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Valley Virginian: July 29, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Notes From Washington
(Column 04)

Summary: A special correspondent of the Valley Virginian reports on campaign activities for the Democratic presidential ticket of Horatio Seymour and Frank Blair.

Governor Seymour
(Column 05)

Summary: The paper makes a very favorable introduction of Democratic presidential candidate Horatio Seymour.

The Last Outrage! The Devil Loose Again
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reacts in outrage to an act of Congress giving governing power to southern state conventions. The editors call it a desperate last grab for power, and "an act giving the trash of the State of Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas full power over the rights and liberties of the Southern people."

West Virginia
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper applauds the emergence of a strong Democratic Party in West Virginia.

Presidential Prospects
(Column 02)

Summary: The author of this article suggests, with a great deal of confidence, the upcoming presidential election will go to the Democratic Party. Not only Democrats, but also moderate Republicans disgusted with corruption will join forces to defeat the Radical ticket. The article further suggests that Radicals have been plotting to exacerbate divisions among the people or form a third party that would naturally take votes away from Seymour and Blair. Unanimity among the Democrats, however, essentially "guarantees" Democratic victory in 1868.

Full Text of Article:

The signs of the times are everywhere favorable to Democratic success. In all parts of the North and West the earnest, passionate resolve of the people to rid themselves of the infamous Radical despotism is becoming more apparent. The press, representing every shade of conservative sentiment, from the moderate Republicans--disgusted with the corruption and fanaticism of his party--to the peace Democrat, speak out with an enthusiasm and unanimity in support of the New York nominations that dispels every vestige of apprehension of defection from the conservative ranks.

None know better than the Radicals that nothing but defection from the conservative party could defeat the mighty uprising of the people against radical rule and ruin, and in defense of the Constitution and the liberties of the people. Hence, the bitter denunciation by the Radicals of Seymour and Blair, as Copperheads and Revolutionists--hence, their persistent efforts to persuade the Western Democrats that their favorite statesman had been slaughtered by a "trick" of Wallstreet, and hence their frantic attempts to form a "third party," in the hope of drawing votes from the regular ticket, or throwing the election in the Radical House of Representatives, where Grant's election would be sure. But every attempt to divide and distract the defenders of the Constitution has signally failed, and to-day the Democratic party stands intact, and inspired with an enthusiastic unanimity which makes the election of Seymour and Blair so certain as any future event can be.

Why Not?
(Column 02)

Summary: This article suggests the political pragmatism of southern whites against the radicals. The emphasis here is on a reach across sectional divides to join hands with Northern Democrats and secure a formidable opposition against the imposition of "thralldom." The lessons of the past--unity--are evoked to protect the future. Thus, the author suggests differences with the North, even the term "conservative" should be pushed aside for the greater good.

Full Text of Article:

The question has been mooted in several of the Southern States why we should not identify ourselves with the Democracy of the North in name as well as in principle. In itself the question seems to be an immaterial one; but, as we see it, the only way to judge of the future is by the past, which clearly shows that unity of action, with out friends in the North and South, alone can redeem us from the thralldom which is sought to be imposed upon us. The only earthly help that we can expect is from the Democratic party--our ends are their ends and theirs ours. They offer their hand in our hour of need, and why should we refuse to co-operate with them to the utmost extent of our ability? We would suggest that the word "Conservative" be dropped, and that until, at least, we are again a free people, we fight our battles under the proud old banner of Democracy. We know of no good reason why this should not be done at once. What say the press of Virginia?

Latest and General News
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports 100 visitors at the Augusta White Sulphur Springs.

Educational Advantages of Staunton
(Column 03)

Summary: This account of the various educational institutions in Staunton works to promote the area's schools as among the best in the South. Each description lists the school's chief administrator and briefly conveys that person's education and/or qualifications. It is important for the author to let his readers know that these administrators are among the most esteemed citizens of the area, and that their roots run deep into Staunton's history in fraternal organizations, churches, and service to the Confederate States. One of the most significant achievements of all these schools, an important point showing the schools' vitality, is that they survived the "vicissitudes of war" and flourished soon after the war's conclusion. Clearly, the author holds Staunton's schools in the highest regard.
(Names in announcement: Rev. R. H. Phillips, Rev. J. C. Wheat, Prof. E. Louis Ide, Prof. C. Louis Therry, M. J. Baldwin, Joel Ettinger, Rev. William Harris, Prof. Yancey, Prof. J. H. Hewitt, W. H. Harman, P. Powers, Charles Young, Nick Cleary, Miss Collins)

Full Text of Article:

Almost every traveler who visits our Mountain City has been surprised at the activity and business appearance of Staunton, and we have seen frequent and gratifying allusions in our exchanges to its rapid growth and prosperity. Turn where you will, and you can hear the busy hammer of the mechanic, and the hum of foundries and shops. Idle loungers are seen less frequently here than in any other place of the size of Staunton, and we venture to say, without fear of contradiction, that Staunton stands unrivaled in the amount of trade carried on by its sagacious merchants in proportion to its population. All these, with a delightful climate and fertile lands, have given to Staunton a preponderance over any town in the South.

But these are only the effects of the great lever--education. And to the unusual advantages which Staunton presents to the sons and daughters of the South, we refer with pride and satisfaction.

Apart from the allurement of a city life, in a most salubrious climate, in a community known for its correctness of morals and Christian principles; easy of access by rail, she stands, proud and peerless, sending forth the influences of her schools--like the sun its rays--a blessing over our Southern land.

The Virginia Institute, Rev. R.H. Phillips, Principal, is perhaps the oldest and most commodious of our schools for young ladies. No school in the South enjoyed a greater confidence or larger patronage before the war than this. The vicissitudes of war closed its doors, however, to the purposes for which it was intended.

But nothing could baffle the energy of its Principal, after the close of the strife. In a short time he was "reconstructed" and again "in the field," with a corps of able assistants, to impart to the mind knowledge and wisdom.

The few clouds of doubt that were hanging over its former prestige have been dispelled by its most flattering success, year after year has added to the list of its pupils, until it has become necessary to provide accommodations for the largest number of boarders the buildings will hold. The buildings were especially designed for a young ladies' school; the grounds are ample--embracing four acres--and have been laid out and adorned in a beautiful manner.

This is the school of the Diocese of the Episcopal Church of the State. Its corps of instructors is fourteen, embracing some of the best talent in the town. Rev. J.C. Wheat, the Vice-Principle, has been one of the most successful teachers of youth. Prof. E. Louis Ide's musical soirees and exhibitions have been the best it has been the privilege of our citizens to attend. The department of French languages is in the hands of Prof. C. Louis Therry, a native of France and an accomplished scholar. With all these advantages, the success of the Virginia Female Institute is beyond doubt.

The Augusta Female Seminary, presided over with great success by Miss M.J. Baldwin, is the school of the Presbyterian Church. The course of instruction in this school is large and comprehensive, and the patronage which it has enjoyed is sufficient evidence that her efforts are appreciated by the public. Struggling under many disadvantages during the war, as most schools were, it has come out with success. To Prof. Joel Ettinger is due the credit of having raised music to the standard which it takes among our schools and is generally admitted that it never was so high in the Augusta Female Seminary as now. The other branches of learning are entrusted to faithful and experienced teachers. We understand that it is contemplated to erect a new hall, on the grounds recently added to the property of this school.

The Wesleyan Female Seminary is the school of the Methodist Church. This might be called a new school, for it was raised from almost nothing to the level of prosperity by its present Principle, Rev. Wm. Harris. In the present attitude of affairs, we think it is the duty of every citizen of our State to patronize home institutions, and we doubt not that the Wesleyan Female Seminary will continue to receive the support which it so well deserves, if its merits are know to the good people of the South. Prof. Yancey, a graduate of the University of Virginia, is connected with this school, and Prof. J.H. Hewitt, the well-known musical composer, takes charge of the musical department.

The "Kalorama" is strictly a family school. The number of pupils is limited, and for many years it has enjoyed an undiminished patronage. Many are the pupils, in and of Staunton, that still speak with affection and gratitude of the Kalorama. For a "home school," where teacher and pupil come in contact, not only in the recitation room, but at all times, none can compare records with the Kalorama.

One of our schools is the Masonic Female Seminary, conducted by the widow of our most esteemed citizen, Gen. W.H. Harman, who lost his life in the battle of Waynesboro. Gen. Harman was Grand Master of all the Masons of Virginia at the time of his death, and the school of Mrs. Harman has thus a particular claim upon the members of the mystic tie. None can doubt the superior qualification of the Principal of this school, and so we hope to see the day when the Masonic Female Seminary shall rank among the largest schools of our country.

For the education of boys we mention the fine and flourishing Academy of P. Powers, Esq., situated half a mile from Staunton.--Mr. P. having taught mathematics at Hampton Sidney College and at the University of Virginia, we know of no school where this important branch of a young man's education would have been better attended to than at Mr. Power's school. Those desiring to enter the University cannot do better than spend a few sessions with Mr. Powers.

Chas. Young, Esq., has charge of the Old Academy. The number of people were as many as Mr. Young could attend to. Mr. Young proposes to receive a small number of boarders during the coming session, and we can assure parents that their sons will be in able and faithful hands should they trust them to the hands of the Principle.

The St. Francis Hall Catholic School has become an institution in our midst. The male department is presided over by Judge Nick Cleary, of Washington, and the female by Miss Collins, of Staunton. The marked improvement in the scholars, is but an earnest of what will be done in the future by the active agency of the Catholics here. We expect to see St. Francis Hall second to no school in the South.

With such an array of talent, and such opportunities of education, we ask, where is the place that offers superior educational advantages to Staunton?

Our Police
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper asserts that despite the city government's many problems Police Sergeant Parrent and his Deputy John Kurtz are worthy of commendation.
(Names in announcement: Sgt. Parrent, John Kurtz)

Removed to Staunton
(Column 01)

Summary: Dr. S. Homer Henkel, Surgeon Dentist, has moved to Staunton and set up practice.
(Names in announcement: Dr. S. Homer Henkel)

Origin of Article: New Market Valley

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Maj. Jed Hotchkiss is at work on a plan to lengthen the Presbyterian Church by 25 feet. $1,400 have been donated to the effort.
(Names in announcement: Jed Hotchkiss)

Honor the Dead
(Column 02)

Summary: The Ladies' Memorial Association will give a dinner at September Court in order to raise money to wipe out "the disgrace of the present condition of the Soldier's Cemetery."

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Carrie Riely, daughter of W. J. D. and Caroline Riely, died on July 28th. She was 6 months old. "Whom the Gods love die young."
(Names in announcement: Carrie Riely, W. J. D. Riely, Caroline Riely)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: J. P. Fogle died near Forestville on July 13th. He was 67 years old.
(Names in announcement: J. P. Fogle)