Valley Spirit: May 4, 1864 — Newspapers

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Speech covers the entire page.

Freedom of Speech: Speech of Mr. Vorhees of Indiana

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Summary:

Transcript of a speech given by a member of the US House of Representatives that condemns attempts by his colleagues to expel a congressman who expressed conciliatory sentiments toward the South.

Excerpt:

"I am discussing now not merely the right of a Democrat on this floor; I am discussing the right of every Republican on this floor. I go further. I am discussing the right of the humblest citizen of America, the right to escape the galling yoke of tyranny and oppression."

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Fiction and poetry, columns 1-5, classified ads, column 6

Mixing the Races

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Summary:

Says that the abolitionist doctrine is nothing more than support for the mixing of the races.

Excerpt:

"When the President proclaimed emancipation, he proclaimed also the mingling of the races."

Is the Vice President a Myth

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Summary:

Wonders if the Vice President is still around, and if so, where.

Excerpt:

"We have a dim recollection that some three or four years ago, a gentleman named Hamlin, belonging to the State of Maine, was placed on the Republican ticket as a candidate for Vice President, and was believed to have been elected. But whether he was or was not, or what became of him, is a mystery: for the public has never heard of him from that day to this."

The Sublime Mingling of the Races

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Summary:

Says new information shows that rebel soldiers were not responsible for the massacre of black soldiers in Vicksburg. Instead, this information suggests, an Indian regiment killed the soldiers after finding they had "committed the grossest possible outrages" on white women in a Vicksburg hotel.

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Classified ads, columns 2-6

Rotation of Crops

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Summary:

Urges farmers to remember to rotate their crops in order to preserve the soil.

Origin of Article:

Wisconsin Farmer

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Classified ads, column 6

The Democratic Party and Slavery

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Summary:

Argues that the Democratic Party is in sympathy with the Constitution and not with the institution of slavery, as opponents have charged.

Excerpt:

"They [Democrats] have always deplored the existence of slavery, but a sacred regard for the compromises of the Constitution has ever induced them to oppose all attempts of the general government to interfere with it in States where it existed."

The Fate of the Claim Bill

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Summary:

Expresses disgust with the defeat of amendments in the US Congress that would ensure that civilians received payment for property damaged in the war.

Excerpt:

"What do the sufferers by Stuart's raid, in Franklin county, think of the course pursued by Republican members of the House, in relation to this bill? These claims so just, so equitable, and which the State, in justice to our citizens, despoiled of their property through her neglect, was bound in good faith to pay, have been bandied about from Harrisburg to Washington back again; payment being at last refused by the votes of representatives, every one of whom is a Republican."

Abolition State Convention

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Summary:

Reports that the Republican State Convention met and voted to support Abraham Lincoln in the next election.

Excerpt:

"The convention was presided over by Ex-Speaker Lawrence, who, on taking the chair, delivered a speech eulogizing the Union party as being the only one able to save the country (God save the country!)."

The Judiciary

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Summary:

Explains that the Valley Spirit's expressed concern about the impartiality of judges was not meant to be an attack on the judiciary, as the Franklin Repository suggested.

Excerpt:

"A party that has lived by assailing the Judiciary should be the last to charge it upon others as a fault. Assaults on the Judiciary have been and still are its principal stock in trade, of which the files of the Repository afford ample proof. In the language of scripture we would say to our neighbor: 'Physician heal thyself.'"

Full Text of Article

We have no desire to get into a controversy with the Repository about the Court. What we have said on the subject, was dictated by an honest desire to promote the attainment of the ends of justice. This was our sole purpose, and this we regarded as a solemn duty which we owed to the law, to the Court, and to the people. We made no assault on the Judiciary and sincerely trust it may never become necessary for us to do so. If the Repository wishes to become the special defender of Judge Nill, and the Judge is satisfied, we certainly have no objection. We have only this to say, however, that if we are reluctantly drawn into a discussion against our wishes, we may have to say some things not too palatable to the editor of the Repository himself, and which he might wish to have remained unsaid.

To say the least of it, it comes with a bad grace for a Republican journal to talk about "assaults on the Judiciary." A party that has lived by assailing the Judiciary should be the last to charge it upon others as a fault. Assaults on the Judiciary have been and still are its principal stock in trade, of which the files of the Repository afford ample proof. In the language of scripture we would say to our neighbor: "Physician heal thyself."

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Summary:

Announces that an election will take place on the first Tuesday in August during which the people will decide whether soldiers should be able to vote.

Off With Their Heads

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Summary:

Reports that yet another officeholder--a postmaster--has been removed for speaking disrespectfully of Lincoln.

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Summary:

Says that Lincoln is pleased with the defeat of General Banks in Louisiana because it takes away a presidential competitor.

Our Washington Letter

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Summary:

The Valley Spirit's Washington, D.C. correspondent returns with an overview of the "patriotism, corruption, and rascality" in that city.

Trailer:

Conococheague

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Classified ads, columns 3-6

The Coming Draft

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Summary:

Provides official quotas of how many soldiers must be drafted from each township in the 16th Congressional District.

Excerpt:

"The Board of Enrollment of the 16th Congressional District have completed all the preliminary business and are ready to make a draft, under the last call for troops, at any time."

Full Text of Article

The Board of Enrollment of the 16th Congressional District have completed all the preliminary business and are ready to make a draft, under the last call for troops, at any time. The draft had been postponed temporarily by the War Department but may be ordered to take place very soon.

We give below the official quota of each sub-district in the country, carefully adjusted, and embracing all credits up to the 15th of April; from which it would appear that the only subdistricts having their quotas filled, are Greencastle and the South Ward of the borough of Chambersburg; the North Ward has yet one man to furnish, but it is expected that our wide-awake council will succeed in securing a "colored cuss" or some other man in time to fill the deficiency.

Our readers can on this table as entirely correct, and we would advise sub-districts not yet filled, to offer liberal bounties to volunteers and make a vigorous effort to complete their quotas before the wheel at the Masonic Hall commences its revolution.

Sub. Districts Townships No. Subject to Draft Quotas Total credited Total to be furnished 41 Antrim township 433 129 82 47 41 1/2 Greencastle borough 196 50 61 - 42 Chambersburg N.W. 356 106 105 1 43 Chambersburg S.W. 292 87 87 - 44 Fannett township 257 77 17 60 45 Greene township 320 95 79 16 46 Guilford township 287 86 31 55 47 Hamilton township 145 43 23 20 48 Letterkenny township 220 66 40 26 49 Lurgan township 126 38 31 7 50 Metal township 140 42 20 22 51 Montgomery township 358 107 51 56 51 1/2 Mercersburg borough 116 35 32 3 52 Peters township 271 71 44 37 53 Quincy township 304 91 66 25 54 St. Thomas township 181 54 50 4 55 Southampton township 198 59 43 16 56 Warren township 78 23 9 14 57 Washington township 281 84 61 23 57 1/2 Waynesboro borough 159 47 31 16 ____ ____ ____ ____ 4720 1400 953 458

A Fair

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Summary:

Reports that the ladies of Chambersburg met at the residence of Mr. J. S. Nixon on April 26 in order to organize a fair to benefit the Christian Commission. Rev. S. J. Niccolls gave a short address. Rev. F. Dyson was called to the chair, and Mollie E. McCulloh was appointed secretary. Other appointments made were: Mrs. D. N. Couch, president; Mrs. William McLlellan, vice president; Mrs. J. L. Dechert, treasurer; and managers: Mrs. Lyman S. Clark, Mrs. John K. Shryock, Mrs. John Armstrong, Mrs. H. S. Stoner, Mrs. W. G. Mitchell, Mrs. B. T. Fellows, Mrs. J. T. Hoskinson, Mrs. A. K. McClure, Mrs. S. G. Lane, Miss Sarah Raynolds, Miss Helen Seibert, Miss Sarah Wright, Miss Maggie Stevenson, Miss Ellen Cook, Miss Kate Wilt, and Miss Maggie Glosser.

Trailer:

Mrs. D. N. Couch, Pres., Miss M. E. McCulloh, Secy.

Names in Announcement:

J. S. Nixon; Rev. S. J. Niccolls; Rev. F. Dyson; Miss Mollie E. McCulloh; Mrs. D. N. Couch; Mrs. William McLlellan; Mrs. J. L. Dechert; Mrs. Lyman S. Clark; Mrs. John K. Shryock; Mrs. John Armstrong; Mrs. H. S. Stoner; Mrs. W. G. Mitchell; Mrs. B. T. Fellows; Mrs. J. T. Hoskinson; Mrs. A. K. McClure; Mrs. S. G. Lane; Miss Sarah Raynolds; Miss Helen Seibert; Miss Sarah Wright; Miss Maggie Stevenson; Miss Ellen Cook; Miss Kate Wilt; Miss Maggie Glosser

Borough Election

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Summary:

Provides results of the borough election held last Monday. The only contest was between R. Aughinbaugh and J. W. Deal for town council, in which the former won by about eighty votes. The other positions filled were: burgess, John Stewart; town council, C. S. Eyster, John Dubler, William Wallace, Samuel Myers, and Solomon Huber; school directors, Samuel G. Lane, Jacob Henninger; auditor, K. P. Haslet; and high constable, John [?].

Names in Announcement:

R. Aughinbaugh; J. W. Deal; John Stewart; C.S. Eyster; John Dubler; William Wallace; Samuel Myers; Solomon Huber; Samuel G. Lane; Jacob Henninger; K. P. Haslet; John

Communicated

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Summary:

Encourages women of Franklin County to get involved in the work of the Christian Commission.

Trailer:

Delta

Names in Announcement:

Mary McCullough, Secretary; Mrs. General Couch, President; Mrs. William McLellan, Vice President

Excerpt:

"Weare [sic] all interested in this movement, hundreds of our young men, our fathers, husbands and brothers are girding on their swords for the battle, before whose significance the past withers into forgetfulness, no human sagacity can tell when or where the blow may be struck, but we all know that in that fatal field many a womanly form in our midst, will be widowed and broken hearted, the refluent tide of war may bring the thunder of artillery in our very midst, and our fields may be crimsoned with the blood of our brothers."

Full Text of Article

At a meeting of the ladies of Chambersburg, interested in the Christian Commission (which has for its object the supply of materials for the sick and wounded of our army, more especially after a battle) it was unanimously agreed to hold a fair on the 13th of June, for the purpose of raising funds towards the benevolent association above mentioned. It is thought advisable to interest the people of Franklin county in this laudable enterprise, so that a united effort on the part of the citizens of one of the richest and most populous counties in the State may be successful and worthy of the cause and the people. In furtherance of this object, it is suggested, that the prominent ladies of the large towns of Waynesboro, Greencastle, Mercersburg, London, Orrstown and Fannettsburg, with all the villages of the county, should confer among themselves and act with our citizens in this undertaking. Each of these places could be separately represented at the fair and have their own table, superintended by a committee from amongst themselves. Mrs. General Couch is President of the ladies association in this place, Mrs. William McLellan Vice President and Miss. Mary McCullough Secretary from whom any information desired, can be had by addressing her. Weare [sic] all interested in this movement, hundreds of our young men, our fathers, husbands and brothers are girding on their swords for the battle, before whose significance the past withers into forgetfulness, no human sagacity can tell when or where the blow may be struck, but we all know that in that fatal field many a womanly form in our midst, will be widowed and broken hearted, the refluent tide of war may bring the thunder of artillery in our very midst, and our fields may be crimsoned with the blood of our brothers. It is the part of wisdom to prepare now to alleviate the pain and suffering of the wounded. In this Gospel of Charity the ministry is given unto woman, for many reasons, she may not go in the field, but what more cheering thought could sooth[e] the brow of pain, than to know that a mother, wife or sister's hand had sent these comforts to the stricken soldier. But I merely meant to suggest the plan of united action, all over our county, to the ladies, knowing full well, that the fair hands, that roused them into the field, will also alleviate their sufferings.

Delta.

Sad Accident

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Summary:

Reports that Private James Shuman, son of Mr. John Shuman and member of Captain Ward's Company of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was killed by the kick of a horse on April 25. He is the second son of Mr. Shuman to have died in the army in the last few months.

Names in Announcement:

Private James Shuman; Mr. John Shuman; Captain Ward

Arresting Deserters

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Summary:

Reports that the practice of arresting deserters has become dangerous and life-threatening.

The Pennsylvania Reserves

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Summary:

Lists the expiration dates for the terms of service of various Pennsylvania reserve regiments: 1st Regiment, August 1; 3rd Regiment, July 28; 4th Regiment, July 17; 5th Regiment, June 21; 6th Regiment, July 27; 7th Regiment, July 27; 8th Regiment, July 29; 9th Regiment, July 29; 10th Regiment, July 21; 11th Regiment, July 29; 12th Regiment, August 10; 13th Regiment, June 11.

Robbery

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Summary:

Reports that while Henry H. Cresler and his family, of Southampton Township, were at church on April 23, their house was robbed. A revolver is among the missing items.

Names in Announcement:

Henry H. Cresler

The Spirit of Speculation

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Summary:

Condemns speculators and urges government officials to do more to stop them.

Origin of Article:

N. Y. Express

Married

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Summary:

On April 31, Rev. L. G. Brown married Emma Orth and William Thompson, of Altoona.

Names in Announcement:

Miss Emma Orth; Mr. William Thompson; Rev. L. G. Brown

Married

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Summary:

Rev. Thomas Barnhart married Eleanor Francie Connor and Daniel Ware on April 28.

Names in Announcement:

Rev. Thomas Barnhart; Eleanor Francie Connor; Daniel Ware

Died

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Summary:

On May 3, Carrie Maurer, daughter of B. L. and Annie C. Maurer, died at age 18 months.

Names in Announcement:

Carrie Maurer; B. L. Maurer; Annie C. Maurer

Died

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Summary:

Samuel Alexander, son of John Alexander, died on April 18 at age 13 months.

Names in Announcement:

Samuel Alexander; John Alexander

Died

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Summary:

Jacob McCune, son of Jacob McCune, died on April 25 at age 13 years.

Names in Announcement:

Jacob McCune; Jacob McCune

Died

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Summary:

John Michael Domish, infant son of Nathan and Catherine Domish, died on April 9.

Names in Announcement:

John Michael Domish; Nathan Domish; Catherine Domish

Died

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Summary:

Charles Calvin Clark, son of Charles A. and Barbara Clark, died on April 18 at age 8.

Names in Announcement:

Charles Calvin Clark; Charles A. Clark; Barbara Clark

Died

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Summary:

Mrs. Maria Cromer died on April 19 at age 46.

Names in Announcement:

Mrs. Maria Cromer

Died

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Summary:

Mr. Jacob Houser died on April 26 at age 68.

Names in Announcement:

Jacob Houser

Died

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Summary:

On April 17, Margaret Kindline died at age 65.

Names in Announcement:

Margaret Kindline

Died

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Summary:

J. Sloan McClintick died on May 2 at age 44.

Names in Announcement:

J. Sloan McClintick

Died

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Summary:

John Ellsworth Grible died on April 13 at age 3.

Names in Announcement:

John Ellsworth Grible

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Reports of troop movement in North Carolina and Alabama, column 1, classified ads, columns 2-6

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Classified ads, columns 1-6

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Classified ads, columns 1-6