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Valley Virginian: April 25, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Our Honored Dead
(Column 06)

Summary: The paper publishes a list of Virginians buried in Staunton's Thornrose Cemetery.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that "the negroes in Norfolk, Va., during their celebration of the passage of the Civil Rights Bill, shot and killed two white men, a woman and child. They were led in the procession by a yankee lawyer."

Not Respectable
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper asserts that the only reason ex-Confederates hold office in the South is that there are no "respectable" alternatives. The Radicals, however, insist that "we shall elevate the disreputable trash that were vile before the war, viler during the war, and are now at their very vilest."

Full Text of Article:

Judge Sharkey told the Reconstruction Committee very plainly that the reason Secessionists filled all the offices in Mississippi was that, "we really had no material of respectability to run against them." Exactly, and as in Mississippi, so everywhere South. And yet radicalism insists upon it that we shall elevate the disreputable trash that were vile before the war, viler during the war, and are now at their very vilest. Put them in a post of profit merely and they will take the salary and neglect the duty. Place them in trust, and they will betray it; give them an office of honor and they will defile and degrade it. They have neither ability nor integrity. Entrust them with money and they will steal it. Put them where a little manliness is required, and they will fly at the appearance of the least danger, or cringe in abject terror at your feet. Knaves and pimps, they may be fit for the office North--not here.

Restoration
(Column 02)

Summary: This editorial argues that the policies of Thad Stevens and other "madmen" radicals are driving the Union apart rather than binding it together. The South must wait and hope that the policies of President Johnson win out in the end.

Full Text of Article:

Unity. The practical difficulties in the way of this most desirable result, are greater than even the most sagacious had supposed. Most of us thought that the governmental machine, so soon as the obstructions to its operations were removed, would work smoothly along in its usual and accustomated course. Bitter experience, however, is teaching us better. It is even more painful, and greatly more difficult, to restore a dislocated joint, than to make the dislocation; and it is long--very long before the restored limb regains its former ease and efficiency.

We must not then be too much surprised to find, that the restoration of dislocated States is both a painful and difficult operation; to find that the huge and comprehensive machine, so long revolving in new orbits, around new centers, will not suddenly change its motions, and resume the old directions, nor those portions of the machinery, whose operations were entirely suspended during the war be instantly [section unclear]. This result could scarcely be expected if all parties were honestly and earnestly endeavoring to affect a complete and harmonious restoration. Much patience and labor would still be required in readjusting and rebalancing the detached fragments of the disjointed machinery.

But the parties who seem to have most control over the machinery of government, to wit; Stevens and his radical crew, so far from linking together its separated parts are forcing them more widely asunder.

So far from binding up the bruised and broken limb, they are even tearing the muscles that hold the broken parts, regardless of the sufferings of the wretched victim of their barbarous singing. So far as they hold the reins, they imitate the career of Phaeton, when driving the chariot of the sun--and as little heed, that the ruin of a universe is the result of their reckless driving. It is of course idle to reason or remonstrate with these madmen. What power they have for mischief, they will exert; and we must make up our minds to endure what blows they can inflict. It is their nature, their interest, to strike, where the blow cannot be returned.

It is scarcely worth the while even to remind them of the old fable of the belly and the members, or hint, that whether States, Territories, or conquered dependencies, the Southern States are still members of one kind or other of the body politic; and therefore it is utterly impossible to hit Florida, without hurting New York, or to strike any other of these now insignificant and despised limbs, without doing some damage to the general body politic. These people can and will continue to belabour the defenceless Southern limbs, until the northern ones get tired of being hurt in that way themselves, and make them stop it.

How long a vile faction, supported by a minority of the people of the U. S., will be permitted to sport with the vast material interests of the country, in the indulgence of their lust for power, and their fanatical hatred of the South; how long the nation, or that portion of it who have still the means to resist, will submit to be driven to ruin, remains to be seen. How long a party whose every public act is in defiance of justice and constitutional right, in utter disregard of the national welfare, and conceived in the corrupt and selfish purpose of perpetuating their own power, and that power exerted only for tyranny and coveted only for oppression, likewise remains to be seen.

We have ample guarantees that the President wishes every [unclear] means in his power [section unclear], and we know the people of the North are holding up his hands. We know too that we are, and can only be, mere spectators of the great game in which we have such a terrible stake, can scarce utter a cheer of encouragement to the combatants in the arena--can only wait, and hope or despair.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces that a second base ball club, "called the Excelsior," has been organized in Staunton.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper advises Freedmen that they "must recollect that the Sheriff will require them to pay taxes and licenses, as well as white folks."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that H. Risk, inspector of spirits, has inspected "15,000 gallons of Whiskey, 600 gallons Apple Brandy, 976 gallons Beer and 178 gallons Wine" in Augusta County in the last four months.
(Names in announcement: H. Risk)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that Mr. McKeever and Mr. Plecker bought a steam saw mill in Woodstock which they plan to move to Augusta County.
(Names in announcement: McKeever, Plecker)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that the tax on the 15,000 gallons of whiskey and 600 gallons of apple brandy inspected in Augusta by Mr. H. Risk amounts to $30,900.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that "the people of Mt. Jackson are making an earnest movement to inter our dead, buried near that place. Let the good work go on until every Southern town can boast of its soldier's Cemetery and its monument to our fallen heroes."

The Arts
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that Talbot Coleman, "our gallant friend," has returned from New York where he had been studying "under the best masters, in painting in oil." Coleman is exhibiting some of his photographs painted in oil at Burdett's Gallery, and the result proves him "a master of his profession." "Mr. Coleman is associated with that superior Artist, Burdett, and a glance at their splendid gallery will convince the most skeptical that they have no cause to go away from home, to procure the finest picture taken in the country."
(Names in announcement: Talbot Coleman, Burdett)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports on the grand re-opening, "under the most flattering auspices," of the Virginia Hotel. "If we are to judge from the viands that were set before the guests on that occasion we predict for them abundant success. This Hotel has been fitted up in a style and manner that will convince all that no effort has been spared that would add to the comfort of their guests. The table groaned under the rich viands and delicacies which the season could afford. The servants are polite and attentive and everything seemed to move along with an eye to the comfort of all."

Death of Judge Thompson
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports the death of the "profound jurist," Judge Lucas P. Thompson. "After a long and painful illness he breathed his last on Saturday evening at 2 o'clock, in the 69th year of his age. His patience and fortitude in the midst of intense suffering was very great, and while the outward man was perishing day by day, the inward man was supported by an humble faith in the atonement of Christ, which brought perfect peace at the last. His sufferings are over and he has gone to that world of rest and peace where the inhabitants shall not say 'I am sick.'"
(Names in announcement: Judge Lucas P. Thompson)

Judge Lucas P. Thompson
(Column 02)

Summary: The members of the Staunton Bar publish resolutions of sorrow and respect upon the death of Judge Lucas P. Thompson.
(Names in announcement: Judge Lucas P. Thompson, Thomas J. Michie, Nicholas K. Trout, A. H. H. Stuart, Echols, Henderson, Christian, Baldwin)

Full Text of Article:

At a meeting of the Staunton Bar on the 23d inst., Thomas J. Michie, Esq., was appointed Chairman and Nicholas K. Trout, Secretary.

On motion of Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, a committee consisting of the chairman of the meeting and Messrs. Stuart, Echols, Trout, Henderson, Christian and Baldwin were appointed to prepare resolutions.

Subsequently Mr. Michie from the Committee reported the following which were adopted.

1st. Resolved, That with feelings of the deepest sorrow the members of the Staunton Bar have heard of the afflicting dispensation of providence, which has removed from among them in the midst of his usefulness their friend and fellow citizen Judge Lucas P. Thompson, for many years the able and incorruptible Judge of this circuit and recently elected to the branch of the Supreme Court of this State.

2d. That in the late Lucas P. Thompson we recognize a lively and illustrious example of all that is noble and attractive among men. With him a fearless love of justice was beautifully tempered with charity and a heart feelingly alive to the finest sensibilities, while over all his manly virtues, the graces of a pure christian faith shed their benignant light, and marked him as one more fit for Heaven than for the strifes and turmoils of earthly habitation. He must be ever remembered as a just, upright, conscientious and learned Judge, and in all the relations of private life as a courteous gentleman, a true, faithful and warmhearted friend, and a charming social companion.

3d. That in his death the State has to deplore the loss of one of its purest, ablest and most faithful officers--society one of its brightest and most cherished ornaments, his family circle of the kindest and most affectionate husband, father and brother.

4th. That we tender our warmest sympathies and condolence to the bereaved widow and family of our friend, with the assurance that we mingle our tears of sorrow with them in this great affliction.

5th. That in token of our esteem and affectionate regard for the deceased, we attend his remains to the grave and wear for thirty days [unclear] badges of mourning.

6th. That the proceedings of this meeting be presented to the family of the deceased and published in the newspapers of Staunton and Richmond, and that a copy be communicated to the County Court of Augusta which meets to-day and also to the Circuit Court at its next session.

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Mr. James Lawrence, "an old resident of Staunton," died on April 19th.
(Names in announcement: James Lawrence)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Miss Frances J. Michie died on April 12th. She was 69 years old.
(Names in announcement: Frances J. Michie)

Who Will Care for Niggers Now? A Parody
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper prints a poem ridiculing the idea of freedom for African Americans.

Full Text of Article:

List to me plantation niggers,
While I am [unclear]
Though I fell straight down a rigors
Let me say a word and [unclear]
Niggers does dis look like freedom
I can't see it any hows
Blacks am fools, and white folks lead 'em
But who cares for niggers now.

Chorus.

Look here niggers, I am dying
See the death sweat on my brow,
Dis am freedom, no use crying;
Who will care for niggers now.

Some say niggers good as white folk,
Gizzard foot, and ebon shin
Don't believe it, 'tis a tight joke,
Handsome, but you don't come in.
Well you libed on an old plantation,
Earning wid a sweating brow,
Plenty clothes, and plenty rations,
But who cares for niggers now.

Chorus.

White folks say dey give freedom,
What dey gib us is all my eye,
Free to suffer, free to languish,
Free to starve and free to die.
No potatoes, corn cake, bacon,
We must to starvation bow
If dis freedum I's mistaken,
But who cares for niggers now.

Chorus.