Valley Virginian

It is useless to disguise the fact, and we would be criminal if we did, the situation is bad, and every sign of the times indicates that it may become worse. We are not an alarmist, but we can't help agreeing with the Examiner that "the Conservative prospects are not brilliant. In fact, they are gloomy. That the President and his policy may yet have a peaceful triumph at the ballot-box is, indeed, possible, but we cannot look upon it as probable. The manner in which the President has been treated, the rampant attitude of Radicalism, in all quarters, and the results of recent elections, do not augur very hopefully of Conservative success. It is very true that Vermont and Maine are not States where much growth of proper sentiment was reasonably to be expected, but still we had been assured that even in Yankeeland Radicalism was on the decline. We have been disappointed. Madness still rules the hour, and the future is darkened by clouds that we cannot penetrate with our keenest vision.

We do not desire our readers to wrap themselves in a false security. It is pleasant to hug the delusive phantoms of hope; but it is safer and better to be prepared for the worst. The lamentable dominance of Radicalism is likely to continue until its violence begets a superior violence that shall subdue it. It is possible that elections outside of New England may result more favorably to Conservatism; but we are forced to say that appearances do not justify any very sanguine expectations of that kind. Radicalism is to be allowed to run its course, and to plunge the country into untold woes. The measure of its iniquity is to be filled, and it will not take it long. Till then we must possess our souls in patience.

"When the moment arrives for action, let us be ready with heart and hand. Nothing in our late defeat and our renewed allegiance to the Government binds us to perpetual sufferance. We are men, as other men are. We have rights and duties, both as citizens and as persons, that can neither be renounced nor taken from us. We are not bondmen. We are Americans. We cannot tamely see all the blessings that make life tolerable taken or withheld from us. We have borne much, and we have borne long. There is a point, however, where patience ceases to be a virtue, and Radicalism is driving us towards it with fearful speed."

"And what are we to do about it?" is the question that occurs to every man. Wait, be patient, work, and, in the language of Alexander Stevens, believe that "God, in his mercy and wisdom, only knows what is to be the future of this country. The destiny of States, as well as of individuals, is in His hands. All that we poor mortals can do, is to discharge our duty as well as we can, from the lights before us, and then bow submissively to His will." But "keep your powder dry!"

So far as we have seen by our Southern exchanges, says the Baltimore Transcript, Fred. Douglas seems to be considered the most distinguished gentleman of the late Radical Convention. Whatever the natural bitterness manifested towards the white agitators, there is nothing harsh said of Douglas, but, on the contrary, he is rather spoken of as the most sensible person who figured in the revolutionary proceedings at Philadelphia. We learn that in social intercourse the Southerners express the same preference of Fred. "You see sir," said an old Virginia gentleman to us, not long ago, "he was raised among gentlemen, and conducts himself accordingly." We have yet to see the first Southern journal in which Douglas is not spoken of as the most prominent man, in point of mind and manners, of the Philadelphia conclave.

Our people have made great calculations on a large emigration into the Valley, and we are glad to see so many good men from the North, South, and Eastern Virginia, enquiring for lands among us. Now we have talked to many of these gentlemen, and we find that the great inducement to come here and settle is the prospect of the Valley Railroad being built. Every vote given for the subscription adds to the inducement for people to emigrate here--every good emigrant brings money, and that is the great object. We are happy to state that our most intelligent citizens think the vote for the subscription will be overwhelming. We begin to see daylight.

The "city of the hills," Staunton, is full of life and enterprise--the liveliest town in the State. The street have been lighted with gas, the pavements are being relaid, new enterprises projected, and general activity pervading all descriptions of business. A large tobacco factory has been recently established there by John B. Evans, Esq. Two large Foundries have been built since the war--Roberts, Nelson & Co., and Capt. W. A. Burke; and to cap the climax of progress and taste, the two Hotels cannot be surpassed anywhere in the South. Long may she wave, the seat of enterprise, taste, and pretty, intelligent girls. We'll have to annex her to Harrisonburg.

A visit to Staunton last week afforded an opportunity of making inquiry as to the state of affairs in that section, with a result truly gratifying. Business there is brisk, and the bustle and confusion indicates a thriving, prosperous condition. Storehouses, dwellings, as building sites, are in great demand, whilst on every hand evidences of improvement are met with. The hotels, probably the best in the State, are crowded with guests, and the various lines of communication with the place are liberally patronized. Centrally located, and situated in one of the wealthiest sections of the State, Staunton promises to be an inland city of no inconsiderable importance. Winchester must bestir herself if she would maintain her pre-eminence as the principle town of the great Valley--the centre of intelligence, refinement and business. We congratulate our Staunton friends on their energy and enterprise.