Search the Newspapers Browse Newspapers by Date Articles Indexed by Topic About the Newspapers Valley of the Shadow Home

Staunton Spectator: August 13, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

A Bitter Pill
(Column 01)

Summary: Argues that at the Radical Convention in Richmond, Hunnicutt offered the cooperationists "a bitter pill" to swallow if they join the Radical party in Virginia, one that includes "every reconstruction act" and the "body and soul" of blacks. The editor contends that David Fultz, the white delegate from Augusta, would not consent to take this pill, "and returned to Staunton as fast as steam could carry him after learning the character of the prescription."
(Names in announcement: David Fultz, Sam'l Cline)

Full Text of Article:

The following is the bitter pill which Hunnicutt announced in the Radical Convention the co-operationists would have to swallow if they wished to become members of the Radical party in Virginia. He said:

"Now we tell the strangers that if they want to come with us they will have to swallow a bitter pill. They must swallow the constitutional amendment, the civil rights bill, the Sherman-Shellabarger-Wilson bill, the supplementary bills, every reconstruction act, the iron-clad oath, the 17th of April platform, Wardwell, Hunnicutt, and the nigger. [Cheers] Yes, the nigger-his head, his feet, his hide, his hair, his tallow, his bones, and his suet! Nay, his body and soul! Yes; all these they must swallow, and then perhaps, they can be called Republicans. They must affiliate with Hunnicutt and his set.' So the dose is ready for the patients. Let them come up."

Those co-operationists who remained would have gulphed the pill, and Hunnicutt seemed willing to give them a chance to do so, but the colored men who controlled the body refused them the opportunity. The white delegate from this county, David Fults, Esq., could not consent to do so, and returned to Staunton as fast as steam could carry him after learning the character of the prescription. Those cannot be surprised at the conduct of Mr. Fultz who know him to be a man of character and intelligence with a high sense of self-respect, but would have been surprised if he had remained after seeing the character of the Convention and those who controlled it as exhibited on the first day.

The motives, we doubt not, of Mr. Fulz, Sam'l Cline, and a few others who participated in the meeting here which appointed delegates to that Radical Convention, were good, but they acted upon a mistaken policy and upon a wholly mistaken view of the annimus and purposes of the party with which they resolved to co-operate. Of this fact they are now, no doubt, convinced. The controlling element of that party require a sacrifice which they cannot make unless we very much mistake their characters. In speaking of the manner in which the co-operationists were treated, the Lynchburg Republican says:

"The 'Respectable' element is clean cut out by a single stroke of the Hunnicuts scalpel. It is possible, indeed, that a few of the Albemarle converts may remain with the party even now, and endorse those cruel and scandalous resolutions which applaud the oppression of the Southern people. But these few are the black sheep, who were always rotten at heart, and who will do nothing to make Virginia Radicalism respectable by adding their names to its rolls.

If there be one instinct of decency, one spark of State pride and love, one thought of regard for the opinion of honorable men in the breasts of the Albemarle party, they will all turn back with loathing now from the path on which they had entered. We have always spoken with respect and charity of the well-designing gentlemen who made this unfortunate and ill-timed. We have given them credit for being impelled by worthy and patriotic motives. If they come back now, we shall rest assured that our faith in their honor was not misplaced. If they do not respect and reform, we shall know that they are not worthy of the name of Virginians; that they are not worthy or her saintly dead; that they are not true to her record of glory; that they do not deserve to be called the kindred of her ever-patient and valiant people.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Argues that the Radical Convention in Richmond has "formed a negro party, and the white man who votes for it or sustains it is guilty of treason to his own race and will inflict irreferable and annihilating injury upon the colored race by elevating them to power they are unfit to exercise."

Origin of Article: Fredericksburg News

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: "Linna" describes a Sunday School picnic which took place on August 2nd, reporting that "the whole affair was a great success."
(Names in announcement: Rev. Geo. B. Taylor, Dr. Broaddus)

Full Text of Article:

MR. EDITOR:--On the second of August, after much previous preparation, our merry party set out for the romantic little village of Goshen, where a Picnic was come off in honor of the Sunday School of that place. Those of your readers who have visited this part of Virginia know something of the sublimity of its scenery. If we had some one who could give an adequate description of its beauties, it would, we think, soon become a favorite resort for those who have an eye for the beauties of nature.-But we must quit expatiating on scenery, and return to the Picnic. We were rather late, and found an immense crowd assembled; but through the gallantry of some gentlemen got very comfortable scats. We regret exceedingly that we were not present at the opening exercises. The Rev. Geo. B. Taylor, of Staunton, delivered a very instructive address to the children, when was followed by excellent singing, remarks by the Pastor and others. A large number of children were present, and the most perfect order was preserved throughout the day. After a very cordial invitation, the assembly repaired to the adjoining grove, where a bountiful repast was spread, to which, all did ample justice; even the most fastidious could not complain. When all were satisfied, we re-entered the Church, and were generally entertained by Dr. Broaddus, and others. The whole affair was a great success, and the conductors deserve much credit.

We now turned our faces homeward, feeling well repaid for going to the Picnic. After riding some miles, we were appalled by the rapid progress of a very threatening cloud. Bonnets, hats, &c., were anxiously thought of, and how greatly relieved were we, when a lady experienced in such trips, presented a band box, which was stowed under the buggy seat. We veiled our heads, and reached home, showing marks of a refreshing time. LINNA.

Trailer: Linna

Local News--Robinson's Great Show
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports that John Robinson's Combination Circus and Menagerie will visit Staunton on Saturday, August 17 and predicts that "it will be most liberally patronized by the hundreds who will remember the unique performances it gave in days long since gone by."

Local News
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports that a Council of the Friends of Temperance has been organized at Middlebrook and has elected officers. This is the second Council recently formed in the county.
(Names in announcement: George Fix, S. W. Helms, David Rusmisell, David Black, John B. Carwell, John Carwell, George Buchanan, George B. Rusmisell)

Full Text of Article:

A Council of the Friends of Temperance has been organized at Middisbrook under the name of "Middisbrook Council, No. 28," by the election of George Fix, Esquire, President; S. W. Helms, W. A.; David Rimmsell, R. S.; David Black, F. S.; John B. Caswell, T.; John Carwell, C; George Bunchman, J. S.; George B. Rusmisell, O. S. & L. V. H.

This is the second Council recently formed in the county of Augusta, evidencing in the community a deep interest in the cause of temperance.

Success to the cause is the universal wish of the good and true every where.

Local News--Advice to Young Ladies
(Column 02)

Summary: Encourages "young ladies" to "talk not of the beautiful white skin and soft delicate hands--the fine appearance of the young gentlemen," but instead to look to "the hearts and habits" of men.

Full Text of Article:

Trust not uncertain riches; but prepare yourself for any emergency . Learn to work and not to be dependent upon servants to darn your stockings. Above all this do not esteem too little those honorable men who sustain themselves and their parents by the work of their own hands. Young women, remember this, and instead of sounding the purses of young men and examining the cut of their coats, look at their hearts and habits .-Mark if they have trades and can depend upon themselves. See if they have minds which will lead them to look above a butterfly existence.-Talk not to the beautiful white skin and soft delicate hands-the fine appearance of the young gentlemen. Let not these foolish considerations engross for a moment your thoughts.

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: John O'Hare died on August 8 at the age of 60. O'Hare emigrated from Ireland twenty years ago and "successfully engaged in business in this community, and by the constant exercise of integrity and industry he commanded the esteem of his fellow citizens."
(Names in announcement: John O'Hare)

Full Text of Article:

Died on the 8th of August, JOHN O'HARE, in the 60th year of his age.

Mr. O'Hare was a native of Ireland and emigrated to this country some twenty years ago; since when, he was successfully engaged in business in this community, and by the constant exercise of integrity and industry, he commanded the esteem of his fellow citizens. He leaves a wife and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.