Valley Spirit

Despite their repeated attempts to instruct voters on the true designs of the Radicals -- that is, to enfranchise blacks -- the editors lament the fact that white Republicans have yet to see the light. Everywhere Republicans have been voted into office, they have "clothed the negro with the right of suffrage."

It is reported that a black judge has been appointed in New Orleans, to which the editors of the Valley Spirirt declare, "Any white man in Franklin county who hankers after the privilege of being brought before a colored Justice of the Peace in the salubrious atmosphere of 'Wolffstown,' ought to vote the Republican ticket."

In reaction to the Republicans' persistent efforts to compliment blacks on the "superior soundness" of their "judgement in relation to public affairs," the editors ridicule the decision recently made by black legislators in Richmond to subscribe two million dollars to the stock of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company as imprudent. The last thing the people of Virginia need, the editors argue, is to incur further unnecessary debt.

The article reprimands Gov. Geary for his behavior during the dedication ceremony for the Antietam Cemetery. Having been shunted from the list of speakers at the event, Geary apparently addressed a throng of his supporters at its conclusion and denounced the decision to keep him off the program as an act of censorship.

Informs readers that a new system will be implemented in the upcoming election. Voters will have to cast two tickets, one for the "Judiciary" and one for the "County," rather than the previous method of using a singular ballot.

Responding to a letter that appeared in last week's edition of the Valley Spirit, urging readers to leave their Church if their pastor "dabbles in politics in the pulpit," the correspondent instructs readers to stop paying their preacher's salary as a more effectual deterent.

Advises all "who intend to vote the Democratic ticket" to get assessed immediately since the cut-off date to be eligible to vote is ten days before the election.

The proprietor of the hotel at "west point" of Chambersburg, John Gordon, died suddenly on Sept. 19th.

P. Hammond was sworn in as the Constable of Chambersburg's North Ward last week. Hammond replaces William Pearse, who resigned from the post.

John Nill, former owner of Secrist's Mill, died on Sept. 19th, after suffering the effects of a long illness. In addition to his work at the mill, Nill served in a number of official capacities: as the Collector of Tolls on the Pennsylvania Canal at Harrisburg; as the Justice of the Peace for Washington township; and as Treasurer of the Waynesboro Saving Fund.

Reports that John Light travelled over nine miles during his balloon flight last Thursday before landing on John Benedict's farm near Funkstown.

Notes that new street signs have been posted throughout the town. In the process of officially labeling the streets, however, some of the former names have been changed, a development the editors have criticized as unnecessary.

Relates that only a dozen people showed up at the last Republican meeting in St. Thomas.

Dr. James Brotherton, "an old and widely known citizen of Franklin county," died in Waynesboro on Thursday. Brotherton was 73 years old.

Warns pensioners who hold certificates as invalids that they must procure the surgeon's certificate of examination before they can receive the amounts owed them for the last six months. The examining surgeon for this county is Dr. J. L. Suesserott.

Reports that the most recent Republican meeting in Orrstown attracted only six attendees.

Announces the return of Nicholas Uglow, 80, from his sojourn in England. While visiting his native land, Uglow was fortunate enough to find two of his brothers -- one older and one younger -- still alive.

An unknown assailant entered Mr. Over's residence with the intent of burgalizing the dwelling while the owner was away on business. The intruders were forced to abandon their mission, however, after one of Over's neighbors, upon hearing a commotion, "made a timely appearance" and scared the would-be perpetrators off.

On Sept. 8th, William J. Harkins and Isabella Shilito were married by Rev. J. C. Smith.

On Sept. 12th, James H. Rager and Maria Godbart, of Hagerstown, Md., were married by Rev. J. Dickson.

On Sept. 18th, John Logan and Ann Cover were married by Rev. J. M. Bishop.

On Sept. 3rd, James Harmon, 61, died near Spring Run.

On Sept. 13th, Adam Rush, son of William and Mary E. Ehrhart, died at age 2.