Staunton Vindicator

The great political ball of 1860 is fairly opened, and the cauldron commenced its seething with more than ordinary virulence and intensity. Probably not since the inauguration of our system of government have the press and politicians of the country at large been more earnestly, if not wisely, engaged in the discussion of the claims of the various aspirants for the Presidency, and the issues which may enter into that momentous struggle. That freedom of thought and expression, which is one of the legitimate offsprings of our popular institutions, is being exercised with a liberality that might well institute an inquiry as to its propriety, and the various schemes and claims of politicians urged with a tenacity, which, to the unobservant, might savor of anything but harmony and oneness of action by the friends of individuals in each of the party organizations. But, while at this early day the elements of discord and contention seem prevalent, we have the history of the Democratic party as a satisfying assurance that the authorized action of its representatives at Charleston will calm the troubled waters, and present the country another evidence of that unity of sentiment which follows an abiding faith in the conservative cardinal principles which lie at the foundation of our organization. A simple reference to the agitation which preceded the contest of 1856, and the fears that loomed up in the minds of the timid, will justify the prediction that temporary breaks will be healed, the column closed, and the organization so consolidated, as to defy the enemy, and achieve another triumph as significant and glorious as that which crowned our efforts in the memorable conflict which elevated the present Chief Majistrate to the position he now occupies.

We freshly remember the ominous predictions of the Opposition as to the result of the action of the Cincinnati Convention, when it was assumed as one of those events whose shadow had been cast before, that it would be an assemblage of incongruous and dissentient elements, eventuating in the total disorganization and, consequently, the annihilation of the Democratic party.--But the unction thus flatteringly laid to the soul proved but another of those delusions which has marked the perturbed existence of the Opposition, and but verified the strength and power of a party the basis of whose existence and successes is well defined and immutable principle. With a combination of all the issues of which the miasmatic vapors of the North are prolific, to oppose it, the Democratic party steadily marched on to triumph, and once more preserved its integrity and traditional adherence to the guarantees of the Constitution. The same hopes that encouraged the Opposition then, and similar fears to those which agitated a portion of the Democratic party, are again in active exercise. Indeed, the promise is that the Opposition will be more firmly, but not the less fatally, united in '60. If we are to take the Richmond Whig as the authorized organ of the Opposition of Virginia, a combination as odious as "Bli[text unreadable] and Black George--the Puritan and Black Leg"--is now in process of consummation, the election of a Black Republican Speaker of the next Congress being the first step in the detestable programme.--While we are averse to receiving the belief that such a union can be effected--that honest men of the Southern Opposition can fraternize with the bitter enemies of our interests and institutions at the North--yet we are irresistibly forced to give peculiar significance and importance to the suggestions of so influential and able an Opposition journal as the Richmond Whig. It behooves us, however the proposition may startle and surprise us, to anticipate the emergency when Southern Opposition members of Congress will vote to "elect the blackest of Black Republicans' Speaker over "any Democrat North or South.

With these indications staring us full in the face, it is not the suggestion of wisdom and policy for Democrats to cease their bickerings and criminations as to men, and reposing a cherished confidence in the patriotism and party fealty of the Charleston Convention, leave that body the trusted umpire whose selection shall be year and amen to every one who cherishes the principles and rejoices in the success of the Democratic party.

On Sunday last, a crowd of not less than one thousand negroes assembled on the basin to take leave of the negroes belonging to the estate of the late Mrs. Frances B. Shackleford, of Amherst county, who, in accordance with the will of the deceased, were about to depart by way of the canal, for a free State. The whole number set free was forty-four men women and children, but only thirty-seven left, the balance preferring to remain in servitude in Old Virginia rather than enjoy their freedom elsewhere. Some of these who did leave, were thrown on the boat by main force, so much opposed were they to leaving, and many expressed their determination of returning to Virginia as soon as an opportunity offered. Many were the well wishes tendered the departing negroes by the crowd assembled, and when the boats started from their wharves, the freed negroes struck up "Carry me back to Old Virginny," which was joined in by one and all, and in a tone which indicated plainly that if left to their own free will, they would gladly spend the remainder of their days in servitude in the home of their birth.