Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-09-19
THE DEMOCRATIC DISCUSSION.


The discussion proposed to be held in this place
by our Democratic friends came of on Friday
and Saturday last, according to announcement.
Not one of the distinguished gentlemen whom
they had expected, however, set forth in the
hand-bils, was in attendance; and but tor the
meeting of their great State Convention in the
neighboring town Of Charlottesville, it is posi-
BILE they might have failed altogether in procuring
the attendance Of any speakers from abroad
But as it was, they were fortunate enough 10 pro-
cure the services of Gen. BAYLy, of Accomas,
MIR. BEDlNGER, the Eector for the Jefferson dis
1rict, and Mr. ]. S. CAsKIE, of Rchmond-all
gentlemen of fine abilities, and it may be quite
as efficient debaters as any whom they had an
nouDced as expected. The number of persons in
attendance at the discussion was generally as
lar as we could Judge, from two TO three hundred.
MIR. BEDiNGER opened the entertainment i'm
speech of several hours, in which he handled the
Wings pretty roughly, denounced the Tariff, and
upheld the doctrine of Free Trade. He was fol-
lowed by Mr.. CAsKIE, who dwelt largely upon
the importance to the South OF the annexation of
Texas. AT night, Capt. BAYLOR, of this county,
addressed the audience.
On Saturday Gen. BAyLy made long and
of it which we heard was on the subject of the
Tariff. He endeavcred 10 show that the Protec-
tive system unconstitutional, and particularly
oppressive and injurious to the Farmer. He con-
tended that it not only taxed the Farmer for the
benefit of the Manufacturer, but that il had the
effect OF deprecaiing the price Of his produce
In order to prove this latter position he exhibited
series Of tables showing the prices of Flour at
different periods through long course of years.
He did not mention, however, SO far as we heard,
the important fact that for large portion of the
time included in his tables nearly all Europe was
engaged in war, and its farming operations inter-
ruPted and destroyed by the withdrawal of labor
from them, and the devastating movements of
hostile armies.-A good and sufficient reason
certainly for the high prices which our Far
mers then got for their produce Nor die he
make any allowance for the effect upon prices of
the failure or superabundance of crops, either in
our own country or abroad but we shall speak
Of this subject In another place.
After Gen. Bayy concluded, discussion took
place between one of our young Wing orators,
Mr.. FRAZIER, and, Mr.. CAsKlE. The arrange
ment was, we understand, that Mr.. Frazier should
be allowed one hour and half to answer the
cpScSheS vi tic SehtIcIHeH VINO nau preCCued
him, Ga Herculean task truly, in so brief space!)
and that Mr.. Caskie should have the balance of
the evening, an hour and half, TO reply to him.
The result was pretty much might have been
expected. Mr. Frazier was necessarily hurried
in his views Of all the subjects-some he had
barely time to glance att while others were Who'll
)y untouched-thus leaving his argument in
very exposed condition. This his adversary,
who certainly exhibited great skill and adro,-
ness as debater, took the best possible adj
vantage Of, to the evident delight of his Demo-
cratic friends; but he too gallant and cour-
teous knight TO refuse his opponent an opportu-
nifty Of retrieving himself. Accordingly i. was
agreed between them, Gt then being snn-down,)
that the tilt should be renewed after tea. We
had not the pleasure Of hearing the remainder Of
the debate, but we are informed that Mr. Frazier
acquitted himself with his usual ability.
There one feature in this discussion of our
opponents which is worthy Of particular notice.
All the speakers were the decided advocates OF
''FTee Trade" and against a Tariff for protection
IN every shape and form-a position which some
OF The valley orators of the party have been ra-
ther disposed TO back out from latterly.