Staunton Vindicator

The editors inform readers that Gen. Scholfield has named Oct. 22 as the date for the election on whether to call a constitutional convention. According to the latest apportionment, Augusta will lose one delegate while representation for the Valley, as a whole, will drop to 18 from 33. In an effort to raise the county's representation, the editors urge those made eligible to vote by the latest amnesty proclamation to petition the Board of Registration.

At a meeting in Richmond last Monday, reports the article, an "overwhelming majority" of those in attendance voted in favor of supporting a $2,000,000 subscription to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. The editors endorse this decision on the grounds that the railroad will "tap the fertile prairies of the great West" and transport its "riches into the lap of Virginia."

The editors rejoice at the fact that growing numbers of northern men have come to the South to relocate and invest their capital. This trend, they note, indicates that the rumors of ill-treatment of northern immigrants have subsided.

In light of their poor showing in several recent state elections, many Radicals, including Thad Stevens, fear the Republicans may lose control of New York and Pennsylvania in upcoming legislative contests.

Relates that the Border State Radical Convention, held in Baltimore last week, "was poorly attended." The body adopted resolutions "favoring the Congressional extension of Manhood suffrage to the Northern States, favoring impeachment and endorsing Stanton, Sheridan and Sickles."

The article reports that Gen. Scholfield appointed Maj. H. B. Burnham Judge of the Hustings Court of Richmond last Monday; Burnham replaces Judge William H. Lyons, who died.

Notes that Democrats in Maine have made a resounding comeback in the late election there; the party increased its representation in the legislature to 45 delegates from 13 the previous year.

It is reported that Gen. Grant declared he is not interested in the Presidency, even "if the opportunity were offered."

The article contains Gen. Scholfield's order to hold the election on the constitutional convention, and lists the apportionment of delegates for each county.

In his letter, "Civis" nominates J. M. Hanger, Y. H. Peyton, and James Bumgardner as delegates to the convention. The three men "combine in themselves vigor of intellect, fluency, and eloquence in debate, and boldness and decision of action."

Notes that several young men from Staunton and vicinity are attending Washington College this session.

Relates that James W. Spitler was severely wounded in accident that occurred while he was loading saw logs last Friday.

Alerts readers that the final registration before the convention will take place between October 8 and 12 at the Court House.

Advises residents that the Staunton Post Office has begun accepting money orders.

The article relates that a "distressing" accident occurred last Saturday as A. Stuart McGuffin and James Apple were "going thro' the manual of arms with an old gun, which neither one supposed to be loaded." McGuffin, 23, suffered a fatal head wound after the gun fired while the young men were handling the weapon.

On Sept. 18, William F. Brand and Amanda C. Armentrout were married by Rev. William Pinkerton.

On Sept. 18, R. M. Guy and Hallie G. Wills, daughter of C. T. Wills, were married by Rev. Sutor.

On August 19, A. Lightner, of Highland County, and Mary C. Lightner were married by Rev. Pinkerton.

On Sept. 4 William Howard, only child of James Y. and Sarah E. McCutchen, died at Sangersville. He was 6 months old.

On Sept. 13, Samuel Parrent died of typhoid fever at Hermitage. He was 47 years old.