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Valley Virginian: February 20, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The New Tariff Bill
(Column 05)

Summary: This article opposses the new "oppressive" tariff bill as little more than "a bill to blockade our own ports."

Sketch of a Federal and Confederate Camp
(Column 06)

Summary: This article, reprinted from DeBow's Review, compares an abundantly supplied Federal army camp to a meager but proud Confederate encampment.

Origin of Article: DeBow's Review

Restless Symptoms
(Column 06)

Summary: This article declares that discontent among both races is widespread in the South. Whites and blacks alike are moving to other sections as a result of the social and economic upheavals of war. The author encourages whites to remain as blacks leave, and invite white immigrants to the South.

Full Text of Article:

Throughout the entire South, both with whites and black, there are wide-spread and unmistakable evidences of discontent. The feeling to which we allude is not so much in reference to political question, says the Richmond Times, though these may have stimulated and kept it alive; the South feels no interest in, or excitement about politics. But the discontent, to which we have adverted, arises out of the change in the social and domestic relations of our people, consequent upon the volcanic upheavals of the war, and the subsequent continuance of revolutionary disturbances. Plunged suddenly into poverty, and compelled to grapple unexpectedly with hardship; unable to command labor for agricultural purposes, or capital for commercial enterprises, it is not strange that the whites are restless and actuated by a desire to leave the scenes of blighted prosperity and happiness, to seek success and fortune on fields that shall not perpetually remind them of the calamities of the past.

It is nothing new for poverty, distress and misfortune to enforce a change of locality, as a cure for bruised hearts and broken hopes; and the desire of multitudes of the Southern people to emigrate to some other section, indicates a belief that some change would be an improvement, no matter to what quarter the wanderer may direct his step. As we have intimated, this feeling is not confined to the whites. The black participate in it to an equal, if not greater extent. They are moving towards Texas, towards the Mississippi Valley, Florida, and even towards the bleak and inhospitable North. In their case the discontent and the desire for change has been so marked, and so pregnant with future ruin, that even their great prophet, General Howard, has been attempting to dissuade them from leaving, by speeches delivered at various points, characterized by no very great ability.

The exodus of the blacks furnishes no sufficient reason for the whites to follow their example; but on the contrary, supplies the latter with many very sound arguments for remaining where they are. How can we expect to do better elsewhere than here, particularly after the departure of the negroes shall have invited an influx of white immigrants? That man is little less than a simpleton who becomes a "rolling stone" at this juncture.

[No Title]
(Column 06)

Summary: The Richmond Times warns the Virginia General Assembly to be prepared for the complete destruction of the state governments at the hands of Congress, and encourages them to seek protection in the Supreme Court.

The Situation
(Column 01)

Summary: This update on political matters discusses a court case centering on the question of Virginia's standing under the constitution. It also encourages southern whites to "work, watch, and wait," in the hopes that the radicals will eventually be defeated and southern representation restored.

Full Text of Article:

A highly important case came up before the N. Y. Supreme Court on the 15th, which will decide whether Pierpont is a Governor or not, and whether Virginia is a State. One Olney was arrested on a requisition from Pierpont, and he claims his release on grounds that Virginia is not a State. Olney was arrested on the requisition of Governor Pierpont, charged with running off a vessel under an attachment for debt. The proceedings are looked for with great interest, as bringing vital questions squarely befor the Supreme Court of the United States.

Congressional proceedings are still "muddled," but we see no reason to be alarmed yet. Work and watch. The situation we are in now cannot be described, but of one thing our people may be assured, if they are only true to themselves and their past history; if they work, watch and wait, they can defy the radical power, let it do its worst.

When we are "Territorialized," probably we will know it, but the "end is not yet." Until some definite action is taken, we forbear comment, simply warning our people to pay no attention to idle rumors; to recollect that the best plan is always to "keep a stiff upper lip," and show they were "not born in the woods to be scared by the owls," now assembled at Washington, no matter how loud they may "screech."

We think we see some chance of the rebels getting their rights in Congress. The Washington Republican, of Thursday says that on the preceding day, when the Executive appointments were considered in the Senate, that body "made a general sweep of the entire West, rejecting everybody who was engaged in suppressing the rebellion."--Examiner.

President Johnson's Position
(Column 02)

Summary: The Washington Correspondent to the London Times reports on President Johnson's opposition to the radical program, his belief that a minority is dictating to a majority, his conviction that the 1866 elections were decided on false pretenses, and his view of the unconstitutionality of declaring the southern states to be territories.

Gen. J. D. Imboden for Lt. Governor
(Column 02)

Summary: This letter to the editor from "a Soldier" expresses the belief that in endorsing John B. Baldwin, "the Valley's favorite son," the paper has overlooked Gen. John D. Imboden, "another noble son of Augusta." The writer endorses him for Lt. Governor. "It is needless to recount his valuable services to his country, and particularly to his native Valley, when with a hand full of men, he acted as a bulwark between the people in the peaceable pursuits of life, and danger. Let us in the coming election cast our votes for men who fought and bled for Virginia, and whom we trusted in 'times that tried men's souls,' and when the waves of radicalism and fanaticism are rolling high and threatening to engulph us, let us have true and tried men at the helm of State."
(Names in announcement: John B. Baldwin, John D. Imboden)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Augusta wheat crop is reported favorable.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper asserts that business is dull in Staunton, "duller than ever before known." "Money is tight, and some folks are tighter. We hope to see times improve soon, in spite of the Radicals, mean people and the devil."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Musical Association Concert was a great success and raised a "handsome sum."

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: 122 people arrived at the American Hotel last week, and travel is increasing.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The Philomathesian Society discussed the question, "Was the execution of Charles I justifiable?" It was decided in the negative. The next topic will be, "Is dueling justifiable?"

The Lutheran Fair
(Column 03)

Summary: The Lutheran Fair, held by the ladies of the church was a success. Despite the "bad weather and the hard times" the church raised $225. "The general arrangement of the Hall did great credit to the ladies and the supper was superb."

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: An investigation by Regular Army officers of charges levelled against Captain Tukey, agent of the Freedman's Bureau, is to begin. The charges were allegedly made by Northern teachers stationed in Staunton. "Mr. Tukey's general reputation, as an officer, has been good among our people."

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: According to the paper, a petition will be circulated asking the government to withdraw the Freedman's Bureau from the South. The paper was informed by "one of our most worthy and respected colored men." He argued "that even with the best intentions on the part of its officers, it could only create trouble between the whites and negroes, and that it was a useless expense. We could live together and do better left alone."

Our Firemen
(Column 03)

Summary: The Augusta Fire Company appointed a committee to purchase material for new uniforms. The Library Committee reported, and it was ordered that the Constitution and by-laws of the company be copied.

Circuit Court
(Column 04)

Summary: The special term of the circuit court met, Judge H. W. Sheffey presiding. The case of Robert J. Echols, guardian, &c., vs L. P. London and others was argued, but transferred to the Nelson County circuit court for a final decision. The Staunton Building Association was officially incorporated.
(Names in announcement: Judge H. W. Sheffey, Robert J. Echols, L. P. London)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: Major W. W. Goldsborough and Emma Robins, eldest daughter of Benjamin Robins, were married in Baltimore by Rev. Mr. Riley.
(Names in announcement: Major W. W. Goldsborough, Emma Robins, Benjamin Robins, Rev. Riley)

Deaths
(Column 04)

Summary: George T. Jenkins, of Baltimore, died of consumption on February 15th at the residence of Judge Hugh W. Sheffey. Jenkins had been a member of the Color Company, 12th Va. Cavalry. He was 26 years old.
(Names in announcement: George T. Jenkins, Judge Hugh W. Sheffey)