Valley Virginian

The signs of the times are everywhere favorable to Democratic success. In all parts of the North and West the earnest, passionate resolve of the people to rid themselves of the infamous Radical despotism is becoming more apparent. The press, representing every shade of conservative sentiment, from the moderate Republicans--disgusted with the corruption and fanaticism of his party--to the peace Democrat, speak out with an enthusiasm and unanimity in support of the New York nominations that dispels every vestige of apprehension of defection from the conservative ranks.

None know better than the Radicals that nothing but defection from the conservative party could defeat the mighty uprising of the people against radical rule and ruin, and in defense of the Constitution and the liberties of the people. Hence, the bitter denunciation by the Radicals of Seymour and Blair, as Copperheads and Revolutionists--hence, their persistent efforts to persuade the Western Democrats that their favorite statesman had been slaughtered by a "trick" of Wallstreet, and hence their frantic attempts to form a "third party," in the hope of drawing votes from the regular ticket, or throwing the election in the Radical House of Representatives, where Grant's election would be sure. But every attempt to divide and distract the defenders of the Constitution has signally failed, and to-day the Democratic party stands intact, and inspired with an enthusiastic unanimity which makes the election of Seymour and Blair so certain as any future event can be.

The question has been mooted in several of the Southern States why we should not identify ourselves with the Democracy of the North in name as well as in principle. In itself the question seems to be an immaterial one; but, as we see it, the only way to judge of the future is by the past, which clearly shows that unity of action, with out friends in the North and South, alone can redeem us from the thralldom which is sought to be imposed upon us. The only earthly help that we can expect is from the Democratic party--our ends are their ends and theirs ours. They offer their hand in our hour of need, and why should we refuse to co-operate with them to the utmost extent of our ability? We would suggest that the word "Conservative" be dropped, and that until, at least, we are again a free people, we fight our battles under the proud old banner of Democracy. We know of no good reason why this should not be done at once. What say the press of Virginia?

Almost every traveler who visits our Mountain City has been surprised at the activity and business appearance of Staunton, and we have seen frequent and gratifying allusions in our exchanges to its rapid growth and prosperity. Turn where you will, and you can hear the busy hammer of the mechanic, and the hum of foundries and shops. Idle loungers are seen less frequently here than in any other place of the size of Staunton, and we venture to say, without fear of contradiction, that Staunton stands unrivaled in the amount of trade carried on by its sagacious merchants in proportion to its population. All these, with a delightful climate and fertile lands, have given to Staunton a preponderance over any town in the South.

But these are only the effects of the great lever--education. And to the unusual advantages which Staunton presents to the sons and daughters of the South, we refer with pride and satisfaction.

Apart from the allurement of a city life, in a most salubrious climate, in a community known for its correctness of morals and Christian principles; easy of access by rail, she stands, proud and peerless, sending forth the influences of her schools--like the sun its rays--a blessing over our Southern land.

The Virginia Institute, Rev. R.H. Phillips, Principal, is perhaps the oldest and most commodious of our schools for young ladies. No school in the South enjoyed a greater confidence or larger patronage before the war than this. The vicissitudes of war closed its doors, however, to the purposes for which it was intended.

But nothing could baffle the energy of its Principal, after the close of the strife. In a short time he was "reconstructed" and again "in the field," with a corps of able assistants, to impart to the mind knowledge and wisdom.

The few clouds of doubt that were hanging over its former prestige have been dispelled by its most flattering success, year after year has added to the list of its pupils, until it has become necessary to provide accommodations for the largest number of boarders the buildings will hold. The buildings were especially designed for a young ladies' school; the grounds are ample--embracing four acres--and have been laid out and adorned in a beautiful manner.

This is the school of the Diocese of the Episcopal Church of the State. Its corps of instructors is fourteen, embracing some of the best talent in the town. Rev. J.C. Wheat, the Vice-Principle, has been one of the most successful teachers of youth. Prof. E. Louis Ide's musical soirees and exhibitions have been the best it has been the privilege of our citizens to attend. The department of French languages is in the hands of Prof. C. Louis Therry, a native of France and an accomplished scholar. With all these advantages, the success of the Virginia Female Institute is beyond doubt.

The Augusta Female Seminary, presided over with great success by Miss M.J. Baldwin, is the school of the Presbyterian Church. The course of instruction in this school is large and comprehensive, and the patronage which it has enjoyed is sufficient evidence that her efforts are appreciated by the public. Struggling under many disadvantages during the war, as most schools were, it has come out with success. To Prof. Joel Ettinger is due the credit of having raised music to the standard which it takes among our schools and is generally admitted that it never was so high in the Augusta Female Seminary as now. The other branches of learning are entrusted to faithful and experienced teachers. We understand that it is contemplated to erect a new hall, on the grounds recently added to the property of this school.

The Wesleyan Female Seminary is the school of the Methodist Church. This might be called a new school, for it was raised from almost nothing to the level of prosperity by its present Principle, Rev. Wm. Harris. In the present attitude of affairs, we think it is the duty of every citizen of our State to patronize home institutions, and we doubt not that the Wesleyan Female Seminary will continue to receive the support which it so well deserves, if its merits are know to the good people of the South. Prof. Yancey, a graduate of the University of Virginia, is connected with this school, and Prof. J.H. Hewitt, the well-known musical composer, takes charge of the musical department.

The "Kalorama" is strictly a family school. The number of pupils is limited, and for many years it has enjoyed an undiminished patronage. Many are the pupils, in and of Staunton, that still speak with affection and gratitude of the Kalorama. For a "home school," where teacher and pupil come in contact, not only in the recitation room, but at all times, none can compare records with the Kalorama.

One of our schools is the Masonic Female Seminary, conducted by the widow of our most esteemed citizen, Gen. W.H. Harman, who lost his life in the battle of Waynesboro. Gen. Harman was Grand Master of all the Masons of Virginia at the time of his death, and the school of Mrs. Harman has thus a particular claim upon the members of the mystic tie. None can doubt the superior qualification of the Principal of this school, and so we hope to see the day when the Masonic Female Seminary shall rank among the largest schools of our country.

For the education of boys we mention the fine and flourishing Academy of P. Powers, Esq., situated half a mile from Staunton.--Mr. P. having taught mathematics at Hampton Sidney College and at the University of Virginia, we know of no school where this important branch of a young man's education would have been better attended to than at Mr. Power's school. Those desiring to enter the University cannot do better than spend a few sessions with Mr. Powers.

Chas. Young, Esq., has charge of the Old Academy. The number of people were as many as Mr. Young could attend to. Mr. Young proposes to receive a small number of boarders during the coming session, and we can assure parents that their sons will be in able and faithful hands should they trust them to the hands of the Principle.

The St. Francis Hall Catholic School has become an institution in our midst. The male department is presided over by Judge Nick Cleary, of Washington, and the female by Miss Collins, of Staunton. The marked improvement in the scholars, is but an earnest of what will be done in the future by the active agency of the Catholics here. We expect to see St. Francis Hall second to no school in the South.

With such an array of talent, and such opportunities of education, we ask, where is the place that offers superior educational advantages to Staunton?