Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-08-29

Lexington in Trouble.

Lexington in Trouble.
The Lexington Valley Star chronicles tho iac's
that "the President of the United States passed
through the city of Stanton" and that the hos
FATALITIES of "the city" were extended to him. IL
was certainly very nconsiderate in the President
to follow the Central Railroad and deprive the
citizens of "Modern Athens" of the glorious priv
lege of gazing with all the profound establishment
of GOldsmith's wondering rustics" upon his au"
gust person. Nay, it was positively unpardona-
ole in the distinguished tourist and his ''sweete,"
to honor even Marlborough with ''passing trib-
ute" and leave classic Lexington, the home OF
our Congressman, far away TO the left, an eager
hut cruelty disappointed expecant of his royal
presence. We feel sorry for Lexington-we do
but unfortunately the Presidents movements
are not exactly subject to our control. Had it oc-
CURED to US, we should undoubtedly have sug-
gesled to Mr. Pierce the propriety Of sending Sid
ney Webster up that way, at any rate.
But our Lexington friends ought not to hope
for all the distinctions that are bestowed upon
Staunton. "Blessed are thoy that expect moth
ing for then they will not be Disappointed saith
the proverb. Staunton is city, and big men
will visit big cities. We could not possibly pre-
vent the Presidents visit. He came of his own
accord, without an invitation, and after he did
come, we regarded II as very small matter, and
made no fuss about it. True, our friends of the
Virginia Hotel gave him very good dinner to
eat and very good champaign to drink, but those
things are always to be found at their establish
ment. 1t is possible indeed that he got better
dinner here than he would have gotten some thlr-
ty odd miles farther, but of this we cannot speak
positively. At any rate we deemed it prudent
not TO let him starYe, and so we fed him. After
feeding, he was probably well rubbed down, and
afterwards put to bed. Got up in tho morning,
went over to the Depot as other folks do, in the
''Buss" Got any Buses in Lexington D.
Conductor said "All aboard" President walked
into the Cars without assistance, darkies stepped
up and asked him if he wanted to buy any pea
nuts and ginger cakes; whistle gave three shrieSs
-"going, going, gone"-and Mr.. Pierce travel
led. We have yet to learn that anybody cried,
and do not imagine that the destinies Of Stanton
have been affected in the slightest degree by the
visit of his Highness.
| We can we'll imagine, however, the State Of
intense agitation into which such an event would
throw Big Lexington, though 1t is beyond the
power of our pen to depict the scene that would
| ;tb hot i'm
patience would the congregated population await
the first appearance Of the stage, that "new coach
of Messrs. Hartman & Browne" As itapproach
ed, perhaps general huzza would announce the
fac! to the people of Rockbridge, and the noise Of
the drum and fife, borrowed from the Institute for
the occasion, would startle the horses as they
drew nearer to the throng. Arrived at the Hotel,
the crowd presses around the coach, eager to
catch glimpse Of the great man, and poor Mr..
Pierce, squeezed almost to death, feels very like
Welding TO the malady which is said to have at
ficted him in former years. The people gaze
with as much establishment as did the little boy
to whom the President once gave cent to buy
stick of candy After their curiosity is gratifod,
one Of the number, perhaps our neighbcr of the
Star, mounts the rostrum, and bids him welcome
to the inequalities of the place. Various other
forms and ceremonies are enacted, but the Presi-
dent finally reaches his rooms, and finds time to
cool off with bottle of Alum Water. The
crowd continues to hang around the Hotel, how
ever, until late hour of the night, but at last
dispense to spcnd restless night upon sleepless
pillows.
We might, if we had time, fill up these out
lines and enlarge the picture, but we desst. The
President is not aware of what he missed when
he gave Lexington the go-by. We cannot tell
what the people would have thought of Mr.
Pierce's calico shirt, knowing as we do, their
strong antipathy to 'nankn leggins." Let them
console themselves, however, in their present dis
appointment, and hope for better luck next time
If no other great men visit Lexington, we may
90 up ourselves before long.