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Staunton Vindicator: January 1, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

[No Title]
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Summary: Praises the recent general amnesty issued by President Johnson. Hopes Congress will take the same tact and remove all political restrictions from disfranchised Southerners.

Full Text of Article:

Elsewhere we publish the proclamation of the President declaring a full pardon and amnesty, "unconditionally and without reservation, to each and every one who, 'directly or indirectly," participated in the late insurrection or rebellion, which he presented to the people as a Christmas Gift.

This noble act of the President has been met by an almost universal approbation of the press of the whole country. Even some of the most radical papers of the North hail it as most wise and proper, and declare it to be in accord with the general sentiment of the country, which is now in favor of letting by-gones be by-gones and letting everybody in the South start afresh, as the penalties inflicted, already, upon the Southern people have been sufficiently great.

As to the effect of this proclamation there is quite a diversity of opinion. All agree that it will stop all prosecutions against persons charged with treason and prevent any further action against any who committed any act hostile to the United States, during the late war.

Whether it will restore to political privileges those who were disfranchised by the reconstruction acts is the question. Those acts were not intended to destroy the Constitutional power of the President to proclaim a general amnesty and pardon, but were enacted to suit the exigency of the times, as Congress thought, and would seem to declare that Congress had a like power to pardon.--Some contend, however, that Congress must remove the disabilities of all politically disabled by the reconstruction acts. This is likely to be the construction of Congress, but we have hopes that that body will see the great good to be accomplished by a general amnesty and remove, at one blow, the disabilities of all mentioned above. It would be a most happy sequel to the act of the President and would tend greatly to the speedy restoration of that peace and good will so essential to the prosperity and well-being of the whole country.

Whether this be done or not, the President has signalized the close of his administration by an act of clemency which will redound to his great praise through all time to come.

Extension of the Stay Law
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Summary: Prints verbatim two orders by Generals Stoneman and Schofield concerning the extension of the stay-law in Virginia. Deals mainly with explaining procedures on settling questions of property transfers and ownership.

Full Text of Article:

The following is the general order extending the stay law, issued by Gen. Stoneman:

HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, STATE OF VIRGINIA, Richmond, Va., Dec. 22, 1868.--In view of the pecuniary distress and difficulties which must necessarily ensure throughout this military district upon the termination of the stay law on the first of January next, and in the absence of any Legislature or body competent to devise the appropriate remedy, therefore, it is ordered:

1. That the stay of executions against personal property, so far only as the same exists under laws now in force, and which by the provisions thereof expires on the said first day of January, 1869, shall be and is hereby extended until the first day of July, 1869, and, if on or before the said last named day the debtor shall have paid all the interest then due and owing thereon, such execution shall be further stayed until other orders from these or superior headquarters.

2. If, during the existence of this order, any debtor shall be eloigning any property, which, but for the existence of this order, would be liable to said execution, or shall dispose, or attempt to dispose of the same, to the prejudice of his creditor, it shall be lawful and right for such a creditor to apply to any Circuit Court, or to any judge thereof in vacation, giving reasonable notice of such application to the debtor, and said court or judge thereof in vacation, upon the statement under oath of the parties, and such legal evidence as they may adduce, may make an order to the clerk to issue said execution for the entire debt, interest and cost, or else dismiss such application with costs to either party, as to the said court or judge shall seem right.

3. General orders No. 24, of March 12th, 1868, are hereby continued in force, and the military commissioners and circuit judges intrusted with their execution are enjoined to observe and give effect to the same.

4. It is intended by this order that whilst affording relief to the debtor not to impair the rights of the creditor, but to preserve and enforce the same by subjecting the whole personal estate which is now exempt by the stay law to the lien of the creditor's execution, and at the same time enforce a prompt payment of a part of the debt, and an early payment of the remainder.

By command of Brevet Major General Stoneman. S.F. Chalfin.

Assistant Adjutant General

THe following is General orders No. 24, of March 12th, 1868, referred to above:

"HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, STATE OF VIRGINIA, Richmond Va., MARCH 12TH, 1868.--1. Sale of property under deeds of trust, when every civil remedy has been exhausted, will be suspended by the operation of this order in all cases where such sale would result in a ruinous and unnecessary sacrifice of property, or where the payment of interest when due, and of the principal in a reasonable time, can be secured without such sacrifice; and also in cases where such sale would leave a family of persons non compos or infirm, without means of support.

"2. In any case coming within the above conditions the grantor may apply by petition in writing in duplicate, under oath, to the military commissioner or circuit judge having jurisdiction of the place in which the property encumbered is located, setting forth a statement of all charges, encumbrances or liens relating to the property, and the material facts relied upon to support the petition. If the judge or commissioner be of opinion that the facts set forth are sufficient to sustain the petition, he will endorse such opinion on the duplicate petition, and cause one copy thereof to be served upon the trustee; whereupon the trustee shall suspend the sale, and it shall remain suspended until the said opinion of the judge or commissioner shall be withdrawn, or the grantor shall give his consent in writing to its discharge, or an order shall be made by the commanding general authorizing the sale.

"3. If it be demanded by the trustees or beneficiaries or other parties in interest, the judge or commissioner will hear all parties by evidence and counsel, and upon the facts as proved at such hearing will affirm or withdraw his previous opinion, or suggest to the parties such terms of compromise as to to him shall seem equitable and just. But either party may appeal from such final action of a judge or commissioner to the commanding general, give notice of his appeal in writing to the judge or commissioner, who will inform the other parties in interest, and in case of appeal by the grantor or parties claiming under him, the sale shall remain suspended until the decision of the commanding general is made known. All such appeals shall be accompanied with a copy of the original petition,with the opinion of the judge or commissioner endorsed thereon, and with a copy, certified by the judge or commissioner, of the record of facts proved before him.

"4. Reasonable expenses for clerical labor connected with the hearing may be directed by the judge or commissioner, to be paid by either or both parties, as shall seem to him just. In case of appeal, the expenses of such clerical work connected with the appeal shall be paid or secured by the applicant.

"5. It is the purpose of the commanding general hereafter as heretofore, not to interfere with the operation of the State laws as administered by the civil tribunals, except where the remedies thereby afforded are inadequate to secure to individuals substantial justice. It is expected that, in general, cases of the class referred to in this order will be settled by mutual concession and compromise between the parties, in accordance with the principles herein set forth, and that the orders of the commanding general will be required only in exceptional cases.

"By command of Brev. Maj. Gen. Schofield.

S.F. Chalfin,

Assistant Adjutant General

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Summary: The paper prints a letter from Robert E. Lee endorsing construction of the Valley Railroad. His word should carry weight since he "holds a high position in the veneration of the people not only of this State but of the entire South."

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Summary: This article lists Augusta members of the State Agricultural Society who are called upon to attend a meeting in Richmond.
(Names in announcement: A. Alexander, William J. D. Bell, J. Wayt Bell, Samuel H. Bell, John Brown, Jacob Baylor, John S. Byers, Samuel B. Brown, James Bumgardner, David S. Bell, Gideon Barnhart, Col. W. A. Bell, John S. Churchman, George W. Crawford, Mary B. Craig, T. Coiner, John Churchman, Thomas Calbraith, Samuel Cline, R. M. Craig, Dr. Addison Dold, Henry Eidson, Samuel B. Finley, Francis M. Finley, Daniel Forrer, Charles S. Guy, James Henderson, Samuel C. Harper, Henry Harrison, M. G. Harman, A. B. Irick, J. D. Imboden, Nicholas C. Kinney, Chesley Kinney, William Leslie, John C. McCue, George W. Mowry, W. S. McChesney, Franklin McCue, Nathaniel Massie, J. Marshall McCue, C. H. McCue, William J. Nelson, Isaac J. Parkins, Henry H. Peck, John Patterson, William Patrick, George Poage, Miss Reid, Jacob Sanger, Alexander H. H. Stuart, Jacob Shreckise, Jacob Smith, Adam Shultz, Gerard B. Stuart, William J. Shumate, William P. Tate, John Trimble, Simpson F. Taylor, George B. Trimble, William M. Tate, Rudolph Turk, Thomas A. Turk, Thomas P. Wilson, Silas A. Walker, James Walker)

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Summary: Charity Council Number 6, Friends of Temperance, held a Temperance Ball last Thursday. "Gay lads and merry lasses tripped the light fantastic toe until the wee small hours." Supper was served at 11:00. "Charity Council is one of the oldest in the State and has done great good in reclaiming many too greatly addicted to the use of ardent spirits. It is in a flourishing condition and we trust each week may add to its members and its influence."

Proceedings of the County Court
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Summary: Reports on some business at the County Court. Discusses one felony case, a renewed certification of a Notary Public, appointing commissioners for an upcoming election, etc.
(Names in announcement: J. M. McCue, J. W. Baldwin, R. G. Bickle, William A. Burke, N. K. Trout, Jessee Seeley, James Seeley, Samuel C. Whitmore, George F. Arey)

Full Text of Article:

Proceedings of County Court--J.M. McCue, presiding.

J.W. Baldwin renewed his bond as Notary Public.

R.G. Bickle, Wm. A. Burke and N.K. Trout were appointed a committee to consider the propriety of leasing to Magnus Cease a portion of the Jail Lot.

Jessee Seeley and Jas. Seeley, severally charged with felony, were found guilty by the jury, in one case, verdict set aside and new trial granted.

In the case of Jessee Seeley on another and similar charge, the jury failed to agree and were discharged.

Nine cases on the misdemeanor docket were disposed of.

An order was made appointing commissioners and officers for the election ordered to be held on the question of county subscription to the Valley Railroad, on the 6th of February next.

Samuel C. Whitmore was appointed Surveyor of public road, precinct 180, vice Geo. F. Arey, removed.

Nothing else of general interest transpired.

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Summary: Mr. Foster won a match for shooting champion of Augusta at the Fair Grounds.
(Names in announcement: Dr. W. B. Donaghe, J. B. SchererJr., Thomas E. Coleman, G. G. Gooch, David Foster)

Fires
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Summary: The house of David Hanger near West View was destroyed by fire on December 19th. On December 20th a can of phosphorus used by D. R. Blackburn to manufacture matches caught fire and burned much of his home.
(Names in announcement: David Hanger, D. R. Blackburn)

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Summary: Staunton Council No. 47, Friends of Temperance, elected officers, including J. W. Newton, President.
(Names in announcement: J. W. Newton, H. H. Peck, W. D. Candler, J. F. Maupin, John A. Noon, A. T. Maupin, John F. Rice, D. H. Shultz, Robert K. Rice, John A. Richardson)

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Summary: The paper reports that several Staunton schools set up Christmas Trees for the holidays.

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

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

Married
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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.
(Names in announcement: G. Lewis Dull, Sue V. Bowman, Rev. A. A. J. Bushong)

Married
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Summary: Dr. A. A. Stuart and Miss Eliza H. Davis, formerly of Staunton and daughter of the late William Davis of Rockbridge, were married on November 4th at the residence of the bride's mother in Congers, Georgia, by the Rev. J. L. Stuart.
(Names in announcement: Dr. A. A. Stuart, Eliza H. Davis, William Davis, Rev. J. L. Stuart)

Married
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Summary: Mr. D. East Beard and Miss M. Annie Rusmisel, both of Augusta, were married at Middlebrook on December 17th by the Rev. Ellis H. Jones.
(Names in announcement: D. East Beard, M. Annie Rusmisel, Rev. Ellis H. Jones)

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