davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
DI T. d /.

On Sunday morning, November Goth, 1868, Mrs.
MARGARE'TTA MCCORMICK wife of =. Nc
Cormick, ESQ.,, of Berryville, Clarke county, Va
Frank, candid and charitable in an eminent de-
gree, given to hospitality, this estimable lady was
universal favorte Let the thoughts of her mortal re-
mains Wondering in the silent grave be elevated to
the bright abode above, where her spirit fastened
its fight for good Samaritan, who has been al
ways ready TO pour oil into Affections wounds, has
been taken from us.
When desolation marched through our country
followed by threatening famine. this lady proved
her possession of that command that was like unto
the first, "Thou shalt love thy neghbor as myself,
by, out of her living, nowhere abundant dstribu-
ting among her neghbors. A sad, but deeply inter
esting lesson that 1.-THE young may die" was few
DAYS since impressed youth and all nature proves
''the old must" and her bereaved husband knows
but a few years separates them, the other members
of the family have time to prepare to meet her IN
"the house of many mansions where there yet
is ROOM" W.
On the 23d of July, 1865, HENRY MOLER shy
DER, only SON of Henry NJ. and Mary V. Snyder,
aged months and ~ days.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
Meeting of Congress.

The two Houses assembled on Monday last
with quorum in each. Hon. LAFAYETTE s.
Foster. of Connecticut, elected last session as
President pro tempore of the Senate, took the
chair of that body-an accomplished presiding
officer.
In the House Of Representatives, the nomi-
nees of the Republican Caucus were severally
elected, with no regular opposition, viz:
Hon. SCHUYLER CoLFAx, of Indiana, Speak
er Edward Mcpherson, of Pennsylvania, Clerk
G.N. Ordway, of New Hampshire, Sergeant
at Arms; Ira Goodenow, of New York, Door
keeper and Josiah Given, of Ohio, Postmaster
Committees were appointed to wait on the
President of the United States, and inform him
that the two Houses were organized, and ready
70 receive anv communication which he might
be pleased to make.
During the roll-call the following proceed
ings took place:
Mr.. Maynard Whose name is not on the roll
wanted to make suggestion, but the Clerk re-
fused to be interrupted.
The roll call was completed, 175 members
having answered to their names.
Mr.. Morrill, moved that the House proceed
to the election of a Speaker.
Mr.. Maynard desired to submit remark be-
fore that question was put.
Mr.. Stevens called the gentlemen toorder
Mr.. Mcpherson, the Clerk; said he could moi
recognize any one as member whose name
was not ON the roll.
Mr.. Brooks hoped the motion would not pre-
vail until it was settled whether Mr.. Maynard
was a member of this House, or entitled to be
heard. He hoped the House would not proceed
to any revolutionary steps, as now indicated
If Tennessee was not in the Union and loyal
State. by what right does the President himself
hold his seat at the White House? He trusted
the gentleman would be heard, for if the rule Of
exclusion should prevail, the Clerk would have
an overshadowing power, in violation OF the
principles of republican government.
Mr.. Brooks, in further discussion OF the sub
iect asked by what law of right old Virginia
was excluded, and why was Louisiana, whose
members at the commencement of the former
Congress. were allowed to vote for Speaker
He said, in the course of his speech, that the
resolution adopted by the Republican caucus on
Saturday was intended as an antagonism to the
forthcoming message of the President of the
United States.
Mr.. Stevens raised point of order that il
was heretofore held that besides the election Of
Speaker or motion to adjourn no other bust
ness was in order prior to organization.
Mr.. Mcpherson held the point to be well Ia
ken.
Finally, under the operation of the previous
question, the House proceeded to the election
ola Speaker.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
LOCAL SUMMARY,
Rev. A. C. Hopkins.

This young divine, who has earned for himself
SO warm place in the affections of the people Of
this town and neighborhood, and who has labored
so efficiently, and SO acceptably in the temporary
discharge of the pastoral duties ofthe Presbyterian
charge of this place. having accepted call to Cum
berland C. H., took leave of the Congregation on
Sunday night in an eloquent and most tenderly al
fectionate discourse. His appealto the young men,
with whom he had shared the hardslips, privations
and perils of war, was solemn, impressive and
beautiful.
He carries with him to his new home the love,
and esteem and good wishes of all the people here.
The Rev. Mr.. BEDINeER. formerly Of Kentucky,
succeeds him. He is gentleman Of ability, and
is beloved and respected, by all who know him, for
his many christian virtues. He will, without doub.,
prove very acceptable to the entire congregation
He made announcements for the usual services.
The Rev. DR.. Durroy-the regular pastor-is
still in feeble health, and confined to his ROOM 1t
must be source of great comfort to him to know
that his flock has been, and now is, in the keeping
of the faithful.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
The Currency.

A sensible writer in the New York Times,
on the subject of reduction of the currency
and the clamor f,r a return to specie payments,
shows that it s not the price of gold that
keeps up the price Of articles of living. 1t is
the demand in the waste places of the South
He says truly
Experience teaches us that the simplest and
most direct way to reach a desired end is more
likely to accomplish the object.
"That prices are high, and too high every
body believes and feels With gold at l47
prices are generally higher than when 2S5, and
at that time was added what we have not now,
fear of an overthrow of the government
Why is this? There is truly but one answer,
that an unexpected peace has opened up new
and vast trade, which the stocks on hand were
unable to supply. 1t is not gold at 147 or
vast surplus Of currency that keeps prices
where they are; slo,cly bat surely, as supplies
meet the demand prices sciU fall. That they
are somewhat affected by enhanced value of
gold and extent of currency is certain, but not
to large extent.
"To us it seems clear that the true course for
the government is not by forced panic to en-
deavor to bring down values, but to show the
people that its receipts are more than It's neces-
sary disbursement, and that plan is provided
by which the liabilities of the government are
constantly being cancelled, by the compound
interests or the legal tenders being redeemed
not to be reissued-but paid off. The mere
funding of these is the very worst thing that
can be done, as has been said, making money
scarce, and at the same time putting more secu-
rites on the market. If this last course is re-
peated government securities will be on the
downward road for a long period.
"There is at the present time more bonds
than money, and yet the Secretary is being
bounded on to repeat the operation"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
The Election of Judge.

Our neighbor of the esprit, in noticing the
fact that Governor Foreman has given certif-
cate of election to Mr.. Hall as Judge of the
tenth judicial circuit of West Virginia, where
as Judge Kennedy had an undoubted majority
of the legal votes, brings to view the meagre
vote by which the State itself was created at a
time when there could be no fair expression of
opinion by the people. 1t says, ofthe Cover
nor:
"Indeed his government, the State Of West
Virginia itself, came into existence, if not
against all law, certainly the wishes of the peo-
pie who inhabited it, 1t is curious to see how
little weight the voice of the people has had in
the matter: The counties Of Logan, Calhoun,
Nicholas. Mcdowell, Mercer, Greenbrier, Poca-
houtas. Webster. Morgan and Pendleton, hav-
ing white population Of about 400, never
cast vote for the Convention that submitted
the question Of the new State to the people
nor for member Of the first Wheeling Legisla-
ture-nor for the Convention that framed the
Constitution Of the new State
"The counties Of Fayette, Wyoming and
Mason never cast a vote for the new State or its
Constitution In 1860 the vote of Braxton was
754-it cast but SO for the new concern: Bar
bour, with vote of 1863 cast 459 Boone,
with vote of SOC, cast IS; Hampshire, with
a vote of 1916, cast ISL; Hardy, with 1870,
votes cast 1872, and Pendleton, with 929 votes,
cast l1G. The whole State, as it stood at that
time, cast but about 10000 votes, out of vo-
ting population Of about $4,000; and, in these
latter days, Jefferson county, with vote OF
over 1900, cast only some 81 in favor Of going
over to the Mountain State" as some Of its
friends delight in calling it. This being the
modem which the doctors performed at its birth,
it is no wonder that its guardians should nurse
the infant State at the expense of all known
law and at the risk Of its Constitution.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
ELECTIONS in the South.


It will be seen from She concluding work Ofthe
Caucus which nominated Speaker Coliax, Clerk
Mcpherson. and other officers for reelection by
the House Of Representatives, that prompt
effort is being made to adopt the policy Of
Thaddeus Stevens. Of treating the Southern
States as conquered Territory, which can only
be brought into the. Union by special legislation,
as IN the case Of Territories generally. If Ten
nessee is not a State already in the Union, enti-
tied to representation, then Andrew johnson
is not President Of the United States, for a
Chief Magistrate cannot be chosen from Ter
ritory.
1t will be seen from this movement that asi-
tation injurious to the peace of the country has
already commenced, and justified the suspicion
that the ultra Union men, whose garments were
untouched by the smoke of battle, do not want
to see the Union restored.
The Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, of Pennsylvania,
moved that committee Of five be appointed to
report a resolution on the sentement of the cau-
Gus upon the question Of restoration of the late
rebellious States. The following committee was
appointed: Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, OF Penn
sylvania Hon. James G. Blaine, Of Maine
Hen. f. B. Washburn, of Illinois Hon. Hubert
f. Paine, of Wisconsin, and R. B. Spaulding,
Of Ohio. This cOmmitte reported the following
resolution, which was adopted unanimously:
Resolrsd by DE Senate anil House Of Repre-
seRtqtires az Congress assembled, That joint
committee Of fifteen members shall be appoint
ed, nine Of whom shall be members Of the House
and six Of the Senate. who shall inquire into
the condition Of the States which formed the
so-called Confederate States of America, and
report whether they or any Of them are entitled
to be represented in either House of Congress,
with leave to report at any time by bill or 9TH
erwiSe; and until such report shall have been
made and finally acted upon by Congress, no
member shall be received into either House
fromany the said sO-called Confederate States;
and all papers relating TO the representatives
of the said States shall be referred to the said
COmmitte without debate
Hon. Thaddeus Stevens was appointed to
present the above resolution to the House i'm
mediately after the organization. On motion,
the caucus adjourned
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
The constitutional Amendment.


The proposed amendment to the Constitution
of the United States, prohibiting forever slave
nv OF involuntary servitude, except for crime,
has passed the Legislatures of North Carolina,
South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama,
and Florida.
And. strange to say, as if forgetful of passing
events, it is demanded that Virginia shall pass
it; although the Peirpont Legislature ratified
it more than ten months ago-a Legislature
elected under the auspices of Governor PER-
pont whose government has been recognised
by the President and his Cabinet, as the Gov
ernment of Virginia. 1t is not impossible,
however. that the Legislature now in session at
Richmond will re-afiirm the enactment.
A strange anomaly is likely to be presented
however: that a State from which such pro-
ceeding is expected is to be denied representa-
ton in Congress Virginia is either IN the
Union or out of it. If not in the Union, then
there is no right to demand from her mea-
sure 50 vital as that of amending the Constltu-
ton.
Tennessee. too, it is stated, is for the present
TO be denied representation. And theabsurdi-
~ Is presented to the world of President in
full authority. hailing from State not IN the
Union
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
In the Union and Out of it.

The President says, in relation to the resto-
ration of the functions Of the States within the
Union, the true theory is. that all pretended
acts Of secession were, from the beginning, null
and void"
And in speaking Of the necessity Of the Gen
eral Government maintaining all its authority,
in Consequence Of the refusal Of State 70 per-
form its offices, he says :-'' On this principle
l have acted, and have gradually and quietly,
and by almost imperceptible steps, soRghs to
restore the rightful authority of the General
Government and Of the States. To that end,
Provisional Governors have been appointed for
the States, Conventions called, Governors elect
ed, Legislatures assembled, and Senator's and
Representatives. chosen to the Congress Of The
United States"
And yet, Che may now add Thad. Stevens
and his Radical associates thwart his policy by
declaring that these members shall not be ad-
mitted
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
Virginia.
Organization of the LegiSlature-Abstract Of
the Governors Message.

RICHMOND, December 4.-The Legislature Of
Virginia assembled to-day. In the absence of
the Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Robinson, of
Norfolk, presided over the Senate.
Shelton Davis, who has been secretary for
the last eight years, was reelected. Writ Har-'
rison was elected sergeant-at-arms.
The House organized. By the election of John
B. Baldwin as Speaker, and John Bell Bigger
as Clerk. Baldwin was strong Unionist be-
fore the war. He represented the Augusta dis
trict in the Confederate Congress. Mr.. Bigger
was an assistant clerk for several years. r. w
Burke was reelected seargent-at-arms. .
After the organization of the Legislature the
Governors message was received and read
The Governor first calls attention to the public
debt, showing an aggregate of forty-one millions
against TWENTY-FIVE millions available assets.
The State has several millions in Nnproductive
internal improvements. The interest due on
the list of January exceeds six millions. The
question of taxation is considered at some
length. The Governor says levy of sixty
per cent. on real estate will be required, and
recommends tax on the license for taking oys-
tiers in the waters of Virginia.
He suggests the sale of the State investments
in railroad stocks and bonds, which would re-
lieve the State of fifteen millions of debt, and
promote due efficiency of the railroads. The
educational interests of Virginia are especially
commended to the attention of the Legislature,
and the establishment of a polytechnic school
urged. The Gov. recommends the passage of a
law holding fiduciaries responsible for the in
vestments in Confederate State bonds.
He thinks after mature deliberation that very
little legislation needed in regard to the freed
men but they should be allowed to testify as
witnesses, and should be tried and punished
the same as whitAmen.
He advises thafthe three million dollars now
invested in the Covington and Ohio railroad be
given as a bounty to any company that will
complete the road.
The repeal of usury laws is recommended
The Governor devotes the concluding part of
his message to reconstruction, and says it is of
the utmost Importance that the people of Vir-
ginia should give cheerful support to the Fed
eral Government in the payment ofall the tax
es assessed for paying the National debts.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
Highly Important from Mexico.

The advance Of President Juarez from FL
Paso farther into the interior to re-establish at
chihuahua the National Republican Govern
ment of Mexico is officially known in this city.
The French.in consequence of military move
ments of the Liberals, were compelled to evacu-
ate chihuahua on the 25th October. They left
not single soldier there on the Doth ult., and
have withdrawn to the State of Durango
This result is highly significant. The failure
of the Imporialists to hold the territory hereto
fore conquered by them cannot but operate as
great discouragernent of their cause These
adviees are as late as the Sd inst from Ell Paso,
and are direct from President Juarez to Senior
Romero, the Mexican Minister.-National In
telligencer
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
The Presidents Message.

In our desire to give our readers the Presi-
dents Message at the earliest moment, we were
obliged to take the first edition that was offered,
with the Sensation Heads of one of the Radi-
cal presses. The President expresses an ear
nest desire for the Restoration of the South,
and argues at some length the relation of the
people to the States, and of the States to the
National Government.
In addition to the Message, the paper we
send out contains the Report of the Secretary
of the Interior and the Report of the Postmas-
ter General.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07

CHANGE OF TINE on THE BALTIMORE AND
ONO RAILRoAD.--0n and after Monday, 4th
inst, there will be a change in the running of
the various trains on the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad. There will be two trains to Wheel
ing and Parkersburg from Baltimore-the mail
daily at $50 A. NJ, except Sunday, and the
express daily, including Sunday, at 10 P. NJ.
An accommodation train will leave Cumberland
daily, except Sundays, at ,45A.M. All these
trains connect at Belair and Parkersburg for all
points West, Southwest and Northwest. The
Frederick accommodation train will leave Bal
timore at 40 ?. NJ, except on Sunday.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
EXECUTORS SALE
TALUABLE REAL ESTATE,
On Camp Hill in the Town Of Harpcr's Ferry.

tHLCADLE HEAL EoIAIE,
On Camp Hill in the Town Of Harpcrs Ferry.
WE, the undersigned, Executors Of the last
w will and testament Of Singleton Chambers,
ST., deceased, by virtue of the provisions ofthe
same, will offer on
Saturday. December 90, 1865,
at o'clock, p. NJ, in front of the Shenandoah
Hotel, in the town Of Harper's Ferry, at public
vendue, to the highest bidder, the real estate Of
said Chambers devised by said will to be sold
same being the two lots Of said Chambers,
fronting on the Public Square on Camp HILL
On one of the lots il Valuable Store House
The other lot is vacant
They win be sold separately, or together as
may be determined on at the time Of SALE
They adjoin each other The lots aremost eli
gibly situated, rich and productive, and near
the Pump on Camp Hill-anever failing stream,
the best water in the town Of Harpers Ferry.
TERMS :--0ne third Cash balance in equal
instalments at six and nine months. Bonds
with good security fordeferred payments, bear
ing interest from the day OK sale, and Deed Of
Trust on the premises to secure them will be
required. Il. III. CHAMBERS,
r. WENTZELL,
Harper's Ferry, Va. Executors
December ., 1S65-3t.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
A PROCLAMATION.

Anertcd:
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas by the proclamation of the Presi-
dent of the United States on the fifteenth day
of September, one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-three, the privilege of the writ of ha5eas
corpus was, in certain cases therein set forth,
suspended throughout the United States:
And whereas the reasons for that suspension
may be regarded as having ceased in some of
the States and Territories:
Now, therefore, be it known that |, Andrew
johnson, President of the United States, do
hereby proclaim and declare that the suspen-
sion aforesaid, and all other proclamations and
orders suspending the privilege of the writ of
habeas corpus in the States and Territories of the
United States, arc revoked and annulled, ex-
cepting as to the States of Virginia, Kentucky,
Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Loui-
siana, Arkansas, and Texas, the District of
Columbia, and the Territories of New Mexico
and Arizona.
In testimony whereof, l have hereunto set
my hand, and caused the seal Of the United
States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this first
day of December, in the year Of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and
II. S. sixty-five, andof the Independence of
the United States of America the nine
tieth. ANDREW JOHNSON.
BY the President
VIM H. SEWARD Secretary Of State.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
Negro Agitation.

Every body thought the negro question set
tied. Not so, Mr.. Sumner. On Monday he
introduced into the Senate six bills and three
resolutions, most of them involving the care of
negroes-one to make jurymen of them, and
one to use them as witnesses.
Mr. Wade offered bill to regulate the fran
chise in the District of Columbia. So the good
people of the District are to have the first dose.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07

SUBSISTENCE 0FPTcR.
Harpcr's Ferry Va.
NoremJer 80, 1865.
WILL. be sold at Auction. at
w Harper's Ferry, Virginia, at o clock =. 81,
On Friday, December 8, 1865,
the following
BAKERY APPURTENANCES,
no longer needed by reason of the discontinue
ance of the Bakery. viz:
8 Bread Racks; / lot of Lumber;
The Bricks and Appurtenances of eight
Bake Ovens, complete;
2 sets Scales; o Buckets;
10 Oven Pcals; 81 Oven Peel Blades;
81 Bake Pans Hand Scrubs;
Cullnders; Yeast Dippcrs
Bread Table; I Gallons Coal Oil;
Dough Troughs and Lids;
rs feet of Lead Pipe ] Cistern Pump;
3 Dough Scrapcrs; 4 Busters
3 Sleeves; Stoves Elbows;
los feet of Stove Pipe; 3 Bracket Lamps
TERNS or SALE:
Cash in Government funds: fifty per cent.
to be paid on day of SALE the balance 10 be
paid when the goods are delivered
Ten days allowed TO remove the property.
BY Order
Brevet Brig Gen. THOMAS WILSON,
c. s. L. $. A. and Chief C. \. NJ. VI. Dept.
GEORGE S. LELAND
Dec. 4, 1865. Breyet Maj. q c. $. Vols.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07
NOTICE.

A Ii persons indebted to the Estate Of G.. D.
N Wager, deceased, are hereby notined that tho
undersigned has been appointed by the Circuit
Court Of Berkeley County, Administrator de
bonus non with the will annexed thereof thai
the necessities OF the said estate and the heavy
losses sustained by it owing to the war, require
that all indebtedness thereto shall be speedily
closed up.
1t is hoped that all knowing themselves IN
debted will at once and without further delay,
call either on the undersigned, or ISAAC FoUKE,
Esq, and liquidatc the same, as no longer in
diligence can be given.
Harpers Ferry, Va, ". WANTS,
December Z, '65-3t. Adm.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07

OLD WHrGGERY.-It is mentioned as re-
markable fact that of the SO members Of the
House of Delegates in Virginia, all except one,
belonged to the old Wing party. In the SEN
ate. all but three or four were Of the same par
tv. So with the members of Congress elect the
Governor and Secretary of State.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-07

ALABAMA. Hon. GEORGE s. HoUsTON, for
merly representative in congress, and Hon.
LEWIS E. PARSONS, the Provisional Governor,
have been elected u s. Senators by the Legis-
lature of Alabama.