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Valley Spirit: October 7, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Horrible Outrages by Negroes. White Men, Look on this Picture. Shall the Freedmen's Bureau Continue to Feed These Savage Beasts? Shall These Monsters Govern the South? Shall Their Voice Weigh Against You in the Election of your Rulers?
(Column 05)

Summary: A collection of articles highlighting black crime in the South. Included is an alleged rape and murder in Tennessee, an alleged rape and murder in North Carolina, and an alleged murder of a family in Kentucky.

The Deserter Vote
(Column 01)

Summary: Denounces the court decisions banning deserters from voting. Asserts that every man has a right to vote and no one, Democratic or Republican, should stand in the way of that. Targets Radicals as the worst offenders.

Full Text of Article:

There are certain men residing in almost every election district in this County to whom the Election Boards have refused the privilege of voting. We refer to those who have been marked as deserters upon the records of Provost Marshals and upon their Company rolls. All such persons, whether they are Radicals or Democrats, have a clear right to vote unless they have been convicted by a Court Martial. This is the law as it stands to day, as interpretted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. That Court has passed upon the Act of Congress and the Act of our State Legislature, which were intended to disfranchised these men, and it has decided that unless the men classed as deserters have been convicted of the crime of desertion by a court of competent jurisdiction, they must be allowed to vote. We call upon honest men who compose the Boards of Election in the several districts of this County to observe the rulings of the Supreme Court upon this question.

In the South Ward of this Borough there is a Radical deserter who votes regularly at every election, and that vote is received by a Democratic Board, for the reason that the men constituting that Board know he has a clear right to vote. In Green township there is a Radical deserter who will offer to vote next Tuesday, and whose vote will be received by a Radical Board, for the reason that the Radicals there claim, with justice, that he has a clear right to vote. Let there be uniformity of action in this matter. Let Democratic Judges and Inspectors and Radical Judges and Inspectors unite in a strict observance of the law, and receive the votes of all such persons, unless the record of a conviction by a Court Martial is produced against them.

With the light that has been thrown upon this subject by the decisions of our Supreme Court, the men who refuse to receive the ballots of this class of men most assuredly render themselves liable to a criminal prosecution.

Room for the Leper
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper ridicules Andrew Curtin for stirring up Radicals in Franklin County, and claims the only reason he's doing it is to gather for a Senatorial bid in a year.

Full Text of Article:

Gov. Curtin is said to be coming here along with Col. McClure, to make a strong effort to carry Franklin county. He will, of course, endeavor to make the Radicals believe that his motives in coming are very patriotic and disinterested, when in truth they are utterly selfish. There is a United States Senator to be elected next winter and Curtin wants the place. He did not come here last fall, because there was no Senator to be made last winter. He left the Radicals of this county "in the lurch" a year ago. He did not lift a finger to save them from the defeat they sustained. They did not care what became of their legislative candidates or their candidates for county offices. But now, when the United States Senatorship is at stake, he comes here to blarney the Radicals of Franklin county with "assurances of his distinguished consideration." Are they green enough to believe that he cares a fig for them, or that he would come here at all if he did not want to secure a vote for Senator? The only man on the Radical ticket for whose success he cares a pinch of snuff is Capt. Walker. He wants the Captain elected because he wants his vote for United States Senator. This it is, and this alone, that brings him here.

Is it not time for the Radicals of Franklin county to cease to be fooled by such leprous demagogues as Andrew G. Curtin? Are they content to let it be understood (as it seems to be) all over the State that they are owned by the political firm of Curtin & McClure? How long do they intend it to remain a standing joke in other parts of the State that "when Curtin and McClure take snuff the Radicals of Franklin county sneeze?"

Radical Extravagance
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper criticizes Republicans for the financial management of government. The editors assert that the government expenses for September amounted to $28,485,839, and that yearly spending totals $341,824,068. The present administration has spent almost 4 times more than Buchanan's.

The Shooting of Lechrone
(Column 02)

Summary: Criticizes a local Republican paper's reporting of a murder which took place a few weeks before. Notes the editor of that paper is running for district attorney and asks how justice can be fairly meted out under such an unscrupulous man.

Full Text of Article:

In our issue of September 23d, referring to the melancholy death of young Lechrone, we contented ourselves with saying that he had been shot by Benner. As the case was a very serious one, and one upon which a Franklin county jury would have to render a verdict, we refrained from indulging in any comments upon it, though the testimony taken before the Coroner's Jury (which we published) might have justified us in saying something unfavorable to the accused.

We regret to say that the Repository of the same date did not follow our example. It undertook to state the circumstances connected with the unfortunate affair, and it strayed far away from the truth in order to make out a case in favor of the person who fired the fatal shot. It found itself able to look only with partisan eyes upon a matter involving the lives of two men.

Nor did it content itself with the misstatements contained in its issue of the 23d. On the 30th it announced that an inquest had been held "on the body of young Lechrone, who was accidentally shot on the Greencastle turnpike, near Waynesboro'." If the testimony taken before the Coroner's Jury established anything beyond the simple fact that Lechrone was killed, (and we think it did,) it established that his killing was not accidental. It is plain that Benner shot to hit, and as the shot proved instantaneously fatal, it is fair to infer that he shot to kill. Whether the shooting was justifiable or excusable, is a question upon which we do not wish to express an opinion at present. We regret that the criminal misconduct of the Repository in relation to this matter, has made it necessary for us to say what we have said above.

Mr. S.W. Hays, one of the editors of the Repository, is supposed to be desirous of filling the office of District Attorney. He is the Radical candidate for that office. If elected, it might fall to his lot to conduct the prosecution against Benner. He qualifies himself for this important duty by defending Benner in his paper! He lets the people see how impartially he would perform the duties of the office by giving in his paper a partial, one sided, untruthful account of the affair in which young Lechrone lost his life.

We put it to every fair-minded member of the Radical party whether such a man is fit to act as public prosecutor. If his sense of propriety and of duty is so dull that he cannot refrain from permitting his political prejudices to sway him in this case, what security have the public that he will not deviate from a right line in the event of his becoming District Attorney? If he discriminates between Radicals and Democrats in this way, would he not also discriminate between Radicals who were his own personal friends and those who were not? What a farce the administration of justice would become, so far as the District Attorney was concerned, if Mr. S.W. Hays, being elected, should labor in his paper for the acquittal of persons accused of crime, at the same time that he pretended to labor for their conviction in court! Let sober minded members of the Radical party look at this matter in its true light, and let them vote to keep the fountain of justice pure and undefiled.

Jesse on Ulysses
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper prints testimony from Grant's father that the office of the Presidency would not suit his character and abilities.

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Charles E. Boyle for Auditor General. Charges that Hartranft, the present Republican incumbent, has "permitted the State Treasury to be plundered." Boyle will administer his office honestly and "stop the stealing."
(Names in announcement: Charles E. Boyle, Hartranft)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Gen. W. H. Ent for Surveyor General. The paper charges that Campbell, the present Republican incumbent, has doubled the expenses of the office that now amount to $68,172.46. Ent will bring down costs and allow voters to "save your money."
(Names in announcement: Gen. W. H. Ent, Campbell, James P. Barr)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Francis M. Kimmell for Congress. He will bring peace, Union, and "economy in administration." "The Radical Congress is robbing the people. Cessna would dip into the public pap with as big a spoon as Butler's."
(Names in announcement: Francis M. Kimmell, Cessna)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Calvin M. Duncan for State Senate. His election will "wipe out the disgrace inflicted upon this district by Dave McConaughy's admission to the State Senate." The Republican McConaughy won a challenge that overturned election results that appeared to have favored Duncan.
(Names in announcement: Calvin M. Duncan, Dave McConaughy)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of B. F. Winger and John Shively for State Legislature. They will end rule by "shoddyites and oil speculators."
(Names in announcement: B. F. Winger, John Shively)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of William J. Baer for Law Judge. The paper declares him a model judge and citizen whose moral character is deeply rooted in the "principles of the Christian religion."
(Names in announcement: William J. Baer)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Frederick Zollinger for Sheriff. The paper declares him a "man of the people" and an "old style" Sheriff who has not "spent a life in political trickery."
(Names in announcement: Frederick Zollinger)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of William S. Stenger for District Attorney.
(Names in announcement: William S. Stenger)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of William S. McAllen for Commissioner. The paper declares McAllen an "active and sagacious business man" who will never "lose sight of the interests of the tax payers."
(Names in announcement: William S. McAllen)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Jacob R. Smith for Director of the Poor. The paper argues that Smith, who "conducts his own business economically and well" will "strive to make the Poor House as light a burden as possible to the tax-payers of the county."
(Names in announcement: Jacob R. Smith)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of Hugh Auld for County Surveyor. He is an experienced surveyor, a good citizen, and a staunch Democrat.
(Names in announcement: Hugh Auld)

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Endorsement of William D. M'Kinstry for Auditor. The paper declares him perfectly suited to the needs of the office.
(Names in announcement: William D. M'Kinstry)

A Radical's Opinion of Democrats
(Column 04)

Summary: Relates an incident, possibly fictional, where a Radical equates Democrats with rebels and as less worthy than black men.

Full Text of Article:

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Oct. 6th, 1868.

Messrs. Editors.--We have in our Borough a few Radicals who seem to have a very high opinion of white men. On the day of the Democratic Mass Meeting, the following conversation occurred within my hearing. One of the leading lights of the Radical party in our borough, a man noted for his strict integrity and high Christian character, chanced to meet a lady upon one of our street corners as the large procession was passing by. Said he, "Madam, are you not afraid to be out this morning? Don't you know that the Rebels are in town to-day?" "Oh no," said the lady, in reply, "I am not afraid. These men are Democrats, and will not disturb anyone." At this, the pious Radical became very indignant, and exclaimed, "Why, Madam, it takes ten Democrats, and large ones too, to make as good a man as a nigger." Let us have peace. Yours truly.
H.C.K.

A Radical Meeting
(Column 05)

Summary: Prints a letter sent in by a Democrat describing a Radical rally in Greencastle. Heavily emphasizes the lack of turnout, repetitive speeches, and general nervousness on the part of the organizers. Delights at the weakness of Radical support in comparison to Democratic gatherings.
(Names in announcement: George W. Zeigler, John Carl, Shafhirt, Dave Hess, Tip Fletcher, Boggs Byers, Sam Ilginfritz, Ike Newman, Capt. Miller, George Chambers, Moses Anderson, Eyster)

Full Text of Article:

GREENCASTLE, Sept. 5 1868.

Messrs. Editors:--I cannot restrain a desire to tell you about a Radical fizzled demonstration which was had in our town on last Saturday night. You remember, gentlemen, how these truth-concealing, falsehood-telling enemies to our country and her weal were eclipsed by a public meeting of the Democracy only a short time since in this place, and you also remember how an unseasonable rising of Buck Creek made the rebel Mass Meeting in Chambersburg a failure. In order then to regain the ground lost by these two abortive attempts at public pow-wows, it was determined by "The Ring" to make another effort in the same direction, on Saturday night. Having failed before, all the Radical energy and Radical money of the county were demanded by formal requisition of those in authority to make this a success. A corps of twenty riders was employed one week in advance, at five dollars a day each, whose duty it was to visit every town and hamlet and Republican home, and beg if they could, but buy if they must, every one to turn out.--Here is a literal copy of their instructions; "Tell every one you meet to come. Urge them to come. Plead with them to come. If business prevents their coming, buy them to come. Give them as much as their business will profit them. Tell them they must come. Tell them that the Democrats have beaten us twice in the way of meetings, and that if we do not bestir ourselves they will beat us in the way of elections in October and November. Ride day and night and use all the means within your power to secure a general turn-out."

Now, Messrs. Editors, all these extreme means were actually resorted to, in order to make a display in this ancient town on Saturday night. The result of it all was two hundred and twenty cavalry men from Mercersburg, Upton, Waynesboro', Quincy, Shady Grove, Marion, Leitersburg, Md., Greencastle and other places inclusive; and twenty five footmen from town, headed by Geo. W. Zeigler and the rest of "the family," and footed by John Carl. In the ranks we noticed "Elick" Shafhirt and Dave Hess, "Tip" Fletcher and Boggs Byers, Sam. Ilginfritz and Ike Newman (col'd), and others whom it is not necessary here to individualize--all under the command of the hero of the Mexican war, Capt. Miller. As they marched along, Mr. Zeigler, who was mimicked by all his followers, called to the by-standers to "fall in." Those who obeyed were few as angels' visits however. The procession was less when it halted at the speakers' stand than when it started at Prospect school house.

The first orator announced by the President was Geo. Chambers, Esq. This youthful orator acquitted himself handsomely.--He must have studied Demosthenes: he was all "action." He told the old, hackneyed story of "Rebels, Rebels', over again and then sat down. He was followed by Col. Black, of Frederick, Md. The Col. commenced by apologizing for his intention to say something new. This was his exordium--"I am rather a neat specimen of humanity, an I not? You have heard a great deal about carpet-baggers; but I suppose you never saw one. Well there is one before you now. I am a veritable carpet-bagger." At this juncture Mr. Zeigler, his uncle, proposed "three cheers for the carpet-bagger." It was answered in one, by himself, the Col's. uncle, "Tip" Fletcher, the Col's. cousin, and Moses Anderson, (col'd) the Col's. friend. After the applause died away, the Col. resumed; but he seemed to have forgotten his promised new story, and he told the old one, too. He said the financial question was an important one, but he would not discuss it then. He preferred to talk about the poor, oppressed negro of the South, and his sufferings at the hands of the rebels and their sympathizers at the North!!! The Col. disappointed his friends here. They expected a better speech from him.

Geo. Eyster, late Capt. and Provost Marshal, was the next orator. He held in his hand a statement of Mr. McLellan's concerning the probable result of the October election in this county. It was to the author's own hand writing. How the gentleman got it I do not know. Possibly in the way Butler did his spoons. Mr. Eyster tried to show us where Mr. McLellan was wrong in his predictions. Instead of three hundred Democratic majority stated by the letter, it would be just one hundred and fifty Republican, even. To do this he said that it would be necessary to get two hundred at Mercersburg and fifty at Greencastle. Now we can tell Mr. Eyster that they will do no such thing--that he must not count on more than one hundred at Mercersburg and none here. Messrs. Editors, it was amusing to hear Mr. Eyster. He and his whole audience were fearfully frightened.

But we will not string this letter out too long. I wish only to add that the Republican citizens of this place complained of there being so much drunkenness here at the time of the Democratic meeting. You will not be surprised to learn that it was all laid quite in the shade by the confusion here on Saturday night. You could hear their drunken songs all over town.

There is one thing about this meeting which must not be forgotten. It is the only instance within my recollection where the Chairman of the County Committee appointed two meetings at the same place during a State campaign. Of course there is often more than one irregular meeting held; but never appointed by the committee. This fact only shows how they are frightened, and how they have been out-stripped in the way of meetings by the Democracy.
LOOKER-ON.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Sherry's Theatre opened with a performance of "Peep O'Day" in Repository Hall. The "Irish Dance" was especially enjoyable and succeeded in "bringing down the house."

Military Company
(Column 01)

Summary: Franklin County's new Zouave Company drilled and marched at the fair. They were outfitted in blue uniforms and red pants. Most of the members "saw much service during the war." A poll will be taken during the fair to choose the name of the new company.

Democratic Mass Meeting
(Column 02)

Summary: Describes in vivid detail a large Democratic rally in Chambersburg. Names all the key officers, reports on the proceedings in glowing terms, and praises every speaker. Partly an effort to contrast this meeting with the Republican one reported in a separate article in this edition.
(Names in announcement: Col. B. F. Winger, Alex Martin, P. Henry Peiffer, John King, Martin Ludwig, William E. McKinstry, Samuel J. Snyder, Edward Senseny, Christian Fredrick, George W. Cassel, John H. Montgomery, George W. Skinner, David Hyssong, William Finney, J. Logan Kennedy, H. C. Koontz, Capt. Thomas Cook, Dr. J. M. Gelwix, Milton Embick, John R. Orr, George W. Brewer, Col. James B. Orr, Samuel Holliday, Joseph Gilmore, James Mullen, J. B. Crowell, Henry Besore, Dr. J. M. Gelwix, Fullerton Richey, John T. Hoffman, William S. Stenger)

Full Text of Article:

TREMENDOUS OUTPOURING OF THE PEOPLE
Great Speech of Mayor Hoffman.

We believe we speak the literal truth when we say that the Democratic Mass Meeting held in Chambersburg on Wednesday last, was the grandest political demonstration that ever took place in the Cumberland Valley. We have been at nearly all the great meetings held in this valley from 1840 down to the present time, and we do not hesitate to put the meeting of Wednesday last at the head of them all. We expected a good turn out, but the overwhelming numbers in which our friends swarmed all the roads leading to town, and their enthusiasm, took us by surprise. The immensity of the gathering is the more to be wondered at as the meeting took place in the height of seed-time, when our agricultural population were busy putting in their fall crops. In response to our expressions of astonishment at the fullness of the turn out, we received but one answer from every delegation: "This is nothing to what it would have been if our farmers had not been busy seeding."

The town was decorated with flags in the Diamond and at appropriate places on the principal streets, and a very large number of houses were handsomely embellished. The delegations from the various districts brought with them a multitude of banners, some of which mere handsomely trimmed and all of which bore appropriate emblems or inscriptions. Our Fayetteville friends made a decided hit with their illustration of the "Freedmen's Bureau." But we cannot undertake even a brief description of the various striking features of this grand display. The job is too big for us. Those who witnessed it will agree that no written description, however elaborate, could convey to the reader a just conception of its magnificence. We can only say to those who were not here, that they missed a sight such as they may live fifty years without having another chance to see.

About 11 o'clock a Grand Procession was formed, with its right resting on Centre Square. It was marshaled by the following officers in addition to the Marshals of the respective delegations:

Chief Marshal--COL. B.F. WINGER.

Assistants--Alex Martin, P. Henry Peiffer, John King, Martin Ludwig, Wm. E. McKinstry, Samuel J. Snyder, Edward Senseny, Christian Fredrick, Geo. W. Gassel, Dr. John H. Montgomery, Capt Geo. W. Skinner, David Hyasong, William Finney, J. Logan Kennedy, H.C. Koontz, Capt. Thomas Cook, Dr. J.M. Gelwix, Milton Embick.

The following Bands of Music were in attendance: The Silver Cornet Band of Chambersburg, the Citizens' Band of Chambersburg, the Greencastle Band, the Keedysville (Md.) Band, the State Line Band and the Fayetteville Band. There was also a Drum Corps from Greencastle, which, we believe, accompanied the Mercersburg delegation. The Keedysville Band came with the delegation from Hagerstown, which numbered several hundred.

It had been announced that speaking would commence at the Fair grounds at one o'clock, but notwithstanding the number and capacity of our public houses, it was a full hour later before all who wanted dinner could be served. About 2 o'clock a large crowd assembled around the stand on the Fair grounds. John R. Orr, Esq., Chairman of the Democratic County Committee, called the meeting to order, and on his motion it organized by electing the following officers:

President--Hon. Geo. W. Brewer, of Chambersburg.

Vice Presidents--Col. James B. Orr, of Orrstown; Samuel Holliday, of Dry Run; Joseph Gilmore, of Letterkenny; James Mullen, of Loudon, J.B. Crowell, of Greencastle, and Henry Besore, of Washington.

Secretaries--Dr. J.M. Gelwix, of Strasburg, and Fullerton Richey, of Fayetteville.

The President, after a few remarks appropriate to the occasion, introduced the Hon. JOHN T. HOFFMAN, the Democratic candidate for governor of the State of New York, who proceeded to address the meeting. We will not attempt a sketch of Mayor Hoffman's speech. It would be unjust to him to give anything short of a full report of it, which we are not prepared to do. We have met no one who pretends to have heard an abler argument at any time or in any place. It was solid argument from beginning to end, and utterly devoid of anything savoring of an appeal to passion or prejudice. He grappled the living issues of the day and made them plain to every man before him. We know that he made a deep impression upon several intelligent Republicans who were present. As for the thousands of Democrats who stood around him, we know that every one of them was delighted. The Democracy of Franklin will long remember Mayor Hoffman, and they will make the welkin ring with joyful shouts when the news of his triumphant election as Governor of New York comes down to them on the night of the 3d of November.

After Mayor Hoffman had concluded, a call was made for Wm. S. Stenger, Esq., who responded in a ten-minute speech. We think we speak the opinion of all who heard it when we pronounce it a pattern of neatness.

The vast assemblage then quietly dispersed; and thus ended the largest and most orderly meeting ever held in Chambersburg.

Mayor Hoffman was accompanied by his wife. During their brief sojourn here they were the guests of Hon. Geo. W. Brewer. In the evening the Mayor was serenaded at Mr. Brewer's residence, where he was also called upon by a large number of our prominent citizens. He left for Harrisburg in a special train at 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening, having engaged to address a meeting at Pittsburg on Thursday.

An Old Citizen Dead
(Column 02)

Summary: Nicholas Uglow died in his Hamilton residence on September 28th. An 81 year old native of England, he had lived in Franklin county for over 50 years. Mr. Uglow was a leading brick-maker, but lately had been pursuing agriculture. Last year he made a return trip to England and was reunited with a sister and two brothers.
(Names in announcement: Nicholas Uglow)

The Female College
(Column 02)

Summary: The Board of Trustees of the proposed Presbyterian Female College met in Chambersburg to decide upon a location for the institution. They will meet next in Greencastle. Chambersburg has pledged $14,500, including a donation of $10,000 from Miss Sarah Wilson of St. Thomas, to build the school in the city. Greencastle has already pledged $15,000. "Is it possible that Chambersburg will permit this magnificent enterprise to be snatched from her by Greencastle? If so, we can only say, all honor to our neighbors and all shame to ourselves!"
(Names in announcement: Sarah Wilson)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mr. John Brinley of Spring Run and Miss Agnes N. Stitt, daughter of John W. Stitt of Dry Run, were married on September 29th by the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: John Brinley, Agnes N. Stitt, John W. Stitt, Rev. William A. West)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Daniel Wolff and Miss Sue A. Shearer, both of Spring Run, were married on September 29th by the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Wolff, Sue A. Shearer, Rev. William A. West)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: David A. Hackdorn of Ontario and Mrs. Emma H. Wilson of Dry Run were married on September 30th the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: David A. Hackdorn, Emma H. Wilson, Rev. William A. West)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: J. W. Craig of Indiana County and Miss Mary C. Shuman of St. Thomas were married on October 1st at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: J. W. Craig, Mary C. Shuman, Rev. J. Keller Miller)