The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-09-05
fCorrespondence OF she Richmond Dispatch.I
A Rambling Letter.

Correspondence of the Richmond Dispaich.I
A Rambling Letter.
WHITE SULPHUR, w. VA, August 30, 80
Messrs. Editors, For six weeks l have
been "going to and fro in the earth ant
walking up and down in it," everywhere
the Dispatch has met me and ministered tC
nv information and enjoyment. A day
of rest at this most festful OF all places
gives me the coveted chance TO show my
appreciation by writing something Tor youl
columns or your waste-basket, as you may
prefer. II my letter goes to the latter place
II will have the company of many similarly
consigned from the office across the street
NY JoURNEYIYGs
have Teen in nearly all portions OF the State.
Undertaken partly for recreation, mainly 10
promote the interests OF the Religious Her.
aid and OF Richmond College, they have
been directed according to the annual meet
ings OF Baptist District Associations, in
Middlesex, Bedford, Roanoke, Smytb. APP
pomattox, and Augusta. In each OF the
counties named, as well as in Washington,
Campbell, and Aibemarle, it has been my
priyiIege 10 spend some days and minele
freely with the people, while in going from
one to the other have traversed three lines
OF travel at once, arteries aDd veins rum
ming out from the heart TO the extremities
OF ihe Commonwealth. OF the three lines,
the York River road Is straightest and
smootbest the Danyille and Atlantic, Mis-
sissippi and Ohio make the quickest time I;
the Chesapeake and Ohio runs through the
greatest stretch OF grand scenery. All seem,
from the crowded coaches and large num-
ben OF freight trains, TO be doing good
business. The Chesapeake and Ohio will
surely need double track rs soon as its
western connections are completed. Even
now travel is inconyeDiently delayed by
meeting long lines Of cars freighied with
the produce Of fields, forests, and immune
Fable mines.
1855 THE CROPS.
The yield OF wheat this year seems to be
little under good average; oats almost a
failure; tobacco, small crop set, but look
ing remarkably well hay abundant; corn,
the finest prospect seen for many years.
Not since 1865 bave we had in the State
generally season so favorable for corn,
and in the spring OF that year some notable
events and the consequent Reorganization
OF our labor-system prevented the planting
of so large crop as now. My father, a
lifelong farmer, used to say that good
corn crop was "joy TO everything ON the
place, from the rats up" La consonance
with this, i have met everywhere among the
people feeling OF cheerfulness far beyond
what Tye known before for long time
One of the best "signs OF the times1 is
that so many in all portions Of the State al
giving unusual attention to the appearance
OF their yards and buildings. Uncouth
sbrubLery, 6iiapidated enclosures, and slo-
'yenly houses have been an eyes0re and real
draw back TO Virginia agriculture. More
labor bestowed on adornment, a fTeer use
OF paint and whitewash ut once .beioken
and cultivate a sense OF hOpefgIness. The
roads, however, are still, with few e2cep-
tions, disgrace to a civilized community.
They can never be permanently improved
until suryeyore begin to consider and amply
the ordinary principles OF drainage.
POLITICS.
Though not "A politician aud though en-
gagged mostly in religious meetings, have
tried to ascertain the drift OF sentiment on
the.auestions ROW before the people. 1t has
been my priviSegegto mingle freely with Re-
adjusters as well o.. Debt Payers-theil latter
were open and ayowed, proud OF their posi-
ton; the former seemed rather reserved,
defensive, almost apologize. This may
haverbeen simply out0f polite Difference to
the opinions OF a visitor, or, as l sincerely
hope, because they began TO see the esil
fruits. Of c0mmunistic teaching and to ieel
OF having been led astray by par.
tisans who sought only fbeir own prefer
mept. Most Of the ReadjHsters with whom
II has been my privilege 10 talk will vote
The regular ticket, a few avoid any positive
and one or two,0at In the Souih-
west .iu aSort OF desperate way. assert their
purpose 10 vote the July ticket, cost what
L may. Lest any should attach to my obser-
yations more Significance than they deserve,
let me repeat that in Baptist Associations
! would meet chiefly the better class-up-
right and thosgbtfui men. Thennthinking
masses. whose ballots count. viii move as
hey are moved. The outlook is hopeful, |
but success can be achieved only By hard |
md prudent cork. A year ago the regular |
Conservative party allowed itself to be put |
% the defensive. and its speakers hurled |
ba<k the abusive <pithets with whieh they |
we're assaled. Many good men we've not |
eSs dsSgusted with their friends than
Harmed ct the reckless audscity OF their OBJ
p0peDts. This year the regulars have every
'dvsntagc Of position and every Induce
nent 10 cultivate good feeling. 1t will be
rot only bhnder, but crime, il they fail
0 Improve the opportunity.
~THE OLD warrEv
an hardly be called now by that name.
rbe new company, getting possession late
n May. have already put new face on the
.usdinEs, and will 90 right on as soon as
ne season Is over with extensive and val
liable improvements. The details OF these
Vii doubtless be furnished By sour regular
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