Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-01-31
Tor the Spectator
Two Weeks in West Virginia.

MR.. EDITOR ALLOW me to notice, briefly,
the condition of affairs across the line.
L recently visited several counties in West
Va, IN which the radicals have, heretofore.
had unlimited sway, and it is really cheering to
see the bright faces Of the Conservatives and
to hear them rejoice In victory. Although
many of them are yet disfranchised, they no
longer bend beneath the burden of base cor
ruption OF power. They have, indeed, been
oppressed beyond measure by an unscrupulous,
base, llllterate faction, whose deeds are no less
corrupt than their own sense of feeling.
The notorious Rucker, in a speech at Hun
tersyie, testing the sentiment of the people,
is reported to have said: Had l the power,
| would visit punishment upon the rebels to
the fifth and sixth generation" In the course
OF his remarks, however, he was interrupted
with: 'Dr. Rucker, that is q = lie, and YOU
know 1t: This gentle expression did not
daunt his great courage. and-and-he went
on with his TRADE to tickle the ears OF negroes.
As an example of some Of the Radical prefer
ments, Imagine the representative Of certain
county, armed with carpet-bag, hayersack and
PROVISIONS, travelling to his capitol on foot
Our pedestrian, when questioned concerning
his intended route, said: II will take it afoot
to Clarksburg and then | can go on telegraph"
That sickening word ''loil, :" is WHISPERED a.
mong the ignorant and claimed as a special and
precious boon; and the "trooly loil'' may be
seen standing In small groups with half open
mouths, gazing at one who has the honor of
being leader, and listening to an explanation of
the defeat in the last elections.
passed through Tigers Valley, delightful
region, and had the pleasure of standing upon
the rebel heights at Laurel Hi
The little town of Beverly is improving rap
idly and has neat appearance Demonstra-
tlons of freedom from Radical domination are
everywhere noticed.
Fen. (Mutton) Howse, of Barbour, no longer
wags his silly tongue in Legislative Halls-no
longer governs the Boards of Registration in
his county. His followers, Jno. Pharis, TIP
Price, Mat. Shomo and j. Teter, cease to look
upon Howse as the ''loif' ruler of Barbour
Ben. Pharis has come to the conclusion that
Registration in Randolph avails nothing =
Here, men have been required to prove their
| lnnocence-the law holding them guilty. Here
| the names of Union soldiers have been stricke ZEN
| from the books of registration, because, for
sooth, 1t was found that they were democrats
But brighter day dawns upon West Va, and
the people confidently expect more prosper
Gus future. They now begin to feel deep in
terest in Railroads and considerable enthusiasm
/ prevails. The vast resources of this State are
yet to be developed. The inexhaustible sup
| plies OF coal, iron, oil, timber and salt must
furnish ample returns to industry and enter
prise for many years.
However much we may deprecate the man.
ner in which our old State was divided, and
whatever prejudces may still exist, we are
compelled to acknowledge the incalculable
wealth of West Virginia. ~
May her progress be constant and the history
of her future untarnished.
i Yours truly,