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Valley Spirit: July 13, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Income Tax
(Column 01)

Summary: Reports with outrage the recent defeat of another effort to abolish the income tax. Blames carpet-baggers and hopes the Republicans who want the tax repealed now realize the mistake of putting carpet-baggers in place. Hopes the tax will be found unconstitutional in the near future.

Full Text of Article:

Another effort was made to abolish the Income Tax last week. Senator Conkling moved a resolution to restrain the Internal Revenue officers from collecting this tax.--The point was raised, that such a resolution was not in order after the former definite action of the Senate. By a vote of 27 yeas to 21 nays, the Senate decided to allow the resolution to be introduced. A discussion then followed upon the merits of the proposition, during which Senator Cameron, who had voted to admit the resolution, left the Senate Chamber. A vote was reached about half past eleven o'clock at night, and the resolution was lost by a tie vote, the yeas being 26 and the nays 26. Had Senator Cameron been at his post, the resolution would have carried, and this odious impost would have been swept away. The defeat of Senator Conkling's resolution may be justly attributed to the Winnebago Chief, who is suspected of having made an agreement with Senator Sherman, by which the tax on gross receipts was to be stricken out, in case he allowed the Income Tax to be continued. Senator Cameron is largely interested in a certain railroad company, and the tax on gross receipts consequently troubled him far more than the tax against which the people have uniformly set their faces. What gives color to this rumored bargain, is the fact that on the night the Income Tax was continued, the tax on gross receipts was abolished.

Another remarkable feature about the vote on the Income Tax is that all the respectable and intellectual Senators were found arrayed against it, while the carpet-baggers were rallied in solid column in its favor. The votes of such men as Conkling, Fenton, Trumbull, and Sumner were set off by the votes of a set of stupid carpet-baggers whose very names are not known to the people of the United States. By the way, let him who reads this, set himself to the work of recalling from memory the names of the Senators from the Southern States, and he will discover that he cannot get far.

Perhaps there is some justice in this result so far as these leading Radical Senators are concerned. They labored to impose these foreign fellows upon the Southern States, and there is a certain degree of just retribution in the defeat which they have met at their hands. But it is greatly to be regretted that the people at large should be subjected to the oppression to which the action of reckless, irresponsible, corrupt carpet-baggers subjects them.

We notice with pleasure that the leading men of Philadelphia, having lost all hope of relief from Congress, have recently formed an association for the purpose of testing the constitutionality of the act continuing this unequal and unjust tax. It is to be hoped that this movement will be pushed vigorously. It is high time that this matter should be decided. The people bore this tax patiently during the war, under the belief that it was a military necessity, and in hope of the fulfillment of the promise that it should not continue longer than 1870. It has now expired by its own limitation. If it is to be reimposed, the people ought to demand the authority by which it is to be done.

At His Old Tricks
(Column 02)

Summary: Ridicules Cessna's work on contested elections, and gives another recent example as proof of his corrupt behavior. Asks voters if they would stand to re-elect this man given his sordid reputation.

Full Text of Article:

Cessna appeared in all his glory again in the House on Thursday last. Of course there was another contested election case on hand. Cessna never speaks except on a contested election case and there is no contested election case up for discussion that Cessna does not speak. His whole time in Congress is devoted to the manipulation of contested election cases. If a Radical finds that his case is desperate and that the Democrat is likely to succeed in ousting him from or keeping him out of the seat, as a last resort, he is referred to Cessna, who has acquired a national celebrity as a jobber in contested election cases. The usual remark is, "if Cessna can't save you, the devil himself can't."

The case of Thursday was a Missouri contest between Suitzler and Dyer. Dyer was the sitting member and is a Radical. The majority of the Committee on Elections reported in favor of Suitzler who was shown to have been legally and fairly elected. But Cessna, who never votes to admit a Democrat, made a minority report declaring Dyer elected. The majority, with a reckless disregard of facts, right, justice, their own consciences and their accountability to God, sustained Cessna's infamous report, and the smuggler-in of John Covode, and the defender of the cadetship-broker Whittemore, achieved another of the victories which have given him the reputation of a dexterous political prestidigitator.

He then offered a resolution to pay Mr. Suitzler five thousand dollars of the people's money for contesting a seat to which the House decided he had no right. Will the people of the Sixteenth Congressional District re-elect this man, who, by almost every vote that he has cast, has brought disgrace upon his constituency?

Crazy About the Negro
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper criticizes Senator Sumner for striking the word "white" from naturalization laws. After panic ensued about the prospect of Chinese citizenship, lawmakers restored "white" to the text. They made an exception for persons of African decent, however, extending them full opportunity to become citizens.

No Prejudice Against White People
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper praises Charles Dickens' reported comments that Harriet Beecher Stowe did not give white men "fair play" in her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Candidate for Congress
(Column 05)

Summary: "Observer" suggests William M'Lellan as the perfect candidate to beat John Cessna for Congress.

Democratic County Committee Meeting
(Column 01)

Summary: A meeting of the Democratic County Committee will be held at the office of John R. Orr on July 16th. They will discuss reapportioning local districts. A list of the committee members is included.
(Names in announcement: John R. Orr, Daniel S. Barnhart, John Armstrong, J. Newton Shillito, Samuel M. Worley, William Johnson, Samuel Holliday, Alonso Holland, Joseph C. Clugston, Jeremiah Diehl, B. H. Reisher, Joseph Gilmore, Robert I. McCurdy, J. W. DeHaven, William Boyd, William S. McAllen, William H. Blair, Jacob Hauck, William Logue, Jacob W. Hamsher, John Gillan, Daniel Stake, Joseph Phenicte, Hugh Sibbett, John M. Laughlin, H. M. White)

Bank Stock Sold
(Column 01)

Summary: Jacob Stock of Antrim bought 150 shares of the capital stock of the National Bank of Chambersburg. He paid $73 per share.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Stock)

Probable Homicide
(Column 01)

Summary: An altercation involving Peter Cummings, John Hasson, Jr., and Frank Kean occurred in the yard of the Indian Queen Hotel on Friday afternoon. Hasson threw a brick at Cummings that struck him in the back of the head. He is lying in critical condition at Boyd's Hotel. Hasson and Kean are being held in jail.
(Names in announcement: Peter Cummings, John HassonJr., Frank Kean)

Meeting of the County Committee
(Column 01)

Summary: Reminder that the Democratic County Committee will meet on Saturday. The participants will set a date for the county convention and decide each district's representation.

Disgraceful Occurrence
(Column 02)

Summary: A dozen "rowdies" broke up the society singing held at Keller's schoolhouse. They then proceeded to attack a few boys from New Guilford with clubs and stones. "Such conduct is a disgrace to the community."

The Waynesboro Mutual Fire Insurance Company
(Column 02)

Summary: The company has done a large amount of business in the last month. "Funds have been secured sufficient for all emergencies, and losses will be promptly paid." The editors endorse the company's board of directors.

Franklin County Cases
(Column 02)

Summary: Reports on judgments handed down by the State Supreme Court on county cases, all of which were affirmed.
(Names in announcement: Oller, Bonebrake, Fahrney, Holsinger, Greenawalt, M'Dowell, Dr. Max Kennedy, Sally Mahon, George Johnson, Thompson, Kyner, Fleming, Eyster, Sprecher)

Full Text of Article:

The Supreme Court has entered the following judgments in cases taken up from this county:

Oller vs. Bonebrake. Judgment affirmed.

Fabruey vs. Holsinger. Judgment affirmed.

Greenawalt vs. M'Dowell. Judgment affirmed.

Dr. Max Kennedy, Committee of Sally Mahon, vs. George Johnson. Judgment affirmed.

Thompson et al. vs. Kyner. Judgment affirmed.

Fleming's Appeal. Decree affirmed.

Eyster vs. Sprecher et al. Decree affirmed.

Trinity Church
(Column 02)

Summary: The cornerstone of Trinity Episcopal Church was laid on Wednesday. Ceremonies marked the occasion. Addresses were delivered in the Methodist Church Building, including an account of the financial condition of the Trinity congregation. The church is doing well, but still must raise some money.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Howe, Robert A. Lamberton, Rev. W. G. Hawkins)

Viewers to Assess Damages Appointed
(Column 02)

Summary: The Hon. D. W. Rowe and the Hon. John Armstrong appointed commissioners to assess damage claims along the line of the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad. The viewers are: Benjamin Snively and Adam B. Wingert of Antrim, William Bossert of Hamilton, William S. Amberson of Waynesboro, James C. Austin of Chambersburg, and W. W. Britton and Joseph Gilmore of Letterkenny. Kennedy and Stewart and William M'Lellan represented the company and J. M. Sharpe, Theodore McGowan, Lyman S. Clark, and W. S. Stenger represented the aggrieved parties. The commission will begin with inspection of the property of David Teeter of Peters.
(Names in announcement: D. W. Rowe, John Armstrong, Kennedy, Stewart, William M'Lellan, J. M. Sharpe, Theodore McGowan, Lyman S. Clark, W. S. Stenger, Benjamin Snively, Adam B. Wingert, William Bossert, William S. Amberson, James C. Austin, W. W. Britton, Joseph Gilmore, David Teeter)

Wilson Female College
(Column 02)

Summary: The Rev. Tryon Edwards was elected President of the Wilson Female College. Professors were also chosen. The board also decided to erect the new building immediately. It will be 105 feet long, 40 feet wide, have a French attic, and be supplied with gas, water, and "all the latest conveniences" on every floor.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Tryon Edwards, J. F. Kennedy, J. W. Wightman, Rev. J. A. Crawford, Rev. Dr. Creigh, Rev. I. N. Hays)

Meeting of the Medical Society
(Column 02)

Summary: The Franklin County Medical Society met on July 5th in the hall of Columbus Lodge. Dr. S. G. Lane, delegate to the State Medical Society, read a paper on the late meeting in Philadelphia. "The everlasting 'Women' and 'Negro' questions, as our readers have no doubt noticed by the papers, were needlessly obtruded on the State Association and suffered to disturb the harmony of its proceedings, excluding other and more important business. This action of the Society was severely criticised by the Dr. in his able report, and the position assumed denounced in strong terms."
(Names in announcement: Dr. S. G. Lane, Dr. J. L. Suesserott, Dr. Richards, Dr. Davidson, Dr. McLanahan, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Boyle, Dr. John H. Flickinger, Dr. George Cleary)

Incendiaries About
(Column 03)

Summary: The Opinion reports that an attempt was made to set fire to the house of Augustus Bickley. Unknown persons placed a burning newspaper in the house that would have burned it down had not Mrs. Bickley discovered it in time.
(Names in announcement: Augustus Bickley)

A Gold Swindle
(Column 03)

Summary: Describes a daring attempt of forging gold banknotes in Philadelphia, and the man who nearly foiled the crime.

Full Text of Article:

We take the following account of a bold operation from the Philadelphia Morning Post of Monday. Mr. Early, as our readers are all, doubtless, aware, hails from Chambersburg. We are glad that he caught the one scoundrel and hope that he may be successful in apprehending the others. The account is as follows: "Several instances of bold attempts to swindle merchants and banks in this and other cities of the Union have transpired recently, but in a majority of the cases the operators have been unsuccessful and fallen into the hands of the police. But on Saturday, Assistant Treasurer Barnet Early, of this city, was swindled out of over $2500 in gold in the following bold manner. A party appeared in the upper office of the Custom House building, and presented three coupons to the clerk, Mr. Noble. After calculating the interest thereon, Mr. Noble issued three checks for three dollars each, in gold. The fellow then left, and by some process erased the figure 3 and where the amount was written in full, and filled in one check for the sum of $1200, in another $1320, and in another $1230.

"The checks were then presented by different individuals-- the two former following each other in a short space of time. These were paid by the paying clerk. The book-keeper, in checking off discovered the fraud, and notified Mr. Early, who took the position of the paying teller. Shortly after doing that the third check was presented. Mr. Early, being satisfied that it was a forgery, seized the one who presented it by the coat and held him until assistance arrived. Chief Kelley was notified, and he took the fellow into custody. He is an Englishman, and gave the name of Daniel M. Johnson. He had a hearing, subsequently, before United States Commissioner Biddle, who committed him in default of $10,000 bail for a further hearing on Thursday next."

Appointed to Take the Social Statistics
(Column 03)

Summary: Marshal Gregory has appointed David A. Wertz of Chambersburg to take the social statistics of several counties including Franklin. The statistics include: valuation of real and personal property, amount of the public debt, taxation levels, extent of pauperism, crime statistics, library information, average wages, number of newspapers, college, academy, and school enrollment, membership of religious organizations.
(Names in announcement: Marshal Gregory, David A. Wertz)

Appointments
(Column 04)

Summary: J. G. Schaff announces he will preach at Marion Station and at Chambersburg on Sunday.
(Names in announcement: J. G. Schaff)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Michael A. Gilbert and Miss Sarah S. Hogens, both of Upton, were married in Greencastle on June 23rd by the Rev. J. A. Wood.
(Names in announcement: Michael A. Gilbert, Sarah S. Hogens, Rev. J. A. Wood)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: John Brine and Catharine Reed, both of Greencastle, were married on June 26th by the Rev. J. X. Quigley.
(Names in announcement: John Brine, Catharine Reed, Rev. J. X. Quigley)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Minnie Hutton, daughter of William and Mary Hutton, died on July 11th. She was 4 years old.
(Names in announcement: Minnie Hutton, William Hutton, Mary Hutton)

Died
(Column 04)

Summary: John Sheets died in Chambersburg on July 3rd. He was 47 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Sheets)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Dr. Joseph Hunter of Strasburg died at his residence on June 27th. He was 85 years old.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Joseph Hunter)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Mrs. Elizabeth Evits died near Spring Run on June 15th. She was 86 years old.
(Names in announcement: Elizabeth Evits)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: John Scott died in Greencastle on July 2nd. He was 74 years old.
(Names in announcement: John Scott)