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

Staunton Spectator: October 13, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Good County Roads
(Column 01)

Summary: The Spectator again argues that investment in the improvement of Augusta's county roads would be wise, and claims that the poor quality of roads dissuaded a Northern man from buying property in Augusta.

Full Text of Article:

A few weeks ago, we offered some suggestions in reference to the great importance of having good county roads, and expressed the opinion that the present system of calling out the farmers and others several times in the year to work a day or two on the roads would not secure such roads as are needed. The fact that the views expressed in this article have been endorsed by journals in all portions of the State shows that that mode is radically wrong, and that it is attended with similar bad results in all parts of the State. As a consequence, the county roads in every county in the State are in a bad condition, the value of lands in them thereby greatly depreciated. As we said before, we repeat that no investment of a similar amount would pay so well as that invested in the improvement of the county roads, which should be put in good condition and kept so by having a few workmen constantly upon them. This is so evident that any argument in support of it seems to be wholly unnecessary. We will mention one fact -- and it is well known that a fact is worth a ship load of arguments -- which we have learned since the other article upon the subject was published. A worthy and intelligent citizen of this county, the owner of very valuable property, told us that a Northern man wished to purchase his farm and mill. He was pleased with the property, wished too purchase it, and did not think the price to much. But after examining the roads leading from that property to Staunton and other points, he declined to offer more than a sum $5,000 less than the owner asked for it, and that much less than he would have given had the roads from that property been good. The amount that this worthy citizen thus lost in consequence of these bad roads would, if judiciously expended, put a number of the county roads in good order. This case not only illustrates, but establishes the truth of the proposition we maintain, to wit: That bad roads greatly depreciate the value of lands and other property, and that the best investment which our farmers could make would be that of a sufficient sum, obtained by a small tax upon each, to put and keep in good condition all the county roads.

We again call upon our intelligent farmers -- and no county has more of them than Augusta -- to reflect some upon this subject and to give expression to their views through our columns.

The Difference
(Column 01)

Summary: The editors write that the carpet-baggers in the South have promised land to the Freedmen without delivering on that promise. At the same time, Conservatives have often donated land to the Freedmen.

Full Text of Article:

The infamous carpet baggers who have infested the South since the war, have practised deception upon the poor deluded negroes by promising them that they would be given by the Radicals forty acres of land. The Conservatives made them no such deceptive promises. They are the only true friends of the negro and do more for him than they promise. It is certainly in the interest of the negro to act with and to keep upon friendly terms with the great body of the whites of the South. In illustration of this fact we will state that the Conservatives of Marion, South Carolina, have purchased and presented to each of the fifteen negroes who had the courage to go to the polls and vote with and for their old masters, with the title deeds to forty acres of good land near that town.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Charlottesville Chronicle claims that the Radicals are imposing unjust taxation upon the people of the South, and expresses hope that change will come through the election of Seymour to the Presidency.

Full Text of Article:

The Radicals, says the Charlottesville Chronicle, exempt the rich people of New England from their share in the burdens of taxation, and destroy the ability of the South to pay their former proportion by unjust legislation. They keep up the army and the Freedman's Bureau, at the South, so as to make that section a source of expense, when it would, under more favorable circumstances, be a fruitful source of income. The country wants peace and an economical administration, and unless it gets these, a financial crash must follow, which will prostrate the business of the whole country.

There is an evident necessity for a change. -- If Seymour is elected, we know that we will have it; if Grant is elected, we have no reason to suppose that affairs will not run on in their old channel, and if they do, bankruptcy and ruin must follow. We believe that the people of the North see these things and will act on them, unless the Radicals succeed in blinding their eyes upon the facts of the case, by exciting a furor against the South, which they are now using every effort to do. Their papers are filled with false statements of Southern outrages, to draw off attention from their own extravagance and fraud. The Democrats should be untiring in their efforts to expose the falseness of the one and the extent of the other.

Staunton by a Correspondent
(Column 03)

Summary: Three articles. The first recounts the statements of a correspondent of the Petersburg Express, who found Staunton to be one of the finest cities he passed through on his journeys. The second discusses preparations for the Augusta Agricultural fair, and the third reports on the efforts of the ladies of the town to preserve soldiers' graves.

Full Text of Article:

"Frank," a correspondent of the Petersburg Express, wrote a letter to that Journal dated Staunton, October 3rd, from which we take the following extracts:

Editor Express: In my peregrinations through the glorious Old Dominion, and the bastard State of West "Virginia," the past two months, I have not had the pleasure of "hauling up" at any town or "burg" half so lively or cheerful as Staunton. There's a business like air and go aheadativeness about the town and its inhabitants, that is truly refreshing to witness, these dull, stagnant times. Its march of improvement is onward; streets "reconstructed," new buildings going up, property increasing in value, the enterprise and spirit of her merchants and public men, its fine quiet location, free from any disturbing elements -- its fine healthy situation, in a cultivated and refined selection, accessibility of the town, &c. render this "city of the hills" one of the most delightful inland towns in the sunny South or elsewhere -- not only to live in and enjoy one's self but to prolong his or her life.

* * * * * * *

Great preparations are being made for the Augusta Agricultural fair, which is to be held here, commencing October 27th, and continuing for three consecutive days. The fair grounds are beautifully and eligibly located, half a mile from town, and W. A. Pratt, Esq. is putting everything into thorough order for the anticipated "big show" of the season. The great productive Valley of Virginia -- rich in minerals, fruitful in stock, and blessed with a race of noble men and fair and virtuous women, whose price is above rubies -- will swell the exhibition into one of undue dimensions, and the fair will be one worth seeing and to be talked about for years to come. Keep the ball moving, Mauzy, in the Spectator, and don't mind whose ox you gore, with your goose quill!

The ladies of Staunton, with a commendable spirit of love and patriotism, are exerting every means in their power to preserve the graves of those loved and noble heroes, who yielded up their precious lives and hearts, blood in the holy and sacred cause of right and liberty! It remains to be seen whether or not their brothers in affliction will aid and sustain them in this most sacred cause of caring for and preserving the graves of those who bled and died for us, that we might live! "Greater love has no man for another, than he should lay his life down for him." It has been done, and shall the act go down into the oblivion, or their bones lie bleaching in the noon day say! (God forbid that man should be so ungrateful.) No! for

"On Fame's eternal camping ground

Their silent tents are spread,

And Memory guards with solemn round

The bivouac of the dead."

Will we have War if Seymour is Elected?
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper prints a speech delivered at a Pittsburgh mass-meeting in which speakers argued that a Democratic victory would ensure the rescue of good government in the South. They also suggested that radical Republicans might begin another war in that event.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The editor emphasizes the fact that only one man occupies Augusta's jail, since Augusta's population is peaceful and law-abiding.

Full Text of Article:

Though Augusta is one of the largest and most populous counties in the State, there is but one prisoner in its Jail, and his term of confinement will soon expire. This speaks volumes in favor of the character of its population. Since the withdrawal of Federal troops from this place, and the disappearance of obtruding and intermeddling carpet-baggers, there has been but little disorder of any kind in any portion of this county. The colored as well as the white population have behaved themselves well since that time. This fact serves to "point a moral," if it does not "adorn a tale."

Pious Labor
(Column 01)

Summary: The Ladies of the Episcopal Sewing Society are now engaged in removing tangled grass, rubbish, and undergrowth from the Episcopal Cemetery. The paper issues a call for additional help in the undertaking.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper encourages people to prepare to camp at the upcoming fair. Hotels in town will be overcrowded, and camping grounds will be provided free of charge.

Lyceum
(Column 01)

Summary: The lyceum debated whether the doctrine of non-resistance is taught in scripture. The issue was decided 7-3 in the affirmative. Debate positions were assigned for the next discussions.
(Names in announcement: Powers, English, Rev. Taylor, H. Y. Peyton, Hanger, Christian, Powers, Baylor)

Proceedings of the Augusta Bible Society
(Column 02)

Summary: The Augusta County Bible Society met in a meeting chaired by the Rev. Latane. The conference issued a call to Staunton churches to encourage membership, resolved to donate $95 to the Virginia Bible Society, and elected officers for the coming year, including Col. John A. English as president.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. A. Latane, Rev. W. E. Baker, Col. John A. English, G. P. Baker, Rev. Wheat, Dr. Woodbridge, J. I. Miller, J. L. Clarke, George B. Taylor, J. E. Rollins, Joseph Addison Waddell, P. B. Hoge, Dr. B. M. Atkinson, D. E. Strasburg, D. W. Drake, John K. Woods)

Musical Entertainment
(Column 02)

Summary: A corps of "Sweet Singers" from Richmond delivered a performance in the Music Building to a "large and appreciative audience. Professor Ide accompanied one of the singers on piano.
(Names in announcement: Prof. Ide)

Dinner and Refreshments
(Column 02)

Summary: The Ladies Memorial Association will hold a large dinner at their tent at the county fair. They will also provide refreshments during the day. The proceeds will go to "beautifying and adorning the grounds where sleep our beloved and lamented Confederate dead."

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: James Bumgardner, Jr., announces he will take sole charge as head surveyor of the construction of a road from Staunton to Mt. Solon. This will make the operation more efficient by taking power from the hands of several independent precinct surveyors.
(Names in announcement: James BumgardnerJr.)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: S. C. Switzer of Mt. Crawford and Miss Mary M. Snapp of Augusta were married in the Mt. Crawford Reform Church on September 17th by the Rev. J. T. Carson.
(Names in announcement: S. C. Switzer, Mary M. Snapp, Rev. J. T. Carson)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: O. P. Sydenstricker and Miss Sue C. Syme, daughter of Dr. William H. Syme, were married in Lewisburg on October 1st by the Rev. G. G. Smith.
(Names in announcement: O. P. Sydenstricker, Sue C. Syme, William H. Syme, Rev. G. G. Smith)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: John B. Carroll of Lexington and Miss Elizabeth C. Cross of Augusta were married in the residence of the bride's father, Thomas Cross, by the Rev. S. C. Wasson.
(Names in announcement: John B. Carroll, Elizabeth C. Cross, Thomas Cross, Rev. S. C. Wasson)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Esau Vint of Highland County and Miss Elizabeth F. Kershner of Augusta were married on October 1st at the bride's home near Deerfield by the Rev. A. A. P. Neel.
(Names in announcement: Esau Vint, Elizabeth F. Kershner, Rev. A. A. P. Neel)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Jacob P. Hamilton and Miss Mary H. Wilson, both of Augusta, were married near Fishersville on October 8th by the Rev. C. S. M. See.
(Names in announcement: Jacob P. Hamilton, Mary H. Wilson, Rev. C. S. M. See)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: James B. Young and Miss Sarah C. Wise, both of Augusta, were married on October 1st by the Rev. J. C. Hensell.
(Names in announcement: James B. Young, Sarah C. Wise, Rev. J. C. Hensell)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Dr. Thomas E. Brown of Abingdon and Miss Cornelia Bernard Peyton, daughter of John Howe Peyton of Staunton, were married in Staunton's Trinity Church by the Rev. J. A. Latane on October 8th.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Cornelia Bernard Peyton, John Howe Peyton, Rev. J. A. Latane)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Christian Michael died on October 4th near North River Gap, Augusta County. He was 78 years old. "He was a quiet, inoffensive, honest man, and has left a widow and a large family of children."
(Names in announcement: Christian Michael)

Teachers and Teaching--No. 2
(Column 02)

Summary: This letter outlines the proper qualifications for a teacher. "W. T. P." of Sweet Briar Manse suggests that a "right spirit" and grave sense of responsibility are the most important.

Grand S. S. Pic-nic at Mossy Creek Church
(Column 02)

Summary: Mossy Creek Church held a large picnic. John Pinkerton, pastor, delivered the main address.
(Names in announcement: John Pinkerton)