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Valley Spirit: May 4, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Forbes the Immaculate
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper accuses Forbes, who Grant appointed Philadelphia invalid pension agent, of corruption in office. One of his clerks allegedly defrauded the government of $2,000, and Forbes himself has grown suspiciously wealthy while in office. "Such is Radicalism. It has become so accustomed to stealing from the Government that it regards it no crime now to rob the men who have been maimed in their country's service."

Radical Honesty
(Column 02)

Summary: Relates a tale of corruption among the Radical members of the Legislature. Apparently they needed to bribe one of their own to swing an election and the person who was supposed to hand off the money stole it instead. Goes into great detail in the story, cites it as an example of the extreme immorality of the Republicans and asks people how much longer they will tolerate it.

Full Text of Article:

The last Legislature was made up of a precious set of rascals in the main. The idea seemed to prevail among them that they had been sent there to make as much money for themselves as possible without regard to the interests or wishes of their constituents. The most unblushing frauds were perpetrated. Bills were passed in a manner that ought to have crimsoned the cheek of any member with shame, and yet they all, innocent and guilty, preserved an unblushing front and regarded these outrageous frauds as excellent jokes.

One of the boldest and biggest of these practical jokes, was that perpetrated upon Senator Kerr who was a member of the committee to determine the contested election between Watt and Diamond. It will be remembered that Diamond was the recipient of a majority of the votes, but by altering the figures and thus changing the count--an alteration palpable upon the face of the record--Watt was declared elected. Being a Radical, the Radical majority in the Senate decided that the prima facie right to the seat belonged to him. Then came the contest and, during the whole session, it waxed hot and fierce. From all accounts, money was offered freely. The Sunday Morning Times of Philadelphia of the 24th ult. gave a detailed account of this transaction which will be so full of interest and novelty to our readers, that we give it at length:

The contest lasted long and weary weeks. In the beginning of it, the friends of Watt seemed to think that Senator Kerr was getting weak in their cause, and by some legerdemain he was approached to know what was the matter." Long and confidential conferences were held, and it was proposed to give the virtuous Senator a "divvy of $5000, to keep him straight," and faithful to his party. The unsophisticated must not suppose that contested cases are always decided upon their merits--for this is not so. The party which can "come down" the heaviest, generally carries the day as Napoleon said of heavy artillery in war.

The matter was broached to the honorable Senator, and to the intense surprise of the party concerned in the negotiations, it was discovered that Kerr could get ten thousand dollars from the Democrats! to go for Diamond, but if his Republican friends wanted to "hold him"--why they must "go two thousand better!"

After some parleying, this sum was agreed upon, as the "consideration" for the Senator sticking to his party.

The honorable Senator named Alex. Leslie, Republican Representative from Allegheny county as his "friend." (These "little matters, are always "fixed" through "mutual friends" in the confidence of both the contracting parties, so as not to compromise their principals). A meeting was arranged in a private room of one of the Harrisburg hotels.

It appears that Representative Wm. M. Bunn, of the Eleventh Legislative District (him of the heavy knapsack, who is a candidate for register of Wills, and one of the shrewdest, sharpest, and cutest little fellows ever sent to the Legislature from Philadelphia), was selected to conduct the negotiations on the part of "the party of the first part," who were to furnish the money to buy Kerr's vote.

The two gentlemen met. As it would not be honorable to betray confidence, we can assert decidedly that neither one ever "blowed" on the other, and, as it would be impossible to tell the story correctly without describing what transpired in that room, we had recourse to a clairvoyant who detailed, with great minuteness the "doings" inside, thusly:

First, the door was locked, and after a short chat, "without any reserve," Bunn produced a large official envelope, containing twelve $1000 greenbacks. These were duly counted, to see that "everything was right." The report was, telegraphically, "O.K."
"That's a pretty good rake," observed Leslie. "I think I ought to have a divvy in that--don't you think so?" he remarked to Bunn. "Just as you please replied Bunn. "I have performed my part in the transaction, to deliver it to you, and I have nothing to say as to what disposition you shall make of it."

After some "chaffering," the disinterested Leslie, believing that "a slice off a cut loaf would not be missed," took one $1000 bill from the package, and our clairvoyant alleges retained it for his services.

The envelope was then duly sealed--with red sealing wax--with a signet ring bearing the initials "W.M.B.," and the handsome young Bunn was in the act of delivering it to Leslie, when--

Rap! rap! rap! --echoed from the locked door. Instantly the careful Bunn slipped the envelope into his breast pocket, and going to the door, unlocked it and admitted a new comer, who poked his head in and remarked Paul-Pry like--

"Ah! beg pardon, gentlemen. Hope I don't intrude or interrupt any private business?--eh?"

"Oh! no--not at all," ejaculated Bunn and Leslie in the same breath. "Sit down."

"No, no, I won't stay. I see you're engaged, but I hope you will pardon me for the intrusion."

"Certainly--certainly," quoth Bunn and his companion simultaneously.

The intruder departed, when Bunn took from his pocket an envelope, with a big seal on it, and handed it to the innocent and unsuspecting Leslie, who received it in joyful anticipation of another "divvy" out of the contents--perhaps. The understanding was that it was to be deposited in a bank in Harrisburg, subject to the order of Senator Kerr or his friend Leslie, and it was stipulated that it was not to be opened till the Senator's vote was given for Watt.

"This condition," drily remarked the careful Bunn, "is hardly necessary--but you know, my dear Mr. Leslie, these things are never paid for till the work is done!" Sagacious Bunn!

The parting scene between the two friends was truly affecting. It deserves to be immortalized on canvas, by the pencil of a Rothermel, or preserved in imperishable marble, in a group by Rogers. The outstretched hands--the cordial grasp--were almost too much for Bunny." He nearly wept, as choking with emotion, he said to Leslie--

"Take it! It's all I could get! I wish it were twice as much"--(aside, the package was not worth two cents!) But we draw the curtain upon the scene. They ordered up a bottle of Dry Verzenay, and tossing off a bumper, separated.

Faithful to the bargain, the envelope with the big seal was duly deposited in a highly respectable banking house in Harrisburg, to await the issue of the contest,--one of the conditions of the contract being that the package was to be retained by the party of the first part, in the event of the Senator "going back" on them.

Our readers are aware that good faith was kept--that Kerr "voted right," and that Watt was admitted--but they will be astonished when they are told that, on the package being delivered to and opened by a confidential friend of the Senator, it was found to be filled with brown wrapping paper!

The Senator did not know who to charge with stealing the money. It is reported that he waxed furious and refused to be comforted. He piled his maledictions on Leslie's head, whilst the current of opinion seems to be that the blooming Bunn made the eleven thousand. He is charged with having had two envelopes exactly similar, and sealed alike, and when the friend rapped at the door, he slipped the one containing the money into his pocket, and when the door was closed, drew the one containing the brown paper from his pocket and handed it to Senator Kerr's friend. And this is a sample of the corruption and knavery that exist at the State Capitol. Radicalism, with its fearful sweep of power for evil, has done all this. For ten years, it has controlled our State Legislature and made its very name a by-word and reproach in the nation. How long will the people submit to be governed by such rascals.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Scarlet fever has appeared in Chambersburg resulting in one death.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The stock of the 1st National Bank of Waynesboro has been assessed for tax purposes at $116; the 1st National Bank of Greencastle at $115; and the 1st National Bank of Chambersburg at $68.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Rev. D. Townsend of the Church of God spoke on Odd Fellowship before the Columbus and Chambersburg Lodges in celebration of the 51st anniversary of the fraternity in America.
(Names in announcement: Rev. D. Townsend)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Franklin County Bible Society will hold anniversary celebrations in the Lutheran Church on the 2nd Sunday in May.

Improvements
(Column 01)

Summary: The Masonic Hall has been improved on the outside. George Noftaker rough cast it. The stone fence has been taken down and an iron one erected in its place. Reflectors will be added to the interior.
(Names in announcement: George Noftaker)

Sudden Death
(Column 01)

Summary: Harry Rossman's infant son was found dead in his crib on Thursday evening. He apparently turned himself over and smothered himself when his face accidentally became fastened between the cover and the crib.
(Names in announcement: Harry Rossman)

Attempt to Escape
(Column 01)

Summary: On Sunday, two "larkies" being held in jail for the burglary of Dr. Clugston's store tried to escape by using blankets to climb over the wall. Two Chambersburg citizens saw them and gave the alarm in time to stop them. One of the two had pleaded guilty at the last session of the court and received a 15 month sentence in the Eastern Penitentiary.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Clugston)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The annual meeting of the Franklin County Agricultural Fair Company will be held on May 5th.
(Names in announcement: C. M. Duncan, Calvin Gilbert)

Franklin County Horticultural Society
(Column 02)

Summary: The meeting of the Franklin County Horticultural Society was held on April 19th. Six or eight ladies attended. They considered awarding prizes at their upcoming exhibition, and discussed broccoli and cauliflower cultivation.

Shooting Affray
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports on an attempted shooting by a black man on a white man to try to discredit newly enfranchised blacks.
(Names in announcement: Philip Weirich, Justice Kauffman)

Full Text of Article:

The Greencastle Echo gives an account of the high operations of one of the newly enfranchised blacks in Greencastle on the day of their grand jubilee: "On Tuesday, a colored man named Addison Streets, from near Waynesboro: arrived at the Adams House, and gave the hostler, Philip Weirich, some orders in regard to his saddle and bridle, but in such insolent manner that Weirich told Streets that he had charge of the stable and took care of things in his own way whereupon Streets pulled a revolver and fired at Weirich, but missed him. Streets attempted the second shot, but the hostler was too quick for him, and struck him on the side of the the head with a shovel handle, inflicting a frightful wound. Streets was taken before Justice Kauffman, who committed him to jail."

Supreme Court Cases
(Column 02)

Summary: Lists the Franklin County court cases being argued in the State Supreme Court.
(Names in announcement: Henry Sites, Jacob Baucord, Alex E. McDowell, Samuel Greenawalt, Christian Bitner, Joseph Bitner, Mary Thompson, Alex W. Kyner, Sally Mahon, George Johnston, C. S. Eyster, John Sprecher, Wesley Rhodes, W. D. Dixon, William Gillian, Besore, Gaell, Holsinger, Fahrney, William M'Lellan)

Full Text of Article:

Next Monday, the 9th inst. is the return day for Franklin County in the Supreme Court, sitting at Harrisburg. Twelve cases go up from this county as follows:

Henry Sites administrator vs. Jacob Bancord; Alex E. McDowell vs. Sam'l Greenswalt et al; Christian Bitner's Executors vs. Joseph Bitner et al., known as the "Bitner Will Case;" Mary Thompson et al. vs. Alex. W. Kyner, known as the "Kyner Will case;" Sally Mahon's Committee vs. George Johnston; Hullinger's Guardian vs. Hullinger's Administrator; C. S. Eyster vs. John Sprecher's Administrator; Wesley Rhodes et al. vs. Borough of Greencastle; W.D. Dixon et al. vs. Wm. Gillian's Executors; Besore vs. Gaell; Holsinger vs. Fabruey; and National Bank of Gettysburg vs. Wm. M'Lellan Trustee of the creditors of the Chambersburg Saving Fund Association.

The Circus is Coming
(Column 02)

Summary: The circus will come to Chambersburg on May 13th. Mr. G. G. Grady, the proprietor, is allegedly "the world's greatest jester." There will be a number of tumblers, jugglers, trapeze performers, and Arabian steeds.

The Colored Jubilee
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports on the celebration by blacks in the town on the passage of the 15th amendment. Challenges the local Republicans to put weight behind their assertions of equality by nominating blacks for key town offices.
(Names in announcement: William Hall, Joseph R. Winters, Dr. A. R. Green, John Stewart, Col. F. S. Stumbaugh, William S. Hall, Rev. M'Keehan, Ashford T. Collins, Lyman S. Clarke, I. H. McCauley, S. R. Mendenhall)

Full Text of Article:

Tuesday of last week was set apart by the Colored League for the celebration of the pretended ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment in this State. The Chambersburg colored folks entered into the spirit of it with great zeal. The Fayetteville Band, composed of white men, was hired by the negroes to play all day for them. The Band headed the procession which marched through the principal streets, carefully avoiding "Wolffstown." At two o'clock P. M., a meeting was held at the Court House, which was addressed by Joseph R. Winters (colored), William Hall (colored), Rev. Mr. M'Keehan (white) Ashford T. Collins (colored), Lyman S. Clarke, Esq., (white), J. R. Winters (colored), I. H. McCauley, Esq., (white) and S.R. Mendenhall (colored).

The Washington darkies, who were here as the representatives of President Grant, instructed the blacks here that they hold the balance of power in this County and that they should demand their share of the offices. This is undoubtedly the true position. The negroes are the equals of the whites at the ballot box. Let them give their white cronies, who prate so loudly of their excessive love for them, to understand that they must prove their faith by their works. For instance, why should not the negroes be represented in the Town Council? "Wolffstown" has never been properly cared for and never will be as long as white Radicals are the Borough officers. Let the colored men put one of their own number into the Council and he can see to it that something is done for the purification of that neighborhood from the filth which is allowed to accumulate there. By all means let the negroes demand that one of their number be nominated on the Radical ticket next Fall for the Town Council.

And inasmuch as there are said to be about seven hundred negro voters in the county, there is no reason why they should not be allowed a candidate on the Radical county ticket--for instance, Jury Commissioner. He could then see to it that his race would be properly represented in the jury box. Or County Commissioner. He could then protect his colored friends from sentences for costs which are imposed upon them by the Court for trivial offences, and for which they are obliged to remain a considerable time in jail. Or Director of the Poor. He could then secure admission to that establishment for many needy persons of color whom Radical Stewards have heretofore refused to admit.

By all means, let the Radials do their duty to these "colored wards of the nation."

Proceedings of Zion's and Mercersburg Classis
(Column 03)

Summary: The members of the Zion's and Mercersburg Classis assembled on April 29th for prayer, addresses, and administrative meetings. A number of histories of local congregations were read, and a historical society was established. Plans for a District Synod were also laid.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. O. Miller, Rev. B. S. Schneck, Rev. W. F. Colliflower, Rev. W. K. Zieber, Rev. W. F. P. Davis, Rev. W. R. H. Deatrich, Rev. James A. Schultz, Rev. John A. Peters, William Wilt, Dr. William H. Bang, Dr. McClure, F. M. McKeehan, Rev. B. S. Schneck, Rev. I. G. Brown, Rev. T. G. Apple, Rev. P. S. Davis, Rev. E. V. Gerhart, Rev. E. E. Higbee, Rev. M. Keefer, Rev. J. B. Kershner, Rev. D. Y. Heisler, Rev. A. G. Dole, Rev. S. N. Callender, Rev. H. H. W. Hibschman, Rev. W. C. Shullenburger, David Borger, A. B. Wingert, Rev. D. Zacharias, Rev. J. O. Miller, E. Kieffer, Rev. G. L. Staley, Rev. J. A. Peters, Rev. J. W. Love, Rev. N. S. Skyles, Rev. C. Whitmer, Jacob Heyser, Dr. J. W. Nevin)

Broker's Office
(Column 04)

Summary: James G. Elder opened a broker's office that will buy and sell government securities, gold, silver, bank stock, railroad bonds and stock, and negotiable paper. It will also cash checks.
(Names in announcement: James G. Elder)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Harry Strock Cormany, son of B. A. and Elizabeth Cormany, died in Chambersburg on May 2nd. He was 2 months old.
(Names in announcement: Harry Strock Cormany, B. A. Cormany, Elizabeth Cormany)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: William Malavery died in Greencastle on April 17th. He was 76 years old.
(Names in announcement: William Malavery)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Mrs. M. M. McFerren, formerly Mrs. Knepper, died in Quincy on April 23rd. She was 47 years old.
(Names in announcement: M. M. McFerren)