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Staunton Vindicator: February 8, 1861 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Democracy of Ohio and the Doctrine of Coercion
(Column 4)

Summary: Endorses a resolution of the Democratic State Convention of Ohio that states that the North should fulfill its duties to the Constitution before considering a policy of coercion. The Vindicator argues that, as it now stands, the North is the aggressor and is entirely in the wrong.

Preparations for Coercion
(Column 3)

Summary: Dispatch from South Carolina stating that the federal government has ordered reinforcements to Fort Sumpter. The dispatch asks if Virginia will not interpose to prevent coercion before it is too late.

Editorial Comment: "The following dispatch fully explains itself. The voters of Virginia cannot now fail to perform their duty."

Senator Douglas' Speech--its Effect on the Senate--Graphic Description
(Column 5)

Summary: Douglas gave a much-anticipated speech on the present political crisis. It was a "truly noble" speech that proved that Douglas is "the foremost statesman in the country."

"The Day of Compromise is Gone and the Day of Fighting Come"
(Column 6)

Summary: Asks why "the day of compromise is gone and the day of fighting come" and argues that it was because of the actions and ambitions of demagogues.

Origin of Article: Cincinnati Enquirer

Loyalty of a Slave
(Column 7)

Summary: A slave offered to aid a militia company in Alabama and stated that, although he couldn't go himself (since he was a slave) he gladly made his money, hogs, cows, and corn available.

Origin of Article: Cahaba (Ala.) Gazette

Vote of Augusta
(Column 1)

Summary: Table of voting for the election of delegates to the State Convention. Baldwin, Stuart, and Baylor won.

Why it Was So
(Column 1)

Summary: Argues that the election shows that "there was a wide spread panic in this county-- that the people were under the impression . . . that they were voting upon a question of peace or war."

Full Text of Article:

Why it Was So.

The election last Monday shews clearly that there was a wide spread panic in this county--that the people were under the impression, to a considerable extent, that they were voting upon a question of peace or war. Harman and Imboden, the States Rights candidates, are as good Union men as Baldwin, Stuart and Baylor, but because they advocated the policy of prompt and decisive action on the part of Virginia, as the course best calculated to bring about a satisfactory adjustment of our National troubles, they were regarded as dangerous men to the peace of the country, and were voted against by hundreds who believed their election would be equivalent to a declaration of war, and might cause pestilence and famine? On the other hand, hundreds of people thought that those who could denounce the seceding States as the immediate authors of all our ills, and sing the praises of Northern patriotism the loudest, could preserve the peace of the country and save the Union. Well, we shall soon see who was right and who was wrong.

Another thing that contributed to the general alarm and excitement, was the statesmanlike and accurate sensation epistle of Senator Stuart to his constituents, in which he stated and intended it to be believed, as it was, by the credulous, that negroes were already taxed $16 per head in South Carolina, by way of a beginning, and that similar burdens would presently fall upon land and other property! And in his speech on Court day followed up the same idea to the conclusion, that in a short time we should exclaim here in Virginia, "blessed is he that has nothing to be taxed." Mr. Stuart has a financial turn of mind, and considers questions of political, individual and States Rights, affecting the present and future honor and equality of the people of half this Union, in the same light that he would a project to make a turnpike from Christian's Creek to South River. Verb. sap. and more, anon.

We believe that in the march of events the people of Augusta will discover in less than sixty days that the best way to preserve the peace of this country, and the only way to bring back the States that have gone, is go demand a recognition of our rights in the Union, and let the North know that we will take nothing less. If Virginia takes this position our difficulties may be adjusted, perhaps. If she shews a want a firmness now, all hope of a settlement is gone, and separation is then sooner or later inevitable, and with separation in all probability will come civil war. We are in the midst of fearful dangers, and there is no use in trying to escape by taking counsel from the timid and the vacillating. Dangers often recede before the bold and fearless. Let us all go to work and be prepared to face whatever the future has in store for us in the spirit of men of '76.

The Contest Over
(Column 1)

Summary: The election is over, and the Vindicator fears that the vote of Augusta indicates that "the death-knell of the Union has been tolled."

Sheriffalty
(Column 1)

Summary: List of deputies to Sheriff Peck.
(Names in announcement: Capt. H.H. Peck, John Towberman, J.H. Batis, W.L. Mowrey, R. Turk, A.S. Turk, A.B. Lightner)

What Can Virginia Do?
(Column 2)

Summary: It appears that a majority of "Union" candidates have been elected over their "Secession" opponents in the delegate races. Article points out that "Union man" has a very different meaning in Virginia than it does in the North. Virginia Union men will not quietly submit to the rule of the Black Republicans.

Full Text of Article:

What Can Virginia Do?

The return so far received from the election on Monday last, show that a majority of "Union" candidates have been chosen over their "Secession" opponents. The complete returns from the State will not be received in time for publication in our issue of this week. We are glad to perceive that our brethren of the press, in announcing the success of the "Union" men, are very carefully guarding against a misapprehension on the part of the Republican party at the North, of the position of the "Union" men elected. The term "Union men" has a very different meaning in Virginia from that generally applied to it at present in the North, and if the idea is taken up out of the State that the election of a majority of "Union" men is equivalent to the election of a majority in favor of quietly submitting to the rule of Lincoln and a Black Republican administration, they will find themselves most egregiously mistaken. We should be deeply grieved to think that Virginia had fallen so low as quietly to submit to that rule without a sufficient guarantee that every right of the South will be fully protected in the future. We do not believe that there will be even a "corporal's guard" of actual submissionists in the Convention. Messrs. Botts and Clemens are considered "Union" men North of us--in Virginia, except by a few like themselves, they are looked upon as nearly as dangerous men as Seward himself. Of immediate secessionists there will probably be about 25. In the classification of a contemporary we see Gov. Wise put down as a Union man. Our Northern friends will hardly count upon much from him. If, as is very generally believed, the Convention now in session at Washington adjourns without accomplishing anything more to the purpose than the famous "Committee of 33" of the House of Representatives, there will be scarcely anything left for a Convention to do, but to draw up an act of secession, and submit it immediately to the people, so that their action may be known, one way or the other, before the 4th of March. That anything will be done at Washington, we have little hope. Barely a majority of the Northern States are represented, and even these, by legislative authority, have so instructed their delegates as to prevent any conclusion being arrived at that will prove acceptable to the South. War--war--war--and nothing else but war, not only of words but deeds, against the South and its institutions, will satisfy the fanatical leaders of the Abolition party. The fate of the Crittenden Resolutions in the Senate ought to satisfy any reasonable man of the slightness of a hope of a satisfactory settlement of affairs before the inauguration of the new President. Nothing short of that basis will satisfy Virginia, and we do not believe that even that will bring back the seceded States.

Let the result be what it may, we fully and firmly believe that Virginia will stand by the rights of her sisters of the South, and if at last all efforts at reconciliation are fruitless, we as Virginians will have the satisfaction to know that we have left no means untried to bring about an adjustment. She has twice, lately, given assurances of her deep and heartfelt attachment to the Union as formed by our forefathers. She proposed the Convention of States at Washington; and last of all, the election of a majority of Union delegates, in spite of the bullying of Wade, Hale, Sumner, Wilson & Co., ought to be sufficient proof that, fully as she desires to stand by the Federal Constitution, she will as fully vindicate her rights, when satisfied that all hope of a peaceful adjustment of these difficulties is lost.

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: Virginians view the turning of Washington, D.C. into an armed camp as a "result of the silly fears of an old dotard [Gen. Scott]." They deny that there is any secret organization in the State that is planning on seizing Federal property in D.C.

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: The Vindicator calls the attention of the editor of the Spectator to a letter signed "Augusta" in today's paper. The paper argues that "the friends of Judge Douglas can never be seduced into the embrace of any Delilah in the shape of the Whig party."

Full Text of Article:

"We call the attention . . ."

We call the attention of the editor of the Spectator to the communication signed "Augusta," in to-day's paper. We leave him with our correspondent, with the simple assertion, that the friends of Judge Douglas can never be seduced into the embrace of any Delilah in the shape of the Whig party. And one word further, that the Spectator man must first acquaint himself with the reason and facts of history, before he attempts to read lectures to those whose sense of honor aspires higher than probably the philosophy of certain persons ever drempt of.

Our State Defenses
(Column 3)

Summary: If war does come, Virginia has sufficient men and excellent commanders. However, it lacks arms and munitions. The men should be trained to shoot rifles and minnie muskets, and should be taught simple tactics.

Our Streets
(Column 3)

Summary: The Vindicator questions who is in charge of the streets of Staunton, which have become hopelessly muddy.

Full Text of Article:

Our Streets

Who, under the order and control of our sublime Corporate authorities, has charge of the higher streets, lanes and alleys of this ancient, and once renowned, but now, alas! dilapidated borough?

Never, we believe since the era of chaos, when, as the geologists tell us, this solid ball which men call earth, was one dismal flat of unmitigated mud and ooze and slime, has there existed as muddy a place as this same town of Staunton. Though the ground is still frozen beneath the sea of slush now covering the main thoroughfares, still it (the mud) is deep enough to swim pigs, and would, if the weather was warm enough, form a perfect paradise for snapping turtles and alligators. But when the freeze breaks up, and the streets are thawed to the bottom, then we say, let the short-legged public beware how they tempt the dangers of August, Beverly and Lewis streets, or Court-house alley. High top boots, come they up ever so high, will afford them no protection. Could not there be limestone enough [word illegible] within a couple of miles of town, sufficient to McAdamize slightly our side-walks, if not the whole bed of the street. We would respectfully submit to our town authorities, that limestone broken up in small pieces, and spread evenly over the surface of the ground, makes in time a very good road. We suggest to them, in all respectfulness, the propriety of trying the experiment.

The Election
(Column 4)

Summary: List of men elected as delegates to the State Convention from every county in Virginia.

Cheap Patriotism
(Column 4)

Summary: Criticizes the cheap patriotism of Massachusetts, which offered the President men and money to use against the South, but which refused to provide soldiers for the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.

Origin of Article: New Hampshire Patriot

"Some of the Supporters of Judge Douglas"
(Column 7)

Summary: Denies the Spectator's assertion that Douglas supporters have allied with the secession men and accuses the Spectator of deserting the South.

Full Text of Article:

For the Vindicator: "Some of the Supporters of Judge Douglas."

The Spectator heads an article thus, and says he has witnessed with astonishment and mortification the course of the Douglas supporters who have wheeled around and are now acting with the secession men. I don't know that I am responsible to the Spectator man for my actions; but as he is as much responsible to me as I am to him, I can tell him that I, too, have witnessed with pain and mortification his course. When a man at this time deserts the South, and goes over, as the editor of the Spectator has done, bag and baggage, to the enemies of this section, the Union and their God, it does not become such a man to say aught to the supporters of anybody. I think the times have changed since the Presidential contest. If they have not, I for one have--Before I'll bend my knee to Lincoln and Seward, and their Virginia cohorts, I will see this land run in rivers of blood; and as the gallant supporters of Judge Douglas in the Illinois Legislature have said to the Republican members, "If you attempt to coerce the South, before you cross the Ohio river, you will have to pass over the dead bodies of the men of Egypt,"--I tell the editor of the Spectator, and all men of his kidney, that before they leave this good old county on such a mission, their own firesides will be visited with civil war. You know, Mr. Editor, that Judge Douglas had few warmer supporters in this State than myself; but if it was to do over again, knowing that I was in a minority, I would never play into the hands of the enemies of my faith and section--I would not again divide my party or assist in anyway to do it--I would sacrifice my private opinions and feelings, and go for the good of the old Democratic party, through good and evil report.

AUGUSTA

Trailer: Augusta

For the Vindicator
(Column 7)

Summary: Letter agreeing with the proposition made by "Townsman" in last week's paper. The ladies of Staunton will not only donate the money previously raised for improving the Cemetery grounds, but will also raise $500 more to pay for guns for the West Augusta Guard.

Full Text of Article:

For the Vindicator

The article under the signature of "Townsman," which appeared in the last week's issue of your paper, meets our most cordial approval in the suggestions it contains in reference to the disposition of a certain unexpended sum of money, raised about a year ago, by means of a Fair held by the ladies of the town, for the purpose of adorning and improving the Cemetery grounds. The amount thus obtained, we have been informed, was between six and seven hundred dollars, and we do more respectfully ask, that the ladies in whose hands this fund was placed for safekeeping, will advise the citizens of the precise amount, and whether it will be loaned for the purpose indicated in the communication referred to. However, be this as it may, we make the following proposition to Mr. "Townsman," and through him to the gentlemen of Staunton, namely: That the ladies will raise five hundred dollars, provided the gentlemen will make up the deficit necessary to thoroughly equip our two volunteer companies with not only tents and knapsacks, but also with the most improved and effective guns to be had, for we, the ladies of West Augusta, their mothers and wives and daughters and sisters and sweethearts, are determined that they shall, if necessary, do a little fighting as well as sleeping and eating. We know nothing about it, but have been told that the guns now in possession of the two companies are scarcely superior to bows and arrows compared with those with which the enemy would be furnished, were such a calamity to befall us as civil war. Therefore, we insist that those who profess to love us so dearly, should be properly prepared to defend us against danger, should occasion require it.

And now, Mr. "Townsman" and gentlemen of Staunton, let us assure you that we mean what we say, and intend to accomplish it, if you will respond like men and patriots to our PROPOSITION.

Trailer: Proposition

The Convention
(Column 2)

Summary: Argues that, although many so-called "Union" men were elected to the State Convention, Northerners should not misunderstand this term and think that these men will submit to the will of the federal government. The Virginia Convention "will insist on a settlement of our present difficulties at this time in a proper manner; and the only question of difference among its members will be as to the length of time to be employed in efforts at the restoration of the Union."

Origin of Article: Richmond Dispatch

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: Married on February 6.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Wm. E. Baker, Jos. H. Earman, Harriet Hague)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: Married on December 25th in Ohio. Dr. Beard is formerly from Augusta while Miss Noel is from Scioto county, Ohio.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J.P. Cummins, H.C. Beard, Mary E. Noel)