Valley Spirit

The President, if rumor may be believed, is about to change a large portion of the material of his cabinet. In other words, it is said that the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. McCulloch, and the Postmaster General, Mr. Denison, are the only gentlemen among his present "constitutional advisers" whom President Johnson desires to retain in his administration, and that Messrs. Seward, Stanton, Welles, Harian and Speed, will have to give place shortly to statesmen more in accord politically when the views of executive. This movement is significant. It looks as if the President, who is a shrewd politician as well as an honest and resolute man, were disposed to promptly prepare for the war upon him about to be commenced by the radicals. He is not deceived by the shallow pretence of their newspaper organs that it is quite an easy thing to reconcile his sense of day with the ultra course of policy demanded of him by Messrs. Stevens, Sumner, Wilson & Co. He perceives, as every calm and unbiased mind mist perceived, that their object is wholly partisan, no patriotic. He is conscious that the whole object of their solicitude is to perpetuate the radical rule, and that they propose to use an inordinate anxiety for the welfare of the negro merely to conceal that object. It is obvious to them that his reconstruction policy is not one , therefore, that can possibly be accepted by these gentleman, because his wish is to advance the interests of the Union, and their wish is to secure in power their political sympathisers. There is between him and them an "irrepressible conflict" in prospect, to meet which they are rallying all their energies and all their resources. To counteract their machinations he must surround harmony with his own. He must have neither open nor secret abettors of much disorganising men and principles in his confidence, and hence the old timber in his cabinet must give way to new; the used up material must be replaced by something fresh, strong, vigorous, and active--something equal to the emergency and to the opposition.

Whoever may compose the new cabinet, (and we have faith enough in the President to feel assured that they will be men of probity and ability,) the mass of the American people will not weep any, it is manifest over the dismissal from authority of some of the present incumbents. Secretary Seward and his "little hell" will long be remembered, we fancy, by those who object to verbose diplomacy and despotic rule in a republic. Secretary Stanton will never be forgotten as the imperious dictator and vindictive public officer. If the anathemas of the widow and orphan exercise any effect )as it is supposed they do,) of the anti-soporific kind, Mr. Stanton might appropriately become a "sentinel on the watch-tower of liberty," for his sleeplessness ought to be marvelous. Secretary Welles, on the other hand, will be dismissed with a universal "good night!" to his Rip Van Winkelism by the nation, for all parties unite in [unclear]promoting[unclear] him too [unclear]moutnolently[unclear] imbecile to merit even hostility. Like a helpless innocent, he left his official duties entirely to the care of Assistant Secretary Fox, who used his power not only to amass wealth, but to persecute every naval officer who could not stoop to play the sycophant. His entire record is one of arrogance and ignorance, oppression and wrong, from the initial line to the end of the chapter. There will be a jubilee over the removal of Secretary Welles, if only in the general hope of getting rid of his more than other self his Fox-y Assistant. Secretary Harlan and Attorney General Speed are only known as the convenient representatives of the radical interest in the Cabinet, and as heads of departments ready as any time to sacrifices all other considerations in order to exemplarily carry out his behest of their partisan superiors. Their dispossession will be a relief to the entire community. In sooth, the gentlemen whom the President proposes to retain are the only ones in whom the people at large irrespective of party affiliations, place implicit confidence.

But whether the President shall, or shall not, re-construct his Cabinet, (though we do not clearly perceive how, in view of current events, he can well avoid it,) it is impossible for him and his radical opponents in Congress to maintain much longer even the appearance of their present cordiality. One or the other must yield. He is not the mass to surrender a conscientious opinion at the demand of a political faction, and Messrs. Stevens, Sumner & Co., cannot abandon their position without a sacrifice of party strength almost equal to political suicide. As it stands, Thaddeus Stevens may be said to have coerced or cajoled a very large proportion of the Republican majority in both Houses of Congress, into the adoption of his programme for making ex-Secretary Chase, no Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the next President. That programme especially excludes the reconstructed Southern States from all representation in Congress until they consent to bestow the elective franchise on their late slaves. The President denies the right of Congress to dictate to any state its principle of local suffrage, and insists on recognizing the right of every State to congressional representation as soon as, by its acts, it has established its loyalty to the federal constitution. The difference between these two programmes is vital and irreconcilable. Hence the radicals cannot pretend to carry our their programme much farther without placing themselves in an attitude of direct hostility to both the President and General Grant. In that case the President would naturally decline to bestow office on his opponents, and the fight would become at once, earnest and uncompromising.

The Republicans, as a party, are hardly willing, it may safely be affirmed, to transfer, the man they themselves elected to his place at the had of the nation, to the arms of the Democrats. And yet, should it come to an open breach between the radicals and the Administration that will be the inevitable result.--Allentown Democrat

Two of the most prominent candidates for the Abolition nomination for Governor, are Gen. John W. Geary and John Cessna. Of the two we must confess to a preference for Cessna. Although utterly devoid of political honesty, yet he is a man of some ability, while Geary is an arrant humbug in every respect. Both are renegade Democrats, and one or the other will, for that reason, get the nomination. No other kind stand any chance with the party of "grand moral ideas."

COL. A. K. McCLURE, in the Franklin Repository, charges that the Union men in Congress agreed with Coffroth, the Democratic representative in Congress form the 16th District, if he voted for the Constitutional amendment abolishing slavery, they would support him against Koonta, the Republican, contestant for Coffroth's seat. FI this is true, it is equally disgraceful on both sides, because it disfranchises a people of a district. Will Col. McClure make the facts public?--Harrisburg Telegraph.

No, we think not. He has'nt any facts.

It would be hard to find a Government as excellent in all its forms and detail as our own. It is no idle boast, so long as the principles upon which our Government is founded are abhored to that it is the best the world ever saw; on the sun ever shone upon. It deserves all the praises for the excellence that it receives. It has been tried, and, when the Constitution has been regarded, it has faithfully fulfilled its part towards protecting the rights and liberties of the citizen. Indeed, all invasions of these rights have sprung from a departure from the Constitution.

We have had to feel that a charter of right is of itself but a dead instrument unless, its provisions are regarded. We find that not only wise and good men are necessary to frame the instrument, but men equally wise and good are needed to carry it out.

The rejection of the Southern members of Congress striked us as the most glaring departure from the spirit of the Constitution, and it is worse, because a technical use of the power of Congress over the matter prevents any remedy. When the power of judging the qualifications of its member was granted, no one supposed that use could or would be made of it to exclude the members from one-third of the States. There is more involved than the treacherous consequences of an exclusion. It violates the vital principle upon which the Constitution is built, and under which the Government itself exists. That is that taxation and representation go together. Now if those States are not represented, it is out of the question that they should be taxed. The Government, however does not recognise this principle. The system of taxation is pushed on a firmly as if there was a full representation from the Southern States.

Washington correspondents, for example, send the following as an exhibit of the amount paid by the several States named. during the last quarter of the year ending December 31, 1865, upon their quotas of the direct tax levied by the act of Congress August 5, 1865:

The following named States are the only ones who have not yet paid something toward the liquidation of their direct tax accounts with the General Government:

Since the close of the rebellion the States named below have paid over to the Government on account the following sums:

Here is annual direct tax of twenty million per annum in addition to the various other taxes imposed upon these States. The people who pay them have no word in the matter, no influence and no coannel. They are just told that they must pay. It would seem absolutely certain that if these people can pay taxes, can vote for the Constitutional amendment, they are entitled to representation. The conclusion is irresistible. Otherwise, they are out of the Union, except for the purpose of plunder. They are in the Union to be robbed, but for no other purpose whatever.--Louisville Democrat.

Some jackass (it is not worth while to look up his name) has introduced in Congress's bill to make counterfeiting a crime punishable with death. At least these radicals are consistent; the programs for which they labor and sweat is generally such as this--a violent shoving back of the slow moving hands on the dial-plate of civilization.

The Washington Chronicle is the appropriate advocate of this last legislative absurdity:

"The crime of counterfeiting the national currency justifies the punishment of death. The national credit is at stake. The perpetuity of the government is at stake. The life of the nation is paramount to all other considerations.

"Such is the perfection to which the arts have attained in the present day that it is impossible to guard against the skill of the counterfeiter. This arch enemy of credit is assisted in his diabolical schemes by the god of day, and photography becomes his willing slave. No limit can be made to his dominion, and his victims are spread all over a continent. Widows and orphans, the artisans and the merchant, swell the number of those sacrificed at the shrine of his avarice. Such a crime as this, therefore, cannot be pardoned or slightly treated; it must be expiated by the life of the perpetrator.

"Is treason the highest crime? Then is this also, for it is the quintessence of treason, and works the same destructive results."

Here is the same old major premise: "the life of the nation," which Republicans found so handy in counterfeiting argument with, for the last four years. Major: The the life of the nation is paramount to all other considerations. Minor: Doubting the divinity of Stanton, no voting the Republican ticket; anything the administration or any of its friends happened to want is essential to the life of the nation; ergo, some new violation of the supreme law, and everybody is a traitor who hinders.

These poor creatures are so in the habit of reasoning after the above fashion, of rushing at once into extremities, that we are not surprised to see one of them preparing to put out the light of the infamous "god of day," and to stretch the necks of all photographers. They have become so crazed with the habit of identifying their own notions and wills with all patriotism and all morality, that they actually can't conceive of disparity between the crimes or the punishments of murder and counterfeiting, and must measure everything with a gallows-rope, at a period when, year by year, the use of the scaffold is becoming rarer in every civilized country.

Just for humanity's sake we advise these fellows not to stretch the definition of "treason." Counterfeiting may not peril "the life of the nation," but it is a hurtful crime; and if too many people are persuaded that crimes of such a measure full up the guilt of treason, then, despite all our efforts to limit their punishment to prison-fare and stone-breaking, the law-breakers and the cotton-thieves and the shoddy contractors may come to untimely dangling.--N. Y. World.

On Wednesday last both houses of the Legislature met together, and the returns of the recent election for Auditor General and Surveyor General were counted. The result as officially ascertained is as follows:

Mercer county gave 123 votes for W. H. H. Davis.

Correspondence of the VALLEY SPIRIT.

HARRISBURG, January 27, 1866.

A bill for the relief of the citizens of Chambersburg who lost their property by the burning of the town by the rebels on the 30th of July, 1864, was read in place in the House by Col. Stumbaugh on Monday last. I have not seen the bill but understand that it appropriates five hundred thousand dollars of the unappropriated funds in the State Treasury for that purpose; the losses to be probably ascertained and the fund thus appropriated to be distributed pro rata among the sufferers by commissioners to be appointed by the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County. What prospect there is for the passage of this bill, it is difficult to determine. There seems to be, however, a better disposition manifested towards this project, on the part of members of the Legislature and others, than there was a year ago. The unwarranted and ill-grounded prejudice against the people of the border which then existed, seem to be somewhat abated. Quite a number of the leading newspapers of the State which, a year ago, were opposed to the remuneration have recently spoken out unequivocally in favor of it. The leading papers of Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and some in other parts of the State, no urge it upon the Legislature as a duty to afford substantial, relief to the citizens of Chambersburg who, form accident of location, were made to receive the blow that was aimed at the whole State. This is the just view of the case, and if these papers in any degree reflect the temper and disposition of the members from their respective sections, then your people may reasonably hope that at least something will be done during the present session to aid them in re-building their homes and re-establishing themselves in business. But until the bill comes regularly before the House for its action, when the temper of the majority can be more surely ascertained, its fate must remain a matter of considerable doubt.

Resolutions were introduced in the Senate in the early part of the week, by Senator Landon, of Bradfor,d endorsing the action of the lower House of Congress in passing the negro suffrage bill for the District of Columbia and instructing our senators to vote for the same when it comes up before the U. S. Senate for its action. This radical pill was a little too bitter and black for the delicate stomachs of several of the weaker brethren on the Republican side of the chamber. Householder, of Bedford, and Ridgeway, of Philadelphia, both dodged on the first and second reading of the resolution. They both refused to answer to the call of their names though they were both in their seats at the time. But hey will have to toe the mark, under the influences of the party lash; when the resolution comes up for final passage. Negro suffrage is now one of the declared dogmas of the Republican party, and no one henceforth can retain his standing in the party and go against the measure.

These resolutions were to have come up for discussion and final action on Thursday but some of the other brethren, in the mean time, having felt symptoms of weakness about the knees, on motion of harry White their further consideration was postponed until the 31st inst. It has been suggested that the postponement was made with the view of getting further instructions form their master, Simon Cameron, why owns the Republican members of the present legislature--body, soul and breeches. But I have no doubt of their passage in the end by a solid Republican vote. Let them go one, they are dong and excellent work for the Democracy. "Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad," and such a shaking of dry bones among the negro-maniacs as there will be when Andrew Johnson [unclear], will be a warning to all future fanatical demagogues.

The redoubtable McConaughy, I am told, gave a free supper at the "Lochial" one evening this week to his co-conspirators who helped him to a seat in the Senate to which he was notelected, at which Simon Cameron presided and the voluble, rudite, profoun d, sublime and wonderfully modest Bigham made a speech. Whatever the subject may have been on which the eloquent Senator expatiated on this great occasion, taking his efforts in the Senate as specimens of this powers as a logician, I risk nothing in asserting that his arguments were as clear as the water in a mud puddle when well stirred with a pole, and as intelligible to the understanding as the chattering of an ape. Whether the subject of forged election returns entered into the discussions of this convivial assembly of hoary headed shoddyites and saintly hypocrites, your corresponded did not learn.

Governor Curtin is much improved in health and is busily engaged in preparing his annual message. He expect to have it ready to send into the Legislature by next Tuesday, after which it may be reasonably hoped the Legislature will got to work energetically and dispose of such matters of legislation as the interests of the people of the State may demand. Thus far they have done but little that would commend itself to the intelligent judgement of the people.

As the absorbing matter of interest to your people is the indemnity bill, I will endeavor to keep them posted as to its chances for passage as the session wears along. Nothing very definite can be known until the subject comes up for discussion in the House. The temper of the majority who control its action, will very soon manifest itself.

BRUTUS.

A set of unprincipled scoundrels representing themselves to be Bounty and Pension agents, and agents of a so called National Protective Union, are carrying on a wholesale system of Robbery in the United States.

These Godless scamps send out beautifully engraved tickets accompanied with the necessary circulars, etc., and within a week or two, re recipients of these tickets and circulars, receive a "Catalogue" of flotitious drawings, and also the following confidential letter;

VERNON, Nov. 24, 1865.

Dear Sir:--You will see by "Catalogue" that the "Ticket" sent you has drawn a prize of $200.

If you will follow my instructions, you can obtain a part or even the whole of the "Prize Money" if you will let it be known among your friends, so that I can make a large sale of tickets, for the next contribution.

To obtain this money you must have a "Trustees' Receipt." To get one, write me a letter dated TO-DAY, stating that you have been unable to sell any tickets, but will try one for yourself, and, if fortunate, you can sell many for the next contribution.

Sent $10 for one half, or $20 for the whole, as convenient, being sure to state in your letter the number of each Treasury not or Bank bill you send, also to write your name yourself, upon one corner of the back of each to avoid suspicion, and prevent the return of your money and order, dishonored. Be sure and write nothing you do not wish the "Trustee" to read, as I have to open all letters received before them, and they, finding the DATE and money correct, will send you a "Receipt" that will secure to you the "Prize Money" your tickets has drawn.

You will return this letter to me by mail, as soon as you have received the "Prize Money," and much oblige.

Yours Confidentially,

LYMAN H. DAVIS

This letter is well calculated to deceive, and is copied and sent out by every villain belonging to the infernal gang, each in his own name, whether real or fictitious, we do not know.

Another copy of this letter has been brought to our notice, and is signed James P. Dewolfe.

Thousands of persons have been induced to risk money in this foremost of all swindling concerns, but have never heard from it, and of course, never will

Not satisfied with one mode of swindling, these sharpers turn their attention to robbing soldiers' widows, and soldiers' orphans.

They state by their cards that they are "Bounty, Claim and Pension Agents," and "refer by permission to Hon. James H Colfax, and N. H. H. Haws, of Pensions Office, Washington, D. C.

Having obtained the necessary papers from parties having claims against the government, they procure the money through their emissaries, in Washington, thereby robbing soldiers, widows, and orphans of the very means of their existence.

These swindlers and robbers have their head-quarters in Connecticut and New Hampshire, some having their letters addressed to Newington Junction, Hartford County, Ct., and others to West Andover, Merrimac County, New Hampshire. Their printed Circulars are headed, "Vernon, Conn.," and some of their letters are mailed at Vernon. Inquiries concerning this Swindling operation have been directed to the Post Master at the latter place, but he remains silent.

Why do the authorities at Washington allow the people to be swindled and robbed by the perpetration of such lawless acts?

We understand that certain private parties offer a reward of $1,000 for the arrest of any one connected with the detestible gang.

Let the press take hold of the matter, and the country will soon be rid of these infamous scoundrels.--Tyrone Hemisphere.

The court sat during the entire week during which the following since were disposed of in the Common Places, by Jury verdict and [unclear]. The remaining causes on the list, were either settled by the parties or continued until next term. Some of the causes tried were of considerable importance and excited general interest:

J. W. Douglas vs Nicholas Bonebreak--Feigned Issue--to test the validity of a judgement given by John Ditch to David Royer, Trustee of Mary Ditch. Verdict for plff.--Sharpe for plff.--Kimmell for Deft.

Peter Stenger, of C. vs J. Phillip Roman--Feigned Issue--to try the validity of a judgement for $20,006 given by Hezekiah Easton to said Roman. Verdict for the Deft. G. M. & W. S. Stenger and Sharpe for plff.--Kimmell and McLellan for deft.

Thomas J. Filbert vs J. Holker Hughes--judgement conferred for $256,87--Kimmell for plff.--Sharpe and Douglas for deft.

William Talheim vs Daniel S. Reisher--an action of Assumpait. Verdict for plff, $1800. Bower and Sharpe plff.--Kimmell for deft.

Philip Harper vs Benjamin Cook and John Noel--action of debt on a promissory note. The defence in the case was the mental incapacity of Mr. Noel to understand the responsibility incurred by him in signing the note. Verdict for plff. $769,29. McLellan, Geo. Eyster and Kimmell for plff.--Sharpe and Brewer for deft., Noel.

Louisa McKesson, Executrix of Samuel R. McKesson, vs William Adams. In this case a judgement against the defendant was opened and a defense made that he was deprived of a growing crop of grain sold him by plaintiffs testator, and claiming a deduction from the judgement of the value of said crop. The defense failed and verdict for plff. For $605,42. Sharpe and Brewer for plff.--Kimmell and McLellan for deft.

Mary C. Miller vs John H. Hartle--Ejectment for a tract of land in Antrim township containing 30 acres with a mill and distillery thereon. Verdict for the Deft. Sharpe and Reiliy for plff.--Kimmell and McLellan for deft.

The following, compiled from the report of the Auditor General, shows the amount of money paid into the State Treasury, during the year 1865 by the citizens of Franklin county;