The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-11-04

BRIDGEwATER JoURNAL.-Col G. T. Bar
bee has taken charge of the BFidgewater Jour-
nal, and from the spirit of the following ex-
tract from his well written salutatory we may
expect heightened and useful publication,
under his management:
In the beginning, and my utterances are in
measured words, proclaim it as my fixed and
stern deliberate and determn ed purpose never
to allow passion and prejudice to gain prepon-
derance over sober and ripened judgment, or
to sway the convictions of a heart determined
to deal Justly if ii knows how to do it. The
Bridgewater Journal, as long as have any
connection with its guidance, shall never be
permitted to degenerate into clamOrous abuse,
or TO deal haughtily and arrogantly, or to Use
insolent and insulting language towards any
who NAV honestly differ with me in regard to
measures of public policy. 1t is true, and
feel it sensibly, that some Of the very best tai
ent of the State is associated with its Journal
ism, and | confess, in all truthfulness that
enter upon the duties and responsibilities of
this new vocation with great diffidence and
embarrassment. | know that | must confront
not only my peers, but more than my equals
It is very natural then. that | should crave all
the crumbs of charitable forbearance that the
hearts of generous and forbearing people
have to bestow upon one conscious OF his
shortcomings and alive to his defects.
DEATH OF Mrs. SUSAN F. CoFFMAN-The
body of Mrs Susan F. Coffman arrived at this
depot Yesterday, from which it was conveye
to Hilderbrands church and buried.
Mrs Coffman was the only daughter of Mr..
Jacob R. Hildebrand of this county. She was
married last March to M. Henry Cofman,
and went with him to Iowa :. and it was their
intention to return to Virginia in a short time,
and make their home in this county. A short
time ago she was attacked with fever, which
terminated her bright young life She was a
member of the Baptist church, and lived a
consistent christian.
A large circle of friends attended her funeral,
which was preached by Rev. Mr.. Taylor, as
sisted by the Rey Mr. Driver.
1t seems hard that one so young and just
entering upon the happiness which congen-
ial marriage ensures, should die. but what He
doeth we shall know hereafter NGynes50rU
Ad1ertiser, Oct. 28th.
THE PLANETS IN NovEMBER-The Novem-
Der nights, says the Baltimore American, will
be full of interesting planetary incidents. The
evening of the 4th will be specially noteworthy
A fascinating picture will be painted on the
early evening sky. The two-days-old cres-
cent MOON the radiant Venus and swift footed
Mercury may all be seen if the clouds do not
conceal the celestial canvass. AT the same
time Mercury reaches his most distant point
from the sun, and Neptune reaches his opposi-
fion where he is most favorably situated fol
observation through the telescope. Venus and
Jupiter are so situated in regad to each other
that they form the most attractive feature of
the sky in the early evening. Soon after sun
set Venus peeps from her hiding place, and
hangs like lamp suspended by golden chains
softly shining in the twilight glow. At the
same time, and, before any other stars are Wis
ible, Jupiter rises slowly in the east, gorgeous
lv brilliant against the dark background Of
the sky As Venus sinks towards the horizon
Jupiter mounts towards the zenith, and tie
planetary play may be watched for an hour
Jupiter is now the more brilliant, but his lus-
ire is waning, and he will soon be eclipsed by
the radiant queen of the stars, who before
many moons lave waXel and waned, will
reign without rival Jupiter and Venus will
be delightful to watch, as one advances and
the other recedes over the celestial road. The
clear and crisp November nights are inspiring
to star-gazers for besides the aspects Of the
planetary brotherhood, so personal in interest
tothe dwellers on this little planet, the sky is
dive with clustering consultations, including
some of the most radiant stars that twinkle il
the northern cOncaye.
Col w. P. Johnston of Lexington, Va.
father of Mrs II. St. Geo. Tucker, Of this
place, has received notice ofhis election to tht
Presidency of the State OF Louisiana Univer
sty, at Baton Rouge, and has gone there tt
meet the Board of Trustees.
Commodore George Anderson has sent t.
this Office mammoth turnip, a specimen 0