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Valley Virginian: June 12, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Shall We Live?
(Column 02)

Summary: This article argues that the war was fought over differing interpretations of the constitution caused by sectional peculiarities. The more industrial nature of the North caused it to favor a consolidated government, while the agricultural South supported strict construction of federalism. The Northern viewpoint won, however, and southerners must now adapt it to their lifestyle in order to prosper.

Full Text of Article:

In all seriousness we asked our people, last week, to think over this proposition. It is no idle question, but one that deeply interests us, as a peculiar people, for what is the life of a people but their distinguishing characteristics--their prominent ideas of living and playing a part in this great moving, active age?

From the formation of the present Government of the U. S., two distinct ideas have controlled the two great sections.--The North, owing to the nature of its people; the poverty of its soil and the severity of its climate has always been for protection--for consolidation, and for having new fields opened, by the general Government, for the enterprise and daring of its surplus population. With their extension over the fertile fields of the West,--an empire given to the common Union by the generous South--they carried their peculiar ideas of life and Government. Every neighborhood had its "piece of Boston Common," in the shape of the "teacher" and the "lecturer," and that leaven was used to permeate the whole mass--whether foreign or native born. Hence, on the breaking out of the war, we found the North and the West united on the question, not of Union, but of consolidating and centralizing the General Government.

The people of the South, blessed by Providence with the most genial climate and the most productive soil on earth, to say nothing of a laboring class peculiarly fitted for the task of developing its wondrous agricultural resources, naturally became a home people. Rejoicing in the almost fabulous increase of his wealth, disturbed by none of the struggles of the outside world, the Southerner employed the leisure afforded, by exemption from manual labor, in cultivating a natural taste for politics and theoretically building up a model Republic. Proud of their heritage and of their past achievements they became, almost to a man, strict constructionists of that Constitution their greatest minds had given form and substance to; and were bitterly opposed to enlarging the powers of the central head, or creature, as they considered it, at Washington. Thus this people, by force of habit and education, became a peculiar people--a distinct race, as opposed to the centralizing ideas of the North. The election of Lincoln, pre-shadowing the triumph of the Northern idea, found the South, independent of the question of slavery, enthusiastically united in resistance to the full development of that idea, in the affairs of the Nation. These separate and distinct ideas of government, coming in conflict, both supported by brave and determined people, culminated in the bloodiest war of recorded time and, "woe's the day," it resulted in the triumph of the North. He who calls it a "nigger war"--a "foolish war," or seeks for its cause in the little side issues of a mighty contest of ideas, insults the intelligence of the whole American people, and should be laughed to scorn, for attributing to Giants the weak ambition and the little motives of Pigmies.

No people can point to a prouder record, no race can exhibit so grand a struggle for an idea, or show a more brilliant galaxy of heroes, who fought, suffered and died to maintain their idea, of free Constitutional Government. The survivors of that glorious struggle--the comrade, the widow, the orphan, have no cause to blush for those "boys in grey" who now "sleep the sleep that knows no waking." But while the living may dwell with mournful pride on their deeds--while the heart swells at the recollection of their acts of devoted daring--acts that will go sounding down the corridors of time, forever, in song and story--we must admit that the Northern idea has practically gained the victory. And surely it becomes us, as a sensible people, to adopt this idea, to engraft so much of its theory of life upon ours, as will enable us to live and move with the tide which is soon to rush upon us. The victory of the North, the triumph of the idea of centralization, settled question far above petty squabbles for office, the dirty work of parties, the mean tyrannies of military commanders, the continued supremacy of the Radical party or the fate of four million negroes. Over the bloody path of war; over a million slain; amid a desolated and almost ruined people, that triumph proclaims, that the people of the U. S. shall be one people; this government one consolidated government, and that the people of the earth intend to make the seat of the Centralized American Empire, in that magnificent country, popularly known as "The South."

Hard as it is, this, people of the South, is the issue you must meet. There is no way to dodge it--no place to hide yourselves; no appeal from the fiat of an all-wise and all-powerful God. Little men, poor weak creatures, who hid themselves during the progress of the great revolution; Bourbons who never forget and never learn, have crawled out of their holes and are vainly trying to lead you in this hour of trial. Some urge you to rush blindly and disgracefully into the Radical party, and others, equally as blind, prate about the "Constitution" and the "reserved rights of States." The cowards and fools who would have you sneak into the Radical party, and the childish old men, who talk about "reserved rights," and an "uprising in the North," are not the men to follow. One would paralyze your energies by tying you to a dying party--the other beguile you with promises of rights that have been stamped out, forever, in blood. There is but one path of safety--one road to wealth and power. Stand together--accept the conquering idea, mould it to your purposes, use it and live.

The Future
(Column 03)

Summary: This excerpt from the Baltimore Gazette argues that as America expands westward, it will grow increasingly difficult to maintain republican institutions. The government will be forced to erect the same "crushing despotism it has set up in the South" in order to maintain control over the West.

Full Text of Article:

The Baltimore Gazette concludes an article on the Pacific R. R. as follows:

"But if it be satisfactory to reflect upon the magnitude and value of the magnificent region that is to be so rapidly thrown open to the American people, and upon the development and material prosperity which may await it, it is a difficult matter to venture upon any conjectures concerning its political future. It is perfectly clear to us that this country can no longer be governed under our old Constitution as now interpreted. As a confederation of independent, sovereign States we might, with some few modifications of our former system, have gone on in tolerable harmony for year to come. As a consolidated empire we cannot get along with republican institutions. In so large a territory conflicting sectional interests of a violent character and on a stupendous scale will constantly manifest themselves. With these Congress will be constantly meddling, and as they will all have their vehement representatives and advocates on the floor, that body will mostly fail to reconcile them, and it will always embitter growing enmities. The attempt to maintain in this country the political system under which we lived before the war will inevitable fail. The Government will be compelled to organize permanently in the North and West the crushing despotism it has set up in the South, or else this generation will live to see the United States resolved into several nations or to witness repudiation and more civil war. The Pacific Railroad gives the country practical possession of a magnificent domain which is so soon to teem with a thriving population and to grow powerful in wealth and resources, but whether good or evil is to result from its development remains to be seen."

A Sacred Duty.
(Column 03)

Summary: The editors state their opinion that the registrars will be fair in carrying out their duties, and urge all Augusta citizens to register and vote.

Full Text of Article:

We honestly believe, from the lights before us, that Captain Jackson, and his assistant Registrars, for Augusta, will give us a fair registration. We believe they have but one idea in performing their duty--viz, a strict obedience to General Schofield's order. We regret to learn that some good men will not register. This is all wrong. It can hurt no honest man to register and secure the inestimable privilege of voting. In fact it is a sacred duty all owe to themselves and their country. If you have any doubts go to the Registrars and satisfy yourself, but never let it be said that a free citizen of "West Augusta," "shirked" a duty so plain, or "dodged" a responsibility so incumbent upon him.

Colonization
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reprints and item from the Journal of Commerce which asserts that the popularity of African colonization by African Americans is increasing, and declares it "the only hope of Africa."

A Little Too Fast
(Column 03)

Summary: The editors caution any Augusta resident who is leaning toward the Radical party that its days are numbered in both the South and the North.

Full Text of Article:

It is rumored that some prominent (?) men in Augusta and the Valley have a decided leaning towards the Radical party, but hesitate about coming out boldly until they see which "way the wind blows" at the election. This policy on their part is commendable, and we advise them to watch the signs well. The Radical party, North, is doomed. It has nearly accomplished its mission, and its weakness is shown by the desperate efforts it is making to sustain its "fallen fortunes," by recruits from the South. Its final collapse is only a question of time, and we advise "prominent (?) men" to look well to their action and be very cautious what they do. The end is not yet.

Instructions to Registrars. Another Order From General Schofield.
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper prints an order from General Schofield clarifying voter eligibility rules. Anyone who voluntarily joined the Confederate Army, aided it by voluntary donations of food, supplies, horses, etc., or served in any governments that furthered the war effort will be disqualified. Basic humanitarian aid to the sick and wounded will not be penalized. Persons whose status is still in doubt will have to take an oath which the registrar must then accept as binding.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: 35 new buildings are going up in Staunton and its suburbs.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Robert Boyd, of Ky., sold his mail contracts from Staunton to Bonsack's and Cedar Grove to Col. M. G. Harman.
(Names in announcement: Robert Boyd, Col. M. G. Harman)

Shameful
(Column 02)

Summary: A gentleman of Augusta has estimated that there remain in the county 300,000 bushels of corn for sale. "Say that there is half of it, and isn't it a proud record to add that Augusta has not given a grain to the starving people South?"

The Wheat
(Column 02)

Summary: An intelligent farmer of Augusta reported that "there had never been as much wheat sown in Augusta; that it never looked or headed so well, and that it would be the largest yield ever made in the County." Prices remain inexplicably high, however.

Registration in Augusta
(Column 02)

Summary: The registration books for Staunton and Middlebrook will be opened on June 22nd. Staunton's First District will open at the Court House and the Second District at the Market House. "Each voter must register and vote in his own magisterial district."

A Revolution in the Iron Business
(Column 03)

Summary: This article comments on Mt. Solon resident Lorenzo Sybert's achievements in the iron business.
(Names in announcement: Lorenzo Sybert)

Full Text of Article:

The native genius of the Valley again adds its tribute to the material interests of the world. Lorenzo Sybert, of Mt. Solon, after 25 years of study, has discovered the secret of making cast Steel out of common Iron. He has improved on Messinmer's process, and can turn out pure cast steel, from a common "blast furnace" as rapidly as pig metal can be made. By his process he can put a steel rail, with a tempered face, on any railroad, as cheap as the common iron rail. This process has been patented, and the most scientific men North say it is certain to revolutionize the Iron business of the world. All hail! Mr. Sybert, your name will go down to posterity as one of the benefactors of your race--and you add another triumph to the inventive genius of your native Valley.

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: H. L. Powell, of New York, and Miss Ellen M. Stribling, daughter of Dr. Francis T. Stribling, were married in Staunton's Trinity Church on June 5th by the Rev. J. A. Latane.
(Names in announcement: H. L. Powell, Ellen M. Stribling, Dr. Francis T. Stribling, Rev. J. A. Latane)

Marriages
(Column 04)

Summary: B. F. Gillock and Miss Emma V. Whiteside, both of Salem, were married on May 21st by the Rev. G. G. Brooke.
(Names in announcement: B. F. Gillock, Emma V. Whiteside, G. G. BrookeRev.)

Valley Railroad
(Column 01)

Summary: According the President's report at the meeting of the stockholders of the Valley Railroad, the estimated cost of construction is $58,000 per mile, totaling $6,610,500. The report defends the expense by arguing that increased trade will more than make up for it. Efforts to link the planned Valley road with Baltimore were also discussed.
(Names in announcement: Col. M. G. Harman, Randolph, Garnett)