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Valley Spirit: March 07, 1866 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Nomination for Governor
(Column 1)

Summary: Equally impressed by both candidates competing for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, the editor declares he will support either man against any of the four Republican contestants who are vying for that party's bid.

Full Text of Article:

Before this week's issue reaches our readers, both parties will have nominated candidates for the office of Governor. But two persons are named by the Democracy, either of whom we can be proud of--Clymer of Berks and Cass of Pittsburg. These gentlemen are so well and so favorably known in the State, that they need no endorsement from us. Mr. Clymer has displayed rare abilities as a legislator and debator, and has acquired that enlarged experience in public affairs, whilst in the Senate, which would fit him peculiarly for the efficient and fearless discharge of the functions of the office. His integrity has never been questioned. Even his political enemies approve of it. The latter gentleman is by acknowledgement one of the first Democrats in the State. He is reputed as possessing great executive and financial abilities, and although he may not possess the same amount of experience in affairs of State as his competitor, yet it is conceded that the interests of the Commonwealth would be safe in his hands. Open, firm and fearless Democrats, having stood by the party in the days of its trials and adversities, these gentlemen possess the un-we limited confidence of the party, and [we] shall be glad o do battle under the leadership of either.

In numbers, if not in respectability and capacity, our opponents are in advance of us. Four champions have entered the lists to secure the "loaves and fishes." And strange to say three of the four are renegade Democrats. These men remained with us whilst we had favors to bestow, and when there were no further favors for them, they deserted to the enemy. Gen. Morehead, of Pittsburg, is one of these aspirants. How he obtained the title of General deponent saith not. We are sure that he did not earn it on the "tented field." He is not of the kind to seek the "bubble reputation in the cannon's mouth." As he had this handle to his name when years ago he battled by our side, we conclude that he acquired it under the old militia system of wooden swords, corn stalk guns and potato buttons. Such titles, in those warlike days, were cheap, easily earned, and conduct, courage and merit were not considered pre-requisites. His present political importance is the result only of accident. As a politician he is obsolete. The Convention will consign him to oblivion.

The next of these aspirants is the redoubtable Brig. Gen. Geary, who seemingly has the "inside track." He received his title legitimately. He was one of the great paper captains of the wars of the Rebellion. The title was the result, not of prowess, warlike skill, or distinction on the battle-field, but of the efforts of army correspondents, and indiscreet friends at Washington city. Aside from the capture of a Quaker gun at Harpers Ferry, we know of no heroic feat to ascribe to him. His greatest difficulty will be to settle his own political latitude. For if his recent professions are to be credited, he is now as sound a Democrat as ever. If this be true he has got into strange company. Alas for office seeking Geary, the prospective title of Governor was too powerful for his political integrity. We prefer the militia General by far.

The last of the three is our quondam friend Major General John Cessna, of Bedford. This gentleman has battled long and eagerly for the office, and in his pursuit of it has had at least a bushel and a peck of trouble. He also found that the way of the transgressor is hard. A short time ago he was ready, willing and anxious to be the candidate of the Democracy, on any platform which might be erected, but as the material in the man was too slender he was passed by, whereupon the disappointed seeker after political favors, had a full and immediate revelation of the horrible tendency of Democratic principles, and forthwith he left in a blaze of glory and became the wickedest and most unscrupulous defamer of the party in the State, exemplifying the old adage that "one renegade is worse than two Turks." He was scarcely warm in his new seat until he started in pursuit of his favorite phantom, but was treated scarilly by his new friends. In his own county he had to meet and defeat Jordon. He won Bedford and with it he has just five votes out of 123 for the office. Bright prospects them. If we were in his position we would consider ourselves as dead as a harring. This deplorable condition of the defunct political hack excited our pity. We have no doubt that he was lured from the Democratic faith by the promise of preferment, and now to be treated in this shameful way. It is heart breaking. Well "doubtful things are mighty uncertain" and he has found that whilst he has incurred the scorn and contempt of the party he deserted and for the manner of that desertion, he has no secured the respect nor confidence of the party that seduced him. WE gave him a position far beyond his merits, but his vanity and ambition were inordinate and his selfishness all absorbing--we speak politically. He was for himself and only for himself and was eternally grasping for offices and positions for which he was not qualified. Failing in his aims he deserted. Now our opponents have put their foot on his ambitious longings forever.

One of the secrets of his want of success is that he is no Chesterfield. His manners are not of the style which the world admires. They are destitute of polish and the softness of good breeding and culture, and somehow or another these accomplishments are always considered as pre-requisite to the office. His we do not charge as fault but as a misfortune.

From these men we expect to see the nomination made. Our opponents, strange enough, prefer an apostate Democrat to a regular "Simon pure" of their own party. They not only accept the treason but reward the traitors, and that to at he expense of life-long members of their own party. Mr. Ketchum is named, but as he is an original Republican of course he has no chance. Of his qualifications we know but little. He is we believe a lawyer, but courtesy at least. Was once in the Senate, but is otherwise unknown to fame; but not being a General or an Apostate he has no chance of success whatever.

The Tax on Paper
(Column 2)

Summary: Endorses a proposal to reduce the tax levied on paper.

Origin of Article: Greensburg Democrat

The Mob in Hagerstown
(Column 2)

Summary: Recounts the details of an attack by a group of armed men on a public meeting in Hagerstown, Md., which had assembled to endorse the President's Reconstruction policies and his veto message. The armed group was led by a member of the Maryland Legislature and several peace officers.

The Relief Fund
(Column 2)

Summary: Judge Pearson, of Dauphin county, appointed H. N. McCallister, of Centre county, and John H. Briggs and Thomas J. Jordan, of Dauphin county, as commissioners to assess the damages sustained by Chambersburg residents and to distribute financial relief among qualified sufferers. According to the article, the commissioners are all men of "high standing" and are "well qualified, honest, and conscientious."

Tinkering the Constitution
(Column 3)

Summary: In reaction to a petition submitted by a group from Iowa, which seeks to add a constitutional amendment recognizing the "existence of GOD and the divinity of CHRIST," the article assails the proposal as unnecessary and offensive to a "very large class ... of most excellent citizens of the Hebrew race" and to "some very good Unitarians."

Origin of Article: New York World

Railroad Controversy
(Column 4)

Summary: The article discusses Judge Reed's decision to prohibit the Catawissa Railroad Co., the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad Co., and the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Co. from forging an agreement that would have resulted in the construction of "a great through route across the State for the benefit of the trade of New York, and the profit of foreign capitalists."

Harrisburg
(Column 5)

Summary: "Brutus" reports that the Senate passed a bill granting the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad authority to "build branch roads in any direction through the counties through which the main road passes, and the counties adjoining said counties." Additional issues dealt with over the last week include the vote to demand U. S. Senator Cowan's resignation and the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Full Text of Article:

HARRISBURG, March 3, 1866.

The Legislature was in session this week from Tuesday until yesterday when it adjourned over until next Tuesday. One of the most important bills introduced into the Legislature this session was passed in the Senate this week, it having previously passed the House. It is an Act to authorize the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Company to build branch roads in any direction through the counties through which the main road passes, and the counties adjoining said counties. It authorizes the company to have surveyed within two years such routes as they may choose, and have plots thereof filled in the Auditor Generals offices, which secures to the Company the exclusive right to such routes against all other corporations for the period of five years. This act will doubtless interfere materially with the grand scheme of the Atlantic and Grate Western Railroad Company to build and brad gauge road though the northern section of the State. It was violently opposed by Lowry, of Erie; Bigham, of Allegheny, and others in the Senate, but their opposition was of no avail. The passage of this bill will probably end the controversy between these two mammoth corporations for the present session.

The Senate yesterday passed a resolution by a strict party vote requesting Senator Cowan to resign his seat in the United States senate. At the very hour this action was being taken by the Senate of Pennsylvania, he was making a powerful speech in the U. S. Senate in favor of the policy of President Johnson and against the destructive and revolutionary schemes of Summer, Stevens & Co. I confidently expect to hear within a day or two of his prompt resignation "over the left." The radials may rave and howl and pass resolutions of censure, but the noble record of Senator Cowan will stand in history an honor to his name longer after the names of his radical revilers will have been sunk in infamous oblivion. He is now of the Pennsylvania's noblest sons, and he will yet be honored and regarded by his native State for his unflinching fidelity to constitutional principles and his steady defence of the right.

The Republican members of the Legislature hold a secret caucus on Tuesday evening at which the breach between the President and the majority of Congress was considered. Rumor has it that it was a stormy one, during which some violent discussions took place, almost resulting in blows between Senators Lowry and Hall. What a happy and harmonious family this party of "grand moral ideas" just now seems to be! The action of the caucus only became definitely known here through the proceeding of Congress several days afterwards, when Mr. Stevens announced that "the Union [unclear] members of the Pennsylvania Legislature in caucus had unanimously endorsed the action of Congress." This commits the party in this State squarely against the President and in favor of the revolutionary and the disunion measures of Thad. Stevens & Co.

Prominent politicians of both parties are beginning to arrive here preparatory to the struggle for gubernatorial nominations to come off next week in their respective conventions. Gen. Geary has taken rooms at the Jones House where he has been stopping for several days. Mr. Ketchum is also in town, and Geo. W. Cass, a prominent competitor for the Democratic nomination, has taken rooms at the Brady House. Mr. Clymer, being a member of the Senate is here as a matter of course. The contest in both conventions promises to be quiet lively and interesting.

On the Democratic side, Clymer's chance is decidedly the best, and I think he will be nominated on the second ballot. There will, however, be a vigorous effort made to defeat him, but I cannot see at present how it can be successful. He will receive from , fifty to fifty-five votes on the first ballot, and if he will be able to hold these his nomination will be assured. Cowan is spoken of as a probable compromise candidate, as is also General Meade, but the contingency in my judgement will not arise which would enable either of them to come in. You will know more about this, however, before your readers will have an opportunity of seeing this letter.

As to the Republican Convention, it is likely to have a stormy time both on the candidate and the platform. The party of "great moral ideas" is in a great quandary now to know whether it would be best to hold on to the negro or make another effort to hold on to the "loaves and fishes." I have no doubt they would abandon the negro and "smother their convictions," if by so doing they could have any assurance that they would be permitted, by "A. Johnson, Esq.," to retain the offices, buy on this point everything is doubt and uncertainty. They poor fellows will be compelled to grope their way in the dark as best they can.

On the candidate they are equally in the dark. Up o the day that President Johnson vetoes the Freedmen's Bureau bill, Gen. Geary seemed to have everything his own way, but since then his star has been rapidly declining. Republican politicians have become extremely "scary" at renegade Democrats since Johnson gave them the "cold shoulder." It would surprise now to hear of Geary's defeat, and the nomination of either Ketchum or Mooorehead. It matters but little however who they nominate, as it is a mere matter of form. The Democracy are going to win next fall, by such a majority as has not been heard of in Pennsylvania for many years. This is "our year."

BRUTUS.

Trailer: BRUTUS

Latest by Telegraph
(Column 7)

Summary: Provides an account of the resolutions passed by the Democratic State Convention and a re-cap of the vote for the party's gubernatorial nomination.

Full Text of Article:

BY THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH LINE, Office at the Railroad Depot

Democratic State Convention

NOMINATION OF HON. HIESTER CLYMER.

The Democratic State Conventions, met in the Hall of the House of Representatives, in Harrisburg, at 3 o'clock by Hon. William A. Wallace, Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee.

A permanent organization was affected by the selection of Hon. Wm. Hopkins, as Chairman, and F. M. Hutchison, of Pittsburg, as Secretary, when the Convention adjourned to seven o'clock.

At the re-assembling of the Convention, the Committee on Resolutions reported the following which was unanimously adopted:

WHEREAS, the Democracy of Pennsylvania, in convention assembled recognizing a crisis in the affairs of the Republic and esteeming the immediate restoration of the Union paramount to all other issues, do

Resolve 1st. That the States whereof the people were lately in rebellion, are integral parts of the Union, and are entitled to representation in Congress by men duly elected, who have true faith to the Constitution and laws, and in order to vindicate the maxim that taxation without representatives should be forthwith admitted,

2d. That the faith of the Republic is pledged to the payment of the national pledged to the payment of the national debt, and Congress should pass all laws necessary for that purpose.

3d. That we owe obedience to the Constitution of the United States, including the amendment prohibiting slavery, and under its provision will accord to those emanicipated all their rights of person and property.

4th. That each State has the exclusive right to regulate the qualifications of its own citizens.

5th. That the white race alone is entitled to the control of the Government of the Republic, and are unwilling to grant to negroes the right to vote.

6th. That the bold enunciation of the principles of the Constitution and the policy of restoration contained in the recent annual and Freedmen's Bureau veto message of President Johnson, entitle him to the confidence and support of all who respect the Constitution and love their country.

7th. That the nation owes to the brave men of our armies and navy a debt of lasting gratitude for their heroic services in defence of the Constitution and the Union; and that while we cherish with a tender affection the memories of the fallen, we pledge to their widows and orphans the nation's care and protection.

8th. That we urge upon Congress the duty of equalizing he bounties of our soldiers and sailors.

The Convention proceeded to nominate candidates for Governor when Gen. Geo. W. Cass, Hon. Hiester Clymer, Richard Vaux, Daniel M. Fox, John D. Stiles, Asa Packer, Charles Dennison, J. P. Jenks and Wm. A. Galbraith were placed in nomination.

On motion, the nominations closed, and the Convention proceeded to ballot with the following results:

Hiester Clymer 53 votes George W. Cass 30 " Richard Vaux 18 " John D. Stiles 9 " D. M. Fox 8 " Asa Packer 8 " W. P. Jenks 2 " W. A. Galbraith 3 " Charles Dennison 2 "

None of the candidates having received a majority of all the votes cast, a second ballot was ordered. Before taking a vote the names of Messrs. Jenks and Dennison were withdrawn. The second ballot resulted thus:

George W. Cass 35 votes Hiester Clymer 58 " John D. Stiles 8 " D. M. Fox 5 " Richard Vaux 18 " W. A. Galbraith 1 " Asa Packer 9 "

No nomination being effected, the names of Messrs. Stiles and Galbraith were withdrawn, and a third ballot was taken, with the following result:

George W. Cass 49 votes Hiester Clymer 66 " D. M. Fox 2 " Richard Vaux 16 " Asa Packer 9 "

No nomination being effected, the name of Mr. Fox was withdrawn, and a fourth ballot was taken, with the following result:

George W. Cass 36 votes. Hiester Clymer 72 " Richard Vaux 13 " Asa Packer 12 "

Heister Clymer having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared duly nominated was made unanimous.

A Committee was appointed to notify Mr. Clymer of the action of the Convention, soon appeared and addressed he Convention, in an able and eloquent speech, which was enthusiastically applauded, after which the Convention was addressed by Gen. G. W. Cass, Hon. Richard Vaux, and others. The best feeling prevailed and everything augurs well for the success of the nominee.

Local and Personal--Fire
(Column 1)

Summary: Last Thursday, fire totally destroyed Daniel Miller's house, which was located five miles out of town. The blaze broke out while the family was smoking meat on the garret and consumed the upper portion of the house before anyone was aware of what had transpired. Miller had no insurance.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Miller)

Origin of Article: Greencastle Pilot

Local and Personal--Democratic Nomination
(Column 1)

Summary: Democrats in the South Ward of Chambersburg will meet at Samuel Greenawalt's Hotel next Saturday to nominate a ticket for the Spring election.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Greenawalt)

Local and Personal
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces that George Eyster, Esq., has moved his office to the second floor of J. L. Dechert's building on Main St., directly across form Huber, Lemaster, and Co.'s Grocery.
(Names in announcement: George EysterEsq.)

Local and Personal--Democratic Meeting
(Column 1)

Summary: The Democrats of Hamilton township will hold a meeting at Mount Jackson School on March 10th for the purpose of nominating a ticket for township officers.

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On March 1st, John McKee and Sarah E. Baker were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: Rev. P. S. Davis, John McKee, Sarah E. Baker)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On Feb. 22nd, John A. Krebs and Martha Jane McCleary were married by Rev. W. E. Krebs.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. E. Krebs, John A. Kerner, Martha Jane McCleary)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On March 1st, Joseph A. Emmery and Sue R. McPherren were married by Rev. W. E. Krebs.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. E. Krebs, Joseph A. Emmery, Sue R. McPherren)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On Feb. 27th, David Neff, of Scotland, and Susan Werts, daughter of Jacob Werts, were married by Rev. B. S. Schneck.
(Names in announcement: Rev. B. S. Schneck, David Neff, Susan Werts, Jacob Werts)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On Feb. 27th, Samuel Vaustor and Mary E. Piles were married by Rev. J. B. Jones.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. B. Jones, Samuel Vaustor, Mary E. Piles)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On Feb. 25th, David Mason and Martha A. Piles were married by Rev. J. B. Jones.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. B. Jones, David Mason, Martha A. Piles)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: On March 1st, Bruce Zeigler and Jennie E. Koones were married by Rev. William West.
(Names in announcement: William A. West, Bruce Zeigler, Jennie M. Koones)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Feb. 14th, Jacob Bonebaker, 44, died in Quincy township.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Bonebaker)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Feb. 17th, Margaret Blair, 88, died at the residence of her brother, Matthew Coniter.
(Names in announcement: Matthew Coniter, Margaret Blair)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On Feb 23rd, Franklin T., son Mrs. H. M. Boggs, died at age 8.
(Names in announcement: Franklin T. Boggs, Mrs. H. M. Boggs)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On Feb. 28th, Franklin Gamble, 22, died at the residence of his brother-in-law, Dr. Mackey.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Mackey, Franklin Gamble)