Search Results: Newspapers from Seth Kaller, Inc.

Woman's Suffrage failed in all three states that held suffrage referenda on November 2, 1915: New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. [WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE].
"Vote for Woman Suffrage Nov. 2nd." [New York, 1915]. 1 p., 13¾ x 20 in.
Historical Background
On November 2, 1915, male voters rejected women's suffrage by a majority of 58 percent in New York, 53% in Pennsylvania, and 64.5% in Massachusetts. Undaunted, the American Woman Suffrage Association continued to press their case. When asked how long the triple defeat would delay their next attempt, Anna Howard Shaw replied, "Until we can get a little sleep. The fight will be on tomorrow morning—on forever, until we get the vote."

In 1917, the New York legislature allowed a second referendum, and this time, it passed by a vote of 703,129 to 600,776, with the entire margin of victory coming from New York City.

World War I became an important lever for the national suffrage movement, which pointed out the hypocrisy of American claims to… Read More

"As long as our Government is administered for the good of the people, and is regulated by their will; as long as it secures to us the rights of person and of property, liberty of conscience and of the press, it will be worth defending...."

Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 over incumbent John Quincy Adams marked an end to the "Era of Good Feelings," as Jackson's supporters became the Democratic Party, while those who supported Adams became the National Republicans. In March 1829, Jackson became the first president to take the oath of office on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol. His inaugural address promised to respect the rights of states and the constitutional limits on the presidency. ANDREW JACKSON.
Newspaper. Niles' Weekly Register, March 7, 1829. Baltimore, Maryland: Hezekiah Niles & Son. 16 pp. (17-32), 6¼ x 9⅞ in.During Jackson's two terms, he concluded about seventy treaties with Native Americans in the South and Northwest that initiated a policy of Indian removal to… Read More

"you have only entertained us with some loose declamations upon abuses in the English government; and shocked us, for want of better arguments, by a perversion of things sacred; filling the papers with personal invectives, and calumnies against all who cannot swallow, at a venture, every crude notion, you may cook up as the politics of the day. This will as little agree with the stomachs of others as with mine; although I have declared that, when the last necessity comes, I have no expedient in view but to take my chance with you, for better and for worse."

"Liberty or Slavery is now the question. Let us but fairly discover to the inhabitants of these Colonies on which side Liberty has erected her banner and we will leave it to them to determine whether they would choose Liberty tho' accompanied with war, or Slavery attended by peace." [THOMAS PAINE].
Newspaper. The Pennsylvania Ledger: Or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, & New-Jersey Weekly Advertiser, April 13, 1776. Including… Read More

[U.S. CONSTITUTION].
Newspaper. The Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser. October 1, 1787 (No. 2700), Philadelphia: John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole, including the September 28 resolution of the Confederation Congress to send to the states for ratification the recently completed U. S. Constitution. 4 pp., 12 x 18¾ in. "The United States in Congress Assembled. Friday, September 28, 1787.

CONGRESS having received the Report of the CONVENTION lately assembled in Philadelphia,

Resolved unanimously, THAT the said report, with the resolutions and letter accompanying the same, be transmitted to the several legislatures, in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates, chose in each state by the people thereof, in conformity to the resolves of the convention, made and provided in that case. CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary." (p2/c3)

The convention called to revise the Articles of Confederation met in the Pennsylvania's State House in Philadelphia starting on May 25, 1787. After… Read More

"We are accused of 'forgetting the allegiance which we owe to the power that has protected and sustained us.'… What allegiance is it that we forget? Allegiance to Parliament? We never owed—we never owned it. Allegiance to our King? Our words have ever avowed it...we oppose the claim and exercise of unconstitutional powers, to which neither the Crown nor Parliament were ever entitled." [SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS].
Newspaper. The Pennsylvania Gazette, December 13, 1775 (No. 2451). Philadelphia: David Hall and William Sellers. With the Response of the Continental Congress to King George III's Proclamation of Rebellion. (December 6, 1775). 4 pp. 10 x 15½ in. [Significant damage: Half of column on p1 excised.]

Historical Background

In response to British plans to fortify the hills surrounding Boston harbor, colonial forces besieging Boston occupied Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill on the Charlestown peninsula, north of Boston. On June 17, 1775, British troops repeatedly attacked colonial… Read More

"Friends and Countrymen:... we find ourselves reduced to the disagreeable alternative, of being silent and betraying the innocent, or of speaking out and censuring those we wish to revere. In making our choice of these distressing difficulties, we prefer the course dictated by honesty, and a regard for the welfare of our country...."

"it is clear beyond a doubt, that a resolution is formed, and now is carrying into execution, to extinguish the freedom of these colonies, by subjecting them to a despotic government…" [CONTINENTAL CONGRESS].
Newspaper. Pennsylvania Gazette, November 9, 1774 (No. 2394). Philadelphia: David Hall and William Sellers. Front-page printing of Memorial "To the Inhabitants of the Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina" (October 21, 1774); and Letter "To… Read More

"We ask but for Peace, Liberty, and Safety." [CONTINENTAL CONGRESS].
Newspaper. The Pennsylvania Gazette, January 18, 1775 (No. 2404). Philadelphia: David Hall and William Sellers. "Petition of the Continental Congress To the King's Most Excellent Majesty" (October 25, 1774). 4 pp., 10 x 16¼ in.Many members of the Continental Congress blamed the crisis between Great Britain and the North American colonies on acts of British governors, military officers, and ministers. On October 1, 1774, Congress resolved unanimously to prepare an address to the King, and appointed Chairman Richard Henry Lee, John Adams of Massachusetts, Thomas Johnson of Maryland, Patrick Henry of Virginia, and John Rutledge of South Carolina as a committee to draft the petition. On October 3, 4, and 5, Congress deliberated on the proper matters to include in the Petition, and Patrick Henry wrote a first draft. On October 21, Congress debated the first draft, asked for revisions, and added John Dickinson of Pennsylvania… Read More

"If there is one measure better calculated than another to produce that state of things so much deprecated by all true republicans, by which the rich are daily adding to their hoards and the poor sinking deeper into penury, it is an exclusive metallic currency...."

On a cold, wet day, March 4, 1841, President Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in history. Harrison wrote the entire speech himself, though it was edited by his soon-to-be Secretary of State, Daniel Webster. Webster said afterwards that in the process of editing the text, he had "killed seventeen Roman proconsuls." Contracting pneumonia, Harrison became the first president to die in office 31 days after delivering this address. His vice president John Tyler became the new president and served out Harrison's term.

In an 8,460-word address, printed here on the front page of the National Intelligencer, Harrison presents a detailed statement of the Whig agenda and a repudiation of the populism and policies of… Read More

"The prospect of national prosperity now before us is truly animating, and ought to excite the exertions of all good men to establish and secure the happiness of their Country, in the permanent duration of its Freedom and Independence. America, under the smiles of a Divine Providence—the protection of a good Government—and the cultivation of manners, morals and piety, cannot fail of attaining an uncommon degree of eminence, in literature, commerce, agriculture, improvements at home and respectability abroad." [GEORGE WASHINGTON].
Newspaper. The Gazette of the United States, March 17, 1790. Pages 3-4 only (of 4 pages).
George Washington's Letter (p3/c1-2)

To the Roman Catholics in the United States of America.

Gentlemen,

While I now receive with much satisfaction your congratulations on my being called, by an unanimous vote, to the first station in my Country; I cannot but duly notice your politeness in offering an apology for the unavoidable delay. As that delay has… Read More

"As mankind become more liberal, they will be more apt to allow, that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community, are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality." [GEORGE WASHINGTON].
Newspaper. The Providence Gazette and Country Journal, "Letter to the Roman Catholics in America," ca. March 15, 1790, New York. Printed on the first page, April 10, 1790. Providence, Rhode Island: John Carter. 4 pp., 10⅛ x 15⅜ in.
Complete Transcript

To the ROMAN CATHOLICS in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

GENTLEMEN,

WHILE I now receive with much satisfaction your congratulations, on my being called by an unanimous vote to the first station in my country; I cannot but duly notice your politeness in offering an apology for the unavoidable delay: As that delay has given you an opportunity of realizing, instead of anticipating the benefits of the general government; you will… Read More

"The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract…"

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is on page 2, along with Edward Everett's entire speech, and a report on the ceremonies. Printed in an important newspaper owned by John Forney, this version is in some ways more accurate than the more widely spread Associated Press report. [ABRAHAM LINCOLN]. GETTYSBURG ADDRESS.
Newspaper, Philadelphia Press, Philadelphia, November 20, 1863. Complete, 4 pp., approx. 20¼ x 28 in.
John Wien Forney (1817-1881), had been a Democrat whose support for President James Buchanan brought appointment as clerk of the House of Representatives and lucrative printing contracts. However, after Forney lost his election bid for the U.S. Senate, he started the anti-Buchanan Philadelphia Press, and switched to the Republican Party in 1860, becoming a key Lincoln supporter. Forney again served as House clerk, and then secretary of the Senate until 1868. (In that… Read More

"and that Government of the people, for the people, and for all people, shall not perish from earth."

As printing technology advanced through the middle decades of the nineteenth century, illustrated newspapers grew in popularity even though their engravings added a few weeks to press time. Leslie's
printing—from December 5—includes an article containing the full text of Lincoln's timeless speech (page 11). Illustrations include a centerfold spread with the formal dedication ceremony prominently placed, and smaller views of Union and rebel graves, defensive works, Meade's headquarters, and a view of the town (centerfold). A large illustration of "The War in Tennessee—Lookout Mountain and Its Vicinity" appears on the front page.

There is no definitive text that captures exactly how Lincoln spoke that day, though the AP reporter's text is most familiar. Leslie's printing, following the Philadelphia Enquirer
version, contains variations, most notably in the final two sentences regarding… Read More

Boston, MA, 1788. No binding. Condition: Fine. Massachusetts Centinel (illustrator). Newspaper. Massachusetts Centinel, February 13, 1788 (Volume VIII, pp. 171-174). Boston: Benjamin Russell. 4 pp., 9 5/8 x 14 7/8 in. This newspaper is replete with Constitution-related content, including minutes from the debates of Massachusetts' State Ratifying Convention - everything from discourse on standing armies to Fisher Ames' hearkening back to 1775 with, "WE MUST UNITE OR DIE"; a poem to Washington on his birthday; a fictional dialogue, The Federal Anti-Federalist, Returned to His Neighbours; a rare example of one of Benjamin Russell's famed 'Pillars' illustration series; and a great deal of reporting on the popular reception of the news of ratification, expressed in particular by an enormous parade and surrounding celebrations. The Massachusetts Centinel employed the Federal Pillars political imagery to announce the ratification of the Constitution by successive states. In this issue, the… Read More

THOMAS JEFFERSON. [LEWIS AND CLARK].
Newspaper. Connecticut Courant. Hartford, Conn., December 10, 1806. 4 pp, 12½ x 20½ in. After purchasing the Louisiana Territory in 1803, President Jefferson sent his former personal secretary, Meriwether Lewis and Army officer William Clark to explore the huge tract of land. In his December 2, 1806, State of the Union address, Jefferson praised the expedition's success. His address, in full on page 3, includes this important paragraph:

Excerpt:

"The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected. They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean....and it is but justice to say that Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their brave companions, have, by this arduous service, deserved well of their country."

Meriwether Lewis (1774 - 1809) was best known for leading,… Read More

"Indulging no passions which trespass on the rights or the repose of other nations, it has been the true glory of the United States to cultivate peace by observing justice, and to entitle themselves to the respect of the nations at war by fulfilling their neutral obligations with the most scrupulous impartiality."

When President Thomas Jefferson followed George Washington's example and declined to seek a third term, he selected James Madison as his successor. Reflecting challenges within his own party, Madison won the Presidency over fellow Democratic-Republican DeWitt Clinton, who was endorsed by some state Federalist parties, by a narrow margin. JAMES MADISON.
Newspaper. The Repertory, March 14, 1809. Boston, Massachusetts: John & Andrew W. Park. 4 pp., 13¼ x 20¼ in.Madison's first administration was dominated by growing conflict with Great Britain over British impressment of American sailors and attacks on American shipping that culminated in the War of 1812. Although a supporter of… Read More

Monroe enters office in a time of peace and prosperity well deserving of its moniker, the Era of Good Feelings. Still, the president outlines a plan for the future in his first message to Congress. [JAMES MONROE].
Newspaper. American Mercury, Hartford, Ct., December 9, 1817, 4 pp., 13 x 19½ in. With the State of the Union Address in full on page 2.
Excerpt

"Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:

At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country. The abundant fruits of the earth have filled it with plenty. An extensive and profitable commerce has greatly augmented our revenue. The public credit has attained an extraordinary elevation. Our preparations for defense in case of future wars, from which, by the experience of all nations, we ought not to expect to be exempted, are advancing under a well-digested system with all the dispatch which so important a work will admit. Our free… Read More

A piece in the Boston Gazette criticizing a passage in the Richmond Enquirer, "a partisan paper of Mr. Jefferson" that defended his attempt to "seduce the wife of his friend." They ask "has the spirit of party, then, so far subdued the sense of moral right in our country…to rescue a vile Letcher from the merited reproach." [THOMAS JEFFERSON]. Newspaper. Boston Gazette, July 18, 1805. 4 pp., 13½ x 20 in.
Excerpt (p.2 col.1)

"An Appeal To Uncorrupted Minds

It was not my intention to have noticed Mr. Jefferson's amours.- Respect and tenderness to the injured and unoffending forbad the discussion. But when an attempt is made to demoralize the nation by a bold and unqualified avowal and justification of crimes, it ceases to be a question of delicacy, whether the attempt shall be repelled, and the people be roused to a sense of the insult that is offered to their virtue and understanding.

The abandoned profligacy of the following article,… Read More

[JOHN HANCOCK].
Newspaper. Massachusetts Centinel, Boston, Mass., June 4, 1788. 4 pp., 9½ x 14½ in. Trimmed close at bottom edge, with minor text loss to pp. 3-4 but not affecting Hancock's speech. "X"s mark certain columns for reading or copying. Excerpt

"The complete restoration, and perfect establishment of peace and tranquility, within the State, leaves me but little to offer, except my most cordial congratulations on these interesting and important events...

It is with pleasure that I find so large a part of the domestick debt of these United States in a way to be discharged by the sale of the Federal lands… I should be happy, Gentleman, if some system could be adapted to place the remaining part of our State debt on such funds as could prevent the extreme fluctuation in its value, which is in my opinion as injurious to the government, as it is mortifying, and destructive to the public creditor. I shall only remark that the necessity of such measures, is increased by the… Read More

"[T]he Eleventh Amendment, which restrains the jurisdiction granted by the Constitution over suits against States, is, of necessity, limited to those suits in which a State is a party on the record."

Ohio levied taxes on each branch of the U.S. Bank in the state. The Court had already ruled in McCulloch v. Maryland
that such taxes were unconstitutional, but Ohio persisted in enforcing the tax. Ralph Osborn, the State Auditor, seized funds from the Bank. The circuit court ordered Osborn and his colleagues to repay the amount seized. The question is Osborn was, did the federal circuit court's assertion of jurisdiction violate the Eleventh Amendment? In a 6-to-1 decision, the Court upheld the circuit and ruled that the Ohio law was "repugnant to the Constitution." Osborn and his colleagues were thus "incontestably liable for the full amount of the money taken out of the bank."

This issue includes a first printing of the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Osborn et al. v. The Bank… Read More

"the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers."

The Monroe Doctrine - as it is now known- was largely the creation of Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, and issued not on its own but as part of James Monroe's Annual Message to Congress (now referred to as the State of the Union Address). By declaring that the western hemisphere was no longer subject to European colonization, it marked a defining moment in Monroe's presidency and informed American foreign policy for more than a century.

Monroe's message covered other important topics, among them the international slave trade, the possible construction of a canal to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio River, and the Greek War of Independence. In addition, this newspaper prints the editor's brief reaction to the president's "luminous message" (p2/c4); notice of Henry Clay's election… Read More