Valley Spirit

The editors discuss the meaning of the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press as intended by the framers of the Constitution. They then turn to editorials from Republican papers in New York and in Harrisburg that encourage the formation of Union Leagues to put down treason in the North. What these leagues are designed to do, say the editors, is to repress Democrats, who are merely exercising their guaranteed rights under the Constitution. The suppression of free speech by such groups, and by military authorities, is "the first step in the road which leads to despotism," conclude the editors.

The editors report that some unnamed people had hoped that the returning soldiers would commit some unspecified acts of violence. If these men had actually mingled with the soldiers upon their return, they would have found among the soldiers an "almost unanimous expression of conservative sentiment."

The editors observe that the thirty three "Union Leaguers" who paraded on Saturday were so satisfied with their turnout that they plan to do it again.

The editors note the article published in the Transcript that expressed the hope that the returning soldiers would burn the Spirit.

The editors call for Democrats to organize against the "Loyal Leagues" being established across the county.

The editors observe that the large number of officers and enlisted men who have been passing through town on leaves of absence indicate that the army is not about to make a move on the enemy. What the intention of the government is with the Army of the Potomac is merely conjecture at this point.

The Democrats of Chambersburg and the surrounding area will meet in Franklin Hall on May 30. The Hon. William H. Miller, Representative of the 14th Congressional District, and the Hon. George W. Brewer will address the meeting.

The editors describe and praise the ceremonies celebrating the return of the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers to Franklin County.

Brigadier General C. T. Campbell, having recovered from his wounds from the first battle of Fredericksburg, has been assigned to duty in the Department of the West and ordered to report to General Pope.

Daniel Dechert, who weeks ago was rearrested in Hagerstown by the military authorities and taken to Winchester, Virginia, was unconditionally released.

The Franklin County Teachers' Association held its 7th semi-annual convention in Mercersburg, starting Wednesday, May 20. Mr. D. M. B. Shannon was called to the chair; Messrs. J. R. Gaff, C. B. Wolff and D. D. Forney were appointed a committee to report presiding officers. At the Wednesday evening session, Mr. T. M. Richards opened with a prayer. The committee on presiding officers reported the following: President, Hon. J. O. Carson; Vice-Presidents, Rev. John R. Agnew and Major A. J. North. Mr. J. R. Gaff reported on Orthography; Mr. D. S. McFadden read several extracts from "The Teacher's Manual" by Henry Dunn on the subject of reading; remarks on the subject of orthography and reading by Andrew McElwain. The subject was further discussed by Messrs. Wolff, Forney, Gaff, A. McElwain, and others. Remarks on textbooks were made by various members. Thursday morning session: Called to order by vice-president Rev. Mr. Agnew; prayer by Rev. Mr. Creigh. Messrs. A. McElwain, C. B. Wolff, A. B. Stoler and T. M. Richards were appointed to invite the teachers of the different "Literary Institutions" of the area to attend the meetings. Mr. Richards gave an exercise in "Round Numbers." Orthography was again taken up, and Rev. J. Agnew gave his experience of teaching orthography and reading to a child "that was particularly dull" when he was a missionary among the Indians. C. B. Wolff read from McGuffey's Sixth Reader. The chair appointed John R. Gaff, C. B. Wolff, T. M. Richards, A. B. Stoler, H. C. Phenicie and J. S. McElwain to a committee on resolutions. Afternoon session: Remarks on written arithmetic by A. McElwain. Illustrations on the subject of Alligation by J. Eckhart. Remarks on written arithmetic by A. B. Wingert. Illustrations on Alligation by C. B. Wolff. The committee on resolutions reported a number of resolutions that were subsequently adopted, including one that thanked the friends and patrons of the Common Schools for helping "the dissipation of prejudice and opposition to our Common School system in the district here represented;" another which pledged the association's support for the restoration of the Republic; and another which blamed the present state of the country on "a want of moral and religious training, and we regard it as the teacher's duty to inculcate the principles of sound morality and religion; also to teach the principles of free Government, and obedience to law and order." Thursday evening session: Prayer by Rev. Mr. Creigh. On a motion by A. McElwain, Rev. J. R. Agnew gave a demonstration of his Terraecoelian Globe, which he invented, which facilitates the teaching of astronomy. A. B. Wingert then read an essay on "The Responsibilities of the Teacher," and Messrs. Gaff, Wolff and J. S. McElwain were appointed a committee to obtain a copy of that essay for publication. J. S. McElwain explained his method for teaching Geography, which was then the subject of "a spirited discussion" by the Association. Friday morning session: Prayer by Mr. Agnew. Further remarks on Geography. Reports on Algebra by C. B. Wolff and Jos. Eckhart. English Grammar taken up and discussed by A. McElwain and C. B. Wolff. It was moved to meet again in Chambersburg on the second Wednesday of November, and the meeting was adjourned.

The editors note that they "neglected to mention" in their report on the return of the 126th, that a portion of the parade consisted of "thirty three individuals, decorated with red, white and blue badges, with the words 'Loyal Union League' inscribed on them." The editors also report that they heard several soldiers poking fun at the "brave thirty-three."

The government hospital at Smoketown, established after the battle of Antietam, where a large number of wounded were quartered, has been broken up, with the few remaining invalids being sent to Frederick.

Adam Bawer and Ellen Warden of Chambersburg were married on May 21.

Lieut. Jacob L. Deitrick and Ellen Eby, both of Greencastle, were married on May 21 in the Lutheran Parsonage in Chambersburg.

John Mullan of St. Thomas Township announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the office of register and recorder.