The Georgia journal. (Milledgeville, Ga.) 1809-1847, January 07, 1845, Image 2

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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