davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

Especial Dispatch to the New-York Times
WASHINGTON. Oct .23.-The President in
conversation this morning referred q friend
to the difficulties encountered during his Adj
ministration, and pointed out how it would
have been impossible for him to take any
action which would have satisfied the entire
Republican Party. He found himself con-
fronted with three questions of great i'm
portance one related to the civil service
appointments, one to the currency, and the
most important of all, in his opinion, was
the Southern question. Upon this question,
as well as upon the others, it was necessary
for him to take immediate action. Others
could talk and consider and critcise, but he
must act. Concerning each OF these ques-
lions there was large difference OF opinion
within the Republican Party, and wllate yer
he did was certain to meet with opposition
from one source or another. He had no re-
sort but to act i'll such q way as seemed to
him to be his duty, and to leave the wisd ON
of his actions to future demonstration. The
President seemed to emphasize very strong
ly the point that the criticisms and opposi-
ton which had come from within the party
were necessary resul5 Of his being com
PEELED to act upon questions OF great moment,
while others had only to judge and approve
or condemn, which involved much less res
possibility. He regarded the Southern ques-
ton as of immensely greater Importance
than tile other two, because it affected daily
the peace and happiness Of hundreds OF
thousands of people, both white aud black.
In regard to the financial question, he re-
marked that if there were no President and
no Congress he thought the action Of nat
ural laws would settle that question.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
New Postal Lew.

We publish on our first page the text of d
new proposed postal law, to which attention
is called. The circular letter which accom-
panies it summarizes its advantages as fol-
lows. We may rccur to it hereafter, when
we have more time to examine it and COM
pare it with the existing law:
1t will be observed that it makes no change
i'll the present rates of postage.
The merits claimed for it are
list. Simplitication in the classification. 1t
puts all newspapers, periodicals, etc., in the
second class whether sent from office of pub
llcation or news agencies, or between indi-
viduals, with two rates, the ''privileged''
for the former and the s'ordinary'' for the
latter. 1t also avoids the enumeration of
matter of the third class.
I'd. Enlargement of the privileges hereto
fore accorded printed matter" Vide Sec
ton 5.
Sd. Protection from interference OF all the
legitimate publications OF this country un-
der the registration system. The fee cannot
be regarded as burdensome, and is only to
cover expenses which may grow out OF the
system.
4th. Permanence and uniformity i'm the
rulings of the department..
1t is not claimed fo- the bill that it is per-
feet in its present shape, and the object OF
| thus calling attention to it is that a free dis
cussion OF its merits and dement's may be
had, and advantage taken of any pertinent
suggestions that shall aid in perfecting it.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
Dcmn IN Railroads

The celestials are an astute people and
eminently worthy Of their ilustrio,ls descent
from the sun. moon and other luminous and
conspicuous planets. In nothing has their
superior Judgement and enlightened opin-
ions been made more manifest than i'll the
summary way they have lately sat on aud
promptly smothered an infantile American
enterprise within their limits, in the shape
OF a ''rallway nine miles long" The prjn-
cipal reason for this is announced in the
fact that they esteem railroads as opposed to
high civilization, and moreover as calculated
to work irreparable hardship to large and
deserving class OF their poor populace who
are dependent on the vocation OF common
carriers for q subsistence. But little is de-
tailed in reference to the manner and means
by which this grand Empire trunk line was
to be constructed and equipped. 1t is dis
closed That nine miles OF the road had been
finished and the company originally had
the option and grant of Il projected line
OF some eight or nine hundred miles.
Judging from the methods of similar
corporations, we presume that the usual
amount of skull-duggery and sharp practice
had been employed, that the blanket system
CT mortgages had been industriously applied
and the stock copiously diluted. This pecu-
liarly American mode OF fnanciering may
have impressed John Chinaman at once with
the idea Of general moral and social wreck,
and lacking the finer sense OF propriety
which prompts us generally. as u people, to
sit by and be complacently robbed whe,i-
eyer tie thief assumes the dignity of cor
poration OF any kind, he rose up summarily,
attached the whole gear of the wicked NELL
can men, and gave notice 20 quit. Whether
it occurred to the celestial cabinet to call i'll
the first mortgage bonds and redeem then,
at par from the holders, doesn't appear.
We trust, however, that our brethren ov-
cr there were not shocked by any such ex-
hibiLion Of stupid oriental honesty. John
Chinaman acted wisely in the main but
with undue haste. His sacrifcal Offering
Of subjects to the Great God Gum boot S ana
other lesser deities might have been system
atzed and greatly expedited by permitting
| the road to have gone into active running
and then encouraging the introduction of
excursion trains and other western methods
Ufprompt and wholesale slaughter. Three
Or four Ashtabna disasters repeated a. jul
dicious intervals, would have filled the minds
of the celestial priesthood with Joy and
every oriental subject OF eminent piety
would eagerly have purchased Il first class
ticket on the line. 1t would far s,rpass the
primitive hari kari Or even the bowstring in
| neat aud speedy fatality, and would have
become one Of the religious features of the
great sun baked empire of the East.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
Capital, Labor and Brains.

The conversation of our contemporary of
the Michigan Farmer was pithy if not per-
tinent, lately reported. Meeting an old far
| mer, not too old to be progressive, we asked
him what the farmers of Michigan wanted
most to increase the value of their crops,
flocks and herds. ''They wanted,'' said he,
Gust what the merchants, the manufacture
ers and the mechanics want just what the
railroad men, the lllmbermen and the min :
ing men want; they want labor, capital and
brains. There is not a farm in the State
but will stand an application OF this trio
work, money and thought" We asked him
again, what simple and easy methods he
would recommend to the farmers from which
they could get the quickest returns, and he
replied: First, | would recommend that
every COW in the State be crossed bv . thor
oughbred bull. | calculate that wo,tl.i :! ID
a million and half of dollars to the wealth
of the State in two years, and that it would
double the value of cattle Of the State in
fou years. Second, would cross every
breeding eve in tee State with q thorough
bred ram, OF approved pedigree, and | cal
culate that it would add one pound OF wool
to every shearng sheep in two years, be-
sides improving the flocks in many other
respects. You can calculate the gain your
self. Third, l would have every farmer Sc
lect his seed of every grain, especially of
wheat and corn-that is, to pick out the
best and discard the inferior. The profit
would be immense, for there is no telling
how much can be gained by a selection OF
seeds" Now, here are three things within
the reach of almost every farmer. They re-
quire little money, some work and a good
deal of nerve and will power. Was the old
man right? Let every farmer adopt these
precepts and then contradict them if he
can =Western Enrnaer
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
Honors to Gen. Grant.

Telegraphic dispatches from Paris, Of the
Goth, give the following notice OF the dem
onstration in the French Republic in honor
to General Grant:
The banquet given by the American Min
lister in honor of Gen. Grant this evening
was a very brilliant affair. Among
the distinguished guests present were
the Duke. and Duchess de Cazes. the
Duke de B1oglie, NJ. Defourten, and Nine.
Berthout, NJ. Callan1, the Viscount de
Meaux, NJ. Brunei, the Marquis d'Abzac,
and the Projects of Police and the Seine.
Among the ladies present were also Nine.
Voisoine, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Noyes, and the
Misses Lincoln and Stephens.
The reception which followed the banquet
was attended by President Mc,Iahon, who
wore the grand Gordon of the Legion of
Honor. The Marshal remained all hour. A
large number of Americans, the entire dip
lom. tic corps and the elite OF French society
We're present at the reception. The rooms
were beautifully decorated and the building
was illuminated. Gen. Grant will attend the
opera on Wednesday night. During the day
he will visit the works where the statue OF
liberty for New York harbor is in process
OF construction, and will be received there
by the Marquis dc Rochambeau, the Marshal
de lafayette, NJ. Laboulaee and other
friends of America.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
The Civil Service Order.

To confirm the construction we gave to
tue Presidents Civil Service order, we give
the following extract from letter written
by Attorney General Devens, to his party
friends in Boston:
81 learn with surprise and regret that any
of the Republican officials hesitate to speak
or vote, alleging us reason the Presidents
recent civil service order. In distinct terms
that order states that the right of officials to
vote and express their views OH public ques-
tions, either orally or through the press, is
not denied, provided it does not Interfere
with the discharge Of their official duties. If
such gentlemen choose not to vote or not
express or enforce their views i'll support OF
the principles of the Republican party, either
orally or otherwise, they at least could not
give reason for such q course which is not
Justified by the order referred to, and which
is simply q peryersion of it,
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
Work.

The time for talk is over, and the time fol-
work has arrived. Let every man who de.
sires to see the vexed question of the State
debt forever at rest, put his own sh boulder tc
the wheel and help roll up such Il majority
for the readjustnlent candidates as shall
make Augusta the banner county Of the
State. Beware of the ticket You vote. See
that it contains the names of none save out
and out readjusters. Go round in the neigh
borhood and hunt up every voter! see that
he has the right ticket and shat he votes it..
Let next Monday and Tuesday be devoted
solely to rescuing the old State from the
clutches of her enemies. They will be we'll
spent days and the fruit of the labor will be
reaped by you and your children.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
Eranne.

Il is every day becoming more plain that
the recent conservative combination of
France was controlled in the end almost en-
tirely in the interest OF the Bonapartists.
At the outset, there is little doubt that it
owed its force to the Orleanists, who hoped
to appeal to the country in such a way that
the Conservatives who had previously acted
with the Left Centre would respond. But
this element soon became feeble in the
coalition. 1t had to give way before the
energy and audacity Of De Fourtou. acting az
leader for the Imperalists, and practically
employing the cooperation OF Marshal Mac
Mahon. The results has been to bitterly dis
appoint both the Legitimitists and the Or
leansts, who are by no means inclined to
follow De Fourtou in the desperate path
which he has marked out for the Cabinet.
1t is HOW stated by the very well informed
corrc spondent OF the London Times, that
the h Ike De Broglie and his friends in the
Cabinet will resign if second dissolution is
refu Ell BY the Senate, as it is very likely to
be. Ais wonld leave the field to De Four
tou, iSh the certainty that he would force
the 4iafshal, if possible, to an open attempt
to r.> abish the Empire-an attempt
whic sill be resisted with all the force OF
the nation,' but which might, nevertheless,
be for the time successful. The probability
is. however, that the spirit of rational free
dem, SO splendidly displayed during the last
five months, would be able to defeat new
coup d'et0t.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

No more touching and beautiful appeal to
the gratitude Of the nation coHld be forinu-
lated than is found III the Thanksgiving
Proclamation ISSUED by the President OF
the United States, as found below
The completed circle of summer and winter, seed
time and harvest, has brought us to the accus-
brata with praise and thanksgiving the enduring
mercy OF Almighty God. This devout and pubic
confession of the constant dependence OF man
upon the Divine favor Tor all the good gifts OF
life and health, and peace and happiness SO early
i'll cur history made the habit OF our people, finds
in the survey ofIhe past year new grounds Tor It's
joyful and grateful manifestations
In all the blessings which depend upon benign
ant seasons this has indeed been melnoFaDle
year Over the wide territory of our country, with
all its diversity of soil and climate and Ffoaacts,
the earth has yielded bountlfHl return ~, 70 tue
labor Of the husbandman. The health OF the PEG
pie has been blighted by no prevalent or "luG-
sp. cad diseases. No great disasters OF shipWteck
upon our coasts or to our commerce oil the seas
have brought loss and hardship to merchants ana
mariners and clouded the happiness of the COM
manlty in sympathetic sorrow. In all that CON
Germs our strength and peace Ond greatness as Il
nation; in ali that touches the perlnanence ana
security OF our Government and the 5eneticent m
situations which it rests in ali that affects the
| character and dispositions OF our people and
| tests our capacity TO enjoy and uphold the free
condltlons OF society now permanent and uniyer-
sal throughout the land, the experience OF the
last year is consplcuously marked by the pro-
tecting providence Of God and is full OF promise
and hope for the coming generations.
Under q sense OF these Infinite obligations to
the great Ruler OF times and seasons and events,
| let US humbiy ascribe it TO our own faults and
fraiities if. in any degree, that perfect concord
and happiness, peace, and Justice, which such
great mercies should diffuse through the hearts
and lives OF our people. do not altogether and al
| ways and everywhere prevail. Let us with enc
spirit and with one voice lift up praise aIfd
| thanksgiving to God for his manifold goodness
| to our land, his manifest care for our nation
Now. therefore, l. Rutherford B. Hayes, Presi
| dent OF the United States, do appoint Thursday.
the 10Th day OF November next, as a day of thanks
giving and prayer, and I earnestly recommend
| that, withdrawing themselves from secular cares
and labors, the people Of the United States do
| meet together on that day in their respective
places OF worship there to give thanks and
praise to Almighty God for His meYcies, and to
devoutlv beseech their continuance.
In witness whereof I have hereunto SET my
han and caused the seal of the United States to
be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington this twenty
| ninth day of October, in the year Of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and
| H. 81 seventy-seven, and OF the Independence
of the United States the hundred
and second
r. B. HAYES.
| By the President:
AT E,- AIDING, Of of,
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

THE PRESIDENT S REPUBLICANIsM.- The
Washington correspondent of the Baltimore
Sun, Of the Oath, says
Several republican Senators who have had
interviews with the President in the last two
or three days represent that his utterances
are such as to satisfy them that it is not his
intention to play iuto the hands OF the
democratic party. The President has taken
pains to say to these Senators that he is as
good q republican as he ever was, and that
be shall always labor for the success OF that
party; that everything he has done he be-
lieved at the time and still believes to be for
the good Of The republican party. He has
also, they think, evinced a willingness to
modify somewhat his own opinions in order
to meet on common ground those with
whom he has always been associated. Some
Of these Senators say chat If the President
will be willing to concede one-thrd from his
standpoint they will meet him by concedng
two-thirds from their point.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
FOREIGN Summary.

The Gar is expected to move his head
quarters at Po,edin, and this move is
thought to indicate change in the opera
rations against Plevna, the abandonment
OF the attempt to capture the works on the
east and securing a better communication
with the troops operating on the Sofia road.
The capture OF Telische was effected by q
bcmbardment with seventy-two guns-no
assault being necessary. This success gives
the Russians 4 firm hold on the Plevna and
and Sofia road, but the road to Widdin is
still in Turkish possession, and Ghaza Os-
man Pasha will make desperate effort to
retain that outlet,
The latest advices from Paredin state
that the Turkish losses by the capture of the
position near Gwinji Dubnik was at least
four thousand men, besides the wounded
and prisoners. The Russians accuse the
Turks Of twice Turing them under disas-
trous fire by displaying white flag. Three
desperate assaults were made before the
Turks surrendered.
The Spanish Government has taken an
mpofsant sCep towards aecO mpllshlng the
pacitication OF Cuba, and at the same time
encouraging settlers, The soldiers and vol
unteers who have completed their terms OF
service, and insurgents who have submitted
to the Government, are to have sections of
nations! land appointed to them. They are
to be merely tenants for three years, but il
the land has been properly cultivated, at the
end OF that term they become actual own
ers, and are exempt from taxation for five
The negotiations for a compromise regar-
ding tlle French Cabinet have been posi-
poned until next week on account OF the alb
senee Of Senators and Deputies in the PROV
inces preparing. for the election of Council
ors General ard Councillors Of the Arrondis-
sements, which occurs next Sunday.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

The President has sent to the Senate for
confirmation the name Of Col. j. D. Brady,
as Collector of Internal Revenue for the 18th
Virginia District, and the names of Fl. B.
Nichols, Norfolk, Jas. F. Wilson, Lynch
burg, Mrs. James, Ashland, Col. Potts, Pc
tersburg, and Col. Forbes, Richmond, as
pOstmasters.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

Watch your tickets! Scan closely every
name, and see to it that your ballot is depos-
tied for the men you want to represent you.
There are mixed tickets out, and a great deal
OF cross firing. See to it, that your tickets
are as you want them.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

An order has been issued at the Postoliice
Department. requiring each railway post
ollice clerk, route agent, mail route messen-
ger and local agent to provide himself a uni
form OF blue cloth and brass buttons, to be
worn at all hours when off duty.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

1t is a healthy sign when the people lead
the politicians. Heretofore the reverse has
been the practice, and the embarrassments
now affecting the State are the results. We
may reasonably expect a better condition OF
things, when those who have the taxes to
pay and bear the burdens of government
determine to have say in the management
of public affairs.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
WEST VIRGINIA CENTRAL RAILROAD.

WEST VIRGINIA CENTEAL KAILKOAD.-
The West Virginia Central railway, with a
proposed capital of ten million dollars, was
Incorporated at Wheeling on Friday. The
route is from Cerelo, Upshur county, West
Va, through the counties OF Cabell and Put
nam, crossing the Great Kanawha river at
the city Of Charleston, Kanawha county,
thence along the river to the mouth OF Gau-
ley river, thence along the Gauley river to q
point near its source, passing through the
counties Of Kanawlla, Fayette, Nicholas,
Webster and Pocahontas, to Harrisonburg,
Va, and thence through the counties OF
Madison, Culpeper. Fauquier and Stafford,
to Aqua Creek, Oh the Potomac river DIS
lance OF 800 miles. The stock subscribed is
owned by Philadelphia capitalists.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

We will again remind those who have not
paid their poll tao for 1876, that it is neces-
sary for them to do so before the 9Th of No
veMber to entitle them to vote. By recent
decision of the Attorney General, it is not
necessary to pay any other than the poll tax
to entitle the voter to exercise the privilege
of the elective franchise. Those who desire
IN vote should attend to this at once.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

In the House of Representatives OH Mon
day s45 bills were troduced-enough to
keep the Committees at work for sometime.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

A bill has been introduced in Congress re-
ducing the rate of letter postage from to 2
cents for every half ounce, or fraction there
of. after the LIST of January. 1878.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01

AN FFacTIoNATE HOG. The heg is not
usually chased among the atieciionate ami
mails. There is 0ae instance. remarks Il
contemporary. OF his display OF this quality.
however. to record in his behalf. Henry
Turner. aged nine. died in Maysvi'e. Kv.,
last week and was buried at Orangeburg.
some sever, miles distant. When the fun
eral procession left Maysville. small hoy,
which the chilli had fed and petted. goE be-
bind the hea Sc. and despite repeated efforts
to drive il back. followed the procession
all tie way 10 the bnryng ground. There
it attempted to enter the ground, but u
fence prevented it doing so.
bill Introduced in the Senate to amend
the law in regard to the transportation OF
live stock, forbi,ls then, being confined In
railroad car, Boat or vessel longer than
twenty-four hours without unfolding Tor
resi-. water and food Tor not less than seven
hours. The bill imposes fine and mlrlson
ment for detention of animals for longer
period than specified. This, however, can
hardly apply to vessels carrying live stock
to Europe. Cuba, or, indeed. from Texas to
New Orleans by way of tle Gulf of Mexico.
The latter is q most important trade, one
firm having shipped 1900 head OF cattle
during 1876 By way Of the Morgan steamers
to New Orleans and Havana.
Hon. John Welsh of Phiadelphia a,
prominent Republican, and citizen OF great
enter prise and patriotic impulses, has been
appointed minister to England.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-11-01
The State Far.

The first day Of the Virginia State Fair.
opened on Tuesday last very auspiciously,
notwithstanding the lowering clouds and
threatening weather. The President and
his party, consisting of 10 persons, includ
ing Mrs. Hayes. and two Of her children, ar.
rived at the appointed time, and were re.
ceived by an immense concourse of people
and with great enthusiasm, Judge Meredith
delivering the welcoming speech. The de-
monstrations in honor OF the distinguished
party were worthy Of Virginia, and reflect
ed the inner sentiment of her people of af-
lection for the national government. The
President replied briefly, and was followed
by Attorney General Devens, Secretary
Sherman and Secretary Thompson.
The occasion of the Fair and the visit oil
the Presidential party will be long rcmem-
bered, as the first instance when Republi.
can President received a cordial welcome
from men of all parties in the Capital of the
old Dom inion.