Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-01-09
Our Delegates.

We were concerned to see that there was some
division among the Delegates from Augusta in
regard to the financial questions which have
been before the Legislature. Ofall the couu-
ties In the State, Augusta is the last which
should give countenance to any thing. even
remotely, squirting towards reputation, for
much larger sum than is raised by taxation in
our county, is returned to it, during the year,
in the support of the charitable Institutions
located here Besides these appropriation,
Augusta has received large benefits from the
expenditure of money of the State, in the con-
struction of Railroads and turnpikes through
our county Without these appropriations,
our farmers would now be hauling their -four
and other products, in wagons, to Scottsville or
Richmond. Our farmers are sagaclous enough,
and honest enough, to desire to see the debts
contracted in building these works, (which con-
tribute SO largely to their convenience and pro-
ft) paid for according to contract
We have no purpose, at this time, to criti-
else closely, the action of our Delegates. We
do not question the integrity of their motives.
Two of them are new members, and have little
experience in Legislation, and have probably
been deceived. But we must respectfully urge
them to keep their eyes open, and not allow
themselves to be beguiled by the arts Of repu
diators. They will learn before they have been
long in public life, that men are often aiming
at what they dare not openly avow. General
declaration must be taken with distrust, when
the tendency of the conduct Of those making
them, is at war with their declarations. They
will find men In the Legislature, who while they
profess to scorn reputation, are proposing and
advocating measures, tending directly to that
result
Our advice to our legislators is, to do what
is just and prudent, regardless Of consequences.
The man who legisates, looking over his
shoulder, to see what the constituent body
thinks, will be sure to stumble. The people
may, for time, be deceived. But In the end
they will come right. The people always ad-
mire honesty and independence, and the dele
gate who acts honestly and independently, will
receive their appreciation and support.
We earnestly hope, that when the Legislature
re-assembes, our delegation will present an
dishonesty in all their forms and phrases. The
people are looking anxiously to the action Of
the Legislature, and we think we can safely say
they will extend no toleration to repudiators.
Il is announced from Washington that on and
after the 1st proximo, deiaced or mutilatd u.
S. notes and fractional currency, instead of be-
ing redeemable as now. only by the U. S. Trea-
surer, subject to discount for mutilation, will
be redeemed at their full face value in new
notes or currency by the Treasurer, the several
assistant treasurers and designated repositories
of the Z. S and all national bank repositories,
and will be received at their full face value by
all officers Of the Treasury Department In pay
ment of currency dues to the u. S.; provided
that three-htths Of the original proportion of
the notes are presentedin one piece. Fragments
less than fve-eighths will be redeemed only by
the Treasurer Of the U. S. If more than one
half and less than fve-eighths is presented, half
of the face value will be paid. Less than half
note will be redeemed only on affidavit that
the missing portion has been totally DESTROYED.
Under the new rules any person, firm. bank
corporation or public officer will be permitted
to forward Ave dollars and upwards in fractional
currency, and fifty dollars and upwards In legal
tender notes, for redemption to the treasurer
by express, at the expense of the department.
under the government contract with Adams
Express Company
THE EXCHANGE HOTEL ON FIRE-NARRow
ESCAPE FROM DESTRUCTION. l2 o clock
Wednesday night persons passing through Ex-
change alley found flames exuding from the
basement window of the portion formerly used
as kitchen The fire soon crept up in the
second story over the stores occupied by Crauz,
liquor dealer, and Latouche, tailor. That por-
tion and the old ballroom were effectually de-
stroyed. The hotel would have burned but the