The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-08-22
evening Statt Solltnal.
LETTER FROM FINCAsTLE.
Judge Houston's Reception-Don't Like Our
Politics.

Judge HOustOn's keceptfOn-D0nt Like Ou
Politics.
,a FINcAsTLE, Aug. 10Th, 1871.
TO the Editor Of the State Journal:
After the fattering comment upon my
last epistle, | determined for spite to infict
another of the same sort on your Honor.
Our 'Burg" was enlivened ON the even
ing Of the 10th by reunion of gentlemen
at the hospitable residence of Judge Thomas
ID. Houston, in commemoration of his natal
hour. Could you have strolled up Main
street you would never have recognized the
well-trodden path of your boyhood, when
you had scarcely care to mar your hap.
piness, except your inability to supply
yourself with Bittle's memorable gungers.
Our new stores were brilliantly illumi-
mated, as if to vie with the Judges yard,
which was glaring with many lights. The
house being too small to accommo-
date the large crowd, seats were
provided in the. yard. Our string-band
discoursed sweet music, which was greatly
enjoyed by the rising Fifteenth amend
ment, T" especially as they tripped the heacy
heel on the macadamized street. There
were many excellent toasts drank and re-
sponded to by the invited guests. Colonel
Pendleton, in his usual happy manner,
welcomed the company, and spoke beauti-
fully of the priceless jewel that had recent
ly filled the Judges empty caslSet. Me-
thinks the ladies' would concur in the
opinion; she, also, was the happy possessor
of diamond Of equal value. 1--WE are
allowed to express our opinions freely now,
as he is married) Rest assured, Mr.. Ed
itor, am not one of the kind who think
the gentlemen alone are the recipients of
pearls of great price; for they are often
grossly deceived, and their jewels are geaa-
ane pinch-backs, and they receive i'll ex-
change diamonds in the rough, that need
only the polishing touch of some refined,
intelligent woman, to make them gems of
the purcst water. But excuse me, this is
not being ''brief."
The ladies were not expected at the re-
union, though think it pitiful attempt at
union without them, never mind, even as
rising a young man as our judge, may yet
solicit the votes of the fair sex, though God
grant the day may never come when women
will descend from the lofty position, He
intended her as wife and mother, to dabble
in politics. believe many of the ladies
were "lookers on in Venice"- though on
the other side of the street.
Refreshments were bountifully dispensed
to all, and at midnight the crowd dispersed
with many good wishes for the future hap
pmess of the generous host. | continue to
read your paper, though | don't like the
politics. I guess can skip over that part,
don't think | am q Yankee by using
"guess," it is only way have).
By the way, Mr.. Editor, amt youa home
made Yankee? don't mean Mr.. Daniels,
but the one that s.feU ont the aoalnM tree"
Some of your pieces have not the ring of the
true metal about them. Is this "to the
point ?o You misunderstood me, | was
only speaking ironically of editors not
charging. What does the Bible say about
eaao,fioners Is this brief" enough to
suit you? | see you continue to take chip
from the H9'ald's wood-never mind you
arouse the devil of that paper, and you will
cut at your nearer neighbors' fuel. For
fear will receive another-I don't know
what to call it-I will close.
GUESS Who!
Our correspondent might have written a
month without mentioning "Bittle's gaua-
gas''--a subject, the mention of which
makes our mouth water like "second crop
clover" does the pastured steed. Can our
correspondent give us any reason why she
dislikes our politics, or does she, like most
of her sex, prefer to go with the popular
tide, regardless of motive or principle ?
Unfortunately for the prosperity of Virgil
MIA, the women WELD an immense influence
upon the men, and as they seldom act from
reason, but from impulse, their sex have
done more to retard prosperity than the
men have; and yet, we dare say there is not
one to be found who can advance a solid
reason for their injurious conduct.
In answer to the inquiry, if we are not a
homemade Yankee, we reply--If desiring
to see our whole country at peace, our
native resources developed, our railroads
completed, our men and women prosperous
and happy, our children literally educated,
the widows and orphans cared for by the
homestead provision Of our constitution if
honestly carried out, all men free and
equal, the National and State debt paid, the
waste places built up and new life infused
into our people, with the mechanics arts
flourishing, If these wishes make us a
Yankee, then we are one-home-made OF
not, as you may select.
Knowing intimately, as we do, the i'm
mense wealth which lies buried beneath the
soil of old Botetourt, we believe, if North
ern enterprise were encouraged, and the
infamous abusive policy of Democracy dis
oouraged, the time would soon come when
yankee" industry and capital would en-
hance her value an hundred fold. To the
prejudice Of women and the silly notions O
weak men, is due the present impoverished
condition Of that garden spot of the Ole
Commonwealth. "Twere better, to like oul
position more, and increase your owl
wealth and prosperity, than to be poor ant
proud, with nothing stable to build you
pride upon. We will be glad to hear from
Fincastle again.