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

Valley Spirit: August 21, 1861 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Douglas Democrats and this War
(Column 4)

Summary: The Jeffersonian praises the Ohio Democrats who have condemned "in thunder tones the Lincoln Administration for its blind, stupid, unnatural and cruel policy of blood and devestation." The Jeffersonian believes that this is the beginning of a flood of popular opposition to the war.

Origin of Article: Jeffersonian

Concerning Treason
(Column 5)

Summary: Asserts that Republicans are wrongfully accusing Democrats of treason for the offense of disapproving of the Lincoln Administration.

Untimely Legislation
(Column 5)

Summary: Criticizes Congress for supporting the confiscation bill, which will free Southern slaves. The Star believes that such an act will unite the South behind the war effort.

Origin of Article: Washington Star

Full Text of Article:

Nothing could be more fortunate for the cause of the Union as involved in the current war, than the enactment of the confiscation bill now before Congress. As sent back to the Senate from the House, it seems to amount to a scheme for taking any and every man's negroes from him, who choose to fancy to be turned loose upon society. Or, in other words, to a virtual proclamation on the part of the Government that the end and aim of the war is to abolish slavery throughout the South.

So far as the hope of ending the contest speedily and at a reasonable pecuniary cost, is concerned, the enactment of such a law, will be eminently disastrous in its effect upon the Union cause. Were Congress to vote the oligarchy a hundred thousand soldiers, and raise, equip, and provision them for a year, the latter would not be as much strengthened for a prolonged contest, as by making the bill in question, law.

More than half the population of the South stand ready to side actively and earnestly against the oligarchy, so soon as the United States cripple their power by military means. Had we won the battle at Bull's Run instead of losing it, not one in ten of the people of Fairfax, Loudon, Jefferson, Frederick and Hampshire counties who failed to follow the oligarchic army, would have adhered twenty four hours afterwards to the "Southern Confederacy." With this bill a law, however, the effect will be to unite the most of the South as one man against the cause of Union, as being in reality a mere cover for a war for the extermination of slavery from the United States; and to engender throughout the North wide spread and embarrassing opposition to its prosecution with energy likely to bring it speedily to a triumphant issue.

We sustain the cause of the Government with heart and soul, as being the cause of the restoration of the Union; and there are millions on millions of the most reliable supporters of the Government's war policy, who, with us, deprecate a resort on its (the Government's) part to unmistakable revolutionary means to checkmate the oligarchy, as heartily as they deprecate the revolutionary means to which the oligarchy have resorted to compass the revolutionary ends at which they aim.

While we do not pretend to look to the Constitution and laws as they now exist, to furnish the means through which alone the Union may be restored, in the name of the millions of non-sympathizers with abolitionism now sustaining the Government with might and main, we protest earnestly against the unnecessary apparent entire change of the purpose and character of the war, that bids fair to be involved in the enactment of the bill in question, as amended in the House.

The Government may get volunteers without limit as to numbers, and money without stint, with which to fight for the restoration of the Union--but not apparently to work out the mere purposes of abolitionism.--Washington Star.

A Fast Day Appointed by teh President of the United States
(Column 1)

Summary: Lincoln has appointed the last Thursday in September as a national fast day.

Democratic County Meeting
(Column 1)

Summary: The Franklin Democrats met and decided to make the last Saturday in August the date of the county election to select delegates to the County Convention.
(Names in announcement: Jonathan Armstrong, Jonathan Orr, William Reed, David Skinner, John Wishart, William Kennedy, William H. Boyle, George W. Brewer, Wilson Reilly)

Republican Meeting
(Column 2)

Summary: Report of the Republican County meeting.
(Names in announcement: James Nill, William McLellan, McClure, D.W. Rowe)

Then and Now
(Column 3)

Summary: Criticizes those Douglas Democrats who continue their efforts to keep the Democratic Party divided.

Full Text of Article:

There is a strong effort being made by a few men, in this place, who had assumed the lead of the Douglas wing of the Democratic party, to keep up division in the party, and in case they cannot succeed in that to go over to the Republicans and take all they can with them. They will signally fail in both these under-hand movements. The party has only to be told of their designs to eschew both them and their treachery. The Democratic party is no longer divided and as to any portion of the sound Democracy going over to the Republicans we have no fears on that score. The Democratic party is a party of principles and not the blind follower of any particular politician. When the party unfortunately divided in the late Presidential contest neither wing gave up or changed its name. That issue being over old feuds are buried and the Democratic party is this day as firmly united in one solid phalanx as ever it was before. To be told that Democrats must join the Republican party in order to "save the Union," or be loyal to the Government, is an insult that the Government, is an insult that no Democrat with a soul in him will brook. The Democratic party has ever stood up for the WHOLE COUNTRY, its CONSTITUTION and its LAWS, and has never changed its name or its principles, and will not likely do so now to SAVE a corrupt sectional party that has brought upon the country all the ruin and disgrace under which it is suffering.

We have no apprehensions that the Douglas wing of the party will join hands with the Republicans. The men composing it are as true to Democratic principles as any other portion of the party. There are now no differences in the party, and the Republicans, much as they would desire to effect it, will not be allowed to create any. When the first Douglas Meeting was held in this place one of the resolutions adopted at that meeting read thus:--

"It is the duty of every Democratic organization to recognize the principles for which the party has BATTLED IN THE PAST and to which she is IRREVOCABLY COMMITTED FOR THE FUTURE, as the creed of the party, and that every failure to give adhesion to these principles, by individuals or organizations, places those individuals and organizations outside the Democratic Family."

Douglas Democrats must not be told, with this resolution adopted at their meeting before them, that the principles for which they "battled for in the past" and to which they pledged themselves as "committed for the future" are the principles of the Chicago platform. They know better than that and can therefore, never act upon principle in joining hands with the Republicans. Whenever that "unholy alliance" takes place they must, according to their own showing, be considered "outside the Democratic Family."

The preamble to the "Douglas and Johnston club," organized at this place, set forth that--

"The success of the Democratic Party--the only true national organization--is essential to the PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE COUNTRY, the INTEGRITY OF THE CONSTITUTION, and the PERPETUITY OF THE UNION."

Let those who do not believe now what they professed to believe then, that this is the mission of the Democratic party, slide over to the Republicans. We want no man in our ranks who is so stupid that he can be made to believe that the only way to save the Union is to save the Republican party! If there are any such we would like to see a formal withdrawal of their names from the Constitution to the above named Club before they stand side by side with Republicans on the Chicago platform. If they have changed their opinions and no longer believe that the "success of the Democratic party is essential to the peace and prosperity of the Country, the integrity of the Constitution and the perpetuity of the Union," they should; for consistency sake, withdraw their names from the "Douglas and Johnston Club" before amalgamating with Republicans.

Where We Stand
(Column 4)

Summary: Lambastes the Republican effort to destroy the Democratic party.

A Take In
(Column 4)

Summary: Asserts that the Republican-sponsored Union meeting was nothing more than an attempt to take in a few Democrats, deceiving them into leaving the Democratic party.

Hard to Please
(Column 5)

Summary: Criticizes the local Republican newspapers for their hypocritical stance on the "no- party" issue.

Won't Go Down
(Column 5)

Summary: The Spirit expresses its surprise at the fact that many leading local Republicans oppose the new Union party. These men feel that the new party is merely an attempt to unseat loyal Republicans while seizing offices for the members of the Union party.

A National Debt
(Column 6)

Summary: Notes with disapprobation the rising national debt owing to war preparations.

How is It?
(Column 6)

Summary: Notes that, when Rowe left the Democrats and switched to the Republican party, the Douglas Club expelled him. The Spirit wonders whether the Club will do the same to Nill now that he too has joined the Republicans.
(Names in announcement: D. W. Rowe, Nill)

The Dutch have Taken Holland
(Column 6)

Summary: The Spirit insists that few Democrats have actually gone over to the Republicans, despite recent Republican attempts to entice Democrats into their meetings. As proof, the Spirit notes that, of the 390 names on the attendance list at the recent Republican County meeting, only 30 have had any association with the Democratic party.

Nill's Speech
(Column 6)

Summary: The Spirit says that the only good part of Nill's speech to the Republican Convention was where he condemned the traitor Floyd, a stance already taken by the Spirit.
(Names in announcement: Nill, Floyd)

J. Allison Eyster
(Column 6)

Summary: Notes that Eyster's family has received correspondence from him saying he is well and is likely to be released soon. He was taken captive in Virginia while on business.
(Names in announcement: J. Allison Eyster)

[No Title]
(Column 6)

Summary: Notes that the Republican papers try to disassociate themselves from the abolitionists, but are too closely aligned with them to succeed.

Speaking to the Point
(Column 1)

Summary: Takes exception to the maligning of Democratic patriotism by the Republicans.

Attitude of the Democratic Party
(Column 2)

Summary: Points out that the Democratic party, which for years warned that the constant agitation on the slavery question would lead to war, has been proven right.

"Treason!"
(Column 3)

Summary: The Spirit again takes issue with charges of treason made by Republicans against those who criticize the Lincoln Administration.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Points out that while bearing the brunt of the war, Virginia doesn't stand to profit as much as her Southern allies. In addition, the glory of her leaders is overshadowed by those of South Carolina and Mississippi.

Origin of Article: Boston Post

Party Issues and the Union
(Column 3)

Summary: The Spirit yet again declares itself loyal to the Government but opposed to the current Administration and its policies.

Court Proceedings
(Column 5)

Summary: List of cases disposed of in County Court for the August term. Commonwealth vs. John Dickson (colored)--assault and battery. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. Louisa Wayman (col'd)-- Assault and battery. Verdict: plead guilty. Commonwealth vs. Eliza and Harriet Swingley (col'd)--Surety of the Peace. Commonwealth vs. Louisa Wayman--Surety of the Peace. Commonwealth vs. Daniel Clem--Larceny. Verdict: not guilty. Commonwealth vs. Dr. James Dyarmine and Jane Piper--Assault and battery. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. Mary Starlipper--Infanticide and concealing birth of bastard child. Verdict: not gulty. Commonwealth vs. Martha Stephenson (col'd)--Surety of the peace. Commonwealth vs. Jacob Butler--Burglary. Verdict: not guilty. Commonwealth vs. George Goettman--Fornication and bastardy on oath of Mary Rollin. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. Henry Snider--Larceny. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. Martin Small--Malicious Mischief. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. Henry Hooker--Larceny. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. George Hackerdorn--Murder. Defendant was charged with participating in the riot that led to the murder of Frank Jones. Verdict: not guilty. Commonwealth vs. John Bowermaster--Fornication and bastardy on oath of Sarah Stine. Verdict: guilty. Commonwealth vs. Charlotte Gelwix--Assault and battery. Alleged that she abused two children while she was their house keeper. Verdict: not guilty. Commonwealth vs. David Ramsey (col'd)--Surety of the Peace. Commonwealth vs. Washington Winter--Surety of the Peace. Commonwealth vs. John Shearer--Assault and battery. Verdict: Commonwealth vs. Jesse Thomas (col'd)--Larceny. Commonwealth vs. Aug. Fisher--Assault and battery. Commonwealth vs. Wm. Rupert--Selling Liquor to minors and drunkards on Sunday. Commonwealth vs. Daniel Rapp--Assault and battery. Commonwealth vs. John Bowermaster--Assault and battery. Commonwealth vs. Catharine Stine--Assault and battery. Common pleas: Francis Bowden vs. Wm. Kreps; Lewis Forney vs. Wm. Amberson and Abraham Frant. Nimrod Davis vs. Reside and Morrell.
(Names in announcement: John Dickson(colored), Mary Dickson(colored), Louisa Wayman, Eyster, Clark, Eliza Swingley, Harriet Swingley, Daniel Clem, Reilly, Mrs. Sharp, Everett, Dr. James Dyarmine, Jane Piper, Mary Starlipper, Stumbaugh, Douglas, Martha Stephenson(colored), Jacob Butler, George Goettman, Rollin, John Reasener, Henry Snider, Martin Somall, John B. Hutton, George Knepper, Henry Hooker, George Hackerdorn, Frank Jones, Bonebreak, John Bowermaster, Sarah Stine, Charlotte Gelwix, Rebecca Lightner, Sarah Lightner, David Ramsey(colored), Richard Parker(colored), Sarah McGaughlin, Washington Winter, John Shearer, Susan Shearer, Jesse Thomas(colored), Aug. Fisher, Wm. Rupert, Samuel Bradley, Christian Walt, Benjamin Miller, Daniel Rapp, Mary Rapp, John Bowermaster, Catherine Bowermaster, Catherine Stine, Jacob Stine, Rebecca Bowermaster, Francis Bowden, William B. Kreps, Lewis Forney, Wm. Amberson, John Schultz, Michael Argemiller, Nimrod Davis)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Married on August 8.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. McHenry, Samuel Strock, Mrs. Sarah Strock)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Died on August 2 at age 48 years.
(Names in announcement: Sarah George)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Died on August 7 at age 74 years.
(Names in announcement: John Wiland)

The Great Storm in the West
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that a huge rainstorm struck the Chicago area.

High Taxes and Low Wages
(Column 2)

Summary: Criticizes the new Republican taxes, which are disproportionately borne by working people.

Origin of Article: Allentown Democrat

Full Text of Article:

The burdens of taxation are increasing, and the wages of the working people are decreasing. These facts will not be denied, and the result none can foretell. They throw over the future a gloomy prospect, and provoke the enquiry as to the causes.

It will not be forgotten that our State Legislature appropriated $3,500,000 for war purposes; besides legislating out of the State Treasury many millions more for the benefit of two soulless railroad companies. Then a law was passed to increase the State taxes yearly two and one-half mills, to pay the interest on the war loan; and another law was passed to authorize the county Commissioners and Associate Judges, to increase the County taxes to pay for the support of the families of absent volunteers. This additional tax programme is not for one year only, but for many years--with the certainty of a like increase being made to the same annually as long as the war continues and corrupt legislation is tolerated for the benefit of railroad speculators. Next we see Congress pass a tax bill providing for the raising of $20,000,000 as an additional revenue for defraying the expenses of the government--Pennsylvania's quote of the tax is $1,916,719. A direct tax shall be laid on the value of all lands and lots of ground, with their improvements and dwelling houses, which several articles subject to taxation shall be enumerated and valued, by the respective assessors, at the rate each of them is worth in money on the first day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-two. A tax of 8 per cent per annum is to be laid on all yearly incomes of over $800. Gold watches are to be taxed $1; silver watches 50 cents. Carriages are to be taxed from one to fifty dollars each, in accordance with their value. The tariff laws of the last session have also been changed, providing an indirect tax upon the consumptions of life--that is, a duty or war tax has been fixed upon sugar, coffee, teas, molasses, spices, &c., &c., which will increase their price about one third. Of these articles the laboring man consumes as much as the President of the United States or as the millionaire, consequently, under the operation of this new tariff, the laboring man who works for seventy-five cents a day must pay towards the support of the Government, on these articles, just as much as the richest man in the land, or else must deny himself the use of these articles which have become necessaries of life, and more so to the poor than to the rich. The laboring man, who, in his family, consumes 100 pounds of coffee, 200 pounds of sugar, and ten pounds of tea in a year, will, under the operation of this tariff, pay towards towards [sic] the support of the Government, on these articles alone, a tax of from twelve to fifteen dollars per year, and at the same time, his wages must be reduced in consequence of the prostration of trade and the scarcity of labor and employment. Is this the protection promised by the Republican leaders last fall? Is this the change for which so many of our laboring men were induced to vote for Curtin and Lincoln? These are Republican "good times!"--this is the way they propose to restore the country back to the primitive days of its prosperity!--this is what the "Union Savers" were such fools for trying to prevent! May Heaven protect us from the rule of Republican rulers.--Allentown Democrat