Staunton Vindicator

Mr. Lincoln and His Friends.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Express writes: "The mortification of the Republicans at Mr. Lincoln's recent speeches increases with every fresh emanation from the Presidential tripod. They begin when it is too late to [line illegible] allegations of the Union men of Illinois to the incompetency of Lincoln for the Presidency. During the canvass, his supporters appealed triumphantly to his published speeches as proof of his ability. It now appears, as suspected at the time, that these speeches were carefully prepared by Mr. Judd and other friends of Mr. Lincoln, revised and re-revised, polished and re-written, to such a degree that they who heard them on the stump could not recognize them in print. This was a part of the game of deception played by the Republicans upon the people, to foist a man upon the country for its chief magistrate who was never regarded by his most intimate acquaintances, as anything more than a jocose, cunning, country politician. I am assured by those who knew him well that a more illiterate man it would be difficult to find, even among the self-made lawyers of Illinois. His chief characteristic is an immense 'gift of gab,' and a wonderful command of language, unaccompanied by a corresponding copiousness of ideas. The election of such a man at such a crisis is undoubtedly the greatest evil that has ever befallen this country. But the mischief is done, and the only relief for the American people is to shorten sail, caulk the hatches, put in the dead-lights, send down the topmasts, and prepare for a hurricane."

The Convention.

The sluggish progress of the State Convention in reaching the object for which it was called, is bringing down upon the devoted heads of the members of that body curses both loud and deep from a deceived and outraged constituency. In session now two weeks, and yet not one step taken towards the end contemplated by the originators of the movement, that of placing Virginia in a decided position in the present crisis. They are now spending daily between $1,500 and $2,000 of the people's money doing nothing. It was not expected that the Convention would sit longer than ten days at farthest, before it would either lay down an ultimatum and fix a time for compliance without, or adjourn at once without doing anything. We are satisfied from the material of which the body is composed that they will do nothing, and therefore, as honorable men, it is their duty to adjourn at once, and relieve the people of the burden of the expenses which daily accumulate during its sessions. A majority of resurrected political hacks, whom the people have time and again consigned to the shades of private life, have control of the Convention. Unused to such distinction and bewildered by the giddy height to which they have been elevated, they are totally at a loss what [line missing] . . . [sym]pathy with the incoming administration--a traditional, inbred and embittered hatred of Democracy--we cannot expect anything more from them than to pass by in silence the stupendous events that are crowding upon us and shaking the nation to pieces, and their labors and energies to be directed to the consolidation of a party, whose paramount object will be to defeat the Democracy and inaugurate the ascendancy of Federalism and semi-republicanism in Virginia.

Look at the leading spirits of the Convention. Janney, Scott, Goggin, Flournoy, Summers, Stuart, Southall, Moore, and others upon whom the people heretofore, when free from excitement and the influence of panic, have set their seal of condemnation, are directing its deliberations. What care they for the character and policy of the federal administration, so they can be placed in control of the political fortunes of Virginia! In this connection, we call attention to a letter written in Richmond for the New York Tribune, and which we re-publish today. It will there be seen what is the impression created in the republican ranks by the result in Virginia and the action of the Convention thus far. We boldly proclaim it, that the policy of that body, if persisted in, will bring on civil war, and drench this land in brothers' blood.

22nd of February.

This national holiday was appropriately celebrated by the military of Staunton. Early in the morning the two volunteer companies--West Augusta Guard, Capt. Baylor, the Staunton Artillery, Capt. Imboden, and the Cadets of Henderson's High School, under their tutor, Mr. Henderson--formed into line near the American Hotel, and proceeding through our principal streets, accompanied by Turner's Cornet Band, marched to the parade ground, in the northern limit of the town, whence, after going through various evolutions, they returned to the place of starting. An encampment was then formed in Stuart's meadow--tents pitched, guards appointed, and all the other minutia of camp life strictly observed. The scene reminded us of other days, when afar off, we experienced the romantic excitement and deprivation of actual campaigning-- when all eyes were on the qui vive for the stealthy approach of the red skins, or the evidence of their whereabouts as given in the lazily curling smoke raising from the camp fires in the distance. Forgetting that, although a peaceful sky arched above us and smiling friends greeted us at every step, we were nevertheless under the control of military discipline and regulations, we attempted to leave the encampment and pass the guard line. No sooner were hailed, "who comes" [from the] post than we [line missing] . . . knowing the countersign, we of course, said nothing; whereupon the aforesaid sentinel bellowed out, "Corporal of the Guard, post number seven." Four soldiers and the Corporal came marching up as if to storm a fort. We instantly arrested them, and proceeding with them to the officer of the day, Lt. Waters, we arrested the commander of the company, Capt. Baylor, all of whom we released on the conditions that they would treat to the refreshments necessary on the occasion, and permit us thereafter to go whithersoever we listeth. These conditions being complied with, and having partaken of the contents of the mess chests of Capts. Imboden and Baylor, we vamosed the encampment, and sought a retreat less exposed to the rigors of military discipline. We were surprised at the promptness with which the tents were pitched and the familiarity displayed with all the regulations of camp life. Considering that but very few of the members of these companies have ever seen actual service in arms, they exhibited a remarkable facility in the arrangement and execution of all their plans. It evidences application of no ordinary degree on the part both of officers and men.

At night a grand fair and entertainment was given at the new depot for the benefit of the "West Augusta Guard." We have never seen so large an attendance on any similar occasion, for the reason, we suppose, that heretofore fairs have been gotten up for the benefit of some particular religious denomination. But here Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian made common cause, and contributed to swell the crowd as well as the income of the entertainment. The nett [sic] amount realized was over $600.

Altogether, the celebration of the 22d passed off very agreeably, and to the gratification of our citizens. No unpleasant incident marred the proceedings of the day, save an occasional boisterous demonstration from a disciple of John Barleycorn.

The Main Question.

The gist and marrow of the question that now threatens to plunge our country into civil war, will be settled in a very short time. It is whether the doctrine of coercion or secession is to be recognized by Lincoln's administration. Of necessity this point will have to be adjusted by Lincoln and his Cabinet immediately after they are installed in office. If Mr. Mr. [sic] Lincoln attempts to collect the revenue or to re-inforce the forts in the seceded States, that will be a tangible evidence of a purpose to coerce. If not, then the doctrine of secession will have to be recognized, whether as an abstract question or as a matter of policy, is of little moment. Theories in regard to this question effect only the past. At present it is a practical issue which must be decided promptly and at once. We can scarcely believe that Mr. Lincoln will be so reckless of the happiness of thirty millions of people as to attempt to carry out the intimations he has shadowed forth of his views on this subject. We will see, however, in a very few days.

Attention Volunteers!!

An informal meeting of Officers was held in Staunton on the 22nd ult., at which the Staunton Artillery, West Augusta Guard, and the Union Grays were represented, when it was

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting a REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS ought to be organized in Augusta, as soon as practicable.

Resolved, That the Officers of all the Volunteer Companies in the county be invited to meet in Staunton on Monday the 4th of March, to organize said Regiment.

J.D. Imboden, Chairman.

W.H. Randolph, Sec'y.

March 1, 1861.