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Valley Virginian: June 24, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Statesmen Wanted
(Column 01)

Summary: This article suggests that statesmen, possessing all the genius of the Southern mind, step forward and reclaim the South's preeminent place in the Union. Politics, once dominated by Southern intellectual giants, is now run by the weak-minded. The author calls for the wisdom of the "Southern brain" in the spirit of Washington and Jefferson, Calhoun and Clay, to speak up and rid the country of a "vile tyrannical party."

Full Text of Article:

One of our contemporaries remarks that "One of the greatest calamities to the country which arise from the continued practical exclusion of the Southern States from the Union, is the loss to it of the genius for statesmanship and the conduct of affairs by which the South has always been eminently distinguished." We are not so young but that we can remember vividly the soul-stirring eloquence of Henry Clay, the deep logic and patriotism of John C. Calhoun, the biting sarcasm and originality of John Randolph and the impressive appeals of Preston. In remoter times there were Washington, Jefferson and Madison, whom history delights to honor. Up to the time when the recent unhappy war desolated the Southern fields, the nation looked to the strength of the Southern arm and the wisdom of the Southern brain in its times of trial. But for Washington the first revolution would have proved a failure; but for Jefferson the world would not have read with admiration the declaration of rights which gave rise to that revolution. The fiery eloquence of Patrick Henry stirred up the chivalry of the colonists and filled the ranks of the Northern as well as Southern rebels. Virginia led the way to the union of States and was one of the last to leave that Union. It is allowed even by the bitterest enemies of the South that the weight of political talent was on the side of the South. "When sectionalism threatened collision," says the Statesman, "the resources of Southern statesmanship were always equal to the emergency and some felicitous compromise carries the ship of State in safety by the edge of the breakers."

Where now are those giant minds that controlled the destiny of this once great and glorious nation? They exist among the shadows of the past. And what kind of statesmen are now moulding the "model republic" to suit their own sordid purposes and carry out the political dogmas of a vile and tyrannical party? Would not the ghost of the great Northern "expounder of the constitution," Webster, shrink back into the mist of oblivion, were it now to visit the hall of its former triumphs of eloquence? Sumner, Butler, Wade, Logan, and a host of other pretenders now shape the genius of the Republic, and keep out Southern intellect and energy, through sheer jealously and a fear that treachery may be exposed to the people--the suffering people. "The very sight is portentous of woe--those lean and ill-formed kind, who have eaten up the fat, fleshed and well favored; those empty and blasted ears of corn, which devoured the good and full ears. And a Senate which was once Roman in its dignity and power, and on the very spot where the Southern giants once stood, we now see, as representatives of the South, narrow-browed, stunted, evil-eyed adventurers and scalawags, who look like a combination of the Wandering Jew and Impenitent Thief. And this at a juncture when the country needs more than ever, especially in the state of our foreign relations, its best statesmanship."

Register!
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper makes a last appeal to the citizens of Augusta to register and vote in reply to a correspondent who asserted the Valley Virginian lagged behind other local papers in this crucial task.

The Fourth of July
(Column 04)

Summary: The author connects the celebration of the Fourth of July with a promise of political redemption in the upcoming election. He recommends that people meet the Saturday before the Fourth, pledge themselves to one another, and continue to work until the election has been decided in their favor.

Full Text of Article:

State Conservative Committee,
June 21, 1869.

To the Conservatives of Virginia greeting

We congratulate you on the cheering signs of Conservative success in all quarters of the State. We have a proposition to make, which we hope will be acceptable to all. The forth of July of this year comes on Sunday. Of yore, when this contingency occurred, the great event of that day was treated with appropriate honors on the Saturday preceding. Another signal redemption, we trust, is about to crown our hopes and efforts, fit to be associated with the other, and fondly commemorated in the future. When the sun sets on the 6th of July let it go down on a regenerated land. May Virginians have done a deed which will drive out forever the base and venal adventurers who swarm over the land "harassing our people and eating out their substance," and restore to our beloved State legitimate civil rule. Then, to rouse and animate all to the great work, let barbecues with mass meetings be held on the 3rd of July, throughout the State, where neighbors will meet neighbors, in the old Virginia hearty way, and pledge themselves to each other, that with zeal, energy and determination, they will labor until after the election for this happy consummation.

By order of the Committee
R.T. Daniel, Chairman

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The ladies of the M. E. Church South are holding a dinner and fair today.

Dog Tax
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that the town council has proposed a $1 tax on all male dogs and a $10 tax on all female dogs to help solve the town's "dog question."

Ho! For the Springs
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper declares that the packed passenger cars passing through Staunton on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad suggest that the Springs are once again doing a thriving business.

Masonic
(Column 01)

Summary: The Masonic Order the world over is celebrating St. John's Day. In Staunton, the brotherhood will be out with banners, regalia, and musical bands. The Rev. Dr. Finley will deliver an address and a dinner will be served at the Virginia Hotel.

The Augusta Female Seminary
(Column 01)

Summary: The 1868-69 session of the Augusta Female Seminary closed last Wednesday. Col. W. P. Johnston addressed the audience. Three young ladies received full graduation diplomas: Amelia Brown, Esther Baird, and Nannie Link.
(Names in announcement: Col. W. P. Johnston, Amelia Brown, Esther Baird, Nannie Link)

Concert
(Column 01)

Summary: The music pupils of the Wesleyan Female Institute performed to a large crowd in the hall of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institution.

Up and Doing
(Column 01)

Summary: A large crowd gathered at the Court House on Tuesday night to listen to the speeches of A. B. Cochran and H. M. Bell, candidates for the House of Delegates. "The gallery was well filled with colored people, who listened attentively. The speeches were well received and we hope the advice given the colored voters by Maj. Bell will be followed."
(Names in announcement: A. B. Cochran, H. M. Bell)

A Hint
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reminds so-called gentlemen that rowdyism at public gatherings, "particularly when there is a majority of ladies," is unbecoming. "At concerts, particularly those given by the pupils of female schools, they should make it a point to be very circumspect. Cat-calls and loud talking will not be tolerated by a refined audience."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: A meeting at the Court House on the upcoming election aroused conservatives to the importance of victory. Joseph Waddell was endorsed for Senate, and Alex. B. Cochran, H. M. Bell, and Marshall Hanger were endorsed for the House of Delegates.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Waddell, Alex B. Cochran, H. M. Bell, Marshall Hanger)

Masonic Hall
(Column 01)

Summary: Masonic Lodge Number 13 has gone to much expense to furnish and decorate their lodge room. A carpet made to order with masonic emblems covers the floor, and wood-work, paint, and paper decorate the walls.
(Names in announcement: G. W. Hewitt)

Register! Register!
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper issues a plea for subscribers.

The Sprinkler
(Column 02)

Summary: Cease's sprinkler has been making Staunton much more pleasant on dry, dusty days. It cuts down on dust by keeping the streets watered.
(Names in announcement: Cease)

Resolutions of Thanks
(Column 02)

Summary: C. R. Ross, president of the Colporteur's Convention, issues a resolution of thanks to the Rev. J. I. A. Miller of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; the Rev. G. B. Taylor; the proprietors of local hotels and railroads; and Maj. J. C. Covell, principal of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute, for their hospitality and aid.
(Names in announcement: C. R. Ross, J. I. A. Miller, Rev. G. B. Taylor, Maj. J. C. Covell)

A Youthful Genius
(Column 02)

Summary: The Rev. R. A. Holland of Trinity Church, Baltimore, preached before a large audience at the M. E. Church. The paper praises his oratory.

Convention of Superintendents of Insane Asylums
(Column 03)

Summary: The 23rd annual meeting of the Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions for the Insane was held at Staunton's Virginia Hotel. Professionals from around the country met to discuss aspects of their work.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Francis T. Stribling, Frederick Scheffer)

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper reports that up to this date, 268 whites and 84 black have registered in the county.