Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-08-06
The Platform Interpreted.

assault case, hailsiS ai"is wv OH" ~
breeze sprung up just in the nick OF time TO pre-
want feeling of complete ennui in regard to the
proceedings of Congress. AS yet full reports OF
the debates have not reached us, and we have
only few meager sketches in the editorial col
umns of the National Intelligencer But these,
ike the foretaste of feast, serve to whet the
appetite and prepare US to appreciate the DANNY
v;ands. One day we are told that Mr.. Toomos
was "unsparing in his denunciations OF the sys-
tenn ~ on another, that Mr.. Pugh and MI STUART
retorted with yigor; and on third, that a de-
hate of unusual animation" took place.
The universal Democracy, recently assembled
or Cincinnati, solemnly declared their opposition
to appropriations for internal improvements oy
the Genera, Government; the Democratic oen-
ate Is now giving US some practical illustrations
Of the value of the platform. Mr.. Masonof Vir-
gipia rose majestically in the Senate on mon
day week, and demanded the true constructor Oh
the Democratic platform just prepared at oin-
c;nnat sin order that the people he represented
and the minority in the South might have iuii
understanding of the meaning hereafter TO DC a'-
tacbed to that portion relating to general SyS-
tenn of internal Improvement" Mr. loolhos
warmed The Democracy that they were treadlng
ON dangerous ground; Mr. Butler repeated that
in his opinion no Confederacy on the lace Oh Tue
earth could stand which perpetrated such ou'ra-
,ao The voice of these Senators used to be re-
corded. but now their influence IS lost. Ahelf
,yorn;ncs and admonitions, and protests are as
reoorded Their brother Democrats proceeded
forthwith to pass another batch OF biils-nlne-
tasn in one day. This is "the true construction
Of the Cincinnati platform, which Mr.. Mason ue-
mapded. The word of promise is held out 70
the Southern strict constructionists, but tue
Northern majority are at liberty to disregard II
whenever they please-if in this particular, OF
course in all others
The majority were too busy putting their bills
through to say much in reply to the ooutneri
champions, and most of them no doubt though'
that factions speak louder than words, MI
pncb. of Ohio. however, has touch OF thechNai-
rv in him. He replied with spirit to what ne
tarmsd the lectures of the Senators in the MINOR
ity who undertook, as high priests of the DEM
ocratic party, to read him and others out Oh the
church with bell, book and candle. lie denled
+bs;r authority. and contended thathe understood
the Democratic faith as it had always been 1alriy
interpreted. He and others OF his party nae sur
fered something for the South on other topics,
and were always ready to do that section Oh the
country iustice but he must repel the imputations
of profigacy so literally applied to himsen anu
those with whom he acted"
What a pity that Mr.. Pugh did not accept
the invitation of our Democratic friends OF TINS
county to address them at July Court! Inc
more we think of it, the more regret it. II Mr.
Puph and Mr.. Mason had both come, we might
have had a nice little discussion between them
Mr.. Hunter took part in the debate on We'd
nesday, and presented some interesting views
He complained bitterly of the appropriations on
the ground of their inequality. In the South
Atlantic States, he said, constitutional doubts
were largely entertained as to the power to
make such appropriations at all; and at present
their representatives not applying for money to
carry on works of this character, these States
receiyed no part of the benefits He thought
it the duty of the Committee to have reported
such bills as they thought just, without waiting
for applications to be filed in separate cases.
Such is the position to which the South is
driven by the scruples of their representatives,
and this the liberality of the Democracy who have
no scruples. Mr.. Hunter regards these bills as
a serious blow at the constitution, but like Marc
Antony, though he had no hand in Caesars
death, he would receive the benefit of his dying.
Too conscientious even to ask for anything, ne
complains that a full share is not thrust supon
him. Recently the Virginia Democracy plum
ed themselves upon their Spartan virtue in refu-
sing portion of the distribution fund; perhaps
they would take it now.
Mr.. Buchanan's views in reference to these
River and Harbor bills are still unknown. MIR.
Bigler returned to his seat soon after Mr.
Toombs intimated wish to question him on
the subject-he has be there every day since;
but some how or other Toombs don't see him, or
he has forgotten the matter, or he has received
hint not to press the question. We wish his
memory could be logged. The country is impa-
tiently waiting the expose. Southern Demo-
Gratis particularly can never vote for Old Buck
if he agrees with those ''recreant individuals
who are engaged in "debauching and demorah-
zing" the party, against its latest declaration of
principle in the Cincinnati Platform"
The Courthouse.
L.. lie