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Valley Spirit: April 17, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Judge of the Supreme Court
(Column 1)

Summary: The piece proposes that Francis M. Kimmell, of Chambersburg, be nominated for Judge of the Supreme Court.
(Names in announcement: Francis M. Kimmell)

Origin of Article: Patriot and Union

Editorial Comment: "A correspondent of the Harrisburg Patriot and Union brings forward the name of our townsman, Judge Kimmell, as a candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court in the following complimentary card, every word of which we heartily endorse. The Judge meets the picture precisely. It reads as follows:"

Full Text of Article:

Permit me, through the columns of the central organ of the Democracy of Pennsylvania, to add another to the number of good names already brought forward for the nomination of Judge of the Supreme Court. The name I have to propose is that of Hon. Francis M. Kimmell, of Chambersburg.

Judge Kimmell has had the advantage of ten years experience on the Common Pleas bench, together with an active practice at the bar, both before his elevation to the bench and since his retirement from it. He ranks among the ablest lawyers in central Pennsylvania. To a very vigorous intellect he adds a fine physical constitution, and he is not yet so far advanced in years as to leave room for the least apprehension that his mental or physical powers would experience any decline during the judicial term for which it is proposed to nominate and elect him.

Judge Kimmell is a gentleman of fine personal appearance and engaging manners, and is very popular wherever he is known. His political principles are sound, and he is in all respects worthy to be selected as the standard bearer of Democracy in the approaching contest.

CENTRAL.

Trailer: Central

Radical Progress
(Column 1)

Summary: The editor ruminates against the Radicals' continued attempts to foist "social equality" upon the people of Pennsylvania. As an example, he cites the bill recently introduced in the legislature that would require churches and other public assemblies, theaters, and opera houses to "be open to all classes, without distinctions of color."

Full Text of Article:

Scarcely a day passes but we have some fresh evidence of the predominating principle of the Radical party-what their designs are and what their continuance in power will result in. Their efforts are untiring to force their colored brethren into social equality, and a bill giving them preference in the cars is already enacted into a law until some new and equally disgusting measure is hatched out. The following bill was introduced by Mr. Mann, a member from Potter [unclear] county, and will doubtless meet with the same success that the negro car bill did. It will be decidedly refreshing, during the coming summer, to have a "sweet-scented" darkie posted up beside you in church, on a hot Sunday afternoon, or in any public assembly have them forcing their way into prominence, as they never fail to do, in assertion of their new rights. For all these blessings [unclear] we have to thank a Radical legislature. The voters of the State should not forget this. The follow is the substance of the bill:

That all churches, public assemblies, theatres, and opera houses shall be open to all classes, without distinction of color, and every officer or employee interfering with any person without distinction of color, from occupying any seat in such church, theatre or opera house, such person or persons so offending upon conviction thereof, shall undergo an imprisonment in the county prison of not less than six months, nor more than two years, and the corporation whose agent or employee hath so offended shall pay a fine of not less than five hundred dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, at the discretion of the court.

The Democratic Party and the Future
(Column 1)

Summary: The article criticizes politicians who claim to be opposed to the "extreme measures of the Radicals," yet refuse to join the Democrats on the grounds that the party can "never hope to attain success" in the future because of its position during the war. Without the party, the piece explains, the "Conservative masses have no efficient organization ... to discipline the anti-Radical forces of the nation, and make them effective at the polls."

Full Text of Article:

There is a class of politicians in the country whose mouth-piece is the New York Times, who profess to be opposed to the extreme measures of the Radicals, but whose prejudices will not allow them to co-operate with the Democratic party against them and in support of the wise and conciliatory measures of the President.-They affect to believe that the Democratic party became so odious during the war that it can never hope to attain success; hence they argue the necessity of abandoning the Democratic organization and forming, a conservative party under another name, whose principles and aims would be the same. Now this is all nonsense. In the first place, it is not true that the Democratic party became odious during the war.-History will vindicate the soundness of its principles and the correctness of its position during that period. And the recent Connecticut election most emphatically disproves the allegation that it cannot attain success under its present organization. In the second place, it would be very impolitic to disband an old and well-drilled organization to make room for a new party, necessarily but imperfectly organized and equipped, in order to do battle in behalf of the same cause. The proposition lacks the first principles of common sense. It has been well said that "it would be just as sensible to look for community of purpose and action on the field from the use of militia, as for successful political action to be had against a party so thoroughly drilled as the Republican party is, by a party disbanded, under a new name."

On this subject the Age reasons in the following pertinent language: "It is very evident that Radical rule can only be broken by a union of all the friends of republicanism upon a common ground and for a common purpose. That purpose must be to reinstate the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, to restore the States to their old places in the Union, to repeal the obnoxious military reconstruction bill, and to allow the people of all portions of the Union representation in the councils of the nation. This is a platform on which all true friends of the Republic can certainly unite. As to minor details, there may and will be differences of opinion. Local causes may induce the people of the East and West to desire that the tariff and revenue laws should be presented in certain aspects, but on the great fundamental question of reconstruction, they need not be separated, if they will take counsel of their patriotic impulses and not lend themselves to the arts of the demagogue, or the uncertain guides of passion and prejudice.

How can such a union of patriotic men, for such a high and holy purpose be effected, but upon the platform and through the agency of the Democratic party? What other organization can they trust? What other party can present such a record of devotion to the great fundamental principles upon which the hopes of the Republic rest? The Radical organization has thrown overboard the Constitution, and is drifting upon the tide of popular passion. They can promise nothing for the future but discord, contention, and anarchy. The Conservative masses have no efficient organization by means of which to discipline the anti-Radical forces of the nation, and make them effective at the polls. The regular army which is to confront the party in power, and contend for the union of the States, the perpetuation of civil government and the life of the Republic, is the Democratic party, and that fact is more and more indisputable and apparent as the day of battle approaches.

The elections in all parts of the Union testify to the life and vitality of the Democratic party, and also prove that the masses are looking to that organization as the only hope for the future. There are no signs of decay in the old constitutional party of the country. Its principles are those which, if carried into practice, will re-united the States and make the nation a unit from Maine to Texas, and the utility of its organization "one of the chief elements of success in the canvass which is now opening, to close only with the next Presidential election." The future of the nation is inddissolubly wedded with that of the Democratic party, and if we are true to principles, the people will into suffer them to be divorced.

The End of a Corrupt Legislature
(Column 3)

Summary: Accusing Pennsylvania's Radicals of "filling their pockets and utterly disregarding the interests of the public," the article celebrates the end of the current state legislature's session.

Origin of Article: Lancaster Intelligencer

Full Text of Article:

The Legislature of Pennsylvania has adjourned sina die. For that, God be praised! High noon of Thursday, the 11th day of April, found that miserably corrupt and venal body in articulo mortis. By set limitation it then expired, and a majority of the members returned to their homes to render up an account to constituencies which the had outraged and betrayed. Many left the State Capitol with pockets well lined with "greenbacks," the bribery and fruit of their shame. An honest few went forth un-enriched by any bas barter of their integrity, and with their honor as men and their fair fame as representatives untarnished.-We have neither time nor inclination to revert in detail to the many dark transactions of this deceased Legislature. We Tried, from time to time, to lay bare the corrputions of the living body; but to dissect the dead and putrid carcass would be more than our nerves and the olfactories of our readers could stand.

Corruption and bribery in the Legislature of Pennsylvania has come to be the rule since the triumph of the Radical party-honesty and integrity the exception. For a number of years past the matter has been growing constantly worse. "The ring" has become a recognized institution, and the question with the majority of the members has not been, not is proposed measure right, but "will it pay." Venal fanatics and mousing politicians have crept into the seats once occupied by honorable men, and the halls of the Senate and the House has each come to be regarded as a kind of political shamble, in which professed law-makers are openly bought and sold by any man, clique or corporation that can afford to offer bribes. Almost every bill brought forward in the Legislature which has just adjourned was made to pay toll, and when ill-gotten gains grew scarce, some member of the ring would introduce an act framed for the very purpose of extorting money from a wealthy corporation or institution which had been created by former Legislatures. Thus did a majority of the men who composed the recent Legislature of Pennsylvania sit from day to day, devising schemes for filling their pockets, and utterly disregarding the interests of the public.

How shall we rank them upon honor's leaves?

Fanatics fierce and blind, a pack of greedy thieves,

All they stole in service of the commonweal

Is naught to what they were disposed to steal.

The Democrats were largely in the minority in both branches of the recent Legislature, and to their honor be it said, the "rings" were made up without them. The Democratic leaders in both Houses constantly opposed the corrupt and pernicious acts of the majority, and did the Senate good domestic service by acting as a check upon the dominant faction. The public morality of the Democratic party has always been of a more elevated standard than that of the party now in power. With the advent of Know Nothingism, the fearful corruption in the ranks of the party which stood opposed to the Democracy began, and it has continually increased from year to year. If there has been a lowering of the high tone of the Democratic party of Pennsylvania we have not seen it, and we believe it is as ready now as ever to repudiate with scorn and loathing any public man who dares to contaminate his fingers with a base bribe. We hope and believe it will never lose the high sense of honor which has always characterized it in the past.

The people of all parties are alike interested in seeing to it that there is a speedy end put to the disgraceful scenes which marked the career of the Legislature which is now happily defunct. Let them resolve, sternly to effect a complete and permanent reform. As for the venal wretches who so disgrace the State, if their constituents are not utterly lacking in public virtue, they

"Will bring them to account.

And crush the vipers yet,

Who singled out by a community,

To guard their rights, did still, for ends corrupt,

And "greenbacked paper," sell and betray them.

An Issue In The Coming Presidential Election
(Column 3)

Summary: The article suggests that the result in the presidential election hinges upon the candidates' stand on black suffrage and whether the federal government has the power to force the states to confer the right upon the freedmen.

Origin of Article: Lancaster Intelligencer; New York Tribune

Local and Personal--increasing
(Column 1)

Summary: Alerting readers that Deputy Sheriff Fletcher left town for the Eastern Pennitentiary with 6 prisoners in his charge, the brief piece alarmingly notes that Franklin county is contributing an increasing number of convicts to that institution.

Local and Personal--The Anniversary of the Franklin County Bible Society
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces that the Franklin County Bible Society will hold its anniversary meeting on April 21st in the German Reformed Church. Rev. Kunkleman and Hon. S. Colfax are expected to speak at the gathering.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Kunkleman, Hon. S. Colfax)

Local and Personal--Rejected
(Column 1)

Summary: It is reported that Matthew P. Welsh's nomination for Postmaster of Chambersburg was rejected by the Senate, a decision the article lambasts as "inexcusable and contrary to the almost unanimous wish of the community."
(Names in announcement: Matthew P. Welsh)

Local and Personal--Suicide
(Column 1)

Summary: The piece relates the tragic demise of John McCoy, of Miffin township, who committed suicide on April 9th.
(Names in announcement: John McCoy)

Origin of Article: Carlisle Volunteer

Local and Personal--Chambersburg Hall and Market Company
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces that the state legislature has approved a bill to organize a corporation "for the purpose of erecting a Market House and Public Hall" in Chambersburg. The piece indicates that the capital stock is not to exceed $40,000 and is to be divided into shares of $25 each.
(Names in announcement: T. B. Kennedy, Jacob Zuck, D. O. Gehr, Jacob Stouffer, J. M. Sharpe, Peter Kreightbaum, F. S. Stumbaugh, Augustus Duncan, George Flack, Charles M. Bunett, J. A. Reside, W. D. Guthrie, Calvin Messersmith, A. H. McCulloh, Calvin Gilbert)

Full Text of Article:

An act was passed at the late session of the Legislature, incorporating a company under the above name and style and title, for the purpose of erecting a Market House and Public Hall in this place. The capital stock is not to exceed $40,000-divided into shares of twenty-five dollars each. After five hundred shares shall have been subscribed for, by not less than ten persons, and ten per centium paid on said subscriptions, the stockholders are authorized to elect six Directors, and organize the company. The act authorizes the company to borrow money to the extent of twenty thousand dollars, at such rate of interest as they shall deem expedient, and issue bonds therefor. It also authorizes and empowers the Burgess and Council to sell at public or private sale, the lot and building on the corner of Queen and Second streets, and invest the proceeds in the bonds or stock of the company. T. B. Kennedy, Jacob Zuck, D. O. Gehr, Jacob Stoffer, J. M. Sharpe, Peter Kreighbaum, F. S. Stumabugh, Augustus Duncan, George Flack, Charles M. Burnett, J. A. Reside, W. D. Guthrie, G. R. Messers Smith, A. H. McCulloh, and Calvin Gilbert are named in the act as corporators. We hope these gentlemen will push the matter with vigor and give us a new Market House this summer.

Local and Personal--Court Proceedings
(Column 1)

Summary: The April Term for Franklin county began on the eighth. "Quarter Session. Com. vs. K. Shannon Taylor--Charge of obtaining $502 from Sheriff Doebler by false pretenses; verdict, not guilty but the deft. to pay the costs of prosecution. Com. vs. David B. Little--Gambling. The Deft. had set up an establishment at public sales in the County, somewhat of the nature of a gift enterprise, having received an Internal Revenue license to carry on that business. The Court, after argument by the Counsel, were of the opinion that it came within the act of Assembly prohibiting the setting up of any game of device of address or hazard, and so instructed the jury. Verdict Guilty. In view, however, of the fact that the Deft. had received a license to carry on this business and was of the opinion that he had a right to do so, the Court made the punishment as mild as possible. The Deft. was therefore sentenced to pay a fine of one cent and the costs of prosecution and to be imprisoned in the County jail for one day. Com. vs. Joseph Smith--Larceny of fence rails. The difficulty in this case was to show that the rails had been separated from the freehold before the carrying away, for such length of time as to make it larceny in law. The Court was of the opinion that the proof was not clear enough. Verdict not guilty. Com. vs. James Wilson and Book Bible--Larceny of one coat of the value of twenty dollars from the clothing store of A. J. & H. M. White. Verdict, guilty. Defendant James Wilson sentenced to imprisonment in Eastern Penitentiary for one year and six months; Book Bible sentenced to imprisonment in Eastern Penitentiary for one year. Com. vs. Book Bible--Larceny of a silver watch valued at $30 from E. Aughinbaugh's jewelry store. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to two years in Eastern Penitentiary, to be completed from expiration of sentence in the foregoing case. Com. vs. Benjamin Jackson--Larceny of Fence Rails, property of Dr. A. H. Senseny. The jury not being able to agree was discharged. Com. vs. John Anderson--Larceny of suit of clothing worth fifty dollars, the property of John Middleton. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to imprisonment in Eastern Penitentiary for one year and six months. Com. vs. Titus Adams--Larceny of twenty chickens from the hen roost of D. S. Leisher. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to imprisonment in Eastern Penitentiary for one year and six months. Com. vs. Man. Hamilton--Larceny of a coat of the value of twenty dollars form William Cunningham. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to imprisonment in Eastern Penitentiary for one year and six months. Com. vs. Isaac Hetrick--Resistance to Officer Houser and Assault and Battery with intent to kill. Verdict not guilty on ground of insanity, whereupon the Court made an order sending the Defendant to the Pennsylvania Lunatic Hospital. Com. vs. A. S. Clarke, alias J. Long--Larceny of Postage Stamps and money of the value of $130. On the night of the 25th of December, 1866, the post office at Waynesboro was entered and stamps and money were stolen. The defendant was arrested in Gettysburg on this charge, and brought here for trial. The evidence was entirely circumstantial but very conclusive and the jury returned in a short time with a verdict of guilty. The Court sentenced the defendant to imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary for the period of two years. Com. vs. Richard Duncan--Surety of the Peace for threats made against Nancy Norris. Dismissed. Defendant to pay costs. Com. vs. Joseph Staley--Malicious Mischief. Defendant pleaded guilty. Sentenced to pay costs of the proceedings. Common Pleas. Jeremiah Ashway vs. John E. Jones, Adm'r of William Everett, dec'd. Action on the case. Verdict for the plaintiff $124. Jeremiah Ashway vs. William S. Everett. Executor of David Everett, dec'd. Appeal form Justice's docket. Judgement confessed for $61.50. John P. Peiffer vs. Samuel Stall--Crim. Con. The plaintiff was a soldier in the army and during his absence the defendant seduced his wife from the path of virtue, and begot a child upon her body. Verdict for plaintiff for $600. Motion for a new trial on the ground of excessive damages filed. Philip Long vs. George S. Crist, Executor of William Crist, dec'd--Assumpsit. This suit was brought to recover for services rendered by Rosanna Shaffer, now the wife of the plaintiff, during the last illness of William Crist. Verdict for plaintiff $119, the amount claimed. George W. Wolfe vs. George C. Crist--Appeal from Justice's docket. Verdict for plaintiff $72.21. Adam Oyler vs. Samuel Small, Executor of Daniel Small, dec'd. This was an action of Assumpsit brought by plaintiff, who was a son-in-law of Daniel Small, to recover for boarding for a period of 5 or 6 years. Verdict for plaintiff $10.43. Com. vs. G. H. & A. H. Stump--Feigned issue to test the liability of the Estate of Abraham Stump, dec'd to collateral inheritance tax. The plaintiff's case was defeated by reason of a Special Act of the Legislature, "put through" by the member for this county. Verdict for defendants. Oyer and Terminer. Com. vs. William Williams--Highway Robbery. John Ely, the prosecutor was knocked down in the public highway and robbed of over one hundred dollars in money. Verdict, guilty. Sentenced to three years imprisonment in the Eastern Penitentiary. Cases In Which Nolle Prosequi Was Entered. Com. vs. George Lewis. Com. vs. Albert J. Kohler. Com. vs. Samuel Stoops. Com. vs. Agnes Wilson. Com. vs. Leonard Coffman. Com. vs. Aaron Hoffman. Com. vs. William Bratton. Com. vs. John L. Newman. Com. vs. Isaac Hetrick, Surety of the Peace. Bills Ignored. Com. vs. Henry Kohler, prosecutrix to pay costs. Com. vs. Samuel Suder, prosecutrix to pay costs. Com. vs. Grant Williams, County to pay costs. Com. vs. William Lewis, prosecutor to pay costs. The following Tavern and Restaurant Licences have been granted. Taverns, David Trostle, Chambersburg; John Fisher, Chambersburg; Jacob Sellers, Chambersburg; John H. Adams, Greencastle; S. S. Hays, Greencastle; Charles Letoriere, Waynesboro; John Mullan, Waynesboro; Charles G. Lewis, Mercersburg; Isaac Quiggly, Upper Strasburg; John Kyner, Orrstown; Hezekiah Keefer, St. Thomas; Charles Gillan, St. Thomas; William F. Reamer, St. Thomas; Jacob Lightfoot, Fayetteville; A. W. Holland, Fayetteville; H. M. Jones, Quiney; Benjamin Hough, Greenwood; Susan Elliott, Hamilton township; John Gordon, Hamilton township; David Heidler, Greenvillage; Jacob Elliott, Welsh Run; James Mullan, Loudon; John Treher, Loudon; Ephraim Shank, Funkstown; James Coffee, Dry Run; Henry Yingling, Monterey Springs. Restaurants, Reuben F. Milley, Chambersburg; Jacob Kriner, Waynesboro. Wholesale Liquor Store, John F. Croft, Chambersburg."
(Names in announcement: K. Shannon Taylor, Sheriff John Doebler, David B. Little, Joseph Smith, James Wilson, Book Bible Darceny, A. J. White, H. M. White, E. Aughinbaugh, Benjamin Jackson, John Anderson, John Middleton, Titus Adams, Thomas Leisher, Mac. Hamilton, William Cunningham, Issac Hetrick, Officer Houser, A. S. Clarke, Richard Duncan, Jeremiah Ashway, John E. Jones, William S. Everett, John P. Peiffer, Samuel Stall, Philip Long, George S. Crist, George W. Wolfe, Adam Oyler, Samuel Small, Daniel Small, G. H. Stump, A. H. Stump, Abraham Stump, William Williams, George Lewis, Albert J. Kohler, Samuel Stoops, Agnes Wilson, Leonard Coffman, Aaron Hoffman, William Bratton, John L. Newman, Issac Hetrick, Henry Kohler, Samuel Suder, Grant Williams, William Lewis, David Trostle, John Fisher, Jacob Sellers, John H. Adams, S. S. Hays, Charles Letoriere, John Mullan, Francis Bowden, Charles G. Lowe, Thomas McAfee, Issac Quiggly, John Kyner, Hezekiah Keefer, Charles Gillan, William F. Reamer, Jacob Lightfoot, A. W. Holland, H. M. Jones, Benjamin Hough, Susan Elliott, John Gordon, David Heidler, Jacob Elliott, James Mullan, John Treher, Ephraim Shank, James Coffee, Henry Yingling, Reuben F. Miley, Jacob Kriner, John F. Croft)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On March 28th, Joseph Kindig, of Renova (formerly Orrstown), and Beckie Brown were married by Rev. B. F. Beck.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Kindig, Beckie Brown, Rev. B. F. Beck)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 10th, at the residence of Mrs. Hokein in Stoufferstown, Albert Winton and Kate Keefer, of Stoufferstown, were married by Rev. S. H. C. Smith.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Hokein, Albert Winton, Kate Keefer, Rev. S. H. C. Smith)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 4th, George Sites and Amelia C. Mowen were married by Rev. Whetstone.
(Names in announcement: George Sites, Amelia C. Mowen, Rev. Whetstone)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 9th, H. C. Senseny and Kate Fleishour were married by Rev. I. G. Brown.
(Names in announcement: H. C. Senseny, Kate Fleishour, Rev. I. G. Brown)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 3rd, Mary Linn, 70, died at her residence in Southampton township.
(Names in announcement: Mary Linn)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 12th, Hugh Mannon, 81, died in Marion.
(Names in announcement: Hugh Mannon)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 8th, Minnie, daughter of Lizzie and E. R. Wingert, died at 6 months old.
(Names in announcement: Lizzie Wingert, Minnie Wingert, E. R. Wingert)