This is the October 2, 1869 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 very good condition, except for a few minor spots.  The issue is still very readable and these do not affect the 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:

REV. PETER CARTWRIGHT, D.D. - The Rev. Peter Cartwright, the pioneer of Methodism in the West, has now been a Presiding Elder for more than fifty years, 1816 to 1868. A biographic article is accompanied by an engraved portrait, on the cover page.

OUR DUTY TO CUBA - The United States Government is making representations to Spain on behalf of Cuba; but nothing is certainly known.  The United States has remained neutral, over the past twenty years, in other revolts, by Spanish Colonies, in Central and South America.  So why should the United States recognize the revolutionary government of Cuba.  

POLITICAL PROSPECTS - The result of the election in Maine, where Governor Chamberlain is re-elected by a good majority, shows the depth and extent of the feeling, which would make a separate issue of the prohibitory question.  The Temperance leaders see the election of a Democratic candidate as a wise resolve in the cause of success of the party, which was most favorable to it.

THE NEW STATE CONSTITUTION - The new Constitution of this State is to be submitted to the people at the next election, and if its provisions are understood it will unquestionably be adopted.

THE ST. THOMAS TREATY - On the 15^th of October the extended time allowed by Mr. Seward and the Danish Minister for the ratification of the St. Thomas treaty expires, and unless it be again extended by Secretary Fish the whole negotiation fails.

CITY ELECTIONS - In the following article we propose to point out a few of the grave frauds which in the city of New York are perpetrated upon the people and be means of which the will of the majority is set aside in more instance than the public would without examination, suppose possible.

THE STOWAWAY BOY – A poem by Henry Abby

CAUGHT IN A SHOWER – A full-page engraving drawn by W.L. Sheppard  (See picture)

THE HUMBOLDT CENTENNIA - The 14th of September - the centennial anniversary of the birthday of Alexander Humboldt - was celebrated generally throughout the country. An engraving of the “Bust of Baron Alexander Von Humboldt, Near the Scholars’ Gate, New York, Central Park” is presented from a photograph by Rockwood.

MY BROTHER LEONARD – A story by Julia Kavanagh.

LORD PALMERSTON’S DIARY - The private diary of Lord Palmerston was been discovered.  It explains why he left the Tories and took office under the Whig, Earl Grey.

A PRETTY MAIDEN’S SOLILOQUY – A poem

AN OPEN-AIR THEATRE AT PARIS – A full-page engraving depicting an open-air theatre which in the favorite haunts of pleasure contrive to draw pretty large audiences in the autumn. (See picture)

THE LITTLE PEACE-MAKER – A full-page engraving depicting a young child trying to make amends between her mother and father. (See picture)

SEPTEMBER - A poem

VERONICA - A fictional story

HEAT FROM THE MOON - Whether the moon really sends us any appreciable amount of warmth to the earth has long been a moot point, although it has been a source of experimentation for some scientist.

THE SEYCHELLES ISLAND - The Seychelles Islands, an out of the way place in the Indian Ocean, are a French Colony, but in fact the English use the Island more than the French.

BIG BELLS – At Pekin there were seven bells cast in the reign of Zoulo, each weighing 120,000 pounds.  Another bell given to the Cathedral of Moscow weighed 288,000 pounds.  The largest, given to Princess Ann, weighed 432,000 pounds.  In contrast the bell at St. Paul’s weighs around 11,000 and 12,000 pounds.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION – A full-page engraving by Thomas Nast that depicts a humorous picture on “How the Students Will Study,” under new College reform. (See picture)

FISH CULTURE IN FRANCE - The French Government maintain a great establishment for fish culture, at Huningue.  The fishery is situated near the route from Basle to Strasbourgh.  In front of the building there are ponds and waterways for the various kinds of fish.  An engraving of the view of the building and surrounding ponds and waterways is presented, along with two others that show the inside of the hatchery and pools for young fish.

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL – A fictional story

HINDOO MARRIAGE – The marriage laws of the Hindoo’s are different from that of the Western world.  An explanation is given of their traditions.

A HEART UNFELLOWED - A poem

METEORS AND COMETS - A most remarkable feature of modern astronomical discovery is worthy of mention.  Meteors, shooting stars, and aerolites have taken their place among the attendants of the sun.

LIFE INSURANCE - Life Insurance in this country seems to be safer than in England.  The Albert Life Insurance Co. has suspended payments, and the policyholder assets have vanished.  In the United States the government exercises supervision over the insurance companies.

WOMAN’S KINGDOM IS AT HOME – A satirical engraving by Thomas Nast is presented on the last page.

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