Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-04
orr GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.


~ and her little Capital, just in The centre of great
State and somewhat midway between the North and
the South, the Atlantic and the Mississippi. So much
removed are we by geographical, social, and COM
percial distances from all extremes, that are
sometimes inclined to subside into a kind Of Chi
nese notion that we nhabit the centre Of the (erres-
tria) Universe. This is probably an error, accord
ing to the usual system of reckoning by latitude anu
longitude but there is at least no harm IN congrau-
long ourselves upon our fortunate location al so re-
soeetable distance from the crumsung edge OF the
great American Conlederacy. 1t is true that II II
should split in the middle, we would Ind ourselves
incopyenienlly near The point of fracture, and might
spsr painful laceration in the process of separation;
but we are inclined rather to the opinion tina! this
Country is strongest in the middle, aud will never
give way across these durable noun tans, where the
patriotism of the people has never wavsred.
Some of our le.low.ctzens, who live nearer the
jumping off place than ourselves, might be tempted
10 characterize our feelings tame spirit OF sub
mission But we think our own position is far more
favorable than theirs TO a rational view OF things
We can see both sides and can calmly contrast them
They can survey :he difficulties OF the country from
only one point and therefore in danger OF arrv-
ing at some false conclusion, and proceeding to some
fatal movement.
All undue excements have an obvious tendency
90 weaken the fraternal spirit which is the true bond
Of union among men. We are glad therefore that
our interests are not such to foster the opposite
feeling towards the people of either section OF The
Union. Il is a lamenabe fact that un intense AMI
mostly is sprnging up between the inhabitants OF The
extreme South and those Of the extreme orth, such
as might be imagined to exist between two hostile
tribes of Indians, aud which threatens to demand The
efrasion of blood 10 assuage it. We will have no
hand in kintling this savage flame. We will resist
10 the last its unhalIowed influence, and endeavour
10 promote that policy which aims to exlingulsh 1t,
Here we are in noble and beautiful valley, hem
med in and defended BY rampant of august noun
iains. and canopied over by cline as saubrious and
sheering as any on the whole Continent Some peo-
pie would have US insult The bengnant face of Heaven
that smiles upon US By INDUCING spirit Of discon-
tent aud fostering malignant hatred towards large
communities of our fellow-cIzens TO whose aid we
owe the liberties we enjoy, and who have so long
assisted us in preserving them. Our answer is, no,
gentlemen, no! Your geographical position is the
source of your complaints allow us TO continue TO
enjoy the tranquility and security that belong 10 ours
But we have other reasons besides these 10 boast
of our local advantages 1t requires little sagaclty
10 perceive that several OF the great highways that
are destined to connect distant sections of the Coun-
nv, must pass this valley, and eliminate on our
neiohborng mountains. Some Of their most impor-
tan, intersections must occur in this part the State,
and become the centres Of an energzing influence
that will result we trust, in large additions 10 our pop
ulation and wealth, and in gratifying development
Of the dormant enterprise and hidden resources OF
this region Of Virginia.
We have INDUCED in these remarks as pleasing
survey Of things around US, and by way OF an offset
10 the numerous and frequent recapulatlons OF
wrongs that salute US at every turn IL is wise some
times TO reverse the medal of our fate, and dwell for
while upon the side that represents our fortunes.
We can thus learn to check the growth of unamla-
BILE passions which some of our just complaints are
>>pt 10 foster when too constantly contemplated.
GEo.GrA-A true patriots should rejoice that
this great SITE has so sgnally displayed her devo-
ton to the Unrp, by elecling to her Convention q
large majority oil UhNn men. Virginia ard Georgia
can shake hands now on ne same grand platform o
conservative policy. May hey long stand togeth-
or. mistaken and unseduced iro., their common
principles! One by one, the Southern States are
coming out in emphatic condemnation of thu leaders
of the disunion movement, and we hope ere long Ia
see their RHErrs, QUirMANs, and SoULEs reduced
to the level to which they properly belong.
q We have received the first number of TIKI
american Union and Republican ReUiew,"a month
" publication Just commenced at Jackson, Mssissip
pi, by Fl. r. AUSTIN, Esq. As the tile impors,ii is
devoted to the advocacy of The Federal Union ant
the Republican principles of the Constitution. The
editor is native Of this County, and grandson Of
Col. ALEXANDER McCLANAHAN, gallant soldier Of
the Revolution. II is not surprising therefore, thai
he is loyal to the Union and ready 10 maintain il
against all who threaten its integrity.
g. The LIVING AGE is regularly reeeivsd-the
contents Of the last number are, Forms of Salvation
Siberia and California, The Mystic Vale, Resistance
in Hesse Cassel, America and Africa, &C., sc.
The DOMESTIC BIBLE, has reached its 10Th num-
Der. II is printed in handsome style and The illus
tratons and commentaries add greatly 10 The value
OF The work,
g. new beneficiary Order styled "The Broth
srhOod Of The Union" has recently sprung up in this
country, Of which George LlPPARD, Of philadelphia
is at present, the chief officer. Division or "Cir-
,le.n was organized in this place on Friday night
last, being the fifth in the State.
e. Mr.. A. J. SrorER, of this place, has become
the Editor and Proprietor Of the Piedmont Wing,
published at Warrenlon, Fauquier County. The
former Editor, G. A. TAvENNER, Esq, is about to