Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-04-25
"THE WESTERN ADVOCATE.n

'HE subscriber proposes TO publish in Licking
ton, Va., If sufficiently patronized, semi
monthly Paper to be entitled the
WESTERN ADVOCATE.
In Prospectus, which should always be brief, n
mere outline of the plan and objects of the proposed
publication can only be given would say enough
however TO show that, my plan is some ha, origin
al and my objects such that, think they will
commend themselves by their intrinsic importance
| and ritaf character 10 the people generally.
The paper, as its title indicates will strive to be
tho efficient advocate Of the diversified interests Of
West Virginia. But not detrimental to the other
great Interests Of the State. On the contrary the
attempt will be made, and we hope successfully to
show that the interests of East and West Virginia
as tire great interests of the North and South, are
| closely United, and that Union, no,O and forever
| is strength.
But, every country Of marked geographical char
acter has peculiar advantages interests and resourc
es, which should DO pointed ont, advocated and de-
Tended. ! believe this true, in an extraordinary
degree Of West Virginia. With its resources de-
veoped, and its true interests and advantages I'M
dersiood, no portion of this broad Union would be
superior. Its mountains aud valleys team with
wealth.
j Will briefly sum up some Of the subjects, which
will from time 10 time, and in SYSTEMATIC man
ner be Urged on public attention. The maufactur-
ing interest md the superior advantages for manu-
featuring purposes in West Virginia. Material
Wa,er-power, climate and supplies. The Agricul-
turai, as Intimately connected with manufacturing
Interest. The present distressed state of this great
interest. The effect of Western production on the
| prices OF our productions, and the best mode OF
| counteracling this. The amount of Agricultural
and manufactured production. The per cen.age ON
present investments, in Manufacture and Agricul-
ture. The increase OF population, white and black
mn rra ftan tic offoo
pains will be taken, by consulting the proper SQUIRE
es OF Information, to get valuable statistical facts on
all these subjects. Descriptions OF particular and
interesting seconsof the country will be- given with
their minerals, SOIL toaerpo.oer, productions and
| scenery.
The different modes of conveyance, Railroads
Canals, McAdamized and Common Roads. and
their relative value and effects on the country
The necessity Of great leading Railroad The
general value and effect Of this particular MODE Of
Improvement, against which il is believed there is
| some popular prejudice.
The great subject Of Common School Education
will claim special attention. There are many facts
on this subject of vital importance The prosper
ity Of our University and Colleges is Intimately
connected with the character and prosperity of Com
mon Schools. Are not our Common Schools with
| out proper system2 Are there not radical defects?
Cannot the people do much TO improve our Schools,
without any Legislative enactnents. The follow
| ing subjects connected with school will claim spe-
cia attention. Uniformity in SCHOOL, Books and
the plan to effect this Rates Of 1huiton with TIE
effect on the standard of education and Teacher
Necessity Of Trustees in all well organized Schools
Evils which flow from this defect. Qualification
Of Teacher. School Houses, their localities and
plans. The subscriber can "speak from the re-
cord, having been some years, engaged in teach
ing,
| mind fOop mi dparo f,vp ,rty ocI
ica discussion. Pitnl and local interests have been
overlooked in the great question of, "Who should
be President, or Congressman, or county represent
ative?" Dr. Franklin gives good lesson on this
subject in his story of the Whistle. "When see
a man running about talking politics, &C., &c.,
excaim poor man. lie pays too much for his
| Whistle" What is true of an Individual NAV be
true Of communities. Has this not been true of
Virginia This tendency in the public mind should
be corrected. While correct political principles
are of vital importance, will any deny that the
press and our public men, the genius and talent,
the country, have given undue prominence and at
ten,on to this particular subject On this subiec,
the political press has become neatly neutIalized
parties only having confidence in their own papers
Is not this propitious juncture throw oil on the
waves? On great political principles properly un-
derstood no man be neutral, but party name,
exert more Influence than party principIcs-and
there is too little charity and orbearance exercised
he MASSES Oi tc w my mo iJeu!OcIalc parties are
honest. The mere brawng politician it matters
not what name he bears, is not TO be trusted
The politics ofthe Advocate will be secondary
to other objects. II will give political facts, and
mildly discuss political principles when it may oe
necessary. Tie great political question of the ba-
sis Of representation about TO become of deep inter
est to West Virginia will be fully discussed. The
subscriber has ever belonged to that party denomi-
mated Wing. But he is opposed 10 violent denun
citation in all parties He lie the advocate of full
discussion both sides, bu: opposed to the mania
for mere party squalls and almost exclusive atten
ton to mere party politics
The Advocate is intended for Western circula-
ton, and the desire is to advocate the great interest.
oflhe whole Of West Virginia. Its contents will
be as important and interesting, TO Augusta, Bath
Highland, &c. as to Rockbrdge. The local adj
vantages Of all these sections will be represented
and advocated. The talents of the country will be
called out, if earnest solicitation can do it, to pon
on, and advocate our great interests.
Unknown to many, the subscriber would remark
only in this connection that, twelve years ago he
published the first agricultural paper ever issued in
Virginia, which was not without some effect on the
great interests il advocated.
May he not humbly hope for and respectfully ask
the aid of those who may approve his undertaking,
to do what they can to promote its success?
Persons receiving the prospectus, will please kor
ward them by the middle Of June, to the care 81
James Dorman, Esq. Lexington. Va, or to the
subscriber at WiIIiamsvi!le. Bath County
TERMS.
The ADVOCATE will be published on a medium
sheet, and with long primer type, at 81 25 in ad
vance, ST. so if paid in six months, or 81 rs a, The
end ofthe year. Those becoming responsible fr Mint
subscribers will receive copy gratis. Five pc