Staunton Spectator

Undoubtedly the State of Virginia presents, says the Alexandria Gazette, a most attractive field for the investment of capital in manufacturing enterprises. Probably, there is not in the world, a country offering the facilities for the manufacture of implements, materials, and goods of all descriptions, woolen, cotton, iron, &c., &c., &c., that can be found in Virginia-and it so happens that, just at this time, owing to peculiar circumstances, these facilities can be most profitably used, in the hands of those who have the means to embark in the enterprises of which we have spoken. The great want with us , for such undertakings, is the need of CAPITAL.-Our people have not, generally, the money to expend in building and starting large factories and workshops. But still the inviting prospect of prosperity and wealth, in a short time, by the establishment of manufactories in Virginia, is held open to the people of all nations, and sooner or later their attention will be attracted. Now, in England, Germany and France, there is abundant capital, and labor to spare. Why cannot some of that capital and labor be transferred to Virginia, and be here turned to an account, far surpassing what is generally accumulated by engaging in manufacturing business in European countries? On the other side of the Atlantic the manufactures have our tariffs to contend against. Here they could have the tariff to their own advantage, and thus receive benefits from the laws which were designed to exclude them from our shores. They and all others, who would come to Virginia, to embark in the business, would find the raw material at their doors, the water power thundering in their ears, the coal beneath the soil on which they tread. They would enjoy a fine climate, and healthy country, and productive land. They would be welcomed and hospitably received.-The Legislature, even, we have no doubt, would be liberal in its action, for the encouragement of the growth of manufactures in our State, looking o the benefits that would accrue to all the interests of the Commonwealth. This important subject was favorably noticed by some of the best and most influential of our farmers at their late convention in Richmond. Indeed, the establishment of home manufactories is every way desirable to them, and they feel that it is their interest to promote their success in every possible form. The loom and the forge are the natural allies of the plough, when the work is all done at home, and the profits to enure to the prosperity of our own State, and not to be sent abroad to fill the coffers of others, already "overflowing with money." We trust that this matter will be taken up with zeal, and that the capabilities and advantages of Virginia will be made known to capitalists and manufacturers in Europe, as well as in portions of this country where capital is seeking a profitable investment.

The census of 1860 shows that the foreign population of the United States now amounts to more than four millions, having nearly doubled in the ten years from 1850 to 1860. The countries from which this emigration has principally come, are Ireland, which has sent 1,611,304 of the foreign residents; Germany, 1,301,136; England 431,692; British America, 249,970; France 109,870; Scotland 108,516; whilst the remainder is made up from almost every country on the face of the earth, including China, which sends 33,565 to California; 3,582,999 of the whole number of foreign born are inhabitants of the Free States, and only 553,176 of the Slave States. It is easy, says the Baltimore Transcript, to account for this difference. Slavery repelled immigration. Free labor could not exist prosperously in contact with slave labor. Slavery required large plantations, and in a land of small farms could not be maintained. But now that slavery is abolished, there is no reason why the main current of immigration should continue in the West. There is, in fact, every reason to the contrary. There is no labor required in the South for clearing and settling, which, in the West, must cost from fifty to a hundred dollars an acre, even if the land be got for nothing. Cleared lands, with all the improvements can be bought in the South for less than half per acre that it will cost the emigrant to clear and settle lands in the West, even if the lands cost nothing. The South has besides the advantages of greater nearness to market, a more genial and healthful climate, an older civilization; churches, houses, roads and mills already constructed. These facts, but for the scandalous misrepresentations of the enemies of the South, and the turmoil and convulsions which are apprehended there from the destructive influence of political fanaticism, would inevitably secure the South its full share of foreign immigration.

Rev. S. D. Stuart, of this place, who was recently on a visit to England, delivered a lecture before the Staunton Lyceum on last Friday night. A number of ladies and gentlemen, not members of the Society were present, and all were highly gratified and most pleasantly entertained for more than an hour. Mr. Stuart commenced his lecture with his embarkation from the port of New York, and after a varied voyage-having encountered the cloud, sunshine and the gale-landed safely at Liverpool. And there, being on the soil of old England, he visited many points of interest, and being a minister of the gospel; he heard many of the most distinguished and noted divines, some of whom delighted him, and others fell below what he anticipated. He heard the noted Spurgeon preach to his congregation of 5000 souls, and while there was nothing peculiarly striking or attractive in the personal appearance of this eminent divine, yet he held his audience and seemed to sway them at will.

The war has not quite knocked us into flinders, though it has somewhat prostrated us. We have a flourishing Lyceum, a Philomathesian Society, and a talented corps of Thespians. In addition to these intellectual associations, we have now a regularly organized Musical Society, composed of the best professional and amateur talent of our community. On Tuesday night last,; the 22nd inst., a meeting of ladies and gentlemen, lovers of the "divine art," took place and the "Staunton Musical Association" was organized by the election of the following officers:

Prof. J. H. Hewitt, President.

Mr. R. M. Guy, Secretary.

" D. W. Drake, Treasurer.

" C. H. Hunter, Librarian.

Dr. J. L. Brown, Director.

Prof. Joel Ettinger, Organist.

Their meetings are to take place weekly, on Tuesday evenings.

A large number of ladies were present at the meeting, and contributed greatly to the furtherance of the object in view. On assuming the chair, Prof. Hewitt made some very appropriate remarks-urging the members to promptness and unity. A number of fine choruses were then sung with an effect that would have done credit to an experienced choir, every part being complete.

We hail the formation of this Association with feelings of pleasure, as we are confident that it will be the fountain of much social enjoyment to our citizens, and furnish us with a class of music which will please our senses, while it improves our taste.

We have been requested to state that honorary membership will be conferred, the trifling subscription being $3 per annum. Such members will have the privilege of attending concerts and rehearsals.