davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
The Convention Question.

Shall we have District Conventions This
is o question for the Democracy to decide, and
in which we are at present but little concerned.
From the proceedings of the Augusta Democrats
at the January Court it would seem there is a
strong disposition on their part to have Con-
vention to nominate candidate, nor is it alto
gether surprising that this should be so. There
are many candidates not yet on the track who
would like to be. Their friends will all go for o
Convention in the hope that the present candi-
dates will be ruled off and one of themselves
put on. Moreover the Augusta Democracy be-
gin, perhaps, to suspect that their best chance
to get the member is by Convention. In
general scramble Rockingham might carry the
day by the force of numbers; but when it comes
to the keen encounter of wits-the turning Of
cranks--the adjustment of pulleys-the putting
on of screws and the working of wires generally
Augusta and Rockbridge may stand better
chance of managing the machine, SO as to turn
out candidate from the upper end of the Dis
trict. Rockingham and Shenandoah probably
suspect as much, and they therefore will adhere
to their position of opposition to Convention.
Our Augusta friends will have another confer
ence over the matter at the February Court
As to the result we are measurably indifferent
If we have no Convention there will be much
fun in the race If we have Convention there
will be an equal amount in the tug for the nom
ination. We shall see the engine in motion-the
wheels whirling-the pistons sliding-and the
whole machinery in full operation! What a
display of connivering, maneuvring, soft-saw'-
derng and dukery-packery generally The
unsophisticated Tenth-Legonists will not know
whether they are on their heels or their heads in
the confusioul A Convention then will be sat
isfactory to US, if the Democracy so decide. 1t
will afford the chance for new cut, shuttle and
deal for the benefit of outsiders, and ample scope
and verge enough for diplomatic skill and polt-
ical tactics generally. ''To the victors will be-
long the spoils." "The sharpest knife will cut
the biggest Slice"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Political Degeneracy.

Judge john Robertson, of Richmond, a Jealous
Democrat, has lately published in the Enquirer
several scathing reviews of the Presidents Mes
sage. He earnestly protests against the assump-
tons of power by the President, and sounds an
alarm on account of the political degeneracy of
the times. The following is an extract
"Slavish partizans, supple demagogues, have
become the favored recipients of Executive pat
ronage; and, shame to say, of popular approba-
ten. All who will not bend the knee TO party
idols are treated as heretics from the true faith
alien enemies of that country many Of them
would die to save forced to bear full share of
all the public burthens, while excluded from any
lust participation in the honors and benefits OF
the Government. Is not the fact alone-that
conduct regarded by our fathers, BY the wisest
and purest of our lawgivers, as too Infamous to
be credible, has become the settled policy of the
Presidency, sanctioned by those who should
punish it, and still worse by the avowed or tacit
approval of the people themselves--a sad proof
OF our rapid descent into the depths of prohiga-
cy2n
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Delinquent Tax Payers.

The County Court, at the January sitting, or
dered the publication of the list of delinquent
taxpayers. The list will occupy some six or
seven columns OF the Spectator, small type, and
for this and other reasons, it'has been found i'm
practicable to publish it entire in one number
We shall therefore commence the work in our
next, by Districts, and continue it from weak to
week until the whole list has been published
Persons who feel an aversion to the publication
Of their names among tho delinquents may pre-.
vent it by calling upon the captain" during
this week.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
The Congressional Canvass.

1t is fact worthy of notice that none OF the
candidates for Congress in this District, IN thelr
speeches at January Courts gave clear ana ln'ei-
lgible exposition of their political principles
With the exception of statement, IN The most
general terms, of adhesion to the Democratic
doctrine on the subjects of tariff, independent
treasury, internal improvements by the 0eneral
Government and ''retrenchment and economy,
We believe there was nothing said about any
question of national Importance. There are, how
ever, many subjects which must come before the
next Congress upon which the people would no
doubt have been gratifed to hear the views OF
the candidates. We will briefly indicate some OF
them
In the first place, are the candidates in favor
of President Buchanan's revenue tariff, with
specific duties and discrimination in favor of do
mestic industry or Secretary Oobb's with ad o.
loren duties and foreign valuations
Secondly, what are their views on Senator
SlidelIs bill giving to the President thirty mil
lions of dollars as earnest money for the pur-
chase of Cubal
Again, we doubt not that the people would
like to have the opinions of the candidates on
the eyer-pressing "Monroe Doctrine" which
seems likely to keep US in the condition of the
porcupine, with quilts always erect.
No one of the candidates said anything about
the great work of the age, comparable in point
of magnitude to the Pyramids of Egypt and the
Great Wall of China-the Pacific Railroad, sc
earnestly recommended by the President
Various other questions present themselve:
and will probably be before the next Congress
such as the proposition to increase the rates o
letter postage, the "old soldiers" pension bill
the Presidents plan for collecting the claims o.
our citizens against Mexico, and the admission
of Oregon, Kansas and other Territories into tht
Union. The discussion of these questions, be-
sides being interesting to the people, would have
relieved the candidates of some embarrassment
in pressing their mere personal claims and quail
| fications.
As we shall have to decide between the can
didates, if possible, we should like to have from
them full exposition of sentiment upon al
questions of public interest. 1t will not do fo
gentlemen to content themselves with thu
declaration that they are Democrats. Wewan
to know what sort of Democrats they are. Thu
term conveys no very definite meaning, and K
prove this by Democratic testimony we refer t
the article from the States, published in anothe
| column
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
SIMON SUNFLowER.
For the Spectator

Tut tHc OPtCtoeV'
Messrs. Editors: 1t is said that there is reas-
on in all things, but think no good reason can
be given for so frequent interruptions OF the bu-
siness of our County Court by political meetings.
1t may do very well for the people of Staunton,
but you may depend that the country people
complain very heavily. We have to ride, or
walk if we have not horse (for the order of the
Commonwealth is Imperative to the Court House,
though the day may be as cold, and the roads as
rough as on last Monday, and for what2 TO at
tend to the business of the County Courti No!
for we find thai swallowed up in political
meeting, where the littleest dog is the oudest.
And 80 we must ride back another day.
There were great many men in Staunton on
Monday, that would not have gone had they
known that there would be no Court. 1t is IN.
fair to spring thing upon us thus. And this
is to be repeated at February Court.
This is outrageous. 1t is imposing upon the
country people burden that they will not pa
tently bear much longer.
There is Town Hall most admirably adapted
to the purpose, and all political meetings should
be held there, and then the Court need not ad-
iourn. Many men have from 10 to 20 miles to
20 to Staunton, who only go when obliged to go,
and it is no light matter for them to be disap-
It should be standing rule that the County
Court should not adjourn on regular monthly
Court day for anything. 1t is pretty business,
if several hundred active, business men, to whom
slime is money" are to be disappointed by an
adjournment of the County Court to allow one,
two or three of the lawyers to attend the funer
al of a friend. This thing has beome nuisance,
and there is a strong demand for reform. View
ed properly, this is no trivial subject, and know
it to be cause of great complaint. What think
you, County Oourts
Ian 26 1859 JUSTICE
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Price, So a year. Office, 81 Gold street.
DISCHARGED.

The examination of Geo. E. Deneale, ESQ.,. OF
the charge of obtaining money from the Bank
of the Valley at Stauuton, under talsepretences
was commenced on Wednesday last, and conclu'
ded on Friday. The case was then submitted tc
the Court without argument, and the Justice:
unanimously decided to discharge the accused.
1t is rumored that as soon as Mr.. Deneale ar
rived in Harrisonburg, on Saturday, he was ar
rested on another charge. His friends it is said
resisted the officers, and some of them were ia
ken in custody. Report says that the commu.
nifty were greatly excited, but we have received
no authentic account of the affair.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
To Correspondents,

We regret that we cannot publish in this pa
per communication which appeared in thu
Lexington Gazette, advocating the nomination
OF the Hon. John NJ. Bolts for Governor, by tht
Richmond Convention. The request came tor
late.
The author of San Incident in College Life
will please send us his name.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Bold Operation.

Three negro men entered the tobacco store Of
Mr.. Jno. B. Evans on Saturday night for the os-
tensible purpose of making some purchases.
While two of them engaged the attention of Mr..
Evans, the third snatched up bundle of buck
skin gloves and made tracks. Mr.. E. is not GER
tain who the fellow was, bat one who is sus-
pected has been arrested.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

cALEOF LAND AND NEGROES.-By vir
- tue of decree of the County Court of Nelson, in
the case of Rhodes vs. Rudisil and others, made or
the oath day of January, 1884, the undersigned Com
mssoners will sell. to the highest bidder by way
public auction, on Friday the 4M day of Marcel neet, Al
Brooksville, in Albemarle county, THIRTEEN LIKE
LY SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women and Chill
dren
And on the next day, on the premises TRACT
OF LAND, containing about $40 Acres, lying In
the county of Nelson, adjoining the lands OF James
Woods, Thomas p billiard and others in the m nslga-
borhood of Greenfield. The land has on IL conior'a-
bIeDWELLING HOUSE and out-houses ~. r. .
TERMS.MThe Slaves will be sold on credit Of
The Land credit of n ana ar The
Eosy,ars Rank at Charlottesville, and satisfactorily
endorsed will be required of the purchasers Of the
Bonds with good snd sn5 tSs T
tepad as ultimate security Sufficient cash tapay the
exnenses of sale will be required.
expenses - JOHN B. SPICE,
JOHN II. McCUE,
Feb. l. 1S59.-tds RIO. WHITEHEAD.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Eor the ,Snectator
Congressional Canvass!

Americans! The "unterrfed Democracy
are unteryted no longer! The pink traangles
have frightened them out of their wits-and
almost into Convention
February Court will do the work!
eye Look out for the "BLUE CRoss!" Grand
Llamas! s 'M'a'V 'IMV S'Si At
tention |! Observation-Disclosures
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Recovering.

We are gratifed to learn that the Messrs.
Walker, who were injured by being thrown
from buggy, as noticed last week, are IN fair
way to recover. Mr.. Thomas Walkers collar
bone was broken, but his skull was not fractur'
al nc ranorted
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
Convicted.

Brown, accused of killing Nicely some months
ago, was tried before the Circuit Court OF Ale
ghany, last week, and convicted of murder in
the first degree.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

The difficulty between Senators Douglas and
Fitch has been settled by correspondence. Mr.
Fitch construed the remarks of Mr.. Douglas in
reference to the Illinois Federal appointments
uttered in secret session on Friday, as derogato
ry to his Fitch's) son, who was one of the ap
pointees. Mr.. Douglas disclaimed such an in
tention, and Mr.. Fitch withdrew his offensive
language.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

R. S. Craig, of Oraigsville, Augusta county,
has been appointed Notary Public.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

William H. Prescott, the historian, died OF
paralysis at his residence in Boston on Friday
last, in the Goth year OF his age
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

,zg- The STANTON SPECTATOR hav-
ing as large circulation as any paper pub
lished in Western Virginia, has no superior
in this section OF country as an advertising
medium.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

Crops and Corrie, accused of the cold blooded
murder of officer Rigdon, in Baltimore, some
months ago, have both been convicted OF murder
in the first degree.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
COMPREHENSIVE NOTICE,


TINE subscribers have this day associated them
i selves together uLder the firm of 4. V. c. Ii.
SUTTON, aud have taken the brick and slated house
on Fifteenth Street between Main and Cary,
for the purpose ofconducting general COMMISSION
b BUSINESS.
Wheat, Tobacco, Corn and all kinds of Country Pro-
duce and also deal by wholesale in the best imported
and domestic Brandies Wines, Cigars, &C., &C., Qua
no. Plaster Hay and Lime, all OF which they will sell
~" ~ 'N'- y ~ F.y. SUTTON, Jr.
G. Ii. SUTTON.
A CARD.-To all those who have bestowed their
n patronage upon the undersigned for the past
five years. he returns his thanks, and respectfully
lcits for the new firm continuation Of their avors,
promising strict attention to sales and prompt return
of proceeds. Z. ID. SUTTON.
Richmond, Feb. l, ls59.-Smo.
DUBLIC SALE OF REAL AND PER.
J. SONAL PR0PERTY.-On Wednesday, tie I'd
of March next, will offer at public sale, 1900 A.
ores OF good Mountain Land, in Crab Bottom, High
land county, Va, 500 acres OF which is set in grass;
the residue good limestone land all well watered by
the North Fork of the Potomac and on which grazed
last summer 100 head of CATTLE l25 head of Sheep IS
horses, and so head of hogs, and all done well;
At the same time and place will sell all my House
hold aud Kitchen Furniture. and Farming implements
of every kind and description a lot of fine young
blooded Horses, Cattle, &C., &C. AS the time has
passed for any more such grazing land coming into
market soon, grazers are especially solicited to give
this nv last notice their respectful consideration &c
The land will be divided to suit purchasers, and
terms accommodating.
Due attention will be given by me.
THOS. o. SITLINGT0N,
..-- Crab Bottom. Highland county. Va.
Feb. /, ls59-4t*-Rock,Reg copy IDS and forward
&C TO this office,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

A LAW OFFICE FOR SALE.-By virtue
n of decree of the Circuit Court of Augusta
county, pronounced on the 25th of November last,
in the cause of William Frazier, &C., VS.. Nicho. G.
Kinney and others, | SHALL as Commissioner of said
Court on the 27tk day of January next, in front OF
the Courthouse in the town OF 5, 'nton sell at pub
lie auction, to the highest bidder, the BRICK OF
FICE, near the Courthouse and nearest the Sherf's
Office, formerly occupied by the late Robert p. Kin
ney.
TERMS.-So much of the purchase money in hand
as will pay charges and expenses of SALE and the bal
ance upon credit of twelve and eighteen months
to bear interest from the date, the purchaser giving
bonds and good security, and title retained until pur-
chase money is paid. DAVID FULTZ, Com'r.
Dec. %. 1858.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
HUGH W. SHEFFEY, Trrstaes
ALEX. +. KINNEY,


SOMETHING NEW FOR WAGON MA
y KERS.--We have just received from New York
several sets of Thmbles and Skens for wagons
This article has never been in in this part of the
country but is in general in the Eastern and Wes-
tern States and far excels the old plan We will take
pleasure in exhibiting them and are anxious to have
them introduced being assured by the patentee that
wagons fixed with this article run much lighter and
are less expensive.
Call and examine them for yourselves.
WOODS GILKES0N.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

II ERTY.--On Thursday, the l0M Of Pebruary so,
Will proceed to sell the Personal Property on the
farm of N G. Kinney, consisting of Work Horses,
or four-horse Wagons. two-horse Wagon, one
horse Wagon, Cart, so or A. Hogs, Wheat Drill,
or Wheat Fans, Corn Shelter, ! Roller, Spring
house Furniture, Wagon Gear, Ploughs, Harrow,
Forks, Shoves, Fifth Chains, &c. Also, one fine
Horse and Buggy.
TERMS-AlI sums of $40 and under, cash; and 6
months note with security bearing interest from date
for all sums over that amount.
HUGH w. SHEFFEY, r,o,oos
ALEX F. KINNEY Ai""'ees'
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01

UPPER TRACT, Pendleton Co., Va.
January %, 1859.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
ARGE SALE OF PERSONAL PROF

The above sale is postponed until Thursdag III
10th Of February next. DAVID FULTZ, Comr.
Feb. l, 1852
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-02-01
PUBLIC SALE OF REAL AND PER.
IAW OEEICE EOR SAI

OTdU DUlIUIu, IlIBHIdHu CUuDty. v n
Feb /, 1s59--4t*-Rock,R Reg copy IDS and forward
act to this office.
The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1859-09-16
"The Newspaper is King. !"

Our people are readers rather than stu.
dents. But, as readers, we suspect no
other people have ever stood so high
Probably no other nation of any magni.
tude exists in which so large proportion
of the whole population are readers
And, although there is great deal too
much of bad reading, and great deal OF
merely poor and trashy reading, yet, we
believe, that by far the largest part Of the
books and papers read are profitable. 1t
is quite in fashion to deprecate newspaper
reading in comparison with book reading.
But our conviction is, that on the whole,
newspapers are betterreading than books.
OF course, sound and solid works of his
-st,rys literature, travels, biography, natu-
raj science, and Of religion, are more
profitable than newspapers. But, so are
good newspapers more profitable than the
ten thousand transient and superficial
books that abound. ..
One is not apt to consider what an
amount of matter is furnished by news
paper in q year. Nor for solid informa-
ton, would, perhaps, one-third of them
fear comparison with the average book is
sues of the press. But in strong aid fine
writing they would be above the average.
For, the most racy, earnest, and idioma-
tic writing in our day is found in the edi-
torial columns. -..
- ~
People living in towns and cities have
little idea of the value of newspapers
They are surrounded with associates
They have access to libraries. Books are
at hand OH every side, and may be easily
borrowed when one e'cannot buy. But on
farms, in out of the way places, and in
ten thousand corners, hooks and neigh
borhoods, where men live and work, the
newspaper is the only window which they
look out into the world. Its visit brings
cheer to the house. The newspaper day
is the white day of the week, and the
farmer who has got his paper from the Of
flee turns homeward with light foot
Now every word is read. From begin
ming to end. If not read aloud, each
waits impatiently for his turn. Then the
more striking subjects are discussed
Every day till the next day comes round,
the topics are thought over, and talked
about with a pertinacious interest which
they have little conception of who live
where papers swarm.
And the result of this careful reading
is, not only well informed common peo-
pie, but one going out of the city into
the country will learn more about what
is going on in the city, right under his
nose, than he knew before. Country peo-
pie have time to consider things. Hap
PLY they do not live in thunder and
whirl and drive as city people do. They
live in silence of affairs that enables them
to hear the sounds from distance, and
to consider their meaning. Every week
| am surprised to find how much more
intelligence country people know about
city affairs than | do. In America the
Newspaper is King! Long live King
Newspaper!
The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1859-09-16
"Thorts on a Fadid Boka."

~ MI. sNOOkS.
"ln looking over my trunk one da
| lit onto an old bOka
Immegittly thorts come into he'd
4 thus to the boka sed-
Poar dried up thing what made You faid
F. And rinkle up like old maid
What made you loze yore sweet perfume
Which yu had about the middel uv gune
Alass what lesson in you lize
To all who sec with there isc
But most of all shud the fair seek
Learn wisdom from you expeck
Thare forms so fare an plump to see
Like dedd rozc leaves will dryd up be
Thare sholdcrs which they show to orl
Win then be kivered with shorl,
Thare roun bare arms so very white
Win then he bid clean outer site
And various Of these man killers
viii be conseeled by phyne mantillcrs -
The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1859-09-16

ON WHITEY.-Many of our readers, no
doubt, recollect "Old Whitley" the horse
Gen. Taylor rode at the battle of Buena
Vista. While at Lenoir, a few days ago..
IA gentleman informed us that that cele-
brated horse was foalded the property of
Col. VIM. Greenway, on the plantation Of
which the village of Lenoir, Caldwell
county now stands, about the year 1881 ;,
and was taken by John Tucker to Bradley
county, Tenn, at the Cherokee station,
and sold to Gen. Winfield Scott for $780,,
for the use of the United States Army,
and then he became the PROPERTY OF Gen.,
Taylor.-Chartode( N. C) Wig,
The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1859-09-16

GsS~ The Saratoga correspondent of
the New York Herald, writes that water
ing place hciresses are as thick as black
berries; in short, there are no marriagea-
BILE ladies hero worth less than q clean
hundred thousand, and they are. quoted
all along from that figure up to incredible
eums.