Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-09-02
Condition of the Country.

a crOaklNS naDll Is one vi lne WeahncsSes vi
the American press. We freely confess that
that the prevailing tone has frequently influenced
our own minds, and led to the indulgence of
fears that have not been justified by the result.
1t is well sometimes to look on the brighter
side of the picture, and if we cannot acquire a
comfortable confidence in the future, ct least
enjoy our present blessings with satisfaction and
gratitude. Leaving out of view all political con-
siderations of a party character, we can discov-
err much in the present condition of our coun-
try to challenge our admiration and gladden.
our hearts
The material interests of the United States,
notwithstanding the murmurs and complaints
that are constantly reaching our ears, are I'M
doubtedly advancing with asteady progress that
excites the alarm and jealousy of the Old World.
Millions of virgin acres are constantly pouring
their contributions into the great centres of
commerce aud freighting the ocean with addi-
tional wealth. The commerce of the country
certainly increases with the productions, and
nothing prevents the manufacturing interest
from q corresponding development but the want
of that stimulus of necessity which cheapenslab
in other countries and turns man into machine,
Our physical advantages are superior to those of
any other land Great Britain with all her pos
sessions scattered over the globe must in the
end find herself unable to compete with people
nearly homogeous, and almost uniformly spread
over the half of great continent. In variety OF
climate and soils she may boast of her advanta-
ges over us, but this is more than counterbal-
anced by the compact unity of our geographical
area, intermediate between the frozen North
aud the sultry South, and occupying the tenn
perate zone, from ocean to ocean.
Nor is our social condition. with all its defects
and dangers, more unpromising than that OF
other civilized nations. The many elements OF
strife in operation amongst us have naturally
excited much alarm in the minds OF patriotic
men; but then their very numbers, and the free
dom with which they reach the surface OF soci-
ETY., seem to have counteracted their deadly ten
dency, and by external irritation to have reliev-
ed the social body from more fatal diseases with
in. We know not what disasters are awaiting
us in the womb of the future, but after series
of critical changes that appalled, the stoutest
hearts, we now find ourselves, scarcely knowing
how or why, moving in comparative peace a.
long the path of national prosperity.
But we intended to advert more especially to
two facts that have made an agreeable impress
sion upon our minds during the present season.
One is the exemption of our people generally
from the terrors of pestilence. Neither Cholera
nor Yellow Fever has yet invaded to any extent
our larger cities, and those parts of the coun-
try which are apt to be unhealthy at this time
of year are so far enjoying security almost I'M
known in the history of the country. Such
facts as these should enter largely into every esti-
mate that may be formed of our condition as a
people. They should tend in some degree to
hnsh the croaking of those who would represent
us as the most unfortunate and afflicted of the
nations of the earth. That tranquility which we
owe to the absence of apprehension and terror
is of itself large constituent of national we'll
being, and has its beneficial influence upon all
the interests of the country. We may therefore
with good reason congratulate ourselves in a
social as well as in an individual capacity on
account of the general prevalence of health
throughout our borders.
The great abundance of the. returns of the
earth is the other agreeable fact to which have
referred From all parts of the country a cheer
ing report comes up conveying hope to US all
that the necessaries of life will be plentifully
provided. This is the browning joy of the day,
and without being too sentimental we at least
insist that the fashionable croaking about "hard
times" shall be suspended.
In our present circumstances contentment
rather than tactious agitation would seem to be
our policy and duty. There can be no excuse
for restless efforts to disturb the tranquility into
which the public mind is disposed to subsde.-
Now is the time for individual enterprise, and
for pushing ingenuity and industry to their ut
most in every line of improvement. The pres
ent quietude should not be allowed to degene
rate into sloth or stagnation of mind. Instead
of making bad worse in our public and social af
fairs, we ought to seize upon the advantages we
have, and employ them diligently in the ac-
complishment of every practicable good.