Staunton Vindicator

Judge John W. Brockenbrough.

On Saturday evening last, about ten o'clock, it having been ascertained that Judge Jno. W. Brockenbrough was at the Virginia Hotel, Turner's Cornet Band, at the request of a number of our citizens, complimented him with a serenade. In response, Judge B. made a few remarks on the condition of our country. Having but recently returned from Washington, he gave a succinct, yet interesting allusion to the efforts of the Peace Commissioners sent by Virginia (of whom he was one) to devise some means by which the Constitutional rights of the South might be more fully assured, and, as a consequence, the Union preserved. Those efforts having failed of all desirable issue, he saw no other course for Virginia to pursue with honor, than to immediately separate from the Northern States, the animus of whose every action is intense hostility to the institutions and equality of the South.

The short speech of Judge B., although entirely impromptu, was delivered with that ease and grace and beauty of diction peculiar to the distinguished gentleman. But few persons possess in a more eminent degree the power of presenting their thoughts in so perspicuous a manner as Judge B.--His effort on Saturday night was one of his happiest, evidencing that thorough culture of mind and concentration of thought which has made him one of the most profound jurists of the age.

The audience, numbering over two hundred of our citizens, received his remarks with manifestations of the highest gratification, evincing their hearty concurrence in the patriotic sentiments uttered, by frequent applause.

It was the first time we had ever heard the Judge other than on the Bench. A voice clear and harmonious, enunciation distinct and musical, and gestures appropriate and graceful, he combines the elements of the popular orator possessed by but few. Take the occasion altogether--the delightful music, the orator, and his interesting theme--we have seldom enjoyed a more agreeable and entertaining half hour.

"Mr. Bennet, one of the financial . . ."

Mr. Bennett, one of the financial officers of the State, has already called for an increase of 20 cents in the one hundred dollars on the present rate of taxation. If the policy of the submissionists is adopted, and Virginia becomes a part of the Northern Confederacy, her negroes will be transported South. This will remove one source of revenue, and then the taxes on lands, &c., will be doubled! Think of it, farmers--"Submission," or what is called "Union," will drive four hundred millions of taxable property out of the State, and force your farms and stock to bear the increase of taxes consequent thereupon. Do not be deceived, people of Virginia! We must go with the South as against the North, and the sooner we take our position the better.

"Col. Baldwin . . ."

Col. Baldwin has addressed the Convention, and as all his personal friends here anticipated, made a good speech--the best it is thought, on his side of the question. None who know him expected less. Our regret is that he occupies a position so temporising and indecisive--so ill judged and injurious. The great necessity of the crisis--a necessity from which there is no safe or honorable escape--is utterly ignored by him in the idle pursuit of an impracticable idea. The question is not "Union." That is irretrievably, hopelessly broken up. No compromise of right--no palliation of wrong, or denunciation of its resistance, can restore its fallen columns. Nor can past glory reconcile to a future of degradation. The only question is, where shall we go? With the North or the South? If with the North, what are we to do with our Negroes? Converted into pests and vampyres as they soon must be in such connexion, they will suck out the very lifeblood of the Commonwealth. And there will be no help for us. The North would gloat over our distresses, while the South, in self-defense, would be compelled to close her doors against us. The "irrepressible conflict" will then be upon us with all its horrors. Such must inevitably be our condition. And who will not say, give us war, give us anything, extermination itself, rather than such a consuming life of degradation and ruin.

Let us accept, then, at once, and without delay, the sad alternative thus forced upon us. Our Christian Churches are yielding to the necessity; and if bonds so sacred and endearing are rent by it, how vain is the hope that other ties, less hallowed, can hold us together in peace.

Our Street Commissioners have gone to work, and are inaugurating our pavements. We thank them for their kindly consideration of the people. Let them not "weary in well doing."

I will sell privately the LAGRANGE FARM containing 418 Acres, lying 3 miles West of Staunton. The Central Railroad runs through it. I will also sell
Nine Young and Likely Negroes,
belonging to the heirs of Col. Jos. Tuley, dec'd.--A Women 33 years of age, who is a good Cook, Ironer and Washer, with a pleasant disposition; a Man 21 years of age, who is a No. one hand; the remainder are from 3 to 14 years old, all stout and well grown. The Negroes are healthy, robust and likely. TERMS CASH, or a negotiable note at thirty days, well endorsed, with interest added. For the land, terms as usual. Any one wishing to buy will apply soon, as I will leave for Clarke County in a few weeks.