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

Centralization
(Column 01)

Summary: Denounces the government's recent policy of sending soldiers to northern cities during elections. Quotes from Republican papers and speakers who are also upset with this turn of events. Claims Grant is only doing it to cow Democratic voters and ensure Republican victories at the polls.

Full Text of Article:

The Conservative people of the country are looking with alarm upon the strides which the present Administration is making towards despotism. It is high time that they should do so. The first encroachments were made under the guise of patriotism and military necessity and the masses willingly acquiesced in them. The "war power" was used unscrupulously to batter down, one by one, the reserved rights of the States.--The attack upon our republican form of government was the more insidious, because it seemed to be directed solely against the States that were in rebellion. In this way the Radicals accomplished their purpose and received the endorsement of the blatant loyalists of the North, who, unthinkingly, applauded everything that was done to humiliate and insult rebels.

But "usurped powers grow like avalanches." The march of despotism is ever onward. It never rests satisfied. It goes from one aggression to another. The exercise of unlimited authority in the South intensified the arbitrary disposition of those who were wielding that power there, and they turned their eyes Northward for other fields to conquer. They were not content with subjugating the States that had been in rebellion. They could not rest satisfied with the disfranchisement by military power, of white men who had been dressed in Confederate uniforms. They marched their soldiers to the polls in North Carolina and attempted to intimidate the men who were opposed to the Radical ticket, and saw their infamous scheme fail to accomplish the end designed. Mortified, maddened, these Radical leaders resorted to the same means to carry the election in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia the United States Marshal appointed a large number of Deputy Marshals and held a force of United States troops in readiness to back them if they got into any trouble.

And now, as the election is approaching in the great State of New York, which is to tell more plainly than any election that has preceded it, the story of the utter disorganization and disintegration of the Radical party, troops are being sent rapidly to New York city to overawe voters, and failing to do that, to incite the citizens of the metropolis to riot and bloodshed, so that the Democratic vote can not be fully polled.

On last Thursday night, the Democrats of that city turned out in procession and organized huge mass meetings to protest against this infamous act of tyranny. The Sun says there were one hundred acres of Democrats. The World says there were one hundred thousand Democrats in procession. Speeches were delivered by many eminent men and all counselled moderation and peace on election day, so that this Radical scheme may be completely foiled.

But what is to be said of the Administration which permits such things to be done by virtue of the authority of the United States? The Philadelphia Post (Radical) says:

We would have the President enforce the laws when they are broken, not before. It is his duty to see that the laws are executed, and he is given the right to employ the military in these special cases. If necessary, troops should be sent to New York.

But the question is, is it necessary? We remember the riots of 1863, and the riots here in 1844, and we have heard of St. Bartholomew's massacre. But a riot past does not prove there is danger of riot now. We have not yet heard upon what information of immediate danger three thousand troops have been ordered to a Northern city in time of peace.

We do not see the wisdom of sending troops to New York, because we already see that the mere announcement has exasperated the worst classes in New York, offended many of the better classes, and that it is itself an incitement of the election troubles it was intended to prevent."

Hon. James Brooks was one of the speakers on Thursday night, and used the following language with reference to this action of the President:

I have come mainly as a member of Congress to protest most solemnly, to protest here before all my countrymen, as well as before the people of this city, against the introduction, for the first time in our history of the army of the United States into the election of the State of New York. It is known to you that a considerable body of troops, in numbers not contemptible when under the authority of the President of the United States, is approaching us, for what purpose is not known, but in my judgment that of intimidation, but as it is alleged for the enforcement of the laws of the United States. Now there is no disposition upon the part of any of us, although we believe those laws to be wicked and unconstitutional and enacted solely for the purpose of introducing the army of the United States into our elections--there is no intention, I say, on the part of any member of the Democratic party to resist the authorities of the United States. Supervisors are admitted to our boards of registration--the laws enforcing the fifteenth amendment and the naturalization laws will be obeyed by the people and authorities of New York just as though they were constitutional laws and good laws, and we propose to obey them in good faith. There is ample power too on the part of the United States, through the United States marshals and their deputies; the civil authority is full and ample to execute all the laws of the United States, and yet, with this civil posse before them, armed with all the authority of those two statutes, two weeks prior to the election the President concentrates here a considerable army of the United States, and, as if to degrade and insult us, he marches here a regiment lately used in the elections of North Carolina, before that used in the elections of Tennessee, recently used in the elections of South Carolina to elect four negro or mulatto members of Congress to represent the white as well as the black people of South Carolina. He uses that regiment, fresh from those scenes of action and lands them in our harbor to threaten us, the white people of New York, with the use of that regiment in our elections. Without entering into any language that may be calculated to exasperate or excite our people, for I pray for peace and order on the day of election, for they are essential not only to our salvation, but for the security of our ballot-box and the polling of the full vote--without entering into any further denunciation of that proceeding on the part of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War. I protest, as a member of Congress, and may I not also for my colleague here present and my other colleagues, that we pronounce this act of the President unwise, unnecessary, tyrannical and in utter hostility to the genius and to every principle of our form of government. (Applause.) I call upon him if he is a republican and not a monarchist, I call upon him if he is President of the United States and not merely the general of the army, and I invoke him, in the name of our Constitution and of the spirit of American liberty, I invoke him to withdraw our armies and leave us to the marshals, to the laws of the United States and the laws of the State of New York, amply powerful to enforce a just election.--(Applause, long continued.)

May not the citizen pause in view of events like these and ask, whither are we drifting? Why is this change being wrought in the Administration of the Government?--Whence comes the authority for the exercise of such a fearful power? The Government of our fathers is hardly recognizable any more. Mr. Madison said of Hamilton:--"He administrationized the government into a thing totally different from what he and I both knew perfectly well had been understood and intended by the people in adopting it." And John Quincy Adams "hit the nail on the head" the other night in Faneuil Hall, Boston, when he said: "So the Democracy say to-day that the Republican party has 'reconstructed' the government into something not only totally different from anything the people ever intended, but so utterly unlike the work of the fathers that Mr. Madison himself would not know it for his offspring, and old Patrick Henry would justly vociferate again: 'It has an awful squinting, sir; it squints, towards monarchy.'"

The condemnation of the whole people should be passed upon President Grant.--Against him the same indictment might be drawn as was contained in the Declaration which our forefathers leveled at King George when they said:

"He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our Legislature."

"He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power."

That Declaration was no less pointed in its denunciation of the King for "combining with others," and "giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation, for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us." And the same denunciation applies to President Grant, for he, too, has given "his assent to acts of pretended legislation for quartering large bodies of armed troops among" the people of the different States for the purpose of controlling elections to suit his own partisan views.

From this despotism, may the good Lord soon deliver us!

Religious
(Column 01)

Summary: The U. B. Congregation of St. Thomas concluded on October 24th a revival they had been holding.

New Lime Kiln
(Column 01)

Summary: Guthrie, Speer, and Co. have just completed construction of two large lime kilns, greatly enhancing the company's productive capacity.
(Names in announcement: Guthrie, Speer)

Educational
(Column 01)

Summary: The schools of St. Thomas opened on October 18th under the direction of U. Rush Gillan and Miss Sue McGarvey. The Teachers District Institute met and elected the following officers: Jacob Sackman, president; J. W. Coble, vice president; J. C. Detrick, Secretary.
(Names in announcement: U. Rush Gillan, Sue McGarvey, Jacob Sackman, J. W. Coble, J. C. Detrick)

Franklin County Horticultural Society
(Column 01)

Summary: The society will meet on November 1st. Dr. B. L. Ryder will deliver an address on Horticultural Education.
(Names in announcement: Dr. B. L. Ryder)

A White Girl Kissed in the Street by a Negro
(Column 01)

Summary: Relates an incident where a black man, probably in a drunken state, kissed a white lady in public, and was subsequently chased by a white mob.
(Names in announcement: Frank Elliott)

Full Text of Article:

On Tuesday night of last week, about half-past nine o'clock, as the three young ladies of this Borough were passing up Front street, near the clothing store of Mr. Frank Elliott, they were met by three negroes. One of the negroes threw both his arms around the neck of one of the girls and kissed her. She struggled and got loose, and the negro ran. By this time the alarm was given and the persons in the immediate neighborhood began to run after him. The excitement spread; the crowd swelled in size as the pursuit continued until the Diamond was thronged with people. The negro ran down to Trostle's hotel, through the front building, back into the dining room, and made his escape by leaping through a window into the yard of Miss Susan Chambers. The indignation of the crowd was intense and if the offender had been caught he would no doubt have been dealt with very summarily.

Soon after the occurrence, a negro approached a knot of negroes in front of the Montgomery House, and asked the cause of the excitement. He was informed of what had taken place. "Well," said he, "dat darkey must hab been might hard up to kiss a white girl."

Festival
(Column 02)

Summary: The Methodist Church of St. Thomas raised $130 at their recent festival.

Personal
(Column 02)

Summary: Rev. John B. Palsgrove, formerly of St. Thomas, is visiting Franklin this week. Mrs. Elizabeth Shields, sister of Sarah Wilson, is also visiting relatives in St. Thomas. "She is 92 years of age and seems to enjoy good health. On the 16th ult. she attended church at St. Thomas and received Holy Communion at the hands of Rev. A. K. Nelson.
(Names in announcement: Rev. John B. Palsgrove, Elizabeth Shields, Sarah Wilson, Rev. A. K. Nelson)

Arrest of an Escaped Convict
(Column 02)

Summary: John Sites, who had been convicted of malicious mischief and assault and battery, was captured after escaping from jail. He allegedly committed larceny while free of jail. Deputy Sheriff Foltz made the arrest.
(Names in announcement: John Sites, Deputy Sheriff Foltz)

Reunion of the 126th Penna. Vols.
(Column 02)

Summary: Announces a reunion of the 126th Pennsylvania Volunteers in Chambersburg in December and invites all surviving veterans to attend.

Full Text of Article:

The soldiers of the 126th will hold their first reunion in Repository Hall, Chambersburg, on Tuesday, the 13th day of December next, at which time it is intended to effect a permanent organization. The Regiment was made up chiefly from Franklin, Fulton, and Juniata counties, much the largest number being from Franklin. Chambersburg has therefore been selected as the place for holding the first meeting.

The exercises will be of a most important character, and a large and interesting meeting is confidently expected. The committee of arrangements have authorized us to say that so far as it can be done special invitations will be sent to every survivor of the regiment, but that owing to removals and other causes it will be impossible to get reliable information as to the address of every one. Any soldier who belonged to this organization and may learn of the reunion from newspaper notices, or in any other way, will not abstain from attending for want of other invitation.

Court Proceedings
(Column 02)

Summary: Covers a session of the county court, announcing cases and verdicts. Cases include theft, forgery, assault and battery, etc.
(Names in announcement: Judge King, John Hasson, Frank Kean, Peter Cummings, Samuel Stokes, Hugh Dugan, George Brown, Daniel Row, Abram R. Saylor, Leonard Nave, Sarah Ann Porter, George Kell, Frank Myers, Joseph Kell, David Bergenstock, Henry Bergenstock, John C. Gilbert, George Goettman, Jane Gilbert, Mary Myers, Frances Leasure, Catharine Gaps, Frank Myers, Thomas Gardner, William Thomas, John S. Hunsecker, George Palmer, Henry W. Ramsey, William C. Sharp, George Albert, Joseph Jones, Jacklin Ellis, P. Henry Peiffer, David D. Fahrney, Susan Shook, Joseph Shaffer, Henry H. Miller, William Wyncoop, Catharine Dine, Michael Gable, Margaret Johnson, John W. Kuhn, Jerome Ferguson, Frederick Myers, John Disert, James Powell, James Martin, Obed Gsell, Edward Harman, Henry Clensinger, Robert Harman, Samuel Little, Elizabeth Little, John Hart, Frank Myers, Emanuel Whisler, Jacob Wagner, Susan Little, Michael Wagner, George Long, Alfred Nelson, J. W. Hannan, Susan Scott, Marion Scott, William Sly, Martha Craig, Byers Wingert, Frank Shively, Margaret Wolfe, Margaret Winters, Jacob R. Kreps, Samuel Brooks, Henry Meade, "Bish" Meade, Samuel Brooks, George Long, David Henderson, D. F. Wilson, H. S. Gilbert, Alex E. McDowell, Brough, Foltz)

Full Text of Article:

The following cases were tried during the session of the Court last week, His Honor Judge King presiding:

Com. vs. John Hasson and Frank Kean. Assault and Battery on Peter Cummings, with intent to kill. The indictment contained two additional counts, one for aggravated Assault and Battery and the other for Assault and Battery.

The evidence showed that Cummings, Hasson and Kean had been drinking freely together and Cummings rode Kean's horse up to the Indian Queen Hotel and put him in the stable. They then went into the barroom and Kean and Cummings got into a quarrel about the horse and adjourned to the back yard to fight it out. Hasson went out also. After the three had sparred together for awhile, Cummings made a savage assault upon Hasson and struck him twice. Hasson stepped back, picked up a brick bat and hurled it at Cummings. It struck him on the head and he fell senseless. He was taken to Boyd's Hotel, where he lay unconscious for eight or ten days.

Cummings was called upon the stand but could not recollect anything about the difficulty. The jury found the Defendants guilty on the third count for Assault and Battery. Kean was sentenced to pay costs, and Hasson to pay costs and undergo imprisonment in county jail for ten days.

Com. vs. Samuel Stokes. Forgery. This was a charge of having forged the name of David Smith to a note dated Nov. 27, 1867, for $50. Mr. Smith is dead. Verdict Not Guilty, but Deft. to pay costs.

Com. vs. Hugh Dugan and George Brown.

The Defts. were charged with stealing six dollars from the person of William Bell in August last. Bell was drunk and had laid down to sleep in the jail yard. He asked Dugan to take his money and go for some whiskey. Dugan refused to go, but after Bell fell asleep, he took the money and went, not returning, however, until the officer brought him back with a commitment for larceny. When the case was called for trial, Bell was among the missing, having most probably gone to his "cups" again. Verdict, Not Guilty.

Com. vs. Daniel Row. Assault and Battery on Abram R. Saylor. Verdict, Guilty. Sentenced to pay $5 and costs.

Com. vs. Leonard Nave. Fornication and Bastardy. Sarah Ann Porter, Prosecutrix. Verdict, Guilty. Sentenced to pay $15 lying in expenses and 75 cents per week for seven years.

Com. vs. George Kell, Sr. Assault and Battery on Frank Myers. Verdict, Not Guilty, and costs equally divided between Pros'r and Deft.

Com. vs. George Kell, Jr., and Joseph Kell. Deft. Geo. Kell pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay costs and a nolle prosequi was entered as to Joseph.

Com. vs. Samuol Myers, David Bergenstock and Henry Bergenstock.

These were three Surety of the Peace cases in which John C. Gilbert was the Prosecutor. The Defendants were all sentenced to pay costs.

Com. vs. George Goettman.

This was a charge of stealing four bottles of wine from the restaurant of Lantz & Unger about four weeks ago. The Deft. had been drinking very hard for some time and to allay his thirst entered the restaurant through a window and took the wine. Verdict, Guilty. The Court took into consideration the circumstances under which the offence was committed, and imposed the light sentence of two months in the county jail.

Com.vs. Jane Gilbert. Surety of the Peace. Case dismissed at the costs of the Prosecutrix, Mary Myers.

Com. vs. Frances Leasure. Assault and Battery on Miss Catharine Gans.

The Prosecutrix owns a house in Waynesboro' and rented a portion of it to the Deft. and her husband. It seems they did not get along well together, and one day as the Prosecutrix, who is a lady advanced in years and a cripple, closed and locked the door of her room and turned towards the Defendant, who was sweeping the stairway, the Defendant swept "the sweepings" right smack into the face of the Prosecutrix. This was the assault and battery. The jury "settled the dust" of the case, by returning a verdict of Not Guilty, and making the Deft. pay 2/3 and the Pros'x 1/3 of the costs.

Com. vs. Frank Myers. Surety of the Peace. Thomas Gardner Prosecutor.

Com. vs. John Thomas and William Thomas. Horse Stealing.

Same vs. Same. Larceny of a Buggy.

The facts in regard to these two cases are these: On Friday night, the 21st ult., the stable of Mr. John S. Hunsecker, in Hamilton township, was entered and a dark brown horse was stolen therefrom, together with a set of single harness.

On the same night a good buggy was stolen from the premises of Mr. George Palmer, also in Hamilton township. Mr. Henry W. Ramsey, of Newville, had hired the buggy from Mr. Wm. C. Sharp, in Newville, Cumberland county, Pa., and was spending the night with Mr. Palmer, who is his brother-in-law. When they got up on Saturday morning, the buggy was gone. Telegrams were sent in every direction and bills describing the stolen property. On Saturday morning, however, before intelligence of the stealing of the property had reached Hagerstown, Mr. George Albert and his sons arrested two negroes in that place on suspicion of having stolen a horse and buggy which they had in their possession. The horse proved to be Mr. Hunsecker's and the buggy the one which Mr. Ramsey had hired. The negroes were removed to this place and lodged in prison on Monday of last week. They gave the names of John Thomas and Wm. Thomas. Bills were sent to and found by the Grand Jury on the same day. On Tuesday, they were arraigned, tried and found guilty, and on Thursday, were each sentenced by His Honor Judge King--on the bill for Horse Stealing six years and on the other bill two years--to the Eastern Penitentiary, making the term of service for each, eight years. The offences were committed on Friday night and on the following Thursday, they were sentenced. Just before their sentence, information was received from the District Attorney of Dauphin county stating that he had two indictments against each of them for Burglary, committed in Harrisburg. Their real names are Joseph Jones and Jacklin Ellis. This summary mode of dealing with the men ought to be a wholesome lesson to this class of offenders.

Cases in which a nolle prosequi was entered:

Com. vs. P. Henry Peiffer; com. vs. David D. Fahrney; com. vs. Susan Shock; com. vs. Joseph Shaffer; com. vs. Henry H. Miller; com. vs. Wm. Wyncoop; com. vs. Catharine Dine; com. vs. Michael Gable; com. vs. Margaret Johnson; com. vs. John W. Kuhn; com. vs. Jerome Ferguson; com. vs. Frederick Myers; com. vs. John Disert et al.; com. vs. James Powell; com. vs. James Martin; com. vs. Obed Gaell.

Bills Ignored.

Com. vs. Edward Harman et al. County to pay costs.

Com. vs. Henry Clensinger. Pros'r, Robert Harman, to pay costs.

Com. vs. Samuel Little. Pros'x Elizabeth Little to pay costs.

Com. vs. John Hart, colored. Pros'r, Frank Myers, to pay costs.

Com. vs. Emanuel Whisler and Jacob Wagner. Pros'x Susan Little, to pay costs.

Com. vs. George Long.

Same vs. Same.

Com. vs. Alfred Nelson.

Com. vs. J.W. Hannan.

Com. vs. Susan Scott. Pros'r, Marion Scott, to pay costs.

Com. vs. Wm. Sly. Pros'x, Martha Craig, to pay costs.

Com. vs. Byers Wingert and Frank Shively. Pros'r, Obed Goell, to pay costs.

Com. vs. Margaret Wolfe. Prose'x, Margaret Winters, to pay costs.

Com. vs. Jacob R. Kreps. County to pay costs.

Com. vs. Samuel Brooks. Pros'r, Henry Meads, to pay costs.

Com. vs. "Bish" Meads and others.--Pros'r, Samuel Brooks, to pay costs.

Com. vs. George Long. Two bills.--County to pay costs.

Com. vs. David Henderson et al. County to pay costs.

Civil Causes disposed of.

D.F. Wilson vs. H.S. Gilbert & Col. Case in Assumpsit founded on book acc't. Verdict for $329.11.

Alex. E. McDowell vs. Brough & Foltz. Summons in Assumpsit. Deft's confess judgment for $456.53.

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Dr. T. J. M'Lanahan and Miss Beckie A. Austin, both of Chambersburg, were married at the residence of the bride's father on October 27th by the Rev. I. N. Hays, assisted by the Rev. James Kennedy.
(Names in announcement: Dr. T. J. M'Lanahan, Beckie A. Austin, Rev. I. N. Hays, Rev. James Kennedy)

Married
(Column 05)

Summary: Henry Peifer and Miss Sophie Hassler, both of Franklin, were married on October 27th by the Rev. G. Roth.
(Names in announcement: Henry Peifer, Sophie Hassler, Rev. G. Roth)

Died
(Column 05)

Summary: Jennie A. Cormany, formerly of Franklin, died in Ohio on October 19th of pulmonary consumption.
(Names in announcement: Jennie A. Cormany)