Newspaper Page Text
BY A. SI. & W. F. PEMISEKTO\. AUCiUSTA, FRIDAY, DEOEIIBEIE 23, I SJJ3. VOLUME 50—AO. 13.
Published Every
SATURDAY MORNING.
Vo, 201 Broad-Street, opposite the
MASONIC IIAI-1..
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23.1835.
•* Htjuti , and fear not.”
GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.
Senate, Dec. 17. — Mr. Gibson of Warren
offered a protest of himself and Mr. Cone of Bul
loch, against the passage of the bill for the organi
zation of a Court of Errors ; which was ordered
to be entered on the Journal.
The resolutions of the House, for the relief of
the indigent Deaf and Dumb, &c. were agreed to,
with amendments, making the appropriation of
$4,450 a permanent annual one, and increasing
the compensalion of the Rev. Mr. Sinclair, to $750.
Bills Passed —“to amend the several laws now
in force, in relation to slaves and free persons of
color,” (the one reported by the Anti-abolition
committee,) —to amend the oath administered at
Elections, yeas 43, nays 22—and to incorporate
the Georgia Insurance and Trust company of Au
gusta, with an amendment, making the stockhold
ers liable for two years after the sale of their stock,
yeas 49, nays 18.
Bills Rejected —“to amend the sth section of
the 3d division of the Penal Code,” so as to pre
vent the introduction of any Abolition paper, even
with the friendly intention ofinforming and warn
ing the Southern people against the designs and
movements of the Abolitionists, as reported by the
Anti-abolition committee ; yeas 19, nays 49—to
amend the 9lh section of the act incorporating the
Central Bank, yeas 29, nays 38—to divide Wal
ker county into two counties, yeas 30, nays 37
and, to authorize Berkley R. Thomas, a Steam
Doctor, to practice Medicine, &c. yeas 29, nays
43.
House, Dec. 17. — The Report from the Anti-
Abolition Committee, on the subject of the in
cendiary movements of the fanatics of the North, i
was taken up, and Mr. Hudson offered a pream
ble and resolutions as a substitute, and moved that '
the consideration of the subject be deferred till
tomorrow, that the proposed substitute might be
printed in the moan lime, and laid before the
House, which, after some debate, on the part of
Messrs. Hudson, Gordon of Chatham, Lewis
of Jones, Fleming, Black of Scrivcn, and Me- '
Kinley, was adopted, and 200 copies were or
dered to be printed. [A fine spirit was manifest
ed on all sides, in this debate, and we anticipate
the utmost harmony in the final decision. The
only material apparent difference, in the pream
He and resolutions offered by Mr. Hudson, from
those of the Committee, is that they call for le
gislation on the part of the North, which the
latter do not; and in this we decidedly agree |
with them, and trust the Legislature will, also ; ,
hut in other respects they arc objectionable, as
well as the others, and in their general language, j
tone, and spirit, appear less decided than those .
of the Committee; which will probably be adopt
ed ; but we trust not without inserting a call for
legislation, striking out the Resolution, (alike in
both,) which recommends to Congress the ex
tremely dangerous movement of interfering with
the Post Office, and thereby giving it a censor
ship over the entire Press—and making some one
‘or two verbal amendments. Where is the use of
interfering with the Post Office, which is only one
medium of assault, among many, very many,
which can still bo exerted, if that be corrected 1
It is useless to disguise this matter, and deceive !
cither our own people, or those of the North. J
There are but two modes of suppressing the evil
—one of which is in the hands of the North, and ;
the other in our own. The former, is prompt, 1
determined, and decisive legislation — they have
none other. The latter, secession from the U
nion—vie have none other. Examine the ques- !
tion as you will—turn it and twist it as you
choose—“to this complexion it must come at last.”
The North and Iho South should both under
stand this. Legislation is everything, in their
hands, nothing in ours. Neither we or the Gen
eral Government can pass any laws that will reach
the evil, and it is utterly useless to try it. The
people of the North know well the value of the
Union to them. The power of preserving it
rests now on them alone, and if we plainly shew
them this, as wc can and ought to do, they will
preserve it; but if vve do not thisquickly, st-ength
ening as the Abolition cause is every day, even
their power to do so will soon cease, and with it,
every other on earth. Why, then, mince the
matter 1 Nq one calmly- -wishes to dissolve the
Union, either among them or us; But the pow
er of pre serving it, is in them alone, and the
main question to be put to them, is whether they
will promptly exercise that power, or, by avoid
ing it, drive us, of necessity, to Iho only mean
of. self-preservation, in our power 1 We again j
say, no one wishes to dissolve the Union, but it
will very soon bo beyond all human power to
preserve it; and it is due to the North, which
how holds that power, as well as to ourselves, to
plainly and clearly shew them this.]
The amendments of the Senate, to the bill of
the House, giving Banking powers and privileges
to the Georgia Rail Road company, were taken
up, and agreed to. The bill consequently needs
only the si gnaturo of the Governor, to become a
law. [ln the course of some debate on these a
raendmeuts, Mr. McKinlkt said it would be re
collected, that in formerly opposing the other simi
lar bill, he had predicted that these mammoth in
stitutions would soon interfere with elections; and
already, this one, even in its very cradle, was put
ting forth its power to that effect, and to put down
the freedom of discussion and legislative action on
this floor; for, not only himself, but also one of
the gentlemen from Clark, had been threatened
again and again with being put down, for oppos
ing this bill; and he eloquently and indignantly
resented the assaults of “ these combinations of
grey-hatred swindlers,” and dared them to the
contest.]
The bill to establish a Court for the correction
!of Errors, was taken up, and the one from the
Senate was adopted as a substitute; Mr. Goddon
of Chatham moved to strike out “ $2,500,” as
the salary of the Judges, with the view of in
serting $3,500 ; but, ascertaining that many who
would vote for it, would do so with the intention
of lessening, rather than increasing the salary,
and would probably succeed, he withdrew it. It
was then renewed by Mr. , and rejected ;
yeas 76, nays 78. Mr. Sbahpe moved to lay
the bill on the table fur the remainder of the ses
sion; which was rejected; yeas 68, nays 92,
Mr. Gordon of Chatham moved to strike out the
words which prevent an increase of salary, du
ring continuance in office ; which was rejected.
- Mr. Flournoy moved to strikeout “Augusta”
! and “ Savannah” as the location of the Couit for
j the district, with the view of adopting a sin
! gle and more central point, in accordance with
j the constitutional requisition ; which was adopt
: ed; yeas 84, nays 59. The bill was then laid on
the table for the present;
A message was received from the Governor,
transmitting a letter from several citizens of
Stewart county, setlhrg forth that the Indians
were collecting in large numbers, on the Ala
bama side of the river, with evidently hostile
intentions, and that the Colonel of the county
refused to act under the orders sent by the Gov
ernor ; and praying immediate relief: which
was laid on the table, and Mr. Kenan offered a
resolution, instructing the Governor to give im
mediate and efficient aid to the people of Stewart
county, or any other part of the State that may
he assailed by the Indians—which was adopted.
Bills passed —to authorize the sucing, issuing,
and executing of attachments on tlid Sabbath
day, as on other days, when the defendant re
sides out of tlie State —to lay a general tax for
1836 ; after rejecting a proposed amendment, to
tax money-lenders and brokers—and to prevent
the sale of ardent spirits to Indians and Indian
' negroes.
Bills rejected —to remove the scat ot Govern
ment to Macon—and to alter the time of holding
the Superior Courts of the Chattahoochee Circuit.
The bill to authorize the Mechanic’s Bank of
Augusta, to increase its capital stock, whs taken
up, and Mr. moved to lay it on the table
for the remainder of the session, which was op
posed by Mr. Schley, advocated by Mr. Gordon
of Chatham, and adopted. So the hill was lost.
The hill to amend lire act of '34, in relation to
the Poor School Fund, so far as relates to the
payment of arrears, was taken up. Mr. EzzAttn
offered an additional section, to take from tho
Georgia University the appropriation of $6,000
annually, as a permanent Fund, fertile benefit of
that institution, and add it to the Poor School
Fund; and Mr. Hill of Jasper, moved to lay it
on the table for the remainder of the session,which
was decided in the negative, yeas 50, nays 80.
This vote greatly alarmed the friends of the Col
lege, and also of the true interests of education and
tho character and honor of the State, and an anima
ted debate ensued, in.which the additional section
was advocated by Messrs. ScHicki-and, Tarver,
& Bates, and opposed by Messrs. Hill of Jasper,
Floyd, Clayton, Lewis of Jones, Dunham,
and Moore of Clark, and rejected, yeas 47, nays
06. The question was then taken on the passage
of the bill itself, and decided in the affirmative.
A Message was received from the Governor,
transmitting sundry papers received from the Sa
vannah, Ogcechce, and Altamaha Canal company,
shewing the present embarrassed condition ot that
company, and consequent uncertainty of realizing
the objects contemplated by the act for its incor
poration ; which was laid on the table for the re
mainder of the session.
Senate, Dec. 18. —Mr. Wood of Mclntosh
laid on the table a preamble and resolutions,Tip
proving of the entire conduct of the President in
relation to our affairs with France, and pledging
the people of Georgia to sustain the General Go
vernment, while pursuing our just claims on
France, &c.—which were read, and 300 copies
were ordered to be printed.
On molion of Mr. Wood of Mclntosh, the bill
to revise, amend, and consolidate lire Militia laws,
was referred to the next General Assembly.
Bills Passed —to add a part of Early county
to Decatur county—to require the Surveyor Ge
neral to record ail Head rights in his office, be
fore the land is granted, to prevent loss, &c.,
yeas 30, nays 30, (ho President then voting a
yea —to legalize the proceedings of the Senatus
Acadcmicus, in Nov. 1835—t0 amend the act in
corporating the Georgia Kail Road Company, so
as to authorize Branches to Warrenton and Spar
ta —to authorize tho creation of one or more Ca
valry Corps in each county, and provide for the
purchase of Pistols, Holsters, and Swords, yeas
57, nays 7to change the times of holding the
Superior and Inferior Courts of the Cherokee Cir
cuit, &c.—to more effectually protect free persons
of color, and point out the in. de of trying their
r i„hl of freedom —to incorporate the Planter’s Bank
at Savannah, yeas 30, nays 30, the Picsidcnt then
voting yca —and to amend the law of 1805, for
the better selection and drawing of Grand and
Pettit Jurors;
Bills Rejected —to regulate the fees of Clerks
of the Superior and Inferior Courts—to incorpo
rate the General Life Insurance Company, at
Athens, with Banking privileges—-to repeal the
act of ’34, to aid in opening the Port of Bruns
wick, to the interior —to incorporate the Literary
Bank of Georgia, at Cullodcnsville, yeas 6, nays
60—and to incorporate the Millcdgcvillo and
Greensboro’ Rail Road.
Mr Harden laid on the table Resolutions au
thorizing the Sheriffs of the Cherokee counties,
each, to employ as a guard, for the protection ol |
the citizens, against the Indians, any number of |
men, not exceeding fifteen, at the expense of the
Stale, whenever they may deem such a measure -
necessary or proper.
House, Dec. 18.—Mr. Lewis of Jones moved
to reconsider the Journal of yesterday, ao far as re-
lates to striking out “Augusta” and “ Savannah,”
as locations for the Supreme Court; which was
advocated by Messrs Lewis of Jones, and Schley,
opposed by Messrs Flournoy and Dougherty,
and rejected —yeas 42, nays 88.
The Anti-abolition Report, and proposed sub
stitute, were made the order of the day for to
morrow;
The bill to establish a Court for the Correction
of Errors, was again taken up, and Mr. Kenan
moved to lay it on the table for the remainder of
the session, because of tho defectiveness of its de
tails, and the want of time to properly consider
nnd amend them; which was advocated by Messrs.
Kenan, Lewis of Jones, Davis of Elbert, and
Bdhnes, and opposed by Mr. Schley, and adop
ted —yeas 84, nays 64.
Mr. Kenan moved that the Governor be in
structed to appoint three fit and proper persons to
investigate the subject of the organization of the
Supremo Court, and report to the next Legisla
ture a plan of organization; which was rejected,
yeas 45, nays 105.
The Report of Mr. Clayton, from the com
mittee on the subject of the Cherokee Guard, to;
gother with the accompanying resolutions, “ that
the Legislature highly disapprove of the conduct
of the Georgia Guard, in the recent arrest and con
finement of John Howard Payne “consider
it inexpedient to re-organize the Guard, which
has lately been disbanded ;” approving of the
Governor’s draft upon the contingent fund, for the
expenses of the Guard, and authorizing an addh
tional draft for the balance due; and authorizing
tlie Governor, if lie shall deem it necessary, to
leave the arms and ammunition of the Guard in
the Cherokee territory, for the use of the citizens
there ; was taken up and agreed to.
A Message was received from the Governor
transmitting a letter from the Colonel of Early
county, apprising him of tho hostilities and de
predations of tlie Creek Indians; which was laid
on the table.
Mr. Rambo reported instanter, a bill to amend
the constitution, so as to make the term of office
for the Attorney and Solicitors General, four years,
instead ot three, in accordance with tho term of
the Judges of the Superior Court, as so altered by
the recent amendment of the constitution; which
was read the first time.
Bills Passed —to appropriate the surplus funds
arising from fines and forfeitures on criminal pro;
seditions, in Columbia county, to the education
of the poor children of that county—to incorpo
rate the Augusta Importing Company—to autho
rize Attornics of Alabama to plead and practice
law in the courts of this State, by exhibiting their
license ftom that state — totncorpoi aiv litc d«<an~ I
nah Poor House and Hospital—to add a part of
Wilkes county to Talltaferro county—to incorpo
rate tho Flint and Chattahoochee Rail Road Com
pany, for the construction of a Rail Road from
the Flint to the Chattahoochee river—to divide the
State into two military divisions, appoint an Adju
tant General for the one, with the rank of Colonel
and an Assistant Adjutant General for the other,
with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; each
with a salary of $1,500 ; provide for two suitable
bands of music, to travel with them, and exempt
the Division and Brigade Inspectors from the
duty of making returns, &c., and take away their
pay ; yeas 103, nays 21—to appropriate $Bl5 to
each of the Cherokee counties, for the purpose of
erecting school houses—and to prohibit Drug
gists from employing slaves or free persons of co
lor in compounding or dispensing medicines, and
from selling or delivering any poisonous article to
any slave or free person of color.
Bills Rejected —to compensate owners of
slaves executed for crime—to provide for the
more speedy collection of open accounts—to
make original papers on record, stationary in the
public offices—to incorporate a Bank at Cass
ville, With a capital of $150,000 —to amend the
Constitution, so as to fix tin term of office, ofthc
Judges of the Supreme Court, at six years; yeas
79, nays 45—to survey a road from Camden coun
ty to the Florida line—to improve the Withlooco
chec river—and (from the Senate,) to incorporate
tho Planters Bank of Savannah for 20 years;
after being so amended (yeas 81, nays 49) as to
make the persons ami private property of Stock
holders liable, and for otto year after any transfer
of Stock.
The amendments ofthc Senate, to the Resolu
tions of the House, for the relief of the indigent
Deaf and Dumb, vStc. were taken up and agreed
to —yeas 117, nays 5.
Agreeably to previous appointment, the mem
bers of the Senate joined those of the House, at 7
o’clock, P. M. .and proceeded to the election of
Bank Directors, and two General officers, the re
sults of which arc as follow:
Rank of Darien. —Messrs. Anson Kimber
ly, A. Dunham, Sam’l Palmer, Hines At
wood, Charles M. Cooper, Joseph Jones, and 1
Norman McDonald.
Planters Rank. —Messrs. Peter G. Sbick,
and Benj. E. Stiles.
Rank of the Stale of Georgia. —Messrs. Wm. 1
B. Bulloch, M. 11. McAllister, John Millen, 1
and George Schley.
Major General, Ith Division, Ist ballot. 1
Gen. W. B. Wofford, of Habersham,* 111 I
Col. Zacii. Gilolson, of Gwinnett, 39 1
Scattering, 2 1
Brigadier General. 2 nd Brigade, Utli Division,
Ist ballot.
Col. Wm. IT. Steelman, of Habersham,* 86
Maj. Jno. McAfee, of Hall, 70
Maj. Jno. R. Stanford, of Franklin, 12 1
* Elected. i
Senate, Dec. 19.—Bills Passed —to alter and
amend tile 4lh and Btli sections of the Ist article
of the Constitution, yeas 30, nays 13—to revive
and continue the charier of the Macon and For
syth Rail Road company—to permit elections for
Colonels, to be held at the various county pre
i cinc ts to extend the jurisdictional limits of the
Justices of the Peace in Savannah—to incorporate
the Eatonton Manufacturing company—to amend
the act giving Masons and Carpenters a lien on !
buildings erected by them, ao as to render it un
necessary for them to record liens under S3O, or
to commence suit in less than twelve months, in
stead of six—to incorporate the Georgia, Chero
kee, and Chcstatee Mining companies— to enable
the corporation of Savannah to collect tho Jail fees
for prisoners from other counties, and authorize
them to erect a Treadmill for Imprisoned negroes
—to amend the act of’32, restricting the circula
tion of small bills, so as to prohibit the circulation
of any except fives, tens, twentys, ftftys, hundreds,
and any number of hundreds or thousands.
Bills Rejected —to add a part ofTatnall coun
ty to Liberty county—-to raise the commissions of
’Pax Collectors and Tax Receivers, 25 per cent.—
and to amend the first section of the militia law
of’33.
1 ituusE, Dec. 19.—Mr. Kenan moved to re
consider so much of the Journal ot yesterday, us
• relates to the adoption of his motion, to lay on
• the table for the remainder of the session, the bill
to establish a Court for the Correction of Errors;
and said he did so because His immediate constitu
■ ents disapproved of his course yesterday, in
; moving to lay the bill on the table for the re
; mainder of the session, and his party in tile Lc s
gislature, at a meeting last evening, unanimously
resolved to move a reconsideration ; that, in rever
sing his position, his views of the bill itself re
mained unchanged ; hut, differing totally from bin
1 constituents and his party, he felt bound to retrace
his steps, so far as to place the bill in the same
: position it occupied before he moved against it,
1 without, however, pledging himself to vote for it;
unless it should be made more acceptable. The
motion was rejected —yeas So, nays 81.
The amendments of die Senate, to the bill of
the House, appropriating SIO,OOO for the im
provement of Flint River, were taken up, and ail
rejected, except the one, appropriating $20,000
for tlie improvement of the Chattahoochee river
above Coluolbiis; which was ugreedUs —yeas 79,
nays 58. Mt. Schley moved an amendment to
one of the amendments, to appropriate SIO,OOO for
the improvement of the Savannah river, below
Augusta; which was rejected, yeas 38, nays 77.
The amendments of the Senate, rejected, were
for the improvement of the Chattahoochee river,
(above West Point,) & tlie Oostenalla, Ooneaau
ga, Ogeechee, Great Ohoopic, Canouchce, Great
SatillS, Oconee, Hitchawaynutchaway, and Sa
vannah rivers—the last above Augusta.
The Preamble and Resolutions from the Anti-
Abolition committee, in opposition to tlie incen
diary movements at the North; wore tak n up, to
gether with the substitute offered by Mr. Hudson,
wntvK >»as withdrawn by him.
Mr. Fleming moved to strike out the Resolu
tion calling on Congress to adopt some measure
to prevent the transmission of Abolition papers
hrough the mail; which, after some discussion,
shewing the danger, inefficiency, nnd impolicy of
such a measure, was adopted, nnd tho Resolu
tion was stricken out.
Mr. Davis of Elbert moved out that
part of the third Resolution which expresses con
fidence in tlie North—not with a view of declar
ing, in the Resolutions, a want of confidence,
but because he considered that the general con
duct of tlie North had not been such ns to justify
such a declaration, and that it Was inconsistent
with any action whatever on the subject, which
implied a want of confidence,soy what we might,
and ho thought it best, therefore, to avoid any
expression on that point, either of confidence, or
want of confidence.—To which, it was replied,
that the expression being now in, and published
to the world, to strike it out would bo tantamount
to the declaration of a want of confidence ; and
the molion was rejected —yeas 40, nays 85.
Mr. Davis of Elbert moved an additional Re
solution, calling upon the North to adopt sonic
prompt and efficient Legislation against the Abo
litionists, as the only possible means of suppres
sing their movements; which was opposed on
the ground, that the Resolutions already called
upon them to adopt some prompt and efficient
means, and it was best to leave the choice to
them, since if they adopted the course recom
mended by us, and it did not succeed, they would
then lay tlie blame of it on us. The Resolution
was rejected —yeas 43, nays —.
Mr. Davis ot Elbert then said, that having
done his duly, to himself and his constituents, by
recommending such amendments as Would have
made the resolutions more acceptable to himself
and his constituents, ho would now cheerfully
vote for them as they stood, since the difference
he had manifested was one of opinion, not of
principle, on the points referred to, and he ear
nestly hoped that they would now he adopted
unanimously.
Mr. Black of Scrivcn, who had advocated the
amendments proposed by Mr. Davis; expressed
himself to the same effect, and said he sincerely
hoped, in regard to the difference of opinion
which existed between himself and others, that
future events would prove him to be wrong, and
them right.
Tho debate was highly conciliatory and credi
table, and proves that whatever difference of o
pinion may exist on this subject, is only as to the
best means of attaining the same end, on which
ail parties decidedly agree; that there is but one
party on this matter; and that if ever the Slate
is called upon to act, it will do ao as on this oc
casion, unanimously I
The final question on the Preamble and Reso
lutions wds then put, nnd they were adopted un
animously, (and the Clctk was Instructed so to
enter it on the Journal) as follows t
“The Committee to whom was referred so
much of the Governor’s Message as relates as tho
movements of the Abolitionists of tho North, have
endeavored to bring to the consideration of tlie
subject that dispassionate deliberation its impor
tance demands, and beg leave to make the follow
ing report:
They would remark that the formation of our
glorious Union, was made by patriotism, in the
i cause of civil liberty. Titus far successful, its
' results have been most beneficial, spreading with
I unexampled profusion over our extensive country,
1 blessings which distinguish Iter above dll others.
The offspring of common sufferings and common
triumphs among the Stales, the preservation of
litis Union is dependent upon a community of
sympathy and goad feeling among their respec
tive people. Any attempt, by a portion of tho
people of one Stale, to interfere, even indirectly,
with tho domestic institutions of another, has the
inevitable tendency to destroy that feeling. Such
attempt is an insult to the State aggrieved, and
the motives which impel it ate at entire variance
with that fraternal spirit which constitutes tlie
people of these Stales brethren of one great family.
But, when such attempt involves the safety oflhe
people of a State—the robbery of their property —
tllo desecration of their constitutional rights—tlie
violation of their domestic peace—infatuation her
self must admit, that such attempt, persevered in,
will inevitably convert the pre-existent good feel
ing, into deadly hostili y ; the certain consequen
ces of which are, a sundered Union, and all the
horrors of civil commotion; That such attempt
is being at this lime made, by certain fanatics, by
tile dcstribiition of pamphlets, prints, circulars,
annuals, almanacs, and every species of publica
tion,your committee, with mingled feelings of re
gret and indignation, believe cannot admit of a
doubt. Yet it is matter of heartfelt congratula
tion to the frietids of Union, that the general and
spontaneous expression of feeling which has hurst
from the patriotism and intelligence of tho North,
affords the cheering hope, that her people arc pre
parcel lo " frown indignantly upon the first dawn
ing of every attempt, to alienate any portion of our
country front the test, or to enfeeble the sacred lies
which link together tho various parts;”
But, notwithstanding the manifestation of this
spit it, the movements of the domestic fanatic and
foreign emissary, and the imidioua means to
which they resort, arc fraught with so much peri
lo ourselves, our iamilics, and our undoubted
rights, that alern necessity, and a just regard for
ho peace and harmony of our country, demand
hat tho people of this State should, in temperate,
respectful, but determined language, declare their
unalterable determination to protect their domestic
institutions and domestic rights from all intcifer
cnce, direct or indirect, from any and every quar
ter. Upon this point there can be no discussion
—no compromise—no doubt. They found their
rights upon tho guaranty afforded by the consti
tution of the United Slates; and if the provisions
of that Charier are lo he sacrificed to that spirit of
tanatif'iam. nr fl,« immileaa of n false philanthro
py, calamity and ruin will soon overwhelm this 1
now happy confederacy.
Impressed with tho importance of the duty
which now devolves upon them, at tlie present
crisis, your committee, in addition to a bill in it
mendment to the laws regulating slaves and free
persons of color within this State, would respect
fully submit the following Resolutions, with a sin
gle remark, that if a rigor heretofore unknown to
our domestic legislation, be found in tho features
of the bill they have introduced, it has been forced
upon them by the movements of men, who, as
suming to be friends, are indeed the moat cruel
enemies of those Whom they have taken under
their especial care;
Ist. Resolved, That in this country, freedom j
of the press, and freedom of speech, are sacred ;
and invaluable rights ; that in propertied to their
sacredness and value, is the obligation to preserve
thatn from the abuse of those who would pros- ,
titute them lo the vile purposes of “ enfeebling i
the sacred lies which now link together tho vari- j
ous parts” of this happy Uttiort; ,
2nd. Resolved, That the people stand prepared i
to protect the domestic instituliona of her sister 1
Slates, from the Unauthorized interference of in- |
dividunls or combinations, within her limits.
3rd; Resolved, That the perpetuity of this t
glorious Union, which has shed such blessings on j
us os a people, is only to be ensured, by a strict ;
adherence to tho letter ofthc corislitu iort, which
has guaranteed lo us certain rights, with which '
wc will suffer no power on earth to interfere;
that it is deeply incumbent on the people of the
North, to crush (he traitorous designs of the Abo- r
litionists; and that we look with confidence to J
such movements as will effectually put an end to v
impertinent, fanatical, and disloyal interference t
with matters settled by tile Constitution- 1
4th. Resolved, That we hail the sentiments f
cxpicssed by the Resolutions of some of tho re; v
cent Meetings at the North, upon the subject of I
Abolition, as the evidence of the existence of a '
ight spirit among the great mass of our Northern c
brethren, and a determination on their part lo dis-
charge the duties imposed upon them by the con- '
stitution of their country, atid the exigencies of "
the times |
6th. Resolved, That tho District of Columbia, t
ami the several territories of ilia United Stales, J
arc the common properly of the people of those
States ; that the right of exclusive legislation in t
the former, and the right to make all needful rules 1
ami regulations for the government of the latter, ’
which arc vested in the Congress of the United f
States, are derived from tlie Constitution, which t
recognizes and guaranties the rights resulting '
from domestic slavery ; and that any interference
by that body, with those rights, will be tlriauthor- ,
ized by and cohtrary to the spirit of that sacred |
charter of American liberty.
7th. liesotvcd, That copies of the foregoing
preamble and resolutions be transmitted by His i
Excellency, to the President of iho United States, j
the Governors of the respective Stales, and lo tho |
Senators and Representatives of this Slate in Con- ;
gross.” J
The following Report was taken rip, and agreed (
to, with the exception Os tho second Resolution,. ,
which, on motion of Mr. Clayton, was stricken
out, on the ground that however valuable and im- ‘
portanl tho object, and small tho expense, the |
wneracf the lands in question should make the .
i | aurvcy themselves ; and Mr. Black said that thb
i 1 expense of the survey was a matter in itself of ad
, small consideration,that ho washy no means dis
. (to'sed to press the mailer, and should not oppose
i tlio striklh'g out. The report was very ably and
f earnestly advocated by Mr. Dohiiam of Mclntosh,
f who said that though by no means interested in
. tlie measure piopcsod, except as a citizen of the
i State, he highly approved of it as one of the most
important and valuable oh'cs that had been laid be
fore tho present Legislature, and believed that if
carried out, it would add at least five millions to
I the general wealth of the Stale, arid thereby cn
, banco the power and pr jsperily of its whole peo
pie. We entirely concur with bin), and with the
arguments of the Report, also, which wc earnestly
_ recommend to tho attention of our readers, but
particularly those of Augusta and Savannah, and
( the intermediate country, as worthy of their must
serious consideration, am! at some early period
will refer to the subject again.
Ileport of Mr. Black of Scrtven.
The joint committee from tho Senate and
House us Representatives appointed to take into
1 consideration the utility end practicability of sa
■ ving tlie swamp lands on the Savannah liver by
moans of embankments, or otherwise, hero had
tlie subject under constant consideration, and beg
leave respectfully to Iteport,
That, to improve the condition physicial ns
' well us moral, of the country in which we live,
and to which we are bound by all the ties which
consecrate our homes, is a work to tho suc
cessful completion of which tho wise and the
good will anxiously contribute. National suc
cess is certainly the result of individual pros
perity, and that system of Internal Improve
ment which will most probably eventuate in tho
achievement of the olio, will ris slircly conduce to
■ tho consummation of tlie other. That Georgia
■ possesses vast and as yet unexplored natural re
sources, is evident to the most supetlicial obser
-1 ver; —the facilities and ridvnllUgcs usher location,
the variety and fertility of hsr soil, the salubrity
, us her climate, the extent us lief territory, and ,|he
genius and character df her people, point tb her,
as a State, destined before tho lapse of another
> century, to occupy a proud and enviable positiori
among her emulous confederates. Os tlie ilumcr
j ous objects of improvement within our limits, the
swamp lands which lie along the western bank dl
r the Savannah river present claims upon the coti-
J sidcration of the political economist, which may
well arrest his attention; and your commit
tee, by the direction of the Legislature, have caf
r nestly directed their enquiries to the ulililiy and
; practicability of saving them from tho inunda
' lions of the river. 'That part of the swamp which
your committee deem worthy us attention, is to be
found belween Augusta and the head of tideway
on the Savannah river; its average width is about
one milo, and the probably length from one hun
. tired and thirty to one hundred and fifty miles.
Those lands, al present comparatively wotlhless to
the planter, and of little avail to the State, are be
s lioved to be inferior in fertility to no part of the
• habitable globe. Tire sriU .iyhic-b ajluvivl ■■ *
, rich mourn, luiim-a ortgirtally of decomposed
vegetable deposits, believed to be altogether inex
haustnble, and extending down to the depth ol
' from 4to 5 feel.
To reclaim such lands, and reduce them into
successful cultivation, your committee believe
would in all probability, result in vast ami inesti
mable benefits, not only to that region of country,
but to the whole State of Georgia. The people
of Augusta and Savannah would he among the
first to experience the advantages of such an o
peralion ; and the poor of these cities, who arc de
pendent for support upon their daily supplies,
would he enabled to procure their provisions at
one half their present pricei Corn, which is the
first and most material item in the sUpplica us a
family, instead of commanding, as it does now,
from 80 cents to one dollar, would he a drug at
25 a 37j cents per bushel, and rice, wheat, rye,
oats, and all the bread-lulls which are now grown
in this country, would he reduced in price pre
cisely in proportion to the increase of the supply.
Your committee do not exaggerate these proba
ble results, for they arc assured by men who arc
experienced in agricultural pursuits, that these
swamp lands are capable, with proper cultivation,
of producing from fifty to one hundred bushels of
corn per acre, and other gruili in the same propor
tion ; for even now, under every disadvantage,
and when, from fear of freshets, the fanner can
not venture to pitch his crop before the 1 si of May.
and sometimes not before the Ist of duly, from
30 to GO bushels to the sere are considered a mo
derate reinrn. If then they Wrirc saved from in
undation, it is evident, arid every farmer krtows,
and will acknowledge, that the advantage of early
preparation and early planting, would in all pro
liability, with moderate and usual seasons, ensure
the supposed increase of production.
In addition to these articles of prirric arid rifc
eessary consumption, tho great staple commodi
ties of sugar critic rind cotton would he diligently
cultivated, and for the same reasons ns above,would
yield an additional increase; Cane will now ripen
up to ten ami fifteen joints, and short staple cot
ton return from I0()0 10 ISOD weight, in the seed,
to the acre, on these lands; and if the fresh water
was not permitted to retard tho cultivation, arid
molest the growth of these plants, tlie husband
man would assuredly gather a much more abun
dant crop. Horses, hogs, cattle, and slock of all
sorts, would then be raised at home, from oilr 6- 1
verfiowing barns, and a considerable portion bf j I
the large amount of money which tho droves ofi
of the West now annually draw ri'it of the State,
would be saved to our people, and retained iti the
country. Our exports of raw material would he
greatly increased—the farmer and the merchant,
would receive from that increase additional wealth |
—the price of real and personal estate lit Augus
ta, Savannah, and the intermediate country, would
he enhanced, and all the beneficial consequences
of plenty and prosperity, in their thousand various I
ramifications, would bo felt and acknowledged by
the rich and the poor.
If the waters were at all limes confined to their
natural channel, those who arc at all conversant
with that stream, will al once perceive that the ■
navigation of the Savannah river would bo in a (
short limt; most materially improved. The sand
and mud ban which are at present the chief ob-^ 1
strnction to tho passage of steam and pole boats, i
would in a little while be washed away by tho (
direct, confuted, and therefore violent rush oi i
the waters, and the bed or channel of tho river j
would he consequently materially deepened—. t
good wdgon roads would be made through any ,
part of tho swamp, over which tlie best steam (
boat wood corild lie supplied, at oho half its
present price, at almost any poirit on the river; ’
and of course freights, which arc now enormous 1
ly high, would be lowered in proportion to the ,
increased facilities of transportation; The mias
matic and sickly region of the swariip, wriuld be
made dry and salribfious, and the health of the
neighboring inhabitants consequently improved.
Tints all classes of people—tho borit-owncr—the
merchant —the farther—the citizen, and every
man from the up-country, who trades either to
Augusta, or Savannah, would reap almost incal
culable advantages from the successful completion
of such a work. Your committee, hope and be
lieve they have established, even from this im
perfect view of tlie subject referred to them, tlie
5 srent5 rent and absoirite utility of saving these river
j swamp lands, and it only remains for them to
j enquitb into the probable practicability of such
' • project. - . , „
“I , .V ithe. final and complete success of the past
i affords any critcrjpri by which to judge of the
( I probable tenniriation of future experiments of a
’ similar character, and if. well known facts are
’ i permitted to influence the opinion of your com
‘! miltoe—then there can be very little doubt of the
t entire practicability of restraining the waters of
_ the Savannah river to their natural channel, by
embankments. The dikes of Holland —the arli
• ficial hanks of the river Po iti Italy, and the
> levees which effectually confine the Mississippi,
. one of the most powerful rivers in the world, for
_ I two bundled miles above New Orleans, to her
original lied, are indisputable evidence that tho
3 Savannah river may be dammed in, and the ad-
I jaccnt swamp rendered perfectly arable. In ad
( dilion to these facts, your committee have availed
I themselves of the views and opinions of many
itliblligcrit farmers and practical men, all of whom
1 agree with yotlr committee, and fully concur in
I the opinion they herewith express.
The only olqtction to such a project is thfc dif
ficulty of obtninthg the means of operation. But
it is believed that tlie removril of litis difficulty is
1 wholly within tlie power of those who may in
, lerest themselves in the work. No effort in such
. an undertaking could possibly avail anything,
I unless tho individuals directly engaged should
1 promptly adopt a judicious system of operation,
, | and ho governed in all their movements by unani
mity and concert of action. In such a case, the
9 | State of Georgia, being always well disposed to
, foster and protect works of Internal Improvement,
It when predicated on individual enterprise, would
, not in the opinion of your committee, bo averse
b from lending her name in order to negotiate a
. loan of money, to forward and promote the un
. dertuking. Tlie Slate of course, in justice to
her own interests, would require to be well so
s cured by pledges of personal responsibility, ami
j valuable and available property before she would
t consent to become liable for a single cent. But
. if the State was secured beyond the possibility of
. loss, your committee cannot perceive why sho
t should not he ready to aid her people in tho raan
r nor proposed, in a work of such ptobahio suc
. cess and beneficial consequences —especiriliy
■ t when the loss, if any accrues, rririst and will fall,
r not upon, the Suite, but upon those whoso per
j Sc’ris. arid property, will be liable to the rodomp
. tiop of tlie debt.
e In coristdcrtUiori of all which, your comraittes
jf toapecifiilly ibocirinlcnd, the adoption of tbs fol
[. lowing resolutions:
y flesolved, T)iat it would be a work of great
t- alilltj', and (Hat it is practicable, to save tho
■- swamp lands on tho Savannah river from inun
] dation, by means gs, embankments.
llesolved, That his Excellency tho Governor
i be requested to employ a competent Engineer,
. whose duly shall be, to proceed immediately to
, make an accurate and correct survey of said river
I bank, and such adjacent pails of ihfc swamp as
. he may deem necessary, with a view to tlie con
1, struclion of said embankment; that he report
3 fully of tlie premises to the next ticgislalurc, and
„ that tlie cost and cxpcrisc thereof tic paid by the
e Governor out of any monies in the treasury, not
• Cat Her W i ‘tnnv/wa'-ialn.l
i Tlie tcconsidcrcd bill) to establish Biennial ses
sions of the Legislature, Ac. was taken up, and
Mr. Ram do offered as a substitute, the bill report
-0 cd by him yesterday, to so amend the Constitn
a tion, as to alter tlie term of office of the Attorney
and Solicitors General, from three to four years,
. so as to agree witli that of the Judges of the Su
• perior Court, as recently altered; which was re
ceived, and putaed, unanimously.
The bill from tlio Senate, to drive the Cherokee
Indians, lit Novbmbor next, from the small rem
nant of their lands allotted to their use, was
passed—yeas 4C, nays 30—to the eveiiasting
disgrace of the Legislature and the State, which,
after formerly giving to them, and vesting in
them, this portion of their own lands, have now
determined tri drive them oven from that; and,
moreover; tilts bill authorizes grants to issue for it
immediately, condilidried for tlie occupancy of
tlio Indians till Nov. next; but if the grantees
choose, us they doubtless will do, to dispossess the
Indians immediately, by force or stratagem, who
will, or can prevent it; and what will avail a writ
of ejectment, to those dispossessed, when before
it can be tried their term of occupancy will have
expired ! O, man, man ! how dependent on tlie
mercy and justice of God, and yet how merciless
and unjust to those equally entitled to his protoc
tiOn—yea, far riiorc so, because more weak ami
defenceless, Truely lias it been said,
“Man is the direst enemy of man !"
We tremble for the safety and welfare of our Slate
and people, when wc think of their conduct to the
dependent and defenceless Indians; and earnestly
pray to God, on ought every Georgian, that He will
not deal by us, in His power, as we have dealt by
them, in ours!
SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE!.
The Trustees of this Institution have cboson
the Rev. SriPßirr Elliott, of Charleston, Pro
fessor of Sacred Literature, in place of tho Rev.
Bazil Manly, who declined tile appointment.
race Houses,
Besides tlie numerous ones which we have al
-1 ready noticed, as present at and near the Augusta
j Turf, we understand that Col. Crowell's horse,-.
I arrived this morning. Among them are Bolivia,
, Lady Nashville, Ac, — Courier of Monday.
MECHANIC’S BANK.
We learn with surprise and astonishment, that
a report has been circulated in this State, as well
| as in South Carolina, that the Mechanic’s Bank,
of this city! had suspended payment, or was abou‘
to do «o. We presume this report, which origi
nated at a distance from this city, was put in cii
eolation by some enemy of-the institution; aid
wc are happy to have it in our power to state
that it is false, and -without the elighteit foun
dation. As an evidence of the high standing
which this Bank maintains in this city, wo can
state, that iis Capital Stock been
higher premium than that of any other iWHTiu
the State ; and, we have no'tffaffWSn In saying,
front tho high respectability of its Directors, that
it is as much entitled to the confidence of tho
holders of its bids, as any other Banking institu
tion. Wc hnpo the holders of its bills, in tho
country, will not bo subjected to a sacrifice of
their intciests, by placing confidence in reports of
this kind, which are originated by persons who
arc so lost to every principle of justice, as to do
so for speculating purposes.
TT *»■