Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-04-15

said road, running Northwest from
Bumond. The business portion of the
city, is princip pally built Of brick, from
two to four stories high, while the pri-
vate dwellings are mainly of wood, of
cottage style, handsomely ornamented,
with large garden space, in which there
is rare taste displayed in the laying out,
and decorations, with fine flowers and
tasty shrubbery; characteristic of the
Southern home. The society of the
city, is equal to that of any town OF
the same size anywhere, and possesses
in large degree the characteristic hos
pitality of the Southern people. In
this connection. let me correct the false
impression that prevails in some locali-
ties, as to the peace and quiet of the
country
In the first place, the laws of the
State, forbid any person, excepta peace
officer, or traveller, carrying pistol,
either concealed or otherwise, under a
penalty sufficient to suppress the same.
There are as few, (and perhaps less) law
breakers here, rs in any other State, or
community of the same number of peo-
ple From all that | can learn, and
have seen, could feel as secure to trav-
el over any part of this State, as l would
of Virginia or Maryland. There was a
period, since the war, while the State
was ruled and governed by Grant and
his illustrious followers, when anarchy
prevailed, aud lite and property was
not secure; but the people, after time,
rose equal to the emergency of the
times, and the depraved appointees of
the thieving administration, by quiet
but convincing admonilions, were in
duced to "step down and Out" and per-
mitted the laws to be enforced The
only crime that prevails here here now,
to any extent, is the stealing of horses
and cattle, but the thiefrarely escapes the
penalty of the law, especially at this
place, as the efficient district Attorney
Maj. Pearre, has them sought out,
wherever they may be. | saw letter
from the Governor of the the State, and
speaking of his determination to sup
press crime, remarked, that if he had
few more such Attorneys to prosecute
as Mai. Pearre, in a short time, man
could not be induced to steal in the
State. The fact is, the opportunities for
stealing, are greater here, especially Of
horses and cattle, than most States, as
as most Of the stock are generally found
running at large grazing at will. Any
man who is disposed to behave himself.
is equally as secure in his life, liberty,
and the enjoyment Of any honest pur-
suit in life, in this State, as any State
in the Union.
In this respect, Texas has been great
ly misrepresented, and very much to
her disadvantage. BY some, the re-
ports of the vicious and uncultivated
society here, have been honestly circu-
lated, because they knew no better; but
far greater number, of both private
ard public individuals, (aud even tie
local press, / am grleved to say have
studiouSly invented the most preposter-
Gus, and "Crusscian" stories concerning
the society of Texas. Many persons
are led to believe, that an average Tex
an, is a walking battery, or charged
dynamite tiend," and all that is ncces
sary to be either riddled with bullets,
or blown to atoms, is to run against
one OF them.
These stories are invented principally
in sections with few advantages, and
by persons who cannot get away them
selves; in order to keep others from
going, and thus reduce the population
of thier own sections or towns And
the reason they direct their sxpletives
towards Texas, is, because it is the only
State offering all that an migrant wants
in climate, soil, variety OF crops, schools,
and society as kind, amiabls, nospita-
ole, and refined as any community or
State. Crime in whatever garb it may
be clothed is greatly to be deprecated,
in any community; and envy, perhaps,
is no less crime, than many Others
that seem to shock the moral sensibIli-
ties of those, who live upon the "ragged
edge" Of fear of their skin and scalps
'Base envy withers at another's joy,
And hates that excellence ii cannot reach.
There are not so many wealthy peo-
pie here, as there are in the large cities,
aud counties of the older States, and
not the amount of grandeur displayed
in the residences, such as marble and
brown stone fronts, yet they are equally
as comfortable, and above all, more
happy.
Its no in title nor in rank;
It's no in wealth like Lon on bank,
TO purchase peace and rest:
It's no in maxim muckle nlair;
It's no in books; it's no in lear;
To make us truly blest;
Ii happiness has not her seat
And centre in the breast,
We may be wise, or rich, or great,
But never can be blest:
Nae treasures, nor pleasures, -..
Could make us happy lang;
The heartay' 5 the part ay, ..g.
That makes us right or wrang.'
AS my letter has been heightened out
beyond my expectations, | will bring
it abruptly to close, and let you hear
1 t;n,n