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Valley Virginian: September 19, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Situation
(Column 02)

Summary: This editorial admits that the prospects of a Radical victory look good. The editors urge southern whites to prepare for the consequences, and to be willing to resist.

Full Text of Article:

It is useless to disguise the fact, and we would be criminal if we did, the situation is bad, and every sign of the times indicates that it may become worse. We are not an alarmist, but we can't help agreeing with the Examiner that "the Conservative prospects are not brilliant. In fact, they are gloomy. That the President and his policy may yet have a peaceful triumph at the ballot-box is, indeed, possible, but we cannot look upon it as probable. The manner in which the President has been treated, the rampant attitude of Radicalism, in all quarters, and the results of recent elections, do not augur very hopefully of Conservative success. It is very true that Vermont and Maine are not States where much growth of proper sentiment was reasonably to be expected, but still we had been assured that even in Yankeeland Radicalism was on the decline. We have been disappointed. Madness still rules the hour, and the future is darkened by clouds that we cannot penetrate with our keenest vision.

We do not desire our readers to wrap themselves in a false security. It is pleasant to hug the delusive phantoms of hope; but it is safer and better to be prepared for the worst. The lamentable dominance of Radicalism is likely to continue until its violence begets a superior violence that shall subdue it. It is possible that elections outside of New England may result more favorably to Conservatism; but we are forced to say that appearances do not justify any very sanguine expectations of that kind. Radicalism is to be allowed to run its course, and to plunge the country into untold woes. The measure of its iniquity is to be filled, and it will not take it long. Till then we must possess our souls in patience.

"When the moment arrives for action, let us be ready with heart and hand. Nothing in our late defeat and our renewed allegiance to the Government binds us to perpetual sufferance. We are men, as other men are. We have rights and duties, both as citizens and as persons, that can neither be renounced nor taken from us. We are not bondmen. We are Americans. We cannot tamely see all the blessings that make life tolerable taken or withheld from us. We have borne much, and we have borne long. There is a point, however, where patience ceases to be a virtue, and Radicalism is driving us towards it with fearful speed."

"And what are we to do about it?" is the question that occurs to every man. Wait, be patient, work, and, in the language of Alexander Stevens, believe that "God, in his mercy and wisdom, only knows what is to be the future of this country. The destiny of States, as well as of individuals, is in His hands. All that we poor mortals can do, is to discharge our duty as well as we can, from the lights before us, and then bow submissively to His will." But "keep your powder dry!"

Fred. Douglas
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper asserts that of all the radicals, Frederick Douglass has never been criticized in print.

Full Text of Article:

So far as we have seen by our Southern exchanges, says the Baltimore Transcript, Fred. Douglas seems to be considered the most distinguished gentleman of the late Radical Convention. Whatever the natural bitterness manifested towards the white agitators, there is nothing harsh said of Douglas, but, on the contrary, he is rather spoken of as the most sensible person who figured in the revolutionary proceedings at Philadelphia. We learn that in social intercourse the Southerners express the same preference of Fred. "You see sir," said an old Virginia gentleman to us, not long ago, "he was raised among gentlemen, and conducts himself accordingly." We have yet to see the first Southern journal in which Douglas is not spoken of as the most prominent man, in point of mind and manners, of the Philadelphia conclave.

Emigration
(Column 02)

Summary: The editors argue that the completion of the Valley Railroad will attract emigrants to the area who will add to the wealth and prosperity of the Valley.

Full Text of Article:

Our people have made great calculations on a large emigration into the Valley, and we are glad to see so many good men from the North, South, and Eastern Virginia, enquiring for lands among us. Now we have talked to many of these gentlemen, and we find that the great inducement to come here and settle is the prospect of the Valley Railroad being built. Every vote given for the subscription adds to the inducement for people to emigrate here--every good emigrant brings money, and that is the great object. We are happy to state that our most intelligent citizens think the vote for the subscription will be overwhelming. We begin to see daylight.

A Remarkable Article from a Semi-Official Paper--The Trouble in Prospect--General Grant may be made Dictator.
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper prints speculation from the New York Times that Congress may split into two bodies, one containing Democrats and representatives from the South, the other containing Radical Republicans. Then Johnson would have to decide which body represented the legitimate national authority. There is also speculation that Grant may be given complete control of the government.

Mr. Seward's Speech at Indianapolis
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper prints an excerpt from Secretary of State Seward's speech to the people of Indiana in which he urges them to help mediate between the extreme views of Radicals and Conservatives, and help the government in an effort to make the Union what it was before the Civil War, with the abolition of slavery the only change. Though Indiana was a Union state during the war, Seward calls it a border state during Reconstruction.

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper reports that Asher Harman, Jr., of Staunton, won first honors in a tournament at Stribling Springs.
(Names in announcement: Asher HarmanJr.)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports 541 arrivals at Staunton hotels in the past week.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that "the colored people had a Tournament near Harrisonburg last week."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: According to the paper, "quite a number of young men in Staunton propose to emigrate to California this fall."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: At a revival at the Baptist Church near Mt. Crawford, 50 people were converted and 88 baptized.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The editors caution that "deserters should be very careful who they call liars. We heard of one who picked up the wrong man, a Confederate, on Main St., last week. Result: a brick bat quickly found its way to the side of the deserter's head, and immediately the pavement struck him very hard."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The United Brethren in Christ held a camp meeting near Oak Hill School House in Augusta County. It was attended by 2,000 or 3,000 people and twelve preachers. The meeting resulted in sixteen or seventeen conversions.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: "The boys of Staunton" plan to hold a tournament in the Institution Meadow next Saturday.

Lecture
(Column 02)

Summary: Col. Farror is planning to repeat his lecture on "Johny Reb" in Staunton shortly.
(Names in announcement: Col. Farror)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: S. R. Sterling, Internal Revenue Collector, will be in Staunton between September 24th and 28th to collect taxes. The editors assert that the "Devil will be to pay" and "he don't take Confederate money."
(Names in announcement: S. R. Sterling)

The California Fever
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports that men from all over the Valley are leaving for California. Five left the preceding morning, including Addison Cochran and Lt. Joe Shumate from Staunton. Father Bixio leaves tomorrow. "We fear that this fever is spreading, owing to the unsettled condition of affairs North."
(Names in announcement: Addison Cochran, Lt. Joe Shumate, Father Bixio)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: This excerpt from the Rockingham Register describes activities and conditions in Staunton.
(Names in announcement: John B. Evans, Roberts, Nelson, Capt. W. A. Burke)

Origin of Article: Rockingham Register

Full Text of Article:

The "city of the hills," Staunton, is full of life and enterprise--the liveliest town in the State. The street have been lighted with gas, the pavements are being relaid, new enterprises projected, and general activity pervading all descriptions of business. A large tobacco factory has been recently established there by John B. Evans, Esq. Two large Foundries have been built since the war--Roberts, Nelson & Co., and Capt. W. A. Burke; and to cap the climax of progress and taste, the two Hotels cannot be surpassed anywhere in the South. Long may she wave, the seat of enterprise, taste, and pretty, intelligent girls. We'll have to annex her to Harrisonburg.

From the Upper Valley
(Column 03)

Summary: An excerpt from the Winchester Times reports that "travel is heavy" in the Upper Valley, as evidenced by the 92 guests who arrived at the American Hotel, Staunton, for August 21st and 22nd. "We judge from the encouragement he meets, that Colonel O'Ferral knows "how to keep a Hotel." The visitors hail from all parts of the country and include prominent Confederate Generals. "Colonel Mike Harman is at the bottom of all this travel to Staunton and the Upper Valley, and he might as well get his Valley Railroad under way to accommodate the public."
(Names in announcement: Col. O'Ferral, Col. Mike Harman)

Origin of Article: Winchester Times

Police Items
(Column 03)

Summary: Daniel Ross, William Ross, Daniel Fisher, and John Harris "came to Staunton for the 'purpose of taking it,'" but were stopped and arrested by Sergeant Kurtz. Justice Evans sent them to jail, and the Mayor bound them over and let them go shortly thereafter. John D. Herrin "was found drunk and asleep on the streets by the Sergeant, and accommodated with quarters at Harlan's Hotel." Justice Wilson had him released on payment of costs, since it was his first offence. Patrick Carter, "colored, was arrested for creating a disturbance in a colored woman's house. He gave bail for his good behavior for three months."
(Names in announcement: Daniel Ross, William Ross, Daniel Fisher, John Harris, Sergeant Kurtz, Justice Evans, John D. Herrin, Justice Wilson, Patrick Carter)

The Virginia Hotel, Staunton, VA.
(Column 03)

Summary: This excerpt praises the quality of the Virginia Hotel.

Origin of Article: Greenbriar Independent

Staunton
(Column 03)

Summary: This excerpt from the Winchester Times describes the business and activity occurring in Staunton.

Origin of Article: Winchester Times

Full Text of Article:

A visit to Staunton last week afforded an opportunity of making inquiry as to the state of affairs in that section, with a result truly gratifying. Business there is brisk, and the bustle and confusion indicates a thriving, prosperous condition. Storehouses, dwellings, as building sites, are in great demand, whilst on every hand evidences of improvement are met with. The hotels, probably the best in the State, are crowded with guests, and the various lines of communication with the place are liberally patronized. Centrally located, and situated in one of the wealthiest sections of the State, Staunton promises to be an inland city of no inconsiderable importance. Winchester must bestir herself if she would maintain her pre-eminence as the principle town of the great Valley--the centre of intelligence, refinement and business. We congratulate our Staunton friends on their energy and enterprise.

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: J. D. Beard, of Augusta, and Miss Mary M. Johnson, of Monroe county, W. Va., were married on August 23rd by the Rev. J. W. Ewan.
(Names in announcement: J. D. Beard, Mary M. Johnson, J. W. Ewan)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: J. B. Carwell and Miss Eliza Hutchins, both of Augusta, were married on September 13th by the Rev. W. S. McClanahan.
(Names in announcement: J. B. Carwell, Eliza Hutchins, Rev. W. S. McClanahan)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Herman Heller Witz, infant son of Isaac and Fannie Witz, died in Staunton on September 10th.
(Names in announcement: Herman Heller Witz, Isaac Witz, Fannie Witz)

Prisoners of War, Federal and Confederate
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper asserts that a recent report of the Secretary of War shows that "two 'Yankee' prisoners died out of over twenty-three in Southern pens," but "two 'Rebel' prisoners died out of every fifteen in Northern pens." An excerpt from the Petersburg Index charges the North with hypocrisy after the outcry over Andersonville and the execution of its commandant, Henry Wirz.