Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-12-05
IIUNIBUG.

large experience of the world, that mankind expec-
ted to be humbuggec, and were dispeased ii not
humbuggcd in some way. AT The time, we believ- |
ed him half right now, we are tending to the con-
cluson that he altogether So There is mani |
testify peculiarly in times in this respect,
and Il is curious to investigate the causes which
have led to it, How is it, that at the middle o. the
18th century, when the lights OF science beam
ing with such unusual ustre, and human genius, as
if without effort, rushes upon the most s,upeadous
discoveries-how and why is it, tina, in such a pc
Rod, humbug should stalk forth with boldness and
marked federation?
We arc far from supposng ignorance to be n suf-
fcient answer TO the question, because this would
contradict the progress of the aye in Knowledge
Neither can creduliy be taken the cause for this
would imply ignorance or weakness. or both, and
contrary 10 the position assumed. There is some
Limitation, however, the last remark, in much
as there is such thing as philosophical creduli,y,
encouraged by science itself while il ranges within
known and established principles. Yet are
willing 10 compliment lumbug by liberal theory
of this sort. While there may be philosophy in
tracing back this mark upon the age, there is none
in the thing itself
BY way approximang the cause of the anon
oily under consideration, it may be remarked tina,
as there is no good in this world without a cores
ponding evil, SO our wise and happy form of GOV
orn'nent, in SO fully securing our liberties, has, at
the same time, opened the door TO the evil under
discussion. 1t may be said of our political systems
that federation in extended seese lies at ,her
foundation. We boast Of the sacred rirht Of think
ing Tor ourselves and acting for our ourselves. ex-
Per''heh'ing as we please getting patent rights in
nearly AL cases where has not been previously
mad and thousands, therefore, looking upon the
good people as the source Of power and final arbtra
meni, claim it as sacred, constitutional and indis
pensable right and privilege for one portion to hum
bug the other, if they can
Again, it is probable, that the remarkable dis .oy
cries of modern times in causing men TO cease TO
wonder at any thing, have rendered them more liza
BILE to deception by every new thing. The bold
pretender, finding the public mind well nigh bew-
dored, and the public eye dazzled by the glare of
light poured upon it, has opportunity of perpetra
ting his frauds almost equal to that afforded by the
twilight of general intelligence
Another source of humbug is an amiabie vanity.
TO the influence of which all mankind are more ar
less liable Men like 10 be appealed 30 as arbers.
because IL is complimentary TO their taste or iudu-
| ment, or influence Thus there arises good M
tured preparation for encountering humbug alogeth-
er propillous 10 favorable judgment. The rctlec
ton, that nothing is 10 be paid but through GOOD
VIII and free choice, often generates both The alb
horrence OF taxation, often productive of ill-humors
and lll-will, TO an extent, leads TO humbug, simply
because The one makes requistion, while the 9th
or appeals TO our good nature and kind feelings.
The last source of humbug to which reference
VIII be made at present, admits, if rot demands
some qualifying remarks, which justice requires
should precede the reference itself I, is not pre-
sumed, then, that all humbug is dishonest. For
ought we can decide moralists the taste and bab
It's OF the age may justify the recommendation OF a
good thing by little gliding, which, in fact is in
tended rather to please than deceive. This is the
qualification, extended, too, as far as one can 90
with any sort of prophecy.
The cause 10 which ausion has been made-one
more prolific of the evil than any other-one which.
alter the neatest calculation we can make. embraces
l9-2Oths OF all the cases-that cause. we take to
be nnmltigaed rascaliiy. Finding ourselves lust
here, In the midst of the corruptions of human M
ture, and 1t may be, respassing on the domain of
other tribunals, we are admonished of the time TO
stop.
For I.IBERIA-Ne understand that John V.
Henry and Diego Evans and their families and n
number OF others Of the free colored population of
our town and county, expect 10 start to Liberia in
f lN