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Valley Spirit: March 9, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Border Claims
(Column 01)

Summary: Senses victory in the border claims fight and urges all legislators favorable to the measure to back down in the face of possible criticism. Also has commendable comments for Governor Geary, hoping to secure his support for the measure as well. Stresses his war record and knowledge of what war can do to a community.

Full Text of Article:

From the information in our possession, we believe there is a majority, a very decided majority, in each branch of the Legislature in favor of paying the border claims. The present Legislature has a larger number of men of intelligence, honesty, and independence, than any one that has assembled for many years. Many of them are young men who have been for the first time entrusted with political power. But they are young men of mark in their respective districts. They have gone to Harrisburg to do what they believe to be right. When, therefore, a claim, so manifestly just as that of the people of the border, is presented to their consideration, they can not help but acknowledge its justice and, believing it to be right, can not fail to give it their support. Many of them come from districts where the armed legions of the enemy never trod. They were not forced to witness the footprints of blood which the invader left behind him. And now, when they listen to the recital, or read the story of the sufferings of our people, all the sympathies of their hearts must go out towards us, and notwithstanding the unprincipled attacks of enemies who are influenced by sordid motives, their sense of justice, and sympathy for our condition, and lofty independence constrain them to come cheerfully to our help.

There are others of more mature years and enlarged experience who have been, for a long time, our steadfast friends. Some of these men were enrolled in the ranks of the Union army and served the nation faithfully in the hour of her need. They were willing to lay down their lives as so many sacrifices upon the altar of patriotism. They know what war is, not from hearsay, not from the pen of history, but from their own actual observation. And with the recollection of events that made the blood curdle in their veins fresh in their memory, they can not fail to realize how deeply the people of the border suffered at the hands of an insolent foe. They are ready to aid us with their votes, trusting to time and sober reflection to justify their action. To such men, the gross misrepresentations and wilful and deliberate falsehoods that have been put afloat, are but as the idle wind. They are not to be moved by the tongue of calumny, or the pen of the hired libeler. They well know that the majority of their constituents are men of philanthropic natures, and that when the real facts are made known to them, they will approve their conduct.

In those classes of men we put our trust. We care nothing for the support of a man who trembles at the faintest whisper of disapprobation that comes from the lips of some hard-hearted miser who prizes his money bags above his own soul. The poor, weak-kneed representative who is afraid to take the responsibility of doing right, through fear that some lynx-eyed sharper may denounce him for the act, deserves our pity more than we deserve his aid. We want the votes of men who know their duty, and knowing, dare to perform it. Such men are always appreciated. It is the man who is bold in the performance of his duty that shapes and gives tone to the sentiment of his community. Men come to rely upon his judgment. Instead of being led, he becomes a leader. He needs not to proffer his counsel. It is sought for continually and consistently. Chance has nothing to do with his success. He carves out his own fortune. Greatness is not thrust upon him. He achieves it because he deserves it. Such men there are who take a lively interest in the success of the movement to pay those who have been impoverished by the war. And when these claims shall have been liquidated, as we do not doubt they will be at some day not far distant, they will be honored as those who have preserved the escutcheon of our State pride from the dishonor with which it is now sought to tarnish it by refusing to pay the just obligations of the State. That distinguished statesman and lawyer, Hon. J. S. Black, has well said that he can see no reason why payment of these claims should be refused, unless upon the principle announced by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, that "he did not intend to fritter away his money in paying his debts."

And if this bill should pass both branches of the Legislature, will it meet with opposition in the Executive Chamber? We hope, we believe not. Governor Geary has been a soldier. He served in the war with Mexico. He moved in the midst of the horrors of "bleeding Kansas." He unsheathed his sword in the gigantic conflict which ended the suppression of the late rebellion. He was an eye witness of the desolation which marked the path of large armies. He saw the horrors of war in all their startling and painful reality. He knows the destruction of property which was occasioned even by the hurried tramp of raiding parties. And the far greater devastation which was caused by the march of a large invading army he was perfectly familiar with. His was a soldier's life and a soldier's experience. All the manufactured stories of the ridiculous insignificance of the losses of the people of the border counties do not find a believer in him. Besides, he appointed some of the Commissioners who adjudicated these claims. They were men in whom he had confidence, and he knows that they stand high in the estimation of their fellow-citizens. They have filed at Harrisburg the result of their best judgment as to the value of the property destroyed and taken, and he, no doubt, is satisfied that they discharged their duty in a conscientious manner.

And again, Governor Geary has visited our people. He has seen the portion of our town that was swept by the devouring flames. He has been informed of the terrible anxiety of mind, the horrible suspense, and the far more horrid realities to which our citizens were subjected. And he has expressed the utmost sympathy for those who were plundered by the enemy and those whose homes were fired by rebel torches. In a speech made at Mercersburg in the fall of 1868, he expressed, unreservedly, his opinion that these claims ought to be paid. Surely there can be no difficulty in the mind of the Governor as to the expediency and justice of affording the relief now prayed for. Let but the Legislature pass the bill that will be presented to it, and the Governor will have an opportunity to do a nobler act of justice and humanity than has ever fallen to the lot of any Chief Magistrate of Pennsylvania. And he certainly will not fail to seize it. We, of course, cannot write from personal knowledge, but we base our judgement on his great experience, his full information of the real facts of the case, his never suppressed, but openly expressed sympathy for our people, and his determination to have the State discharge its just obligations, so that it may not be said that his administration ever cast disgrace upon the fair name and fame of our grand old Commonwealth.

Still More Reconstruction. The States to be Attacked.
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports with outrage General Butler's plans to institute reconstruction again in Tennessee and Georgia. Claims he is doing it solely for political reasons, since those two states went Democratic recently. Also charges the architects of the scheme with fraud and corruption, gives an example of an arms dealer.

Full Text of Article:

Not satisfied with the monstrous usurpation of power that Congress has already resorted to in the reconstruction of the rebel States, the infamous Ben Butler is now preparing a bill for the reconstruction of Tennessee. The papers inform us that "a Tennessee delegation of republicans had a meeting at Butler's house, where they compared notes, and Maynard presented the draft of a bill which he had prepared. Butler said he was thoroughly satisfied of the necessity of reconstructing Tennessee, and had no doubt of the power of Congress over the subject. He said he would take Mr. Maynard's bill and merge it into his own."

Where is this thing to stop? Are the people to sit quiet and allow the rights of States to be violated, and State Governments to be overthrown, by such fanatical scoundrels as the plunderer of New Orleans? Tennessee went regularly through the reconstruction mill. She has her representatives and Senators in Congress. She is a sovereign State. Upon what plea is she to be thrown back under the rule of a military despot? If the Committee on Reconstruction, and Congress under their lead, can undertake to do this, they may do the same thing with any State of the Union. There will be no limit to their power, and, of course, no limit to its exercise.

The reason for this proposed conduct is the fact that Tennessee defeated the Radical Stokes for Governor and elected the Conservative Senter. It grieves Butler that he did not so hamper her people and restrict them to such a degree, as that she could not be entitled to representation unless she would elect Radicals to all the offices. He now intends to supply this omission. The State is to be thrown back to the protection of the military power, and then things are to be done according to the notions of the epaulleted gentlemen who will be selected to do the dirty work. And, when Brownlow "shuffles off this mortal coil," as he is expected to do very soon, one of these booted and spurred individuals will be elected, as Ames was in Mississippi, to fill his place. Of course this will be a spontaneous tribute of the people to the worth of the fellow who has lorded it over them with the bayonet. What a farce this whole business is in a republic! Why not turn Congress into a Parliament, and the President into a King?

There is a bill now before the House of Representatives which proposes to reconstruct Georgia. The Radical leaders are well assured that Georgia will go Democratic. Hence Bulter's proposition is to continue Governor Bullock in office for an indefinite period. The villainy of this scheme was well exposed in a speech by Mr. Farnsworth on Saturday, from which we clip the following extract.

There is an easier way of maintaining our ascendency in the nation than by holding elections--that way, by act of Congress. That is the way to do it. The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Butler) had yesterday raised the cry of murder in the House. Whenever he wanted to pass one of these reconstruction bills he got up in the House, and, with flaming nostrils and raised hands, bawled out, "Murder! murder!!" and by a hue and cry of that sort got his bill passed.

Whenever one of these bills was to be passed the Washington Chronicle published accounts of so great outrages that immediately the Reconstruction Committee was called together and a bill reported to the House. He remembered that last year a gentleman, a verry clever fellow, but whose politics were always those of the reigning dynasty, who had sold arms to the people of Georgia in the winter of 1860-61 with which to shoot down Union soldiers, went down to Georgia, and with the assistance of Governor Bullock, manipulated the Legislature, and got a commission appointed to examine his claim for payment for these arms. The commission was manipulated so as to make a favorable report, but the Legislature refused to adopt or to pay the claim. There upon that man came on to Washington full of sorrow, his heart wrung to its very depths, with tears in his eyes over the terrible persecutions of the negroes and loyal men of Georgia. That man was in favor of the reconstruction of Georgia at once. What was his touchstone? It was that he could get his $25,000 and interest for the arms that he had sold in the State of Georgia.

He (Mr. Farnsworth) felt that the passage of this bill, and the prolonging of the terms of office of the men who now controlled the State of Georgia, authorizing Governor Bullock to commence de novo, and putting the power of the State into his hands, would be a most infernal outrage on the taxpayers of the State. He believed that this bill was in the interest of a few people, who desired to perpetuate their reign so that they might put money in their purses.

The Massacre of the Indians
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper criticizes the Grant administration for a massacre of western Native Americans. The editors argue that Grant has violated his campaign slogan "let us have peace" with his actions toward both the South and the western Indian tribes.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Rev. S. J. Milligan of Academia, Pa., will preach in the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church.

"Peculiar People"
(Column 01)

Summary: John B. Gough will lecture on "Peculiar People" at Repository Hall on March 31st. Tickets are 75 cents.
(Names in announcement: John B. Gough)

Sudden Death
(Column 01)

Summary: Samuel Linn, son of John Linn, died suddenly on Tuesday evening. He had been to school all day and was 15 years old. John Linn recently suffered losses in a fire at his home and is now doubly afflicted. The community extends its sympathy.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Linn, John Linn)

Town Meeting
(Column 01)

Summary: The Border Claimants will meet at the Court House tomorrow.
(Names in announcement: A. H. M'Culloh, William H. Boyle, William C. McNulty, Frank Elliot, H. Bishop, C. H. Gardon, Christian Burkhart, Auge Duncan, S. F. Greenawalt, E. G. Etter, J. Jeffries, William Gelwicks, P. Heafner)

The Concert
(Column 01)

Summary: A concert for the benefit of the poor was held in Repository Hall on Monday night. The Chambersburg Cornet Band "entertained the visitors with excellent music." The event raised $125.

Robbery and Attempted Incendiarism
(Column 02)

Summary: Another incident involving robbery and attempted incendiarism occurred in Mercersburg. The paper attributes the crime to "the villains who infest that portion of our County." Thieves entered Frank H. Johnson's gunsmith shop, broke into a chest, took $21 in money, and stole a number of valuable tools. Johnson estimates his loss at $100. They then entered James P. Starliper's saddler shop and set fire to it using powder from the gun shop. It is not known if they stole anything from the saddler shop. The fire alarm sounded between 10 and 11 and the flames were extinguished after destroying two sets of harness and most of Starliper's tools.
(Names in announcement: Frank H. Johnson, James P. Starliper)

Franklin Co. Horticultural Society
(Column 03)

Summary: The Franklin County Horticultural Society met and fixed the date of their spring exhibition for the 10th and 11th of June. The Rev. P. S. Davis and Mr. Reed spoke on flower cultivation.
(Names in announcement: Rev. P. S. Davis, Reed, Rev. J. A. Crawford)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Samuel M. Atwell and Miss Mattie E. Jarrett, both of Chambersburg, were married at the Methodist Parsonage on March 1st by the Rev. S. Barnes.
(Names in announcement: Samuel M. Atwell, Mattie E. Jarrett, Rev. S. Barnes)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: James T. Wood and Miss Mandie A. McFerrin, both of Chambersburg, were married at the Methodist Parsonage by the Rev. S. Barnes on January 20th.
(Names in announcement: James T. Wood, Mandie A. McFerrin, Rev. S. Barnes)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: William Reynolds and Miss Mary S. Dovenberger, both of Maryland, were married at the Washington House in Chambersburg on March 1st by the Rev. A. C. Felker.
(Names in announcement: William Reynolds, Mary S. Dovenberger, Rev. A. C. Felker)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: G. W. Pence and Miss Kate C. Winnfield, both of Greencastle, were married at the residence of William Kreps on February 27th by the Rev. G. D. Penepacker.
(Names in announcement: G. W. Pence, Kate C. Winnfield, William Kreps, Rev. G. D. Penepacker)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Jeremiah Liner and Miss Susan Hartman, both of Middleburg, were married on February 22nd by David Barnhart, the Justice of the Peace.
(Names in announcement: Jeremiah Liner, Susan Hartman, David Barnhart)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Mrs. Louisa Deal, wife of J. Wesley Deal, died in Chambersburg on February 28th.
(Names in announcement: Louisa Deal, J. Wesley Deal)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Mrs. Rosanna Pool, wife of Levi Pool, died near Greencastle on February 23rd. She was 37 years old.
(Names in announcement: Rosanna Pool, Levi Pool)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: John Frantz died near Greencastle on February 24th. He was 79 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Frantz)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: John Read died in Middleburg on February 27th. He was 57 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Read)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Mrs. Catharine Springer died near Waynesboro on March 1st.
(Names in announcement: Catharine Springer)