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Valley Virginian: January 9, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Death of a Distinguished Virginian!
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper devotes its entire front page to an obituary for Judge Joseph G. Baldwin, of San Francisco, CA. Baldwin died in San Francisco on September 30, 1864, of lock jaw contracted after minor surgery. Baldwin grew up in Staunton, and the obituary recounts his biography. It also attests to the grief shared by his legal colleagues in Virginia and California.
(Names in announcement: Joseph G. Baldwin)

Report on the Western Lunatic Asylum
(Column 02)

Summary: Staunton's Western Lunatic Asylum issued a report on its operations. According to the report, half of all patients received since opening have been discharged cured. The Asylum housed 307 patients at the beginning of the year; 177 males and 130 females. Sickness has been low, and no suicides have occurred. The Board supported an annual visit of representatives from the legislature to the asylum, and arrangements were made with West Virginia for payment for patients from that state. The following employees were singled out for praise: Dr. Stribling, director; Drs. Hamilton and Berkley; Mr. Samuel Hoshour, the steward; Mrs. Tinsley, the matron; and Mr. Samuel Johnson, Superintendent of the Grounds.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Stribling, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Berkley, Samuel Hoshour, Mrs. Tinsley, Samuel Johnson)

Our Next Governor
(Column 02)

Summary: The Valley Virginian endorses John B. Baldwin, Speaker of the House of Delegates, for Governor of Virginia. The paper admits differing with him on some political questions, but the State now needs to elect a unifier. "What we want now is a man of the first order of ability, and thoroughly devoted to and identified with the best interests of the State, and in full sympathy with the people of his oppressed section." Voting now is more important than ever, "when difficulties and dangers environ us, when the steadiest nerve shrinks from the contemplation of the uncertain future." The paper also endorses Col. W. L. Owen of Halifax for Lieut. Governor; and J. Randolph Tucker for Attorney General.
(Names in announcement: John B. Baldwin, Col. W. L. Owen, J. Randolph Tucker)

True Principles Forcibly Expressed
(Column 03)

Summary: The Valley Virginian seconds the New York Freeman's Journal's plea that President Johnson release Federal prisoners, Jefferson Davis in particular. Only the continued confinement of such ex-Confederate leaders prevents the southern people from fully supporting Johnson and his policies.

Workingmen in Society
(Column 04)

Summary: "Erina" writes a second letter to the editor on the importance of working men in society. In this selection, he discusses the importance of an educated working class to the prosperity of Virginia.

Full Text of Article:

Millboro Depot,
Dec. 25, 1866.

Valley Virginian:--In my letter on "Workingmen in Society" I gave but a few introductory ideas, and before I enter on this deeply interesting subject allow me to thank you for your approval of my poor effort. I am pleased because I feel from your remarks that the question of "Labors rights and its requirements" will not be allowed to rest by you and others who have at heart our prosperity.

To make prosperous the country we must protect labor. To elevate labor to the highest pitch of utility and power, the workingmen must be educated. Halfways or halfmeans will not do. A new era is on us. The great revolution is not yet over, but come what may in the future, how shall we the people be prepared? In the distance we see our country happy--happier and more glorious than ever.

How are we to approach this dear consummation? Is it by rude toil, or by willing heart and cultivated intellect? Every thing susceptible of improvement ought to be improved, and 'tis equal whatever the condition of the individual is, prepared for the grand race of progress, if he does not win a position, let him blame himself.

"Educate that you may be free" is an old axiom in political ethics and shall we forget that "knowledge is power."

To learn Greek and Latin &c., is by no means education, these I hold to be mere accessions--literary accomplishments if you will. The language that clothed the divine ideas of a Milton and Shakspear; that gave imperishable glory to Lyrics of Burns and Moore, and tinged with hues of splendor the burning thoughts of a Henry and a Grattan and flung around the martyr grave of [unclear] met the undying glory of true patriotism, that language will suffice for us poor "workingmen in Society." To train the minds of a people to a proper adaptation to useful purposes, to teach them that in the homestead a knowledge is required, the most essential perhaps of all, for as the family was the first form of government it ought to be the most correct, otherwise society has no true foundation and there is no stability for liberty or natural prosperity. In a republican form of government each individual should consider that on him alone descends the strength and perpetuity of political constitutions, for though the individual is forgotten in the aggregate, the aggregate can have no existence without the individual.

If you want the whole people of the South to apply their great energies to her regeneration and future glory, apply yourself to the base of the structure and ascend by degrees.

The flash of the sabre attracts the eye of beauty, the ring of industry wins liberty; liberty! she never smiled on carnage, but always sat by the board of contentment, where love sweetened toil, and culled from fields made rich by its sweet flowers for the pillow of man's dreams.

You, who have taken so to your heart the good of all the people and the prosperity of the whole country--you will not be satisfied with ideas alone in this moment for our elevation. Go practically to work, there is much to be done and believe me there is very little time to be lost. Looking over the papers from different places I see how industriously people apply themselves to work for the amelioration of the condition of the poor, their intentions are good and may God reward them. In the cities and large towns, they have Lyceums, Literary, Mechanics' and other institutes. Those societies have done much good in their way. In our small towns and villages such establishments do not exist, or if they did, they would only exist for a class. A new enterprise to be successful heretofore, should come into existence under happy auspices, having one or two or more millionaires at the baptismal font, and how many of them have failed. To cure the evils of society--to make powerful a country, consult the heart of a toiler, and if there is no responsive throb to your own desires, chasten down its roughness by brotherly love and strengthen and fire it with the tender touch of gentle association and practical education. You are not afraid to write your sentiments, and I am mistaken if you will be afraid to act, start then at once an organization for the improvement of the "workingmen in society." In Staunton you will have many to assist you in the good work, for I am sure those who fought in the mad fray and struggled up the steel-girt-slopes of many an ensanguined field by the side of the workingman, will not now turn away from any enterprise having for its object his moral, social and intellectual improvement. Commence then at once, collect a few young men, rent a room, let the liberal among you donate them books &c., and you and other gentlemen of the press in Staunton can supply them with a great deal of useful reading in your exchanges. What will be cut out, they will see in your papers, the remainder will be valuable. Let each man subscribe twenty-five cents per month, divide your city into ward clubs and have a central committee who will look to the appointment of teachers--graduates of course. Establish in each ward club a debating night for each week and a Lecture once a month, the subject on all occasions to suit the object of the organization, and above and before all things, firmly resolve that no foolish political or religious questions shall be mooted. Learning the value of Unity we will know how to preserve it.

The young and old men of your town once seeing the value and utility of such an organization they can take council with each other for the common good and never again be made the poor cats paws of enterprising adventurers. They will see the truth of the motto--'in Union there is strength.' And never was that knowledge more needed. There are in our midst chartered corporations who think they have a right to do as they please, and on this assumption act.

An organized working community, fostered and protected, by true patriots, acting on my plan would know how, and be able to govern them, or at least meet them as equals for each others accommodation. The Virginia Central Railroad has initiated locomotion on the [unclear] track. The board of directors met, and behold the result! Fountaine with over three thousand dollars per annum is condescendingly satisfied to sacrifice for the general good fourteen per cent of his salary; and the poor white man who was earning only one dollar per day--his wages now are ninety cents. Oh heavens! and these are the men who would raise up Virginia--pshaw! Have they been studying political philosophy in the school of General Howard of the freedman's bureau, and brought us back for our improvement, with all the audacity, but less of the modesty of Thad Stephens their new fangled notions. If ever a more barefaced, villainous interference with the workingmen's rights took place, I know not when or where, but as the company insists on the continuance of its aristocratic existence, I respectfully submit to the consideration of the Bureau this economical subject. The protigees, soon to be enfranchised can on the road be accommodated with a little anticipatory liberty, thirteen dollars per month and rations amounting to only four dollars and seventy-five cents for the same time. It would be well to make known to honest men North and South how the world wags in the progressive brains of the directors of the Va. C. R. R.

But to my subject, the suggestions I have thrown out are roughly written, for I too have to labor, and time is not my own. How I would like to be near you on the first night of trial. Be not disheartened; try and you will succeed and in the course of a few years, a man may ask the question. Where here is the ignorant toiler? and you can, like one at the sepulchre of old exclaim in answer, "he is not here--he's risen."

The star of our hope is not set, you see it above as the magians did of old. Let us open our souls to receive its effulgent beams, that these grand, useful and progressive ideas which God implanted there, may leap to action at their touch. The past year was one never to be forgotten, the present is dying out--so shall we all die. We are on the threshold of the new year. Let us leave behind our prejudices and errors, and enter on a mission of labor that will be sanctified by love and enlightened by wisdom. The spring shall call forth the buds of our hopes and when the flowers blossom, we will call them for the brows of the trusting living and the graves of the dear and glorious dead.

Their graves we will not desert--their principles we cannot forget, and while there is life.
"We will tread their path
With a spirit that hath
Assurance of triumph yet."
Your's &c.
"Erina."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that Augusta's Farmers have "generally secured their hands for next year. The conduct of the colored people has been remarkably good, and deserves commendation."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Mr. J. Frank Davis was appointed Inspector of Liquors for the distillery of Mr. George W. Cochran about 14 miles west of Staunton near Summerdean. "These inspectors have a 'nice fling of it,' but plain people, as Mr. Lincoln said, 'can't see it.'"
(Names in announcement: J. Frank Davis)

Col. O'Ferrall's Address
(Column 02)

Summary: The Rockingham Register praises a speech of Col. Charles T. O'Ferrall in which he alluded to the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in remembering "lamented Confederate" Turner Ashby "whose life blood was poured out in defence of Rockingham soil," and "our noble, genial, high-souled, gallant friend and brother, Gen. Wm. H. Harman, who, too, freely poured out his blood upon the bosom of his native Augusta." Tribute was also paid to President Andrew Johnson who is "struggling to maintain constitutional freedom upon this continent." In particular, "the allusions to the characters of the two fallen Confederate christians" were "touching in the extreme."
(Names in announcement: Col. Charles T. O'Ferrall, Gen. William H. Harman)

A Building Association
(Column 03)

Summary: Plans are underway in Staunton to found a Building Association for the benefit of the poor, "and we all come under that head." The Valley Virginian declares that the project "meets with universal favor," and encourages people to support it.

The Thespians
(Column 03)

Summary: The Thespians gave a successful performance on Friday night. Admission was 25 cents and "a large and appreciative audience attended." Prof. Turner is credited with the "fine music on the occasion."
(Names in announcement: Prof. Turner)

Horrible Accident
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Ann Eliza Matheny, wife of William M. Matheny, of Staunton, died on December 27th of severe burns sustained on Christmas night. Mrs. Matheny went to sleep in front of the fire after putting a sick child to bed, and her clothes caught fire. Her husband was also badly burned while extinguishing the flames.
(Names in announcement: Ann Eliza Matheny, William M. Matheny)

The Freedmen's College
(Column 03)

Summary: $500,000 has been raised in the North to establish a college for the freedmen, and prominent residents of Staunton have been lobbying to have it located in their town. The paper endorses the plan.

Statistics of Augusta County
(Column 03)

Summary: William A. Burnett, Clerk of the Augusta County Court, releases the following statistics: 221 marriage licences for whites and 57 for blacks were issued from the County Court Office in the past year; and the Corporation of Staunton issued 7 more for whites and 5 for blacks making the total 290. In the year 1865 there were 314 births in the county and 22 in the corporation. In the same year there were 148 deaths in the county and 17 in the corporation.
(Names in announcement: William A. Burnett)

The Lyceum
(Column 04)

Summary: The recent meeting of the lyceum was well attended "and the question, about repeal of the usury laws, decided in the negative." The Rev. Mr Stuart will lecture next.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Stuart)

Town Council--January Session
(Column 04)

Summary: The town council met for the January session. The Mayor and R. J. Hope were absent. The semi-annual interest on the town debt ($830,76) was paid through May. The tax on bowling alleys was lowered from $100 to $50 on each alley, making $100 for two alleys, and $50 for each additional. This was done in response to the petition of John Christian, "colored." The Water Committee was required to file with the clerk a duplicate receipt for any material allowed to the Superintendent. An additional $200 was appropriated for the support of the town's poor. The commissioner of streets was authorized to receive proposals for grading and McAdamizing Beverly street. Several accounts and salaries were paid, amounting to $141,68.
(Names in announcement: R. J. Hope, John Christian)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: J. S. Guy, of Augusta County, and Miss Belle M. Glendy of Bath County were married on January 1st by the Rev. J. S. Blain.
(Names in announcement: J. S. Guy, Belle M. Glendy, Rev. J. S. Blain)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: A. S. Bratton, of Bath County, and Miss Mary M. Guy of Augusta were married on January 1st by the Rev. J. S. Blain.
(Names in announcement: A. S. Bratton, Mary M. Guy, Rev. J. S. Blain)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: C. A. Roler and Miss Emma V. Crawford, both of Augusta, were married on December 11th by the Rev. P. M. Custer.
(Names in announcement: C. A. Roler, Emma V. Crawford, Rev. P. M. Custer)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: G. W. Bailey and Miss Rebecca B. Shaw were married on December 17th by the Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: G. W. Bailey, Rebecca B. Shaw, Rev. W. R. Stringer)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: Jesse R. Bridge and Miss Elizabeth R. Trevy were married on December 17th by the Rev. W. R. Stringer. The ceremony took place at the same time as the above.
(Names in announcement: Jesse R. Bridge, Elizabeth R. Trevy, Rev. W. R. Stringer)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: Jeremiah Falls and Miss Elizabeth Lunsford, both of Augusta, were married on December 17 by the Rev. W. R. Stringer. The ceremony took place at the same time as the above.
(Names in announcement: Jeremiah Falls, Elizabeth Lunsford, Rev. W. R. Stringer)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: J. E. Richards and Miss Mary E. Trusler, both of Augusta, were married on December 18 by the Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: J. E. Richards, Mary E. Trusler, Rev. W. R. Stringer)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: John E. Harris and Miss Martha J. Whitesell, both of Augusta, were married on December 20th by the Rev. W. R. Stringer.
(Names in announcement: John E. Harris, Martha J. Whitesell, Rev. W. R. Stringer)