Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-04-25

generally thought by this gentleman 5
trends in the slave holding States that he
IS TREND 10 Southern Institutions. Let
us look little into this matter, for the
purpose of seeing how far this patriotic
gentleman will 20 for the sake of the
South ? In the first place, and the first
opportunity which presents itself for him
to show his Wanted love for us, we find
hlm sanctloning negro testimony for the
purpose OF CONFLICTING Lieutenant iEooe,
one OF Yirginia's gallant officers. This
is the same Martin Van Bvren who saw
nothing which she thought improper or at
all TO be censured in he proceedings aga
anst Gee. ~. Hooe. and Therefore could
mol reuerse the decision of the proper ri-
6undl.' No! MIR. Ritchie's idol could
see nothing improper in negro's testi-
mony convicting an American officer
What excuse can be offered to palliate
the effects of this damning curse? An
American officer cashierrd by the evil
dence OF negroi Does not this look
like he wished to court the favor of that
Distinguishing band of enthusiasts at least:
This is one sin for which he can never
obtain forgiveness from man whose
veins flow with true Virginia blood. He
should be detested and abhorred BY all
lovers of Southern Institutions for this
black act: The second reason we have
tor believing that he is trying 10 curry
favor with the Aboitonists, is the re
cent course of his prominent friends in
Congress in relation to the 2Ist or 25th
rule-and the more recent course of his
prominent friends in the New York Lee
gislature. That body has passed resolu
tons condemning the 25th rule, and
speaking in any other than a ssterlike
manner of the other members OF the Con.
federacy. All this was done under the
immediate supervision Of Martin Van
Buren, hlmself-it was all done whilst
he was in Albany, and no doubt at his
special request. This is JUS! brief
sketch of some of the sly tricks of the
would be President. -LeWisbug Obsfr-
Der.
Now, if Mr.. Van Buren, ever was, or
is how, at heart an enemy to Southern
interests, we assure the editors of the
Observer that we would be the last man
to attempt to justify him--nay, more:
if we had any reason at all to believe
that his sentiments and sympathies were
those entertained by the mad-cap adolf
tionsts of the north, who would destroy
the peace and happiness Of cur glorious
Union, to accomplish their nefarious pur-
poses-we never could support him for
the presidency or any other office. But
we have the most incontestible proofs 10
the contrary. And if the federal editors
had disposition to tell the truth upon
this subject, they might easily obtain the
facts which contradict their charges a
gainst MIR. Van Buren, in this particular
limo other eVidenne existed of the falsity
of their charges, the fact that the grand
master Of tie ablitionists himself applied
to Mr.. Van Buren,, in reproachful man.
ner, this Ianguage--'A Northern man
Nth Southern Principles ?
We say that he is no ab6iticnist. And
we will submit proofs 10 sustain our posi-
ton, which neither the Observer nor any
OF his co-laborers in the dirty work OF
misrepresentation can successfully con
tradict.
And first, we will commence with the
charge of his 'sanctaoning negro testimony
for the purpose Of conuicting 1t. Hooe."
Here is an unqualified declaration, unac-
companied by any description of proof.
either positive or presumptive, that MIR.
Van Buren, sanctioned the testimony OF
the negro witnesses in the case referred
to; when the truth is, that he refused to
set aside Meir testimony, because the Iaw
of the land made them competent witnesses
MIR. Van Buren, refused to violate a
law which he had solemnly sworn to sup
port, therefore. according to the logic Of
the Observer, he sanctioned the testimo.
ny of the negroes! Indeed, the language
of the Observer would imply that Mr..
Van Buren, presided at the court martial
which convicted Lieut.. Hooe of the char
ges preferred against him, and that he
pronounced the verdict in the case.
We call attention TO the following let
ter from the then Secretary Of the Navy,
and also to the subjoned extract from
the United States District Attorneys
letter, upon this subject:
Macy Department, April Is, 1910.
1t would seem, however. that brief
statement of some of the facts in this
case IS necessary to prevent erroneous
impressions, and the attachment of cen
hor e MI 4