Southern banner. (Athens, Ga.) 1832-1872, November 16, 1833, Image 1

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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.