Valley Spirit

A dispatch unit from Raliegh, North Carolina, gives the substance of a letter which it is said Gen. Kilpatrick, who is now traveling through the state has written one of its prominent citizens, in which he expresses his opinon that reconstruction there as well as in the remainder of the South, has been commenced at least four years too soon.- He is represented as stating it as his belief that the majority of people of that section are not to be trusted, and will, as soon as the recover their lost political power, commence a persecution of all Union men as well as the negroes, endeavor to re-enslave the latter, and in conjuction with the North attempt to secure a repudiation of the national debt, and ultimately make another desperate effort to effect their separation from the Union. -Exchange Paper

If General Kilpatrick ever said anything like this, it shows that a good soldier may be a very bad political prophet. The South has made its "most desperate effort to effect separation" and failed. The extent of its disaster to itself would be an effectual argument against any renewed effort of the kind, even if the changes it will produce socially and otherwise, would not be additional securities for peace. A man who predicts similar results must imagine similar causes to exist. But with every step now towards restoration politcally, and reorganization is socially introduced new and different elements into Southern society, which will tend to make the population, North and South, homogenous in character, with interests and social interactions nearly identical. Slavery gone, a new system of labor, the white element, which has given such strength to the social fabric of the Northern States and so largely introduced which will not only change the whole structure of the Southern society, but will exercise an influence changes its necessities effect. The Southern States may recover their loss of political power, but it would be in possession of people who have won no longer the same interest to subserve as the aristocratic slave owner.

The power of the latter being gone, he will not be able to persecute the Union men, for they will consititute the majority, and will have things very much to their own liking. The idea that the broken down aristocracy can restore slavery after the social convulsion which the war of rebellion has produced, is preposterous. It will have enough to do to take care of itself and will be compelled of necessity to rely upon its own labor for its own maintenance. The power which made the national debt to preserve the national rights, the people who preferred temporary pecualary burdens to political ruin and national destruction, will be jealous hereafter against any political combinations which threatens to transfer their power and control to the hands of faction. General Kilpatrick, we think, may dismiss his fears, and leave the Southern States to resume practical relations with the Government upon plan recommmended by President Johnson, as the nost eligble means of restoring the country to harmony, and repairing all the future benefits that change, circumstances and conditions promised. -Philadelphia Ledger (Republican) 22nd

At the head of our columns will be found the names of the gentleman who have been chosen by the Democratic Covention, State and County, as our standard bearers in the contest to be decided on the 2d Tuesday of October next. All political contest in this county are of immenese importance to its people. From the very commencement of our government aprinciple has been at work in conflict with the spirits and intent of its framers. This principle has had, at differnt periods, many advocates, banded together under various party names seeking to obatain control of the governement, with the intent gradually to absord the liberties of the people and to change our free Constitutional Repoublic- in fact in not in form, - into a "strong government", a "parental government", a centralized government at the city of Washington, to which the Startes must be made to yield to reserved rights not delegated at the formation of the Constitution. Against the party advocating this principle- which is nothing more or less than old fedralkism- the Democracy have, until within a few years, contended successfully, and have kept its adherents out of power, except in a few instances of too short a duration ib which to effect their purposes. In 1860, owing to discord, and division in the Democratic ranks, this old federal party, under the name of Republicanism, suceeded in obtaining full and complete control of the machinery of the national governement.- What result of its rule has been is apparent ot every one. Disdaining anything looking to a comprimise with, or conciliating a discontented or rebellious prople in the sotuhern Statesm some of those high in power fostered their discontent and encoraged thier rebellious spirit, untilm the country was plunged into civil war, the paralell which is not to be founf in the history of the world. During the progress of the was for the suppression of rebellion, and the restoration of the rightful authority of the Union oveer the seceded States, this party steadily aimed to divert it from its legitimate and rightful purpose to a crusade for the aboliton of African slavery, and the subjugation of the Stat4es in rebellion, while at the same time, they were usurping the rights and the liberties of the people at the North, as well as infringing on the sovereignity of the States, until they have in fact; rendered them nothin more than Provinces or "Departments" of the grand central despotism at Washington. Now that the war is over, we find this same party organizing opposition to the wise and magnanimous restoration policy of an execcutive whom they assisted to elect, but who it seems has very little "federal blood in his veins". Thier views in regard to the Sothern States differ materially from thsoe that have become "educated up" to conferring the right of the suffrage on the negro "freedmen". If they are successful in this, and their colored brethren have the right of suffrage confreed upon them, they confidently expect a long lease of power, during which they may be enabled to usurp powers enough to retain governmental control by force, if not by popular favor. If then elections heretofore have been so important in their results, how much more so must prove those of the immediate future. On one hand we have a party rallying in favor of negro suffrage in the South, by and though which they expect to retain political power and degrade the government formed by Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and other partiots into a black republic. On the other is the old Democratic party, heartily sustaining the President in his effort to restore "our erring sisters" to equal rights with their Nothern sisters; and maintaining intact the great WHITE REPUBLIC established by the men of '76. The great issue claiming the attention of the people just now is, in few words, whether white men are to continue to rule, or whether the miserable African race shall be accorded a share in the government of white people.

In the view of the importance therefore of the pending contest, our convention have put forward candidates worthy of the great issues involved, and of the party of the white people. In our last issue, we gave a biographical sketch of our State candiates Colonels DAVIS and LINTON. They are both brave and gallant men who have served thier country in her hour of need well and faithfully. They bear upon their bodies scars recieved in battle with the foes of the Union, and with maimed limbs they have returned to their homes to recieve we hope a reward to the esteem and gratitude of their fellow citizens. They are men of honor, integrity and ability, possessing in an eminent degree those elements of character which should commend them to the heart support of all who desire faithful and competent officials. As solidiers, there were none braver in the field, as men and citizens, there are none more honest and deserving, and as candiates, none that should or will, recieve a more hearty support from the great names of the Democratic party.

The County and District tickets are composed of men well known to the people.- To them we can point with feelings of pride and gratification. From Senator to Coroner, they are exceptional in every respect. The agiatation? which placed there in nomination and their whole days?, presented such a ticket that will command the respect of even their opponents. Although many other good men, were named before - men who had many and ardent personal friends, and who were in every respect deserving, yet some had trouble necessarily be set aside for the time and the others were nominated. The ticket is such that every supporter of the Democratic principles- every lover of truth, honor and integrity, every man who would see the government of oour fathers restored and perpetuated, every one who would see the advocates of negro equality rebuked at the polls-can support with an enthusiam which can have no other result- except for a glorious victory.

The candidate for Senator CALVIN M. DUNCAN Esq., is well known throughout the senatorial district. Born and reared in the district, he is throughly conversant with the interests and wants of its people. He has ever been an able consistant and fearless advocate of the Democratic principles. In the dark days which tried men's faith, he never quailed before the threatenings of fanaticism, or fawned at the footstool of power that the thrift night follow. On all proper occasions his voice has been heard in defense of the true principles of Democarcy and the rights of the people. Perhaps no man in the district is better acquainted with the wants, interests and desires of the masses as he and as Senator, his ability and zeal will be made available in care of them. Mr. Duncan is in full sympathy with the people of the border counties who have been despoiled of their property by the public emeny, and if elected - of which we feel assured - will devote his energies and abilities in an earnest endeavor to obtain from the State government indemnification for all losses sustained by our people, by reason of relief invasions and military occupations. If therefore, the sufferers from these causes along the border, desire to have their claims on the State properly and euergetically pressed, they will aid in the election of Mr. Duncan.

Of our candidate for Assembly, WM. MCLELLAN, Esq., it would seem almost superfluous that we should say anything in the way of commendation. Every man in the county is well acquainted with his great professional ability, his high character for integrity, his worth as a man and citizen. There is, at the present juncture, no man in the county better qualified to represent the wants, interests and wishes of the citizens of Franklin county in legislature, than Wm. McLellan. He has lived our midst all his life; has seen his friends and his neighbors reduced from affluence to penury, by the torch of rebel incendiaries, and their property carried away by rebel mauraders; he has given of his means and devited his time to affording relief to the sufferers of the terrible conflagaration on the 30th day of July 1864, and his implelling motive in accepting the position on the ticket assigned to him by the convention, was that he might be useful to his fellow citizens in pressing before the legitslature, with all his ability and zeal, their just claims for indemnity. Every man who lost his property from these causes has in Mr. McLellan, a friend whi will faithfully represent his interests.

SAMUEL R. BOYD is the nominee for Sheriff. In the convention he had so many estimatiable competitors, and is no small compliment that he gained the prize in a contest where so many were deserving. - We have known Mr. Boyd for a number of years; dating from the time that when we used to meet him in a neighboring village wending his way westward with a load of stoves and tinware, stowed in a wagon drawn by a team of bays. In our intercourse, we find him a clever, socialable gentleman, honest and upright in all his dealings and possessed of business qualifications which cannot fail to enable him to fill the office of the sheriff with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. His popularity whereever he is known will insure his triumphal election.

For Treasurer we have JOESPH M. DOYLE, of Fannet township, a gentleman of excellent character for honesty and integrity, possessing business qualifiactions of the highest order and every way competent to make an efficent Treasurer. Mr. Doyle has for years back, carried on the tanning business extensively in the village of Doylesburg, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He will lead the ticket considerably in his locality, and we entertain no doubt at the success at the polls.

W.S. Stenger Esq., the present incumbent, has been renominated for District Attorney. The ability and zeal by him in the prosecution of offenders against the law during the last three years, has been recognized by his unanimous renomination. Of his ability as a lawyer, his eloquence before the jury and on the stump, hs uniform attention to business, and his courteous manner to all having business in his office, it is unecessary to speak, being universally acknowledged.

The choice of the convention for the important officer of Commissioner, was an excellent one. CHRISTIAN D. LESHER, the nominee, is an intelligent farmer of the Antrim township; a practical business man, with all the necessary business qualifications, to make a good trustee of interest of the tax-payer. For many years he has been a farmer and a tax-payer, and such knows the importance of the economy in the expenditure of public money and the necessity for making burdens on people as light as possible. He has been for years, a firm and consistent democrat,and as a man and a citizen without a blemish. He will make an excellent Comissioner, and those desiring such a one should vote for Mr. Lesher, regardless of party ties.

Our candidate for Director of the Poor, MR.SAMUEL SECHRIST, of Quincy township, is at present a member of the board. He has by his strict attention to his duties, careful regard for welfare of the unfortunate objects of public charity, obtaining an unanimous renomination without asking for it. We think this one of the strongest evidence of his fitness for the postion, and the propriety of his re-election.

For Auditor JOHN A. SELLERS,of St. Thomas, has been nominated. Mr. Sellers is a mechanic, intelligent, upright and an excellent business man. No other person (?) in a greater degree, the confidence and respect of the community in which there is no better than he.

HUGH AULD, of Chambersburg, and Dr. W.A. HUNTER, of Straburg(?), the candidates for the County Surveyor and Coroner, are gentlemen of sterling demcracy and unexceptional character. They are both well qualified to fill the respective positions for which they have been named, and are in every respect worthy of the confidence of the people.

Such Democrats of Franklin County, is the ticket presented for your support. It is composed of good men and true; men of every respect worthy of your suffrage. It is such a ticket as will call to its support all who would have merit, truth and right succeed at the polls. It represents honor, integrity and ability. Those who help to have these succeed, will give it their ardent support, whilst those who believe in shoddy and negro suffrage, will oppose them. We say then, Democrats to work. Organize in every county: see to it that every man is impressed with the duty with attending the elections and that he is properly assessed. Let every one do his whole duty and such majority for the ticket, will reward your efforts as will forever dismay the advocates of negro suffrage and official profligacy.

The Mercersburg classis of the German Reformized Church, has purchased the old Marshall college property at Mercersburg, with the intention of opening a school of the high order in that place. The fine buildings and the five acres of land have been bought at a very low price and will be paid for by shares of stock, a large part of whcih has already been taken by the citizens of this county and of Washington County, Maryland.

It might easily be shown that this is a good promising investment, but the prime object of the school is not to make money. The main design is to supply the pressing demand for the facilities of a Christian education all along our borders. The stockholders thus far are those who have children and grandchildren to educate, and feel the necessity of having some safe retreat where this great matter so unavoidable neglected during the war, may be properly attended to. The enterprise, therefore, backed as the saying is, by the substantial old elders and other members of several congregations of different churches, who are urged to do it by themselves, not by any spirit of speculation, but a felt want of of some such help to fit their children and wards by charcters and education, for usefuleness in life.

It is the purpose of the board of control; to whose care all the interests of the school are entrusted to secure the services of a corps of the best men they can find- not selected from those who may desire to make the proposition a stepping stone to wealth or worldly preferment, or from such as may happen to be disqualified for the active duties of the other profession, but men who will be satisfied with fixed competent salaries, and who in the fear of God, and for the love of the work, will consecrate all their energies and the responsibilities trust commited to them.

The course of study will be well settled, thorough and complete, but above all the mere intellect will not be cultivated to the neglect, and therefore at the expense of the best affections of the heart. It is hoped that the spirit of cheerful, healthy piety will be infused into every educational operation so that the religous element will be the underlying and controling one, or in other words, that the law of the school will be "the law of life and grace as it is in Christ, Jesus our Lord." and not mere pamphlet laws enforced arbitarily from without by an occasional lecture from a grim-visaged monitor.

Such a school cannot want patronage.- There are scores and perhaps hundreds of parents within a radius of a hundred miles of Mercersburg, who are anxious to habe just such an institution, and the healthful and quietude, the places and the associations of the past, together with the Christian culture and edcuational advantages offered will attract many students. It is expected that the first session will commence about the last week in September. Rev. E.E.Higbee, Prof. of Theology at Mercersburg, is President of the Executive Commitee.

So far as has been already ascertained the Democratic nominations and the resolutions passed by the Convention meet the cordial and enthusiastic approval of every Democrat. This angers well for the success of the Democratic ticket in October. There seems to be one thought inspiring the membership, and that is a determination to destry the supremacy of that Northern faction of demagogues, which hearing brought disasterous war into the land, has left the Government almost stranded and distrupted. Should the prospect continue equally bright until the day of struggle, all will be well.

The democratic candidates are all that any Democrat or any liberal minded conservative could desire. Colonels Davis and Linton, in all private relations, are pure and upright men. As citizens they have always discharged their duties as became men of good and high resolves. Their characters are not only the very best, but they are always above suspicion. As lovers of their country, their war record is all that could be desired. They never deviated from their love for the glorism of the old Union and their devotion to it is now written in scarred and maimed limbs on their bodies.

Though the war was conducted by a party antagonistic to his principles to their own, and as true intent of the strife turned from a "War from the Union" to a "War for the African Race". They did not desert the flag, but tried through act and influence to bring the controlling party within the limits of the Constitution. They never deserted the party to which they were allied by principle, but, while on the battle field sacrificing blood and limb against the open and declared sucession enemy of the Union, they were not idle in combatting the Abolition heresies, which secretly and insidiously were destroying the constitution and laws and sapping from the very foundations of the Republic. They knew and declared that Abolitionism was disunion; that the tendencies of ruling policy of the dominant party could end in nothing short of a destroyed Union or a consolidated despotism; and though they cleary saw the even designs of the Abolition party, they resolved first to destroy the armed foe and then direct their undivided efforts against the "sixteen-starred" Northern faction, which has labored for twenty years to destroy the Union.

They are now before the people for that purpose. They are prepared to fight gallantly against the black legions of Abolitionism, as they were against the armies of succession. They helped to bring in the rebellion to its end, and now they are in the field to overthrow the negro supremacy, which is laboring to keep alive dissension and to stir up another rebellion at the South.- They are on the tall Union Platform - where they have been prepared to uphold the honor of the Government and the Federal authority in the hands of President Johnson, so long as he shall pursue the work of restoring the Union constitutionally and lawfully; but equally determined to oppose any deviation from that course by the adoption of the disunion dogmas enunicated in the Radical platform of the Pennslyvania Reepublicans.

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention:

I feel gratified for the honor conferred and yet it is with reluctuance that I accept the nomination tendered to me. There is but one consideration prompting me to an acception and that is a desire (if elected) to secure some compensation to our citizens for their losses sustained during the terrible rebellion whcih has just been brought to a happy issue. The people of the border have been as it were the break-water of this civil strife, and open them to a great extent have been improved the burthens of this conflict, apart from the weighter consideration of having been despoiled of a large amount of their property. Ought not some compensation made for their losses by a generous Government?- Will not the people of the other sections of this union feel willing to contribute our necessities, since they have already been enirched whilst they be impoverished? We think that the sympathy of every right thinking man must be awakened for that worthy and industrious citizen who has been rendered penniless and almost crucial into the earth, by no act of his own, but by the wicked conduct of relentless foe. The great Creator has implanted in our bosoms feelings and sentiments which ought to be aroused by considerations of this character. But apart from this can we not compensatation as a matter of right? We have furnished the National Government with our quota of our men and means to carry this struggle to be a successful issue, and we are now contributing our share to pay the interest and principal of the debt incurred. Support and protection are the mutual duties of government and governed, and if the government failed or was unable to give us protection in time of need, the duty certainly devolves upon it to compenstate our citizens for any loss sustained by reason of the withdrawl of that protection. The question may be asked, why apply to the State, as the National Government is ultimately responsible for these losses. In answer I would simply say that our relations are more intimate with the State that the National Government, I believe the duty of the protection is incident to both. Every State within the sphere of its action ought to take care of its citizens, and when it fails to do so its constituted authorities incur responsiblity to the citizen. In this case the responsibility may be a secondary one, but if our people were compelled to appeal to Congree for redress, the delay and expense incident to such an effort would be so great as almost to deter them from the attempt, whereas the if the State interpose in our behalf, there will be but little difficulty in her authorities securing restution from the General Government. Besides, our Legislature has, to a certian extent recognized this responsibility by appropriating of 3,000,000 for State defense at the time of the organization of the Pennslyvania Reserve Corps, and a further appropriation of 3,000,000 for the dame object at a subsquent period.

In relation to the national issues I must say with candor to the Convention that the reconstruction policy inaugurated by President Johnson meets my hearty approval. - He totally ignores that hydra succcession , which the onset of this war was looked upon by all considerate men as most dangerous innovention ever attempted in the progress of this government. Had it been successfully maintained it would have been rendered our Union most unstable, liable to be severed by the merest whim of caprice. We should have witnessed the States, like comets flying off in unknown paths, and not(as intended by the founders of our government) revolving like the planets round a great center of attraction, and kept in position by mutual affinities.- The President takes hold of the Southern States where rebellion found them, and recognizes their State governments as then existing, with single restriction imposed that before again they become partipants in the bebefits of the Union, they abolish human slavery.

Mr. Redpath, of John Brown fame, has written a long letter extolling the negro and instituting comparisons to the disadvantage of the white man. It is not easy to discover the wit of this herculean endeavor, though his object is apparent in the effort made to demonstrate the superior claims of the colored citizen African 'scent, so far as concerns the exercise of political rights by the two classes respectively. In support of his position, he quotes from a letter from the superintendent of the home for refugees in Nashville, showing by exact figures, that the precentage of black population dependent on rations is comparatively small- only "about .036-telling badly for whites." And then as to the inferiority of the Irish element, subjected to the same comparison he says:

I promised you some statistics comparing the blacks and the Irish. I am told the Irish population of the city is about 3,000. The population therefore is one to three of the blacks. Now, more than sixty percent of the city poor are Irish; and taking the comparative number relieved, we have six Irish to one negro, or as a disproportion against the Irish as eighteen to one eighteen Irish paupers to one negro pauper. Truly it may be said, as one friend remarked to me a few years ago, 'Better let the blacks take care of themselves and put some one to hiring out and providing for the whites.'

White trash is at a discount.