davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

A CoLoRED Observation-Disclosures Dabbs
the negro member Of the House from
Charlc tie county, who was mentioned last
week as not beng able to read or write.
was formerly the slave of Rev. W. T. Ricl,-
ardson of Staunton, to whom he was left
by his father, Jno. D. Richardson of Char
as all the negroes on the place were taught
that. His legislative ambition probably
arose from the fact that his old master rem
resented Charlotte county in the House.
and the servant had heard good deal of
''debate' on public matters at home. He
was an ingenious servant, and Mr.. R. now
has bride bit and pair of shutters manu-
featured by him.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24
--~~>~<-

ACCIDENT.--One day last week, Mr..
James A. Turk; who resides on the old
Miller Iron Works farm, was engaged with
his team Of four horses in hauling fodder,
when the driver cracked his whip, for the.
purpose OF soaring away young colt that
was approaching. The team then became
frightened and ran into pit that had beer,
made in former times by mining iron ore
killing two of the horses ON the SPOT
another not expected to live, and oaly ONE
escaping without Injury. -ttr..
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

EARTHQUAKE IN STAUNTON AND ELSE
WHEREOF Wednesday night last, about
II o'clock, an earthquake shock of some
moments duration, was felt. The feeling
is described by those who were awake at
the time, as if heavy wind had struck Che
house. or as a number of persons in some
other part of the building were jumping
up and down on the floor. A gentleman
at the house of Mr.. M. Harvey Effinger,
on Gospel Hill, describes the sensation that
way as do most of those we have talked
with about it. At the house of Prof.
Koerber, a clock was Jared from the man.
tel piece. At the residence of Mr.. w. j.
Nelson, piano was Jared so as to give
forth sounds from it's cords, and at the
Virginia Hotel some of the inm ates were
awakened under the impression that pile
of travellers trunkshad fallen on the floor.
At many residences the frightened inmates
ran into the streets.
In Richmond there was regular panic
and it is estimated one-fourth of the pop
ulation ran into the street. 1t was much
severer there than here and some people
remained out of their houses all night.
The shock was felt in Alexandria and
Lynchburg and as far west along the G.. Il
O. Railroad as the White Sulphur. The
remarkable change from freezing cold to
summer weather is supposed to have had
some connection with the shaking up
Earthquakes are Of rare occurrence in Vir-
ginia, but two, one so years ago in the
neighborhood of Louisa g. H. and another
20 years ago in this vicinity being recollec-
ted.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

DRAMATIC END OF A DRAMA.-Some =
how or other the West Augusta. Dramatic
Company which had before perform ed
ireland as it isl so as to win the applau Sc
of every one let go all hollis Friday night
and let the piece go down with run. On-
ly some three or four of the performers
seemed to know their parts. The last act
was omitted altogether owing to the fact
We suppose that the friug of the two
troops in the prison scene had killed off
the whole company. We don't recollect
to haYe seen such a deadly fire of infantry
as that. Everybody was cut off just as
things were going to be better with him.
The aged O'Carolan whose remarks about
patriotism and virtue had elected the
warmest sympathy was not permitted to
enjoy the fruits of his sufferings Mons
Voyage, whose unobtrusive wanderings
around, and liberal offers of d pocket
book to every one ON the stage had COM
manded general favor, and whose mastery
disguise had excited general curiosity
Ragged Pat, whose furious combat with
the troops should have won for him bet
ter fate, and the rest Of, the company in
Guiding the man who had been dropping
the snow from the sky so artistically were
all slain at one fell swoop by the blool.
thirsty troops. Not one remained to ten
the tale in the next act.
The scene from Leah and Macb.th nv
Mrs, Far and little comedy by herself
and husband were all exceedingly well
done. MI. and Mrs. Fair go from here to
Charlottesville
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

COLLECTION OF CITY TAxEs.-In view
if the recent discussion of Judge Smith,
that the City Sergeant. and not the Trea-
surer, must collect the City Taxes. the
Council on Tuesday night had under con-
sideration the recommendation of the FL
nance Committee to take steps to change
the charter so as to give the City Treas
urer the same powers, privileges and du-
ties as is now given ,by law to County
Treasurers in the collection of State Taxes.
Mr.. Fultz opposed its adoption. He said
the Sergeant was competent, and if this
source of revenue was taken from him he
couldn't live on his salary.
Mr.. Burke sustained Mr.. Fultz in his
view.
MI. Witt said he did not offer it to dam
age the Sergeant, but Sergeants didn't pay
up promptly, and though taxes are paid
him there is no money in the Treasury. Ii
the Treasurer collected the NJ oney it would
he in the Treasury at once.
Mr. Burke-We can pass an ordinance
to make the Sergeant pay every week.
Mr.. Fultz-There is such an ordinance
now, and it is the Treasurer's fault Ii he
dent make the Sergeant pay.
Mr.. Evansville Treasurer gets $500,
and the Sergeant, $3.50, and with his per-
quisites gets more than the Treasurer. l
don't think the city should suffer on &C
count of any officer.
Mr. Fulfil would like to see your
figures to show that.
Mr.. Evans-Well, the Sergeant gets
$3.50, and-and-well, [ can't show you
now. am not prepared now, but give me
time and 1 can show it.
Mr.. Funkhonser-I don't think the
gentlemen are speaking to the resolution.
1t don't say who shall collect it, but only
gives the city the right to say who shall
collect it.
Mr.. Fulfil am speaking to the reso-
flltion-it raised the question of doing
away with the Sergeant, for no good man
will take the place if you curtail his salary
as this proposes. We can't do without a
Sergeant, and who will take it then?-cer-
tainly competent men will not have 1t. 1t
is this very thing Of loading one official to
the detriment of others, which is placing
incompetent and unprincipled men in posi-
ton, causing the corruption we see every
where, and I am opposed to it. | would
like to see the ordinance.
Mr.. Burke-Let's see the charter.
After some examination of ordinance
and charter, Mr. Fultz said this was a
question of too much Importance to be de-
cided Ny mere quorum, and it ought to
be considered in full council.
On motion, the resolution was laid over
till the next meeting.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

A NEW ELECTION ORDERED IN AU-
GUsTA-The Opie-Stuart contested case
was finally settled in the legislature on
Saturday by ordering new election
Messrs PARCEL. Fowler, Lacey, Medley
and Ex-Goy Smith advocated the minori-
ty report seating MI. Opie, and Messrs
Dooley and Cogbill and Sheffey, chairman
of the committee, advocated the majority
report referring the seat to the people for
q new election. Two Of the illegal votes
for Stuart were thrown out making the
vote tie, and on t. tiii'd illegal vote,
that of Mr.. West, who did lot get his
transfer from Norfolk until election
day, the matter hung. Regarding this one
vote it was contended that Opie had not
complied with the Law, taking an affidavit
instead of deposition. The report of the
minority was then defeated by the follow
ing vote:
AYEs-Messrs. Armstrong, Arthur, Bag
we'll. Bogart, Craig, Curlett, Fowle, Fow-
Ter, Gordon, kellsm, Lacy, Lampkin, Lem
mon Letcher, Matthew, McCaull, McEl-
roy, Moncure, Mcmillan, Nally, Nicely,
GurCGll, s5lDeIG dilQ w toulIbll-zt
NOES Messrs. Allen, Aylor, Barham,
Belts, Branch. Bristow, Burks, j. A. Car
ter, p. J. Garter, A. L. Clarke, e T.
Coale, Coghill, Coleman, Common, HI. Cox,
r. II. Cox, Crump, Dabbs, Davis, Dooley,
Dyer, Edmunds, Flood, Gaines, Giddings,
Gilman, Gray, Greer, Hale Hamilton,
Hoeninger, Howard, Hubbard, Johnston,
Jones, KeErick, kindrick, Lewis, Lip
scomb, Lowell, ]. 0. Morriss, W. S. Nor
ris, Paul, Pierson, Poindexter, Price,
Rains, Ruf1in, Scott: Scruggs, Sheffey,
Simpson, III E. Smith, J. W. Smith, r.
NJ Smith, S. Smith, Strayer, Swami, W.
B. Taliaferro, W. 7. Taliaferro, Talley,
Terrell, Wall, Wallace, Watts, Whitaker,
c. q. Williams, P. B. Williams, Wool
bridge, and YouEg-7O.
The majority report was then adopted.
Among the Stauntonians present listening
to the debate were Messrs. Peck, Hale,
Jno. Howard Wayt, Effinger, Patrick,
Baylor and Sheriff Mowry.
AS will be seen by the notice elsewhere,
che election in Augusta is to take place
January 18th. Mr.. Jno. n. Ople, who was
nominated by the convention, is out in a
card IN another column, where there also
appears a cali on Hon. A. H. Stuart to be-
come d candidate. Mr.. Stuart is to ad-
dress the people on next Monday court
day), as also will Capt Opie. M
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

WATER BoNDs.-Another change has
been made in the Water Bonds. By the
action OF the Council, a certificate Of the
execution Of a. trust deed, to secure said
bonds, is to be printed on the back of them
and signed hy the trustees. The face Of
the bonds are to be changed, so that they
are to be returned to the treasurer of this
city, and the coupons payable in Baltimore.
Mr.. Burke said, before vote for this,
want to know who is to pay the expense of
this change.
Mr.. Evans-Messrs Menifee 4 Jordan
agree to pay it.
The change was then adopted. and the
change in the date of the bonds was re-
ferred to the Finance Committee to fix.
after consultation with the City ATTORNEY.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

Monday Concert by Miss Lizzie Daniels
and pupils, at Waynesbofo Methodist
Church, at night; Thursday, S0th, din
ner, by ladies of Mt. Carmel Chur CHI: New
Years Eve-The Berger family at Town
Hall. The tabIeaux for the Y. M. c. A.
have been postponed.
SOCIETY NOTES.
From the present outlook there is no
end Of gayety promised our bellies and
beaux during the holidays.
The s'Cotillion Club" will have a re-
ception early in he coming week, which
announcement is a guarantee of a pleasant
lime to all of their guests.
On dit, an elegant German" with sta
vors," will be given on New Years Eve
by number OF our young gentlemen.
The custom of s'receiying" New \ ear ,
will be more generally observed than
usual, as will the custom OF setting
forth coffee and chocolate for callers.
The T. B. US promise to render things
lively in the way of a hop shortly after
New Years, if their parents will let them.
Several parties are in prospect, and
young Staunton is all aglow with excite
ment over the anticipated chops" re-
ceptions readings tableaux, ETC.. etc.
MISCELLANEOUS.
| The butchers will commence next Tues
day morning the new arrangement of only
having market on Tuesdays and Satur
days. This morning, being Christmas eve,
market will be held to-day, instead of Sat-
urday
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

THE Ice CRoP.-The intense cold snap
of last week furnished a good supply of ice
Mr.. Jno. A. Desper brought a lot to town.
cut on Christians Creek, six inches thick.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24


The ASSESSMENT OF AUGUSTA
LANDS. -The assessor on Tuesday returned
the assessment for North River district,
81, 1867 ,729, showing d decrease in the value
of real estate of $15,976 on the assessment
of 1873. The assessment of the other dis
tricts we published some days since. Taken
altogether, the total value of the real estate
in the county in 1875 is So, $50, al, being
s1s4, 1859 less than in 1878. Any person who
feels himself aggrieved under the assess
ment may give notice to the assessor, and
apply to the court by which the assessor is
appointed at it's first, second or third term,
after such assessment, to nave it correct
ed The notice to the assessor is to be
given in writing, accompanied by the affi-
davit of the applicant. =
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24
no.oy Wbv never heard 8

miserable nose? why, HoVol Ao"Ao VI
such boy And all this time you thought
you weren't going to be punished Tor IT,
Just because your poor ma didn't Thrash \
YOU: but you'll find out better than that
in a. hurry. What time is it :" &
ssIt's quarter to twelve Sir, y said Tom
INV shaking in the bed clothes.
sDon't tell me lie you miserable boy"
said the little man, and he held his shining
nose to the face Of the clock lighting it
nm. "Its two minutes to II O'Clock and
in two minutes I'll show you thing or
two.;'
ooh Sir, if you'll let me off this time
TIL never do so again, cross my heart [
never will
"They all talk So" said the dwarf ia
king little iron box from under his arm
and opening it. .....
.But I don't Sir" said Tommy. you
never saw me before Sir, indeed you never.
MAYBE YOU have heard things about me
that amt true.''
"Then 1 suppose I'm liar. says he
looking at Tommy very fierce.
"Oh no Sir, 1 didn't mean that; out
other persons may have told you things
that amt true. Some bad boys-Oh,
Loldy, what are you going to do ~ Tor
Tommy saw he was taking something out
of a box.
ssI'm going to give you something that
will make you better boy and give your
Ma less trouble hereafter" and he I'M
rolled a red hot mustard plaster Il yard
long.
s'Owch! Ma-a-' screamed Tommy, but
| he was too late for the little iron man
skipped up to the trundle bed and snatched
off his night gown and clapped the plaster
right on his bare back.
Children, you might have heard Tommy
Stuffin squat for mile.
! Then big smoke filled the room and
voice going up the chimney said: If he
amt a better boy by the time l come
again I'll give him another worse thar
that" But he never came again for Tom
my Stuffin, after lying in bed for three
months for his back to get well, got up q
changed boy He never disobeyed his
mother, and he went to Sunday Schoo
three times day Sundays and would
hang around the Church till the sextol
had to drive lim off with club and he al
ways had u catechism stuffed up the bacl
of his Jacket. He never told his Ma HI
"wouldnt' afterwards, and he was so goo,
and agreeable that when he died the an
gels crowded around to get introduced t.
him.
Dear children, you must try and believ
that every word Of this story is true, be
cause the gentleman that wrote it knows
if he hasn't told you the truth that whei
he dies, so far from the angels wanting al
introduction to him, there will be gentle
man waiting for him 'sover there' who vii
clap plaster on has back and make hs4
squat worse than ever Tommy Stuffin did
/ NoTE.-This story will be printed IL
pamphlet form for circulation in Sunda
Schools. Parents will be supplied a
wholesale prices and liberal arrangement
will be made with newly married couples
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

FARMER ELEcTED.-The Board of Di-
rectors of the State Agricultural College,
have out of IS applicants, three of whom
were from Augusta. elected Col. Norborn
Berkeley, of I.oudoun, as Farm Manager
of that institution. Col. Berkely is a
brother-in-law of DR.. Carter and Frank
Berkeley, of Stanton, having married
Miss Lavinia Berkeley of this city. AT the
opening of the war he raised regiment
of which he was Colonel-two brothers
field officers and one captain. He led it
in the charge at the second Manassas and
in the charge at Gettysburg where all four
brothers were wounded and lay out in the
rain two or three days until taken to the
hospital of the enemy. Col. BIS an in
telligent gentleman, practical man and
pOod farmer
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

ing him. tor We would not, indeed, want
for our pastor minister whose services
were not acceptable to his own people, we
are able, after diligent search, to find no
argument which can Justify Presbytery in
overriding Mr.. iSimson's decision.
For the con prppatiOn e
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-12-24

that at Churchville, it's largeness and
Importance having been clearly ecogniZed
by Presbyterv in October by its singular
unanimity in granting the petition for a
new church. The Second church has dou-
bled its membership since its organization.
Loeb Willow congregation is embraced in
Il narrow belt of sparselv inhabited coun-
try. thrown in between two other churches
Union and Hebron, themselves only Il few
miles apart. aul.1us. tt.l
I'd. Mr. Simpson, Intimately acquainted
with both fields, has, after mat, re and
careful consideration, declared before Pres
bytery that .'duty does lead him to Staun-
TOM fu sr s..9.
Sd. Loeb Willow congregation has &C.
knowledged in d paper presented by it to
Presbytery that MI. Simpson has healed
the discussions heretofore existing in that
congregation, and that now all is peace
and harmony, and therefore there is no
peculiar reason for his remaining there,
while the Second church, being new or
ganiZation. needs the fostering care of a
pastor who possesses the ability which the
intelligence of city like this demands,
and who also possesses prominently, as
does Mr.. Simpson, the confidence and es-
TEEN and hearty goodwill not only of the
Second church, but of all the Christians in
CnlS community; Cnat LOcn willow could
not expect under any circumstances long
to retain the services of pastor who is ac-
knowledged on all sides to be fitted to fill a
wider field, and the pastoral relation there
can be more safely dissolved now, at the
close of six months labor. and the people
will find it easier to part with their pastor
than at any future time. The affection
entertained for Mr.. Simpson by the Loeb
Willow congregation certainly does not
exceed that felt for him by the Second
church of Staunton; and yet we would not
urge our feelings as an argument before
Presbytery. but would rest our case On the
other reasons stated, which we consider
sufficient"
''Finally, while we are not surprised that
Loeb Willow church should earnestly de-
sire to retain Mr.. Simpsons services, and
while that only affords to us an additional
proof of the wisdom of our action in call
Middletown transcript., 1875-02-20

II was surprised" said Mr.. Merton
..at the broad and liberal views you
expressed Of men and their actions gen
orally. supposed l had greatly the
advantage over you in means, educa-
ton and culture; yet how cramped and
uarrow-minded have been my, views
beside yours! That wife Of yours is
an estimable woman, and that boy OF
yours will be an honor to any man. l
tell you, Bishop" said the lawyer, be-
coming animated. ''you are rich-rich
beyond what money can make you.
You have treasures that gold will not
buy. | tell you, you owe me no thanks
Somehow, | seem to have lived years
since yesterday morning | have got
into a new world. What learned at
YOUR house is worth more than you owe
me and l am your debtor yet Here
after. I shall take the motto, "Put
yourself in his place" and try to regu-
late my actions by it .
Middletown transcript., 1875-02-20

The following beautiful allegory is
translated from the German :-Sophro-
MUS, a wise teacher, would not suffer
his daughter to associate with those
whose conduct was not pure and up
right. dear father" said the gentle
Eulalia to him one day, when he for
bade her, in company with her brother,
to visit the volatile Lucinda "you must
think US very childish if you imagine
we should be exposed to danger by it. .
The father took in silence dead Goa
from the hearth, and reached it to hi,
daughter. ut will not burn you my
child; take it." Eulalia did so, ano
behold the beautiful white hand wal
soiled and blackened; and as it chanced
her white dress also. 1--WE cannot b.
too careful ip handling GOALS" sale
Eulalir, in vexation. Eyes, truly
said her father "you see, my child
that Goals, even if they do not burr
will blacken; so it is with the company
Of the vicious"
Middletown transcript., 1875-02-20

An outdoor quiet held the earth
Beneath the winter moon,
The cricket chirped in cozy mirth,
And the kettle crooned upon the hearth,
A sweet old-fashioned tune.
The old clock ticked drowsy race,
With the chirping of the cricket,
And red Goals in the chimney-place
Peeped out, with many a rosy face.
Like berries in a thicket.
The cranes arm empty, stuck out stiff,
And tinware on the shelves
Twinklsd and winked at every Cliff,
In the Pickering fre-light as if
They whispered to themselves
The good dame, in her ruffled cap,
Counted her stitches slowly,
and the old man, with full many gap,
Read from the Big Book on his lap,
The good words wise and holy.
The old clock licked; the old man read,
His deep voice pausing, lowering;
The good wife nodded, dropped her head
The lids of both were heavy as lead
They were sound asleep and snoring.
Oh, hale old couple sweet each dream,
While-all the milk pans tilting-
Puss paints her whiskers in the cream.
Till John and the belated team
Bring Maggie from the quilting.
May time, pray, when failing years
Make thin my voice and thrapple,
Find my last day Of life like theirs,
As sweet with children's love and prayers
And like winter apple.
Middletown transcript., 1875-02-20
The Battle Of Lexington.

Anniversary Of the Battle OF Lex
ington, which occurred April 19, 1775,
is approaching. This centenary, one
of the most important of the revolu-
tionary scenes, will be appropriately
celebrated at Lexington, where there
will be salutes, a procession, an ora
ton. dinner and other festivities.
The President, Vice President and
Cabinet, with other prominent people,
are expected to be present The 18th
Of April has been selected as the open
ing day Of the Centennial Exposition,
in commemoration of the Battle Of Lex
ington which opened the Revolutionary
War.
ANOTHER CENrENN1AL.-The people
Of Mecklenburg county North Carolina,
have begun to prepare for celebration
Of the Mecklenburg Declaration Of In
dependence of May Goth, 1775. North
Carolina was Of much greater individual
weight as provice, during the Revo-
luton, than she has recently been as a
State. King George made every effort
to secure her allegiance when the other
provinces were breaking away from
him. but all to no avail The people
Of Mecklenburg county claimed inde-
pendenee a year or more before Its
achievement was considered possible by
the representatives Of the Colonies, and
in doing SO they only carried to logl-
cal consequence the resolutions Of the
Continental Congress and Of their own
Assembly The language Of the Meek
lenburg declaration, as published in
Bancroft's history, was clear and de-
termined "All laws and commissions
confirmed by, or derived from, the au-
thority of the King or Parliament are
annulled and vacated all commissions,
civil and military, heretofore granted
by the crown to be exercised in the
colonies, are avoid; the provincial con-
gress of each province, under the di-
rection of the great Continental Con-
gress, is invested with all legislative
and executive powers within the re-
spective provinces, and no other execu-
tive power does or can exist at this
time in any part Of these colonies. As
all former laws are now suspended in
this province, and the Congress has
net yet provided others, we judge ii
necessary for the better preservation Of
good order to form certain rules and
regulations for the internal government
Of this county until laws shall be pro.
vided for us by the Congress. In &C.
cordance with these declarations, Ban.
croft says that Mecklenburg county, in
North Carolina, was separated from the
British Empire year or more before
the independence Of all the colonies
was declared. A Republican form O
Government was established, and Off
GERS attempting to exercise official pow
ers, conferred by the King or Parlia'
ment were treated as public enemies
Mecklenburg should certainly celebrate
the centennial anniversary Of sucf
brave events as these.