Valley Spirit

The editors take up a challenge from the Transcript to explain how they can oppose the administration and support the government. They first argue that the creation of West Virginia from Virginia, the Confiscation bill, the suspension of habeas corpus and the abridgments of freedoms of speech and the press were all unconstitutional. If this is the case, they say, what does it mean to be loyal--to defend the Constitution, or the administration which has violated it?

The editors argue that, at the beginning of the war, the Northern public and the army were unified behind the goal of preserving the Constitution as it is and the Union as it was. However, since then both the country and the army have become demoralized because the administration has politicized the war. With abolition as the goal of the war, the only solution would be the extermination of all the whites in the South and the annihilation of its industry. The Northern public outside New England, argues the writer, has rejected the administration's course, as the fall elections demonstrated.

The editors claim that the Transcript quoted approvingly a report by the Richmond Whig that McClellan did not advance on Munson's Hill and Manassas in 1861 because he knew his men were cowards and he wanted to protect his reputation. The editors condemn "this vile slander on our brave volunteers."

The Observer notes the dispute between Colonel McClure and the Spirit and Times over the paper's report of McClure's alleged chastising of Republicans for excessive partisanship and his alleged disavowal of abolition.

The 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers has been relieved of service with the Army of the Potomac in Washington, D.C. They will probably not arrive in town until next week, as they will stay in Harrisburg until they are paid and mustered out. However, a number have been visiting town already. The editors complain that an adequate reception has not been prepared for their return.

Two prisoners broke out of the County Jail on Tuesday night. One was the "notorious" horse thief Joe Hooker, and the other was a deserter named Edwin P. Byers. Under instructions from Lieut. Ashmead, Sheriff Brandt had been treating the military prisoners leniently, and Byers was given the freedom of the jail. On Tuesday, Byers' cell was open. He broke the lock off of Hooker's cell, and the two broke through a wall and escaped. Byers was caught and brought back on Friday, but Hooker remains at large.

The editors note the arrest in Mercersburg of W. C. Baxter, who was arrested on Thursday and taken to Chambersburg on Friday by the Provost Guard. He was brought before Lieut. Ashmead, and was dismissed because there was no evidence against him. The editors call for an end to such arbitrary and unfounded arrests, saying they bring only ridicule upon the authorities.

The stockholders of the "Farmers and Mechanics Industrial Association of Franklin County" of Chambersburg met on Tuesday May 12 to elect officers for the following year. Elected were: President, John Ruthrauff; Vice Presidents, Jacob S. Nixon, G. W. Immell, James C. Eyster, G. R. Messersmith; Secretary, W. S. Everett; Corresponding Secretary, J. P. Culbertson; Treasurer, Emanuel Kuhn; Managers, Wm. Bossert, B. F. Nead, J. W. Craig, W. W. Skinner, H. B. Davidson, Wm. McClure, J. G. Elder, S. Myers, H. C. Greenawalt, A. B. Wingert, A. Davidson, Josiah Besore.

David Lawson of Montgomery Township was arrested for treason and "sent over the lines." His arrest came out of papers found on the person of Solomon Helser. When Lawson was taken to Baltimore for a hearing, it was found there was no evidence against him and he was discharged. The "important note" found on Helser was apparently a note in payment for a horse. Yet, "all the Pharisees" had judged Lawson guilty merely because of his arrest.

The members of Company C, 126th Reg't Penn. Reserves, issued a tribute of respect to their compatriot, Nicholas C. Trout, who was killed at Chancellorsville.

The editors report that Lieutenants Fletcher and McCauley, of the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, who were listed as missing after the battle at Chancellorsville, were paroled a few days later and are now at the parole camp near Annapolis. Twenty or thirty privates of the 126th were also captured and paroled, but their names are not available.

Miss Virginia Reilly, daughter of Hon. Wilson Reilly of Chambersburg, and Rev. Thomas X. Orr, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Allegheny, were married in the Presbyterian Church in Chambersburg on May 14 by the Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, assisted by the Rev. Prof. Wilson of Allegheny Theological Seminary.

The board of enrollment in this congressional district under the conscription bill consists of: George Eyster, Esq., of Chambersburg, Provost Marshal; Dr. R. S. Seiss of Littletown, Adams County, Surgeon; J. S. McIlhenny, Gettysburg, Commissioner. John M. Gilmore and Barnet Early of Chambersburg have been appointed clerks. The board is now ready to commence operation.

The writer notes that the editors of the Village Record have called his attention, as borough constable, to a law making it his duty to arrest all hogs running wild. He assures the editor of that paper that he will do so, but if a law exists for arresting jackasses then the editor had better watch out.

Wise Albert Sheilds died on May 8, aged 8 years, 7 months and 20 days.

John Sheilds died on May 14, aged 2 years and 4 days.

George P. Eichberger announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for register and recorder.