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“The ferment of a free, is preferable to tfie torpor of a despotic, Government.”
VOIj. II.
ATHENS, GEORGIA, NOVEMBER 10, 1833.
November 5, 1833.—This day, at 12 o’. | unceasing vigilance, and suffer not ourselves
clock, his Excellency Governor Lumpkin to be led astray “ by every wind of doctrine,
transmitted to both branches of the Geueral J Let us follow in the footsteps and adhere to
Assembly, the following
MESSAGE:
Exe"i;ti\e Department, Georgia,
Milledgeville, Nov. 5, 1833.
Fcllow-citizcns of the Senate
and House of Representatives:
the doctrines of Washington, Jefferson and
Madison, and so far as the influence and ex.
ample of Georgia will extend, our Republic
will be safe.
The drawing of the Lotteries, which were in
progress at the last session of the Legislature,
was completed about the first of May last;
and the act o':’ the Legislature, providing for
At no period of our political existence, have I t j lc organization of tot new counties out ofthe
the Representatives of the people of Georgia I territory .thus disposed of, has been carried
assembled under circumstances more signally
calculate J to impress the rnind with a deep
'sense of gratitude to Almighty God. It would
indeed, savour of infidelity, not to feel du
ly impressed with a sense of our renewed
obligations to the great Author and Disposer
of tho destinies of men and of Nations, for the
many inestimable blessings vouchsafed to us,
his offending creatures.
While the chastening scourge of Heaven
into effect—and we have now a settled free
hold population on every part of our Territo
ry competent to tho administration of our laws,
so ur as to secure most of the blessings of our
system tn those, whose enterprise has led
them to- become settlers in that interesting
section of our State, hitherto the abode of a
people wholly unqualified to enjoy the hies-
sings of wise self government. The ac
complishinent of this great and desirable ob
has been visited upon the people of both hem-1 jeci to our State, has been attended at every
ispbercs, carrying in the train of pestilence, j step, with the most unrelenting and obstinate
horror, despair, and death, the people of our opposition. The unfortunate remnant of the
State hove not only been shielded from the Cherokees has, for years past, been made
wide-spreading desolation, but have enjoyed the dupes and instruments of selfish and am
an unusual degree of health and prosperity, bitious politicians, whose restless spirits have
Propitious seasons, a productive soil, and ge.
nial climate, have crowned the labors of our!
industrious agricultural population with a
bountiful reward for all their toils. Our
barns and store-houses are tilled with plenty,
and tho surplus products of our labor com-
mand a price which amply remunerates the
laborer for all his care and industry. In-
deed, the various avocations, which diversify
the labor of our citizens, find a:i ample and
urged them to acts of mischief, degrading to
humanity itself. In the early part of the
present year, another, earnest and liberal ef.
tort was made by the President ofthe United
States, to effect a treaty with the Cherokees,
having for its object their entire removal be
yond the Mississippi—which object, it is be
lieved, was defeated alone, by a few of the
interested half-breeds, who are evidently un
der the influence of political men, who stand
unbridled by the restraints of virtuous patri
otism.
A judicious and well regulated system of
public economy requires, that the people and
their representatives, should be perfectly fa
miliar with the financial condition and re
sources 6f the State. No branch of political
economy requires greater sldll, wisdom and
prudent forecast, in a government like ourr.,
than that of devising the ways and means to
meet the expenditures which popular opinion
seems to demand. At this time, the genera!
voice of every political community, is raised in
hvor of general education,os well as aliberal cul
tivation of the arts and sciences. Nor is the
demand less urgent for the most splendid
works for internal improvement. All this, 1
deem to be proper enough—no one desires
the advancement of the country in these im
portant objects, more than I do—but true dig
nity consuls in living within our circumstau-
ccs, and let us therefore scrutinize our means.
The people of Georgia have long enjoyed
the overflowing bounties of their rich and ex-
tensive territorial inheritance, but these ad
vantages as a source of public revenue, now
no longer exist. The present financial re.
sources of the State, consist of a capital of
about two and a half millions of dollars—up
wards of one million of which, is composed
of the stock owned by the State, in four of
our incorporated banks ; about one million of
the notes of citizens discounted by the Cen
tral Bank, and the balance, of various items
including specie, bonds, notes,canal stock and
other evidences of debts due the State. In
addition to the foregoing, the State still has a
scattered remnant of fractional lands, which.
NO. 85.
speedy reward, proportioned to the skill and opposed to the true interests of the Indians,
industry employed. Most of our people cul- as well as that of the State. The failure to
mate their own freehold estates, and are lite- effect a treaty has not however, prevented a
rally setting under their own vines and trees, continuance of our efforts to effect the object
and none to make them afraid. Our prisons of removing the Indians, at as early a day as
have no insolvent debtors—we have scarce-1 practicable. Another opportunity of enrol
ly n pauper in the land, except the few who j ment for emigration, has been extended to
have become such from habits of intemper- Mich as may be disposed to remove ; and 1
ancc. As a State, wc enjoy the overflowing am gratified to learn, that many of the intel-
hounties of a beneficent Providence. On Ugent and influential among them have avail
terms of amity with all governments, we are ed themselves of the liberal terms proposed.
Messed with the quiet and peaceable posses-1 Therefore, the day cannot be distant, when
sion of our long-contested territorial rights, I the State will be entirely relieved from the
rapidly increasing in population and wealth, perplexities occasioned by this portion of its
accumulating from the continual develop, population. It will, hbwever, become the
incut of the natural resources of our State, duty of the Legislature, at its present session,
Our ine xhaustible mines and minerals have to revise and amend our laws providing for
opened a xvide field for the employment of the government and protection of the Indians,
the most extensive science, skill and industry, I Experience has already exposed many de-
whic'i is draw ing to our State, with irresisti-1 fects, and ambiguities in the existing laws on
bio impulse, capital, skill, and enterprise | this subject,which should be speedily remedied,
from various parts of the world. Conipara-1 l r . our anxiety to provide for the welfare and
lively free from individual distress, as well I protect the rights • of this unfortunate race,
ns exempt from public debt, our people arc W e -have in some instances, given advantages
possessed of abundant means of promoting to the native population over our white citi-
their individual happiness, as well as their j zens ; which advantages, when exercised un
political prosperity.
In tho midst of all these multiplied bles
sings, it is truly mortifying to witness the rest
less spirit of agitation and political excitement
rhicli has been engendered and vigorously
derthc influence of selfish counsels,become op
pressive to our white population, who are
certainly not less entitled to the protection of
our laws, than the native race—however just
may be their claims on the sympathies of an
iept up amongst the people, calculated, if enlightened government.
Under our existing laws, the reservation of
land secured to the natives during their plea-
sure, are in many instances unreasonably
large, and ought to be curtailed by judicious
legislation. I would also call tho attention
of the legislature to another description of
native claims,whicli involves considerations of
tho greatest importance to the interests and
honor of the State. A class of individuals,
| not intended, to alienate their affections from
their own beloved political institutions. That I
the value of our Federal Union should have
become a familiar subject of calculation, is
truly alarming, and argues little for the patri
otism of those, who encourage discussion up
on such a subject. Who could have believed,
ten years ago, that at this early day, wc I
should have witnessed speculative discussion
upon such a theme—or that it could have be-1 chiefly of the white and mixed blood, and who
omc tho leading topic of a certain class of claim the right of natives within the limits of
politicians ? The Union of the States, one Georgia, arc persons, who under the treaties
nd indivisible, is now no longer the motto of of 1817 and 1819, took valuable fee-simple
every American citizen! These “ signs of reservations of tho best lands then ceded, under
[the times,” speak volumes of admonition, to an expressed, written determination to become
every' lover of constitutional liberty, and citizens ofthe United States—and consequent-
should fire the bosom, and nerve the arm of ly,ab ndoning all the claim of rights or privile-
patriotism in the cause of Union. Notwitb- ges, as a part or portion of the Cherokee na-
standing these threatening evils, it is gratify- tion. Nevertheless, these persons have since
ing to see, that our admirable system of free sold and disposed of their reserved lands,
govern ment,bascd upon the will and affections thus taken, for largo considerations of money
ofthe people, continues to unfold the appro- for their individual benefit; and have gone
riate ability contained in its structure, to into the country still occupied by the remnant
ithstund the assaults of foreign and domes. I of the Cherokees, and have again made selec-
foes. Tho enemies of our government, I tions and settlements on the most valuable
hether open or insidious—under whatever I lands of that portion of their people, who
ccious form or pretext—appear to be doom. I have not participated, in an equal degree with
to discomfiture, whenever they attempt to themselves, in' the benefits of the treaties re-
icnate the affections of the people from that ferred to. Moreover, thoso very individuals,
ivemmcnt, which is, emphatically, tho off- by their superior intelligence, and advanta
ging and nursling of their own effort and ges of education, have had the address to
.re. The people may alter and change, as I regain an influence over the Cherokees—
them may seem fit; but that they would I whom they hadonce abandoned to their fate
stroy that mighty governmental fabric, rea-1 —so far as to. rule, govern and influence
by the toils and cemented by the blood of them in all matters relating to their most im-
ir fathers—merely for the aggrandizement portant interests; and have been for years
selfish demagogues and strife-stirring pol. I past, and continue to be the prime ond effi.
cions, is not to be expected. The spirit tiiat cient cause of preventing the Cherokees from
guided our Washington has hitherto pervaded yielding to the liberal and beneficent plans of
and saved our country. The champions of the Federal Government, for removing them
civil and religious liberty, of popular rights to the west of the ‘ Mississippi. The inso-
and constitutional government, have thus 1 lence, and mischievous influence of these in.
far succeeded and triumphed over all opposi. I dividuols should no logger receive the indul.
tion. Therefore, we should not be dismayed I gence or countenance of extraordinary priv.
at the symptoms of yielding integrity and trea- ileges from the Federal or Stale Government
sonatle ambition, which have been engaged I but should be treated by both Governments
in estimating the value, and threatening the as intruders of die most assuming character,
dissolution of our Federal Union. I am wil. I The lauds, now in the occupancy of these
ling to charge the errors of all such, rather I persons under our existing laws, ought tp be
to selfish delusion, than traitorous design; j granted to the drawers; who are the rightful
aud will therefore hope, that the clouds, which, 1 owners, and who have been restrained from
"it pmsenc, overshadow our political horrizon, I the occupancy the by law's of the State now
«y quietly pass away, before they gather in force. These persons have already done
into u ruinous tempest. But it has been tru- their own people, the State of Georgia and
stid, «that the condition on which God our common country, great and serious injii.
granted liberty toman, is perpetual vigilance.” ry. They have been the dupes and instru.
therefore, fellow-citizens, as the senti- ments at home and abroad, of desperate, po-
nels of the people, should exercise the most I litical agitators, whose factious spirits are
by prompt and appropriate legislation, might
be made available for public purposes. The
aggregate, annual profits accruing to the
State at this time, upon her various invest
ments, amount to the sum of about one hun
dred and twenty thousand dollars. This brief
view of the present condition of the resources
of the State will, at one glance, urge upon
the consideration of the Legislature, the ne.
cessitv of adopting such systematic, financial
operations, as will direct the present course
and must determine the future prospects of
t he State.
After much reflection, I would respectfully
recommend to the General Assembly such
legislation as may tend finally, to bring all
t he public assets of the State under tho im
mediate control and management of its own
agent, tho Central Bank ; and further to in
vest that institution with the necessary powers
to enable it to act efficiently in the collection
of the debts due the State. The present vest
ed capital of the State should be considered
permaneut fund; the annual profits of which
should be scrupulously applied to great public
objects of acknowledged utility—and, while
the whole people are enjoying the benefits,
which are constantly flowing from this, their
permanently vested capita!, I would recom
mend that no more taxes .be exacted from
them, than what may be sufficient to defray
the ordinary expenses of an economical civil
government; which will scarcely be felt by
the people, and at the same time, serve to re-
mind each individual, annually, that he is a
citizen and component part of the govern,
ment.
Under the provisions of the act of the Leg
islature, passed on the 24th day of Decern-
tier last, a Receiver of the 'assets of the Bank
of Macon was appointed by the Executive,
but the report of that Agent will show, that
he has been wholly unable to effect the ob
jects contemplated by the Legislature. The
Report, together with copies of the corres
pondence on the subject, is herewith submit
ted ; and may aid the General Assembly in
determining upon the expediency of further
legislation on this subject—at least it will be-
come necessary to provide for the payment
for services already rendered under the di,
rection of the State, with a view to effect a
fair and legal settlement t of the affairs of said
Bank.
The dishonest and fraudulent management
of Banks, so frequently developed, admonish
es the Legislature, most urgently, to in:er-
pose its entire cons'titutional authority, to
shield the people from the desolating effects
of legalized swindling. During the last year
the public confidence was greatly shaken in
the soundness of the paper currency of our
State, by the failure of (he Bonk of Macon;
and before the people had recovered from the
shock and the losses suffered by it, their fears
and forebodings were greatly increased and
confirmed, by the failure of the Merchant's
and Planter’s Bank of Augusta. The devel-
opements already made, in regard to the Bank
of Macon, evince the important fact, that'if
Banks are not managed with fidelity and skill,
the ruinous effects, which must ensue, will
fall, chiefly, upon the honest and unsuspect,
mg, laboring class of society, who' are unable
to contend against a combination of legal
subtleties, which will always.be united to di
vide the spoils of a disastrous Bank corpora
tion. Corruption, on the part of a Bank offi.
cer, should be deemed a highly penal crime,
and punished accordingly.
My general views in relation to these instil
tutions, and their connection with the public
interest, remain unchanged; and having been
freely communicated to the last General As
sembly, I deetp it unnecessary, to reiterate
the sentiments therein contained. 1 Copies of
all the Bank reports made during the present
year, under the provisions of our existing
laws, are herewith submitted to the Legisla-
lure; which will enable the Representatives
ofthe people to judge ofthe present state and
condition of these institutions, and will show to I such an improvement of the system, as will
xvhat extent they have complied with the re- more profitably employ that fund, for the ben.
^ lfrements of the law. efit of the poor, and as will have a tendeti.
The history of our own times, urges upon cy to bring them nearer to the level of the
the consideration of every informed and re r wealthy. - —i - -—
fleeting citizen, the indispensable necessity of ' Every year’s experience affords additional
increased exertions to educate the rising gen- evidence ofthe correctness of the views here-
eration. We need some system,-which will j tofore communicated to the Legislature by
produce a general eifect, and operate benefi- myself, and predecessors, in regard io the
ialjy upon the whole community.' Our nre- defective condition of our militia system.—
publican institutions can never be. considered The Executive has not the power to correct
safe, and stable, while a small number of in. these imperfections, which have been so often
dividuals, however talented, can lead and mis-1 pointed out, without the co-operation of the
guide whole communities, to the very brink Legislature. The Reports of the Koepcrs
of ruin ! When' the number of educated men. ofthe Public Arsenals, at this place and Sa
in a political community, is so few, as to be vannah, are herewith transmitted. From an
chiefly confined to one. or two professions— experiment made upon a few hundreds of
who may therefore the more readily unite | Muskets, which had been returned to the Ar-
their efforts to control and direct society, with | senal in this place, out of repair and greatly
view to their own selfish aggrandizement— injured by rust, I find that the guns belonging
the liberties of the people must be endanger-1 to the State in like condition, may be put in
ed. The conservative influence of education good order, at an expense of one dollar each,
is greatly needed in our State. That general Would if not therefore be economy for the Le.
system, which may be best calculated to im- gislature to provide for the collecting and
part to our whole people, the blessings of a cleaning of the scattered arms belonging to
competent, business education, cannot fail to the State ?
promote individual happiness, as well as great- Under the authority of a joint resolution of
ly to strengthen the bonds of our republican the General Assembly, approved on the 22d
institutions. It is not necessary tiiat our sons of December last, William Schley, John A.
hould all be College-bred gentlemen. I care Cuthbert and Joseph Henry Lumpkin, Esqrs.
not for names—if our children can receive were appointed by the Executive, “ To pre.
adequate instruction in the solid and useful I pare a plan for the Penitentiary buildings—
branches of science, it is immaterial with me, digest a system of laws for its government and
whether they acquire it in Universities, Col- organization—and to revise and amend the
leges, Academies, Lyceums, Workshops, or penal laws of this State, so far as relates to
Manual Labor Schools of any description the punishments which that code prescribes,
whatever. The great object' to be effected, and report the whole to the next General As.
is, to give the plain working man an educa-1 sembly.” I am apprised, that the report of
tion, which shall make him intelligent, virtu-1 these gentlemen is in a state of preparation,
ous and useiul, and which shall place him and will, in due time, be laid before the Le-
upon the ground of hopeful competition, witli} gislature. Not having been directed to be
the professional classes, who are assuming submitted to the Executive, but passiug direct
the lead in the entire government of the coun- ly to the Legislature, I deem it inexpedient
try. * j to venture a remark on the several important
I rejoice at the gradual growth and increas. subjects embraced in the report. The char-
ing prosperity of Franklin College. This actcr of these gentlemen, as jurists, justifies
State institution merits the continued patron- the expectation, that the views to be submitted
age of our whole people: at this time, I con- by them, will he useful to the Legislature, and
sidcr it entitled to the confidence of the peo- to the country ; and as the preparation of
pie, and tiiat it should receive the liberal sup. their report has required much time and la
port of their representatives. The literary hour, it is therefore to be expected that they
and moral worth of the President and Facul- will bo suitably compensated,
ty, together with the increased facilities of The annual report of the Inspectors of the
books and apparatus, afford -the most flatter- Penitentiary, required to be made to the Ex-
ing assurances of its future and permanent ecutive in conformity with the provisions of
usefulness; and I trust - that our State may | the act of the. last General Assembly, is here-
y ~t be remunerated for all she .has expended,
or may expond, in support of that institution.
But in relation to our other expenditures, for
purposes of public education, I do not feel au
thorized to speak thus flatteringly ; for, the
annual expenditure of upwards of forty thou
with submitted. Since tiie report has been
received at this Department, there has not
been sufficient time, from other indispensable
duties, to investigate its details witli that scru
tiny, which has heretofore been customary,
and which is always desirable. It is belie-
sand dollars for the support of. Academies I ved, however, that the operations of the past
and Poor Schools, though well intended, is, year have, under all the circumstances, been
in reality, effecting but little good. It is ob- successfully conducted for the interest of the
vious to me, that wc have experimented long institution and ofthe State. In our efforts to
enough upon our present system of Academic sustain the institution, we should profit by
and Poor School education ; and that we past experience, and introduce improvements
should no longer be content with acknowledg- as fast as circumstances and a due regard to
ing existing imperfections, but that we should economy anil admit. With one additional
at once, attempt aa entire renovation of the remark, I will dismiss the subject of the Pen
system. In making this change, this impor- itentiary: and that is—that our leading pol
tant fact should be constantly kept in view— icy should be to make the institution main
that to make education truly valuable, while tain itself. The honest part of society feel
the mind is cultivated and disciplined, the pu- a repugnance to the idea of labouring to sup
pil should be carefully trained to habits of in- port the convicts in the Penitentiary. There
dusiry and morality. To make the rising fore their comforts should be procured from
generation better, wiser and happier, and at their, own labour, which under skilful man
the same time, eradicate or diminish poverty, agement and good discipline, is the. best
oppression .amj crime—should be the leading I means at our disposal for effecting the great
objects in' establishing a general and' well objects of other punishment, by preventing
based system of public education. With a crime and producing reformation;
view to promote these great objects, I respect- The reports of the superintendents of the
fully submit to the Legislature, ray deliberate- public hands, will present to the Legislature
ly formed opinion, that, in-order to ensure the operations, progress and success of that
success, it is indispensably necessary to cou-» branch of tho public service during the past
nect with the education of our children, regu- political year—and which, under ail the cir-
lar and systematic manual labor. I believe | cUmstanccs, authorize the belief, that the
that children in a well regulated institution, j agents entrusted with the . improvement of
designed for useful education, should be taught our public roads, are entitled to the public
various arts of lucrative labor; so that in due confidence and approbation. My general
time they may be able to a carn a comfortable views, heretofore submitted to th% Legislature
living by the labor of their own hands. From on this subject, have undergone no change,
my own observation on the subject of educa. I But it devolves on the Representatives of the
tion, and from all the information I have been I people and not tho Executive, to determine
able to procure from others, I consider’ that I whether the present system shall be aban-
system of education best, which keeps youth doned, or be sustained by such legislation os
most constantly employed^ body and mind; I has heretofore been suggested,
and which exercises the most unceasing vigi- j No ohe can feel more gratified than my-
lance and control, day and night—which ex- self, at the manifestation ofthe rising spirit of
eludes all vitiating associations and practices, enterprise, which has characterized the pro.
and which superintends even, the amusements ceedings of our fellow-citizens, in various
and social intercourse of the pupil. Another I parts of the State, in regard to works of in-
idea, not less important, urges upon our con- ternal improvement. This spirit should. not
sideration the expediency of connecting man- be checked, but encouraged by the Legisla.
ual labor with a system of public education, ture. Every citizen and section of the State
The most vigorous constitution, without exer- should have the lawful privilege of investing
cise, is soon wasted by disease and decay; |their capital according to their own views of
and a full development of the powers of the I profit—guarding, at the same time, the inter-
mind, in such casc4, is rarely attained by the est ofthe residue of the community from in.
most diligent application. If “ bodily exer- jury being sustained by any exclusive privile-
cise” be thus profitable in the development of ges which may be granted. Our past exper-
the physical and mental powers of youth, I ience, however, should admonish us to be
consider employment in the mechanical arts, cautious how we entangle the State, by be-
and especially agriculture, as heing far pre- coining partners with indiyiduals, or corpo-
ferable to those plays and pastimes, which, rate bodies of men. Such associations be.
at present, occupy so much of their time, and tween Government and its citizens, are con,
in which they engage without any sensible or sidered dangerous to equality and liberty.—
rational object of utility whatever. A self- The favoured capitalist, who becomes a part-
supporting system of education is also the j ner with tho Government, rarely fails to as-
more desirable, from the important considera- sume some unusual consequence on account
tion* that it is calculated to level those dis- of the association ; and generally, the result
tiactions iu society, which arise from the ina- is, that the government is left to bear the
bility ofthe poor to educate their children in burthens of the concern, while tho individual
our existing institutions. In' recommending partners reap the whole profits—or abandon
a change of our system of poor school educa- the project before any thing is advanced ex-
tion, I wonld, by no means, be-understood as cept by the government,
recommending a reduction of the funds ap- J If the State should, at this time, determine
provement, it .should be a Central Rail Koa^
through the entire State; beginning at the
best emporium on our coast, and proceeding
from thence, in a direction best calculated to
benefit the largest portion of our population,
to the base of the mountains. A well con-
structed Rail Road, through the centre of the:
State, being once completed, it would be
speedily intersected by various roads from all
parts of the State,*at the points most needed.
The great high way of commercial intercourse
being thus permanently established, nothing
could then hinder the progress of internal im
provement in Georgia, to the full extent winch
utility might dictate. To efiect any thing,
permanently useful, it is necessary to con.
cenlrate tfie public mind to’ one great central -
object, which shall be considered and patron
ized as a State work, designed for the bene*
fit of the whole people. The credit and re-
sources, of our State, should not be expended
upon local or partial works of internal improve
ment. Our commencement must necessari
ly be accurate surveys, upon which true es
timates may be predicated ; and this can on
ly be obtained by the services of a skilful and
well qualified Engineer. In connection with-
this subject the views of a highly respectable
and numerous portion of our foUiw-citizens
of Savannah and Macon, herewith submitted,
are entitled to the most deliberate and respect- .
ful cousidcration; as also the report of the-
commissioners, John G. Polhill, Hugh Law-
sou, and Moses ' Fort, E«qr?r, who, under a.
resolution of the last Legislature, were ap
pointed and instructed to examine the port of
Brunswick and the Rail Road avenue to the
Alatamaha ; which report, with various oth
er documents, is herewith laid before the
General Assembly. •
Savannah, the first settled point and long
established emporium of our State, has, for
years past contended against a rivalry, which
has not only paralyzed her advancement, but
must eventually annihilate her prosperity as
an important commercial city, unless she iff-
sustained.by liberal legislation. Many con-
siderations connected with our history ns a
State, forbid the abandonment of our first and
most important seaport town, unless the inter
est of the great body of the people of the
State, shall require such a course. The great
question which should now be settled is,
whether the interest of the people of Geot-
;ia will be most effcctuslly promoted by a
^termination to sustain and build up Savan
nah ? Or whether wc should look to Bruns
wick, Darien, or some other port as posses
sing equal or superior advantages ? The rea
son why this question should now .be settled
is obvious. If we commence a great central
channel of commerce—we should commence
at the ocean and proceed to the mountains.—
The State should have but one work of tbtfP
description on hand at a time; and that should: .
be directed with the single view of benefiting
the greatest number of our citizens. Various
considerations admonish every true Georgi
an to lay aside his local and sectional preju
dices, and to exercise a magnanimous spirit of
patriotic State pride, which will secure to him
self and fellow-citizens those commercial ad-
vantages which the God of Nature designed
for the people who should inhabit this favored
portion of the confederacy. It would be
mortifying, indeed, to see the immense pro
ducts of our own State drawn from their na
tural channels of destination { nr own exten
sive Atlantic coast) to Chaueston and the
Gulf of Mexico—merely for the wont of in. ^
dustry and enterprize on the part of our own
citizens. Not only the product^ of our own
State, should be shipped from our own ports#
but by timely and judicious measures of in
ternal improvement, a very 1 considerable por
tion of the Western trade might be drawn to
the ports of Georgia—which is believed to
be the best and most natural channel for
much of that trade. The immense and su-
p'erabounding products of the great and for-
tile West, are more than sufficient to glut its
only natural outlet. New Orleans. There
fore, the surplus products of that fertile re
gion, must necessarily seek a market else
where. Hence, we have witnessed the ef
forts of New-York, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
and lately, Virginia and South Carolina, to>
obtain a portion of the Western trade by their
canals, rail and turnpike roads. Should not
Georgia strive for a part of tills immensely
valuable trade ? The Eastern counties of
Tennessee are nearer to the coast of Georgia
than any other Atlantic market; and it is
confidently believed, that if we had a suitable
channel of'commerce, or in other words, .a
good rail road from a seaport in Georgia to
the mountains, it would be extended without
delay to the heart of the great West. The
great mountain barrier which separates the
Western from the Atlantic waters, can, it is
believed, be more easily overcome, and at far
less expense in Georgia, than in any of
the Atlantic States.
Under the authority of a joint resolution of
the General Assembly, passed at the last sen.
sion, William Nichols, jr- Esquire,a gentleman
of high qualifications, was duly appointed by
the Executive, and has made the necessary
surveys, to assertain the practicability of a.
commercial communication between West
Point in Troup County and the town of Colum
buswhich report is in, a State of prepare-
tion and will be laid before the legislature at
an early day of the present session. The in-
formation collected by this examination and
survey, will enable the Legislature to deter
mine what can, anti ought to he done, to im
prove the commercial facilities, of that interijs-
proprioted to that object; but as proposing I to enter upon any great work of internal uf»-. ting section o! the State.
