The Vindicator, August 5, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
Under this caption the Richmond Examiner, has a long, calm article, deploring the inertness, and indifference of the people, concerning the various elections which are held throughout the country, and the actual absence from the polls, of a large, a fearfully large, number of the very best, and most reliable voters. This is a lamentable fact, made more apparent by every succeeding election, and especially in the late election for Judge, in this district, when we think hardly one third, perhaps not that much of the vote of the district was polled. This is an evil, which a people, from whom as the original source, all power and all government emanates, should ponder deeply.
The Vindicator, August 12, 1859, p. 2, c. 1
Strange as it may seem to the good people of the sturdy and conservative old county of Augusta, the citizens of the large cities of the North are seriously agitating the question of abolishing the existing Sunday laws. In New York, the attempt will be to abolish all the peculiar laws in reference to the Sabbath. In St. Louis, the popular vote will decide whether or not the houses of public entertainment shall be closed on Sunday; and in Philadelphia, whether the law prohibiting the running of the city railway shall remain on the Statute book. In Baltimore and Chicago likewise, the question is generally discussed by the newspapers and the city authorities.
The opponents of the Sunday laws contend that such laws are unconstitutional, and unsustained by the bible; that the seventh day, on which God rested after creating the universe, and which he commanded of his creatures to reverence, is not Sunday, but Saturday, and that even granting that Sunday is the very day we are commanded to observe, it was not intended for a day of thanksgiving, prayer and church service alone, but for rest and recreation. If the object of these reformers was simply to abolish all laws (if any such laws exist) prohibiting persons from recreating and enjoying themselves on Sunday, this last argument would hold good, but it falls to the ground in view of the fact that their object is the abolition of laws prohibiting men from laboring on Sunday, (conceding as they do for arguments sake, that this is the day which God hallowed) is expressly forbidden by one of the commandments.
That Saturday is the seventh day, we think there can be no doubt, but no sensible person can suppose that any particular day is more hallowed and sacred than another; we think the real intention was to set apart and dedicate one day to rest and to God, and it makes not the least difference whether that day be Saturday or Sunday, and on that day nothing but absolutely necessary work such as cooking, carrying the mails, and sometimes travelling, &c., should be done.
The Vindicator, August 12, 1859, p. 2, c. 1
During the first part of the season the number of Visiters at the Springs promised to be small, but now the uninterrupted tide which flows westward daily, indicates that there will be an equally large, if not a larger number than usual. There are already at the White Sulphur about 1500, at the Rockbridge Alum about 700 or 800. The other watering places are equally well supplied.
Gov. White and Chief Justice Taney, fleeing from bustle and business, have retired to the Rockbridge Baths.
There will be a Fancy Ball at the Augusta Springs to-night. (Friday.)
The Vindicator, August 12, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
The statistics of this county for the year ending Dec. 31st 1858, show the number of deaths to be 185.
The number of births for the same time, 634.
The number of marriages for the same time, 151.
The number of deaths is a pleasing commentary on the health of our county with a population but little if at all short of 25,000.
The marriage list shows that the blessing of matrimony still continues to be appreciated. The births speak for themselves.
The Vindicator, August 12, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
KILLED.--Mrs. Knowles, one of the attendants at the Lunatic Asylum, was killed on Friday last by one of the patients, who struck her with a heavy brush on the head, causing her death shortly after. She was formerly of Rockbridge county, Va.
The Vindicator, August 12, 1859, p. 2, c. 1
On Saturday last, Mr. Wm. A. Perrin, a resident of Staunton, was bitten by a rattle-snake at the Augusta Springs, from the effects of which he died the next day; though several physicians were in attendance, their skill could avail nothing. The fangs of the venomous reptile had penetrated a blood vessel in the hand and the poison coursed with the speed of electricity through the system; in ten minutes after the fatal occurrence his feet commenced swelling, which made it evidence that the poson had already disseminated itself through the system. - Before death finished its work, the whole body had become discolored and enormously swollen.
The snake had been sent by some one residing in Highland to Mr. Perrin who was known to be in the habit of catching and caging them. Unfortunately, the fangs of this one had not been extracted, and the fatal blow was struck while Mr. Perrin was changing him from one cage to another.
The Vindicator, August 19, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
It is attended with some difficulty to determine what is precisely the true line of policy for a Railroad Company, on the subject of free tickets; that there is some danger of the practice running into abuse, is admitted, but we have always thought that it was wise policy to make a judicious use of the courtesy of free tickets, to those who have been, or can be useful, in sustaining their interests.
The suggestion of this policy may be said to savor a little of favoring the practice of indirect bribery. It has been rather too much the habit in Virginia, to refine in the support of abstractions, forgetting what is lost by neglecting the observance of practical utilitarianism. We are not to be suspected of being influenced by interested motives, in recommending a more liberal policy, than has been pursued on this subject, by our "Central Road," for we have a contract by which we enjoy the free ticket privilege now. We do not mean to say that a Railroad Company ought, by the offer of free tickets, to attempt to influence men to do what is morally wrong, but we think it would be wise in the Stockholders of our Central Company, to remember, that they are dependent on popular favors for success; that men have to be dealt with, as they are with all their imperfections, and that it will cost very little to make a few friends, by occasionally extending the courtesy of a free ride, to those who have it in their power to render them valuable service, and who are not bound to do it. We think the morality of this cause, as well as the policy suggested, is not contrary even to the precepts of the Bible.
We have been led into these reflections, by reading the Editorial copied below from the Railroad Journal, in reference to the course of the Erie Railroad Company. The President of that Company, Mr. Moran, signalized himself, by making war on the "Dead Head" system. The Editor of the Journal, gave him many friendly warnings of the impolicy of putting in practice, his extreme notions on that subject. He would not heed at the time, but from the following, taken from the Journal of July 30th, we may conclude that he has been fully convinced of his error, and that it would have been better for his Company not to have attempted to be wiser or more moral in this matter. May not our Central Company profit by Mr. Moran's experience.
We understand that the cardinal point so long made by this Company, to grant no free passes, has, like some other of its "rules founded on principal," gone the way of all earth. The dead head system is restored. To what extent, we do not care to enquire; but the principle so long contended for by Mr. Moran, is completely given up.
Without going into the policy of having a dead head list, we may say that the thing is considered indispensable and is practiced by our best managed roads. If it has been found politic for Erie to return to it, it was certainly impolitic to abolish it altogether.
This company pertinaciously held on to its position till all the injury was suffered that a mistaken injury could inflict, it now yields, when yielding will gain neither credit nor friends. A disposition to institute radical changes in important affairs, ought always to be accompanied by a keen appreciation of their effect, so that an obnoxious point can be receded from before its injurious effects can be felt, and, before the moral position of their authors can be weakened. To adhere to them till forced to yield by the pressure of necessity implies more stubborness than good sense, and more self-will than high principle.
The Vindicator, August 19, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
A Camp-meeting, under the direction of the methodist Episcopal Church, will commence near Parnassus, in this county, to-day, (Friday.)
The Vindicator, August 19, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
In another column will be found the card of Prof. Sherbrooke, of Washington City, who has opened a Writing School, in the room over the Post Office. From the high testimonials which Prof. S. brings with him from other places where he has taught, both as a gentlemen and teacher of writing we have no hesitation in commending him to the favorable consideration of those who may desire to improve their hand-writing.
The Vindicator, August 19, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
Out neighbors of the "Spectator" deny flatly that they desire a "coalition with free-soilers and free-negroes" and become quite indignant with us for charging it upon them. As for the "free niggers" all we know is, that a prominent Opposition politician expressed a willingness to accept their aid should they be constitutionally entitled to vote, and the "Spectator," we are confident, defended him in that position.- We grant, though, that this may have been done under the excitement of "a heated political campaign," and our neighbors may now repent of it; but that the Opposition party of the South desires a coalition with free-soilers and abolitionists, we still believe and assert, without fear of successful contradiction, and if we are not grievously mistaken, the Spectator has had several articles earnestly advising this policy--that is, a "coalition of all the elements of Opposition" North and South. When the Spectator can show us the distinction between a "coalition of all the elements of Opposition" and a coalition with free-soilers and abolitionists, we will knock under and acknowledge we have done them injustice.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 1, c. 6
A strange disease has appeared among the hogs of several farmers in this vicinity, which taxes the ingenuity of all to account for. The skin becomes covered with pimples and little sores, resembling leprosy, and the affected hog dies off suddenly. The disease does not appear to have any effect on the hog internally, as the cholera, which is also prevailing to some extent.
Petersburg Express.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
We are always willing to meet, and if possible, to refute, an attack made in a becoming manner upon any position which may have been assumed by us; but a batch of impertinences like the following, which are prominent characteristics of the style of the editor of the "Virginia Citizen," whenever he speaks of his contemporaries who differ with him in politics, and which are alike unbecoming a journalist and gentleman,--we pass by with no other than this brief notice:
THE STAUNTON VINDICATOR AND THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.--The Staunton Vindicator is an amusing sheet. Its editorials are really rich, rare and racy. It has had two or three articles on the African slave trade that are the most amusing things ever conceived by mortal man. We would defy all the Philadelphia lawyers in christendom to "make hair or hid" out of them. Why, gentlemen, if you are in favor of legalizing that horrid traffic, the African slave trade, why in the name of common sense don't you say so at once, and be done with it; and if you oppose it why not say so? Why all that stuff about slavery as an institution, slavery as a right, slavery as the natural and normal condition of all human society, and all that rigmarole of stuff you have about slavery, and liberty, and education, all of which exhibit the merest jumble of ideas. Come, now, right out with what you wish to say, and be done with it. People love directness and plain talk.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
We would recommend to the pleasure seeking public, this excellent Circus, not only on account of the superiority of its exhibitions, which is great, but also, because of the politeness and gentlemanly behavior of the managers and all the actors. The free tickets which they gave unasked, to the unfortunates of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institution, indicates a spirit of kindness and generosity, commendable in the highest degree.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 4
Our town is rendered quite lively now by the return of the Spring's travel, which is as large, if not larger, than the corresponding season of last year. All of the hotels, of which Staunton can boast of three of the best of any inland town in the State, are doing a fast business.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 4
On Monday last a negro boy aged 14, the property of Mr. Zachariah Johnson, was sold at auction for the snug sum of $1500. Sold by Messrs. Turk & Cushing. Thos. Turk, Esq., was the purchaser.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
The Rev. Mr. Davis, for some years past the pastor of the Lutheran Church in this place, has resigned his post, and will preach his valedictory sermon on Sunday next.
The Vindicator, August 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 5
For the Vindicator.
Messrs. Editors:--You will please give publicity to a brief notice of a procession of the Sons of Temperance and a pic-nic got up, and successfully carried out by the Mint Spring Division on Saturday last.--Rarely have I ever been more fully persuaded to take the pen in hand to describe an occasion of the kind, than the above mentioned, and think those that were not present should be informed and have some conception of the pleasure and enjoyment realized by the assemblage of that day. The procession formed at their Hall, headed by some of Eve's fair daughters, who have enlisted to wield their mighty influence in the cause, and thence proceeded to a grove near by where they and the crowd at large were entertained for a short time in a very able and eloquent address, by the Rev. Mr. Cummins, who described the Star of Temperance as it rose above a gloomy horizon, and traced it in its course, rising higher and higher, and shining with greater and greater brilliancy and splendor. He portrayed in bright and vivid colors, the good and beneficial effects of the Temperance Order, relating how many had been snatched from the brink of a drunkard's grave, and turned from the error of their way to be greeted by their friends, and enliven their family circles with a parental smile, instead of rendering them miserable by the oaths and harsh epithets of the inebriate. On the other hand he painted with the skill of the artistic painter, the horrible and baneful influence of Intemperance, which, when unchecked and unbridled, like a tempest, sweeps every thing before it in its mad career, and brings its victim to a sad and untimely end. The company was then invited to the table where a rich and dainty collation was prepared, to which all were plentifully helped and filled, leaving many baskets full of fragments to be taken up. After the pic-nic was over the county convention order met in which several prominent members of the different Divisions represented, made some very appropriate remarks about the importance of their cause and their success in impeding the progress, and raising great barriers against the inroads of Old King Alcohol.--The assembly then dispersed, and everything went off in the finest style. The weather was cool and pleasant, scarcely a cloud obscuring the azure canopy of Heaven. It speaks well for the young and prosperous Mint Spring Division, which bids fair to be a great herald in proclaiming the glad tidings of Temperance, and especially so since it is favored by the bewitching smiles of the young ladies who have rallied to their support with untiring zeal. In conclusion much praise is due to the ladies of Mint Spring and vicinity for the enterprise and industry exhibited in preparing such a choice repast, and should be long remembered by all present.
A SPECTATOR.