The Vindicator, July 8, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
Last Monday was a stirring day in Staunton. What with the beating of drums, the waving of plumes, the flashing of bayonets, and the flying of colors, the good old town became so bewildered and unsettled that we verily believe it will take at least a month for it to regain its original natural and dignified appearance. The companies present were the Monticello Guard, a fine looking, well-uniformed and well-drilled company, commanded by Capt. Mallory, of Charlottesville; the Continental Morgan Guard, of Winchester, who, uniformed as the heroes of '76, and commanded by Major Washington--a near relative of the immortal Father of his country-- irresistibly carried the mind back to those days so dear to every American heart-- those times which tried men's souls; the Mountain Guard, commanded by Col. Bushong, from Spring Hill, in this county, as fine looking a body of men as we ever saw, but lately organized and consequently but imperfectly drilled; the uniformed officers of the militia of the county, and last, but not least, the West Augusta Guard, who well sustained the military reputation of Staunton. There were also several fine bands present on the occasion, whose excellent music added greatly to the attractions of the day.
The military and citizens, after parading the principal streets of the town, adjourned over to the Institution grounds, adjoining the premises of Mr. H. J. Gray, who had kindly offered the use of his yard for the purposes of the pic-nic. A speech was here delivered by Mr. Sheffey, the orator of the day, which we did not hear, but which is spoken of in terms of eulogy. The Declaration of Independence was then read for the benefit of all patriots with an insane desire to be bored, and the crowd passed to Mr. Gray's yard, where an immense amount of eating and drinking was done, and speeches delivered by Maj. Washington, Col. Terrill, Gen. Harman, Mayor Trout, Capt. Harper, John D. Imboden, Esq., James Cochran, Esq., Capt. Mallory, Lieut. Wertembaker, and others, in response to sentiments.
We were present at but small part of the celebration, and could not, if we had space, give a detailed account of the proceedings. From all we could see and hear, what with the eating, drinking, fighting, shouting, speechifying, and playing the devil generally, the day passed off to the excessive delight and satisfaction of all concerned, except some few poor devils with bunged eyes and skinned faces, who, we must confess, seemed prepared to "pitch into" the first fellow, who, in the excessive kindness of his heart, might wish him "many returns of the same happy day."
The Vindicator, July 8, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
The annual commencement exercises of this flourishing institution came off the last week, in the presence of a large number, of its friends. It was gratifying to the excellent Principal and his co-laborers to see such a large number of strangers present, especially such a large delegation of Ministers, representing part of Maryland and a large extent of our Virginia Territory.--This unusual attendance and accompanying enthusiasm was properly construed as a harbinger of good to the institution, and will give a new impulse to ministerial effort in its behalf, and a fresh incentive to the indomitable Principal whose untiring energy has made the last year, the most successful, financial period in its history, its number of pupils 72, the largest number that has ever attended, except one year, and its standard of scholarships second to that of no other Female School in the State. The incipient exercise pertaining to this commencement was a baccalaureate sermon by Rev.. J. A. McCauley, of Fredericksburg preached on Sunday June, 26 before a very large and highly appreciated assembly. It was based upon John, Chap iv. verse 27th, "And upon this came his disciples and marvelled that he talked with the woman." The space allotted to this communication forbids a critical review by this chaste and beautiful sermon, yet to express the general sentiment of an intelligent audience I must say that his theme, "Christianity and Woman" was treated in a masterly style and abounded in numerous and sparking gems of thought, and glowing strains of genuine and impassioned eloquence. He closed with a fervid appeal in behalf of female education, and the Wesleyan Female Institute, alluded in feeling terms to his former connection with the Institute, and spoke with moving pathos as he referred to some of the bright flowers cultivated in this nursery of piety and learning, who now transplanted in a celestial world will ever bloom and blossom in immortal brightness.
On Monday the examination commenced under the supervision of the examining committee consisting of Rev. O.P. Wirgman, J. N. Davis and J. W. Wolf. It was conducted with great fairness, no special parts having been selected with a view to display; indeed the common sentiment of the committee and spectators was that it was entirely too rigid, yet, it but reflected the more credit upon the young ladies who get along with surprising facility, evincing a thorough mode of instruction, which drilled them in studying principles rather than skimming over and "cramming" a few lending points. The young ladies excelled in the very department where we ordinarily expect more or less failures; the department of Mathematics. Having attended the examinations and commencements of several literary institutions, I must do the young ladies, and the [text missing] principal, the justice to say that I never saw so rigid an examination in Geometry and Conic sections, and never saw any class of pupils acquit themselves with more facility and credit. In the varied departments all the classes did well and to particularize, might seem to indicate undue partiality, yet I must speak in terms of the highest commendation of the graduating class, and the two talented sisters who figured very conspicuously and with great honor to themselves in their respective classes. The examination closed on Wednesday, and that evening at 8 o'clock the young ladies and their friends repaired to the Baptist Church, where they were entertained by a Literary Address delivered by Rev. B. F. Brooke, D. D., of Baltimore.
The regular commencement exercises closed on Thursday evening before an overflowing and intelligent auditory. The department of music had a good representation, who did themselves and their indefatigable instructor, Prof. Turner, great credit, and who enlivened the occasion by interspersing the exercises with delightful and thrilling strains of vocal and instrumental music. The programme for Thursday evening was made up of English and Latin Salutatory, reading of essays, dialogues, conferring degrees, and valedictory. The English Salutatory was read by Miss Amanda E. Deleplane, of Kingsley, Va., the "Salutatio in lingua latina" by Miss Mattie E. Arbogast, of Lexington, Mo., and Valedictory by Miss Lizzie Ruse, of Loudoun co., Va. These young ladies received the degrees, the 1st honor being awarded to Miss Mattie E. Arbogast for excellence in Latin and French, and the other graduates sharing equally in honor. This graduating trio leaves the institution wreathed in rosy chaplets wrought by diligence and laudable emulation, and if their future career be estimated by their collegiate standing, they will ever reflect a bright halo to linger around and bless the portals of their Alma Mater. The various pieces of original composition evinced a high degree of belles lettres cultivation, and the dialogues were well conceived and readily expressed. the only criticism to be made upon this part of the exercises was the want of vocal power in most of the young ladies. Very often it was difficult to hear in remote parts of the room, yet this applies to all schools, and arises, doubtless, from fright conjoined with natural difference. In this respect, Miss Sallie Veitch is a good model, and we trust her manner will be imitated the next commencement.
In conclusion--this institution occupies at present a more permanent basis than ever, is more successful than ever, promises more than before, and consequently inspires its friends with renewed hope, and will excite all to renewed effort. It especially commends itself to the Ministers, whose institution it is, and to whose fostering care it looks for continued support with the same solicitude and filial confidence that marks the child-like trust daily exemplified around the altars and hearthstones of their own household.
FREUND.
The Vindicator, July 8, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
We are gratified to learn that the ladies of the M. E. Church realized the handsome sum of $466, at their late Fair. Much credit is due them for their efforts in aiding in the erection of their new house of worship. We have been requested by the ladies to return their thanks to the Charlottesville Band, for the delightful music they discoursed on the occasion.
The Vindicator, July 15, 1859, p. 2, c. 1
Our neighbor of the Spectator suggest the idea of converting the Market House, which he contends has turned out a humbug and nuisance, into a large and commodious Town Hall. It will be remembered by our readers that we suggested at the time of the building of the Market House the feasibility of erecting above it such a hall, but, our worthy city Fathers thought differently, and so the enterprise fell through, or rather never commenced. We fully concur with the Spectator that such a hall is an absolute necessity, but that it would be expedient to convert the Market House into a Hall, we doubt. That the Market at present is an unutterable humbug and nuisance, and that something is wrong somewhere, and some body is responsible we don't deny, but there is as little doubt that a good market is infinitely to be desired, and can be established in our town, with proper management. This could be done if the proper authorities would stir themselves to have the laws carried into force, and also to enact various other ordinances, which could be enumerated, and which would be to advantage.
The Vindicator, July 15, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
THE SPRINGS TRAVEL.--The travel to the Springs is already very heavy and increasing daily.
The Vindicator, July 15, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
The following suggestions we clip from the Spectator, which we take pleasure in giving all the publicity which our circulation affords. We hope the farmers of Augusta will act on the suggestion:
"Let our citizens when they send their flour, hay, whiskey, cattle, &c., to market, require their Commission Merchants to send them checks on the Richmond Banks in payment. Then let our citizens hand these checks to the Staunton Banks. This will make the Staunton Banks creditors of the Richmond Banks, and when the brokers come up with Staunton notes for redemption, our banks, instead of paying out gold and silver can redeem their notes with checks on Richmond Banks. The balance of trade is several hundred thousand dollars in favor of Augusta against Richmond every year, and yet Richmond is always drawing specie from the Augusta Banks. If our farmers and graziers, &c., will only adopt our suggestion the process will be reversed. We cannot only meet all demands on us by checks on Richmond, but, if necessary, we can draw large balances in species from Richmond. It is obvious that this would greatly strengthen our banks and give activity to business by enabling our banks to extend greater facilities to enterprising men. Try the experiment and we will soon witness the beneficial results. The visits of the brokers will be stopped--the war on the interior banks will cease--and the metropolitan bank will be taught a lesson of courtesy to the country banks. We shall hear no more of inability to accommodate the public with reasonable loans."
The Vindicator, July 15, 1859, p. 2, c. 4
After the picnic was over the Company was called to order by Gen. Harman. N. K. Trout was appointed to preside, assisted by Major Washington, Capt's Harper, Mallory, Bushong, and Baylor. The following regular toasts were drunk:
1st. 4th of July--A day which history has inscribed in her annals with a pencil of light. May its annual return show that the spirit of liberty born in 1776 will never die.
2nd. George Washington--Virginia the home of his birth--America the theatre of his civil and military exploits, the world the habitation of his fame.
After this toast was drunk, in silence, the people desiring to see and hear the near kinsman of George Washington, Major Washington was loudly called for and responded in appropriate terms.
3rd. Our ancestors of the revolution.--Immortal for their heroic deeds in the time which tried men's souls--may their descendants ever gratefully cherish in their hearts their memory, and live worthy of such progenitors.
4th. The few survivors of the war of the Revolution--like the Sibylline leaves they become dearer to our souls as their numbers grow less.--
The President remarked that there was no old soldier present, but this morning a near kinsman of Col. Charles Porterfield, who fell fighting at Camden, had handed him the journal kept by that gallant officer in that trying time. "I hold it in my hand it is a venerable looking record--among other matters frequently noted in it is his intimacy with, and good opinion of Gen. Morgan, in honor of whom the handsome company, now our guests, have named themselves "the Morgan Continental Guards."
Major Washington, Commander of the Morgan Continental Guards, proposed Col. Charles Porterfield. He entered the war a private in Capt. Daniel Morgan's company of volunteers from Frederick County, in 1775--he fell at Camden in August 1780, all honor to his memory and justice from his country.
5th. The Constitution of the United States, the aegis of our liberty--may it never be perverted into an engine for its destruction.
6th. The President of the United States.
7th. The Senate of the U. S.--When danger menaces the Nation, we look to the wisdom and conservatism of the Senate for its salvation.
8th. The People--May they ever observe the distinction between liberty restrained by law, and liberty destructive of law.
9th. The Union.--May the bonds which make our nation of States one of the greatest of Governments never be weakened by an internal feud. Opposition from without will but strengthen them.
10th. The Volunteer Citizen Soldiery.--In the hour of peril looking to the post of danger as the post of honor, on the field of battle show themselves invincible.
Responded to by Capt. Mallory of Monticello Guards.
11th. The Army and Navy of the United States.--The former when directed by Military skill, knows no such word as defeat the latter the right-arm of our defence and the hand maid of our Commerce.
12th. The State of Virginia. Let those who do not love her cavil as they please, we are not ashamed of such a mother.
13th. The Ladies.--God bless them!--The last of our regular toasts but the first in our hearts--then "let the toast be dear woman."
Responded to by Col. Terrell.
The President read the following letter from his excellency, Gov. Wise:
RICHMOND Va. June 30th, 1859.
Gentlemen:--Being a Visitor of William and Mary College I am compelled to attend to its affairs on the 4th prox. at a meeting of its Board. This will prevent me from attending your Military festival, at Staunton. I give you:--The American Union: Liberty to all--Equality to all--Protection to all persons and all property everywhere, at home and abroad!
Yours truly,
HENRY A. WISE.
The visiting military companies.--Welcome citizen soldiers--our hearts and our hands are open to receive you--you have shown yourselves to be honorable and worthy guests, we are sure you will make the best soldiers.
Responded to by Maj. Washington and Capt. Mallory in spirited soldier speeches.
Kenton Harper--Captain of the Augusta Volunteers and Governor of Parras while in Mexico--a good citizen--a brave officer.
Responded to by the Captain in a very happy style.
The President announced that the Hon. Wm. C. Preston is now in the County visiting the graves of his ancestors, and would join us in celebrating the day, but he desires me to say that his impaired health forbids it.
Hon. Wm. C. Preston.--A son of Virginia--the late distinguished senator from the Palmetto State--may he long live to witness the national prosperity and liberty, to the protection and securing whereof he has faithfully devoted his talents and unsurpassed eloquence.
The Ladies of Staunton--unsurpassed for their personal attraction and amiability of character--Long may they live to make happy such occasions as this by the sunshine of their presence.
By Gen. Harman.--The Staunton Militia. Appropriately responded to by Capt. J. D. Imboden.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1859, p. 2. c. 1
Nothing to us appears a surer guarantee of the stability and probable permanence of the institution of slavery, than the revolution--radical in some places, partial everywhere--which has taken place in its favor. Men are now living who can remember when, throughout the world, even here in the Southern States of America, it was looked upon as a great, but necessary evil, and a casual glance at the writings and speeches of the founders of our Republic, will not fail to make apparent the fact, that all those great men considered slavery an evil, and its emancipation a desirable and certain consummation.
But soon the revolution which had commenced in its favor, and the disastrous result of emancipation in the West Indies, convinced the South that, evil or good, it was something which they must be content to endure. Since then, the change in the sentiment of the people has been so sure and speedy, that now, the world, with the exception of a few fanatics, has come to look upon the institution with leniency, and the people of the Southern States with affection and reverence. So decided has been the revolution in reference to this question, that the penal law making the prosecution of the African Slave Trade piracy, is the only remaining vestige of the ancient prejudice. We have never been able to appreciate the consistency of those who, believing slavery, as it exists in the South, to be morally right, yet denounce the slave trade--the mode in which that existence was created--as an infamous traffic. We have never been able to see anything but nonsense and fallacy in the distinction drawn between the morality of purchasing a slave in Virginia to transport to Alabama, and the morality of buying a slave on the coast of Africa to bring to the United States, where he will be better fed, better clothed, and humanized and christianized. Therefore; conscientiously and devoutly believing the institution of slavery to be the most noble, humane and christian institution with which the creator ever blessed a favored people, we are forced to the logical conclusion, that the slave trade, far from being an infamous traffic, is, on the other hand, all perfectly right, moral and proper. We would not be understood as an advocate of the slave trade, for although our moral and christian duty would prompt us to favor the extension of slavery at any risk or cost, still we would not be willing to sacrifice the interests of the South to effect such an end; consequently, as we are not as yet convinced of the expediency we are opposed to the immediate re- opening of the slave trade.
But it was not our intention in this article to discuss the expediency or inexpediency, the right or wrong of re-opening the slave trade, but to add or voice to swell the cry of the aroused and outraged people of the South, for the repeal of that unjust, unconstitutional, and infamous law, which declares the slave trade piracy. The reasons for the repeal of this law are two-fold. First, it cannot be enforced, for it is constantly trampled upon with scorn and impunity, and as a general rule, it is pernicious for any Legislature or Government to pass laws which, conflicting with public sentiment, are wholly disregarded and daily broken. And, secondly, its passage and its maintenance is an infamous injustice to the South. The Southern people have long enough borne with patience a law which stamps with the brand of piracy and outlawry the actions of their forefathers, and holds up to the scorn of the civilized world Southern slavery as an institution whose very inception was attended with a crime worthy of the gallows.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
People have been in the habit so long of settling to their own satisfaction every difficult question rising out of the slavery issue by pronouncing it an "empty abstraction," until at length the expression has passed into a common phrase of stereotyped wisdom, lulling the South to an unnatural and dangerous repose.
Did the good people who, on every occasion, are so eager thus to lay at rest a question which many men, great and small, have considered both substantial and vital, ever ask themselves what an abstraction is? Do they remember that they have but an abstract right to life, until it is assailed?--Do they not forget that they hold their property, of any kind, only by an abstract right until it is interfered with by some person or persons? In a word, are they not aware that they enjoy life, liberty and property only as an abstract right, until, being interfered with, it becomes a living, substantial claim? Apply this principle to the question which now agitates the political world, and the myth which mystifying compromisers have thrown around this issue is at once dispelled. We have, as we contend and the compromisers acknowledge, the same abstract right to protection for our slave property in the territories which we have to protection for our lives, liberty and property here in Virginia. As long as this fact is conceded by the world, we are content to let the thing rest as an abstraction; but when a powerful party, like the combined Black Republicans and squatter sovereignty advocates, deny that right, and threaten to follow up their denial by an open and fatal attack upon it, then that which was before an abstraction is converted into a living, substantial, all-absorbing principle, for which its advocates ought and will contend to the bitter end.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1859, p. 2., c. 1
This mill, which has been in operation but a short time, promises to be a prosperous and useful enterprise, both to the stockholders and the people of this and the surrounding counties. A Steam Mill at this central point, situated on the Railroad, which will eventually extend to the Ohio, thus bringing all the produce of Western Virginia, on its way to market, through Staunton, will prove a powerful rival to the Richmond Mills, if the stockholders could find it in their power to compete in prices with Richmond. We were informed by one of the proprietors that out of sixty-five bushels of wheat deposited at this mill, fourteen barrels of extra- superfine flour, or a fraction over 4 1/2 bushels to the barrel were produced to the customer, after deducting the miller a toll. This speaks well both for the excellence of the mill and the wheat.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
Some how or other we have neglected heretofore to notice the determination of our "City Fathers" to light up the town with gas.
We are delighted at this, and congratulate our citizens on the opportunity they will soon have to walk the streets of dark nights without imminent risk of breaking necks or limbs.
We think the town owes a lasting debt of gratitude to Messrs. Waterhouse & Bowes, the gentlemanly, liberal-minded contractors, for the energetic manner in which they have prosecuted this work.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
A terrific storm, accompanied by an unusual amount of thunder and lightning, passed over Staunton on Friday last. Mr. E. M. Cushing's house was struck by the lightning, but no farther damage done than a hearty scare to himself and family. We regret to learn that a valuable young negro man belonging to Mr. Washington Swoope was struck dead by a stroke of lightning early in the evening.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
We call attention to the advertisement of Real Estate Agency by Messrs. R. M. Guy and L. Waddell, Jr. The idea of establishing such an agency is new for Staunton, but we think a very good one. Mr. Guy is well known in the county as an honorable gentleman, and we can assure any one who may wish to place their business in his hands, that it will be promptly and well attended to. Mr. Waddell is well known as the junior editor of the "Spectator." We feel great hesitation in recommending a Know Nothing editor to the public, but we will venture the assertion that the one in question has reached the highest stage of honesty and intelligence to which Know Nothingism is capable. We do hope the prevailing prejudice again his calling will not impair his personal prosperity.
The Vindicator, July 29, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
We commend in all sincerity these Springs, situated about thirteen miles from Staunton, to the health and pleasure seeking public. The waters--an analysis of which by an experienced chemist of the University, can be obtained by application to the proprietor--are pronounced invaluable for medicinal purposes by the best judges.
We have just returned from a visit to these Springs, where we found the accommodations good and the fare most excellent. The Superintendent, Mr. Peter Woodward, has had much experience as a landlord, and is decidedly the most accommodating gentleman it has ever been our pleasure to meet with in this selfish world. We very believe if some credulous epicure should desire for his dinner a nice slice of green cheese from the moon, 'twould be forthcoming, if Woodward could, by any possible or impossible means, get a ladder tall enough to reach that romantic orb.
The Vindicator, July 29, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
While our "City Fathers" are making appropriations for the purpose of lighting the town with gas, and paving some of our dilapidated streets, we would earnestly invoke their aid, to relieve the horrors of the plank walk leading from the town to the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institution. If our information is reliable on this subject, the Institution and the gentlemen residing in that portion of the town, bore the whole burden of building that walk, and we think the Corporation, whose citizens have for a long time enjoyed that (until the last few years) delightful promenade, should bear its part in its repair. The walk at present is in a melancholy condition of dilapidation--in the day time worthless for the purposes for which it was made, and at night actually dangerous.
The Vindicator, July 29, 1859, p. 2, c. 4
HEAVY YIELD OF WHEAT.--Wheat this year is generally considered good, and the yield abundant, but the most extraordinary lot turn out which we have heard, was upon a lot of a half acre of ground in the neighborhood of Duffield's Depot, owned and harvested by Mr. John Miller. The crop of this half acre lot, yielded nineteen bushels measured wheat, which weighed sixty-six pounds to the bushel, making by weight within a fraction of twenty-one bushels.--
Spirit of Jefferson