This is the August 1, 1868 issue of HARPER’S WEEKLY newspaper.  Harper’s was one of the most successful newspapers of the time.  Other publishers in the late 1800’s included Frank Leslie, in New York, and Gleason’s and Ballou’s Pictorial, and Every Saturday in Boston.  All of these publications were highly illustrated with wood engravings.  This issue is in good condition for a newspaper of this age.  The issue is still very readable, and contains several wonderful engravings.  This issue gives good insight into life in the 1800’s, with articles on politics, literature, and art.  Additional pictures are available upon request.  Please include your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

THE DOG POUND – The cover engraving depicts a boy who has rescued his beloved dog from the dog pound.  As they walk through the streets they are both rejoicing at being reunited. (See picture)

THE DEMOCRATIC POLICY OF ANARCHY – In 1864 the Democratic Party proposed that the government of the United States should surrender to the rebellion of the Southern States.  In the upcoming Presidential elections the Democratic Party hopes that the country is so weary, so heavily burdened, so dispirited, that it will submit to any change.

EQUAL TAXATION – The Democratic platform declares for equal taxation of every species of property according to its real value, including Government bonds and other securities.  Government bonds were issued exempt from taxation.

COUNTING THE VOTES – The bill regarding the electoral college says very distinctly that States which have not recovered their representation in congress, and which have not resumed their practical relations in the Union, shall not participate in the Presidential election. 

THE HOPE OF “THE LOST CAUSE” – Robert tombs, one of the most fiery of secessionists, chafing with baffled hate of Union, denounces “Radicalism” as “the greatest criminal the world ever saw; and declares that the men of the south should fly to the arms of Northern allies to assist in crushing the viper out of existence.”

GERMAN TREATIES – The difficult question between the United States and the German government has always been that of the rights of naturalized citizens, and with commendable zeal Ambassador Bancroft has devoted himself to its settlement.

TRADE AS AFFECTED BY POLITICS – One of the Presidential election campaign questions concerns is the economic recovery of the United States currency, and its affect upon trade with Europe.

LIGHT WANTED – Mary Ann Smith, a girl who was educated in the Roman Catholic faith, has been taken into the custody of The House of the Good Shepard, and confined, at the order of her father for wanting to take up the Methodist faith.  She tried to appeal this injustice through the courts but was unsuccessful. 

TREASURES FOR THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY – President White has sent a very large collection of books, models, and apparatus, which he has procured from France, Germany, and England to the University.

WATER-SPOUTS IN THE PACIFIC – Mr. William Hallock while on a trip from New York to San Francisco had the extraordinary opportunity to witness and sketch three water-spouts.  Three engravings from his sketches are presented.

THE MOONSTONE – A fictional story by Wilkie Collins

A SEA SHELL – A poem

THE BRITISH LION DISARMED – A full-page engraving drawn by Thomas Nast, with remarks by the Prince of Wales to the artist Albert Bierstadt. (See picture)  

THE RUSH FOR THE COUNTRY – A full-page engraving by W. L. Sheppard. During the month of July many fled the cities and sought relief from the heat in the countryside. (See picture)

A WOMAN’S JUSTICE – A fictional story

THE CRICKETERS – The field-sportsmen are in the field in great numbers this year, and thus far several interesting baseball and cricket matches have taken place.  On July 15 a match between the St. George’s and Knickerbocker Clubs took place.  An engraving by Theodore Davis is presented.  

THE SEVRES PORCELAIN WORKS – Created by Madame de Pompadour, the famous favorite of Louis XV, it was just one of her inventions of artistic genius.

AT THE SEA SIDE – An engraving drawn by Thomas Worth depicting summer life at the beach. (See picture)

THE ARABIAN SLAVE TRADERS – The pursuit of the Arabian slavers who infest the Gulf of Arabia has of late been attended with, and it is reasonable to hope that the British may eventually suppress this type of trafficking.  An engraving depicting the British sloop of war “Spiteful” attacking the Arabian slave ship is presented.

WOLF HUNTING IN FRANCE – An undergraduate of Dublin, being called on to enumerate the most regrettable events in Irish history, commenced his list with that of the extermination of the last wolf in 1710.

BALZAC AT HOME – Balzac’s own works, original and exceptional in their introspective power, lead the reader into close mental relations with the writer, and necessarily suggest much speculation as to what the outer ways and habits of such a man may have been.

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