davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
RETURNrNG BOARD INp1crMENTs.-

RETURNING BOARD INDICTMENTS
The Alexandria Gazette says it is an
nounced that the subject of the indict-
ment of the members of the fraudulent
returning board of Louisiana by the
grand jury of New Orleans will be
brought before the Cabinet for censid-
Grafton. For the honor and dignity of
the country we hope the announcement
may be incorrect. All Americans have
some idea of the duties and functions of
Administration Cabinets, and, however
different those ideas may be, we have
too high an opinion of American char
acter, low as that is, to suppose that any
citizen of the country imagines that
among those duties and functions could
possibly be included the consideration
OF the criminal Indictment of set of
rascally knaves in one of the States of
the Union. Such an Indictment is q
matter for the consideration of the
courts of Louisiana, and the Cabinet of
Mr.. Hayes has no more to do with it
than with the trial of Mr.. .Beecher; and
even the rumor, false as we trust it is,
is damaging. Mr.. Hayes is President,
wrongfully, we all know, but by the will
OF the people, as legally expressed thro'
their Congressional representatives, and
were all the members of the Louisiana
returning board sent to the penitentiary,
as they should be, he would be Presi-
dent still: yes, even though it were
proved that Mr.. Stanley Matthews
and Gen. G. H. Sheridan had effected
the fraudulent compromise by which
his Inauguration was secured. his title
to the Presidency would be vitiated no
more than it was on the 9Th of March.
His position is now held without fear,
if not without reproach, and the indict-
ment, conviction, and punishment of
those by whom. it was secured cannot
effect him, and should be tabooed topics
at the White House. There are other
matters of grave importance to the
country which demand the attention of
the Cabinet.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
LAND SALES.


TRUsTEE's, SALE OF VALUABLE
i HOUSES AND LOTS, AND BUILDING
LOTS IN STAUNTON.-By virtue Of a deed of
trust executed by VIM. H. Tams and wife on
the 18th day of April, 1871. to N. X. Trout, and
duly recorded in the Clerks Office OF. the Hust-
County Of Augusta, the undersigned as substi-
tuted Trustee, by direction of the beneficiary.
will proceed, in front of the Courthouse. in
Staunton. on y
to sell to the highest bidder, at public auction.
three lots fronting Carolina street, nearthe Val,
BRICK DWELLING HOUSES and out.honses
upon them. These buildings were recently
desirable for residences.
Also at the same time and place will sell n
large number of valuable and desirable build
ing lots, eligibly located and well laid Off living
along the Valley Turnpike. The Corporation
of the number lying on either side of it. The
city water is piped to the top of the HILL and
can be distributed over all the lots. A plan of
the lots can be seen at my office.
for cash, but by consent of the parties INTEREST,"
ed will receive One-fourth of the purchase
money in cash, and the balance in six semi
annual payments, bearing interest from the
day of sale, for which bonds, with good person.
al security, will be required, and q lien retain
ed upon the property until all the purchase
HIN. BELL,
je5-tds Substituted Trustee.
POSTPONEMENT.
The above sale is postponed, to take place in
front of the Court-hOuse on
Monday, July sOth, 1877, III
at o'clock, p. NJ, and to be continued from
day to day at same hour until completed.
july3-tds H. M. BELL, Trustee.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
To Col. F. W. M. Holiday, Gen. VIM.
Malone, Maj. John w. Daniel, Gen.
Fitzhugh Lee, Gen. VIM. B. TaliaferrO,
and Gen. VIM. Terry:

Gentlemen-Youa are regarded by the
people of Virginia as candidates for
nomination for the Office of Governor
by the Conservative party of Virginia.
Your opinions, therefore, upon public
questions affecting the welfare of the
people are of commanding Importance,
and many of the citizens of this section
of Virginia are anxious to know fully
your views upon the subject of the State
debt. Your opinions upon this question
and upon the all-important matters of
taxation and finance are unknown to
the masses of the people of the State.
AS possible candidates for the suffrages
of the people for the highest State office
belonging to them, you are respectfully
requested to answer the following inter
rogatories through the medium of the
Conservative press of Virginia. 1t is
hoped that you may be able to respond
at a very early period, in order that
your views may be fully understood
and discussed prior to the meeting of
the Conservative State Convention to be
held on the 9Th of August.
1st. Would you, if elected Governor,
advise and urge that the act known as
the Funding bill shall be regarded as a
final adjustment of the State debt, not TO
be interfered with, and its provisions
fully carried out and provided for?
I'd AS the present revenue OF the
State is insufficient to pay the expenses
of the State government and public free
schools and interest on the public debt,
and very large deficit arises annually,
swelling the amount of the States in
debtedness by accommodating arrearages
of interest, would you advise such an
increase of the rate of taxation upon re-
al and personal property and licenses as
would be sufficient to meet fully all OF
the annual liabilities of the State?
Sd. Would you favor such legislation
on the part of the State as would COM
pei the holders of the cousol bonds
coupons receivable for taxes) to accept
readjustment of the debt with such a
reduction of the principal sum or rate OF
interest thereon as would enable the
State to discharge the amount Of interest
annually due, in addition to its other Ii
abilities Sinking fund included, with.
out increasing the existing rates OF tax
alton?
4th. Do you believe that the State OF
Virginia is liable for that portion of the
public debt for which West Virginia
certificates were issued under the provi-
sions of the Funding bill if the State
shall fail in securing the payment OF
said certificate from the State of West
Virginia?
The foregoing questions, gentlemen,
are propounded at the instance and
suggestion OF numerous intelligent
| Conservative voters and taxpayers OF
the Valley of the Shenandoah, who are
profoundly interested in the future well.
| being of our grand old State.
A ROCKINGHAM CONSERVATIVE.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
What will be Saved /?

The Richmond Enquirer present the
matter of the debt in so clear and forci-
bic manner, that we select the follow
ing from its editorial columns:
The whole amount raised by taxes for
State, city and county purposes in this
State is s5,OOO,OOO, per annum. This
amount is raised to pay for government
expenses, for schools, for roads, for sal
aries of public officers. OF it one fourth
is applied to the public debt-to wit:
81, 100000. Of that, one million must
be paid to redeem coupons, SO that out
of $4,000 raised by taxes, only $3.50,
900 can in any event be repudiated.
That is, a man will save one-twenti-
eth of his present taxes. If his taxes
amount to one dollar, by Reputation
he will save five cents if to ten dollars,
fifty cents, &c. We append scale for
the benefit of those statesmen who seek
to tighten taxes by Reputation
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
SALE OF VALUABLE
l. REAL ESTATE IN THE
COUNTY OF HIGHLAND.

In pursuance of a Deed of Trust executed to
the undersigned Trustees by D. v. Ruckman
and wife. bearing date 18th day Of November.
1876, and of record in the Clerks office of the
county court OF Highland county, we will, on
Friday, the 3rd day of august, 1877,
offer for sale at public auction, at the residence
of said buchanan, on Back Creek, in said cOun-
Six head Of horses, 10 cows Is calves Is sheep,
and the Farming Implements on the farm on
which said buchanan now resides.
Also the following real estate:
LIST, All the Home Place" of said D. v.
Buchanan, including the "Holcombe place"
the Henning lands and the MAY place." the
portion of said land conveyed to the trustees
for the use and benefit of Mrs. Annie II. Ruck-
man, containing firm $50 to 200 acres, on which
is the dwelling house, will not be sold.
End, A tract of land lying on the head waters
Of Jacksons river, known as the "Bowyer
place." containing 222 acres.
Srd, All the land owned by said Ruckmen on
Allegheny mountain, in the county of High
land, supposed to contain about $500 acres.
These lands are as good as any in this section
for grazing purposes, and it is not often that
such lands, are in market. They will be sold
in such parcels as to insure the best price.
TERMS OF SALE:-Enough cash in hand to
pay costs Of drawing and recording the trust
deed and the costs of sale, and the residue of
the purchase price of the personal property on
six months credit from the day of SALE with in
terest; and the residue of the purchase price
of the real estate in three equal annual install
ments from the day of sale, with interest from
the day of sale, the purchaser or purcha-
sers to execute bonds with good and approved
and the title to be retained as ultimate security.
The title to said lands is believed to be good,
but we will convey such title only as is vested
HUGH w. sHEFFEY,
JAMES BUMGARDNER, JR.,
CHARLES P. JONES,
L. II. STEPHENSON,
jy3-tds Trustees.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

THE PUBLIC DEBT OF VIRGINIA.
The Wheeling (W. Va Register, in an
editorial urging the selection of Charles
ton, Kanawha county, as the permanent
location for the State capital, where a
State House has already been erected,
as against Clarksburg, where these
buildings would cost half million dol.
lars, makes the annexed acknowled g.
ment of the new States obligations in
regard to the old debt of Virginia.
Attempt to evade it as we may, the
people of West Virginia will very soon
be forced to look fair in the face and
provide for the payment of her 'equita-
BILE proportion of the old State debt OF
Virginia, whether that equitable pro-
portion be five million or fifteen mil
lion doIlars,u
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

GUBERNATORIAL CONvENTION.-The
Alexandria Gazette of the 18th says: Of
the delegates APPOINTED to the State Con-
sentative Convention, up to this time,
Daniel has Oil, Malone 155, Holiday
SO, Taliaferro SO, Lee SO, Terry Sc, and
about sixty for other persons than those
named, or uninstructed. The vote of
Rockingham, published in yesterday
mornings papers, and mentioned in
yesterday evenings Gazette, was not
correct, as the delegates from that coun
ty will not be appointed until the 21st
inst, and the newspapers Of the county
say that when they are appointed they
will all be for Holiday. There remains
about five hundred delegates to be ap-
pointed, of whom the indications are
that Holiday will receive majority.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17


ONE PARTY IN MISsIsSIPPI.-The
Mississippi republican State executive
committee, which met at Jackson on
the 18th inst, resolved to make no nom
nations for the State ticket at the cleo
ton next fall, for the reason that the
Presidents civil service letter, forbid
ing federal officials to engage in CAM
paign work, left them without organi-
cation, the majority of the committee
being office-holders An address to the
republicans of the State was adopted
which contained an unqualified appro-
val of President Hayes's Southern poll
cy. A vote Twas passed ito adjourn sine
die, which is regarded as equivalent to
disbanding the republican party in Mis-
sissippi.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
A successful public experiment ws

A successful public experiment was
made at Buffalo, N. Y, on the 10th inst,
with the "Lay torpedo" an invention
of Mr.. Lay of that city. The torpedo is
cylindrical, with conical ends, the for
ward cone to contain one hundred
pounds of dynamite or other explosive;
the forward part of the main cylinder to
contain powerful gas in liquid form to
be used as motivepower, with machine
ry by valve operated by electricity
and pipe. There is also cable coil to
to be connected with the shore or vessel.
When launched the torpedo is under
control of the operator on shore or ship.
He has compact battery with which
he guides, controls and explodes it.
Among those who witnessed the exper
linen w ere Assistant Chinese Minister
Yung Yuen Poo and his secretary, a
number of naval officers and visitors
from other cities. The torpedo started
for point half mile off, reached it in
minutes 20 seconds, gracefully rounded
and returned in the same time. 1t is
claimed that the craft will travel twelve
miles per hour.
Notwithstanding the apprehended
meeting of "force with force" in case Of
an inv vision of Mexican soil by United
States troops, Lieut.. Bulls, of the
twenty-fourth cavalry, seems to have
chased a lot of Indian thieves across the
Rio Grand a few days ago and captured
nearly al their stolen hors es, after 8
fight in which some of the thieves were
wounded. This action is in accord with
the policy of the administration on the
Mexican outlaw question, and will pro
baby evoke protest from President
Diaz. In the light of past events it has
become quite clear that it is time oul
neighbers are made to understand thai
it is necessary for them to keep theil
hands off the people and property of this
country. 1t is intimated that the adj
ministration will probably soon recog
nize the Diaz government, in which
case perhaps the wrath of the latter will
be soothed and the way opened for 6
perfect understanding for the future.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

THE BUSINESS SITAUT1oN NORTH
AND SoUTH.-The Rev. DR.. w. P. Har-
rison, of Atlanta, Ga, who has recent
ly made an extended tour to the Nor
thern and Western States, in recent
ly published letter expresses the opin-
ion that the South is immensely better
off than the North. He says he saw
more life and prosperity in Richmond,
Va, than in any Northern city. He
met with one family that owns 100000
of railroad stock who could not get an
income sufficient to justify them in
keeping house servant; in Pittsburg,
Pa, he heard of house which cost $6l,
900 renting for 5000, and one in Cleve-
land. Ohio, that cost $4,000 rents for
$500. DR.. Harrison is confide mt that in
the recuperation that is ahead of us the
South will be foremost.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

CIVIL SERVICE REFoRM.-A bur-
lesque on the so-called Southern policy
of Hayes is furnished in the appoint
ment of Russell as Collector at Rich
mond, vice Col. E. E. White, removed.
When Col White was appointed Collee-
tor there last September he found every
subordinate position filled by carpet
baggers. He appointed two highly-re-
spectacle young Virginians to places
under him-one of these gentlemen is
a grandson of Chief Justice Marshall.
Russell has been in office four days, and
has already dismissed the grandson OF
the great Chief Justice although he was
a very efficient officer Ito make room for
a carpet-bagger, and the place of the
other Virginian has been promised to
another carpet-bagger. This is what
Mr.. Hayes calls civil service reform.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
The State Debt.

We presume the Convention called to
nominate candidates for the Gubernato-
rial offices, will also indicate the olicy
to which they should be expected to con-
form. The public debt question will,
perhaps, be almost the only issue about
which there can be difference of opinion
among Conservatives, and whatever pol
icy the Convention shall indicate as
proper and right on this subject will be
regarded as conclusive of the question.
We do not, therefore, perceive any pro-
priety in the deliverances, at this time,
of individual aspirants, that may fore.
stall the action of the Convention. In
deed, we regard the public debt QUESTION
as settled already, and see no way Of Sc
curing a readjustment without discrim-
mating between the class of creditors
who rely upon our honor, and another
and larger class that has accepted the
compromise rendered them Ill the Fund
ing Bill, by the provisions Of which the
State is legally, as we'll as morally bound.
The Lexington Gazette well states this
issue as follows:
"Of the debt Of Virginia over twenty
million dollars are represented in Consol-
bonds with tax-receivable coupons. The
Supreme Court of the State has decided
that in all cases in which the PROPOSE
tons con tained in the Funding Bill have
been accepted by the creditors there is O
valid legal contract between the parties,
which no Legislature can annul, and
therefore that the bonds which have been
issued under that act, with tax-receiva-
BILE coupons attached, are valid and legal
obligations.
1.-The regulators cannot touch these
bonds, the coupons will be paid into the
State Treasury every year as so much
cash. They connot be forced out of the
market, and the county treasurers cain
not, under the decision Of the Courts,
refuse to receive these coupons in pay
ment of taxes. The fifteen million of
West Virginia certificates are already
repudiated by that same so-called in
famous funding bill, so far as the State
of Virginia is concerned. That also is a
matter of contract and is settled. Now
what remains? About ten million of
unfunded bonds. These, and My these.
can by any possibility he reached by the
regulators. For the miserable pittance
which will be required to meet the in
terest on these bonds, can we afford to
stamp the fair fore head of our old moth
er with Reputation"
Well and admirably put and to those
who still hold different views, we would
submit the able exposition of this whole
subject recently published by Hon. A.
H. II. Stuart.-Lynch. Virginian.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

CANDIDATES FOR GOvERNOR.-"A
Rockingham Conservative" in another
column, catechises the prominent can
didates for Governor in very close
manner upon the finances and public
debt of the State. Come out gentlemen,
show your hands. "Toe the mark
Let the people know where you stand
in this contest. They want to know
when they cast their votes, what posi-
ton he occupies who seeks their suf
frages. Don't dodge, but come out fair
ly and squarely. Gen. Terry is out
strongly in favor of maintaining the
credit of the State, and Gen. Malone
has published a long letter, but it is
vague and unsatisfactory. 1t is difficult
to tell on which horn of the dilema he
has the strongest hold.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17
LAND SALES
COMMISSIONER SALE OF
VALUABLE LANDS!

IN pursuance of decree of the circuit court
OF Botetourt county, entered at the July TERN
lS4, In the chancery cause of "Emeline s. John-
SION In her own right, &C., plaintiff, and SalIy
w. Johnston and others, defendants" the un-
dersigned, who were appointed special COM
to the highest bidder, at public auction, on the
premises, on
Wednesday, august LIST, 1877,
the following described valuable lands lying on
both sides Of Mill creek, in Botetourt county,
merly belonging to Judge Edward Johnston,
and well known as one Of the most prOdue.
portions now offered for sale are
~ A tract containing l79H acres, lying on
the east side td Of Min , creek With valuable
% tract containing 14IN acres, lying on
the MacAdamized road, leading from Salem to
large double " Tobacco House WHICH might might be
easily converted into good barn.
C) A tract containing lS9 acres, known as
1.-THE Funnel" with wooden dwelling house
These lands are on the line of the Valley Rail-
road and six miles from Buchanan, the eastern
terminus OF the Buchanan and Clifton Forge
James River & Kanawha Canal, thus offering
every advantage for CHEAP AND COME
shipment Of farm far products to different
who may wish to purchase, by DIR: j. A. John
ston, residing at Lauderdale, or by John W.
JQnnStOn, residing at Bucnanan. SeeulnS pos
session will be given at any time after the day
of SALE and full possession on the LIST of Sep
TENDER if required. As to the terms of sale, the
undersigned commission RS being authorized by
the decree of the court to sell according to their
own discretion as to the cash and deferred pay
EsA ASp are e They
also authorized to sell privately, and solicit an
of the lands by any one who may
wish to buy previous to the day of sale. Wheth-
er sold publicly or privately, bonds will be re-
quired from purchasers for the deferred pay.
ments with security, unless one-third be paid
in cash, in which case no security will be re-
quired, and title will be withheld until all the
purchase money is paid.
JOHN w. JOHNSTON,
FREDERICK JOHNSTON,
je264t Special Commissioners.
Staunton SPECTATOR publish four times. and
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

TT,RUsTEES' SALE.--By virtue of deed
Il of trust, executed to the undersigned
Trustees of the Mechanics Building Associa-
ton of Staunton, by Jno. F. Beard and wife,
June 18th, 1869, to secure certain debt due said
Association, we will sell on the premises, on
Saturday. the 23rd day Of June. 1877,
at O'Clock, p. M, that very desirable resi-
dence now occupied by Jno. F. Beard, corner of
Spring Alley and Lewis Street. being all the
property conveyed by said John F. Beard and
wife in the deed of trust mentioned.
TERMs-Seven hundred and forty,nine dollars
from Jan. LIST, 1877, and the costs of executing
this deed of trust in cash; the balance in G, IL,
and IS months, secured by bonds with APP
proved personal security, bearing interest from
the day of sale, and the title retained as ulti-
mate security. EDWIN M. CUSHING,
JAMES A. PIPER, -
CHARLES E, HOGE,
may22-t ids. Trustees.
POSTPONEMENT.-Th above sale is post
Tuesday, Jutg 17ht, 1877,
E. NJ. CUSHING,
]. A. PIPER,
G. Z. HOGE.
je28-tds Trustees
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-07-17

The Chicago Inter cean publishes as
a portentous fact that during the past
fortnight secret agents from the French
government have arrived in that city
and contracted with a few large firms of
Chicago packers for immense quanti-
ties of army supplies. Similar agents,
it is stated, have been in a few other
large cities in this country and in Cana
da. Enough food has been ordered tc
sustain a large army during long cana
paign. The Inter-Ocean considers
these operations significant in view O.
the condition of affairs in Western Eu'
rOnn