Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-12-21
correspondence Of the Spectator.


"Cut your coat according to your CLOTH" is an
adare enforced oftener by necessity than mere pru-
dence. As news is scant this week a short letter
must suffice, unless Tie license ofproeSsed letter
writer's be taken TO manufacture news in the
''whule clith."
The House committee on Roads &c have re-
ported but few billa as YET. Their time has been
spent in discussing proposition to report no bills
except for The leading lines. 4 fierce excitement
arose thereon among the "MSdpikers," as they
are called, and they threatened unreeniing war
against the Railroads. The battle waXed warmer
until to-day when it was determined to take upali
PROPOSITIONS in their order and consider their mer
its. The feeling is very strong to deny appropri-
atoms TO all merely local and new schemes. and
the tide water delegates express desire to sup
port the leading lines, provided the minor schemes
be cut of for the present.
The Central bill passed the committee with on
" one dissenting vote, and that not from opposi-
ton to an appropriation cXceptin the @rm propos-
ed-a loan. The Senate bill for short line from
Richmond 10 Charlottesville will meet opposition,
principally because OF the appropriation-Sl, 300,
000-asked; naked charter, however securing
the right of location to the Central company, may
be granted
The railroad from uarrisonburg to Salem will
encounter war to the knife. Besides its natural
rivals. it will be opposed by many because it is
''new scheme." It's friends have determined to
ask for charter only. The Lynchburg and Cor
louisville connection will also have hard road to
travel, aud will most probably fail to reach an APP
preparation. Numerous other railroad projects
must also fail, regardless of their merits, because
| of the iudispositun to increase the Stale debt.
The committee on Banks is investigating the
charges of Mr. Green of Alexandria that the Bank
Of the Old Dominion has violated the law by dis
counting for Director an amount exceeding s.,
600, and in other less important particulars. The
question of re-chartering the old system banks
will be before this Legislature, and from the SEN
timents of individual members it is probable that
renewal of the charter will be granted
| Small notes are in fog. The failure of the
proposition on the subject has yet been presented
that commands general assent. Yet something
| must be done, manifestly. There are several
Democratic members in the House pledged for a
law authorizing State banks to issue small notes.
The land distribution question will be agtated also;
there are several distribution Democratsin the pres
ent Legislature but scarcely enough to secure a
majority by union with the Wings.
Your reports of the Legislative proceedings. will
give information of all particular propositions pre-
sented Several bills Of local interest have pass
ed already But little disposition has been mani
tested yet by the members to 'make speeches"
Public sentiment is changed on that subject it is
now understood here that the member who talks
| the most generally effects the least. Little bu-
siness will be done of an important nature until
after the holydays, so many members are COM
PEELED to be at home during that season. 1t is
very inexpedien if not useless to fix the meeting
Of the Legislature so shortly before the Christmas
/ holydays.
Prices of everything, except Legislative pay.
range unusually high. Labor, provisions, goods,
and all neceSsaries and Injuries command their
own terms. Boarding rises without restraint
In this great day of travel, more hotel acco'nmo-
] daton is demanded in Richmond. The best no.
tells here are crowded almost to Suffocation The
Exchange, bye-the bye, seems to be the Hyme-
NAL Paradise some dozen bridal couples looking
intensely happy, have been billing and cooling
here for the last week. Augusta and Rockbridge
are fayorably and fairly represented. And Au-
! gusta will have another nuptial party here soon,
but this must be kept secret until your next pa
I per. Yours. y.