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Staunton Vindicator: August 20, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

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Summary: This article questions whether or not General Canby will demand the test-oath of the recently elected Legislators. While evidence is conflicting, many suggest that the test-oath will indeed be demanded. If this be the case, newly elected Legislators will have to yield their seats to their opponents.

Full Text of Article:

The test oath question is that which agitates the public mind of Virginia to-day.--Will General Canby exact it of the lately elected members of the Legislature or not? That is the question. Some of our exchanges have indulged in able arguments to show that Gen Canby would not exact it. But of what avail if he determines to do so? He has required it of Commissioners of Chancery and we conclude he will require it of Legislatures, unless higher authority forbids it. Will this higher authority forbid it? We have conflicting telegrams and correspondence from Washington, the one declaring it will be required and the other denying it. As our readers are all interested in this question, we publish elsewhere the opinion of President Grant, as published by a heretofore unknown fellow, calling himself Tarbell, who has been interviewing him. If this be a true representation of Grant's views, he is as inconsistent as we supposed he would be when we read his inaugural--a perfect puppet in the hands of those who hold the wires. He will back up Canby on the test-oath question and thus over-ride the will of the whole people of Virginia, as expressed by an immense majority in the last election.

The best comment, perhaps, we have seen on the sentiments of a President, as to political parties in a State, we give below from the Alexandria Gazette

"To what a lamentable condition is our country reduced, when the fiat of the President, as to his choice of political parties in the States--and his decision--as to which section of a party is to be considered the "proper" one--are regarded as all important for the regulations of the opinions and votes of the people? Without shame, the politicians now go to Washington to elicit the Presidential edict for the regulation of party movement in the States or Provinces! Can there be a lower degradation in the administration of government? Principles are entirely disregarded! It is coming, to be the Imperial regime, under the forms of Republicanism. It is now, what does the President think? Think so, too. What does the President propose? That do!--Alas, for our country!"

Gen. Sherman, it is also reported, is in favor of exacting the test-oath of our Legislators. The Commander in Chief of the Army is, by act of Congress, given almost absolute power on this subject. If it really be true that he favors this course, we should like to know what has become of his vaunted Democracy, or what constitutes a Democrat in these degenerated times?

It is also reported that Attorney General Hoar has decided that the test-oath must be required by general Canby. At any rate, it looks very much like our Legislators elect, who can't take the test-oath, will have to give way to their opponents, whom they generally defeated by large majorities.

In that case the only consolation we can offer is, that at the next election the military and test-oaths will be out of the way, and the defeat the Radicals will experience will convince them that Virginians can and will rule Virginia.

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Summary: The Petersburg Index facetiously suggests that Gen. Canby will soon "issue an order requiring Notaries Public, Editors, Bar-keepers, Ministers who perform the marriage service, Blacksmiths who shoe Government horses, and pedestrians who pass by military headquarters in Richmond, to take the iron-clad oath."

Tribute of Respect
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Summary: A committee representing Staunton Lodge No. 45, I. O. O. F., issued a tribute of respect upon the death of fellow-member Joseph F. Winfield, Jr.
(Names in announcement: Joseph F. WinfieldJr., A. G. Points, Sandie Taylor, S. J. Davis, H. H. Forsyth, E. Hageman)

Long Needed
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Summary: Workmen are busy making much-needed improvements to the pavement and curbing on New Street.

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Summary: A new pavement is being laid from the residence of Job Turner to the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute. Though it is one of the most popular promenades in town, it had been in such poor condition that it had become almost impassable for ladies during bad weather.
(Names in announcement: Job Turner)

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Summary: The paper reports that the drought continues. The corn crop is in bad shape.

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Summary: Dr. Schultz, the "popular chirpodist," leaves town today. He will stop in Waynesboro for a few days where he will be at the Dettor House treating corns, bunions, bad nails, and warts. He is known for "skillful and painless" operations.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Schultz)

Sad Accident
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Summary: Joseph Winfield died while superintending the digging of a well for George A. Smith of Staunton. He fell after a draft of foul air caused him to faint.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Winfield, George A. Smith)

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Summary: Sam Finley and Walker Witts, two black men, died while digging a well near Greenville for J. Milton Brooks. Foul air was the cause.
(Names in announcement: Sam Finley, Walker Witts)

Died
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Summary: Walter Davis died near Barterbrook, Augusta County, on August 4th. He was 77 years old.
(Names in announcement: Walter Davis)