The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-07-02

published from one Office, owned by Hutch
ems, of the Post. The arst is Republic
can paper, the second neutral, with Dem
ocratic leanings, and the other rabid
locofoco journal, with an occasional streak
of common-sense that indicates that it is
not blind to all the blunders and missteps
of the administration. Hutchens is i re-
markable man, with head full of brains
and an eye open to the main chance. He
does not depend upon $ paper for an in
come. That is mere laything for him.
His busy mind and Il entive genius are
ever alive to oppor' ties, and only few
days ago he scoopea $4,000 as the re-
suit of one transaction in new patent
typewriter, or process for printing news
papers, by which the cost of composition
is reduced so per cent. That is the report
on the streets, and it is more than proba-
BILE it lis true, for Hutchens' inquisi-
tive mind is constantly watching for q
soft thing. Hutchens is a New Hamp-
shire boy, and after schooling of fifteen
or twenty years, in the bounding West,
has domiciled himself once more on his
native heath, and is now member of the
Legislature of that State. His real BUSH
ness home is in Washington. His recre-
ative abode in his native State, where he
will figure in politics. and which it would
be well for political aspirants to note. He
never moves without an object, and never
acts unless he has motive. Ass
ee ss
Standing on the avenue conversing with
a resident of the city, he remarked
there goes Sam Randall Isl brother. Sam,
himself, he said, is under the wealth
err and when man of his robust make up
commences to break, he breaks ali over.
Apprehension for his health is serious,
and tits believed by many that Sam Ran
dali has simply worked himself out Of
health and strength. in serving friends and
shaping party policy. 1t cannot be said
that he rises to the altitude of states
man. His position is more that of the
practical politician, who considers party
first, and country next, but honestly tries
to make the two go together. Randall will
not be able to stand the wear and tear of
Congressional life and be in fighting trim
for 1888. Nor can he keep himself prom
inently before the country. out of Con-
gress. His case may be summed up A
vigorous constitution prematurely broken
.by-a violation of the laws of health. I'm
less he comes down to the observance Of
prudent rules, he will not be seriously in
any ones way when the call is made for
entries in the race three years hence.
Mr.. Tucker is here, on business for his
constituents, He has an interesting case
at the Agricultural Department which he
is giving his earnest attention, as palpa-
BILE injustice has been done a lady from
this district, which he is determined to
have corrected. He is not partial to Of
flee seekers work, but in this instance he
is in dead earnest, and will doubtless ac-
complish his object.
Capt. John N. Opie if still pressing his
claims for the consulship to Palermo and
seems hopeful of success, but doubtful
things are very uncertain. as all who have
ever embarked in the business of getting
official recognition can testify.
A sad train of Affections has attended
the family of the late Richard T. Merrick,
a brilliant lawyer and a genial companion.
His own death was one of the most sad
dening occurrences, cut off in the prime
of life and the flush of his fame as an adj
vocate. His wife is lying at deaths door
at her fathers; one of his daughters is
being treated for spinal disease. with but
little hope of recovery two. other children
are prostrated with measles of a malignant |
type. and one othersorely afflicted by some
and fearful disease of the |
eye. Itwas bat few weeks ago, that this |
distressed and broken family were happy
in their home, with the father in vigorous
health. to all appearances, and enjoying a
reputation that placed him among the
first lawyers of the Nation. lit is sad
commentary upon the sudden mutations of
life, and the vanity of earthly calculations
and ambitions.