davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
DigniaY ON Stills,

Our amiable neighbor Of the Spectator
has concluded to be digniied. All right.
Sparrowgrass says, dignity is g very good
thing to have in the country; but it must be
worn in the proper manner, or it makes q
fellow look awkward. Our n~eighbor's dig
nifty is on stills. 1t poises itself fer a mo-
ment, and then stigens the spinal column to
keep from falling back, and again leans for
ward and plants q stilt in front, to avoid
kissing the earth in that direction. We
protest against any lions skin being worn
at this particular period. We think it un-
manly to attempt to "reach direction by in
direction" There is nothing like calling
black, black, and white, acAite. We dis
like to gee an exhibition Of pinch back, make
believe dignity. We want the ~unadulsera-
ted article. Play the game clean out, neigh
Dor. or not at all. It don't look we'll to be
making dark and, to the uninitiated, unin-
~teIligible insinuations, and attempting to
conceal their aim and intent by a sham dig
nity-to strike an unseen blow, and then
pulling up The shirt collar, and looking as
wise as an owl, PROFOUND the Inquiry
"Ain't | dignifedG Yes, you are very
dignifed, he!ghbor. but come down Of, your
its, else you might fall and hurt your
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Territory.

We have received another number Of the
Messilla (Arizonia) Times. W. read this
excellent little paper with 4 great deal OF
zeat, fer everything connected with that
Territory and New Mexico has a charm for
US. This number of the Times contains an
account Of only five murders, and several
severe wounds. Three prisoners were assas-
sinated by unknown persons. They were
shot Gown in their chains. Gold is being
discovered in considerable quantities in the
Territory, and emigration is rapidly flowing
thitherward. It is a crying shame thatsome
action is not taken by Congress to give that
people q government. AS it is, they have
DO Courts, no law and consequently no pro-
lection to persons or property. Every num-
Der of the Times details to us one or more
murders, and robberies innumerable. The
Times says the Territory will claim protec
tion from a Southern Confederacy, if some
thing is not soon done for the people of the
Territory. Right
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
The Philosophy Of Oil Wells.

In the Western part Of this State, espe-
cially the counties Of Writ and Rithie, oil
wells have been opened, which give are
turn equal IN value to the gold mines of Cal
!ifornia. The mining Of coal has been al
most abandoned in many localities, and Ia
Dor and capital directed to the oil fields
Lands which a few years ago were purchas-
ed at from Is cents to S. so per acre, are
now selling at from $40, 600 to $40, 00o.--
Immense fortunes have been realized with
IN E very short time.
Some geological writer, specializing on
the subject, advances e theory, which.
to the credulous, Will not be a source of very
agreeable contemplation, especially to those
who are not prepared to see the elements
melt with feryent heat" He argues that
the internal fires which are knewn TO exist
in the earth are gradually making their way
to the surface and the calor therefrom reach
ing the coal strata, and acting upon it, is
dissolyipg the carbon and melting out its
igneous property, the oil.
This theory. which is not an unreasona-
bic one, would lead us to the conclusion,
that the time is not far distant when our
country may be visited by volcanic erup-
tons, and it's surface covered with burning
lava, as was the case, from evidences not
only Of record, but Of ocular demonstration
to those who have travelled through any
portion Of Mexico, ia that country 300
years ago.
TO US it is an interesting theme, and had
we space this week, we should like to en-
large on it, how far the disorganizing ele-
ments Of material nature beneath US sympa-
thize with the physical and Intellectual con-
hicts that are now rocking universal chris
tendon, and even convulsing the isolated
dominions of the Child Of the Sun We
might ind a logical solution by a thought
full and analytical reading Of the Bible, for
the great facts hat are breaking in upon
she human understanding arc but footprints
Of Providehce-eyents that are designed to
lead the mind to a contemplation and reali-
zation ofrevoaled truths. It is, in our opin-
ion, a skeptic;sm neither justiiable or excu-
sable, that refuses to recognize in the re-
markable condition Of the civilized world,
and the extraordinary phenomena Of nature,
the hand of Divinity shaping our ends, and
preparing for that stupendous and awful Pc
Rod of time, when tie heavens shall be roll
ed together as a scroll, and the clements be
| melted with feEveut heat.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Baltimore Conference.

Az the time for the assembling Of this &C.
clesiastical body apprenticeship 18th Of
March-there is being manifested within
the Territory Of its jurisdiction increased
interest, because its sessions, and the Con-
~vention Of laity which wiIlimmediately fol-
low, will be the most important ever held
IN the history of the Conference. There
are about 100 ministers connected with the
conference. Its white membership is &C.
549; practitioners $500; local preachers
2l1-total 3O,310. Colored, 13, $50
There are 4i4 churches valued at S773,-
$50; 81 parsonages, at $40, $50; Sunday
Schools 337; officers and teachers 4,470;
scholars 23, 202; volumes in Libraries 6l,-
6l2. These are in seven Districts, viz
Baltimore, Washington, Alexandria, Win
chester, Rockingham, Roanoke and Lewis
burg. The Oldest member of the Confer
ence is Rev. Joshua Wells. Of Baltimore.
The question which will invest the de-
alterations Of the Conference with their
chiefost aud nost importantia interest, is that
which is now shaking our 20 itical system
to pieces-slavery. Che action Of the Gen
eral Conference Of the NJ. q. Church at Buff
falo, last spring, in imposing new tests Ct
membership, has laid the seeds Ct a %revolu-
ton, the sebdued matterings Of whose COM
ing presage the violence of the storm that
is likely to follow. The Conference itself
will either separate from the General Con-
ference, or there will be nuu,b erless geees-
sions from it. The new chapter on slavery
in the discipline, which is the bone Of con
%tention, VIZ viii publish hereafter.
The attendance on the Convention will be
very large, but non too much SO for the
generous hospitality Of our citizens.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Treason and TRAITORS.

TIE New York Courier add Enquirer, ed
tied by the Chevalier Webb, the distin
guisied gentleman who wanted to ~assassi
nate poor Cilley, whom Graves killed in
duel, because he would not recognize the
Cllevalier as a gentleman, says it will be the
duty Of Abram Lincoln to arrest and try al
traitors, Jefferson Davis and Alexander 3
Stevens. 1t must be borne in mind ina
the Courier is tie recognised organ Of the
conservative, anti-abolition wing Of the Re.
publican party. Il comes out distinctly anC
says that Davis and Stephens must be ar
rested and tried as traitors, and that any a
gent or Commissioner sent from the South
ern C~oDfcderacy to Washington will be in
stantly arrested by Mr.. Lincoln as a traitor
The coercion policy is to be vigorously a
doptcd. When that is done, the South be.
comes a unit. It would be we'll, then, tha
it were done quickly.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
President Bayis, Eaaasagagal.

As a matter marking an important and
significant period in the history Of our Coun-
try, we lay before eur readers to-day the
Inaugural Address Of Hon. JEFF. Davis,
President Of the "C~onfederated States of
North America" AS a piece Of mere com
position it is distinguished by a refined and
graceful liberation, and attests the superior
mental culture and acknowledgements is IL
author: Asa "a Official document, emana-
yttif1g from SO high q source. it is signii-
can't epitome Of the spirit, character and
purpose of the New Confederacy, and con-
veys to the mind an Intelligent outline Of
the political structure it is aimed to erect.
It rises to the dignity Of comprehensive
craftsmanship with an ease as if its author
were ssto the manor bcrn;" and without af-
fectation or bravado, carriesthe conviction to
the mind that the Southern C~onfederacy is
a realized fact, rather than a speculative
theory
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
New RleYfGC.

The Legislature of New Mexico has pass
an act for the election Of delegates to
Em a State Constitution. The election
(nes off in May, and the delegates must
Pet in June. The Constitution they may
i'm is to be submitted to the people.
Having been intimately connected with
+ politics of that Territory for two years,
] profess to know something about the
lnper Of the people. We, therefore, state,
+ the information Of those who are ezerci-
pig themselves in regard to slavery in
Jew Mexico, that the people there care 10
ore about negroes than the inhabitants Of
ie Fejee Islands Furthermore. they will
ever vote for anything By which they will
aposo upon themselves the burdens of gov
They hive Il % desire for a State
overnment, and you cannot force one up
them. Negroes are Of no possible use
ere, for the peonage system, much better
Iapted to the country than negro sorvi-
de, must always supersede it, as the peo-
b g, accustomed to it, and it suits their
ktes. There never entered the mind of
a balder Or wilder delusion, than that
e people Of New Mexico want a State gov
nment.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Look at the figures.

S. Med. Moore, Esq, one of the dele.
gates in the State Convention from Rock
bridge, in scare remarks the other day init
mated, or rather stated, that the reason for
the extreme submission views he entertain
ed vas the probability Of the Southern Con-
fcderacy re~opening the African slave trade
and establishing free trade and direct taxa
ton. Had Mr.. Moore read the fundamen-
tai law of the New Conf, deracy, he would
there have found a clause torerer prohibit
ing the African slave trade. Had he read
the proceedings Of the Convention he woula
shere have seen hat a revenue tariff iisfo be
adopted, sufficient for the support of the
government. We must attribute Mr..
Moors's remarks to ignorance of!hese facts,
and not a wilful intention to ~misrepresent
actual history.
But suppose the cotton States were dis
posed to open the African slave trade and
adopt free trade, would not they be OF the
mercy of the other slave States, were the
antire South to unite? Look at the figures:
South Carolina, under the new apportion-
ment, in Congress, would have 4 represen-
%tatives; Georgia I: Florida /; Alabama Z;
Mississippi 5; Louisiana 4; Texas 4. Total
81.
The other slave States would stand thus:
Virginia II; Delaware /; Maryland 6: North
Carolina 7; Tennessee s; Kentucky 8; Mis-
souri, 8; Arkansas 3. Total 81.
It will be seen that there would be q ma
iority of tweaty-one against the Cotton
States, even supposing that the seven States
first named were unanimous for opening the
slave trade, and for free importations. How
would any proposition for such a purpose be
treated? We leave it for the mno sense
of the reader to determine. If Mr.. Moore
bases his position alone upon his assump-
ton, be must forsake his submission ideas,
for the facts are against him.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Important Speech of President
E5aVaS.

MONTGOMERY, ALA, Feb. 17.-The trip
Of President Davis from jackson to Mont
gomeGy was a continuous ovation lie made
twenty-five speeches on the route, return
ing thanks for the assembling of the people;
cannon firing and cheers at all the different
depots.
The committee Of Congress, and the
Montgomery city authorities, met President
Davis about 80 miles below here, and for
mally received him.
Two fine military companies, from Cos
lumbus, Ga, joined in the escort at Opeli-
ka. All reached here last night, about 10
o'clock, amid cannonading- and shouts.
A large crowd assembled at the depot.
President Davis said to the people that he
felt proud and happy to receive the con-
gratulations Of the people Of Alabama. He
briefly reviewed the present position of the
South. He said the time for compromise
had passed. We are determined to main
tain our position, and make all who oppose
us smell Southern powder and feel South
ern steel. If coercion was persisted i'll he
had 20 doubt Of the result. We will main
tain our rights and government at all haz-
ards. We ask nothing aud want nothing.
We will have no complications. If other
States join our C~onfederacy they can freely
come on our terms. Our separation is CONS
plete. No compromise, 90 reconstruction
can now be entertained.
A large crowd awaited Mr. Davis arri-
val at the Exchange. The ladies were e.
qually enthusiastic with the gentlemen.
At quarter before II o'clock, in re-
spouse to loud calls, Mr.. Davis appeared in
the balcony, and said
Fellow-citizens: Brethren of the Con-
fe1erate States of North Amortization now
we are brethren, not in name hut in fact.
| Men of one flesh, cue bone, one interest,
one purpose of identity in our institutions.
We have heuceforth, | trust, a prospect Of
living together in peace with our lnstltu-
tons, subject to protection, not defamation:
It may be that our career may be ushefed
in storm 1t may be that as this morning
opened with clouds and mist. we shall have
TO encounter inconvenience at the beg n
ming, but as the sun rose ard slTted the
mist and dispersed the clouds, and left us
the pure sunlight Of Heaven; Sc will the pro-
cress of the Southern Confeleracy carry us
INTO a safe sea and a harbor Of constitutional
liberty and political equality. Great ap-
pIause Thus we shall have nothing to Gear
f.om VAN of homogeniety a. hoIAa. We
have nothing to fear abroad because if war
should come-it we haze again to haptizc
in blood the princi.,.a.es for which cur fathers
bled j. toe Revolution, We shall shsw that
we are n.s6 degenerate sons, but will re-
,deen the pledges they gave 10 preserve the
ftta':red rights transmitted Us and Show ibat
EcatLs syn galog still shines as brightly a. il
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

In another column will be found 3 letter
from the Washington Correspondence Of the
New York Tribune We publish it for the
purpose of giving DIR readers an idea oftLe
views entertained by the Black Republicans
in consequence OF the recent election :o Ten
ncssee. The same impression has been crsa-
ted on the Northern mind BY the resell, In
Virginia. The Black Republicans consider
the recent demonstrations in the Border
States as sympathetic. and indicative Of Il
disposition to submit without a murhur to
a Republican administration independent Of
any further guarantee of rights. Believ-
ing this, of course the hope Of receiving
flom them just concessions is the farther re-
moved, and o settlement Of our difficulties
less probable. We cannot, however, pene.
trste the future. We calmly wait for desr
velopmentB.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

All the indications at Washington city
point to the coercion Of Virginia in the event
she secedes. Gen. Weightman gave pub
LEFTY to an important secret when he asked
Capt. Schacfer whether he would obey the
orders of the Government to coerce Virgin
ia or Maryland. The refusal to grant Capt.
s. his majority commission in consequence
Of his negative answer lets the public into
the mystery of the extraordinary military
preparations now going on at Washington
There is now maturing a plan to march fed
cral troops against Virginia in the event
she should dare to assert her separate indie
pendence and resume her sovereign rights
The tyrant heel of federal and consolidated
power is to be used to crush and trample
upon the rights Of Virginia
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
1912 and every other Conflict. e


Asto' io1A ana every other ooItiuf. ttrees
applause
l was informed by my friends that your
kindness only required thatI should appear
before You FatIgued by travel, and rery
hoarse, am unable to speak at length. and
came out merely to assure you Of my graft
tude fer these minifes' aticns of your good
will. com with difideuce and dis,rust 10
the discharge Of the great d, ties davolved
u on NE ly the kiDdl es and confidence #
t c Congress of he Confederate States. /
thank you, my friends, for the kind mani.
fsstation Of favor and appreciation you ey.
hibit on this occasion. Throughout nc en-.
tire progress to this city, l have received
the same fattering demonstrations of gener-
Gus support. !! did not regard them as per.
sonal to myself, but rendered me as the rem
resentatiye of the principles and po!icy sf
the Confederated States.
| will devote to the duties of the high Of
Zee TO which I have been called, all / have
Of heart, of head, and Of hatlds. Ii in the
progress Of events it shall become aecesss.
~ that my services shall be needed in sn-
other position. If, to he plain, necessity
sbsli require that shall again eotcr tho
ranks as a soldier, l hope you will welcomu
me there. [Great applause
You, my friends. again thanking you for
this manifestation Of yourapprobation allow
me to bid you good night.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
The Eseace Conference.

This body has accomplished nothing Is
yet,no is it likely to Go SO. Letter writer's
from Washington say that the most sau-
guine of the friends CT the Union among tie
commissioner nov despair, and that these
from Virginia will shortly return to their
State. The correspondent ofthe Baltimore
Sun, under date Of tie l9th, says:
The Peace Conference will probably tsks
q vote tomorrow upon some Of the PROPOSE
items before them. fhe amended Guthrie
plan will probably have ten votes, and the
national convention project ten votes. Que
vote-;hat Of the State OF Virginia will no
doubt be given for the uliimstum Of the Va
Legislature
Since Mr. Liucoln's Indianapolis speech
10 hope has been felt hat the Guthrie prop.
%osition can pass either House Of Congress
by a majority vote. It anuld appear how
ever, that the President elect, in his prps.
ress towards the federal capitol, has found
occasion TO modify his views concerning the
political crisis. Before he has con pleted
his Cabinet, he may further take occasion to
reconsider his Indianapolis project. II Mr.
Seward aud Mr.. Cameron 60 into the Czbi-
MT, it may be supposed that their influence
IN it will be pacific and couciliatorg.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
The Southern Confederacy.

1t is stated upon reliable authority that
before the 1st of March the Southern Con-
federacy will have at its command fourteen
millions of dollars, and ready for the field
fifty regiments of well disciplined soldiers.
If Lincoln's administration attempts to
blockade the ports,a Southern army will be
marched overland upon Washington city.
The speech we publish to-day from Presi-
dent Davis will show the spirit that ami
mates the New Confederacy. We are more
convinced than ever that there is no posi-
bility Of reconstruction as things now
stand.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Correction.

The Spectator, in its report Of the dis
cussion between Hon. II. A. Wise aud
Hon. A Fl. Il. Stuart, represents Mr.
Wise as saying, that che was glad to meet
him (Stuar) there and take him BY tie
hand" Dir. Wise addressed no such re-
marks to Mr. Stuart. IL was speaking to
and Of Mr.. Flournoy, and referring to the
contest for Governor in 1865. IT. said lie
was glad to meet MI. Elcurnoy and take
him BY the hand, and hoped he would stand
side by side with him il UNFOLDING tie hon
or and The rights Of Virginia. Wecan hard
" suppose that our ~neighbor made his re
port intentional. Justice to both MIR. Stuart
and Mr.. Wise requires . correction.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22
Ene Entertainment To-ssfgEse.

4 glance at the room Of the new Depot,
where the grand Fair and Entertainment is
to be given tonight for the benefit Of the
"West Augusta Guard" Convinced US that
the ladies have not been idle. The graceful
arrangement Of evergreens and the hand
some ~festoonry, give an air Of life and gal
ETY. to the apartments, which, added to the
presence of the pretty girls themselves, and
The other attractions Of the evening. prom
Use to fully repay all who may attend the
Entertainment. We advise all who desire
to pass pleasant evening to call at the new
Depot tonight.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

The speeches of Lincoln, and the coer-
Give movements OF the Republicans in Ucn-
gress, demand, if Virginia desires to mair-
tain her honor, that the Convention nov IN
session should, without u moments delay,
take a FIRM and decisive stand. fthe menu
bers DO not respond promptly to the warlika
demonstration oSthe Republicans and their
President, they will deserve to go down 10
2~osteritS as %trif1ers with the honor, charac-
ter and aes'iny Of a brave people. and trail
tors to the best interests OF the country. 1t
seems to us that the only question at pres
ent IS, resistance and resentment, or dis
grace.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

The bill offered by Mr. Stanton. ofOhio.
in the House, authorizing the Presidents to
call out the militia to enforce the laws, was
properly denominated a declaration of war
against the South, by Southern members.
1t will doubtless pass the house by a vote Of
about 65 to I05. Even Mr. Bo.elar, Of
Va, declared its passage would be consii-
cred war by the Southern States.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

We publish this week several articles of
length, which necessarily preclude our usual
editorial and selected variety. We are also
compelled to lay over until next week a
very we'll written article from an intelligent
correspondent over the signature of "Is-
lean" Tt will lose none of its interest,
however, by this delay il its publication
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

The Valley Democrat has been merged
into the Rockingham Register. We thiuk
this a judicions movement. We are glad
to know that the Democracy of the District
will not lose the vigorous and graceful pen
of our friend Walker, as he will still con.
tinue his editorial contributions through the
columns of the Register. We trust and be-
lieve this arrangement will he mutually sd-
v%antageous to the proprietors.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

r. NJ. Smith, Esq, the dignifed and ac>
cemplishcd editor of the Alexandria Senti-
mel, favored our mountain city with a flying
visit during the past week. We look upon
the Sentinel as decidedly the ablest paper
in the State, and withal distinguished by a
courteous regard for the opinions of others:
which always makes it readable and attrac.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-22

livery SsNFkEAGs

We published last week the ADVERTISE
ment Of Messrs. I j. Burke, & Go who,
in addition to their former Livery establish
ment, have taken the extensive Stables oil
the American Hotel. Their facilities for
accommodating the public in their line are
now very complete. They have secured the
services of Mr.. A. Fl. Fisher to superintend
their Livery business, who may always be
found at the Office near the American Ho-
tel, to attend to any calls that may be made.
We have received the annual report OF
the President and Directors Of the Western
Lunatic Asylum. The report of the ell
cient and accomplished Superintendent, DR..
Stribling, to the Board, shows the lnstitu-
ton to be carrying out in an eminent degree
the humane design of its erection. The
success of the system Of treatment adopted
at this Asylum is its best commentary, and
ranks the Institution among the most sue
cessfuliy managed in the world.
We have not space this week to give an
abstract Of the report.