davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
s.The Old Cameo

The Vindicator overlooks the chief point of
our last weeks editorial We did, indeed, ex-
press some degree of incredulity in regard to the
predicted "crisis" in 1860, as we think it highly
probable that Black Republicanism will die out
long before that time, unless the Democracy
keep stirring it, in order to make party capital;
but we meant chiefly to express our want OF
faith in the "National Democracy in any con-
test between the North and South. While we
have the authority of respectable Democratic
papers for the statement that the "National
Democracy" is powerless to defend the South,
or even Systematically engaged in betraying our
rights in Kansas, we must decline cur neignbor's
invitation to join the party. The Vindicator
holds up to us the example of certain renegades,
and advises us to ''go and do likewise" Like
Wise D We beg to be excused.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

UIGu PRICES IN PHILADELPHIA.-Inere are
some things now transporting in the world OF
trade which seems to defy hitherto settled laws.
We have every thing at the most extortlonate
prices, and seemingly in direct antagonlsm to
the usual principle of supply and demand regu-
lating such things. Speculation appears to have
reached the point Of commercial despotlsIn.
One of the evidences of this state OF things Is
believed to be in the sugar market. The sup
plv in our large ports is said to be extremely
large for the season, and though the prospects OF
the coming crop are admitted to be fair, and
though the season is already we'll advanced, we
find prices ranging at perfectly unparalleled fig
ures. The stock on hand in this city is nearly
double that of last year. On the 1st inst. it was
|1O.701 hhds, and 3,196 boxes Melado 343 hhds.
At the same time, 1856, $3.50 hhds., l49 boxes,
800 bags. The demand has unquestionably
been reduced by the ruling high prices.
A similar state of things is shown in the meat
market. In this latter, however, people APP
pear to be determined to break the spell. AN
instance of this determination in small way,
not without species of heroism, is given
Yesterday morning well known gentleman OF
large wealth entered Spring Garden Market, ac-
cording to daily custom, to leave an order with
his butcher. "Ah! sir" said the knight OF the
cleaver, after he had saluted hispatron, 81 have
been saving splendid surloin for you" "Here
it is, holding it up, "the finest surloin in the
market to day" "How much pound?" was
the abrupt question. Twenty-Five cents, sir"
"Dcn't want it--too dear" Too dear" ex-
claimed the butcher, in surprise; "why sir you
are worth two or three hundred thousand dol
lars; you can afford to eat anything you please"
True, can afford it, perhaps, but Others can't;
and until beef again comes within the reach OF
even my poorest clerk, shall buy no more."-
Letter of the 18th
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
s.Thoroughly Organized.u

A magnificent organ of New York manufac-
ture has been received and erected in the Chap
ell of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institution
at this place. 1t is one of the largest and hand
soonest in the State, and was furnished at prime
cost only, by the philanthropic makers, for the
sum of s., 500, appropriated for the purpose by
the last Legislature.
The blind pupils taught to play on this organ
will be masters of the art on organs Of any size.
This opens an agreeable and profitable source
for making living by this unfortunate class of
our fellow beings. The salaries of organists in
the larger religious congregations of our coun-
try afford an ample competence.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
Visit TO NIossy Creek.

On Wednesday last, We made hurried visit
to Messy Greek, one of the finest portions of
Augusta county. The inducement to take the
trip at that time was desire we felt to at
tend the commencement" at Messy Greek A
cademy, which is under the charge of Messrs
Hotchkiss and Brodt. When we arrived the
exercises of the forenoon were nearly concluded,
and we found it impossible to effect an entrance
into the large Hall, where the students were
then delivering their speeches. For nearly a
mile the public road leading to the Academy
was lined on both sides with horses and vehicles,
and such dense crowd as was packed in the
building, like herrings in cask, we have never
seen on any other occasion. Not having heard
the speeches of the young gentlemen, we can
not, of course, give an account OF them; but
from the effect upon the audience, manifested
by frequent applause, we have no doubt they were
highly creditable and appropriate. During the
recess we sat down with q large company to
partake of bountiful dinner prepared by Mr.
Jacob @. Roller, who keeps the Academy
boarding-house, and to whose skill in the man
to testify from personal experience.
In the afternoon we were so fortunate as to
obtain place in the Hall, favorable for seeing
and hearing. The exercises opened with an o.
riginal comedy, called ''The Tea Party, which
evinced considerable comic talent on the part OF
the author and was admirably performed by the
Young ladies of the school. This piece was fol-
lowed by an original drama entitled "Our Pro-
gressive Age" performed by the male pupils
The author Zone of the teachers, we presume)
ingeniously used one of the Acts Of the play to
convey to the audience wholesome lesson IN re-
gard to the trials of school teachers and the duty
of parents, which was not the less effective be-
cause it was at the same time amusing. Before
the close of the proceedings we were compelled
to take our departure, but we learn that brief
address was delivered at the winding up by MIR.
r. A. Gray, of Harrisonburg
The number of pupils at Messy Greek Acade-
my during the last session was over hundred,
We rejoice at its prosperity, as from what we
saw and heard on Wednesday last we are sat-
isfed that it is real blessing to the region OF
country in which it is located.
Never do we take an excursion to the coun-
try without finding something new to admire in
rnls delightful Valley OF Virginia, and our re-
cent trip was peculiarly pleasant in this res
pect. Some other portions Of the globe may
boast of superior cultivation, some of richer SOIL
others of taller mountains or broader rivers {;
but take it all in all, for soil, climate, water,
scenery and religious and social advantages, the
Valley of Virginia is unrivalled by any region
on the face of the earth.
We were pleased to observe that most OF the
wheat fields along the road gave promise of an
abundant crop, there having been remarkable
improvement within the last two weeks.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
Augusta Fire Association.

We understand that the members of the Au-
gusta Fire Association have made arrangements
for an excursion to Craigsvile on the Fourth
of July, when they intend to have the incest
kind of picnic" 1t is well enough for per-
sons who wish to enjoy the "4th" to make ar
rangements for leaving Staunton on that day
There does not seem to be patriotism enough
left about here to get up any kind of celebra-
ton. The Association respectfully request the
Merchants to close their stores on the 4th, so as
to give the clerks an opportunity to join in the
excursion.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

NOVEL WAY TO APPOINT A PosT-MAsTER:-
There are a number of applicants for the office
of Post. Master for Wheeling. The President
was unable to make choice, and referred the
whole matter to Mr.. Clemens, the newly elected
Congressman from that district. Mr.. clemens
was unwilling to take the responsibility OF as
between the many aspiring demo-
Gratis, and determined to refer the decision 10
the democratic voters of Wheeling, for when
purpose poll is to be opened there on Satur'
day, the goth, at which none but those who vo-
ted for Mr.. Buchanan will be permitted to vote.
This restriction cuts off nine-tenths ofthe voters
of the city, there not being more than one-tenth
Buchanan democrats. - Charlottesville Adcocate.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
Immense Excitement.

Our community was thrown into state OF
considerable agitation on Thursday evening last,
by rumor that grave, containing the remains
of a dead body, had been discovered in the cell
lar of house in Newtown, formerly occupied
by Peter Eckle, decd, but for some time past
untenanted. Upon hearing the rumor from Mrs.
Margaret McGruder, who had it direct from the
negro who had first discovered the grave, par
ty consisting of two constables, several lawyers,
a crowd of boys, and two members OF the corps
reportorial, proceeded to the spot for the pur-
pose of examining into the matter. upon reach
ing the premises, it was found that Mr. flalg,
of the enterprisng firm of Kamerer q Flag
was engaged in the act of removing load or
furniture into the house, possession of which he
was about to take. Upon inquiring of Mr. FLAG
in regard to the matter, that gentleman opened
his eyes wide, and announced his entire lgnor-
ance of any such discovery as that reported
down town. Some of the party, however, sug-
gested that it would be we'll enough to examine
the cellar and forthwith several persons entered
its dark precincts. Upon entering the door one
of the lawyers was so shocked at the odor that
he was compelled to fall back. Another person
distinctly discovered the grave, and we ourselves
stumbled over an old green blanket-coat and
pants probably belonging to the unfortunate
victim of some foul murder. Owing to the ex-
treme darkness of the cellar it was. determined
to procure light, and a candle having been
kindly furnished, the constables, editors DC, pro-
ceeded to make further explorations After sur
yeying the locality with great care and nervous
anxiety, the unanimous verdict of those present
was that the 'hole in the ground" had been
made by some former occupant Of the house for
the purpose of keeping milk cool in the summer
season, and that the old cast-off garments had
probably been used to cover the ice. 1t was
furthermore agreed, by common consent, that the
whole party had been badly sold, and that the
only way of repairing damages would be to carry
on the joke. Accordingly they returned, detailed
the circumstances as related by Mrs. McGruder,
and in short time persons were running up
to the house from all quarters ofthe town,to the
great bewilderment ard doubtless annoyance OF
Mr.. FLAG. "What is the town coming TOP
exclaimed one ''the clothes have been identi-
fed as belonging to Martin Wygand," declared
another; 81 always said poor Wygand never
LEFT the town of Staunton," remarked third,
with the gratifed air of prophet not without
honor" while others appealed to us not to say
anything about it in the paper, until the facts
were fully developed.
Whether Mr.. Flaig was permitted to retire
to rest Thursday night we have not learned
When we started home about dark, however, an
occasional quid nunc might still be seen wind,
ing his way in the direction of his attractive
residence.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

GREAT HAIL SToRM-A most terrific thunder
storm passed over Washington city at 8 o'clock
Sunday afternoon. Hail also fell for some ten
or fifteen minutes with great force. The stones
were of enormous size, some weighing five or six
ounces, doing immense destruction to sky-lights,
and windows of churches, and other public and
private buildings, the government conservato-
ries, etc. Several private galleries of art are al
SO seriously damaged.
The trees were half stripped of their foliage
and the grain, vegetables and shrubbery in the
vicinity beat to the earth. In some cases horses
and COWS were severely cut by the hail. The
storm appeared to have extended over breadth
of some twelve miles. Its course was about
southwest to northeast We have no reports
from the plantations, but the crops are no doubt
greatly injured
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
The Comet has Come.

Warned by a venerable negress we stood SEN
tinel for the comet last night, and saw it And
that without the aid of the instruments of the
Mountain Sax-horn Band. We feel, therefore,
authorized to announce that the comet will be
out every fair night from this time till his "en-
gagement" terminates for this latitude.
1t appeared above the horizon, a little North
of East, about half-past two o'clock, and looked
something like the lantern Of a locomotive at
night, only not near so large or fierce. lis too
large for panet-and if it is not the comet it
is nothing else. Its tail was not visible from
the fact that it seemed to be coming head fore
most at our unoffending little planet.
From its direction we think Improbable that it
will strike somewhere west of our county-pro-
baby about the centre of Rookbridge, say Lex
ington-if it can hit so small pace,-and very
near the Gazette Office. Possibly it may not
get so far West, and may strike ''Jordans
bridge" on the small of the back. If so, the
comet will be heartily welcome as it will abate
a barbaric nuisance. This is tho bridge which
Rockbridge county maintains for its use by levy
ing black mail on strangers; fencing up the ford
and forcing all to cross the bridge and pay toll,
Except its oaon citizens. 1t is thought that Au-
gusta county supports that bridge by the annual
tax upon its travel to the commandments at
Lexington,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

1t is not little surprising that in an age of so
many newspapers and such general facility OF
intelligence as the present, so many unrecogniz-
ed dead bodies should annually be buried in our
large cities. In the city of Philadelphia alone
there were in 1853, Is; in "a, 50; '55, So; and
in '58, &C; of which 1SS were males and 70 fe-
males Ofthese 90were drowned, 4were known
to have committed suicide, IL died from intem-
perance, and 147 by disease and accident.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
Pic.Nie.

The Cadets of Temperance of this place had a
picnic on Saturday last, at Walnut Spring, the
farm of Mr.. Jefferson Kinney, two miles from
town. From all accounts the occasion was en-
joyed in high degree by the young folks of
both sexes who participated in it. An address
was delivered by The Rev. DR.. Greene, and Mr..
Richard Mauzy responded to call upon him for
q speech.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
June Court.

On Monday last the County Court of Augusta
made an additional appropriation of s7OO to pay
for the recent improvements in the interior OF
the Courthouse An order was also entered
requiring the Justices to be summoned for the
July Court, to decide whether or not the tax
imposed upon the late Sheriff shall be RENTED
to his securities
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

FASHIONABLE CHRIsTIANIrY.-We wonder if
the following trifing incident has application
elsewhere besides in Bostona We quote from
Boston paper:
A young man, accompanied by two ladies,
visited one of our fashionable churches Sunday,
to hear noted divine. Seats were assigned
them by the gentlemanly sexton. Scarcely were
they seated, when woman, counterfeit article,)
dressed in the height of fashion, entered the pew
and Immediately knelt, joining in the prayer
read by the pastor. She appeared to feel very
uncomfortable, for some reasons, which after
wards appeared. The prayer being ended, she
arose from her kneeling position, and said to the
young man, "lf you please, won't you go out {;
this pew belongs to u.s." Thereupon the gentle
man and ladies Qor such they were, in the larg-
est sense of the world Immediately left in search
of pew large enough to accommodate strang-
ar,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
Exhibition.

The annual exhibition at the Institution for
the Deaf g. Dumb and the Blind, will take place
on Thursday next, 25th, at half past two o'clock.
TIE public are invited to attend.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
ATTEMPT TO K1LI.-We understand that an

ATTEMPT TO Kn1-We understand that an
attempt was made upon the life of q worthy citi-
zen of Rockingham county, few nights ago..
Mr.. Henry Hammer, residing near Conrad's
Store, on Elk Run, was called from his bed a.
bout midnight, by noise at the door, and upon
his going out and asking who was there, was
met with loaded pistol, pointed at his breast
The midnight assassin, without utterlng word,
discharged his weapons, the ball OF Which pass
ed between his clothes and his skin, leaving a
mark, without breaking the skin Who the as
sassin was, or what were his motives, remains
profound mystery, as Mr.. Fl. is q harmless, in
offensive citizen, and could hardly be suspected,
in these hard times, of having large amount OF
money to tempt the avarice of midnight Prov
er.-Rockinghan, Register.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
staunton Spectator.
STAUNTON, VA.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE "a, 1851.
To Business Men.

The Spectator is now emphaticaly the paper To-
business men and advertisers The union of the lists
of the two papers, gives to it circulation unrivaled
by any paper in the interior of Virginia See terms
of advertising in another column which will in all ca
ses be strictly adhered to, except when the cash Is
paid when liberal discount will be made. All char
ges for advertising and job work due when the works
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
To Distant SUBSCRIBERS.

We this week enclose accounts to some of the dis
tan subscribers the Spectator for amounts due on
the ls day of Nay, and shall continue to send them
to others from week to week until we get through the
list II is impossible for us to make personal appca
ton to these subscribers but trust to their sense Of
Justice 70 make speedy remittances.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
To POsimaSters.

Posmasters are requested to inform us promptly
any of the subscribers to this paper refuse to take 1T
from the office.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

The accounts of the late firm of ]. A. i L. Waddel,
IT, are now ready for settlement and those whom we
have long INDUCED are earnestly requested to pay up
promptly-before somebody gets tafter them with q
long Dolei'
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
RANNEY, PUBLISHER OFFERS for

RANNEY, PUBLISHER OFFEhS Iur
a. SALE soc, 900 BOOKS AND MAPS, of all
kinds, at publishers prices to be accompanied with
SOC, 900 Gifts, worth from 25 cts. to 5000 each;
consisting of GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES JEwELRY,
RErrcULEs, LADIES PURSES, PoRrNoNAIEs, &c. $3.50
worth Of GIFTS DISTRIBUTED with every 500
Books
A GIFT will be delivered with every Book sold for
One Dollar or more. Although no Book or Article
will be sold for than the usual retail price, many
will be sold for less. Persons wishing any particular
Book can order at once and it will be forwarded with
a Gift. A complete Catalogue of Books, Maps, and
Gifts will be sent to any address on application. Per
amount of postage as it must invariably be paid in
advance The average postage for 81 and 81 25 books
IS Is cents aud for SIS and $500 books, q cents
Address. A. RANNEY,
No 242 Broadway, New York.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24
Bishop Johns,

We are requested to state that Bishop Johns
will preach and administer the rite of Contirma-
ton in the Protestant Episcopal Church of this
place, on Sunday next.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

~ The following article, written by some
friend who has kindly volunteered to aid us,
was found upon our table on Monday last. We
discaim any responsibility, and, if we can ascer-
tain the name of the writer, will surrender it to
any gentleman, on the comet or the bridge,
who may feel himself aggrieved:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

1t is expected that the equestrian group for
the Virginia Washington Monument at Rich
mond, will arrive about the 1st OF OCTOBER next
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

GREAT SALE OF STooK.-The annual sale of
blooded stock by R. A. Alexander, Esq, took
place at his farm in Woodford county, KY, on
Wednesday, June 3d. This sale brought togeth-
er larger collection of people than any pre-
vious sale of that distinguished breeder, the
crowd in attendance being estimated at from
thousand to fifteen hundred persons. We an
mex summary OF the sales, merely adding that
there were bidders present from nearly all the
Western and from several of the Southern States
to which much of the stock is destined:
80 Bulls sold for 5000, averaging per head
1926 80; 80 Heifers sold for $6,49O, averaging
per head $216.33-making GO head of Cattle
that sold for $16,2s0, an average of $271.3S.-
8 Bucks sold for 1926, averaging 1888; Cots
void Ewes sold for $109, averaging $25.75; 8
Pigs sold for $40, averaging 1915. Amount of
sales $16,67O. 2 Bulls let one year for $3.50, a.
veraging per head $415. Total amount of sales
and lettings S17,509. Bull named Oliver sold
for s725 to A. r. Humphreys, Virginia.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-24

The ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH.-Ihe submerslon
of the cable will be effected about the end Of
July, or early in August, that period of the year
which the uniform experience of shipmasters Gas
shown in the valuable Storm and Rain Charts,
recently published by Lieutenant Maury, en-
bracng the observations of 265, 292 days. proves
the North Atlantic to be in its quetest mood.
Two large steamships will each of them take on
board one-half, or about thirteen hundred miles
of the cable, and accompanied by steamers for
the purpose of plotting and assisting, will pro-
ceed to point in the ocean, midway between
Ireland and Newfoundland, and there joining
the two ends of the cable, and testing the Sc
curity of the junction, will commence the pro-
cess of submersion; one part of the expedition
towards Valentia Bay, Ireland, and
the other towards Trinity Bay, in Newfound-
land; meanwhile constantly communicating with
each other through the entire length of the ca
BILE.
Owing to the skill and enterprise brought to
bear on the enterprise and the confidence en-
tertained in the practical men under whose su-
pervision it is being carried out, Insurance Com
panies of high standing are willing to insure the
laying of the cable That the enterprise will be
persevered in until successfully accomplished
there can be no question; for the exclusive priv
ileges and guarantees themselves, which the
Companies have obtained, are, in the opinion OF
those most competent to judge, of more value
than the whole capital required to manufacture
the cable and to submerge it in the sea.