that the reign of the slave power in this country is ended, and that any party which undertakes to stand upon the old ground of the democratic party, will be doomed from the start. –{Springfield Republican.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

Republican Victory in New Hampshire

NEW YORK, March 11. – The result of the New Hampshire election in 119 towns, is for Berry, Republican, 22,998; Stark, 20,400; Wheeler, 1043.

It is believed Gov. Berry’s majority over all will be over 1500.

The Republican majority in the House will be from 50 to 75.  The Republicans have also probably elected ten out of twelve Senators and four of the Councilors.

CONCORD, N. H., March 12. – 135 towns give Berry 32,727; Stark, 20,035, Wheeler 1,038.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

DES MOINES, Feb. 18, 1862

MR. EDITOR:– I notice in the Hawk-Eye of yesterday a communication from this place signed “C. J. J.” which I take it, is from your worthy representative, Mr. Jackson.  He attempts to define his position on the “shaky” republican question, and has he doesn’t quite do it I want you and your readers to understand how it is.

Las week a resolution was introduced into the House instructing our members in Congress to vote for a law “giving all white persons of foreign birth, now in the service of the United States their naturalization papers upon receiving an honorable discharge.”  An effort was made to have the word “white” stricken out, so that the protection of the Government might be extended to all persons of foreign birth, of whatever color, who are now in the armies of the Union, fighting for its maintenance.  The democrats at once discovered a tremendous darkey in the proposition.  And a considerable number of members calling themselves Republicans, among them Mr. “C. J. J.,” became alarmed and followed suit.

In their opinion, as interpreted by their vote, the man who happens to have a darker skin from the hand of his Creator, than his whiter brethren, though he may love his country equally well, and stand side by side with him in the hour of battle and danger, is entitled to none of the rights of protection which we as a nation bestow upon those in foreign lands who claim a birth right here – entitled to nothing from this Government except – slavery.

Now, sir, I trust you will understand why your correspondent thinks that all who voted against such a measure, and calling themselves Republicans may be considered at least, rather “shaky.”

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia

For many years the anti-slavery men of our country have been trying to prevail upon congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.  Slavery had never been legalized there, it existed only by virtue of a law of Maryland, which in fact had no force over territory that she had ceded away; still as slaves had been held under that law, and as Virginia was a slave State, the institution was countenanced in the Federal Metropolis, to the scandal of the nation.  Southern members of Congress, who brought with them their slaves, of course opposed any measure that might have a tendency to deprive them of that privilege.  Thus has slavery continued to be tolerated in the very heart of the nation, giving to strangers from all parts of the world who visited the Federal seat of Government, false impressions of our institutions.

As the war has called off the Southern members, and their allies being too feeble to successfully oppose such measure, the Republicans have embraced the opportunity to introduce a bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.  On Thursday last it was put to a vote in the Senate, and passed by the decisive vote of 29 against 14, or more than two to one.  Every vote in the affirmative was Republican, and all the anti-Republicans present voted nay!  Thus demonstrating exactly where the two parties will be found on every question in which slavery is interested.  We apprehend no difficulty in passing this bill through the House, while it will be one of the proudest acts of Old Abe’s life to approve it with his signature.

By the provisions of this bill, compensation not exceeding $300 per slave, is to be allowed each loyal master.  It also provides for voluntary colonization, and appropriates $100,000 to aid the voluntary emigration of the manumitted slaves to Hayti, Liberia or elsewhere. – Thus following in the wake of the endorsement by Congress of the President’s emancipation resolution, another important measure looking to the abolition of slavery in the United States, has been put upon the tapis by the Republican party, and if it meet with no drawback, the work of emancipation will have begun and be commenced aright by tapping the fountain head, the source whence the evil flows.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 9, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

WADSWORTH has returned from the East, and will open this morning, some entirely new styles of Shawls and Reglans, to which he invites the attention of the Ladies.

WANTED. – By a gentleman hand his wife, a bed-room and a sitting room, furnished, and board in a small, quiet family – one where there are no other boarders preferred.  Address box 429, post-office, giving name and residence.

THE DOG LAW. – A number of dogs felt the force of the dog ordinance yesterday, eight of them being killed by one officer.  We understand no dog is to be spared, no matter how aristocratic his connections, if those connections don’t furnish him a muzzle.

A FIGHT. – during the bacchanalian revelries which celebrated the partial victory of the Democracy on Saturday evening, a savage fight occurred at a saloon on Second Street, in which one man was badly cut with a knife, and others met with contusions of different kinds.  No complaint was made.

THE SUN hasn’t shown its face in our neighborhood since election day, probably disgusted with the result.  We don’t wonder at it. – But we hope Old Sol won’t take it too much to heart, and shut down on us altogether till next election – that would be punishing the innocent with the guilty.

DENSE POPULATION. – Twenty-nine votes were cast, by occupants of a ‘boarding house’ on Front street, at the Fourth Ward polls, on Saturday.  There’s lodging-room enough in said house for half that number to sleep standing.  The rest are probably accommodated on pole bedstead run out of the windows, a la poulet.

FLORAL HALL. – We refer to the advertisement of Messrs. Westphal and Co., in to-day’s paper.  The establishment they are fitting up on Brady street is just what is needed in our city.  The seeds and plants obtained from Floral Hall can be relied upon as fresh and thrifty.  Citizens and farmers can depend upon getting articles of the best quality and at low prices at Westphal & Co’s.

A MIRAGE. – The people of Chicago were treated to a splendid exhibition on Thursday, in the shape of a mirage, a phenomenon of not unfrequent occurrence in that vicinity, though this was considered one of the most beautiful ever witnessed there.  The opposite shore of Lake Michigan, with its villages, forests, bluffs, and though sixty miles off, were plainly visible to the naked eye.  Wish we could have one over this way, so that we could see Island No. 10, and the army in Tennessee.

FIRE IN ROCK ISLAND. – About 2 o’clock last Saturday morning a fire broke out in the furniture store of C. K. Norris, in Rock Island, which, with the crockery store of Lee & Williams, and the millinery store of Miss Jennings, was consumed.  Not an article, except the books, was saved from either of the former stores.  Mr. Norris’ loss is estimated at from $2,000 to $3,000, fully insured. – Messrs. Lee & Williams’ loss was about $3,000, insured for the full amount.  Miss Jennings’ loss from $300 to $500, and also covered by insurance.  An unoccupied frame building, also insured, was burned.  As the wind was blowing a gale, sparks communicated to a shed on the opposite side of the street, which in burning injured a brick building occupied by Mr. Johnston as a flour store.  It was also insured.  Our neighbors have had so many fires of late years, that everybody over there seems to be insured.  Very little alarm was given by the above fire in this city, and the occurrence was afterward forgotten in election matters.

INCREASE OF POPULATION. – That our city has largely increased in population during the last year, is quiet evident from the vote on last Saturday.  During the year nearly three hundred voters left Davenport, having enlisted in the various regiments formed in our State.  The aggregate number of votes polled on Saturday was larger by 160 than last year; thus showing that we must have gained about 450 votes, equivalent to an increase of two thousand to our population!  Of those who left, all the Germans and two thirds of the Americans were Republicans, or at least 300 of the 450, yet the Democrats, so largely in the minority last year, now elect their ticket, thus showing that all the new comers are Democrats.  As, of course, no skullduggery was practiced by our Democratic friends, this may be regarded as one of the most remarkable occurrences, on a small scale, of this eventful year.

PENSIONS, BOUNTY, &c. – We direct attention to the card of Geo. F. Worthington, Esq., Washington, D. C., in to-day’s paper.

CITY ELECTION. – With a clear majority of at least two hundred in our city, the Republicans on last Saturday suffered themselves to be defeated from purely local causes.  In the first ward, for instance, forty-two straight Republican tickets were polled with the name of the candidate for alderman erased, not that the voters had personal objections to him, or favored his Democratic opponent, but simply because they did not like the manner in which he was nominated.  This may be all right, but we must confess we cannot see it.  If Republican’s think their principles are right, they should not elect men to represent them even in Council who will go against them on every occasion that any political question is presented.  In the first four wards in the city where in each the Republicans have a large majority, the Democratic nominee for Marshal received a majority, showing that a large number of Republicans voted for him.  Although the Democrats elected the larger portion of their ticket, it is very evident that they did it through Republican votes, and as they are therefore indebted to Republicans for their victory, we hope they will not crow too loudly, nor claim the election as purely a Democratic triumph.

__________

APPORTIONMENT of School money made by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, April 7^th, 1862:

Davenport City	4684.63
Davenport Township	1157.23
Le Claire City	616.24
Le Claire Township	620.50
Winfield Township	1012.39
Pleasant Valley Township	292.50
Princeton Township	195.15
Buffalo Township	537.85
Hickory Grove Township	443.00
Rockingham Township	183.47
Blue Grass Township	521.10
Liberty Township	346.45
Allen’s Grove Township	242.80
Cleona Township	167.45

Amout to apportion $11,570.97.  Number of children, 8,149.  Amount to each child, $1.41 99-100.

__________

SUPREME COURT

(APRIL TERM.)

CALEB S. BALDWIN, Chief Justice.

G. G. WRIGHT, Associate Justice.

R. P. LOWE, Associate Justice.

Lewis KINARY, Clerk.

MONDAY, April 7.

The Supreme Court Met yesterday at their room in Grant’s Block, and organized, after which they adjourned till Tuesday morning.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 1

“Trouble In the Camp.”

The Democrat had a leader, last Friday, thus entitled which exhibited an astonishing amount either of ignorance or mendacity for even a Democratic paper.  The article opened by saying, “Some time since, the Republican abolition members of Congress voted unanimously to admit Senators Carlisle and Willey, from the new State (?) of Western Virginia.”  Those who paid any attention to political matters last summer will remember that after the expulsion of Mason and Hunter by the Senate, Messrs. Carlisle and Willey were chosen their successors by the loyal Legislature of Virginia assembled at Wheeling, and they were admitted to seats in the Senate as Senators, not from Western Virginia nor Eastern Virginia, nor Middle Virginia, but from the State of Virginia – the identical Old Dominion, and as such they sit there today.

The Democrat further says, that the Republican Senators voted to admit Messrs. Carlisle and Willey, because it was supposed they would add to the Republican strength in the Senate.  Will the Democrat be good enough to tell us what induced Messrs. Thomson, of New Jersey, Rice of Minnesota, and the two California Senators, Nesmith, of Oregon, Saulsbury, of Delaware, and in fact all the Democrats in the Senate whose loyalty is unquestioned, to vote with the Republicans on the question?  The fact is, these Senators were admitted because the loyal people of Virginia demanded it, and a refusal would have disfranchised that State and deprived her of her equal representation in the Senate.

The question of admitting the proposed State of Western Virginia into the Union is hence entirely distinct from that involved in the admission of Messrs. Carlisle and Willey to the Senate, and is compromised by no previous action of Congress whatever; and if the new commonwealth come before the country hugging to its bosom the demon of slavery, we hope Congress will close the door in its face until it shall conclude to make the Declaration of Independence and the spirit of the Constitution its basis of fundamental law.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 7, 1862, p. 2

The Republican Party

The Republicans, as a political organization, have a family resemblance to the old Whig party, so much so that we sometimes have wondered if a man who at heart had ever been an old line Whig, could honestly turn square around and put his neck into the same yoke with men whom for long years he had bitterly denounced as everything that was corrupt, rather than act with the Republican party.  The chief point in which our present political associates resemble those with whom we formerly affiliated, is in that disposition they occasionally manifest to repose confidence in the honesty or uprightness of the Democratic party.

In Ohio, Illinois, and it may be in some other States, the Democrats found themselves at the last election, from the inevitable destiny of their principles, sadly in the minority.  What they could not effect by hard fighting, they determined to accomplish by cool stratagem; so proposed to the Republicans of these States, that as the war was for the Union, political matters should be shelved, and all unite in one common party and elect men on the ground of their capability and without regard to past political associations.  The bait was so tempting to the good Republicans of those States, they having the weal of their country at heart and, perhaps, not possessing the sagacity of the older politicians of the Empire State, that they eagerly swallowed it.  Of course they were caught, as the Democrats afterwards, true to their party instincts, made use of the Union movement to foist into power men of their own stripe.

In the Constitutional Convention that has just adjourned in Illinois, and in the unsuccessful effort to re-elect Ben. Wade in Ohio, we see some of the fruits of this strange alliance, and if the Republicans of these States are ever again caught with such chaff, they will deserve to suffer the consequences.  The effort to similarly seduce the Republicans of Iowa signally failed, and since they have observed the consequences in other localities and learned that the movement was wholly preconcerted, they have perhaps taken more credit to themselves than they really deserve.

This weakness of the Republican party, inherited possibly from the old Whig party, of placing reliance in anything emanating from the Democratic leaders, when power or influence is at stake, has been so seriously punished that it should be a lesson for all time to come, under no circumstances or for any purpose, to affiliate with the Democrats, especially under the new regime when Democracy and Slavery, by their own show, are recognized as synonyms.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 2

Republican City Ticket

Election Saturday, April 5^th.

FOR MAYOR,

GEORGE H. FRENCH.

FOR MARSHAL,

E. W. BAKER.

FOR TREASURER,

JOHN H. MORTON.

FOR CLERK,

H. MITTLEBUSCHER.

FOR ALDERMEN,

FIRST WARD – BARTON GLASPELL,

SECOND WARD – FRANCIS OCHS,

THIRD WARD – CHR. KAUFFMAN,

FOURTH WARD – G. W. McCARN,

FIFTH WARD – J. J. TOMSON,

SIXTH WARD – CHAS. WHITAKER.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 3, 1862, p. 1

Ward Meetings

FIRST WARD MEETING.

The regular meeting of the Republicans of the First Ward, for the purpose of nominating and Alderman to be supported at the city election, will be held on Thursday, the 3d isn’t., at 8 o’clock p. m. at Littig’s brewery.  A full attendance is requested.

GEO. G. ARNDT, Sec’y.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 3, 1862, p. 1

Third Ward Republican Meeting

The Republicans of the Third Ward assembled at the court house on Wednesday evening, April 3d, 1862, for the purpose to nominate a candidate for Alderman.

The meeting was organized, and elected D. H. Wheeler to the chair, and H. Mittelbuscher, secretary.

On motion, Mr. Christain Kauffman was unanimously nominated for Alderman of the Third Ward.

H. Mittelbuscher, Wm. Pool and E. W. Baker were appointed Third Ward Committee.  And on motion, Henry Mittelbuscher was appointed secretary for the Scott County Republican Club, to represent the Third Ward.

On motion the proceedings were ordered published in the GAZETTE and Der Deomkrat.

On motion, adjourned.

H. MITTELBUSCHER, Sec’y.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 3, 1862, p. 1

Ward Meetings

FIRST WARD REPUBLICAN MEETING.

At the Republican Meeting held on Monday evening, March 31^st, at the house of W. Langlacker, on motion H. S. Finley was called to the chair and James R. Johnson appointed Secretary.

The following gentlemen were nominated for Aldermen: Barton S. Glaspell, Samuel Hirschel, Peter Mulhoefer and W. Weinart.

On motion an informal ballot was taken; the result was Barton S. Glaspell received 24 votes, Samuel Hirschel 11, Peter Mulhoefer 7 and W. Weinart 1.  Mr. Glaspell having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared the nominee of the convention.  The following gentlemen were elected a Ward committee for the ensuing year:  Messrs. Mathews, Finley and Belding.

On Motion W. Mathews was appointed Chairman and Mr. Finley Secretary of said committee.  On motion the Editors of the GAZETTE and Der Demokrat were requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting in their daily papers.  Adjourned.

JAMES R. JOHNSON, Secy.

SECOND WARD MEETING

AT A MEETING of the Republicans of the 2d ward, on Tuesday, April 1^st, 1862, for the purpose of nominating an Alderman for the next city election, in the absence of Mr. R. Peters, President, Mr. Ernst Clausen was elected President.

On Motion , Mr. F. Ochs was unanimously nominated for Alderman

On motion, Mr. H. H. Andresen, F. Ochs and Wulf Lyt were elected Ward committee, with power to elect among themselves, President and Secretary.

On motion, adjourned.

ERNST CLAUSSEN, Pres.

H. H. ANDRESEN, Sec.

SIXTH WARD REPUBLICAN MEETING.

The Republicans of the Sixth Ward met at the school house, East Davenport, on Monday evening last, to nominate a candidate for Alderman, and for the transaction of other business.

Mr. Winkless called the meeting to order.  James Coulthart was appointed Chairman, and T. J. Saunders Secretary.

The object of the meeting having been stated, it was agreed that an informal ballot be taken for Alderman.  C. C. Blood and Robert Simpson were selected as tellers, and the result was as follows: Charles Whitaker, 23 votes; Edwin Pester, 22 votes; Wm. Crosson, 7 votes; and Robert Simpson, 1 vote.

It was then moved that a formal ballot be entered into, and that the Secretary record the names of the voters – which was agreed to.

Mr. Crosson respectfully declined being a candidate any further; likewise Mr. Simpson.

The ballot resulted as follows: Charles Whitaker, 29 votes; Edwin Pester, 27 votes; blank 2 votes.

Some discussion arising respecting the propriety of entering into another ballot, Mr. Pester came forward and after a few remarks moved that Mr. Whitaker be declared the choice of the meeting, which was unanimously concurred in, and three cheers were given Mr. Pester for his prompt and magnanimous action.

Dr. Saunders was re-appointed Secretary of the Ward Club, and Messrs. Robt. Simpson and Jas. Coulthart and Geo. Meredith, a Ward Committee.

On motion of Mr. Phillips, the meeting then adjourned.

JAMES COULTHART, Chn.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 2, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

R. KRAUSE, Agent for Scott’s Reports of Fashions.

THE City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting this afternoon, the last before the election.

THIRD WARD MEETING. – Republicans of the third ward will please not forget their meeting this evening, to nominate a candidate for Alderman.

WALL PAPER. – Persons repairing old houses and papering new ones, will do well to call and examine those elegant new styles of wall paper just received by Geo. W. Ells & Co.

THE TOP-MAST of the flag-staff in Rock Island fell to the ground while it was being lowered to rig a new set of halyards, burying the lower end quite deep in the ground.  Two persons were on the cross-trees lowering the mast, and had a narrow escape from injury.

BOAT SUNK. – The steamer Minnesota Bell sunk in the Illinois river, loosing her entire cargo.  We learn from Der Democrat that Mr. A. Steffen, of this city, had 1,700 bushels of barley on her, which fortunately, however was insured.

JUST received by express, a splendid assortment of stella shawls, dress goods, table linens, veil tissues, barrages, silk warp, mohair dress goods.  Call and examine for yourselves at Wadsworth’s, No. 29. West 2d street.

NO DISPATCHES LAST NIGHT. – Owing to the extensive moistness of the atmosphere, there were no dispatches received last evening; but, as it is now a whole week since we had a similar interruption before, we are not disposed to complain.

FIRST WARD. – as some dissatisfaction has been expressed in regard to the informality of the call for the Republican meeting to nominate an Alderman in the First Ward, the Secretary has issued a formal call.  We apprehend no difficulty in the matter, but hope for greater harmonization among the Republicans of that ward.

DOGS AGAIN. – It appears Congress has taken up the case of the dogs, the committee of the whole in the House having voted a tax of one dollar apiece on dogs.  This is piling up the items heavily on the poor quadrupeds.  One dollar for the Federal, State and city taxes each, makes three dollars apiece for the dogs.  We surmise the burden will fearfully increase the mortality bills of the canine tribe.

THE BLOODY SIXTH. – By referring to an other part of our paper it will be seen that the Sixth Ward Republicans are once more in a state of unanimity.  They had, as usual, a large meeting on Monday evening, but never a row.  They had a spirit of keen competition afloat, but no ill blood.  After a couple of trials, Mr. Whitaker was nominated as the candidate for Alderman, being only two votes in advance of his competitor, Mr. Pester.  The latter, true Republican as he is, cut the Gordian knot of appearing difficulty, by moving that Mr. Whitaker should be unanimously declared the nominee of the meeting.  It was done, and the meeting to a man gave Pester three cheers – they couldn’t help it.  Mr. Pester at this moment stands higher in the estimation of his friends and neighbors than ever before, and his manly course will be remembered.  His example we commend to others who meet with political disappointment.  Respecting these matters the public are quick to judge persons rightly, and ‘kicking in the traces’ is hardly ever regarded in the end as being beneficial to the interests of public men.  The ‘bloody Sixth’ no more!  Harmony is in the ascendant among our heretofore belligerent friends.  All we ask now, is, that Mr. Whitaker shall be handsomely elected Saturday next.

ADVERTISING. – “Jack Plane,” writing to the Argus from the lower part of Rock Island county very neatly satirizes the negligence of Rock Island merchants in not advertising and letting people in the country know what they’ve got.  He says he doesn’t know from the papers that there is anything they want in Rock Island, while he does know from the Muscatine Journal that that city has the needed articles; hence he and his brother, who is in the same fix, do their trading at the latter city.  He concludes thus:–

            “No, Mr. Editor, we, down here, always know that we want to buy before we start to town after it, and are not very fond of hunting for uncertainties.  We always go where we know we can find the articles without hunting.  I would like to see you, for old acquaintance sake, but can’t go to town on a visit; but if you had any business men there, so I could trade and visit both in one day, I would be in town before long.  However, I will look in the papers every week, to see if any man has anything to sell in Rock Island.”

Wonder if any body in our goodly city has ever lost money in the same way?  It would probably pay for some of our merchants to investigate the problem.

INCINDIARISM. – An unsuccessful attempt was made Saturday night to fire the Farmer’s Inn in Rock Island.  The house was not occupied, but the flames were soon discovered and extinguished.

CHANGES. – Mr. Dougherty has removed his grocery store to Fifth Street near Harrison.  The room he formerly occupied adjoining Washburn’s hardware store, is to be used by the latter gentleman for his store.

DIED.

Last evening, in the 30^th year of her age, JANE E., wife of JOSEPH SHIELDS and daughter of Mrs. Holmes.

Notice of the funeral will be given hereafter.

In this city, April 1^st, LYDIA LEE, aged 1 year and 8 months, daughter of GEO. H. FRENCH, Esq.

Funeral this (Wednesday) afternoon, at half past three o’clock, corner of Ripley and Sixth streets.

WARD MEETINGS.

FIRST WARD MEETING.

The regular meeting of the republicans of the First Ward, for the purpose of nominating an alderman to be supported at the city election, will be held on Thursday, the 3d inst., at 5 o’clock, p. m., at Lettig’s brewery.  A full attendance is requested.

GEO. G. ARNDT, Sec’y.

THIRD WARD.

The Republicans of the Third Ward, city of Davenport, are hereby requested to meet in caucus at the Court House, on Wednesday evening, April 2d, 1862, at 7 ½ o’clock, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for alderman, to be supported at the ensuing city election.  By order of

E. W. BAKER,

WM. POOLE,

H. MITTLEBUSCHER,

Third Ward Committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 2, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION. – For order of exercises at the High School this week see advertisement.

NEW SPRING GOODS. – A large arrival at Whisler’s, Dress Goods, Delanes, Prints, &c. &c., at last year’s prices.

CALL IN at Farrand’s and examine one of the best assortments of hats and caps ever introduced into Davenport.  For bargains in hats and caps go to Farrands, corner of 2d and Main street.

Mrs. KENKEL takes a benefit at the German Theatre this, Monday, evening, when she will appear in the comic opera of ‘The Night Queen,’ and Miss Clara Kenkel will appear in a fancy dance.

UNCLE SAM’S HORSES. – Fifty one of these quadrupeds were knocked off under the hammer on Saturday.  They brought $2,979, being an average of a little over $58.  About thirty more remain unsold, and these will be offered this morning at 11 o’clock.  So now is the last chance for those desirous of investing in Government ‘stock.’

THE meeting of Germans at Billz’s Union Hall on Saturday evening, went off every quietly.  Mr. P. B. Harding was chairman and Mr. H. Hambach, secretary.  The following nominations were made: For mayor, Geo. H. French; for clerk, Henry Mittelbuscher; for marshal, O. S. McNeil.  No nomination was made for treasurer.

WARD MEETINGS. – The Republicans of the various wards must not forget their meetings this evening.  Good men can easily be found in every ward in our city for Aldermen and such ought to be selected.  Every tax-payer is directly interested in the election of capable men as Aldermen, and the first requisite to their election is their nomination.  See then, that our very best citizens are placed in nomination this evening.

SPRING. – Saturday was an earnest that spring had fairly opened upon us.  The day was the most delightful of the season, and a close observer could almost see the early plants pushing up out of the ground.  Tulips, dicentras, phloxes, rhubarb, etc., pushed up their stalks in all directions and the buds on the lilacs, and other early flowering shrubs, began to swell as the warm sun caused the sap to rise.  Spring is fairly upon us, and we hope to see a continuation of such lovely days as Saturday.

THE FIRST BOAT. – The river finally became clear of ice, except close to the shores, during Friday night last.  Saturday morning, the Fred. Lorenz blew her whistle announcing her approach, and at 8 o’clock she arrived at the steamboat landing.  This is the latest opening of navigation since 1856.  We quote from the Directory of that year:

“The ice first moved on the Rock Island chain March 22d, and continued to move at intervals until the 28^th, when all crossing ceased; and on the 29^th P. M. the channel was cleared.  On the 30^th, the ferry boat commenced running, although the shore was ice-bound.”

“The first arrival was the La Clede, from St. Louis, April 3d.  The Fire Canoe was the first boat from St. Paul, April 30^th.”

This year, all crossing ceased on the 18^th.  The ice gorged on the Rapids on the 25^th. – On the 29^th the channel was clear to St. Louis.  The ferry boat came over yesterday, but was unable to make her regular trips on account of the great accumulation of ice on both shores.  She will probably commence running to-day.  The river closed December 27, 1861, and remained so 91 days, or three days less than the winter of 1855-6.

THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATIONG CONVENTION. – The republicans of Davenport met in numbers at the Court House on Saturday afternoon last, as per notice, for the nomination of candidates to be supported for city offices at the election to be held on Saturday next.  On motion Dr. Thos. J. Saunders was called to the chair and L. C. Burwell and W. H. Fleming appointed Secretaries.  The chairman announced the object of the meeting.  There being but a single candidate named for each of the officers of mayor, Treasure and Clerk, the gentlemen whose names stand at the head of our local columns, were nominated respectfully by acclamation.  There being three candidates for Marshal, Messrs. O. S. McNeal, E. W. Baker and W. B. Kerns the meeting proceeded to an informal ballot, which resulted as follows: O. S. McNeal 61, E. W. Baker 145 and W. B. Kerns 37 votes.  E. W. Baker having 47 votes over all others was unanimously declared the nominee of the convention.  On motion the following City Central Committee was appointed by the chair for the ensuing year, when the meeting adjourned: D. L. Shorey, Chr. Kauffman, John Yantis, I. M. Gifford and Ernst Claussen.

Previous to the Motion for an informal ballot it had been moved that a regular ballot be had for the candidate for Marshal, and that the polls be kept open for that purpose until 5 o’clock; but when the majority for Mr. Baker was ascertained to be so large, it was moved that without further ado he be declared unanimously the nominee.  There is no doubt that had the polls been kept open until 5 o’clock the result would have been the same, but still we favored that measure from the fact that it would have given more general satisfaction.  As it was, there were some who seemed to think the process rather summary, and they were right; but as it was the decision of the meeting and ample time was given for objections, no one could afterward entertain a reasonable objection.  In the irritation of the moment a few expressed the determination to support the Democratic nominee in preference to Mr. Baker.  We hope there is no republican in our city whose principles hang so loosely around him as to do that; we don’t believe it.  This is not a contest for men, but for principles, and the Republicans have more at stake now than since the organization of their party.  Some may think it a small matter whether the officers of our city be Republican or Democratic, but those best acquainted with political matters know that men even in as humble position as city officials, wield an immense influence, and not unfrequently change the political complexion of a county.  In a republic the majority rules and good citizens, when they find themselves in the minority, should lay aside their personal predilections, if they have any, and submit to the will of the greater number.

ELECT YOUR SECRETARIES TO-NIGHT. – The Republicans of the various Wards are requested to remember that in addition to the regular Ward Committees to be chosen to-night, a Secretary should be elected for each Ward, who by virtue of such election will be its representative in the Executive Committee of the Scott County Republican Club.  This committee is composed of one person from each township in the county and one from [each] Ward in this city, it is therefore very important that the right men should be chosen.  Do not let the subject be forgotten to-night.

INPROVEMENT. – The walls of the old Wesley Chapel are being torn partially down, preparatory to conversion into a double dwelling house.  As friend Forest observes, he intends to ‘convert a whole church.’

WARD MEETINGS.

FIRST WARD.

The Republicans of the First Ward are requested to meet on Monday evening at 7 ½ o’clock, at Langlecner’s store on Second street, opposite French and Davies’ saw mill, to nominate a candidate for Alderman, to be supported at the regular city election.

CITIZENS.

SECOND WARD.

For the purpose of nominating an Alderman, will be held on Tuesday, April 1^st, 1862, at the hour of 8 o’clock p.m., at the house of Hans Boerm.

H. H. ANDERSEN,

FRANCIS OCHS,

Ward Committee.

THIRD WARD.

The Republicans of the Third Ward, city of Davenport, are hereby requested to meet in caucus at the Court House, on Wednesday evening, April 2d, 1862, at 7 ½ o’clock, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for Alderman, to be supported at the ensuing city election.  By order of,

E. W. BAKER,

WM. POOLE,

H. MITTELBUSCHER,

Third Ward Committee.

FOURTH WARD.

The Republicans of the Fourth Ward, city of Davenport, are hereby notified to meet in Caucus at the City Hall, on Monday evening, March 31^st, at 7 o’clock, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for Alderman, to be supported at the regular city election.

CHAS. H. ELDRIDGE,

L. C. BURWELL,

G. W. McCARN,

Ward Com.

FIFTH WARD.

The Republicans of the Fifth Ward are requested to meet this evening at the Pennsylvania House, at 7 ½ o’clock, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for Alderman, to be supported at the coming city election.

BY ORDER OF THE COMMITTEE.

SIXTH WARD.

The Republicans of the Sixth Ward will meet at the School House in East Davenport on Monday evening, the 31^st inst. at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for Alderman.

TH. J.SAUNDERS,

Secy’ Ward Club.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 1

New Hampshire

We have already announced the complete victory gained by the Republicans of New Hampshire, at the late election in that State.  The Republican Central Committee, previous to the election had canvassed the State thoroughly, and announced the result before election.  It has also been ascertained that about three-fifths of all the volunteers form that State are Republicans, making a Republican loss of about 800 votes.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 2

The War News

Important War Orders by the President.

Gen. McClellan ceased to be Commander-in-Chief.

HE TAKES THE FIELD AT THE HEAD OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Gen. Fremont to Command a new Department.

PENSACOLA EVACUATED.

The Republicans again carry New Hampshire.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 1

“Constitutional Union Party”

Amos Kendall, a gentleman who for more than a quarter of a century figured extensively in our country as a politician of the Democratic school, but for some years has led a retired life, has commenced the publication of a series of articles in the National Intelligencer on the “Object of the war.” From the initial number we make the following extract addressed to President Lincoln:

“Be assured, sir, that the democratic party of the north, with the exception of a few semi-traitors whom they repudiate, cordially approved the objects of the war against rebellion as declared by you in all your public avowals. They rally around you with a devotion to the cause not exceeded by any class of your original supporters, and they will spare no sacrifice to save the Union and the Constitution.  In this great object they are already consolidated with the great mass of the republican party, and will be among the last to despair.  Indeed these two parties for all present purposes constitute but one, which may be appropriately called the CONSTITUTIONAL UNION PARTY.  The object of this party in the pending war is to preserve the Union and the constitution as it is.  It is the Constitution, and that only, which makes us a nation; destroy it, and the nation will cease to exist, being dissolved into thirty-four independent States.

In the beginning of the war, says Mr. Kendall, some of the Democrats “raised their voices against coercion, and thereby unwittingly rendered material service to the cause of the rebellion.”  Of this class was the Democrat of this city, but it has since shown such a disposition to reform that we feel like forgiving it for its past sins and regarding its present course more the earnest of sincerity than the inclination which some men have to float with the popular current.

In the above extract the aged politician has laid down a platform that will do very well for these war times, as it will sustain both Republicans and Democrats – all the people in fact, but a very few ultra ones, who regard the Constitution and Slavery as synonyms.

As the rebel States have forfeited all claim on the Government and voted themselves out of the republic, they should be taken on their own action and be received again only on the footing of territories.  The “Constitutional Union Party” are not in favor of having the property of Northern Union men sold to pay the onus of debt entailed upon the country by the scoundrelism of Southern rebels; but advocate the policy of letting those who inflicted the debt be made to pay it to the last farthing.  We are one of those who believe that the Union, embracing all its original territory, and the Constitution, unimpaired, can be saved and at the same time such measures be adopted as will forever remove from us the course that entailed upon us this war.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2

Municipal Election

PROVIDENCE, May 14. – Jabez C. Knight was elected Mayor to-day without opposition.  The other Republican officers on the ticket were also chosen.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

The Great Jubilee

It being a part of our business to notice events of a public character we trust we shall be pardoned if we have a word to say concerning the proceedings in this place Saturday last, when a welcome was extended by the leaders of the Democratic party of this County, to Jim Naylor, who with others was arrested last summer for disloyalty, and boarded with Uncle Sam till lately, when, as our special correspondent informs us, Uncle Sam becoming tired of him, analyzed his character and having come to the conclusion that he did not know enough to do much damage, let him go at large again.  We will not say that his arrest was uncalled for, but there are those who think that he belongs to that class of persons whose insignificance not [infrequently] shields them from the punishment their misconduct merits.

He pretends to be loyal, and it is possible he does not desire the overthrow of the Government, but he certainly talks as no loyal man of good sense would talk.  He has a great passion for becoming a public speaker, and evidently mistakes the term notoriety (taken in its ill sense) for celebrity.  He reminds us of the man who tried to assassinate one of the crowned heads of Europe, who was loved by all his subjects.  When asked why he tried to kill the King, he replied that he wished his name to go into history, and he knew of no other way to accomplish this object.  We have believed from the first that he desired to be arrested, as such an event would bring him into public notice.  His self-esteem looms up like a donkey’s ears, and when it comes in contact with his patriotism, (if he has any) the latter comes out of the little end of the horn.  But to the reception.

Business prevented us from being present on the occasion, and we have had the misfortune to lo[o]se some notes given to us by a gentleman who was there, so we shall not go into particulars, but simply notice a few items, the authority for which is not confined to Republicans, or they might be pronounced abolition lies.

Mr. James Tompson was made president of the meeting, after which Mr. Parrot made an introductory speech, in which he labored to show that they were Lawfully assembled, and that the Constitution of the United States as well as that of the State of Iowa gave them the privalige [sic] of expressing their sentiments.

Now we wish to know the object of all this.  Did Mr. Parrot suppose that he was to be interrupted for the expression of loyal sentiments?  Not a bit of it.  They intended to utter sentiments insulting to the Union people of this county, and they did it, as those who were present well know.

In conclusion, Mr. Parrot introduced the “injured” Naylor, who, amid the shouts of his sympathizers, proceeded to lay bare his injuries to the eager ears of his over true and loving brethren; and the recital was enough to bring fears of pity from a gate post.

He has been arrested, put in prison, had to lie on the floor, was called a Rebel, a traitor, a tory, a butternut, and many other names, which will in all probability injure his political health, for years to come, if not for life.  Yet for all this his spirit was still unbroken, he had said that the President and a part of the Cabinet were guilty of the crime of perjury and he did not hesitate to repeat it on that occasion.  Then came cries of “Good! Good! – That’s so.”

Now we would like to know what these expressions mean when defined by the Democratic dictionary.  We often heard just such expression in Missouri at the commencement of this war; and most of those who used them, as well as those who applauded them, are today either in the Rebel army or in the devil’s army, though they were leaders or good members of the Democratic party at that time.

Another thing don’t look exactly right to loyal men, and that is the cheering of the Butternuts.  We are told by both Republicans and Democrats that this was done, and that such men as Scovill and Parrot, leaders of the Democratic party in this county, threw up their hats as though their patriotic hearts would burst with joy at the mention of the name.

Is this Democracy?  And do they propose to put down this rebellion by cursing the Administration and cheering the Butternuts?  And will the democrat whose son is on the battle field applaud the hand that sends the bullet and bayonet through that son’s heart?  Will you stoop to degradation on which the dog that licks the foot that kicks him, might look down with contempt?  Is the tie that binds you to party stronger than your affection for him who is your own flesh and blood – your own son?  Has consistency ceased to be a word in your language that you are to know it no more?  Has manhood fled from our land that we dare not break the bands that bind us to party, the name of which, though once honored, is now used as a screen to hide the treachery of thousands of our country’s foe, who are among us?  Will you withhold your applause and congratulations from the bleeding soldier who comes home to your door, maimed for life, to heap them upon BUTTERNUTS, and men whose [illegible] activities banished them for a time [missing text].  Why have not the soldiers [missing text] home from the army from [missing text] looking as though the thread [missing text] out to break – why have not they [missing text] recipients of such favors as are now heaped on these fellows?  Oh, it is a very slight thing to be crippled for life, or have your constitution broken by exposure night and day to the winter’s storms and summer’s heat upon the battlefields by long marches, often destitute of food, water and sufficient clothing.  It looks to us as though these were the fit subjects for the patriots applause, and we thank God that there are a few democrats who take the same view of matters, a few who cannot be taken by these gudgeon-fishers; a few who have witnessed the wool pulling operation too often to heed Mr. Scovill’s charge that the Republican party is the Disunion Party.  What a charge!  We wonder if there was one in all his crowd of loving friends that was soft enough to believe him.

We must confess that it was rather the weakest point we ever knew that gentleman to try to make.  It is doubtless of his strategy.  We [suppose] he had the same object in view, as did the thief who, when he was being pursued, pointed to another man and cried “Thief – Thief!”

This latter gentleman having relieved his stomach of about the usual amount of vituperation, with the usual amount of cheering at this or denunciation of the Administration and Republicans, the meeting, which was a disgrace to our country, broke up, many of them doubtless disappointed at not having been interrupted by the Republicans.

“Coming events cast their shadows before.”  A cloud of indignation is assuming proportions, and ere long will find public expression.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 3, 1863.  Note, there was a tear in the newspaper resulting in several instances of missing text.