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Valley Virginian: October 28, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Duty of Democrats
(Column 01)

Summary: With the upcoming presidential election just around the corner, the author of this piece expresses his concern over the future of a reunited nation. While he illustrates the certain Radical victory in some states, he assures his readers that the majority vote could potentially swing to the conservative Democratic Party, particularly since Radical chicanery will be ineffective when all sections of the country vote on the same day. This outcome, however, is certainly not foreordained, but will require a concentrated effort on the part of Democrats across the nation.

Full Text of Article:

The election returns which though not so favorable as we had hoped for, are nevertheless such as to stimulate the Democracy of the three great States that have just voted to buckle on their armor afresh and make a still more vigorous and determined effort to carry those States on the 3d of November for Seymour and Blair. With such standard bearers, with such a cause as theirs--the cause of constitutional liberty and free government in America--and with the large Democratic vote cast for the several State tickets, let our friends in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana rally for the contest in November which will take place in all the States on the same day, a circumstance in itself vastly in favor of the Democrats. That the Radical success in the election on Tuesday was owing to a most lavish expenditure of money, and to a large importation of voters into each of the three States, no one doubts. It is not likely that funds will be at command to the extent in the November election, and all the States voting on the same day, the business of importing voters cannot be conducted to anything like the same extent as doubtless it was in those State elections.

The returns thus far indicate that the Radicals have carried Pennsylvania by a majority of from five to eight thousand; Ohio by a majority of some ten thousand while Indiana has probably elected Hendricks Governor. A Democratic gain or a Radical loss of one hundred votes to the county would give the Democrats Indiana by a decided majority. Cannot these gains be made? With proper exertions they may, and we trust that the Democrats will stand with their ranks firm and unbroken, and go into the battle on 3d of November determined to retrieve their fortunes and secure a final victory. Let not the Democrats anywhere abate their zeal, nor tire in their efforts to rescue their country from blighting mis-rule of the Jacobins, who are hurrying the nation into universal bankruptcy and ruin. The country was never in such danger as at this moment. It is a country worth saving, and a change of Federal rulers is the only thing that can save it. If the Democrats succeed in November, the Constitution and the Union will be restored and the country saved. If Radicalism triumphs all will be lost. Democrats, conservatives, patriots, in all the States, to the rescue. Organize, sacrifice and work as becomes you with unflinching spirit and brave determination, and if you do so the victory will be yours!

Virginia Feeling
(Column 02)

Summary: The recent convention in the city of Norfolk has yielded what this author describes as the "Virginia feeling." In other words, the people of Norfolk have moved beyond "past honor and glory" to advocate for increased manufacture, the development of cities, and a growth in population. This "feeling" is the catalyst for great things to come. Not only will energies and the development of resources bring monetary benefits, but also it will secure Virginia's place of respect in the Union, and most importantly, give Virginia a voice on a national scale.

Full Text of Article:

The Dispatch says.--One gratifying feature of the Norfolk Convention was the outpouring of Virginia feeling that it elicited. It is no objection that this feeling, under the influence of the viands and excellent wines and brandies which the Norfolk people know so well how to dispense, became a little uproarious at times; it was only a heartfelt impulse made a little more bounding by very agreeable causes!

The main point in this demonstration, however, is that it was a presentation of Virginia enthusiasm in the direction of practical utility--in the line of improving the State, extending her commerce, and multiplying her manufactories. This is better than relying on past honor and glory. They do not stand us in stead of the power of men and money in those days, and the very salvation of the State depends upon the vigorous concentration of the public spirit and devotion to the increase of real prosperity and power.

With all the natural resources of the State, unless the people are true to her interests and are ready even to make a present sacrifice for her and their future good, we can never make her great.

Let us all endeavor to encourage this direction of public sentiment, energies and resources. The reward that it will secure is invaluable. Let us build up great cities and manufacturing towns which will give our farmers market at home. Thus we shall have a great commerce, a greatly increased population, an improved agriculture, enriched and beautiful lands immensely enhanced in value, and a varied industry which will be continually adding to the wealth of the State and resources of the Government. Virginia, then, will add to her great fame an immense physical power which will make her respected, and give her weight in the national councils that will effectually protect her interests in the future.

Long live Virginia feeling!

Flourishing Schools in Staunton
(Column 03)

Summary: The author illustrates the degree to which Staunton's various male and female academies have expanded enrollment since the war. Thus, Staunton's schools are flourishing like never before. Included is a list of academies, their respective head administrators, and the number of enrollees. Implicit in this article is the idea that the valley is producing more educated young people than elsewhere in the "so-called" United States.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. A. Harris, Mary Baldwin, Rev. R. R. H. Phillips, Young, May, Pike Powers)

Full Text of Article:

We are glad to find the impetus given to education in our State, and that in some sections at least, more scholars are offered than there is room to receive. We learn that this is the case in Staunton. The correspondent of the Petersburg Express writes that not only are all the female schools in Staunton full, but many applicants had to be reluctantly turned off for want of accommodation.--The same correspondent furnishes the following details:

The Wesleyan Female Institute, of which Rev. W.A. Harris is President, has registered 70 boarding pupils, with a like number of day scholars. The Augusta Female Seminary, (Presbyterian), Miss Mary Baldwin, principle, has 50 boarders and 50 day pupils.--The Virginia Female Institute, (Episcopalian), Rev. R.R.H. Phillips, principle, refused, I understand, 40 pupils, for want of accommodation. The capacity of Mr. Phillips' institute, before the late "unpleasantness," approximated to eighty boarders and about one hundred day pupils. The Staunton Male Academy, Messrs. Young and May, principles, (the latter formerly of Petersburg) have registered 47 scholars. The old established school of Pike Powers, Esq., famous as a University school for youths, has thirty pupils, about as many as that erudite gentleman can well attend to, and do justice to his scholarly abilities. To be brief with this notice is there any other town or city in the United States, so-called, that had to reject pupils on account of being overflowing full?

A Centurian
(Column 01)

Summary: Miss Sallie Gabbert died near Arbor Hill, Augusta County, on October 18th. She was 104 years old.
(Names in announcement: Sallie Gabbert)

No Accident
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper is elated that no accident occurred in town yesterday while hundreds of vehicles and thousands of people thronged the streets.

Personal
(Column 02)

Summary: Ned Fisher, "our friend and everybody's friend," is in charge at the Virginia Hotel. He has been an "institution" at the Ballard during the winter and the Hot Springs during the summer.
(Names in announcement: Ned Fisher)

Our Fair
(Column 02)

Summary: The Augusta County Fair held in Staunton is described as a great success. Virtually everybody in the area has attended, and continued success is expected. Included in this report, is a listing of the sporting events scheduled to take place on the day of the paper's publication.
(Names in announcement: A. H. H. Stuart, Bolivar Christian)

Full Text of Article:

At the time of going to press the indications are that the Augusta Fair has proven a great success. The crowd has been tremendous. We would think that every family in the county had left home for the grounds. The rush for Staunton has never been so great before, all admit. The arrangement of things has given great satisfaction and the officers deserve great credit.

The weather is delightful and bids fair to continue good. Gen. Lee, Commodore Maury and other distinguished personages are in town. The opening address of Hon. A.H.H. Stuart was worthy of the man and the occasion, Commodore Maury's address to-day will be listened to with more than ordinary interest. All is well, and many are the happy hearts we have seen to-day.

SPORTS AT THE FAIR

To-day at 2 1/2 to 4 o'clock will occur the wheelbarrow race--free to all who enter blindfolded: after that the SLOW-RACE, where the slowest horse or mule wins the race.

On Thursday, at 12 o'clock, the Ladies' Archery Club will contend for the premium to the best shot. At 1 o'clock, the Grand Tournament and Coronation.

Persons desiring to engage in the Sports upon the Green will be informed as to the rules, &c., by reporting to Col. Bolivar Christian, who has charge of this department.

Life Assurance
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper discusses the importance of Life Insurance, and the spread of Life Insurance Companies throughout the North. They give instances of payouts made on policies.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Rice's Combination Minstrels are in town. "We heard one of our sober-sided citizens say he never enjoyed anything so much, or laughed as heartily in his life, and what is better than a good laugh in these times. To say that the delineations and soul-stirring impersonations of Billy Rice and the ballads of Kidwell were all that fancy painted them, is but to repeat the expressions of those who witnessed them."

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Staunton Council No. 47 meets in the Odd Fellows Hall every Monday night. Those wishing to join may contact Maj. Newton.
(Names in announcement: Maj. Newton)