Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-05-18
Washington Correspondence.

ASHlNOIoN, -. ", May l4tn, 1909.
Dear Spectator -
Although nothing Of vital mo-
ment is now transporting here, yet your humble
correspondent thinks it may not be amiss to
fall into habit of sending occasional iottings
to Old Augusta through the columns of its
leading organ.
We are told that that giant in journalism,
the late John NJ Daniels, of the Examiner
never asked "What is the news" but, what
are the people talking about?" I propose to
give few of the main topics now occupying
the minds Of the Washingtonians
In the first place, it is now evident that the
country too recklessly patriotic in espousing the
cause of Cuba and fear Of this rests upon
the minds of sensible, thinking men.
In the next place, all sensible people admit
that it were well if the bellicose language OF
our politico-statesmen, and the menaces of our
bombastic journalists of the North, regarding
the Alabama claims, could be recalled.
Brother Jonathan has not been able to
sleep soundly for long time, and the idea of
an alliance, offensive and defensive, between
the great Powers of England, France and Spain,
is not calculated to relieve his anxiety and
soothe his nerves. .s
The decision of Chief Justice Chase in the
Caesar Griffin case is treated silently by the
Radicals and argumentatiyely by the Demo
Gratis. The former don't care about saying any
thing on the subject; the latter regard it as a
true and logical opinion rendered by a just and
able Judge, who does not swerve from the right
to pamper to party prejudices. The Congress
sional reconstruction of Virginia has been mis-
ably put up job; the Alexandria Constitu-
ton was adopted and went into effect in accord
ance with law; and the dominant party in Con
gress can give no reason for setting it aside, ex.
cept that it did not prove potent instrument
In giving the State over to the Radicals.
The perfdy and fraud of John Russell
| Young, Managing Editor of the n. Y. Tribune
have produced much gossip although the pres.
generally is silent That a young man, only 81
years OF age, holding high trust on a leading
journal, and with a salary of $1,000 a year
/ should be SO lost to honor and honesty as tc
sell the cable dispatches, thus wronging the
press association as well as the Cable Company
is lamentabe. AS the matter now stands, The
suit against Dana, of the n Y. Sun, for libe
on account of this exposure amounts to moth
ing. Facts have been produced and the Tri
bune has sustained a shock. Greeley must give
up Young, thus acknowledging the capidity
aud dishonesty Of the latter, else the reputa
ton of his Wanted journal is gone
Mrs. Scott Siddons has returned to this city
and is nightly entertaining large and apprecia
tive audiences by her wonderful dramatic pow
ers Her sphere is the legitimate Drama, the
world Of Shakespeare, and the crowds she
draws show that good taste has not yet de
parted from the minds Of the people, and tina
varifty Shows and Can-Can Dances are not fo
ALL
The Lutheran Synod began here on yester
day. Every State in the Union is represented
in it, except several lying on the Gulf 1t il
thought this meeting will do much toward
bringing about mutual understanding and ;
unity of feeling in the Lutheran Church o
America.
The last Spectator brings me the announce
ment of ALEX. B. COCHRAN, as a candidate
for seat in the House Of Delegates. A true
man cannot ill the place, nor one better fttet
for it. | trust the citizens of Augusta will ris
to right appreciation of this gentleman ant
give him rousing vote
Au revoir, Serb.