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Valley Spirit: January 13, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Democratic State Convention
(Column 01)

Summary: Again calls for the postponement of the Democratic State Convention. Editors claim they have no selfish motives, only a desire not to throw away any advantages by having the convention too early before the election.

Full Text of Article:

We notice that in several counties of the State, Conventions and meetings of the County Committees are being called and held for the purpose of electing delegates to the Democratic State Convention. This early action is because of the supineness or indifference of the State Central Committee in relation to the postponement of the State Convention. We called attention to this matter a few weeks ago, and our article met with the approval of a large portion of the press of the State, and yet the Central Committee has done nothing. Why should a meeting of that Committee not be held for the purpose of considering the question of postponement? We trust that the Chairman will give this matter his early and earnest attention.

We are animated by no selfish purpose. We have no axe to grind. We are simply anxious for the success of the Democratic party. We desire to win at the next election. We have no candidate of our own and do not advocate a postponement of the Convention to subserve the interests of any individual. The distinguished gentleman named for the position from the Western part of the State seems thus far to be without a competitor, and we do not regret it. But starting into the canvass, even with his name and influence, at such an early date as the fourth of March, would, in our opinion, be throwing away great advantages which might be gained by delay. In our judgment it would be impolitic to announce a platform in the Spring for a campaign in the Fall. We hope that those of our Democratic friends who think with us on this matter will keep agitating the subject until the object sought for is attained.

The Governor's Message
(Column 01)

Summary: Gives a synopsis of the Governor's annual message, using much negative and sarcastic language to describe it. Pays particular attention to the financial portion of the message and pointing out inconsistencies. Puts the governor in the worst possible light.

Full Text of Article:

Governor Geary sent his annual message to the Legislature on Wednesday last. We would publish it if it were worth just half the space it would occupy. But it is really worth nothing at all. The Governor sets out by blarneying the members of the Legislature. He says:

I participate with your constituents in the confidence manifested by them in selecting you to represent their individual interests as well as those of the Commonwealth. On your wisdom, integrity, judgment and discretion, all will undoubtedly rely for the correct determination of every question affecting the largest interests and gravest responsibilities, and for a continuance, and even an increase, of that prosperity which has hitherto been so signally enjoyed.

Such stuff as this must be offensive to the few men of wisdom and integrity who hold seats in the Legislature, whilst the "pinchers" and "squeezers" (who constitute the majority) will laugh at the Governor for daubing them with mortar which they have sharpness enough to know will never stick. Geary is a candidate for renomination, and he is weak enough to suppose that he can make friends for himself by slobbering his wishy-washy praises over the members of the Legislature.

Next comes the stereotyped exposition of the financial condition of the State. We see but little in this branch of the message for the people to felicitate themselves upon, unless it be their wonderful capacity to bear the most enormous burdens. The statement shows that the balance in the Treasury on the 30th of November, 1867, was $4,661,836.46, and that the amount received into the Treasury from that date till the 30th of November, 1868, was $5,216,049.55, making the total in the Treasury for the last fiscal year $9,913,918.01--nearly ten million dollars. What has become of this vast sum of money? The Governor says loans to the amount of $4,417,463.64 have been redeemed, and there is a balance of $1,018,415.37 in the Treasury. He puts the public debt at $37,704,409.77 on the 1st of December, 1867, but the Auditor General's Report for that year puts it at $34,766,431.29--about three million dollars lower. If the Auditor General's exhibit of the debt was correct, the Geary administration has got rid of about seven million dollars during the last fiscal year, not including what was paid of principal and interest on the State debt! This is about six million more than it ought to cost to govern Pennsylvania.

The balance of the message is devoted to a great variety of subjects, such as the "State Coat of Arms," (which our Gubernatorial antiquarian informs us he has made diligent but unsuccessful search for,) the "Susquehanna Fisheries," the "Cattle Disease," &c. We are surprised to find that no allusion is made to the "Hog Cholera," the "Potato Rot," or the "Seventeen Year Locusts," but his Excellency may repair these omissions in a special message.

The Governor concludes with a demagogical appeal to the partisan malignity of the baser portion of his political friends. He must be a poor apology for a Pennsylvanian, who can find anything in this message to be proud of. It is the production of a "small-beer politician." Well did Thaddeus Stevens pronounce John W. Geary "an unhappy failure" in the Governor's Chair.

United States Senator
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper introduces John Scott, the Radical nominee for US Senate, who studied law in Chambersburg.

Virginia and the Carolinas--No. 4
(Column 02)

Summary: Ongoing account of a trip through Virginia and the Carolinas.

Specie Payments
(Column 03)

Summary: Reports on a meeting of Republicans which discussed resumption of specie payments. Gleefully shows how Republicans bickered among themselves for a good plan, even expressing no confidence in their Congressional colleagues.

Full Text of Article:

The New York Chamber of Commerce, at several meetings held lately, has been discussing the question of a resumption of specie payment. Most of those who have thus far taken part in the discussion have been Radicals. Their remarks have not been very complimentary to their Radical brethren in Congress. Now that the Presidential election is over and the leading motive for concealment is no longer in operation, the Radical merchants and business men of New York are free enough in confessing their want of confidence in the financial schemes of their leaders in Congress.

At the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday last, as we learn from the correspondence of the Philadelphia Ledger, Mr. Low denounced the policy which locked up gold in the Federal treasury.--He thought it was just as dangerous an experiment as would be the expelling of all the blood from the extremities and locking it up in the heart. Mr. Chittenden expressed similar views, adding that he had no confidence in the present Congress. General Walbridge took exception to these remarks. Mr. Chittenden explained, that the reason he had no confidence in Congress was because the House, which consisted of 220 members, had 219 financial plans before it. Senator Morton's plan he denounced as simply ridiculous. Mr. Opdyke objected to Mr. Garfield's plan, because he could not see the wisdom of going over Niagara Falls when he could go down an inclined plane.

Radical brethren, what do you think of these honest opinions concerning the measures proposed by your wise men in Congress?

[No Title]
(Column 03)

Summary: Cites a scuffle between white and black soldiers in New Mexico to argue that blacks should never mingle with whites because blacks will always be inferior.

Full Text of Article:

A Fight occurred recently between the white and colored soldiers at Central City, New Mexico. Two white and three colored soldiers were killed, and many of both were wounded.

Will our Radical friends make a note of this? Will they soberly consider whether we had not better do without negro soldiers, as we did under all administrations previous to that of Mr. Lincoln? A little fight like this one at Central City might lead to a very great fight where there was a large number of troops of both colors. Suppose such a fight to take place at a time when the United States were at war with some foreign power--might not the enemy gain a decisive battle or capture an important fortress while our white and black troops were slaughtering one another?

It is time to put an end to this negro farce. The negro is not the white man's equal, and no attempt to force him upon the white man, either at the ballot box, or in the jury box, or in the halls of legislation, or in camp or barracks, can ever be successful. Bad feeling and bloodshed will follow all such attempts.

National Life Insurance Company of the United States of America
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper describes the organization and benefits of the National Life Insurance Company, chartered by special act of Congress.

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Cites an incident of blacks resisting a Virginia Sheriff in order to mock Radical racial policies.

Full Text of Article:

A Disturbance has occurred in Princess Anne county, Va., growing out of an attempted ejectment by the Sheriff, which was resisted by the negroes. Twenty soldiers were sent to aid the Sheriff, and a fight took place on Thursday last, in which a soldier was mortally wounded and three negroes were killed.

Couldn't our Radical friends manage to get up a little excitement over this affair? Here are three poor "wards of the nation" bored through with bullets for indulging in the innocent pastime of resisting a Sheriff and killing a soldier. Won't Charles Sumner howl in the Senate? Won't Bill Kelly bawl in the House?

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper asserts that warrants for government expenses issued by the treasury department in December amounted to $17,667,000. The editors argue that tax-payers pay more per month to run the government than they did per year the last time a Democrat held office.

Franklin County Legal Association
(Column 01)

Summary: The Chambersburg Bar held a meeting to organize a Franklin County Legal Association. I. H. McCauley was appointed president and W. S. Stenger, Secretary. Committees were organized to draft a constitution and write reports. One of the Association's goals is uniform fees for Franklin lawyers.
(Names in announcement: I. H. McCauley, W. S. Stenger)

Medical Society
(Column 02)

Summary: The physicians of Franklin County will meet to form a Medical Society.

Annual Meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association
(Column 03)

Summary: Prints a notice from the local YMCA announcing its annual meeting. Urges all members to attend, also outlines the virtues and benefits of the YMCA to the community.
(Names in announcement: Irving Magee)

Full Text of Article:

The Annual meeting of the Y. M. C. A. was not held at the Rooms on Saturday evening as had been expected, but will be on Friday evening of this week, at 6 1/2 oclock.

At this meeting the President, the Treasurer and the chairman of each of the standing committees will give a written report, &c. Officers for the opening year will be elected. All members of the Association and all other persons who feel an interest in its success are earnestly requested to be present.

It is believed that much good has already been done by this organization. Its prayer meetings and its reading Rooms are well sustained. Its course of popular lectures offer the public, as well as young men, profitable instruction and pleasant entertainment every two weeks. And in various other ways it is doing a great deal for the young men of the community. It could do much more, if it could gain the hearty cooperation of more of our leading christian citizens. No community can afford to neglect its young men. Here is an institution in profitable operation, the sole aim of which is the benefit of our young men--your sons and brothers. It would seem to me that the mere statement of the object, would be its most eloquent appeal. Nothing will add more to its efficiency, which may be vastly increased, than the election of earnest and energetic officers. Let me then appeal to every member, every father of sons, every christian man to do something for an association that has for its aim and object so noble, the success of which would be crowned with so many blessings. Will you come to the annual meeting, Friday evening, at 6 1/2 o'clock?

It is to be hoped that every member of the standing committees will be present, and each chairman have his report.
IRVING MAGEE, President.

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: William Metz of Guilford and Miss Anna M. Harteel of Fayetteville were married on December 29th in Gettysburg by the Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich.
(Names in announcement: William Metz, Anna M. Harteel, Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: John S. Strickler, formerly of Franklin and now of Frederick county, Virginia, and Miss Helen M. Heatherington of Guilford, were married at Gettysburg by the Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich on December 30th.
(Names in announcement: John S. Strickler, Helen M. Heatherington, Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: William P. Slaughenhaup and Miss Julia Kate Hade, daughter of William Hade, all of Quincy, were married in Gettysburg on January 5th by the Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich.
(Names in announcement: William P. Slaughenhaup, Julia Kate Hade, Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Addison Byers and Catharine Olaman, both of St. Thomas, were married on December 31st at Boyd's Hotel by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Addison Byers, Catharine Olaman, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Daniel Zentmayer and Miss Mollie J. Byers, both of St. Thomas, were married on December 31st at Boyd's Hotel by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Zentmayer, Mollie J. Byers, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: John A. Byers of St. Thomas and Jinnie E. Myers of Loudon were married on December 31st at Boyd's Hotel by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: John A. Byers, Jinnie E. Myers, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: John Clair and Miss Laura A. Statler, both of Franklin, were married on December 31st at the Lutheran Parsonage in Shippensburg by the Rev. G. H. Beckley.
(Names in announcement: John Clair, Laura A. Statler, Rev. G. H. Beckley)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Oliver Wickey of York County and Miss Henrietta Dougherty of Greenwood were married on December 24th at the Grindstone Hill Lutheran Parsonage by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Oliver Wickey, Henrietta Dougherty, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Thomas Z. Zarger of St. Thomas and Miss Mollie A. Skilhamer of Guilford were married at the residence of the bride's father on December 20th by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Thomas Z. Zarger, Mollie A. Skilhamer, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Oliver Sowers and Miss Mary Dull, both of Guilford, were married at the National Hotel on December 31st by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Oliver Sowers, Mary Dull, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Samuel Gapp of Greenvillage and Miss Annie M. Rupert of Chambersburg were married at the parsonage on January 7th by the Rev. J. Keller Miller.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Gapp, Annie M. Rupert, Rev. J. Keller Miller)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: John Conley and Miss Elizabeth Wishart, both of Washington Township were married at Fisher's Hotel on January 5th by the Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck.
(Names in announcement: John Conley, Elizabeth Wishart, Rev. B. S. Schneck)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Jacob Potter and Miss Rebecca Sarbaugh, both of Washington Township were married at Fisher's Hotel on January 5th by the Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Potter, Rebecca Sarbaugh, Dr. B. S. Schneck)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Philip S. Skinner and Miss Kate A. Wollf, of Amberson's Valley, were married on December 31st by the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: Philip S. Skinner, Kate A. Wollf, Rev. William A. West)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Mrs. Sarah Blair, wife of James Blair, died in Orrstown on January 7th. She was 69 years old.
(Names in announcement: Sarah Blair, James Blair)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Christian Alleman died suddenly in Middletown on January 1st. He was 64 years old.
(Names in announcement: Christian Alleman)