Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-04-11
For the Spectator.

For tie Spectator.
The people OF the county who are in the habit
OF reading the Stanton Spectator for the purpose
Of learning who aie the candidates for their suf-
frages at the approaching election, and Of ascer-
tanning, so far us Il is practicable from newspaper
writer's, who most likely TO be the victors,
must have made one observation, viz that there
are some few, at least, who think themselves wise
enough to enlighten this community, who very
much fear the election will terminate in favour OF
William Frazier. And why 40 much ado about
tire election of this individual! 1t has never
been alleged that he is devoid OF the qualiiica-
tions which would fit him for such a station. No,
this would be rather too bold an assertion, which
the good sense of the county could not SO readily
swallow. But various indirect objections are
held out, addressed to the prejudices and pas
sions of the people, with the hope Of operating
upon all who can be blinded by such devices.
Some WEEKS ago we were told that Mr.. Jefferson
was no speaker--yet he was great legislator;
therefore, by all means send men to the Legsla-
ture who do not speak. Augusta is great Ag-
7icultural county therefore, by all means, send
farmers, for they, above all men, know how to
make laws for us. These are some Of the argu-
nsents adduced by Mr.. Frazier's enemies, why the
people should not vote for him.
Now, feilow-citizens of Augusta, what think
you Of these absurd positions, which your good
sense has repudiated in all former times! Ii you
have adopted the sentiment, that silent legsia-
uon, without any exposition OF the policy, or lm'
policy OF measures, ia the gseat rule by which
you should be regulated, you must have departed
far from wisdom's way, when you gave your
saffrages for a Johnson, Peyton, a Baldwin,
Niche, Kinney, and Stuart, which you will
scarcely presume.
Equally dificult will II be TO impress you with
the belief that legislator cannot consul. the in
terest OF an agricultural community, without be-
ing practical far,per.~ Upon this principle, the
entire mechanical crafts Of our country should be
entitled TO a representative now and then, who is
Jack Of all trades.
We never supposed that the gentlemen before
q named had acquired rcnown for practical farming:
one of them, to be sure deserves great credit for
improving our breed of cattle, by introducing the
Durham among us; and another is reputed great
friend of the silk culture; but we never heard
these circumstances even mentioned, when they
were candidates for office.
1t seems to be thought by some that because
our late representatives have been to the Legisa-
ture they should Of right GO back again. and that
therefore, Mr.. Frazier ought not to have offered.
do not perceive the force of this consideration.
The genius OF our government requires that every
man constituionally qualified, should be perfectly
Tree to oiier Tor any office within the gift of the
people, and, according 10 Mr.. Jefferson, the only
question asked, should be--is he honest and ca
pable!
But most pious writer in the last Spectator
seems to hold out the idea that, whoever votes for
MIR. Frazier, must, at any rate, be devoid of the
good christian conscience incucated in the Bible,
and which he will enjoy, by voting Dgainst him.
On reading his communication j was struck with
the simplicity and honesty of the man; and mne-
diately fell a musing-i thought could see the
venerable man sitting in his large arm chair be-
side his ample hearlh his snowy locks flowing
over his shoulders; his ruddy cheeks, bright blue
eyes, and placid countenance, which by the way
was never rufled by smile, denotng the
most perfect benevolence; while the puffs of
smoke which every now and then he emitted
from his mouth, clearly proved that he was at
peace with himself and all the world. Spread
open, on his knees, lay the sacred volume-the
book 10 which he is accustomed to resort for in
structon, in all the doubts and difficulties of ife
And now, behold his reverential air, while with
pasal twang, he reads ' CANINE the spiriis b.
rhfch ye are moced." That he is an old man,
could easily be proved; and that he is good man,
no one can entertain the least doubt. Who does
not revere such man! Who would not sit at
his feet and learn wisdom ITAo ,couM not be
Instructed by him hoO TO pofe at the meat tlection
Venerable Father! you omitted thing
you said nothing about portents and Omens. With
them, your counses would have carried a weight,
altogether irresistible. regret exceedingly, how
ever, that the old gentleman was, last spring,
overcome by one of those spells of drowsiness,
to which old age is so subject, or his pen would
doubtless have been welded in support Of Will
liam Frazier, as il now is, against him.
..t In conclusion, while am inclined to make all
due allowances for the predictions of others for
particular candidate, hope, upon a more tho
rough examination of the spirit by which he is
moved, the writer over the signature of "One of
Many" will have the charity to concede that it is
possible case, at least, for Mr. Frazier's friends
to give him their sulfrages, without doing violence
to conscience. See Cor. xiii. and 5.
Y. y. Il.