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Staunton Spectator: December 22, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Christmas Day
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper wishes its readers a joyous Christmas Holiday and describes Virginia Christmas traditions throughout the state's history.

The State Constitution
(Column 02)

Summary: The Lynchburg News writes in favor of the rejection of the proposed state Constitution despite the election of Grant. The editor explains that the constitution will be discarded if a majority of citizens in the State vote against it.

Full Text of Article:

Whenever the Constitution adopted by the Scalawag Convention shall be submitted to the voters of this State for ratification or rejection, it should be opposed with the same united and determined purpose which was exhibit some time since when it was thought it would be submitted to the voters of the State. It would be as fatal to our interest and as violative of our rights now as then. In the language of the Lynchburg News, we should not lose sight of the important fact that the "Radical party cannot, according to the terms of their own act, inflict this Constitution upon us, but by our own consent. It must be submitted to a vote of the people, and if rejected by them, is consigned to the "tomb of the Capulets," and some other device will have to be contrived ere Virginia can be made to pass under Radical, or rather under negro rule.

We are aware that some of our journals are advising that we shall incorporate the principle of negro suffrage upon the Alexandria Constitution, and signify our willingness to accept that as the basis of our reconstruction. But quo modo! how can such a device be carried out? No man, nor any body of men, have authority under any existing law, order, or ordinance, to enter into such arrangement, -- the acts of Congress have prescribed certain formulae, according to which the excluded States must be readmitted. The calling of a convention by the vote of the people, black as well as white, the framing by this body of a constitution for the State, the reference of this constitution to the people of the State for ratification or rejection -- these are the various steps which must be taken, according to the existing laws, ere the State can be admitted into the fold of the Union. Should the people refuse to ratify the proposed constitution, it is rejected, and the whole work of constitution making must be begun de novo. But some disposition must be made of the constitution proposed, ere another can be substituted for it. -- It cannot be quietly ignored, nor can its defeat be assumed, so as to clear the way for another.

Now, if these facts be admitted, we must also admit, the probability that Congress will at its next session make provision for a vote of the people on the constitution proposed last winter. Of this vote thirty days notice at least, must be given, so that the people cannot be called to pass upon the question before some time in January next. But we hold it to be the bounden duty of every white man in Virginia, we care not to what political party he belongs, to vote against that constitution, whenever he is permitted to do so. Its adoption will involve Unionist and Secessionist, Republican and Democrat, in one common ruin. Shall we cease our hostility to this measure because, forsooth, Grant has been elected President. Will his elevation to the White House mitigate the horrors of negro supremacy, of mixed schools, of negro juries, and of negro officers? If self interest, and self-preservation last summer demanded the rejection of the instrument, surely they appeal to us just as forcibly now -- and if we succeeded last summer in uniting all good citizens in hostility to it, certainly similar results can be obtained by like efforts this winter.

For ourselves, we do not despair of the State -- we believe that the people can defeat the odious Underwood constitution, and we believe they will defeat it, whenever it may be submitted to them, and that too without any reference to who may be the incumbent of the Presidential chair. This being done, it will then be time enough to debate whether it is best to adopt the Alexandria Constitution with negro suffrage, or to await in self poised and calm determination, the development of the subsequent acts in the Drama of Radical Reconstruction."

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Lynchburg News recommends caution and patience, for a misstep by Virginians will bring terrible consequences to the State.

Full Text of Article:

The Lynchburg News says that there never was a time in our history when a "leap in the dark" would have been likely to result so injuriously and fatally as now; and we repeat, that our every movement should be as watchfully and deliberately made, as if we walked amid snares and traps that were thickly concealed to destroy us. Our people should, therefore, be guarded and prudent in every expression they venture in regard to public affairs -- not that they have not the free right of thought and speech, but because they can hardly judge what is best and wisest to be done, until the immediate occasion arises to exact their decision and demand their course of behavior. -- "Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." -- We can at least be bold and outspoken in this resolve, to maintain at all hazards and at every cost the honor and interests of our dearly loved mother Virginia. But for the rest, while the difficulties of the times and of our own condition, gather and darken with every moment, we should practise prudence and presence of mind. He is the truest and bravest patriot who retains it through all the sore trials and ordeals through which we may be required to pass; and doubtless our temper will be sharply exercised, and our hearts subjected to trials yet unexperienced by the future that now lies immediately before us. But if we would serve our State and promote our own best interest, we must watch and consider every movement we make, and be guided in all things by calm and mature reflection. Presence of mind is the great desideratum; and the best service we can render, under contingencies that may possibly arise, is expressed in the noble verse of Milton,

"They also serve who only stand and wait!",

Chesapeake and Ohio R. R.
(Column 03)

Summary: Letter attesting to the importance of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad in connecting Virginia's Atlantic Coast with the West, and arguing for Federal aid in speeding its completion.

The Staunton Musical Association
(Column 01)

Summary: The Staunton Musical Association will give their first soiree tonight in the Odd Fellows Hall. The programme will include solos, duets, and quartettes from the best singers, and the orchestra will play overtures, waltzes, quadrilles, and marches. Admission in 25 cents.

The Juvenile Concert
(Column 01)

Summary: The Juvenile Concert under the direction of Dr. Brown was given again in the Town Hall. Much of the hall was filled, and the pieces were performed in a style satisfactory to the harshest critic. Miss Baird's solo on "Robin Red Breast" was singled out for compliment.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Brown, Baird)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Robert E. Lee writes a letter to the Spectator congratulating Augusta on their subscription to the Valley Railroad, and expressing his wishes for its speedy completion.

Full Text of Article:

LEXINGTON, VA., 17 Dec. 1868
My Dear Colonel:

I am glad to learn from your letter of the 15th, that the prospect for the early construction of the Rail Road from Harrisonburg to Salem, is so favorable. It is a work of great importance to the fertile regions through which it will pass. Besides enabling the farmers to send to market their staple crops with greater ease and profit, it will render valuable many products of the farm, orchard and garden, which now, for want of proper facilities, cannot reach a market, and in addition will greatly enhance the value of the farm itself. It will also open the rich mining interests of the upper part of the Valley, and will afford an avenue by which capital and labour may be introduced for the development of manufactures. The almost unanimous vote of Rockbridge county, to subscribe four hundred thousand dollars to the road, proves its importance in the eyes of its citizens. If the rich county of Augusta will give an equal sum, and the counties of Roanoke and Botetourt each half that amount, it ought to insure the early construction of the road. Rail Roads have become essential to the growth and prosperity of a country. Any section beyond their reach and influence is looked upon as cut off from the rest of the community. They are as necessary now as common roads were a generation ago.

I believe that the advantages which will flow from this Railroad, when completed, will more than compensate our people for all the money they may spend in its construction, and will justify its energetic prosecution in the face of all the difficulties by which we are surrounded. The greater our difficulties, the greater the necessity for continued effort to overcome them. They are not insurmountable and will surely yield before prudence and energy.

With my earnest wishes for the speedy completion of the road.

I am, very respectfully,

and truly yours,

R. E. LEE.

COL. M. G. HARMAN
Pres. Valley Railroad.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Augusta Fire Company passed resolutions introduced by John B. Scherer aimed at forming a lobbying group to petition the town council for money with which to purchase new equipment. The last fire demonstrated the need for better equipment, and thus far the council has been remiss in providing aid.
(Names in announcement: John B. Scherer, J. H. Waters, Pat O'Toole, J. M. Hardy, B. F. Fifer)

Increase of Crime
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper asserts that crime of all kinds is on the rise throughout the nation. It blames the example of the U.S. Army during the war and continuous corruption in government.

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: John E. Rippetoe of Augusta and Miss Ella V. Stafford of Staunton were married in Staunton on December 17th by the Rev. John L. Clarke.
(Names in announcement: John E. Rippetoe, Ella V. Stafford, Rev. John L. Clarke)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: William H. H. Frenger of Staunton and Miss Sadie Rigby of Pittsburgh were married at the Central Presbyterian Church, Alleghany City, Pa., by the Rev. Thomas X. Orr on December 7th.
(Names in announcement: William H. H. Frenger, Sadie Rigby, Rev. Thomas X. Orr)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: William Hart, formerly of Louisiana, and Miss Nancy Fultz of McGaheysville were married on December 10th by the Rev. William J. Miller.
(Names in announcement: William Hart, Nancy Fultz, Rev. William J. Miller)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Samuel Forrer of Augusta and Miss Sallie E. Deyerle, daughter of Joseph Deyerle of Roanoke County, were married near Salem on November 18th by the Rev. Dabney Ball.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Forrer, Sallie E. Deyerle, Joseph Deyerle, Rev. Dabney Ball)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: G. Lewis Dull and Miss Sue V. Bowman, both of Augusta, were married on December 16th at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. A. A. J. Bushong. "Her hand is joined in his/Whose heart within her bosom is."
(Names in announcement: G. Lewis Dull, Sue V. Bowman, Rev. A. A. J. Bushong)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: D. East Beard and Miss M. Annie Rusmisell, both of Augusta, were married at Middlebrook on December 7th by the Rev. Ellis H. Jones.
(Names in announcement: D. East Beard, M. Annie Rusmisell, Rev. Ellis H. Jones)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: Elizabeth Houff died on December 11th. She was 61 years old.
(Names in announcement: Elizabeth Houff)