Valley Virginian

Of the many criticisms passed upon the report of the Reconstruction Committee, that of the New York World is the most scathing and severe which has yet fallen under our observation. After showing that the whole object in view by the committee is to prevent the possibility of reunion, it remarks:

Who is so demented as to suppose that the Southern people will accept of a hollow mockery like this? Representation is what the Southern people demand, and the committee say they may have representatives if they will renounce their right to choose them! if they will allow them to be chosen by the insignificant portion of the Southern people who had no participation in, and gave no countenance to, the rebellion.

It is notorious that in some of the States, the citizens answering to this description are so few that there cannot be found among them enough to take the test oath and fill the federal offices. Secretary McCulloch has been obliged to appoint tax collectors, and Postmaster-General Dennison, postmasters who have, as yet, received no pay, because they are unable to swear that they gave no aid to the rebellion. It would be a burlesque on representative government to allow the few Southerners who lent no countenance to the rebellion to choose the members of Congress in their respective districts, and the Presidential Electors in their several States. Who could such members represent? Not the people of their districts; for not one man in a thousand would participate in their election.

* * * * *

It may be said that the disfranchisement only extends to the year 1870. True; but how can they be any worse off, than they are now by its rejection? What would they gain by its ratification? Why, the insulting mockery of having representatives they are not permitted to choose. You might as well offer an inducement to a separated husband to live with his wife that somebody else should beget his children for him. This is reconstruction with a witness! This comparison does not come up to the absurdity of the proposal; for a man whose children are begotten for him by another may govern as well as support them, while to make the suggested parallel perfect, it should be stipulated that they should govern him.

It is not more certain that a self-respecting husband would, in the face of such an offer, prefer that his wife should have no children, than it is that proud and high communities will not deign to accept such bastard representatives. You might as well say to the insulted husband, in the parallel case, that the arrangement we designed to last only until the year 1870.

This is plain language, but does not state the case too strongly. The Radicals desire to perpetuate their power and get their man in the Presidential chair in 1868, hence their present action.

They fell devoted, but undying;
The very gale their name seems sighing;
Their spirits wrap the dusky mountain,
Their memory sparkles o'er the fountain;
The meanest rill, the mightiest river,
Rolls mingling with their fame forever.

As we predicted in our last issue the appeal of the Ladies' Cemetery Committee was not in vain; Old Augusta proved that her people were not ungrateful to those who had fallen in her defence. On Wednesday flowers and evergreens began to arrive; the ladies of the Mountain west of us, contributed a car load, which were brought in by Capt. John Woodward. Wednesday night the fair women of Staunton were busy wreathing garlands to deck the graves of our loved ones. The energetic and untiring President, of the Cemetery Committee, had completed the arrangements for the ceremonies of Thursday.

The fears that some of the sacred duties of the day, would be interfered with by rain, were most agreeably dispelled, for though the Mountains around us were hung with mourning clouds the sun shone bright overhead. At 10 o'clock the procession was formed at the Lutheran Church, by Chief Marshall, Col. Chas. T. O'Ferrall and his able assistants, Capts. Hotchkiss and J. L. Opie. First came the Stonewall Band, next the Clergy and Press, then the ladies and gentlemen who had kindly volunteered to sing on the occasion; then the surviving soldiers of our Armies, then the ladie citizens and various schools. From the Lutheran Church the procession proceeded to the Methodist Church, the Band playing a funeral dirge and the bells of the various Churches tolling at intervals. Looking back the procession presented a most attractive appearance, and the streets seemed one mass of flowers and evergreens. Arriving at the Methodist Church, the ceremonies were opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Busey; and then a Quartette, "Hark the Solemn Bell." Col. James H. Skinner delivered the opening address, replete with that eloquence which he alone can command. Eloquent and able addresses were also delivered by Capt. James Bumgardner, Howe Y. Peyton, Esq., Capt. Powell Harrison and Capt. Bolivar Christian. After each speaker, appropriate songs were sung, in a manner that did credit to the ladies and gentlemen who participated. The speeches were listened to by the immense audience with respectful attention, and the deep interest due to them and the occasion. From the gallery of the Church, the body of it had the appearance of an immense flower garden, with fair women of the county as attendants. At the conclusion of the addresses, the procession was re-formed and marched to the Cemetery. Col. O'Ferrall and his Aids had arranged every thing so admirably that no confusion occurred, and to the solemn music of the band, the same dirge played at the funeral of the immortal Jackson, the graves of our heroes were decked with flowers.

We went to the graves of our dead,
Oh, the sad and mournful way;
Where we laid them down in their last long sleep,
That never forgotten day.

We wept at the graves of our dead,
As we knelt on their place of rest;
For we know, alas! We should meet them no more,
Till we meet in the home of the blest.

We covered the graves of our dead
With wreaths, and flowers, and tears;
And we thought how blithely they went to the war,
And our gloomy sadness and fears.

We prayed at the graves of our dead,
As we bowed 'neath the setting sun;
"Thou givest, oh Lord, and Thou takest away,
Thy Holy will be done."

We came from the graves of our dead--
We came to life's toil and care;
And we ask, oh Lord, for the sake of our dead,
Thou will help us life's toil to bear.

For the sake of these precious dead,
We will live, and strive, and fight!
Assured that we will meet them in God's own time,
In realms of eternal light.

Nor were the Federal soldiers lying near them neglected. Every grave was decorated, and feelings of bitterness seemed lost in the presence of the dead.

The 10th of May is now consecrated and forever it will be devoted to this solemn service. The notice was too short to reach all of our people, but as short as it was over 3,000 turned out to join in honoring the "unreturning brave." To the Ladies' Cemetery Committee, the friends of the dead owe an eternal debt of gratitude and the celebration on Thursday, was but an earnest of what they and our people intend to do. The stores of the town were all closed, and every one seemed to appreciate the sacredness of the day.

We noticed that the graves of our boys from Staunton were most beautifully decorated, especially the monument over the remains of the first glorious martyr in the cause, William E. Woodward. At the gate of the Cemetery a beautiful arch was erected, under which the procession passed.

We can not, in our limited space, pretend to do justice to the commemorative services of the day. To fully appreciate them, they must have been witnessed and participated in. The sad and impressive duty has been performed by grateful hearts and willing hands. Our neglected heroes have received the only reward and tribute we can pay them on earth, for one day at least; but all is not done. The ladies have further duties to perform, and the living men must assist them. The work of enclosing and sodding the graves has been commenced, and, by the next anniversary, the Soldiers' Cemetery, by liberal encouragement from all, will be an honor to Old Augusta. Those who did not contribute on Thursday, can do so now. The amount asked is small. Remember the fallen brave and give generously.

Below we give "that petition" and a list of its signers. It seems a petition similar to the one sworn to by Todd, was also sworn to by Dews, one month later. We believe, with our contemporaries, that many of the signers were fooled into signing the infamous falsehoods contained in the petition, and we forbear further comment, until they have time to place themselves in their true position before our slandered people.

Staunton, Augusta Co., VA.,
May 1, 1866.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives now in Congress assembled:

Whereas, The United States troops have recently been withdrawn, not only from this county, but from most of the surrounding counties of this section of the Shenandoah Valley; and in view of the fact that threats are being made from various quarters towards the lives and property of loyal men, and that in our Judgement, no protection or justice can be had through the civil courts or at the hands of the civil officers of the law,

Therefore, We, the undersigned, loyal white citizens and legal voters of Augusta county, Va., do most earnestly pray that the Congress of the United States give to our case that consideration which we think is due to us, and the permanent peace of the country and all its loyal subjects.

Therefore, We earnestly pray that troops will be immediately forwarded here, and that such measures be adopted as will insure us justice in all matters of claims, and all other matters relating to us in a military court, or in any other manner deemed advisable by Congress.

State of Virginia, County of Augusta, ss.

I, William A. Burnett, a notary public for the county of Augusta, in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that James Todd personally appeared before me, in my county aforesaid, and made oath that the names of the within mentioned persons were subscribed in his presence; that they are citizens of the said county of Augusta, and that affiant verily believes that the persons therein named are good and loyal citizens of the Government of the United States, and were such during the late war.

Given under my hand this 26th of March, 1866.
William A. Burnett, N. P.

James Todd, former guide for refugees; A. Anderson, farmer; Thomas J. Gilbert, farmer; John W. Gilbert, plasterer; B. M. Lines, P. M. Waynesboro', Augusta county; John W. Rodgers, farmer and guide; James F. Davis, merchant; D. F. Taylor, returned federal soldier; John Shank, farmer; James A. Brannaman, farmer; John Brannaman, farmer; Jacob Myers, farmer; Robert B. Moore, farmer; John B. Hamilton, farmer; Jeremiah Moore, farmer; G. W. Fauber, farmer; A. H. Masincup, farmer; Geo. O. Griever, W. J. Dews, professor of music; D. D. Durboraw, Samuel J. Wampler, Robert T. Whitlock, farmer and mason; J. B. Wilson, carpenter; A. H. Cleaveland, farmer; J. A. Reynolds, wheelright; J. H. Benley, farmer; Jonas Wampler, farmer; David Wagan, bright cooper; Saml. B. Weaver, carpenter; Samuel H. Weaver, carpenter; George W. Miller, farmer; J. H. Stoutemyer, farmer; John K. Keiser, farmer; John H. Ruebush, weaver; David H. Ruebush, farmer; Allison Doyle, farmer; Tom Kline Durboraw, Geo. W. Painter, house painter; John Glover, farmer and guide for refugees, per W. J. Dews; Jas. S. Hill, Lutheran preacher; B. F. Little, carpenter; John A. Harris, blacksmith; J. W. Brown, farmer; Samuel Judy, farmer; H. Judy, farmer; John W. Frazier, farmer; J. F. Frazier, farmer; John Judy, farmer; J. J. Graham, farmer; A. B. Rodecap, Tanner; [supposed to be citizens of Rockbridge, near Goshen] Andrew Davis, farmer; G. W. Baugram, per J. W. Rodgers, B. F. Calbreath, farmer; Martin K. Garber, farmer; Medley Moors, miller; Henry When, baker; Thomas Calbreath, farmer; Simon P. Stover, farmer; Jacob Stover, farmer; W. Armstrong, farmer; Martin Bahorey, farmer; G. R. Smith, farmer; Benj. F. Taliaferro, shoemaker; James Jordan, Charles S. Peters, Joshua H. Stover, Wm J. H. Stover, J. G. Jordan, Joseph M. Jordan, J. W. Sheets, John D. Sheets, Samuel Landes, I. W. Airy, James E. Landes, Wm Link, Jr., James R. Burket, David T. Burket, Leander Sheets, Ephraim Hulvey, Lewis Hulvey, Simon P. Stover, David W. Landes, Martin Simmons, farmer; G. W. Simmons, farmer; John Whisleman, farmer; J. C. Elliott, millright; John Hogshead, farmer; George Hogshead, J. Snyder, farmer; Geo Elliott, farmer; Dedrick Miller, farmer; G. Whiselman, blacksmith; John Todd, farmer; Emanuel Smith, farmer; Wm. Roberts, farmer; Peter Zimmerman, farmer; J. P. Driver, farmer; Joseph Driver, farmer; John Driver, farmer; Samuel T. Driver, William H. Showalter, teacher; Edward H. Huffman, farmer; Andy Huffer, farmer; J. B. Harman, silversmith; Jacob Teaford, J. M. Wine, shoemaker; John Snider, blacksmith.

[Correspondence of the Valley Virginian.]

Mt. Jackson, Virginia
May 14, 1866

Grand Floral Offering.

A short time since a movement was inaugurated by Mrs. N. R. Meem and Miss Lelia R. Meem, for commemorating the 10th inst., the anniversary of the death of Stonewall Jackson, by a floral offering to the memory of our soldiers who are interred in the cemetery near Mt. Jackson. The suggestion seemed to diffuse itself throughout the community with electrical effect, and to warm the hearts of our people with the proud memories of our lamented hero, and with a renewed sense of love and gratitude to our martyred dead.

The deep sensibilities of the people, long suppressed in the silence of their breasts spontaneously broke forth on the occasion, and all seemed to be animated by a common impulse, and exalted by the remembrance of common sufferings, sacrifices, toils, and dangers in the fearful ordeal of civil war.

Although but two days were allowed for preparation, the ladies of Mt. Jackson and New Market and their vicinities, went to work with a zeal and energy which evinced that their hearts were in the cause, and in a short time more than three hundred beautiful wreaths and crosses tastefully decorated with the rarest and delicately tinted flowers came from beneath their fair hands. Nature bounteously furnished a rich profusion of flowers and evergreens, typical of love and memory, and Providence seemed to smile on the enterprise with delightful weather and a serene sky, which invited the people to participate in the solemn and imposing exercises of the day. The farmer left his plow, the artisan his shop, the merchant his store, and all places of business were closed in honor of the occasion, and the silence and solemnity of the Sabbath seemed to rest on the face of Nature.

The 10th day of May is indeed the Sabbath of the South--the Sabbath of patriotism, of gratitude and love--for it is ever consecrated by the sainted piety and precious blood of JACKSON.

At two o'clock, P. M., in accordance with previous arrangements, the concourse of people who had come to witness and participate in the ceremonies assembled in the Lutheran Church, in Mt. Jackson, where the following exercises took place:

1st, An affecting and earnest prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr. Sweeny.

2d, An appropriate oration was delivered by Capt. M. M. Sibert.

After these proceedings a procession was formed under the orders of John C. Smith and Lemuel Rinker, Esqr's., the Marshals of the day, in the following order:

1st. The Orators, Ministers and Marshals.

2d. The children bearing baskets of flowers.

3d. The ladies, bearing wreaths and crosses.

4th. The surviving veterans of our army.

5th. All other persons.

The procession thus formed then marched, during the tolling of the bell, to "Our Soldiers Cemetery," about a mile distant. Arrived on the ground, "Our Soldiers Cemetery" was consecrated by Rev. Mr. Snyder with solemn and impressive dedicatory services, after which the ladies silently deposited the fragrant wreaths and crosses upon the hallowed graves of our comrades and brothers, and the children strewed upon them their offerings of flowers.

An address was then delivered by the Rev. Mr. Sweeny, and the ceremonies were concluded by Rev. Mr. Snyder in an imposing prayer and benediction. Everything was done in a creditable and acceptable manner, and the whole proceeding passed off without the slightest confusion or disturbance.

Too much praise cannot be given to the ladies for this ovation of blended religion, patriotism and love, and those only who were present on the occasion can perfectly appreciate the extent of their labor or their exquisite taste in arranging all the proceedings.

The effect of this spontaneous outpouring of gratitude and love will be to tighten the links of the sacred chain which binds the living to the dead, to exalt and intensify the noblest impulses of the soul, and to pour into the bleeding and lacerated hearts of the relatives of the "loved and lost," upon whose graves our fragrant offerings were made, the sweet consolation of condolence and sympathy. W. W. B.

The Richmond Examiner says, "They have a Stonewall Band in Staunton," which might give the impression that it was a new concern. The Stonewall Band takes its title from services rendered with the Brigade during the whole war. The members were privates in that command and served faithfully with the wounded on the field, after they were detailed as musicians. They have their parole from Appomattox and the instruments they carried through the war. A more high-toned and gentlemanly set of men cannot be found or more liberal ones to all charitable purposes. When they give you a concert in Richmond you will see they are Lee's veterans and good performers.