The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-05-21

SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.


The Examiner of yesterday calls upon the
Wings to rally at the ensuing elections and
condemns the course OF certain independent
candidates.
The Wing condoles with the hard shells or
conservative wing of the New York Democra-
cy, who, it states. are faring about as badly at
the hands of President Pierce as the Virginia
Democracy.
The Enquirer hammers away at the "Whg
bar in James riseI."
The Morning Mail notices the fact that of
forty four marshals of the army, created since
the first were made by Napoleon, twenty.three
rose to that dignity from the ranks. that is,
they commenced their career as common sol.
diers, and remarks that it is a most striking
fact utterly at war with the pretensinns of aris.
tocracy-,hat the chief agents of the great
achievements, both OF war and peace, have
been men who bore no insignia of rank and
title, and could claim no proud or patrician
descent.
The Times invites attention to an interest
ing letter from the President Of thu Maysville
and Big Sandy Railroad, to Col. Fontaine,
President of the Virginia Central Road, which
letter trusts that a connection between the
road will speedily be established.
Ex-GovERNoR SMITHS DEFENCE.-No little
excitement has been exhibited by the political
papers recently, growing out ofthe fact that ex
Governor Smith, (who is candidate for Con-
gress,) delivered speech before congrega-
ton in Stafford county few Sundays ago.
The Governor publishes his defe nee in the
Fredericksburg Recorder. He states that he
was urged to address the congregation on po-
iitIcal matters, after the conclusion of divine
service. This he declined, stating that after
the fine discourse to which they had listened
nohe could desire TO enter the angry field Of
party politics. 1t was however still insisted
on, some also adding there was much curios-
ity to hear him speak. He still resisted, say.
ing ii was not in harmony with the public sen.
tlrnent, or congenal to his own feelings. 1t
was then remarked as heavy rain was falling
md the crowd could not dsperse, he would
much oblige them if he would make some re.
extent, and was requested to enter the pulpit.
This he positively declined, and standing on
the stairs leading to the pulpit, commenced-
The Governor then goes on to state that he
dwelt on the Importance of a high and pure
morality as indispensable to the preservation
offree institutions. He appealed 10 the ladies,
reminding them of their vital importance in the
social system. He declares that he did not
speak of Democracy in a political sense, but
as generic term contemplating and seeking
| to promote the happiness and prosperity of all
men. He maintains that his purpose was to
bring the hearts of his audience to gentle re-
gard of their temporal duties. How the ex.
Governors defence will be received remains to
be seen. 1t is subject that belongs to the
political papers, and they must fight it out.
CIRCUIT Court OF PETERsBURG.-The
cases of Murphy and O'Connor. indicted for
passing counterfeit money, came up before
this court on Wednesday. The cases were
continued until the 23d inst. The next case
called was that of the Commonwealth VS..
Mail. The prisoner is charged with perpetrat-
ing an outrage upon Mrs. Ann Waller, a fe.
male OF near 60 years. The case was contin.
ued until next day. On Thursday, the prison.
or was placed at the bar, and the sheriff pro.
ceeded to call the names on the jury panel
Several names were stricken off, the parties
having, according to their statements, formed
opinions in reference to the case, from having
read the reports in the Daily Express. Ajury
was at length obtained, and the trial proceed.
ed, and continued up TO the hour Of adjourn
ment.
STEAMBOAT ExPLosIoN.-We learn from