Valley Virginian

The paper prints an article presenting a fictional conversation between two Freedmen. One expresses a preference for southern whites, since northerners "make you work harder."

The article reports that during discussion of the Bill concerning the Paris Exposition, Mr. L. Blond suggested sending the Freedman's Bureau "among other great American curiosities." "He has no doubt but the emigrants would admire a country that could produce such a thing."

The paper reports that "nine negroes and two white men" were whipped for larceny at the Orange court.

The paper prints an editorial discussing fiscal policy, especially in regards to greenbacks vs gold currency. "Let it be distinctly understood that the source of our continuing woes is our false measure of value; there is no cure for it but a specie currency, and the only way to get that is an immediate repeal of the legal tender act."

The paper reports that "religious revivals are still progressing throughout the Valley, with great success."

The paper exclaims that "the work of cleaning the town is progressing finely." The editors also inform readers that lime can be purchased from the Commissioner at the Market House at cost.

The paper announces the following appointments to a committee of arrangements for the Valley Railroad Convention taking place at Staunton on April 4th: Powell Harrison, George M. Cochran, Jr., H. H. Peck, P. B. Hoge, E. M. Cushing, and R. M. Guy.

The paper announces the appointment by the governor of John G. Fulton as Notary Public for Augusta.

The paper reports that two companies of U. S. cavalry passed Mount Jackson while looking for Capt. Lincoln.

The paper reports that a tornado damaged the Soldier's Home and destroyed the frame of Dr. R. L. Madison's house on Stuart's Hill. "The loss to Smith and Booth, the contractors, will be about $300."

The paper reports that $300 "were subscribed to a company, formed to develop the oil on Isaac Myers' place near Churchville" where "every indication of oil has been discovered." "Oil was all the talk Court day, and great excitement was the consequence."

The paper reports that the "great game of chess between the Staunton and Churchville Clubs" resulted in a victory for Churchville. "Judges here say that Staunton made a gallant fight, and, like the Army of Northern Virginia, only yielded 'to overwhelming numbers and resources.'"

The paper reports that "last Friday night the famous Stonewall Band entertained and enlivened the town by playing a few tunes on the promenade on top of the American Hotel." The band will play for the railroad convention meeting in Staunton, "and it is not necessary to tell any one that it will be good."

M. D. Gearhart, Julia Painter, and George Greaver, Sr. were indicted for petit larceny. The following qualified as Justices: J. Marshall McVae, Chesley Kinney, Thomas J. Burke, W. F. Smith, James F. Hite, A. Koiner, J. S. Ellis, S. B. Finley, T. Gamble, J. Wayt Bell and David Kunkle. The Middlebrook and Brownsburg Turnpike was taken over by the county from the company, and the court issued an order directing road commissioner J. M. Lidey to divide the road into precincts and "assign hands to work it." A. W. Greaver was remanded to Circuit Court for trial on felony charges.

The paper reports that William Donovan, a member of the Staunton Artillery, fashioned a plaster bust of Stonewall Jackson.

The paper reprints the Charlottesville Chronicle's objections to a Congressional compromise proposal granting universal amnesty for Confederates in exchange for suffrage for African Americans.

The paper announces that the Virginia Insurance Company, chartered by the legislature and holding $200,000 in capital stock subscriptions, is ready to begin business. The following were named to the Board of Directors: H. M. Bell (president), William H. Tams (secretary), Dr. B. B. Donaghe, B. F. Points, E. W. Bayly, B. P. Beirne, and William B. [name unclear]. "The liberal charter of this Company will probably make its stock one of the most remunerative investments for money now offered, and the ample capital upon which its business is based, and the known character of its officers and managers for business capacity and integrity, will afford to those who may insure their property in its office, those guarantees which would justify such manifestation of their confidence."

The paper reprints an item from the Richmond Whig claiming that "hundreds upon hundreds of idle and unemployed negroes congregate from morning until midnight around the circus pavilion. These toil not, neither do they spin, nor are they arrayed more gloriously than Solomon."

Mr. William Henry Spears and Miss Mary E. Lancaster, both of Staunton, were married on March 22 by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong.

Mr. William P. Johnson and Miss Sarah Virginia Eidson, both of Augusta, were married on March 20th at the residence of the bride's father near Mt. Sidney by the Rev. J. J. Engle.

Mrs. Mary Whitzel, wife of Samuel Whitzel and daughter of the late William Summerville, died of consumption on March 13th.

The paper prints the following poem honoring the memory of Stonewall Jackson.