Monongalia Mirror

WASHINGTON, May 15, 1852.

Dear Sir:

One who had never heard of the approaching elections in Virginia, or could have been placed in the condition in which the renowned Rip Van Winkle is represented, would suppose, from reading the last "Mirror," that truly the day of judgment was at hand, and the resurrection was about to take place. It is true a resurrection is about to take place, not of the body, but of character. The mania which has gotten hold of many in the Old Dominion for office, under the provisions of the new Constitution has brought forth some rare geniuses, who are fit subjects for public targets. It is somewhat amusing to read the evidence in behalf of some, who, had the new constitution not been adopted, would have been perfectly content to have laid under the imputations with which they are now charged, and enjoyed, in sweet retirement, the winnings of former days. But the new constitution has opened a new field. The course is free for "horse, mare and gelding," and those who enter upon this course must of necessity subject themselves to the lynx-eyed scrutiny of public investigation, and when they are "weighed in the balance and found wanting," they must expect the fate and receive the sentence of "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin," &c.

A move has been lately made in the Virginia House of Delegates to remove the Seat of Government from Richmond, on account of the indignities offered Gov. Johnson for his interposition in the case of a negro who was sentenced to death for the murder of a white man. The Richmond papers, you will observe, have been filled with the proceedings of public meetings, expressive of considerable feeling upon the subject, and some of the Western members of the Legislature have strongly advocated the removal of the Capitol in order to get rid of a repetition of such lawless acts. There are other, reasons as strong as the one mentioned, which could be urged for the adoption of such a measure. Why the Capitol of Virginia should be continued upon the edge of the State, to the inconvenience of a large majority of its Representatives as far as travelling and the preservation of moral character is concerned, I have never learned.

It is a well known and an incontrovertible fact that the city of Richmond has done more to demoralize and degrade the characters of those who are sent there as Representatives of the people, than any other portion of the State. From time immemorial up to the present, with the fewest exceptions, that to elect a young man to the Virginia Legislature is to consign him to the habit of a grog-drinker, a whoremonger, and a gambler. I contend that it is caused more from the location of the Capitol of the State than from any other cause. The facilities for the centering of profligacy is much greater than they would be in an interior or inland town, where the inducements are less. Where is there a county in the State that cannot produce fearful evidence of the downfall of some of its most prominent sons, caused by habits contracted while members of the Legislature? Not one, except those recently formed, and some may count their scores. The character of the people of the two extremes of the State are exceedingly uncongenial. Their interests and habits are equally so; and for the good of both it were better that a fence were built on the top of the Blue Ridge, so high that a crow could not fly over it from June to January.

Congress has not been in session since Thursday, having adjourned until Monday to have the Halls put in their Summer garb. You will perceive that the Homestead Bill has passed the House, and it is confidently expected will pass the Senate. The effect of this Bill, if passed, upon land warrants will be very considerable, and will go far to rob the war worn soldier of that remuneration for which he perilled his life, in defence of his country. I think Congress should have an eye to the interests of the soldier in withholding such a law, at least until he can realize something like a fair equivalent for the bounty granted for his services, for God knows if any set of men deserve pay for their services, it is the soldier.

The health of Mr. Clay still continues very feeble indeed, and should his death occur at any moment it would create no astonishment.

The political cauldron is boiling at a frightful rate. The contesting factions in each party are up and doing to the fullest extent of their ability. The Fillmore men are making a death struggle. The Democrats are very much interested, they are, for his welfare. They say he is the only man the Whigs ought to run,—and why? This needs no answer. The question answers itself, being on the self-sharpening principle. Gen. Scott tells his friends that he is entirely in favor of the Compromise; but will not write any letter upon the subject, unless he is the nominee. The prospects of the General are growing brighter daily notwithstanding the gross misrepresentations of "H," of the Baltimore "Sun," who appears to grow more reckless in his assertions every day.

The prospects of Gen. Cass appear to be rather on the wane, and the idea that the Baltimore Democratic Convention will nominate some "unknown," begins to wear quite a plausible aspect.

ELDORADO.

WASHINGTON, May 22, 1852.

Dear Sir—The spirit of mobocracy appears still to be hovering over the metropolis of the Old Dominion. The Richmond Republican, a spirited Fillmore sheet, seems to think that the threats of removing the capitol from Richmond is all gammon; and if ever it was done it would be a god-send rather than an injury. This will do to tell the Marines, or everybody knows that to remove the Capitol, would be a death blow to Richmond, from which all negrodom could not deliver it. Its condition is precisely that of Washington. To change the seat of Government from Washington would be like severing the jugular in a man's neck. Almost instant death would be the inevitable consequence. To say that the people of Richmond do not care a "continental d—me" whether the seat of government is removed or not, therefore, is saying what the habits, disposition and inclination of its population plainly contradict.

The Legislature has agreed to adjourn on the 7th June, next, to the 4th Monday in November. Perhaps by that time the fever for a removal of the Capitol may be abated to some extent.

I think it a pity that the editor of the Richmond Republican could not have the benefit of a whisper in the ear by some sane, say John M. Botts, not to show so strong a preference for Mr. Fillmore, and strive to detract so much from the character of Gen. Scott, or fear that the Baltimore Convention might, by some unforeseen event, happen to nominate the latter gentleman. I think should such a thing take place, it would place this Editor in rather a delicate position unless he intends to go upon the sink or swim principle.

As to the Democratic Convention nominating any particular individual, there seems to be no certainty at this time. Every speculation upon the subject appears to have fallen to the ground. The leaders and knowing ones in the party here appear to be all out at sea without rudder or compass. Gen. Cass's broken sword appears to be working against him, and some whispers are afloat that Gen. Butler has more gun-powder about him than any other champion that can be brought upon the track. Certain it is that if Gen. Cass does not get the nomination upon the first ballot by a plurality vote, he is a goner. If the two-thirds rule is adopted, some person not yet much spoken of will be successful. Who that man will be it will take a Philadelphia lawyer to tell at this time. I would as leave take chances with Gen. Butler as any yet named.

It is not so with the Whigs. There are but two candidates spoken of. The Fillmore demonstrations appear to be quite formidable lately, in the South, and there appears to be some doubt at present whether he or Gen. Scott will be the nominee. I think it would be well for the friends of these two gentlemen not to separate themselves too far in discussing the merits of their respective favorites, so that they will be enabled to come together again and center their strength upon the choice of the Convention.

The health of Mr. Clay appears to have slightly improved within a few days, and faint hopes are entertained of his recovery to such an extent as may enable him to reach Ashland once more. May the Giver of all good grant this.

Mr. Webster has not yet returned from the North; but is expected in a few days.

The proceedings of Congress appear to be of such an uninteresting character that it is scarcely worth the paper and ink it takes to record them. The best interest of the country, I would say, demands adjournment, at least, by the 1st of July.

By the time this reaches you, the citizens of the Old Dominion will have again exercised the proudest rights of men. Many a black eye and bloody nose will be the result, to say nothing of the consumption of "Old King," usually monikered "Rot-gut." Well, the King has done a great deal in his time in assisting men into office in Virginia; it is to be hoped that in these days of Washingtonianism and Son-of-Temperance such practices will be frowned out of existence, and the will of the people be suffered to prevail in soberness.

ELDORA