Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-03-26
THE BASIS QUESTION.

The Convention is still engaged in the discus
sion of this important question, the satisfactory adj
ustment of which is essential to the future har-
mony and prosperity of the Commonwealth. Mr.
SUMMERS, of Kanawha, the acknowledged leader
of the Western party, and perhaps the ablest
champion ofthe suffrage basis in the Convention de-
livered his views before that body on the 18th inst
and his effort is spoken Of in the highest terms OF
commended on. 1t is estimated, however that for
ty or fifty more speeches are awaiting delivery, be-
fore the decisive vote will be taken on the Com
mittee's report Our own delegates, Messrs. Shelf
FEY, LETCHER and MOORE, have won laurels by
their advocacy of the right side. Representing as
they do the people of the Valley, their opinions
would tell upon the issue, if it were possible to
move the Eastern delegation by force of argument
Or appeals to Justice, from their pledged position
But of this we have no hope. The East has clear
majority of nine in the Convention, all of whom are
steeled against conviction, and so securely bound
by solemn pledges to their constituency that con-
viction even can never be followed by pract-
cal conversion. That the White Basis is doomed
to defeat there is, in our opinion not the shadow
of doubt Why then this war of words-this
worse than useless expenditure of time and money ?
1t is not for us to dictate the course which should
be pursued by mqhbers of that body, but it does
strike us IS rather questionable reform, to crowd
the columns Of the supplement week after week
with substantially the same matter, at an immense
cost to the State-not one line of which is to have
the slightest bearing upon the decision of the ques
| ton at issue.
What is to be the result of defeat of the White
Basis upon the future destinies of the State time
only can reveal. In the West, the mutterings of
discomfort at the prospects ahead, are ominous of
fearful storm in case their demands are unheed-
ed, The tone Of the press is violent-even to the
open advocacy of division Of the State. We
would fam hope, however, that this feeling is any
thing but general. Warmly as we favor the adcp-
ton, and deeply as should deplore the defeat
of this fundamental Republican principle, Heaven
forbid that its issue should ever effect the unity OF
the glorious "Old Dominion"
'No. ner'er be it told on the pages OF story
That Virginia doomed BY her children to die
| Let rather aspire to the patriots glory
And still add new strength 10 the patriots tie.
Say not that your mountain.can ever divide
Made one BY communion OF fortune and fame
Methnks the mountain would and chde us,
For severing the ties that have made us the
1t is evident however, that the adoption of the
report now before the Convention is to bring about
crisis in the history of Virginia fearful to con-
template. If neither the appeals ofreason nor the
demands of justice can shake the determination OF
the Eastern majority, let them not be insensible to
the dangers threatening the integrity of our noble
: old commonwealth-the common mother of us all
Mr.. RfTcHE.-The venerable editor Of the
Vashiagton Union has disposed Of the establish
ment to Maj. A. J. DoNNELsoN, of Tennessee and
signifies his intention to retire from public life fl
nally and forever. Nothing he AYERS, can induce
him again to enter the arena political conflict I'M
less, in the event of some future danger, lie might
do his country service In battle for the Union.
In dissolving his connection with the press, Fa-
Their RITcHIE abdicates a throne, where he has ex-
ercised almost despotica sway for nearly the hall
ola century. No one man, no combination ofmen
has exercised more powerful, uninterrupted, and
we might well add banetul influence upon the pol
itics of Virginia than Mr.. Richie. Combining in
domitable energy andenthusiasm akin to fanaticlsm.
with vast ability and inimitable tact, he has mould
ed to his will and welded at his pleasure the po-
litical fortunes Of the State Though years may
not eradicate the mischief he has done, we rejoice
to learn that he is not to do any more, and would
fain hope that his influence may end with his edi-
torial career.
] We must do Mr.. RITcHIE the justice to say,
however, that he has occasionally exerted his fine
talents to some good purpose. HIS support of the
Compromise, and labors in behalf of the Union will
be remembered with as much gratitude, as his per-
nicious influence in other matters is deeply de-
plored.
&G> A bill incorporating the ''Staunton and North
River Gap Turnpike Company and approprating
$50 to the improvement, passed the House of
Delegates on Wednesday last, by vote of Al to
49, 1t authorizes the Company to construct a
McAdam or Plank road, as may be deemed by
them most judicious, from Staunton, by Mount
Scion, to the Forks of the North River in North
River Gap, near the Augusta Coal banks. Its fate
in the Senate is doubtful but the postponement of
the day of adjournment increases the chance ofits
final success. We have been favored by Maj. Nc
CUE with copy of the bill, and should it become
law we will publish it at length for the informa-
ton of our readers. The proposed improvement,
if carried out will be of great advantage to Staun-
ton and the Northwest which needs a good road
more than any other portion of the County.
BAKERY-We are under obligations to Mr. c.
H. BALL. Confectoner and Baker, opposite our Of
ice for liberal treat in the shape of rich pastry
pies cakes, &C.. &C., of various kinds and excel
lont 1rnal;t,. feel hound 70 rive him