The weekly new era. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1870-????, January 20, 1870, Image 2

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ATLANTA, THCBfrDAY MORNING, G-A., JAN. 20, (■ i \ 1.1L A I. 0KANT, Tse Pilot who cah and will guide the Ship or State safely TEitouaH eviey stork. TIIK NEW ERA Will Vindicate the Principles and the Policy or the Republican Party, and Sup port its Nominees, State and National. Personal* With this issue of the Em, I retire from its proprietorship and editorial management. All contracts with subscribers and adver tisers are legally provided for, and will be faithfully executed by responsible parties. In temporarily retiring from journalism, I earnestly advise fidelity to law and implicit obedience to national authority. Lastly, in the language of onr illustrious President, "Let na have peace”—that peace which can Jtve Georgia, exalt and perpetuate the Union. Sax. Bard. January U, 1870. City of Divorces. An English provincial journalist informed his readers, not many months since, that a five years residence in Chicago entitled either hus band or wife to a divorce ; and now, as if in confirmation of this statement, a Chicago paper announces (lot the divorce record of that city has become so bulk; that it cannot afford to publish it, “owing to a lack of roam I” An Authoritative Decision. Much ngnment has been wasted npon the faction as to when the war of the rebellion commenced, and we are glad to notice that at list wo bava a decision on that point Hr. Fish, Secretary of State of tbe United States, in a letter to Mr. Roberta, the Minister of Spain to this country, referring to the conces sion of belligerent rights by Spain to the Con federacy, says: “This concession was mads by Spain on tbe 17th day of June, 1861, only six ty-six days after the assault of Fort Sumter, Ox outbreak of the rebellion.” We think that there can be no question hereafter that the war did not commence prior to the 13th day of April, 1861—the day of the commencement of the assault on Fort Sum ter. ‘T tut-] gthci v.'.ii:, o r.Ji.iferro, Wilkes, ncola, <polaml i.-. cud Glasscock, aSub-Dis- me responsible for tbe preservation of order errin, meets tho hearty approbation of the bstaatial citizens and property holders of at section. Complaints of disorder had been numer ous, many of them well authenticated; and whilst we have reason to believe that all sober minded men, there os elsewhere—irrespective of party affiliations—deprecated tbe disorders, it was, under tbe circumstances, wholly be yond their power to correct the evil through the civil courts. Tbe paramount.object of all government is peace and order; and when this cannot be bad otherwise than by martial law, that expedi ent is always welcomed by thoee who have a material interest in tbe country. We know not to wbat extent tbe disorders complained of may have prevailed; bnt that there was a disposition npon tbs part ot number of men of desperate fortunes to ignors the civil government, is too well known to admit of controversy. In soma in stances, these men bad gained an ascendancy for evB, and, by threats and intimidation, rendered it impossible for the civil magistrate to enforce order, however inclined ha may have been to do so. Under the. state of attain which existed there previous to this order, thatiseotion was regarded almost as a very undesirable place to live in. Capital instinctively avoided a local ity where life and property was not held ■ cred, and where the authority of ths civil magistrate wae not respected. Men from abroad leaking investments and homes in Georgia, would naturally avoid a place which sustained a reputation for lawli Hence tbe establishment of this sub-mili tary District will, besides coring ths evils complained of, induce immigration by in suring protection to all who may desire to visit or make investments in that section, land owners especially are pecuniarily bene- fitted by this timely and judicious order. Military rule has terrors for none but evil doers. ’ Peaceably disposed and law abiding men, who are interested in tbe material de velopment and future weliare of the State, can have nothing to fear, bnt on the contrary everything to approve in a military OTder looking to the restraint of evil doers and the protection of the industrious and well dis posed citizen. Bryant’s Speech. We have read a phonographic report of Col. Bryant’s speech at the City Hell Demo cratic meeting, and the only point in the speech in which all will concur is found in ths following extract: “Many of you know that almost my en tire party disapprove of my course, and many ot my friends whom I love dearly, disapprove very much my course. There are some men whose good opinion I value above those of any other in the world who do not approve of my course." In foot we have nut heard of any person or party who diet endorse Col. Bryant, unless it be the few reckless Ku-Klox Democrats who are dying foi office—perishing for public pep. Organizing the Legislature. It ia claimed by the opposition that there has been an interference with tho Legislature. And. strange to say, men claiming a high or der of intelligence and a respectable degree of candor have fallen into this specious dogma, and succeed in lashing themselves into great indignation and fury thereby. There is no Legislature. Certain persons named in Gen. Meade’s proclamation of June, 1868, met here on tho 10th inst, to organize one, in accordance with tbe provisions of tbe Acts of Congress; and (he present proceeding complained of simply has that object in view— olhiugjiiiirfl. nothing lei pSnSuJrvTIst tbe appointment of a Board of icers to inquire into the eligibility of per- Doiui claiming the right of participation in the organization is an interference with the Legis lature? The idea is ridiculously absurd. The only wonder is that men will risk their repu tations for intelligence by publicly express ing it Tbs Board ot Officers and tbe Ineligible Members. Tbe reason that Congress refused to recog nise the organization of the Legislature, es effected in 1868, was that that body fhiled, in its primal organization, to purge itself of in eligible members. Men were permitted to take their seats and participate in the organ ization, who Were clearly ineligible, under the provisions of tbe Acts of Congress. In addi tion to this informality in the incipient stages of organization, these ineligible members af terwards, in the heat of a political campaign, ignored the spirit and scope of the Recon struction Acts, and in open violation of the plain provisions of the State Constitution, ex pelled from their seats some thirty-one mem bers who teere eligible. To perfect the organization of the Legisla ture and cany out, in good faith, the Decon struction Acta of 1867, Congress now provides for the reassembling of the persons named in Gen. Meade's proclamation of June, 1868; and, in order that the same mistake may not be re peated, a military commission has been ap pointed to inquire into ths eligility of persons claiming seats in the body. This Board of offi. cars is now proceeding with the dutiesbefore it and, as it is composed of gentlemen of ability and experience, we feel assured that justice will be done to ell. If, npon enquiry, ii should be disci law, or in a deliberate purpose to disregard or evade it, men have sought participation in the organisation, they should not be permitted to nnllify this, at they did the former organization by participation therein. On the contrary, if they are eligible, no reasonable objection can be made to an investigation tbe object of which is to establish this claim. A m onl CoTlilnklni llcni The political history of Georgia, during tbe past four yearspis-itrikingly anomalous It is also singularly instructive. When proptrly studied, it contaius a lesson tbat is of pertinent force and utility—especially to tbose men of desperate fortunes who are still arrayed in opposition to the policy aud laws of tho general Government. First came Mr. Johnson's policy ol recon struction. This was justly regarded as un constitutional ; and, besides that, unneces sarily humiliating in terms toward a brave but fallen people. The President bad no authority to unite in himself both the legis lative and executive departments of the Gov ernment, in order that he might hare a •policy,” and establish a party! Intelligent Southern men so regarded jt, and public senti ment North did not sustain him. It was only after Congress tock tbe matter in hand, in the spring of '66, and after there had been a mutual admiration society in Philadelphia, composed of decayed Democratic politicians, that “My Policy”, began to grow in favor with Southern Democrats! They had pre viously pronounced the State Constitution and government established nnder the Johnson regime as illegal—tho result of brnte force—tho fruits of Execativs usurpa tion; but now they were prepared to defend the constitutionality of the Johnson govern ment, and plead it in bar to any and all measures prepared by Congress! Universal amnesty and suffrage was next proposed, through Senator Stewart of Nevada. This was a compromise measure; but it met with snch a torrent of indignation and ridi- cule from Northern Democratic presses and politicians, and Southern re-actionists, that the scheme was hastily withdrawn. The XTVth Amendment was finally agreed npon, July, '66. The Act legalized the de facto State government which Ur. Johnson had set np in Georgia, npon condition that her legis lature would ratify this Amendment. The Legislature met in October following; and it is well known now that, had Gov. Jenkins recommended the ratification, he would have been sustained by that body over tbe protest of ths few men who were temporarily disqual ified for tfficc holding (bnt not for voting) by Bat Ur. Jenkins, yielding to the.preseure of a false pubtio sentiment—end this doubt less against bis better judgment—the meas ure was treated with almost ailent contempt In March following, the opponents of this singularly lenient measure began to realize their terrible mistake. The “Sherman Bill imposed this identical XTVth Amendment in conjunction with other measures, compared with which the amendment was a mere baga telle. Tbe history of that memorable transi tion from an illegal de facto civil government to Military rule; tbe venal, bitter and disgust ingly personal warfare made npon the advo cates of Deconstruction, under that measure the election for a Constitutional Convention, under the provisions of the Begistration oath the political complexion and persontl of that Convention ; the nature and character of the Constitution framed, and the ultimate triumph of the Bepublican party in procuring the rati fication of that Constitution and the election of State offioers provided therein, are events etiU fresh in the minds of alL The period is foil of painful reminiscences, but it contains a valuable political lesson. Thus far the masses had been heard. Thus far Bepublican prineiples had been vindicated, and the Be- construction Acts complied with. But the work was not yet complete. By tbe provisions of the law, the State remained under military rale until after the meeting of the provisional Legislature, the formal ratifi cation of tbe XTVth amendment, the election of Senators and Representatives to Congress as provided by the new Constitution, the ap- Pus.lon as a Counsellor—Tlic Silulfloii as It Is. Half the opposition to tho execution ] the iato 1 a"v, arises from a misconception Nif^Its real, scope and meaning. Not that the desiguiDg leaders of a desperate faction, ol tho Democracy do not, themselves, fully under stand it. But, in order to gain asceudcucy,J and perpetuate tbe strife and disorder khich has prevailed in Georgia for tbe year pest—all to tbe end that they may not relapse, into obscurity—they seek to mislead honest men of their party, and brow-beat and bully them into an attitude ot hostility to Congresi and the Administration. And, in order to give their schemes a plausible coloring, these desperate leaders are using os decoys certain apostates who failed, in times past, to iUos- trate their professions by their works. There are, we have reason to believe, very low Democrats ot the old school engager in this game of blaster. It is a noteworthy fact that tbe more experienced and able men -of that party, folly appreciate and acknowledge the situation. Many of them openly condemn the terrorism that is attempted to be brought to bear npon the consciences of men in ilia crisis. They fully realize the fact—and Fare so expressed their convictions—that, “under the present status of things, there is not an officer in Georgia, to-day, who does not hold his position at, and by permission of the 'au thorities.” And, because the "authorities" are simply seeking to organize the Legisla ture'in „a manner that will not reader that organization null, and ■object’’ the Slate to farther conflict with Congress, they are not inclined to heed the counsels or ac knowledge the leadership of the desperate men who counsel resistance to these “anthoritifc ' In the language of a distinguished Democrat of this city, uttered a few days since, ‘‘the position of sensible men who are disposed to act in accordance with their bettir judggA-', in the present crisis, may be unpopular; but their position is the oorrect one; and, when this passion subsides, all men, regardless of present party affiliation!, will acknowlulgfl Of Mrs. Stowe's taste or prudence i proval by Congress of the work as thus pro-Ji n ^ naatt .th*. inbliois; it." That is true; and he might have added, thit, inasmuch as opposition based upon mere'frsj- udice and passion, is cvenesoent, the very men who now oppose the authorities in their efiorts to organize the Legislature in eo- oordance with the will of Congress, will hue after deprecate their folly in this, .as tj^J'id in their thoughtless opposition to the Xiyth Amendment in 1866. Tbe Byron-Stowe Coatroveray. No little curiosity is felt by maiy to see lbs recent work of Mrs. Stowe, in vindication ot herself for publishing her expose of the secret history of the unhappy married life of Lord and Lady Byron. It is presumed tbat in the work referred to, Mrs. Stowe! Will insert ail she will ever have to say! upon a subject which has excited much attention, both in this country end in Europe* brought dovn upon her unmeasured abuse from many quar ters, and faint, very faint, approval from! few. The history and career of tbe celebrated poet have caused the expenditure of much Ink for a half century, and it is not astonishing tbat bis life and character should, at evej,. day, be a subject of interest. Modem biography, unlike that of Writ, haa degenerated into fulsome pi the genuine and good acts of the snbj thereof. While King David’s adultery, added crimes were, by inspiration, detail all their horror, and his dreadful and prol ed punishment made known tor the edit tion of mankind, in our day greatness genius are by biographers made synon; with goodness; and freedom from sin or is impliedly among the characteristics of a torious man or woman whose career ma; baneful to society, provided only that party escapes the gallows or the prison. lion. A. L. Harris vs. Caldwell. We have been permitted to copy and pub lish tho following letter from Hon. A. L. Har ris to Gov. Bullock in regard to tho rigama- role ot Caldwell: Horsx or Repbesssiatives, 1 Atlanta, Ga., January 16, 1870. j To His Excellency R. B. Bollock, Provisional Governor: Sin—I notice in the communication of Hon. J. H. Caldwell to Hon. J. A. Bingham, M. C., the following language: * • • • 'After this, the first member was sworn in, and Peter O’Neal, of Baldwin, presented a protest against his taking his seat. Mr. Har ris permitted the protest to be received and read." 'Mr. Bryant, of Richmond, objected, saying that tbe ■Chairman refused to receive a pro test rrom the gentleman from Floyd.' ” Mr. Bell, of Banks, then called for the reading of tbe opinion of CoL Farrow, with the correspondence connected with it. Mr. Harris permitted it to be road, several mem bers objecting.” Now, tbe facts in the case are: Hon. Isham Baddish, of Appling, was the first member called to bo sworn, and Hon. P. O'Neal, of Baldwin, presented a protest, which the chair ruled out of order, as the gentle man from Baldwin bad not been qualified.— Instead of “Mr. Bell, of Banks, then calling for the reading of the opinion of CoL Farrow, •to.,” the calling of the roll proceeded, and Hon. Isbam Baddiah, of Appling, and Hon. Peter O’Neal, of Baldwin, were sworn in, when Hon. Peter O’Neal, ot Baldwin, presented a protest against Hon. Isham Baddisb, of Ap pling, which was received and read. Hon. W. B. Bell, of Banks, was then sworn in, when he called for the reading of the opinion of the Attorney General, Col. Farrow, and the correspondence connected therewith, including the endorsement, thereof, of Maj. Gen. Terry, commanding this district, which was reed. Tour Excellency will perceive the im pression is created in Hon. J. H. Caldwell's communication, tbat the Clerk pro tern., re fused to entertain objections from the gentlo- man from Floyd (Hon. D. Scott) and did en tertain objections from Hon. P. O’Neal, of Baldwin. The Clerk, pro tem. stated to the gentleman from Floyd, that he would entertain no mo tions whatever—only objections to qualifica tion of members, and then only from a quali fied member. Tbe gentleman from Floyd was not quali fied, and the gentlemen from Baldwin and Banks were qualified when their reqnests were complied with. The opinion of the Attorney General was clearly an objection to members taking tbe oetb, whose cases came within the terms of said opinion. Very respectfully, A. L. Harris, Clerk, pro tem, lion. It. L. McWhorter, Bepublican Can didate for SpcakcT cl the Home of Rep resentatives. Hon. R. L. McWhorter, Bepublican candi date for Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, is one of that order of men who, being self-made, are self-reliant, and consequently influential. One who lias the atamiua to make a man of note of himself, has also the power to make himself a neceaiity to the community in which he lives. Mr. McWhorter was born in Oglethorpe county, Georgia, on the 29th day of Jane, 1819. At the early age of five years, he was left an orphan, in comparative poverty. Hia mother, being an educated and intelligent lady, bent all her energies toward making her children useful and intelligent. ' p Having received the rudiments of an English education early in life, he En tered the store of a village merchant as clerk. He had not been long therein be fore he gained the entire confidence of hie employer, who was a gentleman of wealth and superior mental acquirements; and ulti mately was admitted to a copartnership, and, as if to make the friendly and bosineas rela tion more oomplete, be afterward wedded the daughter of hia former employer. For a number of years Mr. McWhorter was postmaster at the village of Penfield, in Greene county, the seat of Mercer University. In 1867 he was elected to the Georgia Legists tare, in which body he served for two years, was returned and served his constituents faithfully in 1859 and 1860. Always, in the meantime, he was largely engaged in planting. When the secession movement began, it fonnd no more bitter opponent than Mr. lie Whorter, who favored co-operation with tbe hope of averting the storm which he foresaw impending. Things went on, however,-tratil the Convention met, and contrary to his ex pectations, as well as the expectations of a great number of oar people, an ordinance of secession was adopted. No alternative was left him bat to go with his State, and this he did with his customary promptness and vigor, and led to “ths front” tbe first company that left nil county. He became thoroughly identified with the Confederate cause, and did all within his power to promote its success. He wes promoted to the rank of Major, aud assigned to duty on General Wright's staff, in which position he remained until General Lee sir- rendered at Appomattox Court Hoase. On that field, amid the htuly burly of lav ing down arms and signing paroles, ] Ml McWhorter mapped out his fntnre political course, and there resolved to return to tha United States Government, renew his legiance to it, and win its confidence as far at possible. He went home end resumed tbe ordinary avocations of life. He was retnrned to the Legislature in 1865-66 and again in 1868, The Board or OJficeri and Its Dalles. Misapprehension seems to exist in lie minds of some well-meaning men, as to the ob ject of the investigation !i is proccedin, before the Board of Offi They seem to have the impression tL • - very existence School Books for the Poor. Tbe Education bill haa passed the Senate, and is now before the House. Tbe Commit tee on Edocation in that body have offered one important amendment. It in snbatance pro vides that where parents neglect or refnae to 'furnish their children with books, the trustees shall furnish them, and in cases where parents are able to provide books, tbe charge becomes a tax against them, to be collected the same as other taxes. Tbia measure is eminently a just one. We cannot yet follow the example of New Tork city in giving children text-books for nothing, but we can surely do as proposed above. Tbe children of tbe State must be educated; but an obataele presents itself in the inability of our poorer classes to procure books. In view of this, what better, or, in fact, other plan can be adopted ? The above we find in tbe.Charieeton Repub lican. This proposition to fofee school books into tbe hands of the children whose parents are able to pay for them, and to give them Jo really indigent children, is eminently a wise one, and deserves to be imitated by theLegis. latorea of other States. The mkin hope of the Republic is in the liberal edueation and enlightenment of the mosses. For education to be liberal the appliances most be at hand. State Governments, we believe, but add to their general weal and strength by providing these applianoea. Hence we believe this pro vision of the South Carolina educational bill to be a wise aa well as a beneficent one. -v Georgia Affair*. General Terry, commanding in Georgia, has telegraphed here this morning, saying that several members of tbe Legislature had taken the test oath, and he had reason to be lieve they committed peijury in so doing. He wants to know what he shall do in tbe premises. General Sherman titer consulta tion with the President and the Secretary of War, answered that flagrant cases where there was no doubt, persons had aided the rebellion, he should deal with them vigorously in his own discretion. General Terry is not a man of half-way measures, and iu ibis discretionary order be will be apt to show some of the ex- xebels of his State tbat they can not safely violate tho letter and spirit of the reconstruc tion laws.—Was Kington Correspondence Ondn- ra'i Gazette. _ Tin New Faction. The Columbus Sun, speaking of what has been termed the Atlanta muddle, and ot J. E. Bryant and others, says: "WeBadly fearsome of onr people. In their zeal to do something,are •hont to make some discreditable alliances, and that no good will come of tho muddle at 1 *Wo aro clad that tbe Sun has thus spoken, and we arc certain that the Democracy of Georgia will never approvo of this affibation on the abandonment of Democratic principle, by gentlemen who aro professing to be Dcmo- Cr The people are sick and tired of lawlessni and uncertainty—snch as not only existed in many vests ot the State, but such ns was per- DCtratedin the Representative Hall by J. E. Bryant atd others on Monday, tbe 10th inst— tlanta Intelligencer, 160. The Snn and the Intelligencer ore, we be- liavo, among the oldest and ablest of tbe Dem ic journals of this State; and from the paragraph, it would seem that the pure Democracy” is not disposed to recognize a faction whereof certain political renegades are mere decoy leaders. The Republican Mats Meeting. The Bepublican mass meeting of Sat urday night last definitely settles the ques tion as to what is tbe will, and the wish of tbe Republican members of the General Assem bly and the Bepublican masses at this time. They fully approve and endorse all that has been done by Congress, tbe President, tbe Military Commander and the Governor in the present emergency. Tbe resolutions adopted by the meeting give no uncertain sound, and are a manly re- bnke to the clique of extreme Democrats who, failing in their attempts to dragoon and con trol their own party, arc now seeking to dis organize the Legislator© by securing admis sion for members who are not qualified. They know fall well that Congress will not recognize tbe Legislature ao long as disquali fied men are in it, and they hope in this man ner to sneeeed in retarding the reconstruction of the State and her admission to the Union with the XVth amendment. We think the resolution referring to Messrs. Bryant and Caldwell might with great propriety have been omitted. Men are but mile stones to mark the progress of principles, and too much promi nence is given to them when we stop to give them special note. That a section of the Democracy should have embraced these two extremists is euffi Ciently painful and embarassing to tbe intelli. gent portion of .their party. They know and appreciate tbe fact tbat neither of tbe gen tlemen named are representative men, and tbat they aro only used ss decoys—and it is to the interest of onr party that the extreme wing of the Democracy should continue to play its fantastio tricks; we can afford to look on com placently and witness their family jars. Unless checked by the congratulatory reso lutions ot our party, these same Democrats who oppose reconstruction to the “bitter end” will soon be nominating some colored Repub lican for clerk of the Hoase on the ticket with OoL Bryant In that event, however, their trouble wonld only compensate for their pains, for we do not believe there is a colored man who wonld allow bis name to be used in any movement against his party. We hope, therefore, that in the fntnre our friends will ignore individuals except as they may be officials representing principles, and in tbe case of the two gentlemen named, leave them in their present insignificant position, from which they will only be floated by the extreme Democracy as decoys. “Tbe People’s Party.” The Democrats have had it in contemplation tor some time past to change tbo name of their party. Having no national platform of prin ciples, and disagreeing among themselves on local issues, they have hit npon an expedient to blind the eyes of the masses to the real na ture of their organization. Making bittexand uncompromising warfare upon the rights of the peoplx, and in the interests of tho privi leged few, they have re-baptised their organiza tion for tho defeat or Bepublican government by a new name. Tbat call it the “People's party.” This is a piecs of irony that ap proaches sublimity! ■and tile luTEimelon ~of the~3lite representation in the National Legislature. After that, the aet af March 1867, and the Acta supplementary thereto,would become inopera tive, and the State admitted to the rights and privileges of the Union. Tho failure, bewever, of the Provisional Legislature of July, 1868, to purge itself of in eligible members; the subsequent revolution ary and piteously short-sighted act of expelling some thirty-two members who ware not ob noxious to (be third clause ot the XTVth arti cle, and who were legitimately in their places in virtue of the letter and spirit of the new Constitution (approved by Congress); the un compromisingly hostile and defiant attitnde of those who had thus usurped the legislative department of the government; the reckless persistence and desperation of that decayed and desperate poiitioal faction which still seeks to bully Congress and bring tbe Govern ment into contempt; the ascendanoy which this mad faction has gained over the conscien ces of men who take the new oath without fully comprehending its character, or the con sequences of taking it falsely; and the deter mined spirit of the administration of General Terry to erf one this law, and thereby forestall the calamity of farther political abortions or the necessity for additional Reconstruction enactments, bring ns to tho present crisis.— Tbe question involved is a simple one: Shall men whose eligibility it at least problemati cal, if not manifest and undeniable, be per mitted to take their seats; and, by participa tion in the organization of tbe Legislature, nullify its legality now, as they did in Jnly '68, and thereby incur the disapproval of Con gress, and perpetuate the State midway be tween Order and Chaos ? We submit the question directly to every candid and fair minded man in Georgia, who has, a permanent interest in tbe State, and who can rise above mere passion and think and act independently of the lash of this desperate political faction, whether it is not time to stop this senseless wrangle. Is it not time to cease this peevish and fruitless hostility to the general Government; and by compliance with l»w, restore the State to her proper relations to'the Union, thereby ensur ing peace and tranquility for tile future?— What have we gained by heeding the coun sels or cringing to the lash of bankrupt poli ticians, in tha transactions of the last four yean? What was gained by rejecting the terms of 1866? What was gained by oppos ing tbe Acts of 1867? Wbat has been gained by attempts to nnllify the same taw, first in the primal organization of the Legislatore, and second in'tbe revolutionary proceedings of tbat body? And finally, what have tbe riOPLB of Georgia to gain by the efforts of reckless politicians to render the present ef fort at organization abortive as they did the last? Will the material prosperity of tbe State be enhanced by this perpetual din and strife and nnsettlement ? Will it induce emigra tion? Have honest tradesmen, merchants, mechanics, farmers, the peaceable and quiet citizen, anything in common with the fortunes of men who make politics a trade, and who in the present emergency, have everything to gain, because they have nothing to lose ? - Election of Bank OUlcers. At a meeting of the stockholders of the Chattahoochee (Columbus) National Bank a few days sinoe, the following Board of Direc tors were re-elected for the ensuing year: B. L. Mott, G. P. Swift, Joseph Kyle, L. H. Hill and H- H. Epping. At a subservient moeting Mr. Bpping was re-elected President. Col. B. L. Mott is a prominent Republican, and was a staunch Union man during tho war. Byron’s alleged cuns, in vi^ of tQ^Keeu rbonttflTworic state of pnblif sentiment throughout tHworld as to the srnere of woman and the, 'claim of tbe astir. of tbe dead to leper's much might be sru; bnt in regaid to tK6 former thjc(3 a'kge de gustttns nand' jputandumest, warns us it desist from controversy with as strong’s mint'd woman, ss she is represented to be.— As to the latter, her experience since she ut tered her first publication, it cannot be doult- ed, has cost her many regrets for having taken the first step in this evtr to be remembered controversy. For hir courage, Ss manifested in her second publics tion, even though her canse be not snch sb one as it is desirable to see a woman of cul ture engaged in, every one mnst give her some meed of praise. If it was imprudent or Improper to broach publicly the private rela tions of Lord and Lady Byron, the general discussion that has grown out of Mrs. Stowe’s first publication indicates a desire on the pa:t of the pnblio’to known the troth. Hence tho probability is that Mrs. Stowe's book will ta sought for by the curious reader everywhere. The State Road Treasury. In transferring to our columns, this morn ing, the letter of CoL Blodgett, published ia The Constitution yesterday, we take occasion to note the disposition to fairness manifested by that journal in matters pertaining to tha personal and business character of men, as contradistinguished from their political record. The effort to excite distrust of the integrity and ability of the present management of that Road, proceeds entirely, as we,have good rea son to believe, from a class of partisan news paper correspondents who seek to break CoL Blodgett’s political influence by false and on' authorized statements prejudicial to bis per sonal and business character. It is a very undignified, not to say disrepu table mode of political warfare; and we should feel oo ns trained to say as mneh of Republi cans, should they make themselves obnoxious to the charge. Tbe editor of The Constitution differs radi cally (and we doubt not honestly) with CoL Blodgett in poiitioal faith, and measures of local State policy; but this does not blind his eyes to the fact that the statements o( the lata Treasurer, and thos9 of his successor, conclu sively refute the muhehansen stories of one or two Atlanta correspondents, who write without knowing (or caring) anything of the facts. In fntnre, it might be well enough for correspondents of Democratio newspapers to examine into the facta, or, if desirable, accept tbe invitation to examine tbe books, before at tempting to enlighten the pnblio about the State Bend Treasury 1 Senator Snmner’s Financial Flan. I Mr. Sumner's financial scheme as set forth in hiB bill (pnblished this morning), is ably and tersely presented. It evinces profound study of tho subject, and will, in all probabili- ty, become the basis of a future financial policy, perfected by Congress. His plan is noli cable as conflicting, in some minor points, with tbe very elaborate aud safe one recently prepared by Mr. BoutwelL Tho latter proposes to fund twelve hundred millions of six per cent five-twenty bonds, into four and a half per cents, one third of which to be redeemable ot tho pleasure of the Government after fifteen years, and payable in coin at the expiration of twenty years; another third to run for twenty and twenty- five years, and the other for twenty-five and thirty years. Mr. Sumner's plan involves resumption; Mr. Bontwell's postpones it, in tho hope that financial prosperity will lead to its natural accomplishment. Hence tho cause, by one of these plans, becomes the effect with the other, and vice versa. I’erjnry as a Democratic Virtue, Tbe Georgia Legislature, under an order from Governor Bollock, approved by General Terry, has adjourned nntii next week, in order tbat the eligibility of members may be in quired into. The most shameless perjury has been confessedly resorted to, in order that tbe Democratic members who perpetrated tbe crime may retain their seats. That the oath should be willfnlly taken, and the peijured wretches receive the countenance and sup port of any portion of community, no matter of what political complexion, is not creditable to pnblio morals. Yet, not only in Georgia, bnt throughout the country, the Democratio press is extolling perjury as among the moBt noble oi political virtues. The crime, how- ever, will be important. Georgia will be re- ! qnired to conform to the laws of the land.-Al bany (N. Y.) Journal, 1ith. ’ The above, so far as it relates to Georgia, '“though true in the main, needs some qualifi cation. We are nnwilling to believe that tbose members who proposes taking the oath con template! a deliberate act of perjury; bat that gjUjroj ere-.acting-««uJvvxs-gBa< misapprehen sion of the scope and range of that ostb, and under a sort of moral duress, brought about by selfish and designing paitisan leaders. As evidenoe of the absence of moral turpi tude on the part of some who subscribed to this oath, under a misapprehension of its im port, we wonld instance the fact that some have withdrawn their oath, and others have expressed a desire to do so, after they became more familiar with its real character. We farther note the fact, in mitigation of tbe charges above made, that the more able and sober minded men of the Democratio party approve tbo action of General Terry and the Administration in appointing a Board ot offi cers charged with the duty of investigating the status ot members, to tho end that none may hereafter have good excuse for taking tbe oath unadvisedly. Crucify IUm. The Governor is laboring day and night to carry out tho will of Congress, and thereby establish a good and just government in Geor- whieh position he now holds. He has advo- ] gia. The object of such government is to oated submission to the will of the Govern- guarantee the rights of person and property; ment, which is the conqueror, and for this he insure free speech, end commend proper re- implies a reproach of tlio personal character | miuf of the parties who have manij^ted a willing-' ness to take the test oath; whereas tho real objeet of the Commission is to ascertain tho exact status, before tbo law, of those whoso eligibility is in issue, bnt who propose taking the oath upon their own construction of the law. The Commission may decide that, un der the law as interpreted by tbose charged with its excaution, men are ineligible, and set them aside; bnt this does not necessarily im ply an intention on the part of those who may differ with the General Commanding, in the conatraction of the lew, to commit peijnry. There may be a marked, distinction be tween the exactions of th *aw as construed by thou charged with its execution, and its provisions u construed by those who have manifested a purpose to take the oath pre scribed by it; bnt this does not imply moral turpitude in those who propose acting npon their own oonstrootion by taking the oath. Thera cannot, therefore, be any reflection east npon the personal character of a man by tbe mere notion of the Board in investigating bis claim to eligibility, even should the Board decide him to be ineligible. The law, how ever, mukes the authorities the interpreter of its provisions; and nnder tbat interpretation, we presume that there can be tittle doubt as to the ineligibility of oertain members who pro pose to -qualify. Tile True Issue. It is folly to oppose the inevitable. The political tendency of the oivilized world every- wherelsTowafinSie elevation ofTErpeoplST The privileged classes aro not injured, or wronged thereby. Bad men among them are merely deprived of the legal right to oppress. Saoh men proclaim the country rained and liberty lost, because they ore deprived of the right to do wrong. Is it tyranny in the Re publican party to favor ^tnd establish uni- venal Justice? Wby will not sensible men, who really desire good government for them selves and posterity, cease opposition' to its establishment in Georgia? This strife to maintain tbe snpremaey of the few, at the ex pense of the many, is most damaging to the State. Is it impossible for ell classes of a com munity to prosper when each respects the na tural, political and civil rights of allthe others? If so, free institutions are indeed a failure I > Ghah ippointed tb<?iol™ > : Hon. E. Tweedy,. t«U, Ilor. 1 irgil Hillyer, son, ltd Hon. A. R. Derm During theabseuco of th' ring addresses were macies O’Neal, J C. Swayzc, and -11) The Cimmitteo oil li*** 5 ^ and reportodliho following: WhmSu8,( oar political have persistently fonght the Union by ari^-ia-rebellionf peace, have assumed to dicta ities in the present junctaie ( and Whereas, Those opponent to disguise their troacherou the guise of good intentions? Wbeeeas, These, our t believe that public interests i in the hands ot Republicans; a| Whereas, Charges are friends in public position, be it.V. i Resolved, By tho Republican' 4Lj< rs < f the Legislature and the RepaUnt'. oil ; ne. of Georgia in more meeting nsanr d and l it is hereby resolved, That wo ehj| the add ministration of President Grapt course pursued by the whom the President has as mand in this District —EastoL ThatJn G neral T soldier and a gentlem be influenced by rebel alluriL just to bo governed by puthr-itPiaell tbat we reposo confidence in ban. as wilt see to it that no person iJbo is fled will bo permitted to obtain sc Legislature, and thereby give : tion that can and will secure o*ui to tbe Union, and the ratification Amendment. -it,i Resolved, That wo have, as <-v i herctofor- full confidence in the intepritv, wisdom 1 patriotism of our Chief Magistrate, and f endorse his course. Resolved, That a committee cf tea i, 0 a , pointed to wait upon Gen. Terry, on M. i| day morning next^ and presrnt to Lim & ciy has been denounced and ostracised by those who should have known better and who were formerly hie friends and whose confidence he once enjoyed. He is thoroughly and honestly a Union man; and not only that, he is an en thusiastic admirer of the United States Government, and believes that to its leniency he owes his citizenship and property. For many years Maj. McWhorter has been a member of tbe Baptist Churoh in good stand ing; for eight years a delegate to the Georgia Baptist Association, and frequently a delegate to the Baptist Convention. He was one of the first to apply to Congress for relief, and among the vary first in this State whose political disabilities were re- moved. Since then bis works have proven his faith, for no ona has been more persist ently and emphatically anion in sentiment then be. A brother of Uej. McWhortor is one of oar present State- Senators: 'mm spect for authority. This, and only this, we believe to be the trne purpose of both tbe Governor and General Terry. But for sim ply discharging his duty in this matter—in many respects an exceedingly disagreeable inly—the Governor has been the central tar- get ot detraction and abase. For this, he hSB teen held np to ridicule and scorn by t set oi bankrupt politicians and a class of renal newspapers. Time will oome' when mere pinion and prejudice mnst yield to reason judgment; and then will tbe efforts of the itvornor, in the behalf of law and jnetice, be -gnized and appreciated. UlBreprecentation* Tbe following dispatch was read yesterday by CoL Bryant to a nnmber of the Democrats in the Honse: Washington, D. C„ Jan. 15,1870. CbL J. E Bryant: Have advised Presi dent end Secretary not to interfere, save to preserve order. Governor has no power what ever over Legislators. The act makes it fel ony to disturb any member who choses to take the oath, except by regnlsr prosecution ill stand, for peijnry. honesL Nothing will stand, not free and Gxo. F. Edmunds, 32d “H" St Eieoutitb Department, Atlanta, Ga., Jsnnsry 17th, 1870. Under and by virtue of tbe Constitution and laws of the State, it is Obdzxxd, That the Treasurer pay to each member of the General Assembly, against whose eUgibility no objection has been made, tbe snm of Fifty Dollars on account of per diem and mileage to this date. Rupus B. Bullock, Provisional Governor. Headquarters District ot Georgia, I Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 17, 1870. J Approved: Altxed H. Terry, Brt Maj. Gen’l Com’d’g. Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 17, 1870. Pending the investigation into the right of certain persons to hold scats in the Honse of Bepresontatfres nnder the Reconstruction Acta, it is Osdesxd," That the Clerk pro tern,,, after making annonneement and giving ample time for such persons as desire so to def, to take the oaths prescribed in the Act to promote the re construction ot the State of Georgia, shell de clare a recess until Wednesday next at 12 o’clock, m. Ruths B. Bullock, Provisional Gqvernnor. Headq’rs Muetaet District or Groroia, I Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 17, 1870. j Pending the Investigation into the qualifica tions of certain persons who are alleged to be eligible to seats in tbe House under the Re construction Acts, I approve of tho foregoing order. Alfred H. Teedt, Br’v’t Maj. Gen’l Commanding. Important Military Order. Head’qrs Muxtart District ot Georgia, ) Atlanta, January 14th, 1870. j Special Orders, No. 1. L—The board convened by General Orders No. 3, current series, from these Headquar ters, for the purpose of inquiring into the eli gibility of certain persons to seats in the Leg islature of Georgia, wijl omit in its investiga tions the case of -the Hon. John J. Collier, of Dooly county. By order of Brevet Major General Terry. J. H. Tailor, Assistant Adjutant General. Official: B. P, Hughes, A. A. A. G. We republish the ebove special ordor for tbe purpose of inviting attention to tbe fact that there is no disposition on the part of the military or civil authorities to proceed to extreme measures in tbo cases of persons who have taken tbe oath of office under a misap prehension of its true scope and meaning. We learu that many others are much in the same condition as was Judge Collier, but tho outside pressure of party is so greet that they do not have the firmness to act upen the dic tates of their own judgement and withdraw from their present unpleasant position. It is evident from tbe language of this dis patch that Judge Edmonds has been misin formed on several points : First, that some one had interfered with the Legislature; second, that the Governor had assnmed con trol over the body; third, that persons had been prevented from taking the oath; fourth, that something had been attempted ‘foot free or honest” Neither of these allegations are founded on fact First there is no Legislature, and can not be nntii it is legally organized and recog nized by the Governor and approved by tbe Commanding General; second, the Gover nor has assumed no control over the body, because it ss yet bas no existence, and noth ing- bas been done except what is necessary to bring it properly into legal organization. No official act has been done by the Governor in this connection which bas not been endorsed os approved by tbs commanding General; third, no person has been prevented from taking tbe oath; fourth, no attempt has been made to prevent either proper freedom or perfect honesty. In fact that which is most complained of by the opposition is, the action taken by the autborities to insure both freedom and honesty. Special Dispatch to the New Tork Times. Washington, January 13 The troubles at Atlanta over the organization of tbo Legisla ture seem to have degenerated into a Bullock and anti-Bullock fight. Numerous dispatches were received bore to-day on the subject, in cluding one or more from General Terry, asking instructions as to his action under certain circumstances. In the matter of local State officers interfering unwarrantably, he was directed to act promptly in their re moval. Ic the matter of the award of the seats of unseated members, he was in structed to enforce the laws of Goorgia or that subject and give tbe seat to the person having the next highest nnmber of votes; and as to any other obstacles in the way of tho organization of the Legislature or tbe enforcement of the Reconstruction Acts, he was instructed to act cautiously, but, if necessary, to remove such obstacles by virtue of his authority undsr the laws of Congress. This authority, be it known, extends even to the removal of the Provisional Governor him self. The whole ossa is. therefore, in General Terry’s hands. The above dispatch needs Bimply this re mark : It is a “Bullock and an anti-Bnllock fight,” simply because Governor Bullock, as the representative head of the Republican party—the party that lias sustained the Re construction measures of Congress, and now proposes to see that their successes are'not wasted by disqualified persons to become members of the Legislature, end thereby again defeat our reconstruction end restora tion to the Union. “Radical Tyranny” Co\usta in a premeditated purpose, on the part o^the Republican party, to establish uoi- berty, justice and peace throughout the larj. To accomplish these ends, obsta cles m i and will be overcome. Among le jirejudicc* and hntteu of -tha, ^ .privileged, elesse* under the old regime- All men are, to a greater or less extent, creatures of habit; and this habit of privileged domina tion, is hud to get over. Time and the in exorable logic of events, is for this tbe only remedy. Fhe influence of Demagogues—po litical ltacers who, knowing better, bnt for selfish ends pnrpo3ely lead the people astray— is the prizciple obstacle to be surmounted.— Troth will finally prevail; and then the very men who new abuse, will applaud tho course of men who immolated themBelves before a false public sentiment in order tbat tho needed reform might be wrought successfully. Falillc Debt of New Tork. In his message to the New York Legislature, Gov. Hoffman states the debt of that Com monwealth at $35,000,000. Among other matters he ask3 for a law to forbid injunction and receivers in cases against monied corpo rations or ex parte proceedings the revision cf the registry, election and criminal laws, also, the repeal of the Excise lew. Mrs. John Wood has produced, at her thea tre in London, Brougham's burlesque of “Pc. cahontas.” lully approtj prop,' of these resolutions, and to at__ tho Republican party of Georgia of all tho acta so far done toward- organization of tho General htnbu bly. ■Ia accordance tvith {heLet Ltion Chaiman appointed the followm;! as a committee to wait on (jen'r.d A. Terry, viz: Hons. B. Conley, JLTweedy, J -.u il*rii| JohnW. O’NeaL W. C. (JmitliT J SL Sin J. T. Coetin, T. G. Campbell, Yi'.-.iHilh George Wallace. Hon. Virgil Hillyer offered the toilowii,'| resolntior, which was unanimous"- .. to Resolved, That this mass-meetio - fnllA dorse the course of the Hon. A. L. Harfiv organizing tho House, and in i yield to the rebellious efforts for d tion made by tho democracy. Capt. J. C. Swayze oiler ed tL, resolution, which was adopted with mutinous applause. Resolved, That the hanks of tlnijmertfogj are due to the Demoo itio party fi i relieving] the Bepublican party of the political vi.-nn. 1 J. E. Bryant I The resolution was amended name of J. H. CaldwolL S. R. Kramer moved tho foil ™ i was adopted: Resolved, That the Republicac* tender their congratulations to His EecI cy, Rnfus B. Bollock and Hon. Blodgett, on their triumphant success passage of the Goorgia Bill, and r x and endorse their efforts to do justice loyal men of Georgia. Resolved, That the proceeding, meeting bo pnblished in tho Dai! ' •xdaswMi bell and others when, amidst much asm, the meeting adjourned call of tho Chairman of the State Committee. Letter from Hon. Foster Illodgett. n 0.) From Tha A theta Confutation, 18th.) Weston and Atlantic Railroad, , Superintendent's Office Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 17,1870.. Editor Ccnslitulion: In consequence of hav ing taken an early and active part in the or ganization and success of the Republican party in this State, I: am prepared to expect much abate and misrepsantation from party newspapers; nor do I claim or expect any mitigation, of this abuse and misrepresenta tion in virtue of the fact that I am a native Georgian, anil bava devoted the greater part ot my life to the advancement of what I hon estly conceived to be her best interest, politi cally. As a politician I have always been con tent with politicians' faro, as awarded by par ty usage, in this and other Southern States. But as an individnal citizen and business man, I do not feel wilting to grant a license to those with wbori I may differ politically, to wantonly assail my business and personal character; nor do I believe any intelligent or fair minded Democrat will claim or attempt to exercise aa j Bt;eh license. And as yon have, npon former cecssions, expressed a willing ness to do mejuiice, and to draw the proper distinction tctvesn the bnainess and political character of an exponent, I have presumed to request ths publication in yonr columns of the following letter, iddressed to me by tbe pres ent Treasurer of the State Road, Mr. I. P. Harris, my auccsMor: Western k Atlantic Railroad, ) OmcE of Treasurer, V Atlasta, Ga., Jan. 14, 1870.) CoL E Blodgett, Seperinlendent: Dear Sib—In reply to yonr inquiry, I have (be honor to state that the amount of cash turned over to me by yourself as former Treasurer, amounted to ninety-two thousand nine hundred and nine and thirty-nine one hundredth dollars ($92 909 39). Warrants, notes, etc., eqeivatent to cash, amount to six teen thousand *re hundred twenty-two and forty-three one-hundredth dollars. Very remectfully, Isaac This statement, taken in connection with the one made by you a few evenings since, is quite sufficient, it seems to me, to refute the slanderous statements and insinuation tbat had been set afloat by certain parties in At lanta and elsewhere; and in addition to the above, I will say that the records and books of the offices of Superintendent, Auditor end Treasurer cf tho State-Road, are open to tho inspection of any gentleman who may desire to satisfy his own mind on this point. Nothing is sought to bo concealed from tbe r nblic, in the management of this rood ; and know it to be tho determination of the offi cers named, as well as my own, to discharge the duties imposed by their respective posi tions, in such a manner as will effectually re fute the slanderous inauendoes of personal enemies and tho prejudicial feelings of reck- less and unfair political opponents. Very respectfully, Foster Blodgett, Superintendent, W. & A. R. R. A meeting of tho old settlers of Illinois took placo in Chester on tha 30th ult. Tho object of ths meeting was tho organi zation of a society of the old settlers of the State, or those who were residents of the State on or prior to the year 1835. All persons who were citizens on or be fore 1835, aro considered as being entitled to membership. GEORGIA LEGISLATE| SENATE. Monday, January 17, ij Tbe Senate met at Vi noon and wna to order by the President. Prayer \ras ’• offered, the roll < called, and the journal rend-: A communication was rcr. eraor and approved by ordering tho Treasurer to pay ! of the Legislature, against'' ceedings were pending as to dollars on account of per du On motion of Mr. Campbell! a majority of 14 to 7, adjourn*^ day at 12 noon. HOUSE OF - REPRESENTATIVES House met at 12 o'clock, ncton, purKu .nt adjournment, and was called to order b tho Hon. A. L. Harris, Chairman ai^Clerkj ton. • Prayer having been offered yy tbo Rev. Mr. O. W. Francis, 's- ■■ k I The Clerk directed to be readt-i** following! order of His Excellency Gov^q»r Bulb endorsed by General A. H. Tetfy:. Atlanta, Ga., Jan* Pending tbe investigation into thy t certain persons to hold neats in tbo 'd of Representatives under the reconstr ac acts, it is ordered; That the Clerk pro after making announcement and giving pie time for such persons as desire to dn take the oaths prescribed in the id .' mote tho reconstruction of the State ol gia, shall declare a recess until Wodnc-sil next at 12 o'clock M. Rufus 33. Bullock, Provisional Governor Headq’rs Mtt.ttatit Dxbtbict of Georgia, j Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 17,51670. Pending the investigation into tbe q cations of certain persons who ore alleged be ineligible to seats in the House unde Reconstruction acts, I approve of tho ic iag order. ;. Alfred H. Txsry, Brevet Major General Com minding.. The Clerk thefc announced tbat an oppoj tunity would now bo given to those membei who, through unavoidable absence, had not previous opportunity of qualifying. The following members subscribed to tb required oaths: R. B. Hall, of Glynn county, W. A. Lau« of Brooks county. Mr. Scott, of Floyd* arose <md enquired c the Clerk if the members who had been eloct ed in accordance with the proclamation of Bi Excellency, the Governor, but subsequent u General Meade's order, would be allowed b The Clerk replied that as ho was then t act only in accordance with the provhir j the late Congressional enactment, hs/' r therefore, refuso to let the members in ( tion qualify. The clerk her$ diroctcd to ba t-ad lowing’order qi Governor Builc c k, apnror* by Gentry! Terryi ’ 1 provei1 Executjcvx Tjepaetment, ) State of Guenon, l Atlanta, Ga., Ja nuary 17, IcTo. ) Under and by virtue of the Constitution ami taws of tho State it is * Ordered, That the Treasurer a, to member of the General Assembly! again:-! whose eligibility no objection has Wn made, tho snm of $5000 on account of pc: Tti-jm and mileage to this date. Rufus B. Bulloce.- • •< ! Provisional Governor. Headquarters District of gSoegia, ) Atlanta, January 17, I«70. C Approved: . Alfred H. Terrt, Brevet Major-General Comz idiui Tho Clerk then declared tho Honv' nj until Wednesday, January 19th, at ft rg noon. jZ*~Mr8. Lander has played Qzoc, with success at the Adelphi Theater,