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Millsdoitiu.1, 14th Dm., 1844.
ippolDted by your Excellency to investigate the
ConditkMt of U»* Treasury, and especially to inquire into that of the
publio debt, respectfully submit the following
REPORT:
consideration hts been to ascertain tho amount of the pub.
3o much irregularity has hitherto existed in the conduct of
of the public service, that the correct amount has not been
y obtained. The Committee have examined the registry
the Treasury, as well ns in the Executive Department, and
isorenancy to exist as to the amount of bonds in circulation,
made to the last Legislature, the public debt was staled at
72. In this estimate, the debt of Reid, Irving, & Co., was
17,109 52—its true amount was 8440,888 73. The debt
Augusta was reported at $308,020 25—when it was
wo,, «ou«,o00 ; making the necessary corrections, the debt then due
would appear from the report to be $1,014,138 98. Of the debt to
Raid, Irving, 6c Co., the Committee are much gratified to see that
850,000 has been paid during the last political year. Bonds have
likewise been issued in pursuance of a former law, for the Western
Wtd Atlantic Railroad, amounting to $135,000, which are in part hy.
pothecated upon a loan of money for said road as well as for purchase
of iron, upon highly beneficial terms. The total amount of debt as
now existing would therefore, appear to be, deducting payment, $1,
725,138 73, being an increase since last year apparently of $110,.
999 75; This discrepancy arises from an error in the report made to
the last Legislature. The amount of Federal bonds was taken from
• registry in the Executive Department, of Bonds delivered to, and re.
ceipted for, by agents. In that amount, an issue of three hundred and
forty-five bonds for two hundred and fifty dollars each, signed by A.
A. Park, A. M. Horton, and Charles. E. Haynes, amounting to $88,-
250, is not included. Two hundred and forty-fivo oftbese bonds were
burnt by Gov. McDonald, but there is no evidence what has become
of the remaining one hundred. They were issued—were not receipt
ed for by any agent of tho Stato—there is no evidence of their having
been destroyed, and are, therefore, to be considered us outstanding,
though they seem never to have been presented at the Treasury for
endorsement, or for payment of interest.* There is a further discrep
ancy in the report of last year, the registry showing bonds to the
amount of $999 46 more issued than accounted for. The debt should
have been reported last year greater than it was, by $25,999 48.
The payments ou account of the public debt for the past year are as
follows:
To Reid, Irving & Co., principal, :
Interest, : : : :
March installment of interest to Bk. Augusta,
Interest on Federal Bonds for 1844, :
Arrearages of interest for 1643, :
$50,000 00
25,326 77
7,586 80
43,501 00
16,401 50
Making,
$142,816 07
A tabular statement of the public debt is herewith appended, show
ing the numbor of bonds issued, dale, by whom signed, amount, rate
cent, interest—number not presented at Treasury for endorse.
f interest, and where payable, and when payuble ; hy
it the amount of interest annually accruing on Federal
vhen the hypothecated bonds shall be sold, $79,515
re s Reid, Irviug & Co., : : : 25,326
iduced the interest on the payment of $50 000.
The Committee notice with pleasure that your Excellency has ne.
Bb ‘ ' - — -
gotiated an exchange with the Bank of Augusta, of the State's bonds
held by it, and payable in London, for bonds payable at the Treasury.
The pay of agencies, the interest upon payments, the fluctua
tions in exchange, and the risk, rendered the exchange very desirable.
Apart from the inconvenience of interest payable in London, under a
favorable state of exchange, the Stale has been benefited In a pecu
niary point of view ; the arrangement now made, will be a saving
of a fraction short of $15,000, to the Stale, cjuring the time the bonds
have now to run;
The Committee concur in tho suggestion made by your Excellency,
and recommend its adoption, of paying at once the Interest due for
the next year on our bonds. The Treasury has the money, its circu
lation would help the country, and above all, it would show to the
world what every Georgian feels, that the State is able to pay her
debts, and is willing and ready. Our credit has been tamishod in by
gone days, by shameful mismanagement of our finances—order and
system are restored, and as Georgians we wish the world to learn it,
by the readiness, and ability with which, as a State, we meet our en
gagements.
The Committee will bo permitted to express to your Excellency their
eordlal approbation of the zealous and efficient manner in which you
have conducted so much of our finances, as relate to the public debt.
After a scrutinizing investigation into your entire management of the
matter, we can bear full testimony as to the fidelity, and skill with
which it has been controlled, ns well as to the benefit which has re
sulted to our Slate. Confidence is once more restored, and the effects
must prove beneficial to the whole people. A perseverance in the
system adopted, will relieve the State entirely from debt in a few
years. The Committee have counted the coupons, and find the
amount of interest paid to be correct.
Before closing this branch of their report, the Committee deem it
proper to be more explicit in reference to the apparent increase of debt
for the present year. The amount of bonds issued and charged in
this year is $135,000. Of this amount, $22,822 have been paid
out for work on the Railroad—the balance of said issue, to wit:
$112, 178, are in the hands of the Engineer, of which a portion has
been hypothecated for \ loan of $20,250. The actual increase of
debt is, therefore, only $43,072.
Actual public debt, 1st Jan. 1644, : $1,040,133 73
Bonds paid for work, and money obtained
on hypothecation, : : 43,072 00
Making, : :
Deduct payment to Reid, Irving & Co.,
$1,683,210 73
50,000 00
Leaves, : : $1,633,210 73
debt, actually existing. And if to this be added the bonds in hands of
Engineer unpledged, to wit: $91,926, and we have the amount of
registered and apparent debt.
Th ‘ ’ ‘
fhe act of the last Legislature authorizing the interest on Stato
bonds to be paid in Savannah, or Augusta, has been carried out, so far
•s has been desired by the holders of the bonds, and upon such terms
as exempted the Stato from any expense whatever, in transferring
funds to meet such payment.
The fund set apart by the act of 1841, and under the immediate
control of the Executive, has beon examined. The balance on hand
7th Nov., 1843, was
M’hich has been increased since
$36,413 09
26,031 58
Making
II has beon diminished by payments,
$62,444 67
35,932 31
Leaving balance on baud, of
the close of the political year.
$26,512 36 at
fnenue, rather than expense, as it has for years been to the State.
i judiciously expended. The
The appropriation appears to have been
workshops are admirably arranged for business. From a contra!
position every operative may at once be seen by the Keeper. Their
construction forbids the prospects of their being burnt again- They
•rc capacious, airy, and substantial. An extensive tannery has been
•rented within the walls. A commodious and comfortable hospital
has also baaa built, and in tho same building are erected eight sub,
. • alt ' m
cells for females, upon a new and valuable plan. Thu walls
prison, consequent upon the increase of^rsuits, have been
too bseris of $550 each, mentioned in this report, "Ih.re being
if Itiv anon, menuunea ,n -III* ,a|Hin, -min un,u|
or them," ills found, upon n second sauninotion.
Id for, by rate re nee to th. Tnuurar*. Bookn nisi
A clorloel emu, It in pincumnd, wee .nede
rton intnterinx tnnnrdnroflTth April, 1843,
I MS bo burned 1 ’—it ehoald hive been front
Tresssn
Http
provsments, are to be found in the improved conditio* of the finances
of tho Inetitution, as well ae tha general haalth of the eonvicts. The
ipllne is mild and determined, and its police efficient, as demon.
ted by the fr.ot, of bdt one escape during tho year. The con-
viote appear cheerfiil, industrious and amulous of success in the differ
ent manufactures. The committee oheerfully accord their approval
of the entire mansgement of tha institution, its police and pecuniary
affhire.
The ombarrassmente of the limes must necessarily extend their in
fluencu to ilia operations of this Institution, and the difficulty of sale
for lie manufacture# must cripple its operation*. A prudent foresight
dictates that its Isbors should be directed to such manufacture* as will
command the most ready sale. This has been looked to by the Keep
er. During the next year, the Inetitution will be able to manufacture
ton thousand pair of shoes for negro wear, from it* own leather, be
side* furnishing a large quantity of harness leather. The shoes ure of
a very superior quality, and by far, cheaper than those of Northern
make. Tho leather will compare with any manufactured there. Bo-
sides this, the institution is prepared to furnish nearly every article
of manufacture in Iron, Tin and Wood, and it needs but the encour
agement of the people, to render to them valuable services, while a
prosperous trade, will make it a permanent source of revenue to the
Slate. These causes will greatly facilitate the moral reformation of
the convicts, the great end to be attained by punishment.
The Committee have given to the Treasury a strict examination.
They find the book* correctly and neatly kept, and the receipts and
disbursements correctly stated.
There was on hand in the Treasury on 25th Novcm.
her, 1843, when the present Treasurer took posses,
sion of the office, the sum of $159,519 56
Rec’d between that time and the 13th of Docember, 1844, 402,819 93
The last Legislature appropriated tho sum of $32,000 for tho pay
ment of the debts of the Penitentiary. The whole amount lias been
applied to that object, and yet a very Inrge debt is left outstanding and
unpaid, and which was due at the time of the appropriation—beside
the entire interest due on the debts paid. The sum of nine thousand
dollar* were likewise appropriated for the purebaso of materials, to re
build the shops destroyed by fire, and for the support of the Institution
for the political year 1844. This amount has been drawn and ex
pended in conformity with tho objects of the appropriation. In pur
suing those objects, the committee have beon compcliod to investigate
to a great extent the pecuniary condition of the Penitentiary. The
operations of the entire year, show a loss to the State beyond the an
nual appropriation of $4,679 65. The loss arose exclusively in the
first quarter of the year. From the report of Gen. Nelson for that time
it appears that the expenses, 6cc. exceeded the income $11,424 37.
It is proper to state that during the greater portion of this quarter, the
convicts were unemployed, in consequence of the workshops of tho
Penitentiary boing burnt. The three last quartors of the year, pre
sent, however, a different condition of the lnntitution. The report of
Mr. Redding, the Principal Keeper, shows n profit upon its labor for
that lime of $6,744,52 ; thus demonstrating boyoud doubt, that under
e proper syslemof management the Penitentiary may bo made a source
Making
There was paid out during that time the sum uf
$562,339 49
357,499 13
Leaving a balance
Which is subject to a deduction of warrants paid by
the former Treusurer during his term of office, in the
political year 1844, and received as cash by present
Treasurer,
$204,849 36
17,850 55
Leaving
This balance is composed as follows—
Cash in current bills, $34,689 12
Uncurrent funds and State stock, 29,941 25
Gold and silver coin, 1,745 00
Deposit in Central Bank of Georgia, 43,761 90
“ “ Bank State of Ga. at Savannah, 10,869 31
“ “ Bank of Augusta, 71,854 01
" Marine and Insurance Bank Sav. 2,500 00
Check on Bank of Milledgeville, 413 16
Coupons paid in present quarter, 780 00
Advances to government officers, 345 00
$186,989 81
To this is to be added am’t under control
of the Executive,
$180,989 81
26,512 30
Making
$213,602 17
There is likewise in the hands of the Treasurer the sum of $419,
08 paid in by the Comptroller General and other State House officers
under an Executive order, and the sum of $56 32 cemmissious
charged on bonds payable in Savannah and Augusta.
The following statement will show the operations of the Treasury
for the political year 1844, commencing 1st Nov. 1843 and ending 20
Oct. 1844, the latter period having been fixed by an act of the last
legislature as the period of its termination. The reported balance in
Treasury 30 Nov. 1843 was $40,395 11
$10,000 00
This balance was composed as follows :
Stock, Bunk Stato of Georgin,
Counterfeit money, paper medium, Darien,
Macon and Monroe bank bills, 14,159 98
Tax for 1643 paid in before 3Uth Nov. 1843, $12,420 03
Cash balance on band, 9,615 19
General tax of 1843,
“ “ 1842,
“ “ 1841,
“ » 1844,
Tax on bonk stock 1843,
Tax on bunk stock 1644,
Tax on Pedlars 1844, ,
Tax on Vendue Master’s License,
Premium on sales of Vendue Musters,
Columbus loan,
Dividends on bank stock,
Unoxpendod balance of appropriation South Western
frontier (returned)
Fcos on grants, tractions sold, &c.,
Lots 10 and 100
Lots in Appling now Ware,
Macon lots and reserve,
Columbus lots and reserve,
Copy grants,
Head rights,
Testimonials,
217,180 22
204 00
2,010 70
17,148 82
28,588 03
2,714 83
2,550 00
250 00
17 75
4,574 69
34,497 50
2,032 33
4,898 15
0 00
18 00
9 00
90 00
207 00
701 50
212 50
$354,312 19
>f th* Books to tho Troooenr’t Oik.,
The expenditures from the Treasury fui tho sanio lime
President’s and Speaker’s warrants,
Part of balance on bund 1843 ordered to Ic burnt,
Arrearages contingent fund, 1843,
“ Military fund 1843,
" Printing fund 1843,
“ Debts of Penitentiary,
“ Interest of public debt,
Interest of public debt, 1844,
Contingent fund, 1844,
Military fund, 1844,
Printing fund, 1836,
Priming fund, 1844,
Poor School fund, 1841,
Academic fund, 1838,
Military fund, 1843,
Printing fund, 1843,
Civil establishment 1642,
<• •• 1843,
•* 1844,
Special appropriation 1809 for redemption public debt,
“ " 1822 for university,
•< •• 1838,
<■ •• 1839,
•• “ 1840,
“ » 1842,
<* •< 1843,
" “ 1842, protection Southern frontier,
“ “ 1844, support and rebuilding Pen.
itontiary,
Special appropriations 1644, for Luuatic Asylum, &c.
are as follows:
76,978 86
4,118 73
14,986 93
718 73
500 50
32,000 00
10,401 50
56 501 02
6,180 00
1,060 54
1,584 00
8,056, 40
148 57
548 00
329 80
39 75
112 50
11,630 50
25,918 75
12 00
8,000 00
225 00
1,405 00
14 15
697 06
1,060 00
, 1,092 04
0,000 00
15,369 65
Making
Balance on band end of political year,
$295,099 04
58,312 25
$354,312 19
From the receipts into the Treasury during the year 1845, the
Commilteo indulge the belief that, at least $59,090 may bo applied
in farther reduction of the public debt. The strict economy which
has been adopted, and the skilful and zoulous manner in which the op
erations of the Treasury have been conducted during the past year
have greatly tended to the improvement of our pecuniary condition.
The receipts at the Treasury have beon less than wore anticipated,
in some respects, by the last Legislature. The military claim upon the
Federal Government was supposed, would yield $30,000; of that sum,
however, only $12,999 08 have been received, and yet with the receipt
of the first amount, a deficiency of from $19,000 to $20,000 was antici
pated at the end of tho last political year. F’ortunately, however, by
the most rigid economy, and good management this deficiency has beau
avoided, and a bulance left in the Treasury.
During the past year, all the liabilities of the Stute have been
promptly met, when presented, and discharged with specie, or its
equivalent.
The act of the last Legislature required the Treasury to resume
specie payments on 1st February, 1844—the act has been carried in
to effect, by a resumption cotemporaneous with its passage. The
amount of money authorized to be borrowed to wit: $150,000. on a
temporary loan, in aid of the resumption, has not beeu borrowed, nor
any part of it. The act has produced a most happy effect upon the
finances and credit of the State. The value of Central Bank bills
has been increased to par—they have been retired from circulation—
the country relieved from a depreciated currency—the Treasury be
come what it should al way* continue, specie paying. The Stato 8 por
cent, bonds are now at a premium, and its 6 per cent bunds advancing
*Tbe«outionat fund embraces th* sum of (1400 for material! for repain to the
Stale Hosee.
leper vaiue. ConfidoiwhMiiceainepbpd asd'proofosBy fcee-twSw-
•d. Our finances require but prudent management to ^nsuMlte coj»-
tlnmnoi
By an act of the last Legislature, the Treasurer wae required to
keep a registry of ail the bonds issued by the State, constituting tho
public debt, showing their number, amount, dote, holders, dec. So > a f
at it has boen practicable to dp so, the act has been conformed to, and
a very correct and detailed statement made. AdOthor precautionary
measure has been takon to prevent frauds; the Treasurer registers
the number of coupons endorsed upon each bond, and note* each
coupon which he pays. The checks now existing, seem to forbid tho
idea that any further fraud can be practised upon the Stale, in refer,
once to this branch of its service.
rilled fur the support of tho Indigent Deutaudb
has ttsen w***** 1 ’ * nd “ [" u,ld tu be u» himd «
end of the pmUicnl year, of $416 68^1 lie expenditures furtlua
most charitable and jest purpose wore $7^ 34.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO D. PHILLIPS.
JAS. A. MERIWETHER
A-H. KENAN. ’
The committee request your Excellency to liuvc this report, with il*
statement, published in the newspaper., and in pamphlet form,and th,,
a copy bo sent to each member of the last Legislature. a d.j.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC DEBT, AS TAKEN FROM TREASURER’S BOOKS, DECEMBER, 1844.
PREPARED BV COMMITTEE.
Nun
iberof Bond»\
it sued.
i
Coupon*—
Hy whom tiffned.
«
I
£
1
a
g;
* Interest
b. 1
Ilf
1
ifi
100
Jnr
. It. Anderson
27
$250
25.000
6 per ct.
$1,500
$1,455
5(MI
t to son 1840
53
250
(125,001
6 per ct.
100
1 to 100 1841
12
250
i 25,000
0 per ct.
1,500
75
1 to 75 1841
do.
6
500
( 37,500
6 per ct.
2,250
50
1 to 50 1841
1,000
S 50,001
6 per ct.
100
1 to 100;184I
J.
J. Home.
2
250
25,001
d per ct.
1,500
200
131 to 33l)[ 11143
<lo.
12
250
i 50,000
6 per ct.
60
531 to 560 1812
6
250
l 15 OIK
o per ct.
30
561 to 590
842
tlo.
4
250
7,50(
6 per ct
80
591 to 63111
343
do.
1
259
i 20,not
t> per ct.
ISO
631 to 750 1812
do.
25
250
i 30,001
6 per ct
1,800
30
1 to 30 1842
do.
1
500
15,001
-i per et.
900
15
1 to 15 1842
1,000
i 15.001
» per ct.
(II
31 to 70 1849
do.
2
1,000
S -10.001
i per ct.
2,400
511
4H1 to 530 1812
T.
1). Ilnrrifl.
250
12,501
•5 per ct.
750
7 50
30
561 to 590; 1842
do.
3
250
7,501
i» per ct.
435
20
731 to 750,1842
do.
3
250
5,001
•i per ct.
80
751 to 790
842
do.
14
250
20,0111
i per ct.
1,200
1,050
40
791 to 830
842
do.
3
250
( 10,00’
i per ct.
600
50
1 to 50
841
do.
6
250
12.501
• per ct.
750
mi
31 to 110
1842
do.
500
i 40,001
1 por ct.
2.4001 2,100
15
16 to 30
812
do.
1,000
15,001
J per ct
900
H!
71 to fin
184 c
do.
1,000
10,001
ii per ct.
600
15(1
331 to 480
1842 It. Micklrjohn.
12
250
37,501
•5 per ct
2,250
1.905
I0(]
631 to 730
1842
do.
6
250
$ 25,00t
•*» ul-
1,500
1,470
]0(!
1 to 100
1841
N. B.Juhon.
16
250
25,001
•1 per ct
1,50 (
1,440
91
1 to 91
1811
do.
1
500
( 45,501
t» per ct.
2,73(1
2,340
15(
1340 A
A. I»nrk.
97
250
j, 37,500)6 per cl
2,251
2,190
151
1 to 150
into a
M. Horton.
56
250
37,oOI
16 per ct
2,25(
1,995
SOI
1 to 300
1840 Clins. F. Hay nee
207
250
j i 75,00016 per ct
4,50(
4.500
5(
1 to 50
18411
do.
5
250
12,500|(» per ct
751
15
107 to 121
1843 I.
Q.C'. I-'rnnklii
1,000
:i 15,00016 per ct
DOC
2b
81 to 106
1843 C
F. M. Garnet
22
1.000
26,000|d per ct
1,56(
115
1 to 115
1844
Treueurer.*
1,000
$115,000 6 per ct
0,901
4(
1 to 40
1844;
do.
500
li 20,000 6 per ct
1,200
600
302
1 to 30"
1844
do.
1,000
$302,000 6 porct
18,120
18,120
J
No. 30b
1841
do.
500
50016 per ct
3(
Deduct Bonds burnt,
$1,386,500
(11,250
$1,325,250 $79,5151 $69,645 $9,195 $675
ns are payable during tha term of bis offioa, under Act of 1848*
I June and I July and I May and I March <S*
January. | January. \ November. | September
Remarks.
Bond No. 65 is dated" 1843."
Bond No. 45, duplicate.
Bond No. 67, Hubgiiiute.
I wo Bonds arc Usued of each No.
From Bond No.685 onward,a|l a,.
Two Hand. issued ol oncliNn-
“1813.'’* on « "oo'tjr'atl ureduted
F :l!iaj ni *****
Amount payable nt Treasury,
“ “ at Augusta,
“ “ nt Snvunnnlt,
$35,460
2,940
$2,100
6,000
8,150
STATESIENTjOF INTEREST 1»AII> FOR 1814.
g & OoT
Bn id Keid, 1
“ Bunk of Augustn
From Trensury.
, March, * 2 7^6 8o( S,e,li "S IJ " nd8 '
- 43,501 00 Federal Bonds
DERT DUE REID, ^
Amount
Bonds. I A " l0U '“- | advanc'd. \ , ynyaUc. j Amount. | dmw
$25,326 77 | $50,000
| £500 each | $419,888 73 | Sperct, | London.
The amount paid in 1814 is $50,000, aubj’Cl to the deduction of exchange niuTcom
missions. Interest is paid somi-annunlly ii March and September.
[correspondence i
THE CHARLESTON COURIER.]
Wasiiixgton, Dec. 28.
Neither House was in session to-day, and tho
time was improved, as far as the snow storm would
admit, in social intercourse.
Speculations are rife as to tho character of the
Cabinet and nil that will not cease, except with its
organization. It seems now to be taken for grant-
ed here that Mr. Calhoun will not remain in the
Cabinet for any length of lime, if ut all, after the
fourth of March. If the young democracy is to
rule an entirely new Cabinet will be brougnt in.
South Carolina will not, in any event, be neglect
ed. It is believed that Mr. Elmore will be called
to some prominent position in tho new Cabinet,
probably that oi Secretaiy ol the Treasury. No
appointment would give more satisfaction in regard
to that department.
The "Democratic Review,” which is conducted
under the auspices of tho old hunkers, condemns
the policy of the annexation of Texas. This may
be considered perhaps as conclusive in regard to
the opinions of the New York democratic repre.
sentatives on this subject. They will not probably
decide on a question of so much iinpurlunce.
A meeting of tho democratic members of the
House of Representatives has been called for this
evening. As the subject of annexation has been
assigned for Monday, tlio 30ili, this caucus may
have special refcrenco to that matter.
The indifference with which the queslisn is met
by the House may possibly bo overcume, so fur as
to ensure its full consideration; but it is doubted
whether a majority uf the Houso will consent to
any project at this session. Wo can tell better bow
this will be after Monday. Seine test question
will then be put.
The Post Office Department will be greatly
troubled by the arrangements, now concluded, fur
running an express in advance of the mail between
New York and New Orleans. The Department
must “ stir its stumps.” Two days can be saved
by running a horse express from Montgomery to
Augusta. Perhaps it is to be continued from Au
gusta to Raleigh.
Some exclaimed "now,” "now,”—but it was final
ly agreed that Monday should be the day for the
consideration of the joint resolution or bill reported
from tho Committee on Foreign Relations for the
annexation of Texas.
Of course, the subject will undergo a long dis
cussion, und be open to a variety of amendments.
The proposition of Mr. Douglass, of Illinois, seems
to attract some attention. It is possible that some
scltemo mny bo wrought out of all these plans,
which will be acceptable to a majority of the House.
The House was for some time in Committee on
the bill to reduce and graduate the price of the pub
lic lands in favor of actual settlers and cultivators.
It is a project which has been warmly advocated in
Congress for twenty years. It reduces tho price
of lunds five years in market to one dollar an acre;
lands ten years in market, to seventy-five cents;—
lands fifteen years in market, to fifty cents ; and
Washington, Dec. 26,
Themombersof Congress, us well as uurciti
zens generally, seem to have had a merry Christ
mas. Some of the members look the opportunity
logo home, and soma of the Southern members to
go North. The South Carolina Senators went,
one to Philadelphia and lite other to Baltimore.
The weather hns been, and still is unusually mild
and sunny fur the season, und every one seems to
wear a cheerful aspect.
It lias been remarked that the tee total cause is
rather on the decline here, and it seems tu be cer
tain that the consumption of wines and spirits has
greatly decreased here o( late. Indeed, it would
appear that men on this as well us other subjects,
are prone to go from one ex'reme to tho other.—
The opening of large hotels here, and the conse.
quont suppression of many private boarding houses
are unfavorable to toc-tolaiisir. The habits of the
Astor House and tho City Hotel are gaining ground
here. Tho New Yorkers, generally very qu'et
and courteous, closed a Christmas frolic last night,
with a few sixth word knocks, of which a member
of Congress from Alabama, and others, boro evi-
dence this morning, as 1 understand.
The attendance in both Houses this morning was
extremely thin, and little business was done.
The Senate passed a bill to authorize a cotnpro.
mise with the securities of Mr. Swartwout.
A bill granting lands to tho Stato of Indiana for
the completion of tho Wabush and Erie Cunul
was passed to a third rending.
A motion was agreed to, permitting the Commit,
tee on the Judiciary to take testimony by commis
sion in cases relative to fraudulent naturalization.
The Senato adjourned over to Monday next, bav.
ing nothing to do.
The House, to-day, showed no desire to transact
business.
Some small affairs, unworthy of mention, occu
pied the first floor. A quorum could hardly be
kept in their seats.
Mr. C. J. Ingorsoll introduced a bill, providing
that the children of Amorican parents, or of Am
erican male parent, born abroad, be deemed Ameri
can citizens.
Mr. Belser, of Alabama, offered a motion that
the Houso go into Committee of the Whole for the
purpose of taking up the subject of tho annexation
of Texas.' This was lost—yeas 33. The House
is not prepared to act on this subject.
[COIUESFOKDENCE OF THE MOBILE REO. & J„.
. Tuscalousa, Dee. 1, ,
On tlis day Mr. Phillips’ ami.repudiating re’io]
lutions were adopted. Tho two first resolution]
passed hy a unanimous vote. Upon the last r *
olution there were 14 nnys. All the gentle
who vitod against this last resolution did sou
the g ound that it contained a censure upon da
State* of Mississippi and Pennsylvania, and al
thoupa opposed to the doctrine of repudiation, ant-
had Itll faith in the intention and ability of ihj
Sialtjo pay Iter debt, they were unwilling to u ]
sumi the position of public consors upon the c
duetjf other States. You will see this idea r.„
ninptlnough tho debntoon this question, whichyoJ
willtnoneof the city papers. ™
1-order that this matter may be distinctly t
dentood by your readers, I herewith send you l.
pimiof the resolutions of Georgia and Connecti-1
lauds twenty yoars in market, to twenty-five cents. cu1,10 collcur ln which Mr. I ltiliips thirdresolulioa]
But it provides that in every case the purchaser w0 proposed,
shall actually settle the land, or that it shall adjoin Resolution of Connecticut:
Itis lands already settled. The number of acres
to be entered by a single individual is limited.
Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, offered an amend
ment, giving lands to the extent of 160 acres to
families who shall sottlo and cultivate them
The Committee made progress in the mnlter,
but the biil was ably defended by Messrs. Smith uf
Illinois, Pettit, el Indiana, and McClernand, of llli
nois.
The objection to this scheme is that the scale of
graduation will become a scale of depreciation, and
apply to every acre of the public domain, reducing
it all to twenty.five cents ait acre,and depriving the
Treasury of tlio substractod dollar.
The House lias adjourned over to Monday next.
I learn that Mr. William Polk, of Nashville, broth
er of tlio President elect, is now in this city. It
was mentioned in the Ctpilal, to-day, as a circum
stance connected in some way with the policy of
the incoming administration, and tho selection of
the advisers of President Polk.
Washington, Dec. 27.
Tho Senate was not in session to-dav. In the
House, Mr. Hammet, of Miss., proposed an inqui
ry to thu Chairman of the Committee of Ways and
Means, viz :—when he would be ready to bring the
annexation subject before the House I
Mr. C. J. Ingersoll replied (lint the Committee
would be ready on Monday next, and were ready
now, if it would be convenient tu the Iieuse.
[F1105I RHE CHARLESTON MERCURY.]
Extract of a letter received in this city, dated
“ Mobile, Dec. 20.
"Many Planters in litis State tell me that thev
will not plant as much land in Cotton next year as
they did this year, and for tho sake of the planting
interest, 1 hope this will becomo general through
out the Cotton growing Stales. If it should not,
and we have a line season, next year it seems to me
that Cotton must full to a price that will not pay
tlio cost of production, leaving the planters, nnd os.
pecially the great majority of them who niuke, 1
presume, not more than 100 bules, absolutely noth
ing for private and family expenses. One of (tie
greatest evils that would attend such u stale of
tilings, would bo the destitution of means of educa.
lion amongst pooplo of moderate means und prop
erty ; and what must become of those who ure in
dobt ?
“ The crop is now, I think, generally estimated
at 2,300,000 bales, and assuming that it is worth
$20 per bale, the whole value is 40,000,000. gross,
and I suppose the capital in hand, negroes, <Scc. om.
ployed, is ut least 500,000,000- From wltat is the
nett income. I should say pot over 3 a 4 por cent,
while the rate of interest in all tlio Cotton produc.
ing Stales is 6 a 8 per cent.
"If public opinion wore now to settle on a crop
not exceeding 2,000,000 bales, I believe tlio value
of Cotton would average $25 per bale, say $50,.
000 000, or $5,000,000 more than 2.300,000 will
produeo, besides tho saving of Bugging, 6cc. on
300,000 bales, equal to $1,000,000 more.
“My opinion is, that the planters should every
where reduce tho quantity of land in cultivation
next year, and givo more intention to tho quulity.
Also, that they should make every thing nt home
that they enn make, und if the Colton trudo should
be ns prosperous in 1845 ns it has been in 1844,
the evil wuuld bo corrected very speedily, notwith
standing tho present very Itenvy stock in England
and large crop in thu United Suites.
“If tho trade should not continue prosperous
here will bo the greater necessity for curtailing
the crop for if a large crop next year were to occur,
with an unfavorable cltttnge in trade, the Colton
growing Slates would be involved in hopeless bank
ruptcy. If, however, the same system of annua
ly increasing (lie culture be persevered in, the evil
must sooner or later correct itself by a reduction in
prices below the Plantation expenses, but at th
sama time thousands of people will be reduced to
hopeless poverty."
’ 'hat the preservation of public faith being the!
fou idaliott of national wealth and national charac-
let and deeply affecting the public morals, is the 1
firs great duty of every government, and that Coa.|
neijicul would deum it a national disgrace for any
Sti(c of this Union to refuse or neglect to apply
tin)ability which it is known to possess to lltepay.
mail of its just debts,
resolution of Georgia :—
That we regard the slightest breach of
fait i, public or private, as an evidence of thuwsnt
of (tut moral principle upon which all obligation
dejtnds. That when any State in litis Union thaII
reft se to recognise Iter great seal as a sufficient a-
iilei :e of her obligation, she will have forfeited her
star nt in the sisterhood of States, nnd will no long
er le worthy of their confidence or respect.
fir. Phillips’ third resolution proposed to concur
in lie resolutions of Georgia and Connecticut,soil
heme the difficulty as to the votes of 14 rnemben
of tlje Legislature. With this understanding, th.
pa>snge of the resolutions and the debate which
lias been had upon them, can have no other effect
than to give renewed assurances to tho world of tin
intention and ability of Alabama to maintain her
plighted faith.
I um satisfied that tho fourteen gentlemen tho
voted against the Inst resolution, are uli and etch
adverse to repudiation. Indeed, most of than
hiiva so expressed themselves in the discussion o
tli'u resolutions. Mr. Clemens of Mudison, vote
in this minority, and yet so determined is ha to
maintain llte credit of the State, that lie line alrea
dy braved thu displeasure of the anti-lnx payen,
hy proposing to raise u revenue bill ol $000,000
declining at ihe sumo time that ho wanted to do
soaiolhing more substantial than to pass vain aw
idle declarations.
Important Intelligence from Mexico.
Santa Anna superceded in command of thc Ar,
my by General liassadre.—By the fnsl sailiq
barque Rnpid, Cupt. Ward, in 12 days from Han
na, tho New York Sun has received full files of pi'
A steamer had arrived from VeraCrt*
A London paper mentions an instance which
lately occurred in Prussia, whore tlio order to get
rid uf utt enormous rock, and to avoid llte ordittan
expenses of tho undertaking, a deep hole wns borcil
into the rock, into which was fixod a bar of iroi
twenty.eight feet high, for the purpose of altrnct-
ing lightning. After which, it i. stated, on tin
first thunder slurm, lltu rock was .haltered into
fragments.
shortly before the Rapid sailed, bringing a few din
lal»rnewsof interest, which we have tranilslid
Tha most important is that Congress had ordered
lltq manifestoes of the Revolutionary General to*
pri|ited- Tlio Supreme Government had issued or*
dei* to Gen. Snniu Anno, then nt his place al Moo
go |ie Clavn, furtliwdth to unite in his command lot
trouts in tho District of Julnpn, which amountcifw
upwards of 10,000 men, and to proceed against rs*
redes and Itis comrades. Accordingly, as we al
ready know, Santa Anna issued his proclamatia'''
pul I imseif at tho head of 7,000 infantry, 1,500 o<-
vnlry and 20 field pieces, und on the 23d he M
Mexico and marched towards Qurelaro with Go*
oral Lleyes, to which point tlio troops followed** 1
About this lime, the Mexicun Congress P®**’*
resolution censuring the Ministor at War for hs|-
ing issue|l orders to Siintu Anna to take coma***
ol the Ai)nyof the Republic, whoa the Consul 1
prohibitet
the Supreme Executive from acting*
that capacity. The reply of the Secretary not
ing been (deemed satisfactory, they decided
Gen. San|a Anna had boen assigned to coni*
the troops of u district, and was notplacedat”
heatUif the army, it was therefore deemed **••*■
»ai')™iat the Minister should forthwith suipred**
command of Sauna Anna. Meanwhile 0*****
Bnssndro Ims been appointed to take his pi
How Santa A unit will relish an order which (J***®
him under the command of a junior officer,
to bo seen. We should not bo surprised
course was to drive Santa Anna back to hi*
The Havana papers sponl; in tlio most dii
ing inuniicr of tlio stale of affairs in Mexico
Indians continue to pour in upon tho Mr'
from every direction. It is said that tlio Ai
Minister had tnade'anotbor communication
Goverumi'iit, and the French hud eeni an
demand explanations relative to outrages ol
French cjtizens, Great confusion and disor
vuiled in pvery section of that devoted coi