Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1859-03-19


counties of this Congressional district, a,
Harrisonburg on the 3Oth inst, to nominate
candidate for Congress. A full attendance
OF the democracy is very desirable.
Lstcher and Goggin.
In our last issue we commented pretty
freely, and as we thought, fairly upon the
speeches of the opposing candidates for
Governor. We see that the opposition pa
per in this place, and correspondents Of
Know Nothing journals throughout the
State, seem to differ with us very material
ly, as to the respective merits Of the two
speeches.
In this article we intend to give the rea-
sons for the faith which is within U.S." we
propose to cite examples to establish the
fact of Mr.. Goggin's complete failure, and
we challenge any person who was present
at the discussion successfully to refate any
one Of the facts which we adduce
We commence with glance at Mr.. Cog
gins budget Of groundless assertions. We
hear it lamented by all Mr.. Goggin's friends
that he was SO inaccurate in his statements Of
fasts, and they generally excuse him by
contending that he made all his ridiculous
assertions on hearsay evidence. Now, we
don't believe there is another intelligent pol
itician besides Mr.. Goggin himself, in the
State (and from no others we suppose would
Mr.. Goggin receive statements, which he
intended to act upon) who is so totally ig-
0orant as to believe for a moment in those
assertions. Then we are forced to the con-
clusion-and we are hurt at the thought
that Mr.. Goggin has been Intentionally i'm
posed upon by some democrat, who misin-
formed him for the especial purpose of en-
joying his (Mr. Goggin's) modification and
shame. We do not wish to be understood
as approving of this democrats course, for
we consider it cruel, unkind and ungen-
erous advantage taken Of simple and conf
ding ignorance, and we think if that demo-
crat was present at the discussion, even his
stoney heart must have been melted in SYM
Pathy and sorrow at the crushing effect with
which poor Goggin's own thunder was used
against him. But to the array Of asser-
lions.
bal Oh, It was pitiful,
h5 In awhole budgetfull,
: Truth there was none.
Mr.. Goggin boldly asserted that Mr..
Letcher had voted an enormous appropria-
ton to pay for publishing the report Of one
or two useless surveys, and became over
come with holy horror at such corrupt ex
trsyagaace. This fact would be of some
use in the canvass, if glance at the rec
ord did not show that Mr.. Letcher gave no
such vote.
y Mr.. Goggin also as boldly asserted that
Mr.. Letcher had voted against the North
River Improvement in Rockbridge, but the
unfortunate man was again most woefully
mistakea, for Mr.. Letcher not only did vote
for that improvement, but actually stump
ed the county for it.
Mr.. Goggin charged Mr.. Letcher with
having voted for the infamous Seymour, for
Superintendent of the Public Printing
This charge would also operate against Mr..
Letcher but for the fact that another glance
At the record would prove it entirely
groundless. Mr.. Goggin also charged Mr..
.Letcher with having voted for Forney as
fClerk of the House, and INDUCED in what
goes for invective with his enthusiastic
friends. Mr.. Letcher upset it all by the
simple statement that he had voted for For
ney when his character stood as fair as has
own or his opponents, but had opposed him
bitterly ever since he has shown himself in
his true colors. But the most amusing of
oil Mr.. Goggin's ridiculous blunders, was
an indictment which he brough against Mr..
Letcher for voting an appropriation for pay
ing the expenses Of Kossuth while in Wash
ington. AS he read out the different items
of "whiskey," brandy" &c., considerable
amusement was excited, and the poor devil,
Goggin himself, seemed to enjoy it hugely,
but alas, this assertion went the way Of all
tbs rest, and when the truth was known. it
turned out that Mr.. Letcher no. only did not
vote for the appropriation, but that the House
Representatives never voted for any appro-
priatiop whatever. Poor Goggin ! go home
and let your friends wrap you up warm in
yOnr comfort and put you to bed.
After acquitting himself in the mastery
manner We have shown above, Mr.. Goggin
proceeded TO curl a little on the "bone. Of
the widows and orphans" which were viii