davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
The True Mode of Settlement.

In 1e4S every Southern member in botf
branches OF Congress voted for the application O
the Missouri Compromise to the territories o.
the United States, though that Compounds
fixed the status of all the territory North of the
line So deg 80 min. as free, whilst it gave nc
guarantee, except by implication, that the ter
ritory South of that line should be slave. Thi'
being so, why cannot the South now be willing
to adopt the same Compromise with an addition
al guarantee ti1ing the status OF the territory
South of that line as sla0e territory? Let the
law make the normal condition of all the terri
tory South of that line Slave territory, and all
North of that line free territory, and so tore,
main, respectively, till the territories have been
organized into States and actually admitted into
the Union. This would prevent all legislation
on the part of Congress respecting slavery in the
territories, and would avoid all contests in the
territories themselves. We would then have no
more distraction upon that subject in the Halls
of Congress, and would have no repetition OF
such tragic scenes as were enacted in Kansas
Let this Compromise be adopted, and the flood
of agitation would subside, the ark of our liber-
ties would be preserved, the exiled dove would
return with the olive branch of peace, and our
whole country would smile in contentment and
prosperity.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
We Should STAY in the Union.

After silence of some weeks which created
the apprehension that it was hesitating as to the
course it would recommend, the Richmond
Wing, we are rejoiced to say, has spoken out in
clear and unmistakable tones in opposition to
the madness and folly of secession. We On
dorse all that the Wing has said in its recent ar
ticles in opposition to secession, and all that il
has said about the propriety of maintaining all
of our rights an the Union, instead of abandon.
ing the Union and all the rights and interests we
have therein. We do not concur SO heartily in
its recommendation of a State Convention, fol-
we have been unable to see that any good car
result from it, whereas much evil might, as il
would tend to infame the passions of the people
which are now too much excited for calm DELHI
Grafton. We believe that the call of Conven-
ton of the Middle States might do some good
as conservative counsels would, in all probable
ty, prevail therein. The demands these States
would be likely to make would be just and rea-
sonable, and its action would be marked with
calmness. dignity and firmness.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Secretary CObb...Great Inconsistency.

When Hon. Howell Cobb was candidate fol
Governor of Georgia in 1851, in reply to Com
mittee of Macon, of that State, requesting hi:
views upon the subject of secession, he wrote 6
long letter, dated August 18th, 1851, in which
he presented an able and elaborate argument in
opposition to the right of secession. He quoted
the authority and adopted the arguments o
Madison, jackson and Crawford in denial of the
right of secession. Occupying that position be
was elected Governor of Georgia.
Now he addresses the same people upon the
same subject, and says that she entertains nc
doubt either of their right or duty to secede."-
His inconsistency is very great, though moi
very difficult to account for. In 1851, the major
ity of the people of Georgia were opposed te
secession, and then Mr.. Cobb was also oppos.
ed-in 1860, the majority in Georgia are in
favor of secession, and, 10 and behold! Mr.
Cobb is also in favor of it..
al 1851, Mr.. Cobb occupied precisely the po
sition taken by President Buchanan in his recent
message-in 1860, he leaves President Buchan-
ans Oabinent because he does not concur in the
views presented in his message. 1t seems that
consistency is jewel which Mr.. Cobb does moi
prize very highly.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Views of Alex. RiyeS.

Mr.. Alex. Rives, the Senator from Albemarle,
having been called upon for an expression of his
views, in response wrote long and able letter
which appeared in the Charlottesville Jeterso-
aaian of last week. The following is a summary
of his views as prepared by himself:
/. Devotion to the Union of the States as the
great bulwark OF our prosperity at home and
peace abroad. Q. A strong persuasion that Vir.
GINA will find her interests better promoted, and
her rights better secured IN the Union under the
guarantees of the Constitution than out Of 1t un-
der any new compact she may form. 3. A be-
lief in the impartial execution of the laws in ev-
cry part of the confederacy, North, South, East
and West. whether for the recapture of fugitive
slaves, against the Importation OF African slaves,
for the punishment of reasonable scts, such as
have occurred in Utah and Kansas, and against
75libustering, the great aoont of these degener.
ate times, and the only cement of Union worth
having. f. A determination to exact from the
federal government, and her co-States all the
rights of Virginia under the constitution of the
United States, 5. A desire to assert, and uphold
her true dignity and authority among the other
States, without leaving her to the pitful condi-
ton of being dragged where neither her interest
nor safety lead her. 6. The necessity of calm
ness. composure and deiberation as means OF
safety amid the perils that encompass US. Z. De-
cided disapprovsl OF the haste and passion with
which South Carolina is acting, so as to leopard
the interests of her sister States of the South and
just resentment against the insulting course OF
her governor and press towards Virginia.
g. And finally, a wish to try all the defences and
and exhaust all the remedies consisting of the
wise and efficacious checks and balances of the
constitution before resorting to the last desperate
and revolutionary remedy of its overthrow.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Letter of Hon. Alex. III. H. Stuart.

Letter of Hon. Alex. I'll. Ell. Stuart.
| The following is the letter of Hon. A. d
H. Stuart to the Committee of Invitation to the
dinner rendered to the Electoral College by
the Richmond Bell and Everett Club:
STAUNToN, Dec 4th, 1860.
Gentlemen-I pray you to accept my thanks
for your invitation to the complimentary dinner,
to be given by the Wings of Richmond, to the
Union Electors on Wednesday, 9th inst. 1t is a
matter of regret to me, that it is not in my pow
er to accept it, l would gladly unite with you,
in rendering honor where it is so justly DUE
l would BE- glad also to mingle my congratula
tons with yours, on the triumph that we have
achieved. True, that our ticket has been mutt
lated by technical bubbles; but the public under
stands all that, and the moral influence OF our
triumph will not be diminished by 1t. hail OUT
success as an suspicious omen OF the future
The prestige of Democratic invincbilitP has been
destroyed sectonalism has been rebuked by the
people; Constitutional Union principles have
been indicated. Let us stand to our arms!-
Let US not be seduced or bullied from our con-
sentative position Let us hold ourselves in read
mess to do battle, on every field, for 'The u
Mon, the Constitution, and the Enforcement Of
the Laws" Sooner or later, the popular senti-
ment of the Union will concentrate our princi-
Piles and our policy.
Whilst everything looks dark and dreary now,
in the political horizon, cannot permit myself to
despond. still cherish the hope that, under the
guidance of Divine Providence, we shall yet find
happy deliverance from all the perils that sur
ronnd US. Let wisdom, justice and moderation
prevail in our councils, and all will yet be well
Very truly yours, &C.,
ALEX. II. 81. STUART.
7hos j. Eoans and others, Committee.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18

How "PEAoEABLE SECESSION" WoRKs.-Tbe
following extract OF letter to distinguished
merchant in Baltimore, from a mercantile friend
in Grenada, Mississippi, has been handed to a
Baltimore paper for publication. This short ex-
tract speaks volumes:
I'VE have awful times here now; the South
ern fire-eating politicians and the Northern fa-
natics have almost ruined the country. Cotton
has gone down from $50 to SIS per bale, and the
estimate OF loss on the cotton crop is at least
$2O, 900, 600, enough to pay for all the negroes
that have run away or been stolen for the last
twenty years. l can't tell what will become of
u.s." s
Even in the city of Richmond, hundreds of
clerks and operatives have already been dis
charged, and hundreds of others are trembling
in their shoes, with the gloomest prospects be-
fore them. Ii disruption begins on the scale an
ticipated, the beginning of the end no mortal
man can foresee.-Rich. Wing.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Union Meeting In PHILADELPHIA.

The Union demonstration in Philadelphia or
Thursday last was quite imposing The resolu
tions profess attachment to the Union, condemn
the passage by the Northern States of laws null
lifying the Fugitive slave law, urge their repeal
and pledge the removal of all such laws from
the statute book of Pennsylvania They recog
nize the obligations of the Fugitive slave law
and recommend the passage of State laws re
comprising the owner in the case of the rescue
of captured slave, and declare an intention tc
submit obediently to the decisions of the Su
preme Court in relation to the rights of slave
owners in the Territories. The meeting was
attended by an immense. assemblage of people,
and the day was marked throughout the city by
the display Of the national flag and other de.
monstrations of devotion to the Union.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Secession no Remedy.

Secession is not remedy for any of the illi
with which the body polite is affected, or if 6
remedy, it belongs to that class which is 'soorst
than the disease" 1t remedies no wrongs, re-
lieves no evils, redresses no grievances, but, on
the contrary, inultiplies wrongs, increases evils
and aggravates grievances thousand-fold.-
1t has neither of the virtues, wisdom, bravery
nor patriotism, but is foolish, cowardly and
reasonable. 1t surrenders everything and pro-
tects nothing-it fees from the enemy and re-
treats through the back door, instead of meeting
him boldly at the Threshold to prevent his en-
trance except oyer the dead body of the right
ful owner of the castle. Secession is the pro-
geny of treason and eowardice-the resultant
of desire to overthrow the Government and
the fear of meeting the penalties attaching to
the attempt. Treason, eowardice, rashness and
folly can all be expressed in one word, and that
word is secession"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
What Shall Virginia Dot

We extract the following from the last issue
of the Valley Democrat"
What shall Virginia DOE We cannot remain
with the North, nor will self-respect permit us
to go with those cotton States, who have shown
SO little regard for the feelings and interests OF
the border States. Let the border States, then,
confer together. Let them demand of the North
her rights in the Union, and if refused, a middle
confederacy should at once be established. The
cotton States refuse general conference of tie
Southern States South Carolina refuses to
wait, and the Georgia Legislature has rejected
the proposition; SO that Virginia has either to
act in this crisis on her own responsibility, or
be ''dragged" by the cotton States. Her pride
and seli-respect revolt at the idea of being
hitched and dragged, and we feel satisfied that
she will consult and form an alliance with those
who are bound to her by the ties of interest and
self preservation.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18

The EFFECTs OF DIsUNIoN.-A favorite scheme
with the Governor Of South Carolina, as disclosed
in his recent message, is to prohibit the introduce
ton of slaves into that State from North Carroll.
ma and other border States so as to force these
border States to join South Carolina or emanci-
pate their slaves. So we CO. says the Raleigh
Standard. "The extremists of the North wish to
pen us up 30 as to compel US to emancipate our
slaves, and the Governor of South Carolina desires
to do the same thing! If the old Union cannot
be preserved by force, how are we to be forced,
on pain of losing our slaves, to become content.d
members of a new Uniong We leave it to the
wise and dispassionate leaders in Carolina to
answer the question:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18

CANNON BALLS UNEARTHED.-The Rev. Mr..
Spessard, whilst engaged few days ago in dig
ging hole in the ground on his premises, about
one mile north of Ohewsvilie, in this county, for
the purpose of buryiDg a quantity of turnips,
found number of cannon balls about eighteen
inches beneath the surface. Eighty two of them
were dug out, some OF which weighed eleven
pounds, aud all appeared to be adapted to heavy
ordnance. They were doubtless cast during the
war of 1912 at an old furnace which was then
in operation some four miles distant, and were
intended to be used against the British invaders
of our country.-Hagerstown HeruM.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
The Troubles i'm Kansas.

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 14th.-A special dispatch from
Mound City, Kansas, of the 9th inst, to the
Democrat, says: All is quiet there and no ar
rests have been made Montgomery, Jennison,
Sealnon and others, are not to be found. Gen
eral Harvey has ordered two companies of in
fantry, under Maj. Vessels and Capt. Lyon, to
be stationed at Mound City, and two companies
of dragons, under Capt Steele, at Fort Scott
Gen. Harvey wished to declare martial law, but
Gov. Medairy would not consent, preferriDg that
the United States Marshall should make the ar
rests, and the prisoners be tried by Territorial
law.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Census and Congressional Apportionment

NCASuS anu COuSICSSAOu0A <1ppOAtAOAmCAst
The total population of the United States, as
indicated by full returns of the census received
at Washington, is 100000, an increase since
the census of 1850 of upwards Of 100000 per-
sors. The new ratio of representation in the
House of Representatives, rendered necessary by
this increase of population, will be about one
member to every 1873 900 inhabitants.
1t will be the duty of the Secretary of the In
terror, when the census is fully completed, to di
vide the whole number of free persons, together
with two-thirds of the slaves, by two hundred
and thirty three, the present number of men,
bers, and the product shall be the ratio for a
member. The Secretary shall then proceed in
the same manner to ascertain the population of
each State, the free and two-thirds the slave,
and divide the same by the ratio required for q
single Representative as at first ascertained, and
the product shall be the number of Representa-
tives to which State shall be entitled-so far
disregarding the fractions. There will be a loss
of several members in this mode of computation,
caused by the fractions, and these are to be d.
vided among the States having the largest frac-
tions, until the number is made up to two hun
dred and thirty three.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Concert.

The Staunton Musical Association will give
another of their attractive and entertaining con-
certs, in the Armory Hall, on Thursday night
next. We hope this Concert will be literally
patronized, as it will amply compensate all who
have music in their souls and are moved by the
concord of sweet sounds, and the great bard of
Avon says that all others are fit for sstreasons,
stratagems and spoils." Go, for emusic hath
charms to soothe the savage breast" &c.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Disgraceful.

The Representations in Congress from the Sc.
ceding States have attended the present Con
gress not for the purpose of promoting the in
teres.s of the Government, as their solemn oath
require, but for the purpose of more efectuall,
destroying the Government. Hon. J.L. Pugh
of Alabama, wrote letter to his constituent
apozogizing for attending Congress, and says tina
bis ''so1 object soas to promote secession" Ths
object of these men is to prevent any adjustment
however just and satisfactory. as will be seen by
the following extract from the letter of this AL
ALBANIA Representative
''If we negotiate for new guarantees-p alayel
about cooperation, or entangle ourselves in the
meshes of diplomacy, we are doomed people,. y
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18

DAVIS PAIN KIlLER-We have tested this
medicine and assure our readers that it not onlv
possesses all the virtues claimed for it, but in
many instances surpasses any other remedy we
have ever known. 1t should not be cassed with
the Dostrums of the day, got up for the especial
purpose of pecuniary profit, but be regarded as
one of the standard medicines, for the public
beneft.-HeraId of Gospel Liberty.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
We do not Despair of the Republic.


Though our country is environed with perils
and seems to be trembling upon the verge of ru-
in. vet we do not ssdespair of the Republic, -
but have an abiding faith that all things will
work together for good, and that the pillars OF
our Republic will be planted upon firmer foun-
dations than heretofore. Whether the sswish is
father to the thought or whether it is because,
as Goldsmith says,
"Hope like glimmering taper's light,
Adorns and cheers the way,
And as darker grows the night,
EmltS BRIGHTER ray,
we know not, but our heart still responds to
the hopeful strain of the song: ssThere's gooo
time coming, boys.'' Though dark cloud en-
shrouds the Northern section of our country
like pail, yet through the assures of that cloud
few rays of light are discernable which serve
to cherish hope in the PATRIOTS heart that the
sun of peace is rising, and that in a short time II
may shed an effulgence of light over all parts o.
our imperiled country.
There is evidently very great reaction nov
going on in the North favorable to the recogni
tion of Southern rights-and if sufficient time be
given, we have but little doubt that the NORTH
will be willing to accede to the South all of it,
rightful demands. In Boston, meeting to eel
citrate the anniversary of the execution OF JohI
Brown was broken up by the conservatives o
that city, and sound and friendly resolution
were adopted after the abolitisnists had beef
driven from their own meeting. Since then the.
have elected q Democratic Mayor of that city b.
more than three thousand majority over the Re
publican candidate. These significant facts sho'
that even in the very stronghold OF the aboll
tionists the reaction has been sufficiently great
in the short space of a few weeks, to effect thel
complete discontinue.
In the sswooden nutmeg State-Connecticu
the signs are even more favorable, if possible
than in Massachusetts. Both of the U. 5. Sena
tors from that State have given expression IN tn
Senate to very conservative views, and expires
the confident belief that they will be sustains
in them by an overwhelming majority OF thel
constituents. One of them, Mr.. Dixon, said tina
he would resign if his constituents did not en-
dorse his views as expressed in the Senate.
P. S.-Since the above was written the new
.om Washington is more unfavorable, and ther
now seems to be but little, if any hope for tn
preservation of the Government. The cloud
which darken our political sky seem to be grow
ing more threatening and portend fearful an
destructive storm. Gen. Cass, Secretary
State, and Hon. Howell Cobb, Secretary of tn
Treasury, have resigned, and the Governmer
seems to be falling by piece-meal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
From WASHINGTON,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16.-Among the resolQ
tons which will be submitted to Congress at az
early day, is one of instructions to the Judiciary
Committee, looking to the amendment of the
neutrality laws, SO as, IN addition to preventing
foreign enlistments, they may restrain volunteer
militia from going into State for the purpose
of aiding in resistance to Federal laws.
A number of Congressman have prepared
speeches favoring coercion.
The leading men Of Missouri are discussing
separate independence for that State, so as to
avoid being implicated in the extreme secession
movement.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Letter from Hon. Jno. Bell.

Hon. John Bell, of Tennessee, the candidate o.
the Union party for the Presidency, has written
a long and very able letter in reference to the
present perilous crisis in the public affairs of our
country. We have not the space to publish il
in this issue. We will publish it in our next
Though long, it will be found to be worthy Of
careful perusal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18
Union Meeting at New York.

New York, Dec ia meeting of the prom
inent merchants and politicians of the State and
city of New York is in session to-day. Charles
O'Conner, Esq, presiding.
Speeches were made by Messrs. John A. Dix
and John McKeon. The latter expressed the O.
pinon that the Union was already dissolved,
and there would be civil war after the 4th of
March.
Speeches are still being made on a motion to
send Commissioners to South Carolina to ex-
hort temperate action and delay.
SECOND DISPATCH.
NFw YORK, Dec. 49, yesterday when Mr..
MoKeon concluded his speech Mr.. Dickinson
expressed the apprehension that the U MON is
even now hopelessly dissolved, and attributed
it to bad politicians who have vitiated the pub
lie mind.
Mr.. Ketchum was more hopeful. He believed
that public sentiment could be reached and COR
rected.
Letters were received from large number
of public men, including Ex-President Fillmore,
Judge Greene @. Bronson and Richard Lathers.
A committee was appointed to visit the South.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-12-18

GALL FOR UNION MEETING IN KENTUCKY
The Central Committee of the Constitutional
Union party of Kentucky have issued call for
Louisville, on the 9Th of January, for the pur-
pose of consulting upon the course Kentucky
should pursue in the present crisis. Members
of al other political organizations are invited to
take part in the deliberations of the Convention.