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Staunton Spectator: March 26, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

[No Title]
(Column 06)

Summary: "Johnny Reb" writes from Chillicothe, Ohio, addressing a wide range of issues, including the prospects of military reconstruction, female suffragists, and recent puzzles found in the Spectator.

Full Text of Article:

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, March 15th 1867.

MESSRS. EDITORS:--According to the late action of the "Rump Congress," Virginia is no longer Virginia. Her people are no longer the proud freemen who boasted of their good old State, and of her prestige and renown; but are slaves in a much worse condition than any who are to be found on any portion of the globe.-Her territory bought by our father's blood, and handed down to us by them for an inheritance is now united to that of the old "North State," and is styled, "District No. 1," to be governed by a military officer, invested with more power and authority than the most despotic monarch ever claimed. Officers who know about as much of justice as a pig, will have the making and executing of laws, instead of such men as Stuart, Baldwin, Rives and others.-

It seems as if the clouds are growing darker and more gloomy over the Southern people.-The "Military Bill" may be but an entering wedge, to be followed by others much more grinding and onerous. Already you hear hints of a confiscation bill, which is to sweep away what little there remains of wealth in the South.

It is certainly hard to bear all of this with meekness and resignation, but so we are commanded to do by the Great Ruler. If the people will look to God for help in their great trial and suffering, He will not cast them off. How appropriately can they now cry out like the Psalmist, "hide not thy face from me in the day when I am I trouble; incline thine ear unto me; in the day when I call answer me speedily."

Now is the time for them to show to the world, how much superior they are to the fanatics who are usurping the Government. Let them and their Legislatures go quietly on, and take no action on the bills now being passed.-Negro suffrage and other radical hobbies will be forced upon them, but let them be silent and submit with patience, and all will yet be right.

The original Constitution will be entirely done away with; the Supreme Court will also go by the board and lastly the President will be impeached; and it is to be hoped by that time they will have reached the end of their rope, and their ruin be effected. Enough of this however.

The space you give to enigmas &c., prove to be quite interesting. "School Girl" and "Chips" seemed to be sparing at each other, in quite a lively manner, and from indications "Chips" is getting the worst of it. If he will take the advice of one who has experienced school girl treatment, of one who, (in acting parlance,) made a good start, but was distanced on the "home stretch," he will quit the field and conclude that silence is the better part of valor.

Texas must be a great State, judging from "Magnolia's letters." He has certainly found the great Eldorado, sought for in vain ever since the first Spanish Invasion. He will probably be the means of putting some of your young men in the notion of emigrating to so fine a country. If any should go it would be very judicious in them to try and find some fair damsel willing to become a "better half," and thus be placed in a better condition to make a fortune in a new country. However, that advice sounds something like furnishing a stick with which one's own head might be broken, for as has been previously remarked your marriage column is already uncomfortably long.

Mrs. Lippincott, (Grace Greenwood,) one of the strong minded of her sex lectured in this city last evening. Her subject was, "The Heroic in common life." And the heroes whom she particularly praised were John Brown, Ben Butler, Parson Brownlow and others of such stamp. The "poor persecuted colored race" was also brought up from which she produced many acts of heroism performed by the sons of Africa. She is a firm advocate for woman's rights, wants to vote, and do every thing else a man does. With the exception of the Democrats and Conservatives her audience applauded her loudly. She has quite pleasing manners and a very fine address, and is well calculated to carry away a crowd of fanatics.-She could fill a woman's place better if she were at home taking care of Mr. L's household. A woman greatly adorns society, when she stays in the place allotted to her by the Almighty, but when she leaves it, she becomes one of the common herd, and should be regarded as such. Respectfully yours,

JOHNNY REB.

Our correspondent is mistaken. Va. alone constitutes military District No. 1. The old "North State" is in another district.

Trailer: Johnny Reb

Strong Language
(Column 01)

Summary: Argues that every member of Congress who voted for the Sherman bill "deserves to be taken out on Capitol Hill and shot!" This, according to the author, would be "moderate punishment."

Origin of Article: New York Day Book

Editorial Comment: "The New York Day Book, in speaking of the Sherman bill which is now in operation in the South, says:"

Full Text of Article:

The New York Day Book, in speaking of the Sherman bill which is now in operation in the South, says: "It is no law at all-it is a crime . Suppose Congress should demand of the President to commit murder . would he therefore be compelled to obey? But this bill is worse than murder . Every man who voted for it deserves to be taken out on Capitol Hill and shot! Such would be a moderate punishment, and if Andrew Johnson will refuse to enforce it, and needs assistance to save the government from these monsters and outlaws, he has only to call for them, to get a million in twenty-four hours!"

To the Editor of the Staunton Spectator
(Column 02)

Summary: "B." opposes market regulations in the town of Staunton, preferring the current system which is "governed by the law of supply and demand, and controlled by competition."

Full Text of Article:

I desire Messrs. Editors, to make through your columns, a few suggestions in regard to the market and market laws.

For some time past the market regulations of the town of Staunton have been hidden in some convenient corner, and were comfortably forgotten; and experience, in the meantime, has shown that they are not at all necessary to comfortable existence.

If the trade in "flesh-fruit, fish, foul, butter, eggs, &c.," is left unfettered by market ordinances it will naturally and speedily fall into the channels most convenient to buyer and seller, and all arbitrary regulations, disturbing this natural adjustment will do positive injury to both.

Now, under this system of no market law which we have long enjoyed, a market is practically established for butter, eggs, vegetables, fruits, &c., at every store in town, and for flesh, fish and fowl at the shops of our enterprising butchers, open at all hours and accessible at all times, where the consumer can find the articles he needs, and purchase in such quantities as his immediate wants require.

This arrangement also increases and relieves trade, the town merchant being thus enabled to exchange his goods to his country customers for supplies, which he immediately furnishes to his customer in town-saving a large amount of capital and diminishing the demand for currency, at present so scarce.

The consumer will universally agree, that it is a great convenience to be able at all hours to obtain supplies, instead of being compelled to hurry at day light, on market morning, to the market house, and lay in supplies for two or three days, incurring the risk of purchasing more than he needs, or being destitute should accidental circumstances increase the consumption of his family. The present arrangement is of great direct advantage to the butchers, and of indirect advantage to his customers. He can now butcher his supplies in exact proportion as they are demanded at his counter, and is not compelled to hear the risk of having dead meats left over to his loss on market mornings, or of having an insufficient quantity on hand to supply his customers, to the damage of his trade. He can thus afford to sell cheaper.

The entire trade under the present arrangement is governed by the law of supply and demand and controlled by competition, much more equitable, to all parties, than the wisest market regulations.

Now it is proposed by the town council after the first of April next, to put an entire stop to this arrangement and substitute for it the forgotten regulations which are re-published in the Spectator of last week. This will be to the great and manifest inconvenience of all concerned, and the question is submitted to those who have control of the matter-Whether the present arrangement ought not to be left alone.

Yours respectfully, B.

Trailer: B.

Local News
(Column 01)

Summary: Local resident A. G. L. VanLear recently graduated from the Medical Department of Maryland University.
(Names in announcement: A. G. L. VanLear)

Philomathesian
(Column 01)

Summary: The Philomathesian debating society last week addressed the question "which wields the greater influence--wealth or knowledge?" After debate, the final vote was in favor of knowledge.
(Names in announcement: C. A. Richardson, C. Taylor, C. C. Wheat, Herber Ker, Fred Effinger, W. M. Chewning, C. W. Turner)

Full Text of Article:

The Society met on last Saturday night, and the term for which the officers were elected having expired, they proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing term of two months. All the old officers were re-elected, with the exception of that Vice President ; Mr. C. A. Richardson was elected to that office, and, the President being absent, presided over the deliberations of the society with marked ability and dignity. The officers are as follows: Herber Ker, President; C. A. Richardson, Vice President; C. Taylor, Secretary, and C. C. Wheat, Treasurer.

"Which wields the greater influence-wealth or knowledge?" was discussed with great animation by a large number of the members present. Messrs. Herber Ker, C. Taylor, Fred Effinger, W. M. Chewning and C. W. Turner made speeches of considerable length and displayed a high degree of eloquence and oratory. The vote being taken it was decided in favor of "knowledge.

We are happy to announce that this society is in a flourishing condition, and we are glad to see so much interest manifested, on the part of our young men , in the cultivation of their literary and oratorical talents.

The question for discussion on next Saturday night is a practical one, and it is expected that the society will have quite a spirited and interesting time. The question is-"Are the young men of the South justifiable in emigrating?"

Local News--Heartless Mothers
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports on two recent cases of attempted infanticide in Rockingham. In one case, twins were buried alive. In the other case, the mother hid the child in a pile of straw in a barn.

Origin of Article: Rockingham Register

Full Text of Article:

The Rockingham Register says that "a most cruel and revolting case of infanticide was perpetrated in the vicinity of Port Republic, recently. A young woman, named Sallie Grim, gave birth to illegitimate twins. To conceal the shame and disgrace of the affair, her brother buried the children alive!"

The same paper says "that a negro girl living with Mr. Peter Wise, near Mt. Crawford, gave birth to an illegitimate child while milking the cows in the barn yard, about a month since. To conceal her guilt, she buried the infant in the straw which had been pulled down from the stack by the cattle."

The child was found alive, and the heartless mother, though at first she denied, afterwards acknowledged her guilt.

The Supplementary Reconstruction Bill
(Column 03)

Summary: A copy of the Supplementary Reconstruction Bill as it finally passed both Houses.

Full Text of Article:

The following is a copy of the bill as it finally passed both Houses:

An Act supplemental to an act entitled an act to provide for the more efficient government Of the rebel States, passed March, 2, 1867, and to facilitate restoration.

Be it enacted, &c., That before the 1st day of September, 1867, the commanding General in each district defined by an act entitled an act to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel States, approved March, 2, 1867, shall cause a registration to be made of the male citizens of the United States twenty one years of age and upwards, resident in each county or parish in the Stat or States included in his district, which registration will include only those persons who are qualified to vote for delegates by the act aforesaid, and who shall have taken subscribed the following oath or affirmation:

"I, -----------, do solemnly swear or affirm, in the presence of Almighty God, that I am a citizen of the State of -------------; that I have resided in said State for ---------- months next preceding this day, and now reside in the county of -----------, or parish of -------, in said State, as the case may be; that I am twenty one years old; that I have not been disfranchised for participation in any rebellion, or civil war against the United States, nor for felony committed against the laws of any State or of the U. S.; that I have never been a member of any State Legislature, nor held any executive or judicial office in any State, and afterwards engaged in insurrection against the United States, and given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof; that I have never taken an oath, as member of Congress of the United States or as an officer of the United Stats, or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an Executive or Judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, and afterwards engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof; that I will faithfully support the Constitution and obey the laws of the United States, and will do the best of my ability encourage others so to do-so help me God."-Which oath or affirmation may be administered by any registering officer.

Section 2. That after the completion of the registration hereby provided for in any State at such time and places therein as the commanding general shall appoint and direct of which at least thirty days' public notice shall be given, an election shall be held of delegates to a Convention for the purpose of establishing a Constitution and civil government for such State loyal to the Union; said Convention in each State (except Virginia) to consist of the same number of members as the most numerous branch of the State Legislature of such State in the year 1860, to be apportioned among the several districts, counties or parishes by such State by the commanding general, giving to each representation in the ratio of the voters registered aforesaid, as nearly as may be. The Convention in Virginia shall consist of the same number of members as represented in the territory now constituting Virginia in the most numerous branch of the Legislature, of said State in the year 1860, to be apportioned as aforesaid.

Section 3. That at said election, the registered voters of each State shall vote for or against a Convention to form a Constitution therefore under this act. Those voting in favor of such a Convention shall have written or printed on the ballots by which they vote for delegates, as aforesaid, the words "for a Convention"; and those voting against such a convention shall have written or printed on such ballots the words "against a Convention." The persons appointed to superintend said election, and to make return of the votes given thereat, as herein provided, shall count and make return of the votes given for an against a convention; and the commanding general, to whom the same shall have been returned, shall ascertain and declare the total vote in each State for and against a convention. If a majority of the votes given on that question shall be for a Convention, then such Convention shall be held shall be held as hereinafter provided; but if a majority of said votes shall be against a Convention, then no such Convention shall be held under this act. Provided , that such Convention shall not be held unless a majority of all such registered voters shall have voted on the question of holding such a convention.

Section 4. The commanding general of each district shall appoint such loyal officers, or persons, as may be necessary, not exceeding three in each election district in any State, to make and complete the registration, superintend the election, and make return to him of the votes, list of voters, and of the persons elected as delegates by a plurality of the votes cast at said election; and upon receiving said returns, he shall open the same, ascertain the persons elected as delegates according to the returns of the officers who conducted said election, and make proclamation thereof; and if a majority of the votes given on that question shall be for a convention, the commanding general, within sixty days from the date of election, shall notify the delegates to assemble in Convention at a time and place to be mentioned in the notification; and said convention, when organized shall proceed to frame a Constitution and civil government according to the provisions of this government according to the provisions of this act and the act to which it is supplementary, and when the same shall have been so framed, said constitution shall be submitted by the Convention for ratification to the persons registered under the provisions of this act, at an election to be conducted by the officers or persons appointed by the commanding general as hereinbefore provided, and to be held after the expiration of thirty days from date of notice thereof, to be given by said Convention; and the returns thereof shall be made to the commanding general of the district.

Section 5. That if, according to said returns, the Constitution shall be ratified by a majority of votes of the registered electors qualified as herein specified, cast at said election, at least one-half of all the registered voters voting upon the question of such ratification, the President of the Convention shall transmit a copy of the same, duly certified, to the President of the United States, who shall forthwith transmit the same to Congress, if then in session, and if not in session, then immediately upon its next assembling; and if it shall moreover appear to Congress that the election was one at which all the registered and qualified electors in the State had an opportunity to vote freely and without restraint, fear, or the influence of fraud, and if Congress shall be satisfied that such constitution meets the approval of a majority of the qualified electors in the State, and if the said constitution shall be declared by Congress to be in conformity with the provisions of the act to which this is supplementary, and the other provisions of said act shall have been complied with, and the said Constitution shall be approved by Congress, the State shall be declared entitled to representation, and Senators and Representatives shall be admitted therefrom as therein provided.

Section 6. All elections in the States mentioned in the said "act to provide the more efficient government of the rebel States" shall, during the operation, of said act, be by ballot; and all officers making the said registration of voters and conducting elections shall, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, subscribe an oath faithfully to perform the duties of their sad office, and the oath prescribed by act approved July 2, 1862, entitled "an act to prescribe an oath of office": Provided , That if any person shall knowingly and falsely take and subscribe any oath in this act prescribed, such person so offending, and being thereof duly convicted, shall be subject to the pains, penalties, and disabilities which by law are provided for the punishment of the crime of willful and corrupt perjury.

Section 7. That all expenses incurred by several commanding generals, or by virtue of any orders issued, or appointments made by them under or by virtue of this act, shall be paid out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.

Section 8. That the Convention for each State shall prescribe the fees, salary, and compensation to be paid to all delegates, and other officers and agents herein authorized or necessary to carry into effect the purposes of this act not herein otherwise provided for, and shall provide for the levy and collection of such taxes on the property in such State as may be necessary to pay the same.

Section 9. That the word "article" in the sixth section of the act to which this is supplementary, shall be construed to mean "section."

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: Sarah Arehart and Jacob Engleman were married at the home of Jacob Bowman near Arbor Hill on March 21 by Rev. J. W. Karacofe.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Bowman, Rev. J. W. Karacofe, Jacob H. Engleman, Sarah J. Arehart)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: Mrs. Francis Wiseman and Benjamin Akens were married on March 21 in the Clerk's Office of the County Court by Rev. J. I. Miller.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. I. Miller, Benjamin Akens, Francis Wiseman)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: Charlie Wallace Paris died of consumption on March 21. He was 23 years old.
(Names in announcement: James R. Paris, Lucy J. Paris, Charlie Wallace Paris)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: Martha Risk died on March 21 at the age of 59. She is reported to have faced her "approaching dissolution" with "fortitude and calm resignation."
(Names in announcement: Harvey Risk, Martha Risk)

Full Text of Article:

In this place, on the 21st inst., at the residence of her husband, Harvey Risk, Mrs. MARTHA RISK, in the 59th year of her age.

Gently as day "falls to sleep upon the breast of night," she passed into the spirit world, after a life of usefulness and the exercise of Christian charity. For some time previous to her death she was conscious of her approaching dissolution, and her perfect willingness to bid a final adieu to all the strong ties of family and friends, and the fortitude and calm resignation with which she bore her long and painful sufferings, tested the sincerity and depth of her piety. A genial companion, a sincere friend, a devoted wife, and a mother to the motherless, she leaves behind her many friends and relatives to mourn their great loss.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

M.

Trailer: M.