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Valley Virginian: January 15, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Chancellorsville
(Column 04)

Summary: Remarks on the battle of Chancellorsville.

Conservative County Committee
(Column 01)

Summary: The County and District superintendents of the Conservative County Committee will meet in the offices of Col. Baldwin.
(Names in announcement: Col. Baldwin)

A few Reasons
(Column 02)

Summary: This article, directed at the poor white citizens of Virginia, warns of the dangers of the new "Mongrel Constitution." Specifically, the author argues that universal manhood suffrage, an important component of the new constitution, would transcend any equalization of the races based on voting rights alone. Rather, suffrage would pave the way for race leveling in other areas, such as legislative and judicial. There would be further consequences when free schools opened their doors to both black and white. The best way for poor whites to maintain the distinction between races is to not support the new constitution. The Radical party, the article maintains, is creating a constitution that will inevitably lead to race mixing.

Full Text of Article:

A few reasons why the poor, laboring,whitemen of the South should vote against the Mongrel Constitution now being framed by the mixed Convention in session in Richmond

In the first place, it will contain manhood suffrage. That is, universal white and black suffrage. It is true, suffrage of itself does not equalize mankind, but it lends to other and more equalizing associations. For instance, the holding of office and the association upon juries, and the adjudication of cause upon the bench. When all the avenues to position are open to the negro, do you not see that inevitably many of them will become Judges, Legislators, Governors [sic],&c. Will this not lead to equality between the races? And why? because the close relationship of representative and constituent, will soon destroy the distinction that now separate the two races, and a mingling of their blood, and the production of a mongrel race will be the inevitable consequence. Who does not look with horror upon this even remote result of manhood suffrage. This would not be the result were either race in sufficient preponderance to despise the other politically. But here, in the South, they are so evenly balanced that the negroes hold the balance of power. This, then, will always make them an object to be quoted by demagogues.

In the next place it will undoubtedly provide for free schools. These schools will be sustained by tax upon property. And who owns the property? The white race. And who will be the principle recipients of this bounty? The negroes of course. The whites will not send to free schools, especially as those schools will be composed of both white and black--for we have no idea that provision will be made for a division of the school fund, so that the classes can be separate. Then, as there will be no division of this fund, where is the white man, rich or poor, conservative or radical, who desires his child to be educated in constant association with negro children. - Constant association begets familiarity, familiarity begets confidence, and confidence love, and love marriage, and marriage a blending of the blood of the two races. This free school systemis the most insidious scheme that can be devised for breaking down the barriers that now separate the two races in the South. Whoever desires that the immediate future of this State shall produce such a mixed population as curses the fair land of Mexico, had better vote for the Constitution soon to be submitted to the people for ratification or rejection. But he who desires to keep the blood of the Caucasian race free from degrading mixtures should leave no stone unturned to defeat said Constitution. And the poor man, who had as much to be proud of in his origins, as dukes and princes - because the noblest blood of earth courses in his veins - is as much interested in preventing this contamination as the rich and lordly landowners of the South.

In the third place the aforesaid Constitution will provide a permanent disfranchisement of many of our best citizens. Not best because they happen to be wealthy and to have occupied high civil and military positions. But best, because they have shown that they were worthy representatives of free and independent constituents. We fought withthem and under them, and it will be base ingratitude now to consent that they shall be denied the privilege we accept for ourselves. "Ingratitude is treason to mankind," and cannot be covered by "any size words!" We, feel therefore that we do not appeal in vain to confederate soldiers to stand by their comrades and leaders in this combat.

many other reasons might be addressed, why the white men of the State should not join the ranks of the radicals, but we think these sufficient for the present.

We appeal to them not for the purpose of creating a war of races, or for getting power into our hands, but because the success of the radical party opens the floodgates of political corruption and leads inevitably to a mixture of the blood of the two races. Upon this high ground we take our stand, and to this resolve we call our fellow citizens.

Finance
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper applauds Congress for taking steps to solve the nations financial problems. The editors blame the fluctuation in gold for economic problems, and advocate a stable currency. The paper does not support returning to specie payments at the time.

Won't Jollificate--for good reasons
(Column 03)

Summary: A.H.H. Stuart politely declines an invitation offered by the Conservatives in Washington to attend a banquet. He states that because the Radicals in Virginia have stripped him of his citizenship rights, he would not be in a position to freely express his thought. He does, however, predict that soon the "shackles" will be removed from his native state by popular mandate. Only at this point would he be willing to "rejoice" with his northern Conservative Democratic allies.

Full Text of Article:

The Hon. A.H.H. Stuart having been invited to a banquet to be given in Washington on the 8th day of January, courteously declined the invitation for very proper reasons. We give his letter below, and commend it most heartily. - "Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Staunton, Va, January 2, 1868.

Gentlemen - I pray you accept my thanks for your kind invitation to attend a banquet to be given at the Metropolitan Hotel in the city of Washington, on the 8th instant, under the auspices of leading members of the Conservative Democratic party.

Under ordinary circumstances it would be particularly gratifying to me to participate in the festivities of that occasion and to enjoy "the feast of reason and slow of soul" which, I doubt not, will give zest to your entertainment. But situated as I am - disfranchised as a citizen, denied the political privileges which are accorded to negro servant, repelled from the hall of the House of Representatives, to which I was selected almost by acclamation; my native state, the proud old mother of Washington, and Henry, and Jefferson, unrecognized save as Military District No 1 - I must confess I would feel somewhat out of place at your board.

In former days, when I visited Washington as a representative of the people, or as the associate of Webster, Crittenden, and Corwin, in the executive councils of the nation, I felt that, in the eye of the law at least, I was the peer of the loftiest in the land. I was privileged to think freely and to speak freely on all matters of public concern. Were I to join your circle now, I should feel painfully conscious of the difference between your position and mine. No military order can consign you to a dungeon beyond the reach of habeas corpus, and no persuasive bayonets admonish you to speak with "bated breath." With me the case might be different. But be that as it may, while Virginia mourns I cannot rejoice. While the cypress encircles her brow I cannot twine the myrtle around my own.

But may I not hope that the present condition of things is temporary? If I do not misinterpret the sign of the times, the day is near at hand when, by the mandate of a magnanimous people; the shackles will be stricken from the limbs of Virginia and her southern sisters, and there shall be given unto them "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." When that glorious day shall have arrived I shall be happy to meet you and your fellow patriots around the festive board, and on behalf of Virginia to offer a willing and hearty tribute of gratitude to the noble Conservative Democrats who set her free.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Alexander H.H. Stuart

New Mode of Advertising
(Column 03)

Summary: George Baker and Company are preparing a map of Staunton overlayed with business cards from city merchants. The map will circulate throughout the Valley as a representation and advertisement for what Staunton has to offer. The paper applauds the move as very useful boosterism.
(Names in announcement: George Baker, Jed Hotchkiss)

Sound Advice
(Column 03)

Summary: Excerpt first published in the Southern Opinion in which Democrat M. M. "Brick" Pomeroy encourages Southerners to have patience in the fight against radicalism. Democrats in the North are battling Republicans and Southerners should "keep still--to endure but not endorse the power that would murder you and rob us."

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Full Text of Article:

Parnassus, Va.,
Dec. 23. 1867.

Messers Editors:

We see in your last issue a request for an "agent and correspondent" at every Post office; and not knowing how many applications may be made from this place, we are somewhat reluctant to make the requisitions. But, feeling that we do no wrong in offering our services, we have concluded to become a rival of any who may aspire to the honor: however you would lose nothing by having several from this point, since, it is so nearly the Eden of Augusta. If other places correspond more nearly to the ancient Garden; then, Augusta is all Eden. Others may boast of a more level country, larger streams, larger meadows; but, can they say they have better people? If so, theirs indeed is a Paradise.

Our little town and its vicinity are fast looking up and preparing to send forth men and women, who shall work for the good of our common country. Political meetings and debating clubs are the themes of the week, and Church going on the Sabbath.

We have four schools, two debating societies, and one or two singing schools taught by the first music professors of the day. The school teachers are well informed and do themselves, as well as their profession, credit.

This is a fat country, and the people live off the best. If any of your town boys get hungry, and want plenty of good things to eat, nice young men for associates, and the lovliest of the fair sex to smile upon them, just send them out here; we doubt not before they are here one week, they will have fully fallen desperately in love, have fully made up their minds to spend their days with us, and "be a farmer's boy."

Though ours is a town, we are, with but few exceptions, all farmers; we have one merchant and five mechanics. The name of street or streets, is unknown to us, for one good big road answers the purpose of both. Here we have a church, and not one blest Sabbath passes that our sexton does not open wide the doors for good people to enter and worship the God who has so freely blessed them.

The prophecy "know ye the Lord" is nearly fulfilled, for scarcely every member of all the families is a professor of religion, and they do not forget to acknowledge the blessings with which they have been favored; for each morning they bow, and the grey headed father breathes a prayer, simple, eloquent and sublime. An instance of remarkable favor with heaven is frequently remarked, his (the Pastors) five neighbors who join farms, each raised twelve children, making sixty children at five houses along our little creek within the space of a mile.

We feel our heart leap with gladness, when we share the hospitalities of these good Christians, no one can leave their houses without bestowing a secret blessing; the parents meet you with that friendly warm shake of the hand which says, you are welcome: a style that is particular to the old folks of Virginia. The young men, though plain and unassuming, are intelligent and refined, and they have that agreeableness about them taught by their parents. In all, they are "fine fellows" and have that firm good sense which makes this country what it is.

But the most charming of all are Augusta's daughters. The man is a knave who can't feel the happy leaping of his heart, after talking one or two hours with their shining eyes and faces. They are what we call elegant women; they talk with fluency and are certainly ornaments to their pa's parlor; but the most blessed of all is they are at home every where; the tables show that their fair hands have directed and assisted, in fact, every business about their homes, show them to be stylish. Well do we remember their unmatched kindness and patriotism during the rebellion when we were a "saged reb." And now they talk to us so kindly of those old hard times, till, to change the sadness, their voices strike the melodious strain, and sweet music fills the air and we seem to be enchanted. No later than last night we were charmed by the angelic choristers.

So abundant have been the crops of corn, that yet the grain shocks stand in many fields. From the quality of sausage's we see we reckon the number of hogs killed was unusually large. Generally, the R.R. subscription is opposed, and won't get many votes. You shall hear from this section frequently, if you think us worthy your favor.

Very Respectfully,
"OMI."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper applauds the Fire Company as Staunton's best institution as exemplified by their quick response to a recent false alarm.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper declares Major J. C. Covell's lecture before the Lyceum on the Science of Languages "brilliant, grand and instructive."
(Names in announcement: Maj. J. C. Covell)

Books of Registration
(Column 01)

Summary: Registration books for the districts of Augusta are now ready for distribution.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: John Wesley Watson, a prominent African American of Staunton, passed away on January 3rd. "His remains were followed to the Cemetery by the largest concourse of colored citizens we have ever seen. He was a christian, and formerly the servant of Judge Sheffey of this place."
(Names in announcement: John Wesley Watson, Judge Sheffey)

Government Property
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper complains about African Americans owning government guns.

Full Text of Article:

In an extensive trip through Amherst, Rockbridge, and Augusta Christmas week, we noticed that every other negro we met was armed with a U. S. musket. They carried them everywhere. Can't General Schofield have this 'Rebel property' collected? These guns were abandoned by, or stolen from Confederate or U. S. soldiers.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper asks for information on George Thompson, an African American who lived in Staunton during the war. He worked as a waiter at both city hotels. Col. Peyton received a letter of inquiry from T. W. Farrow of Orange Court House about something that transpired there.
(Names in announcement: George Thompson, Col. Peyton, T. W. Farrow)

Death of a Valuable Citizen
(Column 02)

Summary: Daniel Forrer of Mossy Creek, Augusta County, passed away at his residence on January 2nd. "He was ill but a short time, the cause of his death being rheumatism of the heart. He was one of Augusta's most enterprising and energetic citizens. He was a warm friend, devoted father, and leaves many to mourn his loss."
(Names in announcement: Daniel Forrer)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The wife of the Rev. J. L. Clarke of Staunton passed away. "She was much beloved by all who knew her, and especially by those of the congregation to which she was so sincerely and devotedly attached will her loss be felt. Amidst her long illness she was never known to murmur or complain. Knowing that she could not long survive her severe illness, and that Death must soon claim her as its victim, she manifested no fear, but calmly and tranquilly awaited its approach, and her triumphant victory over Death and the Grave."
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. L. Clarke)

The Valley Stage Line
(Column 02)

Summary: Messrs. Trotter and Company have added relay horses to the Valley Stage Line to expedite travel. "The revolution of staging in the Valley gives promise of increased travel through this section, for Trotter is determined to beat Railroad time if it be in the power of horse flesh."
(Names in announcement: Trotter)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Martin J. Gochenour of Augusta and Virginia C. Roadcap of Rockbridge were married on January 9th by the Rev. R. P. Kennedy.
(Names in announcement: Martin J. Gochenour, Virginia C. Roadcap, Rev. R. P. Kennedy)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Henry H. Taylor of Rockbridge and Mary Jane Price of Augusta were married near Newport on January 2nd by the Rev. J. M. Shreckhise.
(Names in announcement: Henry H. Taylor, Mary Jane Price, Rev. J. M. Shreckhise)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Jane G. Crawford died at her residence near Deerfield on January 1st. She was 78 years old.
(Names in announcement: Jane G. Crawford)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Lucy J. Clarke, wife of the Rev. John L. Clarke, pastor of Staunton's Southern Methodist Church, died on January 8th at the Virginia Hotel after a "lingering illness." She was 36 years old.
(Names in announcement: Lucy J. Clarke, Rev. John L. Clarke)