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 Articles Indexed by TopicFranklin County : African Americans/Race RelationsThe Freedmen | Civil Rights | Race Relations | African Americans in the War | African Americans in Politics Note: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading. |
Franklin Repository, June 14, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items--Gossip With Our Friends."
Gossip recounts a touching encounter he had with a freedman who had recently found his children and was in the process of
preparing his reunited family for the return to the South.
Valley Spirit, June 28, 1865, p. 1, c. 4: "Sambo's Idea of Freedom."
Recounts the reaction of a black teenager upon learning that he was free.
Valley Spirit, August 9, 1865, p. 1, c. 5: "The Fruits of Negro Equality."
Traveling to Panama to see how that country has managed since slavery was abolished, a writer from the New York Herald reports
on the condition of the freedmen there in order to gauge the probable effects of emancipation on blacks in the South. Using
statistics that point to rising illegitimacy rates, he asserts that morality among ex-slaves in Panama has declined precipitously
since they gained their freedom, an occurrence that seems to be taking place in the U.S. as well. Under these circumstances,
it will prove disastrous to grant the former bondsmen in the South the right to vote.
Valley Spirit, August 16, 1865, p. 1, c. 3: "The Poor Negro."
The black population of Washington City has surged to 25,000, reports the article, the vast majority of them homeless, living
from day to day, hand to hand. The group is chiefly composed of former southern slaves who followed the advancing Union armies
to escape their bondage and establish new lives. In fact, the article recounts, quite the opposite has come true. The black
refugees have grown so disillusioned by their situation that many of them would gladly return to their masters. Should the
winter come without any sort of change in the freedmen's circumstances, "spring will find them largely diminished in numbers
and thousands will be broken and shattered."
Valley Spirit, September 6, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "White Trash."
Comments on a letter written by Mr. Redpath, an associate of the late John Brown, praising the achievements of the freedmen.
Using figures provided by the superintendent of the home for refugees at Nashville, he asserts that blacks, collectively,
are less reliant on government aid than the Irish.
Valley Spirit, October 25, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "Homesick Darkey."
Recounts an alleged story of a black man in Louisville who solicited donations in order to pay for a ticket to return to
his master in Georgia.
Valley Spirit, November 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 5
The Spirit offers cautionary advice to Radicals who assume that their struggle to free the slaves was a noble exercise. It
asserts that the freedmen's conditions have deteriorated since the end of slavery because they are ill prepared for life without
masters.
Valley Spirit, November 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 6
Contains a transcript of a speech delivered by General Tillson, agent for the Freedmen's Bureau in Georgia, before the state's
General Assembly. The primary theme in Tillson's address was the difficulty of "making useful and industrious citizens of
the blacks."
Valley Spirit, November 29, 1865, p. 1, c. 3: "Jamaica and the South."
Using the rebellion in Jamaica as its example of how emancipation can go terribly awry, the article argues for the implementation
of a forceful Reconstruction policy to control the freedmen and firmly establish a new order.
Franklin Repository, November 29, 1865, p. 3, c. 3: "Will The Negro Work?"
The article ridicules the Providence Journal for a piece it published, which asserted that the black man will not work unless
he is obliged to. In "this respect," the Repository relates, "he resembles the white man." "When food and clothing, comfort
and competency are the rewards of his labor," both blacks and whites will work.
Franklin Repository, December 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Mock Sympathy."
The editors question the legitimacy of the comments that recently appeared in the pages of the Patriot and Union, which expressed
concern over the welfare of the former slaves. According to the Democratic journal's claims, northern and foreign capitalists
are scheming to exploit blacks in the South. Life for the freedmen and women, it asserts, was far superior under slavery than
it will be in the new order, a suggestion ridiculed by the Repository editors, who assure readers that blacks will quickly
adapt to the new conditions.
Franklin Repository, December 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Freedom!"
A copy of Secretary Seward's proclamation officially abolishing slavery in the United States, an occurrence relished by the
Repository's editorial staff.
Valley Spirit, January 3, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "The Dying Negroes."
The piece attributes soaring mortality rates among blacks in Macon, Georgia, to their "insane desire" to leave the comfortable
surroundings of their masters' homes for the city, where they are ill-prepared to fend for themselves.
Valley Spirit, November 28, 1866, p. 1, c. 1: "Rapid Declension."
Contains an extract from a letter written by Rev. C. K. Marshal, of Mississippi, asserting blacks in that state have relapsed
"into the vilest, African superstitions." According to the minister, this religion is based upon the principle that the "God
who governed formerly is dead," having been overthrown by the "Yankee war."
Valley Spirit, January 23, 1867, p. 1, c. 8: "The Maryland Negro Sale."
The article alleges that an auction occurred in Maryland, in which black convicts were "sold" as punishment. The piece points
out the irony that it was the Radicals, in fact, who passed the legislation authorizing the sale.
Valley Spirit, April 24, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Liberty and Suffrage Not Enough For the Negroes."
Since gaining their freedom, the article contends, blacks have increasingly "grown great in arrogance," to the point that
they now "demand free gifts of the lands owned by their late masters."
Franklin Repository, May 15, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Six Years Ago and Now."
Within the last six years, explain the editors, the world has changed dramatically. Over the course of that time, 32,000,000
slaves were freed from their servitude. Yet, the editors remind readers, the struggle for human liberty has not ended.
Valley Spirit, July 3, 1867, p. 2, c. 5: "A Heavy Job."
While Radicals may believe that they have freedpeople's best interests in mind when they formulate their policies, their
actions indicate otherwise. This has become particularly evident with the Radicals' plans to convince the ex-slaves to register
their "nominal bonds" with the state or the church.
Franklin Repository, May 24, 1865, p. 1, c. 7: "Historic Facts About The Rights of Suffrage."
The article points out that, in contrast to public perceptions, suffrage was not restricted to whites in the early years
of the Republic. The constitutions of nine of the original thirteen states, in fact, made "no distinction on account of color"
in respect "to 'the qualifications of electors for the numerous branch of the State Legislatures.'"
Franklin Repository, June 21, 1865, p. 1, c. 7: "Negro Suffrage In The South."
The article repudiates the notion that conferring blacks with suffrage rights will result in their social advancement by
pointing out the fact that blacks, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, had the right to vote in a number of states,
both northern and southern, yet clearly their status had not markedly improved as a result.
Franklin Repository, June 28, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Negro Suffrage."
The debate over the issue of enfranchising the freedmen, admit the editors, is perplexing. Yet, despite the fact that there
is no easy solution to the dilemma, it is clear that the right cannot be conferred upon them by the federal government. That
decision, they maintain, is the province of the states.
Valley Spirit, July 5, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "President Lincoln on Negro Suffrage."
In response to Radicals who are touting a recently-uncovered letter written by Lincoln as proof that the president endorsed
black suffrage, the article contends that Lincoln's words are being taken out of context. It argues instead that Lincoln believed
in granting blacks the vote in only a few, limited instances, a policy that all Northerners, including Democrats, would be
able to agree upon.
Valley Spirit, July 25, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "The Negro and The Spoils."
In his letter, "C" attacks members of the "deluded party" who hope to secure the right to vote for blacks. C maintains that
those who support black suffrage hope to use the freedmen to "utterly prostrate the democratic party, and reap a rich harvest
of power and spoils."
Valley Spirit, August 9, 1865, p. 1, c. 3: "Absolutely Free."
Denigrates the decision made by the Connecticut Legislature to pass a resolution declaring that all men ought to be free
and are deserving of the same rights and privileges.
Valley Spirit, August 9, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "A Soldier's Opinion of Negro Suffrage."
The Union soldier's letter contains his views regarding the issue of suffrage--"the highest, most important of all our political
rights." In the communication, he rails against the prospect of giving blacks the vote since they, "in their present state
of degradation," are incapable of exercising the franchise properly.
Valley Spirit, August 16, 1865, p. 3, c. 4: "The Suffrage Question."
Contains a mock dialogue between a black man, a Chinese man, and a Native American man over suffrage rights.
Valley Spirit, August 23, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
Abolitionists, the article submits, try to deflect criticism of their support for black suffrage by mocking the notion that
they also believe blacks are morally and intellectually equal to whites.
Valley Spirit, September 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Facts for White Voters."
Thus far, the article reports, no Republican journal in Pennsylvania has openly opposed black suffrage. In fact, it continues,
at various party conventions and meetings, Republicans have "not uttered a word against giving" blacks the vote, a position
Democrats have vigorously condemned.
Valley Spirit, October 18, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
Examines an article published in the London Sunday Review that ridicules the notion that blacks are sufficiently intelligent
and morally principled to participate in the political process.
Valley Spirit, October 18, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Governor Sharkey on Negro Testimony."
Contains a proclamation issued by Governor Sharkey, of Mississippi, authorizing blacks to testify in court "in cases where
their interest is involved."
Valley Spirit, November 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 5: "Black Americans."
Contradicting the Radicals' claim that blacks desire "justice," the article asserts that all blacks really want is "rations
and medicines."
Valley Spirit, December 13, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "John Brown's Soul Is Marching On!"
Reports on a bill introduced in Congress that would grant blacks in the District of Columbia the right to vote, sit on juries,
and give testimony in court.
Valley Spirit, January 24, 1866, p. 2, c. 4: "Negro Suffrage."
In his letter, "Voter" rails against proposals to grant blacks the right to vote. According to Voter, Congress' effort to
legislate black suffrage in Washington, D.C. is merely an "entering wedge" to force it upon the rest of the country, north
and south.
Valley Spirit, February 7, 1866, p. 1, c. 7: "Corry O'Lanus on Recent Political Events."
The piece heralds the recent decision made in Connecticut to deny blacks the vote, and suggests that the freedmen should
be colonized.
Valley Spirit, February 7, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Negro Equality."
Soon, the editorial announces, voters in Pennsylvania will be called upon to determine whether to grant blacks the ballot,
a prospect it finds "most obnoxious." Though the editor contends that most whites are firmly against this measure, he admits
that the legislation might be approved for political reasons--the consequence of the long-standing enmity many former Whigs
and current Republicans hold for the Democrats.
Valley Spirit, June 20, 1866, p. 2, c. 1
Directing its attack against Radical editors who have sought to employ the political ideals espoused by Thomas Jefferson
as justification for giving blacks the vote, the article questions the logic of using the opinions of a slaveowner as a spokesman
for their cause.
Valley Spirit, December 5, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Negro Suffrage."
In response to a Chicago Times article that contends Democrats should simply accept black suffrage "in order to get rid of
the negro question in politics," the Spirit editor blasts the idea as sheer nonsense, and asserts that such a decision would
"inevitably result in the total disbandment of the organization of the party."
Franklin Repository, March 27, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "The World Moves!"
Across the country, and even in the states lately in rebellion, assert the editors, there is growing public sentiment in
favor of granting blacks the right to vote. The lone exception to this shift in sentiment is among Northern Democrats whose
blind devotion to slavery and fear of economic competition with blacks in postbellum society has stifled their ability to
move on and join the rest of the world in welcoming the dawn of a new era in American history.
Valley Spirit, April 24, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Colored Suffrage at the North."
Argues that blacks in the North are denied the vote primarily because of white prejudice.
Franklin Repository, April 24, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Letters From Mrs. Swisshelm."
In her article, Swisshelm discusses the importance of the black vote in the post-war political realm, and maintains that
the freedmen are more politically astute than most whites think.
Valley Spirit, May 1, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Negro Suffrage in the North."
Having foisted black suffrage upon the South, Radical Republicans must now accomplish the same feat in the North, insists
the article. There, however, the task will be complicated by the fact that most northern whites cannot be forced to accept
the Radicals' mandates.
Valley Spirit, July 24, 1867, p. 1, c. 7: "The Late Radical Convention."
Employing a series of quotes taken from speeches delivered at a temperance convention held on June 16th, the article contends
that there is an unholy link between the temperance movement and the Radicals' drive to grant blacks suffrage.
Valley Spirit, July 24, 1867, p. 2, c. 7
The brief article castigates Sumner for his attempt to have the word "white" stricken from the country's naturalization laws.
According to the author of the piece, this was done "in order that foreign-born" blacks could become citizens.
Valley Spirit, September 18, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Negro Equality."
In the wake of the "Border State Republican Convention" held in Baltimore, where speech after speech advocated equal access
to the ballot for blacks, the article begs local white Republicans to consider their party's "purpose." Though they "are loth
to believe it," white rank and file Republicans must accept the fact that their leaders endorse black suffrage, in spite of
the various attempts to conceal and deny this truth.
Valley Spirit, October 2, 1867, p. 1, c. 8: "Making The Application."
Relates a fictitious story about a conversation between two white men, one Republican the other Democrat, in which the consequences
of black suffrage are discussed.
Valley Spirit, December 18, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "More Legislation For The Negro."
In an article that appeared in the June 28, 1865 issue of the Repository, the editor of the Republican journal opined that
Congress should not confer blacks with suffrage rights; rather, he declared, that decision should be left to the individual
state governments. Now, two years later, the editors of the Valley Spirit note, their rival has reversed himself. He, like
the rest to the Republican leadership, is not only willing to grant blacks the vote but is also willing to admit them to juries.
Where, they ask, will it end?
Franklin Repository, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Prejudice Against Reason."
The editors condemn those bigoted individuals who hold a "violent and unreasonable hatred" toward blacks, a view, they note,
that appears to be prevalent among Democratic journals throughout the North, including the Valley Spirit.
Valley Spirit, August 16, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "Effects of Radical Teachings."
Points to an incident that recently occurred in Virginia, in which black railroad workers allegedly conspired to kill their
white counterparts, as evidence that the Radicals' doctrine of black equality has had severe ramifications.
Valley Spirit, August 30, 1865, p. 1, c. 5: "Great Excitement in Clark County, Indiana--Indignation Against The Negroes."
Racial violence in Clark county, Indiana, has reached a fevered pitch as whites continue their assault on the area's black
community. Scores of blacks have been killed in the rioting, which was sparked, it was reported, by an attack made by two
black men upon a elderly white women. Blacks are fleeing in droves from Evansville and the surrounding region to escape the
tumult.
Valley Spirit, October 25, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "Miscegenation Illustrated."
Contains an extract from a new "Book of Travel," written by an American Physician, that categorizes the different results
of interracial unions.
Valley Spirit, November 1, 1865, p. 1, c. 7: "The 'Coming War.'"
Responding to a report that scores of blacks will soon be sent north for employment in the region's mines, the Spirit condemns
the proposal as an insult to white workingmen, particularly those in Pennsylvania since it is home to a large number of extractive
industries and, therefore, will be the destination of a signficant proportion of said freedmen. The article intimates that
the continued campaign to elevate blacks socially and politically will ultimately result in racial conflict.
Franklin Repository, December 20, 1865, p. 1, c. 7: "The Way It Worked."
The article describes the efforts of blacks in Staunton, Va., to establish a church independent of oversight from white clergy.
Valley Spirit, February 14, 1866, p. 2, c. 6: "A Hit--A Palpable Hit."
The article applauds a recent measure sardonically put forth by a Congressman from Illinois calling for the establishment
of "White Man's Day," to be held one out of every six days that Congress devotes to public business.
Franklin Repository, May 16, 1866, p. 2, c. 8: "The Memphis Riot."
The letter provides an account of the recent riot in Memphis, which was incited by the "rebel, negro-hating party." The orgy
of destruction was a product of the mounting tension between the city's Irish police officers, who reportedly take any opportunity
they get to 'kill a nigger,'" and the local black population, particularly the black troops who vowed to put an end to the
continued persecution. During the course of the riot, police officers killed 25 or 30 blacks, "nearly all of them without
the least provocation."
Franklin Repository, June 6, 1866, p. 2, c. 4: "The Memphis Riots."
In compliance with a resolution from the House, the Secretary of War sent that body General Stoneman's report on the Memphis
Riot. According to Stoneman's findings, rioters under the influence of whiskey, including "police, firemen, and rabble, and
negro-haters in general with a sprinkling of Yankee-haters," unleashed an orgy of destruction that resulted in the murder
of 24 blacks in the first three days of May. The report attributes the violence in part to the simmering hostility between
white residents of the city and black troops stationed nearby. The source of the tension stems from the fact that the black
troops were used as "instruments" of the government, given the unenviable task of executing unpopular orders, which often
brought them "in contact with the law-breaking portion of the community and the police."
Franklin Repository, August 8, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "Rebel Massacre in New Orleans!"
A summary of the massacre in New Orleans, and dispatches related to the tumult from President Johnson, the Attorney General
of Louisiana, and Gen. Sheridan.
Valley Spirit, August 15, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "The Radical Plot."
Despite the fact that the report on the recent riot in New Orleans failed to expose "the infernal designs" of the Radicals
who inaugurated it, the writer strives to draw attention to the current state of affairs in the South. Across the region,
he reports, blacks have organized themselves into militias and are drilling "under the very noses, if not with the direct
connivance or approval, of our military authorities."
Franklin Repository, August 15, 1866, p. 1, c. 6: "The New Orleans Massacre."
An account of the violence in New Orleans that details the involvement of local police officers in the murderous rampage.
Franklin Repository, August 15, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "Louisiana--Address of Governor Wells."
A transcript of Governor Wells's speech on the "bloody tragedy" that took place in New Orleans on July 30, 1866. In the address,
Wells places blame for the outrages squarely on the shoulders of intransigent rebels who refuse to accept the new order.
Franklin Repository, August 29, 1866, p. 2, c. 6: "The New Orleans Massacre! Gen. Sheridan's Dispatches Mutilated and Suppressed!"
The article contains the unadulterated copies of Gen. Sheridan's dispatches to President Johnson. Johnson stands accused
of doctoring the documents to protect the men who carried out the carnage, and to shield his own indirect involvement in it.
Valley Spirit, September 5, 1866, p. 2, c. 6
Using an extract from the Repository in which whites are admonished to behave with more decorum when in public, the Spirit
chastises its rival for asserting that blacks act more dignified than whites.
Valley Spirit, October 3, 1866, p. 3, c. 3: "A Scene on the Cars."
The brief piece reports on an exchange between a "colored lady" who tried to enter the lady's car on one of the passenger
trains on the Pennsylvania Railroad and the conductor.
Franklin Repository, October 10, 1866, p. 2, c. 6: "The New Orleans Massacre."
According to a military Commission appointed to investigate the New Orleans Massacre and its causes, "the Administration
in Washington is responsible for the atrocity." In fact, the members of the Commission allege the incident was "planned by
the supporters of the President's policy."
Franklin Repository, November 21, 1866, p. 1, c. 8: "The Inequality of Races."
Reports on a speech made by Schuyler Colfax in which he expressed his adherence to the notion of white supremacy, and lamented
that if not for the existence of other races "there would not be a Democrat to-day."
Valley Spirit, November 28, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "A Move In The Right Direction."
Reports on the departure of the ship Golconda, which set sail for Liberia on Nov. 18th, with 650 blacks. According to article,
emigration is the best solution to the racial troubles plaguing the country.
Valley Spirit, February 6, 1867, p. 1, c. 8: "A Sad Case Of Miscegenation."
The piece relates the story of a woman, who, after consenting to marry a returning white Union officer, had an affair with
a black man and bore a child by him. According to the Spirit, the woman's "sad" predicament is undoubtedly the result of the
"negro equality teachings" of the Radicals.
Valley Spirit, February 13, 1867, p. 2, c. 4: "The Negro In Our Legislature."
Provides an account of the legislative debate over whether to allow blacks to ride in public conveyances.
Valley Spirit, February 27, 1867, p. 1, c. 7: "The New Orleans Riots."
Provides an account of the minority report on the New Orleans Riot, which places blame for the mayhem on Louisiana's Radicals.
Franklin Repository, April 3, 1867, p. 2, c. 6: "The First Case."
A conductor on one of the passenger railways in Philadelphia will be the first person to face charges for refusing to pick
up a black passenger, as called for by recently enacted legislation. The suit was brought by Caroline R. Lacount, "a teacher
in colored school," who alleges that the conductor saw her, but paid no attention to her efforts to hail the car. Should the
claimant win in the case, the railway company would be liable to pay a penalty of up to $500. For his role, the conductor
could be fined no less than $100 and no more than $500, and imprisoned no less than thirty days and no more three months.
Valley Spirit, April 17, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Radical Progress."
The editor ruminates against the Radicals' continued attempts to foist "social equality" upon the people of Pennsylvania.
As an example, he cites the bill recently introduced in the legislature that would require churches and other public assemblies,
theaters, and opera houses to "be open to all classes, without distinctions of color."
Valley Spirit, May 8, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Riding with Negroes."
Commenting on the recently enacted legislation outlawing discrimination on the railroads, the article notes that it is white
women who suffer the most from the consequences of Radical rule since it is they who are forced to sit beside blacks while
traveling.
Valley Spirit, May 15, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Incendiarism and Negro Riots."
The article discusses an incident of racial unrest in Richmond, where thousands of blacks have congregated with "the view
of organizing a grand black Radical party." The violence began after a black man was arrested for disorderly conduct. Believing
him to be innocent, blacks in the crowd "made a riotous assault" on the police and rescued the man from the authorities' custody.
In the wake of this event, "a general negro riot ensued," which was only quelled by arrival of U. S. troops led by Gen. Scholfield.
Valley Spirit, May 22, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "The Negro Riots in Richmond and New Orleans."
After lampooning an article in the Tribune that described the behavior of the freedmen as "excellent and moderate," the editors
contend that the actions of blacks in Richmond during the most recent melee contradict any such declaration. "A saturnalia
of carnage" was prevented in Virginia's capital, they insist, only because blacks fled the scene following the arrival of
U. S. troops. The editors attribute the violence plaguing the South to the presence of blacks in the region's urban centers;
there they encounter "raving and incendiary Radicals" who exert "all their energy and ingenuity to breed mischief." In contrast,
they argue, blacks on plantations only come into contact with southern whites, hence "there is gratifying friendliness between
the two races."
Valley Spirit, May 22, 1867, p. 2, c. 6: "The Whites and Negroes in the South."
Alleging that "there is perfect accord between the larger portion of the freedmen and the white population," the article
insists that an organic bond links the two groups together. In fact, if an election were held "within the next month there
is no reasonable doubt that three-fourths" of the black vote would "be cast with the Southern white vote." Any strife between
the races, therefore, is the result of meddling by northern whites who seek to advance their own interests.
Franklin Repository, June 5, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Address of Penna. State Equal Rights League."
The editorial endorses the Pennsylvania State Equal Rights League, a "colored" organization promoting racial uplift. Its
goal, the piece relates, is to "'unite the entire colored people of our State into one common brotherhood.'" To achieve this
goal, the group promotes the importance of "morality, education, temperance, frugality industry, and everything that pertains
to a well ordered and dignified life."
Valley Spirit, June 12, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Old Thad's Charity."
According to article, the Home for Friendless Children in Lancaster has been the recipient of generous charitable support
from "every person in the county," irrespective of their political affiliations. Everyone, that is, except for Thad Stevens
who has "refused to give a cent to the institution unless the Managers agreed to admit negro children on a perfect equality
with those born of white parents." Though the article rebukes his decision, it argues that he is "honest" since he desires
not only to foist black equality and suffrage upon the people of the South, but acts "upon the same principles at home."
Valley Spirit, July 17, 1867, p. 2, c. 6: "Professing, But Not Practicing Philanthropy."
The article points out the apparent hypocrisy in the fact that interracial marriages are outlawed in Massachusetts, yet politicians
from that state have led the drive to "force such marriages upon the Southern people."
Franklin Repository, August 14, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items--A Row."
The article reports that another fight between black and white residents of Chambersburg took place last Saturday night;
this is the third such episode.
Franklin Repository, September 4, 1867, p. 2, c. 5: "The Colored Celebration at Greencastle."
In his letter, "W." gives a glowing account of the celebration held by blacks in Greencastle. He reports that there were
delegations from the surrounding communities present for the festivities, which included a speech by Rev. Henry Highland,
"a colored man of great prominence among his people." Indeed, says W., Highland was so impressive that he was asked to preach
at the German Reformed Church the following day. And contrary to the "exaggerated" reports in the Valley Spirit, his sermon
was well-received by the white audience, even by Democrats in the flock.
Valley Spirit, October 2, 1867, p. 2, c. 5: "Negroes In The Cars."
Contains an anecdote about a recent incident that occurred when a black man tried to obtain a ticket for the sleeping car
on a train. The article assails the law passed during the winter making it illegal for railroad companies to deny blacks access
to any of their passenger cars, and assures readers that Democratic legislators will only vote for laws that keep white men
where they "have always stood, above the negro's level."
Valley Spirit, November, 20, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Negroes In The Cars."
The article reports on a case in which a black woman was ejected from a railroad car carrying white people and was forced
to sit in another section of the train. The women sued the company and won. On appeal, however, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court
ruled in the Railroad's favor, asserting that, since there "is an aversion between individuals of the different races," it
had the right "to make reasonable regulations to preserve order in their cars."
Valley Spirit, December 11, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local and Personal--A Disturbance."
Reports that racial strife broke out in Mercersburg last Thursday after James Lane, William Doyle, and several other young
white men threw stones into a crowd of blacks who were gathered in front of Stine and Co.'s Clothing Store. In the melee,
several bystanders were injured, including Charles and John Fallon, both of whom were struck in the face by flying stones.
Warrants were issued for Lane and Doyle for their role in the fracas and, since neither men could provide the $500 bail, they
were committed to County prison.
Valley Spirit, September 13, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Negro Equality."
In response to arguments that favor granting blacks the vote because they served in the military, a letter to the Hartford
Times from a "soldier" questions the logic of this approach, suggesting that a distinction should be made between those blacks
who "voluntarily enlisted and those who were forced to don the blue." The soldier claims that over three quarters of the black
troops who served in the Union army were "arrested" and forced into service.
Valley Spirit, November 22, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "Harrisburg."
Describes the festivities that occurred in Harrisburg on Nov. 15th, during the grand reception in celebration of the state's
black soldiers. The event, sponsored by the Great Equal Rights League, included a reception and a procession through the city.
Valley Spirit, December 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 7: "Latest By Mails!"
Recounts the "hearty" reception held in Hartford for returning black troops from the "colored (Twenty-ninth) regiment"; during
the celebration, Gen. J. B. Hawley gave an address praising the black soldiers and proclaiming them "entitled to all the privileges
of white men."
Franklin Repository, February 14, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The President and the Negroes."
From the recent meeting between "a delegation of Negroes and President Johnson," contends the editorial, it has become clear
that the President intends to veto the bill granting suffrage to blacks in the District of Columbia. This decision, along
with his position on a number of "vital issues," it suggests, will place him at odds with a "decided majority of Congress."
Should the President prevail in this battle with Congress, "the vanquished, not the victors" will "have triumphed in the reconstruction
of the Union."
Franklin Repository, February 14, 1866, p. 2, c. 6: "Speech of the President."
A transcript of the meeting between delegation of black leaders and the President.
Valley Spirit, September 19, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "Bogus Southern and Negro Equality Convention."
Chronicles the events at the "Southern 'loyal' Negro Suffrage and Negro Equality Convention" held recently in Philadelphia.
According to the piece, the delegates at the conference disagreed upon a number of subjects, the most significant being the
issue of black suffrage, which was supported by individuals from the unreconstructed states but opposed by those from the
border states.
Valley Spirit, May 12, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "How Do You Like It?"
Discusses the recent election in Washington, where blacks were allowed to vote for the first time.
Valley Spirit, June 5, 1867, p. 1, c. 6: "Thad. Stevens and the 'Dead Duck.'"
The article denigrates the importance of the fact that blacks in the South have indicated their desire to see Thad Stevens
elected as the next president. "Such proof of the merit of any man is not," it suggests, "very impressive." Indeed, "the white
voters of the county will not regard it with much favor."
Valley Spirit, August 21, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "A Black Circular."
The article employs a Republican pamphlet that urges blacks to form Loyal League chapters as proof of that party's secret
designs to grant blacks political and social equality.
Valley Spirit, August 28, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local and Personal--Negro Celebration."
It is reported that blacks in and around Greencastle recently held a benefit to raise money for local Radical politicians.
Events at the celebration included a military procession and a host of political speeches.
Valley Spirit, October 2, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Negro Government."
With most whites in the former rebel states disfranchised, it has become apparent that blacks will gain political control
of the South, assert the editors. Despite the Radicals' claims that the freedmen are up to this task, the editors point to
a contradiction in the Radicals' logic: if slavery kept blacks "in intellectual darkness" and excluded them "from the civilizing
influences of Christianity," how can they be "expected to make and administer the laws" of the land having only recently been
freed from bondage?
Franklin Repository, November 13, 1867, p. 2, c. 2
That blacks "voted almost to a man in favor of a constitutional convention" in the recent election in Virginia should come
as no surprise, relates the article. After all, they can differentiate friend from foe. If whites continue to abuse blacks
and deny them employment opportunities for expressing their political independence, future acts of "crime or violence" committed
by the freedpeople will be the sole responsibility of the white people of Virginia.
