davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
Letter from Mr. Parsons.

Editor of the Wing Il am glad to see from the
files of the Wing on my return that you have
/, favorably spoken of the proposition to call up
on the National Government for cid i'll settle
ment of the public debt of Virginia, and | asl;
YOU to aid me in answering a mass of letters
beyond my strength to reach personally.
1st. What is your proposition in the simplest
words?
owed public debt; that 1t neither assumed
nor paid any part of that debt; that it deliv-
cred one-third of the taxable value of the Com
monwealth to new and independent State OF
its own creation, beyond the reach of Virginia
or her creditors; that the honor of the nation is
involved, and that it is to-day liable to the eX-
extent of $l0000,000 with twenty-five years in
terest added, or $25,000OU0.
I'd. To whom should the money be paid?
To the State of Virginia, whenever she Sc
cures the assent of her creditors to q plan OF
settlement that finally discharges the debt
leaving no faint of compulsion or Reputation
do not think the whole sum would be re-
quired, but that Sl0,000,0G0 in the general COM
promising suit would be sufficient.
The funding act of 1871, and later acts and
amendments, have greatly complicated what
was simple proposition.
Sd. How should you open the debate next ses-
sion?
Upon a simple petition of the business in
terests, clouded and involved by this public
discredit. have conferred with great many
members of both houses of Congress, and
think the suggestion most likely to receive
favor would be one to fix sum absolute to be
final payment on any settlement the State may
make. | think the first step should be to ask
the authority Tor the President to appoint one
OF three commissioners, the other to be ap,
poin tied by the Governors of Virginia and Yves;
Virginia, to consider and report to Congress
and the State Legislature some fair plan OF
adjustment as the basis of Legislative action
This, in the end would save time.
4. What would be fair adjustment?
Virginia to pay $4,000, o00 8 per cent. bonds
West Virginia topay 100000 per cent. bonds
United States to pay S10,r00,00O in money.
s. How would you reach results?
By educating our own people to a sense of the
wrong that has been done them and rights they
| have; by urging the national obligation upon
Congress, and appealing to the common sense
and impartial Justice that characterize the
common people i'll the tribunal Of last resort.
g. Is this a new proposition?
No; have been on record for sixteen years
In 1871 it.was suggested by great many. That
was the great opportunity. The English credi-
to"s ought to have gone before the Alabama
Claim Commission The occasion FOR bringing
the case up now lies in the fact that the decis
ion of the Supreme Court threatens immediate
disaster to people OF this State
H. G. PARSONS.
| Natural Bridge, Va July 18th. 1886.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
The mills and factories throughout the

The mills and factories throughout the
United States are buster at this time than
for twelve months; have better margins
promised and the assurances OF q larger
trade than ever before. There has been no
accumulation of goods for several months.
The rail mills are sold from three to eight
months ahead The textile manufacturers
expect to run every pound of steam they
can raise throughout the fall and winter.
The railroad builders expect to complete
their railroad by electric light. The lumbeY
dealers and manufactures have crowded
stock into market both east and west. AS
the end of Congress approaches, and
the time for doing mischief by tariff tink-
ering draws to an end, business begins to
brighten.
The remains of Hon. John Letcher
"war Governor Of Virginia, who is
rightly called the grand old man" who
was the friend of all and enemy of none,
are at Lexington, near by the last resting
place of StoneWall Jackson. Letcher's only
monument is of Gods creation-an eyer
Green
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
Sub Carboniferous Curiosities
Editor VALLEY Varginias !:

Ed2tOT I0ttey p1YC3a1oD:
Dear Sir,-I send you few small fos-
sis, found in Scott county, Powell town
ship and It'll District Of this State, and
near this village. | have had many in
quiries from biologists and others from
this State asking me to describe them in
detail, and as | cannot take the time or
furnish postage and write each one a per-
sonal letter, beg to answer few through
the columns of the VIRGINIAN. There
are Is kinds of these strange formations,
including one that looks like diamonds
these are beautiful, but too bulky for a
common letter, are clear as water, eight
squares and pointed. There is another
that is of solid crude ore, in the exact
shape of a large river periwinkle; these
are found in red, rusty clay and are not
so plenty as some other kinds; this ore is
lead with Is per cent. of silver, so says
Prof. Mitchell. of Knoxville, Tenn. Some
are like rose seed vessels of plants-these
are beautiful-various shells, corals, sc.
l cannot describe them, but they are all
free. All who wish to see them send
mailing expenses and return addressed
envelope and all curious to know shall see
for themselves. Address me Flag Pond
P. O., Va. G. w. RoBINETT, 2. M.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
The New NAVY,

The House On Monday concurred in
the senate amendments to the bill for the
re-establishment of the navy. The bill
now requires but the signature OF the Pres
ident before it will become alaw. The
bill as passed provides for two sea-going,
double-bottomed armored vessels of about
six thousand tons displacement, with speed
of 16 knots per hour, to be armed with tor
pedo outfit. One protected double bottomed
cruiser OF from 5000 to 5000 tons dis
placement; one first-class torpedo boat, and
for the completion Of the four double-tur-
reted monitors now being constructed.
The Senate amendments prohibit the pur-
chase of material abroad except. if absolute
ly necessary, certain shafting. One or
more Of the vessels are already in course of
construction, anda part of this sum is to be
used for purchase of tools and machinery.
This sum it is expected, WILDE expended at
the ordnance works Of the Wash ington ma
w yard. The Secretary of the Navy is auth
orized to contract with the Pneumatic Dy-
Mantle Gun company of New ork for one
dynamite gun cruiser to cost $3.50, 600. To-
wards the construction of these vessels So,
SOC, 900 is appropriated. besides the million
for armament. The bill carries in all, ito
be appropriated at different times, about
SIC, 200, 900 A provision OF $l50,000 is
made for the improvement of the plant of
a 1.-THE Washing ton navy yard.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

April. At times during the coolest
weather the thermometer in the wards, by
direction of the physicians, registered as
high as $40 On more than one occasion
Mr. O'Donueli called attention to the ee-
gree of heat required. He. however, WAS
chewing the Instructions of the physicians
and they certainly knew. or ought TO have
known, what was best Under the circnfn-
stances. AS to his skill and judgment in
the construction Of heating apparatus, let
his work speak. He remodeled the pipes
in half of the old male building, and his
work stands to-day side by side with that
of MI Dinneen. Let an expert be called
upon to give his judgment as to which is
the better job. Certainly the authorities
at the Asylum gave the preference to Mr..
Old, for after testing the character of
his work through the severest winter we
have had in years, he was ordered to re-
model the old female building upon the
same plan. In this he was engaged when
| removed. The winter of 1886 will long
he remembered for it's intense cold. 1t
sever ely tried all classes of gas, water and
steam piping, as our citizens can testify.
| During that time not foot of Mr.. ODDS
piping caused the slightest trouble. The last
winter, we are told. despite the range of the
| thermometer, was the most comfortable
known within the walls of the Asylum for
many years. The simple facts are the
best REPUTATION of the charge of incompe-
tency or want of experience.
We have certainly no disposition what
ever to do injustice to Mr.. Blackburn or
anyone else. If the late engineer was in
competent he ought to have been turned
out long ago. Either Mr.. O'Donnell was
qualified, or else the Asylum authorities
have been guilty of the grossest abuse of
trust in retaining him for two years, and
then discharging him on the sole ground of
inerperaence. If he was competent, then
the only reason we have heard assigned
for h is removal is a political one.
That there may be final settlement OF
this controversy. we make this proposal
Let an impartial expert be selected to ex.
anime Mr.. O'Donnell's work in compari-
son with that of Mr.. Dinneen-and sim.
liar comparison be instituted throughout
the entire department. Let the old Off
GERS and employees whose experience
extends through several administrations
testify to the respective condition of the
} Asylum, with regard to the healthfulness
, and comfort of the wards, so far as that
! condition is referable to the engineering
: department. We are willing to stand OF
fall by the result
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

We would remind the Spectator that
pride goeth before fall, and that it is
not as becoming to be 1oastful before as it
after result is knoa.i. If there is any
trepidation manifested by Republicans be.
cause of the action Of the Lexington Con-
vention, it has been the exclusive privi-
lege of our neighbor to discover it. We
expect a vast amount of Chinese clatter
on the part of the Democrats in the in
eipiency of the canvass. That was the
case two years ago. But before the can
vass closed there was decidedly a more
doleful sound, and the trepidation was from
some other source than the Republicans.
OF course the Democratic candidate will
be ready at all times to meet his opponent,
whoever he may be, before the people, and
then it will be time enough for cymbals to
tinkle and the gongs give out their mu-
sic
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
Norfolk Navy Yard.
Washington Republican. June 2eth.]

In the House on Saturday, during the con-
sideration of the naval bill, the Hon. J. D
ton Of the bill, providing that one of the yes
sells be built at the Norfolk navy, yard, which
he supported in a clear and forcible statement.
Col Brady pressed the matter in the House as
far as he could without endangerjng the passage
of the bill, and although his and othef4 good
amendments were rejected. it is nevertheless a
fact that if the eight Democratic members from
Virginia in the House had each secured one
fourth the number of Democratic votes thet
Col. Brady did Republican in favor of the
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
WHOLESALE PRICES.
0IED.

David Jackson died st Churchvile, Va, on
9th of July, 1886, in his Seth year. He was born
in the month of August in the last year of the
18th Century, and lived almost to see the twi-
light Of the Goth Century, during over 50 years
~ VIII ich time he was devoted and true mem
her of the United Brethren Church. He was
came" He died III peace and in hope OF Q
blissful Immortality W.
Mrs. Cecilia G. James. the grandmother of
Mr., Frank Kingan of this city, died in Talcott
W, VA Oh Tuesday, aged IS years. She was q
native of Wales, and most estmable lady.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
NEW ADVERTISER EsNrs.
COMMISSIONER OFFICE,
u SrAuNroN. Va Inlv 26th. Is

COMMISSIONERS OFFICE,
" STANTON, VA. July 18th, 1886.
In the Chaneery cause now pending In tho
Circuit Court Of Augusta under the style of
QUINN, q. II. VS., GUINN's WIDOW d AIS, all
parties Pr. and I)cits. and others whoInsOever
Interested including al wnpaid CREDITORS OF
JOSEPH. QUINN, DECD, are hereby notified that
in pursuance Of a decree therein entered on
the 22d day of May, 1886, shall at my office in
Stanton on
Friday. The 27th day Of august 1886
proceed to take, stale and settle an account
showing the transactions of John S. Guy as
Admr c. "a. of Joseph Quinn, decd; as also
the unpaid debts of said decedent, as well as
ms personal assets, and his realty. its fee sim
PIE ana annual rental value and the condition
u, we Title thereto, together with such other
IN interest may require. re-
JIyZ9 ]. w. GREEN SMITH Comm,r
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
PLEASANT Grove Va

PLEASANT GROVE, Va, Aug. l, Sc.
The I'd Quarterly Meeting of the M. E.
Church, was held on Saturday and Sunday,
Rev. J. c. Dice, P. E., preaching on Sat
urday, at II a. M, from Jud. II va fine,
deep discourse.
On Sunday, Rev. j. S. Gardener. of
Staunton Station, M. E. Church. South
preached, on christian integrity, pro
found, learned and moving discourse, after
which the communion of the Supper was
administered to large number.
A HEARER.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05


The V5aadicator has short memory if it
forgets that in the late municipal election
the triumph of the independent ticket was
understood to mean change of munich
pal officers. The contest was made for
that purpose, and those who fought on the
one side OF the other were well aware of
it. Mr.. Dnneen's removal was expected
when the result was announced. He sim
ply met the fate of political warfare. Mr..
O'Donnell's discharge from the Asylum
can be justified upon no such grounds.
The members Of the Board and the officers
of the Institution are supposed to be gov
erned bby a statute. which declares that
politics shall not enter into the admins
tration. This law they are saoorn to OBJ
serve. If they discharge or employ man
for purely political reasons, they must
first violate the law under which they
obtain their authority. If Mr.. O'Donnell
was.incompetent he ought to have been dis
charged long, long ago. If he was COM
petent, he ought not to have been dis
charged at all. The Vaadicator's s'life-
time holding" doctrine will hardly
avail it in this instance. Mr.. Dinneen was
an employee at the Asylum for 25 years !;
Mr.. O'Donnell for less than three. If the
Limitation idea is to prevail, the former
could certainly advance no claim to the
position.
The threat with reference to the police
is about as sensational as the attempt to
make martyr out of Mr.. Dinneen. To
read our nelghbor's pathetic story OF a
possible boycott, one would suppose that
Mr.. D. had no halting place between
official position and mendicancy. We have
always regarded him as competent, in
teligent, energetic mechanic, capable OF
making good living anywhere and in no
wise.dependent for alivelihood upon polit-
ical favor. If we mistake not, when re-
moved from the Asylum before, he at once
established himself in business and con-
Quoted it successfully until elected as the
Superintendent of Water. Our contem-
porary draws heavily upon its magma
tion, and CONSTITUTES a failure to make a
public position for such a man as a "boy-
colt by the city authorities and as evil
dence of a purpose to '.hnoud him out of
every place he might earn his bread,' sc.
If he were not capable of earning his
bread as ninety nine hundredths of other
mechanics do, the State might possibly
afford to pension him, but it certainly
could not afford to place him in the re-
sponsible position he now holds.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

A few weeks ago, Capt. p. T. Powell,
of this place, who is one of the contrac-
tors for the work on the extension of the
c. o. R. r. from Maysville to Covington,
KY, had the misfortune to have barge
sunk. ladened with 5000 or $4,000 worth
Of tools and steel. A few days ago the
barge was discovered by fisherman, al
though search had been made before for it
without success. AS the material was not
perishable we hope the most of it will hs
secured.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
THE M ARK ETS.

REPORTED BY j. H. BLACKLEY & SON, GENERAL.
COMMISSION MERCHANTS.
There is no change In the market this week.
Wheat comes in very slowly and that offered is
not in good condition. Prices for new wheat
range from 70 to IS cts; for old 80 to 49,
EThere was no change of consequence in the
Baltimore Cattle markets this week.
STANTON MARKETS..
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
Neglect of DUTY.

The article taken from the Washington
Republican and published elsewhere, in
relation to the Norfolk Navy Yard, de-
serves more than a passing notice. The
amendment offered by Col. Brady to have
the Norfolk Navy Yard included in the
designations for the construction of naval
vessels, was in the interest Of Virginia.
It meant the employment of large mum
Der of workmen and the distribution of a
large amount of money in that portion of
the State. Yet the member Of the Naval
Committee from Virginia. Hon. Geo. D.
Wise, of the Richmond District voted
against the amendment. while Messrs.
Trigg and Croxton voted for it, of the
Democratic representatives. Of course
Col. Brady and Mr.. Libbey, the two Repub-
lican members. supported the amendment.
Under Democratic administration, with
all the patronage of the government in
the control Of the Democratic party, we
find that Democratic Congress refuses
to assign the construction of any one of
the vessels ordered to be built, to one of
the most complete navy yards in the
country. and Democratic representatives
from Virginia voting to endorse this dis
elimination against their own State. Is
this representing Virginia interests, and
rejecting the wishes of the people of the
State ? We think not.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

"a. j. s., j" the washington CORES
pondent of the Richmond State, under
date of the I'd, sends the following special
dispatch:
Jacob Y ost and William E. Craig, of
Staunton. are here to confer with Malone,
regarding the campaign, and it is also said
they are working to defeat the confirma-
ton Of Postmaster Burke, at Staunton.
This is about as near the truth as this
correspondent generally gets when refer
ring to Virginia Republicans. Some weeks
ago when the senior editor was returning
from business visit to Baltimore. he ac-
cidentally met with Hon. j. F. Lewis on
the streets of Washington. 1t was tele-
graphed that the two were there confer
ring with Gen. Malone about Virginia
politics, when they did not see the Sen
ator, nor was he in the city. The Junior
editor was called to Washington this week
on private business, and was accompanied
that far by Mr.. Craig, who had business in
Baltimore, and the result was the dispatch
above quoted. AS to Mr.. Burke neither
of the editors of the VIRGINIAN has ever
written or spoken word against his con-
firmation, except in a general way, appli-
cable to all the Virginia appointments: -
We did think and now think that a Re-
publican Senate ought to have rejected
every one of them, for the reason that
vacancies were made for them by whole
sale false statements and malicious SIAN
ders against Republican officers, affecting
their personal and official character. Mr.
Burke has never been singled out for OPP
position, for we believe there is no more
cause for his rejection than there was for
the rejection of others who have been
confirmed. 1t has been and is a matter of
supreme Indifference to us, who, among
Democrats, shall serve the people in the
Staunton post office, so long as the duties
are discharged impartially and in the in
terest of the public. Certainly neither of
the editors of the VIRGINAN has inter-
fered to defeat the purpose of the Presi-
dent or embarrass the postmaster in the
consideration of his case by the Senate.
We have no petty spites to crafty and no
concealed motive to actuate in anything
we may do or say about Mr.. Cleveland's
appointments here or elsewhere.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
Tuesdag, the It'll day of September, 1856

proceed to take any further evidence that may
in any particular that L may deem proper mr. :,
former report III this cause, as also to take
state and settle an account showing to what
part, If any, of the fund. Alex. F. Robinson j,
entitled as a reasonable fee for his professional
services in this cause.
aug5 j. W. GREEN SMITH, Comm'r
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
~ E'r THE BEST.
a8- FARMERS, TAKE NOTICE.

| We call especial attention to the following
| excellent and popular goods, now in season and
! for sale by us:
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

! ,MACIfLNERP OiL-Especially adapted for
Reaping and Moving Machinery. Engines M 4
Ihreshers, Wood ana Iron working machinery
&C., at low d9Eres.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
COMMISSIONERS OFFICE,
" STAUNToN, VA, Aug. 4th, 1856.

4 siNVNI IIliJSIUIN EIGTS UEEICE,
" STAUNToN, VA, Aug. 4th 1885,.
IN the chancery cause of CRAUNs & WINE VS.,
REEVES, GEORGE W., now pending in the Cir
cult Court of Augusta, all parties plaintiffs and
defendants, and all LIEN CREDITORS of GEoRG E
ance of decree therein entered on the 18th OF
May, 1886, shall, at my office iii Staun ton on
Tuesday, the It'll day of September, 1886
proceed to take, state and settle an account
showing the fee simple and annual rental
condition of the title to said lands and the liens
binding thereon in the order of their priority
together with such other matters as | may
deem pertinent or any party in interest may
require.
aug5 j. W. GREEN SMITH, Comm'r.
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
Monday, the 9Th dag of September, 1856,
COMMISSIONERS OFFICE,

In the chancery cause of HUNT & ELLISON VS.,
GROUSE, j. NJ, now pending in the Circuit Court
Of Augusta, all parties plaintiffs and defendants
and ALL LIEN CREDITORS OF j. N GROUSE are
hefeby notified, that, in pursuance of decree
therein rendered on the 18th of May, 1886, 1
shall at my office in Staunton, on
Wednesday,, the sth dag of September, 1886,
proceed to take, state and settle an account
showing the real estate of said j. N, Grouse
the fee simple and annual rental value thereof
and the liens binding thereon in the order of
their priority, together with such other mat
interest may require
aug5 j. W. GREEN SMITH Comm,r
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

Hay PRESSES-The ceIebrcted Dederick
hay Presses, unequalled for quality and guam
lily OF work and durability. We are General
Agents Tor the Piedmont and Valley sections
ana Southwest Virginia. Responsible sub
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05

~ Z RA hES. -''rhe Thomas,'' we'll known
durability. -N
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
NEW ADyERrisEMEN
4 COMMISSIONERS OFFICE
STA linton W.

-, ia i, me chancery cause of McCUrcHAN, j. Y
yS; MGC 9dnit p AIS. pending IN In,
11ar, OF augusta, all parties plaintiffs
Interested are hereby notified that, in purau
a9ee OF ao aecree therein rendered on the It'll
VI May 1000 SNAIL at my office in stanton, Oh
The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-08-05
COMMISSIONERS OFFICE.
" STAUNToN. VA. august 18th, 1856,

= EoI<4UlSIUN, V A., AUGUST 4tll, 1856.
In the Chane9ry suit of JoHN's( A. ~, ADMIR-
vs.; JOINS (tte0eeecG) AD5rR. AND AIS, now
pending in the Circuit Court of Augusta, all
parties plaintiffs and defendants, and all per-
sons Whomsoever interested therein, especially
all unpaid CREDITORS of REBEcCA JOHNS,
DECD, are hereby notified that, in pursuance
OF decree therein entered on the 4th of June
1856, shall, at my Office in Staunton, on
Monday, the 9Th day of September, 1886,
proceed to take, state and settle an account
showing; ~ The transactions of Jacob F.
Granger. as Admr. of Rebecca Johns, decd;
% the debts against the estate of said Rebecca
decedents liable to the payment of said debts;
az in how far the real estate of said decedents
IS liable to the payment of said debts, and (5)
or any party in interest may require.
aug5 j. w. GREEN SMITH, Commr.