Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-07-21

But declare most solemnly, that have nc
up to this moment determined whether wi
consent TO the use ofmy name or not as cal
tiidate for the Chief Magistracy. That is
grave question, which should be decided b
all altainable lights, which, think, is not ne
cessary yet to be decided, and decision q
which ! reserve to myself, as far as can re
serve it, until the period arrives, when it ougll
to be solved. That period has not, as think
3 yet arrived. When it does, an impartial sur
: vey Of the whole ground should be taken, the
state of public opinion properly considered
and ones personal condition, physically AND
, intellectually, duly examined and weighed. Ii
thus announcing course of conduct Tor my
self, it is hardly necessary to remark that II
is no part Of my purpose to condemn, or 'ex-
press any opinion whatever, upon those pop
\ ular movements which have been made, Or
may be contemplated, in respect to the next
election of President of the United States. !.
i If to have served my coun:ry, during d
long series of years, with fervent zeal and I'm
shaken fidelity, in seasons of peace and war ,
at home and abroad, in the Legislative Halls
and i'll an Executive Department; if to have
abored most scdulously to avert the embar-
rassment and distress which now overspread
this Union, and when they came, to have ex-
ertcd myself anxiously, at the Extra Session.
and at this, to devise healing remedies; if to
have desired to introduce economy and reform
in the general administration, curtail enormous
Executive power, and amply provide, at the
same time, for the wants of the People by q
Tariff which would give it revenue and them
protection; If to have earnestly sought TO es-
tablish the bright but too rare example of d
party in power, faithful to its promises and
pledges made when out of power-if these ser
vices, cXertions and endeavors justify the ac-
cusation of ambition, must plead guilty to
the charge.
have wished the good opinion Of tho
world; but defy the most malignant of my
enemies to show that have attempted to gain
II by low or grovelling arts, by any mean or
unworthy sacrifices, by the violation of any Of
the obligations of honor, or by a breach of any
OF the duties which owed to my country. :
return, Sir, from these personal illusions
and "reminiscences, TO the vastly more impor3i
tant subject of the present actual condition Of
this country. lfthey could ever be justified
or excusable, 1t would be on such an occasion
as this; when ] addressing those to
whom am bound by SO many intimate and
friendly ties. u.
In speaking OF the present state of the coun-
try, It will be necessary for me to touch with
freedom and independence upon the past as
well as the present. and upon the conduct,
spirit and principles of parties. In doing this,
assure my democratic brethren and fellow
citizens, of whom am told there are many
here present. (and tender them my cordial
thanks for the honor done me by their at
tendance here this day, with as much SINGER.
ity and gratitude as if they agreed with me III
political sen;iment,) that nothing is farther
from my intention than to say one single word
that ought TO wound their feelings or give OF.
fence to them. But surely, if there ever was
all were called upon, with calnness and cam
coa aad prss aYy ha
to enquire into the cause and remedies of this
unpropitious state of things, we have arrived
at that period in the United States. And, f
ever People. stood bound by the highest du-
ties to themselves and to their posterity, 10
sacrifice upon tile altar of their country, cher
ished prejudces and party prediiections and
antipathes, i've are now called upon to make
that sacrifice, Unnecessary.
What is our actual condition? II is one Of
uneXampled distress and embarrassment, as u
UNIVERSAL as it is intense, pervading the wholC
community, and sparing none. Property Of
all kinds, and everywhere, fallen and falling iii
| value; agricultural produce of every descrip-
ton at the most reduced prices; money UNI
sound and at the same time scarce, and be-
coming more scarce by preparations of doubt.
Iul anu uUcerldtn ISSUE; 10 increase It's sound
ness all the departments of business inactive
and stagnant; exchange extravagantly high,
and constantly huctuating; credit, public and
private, at the lowest obb, and confidence
lost; and feeling of general Encouragement
and depression. And what darkens the gloom
which hangs over the country, no one can dis
Germ any termination of this sud state of things.
nor see in the future any glimpses of light or
hope.
Is not this a faithful, though appalling pic4
| ture OF the United States, ip 1912? ! spPeal
TO all present, Wings and Democrats, Ladies
and Gentlemen, to say if it be at all too high
colored.
! Now let us see what was our real condit
ton only the short time of ten years ago. /
had occasion in February, 1892, in the Senate
of the United States, when was defending the
American System against the late Col Haync,
of South Carolina, to describe it; and refer
to this, description as Evidence Of what Ibeliev>
ed 10 be the state of the country at that time,
That 1t conformed TO the truth of the case,
appeal with confidence to those now present.
On that occasion, among other things, l. said /;
81 have now to perform the more pleasing
task OF exhibiting an imperfect sketch. Of the
existing state of the unparalleled prosperity si
me country. On general survey, we behold
cultivation extended, the arts fourshing, the
lace ct the country improved, our people fol.