Valley Spirit

A Convention of venerable and respectable old gentlemen, who are constitutionally opposed to the Democratic party, met at Baltimore about the middle of last week and nominated a ticket which, according to the speeches made on the interesting occasion, is destined to knock all other tickets into the middle of next week. Grandmother John Bell, a tough and toothless old politician of Tennessee, was selected for the Presidency. Bell's nomination was followed by a great deal of clappering, in the course of which "all the world and the rest of mankind," (including the Japanese embassy, now hourly expected,) were pledged to the nominee. This done, Hon. Edward Everett, the accomplished scholar and sagacious and patriotic statesman, was insulted with an offer of the Vice Presidency.

In spite of their large promises, these "Constitutional Unionists" do not expect to accomplish much beyond a mere muddying of the political waters. They have a slender hope that they can take one or two States from the Democracy and render more doubtful an election of President by the people.

--This encampment will commence on Tuesday, the 29th inst., and continue four days. It promises to be well attended. Seven companies from this county will certainly be present, and we learn that two companies from Cumberland county, a company from Gettysburg, two from Frederick, and, perhaps, one from McConnellsburg, are also expected to be in attendance. The arrangements for conducting this encampment are, we understand, as complete as it is possible for human forsight to make them. The Committee having charge of the arrangements have carried out all matters, intrusted to them, with a degree of liberality that will afford the most perfect satisfaction to visiting companies, and contribute to make this encampment attractive as any ever held in the State. Waynesboro is a thriving and beautiful town and the well-known hospitality of its citizens, at all times, is a sure guarantee that all who visit this encampment will be well treated and pass a pleasant time.

--At a meeting of the company, on the 7th inst., Mr. P. B. Housum was elected Captain; and Mr. John Doebler Lieutenant to fill the post made vacant by the promotion of Mr. Housum. The following named persons now compose the officers of this fine company which in discipline and appearance will rank with the best military organizations in the country:--Captain--P. B. Housum; Lieutenants-- John Doebler, Matthew Gillan and George Miles; 1st Sergeant--Thos. G. Cochran. The retiring commander, Col. Stumbaugh, is entitled to the thanks of this community for the time and talent bestowed in the formation, of what may justly be considered, the handsomest and best drilled company in the State.

--Hon. Jas. Nill is still absent in the South. I. H. McCauley, Esq., is attending a session of the Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Philadelphia. A. K. McClure, Esq., and Wm. McLellan, Esq., A. N. Rankin, Esq., and Snively Strickler, Esq., are off to Chicago. F. S. Stumbaugh, Esq., is making a business tour through some of the Western States. It will be seen that our town is pretty well rid of lawyers, at this time, and we must be content to move along very quietly and orderly until their return.

will meet in the German Reformed Church, of this place, on the evening of the 18th inst., when the opening sermon will be preached by the President, the Rev. Dr. B. S. Schneck. This Body will continue its sessions for four or five days, during which time there will be divine services every evening. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be administered on Sabbath morning, the 20th inst. The business of the Classis will be transacted with open doors.

--Pursuant to a public notice, an election was held at the office of the Franklin Railroad Company, in Harrisburg, on the 2d inst., for the purpose of electing officers of the Franklin Railroad, when the following gentlemen were legally elected.

President--A. J. Jones, of Harrisburg.

Directors--R. Biddle, of New York; Jay Cook and C. Clark, of Philadelphia; J. Weir, A. J. Jones and James Dull, of Harrisburg; G. W. Brewer, of Chambersburg; G. W. Ziegler and A. B. Wingerd of Greencastle; A. Armstrong and James Watson, of Hagerstown.

Treasurer and Secretary--H. C. Fahnestock, of Harrisburg.