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Valley Spirit: 04 25, 1866 Go To Page : 2 | 3 |

Then And Now
(Column 1)

Summary: During the war, explains the editorial, the government placed severe curbs on the civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution in an attempt to check all treasonous or seditious behavior. And while the measures affected all citizens, they proved particularly onerous for the supporters of the Democratic Party, who were targeted, even persecuted, for their political beliefs. Yet, as difficult as "was the strain upon our free institutions during the progress of the rebellion," asserts the piece's author, "it is harder now" because the Radicals are "subverting the fundamental law of the land, and changing the whole character of our government."

Whites and Blacks Compelled to Ride in Same Cars
(Column 2)

Summary: Recently, it is reported, a bill was passed by Pennsylvania's Legislature "prohibiting city passenger railways from refusing to carry passengers on account of their color or race." The vote to approve the measure was split along party lines, with all 43 Republicans in favor and all 31 Democrats opposed.

Negro Suffrage-The Issue in October
(Column 3)

Summary: Using deceptive tactics, the article predicts, the Republicans hope to secure a majority in the Legislature so that they can implement their radical agenda and grant blacks suffrage. According to the State Constitution, amendments can only be made every five years, which means that following the soldiers' amendment in 1864, nothing can be enacted until 1869. During this time, alleges the author of the piece, the Radicals will entrench themselves, staying as mute as possible on the question of civil rights for the freedmen, so that they can contain all opposition to their plans.

Origin of Article: Patriot and Union

"They Won't Care for Me Now"
(Column 3)

Summary: Using a clipping taken from the Patriot and Union that details the situation of a black boy who was taken North by a Union officer and then abandoned to fend for himself, the author of the article castigates the false sympathy of these so-called "humanitarians" who cry out for "free suffrage and social equality," but are, in reality, "the bitterest enemies of the African."

Against the Union and for the Negro
(Column 3)

Summary: "As the peculiar friends of the negro," contends the article, the Republicans "nullified the plain provisions of the organic law, and violated laws enacted under its requirements." Now, they have violated the "elementary principles of the Constitution, and refuse representation to people who are true to the laws and faithful to the government." "They were against the Union at the beginning," the piece declares, "and they are but consistent in opposing it now."

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Suggesting that the current debate on the future of the freedmen may all be for naught, the article refers to a statement made by Gov. Sharkey of Mississippi who, in detailing the present condition of blacks in his state, noted that there are half as many currently there than before the war, a fact he believes illustrates that they are "destined to extinction beyond a doubt."

A White Woman Elopes With A Negro
(Column 7)

Summary: Claiming that the event was the consequence of abolitionist teaching, the article chronicles the story of a white woman who eloped with her black lover, with the intention of getting married in Harrisburg. The couple's plans were derailed, however, when the girl's father discovered her absence and telegraphed the police in a town along their intended route. The reporter finds the story particularly scintillating because the girl's father is known for his vehement support of the Abolitionists, and had been heard to say that he believed "a negro was plenty good enough for a poor white girl."

Origin of Article: Somerset Democrat

Local and Personal
(Column 1)

Summary: Court Proceeding disposed of during the second week. Common Pleas. William B. Leas v. James Brewster-Feigned issue to try the validity of a deed conveying the interest of the plaintiffs in a tract of land in Metal, this county. Verdict for plaintiffs. Ephraim Shank v. William Fleagle et al, School District of Quincy township-The plaintiff was collector of taxes in Quincy in the year 1866. This action was brought to recover an excess of taxes paid over by him to the defendants. It was brought before H. B. Davidson, and judgement obtained for $90.00. Defendant appealed. The defense on the trial was that the amount claimed exceeded $100.00. Plaintiff took a non-suit. William McGrath v. M. Keiffer, B. S. Schneck, Samuel R. Fisher, Edward Etter, Adam Hamilton, and James Hamilton-An action on the case to recover damages for injuries received by plaintiff in the year 1863, by reason of the falling of a large quantity of zinc from a portico of the Mansion House in the borough of Chambersburg.-The first three defendants were the owners of the Mansion House, the last three composed the firm of Etter, Hamilton, & Co., who were engaged in the roofing business at the time, and were removing the zinc roof from the portico. Verdict for the plaintiff for $200.00. Peter Borough v. Frederick Walk-An action of Assumpeit to recover the value of 60 bushels of corn and also money advanced by the plaintiff to defendant. Verdict for the Plaintiff for $200.00. David Witherspoon v. James Wither-Executor of Rebecca Curry, dec'd-An action to recover for nursing and attendance upon Rebecca Curry (who was a sister of the plaintiff) during her last illness, verdict for plaintiff $300. Peter Borough and Micheal Harglerode-partners doing business in the name of Brough & Harglerode v. Wendel Fogleson-An action to recover damages for non-delivery of two hundred bushels of corn alleged to have been purchased by the plaintiffs from defendant. Verdict for defendant. William A. Hayes v. James Brumback-An action to recover the sum of $500. Plaintiff and defendant entered into an article of agreement for the sale of land. Deed was to be delivered by the plaintiff on the 1st of April. Defendant failed "to come to time." The amount of damages fixed in the article of agreement was $500. Verdict for plaintiff for $500. John Royer v. David L. Martin, Elias Brumback, William Martin, and Samuel Martin-An action to recover the price of hogs alleged to have been taken by defendant and sold, together with the amount of damages suffered by plaintiff on account of the taking of those hogs . Verdict for plaintiff for $400. Jacob Wister et al. v. The School Directors of Antrim township-In Equity.
(Names in announcement: William B. Leas, James R. Brewster, Mary Gettys, Ephraim Shank, William Fleagle, William McGrath, M. Keiffer, B. S. Schneck, Samuel R. Fisher, Edward Etter, Adam Hamilton, James Hamilton, J. Bomberger, Frederick Walk, David Witherspoon, James Wither, Rebecca Curry, Peter Brough, Micheal Harglerode, Wendel Fogelson, William Hays, James Brumback, John Royer, David L. Martin, Elias Brumback, William Martin, Samuel Martin, Jacob Wister, Judge King)

Local and Personal
(Column 2)

Summary: An article commending Messrs. Briggs, Jordan, and McAllister, the commissioners appointed to assess the losses sustained by the residents of Chambersburg when the town was burned by the rebels, for a job well-done. According to their estimates the aggregate of the losses amounted to $1,625,474.58.

County Superintendent Ent.
(Column 3)

Summary: A letter seconding the endorsement of Philip M. Shoemaker for County Superintendent.

Trailer: Director

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On April 29th, James McFerren and Kate E. Reed were married by Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. Keller Miller, James McFerren, Kate E. Reed)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On April 18th, John E. Johnston and Bella Phillips were married by Rev. James Harper.
(Names in announcement: Rev. James Harper, John E. Johnston, Bella Phillips)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On April 18th, Rev. B. H. Wetherow and Mary E. Phillips were married by Rev. James Harper.
(Names in announcement: Rev. James Harper, Rev. B. H. Wetherow, Mary E. Phillips)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On March 27th, John Spidle, 56, died.
(Names in announcement: John Spidle)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On April 5th, John Stewart, father of Dr. A. Stewart, died in Shippensburg. John was 89 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Stewart, Dr. A. Stewart)