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Valley Virginian: October 17, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Repudiation
(Column 05)

Summary: The editors of the paper come out against repudiation of state debts.

The Situation
(Column 02)

Summary: This editorial reacts to the triumph of Republican candidates in elections across the North. The article argues that Republicans are bent upon retaining power by abusing the South and support the impeachment of the President even if it leads to further conflict. The South, the article suggests, should support the President, and trust to the fact that the Radicals are too cowardly to push the issue further.

Full Text of Article:

We give this heading with no pleasant feelings this week, not that we feel so very badly over "the situation," but because we know there are many of our people; many brave men and glorious women, who do. And, in fact, "the situation" is not cheering, nor does the future break upon us with paths strewn with flowers, or of "pleasantness and peace."

The Radicals have carried, if not with increased majority, any how with enough for all practical purposes, the great States of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa. Baltimore City is still under the iron heel of radical misrule, and the shouts of triumph, from the victors, over the friends of law and order, are the only sounds that reach us from the North. General Geary, Governor elect of Pennsylvania, speaks in no uncertain tones, when he congratulates the supporters on the triumphs they have gained; he boldly proclaims the President a "traitor," and stigmatizes him as a "tyrant," compared with whom "Nero, whose infancy is written in the immortal pages of [unclear]," is a patriot and a gentleman. He proclaims a policy for his party that looks to the elevation of the negro to an equality with the white man. The lesser lights of the dominant party are jubilant, vindictive and mean, and, like flee dogs, make more noises than the sturdy curs of power.

The whole North seems to be in a whirl of excitement, and foolish people there talk of war as a thing not only to be expected, but to be desired. They talk of "impeaching the President," for doing his duty conscientiously, and men who carried them successfully through the war are glibly called "traitors," "perjured scoundrels," &c. Amid [unclear] storm of abuse; of vilification; of run mad folly, the President backed by the Conservative or Democratic party North, stand true to his principles, a giant among the pigmies.

That the President will continue to stand firm, every indication leads us to believe and, as foolish as we think the radicals, we can not bring ourselves to believe they are fools enough to try the game of impeachment. Men, in the struggle for political power, especially in a Republican Government, say many things they never intend to carry out or attempt. Braggarts and cowards, who never faced a Confederate line of battle, talk bravely of war and of subduing unarmed "rebels," but the war proved one thing, viz: that no war can be carried on in this Country without a draft or conscription, and those who talk about it would do well to count the cost.

It is a consoling thought that those who fought through the war, on both sides, have had enough of it, and that those who "shirked" are not likely to get up a war for their own amusement. In short, the sum and substance of the result of the late election is that the radicals used every social influence; excited every Northern prejudice; run Generals for office, lied on us, bragged, bullied and won. And now they have secured the power, we believe they will not be able to make our position any worse, even if they wish to.

A Northern Radical argues this way--"you Southern people controlled this Republic for sixty years, you tried to break it up, on a principle, and we overcame you. Now do you think we are going to give up all this power or let you share it? Never, as long as we can help it. We are not particular about the means we use. We don't care about the negro, only so far as he is a good party rallying cry and so far as we can use him, but of one thing be assured, we will use every means, good or bad, to hold the power." In private this is about the argument of leading Radicals and no matter how vindictive and mean some may be, we do not think the leaders are such consummate fools as to allow that party to be led further.

"And what are we to do?" still comes up from the Southern people. The answer is simply, attend to your own business and work. We can do nothing to effect the results North; this radical party must run its course and nothing has dum founded them so much as the utter indifference displayed by the Southern people, as to what is going on North. To all amendments made to the Constitution we must utter an emphatic "No" and all threats, or bullying about war we must laugh to scorn. If any fighting is to be done, gentlemen, do it on "your own line," we have had enough. In the words of the Cavalier Bayard of the South, the gallant and gifted General Hampton, of South Carolina: "The essential points then, in the policy we should pursue, are, it appears to me, these: That we should fulfill all the obligations we have entered into, to the letter, keeping our faith so clear that no shadow of dishonor can fall on us; that we should sustain Mr. Johnson cordially in his policy, giving our support to that party which rallies around him; that we should yield full obedience to the laws of the land, reserving to our selves at the same time, the inalienable right of freedom of speech and of opinion; and that, as to the great question which so materially affected our interests, the abolition of slavery, we should declare it settled forever. Pursue this course steadily; bear with patience and dignity those evils which are pressing heavily upon you. Commit yourselves to the guidance of God, and whatever may be your fate you may be able to face the future without self-reproach."

What are our Lands worth, and our Duties?
(Column 03)

Summary: This article asserts that the value of lands in Virginia and Maryland is 50% higher than in the North due to climate, fertility, and access to markets. Southerners should not be afraid to charge high prices for their lands, but should keep them affordable enough to encourage immigration from the North and elsewhere. The influx of "industrious people" will only push land values higher.

The Negro
(Column 03)

Summary: This excerpt from the Nashville Christian Advocate urges southern whites not to abandon the freedmen, but to tutor them and encourage them to labor.

Full Text of Article:

"The negro is not to be neglected," justly and sensibly remarks the Nashville Christian Advocate, "because he is no longer our slave. He must be enlightened, not left in ignorance--drawn to us, not driven from us--treated kindly, not coldly--as if he were to blame for all the evils which have come upon our land--he must be encouraged to labour, and that, too, in the cultivation of the soil, not trusting to a precarious and perhaps dishonest support, in towns and villages. Let him see that his old master is still his best friend; and that the Churches which have done so much for him will do still more, by the blessing of God, if he will not refuse their aid."

The Constitutional Amendment
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper concurs with the arguments of the Raleigh Sentinel that urge southerners not to support the 14th amendment, since it will be forced on the South anyway. "Southern votes may stand for all time, and we shall become parties to measures which may result in the overthrow and destruction of the Republic, and the extinction or removal of one or both races in the South."

George D. Prentice's Interview with Jefferson Davis--Danger of Secession at the North--A Most Timely Warning
(Column 04)

Summary: This conversation with Jefferson Davis asserts that the North refused to accept southern independence because it would set a precedent for future fragmentation of the Union. This, the participants argue, only reinforces the hypocrisy of the Radical Republicans who are willing to sacrifice easy reunion for their own ends.

[No Title]
(Column 05)

Summary: 236 people arrived at the American and Virginia Hotels last week.

[No Title]
(Column 05)

Summary: The price of gas is much less in Petersburg, at $5 per thousand feet, than in Staunton.

Flour
(Column 05)

Summary: B. F. Fifer, Staunton flour inspector, inspected 900 barrels of flour between Sept. 25th and Oct. 15.
(Names in announcement: B. F. Fifer)

Our Soldier's Cemetery
(Column 05)

Summary: The paper is ashamed that Augusta has not made more progress on its Cemetery, and calls a mass meeting to support the project.

Full Text of Article:

This is a burning shame upon Augusta, that while other towns are proudly inaugurating their Cemeteries ours is at a stand still. A meeting will be held Monday evening, to devise ways and means to aid the Ladies in making the Cemetery all it should be. People of Augusta and the South do your duty towards the thousands who died for you and you can face the future bravely. People of Augusta go to work and take this shame from among us.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper calls attention to a poem printed in column two honoring Turner Ashby "whose remains are soon to be re-interred in his own loved Valley."

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: William Robinson is commencing work on Augusta street, which forms part of the Valley Turnpike. The contractor is braking rock and distributing over the street.
(Names in announcement: William Robinson)

The Gas Works
(Column 02)

Summary: Capt. Peck of the Gas Works is asked to look into complaints about the poor quality of gas used in street lamps, failure to keep the glass clean, and the fact that they go out before midnight.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Peck)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper encourages the girls of Winchester to come to Staunton, since the "matrimonial market is dull" in Winchester. The young men there are "a set of snivelers who are afraid to take any responsibility on themselves," while the Staunton boys "know how to appreciate the noble girls of Virginia."

Police Items
(Column 03)

Summary: Marthy Mosby, Caroline Greaver, and Jerry Greaver, "all colored, were arrested for fighting and throwing rocks in the streets." The Greavers were discharged, and Mosby held to bail for good behavior. Henry Kenney, "colored, was arrested on complaint of Patrick Carter: brought before Justice Balthis and the case dismissed. Richard Givens was arrested for being drunk and assigned quarters in Harlan's Hotel."
(Names in announcement: Marthy Mosby, Caroline Greaver, Jerry Greaver, Henry Kenney, Patrick Carter, Richard Givens)

Inspectors
(Column 03)

Summary: The following liquor inspectors have been assigned to distilleries in Augusta County: F. S. Tukey, at J. R. Grove's Distillery; Levi Fullers, at Gentry and Roberts' Distillery; Thomas Aude, at John Hanger's Distillery; L. H. Searing, at Peter Hanger's Distillery; William Osbon, at E. A. Fulcher's Distillery; Mr. Blum, at L. Bumgardner's Distillery.
(Names in announcement: F. S. Tukey, J. R. Grove, Levi Fullers, Gentry, Roberts, Thomas Aude, John Hanger, L. H. Searing, Peter Hanger's, William Osbon, E. A. Fulcher, Blum, L. Bumgardner)

How to Avoid Repudiation?
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper suggest "a more liberal and enlightened policy on the part of the politicians and newspapers of Eastern Virginia towards the people of the Valley," if they wish to stave off repudiation and see debts paid down. Completion of the Valley Railroad, opposed in Richmond, would be the best way to ensure ability to pay debts.

Gen. Early
(Column 03)

Summary: General Early writes thanking the Ladies of Winchester for their "patriotic attention to his fallen comrades."

Full Text of Article:

We find an eloquent and beautiful letter of thanks to the Ladies of Winchester, from this distinguished officer, in return for their patriotic attention to his fallen comrades. His letter closes thus:

"It is sad, sad indeed to be an exile from my country, and still sadder to mourn the loss of the most just and sacred cause for which man ever fought; but there is some comfort in knowing that the struggle which developed the heroism on the part of our soldiers and so many virtues in our women has not been all in vain; and wherever I may wander, I will bear with me the proud consolation derived from the knowledge that my countrywomen, who were so faithful and devoted during all the trials and vicissitudes of our dreadful contest for independence, now that it has gone against us, remain true to the memories of the dead. Power and money may procure costly monuments and testimonials to communicate the names of those who fought for the successful party, but all the power and wealth of the world cannot command so rich a tribute as that paid to the memories of the heroic dead of the Confederate armies by the tears of the women of the South."

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: B. F. Clements and Miss Nannie E. Vines, both of Augusta, were married on October 4th by the Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: B. F. Clements, Nannie E. Vines, Rev. W. R. Stringer)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: Sallie M. Stoddard, aged 9 months and 2 days, died in Staunton on October 14th after an 8-hour illness.
(Names in announcement: Sallie M. Stoddard)

South Carolina Protecting Her Negroes
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that South Carolina passed a law granting rights to the freedmen, including the right to make contracts, sue, testify in court, inherit, purchase, lease or sell property, and enjoy personal security, liberty and property. "Marriages between blacks and whites are still illegal."