Search the Newspapers Browse Newspapers by Date Articles Indexed by Topic About the Newspapers Valley of the Shadow Home

Valley Virginian: December 22, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Amnesty
(Column 01)

Summary: This article discusses the many shortcomings of General Butler's proposed "general" amnesty bill. According to the author, Butler's attempt to bind sectional wounds can only be viewed as an empty gesture when considered against the many exceptions in the bill. He says that real sectional healing can only come about when more Republicans act in accordance with Governor Walker. Walker, who supported the Union cause, nevertheless has shown a great deal of wisdom as Virginia's executive. Any policy that does not provide for universal amnesty is only "giving occasion for recrimination."

Full Text of Article:

On the 6th inst., the subject of amnesty was under consideration in the House of Representatives. Gen. Butler's bill for a full and general grace and amnesty, and abolition of all wrongful acts, doings, or omissions of persons engaged in the war of the late rebellion provides the full wing exceptions: Persons educated at West Point or Annapolis, members of either House of the Federal or Confederate Congress, heads of Federal executive departments, judges of Federal or Confederate Courts, members of the Conventions who voted for or signed ordinances of secession, Governors of States that were in rebellion, Confederates who were arrested cruelly or otherwise than according to the usages of war Federal prisoners, persons entrusted with funds which they have not accounted for, all deserters and bounty-jumpers.

The property exceptions are:--All property wherein the United States or third parties have become vested by sale, forfeiture, or confiscation, and lands used now or heretofore for federal cemeteries. Every right of action and liability arising under any law, ordinance, or contest in aid of rebellion, shall be deemed invalid.

This is the "olive branch" which Gen Butler holds out to the people of the South!--If devilish malice could have devised a more glaring outrage, we suppose Butler would have gotten it up. His bill not only excepts some of the best men in the South--men of representative character, who, were any of them in the councils of the nation, could impart true information as to the feelings and sentiments of their constituents, but would be instructive legislatures on all questions of public interest. They are no more guilty of "rebellion" than many of the humblest privates who followed the lead of Lee and Jackson; and many of them not near so capable of leading the popular will, for some of the most intellectual and influential men in the South were among the privates and subordinate officers.

Were General Butler really desirous of healing up the wounds of the war--of uniting the people of two sections in a common national brotherhood--let him cease his virulent, his malicious hate towards all classes of the South, and devote his splendid intellectual and party influence to assisting the people of the South in their efforts to develop their material resources. Let him, as a test of his sincerity for harmony and good will, of fraternal regard, and his wish to see the country moving forward, as one people to the fulfillment of its grand destiny, commence with Virginia, and aid in securing an appropriation for the completion of our great waterline--the James River and Ohio Canal--and the improvement of the James River. Let him put his foot down upon the land-grabbing system which is squandering millions of acres of our most prolific public lands, to enrich corporations, and place it in their power to tyrannize over the rightful owners of the public domain--the people. Let him and his party, cease their mistrust of the people of the South--leave them free and send their best men to the national legislature--to choose such men as the people want, whether they agree with his party associations or not--allow them to be self governing communities--to regulate their own domestic concerns as they may list, as do the people of Massachusetts--recognize them, in short, as men of honor, who respect their wards and their allegiance oaths, as constituents of a common government--the guardians of a common national faith--the bulwark of a common liberty--the resource of a common defense--and the contributors to a common national treasury, for the support and operation of the ramified interests of our common country--and he will then see the acerbities growing out of the war--which should have ceased to exist on either side long ago--give way before the melting influence of gentle peace--the occasion for his invidious exceptions buried--and all the great resources of the country utilized and her interests observed!--If Democrats or Conservatives triumph over Republicans--if the people will the supremacy of the former over the latter, in any community, let it be so. Bayonets and persecution cannot control the "chainless mind." They cannot reverse the honest convictions of any man, and where they control them, that individual is fit for "treason, stratagem and spoils"--a desirable associate for no one, and no honest man would seek a coalition with him.

As an offset to the suspicions and mistrust contained in Gen. Butler's bill, we quote the patriotic, truthful and manly utterances of a Northern man--a supporter of and sympathizer with the "Union cause," during the late war--and that man now the Governor of as proud, and brave, and true people as ever the sun shone upon--the people of this grand old Commonwealth of Virginia--elevated to the present exalted position by the unpurchased and unpurchasable suffrages of the intelligence the wealth and the worth of the State--Gilbert C. Walker--who, in his annual message to the legislature, now in session, uses the following language:

"Our people everywhere are adapting themselves to the changed condition of affairs with all promptitude, a wisdom and moderation worthy of all praise. In obedience to law, in the maintenance of order, and the performance of all the duties appertaining to good citizenship, the people of Virginia challenge comparison with any State in the Union. Everywhere within the broad limits of the commonwealth every citizen is safe and secure in his "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Emerging from the terrible ordeal of a four year's baptism of blood, stript of everything save incorruptibility, the people of this commonwealth have again resumed their place in the Union of their fathers with an earnest purpose and determination to fulfill all the obligations of American citizens. More cannot be required of them--less they will not perform."

We will not dwell upon the property exceptions of Gen. Butler's bill. It is, however, an outrageous proposition to invade the Courts of justice--to decide questions legitimately belonging to the tribunals of justice, and totally and entirely foreign to the purview of any amnesty bill that could be devised. Let Gen. Butler silence his "bill of abominations," and give a cordial and active support to Mr. Farnsworth's proposition, for general amnesty, clear and entire. Mr. F. is a Republican, but a man of comprehensive views, who can rise above the behests of mere party, and address himself to the great interests of the country. Let such a bill be passed, and the happy result of a returning feeling of national fraternity will immediately develop itself. Any other policy is merely adding fuel to the flame,--kindling up embers almost smothered out--and giving occasion for continued crimination and recrimination.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper holds up the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as an example of the benefits internal improvements can bring to a community. "The improvement in which our own inland enterprising city, as well as the county, are deeply interested, is made the subject of the most favorable allusion by Mr. Garrett. He says the 'Valley Railroad should be vigorously prosecuted.'"

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: This article briefly analyzes the position of Native Americans in regard to the 14th amendment. Since they are not designated citizens, but rather independent nations, the amendment does not apply. The author says this is a "nice dodge" for the government--a policy that provides for both killing as well as land grabbing "upon the merest pretense."

Full Text of Article:

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee have made a report, explaining the meaning of the 14th amendment, as regards Indians. The report assumes that they are not "citizens"--but on the contrary, have always been treated as separate and distinct "nations," and not subject to the municipal jurisdiction of the United States. This is a nice dodge. We should like to know what international law has been observed in our intercourse with them? They are butchered upon the merest pretense, their lands and hunting grounds grabbed up, and if they manifest any spirit in defense of their homes--what to them is home at least--it is regarded as a declaration of hostilities on their part, and the "dogs of war are let loose" upon them. Very convenient "nations," to do precisely what the United States tells them to do, else it is a caucus bill.

Valley Railroad
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper complains that Augusta County's failure to approve a subscription to the stock of the Valley Railroad means that the $2,800,009 already raised is lying idle. $3,000,000 must be raised before work can begin. The paper asserts that a petition has been circulated and signed by many who once opposed the project for a new vote to be taken.

Marriages
(Column 01)

Summary: M. E. Miller of Hunstville, Alabama, and Miss Harriette Echols, daughter of Gen. John Echols of Staunton, were married in Staunton's Trinity Church on December 16th by the Rev. J. A. Latane.
(Names in announcement: M. E. Miller, Harriette Echols, Gen. John Echols, Rev. J. A. Latane)

Marriages
(Column 01)

Summary: G. W. Stogdale and Miss Margaret J. Brown, both of Augusta, were married near Parnassus on December 16th by the Rev. G. W. Hott.
(Names in announcement: G. W. Stogdale, Margaret J. Brown, Rev. G. W. Hott)

Marriages
(Column 01)

Summary: James P. Hawkins of Danville and Miss P. D. McDowell, formerly of South Carolina, were married in Staunton at the residence of Richard Hawkins on December 18th by the Rev. William H. Williams.
(Names in announcement: James P. Hawkins, P. D. McDowell, Richard Hawkins, Rev. William H. Williams)

Marriages
(Column 01)

Summary: Dr. W. B. Conway of Weyer's Cave and Miss Julia E. Thomas, daughter of Col. William Thomas, were married in Montgomery County on December 14th by the Rev. William Wilhelm.
(Names in announcement: Dr. W. B. Conway, Julia E. Thomas, Col. William Thomas, Rev. William Wilhelm)

Marriages
(Column 01)

Summary: George S. Rusmisel and Miss Mattie D. Clayton, daughter of the late Thomas Clayton, were married near Deerfield, Augusta County, on December 1st by the Rev. J. S. Blain.
(Names in announcement: George S. Rusmisel, Mattie D. Clayton, Thomas Clayton, Rev. J. S. Blain)

Marriages
(Column 01)

Summary: Franklin Bell and Miss Esta C. Trotter, daughter of the late Archie Trotter, all of Augusta, were married on November 22nd at the residence of the bride's uncle, Cyrus Brown, by the Rev. Isaac Handy.
(Names in announcement: Franklin Bell, Esta C. Trotter, Archie Trotter, Cyrus Brown, Rev. Isaac Handy)

Deaths
(Column 01)

Summary: Nathaniel Massie, long-time resident of Augusta County, died in his Albemarle residence on December 8th. He was 77 years old.
(Names in announcement: Nathaniel Massie)