The Marietta Helicon. (Marietta, Georgia) 18??-????, June 17, 1847, Image 2

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

RUr’The following Address of the Rev. Mr. Atkinson, before the Literary Society of Chattooga county has been handed us for publication, and will be read with interest. It is alike creditable io him and the county from which it comes. Wc hope it will beget a spirit of emulation in other counties of our Cherokee Georgia, and that ore long we shall be greeted with similar eminations from many of them besides Chattooga. ORATION. Fellow-Citizens. —Wc may bo per mitted to give some expression of the li’gh sense of pleasure which we realize in mingling with you at this Anniversary of the Chattooga Literary iSoeicty. But we can assure you that it. is with no small degree of ditli fence that we. in compli ance with a constitutional arrangement of the Society, occupy our present posi tion in order to deliver an address on this occasion ; and should have felt much sat isfaction had the duty devolved on some other individual better qualified to fulfil the intention of the regulation. We shall, however, attempt to discharge our duty by inviting your attention for a short time to the deeply interesting sub ject of character. Personal character is not constituted by any one quality or attribute, but by !he iiss.u/iMuge of qualities or attributes possessed by an individual, and is thoro -3 f .s-bCT i ci.Ui Oi. tt as iliu.sa.oi i <J.. up by ail the qualities or attributes so possessed. It has been delined the “ pres ent. intellectual, social, and moral condi tion of an individual ; comprehending his actual acquisitions, his capacities, his h ibits his tendencies, his moral feelings, and every other thing that enters into a : inn's state for the present, or his powers for attaining a better stale for the fu t ire.” There appears to us a marked distinction between character and repu tation being the estimate placed on per :■ mal qualities by those to whom an in dividual is known. That character, fellow-citizens, in the aggregate, is not a mere native production is clearly inferred from the most indubitable facts. For not withstanding man by nature possesses certain attributes which from the basis of character, still character in the whole is rreatly the result of certain influences upon his primary qualities. In childhood* i lanmay be regarded much in the light of a passive subject, but when reason has attained its rightful position, when passive, he is so by his own consent; lienee man's accountability is connected with the formation of his character, both in that in which he is passive as well as that in which he is active. It is upon he ground that character is not the mere production of nature, but the result of influences received and adapted that we account for the thousand shades of hu man character presented to the mind of tio attentive beholder. For whatever lisparity of primary qualities may be i »undto exist between the different races -d mm. or even between individuals of die same race, still they are all “ made u one blood"—like the rough marble • >und in the quarry, various in forms and sizes, some more suitable than others, Vet all need rh e p.TVH-rTrrrg- h nn4 iyf Ih i» mt list to set forth that lustre of which their nature is susceptable. In confirmation of this view, hold in contrast for a mo ment the different characteristics of some of the different tribes of the human race. Look at those deeply sunk in ignorance ai l superstition; they are stupid in a degree by nature, brutal in their habits and tendencies, and miserable in their condition. View some of the lighter traits of the Aborigines of this country ; with what patient endurance they bear the pinching hand of privation, and with what apparent delight they seek the ditude of the wild and uncultivated forest —healing aslant they urge their way up the rugged steeps of almost in acce.ssable mountains, or urging with agile deer they mark the unbroken pria- j rie with their foot-steps. How unlike the civilized man, who seeks his pleasure beside the enlighted and cheerful lire- le, who delights to view the growing . '•orn and ripening wheat which his own ydustrious hand has helped to cultivate. Yea, moreover, he loves to trace the wide pread field of science anddrinkthe lim pid streams of classic lore. In a word, civilized and improved man, being ele vated above tne dark mists of ignorance •'nd superstition, seeks his habitation wnere pleasure vies with pleasure, and where happiness is the reward of his vir t le. These few familiar traits with a nameless host besides, show most clearly i iat character is greatly the creature of circumstance. We repeat, that man in childhoodis greatly a passive being—rea ■' m not having gained that state of ma- | t irity to enable him to distinguish be-I : ween that which is good and that which is evil, he is borne along by the instinct I gl lus crims; n-xtiirc n.t'id fhn . r mnding circumstances-his feelings and tcndences gathering strength at every remove. This seems to be his condition fill reason attains its rightful umpirage, which, with many, is not until the habits of vice are so completely established as to throw the whole province of an indi- . vidual into a state of anarchy, and rca- . on itself losing its control too often be comes the slave of appetite and passion. ’ Lord Broughan, of England, is of opin- ; ion that a child left to himself, untutored and unrestrained till he arrives to the age ; of five or six years, will have become so completely established in his erroneous j habits and tcndences that a whole future life will be unable to overcomethem.— ; With what vigilance therefore should the . state of childhood be watched over!— : marking the first and early development j of nature, placing suitable restraints and j inducements before the young and ten- , der mind—‘-teaching the young idea how ' to shoot.” In youth, man readily advan ces into regions by himself unexplored, I and therefore greatly needs the guiding , hand of experience to direct his course ; upon which he should be taught much to rely, and not trust too confidently on self. Hence he should be well provided for, ' i and guarded with assiduity. lie should |be furnished with suitable elements in literature, morals, and sociability tor a healthy and vigorous action. His intcl l lect should be directed into the intercst i ing field of science and literature—his i moral nature should be guided into the I pleasing walks of virtue and piety— while his social qualities should be so trained as to bring forth those sacred feelings and sympathies which would render him a lit member of that high or der of society of which man is cap.iltle of [Constituting. The overlooking or ne ' glceting the respect ive claims of man’s primary traits in the culture and forma tion of youthful character, is as deeply to bo regretted as it is reprehensible in itself and ruinous in its results. Many act as though it were only necessary to cultivate and improve the intellectual, to the ne glect of the moral and social features of man’s nature; while others, with as much absurdity und criminality overlook the claims of man's intellectual and be stow all their attention on the moral or social feature, or both conjoined—whence it often sadly occurs that they ail fall a. mournful wreck together. Indeed, fellow i citizens, the unerring hand of infinite wisdom lias properly ami beautifully har . monized the primary qualities of man's ' character so as to protect and contribute to each other in their rise and progress to maturity. Alan, therefore, if he needs culture, needs it in every feature, of..his ■ tain to that perfection and happiness for which he was made. We repeat, that all the features of his make must have suitable training—otherwise, he is like a beautiful musical instrument which is out of t ine. His tones of character will be harsh and discordant, unlit, to produce pleasing sensations on the elements of ' society, and equally disqualified for the reception of such himself. Consequently how important a period in man’s exist ence is youth ! and how much depends upon its proper culture and improvement! Proper attainments in youth qualities man for a suitable and successful ad vance in manhood and all future life.— i He enters upon the extended fields of interest and usefulness with his intellect trained to improvement as well as by im provement; prepared to take hold of those great subjects involving the high est interests of his race; he is alike the detecter of error and the champion of truth. His intellect is well fortified 'against the attacks of appetite and pas sion in their attempts of usurpation, by his established principles of virtue and piety, while his universal benevolence, ' which is the life-spring of all well regu lated society, gives a pleasing tone to all his social intercourse. Thus equipped in an invincible panoply, he steps forth into I the area of manhood prepared to perform the most distinguished part of the great I drama of life. How enviable his position, how magnificient his bearing, he renders to Cesar the things that are Cesar’s, and to God the things that arc God’s. Fellow-citizens, there is national char acter as well as individual, and, in like ■ menner, is not made up by a solitary na tional quality, but by the assemblage of qualities—by all that enters into the pre- j ntwrt nontßUan of, a--mlian; c-nniprohen | ding its intellectual capacities, moral feeling, its habits and tcndences, and its powers for attaining a better condition in the future. The character of this great and prosperous nation is not made up by the intellectual powers, moral worth, and social qualities possessed by any one in dividual how eminent soever he may be, but is compounded of all the qualities ol every citizen of the country. Yea, every citizen has a right to be represented in his country’s character. And, fellow- j citizens, we arc proud to find our claims ! among a people whose national cscutch- ' con is so effulgent with honor. These i United States” arc not merely the asy- j him, but the paradise of nations —exten- ; sive in territory, fertile in soil, varied in climate and production, with population ; for the most part, trained to habits of in dustry and enterprise ; bold in genius, intrepid in spirit, and untiring in perse verance ; whose government fully rccog- i niscs that life, liberty, and the pursuit ofj happiness are unalienable rights of man. This is the country of which wc have the honor ami happiness to be citizens.—■ As citizens of our common country, wc have social relations as well as civil ; and as the state of society in general depends upon individual character, it must be regarded of lasting importance that each individual should bo so trained as to enable him to fulfil his social duties in a manner conducive both to his happi ness and that of others. The rising pro gress of the state of society depends upon the progressive improvement of the country, and can not rise a solitary inch above it: Nor is it probable that any country will long remain in a stationary ( condition ; it will soon cither change by I progressing forward into a happier state, ■ or retrograde from that dcgicu of dignity and prosperity to which it has already , attained. These arc matters, fellow-cit . izens, in which we arc all deeply intcrest .cd ; and as members of the Chattooga Literary Society, wc have in effect so declared. What is the object of this So- , ciety, if it be not the improvement of character ? And as an auxiliary among ’ many others ol the present day, it well deserves the attention and confi lencc of the community. None will doubt the necessity and importance of affording the rising population of the country suita- I ble reading. No method seems so fa forablc for its accomplishment as the ex istence of our literary society, which af fords reading, at least, fifty per cent chea per than any other plan possible to be devised. The payment of five dollars entitles an individual to membership, which will secure access to perhaps 150 volumes of well selected books, such as will improve the man in every feature of his make. lie will have access to the labors of many of the wisest and best men of the world, from which he rnay gather the finest thoughts upon almost every subject that comes within the range of reflection. One thought more. We live, felloy citizens, in a very extraordinary age jf the world, when the spirits of mon a> p fully alive to enterprise. The genius 5 f man boldly advances by experiment igo regions hitherto unexplored, and beiig , guided by the light of science, ■ facts that have long rested in the arcaia ■ol nature. Morse, with his electric tel egraph seems not to feel the meonvefi- j ence of distance nor that tim > is scarcely 1 necessary to his purpose. He converses with New-York and Philadelphia with the same ease that we converse with our friends by the fire-side. We live in an age when much has been already done for us. The temple of science has long been built. History assures* us thru, foundation was laid long in the past, and chamber after chamber in succession has been reared, ami upward has the beauti ful and interesting structure gone. The present age both in justice to the coinin".' as well as to their own memory, should ! rear their chamber high upon t he already 1 elevated walls, and let it bear the in ' scription “ The improvement or ciiarac ' ter.” We are emulous that, the part ! accomplished by the citizens of our little Chattooga should bear the highest finish, I the most exquisite touch. It is true that Chattooga is but small on our country's map, but still she possesses her natural greatness. Her picturesque mountains, fertile valleys, and limpid streams, and . mild though vigorous climate, all declare [ mat sue snares Hie TiUiiesi bounties 01 ■nature. Noris she withal without her rise in improvement. Little more Ilian i half a score of years have elapsed since ' these beautiful mountains, fertile valleys. , and crystal fountains, formed the habita i tion of half savage race, and have wit- I ncssed many barbarous and superstitious acts; but civilization, literature ami Christianity, have superceded those trag [ ical scenes of barbarism, ignoraace, and ' vice. The hand of agriculture has been applied to the fertile valleys, and the re sult is, thousands of grain and cotton have been poured into the lap of the in dustrious Learning, that great intellectual lever has met congenial minds, and schools and academies have been estab lished in various parts of the country. Chiistianity also has shed her benign in fluence over this much favored section. The Ministers ol the Cross have success fully sowed the gospel seed, and church es have been established, the worship of the true God is attended, social feelings arc cultivated, and the gentle hand of prosperity is pleasingly made to rest up on us. And, fellow-citizens, among the many favorable omens of the progress of im provement in our county, wc conceive that the Chattooga Literary Society has ' worthy claims. By its existence another star is added to your bright constellation > to lighten and adorn your horizon, and ; enhance the glory of your country’s | character. RAIL ROAD MEETING. Cross Plains, Murry County, Ga. At a meeting of a portion of the citi zens of Murray county, on motion of AV illiam B. Cone, Absalom I lolcomb was ! called to the chair, and Dawson A. Wal i ker requested to act as Secretary. 1 ■■’Tl... . -r.-n rt - y-rr-- .3..4. *» -■ 1 object of the meeting, to be to take in to consideration, the policy of stopping , the Western and Atlantic Raill-Road at Cross Plains. On motion of william B. Conc.acom- I mitte of nine was appointed to offer res . olutions for the consideration and adopt ion of the meeting. ; The chair appointed the following ! named gentlemen as that committee, j viz : William B. Cone, James L. McEn tire, John N. Harris, Augustus N. liar i grove, Edward M. Galt, James Robert ; son William Hammond, Charles W. Bond , and George W. Keeth. After a short absence, the committee I returned and offered the following reso- 1 lutions, which were unanimously adopted: Whereas, the Western & Atlantic' Railroad is approximating to a .state of ; completion to Cross Plains, in Murray I county, the point designed- by our last Legislature; and wherein, ffre-act au thorising the construction and comple- ■ tion ol said Road expressly says, said j Road after paying all debts and demands I against the said Road, to wit: the 8130,- j 000, loaned to the State for the comple-' tion of the same, with interest, <yc., and agreeable to the showing of the present 1 Chief Engineer in his last report the nett I profits of said Road would not more than pay half the interest of said loan. And whereas, we have learned with surprise' and regret, that the present Chief Engin- i cor has indicated as his intention to let out contracts during the present year on that portion of said Western & Atlan tic Rail Road, long since abandoned by the Estate West of Cross Plains, to Chatta nooga, and that such a course would be a violation and an infraction of the laws by an agent under the employ of the State specific purposes, which should tmd will not be tolerated by the citizens of the State of Georgia : Be it therefore Resolved, That they will enforce the law on the Chief Engin eer, or any other person or persons who may essay to extend the Western & At lantic Rail Road of Georgia, beyond the incorporated limits of Cross Plains, bv letting out contracts or otherwise, until directed by a special act of the Lcgisla-1 ture of Georgia. Risolyed Further, That we look upon the Chief Engineer’s last prolix docu ment in regard to the said Road more of dictum to the people of Georgia, beyond than a financial report of said Road,' and one that savours more of interest to few than to the interest of the State or the people generally therefore. Resoloed further, That we look upon the extension of said Road, as a suicidal stab upon the interest of nine tenths of the people of Georgia, and that the true ' issue, is a few lot holders in Chattanooga ' and the individual Rail Road interest vs I the balance of the people of Georgia/ j Further, That we are not actuated by selfish motives in giving these express-1 ions —that we are willing to make any personal sacrifice lor the public good, and as we had State pride to construct and complete said Road to Cross Plains, now maintain the said pride to keep it there, or within the limits of our State. Further, That with an empty Treas ury, lands all reverted and granted, the only moans of raising funds to complete that portion of the Western & Atlantic Rail Road between Cross Plains and Chatta nooga, would be by direct taxation, and we sh ill never give our consent that the people of Georgia shall bo taxed one mil lion of dollars to gratify the chimerical ' whims of a few. Further, We believe the people should meet in primary assemblies, and give their expressions’in regard to the exten sion of said Road, without distinction of [jarties and instruct their Representatives to the next and all succeeding Legisla tures, to use all honorable means against the appropriat ion of any monies for the j extention of said Road, until the State I of Tennessee shall construct and coin ; plete a Rail Road from Nashville to Chat tanooga ; then, and in that event, if a majority of the people of the State deem it to the interest of the State to complete our Road to Chattanooga we will be among the first in sanctioning and pros ' editing the same. ’ Further, That we will support no one to either branch of the Legislature, who will not cany, the above piji&eding Further, That we recommend that the citizens of each and every comity in the State would assemble in their primary capacities, and make known their sen timents in regard to the extension of the I Western and Atlantic Rail Road of Geor ' gia. i Further, That we recommend a con ' vention of Delegates to be held at some | suitable time and place, to take into con- I sideration the matter now before us and | that we appoint Delegates for that pur ; pose, and invite each and every county I in the State to do the same. Further, That should Col. Garnett, the Chief Engineer, have never used the expression “ that he would let out con | tracts on the Western & Atlantic Rail Road,” we would be the last to cast any I censure or odium onjiim, as we esteem him as a gentleman and high minded ! man. On motion of Telamon Cuylcr, Esq., Resolved, That we also recommend the next Legislature of Georgia to con nect the Depots of the South Western j Rail Road at Macon. The Chairman appointed Messrs Wil liam B. Cone, Augustus N. Hargrove. Col. Edward M. Galt, James L. McEn tire I). Stephen and C. Cady, to attend such Convention as may beheld in accor dance with the foregoing resolution. This meeting would suggest that said Convention be held at Griffin, on the second Monday in September next. On motion, Resolved, That the procee dings of this meeting be published in the i Pioneer, Helicon, Coosa River Journal, s Georgia Jeffersonian and Federal Union. The meeting then adjourned sine die. ABSALOM HOLCOMB, Pr’s. Dawson A* Walker, Secray. I May 18th, 1817. HEROIC CONDUCT. We extract the following from the New Orleans Delta, which was communica j ted to that paper by its correspondent of the army. There is no one perhaps bet ■ ter known in the different printing offices 1 ot Georgia than the subject of this notice, i He is a native of North Carolina, and l served an apprenticeship at the printing J business in Raleigh. We have no hesi tancy in endorsing his chivalry, let the storm of battle rage ten times fiercer than it did on the 23d of February. The familiar name of Thos. N. Jeffreys will be greeted by many of our citizens, as having been for many years a resident of Athens. He was among the first who volunteered in New Orleans for the ser vice of his country, and he was found first in the fight, He was for some years foreman of this office, and while he acted in that capacity, we were intimately ac quainted with him, and can say "there • were but few men more highly esteemed. We hope he may still stand the storms of battle until he can return to his coun i try and recount to his friends, with his usual descriptive powers, the many won ders of Mexico. 'The Delta says :—“ I I think you might notice the conduct of one of our men—Thomas N. Jeffreys, of New Orleans. When we were moun ting for the fight, the morning of the 23d, Jeffreys’ horse was found to be unfit for service, and he was left behind at a ran cho, to take care of some spare horses and some sick men ; but as soon as our I backs were turned, Jeffreys borrowed a rifle, joined a Mississippi company, and fought like a tiger until he lost his regi ment. lie then joined the Illinois—lost them too—fought on his own hook, and at last found his first friends the Mississip pians. Both regiments gave him all cred it. 1 met him after the fight covered with powder and dust, and the blood of the brave men who fell beside him. At Monterey he lost his horse, and joined a company of regulars, the captain of which sent him back to his company Texan Rangers) with a high compliment on his bravery.” Gen. Taylor and the Democracy. “ This is a strange world, and strange things often happen in it,” is an old say ing ; and we will not be surprised if there shall be numbered with the “things strange,” the nomination of Gen. Tav lor for the Presidency, by the Democrats of Georgia, at their June Convention.— It will be strange indeed, if for once, forgetting party interest and the hope oi spoils, they shall, professedly, for the good of the country, nominate the old hero. But we have no faith in the Dem ocracy. We believe it will be done sol ely to retrieve their wainning fortune. They secthat it will be the only means to save their party from total annihila tion. They say he is a Democrat, be cause he voted for Jackson, and his fath- er voted for Mr. Jefferson. These reas ons, which are intended as the most po tent, are indeed futile, I here are many good whigs who voted for Jackson, but subsequently disapproved ol his adminis tration- But his father voted< for Mi. Jefferson, therefore he (the Gen.) is a Democrat. This, we suppose, is upon the principle established by the Demo cracy, that the whigs are all “ Feds. But who arc the Federalist ? “ Show me the company you keep, and I 11 tell you arc.” 'Then, where are the Federalist ? The larger portion of them arc the ad mirers of Mr. Polk and his policy. But where is Mr. Buchannan, more particu larly, (than whom there were no better Federalists in the days of Mr. Jefferson) but cheek by jole with Mr. Polk and his party, the honored Secretary of Slate ? Upon this principle then, Gen. Taylor is no Democrat. But why no nominate Mr, Polk, than whom, by the assertions of Democracy, * there is no greater hero and diplomatist? i Whose wise counsel have achieved such brilliant deeds in Mexico, and brought about universal prosperity at home.— Strange it is, that he has not been once named as a candidate lor re-election ; but on the contrary, his insinuation that he will not be a candidate, has been trum peted forth with evident satisfaction. It is the only instance when the party was not solicitous for a second term ; and proves, satisfactorily to our minds, that ii'-zv J’w'epliHOlv; TO 1.1- . .. .1 ;.H -f...... sessions to the contrary 7 notwithstanding. The fact is. they will be proud enough, when they shall have been rid oi him. But if the Democracy wish to run Gen. Taylor for the Presidency, we have no objections, provided, they do not claim him as a Democrat: we cannot bear to hear the old man slandered. M e have no hesitancy in saying, we believe that all parties should unite, for once, to do honor to one so deserving; and for lhe welfare of our common country. — Alba ny Courier. Whig Gubernatorial Convention* The following gentlemen have been appointed Delegates to this Convention, from the counties named. The list com prises all the appointments we have seen: Baldwin — Miller Grieve, Benjamin T. Bethune, and Fleming 'l'. Grantland. Bibb — Rowland Bivins, T. M. Ellis, John J. Gresham, and J. 11. R. Washing ton. Burke—John T. Brown, James M. Pepper, and Drury Corker. Butts— Britton Buttrill,O. 11. McLen don, and R. W. McCune. Cobb— Henry G. Cole, Charles M. Kolb, and William Y. Hansell. Campbell— ML P. Menefee, R. J. Tug gle, and John IL Coryell. Cass— L. Johnson, A. F. Wooley, and James Milner. Clark— J. W. Harris, G. B. Haywood, and J. J ■ Selman. Chattanooga— G. B. T. Maddox, and Samuel C. Finley. DeKalb— J. Calhoun, J. Loyd, Ml 11. Clark, and S. P. Wright. Emanuel— Nell McLeod, and William 11. Connelly. Fayette— -G. L. V arren, L. E. Case, and J. C. Dickson. Forsyth— Samuel C. Elam, and John W. Thompson. Gwinnett—'L. Norton, K, T. Terrell, and M. R. Mitchell. Glynn— Hon. Thos. Butler King, Rob ert S. Piles, and Rev. \ . Wooley. Habersham— Reuben Nash, A. G. Pit ner. Hiram Taylor, and John W. Martin. Hancock— James D. Mackie, John Graybill, L. S. Stewart, and Thomas Whaley. Henry— W. Beck, J. Crow, F. F. Dod son, and J. C. Smith. Jackson— G. Mitchell, B. 11. Overby, M. Witt, and J. Dawson. Lee. — Jos. Boqd, and Thomas C Mou* ghan. Lowndes.— T. B. Davis, John' Sta ples, and Hamilton W. Sharpe. Madison.— Dr Sims and Jas. S. Long. Marion.— Mr. Crawford, Robert Bur ton and Morgan Kemp. Monroe — John K. Simmons, Mead Lesuscur, R. P. Trppe, M. B. Merritt and David Ogletree. Morgan.— Charles J. Baldwin, C. R. Hanleitcr, James 11. McHenry, and John R. Hubbard. Muscogee.— Hon. G. E. Thomas, S. W. Flournoy, and A. G. Foster, Aewton— Dr. ML D. Conyers, P. Rey nolds, L. Baker and L. Thomas. Oglethorpe.—F. F. Platt, G. 11. Les ter and T. E. R. Harris. Pike.— Johnß. Reid, William M. Leak Jas. C. Freeman, and Charles G. Tur ner Richmond.— John Skinner, M'm. J. Rhode, Andrew J, Miller, and Chas. Jen kins. Sumter— Dr. D. 11. P. Smcad, Dr. E. C. Mayer, A. G. Perryman, and Wm. Holt. Talliaferro.—Dr. E ML Alfriard, T. 1 illman, David E. Butler. Tattnall.— De LaMotta Shefftall, and Henry Strickland. Thomas.— John G. Fcndon, Dr. Thom-i as B. Wynn, and P. E, Love. Upson.—A\\en Me Walker, David B. Grant, and P. W. Alexander. • das. Gainer, B. Brook-, M S 'n W ; llardw ick, and Dr. ML G Me Bind e, i dohn ML Heard, Dennis Pas- [ chall, Robert Toombs and L. J. Gartrell, We see that Mr. Polk is expected j to make two or three speeches in North Carolina. Well, let him take the stump, i His friend Santa Anna is stumping it in ' Mexico.— Louisville Jour. If a miss is as good as a nnle, how many young ladies does it take to make a I league? Methink we could make a “loao-ue” 1 with one. ° | The Indians arc troubling the vicinity Matamoros. 1 THE HELICON MARIETTA, GEORGIA ; THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1847. FOR PRESIDENT IN 1813, GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR. FOR SENATOR OF THE 41 ST DISTRICT, GEN. DANIEL 11. BIRD, OF CAMTON. CROSS PLAINS RAIL ROAD MEETING. As an act of courtesy we publish the novel proceedings of this meeting which took place on the 18th ult. and to which 1 we are greatly indebted for many new j ideas that we had “never dreamed of in ' our philosophy.” We had felt a little ' pride in believing that we had understood the end and object of the State in the construction of its Rail Road; and also the interests of its citizens in its comple tion to its intended terminus on the Ten nessee river. But so chagrined were we on reading the preamble and resolu tions of this meeting, to find how egre giously we had mistaken the whole mat ( ter, that we had very serious thoughts , oi looking lor u. rupiGv iiuhg ourselves i sot our abominable stupidity. And per | haps we might but fora lucky thought. Aud that was, that dull as had been our j perceptibility, there were at least 700,000 people in Georgia, on that subject, as dull as ourselves. It had never entered into their stupid noddles, no more than our own, to suppose for a moment, that the Valley ol the Mississippi meant Cross Plains :„and that the true intent and mean ing of the Legislature in building a road to connect the Atlantic with this great valley ; meant nothing more nor less than stopping it there. It had never occurred to us that the interest of “ nine tenths of the peop'e of ; Georgia” would be promoted by expen ding two millions and a half of money to effect this greatobject, and after comple ting it to within thirty five miles of its original destination to snap it off like a pipe stem. And we honestly confess it extremely doubtful whether it ever , would have occurred to us but for the light thrown upon the subject by this liberal and patriotic meeting. M r e had been simple enough too to sup pose that the cities of Augusta, Savannah. : Macon, and Columbus, who pay a large portion of the tax of the State, and have 1 already expended millions to construct roads to connect with the State road, 1 and carry out the grand design of open ing a high way for the immense trade of the fertile West, if the State should fail 1 to complete her war, might possibly be , so unreasonable as to complain, notwith standing not only Cross Plains but the . whole of Murray county should be im mense’y benefited by it. M r e acknowledge ourselves culpably dull too, in not being able to jletect the Chief Engineer’s egregious error in his 1 prolix’ “ dictum” to the people of Georgia” rather than a “ financial re port of the road” till we saw it poin ted out. But we now see it, as clear as mud, and think he ought to be turned out of office forthwith if he don't obey the “ dictum of this meeting and stop the road “ f ight iharf instead of prosecuting it to the Tennessee riv j er, to benefit a “ few lot holders in Chattanooga and the individual Rail Road interest.'*' Yes. it is a plain case if he disregards the wishes of the citi zens ol Cross Plains,who have no “sel fish motives” to influence them, and who I ‘are willing to make any personal sacri fice lor the public good,” and gives a “su icidal stab upon the interest of nine tenths of the people of Georgia” by extern j ding the Road, to benefit those that are 1 interested, and are actuated by sei fish mo. i lives,” he ought to be turned out. And who could suppose the Legisla ture of Georgia could be so infactuated as to turn a deaf car to the “dictum” of Cross Plains merely to promote the in terest of the little ballance of the State that every body knows and admits is interest ed ? And moreover, what Executive or Chief Engineer would even dare to think of extending the Road undex’ the dread responsibility ol having the “ law enforc ed” which tins patriotic meeting hasgiv ; cn due and timely notice will be done should there be any attempt to extend that portion of it “ long since abandoned by the Statel” another item of which we were ignorant. M T e recommend a careful perusal of ' the proceedings which will be found in , another column, and leave but little room to n istakc their meaning or motive. MARIETTA MALE AND FEMALE ACADEMIES. An examination of the Pupils in these institutions will commence on Wednes day the 23d instant, and be continued during the week—there will be public speaking with other exercises on the evenings of each day. Parents, guardi ans and friends arc respectfully invited to attend. The 2nd session will commence Mon day the 12th July next.