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

Staunton Spectator: May 25, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

To Arms!
(Column 01)

Summary: Issued a call for all Conservative party organizers and canvassers to stump the state and gain support for the defeat of the test-oath and other objectionable sections of the Underwood Constitution.

Full Text of Article:

The Conservative Executive Committee on yesterday adopted the following important resolution. It is the trumpet call to arms! and can it fail to summon to the field the gallant leaders in their country's defence? Never was there a period of such peril in the history of the State -- never a time when the heroism of her sons was more imperatively necessary for the public welfare. The heroism of the sacrifice of feeling, opinion, and self, for the general safety -- the heroism of devoting time and self incessantly and rigorously to the common cause.

The leaders, we are sure, will respond. The committee propose to add to the spirit of the campaign by inducing prominent speakers to canvass the State at large, and have invited that able debater Mr. Patrick Henry Aylett to do so. He has consented and will soon set out on his important mission. Such is the imminence of the danger that the State should be even now in a blaze of excitement with preparation for the day of battle. It needs but to arouse the public mind to save Virginia.

The resolution is as follows:

Resolved: that the county and district canvassers of the Conservative party are earnestly exhorted to renewed and redoubled exertions both in preparation for the approaching contest and the prosecution of it. The paramount importance of voting down the 'test-oath' and the 'disfranchising' clauses cannot be overestimated; neither can we overestimate the necessity of securing a good Legislature and the best man we can for Governor. These considerations should call forth our earnest endeavors and arouse us to enthusiastic efforts in behalf of our glorious old Commonwealth."

The Duties of Election Day
(Column 01)

Summary: Declared that all eligible voters have the duty to vote on election day to ensure the defeat of certain sections of the Underwood constitution and to elect Walker as Governor. Wanted to ensure at least some form of control for white Virginians in the state.

Full Text of Article:

The election which will take place on the 6th day of July next, by appointment of the President, will decide whether the people of this State are to be cursed with the Underwood abomination, called a Constitution, as it came from the hands of the Molungeon Convention, or whether it will be modified by having the test-oath and disfranchising clauses stricken out -- whether Walker or Wells will be our Governor, and whether proper men will be elected to represent the State in the Legislature.

This election is as important as any which has ever been held in this State -- its result will determine most momentous questions. Those who have the right to vote should allow nothing to prevent them from attending the polls and casting their ballots on the day of election, and those who have not registered heretofore should be sure to attend to that duty before the day of election, and on that day be sure to vote. Those who will fail in the performance of their duty may live long, but they will never live long enough to cease to regret their culpable remissness. It will be a black day in the calendar of their remembrance. It will haunt them like an evil spirit, and its memory will be a source of unceasing regrets and unremitting pain.

The time is short, and the whole of it should be devoted to preparations for the duties of the day of election. See that every man shall register and that all shall vote.

All should vote, of course, for striking out the test-oath and disfranchising clauses which will be submitted separately. There is no apology or excuse for any one, white or colored, who will vote to retain those clauses in the Constitution. Those who will do so understandingly will thereby proclaim themselves the enemies of the people, and they well deserve to be treated as enemies by the people among whom they live. The number in Augusta of this kind will be few, if any.

We do not believe that any colored man, who understands the effect of such vote, will vote to retain those clauses. If he has any sense he will know that by so doing he will be gaining nothing, but will be losing the good will and friendship of the people among whom he lives, and upon whom he is dependent for employment and support. It is the duty of the whites to explain their matters fully to the colored voters, that they may vote understandingly. Teach them their duty in the premises, and then if they vote for such iniquity understandingly, let them suffer the effect of their inexplicable conduct. If they act the part of enemies, let them be treated as such.

All can unite in voting against the test-oath and disfranchising clauses, it matters not how widely their opinions on other subjects may differ. And no complaints should be made against any who willingly vote, however they may vote upon the body of the Constitution, whether for its ratification or rejection. All who vote against the clauses submitted to separate votes should be considered as friends and patriots whether they vote for or against the ratification of the other parts of the Constitution. Upon the [section unclear] the patriotic effort to save the State from the horrors consequent upon the adoption of the unmodified Underwood Constitution. The pressing, overriding duty now is, to vote against the clauses submitted separately. In this duty none should be remiss. The performance of this duty, like the mantle of charity, will hide many political sins.

We think that all should vote for Walker, and that all should do their utmost to secure a good Legislature. The fact that the Constitution, though modified as proposed by striking out the clauses submitted separately, will be very objectionable, furnishes the strongest reason why we should, if possible, elect the better man for Governor, and elect the best men for the Legislature. The Governor will be invested with the veto power, and can, consequently, protect the State against unjust and oppressive legislation on the part of the Legislature. If we have a safe man for Governor, and can secure a good Legislature, we can live under the Constitution in its modified form, till we can secure the call of a Convention which will frame a better one.

In the mean time see that all register and vote. They should vote against the test-oath and disfranchising clauses, for Walker for Governor, and for the best men for the Legislature.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper argues that despite the many differences on the upcoming election, everyone can agree on the importance of registering and voting. "It is of the highest importance to defeat the ultra Radical candidates for the State offices for Congress, and to elect a Legislature which will not be proscriptive, aggressive, and unjust. We may yet save something out of the wreck--how much, time can only determine."

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper calls on Conservative Superintendents to "institute a thorough examination into the condition of their counties." The editors suggest appointing a committee to organize each magisterial district, record every voter's name, and ensure that they get to the polls. These measures could bring conservative voters out in even more efficient numbers than rallies and speeches.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper argues that despite Grant's refusal to postpone the election on the Virginia State Constitution until after the harvest, everyone should make an effort to get to the polls. Even though farmers are "overwhelmed with work" and have "to go a considerable distance to the polls" they must make an effort to register and vote.

[No Title]
(Column 05)

Summary: Letter from an anonymous source detailing the men most eligible for election to the House and Senate. Told Virginians to nominate and vote for them even if they did not want the job because the time for sacrifices for the common good had arrived.

Full Text of Article:

For the Spectator

To the Voters of Augusta:

You will soon be called on to vote for a Senator and three Delegates to the General Assembly. The range of your selection has been very much curtailed by the 14th Amendment. The men who served you in former days are no longer eligible. No man who held office before the war, either as Congressman, Legislator, Justice, Sheriff, Constable or Postmaster, can now occupy a seat in either House. This drives you to make your selections from among the younger men who have not held such offices.

The next session of the Legislature will be one of transcendant importance, and we must therefore make use of the best materials we we can find, to secure an able and faithful representation of our interests. Mr. A. Waddell has already been nominated for the Senate, and Mr. A.B. Cochran for the House. They are both good men and true. Two more are required to complete the ticket. Fortunately Maj. H.M. Bella and Capt. James Bumgardner are both eligible. Tried by the true tests of fitness, "is he competent and is he faithful to the Constitution?" no better men can be found. They will do honor to the county, and advance the General interests. In my judgment the people ought to elect them, whether they wish it or not. Men must make sacrifices in times like these. These gentlemen may object, and say it does not suit them. That is not the point. They suit us, and we the people, must elect them, and require them to serve.--No man is at liberty in the present crisis of our affairs, to set up his interests and his wishes against the wishes and interests of the whole community. ONE OF THE DISFRANCHISED.

A Matter to be Remembered
(Column 05)

Summary: Anonymous author warned voters not to choose ineligible candidates or Radicals might gain control of state offices by default.

Full Text of Article:

For the Spectator

In voting for candidates at the coming election, the people should be careful to cast their ballots for no one who is not clearly eligible--If they vote for those who fall within the prohibitions of the 14th amendment, there is strong reason to apprehend that all such votes will be regarded as null and void. If, therefore, an ineligible candidate should be chosen his election will be of no avail, and the seat given to his carpet-bag competitor. This is no time to gratify personal or party preferences. Our first duty is to rescue the State from the power of our oppressors and we should sacrifice all our likes and dislikes, to accomplish that end.

Recognizing the necessity of selecting only those candidates who are eligible, Mr. Shackelford of Fauquier, Mr. Cox of Chesterfield, and the Senatorial and Legislative candidates from Campbell, have withdrawn to give place to others who are eligible.

As long as the question of eligibility remained an open one it was well not to surrender. But now that the Constitutional amendment settles it, beyond all question, it is folly to vote for those who cannot hold the position if chosen. A vote for an ineligible candidate, is half a vote for the radicals. Other papers are requested to take a note of this fact.

COMMON SENSE

[No Title]
(Column 05)

Summary: Another anonymous writer pleaded with Virginians to accept the constitution without the disfranchising clauses. Said they could always amend the constitution later to abolish the hated disenfranchising clauses.

Full Text of Article:

We make the following extract from a letter of an intelligent Virginian to a friend in this place:

"I have read the Presidents proclamation with great disappointment, as I supposed we would be allowed a separate vote on several other articles of the constitution. Still, I hope it will be accepted at the polls, as the sovereignty of the people at the polls being secured by the rejection of the disfranchising clauses, everything else can be made tolerable, and the constitution, itself, speedily amended. If I remember rightly, there is a provision in the document by which amendment is difficult or impossible for many years. But the Rhode Island case settled the principle that all that is essential to constitutional changes is the clear ascertainment of the mind of the sovereignty of the people. Suppose that the legislature should call a convention, the people respond to the call and elect delegates, the convention take action to amend the fundamental law, and that action be approved by a popular vote. Now is such a determination to be set aside?

"I am anxious on this subject, because the confidence at the North is strong as to a quiet settlement of affairs in Virginia. This confidence tends vastly to the advantage of Virginia, in many ways which need not be suggested to you. And a different result will be proportionateless injurious, will cause exasperation, and probably induce a recourse by Congress to extreme measures."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: George Huffman has been appointed a magistrate for the 8th district of Augusta.
(Names in announcement: George Huffman)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Dr. C. R. Harris repeated his lecture on the "Influence of the Fine Arts on the Moral Sensibilities" in the lecture room of the Methodist Church on May 17th. A large and appreciative audience attended.
(Names in announcement: Dr. C. R. Harris)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Bishop Whittle preached in the Staunton Episcopal Church on Wednesday. "Thirty-five candidates presented themselves and were confirmed and received into the holy communion of the church. We are pleased to see this indication of a 'turning away from sin and cleaving unto that which is good.'"
(Names in announcement: Bishop Whittle)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The county court postponed the election on the Valley Railroad until September. Junius F. Maupin was elected Chief Justice of Augusta County.
(Names in announcement: Junius F. Maupin)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Col. John Baldwin spoke at the Court House on the political issues of the day. He advocated election of the Walker ticket and adoption of the expurgated constitution.
(Names in announcement: Col. John Baldwin)

Temperance Demonstration
(Column 02)

Summary: Reported on a temperance meeting and lecture held by Rev. James Young. The editor thought the meeting was generally successful and printed the dates and places of Young's next speaking tour.

Full Text of Article:

The Friends of Temperance, of this place, had a public demonstration on Saturday last. The two Staunton Councils, and a number of visiting brethren from adjacent Councils turned out in the morning, at 11 o'clock, and heard an address by the Rev. James Young, the State Lecturer of the F. of T., in the lecture room of the Methodist Church.--His labors for the advancement of the "cold water army," in the lower Valley, have been very successful--he having organized several new orders, and induced large numbers to sign the total abstinance pledge. The heavy fall of rain, in the morning, having prevented the Councils from traversing the streets, they turned out again in the evening, at 6 1/2 o'clock, and marched through the principle thoroughfares of the town, headed by the band of music from the D.D. & B. Institution. The procession was quite a large one and they presented an imposing appearance and handsome display. After the procession had finished its serpentine course it entered the town hall, where the Rev. Dr. Young again addressed a crowded house in a most happy and entertaining manner. He also preached a temperance sermon in the Methodist church on Sunday night. Upwards of one hundred ladies and gentlemen signed the pledge. He will address the people of this county, during the present week, at the following places, at 7 1/2 P.M. each day.

Churchville, May 25th; Middlebrook, 26th; Greenville, 27th; Waynesboro, 28th; New Hope 29th; Mt. Sidney, 30th.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Virginia Classis of the German Reformed Church met at St. Paul's Church at Rockland Mills, Augusta County on May 4th. The Rev. W. D. Lefevre of Martinsburg was elected president for the year and Rev. H. St. John Rinker of Shenandoah County was elected State Clerk.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. C. Hensell, Rev. Henry Wissler, W. D. Lefevre, Rev. H. St. John Rinker)

Origin of Article: Register

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Samuel F. Pilson declined to be considered for a place in the next State Legislature.
(Names in announcement: Samuel F. Pilson)

Registration-Organization
(Column 03)

Summary: Commanded all eligible Virginia voters to go out and register in order to get the best men elected to office and defeat the worst clauses of the Underwood Constitution. Much more concerned with state offices than with federal positions.

Origin of Article: Lynchburg News

Full Text of Article:

It is evident to the least observant mind that the first duty of the Conservative press of the State, is to urge the non-registered voters to come forward as soon as an opportunity is offered them, and register. The fact that something like twenty thousand of the white men of Virginia, not disfranchised by the reconstruction acts of Congress, refused or failed to apply for registration, indicates unmistakably the existence of a feeling of indifference on the subject, and a disregard of public weal, which cannot be too strongly reprehended.

Unless registration be attended to, we cannot defeat the most obnoxious provisions of the constitution--we cannot--elect a Conservative Legislature--we cannot prevent the control of State by the ignorant negroes and the malignant carpet-baggers, into whose hands it is so likely to fall. Obviously, then, it becomes a high and important duty that every white man in the State should place himself in a position to wield all the influence possible to exert.

We should register every voter; we should see to it that each one is at the polls; we should unitize if possible the vote of the State against the Constitution, and in favor of good men for the Legislature. As for members of Congress, we are more indifferent, because, satisfied that no true representative man will be allowed to fill the place if elected, it is with us of little moment whether we are misrepresented by a negro, a scalawag, or a carpet-bagger. But it is possible that the effects of a new registration may enable the whites in some counties, hitherto under the hand of negro supremacy, to elect good men to represent them, and it is above all things desirable that we shall retain control of our State Legislature. This consideration alone should suffice to induce every true hearted Virginian, who has hitherto neglected to place himself in a position in which his voice may be heard in the government of the State to repair the neglect, or rectify the error by a prompt registration.

We would say and do nothing which may animate and encourage our enemies or dishearten and depress our friends, beyond what our duty as a public journalist demands. But we should deem ourselves culpable, did we, with our convictions, join in the fervid predictions of easy triumph in which some of our jubilant journals indulge. The best intelligence we can command, and the soundest opinion we can form, alike indicate that if we succeed in defeating even the most obnoxious features of the Underwood Constitution, and in preserving Virginia from the ruin involved in the election of Wells, such result is only possible at the cost of unceasing labor and untiring zeal.--Lynchburg News.

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: John A. Spitzer and Miss Mary Jackson, both of Augusta, were married on May 13th by the Rev. William J. Miller.
(Names in announcement: John A. Spitzer, Mary Jackson, Rev. William J. Miller)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Jacob Driver and Miss Sallie McCall, both of Augusta, were married on May 11th by the Rev. Jacob Thomas.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Driver, Sallie McCall, Rev. Jacob Thomas)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Kenton H. Doom and Miss Araminta Brady, both of Staunton, were married on May 18th by the Rev. George Kramer.
(Names in announcement: Kenton H. Doom, Araminta Brady, Rev. George Kramer)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: James P. Hughart of Bath and Miss Mary E. M. McCutchen, daughter of Chapman McCutchen of Augusta, were married on May 18th by the Rev. Harvey Gilmore.
(Names in announcement: James P. Hughart, Mary E. M. McCutchen, Chapman McCutchen, Rev. Harvey Gilmore)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: John H. Haines died suddenly near Waynesboro of heart disease. He was 60 years old.
(Names in announcement: John H. Haines)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: William Craig died in his Staunton residence on May 17th after a protracted illness. He was 71 years old.
(Names in announcement: William Craig)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: Sue J. Supple, daughter of Robert and Mary Supple, died in Greenville on May 18th of heart disease.
(Names in announcement: Sue J. Supple, Robert Supple, Mary Supple)