Staunton Spectator from Staunton, Virginia • Page 2

Tuesday, January 28, 1868. The Spectator having about as many subscribers as both of the other papers published in this place, it is to the interest of persons to advertise in the Spectator, and it is the duty of those who advertise for others to advertise in that paper which has the largest circulation. It becomes the duty of agents, commissioners, administrators, executors, and all who are entrusted with the interests of others to advertise in the SPECTATOR, as it has a much larger circulation than any other paper published here. The circulation of the Spectator is about as great as the combined circulation of both the other papers published in this place, and has as many subscribers in thib county alone as are contained in the whole subscription list of either of the other papers. Object of the Radicals.

The whole object of the Radicals North and South is to secure, by the action of Congress and of Southern Conventions, the domi nation of the Radical party, regardless of right, justice and constitutional provisions. They will adopt any device to effect their object, one of which is the device to seduce white men in the South to co-operate with the negroes to enable them to rule the great body of the The Southern mongrel conventions in the South, says the Dispatch, are "considering a proposition for this for self-degradation are invited to come forward, confess to a committee, and avow their loyalty to reconstruction and Radicalism, and, no matter what their past offences, Congress is to be informed of their "conversion," and will at once make them as good as an African and clothe them with all the dignity and immunity enjoyed by that "man and brother." How many Virginians may enter upon that path of enduring infamy to themselves and their posterity remains to be seen! In the mean time the people of Virginia should be hopeful and firm; trusting to the ultimate triumph of justice, and right, and that predominance of the superior race which can alone save the State from irretrievable ruin and degradation. Let it be remembered that, no community can hope for such a triumph unless they themselves preserve their honor, their virtue, and their unfaltering devotion to true loyalty to their Creator, their country, and their fellow-men." Teachings of History. There never was a time when the people appreciated more fully than the present, the truth of the scriptural expression, "no man knoweth what a day may bring forth." The wise and foolish man are both alike, in this respect, at this time. As the New York Herald says "We are, in fact, as a nation, precisely in those circumstances in which it is difficult to foresee with clearness the character of the future.

We see the beginning, but what the end is to be we know not. Revolutions of a serious and destructive character have sprung from beginnings much less ominous than what we now see in Washington. Little sparks have more than once in the world's history already kindled great fires. It does not affect the truth of this statement or the value of the lesson which it conveys to say that no such intention now exists. Results, in truth, are often as little proportioned to intention as they are to the original cause.

The causes which led to the reformation in Germany, to the revolution in England, to the protracted struggle in the Netherlands, to the revolution in France, and, more recently, to our own great civil war, were in every case small as compared with the actnal consequences; nor in any one of these cases was the result proportioned to the original intention. In all these great struggles, which stand out as landmarks in modern history, a little more wisdom in council, a little less party spirit, and a few timely concessions might have secured infinitely happier results than were secured by years of bloodshed and misery. But these counsels did not prevail; party spirit became embittered as the struggle was lengthened out, and that which might easily at the commencement have been settled to the satisfaction of all parties was at the close, after years of agony, and at the cost of much blood and treasure, settled to the satisfactson of none. It is not for us to despise the teachings of history. Our advantages are great if we only accept the experience of the past.

We are placed upon vantage ground by the peculiar character of our institutions. Not one of the nations of the past was similarly favored. But if we will not learn, we must suffer. If we will not profit by the experience of must learn by our own. The evils of the situation, as we have said, are not incurable but if the people do not at once take the matter in hand and make their voice echo and re-echo over the land, it is not in the power of man to foretell what disastrous future is in store for us." Rigid Economy.

If there ever was a time when the virtue of economy should be practised now is that time. The people of the South are now in straitened circumstances, pecuniarily as well as politically-) and they should govern their conduct accordingly. As the Petersburg Index says, "the sooner our people realize their poverty, and act upon it, the better. We know of those in our community whose lives seem to be one long chain of monetary vexations, but daily preside at tables groaning under superfluous dishes, and surrounded by families decked in the most costly, extravagant, and unnecessary These things must be changed. Our people must appreciate their poverty.

Hard times are upon us, and we must adapt our living to the times. Luxuries should not be permitted in our homes. Discard all that is unnecessary and useless. Cease to borrow money. Live within your income.

Buy nothing upon credit. Lay aside the superfluities of life. By adopting these rules, we may be enabled to weather the storm that is upon us. It may be that all our efforts shall fail. If so, ours will be the consolation of having done our full duty.

Unless our people contract their expenses within the narrowest limits, their financial ruin is an established fact. These are not the times for squandering and extravagance. Rigid economy should be the motto of every household." We would suggest to the reporters (for the Richmond papers) of the proceedings of the State Convention that it would be well if they would give in parenthesis after the names, in the case of the white members, "Conservative" or "Radical" as the case may be, and after the names of the black members, either the word 4 'colored'' or This distinction is necessary to enable the public to know what manner of men they be who figure in that body. The term of twenty-one United States Senators will expire on the 4th of March, 1869, of whom fourteen are Republicans and seven Democrats. The.

State of lowa has the gratifying honor of Deing entirely out of debt, a record which no other State can show. the New York A Bill to Dissolve Civil Society and to Abolish the Executive. The new Reconstruction bill, so-called, re ported by Mr. Bingham from the Commtttee on Reconstruction, and now pending before Congress, shows liow language can be perverted in its application to partisan measures. This bill has a title the very reverse of its character and object.

Its proper title would be, "A bill tc dissolve civil society and to abolish the Execu: tive." First, it declares that in the Southern States "there are no civil State governments, and thai i the so-called civil governments in the States respectively shall not be recognized as valid oi legal State governments either by the executive or judicial power or authority of the United States." The sweeping revolutionary measure 1 dissolves all civil society, makes all laws invalid and inoperative, abolishes the right of property, leaves the people without municipal or local laws for the protection of property, life and liberty, and reduces over ten millions of people to a disorganized condition worse than that ol the barbarian tribes of Africa or the South Sea islands. What ohaos! what a frightful condition for the South and Southern people to be placed in But the Southerners will not be the only sufferers. Northern debtors, Northern merchants and capitalists who have invested in the South or who have debts owing to them there, are cut off from all legal means of recovering their property. It is virtual repudiation on a large scale. Contracts are rendered void and abrogated.

All business must be suspended, confidence will be destroyed and the whole South, already at the point of starvation, will be turned into a wilderness. Such is the infamous bill which a radical Congress has the hardihood to call a reconstruction law. It is the grimmest joke and most cruel sarcasm ever attempted. The authority of the President, which the people of the United States, from the foundation of the government, have regarded as constitutionally vested in him, is abolished. Congress presumes to say that he shall not be Commander-in Chief of the Army, though the con stitution says he shall.

This is what this infamous act The General of the Army of the United States (Grant) is hereby authorized and required to enjoin, by special orders, upon all officers in command in the several military departments within said several States, the performanca of all aots authorised by said several laws above recited, and to remove by his orders from command any or all of said com manders, and detail other officers of the United States army, not below the rank of colonel, to perform all the duties and exercise all the powers authorized by said several Thus Grant is made Commander-in-Chief in place of the President, and the constitutional functions of the President are abolished. But this is not all, The third section of the bill says that "the General of the Army may remove any or all civil officers and appoint others to discharge the duties." Here the military power is placed strictly over the civil and executive power of the President both in the matter of removal from appointment to purely civil offices. This is going further even than the Jacobin Convention of France in the assumption of despotic authority and subjugation of every other branch of government. Indeed, the conduct of Congress is more criminal, for it pretends to be acting within the limits of its legislative capacity, while the French Convention was honest enough to avow primary powers, above all constitutions. To cap the climax of this revolutionary measure, it is made unlawful for the President of the United States to enforce the civil law, and it is provided that "any interference by any person (by the President) with intent to prevent by force the execution of the orders of the General of the Army shall be held to be a high misdemeanor, and the party guilty thereof shall, up on conviction, be fined not exceeding five thousand dollars and imprisoned not less than two years." A penalty is imposed upon the President, as upon some burglar or other vile criminal, for any attempt to execute his constitutional functions as the Executive and Commander-in Chief.

Usurpation and revolution cannot go further short of arresting and deposing the President and declaring the office absolutely abolished. The radicals in Oongiess have reached that limit, and the next step is a Directory, after the model of the French Directory, and a military despotism over the whole country, North as well as South. This would be exactly suited to the ideas of Ben. Wade, Thad. Stevens and others of the Mountain faction who boldly declare the constitution is destroyed.

i The New Reeonstrtiction Bill. The "New Reconstruction Bill" which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 123 to 45, and which makes Grant military and absolute Dictator, superior in authority, not only to the Executive and Judicial branches of the Government, but to the Legislative branch also, will probably pass the Senate, anc then be passed over the veto of the President which it will be sure to recieve, by the consti tutional majority of two-thirds. This is most iniquitous bill which jhas ever been passed by any Legislative body in a civilized country. How have the mighty fallen The Radical: are industriously employed in furnishing Monarchical Governments with arguments anc facts in opposition to Republican Government. "The plan of operations covered by this bill," says the New York Herald, involves the restoration of the ten outside States into both houses of Congress on the negro basis of re construction before the meeting of the Repub lican National Convention in May next, so that those States, on this negro basis, may have a voice in the Convention and in the election, and so that, being in Congress, they may be, in any event, beyond the reach of a new order of things.

The Presidential battle, then, with the republicans, is to be fought upon this ques tion of Southern negro supremacy, and a South' crn negro political balance of power in Congress and in our Presidential elections for the maintenance of the republican party in power." A Sign of the Times. The New York Herald, which has credit for great sagacity and the faculty of discovering the drift of popular sentiment, and which a short time since was earnestly advocating the claims of Grant to the Presidency, is now supporting with much zeal the claims of President Johnson. It says: "We hold that the man who, single-handed, has so far resisted and delayed the usurpations of this Radical Congress, and who is the only obstacle to the speedy consummation of its revolutionary designs, is the man upon whom all the opposition elements may be most readily and most largely combined. Andrew Johnson is this man. He is in a position which demands the instant and most effective support of all men who desire to maintain the government of the Constitution.

The most effective support that can be given him is the adoption of his name for the Presidential succession by all the political elements of the country opposed to this revolutionary Congress, and the revolutionary radical faction which stands behind it. Men are nothing in this crisis of life or death to the republic but the man who stands in the gap, and who holds the opposition balance of power against these Radicals, is everything." It is said that history repeats itself, and that "history is philosophy teaching by example." This being so, we should profit by the teachings of the "reverend chronicler of the past." Hume, in his history, of England, whilst speaking of the Rump Parliament, which the Radical Congress very much resembles, says: "By recent, as icell as all ancient example, it was become evident, that illegal violence, with whatever pretence it may be covered, and whatever object it may pursue, must inevitably end at last in the arbitrary and despotic government oj a single person." We invite attention to the interesting letter of our Texas correspondent published in this sue on the fourth page. They are having an interesting time in Texas. The Radicals, in their assaults upon the Constitution, are aptly likened by a contemporary to a burglar who designs only robbery; but, being detected, resorts to murder to escape punishment. STAUNTON SPECTATOR AND GENERAL ADVERTISER.

Remarks of President The New York World publishes the substance of a long conversation had with the President 3 by its Washington correspondent. We have 1 space for only a few extracts. They will show, however, that the President is firm in the maintenance of his constitutional principles, and determined to perform the duties imposed upon him by the constitution. 0 He says that a decided change has taken place in the sentiments of the Northern people, and adds: 1 "One who held fast to a principle when a majority was arrayed against him is not likely to loosen his hold upon it when so much of the pressure has been removed." He says: "The Radicals in Congress are desperate. They have made of that body a political nionj strosity.

While they will seek to hide their deformities with the cloak of patriotism, or strive to distract public attention from them by specious manoeuvres, they are becoming more and more convinced that the people see through it all. Having gone farther than they intended far that they have overleaped all bounds save those of party and ambition would be equivalent to hari-kari. They keep on now, hoping to obtain by conquest in the South this year a power more than equivalent to their loss of prestige in the North. Perhap 1 they trust by such a conquest to awe and subj due a majority in the north whom they are failing to lead. This extreme party, which is 1 represented by men like Mr.

Bingham, 'Mr. 2 Boutwell, arid Senator. Sumner, is in a worse VUlemnia than eVer party was before in the Re-1 In reference to the action of Congress on the New Reconstruction Bill which we published 2 last week, and which the Lower House of Congress passed, on Tuesday last, by a vote of 123 to 45, the President says: 1 These measures are of course revolutionary. The arguments Hsed to defend them are clearly as fallacious as the assertion that black is white 7 would be. A proposition to deprive, by mere act of Congress, the President of the United States of any portion of the authority vested 1 in him as Commander in-Chief of the Army and Navy is a proposal direct violence to 1 the Constitutiou." 3 "This bill assumes a right of Congress to do aioay with the President altogether, if it chooses, and make itself executor of as icell as legislator for the Government.

Could any assumption 2 be more arrogant, more dangerous and destructive in its tendency "The attitude of the Executive has ever 3 been one of defence or resistance. It is his plain, simple office, while seeing that all laws are put in force that conform to the Constitution, to see that no law obtains, so far as his veto or authority can prevent it from obtaining which docs not conform to it. 1 repeat that he is obliged by his Solemn oath to defend that in- strument from any and every assailment." In allusion to the bill which passed the Lower IJouse, of Congress two weeks since, requiring a majority of two-thirds cf the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, he says: 5 "The Supreme Court is as much a separate 3 and distinct branch of the Government as Congress or the Executive. What right has Con gress to usnrp the prerogative of the people in 3 this case more than in the other?" 3 "A majority of judges have always prevailed 1 in all courts in England, France, and elsewhere, as well as in the United States. This is an at-1 tempt to strip the judicial branch of the Gov" eminent of a right which it is competent toder fine and maintain." In alluding again to the New Reconstruction Bill, he says i "As I explained at the commencement, this 1 so-called reconstruction bill is destined, if carried into effect, so as to increase and consoli) date the military tyranny which has already come nigh to ruin the southern states, that no body of legislators not run nearly wild with a party idea could think of forcing it through," i After depicting the ruin the Radical party is 1 bringing upon the country, he says The measures of that party will, in my judgment, tend to repress for an indefinite pe.

riod such a developement of the resources of the south as had been accomplished before the war. It is grinding out and discouraging the property-holding and intelligent class of citizens to place all power, the whole conduct of affairs, 1 in the hands of the negroes and the few native whites and northern adventurers who would share it with them." "A revolution, such as these headlong spirits seem determined to have, if it is suffered to go on, an effect more damaging than that of the last civil war." 6 On the correspondent's stating that it had been understood that the President had ex' pressed his purpose to exercise all the authore ity vested in him by the constitution to repel I these revolutionary measures, he said "The President," said Mr. Johnson, with a resolute gesture, has already expressed his intention to perform his duty. As to what that duty may involve "(laying his hand lightly on the table and drumming with his fingers dv. ring the pause) would be rather premature, just now, even to suggest.

We will leave spe-3 cial measures for special occasions arise. I have confidence in the good sense of the army, and certainly I believe in the people. I believe in the young men they will not pert mit a revolution to be accomplished, even a though," added the President, in a serious though not at all threatening tone, li it might be necessary for the people to take the matter into their own hand." 1 Resistance to Negro Rule. From a long editorial of the Enquirer and Examiner, we take the following extract: "It is the duty of the people of Virginia at once to take the ground that no order, ordinance, act, law, or deed done by the representatives of the secret negro leagues, whether in or out of Convention, shall be or'Jieeded, 3 unless under the compulsion of the fixed bayonets of the Federal soldiery. We must in no way, by inference or implication, let the idea effect a 5 lodgment upon the Northern mind that we will 5 ever submit to the rule of the negro.

This crime against civilization which the bayonet has been iavoked to uphold, nothing but the bayonet must enforce. Whenever that is withdrawn, it is the duty of the white man at once to assert and make good at all hazards the prerogatives of his race as rightfully the dominant one in the South. The work of such creatures as Underwood, Hunnicutt, and Bayne, must be swept away the very instant the soldier's rious duty of propping up a negro power terni- I mates. There must be no tribute to black Caesars (or Pompeys either) which the Soldier does not compel with his loaded musket at the breast of I his disarmed white brother of the South. Black rulers, magistrates, legislators and tax gatherers, must move with their obsequious body guards of Federal soldiera, in the old Dominion.

Never shall it be said that the descendants of Washington, Henry, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and a host of other great Virginians, submitted to be ruled by indicted incendiaries, and black and brown barbarians. The pages of history are brilliant with noble examples of the patient fortitude of a defeated people, proving in the end more than a match for the malignant and inhuman insults and outrages of their conquerors. The bayonet ruled in Hungary for twenty years, the people of that heroic nation never voluntarily surrendering a right, and at last compell" ed a baffled tyrant to give them all which they claimed. The Venetians proudly boast that, during more than half a century of Austrian rule, they never compromised their honor by a single act of voluntary submission to the will of the conqueror, and deliverance came to them at last. And none of these oppressed nations ever had thurst upon them by their conquerors a degragation half as infamous as negro rule, the filthy, polluting, barbarous supremacy of an inferior and despised race, intended by God to be slaves." 1 A Washington letter writer says: "Whenever any one begins to talk to Gen.

Grant about politics, he invariably changes the subject to horses." The New York Old Guard remarks that this is much to Grant's credit, because he does know something about horses, but precious little of politics. UNCONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. THIRTY-SECOND DAY. Wednesday, Jan. 22.

SOUTHALL AND TUKEY. The committee in the case of Mr. Southall, representative of the counties of Augusta, Albemarle and Louisa, reported favorably to his holding bis seat; recommending that the report be accepted, and the committee discharged from the further consideration of the Agreed to. It was subsequently moved that Mr. Tukey, the contestant of his seat, be paid mileage and per diem, which was laid over.

It is stated, says the Richmond Whig, that Mr. Tukey is a cierk of a committee, and has been drawing his regular pay as such. If this be not the case, his friends ought to correct it before his claim for pay as contestant is presented, as the rumor referred to will influence members on both sides in their votes. RESOLUTIONS. Lindsey, That all maimed loyal soldiers be exempted from poll tax.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS. The resolution of Kelso (negro), being the unfinished business, to wit: that all registered voters shall be permitted to vote at any elec tion precinct in the State where their necessities force them to be, was taken up, when Mr. Allan offered a substitute, in support of which he stated tohat negro voters frequently forget their names, instancing Lorenzo Dow Watkins as one whose memory at the last election was treacherous. About a baker's dozen of points of order were raised by members, including Mr. Hawxhurst and Uncle Dr.

Bayne. The whole subject was, however, finally postponed. It was then resolved that the reports of the standing committees be made the order of the day in the order in which they reported The consideration of Mr. Scott's section in regard to the co-equal rights of Virginia with other States of the Union was resumed, when Mr. French, having the floor, continued his speech in defence of the position occupied by the Conservative members of the convention and the Conservative people of Virginia.

During his speech, uncle Dr. Bayne alluded to the fact that Mr. Lee refused to call on General Grant in company with a negro member, when Mr. Gibson, of Giles, remarked, "Ask the colored member how he was received by his Republican friends." No reply. Kelso (negro) did not think Virginia is a State.

Mr. Snead proceeded to reply to Mr. French, and a few moments before the time for recess the Chair interrupted him, and introduced Bishop Mcllvaine, of Ohio, one of the trustees of the Peabody fund, who invoked the blessing of God upon the deliberations and work of the convention. The convention then took a recess. AFTERNOON SESSION.

The section proposed by Mr. Scott was further discussed by Messrs. Marye and Clements, and was defeated by a strict party vote, all of the Radicals voting no. During the discussion Uncle Dr. Bayne insisted on the gentlemen elucidating themselves "more plainer," because he did not know what they meant by Jury and Facto.

Uncle pecs Hodges said he did, and Dr. colored, informed the convention that he was familiar with the expression used. Uncle Dr. Bayne evidently made a slip, especially as he confounded Jury" with "de The following is the section rejected, and its rejection shows plainly what manner of advocates of the rights of Virginia the Radicals in her State Constitutional Convention, so called, are: "That Virginia is, and of right ought to be, a co-equal member and integral part and parcel of the Government of the United States, and as such is entitled to all the benefits enjoyed by, and subject to all the burdens imposed upon, the several States composing said Government by the Constitution thereof and the laws passed pursuant thereto." THIRTY-THIRD DAY. Teiursdat, Jan.

report in the case of Mr. Southall was adopted, and he was declared entitled to the seat from the counties of Augusta, Albemarle and Louisa, as member of the Gonventiqn. The contest does not end here, however, if the resolution of Mr. Hines (Radiial), that no one is entitled to a seat who refused to register, possesses any significance or shall command the support of the dominant party of the body. The Hon.

Hamilton Fish sent a communication to the convention excusing the members of the Board of Trustees of the Pt-abody fund for not attending the convention. He gave as a reason that a press of business compelled them to decline accepting the polite invitation of the body. The convention was informed, however, that the Rev. Dr. Sears would be happy to address the committee on education, or the convention upon the subject of This met with a ready response, and the Dr.

came forward and delivered a lengthy, able and interesting discourse upon the subject of education, giving eminently practical views in regard to the cheapest and most available plan the masses and rendering our more advanced educational institutions of more practical benefit to the people at large. At the close of his address, a vote of thanks, on motion of Mr. Hawxhuist, was tendered him, and on motion of Mr. Platte, ten thousand copies of his speech were ordered to be printed for distribution among the people. RESOLUTIONS REFERRED, By Mr.

Clements: Resolved, That the rights of ecclesiastical bodies in and to church property conveyed to them by regular deed of conveyance, shall not be affected by the late civil war, nor by any antecedent nor subsequent event, nor by any act of the Legislature purporting to govern the same, but all such property shall pass to and be held by the parties set forth in the original deeds of conveyance, or the legal assiguees of such original parties, holding through or by conveyance; and any act or acts of the Legislature in opposition thereto are null and void. By Carter, COMPEL children to attend school. By the same-PROHIBITING THE LEGISLATURE FROM SPECIAL LEGISLATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF IMMIGRATION. By Watson, colored remove tax from tobacco. By Dixon, colored rent out and lease out oysters shores now monopolized by persons of wealth, and appropriate the revenue derived to free-school purposes.

By J. T. S. negroes to recover wages from their masters, so called, from April 9, 1805, to January, 18G6. By no more than the usual tax shall be paid by the products of any industrial prosecuted in this State.

By Robinson, where loyal men were compelled to sell their property for socalled Confederate money, and driven from their homes on account of loyalty, that the property shall be restored to them, and the purchaser have recourse upon the parties who were instrumental in driving them away. THE ORDER OF THE DAY. Mr. Porter called up the following amendment to the bill of rights, offered by himself a few days ago, which he proposed should be inserted between the 19th and 20rh sections. It was discussed until nearly o'clock, the hour for recess, and 24, noes 56: "That all persons residing in this State, and born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and of this State." AFTERNOON SESSION.

The section to the bill of rights offered by Mr. Porter, and rejected at the morning session, was reconsidered and adopted, by a vote of 50 to 25, after being amended by striking out the words, "of the United States, and." The following amendment, offered by the same, was then elaborately discussed: "That the right to vote, to hold office, and act as a juror, shall never be denied to any of the male inhabitants of this State, being twentyone years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, or for mental unsoundness and that any other civil or political right which was enjoyed by any class of the people of this State previous to the year 1861, shall never be denied to any of the people, or in any way abridged, except for the causes above stated." In reply to Mr. McLaughlin whether he intended all persons, without regard to race or color, to vote, hold office, or sit on Mr. Porter stated that the section spoke for itself. Mr.

McLaughlin pressed for a decided and unequivocal answer, when Mr. P. admitted that he did regard the section as giving colored persons the right to hold office, vote and sit on juries. Mr. McLaughlin then asked if the author of the section (Mr.

intended that it should give colored persons equal rights at hotels, in cars, and other public conveyances. Mr. Porter considered the question unfair, and answered, after some hesitation and explanation, that if the expression "political and civil right" embraces these privileges, then they are entitled to them. Pending the discussion of the section the convention adjourned. THIRTY-FOURTH DAY.

Friday, Jan. 24. THE BANKRUPT ACT. Mr. Thomas called up the resolution of Mr.

Allen, providing for the appointment of a committee to memorialize Congress for the extension of the bankrupt act. After discussion, the resolution was adopted, and a committee appointed to carry out its instructions, of which Mr. Ailen was made chairman. The resolution of Mr. Robertson, ef Nottoway, in relation to the financial condition of the people of the State, with a view to their relief, was next taken up, when Mr.

R. explained briefly and pointedly the motive which induced him to offer it. Before it was disposed of, however, the hour for the order of the day arrived, when the convention resumed the consideration of Mr. Porter's amendment to the BILL OF RIGHTS, to wit: "That the right to vote, to hold office, and act as juror, shall never be denied to any of the male inhabitants of this State, being 21 years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion or other crime, or for mental unsoundness and that any other civil or political right which was enjoyed by any class of the people of this State previous to the year 1801 shall never be denied to any of the people, or in any way abridged, except for the causes above stated." The further consideration of the section was postponed until the Committee on Elective Franchise and Qualifications for Office make their report. AFTERNOON SESSION.

The convention refused to reconsider the preamble to the Bill of Rights as proposed by Mr. Porter, in order that he might introduce an amendment to the same. THE REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. The report of the finance committee was next taken up, and various amendments offered to the first section, which prescribes the subjects and mode of taxation. The feature of the afternoon, however, was the speech of Mr.

Parr, white Radical, and a true friend to the colored race, who told three anecdotes, and threatens another speech to-morrow, when the galleries will be "muchly" amused if he happens to be, as to day, in an anecdotary mood. CONGRESSIONAL. Senate. Thursday, Jan. Chair presented a communication from E.

M. Stanton, Secretary of War, enclosing a list of volunteer officers now in service. The cotton tax came up, and a motion was made that the Senate recede from its amendment, but insert a proviso exempting imported cotton from duty after July. The matter was then postponed. bill reorganizing the Treasury Department was referred to the Finance Committee.

The deficiency appropriation for the reconstruction acts was taken up and passed with some amendments. After ineffectual attempt to resume the cotton tax. the Senate adjourned. House. Secretary of the Treasury was asked whether H.

S. Wells had complied with his contract for removing obstructions from Savannah river. The bill granting land to extend the Dubuque and Sioux City railroad was passed. The new reconstruction bill was discussed until a recess was taken till 7J o'clock. Senate.

Friday, Jan. 17. Senate was not in session to-day. House. the House the Senate amendments to the Anti Contraction bill were non concurred in.

The debate on the Reconstruction bill resumed, with the agreement that it might be continued-jto morrow and that on Monday the previous question would be considered seconded. Senate. Monday, Jan. 20. the Senate bills were introduced annexing Georgetown to Washington, prohibiting the payment of boun tics to deserters, to facilitate the administration of justice and to regulate the foreign coasting tiade on the Northern frontiers.

The joint resolution in reference to the appointment of consuls was called up, but after some debate was laid on the table. Committee of conference were appointed on the amendments to the Cotton as Currency Contraction bills disgreed to by the House. The resolution admitting Senator Thomas, of Maryland, to his seat occupied the rest of the session, Mr. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, speaking in favor of the motion. ln the House, under the Monday call, bills and joint resolutions were introduced aud referred in reference to the rights of naturalized citizens, instructing the President to demand an explanation and redress in the case of Michael O'Brien, who was executed as a Fenian, and reducing the compensation of Members of Congress to $4,000.

The House then resumed debate on the Reconstruction bill. The previous question was seconded, and Mr. Bingham made the concluding speech, but the House adjourned without coming to a vote. Senate. Tuesday, Jan.

In the Senate a resolution was offered directing the President to investigate the cases of American citizens imprisoned abroad and demand their release if they arc not guilty of overt acts. A bill to fund the public debt and to amend the banking laws of the United States was introduced and referred. The case of Senator Thomas, of Maryland, was then taken up, and after some debate, Mr. Johnson gave notice that he would press a vote tomorrow. House.

the House, Mr. Butler's amendment to the Reconstruction bill, giving the appointment of State officers to the conventions was lost, and the bill was passed by 123 yeas to 45 nays. The rest of the business transacted was of miner importance and the House adjourned Wednesday, Jan. the Senate the House Reconstruction bill was laid over on motion of Mr. Doolittle, who wished to report an amendment.

The report of the Conference Committee on the Anti-Contraction bill was agroed to, the Senate receding from its amendments. The discussion in the case of Senator Thomas, of Maryland, was then resumed, during which Mr. Doolittle said that Edwin M. Stanton had urged A. Brown to go to the Confederacy and wished him God The debate was closed on the amendment of the death of Congressman Noell.

House. the House the Senate amendments to the Deficiency bill were all concurred in but one. The consideration of the bill declaring forfeited to the United States certain public lands granted to railroads in some of the Southern States was resumed. During the discussion, Mr. Julian spoke of the rebel character of Mr.

Chanler's friends in the South. Mr. Chanler immediately retorted that he used the words of a "coward," whereupon he was called to order, but continued to make the assertion. Mr. Julian said he had a chance to test the truth of the remark, and Mr.

Chanler said he would take an early opportunity of doing The bill then went over until to-morrow. Senate. Thursday, Jan. 23. the Senate the House Reconstruction bill came up and Mr.

Doolittle made a lengthy speech in opposition to it. He consumed the entire morning hour, much to the chagrin of some of the republican members, who, however, could not prevent it, and he was allowed to continue after the morning hour had expired, the case of Senator Thomas being postponed for that purpose. He was following by Messrs. Nye and Trumbuil; without taking any action upon the bill, the Senate, after some further unimportant business, adjourned. ln the House, the committee and Senate amendments to the Additional Bounty bill were agreed to.

The bill for the sale of the arsenal grounds at St. Louis and Liberty, Mo. and part of Fort Leavenworth reservation was passed. Eulogies were passed on the late Cornelius Hamilton, and the House adjourned. In answer to a resolution of the Senate the President replies that the Bill of Equal Rights ia of Coluaibia which waspassedin both houses last December, failed to become a law by reason of the adjournment of Congress within ten days alter its passage.

Sexate. Friday, Jan. 24. the Senate the President's message relative to the Bill of Equal Rights in the District, after some debate, was referred. The report of the Conference Committee on the Deficiency Appropriation bill was non-concurred in.

The Supplementary Reconstruction bill was then considered. Messrs. Morton and Nye made speeches in its favor, when its further consideration was postponed, and the Senate adjourned till Monday. Honne, the House the regular Appropriation bill, appropriating between $18,000,000 and 19,000,000, was reported from the committee and recommitted for the purpose of furthering an investigation into the revised estimates of the Secretary of the Navy, which raised The bill to prevent the payment of certain claims arising out of tbe rebellion was taken up and met with strong opposition from the republican side of the House. Pending its consideration the Conference Committee on the Cotton Tax bill reported an ameudment that -imported cotton should be exempt from duty after July 1, 1868.

The report was disagreed to and a new committee was appointed. Eulogies were then delivered on the character of the late Judge Hise and the House adjourned. New Advertisements. TIUSISESS MES OF STAUSTOS, Uoolc to Your Interest! There is no surer "shield of protection you can throw around your families or your business than a Life Insurance Policy, nor can you make a more safe or profitable investment. Does a dime sent North for Life Insurance ever return except at the death of some patron Is not every dollar thus sent off that much thrown out of your channels of trade much to the impoverishment of your section and Distance from the Office of tho company has frequently worked to the disadvantage of the policy holder in your own midst there are policies on which many payments had been made the recent war prevented continued payments and all that had beenpaid was taken and not a dime allowed for just payments then upon the rounds of j-our own pecuniary advancement in eeping money in your own midst well as the additional certainty of being able to communicate with the Home Office, you should spend your money with the company nearest to you.

Piedmont Life Insurance Company" is located at Montreal, Nelson county, Va. It has merits surpassed by none equal to affairs can be readily examined by and its success in the start is ahead of any other Compar.y in like period your funds spent with back into your own hands during your life and thus builds up your own trade and retains funds at home for the permanent advancement of your own section, and gives equal benefit to your family at your death. Why should you be guilty of pecuniary suicide by sending money off which can be as safely, as wisely, as profitably spent with your friends and aid in the pecuniary redemption of your own people? is liberal in its terms credit for half the premiums on a note of twelve months, and thus tor the same Cash enables you to obtain double the insurance which you could get in a Company requiring all cash for premiums these twelve month notes are never expected to be collected in whole or in" part they are expected to be absorbed by participation in profits in tho same manner and rates that the to all cash Companies are reduced. The President of Piedmont" will remain in Staunton a few days to give information and explain fully the organization of the Company, and can be found at our Office, opposite Yeaklo Young's Drug Store, where, upon application, we will be pleased to explain the superior merits of this Virginia Home Institution. PHILLIPS GARBER, Local Agents.

Rev. R. H. PHILLIPS, General Agent. Before taking policies or renewing existing policies, for your own advancement, examine "The Piedmont." There are special reasons why the business of this community should make speedy application to "The Piedmont" which we will explain on jan (COMMISSIONER'S" 1 virtue of a decree of the Circuit Court of Augusta in tha case of M.

Clark's widow cs. M. M. Clark's infant heirs, I will offer for sale on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 1808, UDon the premises, to the highest bidder, at public auction, the farm in Augusta county belonging to the estate of M. M.

Clark, dec'd. This farm contains 290 Acres of first rate lima-itone land, is well improved with a large Brick House and Frame Barn, and all necessary out-houses. A fine stream of water runs entirely through the farm, and one of the finest springs in the county bursts out within fifty yards of the house. The farm is composed of a fair proportion of meadow, wood, and farming land. It is within four miles of the Waynesboro Depot on the Virginia Central Rail Road, which is reached by a fine road.

The farm adjoins Rev. Jacob Killian, Groves' heirs, Robert M.White and others, and is convergent to churches and schools. The farm will he shown to persons, wishing to examine it, by Mr. East, who lives upon the premises, or by John S. Ellis, who livee near by.

Terms of sale. in cash to pay costs of suit and sale, and tho balance in one, two and three years from the day of sale, the purchaser giving bond, with good personal security, bearing interest from day of sale and the title reserved as ultimate security. Possession given at once. Sale to commence at 11 o'clock, A. M.

H. M. BELL, Vir copy Commissioner. A ttention Farmers and Planters Batjgh's Commercial Bone Manures, Baltimore Agency, 105 Smith's Wharf. These valuable manures can be had at regular market rates, freight added, at all accessible points.

PRICES IN BALTIMORE: Baugh's Raw Bone Phosphate $50 per ton. Baugh's Chicago Bone Fertilizer 46 Baugh's Chicago Blood Manure, 50 I have also on hand, manufactured expressly for my own trade the celebrated MARYLAND POWDER OP BONE, which has everywhere given such undoubted satisfaction. Price in Baltimore $40 per ton. Also the various grades of Mexican Guano by the cargo or single ton at lowest rates. Send for Samples ami Circulars.

You will find these manures adapted to every soil and crop. They are used in every part of the country and have given entire satisfaction. See full Particulars in Circulars. Forsale'by GEO. DUGDALE, Manufacturer's Agent, Nos.

97 and 105, Smith's Wharf, Baltimore, Md. Geo. E. Price, Staunton; and Wm. Withrow, Waynesboro.

jan 3m OAO NOTICE obedience to an order of the County Court of Augusta, May 28th, 18G7, to re-allot hands to work public Roads, I will proceed to make said assignments at the following times and places, viz: Churchville, February 1808. West View, 21 Spring Hill, 24 Mt. Sidney, 25 Burkes Mill, 26 Centerville, 27 Mt. Solon, 28 Parnassus, March 2 Sanoersville, 3 Surveyors are requested to attend at the above laces and times, at 10 o'clock, A and to ring their old lists with them, jan T. S.

Road Commissioner. AMD FOR executor "of David Brand, deceased, and by virtue a decree of the Circuit Court of Augusta cour ty rendered the 17th June, 1807, I will, on Thursday, the 20rA day of February, YBGB upon the premises, offer for by way of nublic auction, the tract of land, devised the 3rd arid 13th clauses of the will of said. David Brand lying on Creek, in the county of Augusta, containing about 114 acres and ad joining the lanes of Matthew Pifaon a nd others" This land is excellent natural quality has on it a comforabe dwelling housemancTwould SfmeTns mef ra pers Terms made known on day of sale. uu DAV BLACKWOOD, Ex'or of Brand dec'd. 1 for Rent: cJ vi ate residence of A.

Harris, dec'd, on North River, three miles East of Burkes Mill, we otter for rent, privately A MERCHANT MILL. FOUNDRY AND BLACKSMITH SHOP, lhe property is all in good order, being new. it not rented privately, it will be offered publicly on day of April next, for one or more years. Persons can apply to R. TURK, or JAS.

H. HARRIS, Agents. TO all whom it may is to certify that I employed W. H. Wolfe as my true and lawful Agent to carry on the Mercantile Business for me at the Red Mills, Augusta county, Va.

jan J. F. "WOLFE. New Advertisements. AXMUAL CLOSISCi OUT Sale.

FALL AND WINTER CLOTHING at Coat Prices Fine Beaver OVER COATS for less than cost. Fine Black Cloth Over Coats for less than their original cost! Over Coats of every description for either men or boys must be sold now. Those in want of Cheap Goods call early beforo the cherished opportunity passes beyond your grasp. Also a fine assortment of BUSINESS SUITS which willbesold for less than cost. Alsoagood assortment of Common Clothing.

These goods must be sold in order to make room for the extensive stock of Spring and Summer Clothing, now being manufactured at our Baltimore house. BOOTS at reduced rates. Six cases of those fine heavy kip boots only, remain unsold. Call soon or loose a bargain. Also an endless variety of Men's and Boys' HATS, at greatly reduced prices.

Hoping the citizens of Augusta will avail themselves of this opportunity to get FIRST CLASS GOODS, at low prices, will call early and secure a bargain at S. MANDELBAL'M'S Emporium of Fashion, Under the Virginia Hotel. jan2B-tf I OOK OUT FOR HOKSE-Tliievea The Churchville Horse-Thief Detective Club invite public attention to their operations, especially their KEWARDS. The members of Club have been divided into Eight Squads of Twelve men each, with a captain to each squad. The entire operations are under the supervision of a President, who, when a horse has been stolen, may call out, in pursuit, as many squads ashe may deem necessary.

The members are required to keep a descriptive list of all their and to brand them on the left shoulder with a cross, consisting of two l's an inch and a half in length, bisecting each other at right angles. Standing rewards offered to persons not Belonging to the Club For the recovery of the stolen horse and the capture and conviction of the thief. FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS; for the recovery of the horse alone, in the county, $20; out of it, $40. When a horse is stolen, these rewards will be extensively advertised by means of hand-bills and newspapers. Communications intended for the club can fee addressed either to E.

GEEDING, President, or J. H. HEIZER, Secretary. Churchville, Augusta county, Va. P.

Churchville Detective Horse-Thief Club offer a reward of $100 for the arrest and conviction of the thief who stole the advertised by J. B. Trimble. E. GEEDING, President of Club.

Only one Chance for Business Hen TO SECURE A PERMANENT ADVERTISEMENT For only Ten Dollars! The Map of Staunton! Circulated free from The Potomac to Lynchburg and from Manassas to Lewisburg. Business men will see that this is an opportunity not to be lost. Secure a position for your it will be therefor years let the opportunity pass, it can never be recalled. A limited number of Cards received. This, map is to be circulated gratuitously from Harper's Ferry to Lynchburg, and from Junction to Lewisburg, which will contain tho cards of a large number of our business men This map will be lithographed and gotten up in the most accurate and best style, showing every street, alley and house in the town.

This map is to be posted at every public house in the region of country mentioned above. Cards will be inserted on this map for tho sum of ten dollars- Persons who behove in advertising will avail themselves of this new and means of bringing their business before the public. Citizens of Staunton, and others, can secureviews of their residences, by making earlyapplication to GEO. M. BAKER CO.

ASD The subscribers offer for in lots to suit purchasers, 2000 Tons of Double Refined Poudxotta of the Lodi Manufacturing made from tho night soil, blood, offal and dead animals of New York City, for which the Co. have exclusive contract. Price only Twenty-Five Dollars per Tox, Freight and Charges from New York added. Warranted by tho Co. to be equal weight for u-eight to any high priced superphosphate in market.

The results on Corn, Cotton, Tobacco and Grain have been astonishing the past season. It matures the crop from 10 days to two weeks earlier, and doubles the crop. Pamphlets with certificates of hundreds of well known and farmers, and every information sent free to any one applying by letter or otherwise Hooe Wkdckkburs, Alexandria, Va. Allison Addison, Richmond, Va. or to The Lodi Manufacturing company, X.

Y. jan 2m "TiOXOYAN A dealers in all kinds of Groceries, Produce, Flour, Grain, corner of Augusta street and Spring (room formerly occupied by Peck will give their undivided attention to the purchase and sale of Flour, Grain, Seeds, and country Propuce generally. AW-OFFICEFOK January 31st, 1808, I will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder, the LAWOFFICE of Harman Bell, now occupied by Echols, Bell Catlett. Terms of Sale made known on day of sale. Sale to take place at 1) o'clock, A.

in front of the office, jan H. M. BELL. Peck dishing, Auctioneers. FOR The STORE-ROOMslorrowly occupied by Donovan O'Toole, under the room which has heretofore been occupied by Peck Cushing, are offered for rent on good terms.

Any one desiring to rent the above rooma will call on Mrs. BOLEN, Corner of Augusta street and Spring Lane. jan2B-3ts BOOKS BOOKS Magazine for February; The Lady's Book for February The Old Capitol and its Inmates, by a Lady who enjoyed the hospitalities of the Government for a season. The Negro; What is his Ethnological Status, by Ariel. An assortment of Valentines.

ROBT. COWAN. FOB A light running four-seated FAMILY 'CARRIAGE, at a low price. Apply to Capt. J.

H. "Waters. Auction Sales. PUBLIC SALE or Real Eslttte in Augusta County, Va. The undersigned, executor of Philip deceased, will sell at public auction, THURSDAY THE bTII DAY OF rr 1808, on the premises, that desirable fr --iKOli, on South River, two milos east of 3J' "xi" ing situated in front of Mt.

Vernon lr an contains about ISO Acres, hk orks adjoins the lands of Abram M' JJ nd OSt varo! water in the Ve nts con a large frame niDR I 2 rooms brides a good bundm-' a ge barn and all necessary out- to, and to be sold with the farm, i 3 WT, cave, long known as ''WE AST'S CAVE situated in the same range of hills with Madison and eyer's Caves, and those who have an eye tor grand and beautiful scenery, consider it one of Nature's master-pieces it has been visited by persons from various sections of the country, and very competent judges pronounce it equal in every respect to Weyer's Cave. It is seldom that so rare an opportunity is offered to the public, and persons desirous of purchasing a very valuable farm and pleasant home, should avail themselves of this opportunity. I will take pleasure in showing the tarm, and also the Cave, to those who may call on us. in hand, the balance in one and two payments. HIINRY tVEAST, jan Executor.

Hagerstown Mail and Rockingham Register copy lm and send bill to this office for collection. If you wish to be posted in all the interesting news, subscribe for the Spectatob. Express. PONY EXPRESS! WITH United States Mail Line, Connecting with the Passenger, Express, and Mail Trains, on the Virginia Central Railroad, will convey passengers, and deliver all at any point between Covington and Lewisburg, with care and despatch. Address goods to care of T.

L. FEAMSTER, Covington, Va. Agency for Lewisburg, at Sydenstricker Cameron's Drug Store..