davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
nh. y,,,on0I conyent,on---rhe Platform.

The National ConventiOn---The PLATFORM
After long and excited session, the national
convention of the American party, assembled In
Philadelphia, broughtits labors TO close last Sat-
urday. We have the result in the patriotic plat
form presented to our readers to day. The coun-
ter platform of the seceders from the conven-
ton will also be found in our columns. These
two documents, as embodyiny the most favorable
propositions of the North and South on the slavery
question, may be justly regarded the most impor-
tant which have emanated from any political body
for the last half century. We have here drawn
more distinctly than has ever been done before
the threatening lines of sectional division. One
the one side, the platform of the convention prop
er presents basis of action respecting slavery
which, whilst it is conclatory aud just, and such
as every Southern and Northern State might accept
offers compromises to the North beyond which nc
Southern State will make shadow of concession
On the other hand, the platform of the seceders,
being based on a repeal of the Kansas Nebraska
ACT. and restoration of the Missouri line, implies
conditions of adjustment which can only be regar-
ded as designed to defeat all adjustment. The
latter is the work of Wilson and his crew, and il
only remains to be seen whether or not they can
succeed in carrying out their fell designs against
the peace of the land, by denationalizing the A
mercan party of the North, and engulfng it as
the Wing and Democratic parties fthat section
have been in the mealsrom of ant-slavery fanat-
cism.-Lynchb,ug VIginian.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

The Peoples Advocate in suggesting the ap
poiutment of Thanksgiving Day, in view of the
recent rains says:
"Virginia has never had general Thanksgiv-
ing Day. Ifshe is ever to have one, we think
the time has come. Pale faced Want had raised
its voice in our land, and her foot was upon our
yery thresholds. A kind Providence has snatch
ed us from so horrible doom, and promised plen-
ty gladdens every heart. If our Governor, is too
faslidious to infringe upon so unworthy Prece-
dent, let the churches take it in hand. Let them
unite in petition 10 Governor johnson to ap-
point day for general offering Of prayers and
thanks, and if he refuse, lei them agree upon one,
themselves, and recommend it to the people
We believe it would be generally observed.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
Rockingham Items.

We clip the following from the last number OIL
the Rockingham Register:
The old washington Tavern" in this place,
has been purchased by Sibert s. Bowman, the
proprietors of the "Pollock" Hotel, for eight
thousand dollars.
Mr.. HUGH BRUFFY, one of The Oldest and most
esteemed citizens of Harrisonburg, was stricken
with Paralysis on Saturday morning last. lie
had two strokes,-one about o'clock in the NOR.
ming, and the other few hours later. He lies
in an exceedingly critical condition.
The County Court fixed the county levy at DO
cents, and the Parish at so cents. The Sheriff
was taxed six hundred dollars.
The salary of the Attorney for the Common
wealth was fixed at 5000; that of the Comfy
Clerk for services rendered the County at $3.50
aud that of the County Agent at SIS.
The farm of Samuel Coffnan on the Valley
Turnpike, near Mt. Crawford, containing about
$50 acres, was sold privately few days ago, tc
VIM. Carpenter, for SO 900 nearly $40 and acre
This farm sold twenty three years ago, for $27
an acre.
Our friend John Lnaweaver, informs u.s. that
the grasshoppers are doing great damage to his
clover and timothy fields. We have heard that
they are doing damage on other farms in the coun-
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
Circuit Court.

This Court, which has been in constant session
since the LIST of June, will continue the trial Of ju
ry cases during this week in expectation of call
ing through the commmon-aw docket.
The case of ''Hugh John Crawford Us JohT
McDowell's Executor" which excited much in
terest in this community was settled last week by
the parties out of Court through the mediation o.
friends. This case has been much litigated. Up
IN verdict heretofore rendered for the plaintiff
motion was made for new trial which was re-
fused by Judge Thompson An appeal was
then taken. and the Court of Appeals on point O
law, in regard to the admissibility Of certain
testimony, and not effecting the merits of the
cause, remanded the case to the Circuit Court tol
a re hearing.
The mediators adverting to the perplexed char
acter of the case, and to the fact that if the plain
tiff recovered the full amount of the bond, the me-
oroes of the estate, who would otherwise be set
free, would have to be sold to raise that sum
thereupon advised that judgement be given FOL
the plaintiff on the bond, (the pleas being with
drawn, endorsed with credit of one half the a.
mount. The Court rendered judgement accord
ingy-at the same time remarking that it was
in his opinion equivalent to donation on the part
of Mr.. Crawford towards the liberation of the me-
prO
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
Political Parties.

The New York Courier gives the following a
the present political organizations: "The Amer
ican,' OF Know Nothing, which has just construc
ted platform in Philadelphia; the Northern ant
Western Americans, 'who seeded from the above
the Democratic party in favor of Pierce & Co..
the Democratic party opposed to Pierce s. Co.
the WING party > the know Something's who
recently assembled at Cleveland, and are oppos-
ed to slavery the Say Nohings,' opposed to the
Know Nothings the 'AbolitiOnists > the South.
ern party recently started in Georgia TIT
Friends of Temperance and the Opponents o
Prohibitory Liquor Law BILL"
There are various smaller organizations be
sides; but the above are the most prominent, ant
present large assortment, suited to every varie
ty of taste.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
New MniI Arrangement.

The Postmaster General on Tuesday, entered
into an arrangement with the Orange and Alexan
dria Railroad Company, (Jonn S. Barbour, Esq.
president,) and the Virginia Central Railroad
Company, (E. Fonaine, Esq, president for the
conveyance of the Great mails from Washington
City, by all the intermediate offices, to Gordons
vile, Va, and thence by Trevillion's depot and
all other offices over the Central Railroad to Rich
mond, Va, and back, twice daily except Sunday
and then once daily. The branch to Warenton,
Va, will be continued as at present. The new
arrangement will go into effect ON the first day oil
July next.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

VIRGINIA SECURITIES pride of Virginia
must have been gralified at the steady but sure
rise of the stocks of the Old Dominoni in this
market. where during the past week they have
reached one per cent. premium, rising within the
past three or four months from discount OF some
thirteen per cent. Our market was Ior 'lIhe
ante flooded with these securities, scarcely day
passing without extensive transactions taking
Mace in them. This, added TO the general de-
preston, kept them at figure much below the
yalue which the unblemished character of the
State should have ensured them. 1t is well known
that many of her leading citizens felt kind Of
personal pride in the matter, and did all In their
power to buoy the securities up by large purchases
Time, however, has effected what they could
not. and those who invested their means in the
State credit during the time of gloom are now
amply repaid by the satisfactory standing which
Virginia has now regained in the monetary world
~. Y. Cor. Nat Intel.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
For The Snecfnfor

MEssRs. EDITORS In your last issue see ga
Card to the Teachers of Virginia. inviting them
TO meet in Convention some time this summer
for consultation in regard to the educational inter-
ests of the "'Od Dominion"
for one, heartily concur in the suggestion, be-
lievine that much good will result therefrom.-
But the objects of the card appears to be to have
place selected for the Convention, and the time
fixed. The writer suggests Charlottesville or
Richmond, or Botetourt Springs as the place, and
the 2Oth or 25th of August as the time. The
time is well enOugh--but why meet in either OF
the places named, rather than at Staunton, the
center of the State, geographically, and one OF
the most noted educational ceners in the South
The University, would certainly, be an appropri-
ate place. usually, but, during vacation, it would
be deserted by students and professors, and ''out
of fix" generally, for such an assembly ;-besides
the Professors have expressed their willingness to
meet in any part OF the State.
Richmond, at that season of the year, would be
entirely out of the question, and could present no
claims to induce those that are enjoying vacation"
to visit it in August.
The Springs would be a very pleasant place,
but they are too far off for the Teachers of the
Eastern half of the State, and at that time they
would be filled up with pleasure seekers, TO the
exclusion of business convention.
But Staunion, 'Sthe City of the Mountains"
the center of the State, with pure air, fine water,
spacious and excellent hotels, numerous education
establishments, ample halls for the meetings,
citizens noted for hospitality and lastly So easy Of
access by the Central Railroad and the numerous
lines of stages that center there-ceralnly no
place can offer greater inducements for the meet
inp of the Convention in il.
Then we say, let the goth of August be the
time, and Stanton the place for the Convention
Noisy Creek academy. j. II.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
STAUNrON SPECTATOR.
.-sTAUNTON:
WEDNESDAY,. JUNE 81, 1855.
AZ. Amer tho last number Of this paper was

nc After the last number of this paper was
ready for the press, an event occurred III ou'
midst, which, whilst it cast deep gloom over
this entire community, plunged the editors OF this
paper into the most profound affection Dr. Adj
olson Wadden. the venerated and beloved father
Of one of them and the uncle Of the other, was on
Monday night, the 18th instant, suddenly cut
down by the hand of death. The readers OF the
Spectator will not be surprised that so distressing
and inscrutable dispensation of Providence,
coming as it did, without moments warming
with the quickness of thOught-should for time
ut least, disqualify the editors for the discharge
of their ordinary duties. This fact will satisiac-
torily account for any Deficiencies in the present
paper.
See the obituary of DR.. Waddell under the u
sual head.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
Platform of the Seoeders from the Philadel
phia Convention.

To the people ofths United States:
The undersigned, citizens of the various States
assembled at Philadelphia on the fourteenth day
of June, 1855, feel constrained, under the exist
ING state of affairs TO affirm the following prnci-
pes
FIRST, The unconditional restoration Of that
tims-honored compromise known as the Missouri
prohibition, which was destroyed in utter disre-
gard of the popular villa wrong no lapse OF
time can palliate and no plea for its continuance
can justify and that we will use all constitution
al means to maintain the positive guaranty of this
compact, until the object for which it was enact
ed has been consummated by the admission Of
Kansas and Nebraska as free States.
Second, That the right of settlers in Terrific
ries 20 the free and undSturbed exercise of the e.
lective franchise, guaranteed to them by the laws
under which they are organized should be prompt
Iy protected by the National Executive, wherever
violated or threatened, and that we cannot con-
sistently act with those who will not aid US to
the correction of those national wrongs, and will
not epen permit their fair consideration and full
discussion.
Third, Wefurther declare our continued and
unalterable determination to use all honorable eft
forts to secure such modification of the naturali
cation laws, aided by such an elevation of public
sentiment, as shall preserve the true interests of
the nation. and shall guaranty the three vital
principles of Republican GOvernment-spirituGI
freedom, free Bible, and free schools. thereby
promoting the great work of Amercanizing Amer
lea.
Fourth, That we invoke the arm of legislation
to arrest that growing evil, the deportation, by
foreign authorities, of paupers and cOnvcts to our
shores and that, as our National Constitution
requires the Chief Executive of the country to be
of native birth, we deem it equally necessary and
important that our diplomatic representatives a
broad should also possess no foreign prejudices to
bias their judgment, or to influence their official
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
A oneer Customer.

On Friday last an old bay mare, evidently il
possession of her free-papers, deliberately walked
into the store of Mr.. E. Lawton, proceeded to the
counter, and poked her head over in very In
quisitive manner, and to the great astonishmen
of one of the workmen who was seated behinc
the counter with his back to the door. Having
satisfied her curiosity she readily obeyed an i'm
mediate order to leave, and many persons on the
street were greatly amused to see her walk GU
with the utmost composure.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
County Court.

On Monday last, the first day of the June
Term, Geo. NJ. Cochran, Esq, was elected Presi
ding Justice, in the place of Col. James Crawford
decd. N. Massie, Esq, was also in nomination
and the vote stood Is to IL.
The Court appropriated the sum of $500 fol
the purpose of re-modeling the interior of tn,
Court house This is a commendable step, the
present arrangements of the Court house being
very inconvenient.
The sum of 500 was allowed to DR.. William
l.. Walters for medical services rendered to young
Mays who died with Small Pox, at West View.
some months auO.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

We are indebted 10 Prof. Nelson for copy oil
the annual Catalogue of this Institution, together
with the tri-ennial Catalogue of the Alumni
We have been much interested in looking over
the list of Graduates, in W hich we find the names
ofmany distinguished men. The Catalogue Will
be forwarded to any one who desires it, on aPPll-
cation to the President.
Washington College is now in fourShlng
condition, and offers such inducements to the STU
dent that we trust her venerable halls will hence
forth be filled To overlooking.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
I,,erestinr Ceremonies,

On Sunday last, the Rev. Jos. R. Wilson was
installed as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church al
this place, according to previous notice. The SER
mon was preached by the Rev. DR.. White, Of
Lexington the charge to the Pastor delivered by
DIR. Hendren, and the charge to the people by
the Rev. VIM. b. Browne. The services were
highly interesting.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

The annual examination of the pupils of the
Virginia Female Institute, the Wesleyan lnsti-
tute, and the Institution for the Deaf and DUMB
and the Blind, took place during the past week.
We were unable to attend either.
The Commencement exercises of the Wesley
an Female Institute will take place this (Wednes-
dayl evening at z o'clock.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

TIE PRIcE OF BEEF MUsr CONE Down.
TIE Chicago Democrat says that immense mum
bers Of cattle and hogs are now being shipped from
tbat city for eastern markets. The cattle have
been brought from Texas aud wlntered IN Illinois,
and are now being sent iOrward over the Michigan
Central and Great Western Railroad A day or
,wo since one train left Chicago with AIS cattle
aud l65 hogs.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

SrLnEs. Writers s. Co.-The Trustees O
SelJen Winters & Co.. request, by public adver
,;sment. the holders of the Bank Notes of the Elk
change Bank of Selden, Winters & Co., to pres
ent them at the late Banking House in Washing
tnn of said firm, for redemption.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
American Jubilee,

The Jubilee at MI Scion, on Saturday last, came
off. we are informed, in good style. About one
thousand persons were in attendance and addresses
were delivered by Maj. McCue, MrGelleyln, OF
Tennessee, Mr.. J. Holchkiss, and others. we
are promised full account for publication next
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

AN ABoLITIoNIsT CHASED AND DROWNED
We learn that within week past there has been
some excitement in Garrard county consequent
upon an fair in which an abOiionst was involved
During the present year, some three negroes have
been run off from Jessamne county. Last week
evidence was obtained that Mr.. Pullam, of Gar
rard, had an agency in the Cincinnati transaction
Accordingly a warrant was issued by magistrate
of Bryantsvile for the arrest Of Pu!lam. The
constable, assisted by four or FIVE gentlemen, went
to the field where he was working and arrested
him. Then they started to return, but after pro-
crossing short distance the prisoner broke away
He outlan the officer and his posse and the con-
stable, seeing his prize about to escape, fired a
pistol, hitting him in the back. He instantly fell
screaming with pain, but just as the pursuing par
ty came up, he arose and fled towards The Ken
tucky river. Coming to high cliff he fell, first
about seven feet, then ten, and finally over pre-
cipice thirty feet high, making the fall altogether
forty seven feet.
PuIlam seemed endowed with more than mortal
vigor, and arising, plunged into the Kentucky
river. Nothing has been seen or heard of him
since, and preparations were made to drag the
river, as it is presumed that he was drowned.
Whatever might have been the guilt OF the poo
fellow. he certainly merited by reason of his eX
hibt Of spirit, a more fortunate charlottesville
(Ky) Courier.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

DIED IN PAEr.-Wm. Henry Baker, son of
the late Isaac Baker, of Winchester, Va. died in
the city of Paris on the 10Th ult. lie was a
graduate Of the Virginia Military Institute.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

ooncealment Of The place OF meeting Of SuboIdI
nate councils.
e. b. BARTLETT. of Kentucky,
Pres't. of Nat. Convention.
C. D. DESHLER, Of New Jersey,
Corresponding Sec'y.
JAS. M. STEPHENS, Of Maryland,
Recording Sec,y.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
Augusta.

This county, says the Parkcrsburg Gazette,
ought to bear the American banner. She gave
Flournoy about eleven hundred majority three
hundred more than was claimed by the most san
guine Glorious Augusta! Well might Wash
ington eAcaim, in the hour of peril and of gloom
"Take from me all ! have left: give me but
standard and the means of planting it upon the
mountains of West Augusta, and will yet draw
around Inc the men who will lift their bleeding
country from the dust and set her free!" The
Father of his country knew his men, and they
have not belied his good opinion.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
Sudden Death.

Charles Crawford Esq. died suddenly, in Green'
viIe on Saturday last of para ys!s--iea'i"s
widow.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
commencement at Hampden sidney oollcs'

commencement Mt Hampden Sidney College.
The commencement at Hampden Sidney Col
lego took place last week. William Pope Dab
ney, Esq, Of Powhatan, and Rev. Stuart Robin
son, of Baltimore, delivered addresses. Mr.. HOl-
aday, Of the University, was elected to the Pro-
fessorship made vacant by the resignation of Pro
lessor J. II. Wilson, now vf this place.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27

MExIco.-By the last arrivals from beyond the
Rio Grande we have intelligence that the stan
dard Of revolt has been once more unfurled with
in the northern dominions of Santa Anna. The
revolutionists under their leader, Don Santiago
Yidausi, had made considerable Roadway and
have in all probability before this obtained pos
session Of Monterey the most wealthy and pOpu-
lous city in Northern Mexico, To determine
what the present or any subsequent revolution
will accomplish for this distracted country, is be-
yond the reach of even the most speculative mind,
but as IFS form IF government is to some extent
similar to our own, and as the proximity OF lis
territories makes it an immediate neighbor, every
important political event that ranspires there may
be said 10 have some bearing upon our own desti-
ny. The success or failure of the present reyo
luton which has been in progress there for some
time, with the view of dsplaciug Santa Anna, is
yet to be determined /; the chances are that even
if this movement fail, another and still more pow
ertul one will speedily be developed, and the
'.Hero of Tampco" be finally compelled to seek
safety on foreign soil. 1t is question, howev-
ef, whether such an event or any other that would
terminate in his removal from power can promote
the prosperity Of Mexico, for with all his faults he
is, perhaps, better qualified to rule that people
than any other of the many ambitious men who
aspire to the position he occupies. 1t is unforu-
nate for that country that this is so. for although
the soil is rich in agricultural as well as mineral
resources and the climate all that could be desir
ed, yet Mexico has for years been declining in po
s,iOn and influence as well as in character and
prosperity american.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-27
NEW HAMPSHIRE,

OHIO. NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Thomas H. Ford, Anthony Colby,
II. II. Odds, Jesse Mann,
Joshua Martin, Stephen Is. oherwln-
j. K. Marlay, VERMONT.
George r. Martin, Evelyn PierPont,
A. Mckay, Joseph II. Barrett,
H. NJ McAbee, Ryland Fletcher,
John T.. Rees. Il. Nj. Guiliord5
INDIANA. Jo ID. Hatch.
William Cumback, MAINE.
SCHUYLER Colfax, Louis o. Cowan,
Godlove s. Ortiz, A. >. Richmond,
j. S. Harvey, Benz. u. Peck,
FD. Allen, John L.. Stevens,
las r. NJ. BRYANT. John 5. Sayward,
MICHIGAN. Joseph COvell,
Israel Coggeshall, James NJ. Lincoln.
Moses A. McNaughton. IOWA.
ILLINOIS. James Thorington,
WIN. w. Danenhower, William LOugbridge.
SVm. III. Young, RHODE ISLAND.
Henry 5. Jennings, Jubez e. Knight.
ID. l.. Eastman. Nathaniel Green,
MASSACHUSETTS. VIM. Ii. Sweet.
Henry j. Gardner, coNNEcrIcUT,
Henry Wilson, David b. booth'
j. w. Foster, Thomas CLARK,
A.C. Carey, n. ID. Sperry.
H. w. Bugg. WISCONSIN
James Burlington, ID. u. WOOD,
Andrew A. Richmond. r. Chandler,
e. w. Cook.
approve the above-adding no more slave
States, no more slave territory.
bushnell WHITE.
From the foregoing it will be seen that thu
twelve secediug States comprehend all New Eng
land and all the Free States in the West.