Search the Newspapers Browse Newspapers by Date Articles Indexed by Topic About the Newspapers Valley of the Shadow Home

Valley Virginian: February 26, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Removal of Stanton
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports on Andrew Johnson's removal of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

The Very Latest--Impeachment Before the Senate
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports the House's decision to impeach Johnson.

The President and Congress
(Column 02)

Summary: This article questions the legitimacy of the Radical party in Congress. The author suggests that Radicals hold unconstitutional sway over the executive, and calls for the people of the North to act against those who "paralyze" the executive branch. The South, on the other hand, stripped of its power, must "keep quiet and cool" while the North decides the pressing questions of power and legitimacy. Meanwhile, southerners must concentrate on providing for the poor and doing all they can for the benefit of their children and state development.

Full Text of Article:

The news from Washington indicates a storm brewing. The question is to be decided very soon, perhaps, as to whether or not the Executive branch of the Government, is to be abolished by Radical rule under a higher law, or that system of legislation outside of the constitution, by which Radical rule in direct enmity to President Johnson, is to triumph. Stirring events are crowding upon us, the result of a total abandonment of constitutional restraint, by the party of power, and which now holds undoubted sway at Washington, over the liberties of 30 odd millions of the people who constitute the nation. We, in the former slave States, have no rights only those awarded to an oppressed people, by a strict military government. The screws begin to tighten and the shoe pinch, the Northern people will ere decide the issue, as to what rights they are to enjoy. Might is right with the Radical Congress, and the people of the North must soon learn what are their rights. The people of that section elected President Johnson, and the question must be decided, is he an officer of the government, and if so, is his arms to be paralyzed and the Executive office declared a nullity. The people of the North, we again repeat, must decide the question. We of the South should be quiet. It is a matter we can now have no hand in settling - could not now if we would. Let us stand to our own affairs at home when we can. We have much to do for our families and the poor, many of whom have been made so by the late war. Spring is just here, our farmers must plant, sow and reap, get out a big corn crop and do all they can to feed, clothe and school their children, and aid in developing in every way possible, the material interest of their favored country, with its exuberant soil and other rare advantages, with which we are blessed as a people. A word to the wise is sufficient. Our duty is plain - keep quiet and cool. The issue is a plain one for the North to decide. It is a constitutional Union party on the one hand, vs Radical rule, a military despotism and anarchy on the other.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: "Tuckahoe" writes the Virginian to declare Staunton "the best flour market in the State." He argues that Staunton's flour inspector has earned an excellent reputation, and cities such as Danville and Greensboro, NC, would do better to purchase flour from Staunton than from Richmond.

Mount Jackson, VA
(Column 04)

Summary: The author expresses a great deal of anxiety concerning Virginia's future ruling party. He asks whether it will be ruled by the intelligence and virtue of the white race or by "niggers and scalawags." He calls for all lovers of liberty to "arouse themselves to action" and thwart the evil design of the "Rads."

Full Text of Article:

February 22d, 1868

Dear Virginian: - I am very much gratified to see the alacrity with which the Conservative men of the State are moving in the matter of organization, since our great State Convention. Everyone seems to feel and to realize the fact that the destiny of the State and of republican government is the question at issue. Whether we shall have a government for the benefit and the securement of justice and right, both to the white man and the negro, and whether that government shall be controlled by the intelligence and virtue of the white race, or whether it shall be controlled by the ignorance and viciousness of the negro race and the few white niggers and scalawags who are leading the blacks, are the great questions involved.

The importance of a thorough organization, is only second to the preservation of life itself and to our children. Let everyone then, who knows the enjoyments and comforts of Liberty, and the benefit derived from an impartial distribution of justice, arouse himself to action and earnestly and zealously undertake the task before him. There are many who have been led astray that can be brought back. I am happy to say that in this place, the Head Centre and Grand Mogul of the unsophisticated Heroes of Africa, the magnificent keeper of the mixed Menagerie, has become tired of his weekly exhibitions, or being frightened at his shadow, or evil deeds, or through shame, he has ceased to hold them, in consequence of which the Rads are getting fewer and fewer, and it is to be hoped that they will continue to decrease until the sight of one will be the cause of wonder and amusement.

Our little village seems to be looking "upward and onward" in every respect. There are now four store houses in this place - one nearly completed and one just commenced, which will increase the number to six. Lots are in great demand - one quarter acre lot will sell at 8400, (city prices). As the Balt. & Ohio R.R. Company have tendered their assistance to the completion of the M.G.R.R. to Harrisonburg, we will expect to hear the whistle of the iron horse ere many months roll by. I have but little news to give you, as we have no Convention nor Congress to disturb the quite of our "progressive little town." - The weather is fine. The mule is "in status quo." With my best wishes,

I remain, respectfully and truly yours,
AMERICUS.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that gas in Staunton costs $7.50 per thousand as opposed to $2.90 in Cincinnati.

Lyceum
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper declares the Rev. G. B. Taylor's lecture on "The Thinker" a "great intellectual feat," and urges a repeat performance.
(Names in announcement: Rev. G. B. Taylor)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Gen. Henry A. Wise will address the people of Augusta at the Court House on March 7th regarding the importance of completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The town was packed on Monday for Court Day. Auctioneers H. O. Cease and Peck and Cushing did a large business. Many horses and mules were sold for between $140 and $150. 15 of the "yeomanry of Augusta" purchased subscriptions to the Valley Virginian.
(Names in announcement: H. O. Cease, Peck, Cushing)

Concert
(Column 03)

Summary: Despite bad weather, Mr. Gifford's class gave a concert at the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institution. The hall was filled with an appreciative audience and the vocal and instrumental music was "grand."
(Names in announcement: Mr. Gifford)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Elijah F. Gardner and Miss Susan M. Gutshall, both of Augusta, were married at the Clerk's Office by the Rev. C. Beard on February 18th. The paper praises the couple for beginning married life by subscribing to the Valley Virginian.
(Names in announcement: Elijah F. Gardner, Susan M. Gutshall, Rev. C. Beard)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Samuel M. Woodward and Miss Gussie Arnall, both of Staunton, were married on February 25th by the Rev. William E. Baker.
(Names in announcement: Samuel M. Woodward, Gussie Arnall, Rev. William E. Baker)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: David H. Gladwell and Miss Emma N. Martin of Augusta were married on February 16th by the Rev. Thomas L. Preston.
(Names in announcement: David H. Gladwell, Emma N. Martin, Rev. Thomas L. Preston)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Mary J. Scott, wife of William M. Scott, died at their residence near Covington on February 17th after a 2-day illness. She was 82 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary J. Scott, William M. Scott)