davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
What we have suggested and Recommended.

What we have Suggested and Recommended.
Time has served to confirm our opinions re-
speeding the policy we have been recommending
through our columns. It will be remembered
that we suggested the opinion that, as three
fourths of the States could change the Constitu
ton, they could release the President from his
obligation to enforce the federal laws against
those States which wished to secede by giving
their assent to their withdrawal. Whilst We do
not believe that any State has the Constitutional
right to release its citizens from the obligations
imposed upon them by virtue of their allegiance
to the United States, we think that the assent o.
three-fourths of the States would release them
from their obligation of obedience to federal
laws, and, consequently, would release the Pres
ident from his duty to have those laws enforced.
If this assent, in the proper way, could be OBJ
tanned, and we believe that there would be but
little objection on the part of any State, it would
have the effect of avoiding civil war-that dire
full calamity which now so threateningly i'm
ponds over our distracted country. 1t would
remove, as if by magic, all cause of strife be-
tween the federal Government and the seeding
States. 1t would remove all danger from the
States seeding, and would enable them to de-
liberate with more calmness, and to act with
more judgment and dioretion. We are glad TO see
that the National Intelligencer has recently re-
commended the adoptionef this policy. We fear
that there is not time noHfor the adoption of this
wise policy, but we hope an effort will be made
to secure it yet. We will not despair as long
as there is ray of hope-we will not give up
the ship till we see it sink beneath the waves.
In reference to the settlement Of the territori-
al question we recommended that the line of SO
| degrees 80 minutes be extended, and the COM
pact to fix the status of all the territory North
of that line as free, and all South as slave, and
so to remain until the States carved out of it
have been actually admitted, when, of course,
they would have the undisputed right to adopt
or reject slave institutions as they, in their dis
erection, might determine. This would take the
subject entirely out of Congress, and would a.
void all contest in the territories, and would en-
sure peace to the country. We hope it is not
too late yet to secure the adoption of this salu-
tary mode of settlement. We regret the precip-
Itation of South Carolina, for it has had the ef
feet of dividing the South and uniting the North
whereas wiser policy would have united the
South and divided the North. A wholesome
reaction was rapidly taking place in the North
till South Carolina took possession of the prop
erty of the United States aad since then the
tendency has been to unite persons Of all parties
in the North against US. A more suicidal policy
lcould not have been adopted.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
West Augusta Guard Fair and Entertain-
mo0t.

We understand that the ladies have underta-
ken the laudable purpose of getting up Fair and
Entertainment, on the 22d day of February next,
for the benefit of ssThe Guard,'' with view of
paying for their Knapsacks and Tents. 1t is an
object worthy of their noble patriotism, and we
bespeak for them the cooperation Of this COM
munity.
We are requested to state that those ladies
friendly to the object will meet on Friday even
ing next, at 8 O'Clock, P. M, at Capt. Baylor's
for the purpose of appointing Managers, &c.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Con yention and Secession.

For some time after the propriety OF holding
State Convention had begun to be mooted'
we were unable to bring our mind to positive
conclusion in reference to it, but as soon as tne
evidence became very strong that it was the
purpose of the warmest advocates of the call OF
a Convention to use it for the purpose OF seces-
sion. we felt it to be our patriotic duty TO OPP
pose it. and to raise our voice in warning that
the people might be apprised of the danger to
be apprehended.
We felt perfectly convinced from the begin
ming that Convention would be called, but
that did not prevent US from forming and ex-
pressing the opinion that it would be unwise.-
We feel that we would be unworthy the position
of Editor of o. public journal if we did not pos
sess the frmDess to oppose whatever measures
we might believe to be impolitic, however pop
ular they might be-. Majorities have no terror
for US. and our opinions in reference to any ques-
ton are controlled by what we may deem its
true merits, aud are totally unaffected by its
popular or unpopularity. We know that it is
easy to float 18th the tide of popular opinion,
but we think it is more manly and patriotic to
row against the stream when the current is rum
ming in the wrong direction-to be waited by
the stream till launched upon the gulf of error,
requires no skill and implies no merit, but to
stem the current of the stream till you reach the
pure and crystal fount of truth requires toll and
sacrifice, and implies the highest degree of mer-
it. We have looked upon tie call of a Oonven-
ton as a ssforegone conclusion land we honestly
believe that it will prove worse than mere
slame and impotent conclusion" for we fear that
it will prove to be to this good sold Common
wealth" what Achilles wrath was to Greece
ssthe dreful spring of woes unnnmbered." We
fear it will be 'sspring" from which waters
more b litter than those Of Marah will fow-the
poisonous source of q stream made saline with
the tears and crimsoned with the blood of our
people, and which, in its destructive and DESC
lating food, will wither the hopes and destroy
the prosperity of our now blessed and happy
country. : The mystic Convention veil, tinselled
with the glittering and delusive briliaDts O
popular rights, is made to conceal the features o.
the monstrous "Mokanna" of secession whose d.
abolical Office it will be to victimize the "moth.
er of States and of Statesmen"-before she will
be aware Of the character of the "veiled pro-
phet" to which she, ''devoutly blind, will yield
her faith and obedience, she will find that she
has been lured into an error and been betrayed
to irreparable ruin. We know that the good
people of this county have too much SOUND
sense to be imposed upon by the shallow devices
of the secessionists, and too much sterling pa
triotism to sanction their unhallowed purposes
They have voted against a resolution recon
mending the call of Convention, in public
meeting, and they will vote against it at the
polls, if the opportunity be allowed them te
do 80.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
~ The Baltimore American says that tt

~ The Baltimore American says that the
total extinction of the whole African race and
the submergence ofthe Continent of Africa would
not be so caamtous to the world as the dissolu-
ton of the Union followed by civil war. 1t asks
Is it possible for our national trustees to arrest
the caamties that are looming up before So
If it is-n the names of our wives and children;
in the name of all that makes life dear to US; in
the name of civilization, of freedom, of humani-
ty, of religion, in the name of Goblet them be
up and doing, before it is too late
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Come out Monday Week-Attend to Your
Interest.

As the Legislature, in reckless haste, and, as
we conceive in supreme folly, has decreed that
en- election for members to the State Convention
should be held as early as the 18th of February
next, we deem it our duty to recommend the
citizens of this county to hold a meeting at the
Court House, on Monday week, for the purpose
of nominating suitable candidates for that body
The time between now and the day fixed for the
election is too short to admit of delay for lon
ger time than Monday week-that being Court
day-for the nomination of candidates. This
county will be entitled to three representatives
in the Convention, and we hope that three of
our ablest and best citizens will be chosen to
represent it. We hope that representative men
will be chosen who will be faithful opponents of
the good sense, the patriotic conservatism, and
the Union-loying sentiments of our people. Let
no man who is tainted with secession principles
either in theory or practice, in the abstract or
the concrete, be selected, for they would not
represent the sentiment of our people. Let no
one be chosen who will not pledge himself to
submit the action of the Convention to the peo-
pie for ther ratification rejection at the polls.
The necessity for this course will be recognized,
when the people reflect that the destiny of the
State would, otherwise, be completely in the
control Of the members of the Convention. The
sovereign power is vested in the people, and they
will never surrender it till they have ceased to
be worthy of freedom, and are fit only to wear
the yoke of bondmen. Had you rather retain
the power which of right belongs to you and live,
as heretofore, all free men, or voluntarily sur
render that power to the Convention and live
and die all slaves?
ssWho is here SO base that would be bond
man? If any, speak; for him have we offended.
Who is here so rude that would not be an Amer
lean? fanny, speak; for him have we offended.
Who is here so vile that will not love his coun-
try? If any, speak; for him have we offended"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Ex.Gov. Wise,s Letter.

Ex-Gov. Wise has recently published long
letter on the present crisis 1t contains the fol-
lowing recommendations:
LIST. The immediate call of a State Convention
by the General Assembly.
I'd. The prompt resumption, by the Oonven-
ton, of all powers hitherto delegated to the Fed
eral Government, the resumption of which may
be necessary to the present security of the State
and the entire freedom of State action-especial-
ly the possession of all forts, arsenals, &c.
Sd. That having assumed this position of re-
suned powers, the State shall not declare herself
out of the Union; but suspend all relations with
States, until they accede to such ulti-
matum as our Convention may submit.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

- In speaking of the thousands OF persons
in the two sections of our country who have IN
termarried, the Baltimore American says:
s'Thus linked together by the most sacred ties
what new and unspeakable horrors are involved
in the idea of civil war! Does it not become
all good men. and all men who have humanity,
all men who are not given over to hardness of
heart and demoniacal malice and cruelty, to la
Dor with their whole souls, and to besiege the
throne of Heaven with their supplcations, that
this hitherto the happiest of all nations may be
saved from such an unnatural collision and fear
full catastrophe2"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Three More States Gone.

Three more States have seceded-three more
stars have been blotted from the galaxy OF
States Mississippi adopted an ordinance of Sc
cession on Wednesday last, the 9th inst, by q
vote of "a ayes to Is noes. Florida did the
same on Thursday, the 10th inst, by a vote OF
So ayes to nays, and Alabama adopted an or
dinance of secession on Friday last, the 18th
inst, at half past O'Clock, P. NJ.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
MISSISSIPPI.

The State Convention of Mississippi on We'd
nesday lest, by vote Of eighty-four to fifteen,
adopted an ordinance of Secession. Statutes, IL
Nominations and fire. works testified the satisfac-
tion of the people of the State capital at the re-
suit. Mississippi has no ports of entry and her
secession will in no way increase the existing
COMPLICATIONS
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

'There is nothing in the shape of Medicine
selling equal to Perry Davis Pain Killer in Can
ada. 1t is superseding and giving better salts
faction than any other article now in the Can
ada market-E HeQthfeZd. London. O. W
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
~ The Alexandria Gazette says th

az The Alexandria Gazette says that the
Virginia papers are giving notice already that
all announcements of candidates for the State
Convention, cards in relation thereto, and SINH
lar matters, are to be charged and paid for as
advertisements. They say they cannot afford
to work gratis for candidates. There will be no
secession on this matter.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

~ The Washington correspondent of the
Fredericksburg Recorder says" Learned to-day
from the Superintendent of the Census, that by
the new apportionment Virginia will lose;two
members, and that every Southern State loses
except Arkansas, which will gain one."
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Correspondence between the President and
the s. C.. Commissioners.

The published correspondence between the
President and the South Carolina Commission
ers shows that the President gave the Commits
sioners official recognition, that he declined to
treat with them in relation to the secession OF
South Carolina, though willing to submit their
propositions to Congress, and that his position in
relation to the reinforcement of the Charleston
Forts has been very essentially nisrepresented.
The last communication from the Commission
ers was returned by the President with the COM
ment that it was not proper communication to
be addressed to him; in it the Commissioners d.
rectly impugn the good faith of the President
and charge him with provoking war with
South Carolina.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

suicide took place in Shenandoah county, Va
Jacob Copp, a respectable citizen of that coun-
ty, while entertaining number of friends at din
ner on that day, excused himself, as if for a mo-
ment only, and returning to his chamber, cut his
throat with razor, inficting four severe CASH
es. No cause is assigned for the deed.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

The House Committee of Thirty three, on
Monday, the 9TH, adopted b. Winter Davis a.
mendment to the Fugitive Slave law, which
gives the captured slave the privilege of jury
trial in the State in which his alleged owner
lives. An amendment granting a jury trial in
the State where the fugitive is seized, was re-
iected.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Gov. Letcher's Message.

As the message of Gov. Letcher is too long to
publish the whole of it 10 this issue, we publish
that portion only which refers to federal rela-
tons, as that part embraces the subjects which
are of most absorbing interest at this time.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
A Crazy l. legislature.

Is the Legislature of Virginia composed of lu-
natics Ifit were its members would not do more
foolish and crazy things. By a nearly unanimous
vote they pledged Virginia to fight the battles of
South Carolina. 1t is a very charitable body
and is returning good for evil South Carolina
denounces and abuses Virginia, and says she will
prohibit Virginia from selling her slaves in South
Carolina, unless she is willing to be stitched to
and dragged" by South Carolina out of the Union
whereupon Virginia pledges herself to fight the
battles of the Safe which doth so abuse and de-
spitefuly use her. She will plunge all of her
own people into war rather than see the little
finger of her absconded sister twisted even in
the slightest degree. Have not the members of
the Legislature sense enough to know that if
South Carolina is really at this time foreign
nation, she claims to be, that it would be
than madness to assume the responsibility of her
acts-to step into her shoes and take the war off
her hands-particularly when that war would be
and of which it is part-in word, committing
treason by defending by force of arms a foreign
nation against our own. Washington warned US
particularly against forming entangling alliances
with foreign nations. What would he think if
he could know THAT the Legislature of his native
State had pledged the State to espouse the cause
of foreign Government, in the event it should
come in conflict with the Government of the
United States. If she is foreign power, we
should have nought to do with her-if she is not,
she should obey the laws and behave herself.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

eW Gov. Perry, of Florida, reached home
last week, from the North, where he purchased
1 900 Hayward rifles, and 5000 Minnie muskets
for the use of the State.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

taken up, and being amended so as to make the
time of holding the same the 18th instead of the
18th of February, was passed-ayes 45, nays 1.
Senate amendment will doubtless be concnrred in
hY the House
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

~ The Pennsylvania, warmly opposed to
Senator Douglas during the late Presidential
election, publishes the recent speech OF the Sen
ator, 'as the rallying cry of the Northern De-
mocracy and Northern conservatives, whatever
their Presidential preferences may have BEEN"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

The Governors of Ohio and Illinois declare In
their message that the integrity OF the Union
must be preserved, but recommend to the Legs s.
latures of their respective States the repeal OF all
laws that are unconstitutional and obnoxious to
the South.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

~ Hon. Humphrey Marshall of Kentucky,
has written letter, in favor of sustaining the
Union as long as our rights can be sustained, and
is not willing to despair of obtaining those rights
by honorable and peaceable means.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

~ Mr.. Lincoln, through friend, formally
rendered Hon. VIM. A. Graham, of North Car
DINA, place in his cabinet. Mr.. Graham sends
a letter declining, and saying that his taking the
place will not restore peace to the country.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

So AS will be seen by reference to the pro-
ceedings of the Legislature, our Senator, Hon. A.
ii. 81. Stuart, has offered some very appropriate
resolutions in the Senate.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13-Gen. Scott is still en-,
gagged in making preparations to guaro against
any possible breach Of the peace 10 TINS Guy, 10
consequence Of the present political agitation
Effective military forces are to be posted 10 varl.
Gus parts of the city. 1t is not probable ina,
any but regular troops and reliable militia Will
be employed for this purpose.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

FROM CHARLEsToN.-The latest news by the
steamer Nashville from New York, on the 18th,
reports that the Brooklyn was of Cape Roman.
Last night was quiet, and the excitement of
the people had subsidized. There is great hope
that the ultimatum of South Carolina and Fort
Sumter, sent to Washington by Colonel Haynes
and Lieut.. Hall, will give peace.
Eight working men from Fort Sumter came
away last night in a boat, four of whom are in
the city, and four go to New York in the steam
er Marion. They report that the soldiers are on
short allowance.
The steamer Clinch. under white flag, and in
command Of Commissary Gen. Hatch, went to
Fort Sumter this evening. Do not know what
for, and nobody knows except the authorltlVs.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

az The Albany Journal (New York; an
nounces the official acceptance of Mr.. Seward as
Secretary of State in the Cabinet of Mr.. Lincoln.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
SPECIAL NOTICES
To CONSERVATIVES.

NHE Advertiser, having been restored to health in
- a few weeks by very simple remedy, after hav
ng suffered several years with severe lung affection
and that dread disease, Consumpton-is anxious to
make known to his sufferers the means of cure
10 all who desire it. he will send copy of the pre-
scpfon used Gree of charge with the directions for
using the same which they will find sure cure for
C0msumptSon, Astansc, Bronchitis, dc. The only
object of the advertiser in sending the Prescription is
to benefit the afflicted, and spread information which
he conceives to be invaluable, and he hopes every
sufferer will try his remedy 1t will cost them moth
ing, and may prove blessing.
Parties wishing the prescription will please adj
dress REV. EDWARD A. wilson
Williamsburgh, Kings county, New York
Oct g. 1S6O-Iy.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Religious Notice,

Rev. VIM. Baker will preach on the 3rd Sabbath
and Rev. VIM. T. Richardson on the 4th Sabbath Of
this month, at Augusta Church.
Jan. Is. 1861 -.-----------.-.---a--.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
For the Spectator.

Our beloved Nation is in trouble untold, the
end of which no finite mind can see. She feels
this crisis from her heart to her extremities.-
The most influential man and the most humble
peasant strive in vain to feel easy. All of our
babtations are mantled in our mourning. What
all most dread is civil war. But, thank God,
there is still hope-though but glimmering
hope-that this most dreaded of all national
evils, may be averted. To avert it we must not
be Inactive; there is no neutral ground-no not
an inch, for any man to stand on. We. howev-
or. must be careful how we act for one miss
step at this junctnre, and ruin-inevitable rnin
will be upon US. Our duty is plain. Let US
betake ourselves to most earnest prayer to God,
who has said "Cali upon me in the day of
trouble, will deliver thee" We must not only
pray, but labor each in his sphere, to arrest this
tide of evil that threatens our overthrow
Whether we be Breckenridge, Douglas, Or Bell
men. we must unite and meet and conquer our
common enemy. Our first work is to save the
Union, if we can save it without compromising
our constitutional rights as Southern citizens
If this cannot be done, then let Us present an
unbroken front in the South, that what we can.
not obtain in the Union, we will seek out of it..
Every man to his post. I'm Union there is
strength MT. SIDNEY.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
MRS. WINSLOW,

MRS. WIESLOW,
An experienced nurse and female physician, has a
Soothing Syrup for children teething which greatly
facilitates the process of teething by softenng the
gums reducing all lnfammation-will alley ali pain
and is sure to regulate the bowels Depend upon il.
mothers it will give rest to yourselves and relief and
health your infants Perfectly safe in all cases.
~ See advertisement in another column.
June 26, 1860.
THE PECULIARITlES of the female constitution
and the various trials which the sex is subjected
demand an occasional recourse to stimulants. 1t is
important, however, that these shall be of harmless
nature, aud at the same time accomplish the desired
end. Hostetters celebrated Stomach Bitters is the
very article. Its effects in all of debility al
most magical. 1t restores the tone of the digestive
organs, infuses fresh vitality into the whole SYSTEM
and gives that cheerulness to the temperament which
is the most valuable to feminine attractions. The
propretors feel atered from the fact that many of
the most prominent medical gentlemen in the Union
have bestowed encomums upon the Bitters, the vir-
tues of which they have frequently tested and ao-1
knowledged. There numerous counterfeits offer
ed for SALE all of which destitute of merit and
positively injurious to the system.
81 See advertisement in another column. -q
ar. 1
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15

r OST !-On the LIST of JAM, 1861, MEMORAN.
IL DUN BOOK. The finder will please leave il
with Capt. McClung, or G. T. Cochran, or address
me at Deerfeld. j. BECK.
Jan, 15 lS61-2ts.