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Valley Virginian: July 15, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

After the Battle
(Column 01)

Summary: The author of this congratulatory article rejoices in the results of the recent election. He joins his fellow Virginians and "all quarters" of the United States in celebrating the demise of carpetbag and scalawag rule. Although Radicals claim to hold the "key" in Congress, the author is not anxious regarding a possible nullification of the election results. Further, the new constitution passed with many, although not all, of the objectionable clauses removed. Together, the changes resulting from the outcome of the election has lifted the spirits of Virginians and made a promise of future peace and prosperity.

Full Text of Article:

The press all over the country, with the exception of the ultra-Radicals of the Forney stamp, congratulate the old State of Virginia on the triumphant victory she has gained over carpet-bag invaders and unprincipled scalawags. "All hail!" comes form every quarter, industry and enterprise are turning their faces hither, State stock is on the rise, and peace and plenty are already the boon of the patriots who bravely repelled the onslough of the enemy. And is it not a Waterloo defeat? Walker's majority is put down at between 25,000 and 30,000, and the majority in the Legislature on the joint ballot at 60. we have also elected five members of Congress out of eight. But the greatest victory of all is the triumph over principle that, had they been established, would have proven a strain upon the escutcheon of an ancient and honorable State. The hateful clauses in the new constitution are blotted out, and, though there are yet objectionable portions left, yet the instrument is far preferable to bayonet rule. We need not fear but the old State will now go "marching on" to prosperity; for the weak attempt to subvert her free policy has failed for ever, for the beaten party can never rally again; they are routed horse, foot and dragoons--their leader has migrated, and they have no nucleus around which to gather.

In its despair the Washington Chronicle (one of Forney's dalies) exclaims: "All is not lost in Virginia. Congress holds the key." This is a broad hint that Congress will overturn the election, and decree a new one.--Let the usurpers dare attempt so high-handed a game--indignant cries will ring from the confines of the land to its very centre. They have acted outside the constitution long enough--and the people are beginning to be sick of the rule of fifth-rate men and money-bags. Has not the policy recommended by President Grant been adhered to by the Walker party, and is he not the head and front of the dominant party? Was not the election quiet and orderly though bloodshed was anticipated by many? From the mountains to the seaboard order reigned on that eventful day, and we have yet to read the record of a single fraud worthy of notice. But as a defeated candidate remarked on the day of the election when he was compelled to swallow his own words: "All's fair in politics." We presume the Radicals who "hold the key," think it best to keep alive party rancor, and to educate the ignorant colored race to hatred of the Southern whites. Unfortunately for their policy, the colored people have shown more good sense than the God-forsaken emissaries sent among them by Northern Radicals. They have been made to see, and now stand in the sunlight of Truth. They know who their true friends are, and who will keep them from want and hunger. It will be a folly--an outrage to attempt to re-reconstruct Virginia, and the "key" which Congress holds will be of no more use than that of the Bastille after the building was razed to the ground. The people of the State have quietly submitted to the wishes of the ruling power--they have lowered their heads and humbly solicited peace. Will it not be granted them? Or is the Old Mother of States to cower, like the unruly Julianna, every time her lord Duke lifts the terrible key to her? Virginia has gone as far as she can without the loss of honor, in carrying out the measure of the existing government.

A Denunciation
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper asserts the ex-President Johnson holds President Grant in "utter contempt."

Reconstruction of Virginia
(Column 03)

Summary: This article questions the good faith of the Radical party. Since the Conservative victory in the recent elections, there are those who believe Congress will not allow Virginia to be readmitted to the Union. Congress requires that Virginia first adopt the Fifteenth Amendment. But the issue here is trust. Even if the amendment is adopted, past experience with Radicals suggests that they may suddenly impose new terms. The author is highly skeptical and believes Radicals' only principle is self-interest.

Origin of Article: Statesman

Full Text of Article:

Some doubt has been expressed whether, now that the Virginia elections go for the Conservatives, Congress will consent to the admission of the State. It shows estimation in which the honor of Congress is held that such a doubt should be expressed. It would be entirely in keeping with its past course and the temper of the Radical party towards the South, to act in such a way.--When the bill empowering Gen. Grant to direct the late election was before the Senate, and Morton, of Indiana, offered the amendment requiring the States mentioned to accept the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution before being admitted, Senator Trumbull protested against the imposing of new conditions, saying it had been done before and then, when the States had complied, new terms were imposed, and he feared it might be in the present case. Morton replied to Mr. Trumbull, and said it was absolutely necessary, to the settlement of the negro question, that the Fifteenth Amendment should be adopted, and that the voice of the States embraced in the bill would be necessary to its adoption, and therefore there would be no danger of terms being imposed. If the votes of Virginia, Mississippi and Texas should be essential to that end, they may be admitted. But we have no other guarantee of Radical good faith than party interests.--The Radicals have no moral sense as a party, and stop at nothing for party purposes. Their only principle, beyond their interests, with reference to the South, is malignity and vengeance. They purposely play with their victim, as a cat does with a mouse, exciting hopes that are never intended to be realized. Has Virginia been grasping at a delusion and a snare.Statesman

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: John W. Harris, son of Dr. C. R. Harris of Staunton, made the list of distinguished students at the University of Virginia. "Mr. Harris distinguished himself in his examinations in the school of Medicine and graduated in the chair of Medical Jurisprudence."
(Names in announcement: John W. Harris, Dr. C. R. Harris)

The M. E. Church South
(Column 01)

Summary: Services of the Methodist Church South will be held on alternate Sundays at the Baptist Church. The Rev. George Kramer will preach at the Methodist Church on Sunday.
(Names in announcement: Rev. George Kramer)

Rejoicings
(Column 01)

Summary: The Walker party celebrated their victory last Friday night. They built a bonfire on Garber's Hill opposite the American Hotel that illuminated the spires of Staunton. They also fired off rockets and fireworks.

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: James R. McCutchen and Miss L. E. Baylor, daughter of Mr. David Baylor, were married near Summerdean on June 24th by the Rev. Harvey Gilmore.
(Names in announcement: James R. McCutchen, Ms. L. E. Baylor, David Baylor, Rev. Harvey Gilmore)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Eugene Anderson, infant son of Col. W. D. and M. V. Anderson, died on July 8th. He was 23 days old.
(Names in announcement: Eugene Anderson, Col. W. D. Anderson, M. V. Anderson)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Cora Temple Pritchard, daughter of J. T. and Mary Pritchard, died in Staunton on Friday. She was 1 year old.
(Names in announcement: Cora Temple Pritchard, J. T. Pritchard, Mary Pritchard)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Pearce Kramer, infant son of the Rev. George and Jennie F. Kramer, died in Staunton on Friday. He was 9 months old.
(Names in announcement: Pearce Kramer, Rev. George Kramer, Jennie F. Kramer)