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Valley Spirit: October 26, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

A Constitutional Convention
(Column 01)

Summary: Supports the idea of calling a Constitutional Convention and believes the people of the state also support it. Lists some of the issues that need to be addressed, especially the ending of special legislation which fosters corruption. Also calls for changing the method of selecting judges and electors.

Full Text of Article:

The subject of calling a Convention for the purpose of revising our State Constitution is now being agitated. The idea seems to meet with very general favor, and it is likely that the next Legislature will be forced by public sentiment into providing for the assembling of such a body.

There are various reasons why such a Convention should be held. There is none why it should not be held, unless perhaps, the danger that the majority party, whichever it might be, might resolve to run the Convention for the furtherance of its own political interests. Such a project ought to be discountenanced from the beginning, and the movement ought to be an earnest effort on the part of all good citizens to correct the abuses which have crept into the administration of the State government.

One of the greatest evils of our day is special legislation. For the last three or four years, the number of bills passed each year has exceeded thirteen hundred. These have all been private bills with the exception of fifty or sixty at most. What a fearful state of affairs this simple statement presents! Disguise it as we may, there is little doubt that in every one of these private bills, somebody had "an axe to grind" and that the grinding of the instrument cost the Commonwealth far more than the axe was worth to anybody save the owner.

This special legislation is the fruitful source of corruption. Whenever a bill is introduced into either House, the general desire is to know "how much is in it."--And the measure is "pinched" and "squeezed" to the utmost that it is able to bear without being strangled to death. This is a most deplorable state of affairs. No effort should be left untried to put a stop to proceedings so utterly disgraceful to the State. In nine cases out of ten, the Courts have jurisdiction of the matters legislated upon, but this does not cause the legislators to stop the business. If a job pays well enough, it is bound to go through, no matter what the consequences are.

Then, too, the subject of minority representation requires very careful consideration. This matter has recently been attracting a great deal of attention. It should be discussed with the greatest freedom and thoroughness. For our own part we have no doubt that some such system as that proposed by Mr. Buckslaw ought to be adopted. It is high time that minorities should have rights which everybody would be bound to respect.

Our Judicial system also needs reorganization. It might be well to re-district the State. At any rate, some important reforms ought to be introduced. For our own part, we would go back to the old system of appointing judges.

There ought to be a change in the jury system. Whenever parties to a suit declare to submit the matters in issue--matters of fact as well as law--to the Court without the intervention of a jury, it ought to be allowed, reserving, of course, the right of appeal in the Supreme Court, an account of the wrongful determination of facts.

Then, too, the qualifications of an elector at the ballot box ought to be distinctly prescribed both for cities and rural districts without distinction. The opportunities ought to be taken away for the commission of such gigantic frauds as those perpetrated in Philadelphia. The qualifications of an elector ought to be the same in Philadelphia as in Franklin County and no political party should have the control of the election precincts by laws specially passed for its benefit.

Other matters there are which would require consideration, but we have thrown these out hurriedly, as occurring to us. We hope to see the Convention composed of the most intelligent and thoughtful men in the Commonwealth. We would then look confidently forward to the formation of a Convention which would correct many of the abuses which now reflect great discredit upon the old Keystone State.

Methodist Festival
(Column 01)

Summary: The Methodist congregation of St. Thomas held a festival on September 28th and 29th. The proceeds will go toward paying church debts.

Court Proceedings
(Column 02)

Summary: Covers the special session of the county court, describing cases and verdicts. Most of the cases appear to be small claims suits.
(Names in announcement: Judge Rowe, J. Y. Bushey, George Peters, Daniel S. Reisher, P. Hamman, James Hossler, Nancy A. Miller, David Miller, Wright, Lovering, Reber, Cretin, John Bonebrake, Lewis S. Forney, David Guyer, William Forbes, Anton Brinich, William Kimpel, Shepler, Clark, Reisher, Wilson, Stouffer, Helser, Schlosser, Huber, Bowden)

Full Text of Article:

At the Special Court commencing on the 17th inst., His Honor Judge Rowe presiding, the following civil cases were disposed of:

J.Y. Bushe, Agent for George Peters, vs. Daniel S. Reisher. Appeal from judgment of P. Hamman, Esq. This action was brought to recover the price of fruit and ornamental trees sold by Plaintiff to Defendant, which Defendant alleged were worthless and would not grow. Verdict for Plaintiff for $110.00.

James Hossler vs. the School District of the Township of Guilford. Appeal by Defendant from judgment of P. Hamman, Esq. This action was brought to recover the sum of $50, balance of bounty due the Plaintiff as a volunteer, credited to the quota of said township. The bounty offered Plaintiff by the township was $100. He received $50 from the township and $50 from the county. Defendants claimed a credit for the amount paid by the county. Verdict for Plaintiff for $74.33.

Nancy A. Miller vs. David Miller. Action of Debt brought to recover certain household furniture, clothing and other personal property. Verdict for Plaintiff for $165.

Nancy A. Miller vs. David Miller. Action of Debt to recover amount of promissory note drawn by the Plaintiff in favor of the Defendant for $1200, and interest. Upon the note were several receipts and endorsements "settled in full" signed by Plaintiff, who alleged the receipts and endorsement were procured by duress and coercion. Verdict for Plaintiff, $1666.

Wright and Lovering vs. Reber & Cretin. Action of Debt founded on a judgment recovered by the Plaintiffs against Defendants in the Court of Common Pleas of Knox county, Ohio. Defendant Reber alleged that he had no notice or knowledge of suit having been brought against him in Ohio. Verdict for Plaintiffs $348.03.

Administrators of John Bonebrake, dec'd, vs. Lewis S. Forney. Action of Debt founded on note under seal for $1000, dated 28 March, 1855, having credits of various dates, amounting to $1270, endorsed thereon. Defendant alleged he had made a payment of $200 for which he had not received credit. Verdict for Plaintiffs for $412.97.

David Guyer vs. William Fores. Action in Assumpsit. Settled by the parties.

Anton Brinich vs. William Kimpel. Action in Assumpsit founded on a promissory note for $120. Settled by the parties. De-Defendant to pay docket fee, Sheriff's and Prothonotary's costs, and $10; Plaintiff to surrender note and pay all other costs.

The following causes on the list for trial at this (Special) Court, were continued by consent of counsel until this and next week: Shepler, Clark & Co. vs. Reisher; Wilson and wife vs. Stouffer and others; Helser vs. Schlosser and wife; Huber vs. Bowden; Huber vs. Bowden; Reisher's use vs. Hamman and others.

The remaining causes on the list for trial last week were continued indefinitely.

Monument Unveiled
(Column 03)

Summary: Reports on the ceremonies celebrating the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Rev. Dr. Harbaugh. Gives the text of speeches made in full, deals a lot with religious savior themes.
(Names in announcement: Henry Harbaugh)

Full Text of Article:

The monument to Dr. Harbaugh, a minute description of which we gave in our columns some weeks ago, was unveiled on Tuesday of last week with appropriate ceremonies. The Mercersburg Journal says: "A committee from the Reformed Synod, at whose instance the monument was erected, was present and assisted in the ceremonies of the unveiling. The services attending it were quite impressive and were conducted by the Rev. Drs. Gehrhart and Higby. The occasion drew together a large audience to witness the interesting ceremonies attendant upon it. We will not at this time give a description of the monument. Suffice it to say that the testimonial is a handsome one, and is well befitting to mark the resting place of so great and good a man as the Rev. Dr. Harbaugh."

The service was as follows:

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Response--Amen.

Repetition of the creed.

The following was delivered by Dr. Gerhart:

Dearly Beloved in the Lord:--Henry Harbaugh, whose body lies buried at our feet, fell asleep in Jesus on the 28th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1867.

Through all his extreme sufferings, he continued unto the end firm in the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Faith which he had taught and defended with exemplary fidelity throughout his life. Called from his many labors and arduous toils, he hath gone before us into rest, and joined the holy fellowship of patriarchs and prophets, apostles and martyrs, and the whole glorious company of the redeemed of all ages who have died in the Lord, and now live with him forevermore.

The Church, therefore, in whose service he labored, mindful of the great grace and many gifts bestowed upon him by God, and rejoicing over the blessed communion of Saints over which death has no power, has erected this monument which we now unveil. (Here the Minister paused until the monument was properly unveiled by his assistants and then proceeded as follows): And now let this monument show forth, during all time to come, the gratitude of the Church to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the good example of His servant whom thus she honors, and for the blessed privilege which her children enjoy of having part in the glorious company of all those who have gone before them in the way of Salvation; and let it serve to inspire all who may look upon it, with zeal to follow the faith of those Saints who have died in the Lord and now live with him forevermore.

Response--Amen.

Let us pray.

O, God, the Maker and Reedeemer of all believers, grant to all Thy servants a merciful judgment at the last day, that they, in the face of all creatures, may then be acknowledged as the true children through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Response--Amen.

O, Almighty God who hast knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Thy Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord, grant us grace to follow Thy blessed saints in all virtuous and Godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which Thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Response--Amen.

Almighty God, with whom do lie the spirits of them that depart hence in the Lord and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity, we give Thee hearty thanks for that it pleased Thee to deliver our dear brother out of the miseries of this sinful world; beseeching Thee that it may please Thee of thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of Thine elect and to hasten thy Kingdom, that we, with all those that are departed in the true faith of Thy holy name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal and everlasting glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Response--Amen.

O, God, merciful and faithful, the aid of all that trust in Thee, keep safely under the shadow of Thy wings ourselves, our kindred and friends, and all believers, even Thy whole Church, that we may enjoy Thy presence alway, and increase in Thy Holy Spirit more and more till we come to Thine everlasting Kingdom, through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Response--Amen.

With Thee, O, God, is the well of life, and in Thy sight shall Thy saints see light and their souls shall rest in peace

Gloria Patri.

After the singing of the Gloria Patri the presiding Minister led the audience in procession into the church reading, as he proceeded from the grave to the altar in the church, the 35th Chant, as in the order of worship. When reaching the altar all knelt at the chancel and offered up the Lord's prayer, after which the regular address was delivered and the services properly concluded.

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Dr. C. Garver and Jane B. Kimmell, daughter of F. M. Kimmell, were married on October 12th by the Rev. J. A. Crawford.
(Names in announcement: Dr. C. Garver, Jane B. Kimmell, F. M. Kimmell, Rev. J. A. Crawford)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Henry Klipper and Miss Anna Mary Spring, both of Chambersburg, were married on July 17th by the Rev. G. Roth.
(Names in announcement: Henry Klipper, Anna Mary Spring, Rev. G. Roth)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Albert Arndt and Mrs. Elizabeth Schneider, both of Chambersburg, were married on July 24th by the Rev. G. Roth.
(Names in announcement: Albert Arndt, Elizabeth Schneider, Rev. G. Roth)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: George Anderson and Miss Kate Eckstins, both of Chambersburg, were married on October 23rd by the Rev. G. Roth.
(Names in announcement: George Anderson, Kate Eckstins, Rev. G. Roth)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: William J. Hade and Miss Charlott West, both of St. Thomas were married at the residence of the bride's father, J. West, on October 20th by the Rev. J. Fohl.
(Names in announcement: William J. Hade, Charlott West, J. West, Rev. J. Fohl)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Thomas Sharer and Miss Julia Ann Kelley, both of Carrick, were married at the house of John Kelley on October 18th by William Noonan.
(Names in announcement: Thomas Sharer, Julia Ann Kelley, John Kelley, William Noonan)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Samuel Culbertson and Miss Anna J. Culbertson, daughter of Joseph Culbertson, all of Amberson's Valley, were married on October 13th by the Rev. William A. West.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Culbertson, Anna J. Culbertson, Joseph Culbertson, Rev. William A. West)

Married
(Column 06)

Summary: Samuel Eby and Miss Nancy Robinson, both of Tomstown, were married on October 17th.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Eby, Nancy Robinson)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Mrs. Mary Spital died on October 14th at the Chambersburg residence of her son-in-law. She suffered "a long and painful illness which she bore with Christian fortitude and resignation."
(Names in announcement: Mary Spital)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Daniel Moatz died on October 7th. He was 35 years old.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Moatz)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Jacob Linninger died near Loudon, Franklin County, on October 17th. He was 73 years old.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Linninger)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Mrs. Mary Mentzer died near Fayetteville, Franklin County, on September 18th. She was 76 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary Mentzer)

Died
(Column 06)

Summary: Mrs. Martha Magie died in Amberson's Valley on September 30th. She was 85 years old.
(Names in announcement: Martha Magie)