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Staunton Spectator: September 17, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

How the Radicals Will Vote
(Column 01)

Summary: Argues that Radicals will vote unanimously for a Convention to further their ultimate goal "of securing the permanent domination of the Radical party" and implies that a vote for a Convention equates to a vote for the Radical agenda.

Full Text of Article:

The reconstruction bills were passed by the Radical Congress for the purpose of securing the permanent domination of the Radical party. Through the instrumentality of these reconstruction bills, they expected to gain as much or more in the South, than they would probably lose by reaction in the North, if they could, by persuasion or threats, induce the Southern States to comply with them, by calling conventions and adopting constitutions of the character prescribed in these bills. In this way, the South would be radicalized, and the strength of the South would be added to the Radical party. With this object accomplished, the rule of the Radical party would be ensured, beyond peradventure, for an indefinite period, if not for all time. So well is this understood, that there is not a Radical in the South, white or black, who does not favor the call of conventions and the adoption of constitutions in compliance with the plan of reconstruction devised and prescribed by the Radical Congress. Show us a Radical, white or black, and we will show you a man who will vote in favor of a Convention. Show us a sympathiser, with the purpose of the Radicals, and we will show you a man who will vote for a Convention. Show us a man who will vote for a Convention. Show us a man who expects to be benefited by the ascendancy of the Radical party, either by the hope of office or the expectancy of patronage in any form, and we will show you an ally of that party who will vote for a Convention. Those who will vote for a Convention to comply with the Radical plan of reconstruction, will vote exactly as every Radical, white and black, will vote, and just as every Radical paper in the South urges them to vote. So anxious are the leading Radicals that the South should reconstruct upon their plan that they endeavor to coerce the South to do so by threatening confiscation if they fail to comply with their wishes in that respect. Should the Southern States adopt the Radical plan of reconstruction, the heart of every Radical, North and South, white and black would throb with joy, and the hearts of the friends of constitutional liberty North and South, would ache with emotions of despondency, if not of despair. The opponents of the Radicals, North and South, are opposed to compliance with the Radical plan of reconstruction, and the friends of the Radicals, North and South, are in favor of it. If you are a Radical, vote for a Convention; if not, vote against it. If you wish to vote with Radicals, vote for a Convention; if you wish to vote in opposition to them, vote against it.

The Amnesty Proclamation
(Column 01)

Summary: Argues that President Johnson's Amnesty Proclamation, found in another column of this issue of the Spectator, is opposed by the Radicals because "they fear it may prevent them from perfecting their scheme of establishing negro rule in the South." On the other hand, the writer contends that "the white people of the entire country will greet this proclamation with unqualified approval."

Full Text of Article:

In another column will be found the new Amnesty Proclamation which was issued on Saturday. It extends amnesty to all engaged in the rebellion, who take the oath set forth in the proclamation, except three specified classes. These are:

1. The chief executive officers, heads of departments, foreign agents and State governors under the rebel confederacy, military officers above the rank of brigadier general, and naval officers above the rank of captain.

2. All who were guilty of cruelty to Union prisoners.

3. Those who, at the time they seek to avail themselves of the proclamation, are in custody of the civil, military or naval authorities, and are held to bail, and all persons implicated in the assassination of President Lincoln.

The oath to be taken by the seeking amnesty pledges loyalty to the Union and all Constitution, and the faithful observance of the laws relating to the emancipation of slaves. The Cabinet was a unit in recommending it, and it is in exact accordance with the terms offered to the rebels at the time of Lee's surrender. Of course the Radicals denounce it; but all their objections are founded on the fact that they fear it may prevent them from perfecting their scheme of establishing negro rule in the South. The white people of the entire county will greet this proclamation with unqualified approval.

Recent Elections
(Column 02)

Summary: Expresses "intense excitement" over recent elections in Vermont, California, and Montana Territory, where Democrats scored large victories over the Republicans.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Suggests that every Southern state will have "colored candidates" for Congress in the upcoming elections and that in Virginia "colored candidates for Congress will receive the support of the more intelligent and influential white citizens" instead of "persecuted loyalists" and their "elasticity of conscience."

Origin of Article: Lynchburg News

Terrible Riot in Farmville
(Column 04)

Summary: Reports that a conflict between black residents of Farmville and "Yankee soldiers" took place on Monday after a conflict between two soldiers and a "colored bar keeper." At least one soldier was killed and many on both sides wounded.

Origin of Article: Lynchburg News

Full Text of Article:

We learn from passengers by the Southside cars, that a riot occurred in Farmville, yesterday, between the Yankee soldiers stationed there and the negroes of the town, which resulted in one soldier being shot through the head and killed, another dangerously, and perhaps mortally wounded from a blow on the head with a fence rail, and several others more or less injured. Some four or five negroes were dangerously wounded, and a number of others slightly. The riot commenced early in the day and was not quelled until dinner time. The origin of the disturbance was as follows:

A difficulty occurred Monday afternoon, between the colored bar-keeper at Booker's Hotel, and a couple of Yankee soldiers, which resulted in the negro's being badly beaten. Yesterday morning, a number of negroes, armed with every available weapon, such as pistols, knives, sticks, clubs, fence rails, &c., appeared on the streets, and being met by a half dozen or more soldiers, the fighting commenced. The negroes were constantly reinforced until they numbered several hundred, the soldiers also receiving accessions to their numbers. The officer commanding the soldiers, ordered such of them as were not engaged in the riot, to the scene of conflict to suppress it. Upon arriving, however, instead of attempting to stop the fighting, they pitched into the negroes, and a general melee ensued,--with the result above stated. The negroes were finally driven off, and quiet restored, though a renewal of the fight is momentarily to be apprehended. But one citizen, we are informed, took part in the affray, and he received a considerable whipping for his pains.-Lynch. News.

Local News
(Column 01)

Summary: Reports that James Spitler, "a highly respected young man residing near Spring Hill," was seriously injured while loading saw-logs. "Hopes are entertained of his recovery."
(Names in announcement: James W. Spitler)

Local News--Staunton Lyceum
(Column 01)

Summary: Last Monday night, the Staunton Lyceum debated "'whether the Establishment of the Free School system in Virginia at this time be advisable.'" After discussion, the question was decided in the negative by a vote of 9 to 5.
(Names in announcement: Pike Powers, Bumgardner, Hotchkiss)

Full Text of Article:

This institution which has become permanent in our city was reorganized on last Monday night. About a hundred persons were present and the question-"Whether the Establishment of the Free School system in Virginia at this time be advisable," was taken up and discussed. Mr. Pike Powers, in a speech characterized by his usual talent, opened the debate in the affirmative, and was followed, in the negative, by Messrs. Bumgardner and Hotchkiss. The question was then submitted to a vote of the house and was decided in the negative-9 to 5.

Local News--Sad Accident
(Column 01)

Summary: Stuart McGuffin was shot through the forehead last Saturday while he and James Apple were tossing a musket that they did not know to be loaded. The accident occurred in Greenville.
(Names in announcement: Stuart A. McGuffin, E. T. McGuffin, James G. Apple)

Full Text of Article:

It becomes our painful duty to record a most shocking and painful accident which occurred in Greenville, on last Saturday evening about three o'clock. Mr. Stuart A. McGuffin, son of E. T. McGuffin, Esq., in company with Mr. James G. Apple, were handling an old army musket, which they supposed to be empty, but unfortunately for the subject of this notice, it contained a cartridge which was discharged through his head. They were exercising in the manual of "inspection of arms"-Apple pitched the gun to McGuffin who cocked it and pitched it back to Apple, who seized it about the breach, and, it is supposed, touched the trigger, causing it to snap and discharge its contents in the forehead of the unfortunate McGuffin, who died in about two hours afterwards. The gun was old and rusty and had no cap on the tube. McGuffin was 24 years old. This sad and fatal occurrence inflicts a most painful wound in the hearts of his parents and a large circle of relatives and friends.

Local News--Tribute of Respect
(Column 02)

Summary: A copy of the preamble and resolutions produced at the local Masonic Hall on September 13, mourning the loss of Thomas Blackburn.
(Names in announcement: Thomas R. Blackburn, James F. Patterson)

Full Text of Article:

At a stated Communication of Staunton Lodge N. 13, held at the Masonic Hall on Friday evening the 13th of September, A. S. 5867, A. D. 1867, the following preamble and resolution were adopted.

Death has removed another member of our mystic circle. Brother THOMAS R. BLACKBURN is no more-he has gone to that bourn whence no traveler returns.

Brother Blackburn identified himself with Masonry in early manhood, and attested his devotion to the principles of the Order through the years of half a century.

He was emphatically a man of energy and usefulness. For more than a quarter of a century he was employed as Architect at the Western Lunatic Asylum, and much of the beauty, order and symmetry of its buildings are due to his skill and assiduity.

The Corner Stone of most of the public buildings of the town, including that of our Hal being tried to the Plumb, Square and Level, was pronounced by him to be "well formed, true and trusty."

Bro. Blackburn was a sincere Christian, and an upright man and Mason. He will greet us no more around our sacred Altar. He has finished his earthly labors, and passed from the terrestrial to the celestial Lodge above to be forever in the presence of the Grand Master of the Universe.

Resolved , That we tender our sincere sympathy and condolence to the Widow and family of our deceased Brother.

Resolved , that the foregoing preamble and these Resolutions be spread upon the record, as a testimonial of affection and respect for our deceased Brother.

Resolved , That the Secretary communicate a copy of the foregoing to the family of our deceased Brother, and that the Newspapers of the town be requested to publish the same.

A copy-teste,

JAMES F. PATTERSON,

Secretary.

Trailer: James F. Patterson

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Jno. Cherryholmes, 66, and Evy Ruebush, 61, were married at the County Court Clerk's office by Rev. John L. Clarke on September 12.
(Names in announcement: Rev. John L. Clarke, Jno. Cherryholmes, Evy Ruebush)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Lucretia Shaver, of Woodstock, and James Fisher, of Augusta, were married in Woodstock on August 28 by Rev. J. P. Hyde.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. P. Hyde, James R. Fisher, Lucretia Shaver)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: William Howard, the only child of James and Sarah McCutchen, died in Sangersville on September 4. He was six months old.
(Names in announcement: Wm. Howard McCutchen, James Y. McCutchen, Sarah E. McCutchen)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Samuel Parrent died of typhoid fever in Hermitage on September 13. He was 47 years old.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Parrent)

Amnesty--A Proclamation by the President of the United States
(Column 02)

Summary: Transcript of President Johnson's Amnesty Proclamation, issued on September 7.

Full Text of Article:

Whereas, in the month of July, a. D. 1861, the two Houses of Congress, with extraordinary unanimity, solemnly declared that the war then existing was not waged on the part of the Government in any spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, nor for the purpose of overthrowing or interfering in with the rights or established institutions of the States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and to preserve the Union, with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired, and that as soon as these objects should be accomplished, the war ought to cease; and, whereas, the President of the United States, on the 8th day of December, A. D. 1863, and on the 26th day of March, 1864, did, with the objects of suppressing the then existing rebellion, of inducing all persons to return to their loyalty, and of restoring the authority of the United States, issue proclamations offering amnesty and pardon to all persons who had directly or indirectly participated in the then existing rebellion, except as in those proclamations what specified and reserved; and, whereas, the President of the United States did, on the 29th day of May, A. D. 1865, issue a further proclamation with the same objects before mentioned, and to the end that the authority of the Government of the United States might be restored, and that peace, order and freedom might be established; and the President did by the said last-mentioned proclamation proclaim and declare that he thereby granted to all persons who had directly or indirectly participated in the then existing rebellion, except as therein excepted, amnesty and pardon, with restoration of all rights of property, except as to slaves and except in certain cases where legal proceedings had been instituted, but upon condition that such persons should take and subscribe an oath therein prescribed, which oath should be registered for permanent preservation; and , whereas, in and by the said last mentioned proclamation of the 29th day of May, 1865, fourteen extensive classes of persons therein specially described were altogether excepted and excluded from the benefits thereof; and whereas, the President of the United States did, on the 2d day of April, 1866, issue a proclamation declaring that the insurrection was at an end, and was thenceforth to be regarded; and, whereas, there now exists no organized armed resistance of misguided citizens, or others to the authority of the United States, in the States of Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida and Texas, and the laws can be sustained and enforced therein by the proper civil authority, State or Federal, and the people of said states are well and loyally disposed, and have conformed, or, if permitted to do so, will conform, in their legislation to the condition of affairs growing out of the amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibiting slavery within the limits and jurisdiction of the United States; and, whereas, there no longer exists any reasonable ground to apprehend within the States which were involved in the late rebellion any renewal thereof, or any unlawful resistance by the people of said States to the Constitution and laws of the United States; and, whereas, large standing armies, military occupation, martial law, military tribunals, and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and the right of trial by jury are in time of peace dangerous to public liberty, incompatible with the individual rights of the citizen contrary to the genius of spirit of our free institutions, and exhaustive of the National resources, and ought not therefore to be sanctioned or allowed, except in cases of actual necessity, for repelling invasion or suppressing insurrection or rebellion; and, whereas, a retaliatory or vindictive policy attended by unnecessary disqualifications, pains, penalties, confiscations and disfranchisements, now, as always, could only tend to hinder reconciliation among the people and National restoration, and repress popular energies and National industry and enterprise; and, whereas, for these reasons it is now deemed essential to the public welfare and to the more perfect restoration of constitutional law and order that the said last mentioned proclamation so as aforesaid issued on the 29th day of May, 1865, should be modified, and that the full and beneficent pardon conceded thereby should be opened, and further extended to a large number of the persons who, by its aforesaid exceptions, have been hitherto excluded from Executive clemency.

Now therefore be it known that I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim and declare that the full pardon described in the said proclamation of 29th of May, 1865, shall henceforth be opened and extended o all persons who directly or indirectly participated in the late rebellion, with the restoration of all privileges, immunities, and rights of property, except as to property with regard to slaves, and except in cases of legal proceedings under the laws of the United States; but upon this condition, nevertheless, that every such person who shall seek to avail himself of this proclamation shall take and subscribe the following oath, and shall cause the same to be registered for permanent preservation in the same manner and with the same effect as with the oath prescribed in the said proclamation of the 29th of May, 1865, namely:

"I, ----, do solemnly swear (or affirm), in presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Union of the States there-under and that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the late rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God."

The following persons and no others are excluded from the benefits of this proclamation and of the said proclamation of the 29th of May, 1865, viz:

1. The chief or pretended chief executive officers, including the President and Vice-President, and heads of departments of the pretended Confederate or rebel Government, and all who were agents thereof in foreign States and countries, and all who held or pretended to hold in the service of the said pretended Confederate Government a military rank or title above the grade of brigadier General, or naval rank or title above that of captain, and all who were or pretended to be Governors of States while maintaining abetting, or submitting to and acquiescing in the rebellion.

2. All persons who in any way treated otherwise than as lawful prisoners of persons who in any capacity were employed or engaged in the military or naval service of the United States.

3. All persons who at the time they may seek to obtain the benefits of this proclamation are actually in civil, military, or naval confinement or custody, or legally held to bail either before or after conviction, and all persons who were engaged directly or indirectly in the assassination of the late President of the United States, or in any plot or conspiracy in any manner therewith connected. In testimony whereof I have signed these presents with my hand, and have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed.

Done at the city of Washington the 7th day of September, 1867.

[SEAL.] 7th day of September, 1867.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

By the President of the United States.

William H. Seward,

Secretary of State.