Valley Spirit

--That interesting event, the presentation of a Flag to the Chambers Artillery by the Hon. GEORGE CHAMBERS, which was duly chronicled in the local columns of our last issue, has suggested to some one of our citizens the propriety of erecting a Monument to the memory of BENJAMIN CHAMBERS, the founder of our beautiful town. The citizen to whom this tribute to the founder of Chambersburg has thus been suggested, has given the public his views through the medium of a communication in the Transcript. He pays a proper tribute to the stern virtues and high courage of the men of the Revolutionary Age of the Republic, and does some injustice to the present generation by attributing to them a want of appreciation of the glorious deeds of their immortal ancestors.

We intend to endorse the proposition of the Transcript's correspondent to erect a monument to the memory of the founder of our town, but we wish first to record our protest against his repetition of the standing slander upon the men of the present day, that they are insensible to the blessings they enjoy and ungrateful to the memory of those who achieved their country's independence. That this is a slander upon the present generation, is a fact of which any one can satisfy himself very easily. Let him go upon our street and ask the first gray-haired sire who totters along in life's decline, to name the greatest man that ever walked the earth, and he will answer--GEORGE WASHINGTON. Let him put the same question to the youngest schoolboy, and he will get the same answer. Let him put it to all he meets--old and young , male and female--and the answer of each and all will be the same. This feeling of admiration and veneration for the Father of his Country is so universal, that it really seems as if every American was born with the image of WASHINGTON impressed upon his heart.

Nor is the name of WASHINGTON alone held in admiring remembrance by those who live and move and have their being in what are slightingly and unjustly termed "these degenerate days." When the mind of an American of to day reverts to the trying times of our country's struggle for independence, other venerated forms rise up beside that of the Great Chief, and the names of ADAMS, JEFFERSON, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK, HENRY, LAFAYETTE, GREENE, MERCKER, Once a resident of our county, we believe,) MARION, PUTNAM, WARREN, and a host of others, burst from lips that name them but to praise them. Why have these departed patriots, statesmen and warriors such a deep hold on the affections of the present generation? Why is it that, from youth through manhood to old age, the story we all read with the greatest interest is the story of the Revolution? Unquestionably it is because we cherish in our heart of hearts the liveliest gratitude to the noble and self-sacrificing spirits who achieved the liberties we enjoy.

But let us recur to the proposed Monument. It would be an interesting feature of our town and an appropriate tribute to the brave pioneer who planted the flag of civilization on the banks of the Conococheague and and defended it against the savages who swarmed around. The Academy . . . [text missing] . . . proposes to locate it would not be the site we should select. If ever the Monument is to be erected, it should be put on a Public Square, a place always open to citizens and strangers. Unfortunately at this late day it is almost impossible to get an unimproved piece of ground of sufficient extent for a Public Square within convenient reach of the centre of town. The most suitable point, perhaps, would be the lot owned by the Misses DENNY, and separated from the Academy grounds only by an alley. This lot would make a very handsome little square. It has all the advantages claimed for the Academy grounds, with others that those grounds do not possess; and we have very little doubt that its amiable, intelligent, and we may say patriotic owners would part with it for this purpose, however reluctant they might be to yield their title to it under other circumstances.

In regard to the material of which the proposed Monument should be constructed, we will say a word. Polished marble is very beautiful, but it is unsuited to the perpetuation of the stern and rugged virtues of the early settlers of this valley. If ever we erect a Monument to their memory, let us make it of stone quarried from the soil their courage and industry won from the savage and subdued for our use.

The name of the Transcript's correspondent is unknown to us. We have objected to certain parts of his article, but the main point we have cordially endorsed. His proposal is one that must meet general approbation, and we trust he will keep it before our people till the morning sun and the evening stars shall greet a CHAMBERS MONUMENT in DENNY SQUARE.

If the immediate accomplishment of this object on a scale worthy of an enlightened community like ours be considered impracticable, might not measures now be initiated which would ensure its fulfilment on the Centennial Anniversary of the laying out of the town? The ground might be secured and gradually embellished in the course of the next two or three years, as means would justify, and in 1864 the design could be finally carried out by the erection of the Monument, which might receive an appropriate dedication on the Fourth of July.

--We would most respectfully, and earnestly, direct your attention to a matter which we conceive would be a pleasant duty for you to perform. It is this- -our County Commissioners have laid off the yard in tear of the Court House in a most beautiful and ornamental manner, and desire to have it further adorned by planting Flowers and Shrubery. This they think the ladies of our county would gladly undertake, and will, therefore, leave it to be adorned by them in whatever manner their good taste may suggest, always ready to give whatever assistance may be needed. We must commend our Commissioners for the view they have taken of this matter--it is right and considerate, and we hope our ladies will not be backward in coming forward with whatever offering they have to bestow; no matter how trifling the donor may consider it, it will gratefully receive a place. The Court House is often the place where the attendance of their fathers, husbands, brothers and perhaps, "a dearer one still, and a nearer one" is required, and something to please the eye, and glad the heart, may create a happy thought and make them feel that "a thing of beauty is a joy forever."

--The Military Encampment held at this place, and which commenced on Tuesday week last, continued until Friday forenoon, when it was broken up and the soldiery assembled returned to their homes, and our town once more resumed its wanted quiet. The companies in attendance presented a handsome appearance and are not surpassed by any in the State for correct discipline, and the accuracy with which they perform all military evolutions. The encampment throughout was well conducted and all its arrangements were in strict conformity with the laws and regulations prescribed for camp duty. We saw much that we would like to praise but it might seem invidious in us to draw distinctions where all looked well, behaved well, and performed their duty well. The companies present, we have no doubt, profited much by their instructions and experience in the duties of camp life, while they socially enjoyed themselves in a delightful manner, and contributed greatly to the gratification of the immense crowds assembled to witness the display.

The following officers and companies were in attendance:

Brigadier General: DAVID DETRICH.

Brigade Inspector: J. McCURDY.

Colonel: F. S. STUMBAUGH.

Major: R. W. McALLEN.

COMPANIES.

St. Thomas Artillery.--From St. Thomas. Captain, James G. Elder; 1st Lieutenant, Jacob West; 1st Lieutenant, junior, D. W. Dixon; 2d Lieutenant, A. H. Stump. Numbers 40 men.

[text missing]. . . Numbers 40 men.

Washington Blues.--From Harrisonville, Fulton County. Captain, James C. Austin; 1st Lieutenant, D. H. Betz; 2d Lieutenant, David L. Michaels; 3d Lieutenant, Michael Miller. The company numbers 57 men, and was the largest on the ground.

Light Infantry.--From Greencastle, Capt., Joseph Stickle; 1st Lieutenant, Edgar Washabaugh; 2nd Lieutenant, A. Kreitzer. Numbers 30 men.

Washington Blues.--From Fannetsburg.--Captain, Samuel Walker; 1st Lieutenant, John Walker; 2d Lieutenant, Jno. H. Witherow.--Numbers 40 men.

Wayne Rifles.--From Waynesboro'. Capt., J. H. Clayton; 1st Lieutenant, George J. Balsley; 2d Lieutenant, Emanuel Defendaffer.--Numbers 30 men.

Union Guards.--From Mercersburg, Capt. F. Winger; 1st Lieutenant, Thomas McAfee; 2d Lieutenant, E. Hammill. Numbers 40 men.

Light Dragoons.--Chambersburg. Captain, C. T. Campbell; 1st Lieutenant, K. S. Taylor; 2d Lieutenant, C. C. Folts. Numbers 40 men.

Chambers Artillery.--Chambersburg. Capt., F. S. Stumbaugh; 1st Lieutenant, P. B. Housum; 1st Lieutenant, junior, Matthew Gillan; 2d Lieutenant, Calvin Duncan. Number 50 men.