150 YEARS AGO

AUG. 4, 1876

We desire to re-assure our Democratic friends that the courtesies of our columns are, as they ever have been, free to them.

The editor of this paper is a Republican, not for popularity . . . and not for office, as he never asked or desired a favor from his party and most probably never shall.

He is a Republican because he believes its principles are right and yet readily admits the right of others to honestly behave differently.

We admit their sincerity — most of them — but are amazed at their judgment — as they probably are at ours. Let us be firm but fair.

Several hundred Mennonites passed here on the railroad Monday evening going west.

Between 20 and 30 families of Mennonites have come into Risley Township within the last 30 days. About 300 persons are expected at Gnadenau this week.

A band of gypsies has encamped on Doyle Creek south of Florence for a few days.

Ladies wishing to have hair made into curls, witches, braids, etc., can have the same nearly and cheaply done by Mrs. B. McClary at Marion Centre.

John Smith writes from Philadelphia to ask why many of the articles sent from this county to the Centennial are not on exhibition there.

Probably some enterprising county of less resources than Marion has gobbled these specimens and appropriated them to its own use.

Marion is generous and is abundantly able to lend to her less fortunate sister counties, but she does not want her products stolen.