Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-16
THE BEST IOKE GU THE SEASON,

Mr.. BRowNsoN in the last Democratic Re,
rje'c concluded series of profoundly studied
articles on the Origin of Government, which
we place among the ablesl and most valuable
political essays that have ever appeared in this
country.-But in the midst of general clear
ness and strength, Mr.. BRowNsoN sometimes
undertakes to define what is ndefinable, and
to grasp IN logical formula what is by far too
subtle to be caught by the coarse meshes
OF human language. He defines HUMANITY
thus
1--WE are TO bear in mind that the genus HUI
manity-what we call human nature-is no
logical abstraction, but real existence, and in
some sort. an existence independent of indi-
viduals.-fhis is only saving that humanity
is humanity This settled, we may proceed
a step extraordinarily, in this generic
sense, is causaiive, active, creative. This is
affirmed in affirming that humanity is reality,
Our notion of reality is our notion Of being or
substance, of something that is. But our no.
ton of something that iS-tha, is to say, of
being or substance, is precisely our notion Of
cause or cansalive force"
The editor of The Wilksbarre (Pa,) Farmer
quiZzes the philosopher i'll the following rich
strain-which if Mr.. Brownson himself can
read without the healthfui enjoyment of hear
! ty laugh, he is graver than we are.
''We are to bear in mind that the genus Of
hum5ug. what we call natural humbug is no
logical abstraction, but has n real existence as
much as shad and in some sort independent
OF fodder and friends just after being elected
TO lat Office, though never actually separa-
/ bic from individuals before election. This Is
only saying that humbug is humbug any way
/ you choose 10 fix it, This part of the wealth.
err being settled, we will venture a step or two
( ri, Inn in Al, n
sense, is causative of much ganihon, active as
the creased end OF perpetual motion, creative
of promises and pancakes. This IS botli
sworn 10 and affirmed i'll affirming that hum
bug is a member of the regular army. Our
! notion of being member OF the regular army
is our faith ill Iaclons--and faith is the sub
stance Of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen.-but our notion Of soinetbing
that is, is our notion of a ackass---for a Jack
ass, is-and not only is, that is TO say is /; but
IL iackass, physically considered, CONVEYS pre-
cseiy our notion of cause, kicking, and eau
salive force, and exists independent Of indi-
vlduas-so does a meeting house.''
WHATS IN vAmn.--An freshman, in the
employ of our friend Fcnimore Cooper. at
\ Cooperstown, was sent by him few DAYS
since 10 the Post Office for letters. On re.
cevng those for Mr. Cooper he endured i
there were any letters for the gentleman who
was staying at the hall, Mr. Brickbai.' The
Postmaster, after looking carefully through, sale
that there were none, and asked Pat if he wa,
certain that was the name. Pat protested We
hemendy that it certainly was, as he {yh
charged particularly to recollecl it. A Grien
OF Mr. Cooper's passing the Office at the mo
ment, the Postmaster inquired of him wha
gentleman was visiting Mr.. Cooper. lie re
Piled that he knew Of no one except Caprali
+ Shubrick. 'Ochp cried Pat that's the name
but ianh didn't conc near IL though - y
= y Tribune.