Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1840-02-20
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
Mr.. Loehridge Of Bath and The Enq,.

Mr.. Loehridge Of Bath and The Enquirer.
Mr.. HARPER.-There are few incidents
connected with the present session of the Lee
gislature, which have given me more pleas
ure than the contemplation Of the manly and
independent course of MIR. William Lock-
ridge, the delegate from Bath. was struck
with the lofty and patriotic sentiments express
sed IN the address of Mr. Lockridoe to the
people of Bath, published during the last
spring III the Spectator, but | feared that
they were merely thrown out to gain votes.-
find, however, that was mistaken, for Mr.
l.. has acted in accordance with all his pro-
LESSONS, and in manner honorable to HIM
sell and to his county. No Establishments
could seduce him, and no threats could deter
HIM from the straightforward path of duty
He seems to have acted on the principle that
honesty Is the best policy under all circum-
stances, and that an upright department will
be sure tomeet the appreciation of an intelli-
gent and patriotic people. 1t is really encour-
aging to the friends of free institutions in
these days of degeneracy and corruption, to
see man adopting the course of Mr.. Lock
ridge, and doing what is right, regardless of
the denunciations of Interested partizans.
am happy to see that Mr.. Lockridge has
incurred the censures of Mr.. Richie, for
really regard his dispraise as the highest en-
cominm on the integrity of Mr.. Lockridge.-
Mr.. Rltchle has been so long accustomed to
regard himself as the Dictator of Virginia.
that he flies in a passion with every one who
Will not bow to his authority, and do his bid
ding. He turns political summersets to suit
his own purposes, and then he requires all his
party to do the same. But he has found him
self mistaken in Mr.. Lockridge, and appre-
bend he will find the people of Bath equally
unwilling to "turn about and jump Jim Crow
at his order. Mr.. Richie praised Mr.. Rives
to the skies few years ago, and called on
all his party to sustain him. Shortly after
wards Mr.. Van Buren, recommended the Sub
treasury scheme, which Mr.. Richie and Mr..
Rives both concurred in denouncne as ruin
Gus to the country. They both opposed it
publicly. Mr.. Van Buren,, however, found
means to silence Mr.. Richie, but he could not
induce Mr.. Rives to forbear his opposition
Ihercupon, Mr.. Ritchie, who had changed
his own course, turned all his batteries upon
Mr.. Rlves, who had been his ally in the war
upon the Sub-teasury, and denounced him as
the desorter! This | suppose he did on the
same principle that the rogue cried ont, .sStop
the thief! stop the thief !''-that is to con-
ceal his own delinquency
Mr.. Richie seems now disposed to play
the same game with Lockridge Lockridge
wouitNslot join him i'll his abandonment of his
principle, and sacrifice of Mr.. Rives, and
MIR. Richie now denounces him as the Gre
creant, and renegade" Lockridgel if Ben
edict Arnold had denounced George Wash
ington as traitor to his country, there would
nave been some similarity in the cases.
There Is one characteristic Of Mr.. Ritchie's
remarks In reference to Mr.. Lockridge, which
mas reused d strong feeling of Indignation in
my DoSCm. allude to the arrogant, dictato-
Tlal, and overbearing tone of his structures.
Does ne think that the people Of Bath are
slaves who are bound to obey his behests
Or does he suppose that because they live in
the oack-woods, so remote from the fashiona-
Die circles OF Richmond, that they are too 10
noTant to have that pride of character which
belongs to treemen? If he does, he will find
himself grIevously mistaken. If i have not
hisconcelved the character Of that people, he
VIII md thatt they are the worthy descendants
oil the heroes of Guiliord-a genuine race of
mountalneers, who have the love of Liberty
deeply seated in their hearts, and who will
scorn his dictaton, his smiles, or his frowns,
and remain us they ever have been, free as
the air they breathe, or the deer which bound
over their native mountains.
A MOUNTAINEER.