Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-02-14
Report ON the Harper's Ferry Outrages
Hon. Alex. H. I'll. Stuart.

Report on the Harper's Ferry Outrages-
Hon. Alex. iii. Ill. Stuart.
We have examined with great interest the e.
laborate report of the Joint Committee of the
two branches of the Legislature on the Harpers
Ferry Outrages As our readers are aware the
document is from the pen of our distinguished
fellow citizen, Mr. Stuart, the Senator from Au-
gusta. who was honored with the position OF
Chairman of the Committee. The report pre-
SCENTS full and detailed account OF the occurren-
ces at Harper's Ferry AID Charlestown, from the
connecting of John Browns schemes in Canada
West to the final act in the drama, al Charles
town, where Lis career was terminated on the
gallows; together with comprehensive and
valuable review of the slavery question in its
various aspects from the foundatiop of the Gov
eminent to the present time; history OF the
organization and statement of the cardinal doc
trines OF the Republican party. with much valu-
able information in regard to the Legislative ac-
ton in those Northern States where that party
is in the ascendency; and closes with resolu-
lions recommending prompt and efficient action
for the purpose of placing the State OF Virginia
In an attitude of defence, &C., which we have
published in full in previous issue.
The Report will be heartily approved by all
men of national and conservative sentiments,
and while extreme men Of the Southern school
may search fer objections, it cannot be justly
obnoxious to right thinking and fair-dealing
men of any party. 1t embodies the same senti-
kI, NJ. - Eoc alyGC entertained
and expressed in his communications with the
public on political topics; and which have been
practically illustrated BY his acts in the various
positions of high trust which he has Tiled. In
the halls of the State Legislature IN his early
youth: on the floor of Congress in the flower
of his manhood: and in the Cabinet Councils of
the nation 10 maturer years. MIR. Stuart achieVed
q high reputation, and now stands among the
first men of the nation as statesman OF enlarged
and liberal views, unauestionable ability and
lofty patriotism Retiring from public life at the
close of Mr.. Fllmore's administration, ne was
not permitted to remain in that seclnsion winch
he sought. but in obedience to the demand rath-
er than in compliance with the request OF the
people of his native county, he found himself a.
gain in the Legislature of the State, as the Sen
ator from this district.
Mr.. Stuart is one of those prominent public
men of the Opposition, whose growing reputa-
ton have always made them obnoxious to the
Democratic party and for that reason, in time
past, he has received at the hands of the leaders
and press-men Of that party reasonable share
of abuse. He has long been held up as one OF
the Southern men to whose keeping the rights
and interests Of the South could not be entrust-
ed with safety; but it is gratifying to believe
from the recent marks of confidence that have
been bestowed upon him, that he is now regard
ed by the Democracy as entirely sound and re-
liable.
The selection of Mr.. Stuart as the Chairman
of the Joint Notwithstanding duties OF the
most Important and delicate nature and OF the
deepest interest to the South-is unmlstakabe
proof of the confidence placed in his integrity,
ability and patriotism and the satisfactory man
ner in which he discharged those duties, &C. ap-
proved by the members of the Committee with
out distinction of party, furnishes indubltsble
proof that the confidence was not misplaced
Such marks of the distinguished consideration
in which Mr.. Stuart is held are gratifying to bis
many friends and admirers; who are by no
means confined to the narrow limits of the dis
trict which he represents. They are found
throughout the State and the nation. The able
papers which have emanated from him recently,
have attracted unusual attention throughout the
country, and received the highest encomiums
of the press in all quarters-his address be-
fore the Central Agricultural Society, especially,
Astounding in words of wisdom, having attained
q circulation very unusual for a document of
that description.
In many quarters his name has been promi-
nently brought forward for the highest Office in
the gift of the people, and while in accordance
with the resolves of the people of Mr.. Stuarts
native county, declaring it inexpedient to urge
the claims of any particular man for the nomi-
nation of the Opposition, we have RETAINED
from, thrusting his name before the public, we
may say with propriety as We do with pleasure,
that Mr.. Stuart's integrity, ability, patriotism
and fine administrative talents, eminently fit him
for the exalted station, while his known conser-
vative sentiments and enlarged national views
of public policy point him out as most availar
bic leader for party having for its motto
ssThe Constitution and the Union"
The Opposition Convention.