Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-04-05
Editorial correspondence.


We left the Depot at Stanton yesterday morn
ing, amid the good wishes Of anxious friends io'
our safe passage over the mountain track OF the
Central Railroad, The ride 70 Wayncsbofoug
was most delightful, notwithstanding the frequent
stoppages TO remove hard cars which had been
left upon the track by mischievous and reckless
persons. Ii SCENE that some unknown indiVidu
ais are in The habit Of stealing these cars IRON
their "moorings" at Stanton, after dark, anu d.
ter using them as far as they wish, leaving lifeh
directly in the way of the trains. One Of 'he
engineers informed me that reward wou'a %
offered for the discovery of the miscreanls' anu
sincerely hope they will be caught.
The passage of the mountain was not oh'y sa'e
but pleasant. There was no painful appreheh'
sion of danger, and just enough excitement 10 Dc
agreeable. Several passengers, however, prefer
red to trudge behind us on fuot. Inc Stage
which left Staunton two hours before us, reached
Greenwood about an hour after we arrived there
| AT Gord0nsville, we parted reluctantly win
Capt Moody, the polite conductor on the Geh'ral
Road, and took passage for Alexandra. Inc
Gordonsyille and Alexandria Railroad, completed
within the last week, is one of the best lines in
the State; and passes, for the most part, through
beautiful region. We arrived at Alexandra al
quarter. before four o'clock, and came thence to
Washington by omnibus. Thus within ten hours
after leaving home, we were comfortably quarter
ed in the capital of the Union!
The session Of the House to-day was signallzed
by speech from Col Benton in opposition to the
six steamer bill. He was listened to with mark
ed attention by the members, who crowded In
front of him. | understood him to take the ground
that the Navy was entirely unnecessary Seve-
raj members spoke in reply but all treated the OLD
veteran with the utmost respect, which seemed
to crafty him highly. Mr.. Lyon, an eccentric
member from New York, spoke on the same sub
ject. This gentleman is remarkable for some
thing-I don't know what, unless it be that he
goes in for the beard movement. When he arose
the whole House turned towards him, aud every
body seemed on tiptoe to hear. He spoke with
much animation, and when his time expired, there
was a general cry of "go on" One member
however, said 81 object" and according to the
rule ofthe House Mr.. l.. could not proceed
This courageous member was Mr.. Fayette Nc
Mullen. The cry was raised on all hands, ooh
Mac dont!' but Mac had been cut short himself
too often in the same way to lose an opportunity
for retaliation.
In the Senate, there was some discussion IN
reference to the public printing. could not get
into the merits of the question, but perceived that
Mr.. Hunter, who took part in the debate, was ap-
prehensive that his friend "Bev" of the Sentinel
would not get fair shars Of the job. saw MIR.
Hunter, by the way, for the first time, to, day
He possesses at least one characteristic of great
ness having no ''pomposity'' about him.
The last time | was in Washington one truly
great man was here, and, although old and feeble,
still in his glory-Henry Clay. Ishall never for
get my first sight of him at that time. Walking
after dark through dimly lighted portico at the
hotel tall slender figure passed me; | recog-
nsed him instantly, and felt as though | had en-
countered the ghost of one of the ancient prophets
Such men as that venerable patriot are now scarce
in the halls of legislation.