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Staunton Spectator: June 22, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Valley
(Column 04)

Summary: The editor heaps scorn and contempt on the radicals of the state who have organized black voters against the whites. Claims these radicals actually care nothing about the blacks except to use them to get into office. He also says the Valley, despite appearances, will suffer as much as any other section of Virginia from Republican policies.

Origin of Article: Enquirer and Examiner

Full Text of Article:

The Valley apparently will not suffer like the East by the operation of the Underwood constitution and its county organization article. But this advantage of the Valley over us is only apparent, as will be obvious in a moment. The taxes under this constitution will fall almost exclusively on the whites, and the Valley counties, having a largely preponderating white population, will be taxed tremendously. Augusta will pay double the taxes that Pittsylvania will have to pay, although Augusta has only three members of the House of Delegates, and the fraction of a senator, while Pittsylvania has four delegates and a whole senator. It is therefore in this point of view particularly the interest of the Valley that the Conservatives shall secure the Legislature, which will lay the taxes. This is as plain as the nose in a man's face. Unless the Valley counties are willing to be taxed to death, let them do their full duty in this election.

But again: if the Radicals carry this election, and get the control of the State government, it will be their policy to strengthen the negro element in that section. How will they do it? -- They will quarter as many negro officers as possible in those counties. The Legislature will give them Radical county judges, Radical circuit judges, and the Radical courts will give them Radical commissioners in chancery, and whenever the Governor or the Legislature or the judiciary can make their influence felt, they will make it felt for the purpose of strengthening and sustaining their party in that quarter. Let our Valley friends remember West Virginia and Missouri. -- Enquirer and Examiner.

There never was a more perfect organization than that which the Radicals have banded in this State. A few venal, shameless white men have organized the poor negroes into leagues, and banded them by paths, to support the measures and candidates of the party. Every species of terrorism that can be imagined is exercised over these poor deluded creatures to hold them in firm concord with the wicked wretches who care nothing for them except to get their votes. The negroes seem to be impervious to arguments of any kind. They only know that the leaders of the leagues require them to do thus and so, and they blindly obey the word of command. There is no reason in them, and therefore no appeals to that faculty can lie with them. They willingly accept the leadership of the vilest white reprobates, and spurn the counsel of the best men among us. To what danger is the public welfare not exposed, when such a condition of things as this is found to exist in the State? -- Lynchburg Virginian.

Valley Music
(Column 06)

Summary: "K." writes to the paper to urge construction of a school of music in Staunton.

To the Voters of Augusta:
(Column 06)

Summary: Peter Kurtz will stand as a candidate for the House of Delegates if the new Constitution is adopted. He thoroughly opposes the constitution, however, and calls for its defeat.

Full Text of Article:

I have been requested by many of my friends of the county of Augusta, to announce myself a candidate for the next House of Delegates under the new Constitution, provided it is adopted by by the qualified Voters of Virginia. In the main, I shall as a freeman, vote against it out and out, believing that the day is not far distant when Virginia will soar aloft with her banner, carrying healing on her wings, and the Radicals, like the proud Pea Fowl when looking at its feet, will leave with tail hanging down.

I now, therefore, without the fear of the Rads, announce myself a candidate for the next House of Delegates, provided the new Constitution is adopted; if not, like many others, I'll stay at home and remain an honest man. I am a conservative out and out. With my banner hanging out on the outer wall. Let Virginia's wave.

Respectfully yours,

PETER INDEPENDENCE KURTZ

Greenville
(Column 01)

Summary: Reports on a picnic given by the Friends of Temperance. Along with temperance speeches, a few political speeches were also given by stump speakers.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Young, A. B. Cochran, Col. Bolivar Christian, R. Mauzy)

Full Text of Article:

On Thursday last there was a picnic given for the benefit of the Friends of Temperance, in a grove near Greenville, in this county. The assemblage was addressed upon the subject of Temperance by the State Lecturer, Rev. Mr. Young.

At 4 o'clock the same evening, in the Church in Greenville, able and eloquent addresses upon the political issues of the day, were delivered by A. B. Cochran, Esq. and Col. Bolivar Christian. At the conclusion of these addresses, in response to calls upon him, R. Mausy made a few remarks, urging the vital importance of registering and voting. The good people of that neighborhood, we are encouraged to believe, will do their duty on the day of election by voting for Walker and against the disfranchising and test-oath clauses of the Constitution.

Register To-Day
(Column 01)

Summary: Challenged anyone to come up with a single good reason not to register to vote.

Full Text of Article:

As far as registration is concerned, says the Petersburg Index, the argument may be said to be closed and the case gone to the jury, which in this instance consists not of twelve men, but of almost the entire white population of the State.

If there be any man yet unconvinced of the fact that it is his sacred, political, and we might add, religious duty to register, we know not by what new argument to address him or by what novel plea to seek to shake a stolid determination which has so long resisted every form of argument or entreaty. If we could but hear one good reason for not registering which, though it could not countervail the hundred good reasons on the other side, yet, we confess that it would enable us to feel some sort of respect for the man who was guided by even one good reason, and we would not be compelled every time we looked upon a non-registering white man to think, that against stupidity even the Gods contend in vain.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper warns citizens that only two days remain to register to vote. The editors urge everyone who is qualified to do so.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Called on all Virginians to register and vote lest they bring shame and ruin to their state.

Full Text of Article:

Virginia, in her prostrate and forlorn condition, calls every true son to hasten fast to her rescue, and save her from the thongs and chains of her enslavers. Men of Virginia, true sons of a noble mother, respond to no call of pleasure and no suggestion of interest, till you hear and heed her appeal! Register and vote, are the peaceful means of her safety and redemption; and who fails to do so, becomes in part responsible for her shame.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reminds voters that the Constitution will not be voted upon as a whole. A separate ballot must be cast for or against the "obnoxious clauses."

Convention of Superintendents of Insane Asylums
(Column 03)

Summary: The Association of Medical Superintendents of American Insane Asylums met in Staunton at the Virginia Hotel between the 15th and 18th of June. Professionals from around the country attended, presented papers, and held discussions.
(Names in announcement: Francis T. Stribling)

Churchville Horse-Thief Detective Club
(Column 04)

Summary: Citizens of Churchville announce the formation of a club to prevent horse theft. Any time a horse is stolen from a club member, some or all of the club will go in pursuit. Any non-member who recovers a horse and apprehends the thief will receive a $500 reward. A $10 to $200 reward will always be offered for apprehension of anyone who commits theft or burglary upon club members.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Fall, Jacob F. Keller, George W. Fall, Henry Geeding, Val HupmanSr., Val HupmanJr., Henry S. Keller, Cyrus Mellon, Andrew D. Miller, David V. Masincup, John KellerJr., Rev. George A. Shuey, Abram Hildebrand, George F. Fall, E. Geeding, I. H. Heizer, Rev. P. Fletcher, I. Henry Bear, Samuel C. Wilson, Dr. Joseph Wilson, B. Walters, H. S. Hogoett, W. F. Hite, G. I. Hoff, C. Bear, L. WaddellJr., George C. Hanger, Charles S. Thompson, A. Knowles, A. Masincupp, John Roudabush, Alex Roudabush, John Teaford, I. Hanger, John Myers, D. A. Seig, H. B. Seig, John Brown, W. M. Dudley, F. Gilkeson, S. B. Allen, A. Karicofe, I. H. Dinkell, T. H. Dryden, D. G. Hogsett, D. C. Hogsett, R. M. Dinkell, R. G. Gilkeson, Jacob S. Long, David Poe, T. E. Gilkeson, Giles Dinkell, Samuel Brown, Thomas Kirkpatrick, James A. Wilson, John H. Snapp, W. H. Wayland, F. F. Sterrett, John Christian, John J. Masincupp, M. L. Masincupp, D. B. Engleman, H. H. Teaford, Jacob Houseman, G. W. Swoope, J. W. Calhoon, J. Argenbright, George F. Hoover, John Wilson, A. G. Wayland, W. A. Brown, A. A. Crawford, R. S. Farrar, J. H. B. Sellers, J. F. Heizer, James Perry, Loudoun Koontz, George W. Wilson, John H. Wilson, Edward Johns, William Shurley, B. Crawford, Rachael Bell, James C. Brown, John Martin, W. D. Engleman, W. L. Masincupp, Zebulon G. Shafer, D. Teaford, D. Baylor, W. G. Gilkeson, John D. Trimble, James F. Bell, Robert Calhoun, Joseph W. Trimble, J. S. Garrison, H. H. Bishop, John T. Christian, Catherine Shuey, A. J. Argenbright, T. W. Murphy, T. H. Kirkpatrick, William Kirkpatrick, J. M. Brown, G. Child, H. H. Hanger, R. B. Hundly, Isaac Helper, J. A. J. Funkhouser, Lewis Huffman, William F. Bell, E. Geeding, J. H. Heizer)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Reported on memorial day activities in Mossy Creek. During the ceremonies, political speeches were made and people were told to make sure to register and vote in the upcoming election.
(Names in announcement: Alex B. Cochran, Harrison, Effinger, Cochran, Echols, John J. Cupp)

Full Text of Article:

MR. EDITOR: -- Saturday the 19th inst., was memorial day at Mossy Creek Church. The Church was much crowded and delighted, and moved to tears in listening to a most appropriate and very touching address from the orator selected for the occasion, Capt. Jno. Paul of Harrisonburg. The congregation then repaired to the churchyard and covered the twenty-six graves of the noble boys who fell, as the immediate representatives of this vicinity, in the unequal strife, with beautiful floral offerings. Afterwards they returned to the Church and listened to a brief address from Mr. Alex. B. Cochran, on the same subject.

At night Messrs. Harrison, Effinger, Cochran & Echols addressed the citizens of Mt. Solon and vicinity, on the political condition of the country. Their very interesting speeches were listened to with more than ordinary interest, by ladies and gentleman, and a small attendance of colored voters, up to a very late hour. It is to be regretted that the people towards Sangersville, Emmanuel's Church and North River Gap were not represented in the meeting. Our speakers ought to take more pains to inform the people of the necessity of seeing that their names were correctly registered before, and if in different precincts or counties that they get certificates in time to place themselves on the list where they will now vote. -- Many are ignorant of this necessity.

Mr. Jno. J. Cupp addressed the voters of Mt. Zion last night, on the subject of the present canvass. TOM.

Appeal to the Tunkers
(Column 05)

Summary: Prints an appeal by General Chrisman to those who are thinking about not registering to protest the proposed constitution. He tries to convince them that the constitution will soon be adopted and so the best thing for everyone to do is to strike out the most objectionable clauses and secure the gubernatorial and legislative elections.

Full Text of Article:

From an appeal by Gen. H. Chrisman, Esq., of Rockingham, to the Tunkers of that county, we make the following extract:

It is agreed on all hands, that the constitution will be adopted, in one shape or another, and it behooves you to reflect most seriously upon what will be our condition, if the constitution shall be adopted in its present shape, with a large class of our most intelligent citizens excluded from voting, and almost the whole white population excluded from all the offices and from serving on juries. The taxing power, too, in the hands of the black man, who having but little property to be taxed, it would not be manifest to them, that they would suffer by high taxes; and those who would have control of them, and would hold most of the offices, would have a direct interest in high taxes to lavish the money upon themselves.

Can you live under such a Government as that? It almost takes the breath to think of it. And we appeal to you, as you regard your own interest, and the welfare of your children, not to stand idly by whilst we are struggling, but to come forward in all your strength, to help us to avoid this great calamity. You can have no higher duty than that of self-preservation, and if you stand off now, and for want of your aid, this constitution with the two clauses, which we now have it in our power to strike out, shall be fastened upon us, you will reproach yourselves as long as you live. If we strike out these two objectionable clauses, and elect a conservative Governor and conservative legislature to administer the Government, we can live under it, and in a short time, we may ameliorate it so that we may prosper.

Some thinking men are very apprehensive that this constitution, in its present shape, will be fixed upon us. I do not, and I will not despair. If the white men of Virginia do their duty, the Conservatives will not only be successful, but they will be triumphant. But to do our duty, every man must register, who can register, and he must vote.

No man must think that his single vote is not important. The result is made up of individual votes, and though we may be in the middle of harvest, that must not stand in the way; better, far better, that the whole harvest should be lost, than that the Constitution should be fastened upon us in its present shape. Let us amend it, and then adopt it."

An Important Matter
(Column 05)

Summary: An anonymous contributor urges the editors to get blacks to register so that they can be properly taxed and assigned to road duty.

Full Text of Article:

MESSRS. EDITORS:--I wish you would urge all the colored people of the county to register promptly. The Commissioner of the Revenue will soon be making out his lists of persons liable to taxation and to work on the roads. He often finds it difficult to ascertain which of the colored people are liable to tax, and to do road duty. Now if they will proceed to register at once, the Commissioner will know exactly in what district they live, and when the Sheriff goes around to collect his tax, he will know exactly where to lay his hands on the men who are liable to be called on to pay.

PUBLIC

Conservative Ticket
(Column 01)

Summary: The Convention at the Court House nominated the following for the Conservative Ticket: Joseph A. Waddell for Senate and Alex B. Cochran, H. M. Bell, and Marshall Hanger for the House of Delegates.
(Names in announcement: Joseph A. Waddell, Alex B. Cochran, H. M. Bell, Marshall Hanger)

Voting Places
(Column 01)

Summary: Listed the polling precincts of each district in Augusta county and the rules and regulations for voting in the upcoming election.

Full Text of Article:

The following polling precincts in Augusta county have been established for the election of July the 6th:

1st. Dist.--Dividing line, Greenville road to Beverly Street. Persons living West of Greenville road and South of Beverly Street, will vote at the Court-house. Persons living East of Greenville road and South of Beverly Street, will vote at Piper's new Building, near Virginia Hotel Staunton.

2d. Dist.--Dividing line, Churchville road to Augusta Street. Persons living North of Churchville road and East of Augusta Street, will vote at Town Hall. Staunton. Persons living South of Churchville road and West of Augusta Street, will vote at the old Market House, Staunton.

3rd. Dist.--Middlebrook, Cragsville & Swoope's Mill, same boundaries as formerly except that persons living in the Newport Precinct will vote at Middlebrook.

4th. Dist.--Greenville and Midway--same boundaries as formerly except that persons living in the Stuart's Draft precinct will vote at Greenville.

5th. Dist.--Waynesboro, Fishersville and Sherando.

6th. Dist.--New Hope and Mount Meridian.

7th. Dist.--Mount Sidney and Spring Hill.

8th Dist.--Mount Solon and Parnassus.

9th Dist.--Churchville and Deerfield.

The five last mentioned Dist's have same boundaries as formerly. Persons are required to vote in the precinct in which they reside but if they show to the Commissioners of Election that for want of notice or other good reason they failed to vote at the proper precinct, and make oath that they have not voted before at the election, they MAY vote at any precinct in their magisterial district.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Waldo M. Allen has been appointed Mayor of Staunton.
(Names in announcement: Waldo M. Allen)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: H. M. Bell and Alex B. Cochran will address the citizens of Staunton at the Court House on June 22nd. "The colored people are invited to attend."
(Names in announcement: H. M. Bell, Alex B. Cochran)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper proclaimed that "Augusta is at work." Addresses have been delivered at Mt. Sidney, New Hope, Waynesboro, Churchville, Greenville, Middlebrook, and Mt. Solon.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Wesleyan Female Institute will hold its annual soiree at the chapel of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute this evening. Final Exercises will be held next week.

Dinner and Fair
(Column 01)

Summary: The ladies of the Methodist Episcopal Church South will hold their annual fair in the town hall beginning Thursday.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: A two-year-old son of George Hulvey died after his clothes caught fire near Samuel Landes' mill.
(Names in announcement: George Hulvey, Samuel Landes)

Attention Voters
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper warned registered voters who have moved to another precinct or magisterial district that they must get certificates of registration from the board in the district in which they registered.

Virginia Hotel
(Column 01)

Summary: The members of the Convention of the Association of Medical Superintendents for the Insane send thanks to Fred Scheffer, proprietor of the Virginia Hotel, for their excellent accommodations.
(Names in announcement: Fred Scheffer)

Closing Exercises of Augusta Female Seminary
(Column 02)

Summary: The Augusta Female Seminary celebrated their closing exercises with music and addresses.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William Flynn, Miss Baldwin, Rev. W. E. Baker, Amelia Brown, Esther Baird, Nannie Link, Aurelia Brown, Nannie McElwee, Nannie Link, Lizzie Kirkpatrick, Lucy Hamrick, Nealie Weade, Sue Matthews, Sallie Flinn, Nannie Fletcher, Virginia Payne, Flora Welch, Josephine Moore, Carrie Heiskell, Hattie Dunlap, Jennie Kent, Maggie Taylor, Lena Winston, Florine Smith, Anna Smith, Trigg McElwee, Mary Venable, Jennie Jones, Julia McCay, Josephine Moore, Anna Frazier, Gertrude Garrard, Helen Garrard, Annie Eyster, Bell Ruff, Allie Bell, Nina Jones, Kate Wilcox, Josie Moore, Annie McAllister, Bettie Bumgardner, Ella Mauzy, Emma Berry, Allie Bell, Mary Woodrow, Maria Davis, Jennie Parsons, Emma List, Bettie Bear, Lucy McNeal, Josie Brooks, Kate Skeen, Lucy Waddell, Lida Baird, Sarah Teabo, Jennie Mays, Emma Frazier, Maggie Stuart)

Colporteur Convention
(Column 03)

Summary: The Colporteur Convention of the American Tract Society has been in session in Staunton. Representatives of seven branches of the Christian Church have held discussions on all questions surrounding Missionary Colportage. The Convention passed resolutions of thanks to the Rev. J. I. A. Miller for use of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. They also thanked the Rev. G. B. Taylor and other local pastors, Staunton's hotel proprietors, and Maj. J. C. Covell, Principal of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute, for an invitation to school exercises.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. I. A. Miller, Rev. G. B. Taylor, Maj. J. C. Covell, C. R. Ross)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The stockholders of the Virginia Life Insurance Company of Staunton chose a Board of Directors at a recent meeting. "The 'Virginia' is organized in our midst as a purely southern company, to do a life insurance business, upon ample paid-in capital, through southern territory--its purpose being, as far as within its power, to keep at home in the South, for the benefit of our own people, the millions now being sent to northern companies to swell the aggregate of northern wealth at southern cost."
(Names in announcement: Maj. H. M. Bell, William H. Tams, Dr. B. Donghe, Edmond W. Bayly, M. Harvey Effinger, Rev. R. H. Phillips, John A. English, John Wayt)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: The Rev. John M. P. Atkinson, President of Hampden-Sidney College, and Miss Frances P. Stuart, daughter of Alexander H. H. Stuart, were married in Staunton at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. J. A. Latane.
(Names in announcement: Rev. John M. P. Atkinson, Frances P. Stuart, Alexander H. H. Stuart, Rev. J. A. Latane)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Joseph T. Prufer, infant son of Frank and Caroline Prufer, died in Staunton on June 19th. He was 11 weeks old.
(Names in announcement: Joseph T. Prufer, Frank Prufer, Caroline Prufer)