Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-08-10
j. II. Tucker. ESQ.

This day one week ago we listened to 1
political speech from the gentleman whose
naae heads this article, delivered in Har.
risonburg. 1t was our purpose to notice a,
some length several points ard statements
Of his remarks, but we are denied tina,
privilege this week by the press Of local
matter upon ot1r columns. We shall hereaf.
ter critioise with some freedom, yet strictly
within the limits Of courteous disputation
(for we recognize MIR. T. as high toned
gentleman some of the positions of Mr.;
Tucker, and venthate his antecedents. IL
say that his speech was that of devoted
partizan, would be conveying buta meagr e
idea Of the bitterness that characterized his
attacks upon Judge Douglas and those who
support him. Coming from gentleman
who has been SO generously sustained by
the very people against whom be was speak
ing, we could pass no milder judgment upon
it than that it was unjust, ungenerors and
impolitie. It was decidedly damaging to
the interests Of Mr.. Breckinridge, at the
same time thatit removed every thought Of
compromise and cancellation from the minds
of the friends of Judge Douglas.
We could not but question the propriety
'of Mr.. Tucker acting as the champion ard
mouth piece Of a faction Of the Virginia
Democracy, while he retains an honorable
position given to him by the united voice Of
TIE Democracy of the State. It would
have savored more of an appreciation of the
confidence reposed in him, if he had had the
modesty to have consented to remain quiet
in this contest, Or, before taking the stump
against those who freely extended him their
support, had he manifested the business to
have given back to them the Office they had
conferred upon him. The Democracy of
this District will not forget Mr.. Tucker for
his unjustifable and uncalled for attack upon
Judge Douglas and his implied assault upon
those who support that great statesman aud
tried and true friend and defender eff the
South and her constitutional rights
Taking Mr.. Tucker as one of the REPRE-
sentative men Of the Breckenridge party, we
shall hereafter show from his public record
that it is perfectly in accordance With his
expressed opinions that he should support
the candidate of the factionists Of the South,
Notwithstanding he offered resolution en-
dorsing Popular Sovereignty in the Virgil
MIA Delegation at Cincinnati, in 1856. lie
has placed himself before the people Of Vir-
ginia as most bitter opponent Of the regu-
lar nominees Of the Democratic party, and
by that act invites inquiry into his po-
litical status, which we, in spirit of charity
and kindness, shah assist IN determining
The Flood.
The Town Council held two sessions
since the freshet, and has determined, we
are informed, to use every possible effort to
prevent recurrence eff the damage to prop.
erty, should ever another such food come
upon Us. In the meantime, the Street Com
missioners have been ordered to have the
washes in the streets and side walks inlme-
diately filled and repaired, and large force
has beer busy since Monday morning exc
cutting the orders
There is a great diversity Of opinion as to
the best mode Of preventing a similar dis
aster to the town. We understand the
Council has wisely determined to have the
matter examined into and reported on speed
lily by competent Engineer, who will make
survey Of the whole grounds from the
source of the food to and through the town,
and recommend the way Of remedying the
matter. To deepen and widen the channel
and lower and concave some of the streets,
are suggested as the chief Improvements. =
We understand the first suggested idea has
been several times attempted, but that the
property-hcldsrs on the creek, in the lower
part Of the town, have hitherto obstinately
refused to permit its being done through
their premises. We think they should be
compelled to do what the public good de-
mands, either by ccndemning their lsnds,
or prosecuting them by civil suits and pre-
sentiments for keeping up public and pri-
vate nuisance. Some of the property hold
ers, not satisfied with refusing this reasona-
bic REQUEST, have added to the evil by box
ing up the creek, building over and brids-
ing it, narrowing the channel by build
ing stone walls, &c. 1t is time this great
wrong were being broken up, and the inter-
ests Of the town and our citizens in com
mon protected.
We hope the town authorities will not
relax in the steps they have initiated, and
that they may succeed in doing just what
is needed. There is considerable terrific
ry North Of, and sloping towards Staunton
known as 1.-The Barrens," which, together
with the bills in and Immediately around
town, must always be feeders to skesc floods;
and all the fat lands through which the
freshet has to pass are continually filing up,
and form a large lake, which has to be emp
tied through the channel of the creek, or
find an outlet through the lower part of the
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