Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-06-27
Letter from MT. Scion.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES CANVASS
OPPOSITION TO MASSEY, &C.

NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. CANVASS
OPPOSITION TO MASSEY, &C.
Especial correspondence OF the SPEcTAToR.]
MT. SoLoN, June 26th.-The last few days
have established the gratifying fact that the
h-talked-of insects that were supposed by
many to be destroying the wheat, have really
injured it but little, If any. Some few have al
ready commenced cutting, but in this section
the great bulk of the wheat will not be in
condition to harvest before the latter part of
the present week.
Oats, excepting an isolated field occasionally,
are an entire failure-will not yield the seed.
Barley, which has already been cut, proved
splendid success. Rye promises large yield.
Corn continues Notwithstanding the dry
weather, to retain its healthy, rich green color
has been well worked and is growing. Early
potatoes a partial failure-too dry for them.
Cabbages are being destroyed by the same old
enemy that has preyed upon them for several
years.
Weather has been extremely warm for last
few days-still people will read and talk and
conjecture among themselves as to who will be
the lucky man to succeed John Paul, 1t hav-
ing been pretty well determined in the minds
of all Democrats of whatever type, that the
man who in discussion during the last CAM
paign with Col. Skinner at Springhill, in re-
ply to the question, "If you should be elected
to Congress, which party would you support
and affiliate WITH" then replied, with an air Of
injured dignity,"Why, the Democratic party, OF
course"-I say, in the light of his recent course,
1t has been determined that he shall not be his
own successor. While the voters of this por-
ton of Augusta be relied on to support
any Democrat that may be selected be 1t Han
ger, Skinner, Bumgardner, White. Allen
.sLong John,D or any other worthy and compe-
tent gentleman of true and unwavering DEM
ocratic principles, still I think reflect the
sentiments of a very large majority of them.
when say that Judge OFerrall would create
an enthusiasm and receive such q support as
no other man in the District would; combin-
ing, as he does. SO many Of those virtues and
qualities SO essential in a closely contested
election, and which mark him as q finished
scholar. a profound statesman, and a Chris
tian gentleman; one whose voice would be po-
tent in the Nations Council and who would
reflect honor upon the Seventh District.
As to Congressman at-Large we, in this neck
of the woods, take but little stock in the err
ratio Parson from Albemarle. Wedo not think
that man whose principal claim to Demo-
cratic support is based upon his abuse of the
party that took him up and made him what
he is, should be seriously considered. We
would rather see some brighter evidence of his
love for the Democratic party, than his hatred
of the Readjuster. We do not approve OF the
prsncipls of rewarding traitors to the exclusion
of patriots, We do not care. to be party to
the elevation Of q man whose Democracy is at
least open to suspicion. We cannot take kind
ly to one whose raiment still smells SO strongly
of reputation, and the echo of whose voice,
in bitter denunciation of the Debt-Paying De-
mocracy, has not yet died away. These things
are too fresh in our memory, and when we re-
collect that had the Readjuster caucus simply
deviated from one of its established rules to
humor his caprice; had it bent to suit his in
dividual purpose he, to-day, in all human prob
ability. would be occupying high position In
that party, using the weight and influence o.
that position to completely overthrow the par
ty whose candidate he now wants to be. We
should be slow to adopt the methods and de.
vices that we have recently SO heartily de.
nounced in our political opponents. Let us
consider well before becoming part owners of 6
political elephant that is liable to become OBJ
streperous on our hands, We cannot but think
our leaders in presenting him to the Democra
cy Of this State for their support this fall would
but add one more to the blunders that have
.
We cannot realize that our party is in such
straitened circumstances as to necessitatt
the taking up of that willy political huckster
ex-Auditor. ex-Readjuster, ex-Republican, ex
Parson, John E. Massey. Oh! no. we want NJ
dickering, no temporizing, no evasion o.
Sinking Give us fair ard square Democrat
a full-fedged shoulder-hitter, one whose claims
we can proudly advocate and for whom we car
.east our ballot without any oualms of con-
science Give us man whose record is above
reproach, whose name is a tower of strength
Give us John W. Daniel. a Fitz. Lee, Gen
Payne. a John Goode. Judge Staples, John
T. Harris-any of them: but in the name o.
goodness, give us a Democrat whom we car
trust and admire; then let Mr.. Massey prove
til e sincerity of his Democracy by coming bold
lv TO his support with his followers; then lei
him wait and trust to even handed justice
for 81 7ch reward as his sacrifice, labor, and de-
yotio n would justly entitle him to.
Feelings.