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Valley Virginian: September 2, 1868 Go To Page : a | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Political Situation--General Rosecrans' Mission of Peace
(Column 02)

Summary: This article shows a bridge developing between former opponents against the Radicals. Notable soldiers from both North and South have come together in agreement over a number of things, most significantly constitutional government. The "restoration of good feelings" is the imperative in a country currently plagued by Radicals. Even black voters, the author notes, have joined Democratic political clubs against Radical rule. The author suggests that this could very well be at least one instrument of their ruin. Furthermore, not only have clear minds in the North lined up against the Radicals, but in the West as well.

Full Text of Article:

Gen. Rosecrans' visit to the White Sulphur, his conference with General Lee and other leading Confederates has caused quite a stir, not only in the political world but among the people. It is but another cheering sign; another star of hope for an oppressed people, when the great soldiers of the late war meet together, to devise means to restore the General Government to its original character and plant it once more firmly on the Constitution. This, together with the enthusiastic earnestness of the Democratic masses North, ensures the success of Seymour and Blair in November, which will guarantee to aid the priceless privilege handed down by the Fathers of the Republic.

We are pleased to learn, from a distinguished Confederate who participated in the conference, that the following telegraphic synopsis in the New York Herald of the 27th ult, is in the main correct. It says: "During his stay General Rosecrans has had the fullest and freest interchange with leading and most influential men from every Southern State. On yesterday he addressed a letter to general Lee, in which he expressed his views of the present condition of affairs in this country, and the necessity for a speedy restoration of good feeling between the men of the North and the South, and asking him to give a written expression of his views as to the best way by which this era of good feeling between the sections could be restored. General Lee responded with his accustomed frankness and directness, expressing his reverence for the Constitution of the United States, and his ardent desire for a complete union of the States as of old, and also his unqualified belief that his reverence and desire were shared by a large majority of the reflecting people of the South; that they longed more ardently for that greatest boon of American freemen--the right of self government; that the people of the States would treat kindly and humanely the colored people among them if left to themselves; that they would be impelled to this by the dictates of their own hearts, as well as by a feeling of self interest. General Lee, however, was as especially emphatic in deploring the attempt to commit the political destinies of the States to these colored people at this time, before they are prepared for such a mighty responsibility in an attempt which, he remarked, is fraught with incalculable misfortune and calamities to the whole country, North and South, and with distinction to these colored people themselves. General Lee was joined in this communication by such distinguished men as Beauregard, Stuart of Virginia, Stephens of Georgia, Conrad of Louisiana, and other men of note, both military and civil, whose names are well known to the country."

From the South we have the most cheering news; the negroes are joining Democratic clubs by the thousands and our friends confidently expect to carry even South Carolina. The bitter apple of negro suffrage, which the Radicals presented to our lips, will turn to ashes upon their own and the very means intended for our destruction, prove their ruin, politically.

Democratic fires burn brightly all over the great North West and the Middle and New England States send forth "glad tidings of great joy" to the sorely tried people of the United States. The States on the Pacific Coast are a unit for the Democracy, and even the most sanguine Radicals begin to despair--let us not cast down, but devote our whole thoughts to developing our immense material resources, and all will yet be well.

The End of the Central and the Rise of the Great Chesapeake and Ohio R. R.
(Column 02)

Summary: This articles praises all those Virginians with enough progressive foresight to monetarily support the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. By the same token, the author condemns those of Augusta County who failed to vote the subscription. "Old Fogyism," he suggests, is detrimental to a progressing state. The promise of the future, in this case, relies on a dismissal of ways of the past. Progress is the key to Virginia's future.

Full Text of Article:

ALL HAIL! On the 29th, at White Sulpher Springs, a mighty stride was made in the progressive development of our dear old Virginia. The Central Company closed the contract with the Commissioner of both States, to build the Chesapeake & Ohio R.R. in three years--the Central ceases to exist, but the Chesapeake & Ohio looms grandly up in its stead!

ALL HONOR! to Anderson & Co, Tredegar works, Richmond, who subscribed the 300,000 Augusta failed to vote. Honor to C.R. Mason, who subscribed 20,000--honor to all who voted and worked for the road--honor, the highest, to brave Col. Fountaine and his energetic staff! This generation will enjoy the fruits of their labor, and posterity will bless them and theirs. As Pendleton said of the Union, in the event of a Democratic triumph, "The opening bud of Virginia's greatness, will be as nothing to the blooming rose of her prosperity and grandeur," when this giant enterprise is completed, as it will in three years.

ALL SHAME! on proud old Augusta, the richest and most prosperous county in the State, for listening to the croaking words of timid leaders, and allowing selfish prejudices to place her in the position of a "shirker," in the proud battle of practical reconstruction and progress. Let her wipe it out, by voting $500,000 or $1,000,000 to the Great Valley R.R., or forever after hold her peace.

ALL HAIL! again to the progressive party of this State; to the young life and energy that is now hampered by the obsolete ideas and old fogyism of past ages. We bid them be of good cheer; a better day is coming; the great Northwest is waking up to the necessity of completing our great water line; and we see the triumph of progress, written on the records of a near future, so plainly that the way faring man, though a fool, may read.

The Valley R. R.--A Proposition
(Column 03)

Summary: This brief article suggests that those who did not vote the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad subscription have another chance. A vote for the Valley Railroad will rectify matters. Furthermore, the author proposes that support from Augusta will stimulate an increase in money from elsewhere in the valley.

Full Text of Article:

Those people who said they would vote $500,000 for the Valley Railroad, but voted against the subscription to the Chesapeake & Ohio, will have a chance to prove their sincerity now. A proposition will be made to the County Court to submit this question of an early day. Come down to the work, gentlemen, come down! and vote for the Valley R.R. A well informed Rockbridge gentleman informs us that if Augusta votes $500,000 Rockbridge will increase her subscription to that amount. Drop politics, brethren of the Valley press and stir this important matter up.

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Summary: The paper asserts that the streets and back yards of Staunton need cleaning, and urges Sgt. Parrent to see to it.
(Names in announcement: Sgt. Parrent)

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Summary: A ditch is being dug across Garber's Hill to Dr. Sear's residence to carry water from the public pipes.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Sears)

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Summary: The new cemetery has been graded and curbed and now only needs brick pavement and a row of trees.

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Summary: The paper argues that an Intelligence Office for supplying house servants and laborers is needed in Staunton.

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Summary: The circus of McGinley and Carrol, rumored to be the best around, will perform in Staunton on the 15th. The agent, Mr. A. W. Morgan, is now in town.

Staunton
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Summary: The paper reports that "new improvements constantly meet the eye in our growing city, emigrants continue to arrive, new business houses are opened, produce shipments are heavy, all our Mechanics are kept busy and a general air of prosperity prevails. Staunton is the liveliest city in the State and in five years will have about 15,000 inhabitants."

A Census
(Column 02)

Summary: A private census of Staunton will be conducted soon. It is estimated that the current population is now 7,000, an increase of 3,500 since the war.