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GOVERNOITS_MESSAGE.
FkECUTiVR Department, ?
Milledgeville, Nov. 6, 1849. J
Fellow-citizens OF the Senate and of
the Hoose of Representatives :
As the Representatives of the people, you
have convened to perforin important public du-
simple machinery of onr form of Gov
ernment. by the operation of which this respon
sible trust is confided, is not to be appreciated
more for the power and confidence conferred
upon you, than for the quiet and almost im
perceptible process, by which without commo
tion, those who lately occupied the places yon
now fill, have been disrobed of authority.
In your deliberations as to the best means of
directing aright the destiny of our growing
State, of developing its resources, and elevating
its character, you will not be unmindful that
‘•wisdom, justice, and moderation,” should be
your guides and the mark of your highest am
bition.
The operations of the Government since the
adjournment of the last General Assembly, it
is made my duty to lay before yon. In detail
ing the transactions of a period of two years, it
will not be remarkable, if I should fail to im
part to you the interest felt by myself in some
of the many subjects that will be submitted to
your consideration ; or, if in the attempt to do
so. I should be adjudged as trespassing upon
the limits prescribed, by good taste, for commu
nications of this character.
PUBLIC DEBT
It will be seen by reference to the last mes
sage of my predecessor, that the public
debt at that time was $1,579,875.60. (This
sum exceeded the true amount as has been
since ascertained. $1,000.) At the session of
1847, $375,000 00 were appropriated for the
completion of the Western and Atlantic Rail
Road, and $22,222 22 for the payment of the
claim of Peter Trezevant, making the entire
public debt and the liabilities incurred by the
acts of 1847, $1,976,097 82 on the Ist day of
January, 1848.
The Bonds directed to be issued for the com
pletion of the W. & A. R. R , and fur the pay
ment of the claim of Peter Trezevant, were
prepared with as little delay as possible; the
former were placed in the hands of the Chief
Engineer, from time to time, to be applied to
the construction of the railway from Dalton to
Chattanooga, and the latter paid over to the A
- ™ : n discharge of his claim
n addition to the Bonds re-
• » 3 close of the last session
nbly, it was found necessa
i - tor the of »uti
red into by-Gov. Crawford
C Engineer of the W. &
,—j, „ iarnett,) with certain Banks
and individuals, secured by the hypothecation
of the State's 6 per cent. Bonds, amounting to
the aggregate sum of $183,500 . This class
of bonds was made to draw interest at U.e rate
of 7 per cent, per annum. From, the neat
style in which they were gotten up, the facili
ties extended to the holders in collecting the in
terest as it falls due, at convenient commer
cial points,an additional value wasunparted to
these securities, thatenabled me to effect a satis
factory arrangement with this class ofthe pub
lic creditors, by the substitution of the new is
sue of7 per cents for the hypothecated bonds
of an equal amount, and also to redeem the
obligations of the late Governor and Chief En
gineer, although, tn a few instances, past due.
In consummating this arrangement, it is grat
ifying to state, that no additional burden was
imposed upon the Treasury, except the small
expense incurred in preparing the bonds, con
ducting the negotiations, and the difference be
tween the rate ofinterest of the bond hypothe
cated and the issue substituted under the act of
1847. Under an act, passed at the last ses
sion, for the relief of the Central Bank, bonds to
the amount of $225,000 were issued in 1848,
and $237,000 in the present year, to meet the
accruing liabilities falling due in the same
period.
At the close of rhe fiscal year 1847, the bond
ed debt of the Bank was $500,452 80—it is
now reported to me by the Cashier, to be $447,-
000. The $500,452 80 were drawing 8 per
cent, interest, the present amount? per cent.
By the sale of the bonds issued in 1848 and
1849, there has been a saving to the Bank on
the interest account of about $6.870. —This has
been effected without the Nlighiest shock to the
credit of the Bank, or the least encroachment
upon private rights. A registry of all bonds
issued under the authority of the different acts
passed in 1847, has been carefully kept in this
Department, which shows the number, date,
when and where redeemable, the rate of inter
est and when payable, and every material fact
descriptive ofthe bonds and the coupons thereto
attached.
Measures were taken, at an early d iy, to en
gage the services of a reliable House in London,
to whom remittances could be made to meet
the interest, as it falls due, on the foreign debt,
which is now reduced to £ls.ooo—the entire
balance of the sterling bonds held by Messrs.
Reid, Irving, & Co. amounting to £15,130 6,
with interest and commissions, having been paid
early in ]B4B. The act of the 22d Deer. 1843
having provided a fund for the discharge of the
Reid, Irving Co. debt only, and not a perma
nent sinking fund, the inquiry naturally arose at
the close of the last year, as to what application
should be made of a balance, which, it was then
ascertained, would be in the Treasury, at the
close of the present year. Believing it to be my
* r, not to permit a large sum of the public
tey to remain in the Treasury, idle and un
ductive. and being sustained in this view,by
Financial Committee appointed at theclose
he fiscal year 1848. I adopted the suggestion
rained in their report, herewith transmitted,
and redeemed of the bonds issued under the act
of 1847 for the completion of the Western &
Atlantic Railroad, the sum 0f575,000.
■ P .,1 ..fik I , l .w-rrtrhuil-Hn tn c ——
of these in preference to other securities, I
might mention that a most advantageous con
tract had been made by the Railroad contractors
with the Coalbrookdale Company of Great
Britain, for the delivery in Savannah of the iron
necessary to the completion of the Railway.
The iron to the value of $75,000, under the
arrangement, was pledged to the State, making
it her property at a price below its market val
ue at that time, as an additional security in
any event the interest of the State was abun
dantly protected, and by it the completion of
the Road will be accomplished at an earlier day
than could have been anticipated without this as
sistance The step is also deemed defensible on
the ground, that bonds at 7 per cent, interest,
amounting to more than six hundred thousand
dollars,for the reliefof the Centril Bank and the
redemption of the hypothecated bonds already
referred to, had been thrown upon the market,
and were preferred as securities by purchasers,
and consequently expelled the 6 per ct railroad
bonds, or forced the holders to submit to a re
duction equivalent to the difference of interest
in the two securities. This inequality in the
value of the bonds, produced by the different
rates of interest, was embarrassing, and threat
ened serious delay in the completion of the
road; it was. however, in some measure, over
come by the policy adopted, and the necessary
funds to prosecute the work of extension,
were obtained.
Berious inconvenience results to the holders
of our State securities issued previous to the
year 1848, from the necessity imposed of hav
ing to presenlthem at the board of the Treasury,
for the coupons to be detached in the presence
of the Treasurer, before payment is had or to
obtain the signature of that officer on the back
of each coupon payab’e during his term of of
fice. The sole object of this requirement was
to prevent frauds upon the Treasury. If it
could be relied on above all other means for
this object, it might be defended with proprie
ty ; but this is not believed to b<* the case. It
is thought that the plan adopted, in the issuing
of bonds during the last and present years, of
having the coupons signed, numbered,' and da
ted, and a correct register of the same kept, is
the most reliable mode of detecting anv impo
sition tnat may be attempted on the Treasury.
No good reason is seen why ail our bondhold
ers should not be placed on the same footing;
and certainly our early creditors are entitled
to as high consideration and should have as
many facilities afforded them for collecting their
interest, as those of a later period. As an addi
tional reason, it may well be considered whether
the obtaining of a register of.di the bonds issued
by the State, which is not now the case, would
not justify the expense and labor of preparing
new bonds, to be substituted io the place of
the old ones. The subject is commended to
your favorable consideration.
riWAVCKS.
merit tor uie ue* »
This officer, from the very nature and chai
acterofhis duties, if made the authoritative me
dium by which you, and the country, are in
formed at the opening of each session, of the
amount of income received from all sources,
and ihe actual expenditures for the two pre
ceding years—and the estimated receipts and
expenditures for the two succeeding years, for
jrour guidance and direction. My attention, on
first entering upon the duties of the Executive
Office, was turned to the Treasurer’s Report
submitted to the Legislature of 1847. and more
especially, as the reliability of that Renorl was
virtually endorsed in the late Governor’s com
munication, by adopting it as the basis of the
financial measures recommended bv him to the
Legislature for adoption.
By comparing the estimates submitted to the
General Assembly in 1847, in probable receipts
and expenditures for the political years of 1848
and 1849, with actual receipts and expenditures
for the same period, the result will not fail to
convince you how little reliance is to be placed
upon all estimates of income and expenditure,
made under the present lax act. What is true
of the last two years, will be found to be also
true of the two previous years.
This comparison is not invited with the re
motest view of reflecting upon the capacity or
integrity of the Officers in charge of the Trea
sury at the periods referred to; but my object
is higher—it is to shew first, that rhe fault is not
with the officer at the head of the Treasury, but
with our whole aystem for collecting revenue;
ami that as long as it is maintained, results are,
and will continue to be. exposed to great fluc
tuations ; and. secondly, to expose the unrelia
ble data, upon which. ( felt it to be my duty to
reject the tax act of the last session, amvng oth
er reasons, because of its apparent insufficiency
to raise adequate income to meet all charges
upon the Treasury.
It will be seen that the sum of $£7,351 52
was the total available balance in the Treasury
at the dose of the present financial year: from
this sum. are $25,172 21 of undrawn appropri
ations. $15,199 30 of the lax for the year 1850
collect* d. and $9,025 50 dividends on “ Edu
cation Fund,” to be deducted, leaving a surplus
at the close of the fiscal year just ended, of
$17,534 51. Os the undrawn appropriations.
»t» probable that $3,000 w»U revert to the
Tre^ury—making the actual surplus about
h»e Legislature may make. It »s trot be
hy'ed that a higher rate of tax will be required,
ddre present system is continued ; r<v do 1
wei at liberty to acommeud any reducuvu- —
This must depend, in a great measure, upon
the appropriations, ordinary and extraordinary,
of the present session, and the sum that may,
finally, be established by law as an annual sink
ing fund—a measure that should claim your
early attention.
The public debt is n»w $1,828,472 22. Os
this sum, less than $23,000 are payable in Jan
uary. 1858, and less than SIO,OOO in July, 1853.
The balance of our bonds are payable from 1863
to 1874—making the entire public debt redeem
able in twenty-five years.
To provide a sinking fund for this object, in
equal annual installments, would require less
than $74,000.
If the balance of the debt contracted for the
extension of the Western and Atlantic Rail
Road, of S3OO 000 be deducted in your esti
mates, you should then make provision for one
million and a half, in round numbers, and con
sequently reduce your sinking fund to $60,000
per annum.
This amount, at least, should be provided by
law as a permanent annual sinking fund ; and
' in addition, it is recommended, that authority
I be given to apply to the same object any sur
plus that may be in the Treasury at the close
of each fiscal year.
By the adoption of the policy suggested, the
public debt can be fully discharged at or before
the respective periods, at which our bonds fall
due, by a process certain to sustain the par
value of our securities, and by imposing upon
the people a burden ?o light, as to produce no
derangement in business transactions, or dis
contentin the public mind.
In rhe foregoing statement no estimate is made
fur the ultimate liability of the State on account
of the Central Bank —which, though not yet as
certained, it is believed, will not fall short of
s2oo.ooo—and for the payment of this amount,
when it becomes due, provision should now be
made.
SYSTEM OF FINANCE.
Among the interesting subjects that will claim
your attention during the pi esent session, is the
adoption of a system of finance, equal in its
burdens upon ail interests, and, at the same time
adequate to the wants of the State. I entertain
the opinion, that the true policy of the State in
raising revenue from its citizens, is never to de
mand more than its necessities require, on the
one hand, or fail in exacting an adequate sum
for that purpose on the other. It has long been
a source of regret and sarorfee that a system of
finance accomplishing this object, has never
been adopted. In reviewing our legislation on
the subject, it will not fail to occur to you that
interesting as it is, and involving, as it does, the
essential principles us good faith in every mone
tary transaction by the Government, as well as
the most delicate of all relations bet ween the re
presentative and constituent, it has shared most
sparingly of the care and deliberation of those
to wfioji ’Eire supject nas oeeri nereutfuru cum
milted. Since the year 1604, but little has been
done in the way of improvement to the system
then adopted. Did this proceed from the con
viction resting upon the public mind, that the
system then adopted was just and equal, or that
it was reliable for its certainty in bringing an ad
equate supply to the Treasuty? Or did it origi
nate from the want of moral firmness, or indus
try to investigate, expose, and reform a system
wrong in itself, because of some imaginary
dread of ihe constituent! If the latter,be as
sured that the representative has nothing to fear
fro m his constituents, if his measures are just
and equal to all. The People are honest ; they
are just; and expect of you the adoption of inea
sures in strict unison with thus • noble princi
ples, which will evtr receive their cordial greet
ing.
Whatever, therefore, may be the wants of the
State, created by proper legislation, having due
regard to economy, every right-minded man w ill
cheerfully contribute his quota. Place your tax
act upon the plain principles of equality of bur
dens and equality of benefits, and the people will
sustain you; Viewing as an evil of no ordinary
magnitude the present system of specific taxa
tion, wi h odious discriminations in reference to
property and persons, I feel it to be an impera
tive duty, most respectfully but earnestly, to
urge upon you its repeal and the adoption of an
ad valorem lax.
In offering some of the reasons that should
induce the change, I would not be understood as
regarding slightly others that will r< adily sug
gest themselves to you as worthy of considera
tion—much less will the limit I have prescribed
for myself, permit me to say all I could desire
on this important question ; much is, therefore,
confided to the calm deliberation and patient
investigation of the representatives chosen by
the people, in guarding and protecting their in
terests in respect to this as well as other sub
jects. Two considerations in tha adoption of a
system of finance should be kept piominently
in view; first, the certainty of obtaining the re
quisite amount to meet ail the exigencies of the
Government and no more; and secondly, so to
equalize and discriminate, if you please, between
the different objects of taxation as to make the
available or productive property of the State
bear its equal and just proportion of the burdens
of Government.
Upon the first branch of the subject it may be
safely assumed that the income from taxes, un
fl- r the present system, cannot be estimated
with certainty, or an approach to it.
The truth of this position is fully shewn by
reference to the amount of income received un
der the present tix act for the last several years.
Although the amount has increased annually, it
is apparent that causes, not remote or improba
ble in their occurrence, may intervene varying
the income to an amount not anticipated and
bringing in its train disasters highly prejuflicid,
if not absolutely ruinous, to state credit. Il
your expenditures are based upon any given
amount of income, under the present mode of
levying and collecting taxes, you must take the
hazard of a redundant Treasury, which is gross
ly unjust to the People, or, if pos ible, the still
more perilous hazard of failing to provide a sum
adequate to meet the just demands upon the
Treasury. It may be no difficult matter to as
certain the amount required lo meet the current
expenses of the State, but none would have the
hardihood to assert what is to be the income
from specific taxation under the present act, or
any other based upon the same principle. From
the very nature of the property assessed, the
fluctuations in its value, the elasticity of con
science, or change of opinion, as often exhibited
present mode ot raising revenue. The evil of
the present system does not stop here, but is
felt by the State in every business transaction :
we have a public debt, small it is true compared
with oui abundant resources and the known
good faith of the State, yer it is not to be dis
guised that capitalists, in seeking investments
in State securities scrutinize, with vigilant and
searching minuteness, every feature of the
financial system upon which the State throws
its securities into the market; and if uncertainty
in providing adequate means to meet all de
mands, is believed to be even a remote possibil
ity, to that extent at least, your credit is depre
ciated and the character of the State thus
injuriously affected, if, therefore, for no other
reason than the remote possibility of the morti
fication all would teel at the depreciation ot State
credit, growing out of the stale of things here
alluded to, it seems to me timely and wise mea
sures should be adopted at this Session to put
an end to all such fears.
If it be said that years of experience, under
the existing system, have demonstrated its ad
equacy and reliability, and therefore, no change
is demanded, let me remind you that one of the
prolific sources of income, receipts from lands,
which hitherto so opportunely supplied all d< fi
ciencie?, can no longer be relied upon; that
s iurceis exhausted, and we nre now forced to
fall back entirely upon taxes, income from bank
stock, and the receipts of the State Road—all
of which are involved in too much doubt, per
haps, to form the basis of reliable estimates.
But it the nett income from the Riilroad and
Bank stock should swell the amount of our re
ceipts a quarter or a half a million annually, or
any other sum, )( would but strengthen the ar
gument—as. in that event, it would b necessa
ry only to raise oy taxation a sum sufficient to
supply the deficiency from other sources. Rut
the subject remains to be cot sidert d in another
aspect; one that must commend itself to the
head and heart of any candid mind. The pre
sent system, it must be admitted, rests upon no
fixed principle of either specific or ad valorem
taxation; it presents the singular enough aspect
f p itchwoik—of a capricious, ill-digested and
miserable expedient, that may answer its pur
dose for the brief period of two years prescribed
for its duration, and then to be thrown aside to
give place to something else of like duration,
with no higher claims to public confidence than
that which preceded it.
But the objection is n >t confined to the tem
porary character of our tax laws, or the conse
quent necessity of biennial legislation upon the
subject, leaving th • public mind agitat. d and in
doubt, but to 'he inherent difficulty, if not im
possibility, of establishing a durable and perma
nent system of finance upon erroneous and un
just principles.
No system of taxation which does not bear
equally upon the property of the whole p ople,
can be just. The property of every citizen is
equally protected by law, and therefore, natural
justice would Kem to demand that it should con
tribute equally to the support of Government.
The maxim that Equality is Equit , is peculiar
ly true in raising an income for the State ; and
though a wise discrimination in some instances
• property, with a view ot
n in which the public at
arest equivalent t»the aur
in of taxes, may be tole-
U>the rule to be continued
exceptions do not impair
enduring principle of ad
Individual or poiiuval rights ate equal with
the poor and the rich ; in this respect there can
be no difference; and, thcrefere, if a poll-tax is
imposed at all, it should be sei apart and applied
to objects of education, in which all have an
equal interest, whatever their condition may be.
But as regards property, this t quality is not
found to exist; and as Government is as much
bound to protect and defend the citizen’s right of
property, as it is his personal or political rights,
so in the same ratio as the aggregate property
of one citizen exceeds that of another, should
your system of finance exact c »ntribulions of
the one over the other for the support of Govern
ment
With these principles kept in view, it remains
to be seen whether the present system of speci
fic tax vion falls unequally upon ditierent inte
rests. and therefore unjustly, and whether the
ad valorem system would remedy the evils now
supposed to exist. In reference to the gross and
palpable inequality of the present tax law. it is
so universally understood and acknowledged,
that it might be regardtxl as a useless waste of
time to enter into anv detailed statement on the
subject. It the objects ot taxation be consider
ed in reference to Agriculture, Commerce, or
Manufactures, the inequality is striking.
The classification of lands operates unjustly.
Lands o» equal value, situated in different sec
tions ot the State, and in some instances in the
same county, are subject to a different rate of
taxation; nor is it bebeved that any classifica
tion ot nal estate can be made that will remedy
this defect.
The nme remark is true of slaves, on alt of
whom is imposed a specific tax irrespective of
their true value—making the tai on a slave
worthone hundred dollars the same as upon onc
worth a thousand. Not onlv does this inequal
ity exist in regard to th* agricultural interest
but when it is contrasted with the commercial
we are again astonished at an inequality as im
politic in principle, as unwarrantable in its Jj.-
cnini iaiim. Il commerce is injurious to the
State, strike at it boldly; but if it is essential to
the well being of the people, c nducive to their
prosperityand honorable in its aims and object,
abstain from all discriminations against it. In
stances might be multiplied, more fully demon
stratingthe inequality ot the present system of
collecting taxes, but sufficient has been said, it
is hoped, to insure your patient investigation—
the result of which 1 cannot permit myself to
doubt. The benefits resulting from the substi
tution ot the ad valorem principle over the spe
cific. would be to invigorate and stimulate every
branch of productive' industry ; to give quiet
and confidence to the different interests by equal
ising the burdens of Government; to secure to
your Treasury, at all times and under ail cir
cumstances, ad, quate means to meet ail the ex
igencies ot the State; to duoinish the taxes by
n I raising no more money than is needed, relieving
r, J the poor by throwing the burden of taxation
*, upon the property of the more wealthy; placing
.’ your public credit beyond the reach of false
r friends or open enemies ; inspiring the peoulc
with confidence in the government; substitu
... ting equal and just laws for unequal, unjust and
oppressive ones.
These may be regarded as some of the happy
[• fruits to be produced by the proposed change.
3 Can it be believed that the people, so deeply
i- interested in this measure, will not give it their
warm and cordial suppoit? To think other
i wise uould be a reflection upon their intelli
s gence, andto doubt their devotion to tne be t
interests of the State; such an opinion others
a may entertain, but it can receive no countenance
j from me.
THE STATE ROAD.
. The Reports of the Chief Engineer of the
' Western and Atlantic Railroal, as required by
’ law, for the last two fiscal years with the accom
' panying documents, are herewith transmitted.
It must prove a source of gratification to every
friend of internal improvement, to see ihe pro-
I gress with which this noble work has advanced
’ almost to final completion, retarded as it has
been, from the period of its inception to the pre
> sent moment, by obstacles the most emlnrraffi.
ing. Whatever difference of opinion may have
, existed in the public mind heretofore in regard
' to this work, it is now confidently believed that
, all sections of the State are prepared to stand by
it —and, by a liberal and wise policy, to extend
that fostering care, which, in the end, will abun
dantly reward them for the heavy expenditure
us their money in its construction and equip
ment.
The certainty of an early completion of this
Road is no longer problematical. This opinion
is formed, not merely from the annual report of
that able and efficient officer, the Chief Engi
neer, but from a recent communication received
from him, containing the gratifying intelligence
that by extraordinary and almost unparalleled
efforts, the faithful and skilful contractors suc
ceeded on the 31st ultimo in pushing ihe head
ing of the tunnel entirely through the mountain.
This achievement being the first of the kind in
the South, will stand as a monument of Georgia
enterprise. The mountains have yielded to our
industry and perseverance, and the chief obsta
cle to the accomplishment of this great work, is
now overcome.
Before your adjournment, the completion of
the Road may be looked to with infallible certain
ty. The entire grading is finished, the track
laid wiihin seven miles, or less, of Chattanooga,
and the two remaining unfinished bridges so far
advanced, as to cause but a few days’ delay in
laying the rail.
This work being finished, the duty will de
volve upon you of enacting such laws, constitu
ting an organized and authoritative system, for
its government, which this new state of things
may, in your judgment, require. Heretofore, it
has been the policy of Georgia to make the Ex
ecutive the head and responsible functionary to
-the piiop*?, for the faithful management of your
Asyturns your Penitentiary, and lately your
Public jVorks. The accumulation of labor,
mental phya,n«i, rny--nm!img‘ur i«.
sponsibility inseparably incident to the increased
duties, may, in your estimation, deserve a pass
ing notice. Experience and observation have
satisfied me that your Railroad will be managed
with efficiency and impartiality in proportion ns
you reduce the number with whom responsibil
ity is to be divided. Among the objections to
constituting a Board of Directors, maybe men
tioned the want of unity of action—the total ab
sence of that spirit-moving promptness indis
pensable to efficiency, and the indolence and in
attention to public duties which result fiom the
division of responsibility.
Whether it is safe and proper to trust bo great an
interest in the hands of one man, does not become m«
to say. It is to be expected that your attention will
be directed to the subject, with the hope that it will
undergo a thorough investigation, and such change
be made for its government as will best advance its
interests. Connected with the adjustment of a sys
tem for the government of the W. and A. Railroad,
may be considere 1 the propriety of detailing a portion
of the convicts and placing them at Atlanta, or some
convenient and suitable point on the road, for the pur
pose of manufacturing freightcars, repairing engines,
and performing generally such work as the road may
require.
if this suggestion is followed, provision should be
made by law lor the construction, at the point select
ed, of suitable building's for workshops and cells for
confinement. While it is conceded that the adoption
of the scheme sugges ed would involve a considerable
expenditure, it is believed, if it be the policy of the
State to work convict labor on its own account, a more
judicious and profitable application of it could not lie
made. Having briefly alluded to some of (he con
siderations deserving your notice, in reference to the
government ofthe road, there remain to be presented
others of equal, if not greater magnitude. It was
believed to be a duty to indicate, on the first oppor
tunity presented, which occurred just two years ago,
not merely my desire to see the Railroad finished to
Chattanooga, but that it be done without increasing
the public burdens, or creating the necessity for in
creased taxation The act of 1847, appropriating
three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars of
the bonds of the State, for the completion of the ex
tension from Dalton to the terminus in Tennessee,
contains an express provision that the net income,
after extinguishing all existing liens on the road
which amounted to the sum of one hundred and thir
ty thousand dollars, should be anp’ied to the payment
of said debt. Believing than, as now, if by loaning
the credit of the State, in the form of its securities,
payable at a future day, the completion of the road
could be accomplisheil, that the increased receipts
thereby secured would not only relieve the Legisla
ture from the necessity of providing for their payment
by taxation, but that an income from this source
might be relied upon to aid in the liquidation of the
pre-existing debt, I felt no hesitation in giving the bill
my sanction. What was belief at (hat time has as
sumed the more solid form of fact at this. Then, as
now, the line of railway was but one hundred miles ;
the receipts then as compared with the last two years
ending 30th ultimo, ehew an increase of the present
over last year of 14 per cent, and 47 per cent, in
crease over the year 1047. This shows the wonder
ful and progressive developeinents of the resources of
our State, in two years, by means of the stimulus of
this road, acting mainly upon our own people. The
▼allies between the almost innumerable ledges of
mountain? to be met with in this section of the Slate,
containing large tracts of land equal in fertility to any
in the valley of the Mississippi, have been hitherto
locked out from trade by natural barriers; the in
habitants, from almost insurmountable difficultics in
obtaining a market, were deterred from all effort to
'consumption; but now, they ate being aroused to ac
tion and to enterprise by the stimulating and magic
influence of accessibility to the markets of the world.
None can anticipate the capacity <f this interesting
region for agricultural products, to say nothing of its
mines and minerals. If this be true—and the re
ceipts of our railroad prove it to be so —what must be
the increased business of the road when the hardy
and industrious citizens of the mountain regions of
Tennessee, are aroused by the inducement of a home
market at remunerating prices? Will not their
efforts be invigorated, and shall we not see the swel
ling tide of commerce rolling down from that region
in such quantities as will bring to our Treasury solid
and tangible evidence of the wisdom of completing
the road to the Tennessee river ?
STATE SYSTEM OP COMMON SCHOOLS.
In this picture, imperfect as it is, of our present and
future prosperity, let us not be unmindful that much
yet remains to be done to perfect and equalize, as far
as practicable, the advantages and benefits of a judi
cions system of internal improvements that will meet
the wants of every section. To travel on the smooth
oath of prosperity, it is of vast importance that we
keep steadily in view the sacred principles of good
faith to all men, and in all things; therefore, let me,
in the most respectful manner, recommend that no
temptation, however strong, induce you to permit the
net proceed* of the railroad to be applied to any other
object until the. last farthing of the existing liens be
fully discharged. When that is done, we have an
ample field for the exercise of a powerful element in
the advancement of the social and intellectual condi
tion of our youth. By prudent economy and wise
forecast, the receipts from this road, after discharging
the just charges against it, will furnish a fund by
which a system of common schools can be extended
throughout the State.
It will be a proud day for Georgia, when by her
public improvements the conviction is brought home
to all that every section of the State has been stimu
lated to its greatest productive capacity, whether of
Agriculture, Manufactures or Commerce; and proud
er and more glorious still will that day be, when, by
the wisdom of her measures, she can boast of not
having an uneducated son or daughter within her
limits. The*e are the prominent objects to which
your deliberations should be directed; they are
worthy the consideration of the statesman, and, if
accomplished, will command the admiration of pos
terity.
REPEAL OF THE LAW AUTHORISING THE SALE OF
ROAD.
By an act of the Legislature, approved 221 De
cember, 1843, the Governor was authorized under
certain restrictions, indispose of the W. and A.
Railroad. Without questioning the expediency of
the enactment at the time of its passage, it may be
safely assumed, that the true interests of the State,
as well ns the subsequent liens created by law upon
the road, preclude, from the minds of all, the pro
priety of a sale upon any terms, and especially such
as are contained in the act. It is therefore recom
mended, that the 4th, sth, 6th and 7lh Sections of
said act be repealed.
REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES OF OFFICERS.
A difference of opinion with many intelligent men,
as to the true location of the State Road, very natu
rally subjected the Corps of Engineers in charge of
this work to strong suspicions of consulting iheir
own rather than the public interest ; with a view
doubtless of removing, as far as possible, ail tempta
tion from the agents of the Stale engaged in the prose
cution of the work, as early as 1 feeember, 1833, an
act was passed, prescribing an additional oath to be
taken by the Superintendent, Coramisriuners, Chief
and Assistant Engineers, by which these officer* are
prevented from purchasing any real estate or interest
therein within three miles of the Road. Whatever
may have been the necessity at that time for such re
strict ions, it will be admitted none such now exist;
the Road is located; the public cannot be made to
yield to private interest ; and the disabilities un
der which this cliss of officers are placed, are not
called fur by any corresponding good to the public.—
Restrictions to the full exercise ot a citizen's equal
rights should be cautiously, and seldom, if ever, a
dopted, and the reason for this provision of law hav
ing long since ceased, it is recommended that it be
repealed.
By reference to the Report of the Chief Engineer,
it will be seen that, from the papers on file in his of
fice, the right of way for the State Road through a
bout two hundred tracts ot land, has not been obtain
ed. histo be regretted that early steps were not
taken to secure this object, as it is apparent the delay
has greatly multiplied and increase.) the difficulty of
its aceomplishmen r . Os this number, one hundred
and sixty-eight are in the State, the balance in Ten
nessee. Under the existing law, except in cases
where the amount of damage is agreed up-n by the
Chief Engineer and claimant, there is no authority,
or fund provided, for its payment: and as a large ma
jority of the eases are most likely to be accommoda
ted by a submission to referees, as now provided by
law, authority should be given the Chief Engineer
to make such payments out of the proceeds of the
Road, or a specific sum appropriated from the Trea
sury fortaat purpose.
THE PENITENTIARY.
From the Report of the Principal Keeper of the
Penitentiary, which will be transmitted, it will be
seen that the balance in favor of profit, from the 3d
dan. 1848. to the close of the fiscal year is stated to
be 321,353 59. This feet is the best evidence of the
ability with which the institution has been managed.
Great attention has been paid to strict economy, and
no expenditure of money has been made not alwdute
ly required. Though it was not anticipated, I ap
pcehend, in substituting Penitentiary punishment for
ibe pillory and whipping post, that convict labor
would prove a source of income, yer, it must be grati
fying to know, that, under ordinary circumstances,
its affairs may be conducted ro as to prevent it from
being a charge upxi the State. For the last two
years, thts has been done, and the proceeds of the
convict labor exhibit, it is believed, a greater profit
fortbe same time, than at any former period. No
was made by the last Legislature for
t. e support of the Penitentiary. This is the first
instanceJex many years when aid from the Treasury
has not been asked for and eranted ; nor will anv
appropriation be required for the next two rears • it
is believed a sufficient sum can be realized ’rom the
assets to meet all exigencies that may arise
la contrasting the indebtedness Contra ted since
Jaauary. 1343. wit.* that foe th* like period of former
years, the same favorable result is observed.
Several suggeit’o is are made by tbePrinenxri K p.
er. deserving of your ceosderaiion. The mode pre
scribed by law for keeping d»e books, was consider
ed to objectionable, by the Pm social Committee ap-
g ] pointed at the close of the last year, that they te
ii ' commended a change, which was adopted, with tin
g ' h peof presenting the affairs of the Institution in i
e I less complicated form, than could be done under thi
e i mode heretofore used.
. I In ad pting the suggestion of the Committee, tin
j mode required by law was not abandoned ; and th*
Legislature will by comparison he enabled to adop
7 the one or the other as they may deem most advisa
ble. The duties imposed upon the Book-Keeper art
p rnerous. and experience has shown the necessity fin
r a Salesman, whose duty should be confined to the sel
ling of the inanufactmed articles, and the collecting
of the debts.
t The Penitentiary has, doubtless, sustained heavy
4 losses from the system of credits heretofore establish
. ed; it would not be advisable, perhaps, suddenly to
change it; but a period should be fixed by law, when
the discretion, in this respect t-hould cease, and it be
t made the duty of the Book- Keej>er to put all outstand
r ing debts in a train for collection. It is believed th?
office of Inspector may be abolished, and its duties
perfui rned by the Salesman, upon requisition made of
him by the Principal Keeper. Much diversity of
opinion exists, and will continue, doubtless, in refer
ence to Ihe treatment best calculated to produce re
formation with the inmates of the Penitentiary. It
must be admitted that there is a great diversity of
clnrac er among convicts. With hardened offenders
but little, in the way < f reformation, can be anticipa
ted from imprisonment; they go out, in most instan
ces, as they come in—abandoned in feeling and bank
rupt in moral principle, at enmity with society, and
ever ready to commit lawless outrages upon it, under
the slightest provocation, or when encouraged with
the least hope, however delusive, of escaping detec
tion ; but there is another class, differently constitu
ted, possessing keen sensibility, and a quick sense of
honor, who, impelled by strong feelings, and not un
frcquently by bad advisers, violate the crimirnal law ;
these on reaching the inside of the prison wail, are
made the equals of the black-hearted robber, the
contemptible thief, and the more dangerous character
still, who combines the two with talent, cunning,
daring boldness and a large amount of hypocrisy, that
readily adapts itself to the lacerated feelings and
deep mortification of the more honorable. The effect
of such associations is easily foreseen. In this point
of view, I have no doubt our whole system is radi
cally wrong; there should bean entire separation of
the different classes of offenders.
The present system of working all the convicts to
gether, and placing them in all respects upon the
same footing, without any power on the part of the
Principal Keeper to discriminate, exerts, in my judg
ment. on many, and especially young men, a hurtful
influence. These suggestions are submitted with
great deference to the sound and searching investiga
tion of the Legislature—it will be for you to deter
rn-ne, whether the benefits reasonably to be anticipa
ted from the change, will justify the greatly increas
ed expense that would necessarily result from its
adoption.
1 cannot too earnestly impress upon you the neces
sity of a thorough investigation into the aflairs of the
Penitentiary, with a view that its present and past
management may be laid before the country, and
even-handed justice done to all who may have been
or are njw connMted whh it.
Forfeited lands.
The last Legislature passed an act declaring cer
tain lands in the vvury of Ware forfeited m cue
State, ana provided for disposing bi the same. By
the provisions of the Statute the lands sold under an
act of the General Assembly passed 23d December,
1833, and which were not paid for and granted at the
tassage of the law were declared to be forfeited. If
the power be conceded to the Legislature to rescind at
pleasure a contract made with her citizens for the
purchase of lands, without previous notice of such
it tention, still as the act in question is she only in
stance recollected where tlie power has been exercis
ed, it was apprehended any attempt to carry out the
provisions of the law, would have involved the State
in expensive litigation in all that class of cases where
the entire purchase money had been paid. The re
sponsibility was assumed of allowing the owners to
come forward within a reasonable time, and by pay
ing into the Treasury the usual fee to obiain grants.
By the adoption of this policy, so unifotmly observed
by the State in reference to the granting of public
lands, the receipts into the Treasury weie suddt nly
increased, and an act of justice done the purchasers,
and much litigation avoided, that would have result
ed, as it is believed, prejudicial to the State. A
small portion of this class of cases were not granted
within the time prescribed by the Executive order
passed, which remain undisposed cf. Where the
entire purchase money had not been paid, the
ns well as the propriety, of the law declaring them
forfeited, was regarded as less questionable; lut up
on a careful examination of the provisions of the act,
if was believed the expense the State would incur in
cau>ing the sale to take place, would absorb the re
ceipts, or so nearly so, as lo render it desirable to
postpone ail action, and refer the subject to the pre
sent l egislature, with the view of having such
amendatory legislation, as would diminish the ex
pense of selling, and secure with greater certainty a
fair equivalent for the lands when sold.
It is my duty to bring to your notice the situation
of a large number of fraction owners, whose lands
were forfeited by the act “to authorize the Governor
to appoint fit and projier persons to geli the undrawn
lots in the land lotteries heretofore had in this Stale,
and to limit the time for fraction purchasers to pay for
and take out grants,” passed at the last session of the
Legislature.
The Surveyor General furnished this Department
with the number of undrawn lols and fractional lots
ungranted on the Ist of November, 1848; but before
tlie sales were ordered, as r quired by the act, it was
made known to me that many of the undrawn lots
had been sold under authority of law, and the pur
chase money paid, and ttiat quite a number of the
ungranted fractional lots bad bqpn fully paid for by
the original or subsequent purchasers long anterior to
the pericd fixed as a limitation to issuing grants. In
most instances also proof was adduced shewing that
the certificate cf purchase had been transferred from
the original to subsequent purchasers bom fide, and
that the present owners were ignorant that the grants
had not issued from the Slate. Becoming satisfied
that a large number of worthy land-holders were
likely to lose in many instances, their most valuable
real estate, from ignorance of the law rather than a
desire to delay or e ade the just claim of the State to
the grant fee, it was believed to be in strict conformi
ty with the liberal policy and high sense of justice
exercised by the State towards her citizens, to direct
the sale in all such cases to be suspended upon the
deposite of the grant fee with the Treasurer, or agent
uppoinfed for that purpose, and the production of satis
factory proof of ownership or interest in the party
making the deposite
The sum of 8698 50 is now in the hands of the
Treasurer, on deposite, being the grunt fees for two
hundred and twenty*three undrawn and fractional
lots for which no grants have yet issued, or will issue
until directed by the I egislature.
11
iii the liana* ot the Treasurer, be directed to be trans
ferred to the Treasury, and that grants be allowed to
issue to the bona fide owners of all that class of un
drawn and fractional lots of land (ailing under the
description referred to. Copies of the Executive or
deis, with a report of the lands sold, and such us re
main undisposed of, under the two acts of the last
Legislature, are respectfully submitted.
boundary line.
A copy of the Report and Resolutions adopted by
the last General Assembly “ in relation to the boun
dary line between Georgia and Florida,” was trans
mitted to the Governor of that State in April, 1843,
and his attention respectfully invited to the liberal
terms proposed for an amicable adjustment of the
controversy pending between the two States. No ad
vance, however, was made, or definite action taken,
by the authority of that State until the past winter,
when the subject was referred to its Legislature in the
annual message of Governor M sely, in terms so
commendatory of tne plan proposed for final a Ijust
ment by this State, that the hope was entertained that
1 should be enabled to lay before you, at the present
session, the gratifying intelligence that a final adjust
ment upon terms honorable to both States, had been
consummated. The Legislature of Florida, howev
er, thought proper to disregard the conciliatory spirit
and desire of this State to preserve amicable relations,
as manifested by the Report anil Resolutions of De
cember, 1847, aud adopted resolutions deemed by me
discourteous to the kindly feelings and high sense of
honor which had character zed our legislative action
on the subject, and virtually closing the door upon
all future attempts at friendly adjustment. A copy of
the Resolutions was transmitted to me by Governor
Mosely, accoinp mied by a communication under date
6th February, 1349 to which my reply was made in
March last. Since then no correspondence has taken
place between the authorities of the two States, and
no official information has been received at this De
partment on the subject.
The state of the question as it now exists, is the re
sult of no ill temper or illiberal exaction on the part of
the Executive of Georgia—but, on the contrary, with
an :iidu*gent feeling necessary to yielding implicit
credence in the goixl faith with which our young sis
ter advanced her claim, every consi«ierat'on, consist
ent with a consciousness ol right and a recollection of
the most sacred lies of blood and friendship, was
urged to bring this vexed question to a speedy ad
justment. Entertaining the opinion expressed in my
last letter tn Governor Mosely, a copy of w’hich with
all the correspondence on the subject is herewith
transmitted, I do not feel authorized to recommend
any further attempt on the par* of this State at nego
tiation, until invited by the authorities of Florida. *
What becomes your duty, should you believe the
negotiation closed, will readily suggest itself.
If our title to the disputed territory, worthless as it
is to us, is deemed clear and beyond euccessfut op
position, we must assert and maintain our rights, or
voluntarily abandon them. Whatever action, if any,
you may think it prudent and proper to take, will re
ceive my sanction.
state charities.
Copies of the Reports of the Commissioners of the
Deaf and Dumb Asylum, and of the Trustees of the
Lunatic Asylum, are herewith laid before you.
These reports show that both of these Institutions,
have been managed with ability and eminent success.
To every philanthropic mind, these contributions by
our State to suffering humanity, must be regarded as
a source of just pride. They exhibit, in a wonderful
manner, the achievement ot science over the heaviest
ulßieti. ns, that befall our specie*. Founded, as they
are, in the warmest sy apathies of our nature, it will
be the aim, doubtless, of the Leghdature, to afford to
each i istitu ion liberal means to enlarge and improve
the sphere ofits usefulness. In such works ofcharity,
pro|x*ing and seeking the relief ot the most unfortu
nate— I know ofn*» limit to recommend to your ap
propriations, but to explore »he field of operatic*! lor
the advancement of each institution, consult your a
bility, and it it will not lake you to the most distant
boundary, you could desire, be found on the road as
far thither as a |>roper regard for other great interests
wilt justify you tn going.
THE MILITIA.
The Militia laws of the State ;• re defective, and
the failure under them, to ins, ire officers and privates
with a proper military spirit, has been so often
brought to the attention of different Legislatures, by
th.*e that have preceded me. that the subject is now
alluded to with a misgiving of the adoption of any
system that will give efficiency to our militia force,
if it be desirable, to impart to the whole or a portion
of our people, capable of bearing arms, that know
ledge of their use, which will enable them to perform
good service for the State in the hour of need, some
other than the present plan of organization an J train
ing should be adopted.
1 suggest that the whole of our population, subject
to perform military duty, be divided into three classes
—each of which to be trained and disciplined for a
period of six year*, and subject, at a moment’s warn
ing. to be railed into service by the proper authority,
and then to be exempt from all duty until ail the
classes bad served a tour in like manner, except iu
case of insurrection or actual war.
Should you adopt this course, or any analogous
one, it should be followed by a perfect equipment of
arms, suitable to the different descriptions of service
that might be required. The plan suggested cannot
claim any advantage over the present organization,
unless the whole process of training and disciplining
is placed under the control of experienced and com
petent officers. To accomplish all this, wo«M be at
tended with some expense. The officers selected to
im’,»art the necessary instruction, would have to be
paid ; and to result tn much good, the encampment
and pro racled drills would, in many instances, be
onerous on the poor man, dependant on his daily la
bor for support, and so.ne allowance, in the way of
defraying actual expenses, would seem proper for
them. The details necessary to carry out the plan
propose*l, are confided to your judgment. As every
abfe-bodied citixeiqis bound to contribute to tfie State
m service, as well as money, his due quota, the total
exemption from all military duty for twelve years in
the plan proposed, except under the casualties re
ferred m, would compensate, in a great measure, for
the extra toil and labor of the term of service pro
posed ; white, on th o her hand, more reliance could
be piaced upon one-third of the effective force, tbo
ronghly trained, for prompt and immediate action,
than upon the whole under the present organization.
In governments where the popular wilt m consult
ed upon questions affecting the public weal, it is deem
ed of great moment to attain this object ie a manner
as free as [Mjasible from all undue influence and irri
tating excitement. Under our free institutions espe
cially, it ui expected of every individual, ux the exer-
cise oi the right of suffrage, tJjMt he will bo governed
by reason rather than prejudge, by patriotism rather
than panizan zeal; nor should we be unmindful that
upon each voter rests the responsibility of deciding
for himself questions of a political charactei touching
the welfare of the State. No man, whatever his con
dition may be, can claim exemption in this respect;
each individual is a component pagt ofthe State, and
while it is a privilege, it is nevertheless a duty resting
upon every good citizen, to act iqwn his own judg
ment for the best interest of the whole.
Whatever, therefore, can be accomplished by you
in the way <»f reforming existing abuses, you will
doubtless undertake.
USE OF MONEY IN ELECTIONS.
Purity in elections, after all that can be achieved
by wholesome legislation, may not Unattainable un
til the public mind is brought to exert a salutary
moral influence over the subject; but this should not
discourage you ; an evil certainly exists—corruption
is seen at each returning election. A suitable appli
ance of money, if not at present, may, at no distant
day, be regarded as the conclusive argument in favor
of the pretensions of one candidate for popular favor,
and against those of another— against one set of prin
ciples, and in favor of another.
Will, or can, or should a government, liable to be
controlled by such corrupting influences, command
the esteem and confidence of the good and virtuous ?
What becomes of the boasted equality between the
poor and the rich for popular favor, if this demorali
zing agency of an appeal lo the pocket is not arrest
ed ?
You will readily perceive that the poor, though
worthy and meritorious, will be excluded, and the
wealthy, alone, will obtain high places of honor and
profit. When this is the result, you may expect bad
laws, and, it the thing be possible, a worse adminis
tration of them. With the hope that this disease is
not constitutional, but merely local in its character,
so far as our State is concerned, I would suggest one
jr two of a series of remedies, which, if adopted,
would do much in arresting <he further progress of
die malady.
By the constitution of the State it is provided : “In
ill elections by the People, the electors shall vote viva
/oce until the Legislature shall otherwise direct. ”
she act of the 4ch of December, 1799, provided that
di future elections by the People, should be by bal
ot- The repeal of thia act would revive the mode of
noting prescribed by the constitution, which would, it
s believed, contribute largely to the correction of
nany evils that now exist.
All temptation to deceive by false promises and
fledges never intended to be redeemed, with many
ither vices attendant on voting by ballot, if not en
irely removed, would be of less frequent occurrence,
n proportion as the chances for detection are increased
>y the one mode over the other.
It is also recomme ded, that it be made the duty
»f the Circuit Judges, to give in special charge to the
irand Juries of the respective'connties, the substance
•f such Statutes as impose penuries for illegal voting
>r buying or selling votes. suitable provision be
uade for the enforcement of now in force,
r otherwise (epeal them.
Indeed, ail oaths required and all penalties
Ifixcd for their violation— the shape of
nes, or disc ha 1 bet-
_-r - -
VheA the first step will readily
. jpr .
’ SALARIES OFTWFICERS.
It is believed that our law* regelating the salaries
of the different officers of lhetState, require revision.
As a general rule, it may ne assumed as sound e
conomy that the Ssate should secure the best services
at the lowest reasonable compensation ; but, is it true,
that low salaries secure, in every instance, the requi
site qualifications? True economy consists more in
securing the efficient and faithful discharge of public
duty than in the mere saving to the Slate of the differ
ence between reasonable and inadequate compensa
tion. “The laborer is worthy of his hire,” is a
sound principle of the highest authority—and embo
dies the elements of true economy, as well as natural
justice. It is net the lowest salary that is always the
cheapest to the public; it is the most faithful, able
and efficient discharge of public duties, that is cheap
est in the end ; it is this the public are willing to pay
for; and anything short of this, no matter at what
price, dollars and cents, it may be obtained so far as
the public is co leerned, is the most ex’ravagant sala
ry that is paid.
The true policy for you to pursue, is to affix to each
office such salary, or perquisites, as will command
high qualifications, pure character, and business
habits, and to hold all officers to the most rigid dis
charge of duty, under suitable penalties and disabili
ties.
This done, and you will have laid the foundation,
of a system which, if carried out in all its ramifica
tions, must be productive of happy results in eleva
ting the character of our State and people, by lessen
ing, if not entirely arresting, the scramble for office
known to exist in some sections of the Union, and
the germ of which may take ro.rt in our own soil, if
it his not already done so. The salaries of the Judges
of the Supreme and Circuit courts, the State House
officers, and especially the Secretaries of the Execu
tive Department, the officers of the State Road, as
well as some of the officers connected with the Peni
tentiary, may well claim your attention. They should,
at lest, be equalized, so as to bear some just propor
tion to <he character of the labor, both mental and
physical, performed. No officers engaged in the pub
lic service, are entitled to more consideration at your
hands, than the Secretaries of the Executive Depart
ments; their duties are not only onerous, but often
complicated, and none but men of mind and business
habits, can d.scbarge them with safety to the public
or satisfaction to the Executive; and yet their salaries
are six hundred dollars less than those of the other
officers connected with the State House. For this
in* quality there can be no sufficient reason assigned.
By law, no salary is fixed for Messenger to this
Department, and yet such an officer has been found
necessary by my predecessors, and paid out of the
contingent fund For this officer provision should be
made, and his salary fixed by law; as it cannot be
regarded expedient for the Executive to be charged
with the expenditure of money, except in cases not
foreseen, and lor which, therefore, no provision can
be male.
SUPREME COURT.
In recurring to the sources of our improvement,
none is more striking than the establishment of a Su
preme Coart for the correction of errors tn law. While
its present organization may in some respects be de
fective, the ability and integrity of the Court is a sure
guarantee of its future usefulness. Uniformity and
certainty in the administration of the law produce, in
the breast of the good citizen, a strong confidence
that the rights of all will be protected and justice ful
ly administered, which is greatly conducive to the
peace, good order, and moral advancement of society.
In view, however, ofthe increasing labor that is like
ly to devolve upon thACourt, it may well be consi
dered whether the jnwrests of parlies, as well as jus
“ *■’jruuge?. "ZJjr the propriety of di-
minishing the places, ~rr -wTucn~irifcK—
necessary to hold the Blurt, to the number prescribed
in the Constitution—jwm thereby convert the time
now occupied in traveling to different points, to the
more desirable objectLf investigating and deciding .
complicated and gravi questions of law.
COURT or ORDINARY.
The law setting apajt the second Monday in Janu
ary biennially for the election of clerks of the Courts ,
of Ordinary, has been productive of inconvenience in
practice, and, in some instances, given rise to embar
rassing questions for the decision ol the Executive (
It is obvious that every 4th yeir, when the Justices
of the Inferior Court are elected, they may, in coun
ties lying contiguous to the seat of government, be
qualified under the law to enter upon the duties of
their office on or before the second Monday of Janu
ary, and would therefore, it is believed, have the sole
power of electing the clerk of the Court of Ordinary,
while the justices in counties remote from the seat of
government, would be less likely to be qualified, and
the duty of electing the clerk might devolve on the
old court.
The rule should be uniform throughout the State, ,
and a day fixed in Febmary or March, that would se
cure io the new Court the election of iu clerk;—or ,
what would be still more desirable, this election
should be referred directly to the people, as in the ,
case of the clerks of the Superior and Inferior Courts. ,
UNEXPENDED APPROPRIATION.
From a communication, directed tome by George
L. Deming, Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of
Couiinissioners appointed under the authority of an
act ot the General Assembly, passed in 1836, appro
priating 310,000 for the improvement of the naviga
tion of the Oconee river, it appears that there i.s an
unexpended balance in his hands of 3’2,289 39, which
he proposes to return to the Treasury, upon the pas
sage of a hw, or joint resolution, directing him to do
so. I recommend, with great pleasure, prompt ac
tion by you in accordance with the proposition of the
siid Secretary and Treasurer—a copy of whose com
munication, accompanied by an account current, is
herewith laid before you.
NEW DIGEST OF LAWS.
The necessity for a new and revised Digest of the
Statute laws of the State, combining method in the
arrangement of the subjects with accuracy, has been
long felt; a work of this character is not only desi
rable but absolutely necessary. The labor of execut
ing this task has been undertaken by Thomas R. R.
Cobb, Esq It is promised to bring the compilation
down to the present time, with copious and full notes
of all decisions made by the Supreme Court upon
each statute To the different Officers of the State
and the general reader, such a work, if it proves to be
what I bebeve it will, would be invaluable. The
known ability of Mr. Cobb for this undertaking, the
advantages he possesses as State Reporter, bis indus
try and his familiarity with the law, furnish strong
guarantees of bis success in the contemplated enter
prise.
I would therefore recommend that provision be
made for the appointment of a committee to examine
the work when completed, and that authority be
given to the Executive, if it should be approved by
the committee, to lake a sufficient number of copies to
supply the different officers of the State—and that an
appropriation be made for'tint purpose.
During the last session, a resolution passed both
branches of the Legislature, as appears from the jour
nals, directing the Governor to appoint a Committee
to examine the manuscript work of Mr. George
White, upon »he statistic^ State. This resolu
tion from some cause, umre- *Ti to this Department,
never reached it, and cjRK&MUIy Tailed to receive
my assent. Whether casualty may not
have resulted in injury to Mr. White, which this Le
gislature should repair, is respectfully submitted to
your consideration.
From inforatNitMK* lodged in this Department, it is
believed that the Cass has incurred heavy
expenditures in providing for ’be comfort and protec
tion of a number of her citizen* who were attacked
with small-pox, and in preventing the spread of thi
disease as fir as possible. Where a calamity so great
has fallen upon the citizens of a county, in view of
the derangement of ail business pursuits that ensues,
and the distress of mind that more or less communi
cates itself to the surrounding community, previous
Legislatures have deemed it proper to make a suita
ble appropriation from the Treasury for the relief of
the county. The subject is submitted to your consi
deration, with the belief that a i'beral provision will
be made for the relief of timt county, worthy of the
symiMthy of the State for the severe visitation upon a
portion of her citizens.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Under a resolution of the last General Assembly,
directing me ‘‘to appoint three suitable persons us a
Committee to inquire into the state of Education in
Georgia, to report to the present Legislature on the
epc ration of the present Poor School Law, and to re
commend any alteration in the same that may seem
advisable, and for other purpo;es,” the Hon. A. H.
Chappell, Bishop Elliott, and Dr. Leonidas B. Mer
cer, were appointed.
The hope is entertained, that ths report of the com
mittce will be made to you. as contemplated by
the resolution. The subject is one of vast importance,
and I ’rust will engage a liberal share of your consi
deration.
Feeling however, that by the terms of the resolu
tion. it was intended to obtain information from the
committee, rather than the Executive, to that source
I respectfully commend you.
1 felt it my duty to w’ithhol l my approval of two
acts of the fest General Assembly and one resolution
which are herewith transmitted to the respective
branches of the Legislature in which they originated,
with my objections to each.
TRIAL OF SLAVES.
The law giving jurisdiction to the Inferior Court
in the trial of slaves for capita! uffeoces, is believed to
be defective. The Justice* of this Court are usually
selected from the citizens of the respective counties,
without special reference to their legal attainments; —
and to impose upon them the responsibility of deciding
complicated and vexed questions of law involving hu
man life, is. to my mind, Qnjust to them as a Court,
and not the most reliable mode of attaining the ends
of justice by a fair trial in the due course of law. It
is therefore respectfully recommended that in the trial
of slaves and free pers:ns of color, for all offences de
clared capital, jurisdiction be given to the Superior
Court; and that such modification of existing laws be
made, as this change of jurisdiction will require.
In this connection, it may be well considered whe
ther the 12th Section of the 13th Di virion of the Penal
Code, in relation to cruel reatment of slaves by their
owners, should not be amended. The object of the
Legislature, by the passage of the section in question,
was doubtless to protect the slave from cruel treat
mentupon the part of the owner or authorized agent,
and though the instances of the violation of the Statute
are rare, yet. it must bo conceded that convictions will
seldom be had under it, so unguarded is the language
employed in defining the offence. In every contest
involving the treatment of the master to his slave,
the advantage of the former over the latter is appa
rent, and hence the propriety, if it is intended to carry
out this humane policy by imposing penalties on the
owner, authorized agent, or stranger, who may he
guilty of this offence, to define with accuracy the
treatment which shall be regarded as cruel, ns ,well
as the evidence which should authorize a conviction.
THE SLAVERY QUESTION.
In the present excited state of the public mind up
on the subject of slavery, throughout the Union, it is
believed to be the duty of the Legislature Io review
previous legislation upon the subject, and so modify
and change the same as to demonstrate to the world,
that while we are actuated by a humane and Christian
policy in protecting this portion of our population by
wholesome laws, we will by equally salutary provi
sions, however rigorous the necessity of the case may
require, enforce perfect subordination with the slave
and inflict the most exemplary punishment upon those
who seek, within our jurisdiction, to interfere with
our domestic policy.
It is worthy of consideration whether the punish
ment for negro stealing should not be made capital.
Its frequent occurrence of late by pers >ns from other
States, admonishes us that strong measures should be
adopted to arrest the evil. Those guilty of this nefa
rious crime within our limits must be made to feel the
vengeance of the law. Let our policy be marked
with kindness to the slaves, but terror to him who
dares invade the citizen’s right of property in them.
Under ordinary circumstances, I should abstain
from introducing any topic not strictly local in its
character ; but there are great and paramount inter
ests, enjoyed by us in common with a portion of the
States of the confederacy, which require constant vigi
lance and great moral firmness to protect from Fede
ral encroachments.
When aggression from this quarter is perpetrated,
or the danger imminent, the Executive should com
municate the same to the Representatives of the Peo
ple, in terms of becomiug forbearance and moderation,
and suggest the adoption of such measures as the pub
lic interest demands.
A fell spirit of blind and infuriated fanaticism, ever
turbulent and disorganizing in its tendency, has dis
played itself, to a greater or less extent, in most, if
not all, of the non-siavcholding States of the Union,
on the question of slavery.
Contemptible as we regarded this spirit upon its first
development, we have reached the point, in a few
years, when it may be assumed as incontrovertibly
true, that a controlling majority of the voters in most,
if not all, the non-slayeholdiog States, are hostile to
the institution of slavery ; nor is it to be disguised
that the abolitionists, under the new name of the
Freesoil Party,” are resolved, by every mears that
wicked hearts can devise, to torture, annoy, and har
rass the slaveholder, until the institution itself is
abolished, or the value of the slaves destroyed, unless
we arrest it. As a proof of the ultimate design of these
fanatics, may be mentioned the formation of associa
tions, known as “ Abolition Societies.” from which
they fulminate the coarsest abuse, and issue the most
resolutions, and reports,
stigmatizing
>a.s heartless brutes, merciless tyrants/m»<crupu lous
task-masters, and odious dealers in human'
in fine, they have found no epithet too harsh, or slan'-“
dcr too gross to heap upon the South and its institu
tions.
Not content with thi-*, they have of lute assumed a
bolder tone, and thrown off all disguise. Under their
new organization of the “ Freesoil Party,” they have
asserted, with consummate effrontery, that slavery
shall never exist in the present or future territories of
the United States; that beyond its present limits it
shall not be extended, and therefore virtually claiming
to appropriate to the exclusive use of the non-slave
holding States and their citizens the territories now
held, or hereafter to be acquired, by the United States.
In accordance with these views, they have, through
their Representatives from those States, introduced
and passed, in the House of Representatives of the
United Stales, that notorious measure, known as the
“ Wilmot Proviso.”
Nor have they stopped at this ; —one aggression is
quickly succeeded by another. —And we have seen
the deliberate effort made in Congress to abolish
slavery in the District of Columbia, and the slave
trade between the several States where slavery now
exists. Whether the passage bv Congress of these
several measures, or any one of them considered se
parately , would justify the Southern States in adopt
ing immediate measures for their preservation, or not.
there can be nodoubt that it would be the true policy
to pursue, when we recollect that in many of the
Northern States, by Statute and the current of their
judicial decisions, in open violation of an express pro
vision of the constitution of the United States, the
owner is prevented from reclaiming his fugitive slave.
W bile wrongs should be endured for a season, rath
er than resort to extreme measures, about the proprie
ty of which reasonable minds might differ, 1 cannot,
however, persuade myself that our safety, or honor,
will permit the perpetration of another additional ag
gression to the list of wrongs so long and patiently
borne from the Nonh. Let ficts be stated, and the
unprejudiced decide. As free and independent
States the compact of Union was formed ; conflicting
interests between the several States, had to be recon
ciled ; concession was therefore, inevitable; the
South yielded to the North, and the North to the
South ; slavery had to be protected and secured to the
South, or otherwise no Union could have been formed.
This was done, and the constitution ratified; peace,
prosperity, and strength grew out of’he Union; every
portion of the country, North, South, East, and West,
was prosperous and prospering; the South made no
encroachment on the Nurth; no murmuring was
heard from us tit the concessions in favor of its inter
ests ; but the fell spirit comes, and the nation is arous
ed from its repose by the North suddenly springing
upon us an alarming and agitating question. Slave
ry is discovered to be a great moral and political evil,
in that quarter, so soon os it became their interest to
abolish it, and though it may cost blood and tears, and
forever sever the Union, the agitators boldly pro
claim that their work is onward. They commenced
first by agitating ihe public mind, alarming the timed,
and arousing the ambitious—associations were form
ed, professedly to relieve the land of a great moral
deformity, that end, as might have been foreseen, in
a political party, which obtaining power, first seeks
to abuse it.
The constitution which declares, that “ No person
held to service or labor in one State, under the laws
thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence
ofany law or regulation therein, be discharged from
such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on
claim of the party to whom such service or labor may
be due,” is wholly disregarded, and several of the
States have passed laws virtually nullifying it. The
slaveholder can no longer look to the Constitution as
the charter of his rights ; his slave is abducted, or
feloniaijsdv r-arruul ta a
State; he pursues it with the consciousness of an
honest man, holds up the evidence of his title in one
hand, and the constitution in the other ; he pleads for
justice and his constitutional right; the Judge that
tries Ins case, is sworn to support the Constitution of
the United States—hut that Judge, with the smile of
the hopocrite and the curse of perjury in his throat,
solemnly adjudges that property cannot exist in the
slave, and the owner is insultingly turned from the
bar of justice amidst the derision and scoffing of the
multitude, and your constitution lies prostrate under
the iron heel of a corrupt judiciary.
This is an epitome of the wrongs perpetrated upon
us. Is it true or false? Have not several of the
Northern States passed laws prohibiting our citizens
from reclaiming their fugitive slaves? Have they
not, time and again, refused to deliver, on the demand
of the Executive authority of the Southern States, fu
gitives from justice charged with negro stealing?—
These are stubborn facts, that should come home to
all. Robbed of your slave property without the pow
er of redress, opposed by brute farce in asserting your
rights, your criminal laws violated, your sovereignty
outraged, your peace anil quiet disturbed, your good
name defamed, and lastly you are told, bv way of
giving point and anguish to the feeling of wrongs al
ready inflicted, (hat you are not to participate, on
equal terms with the '>ther States of the Union, in the
common property ofall.
Is it, Representatives, for this that our fathers
struggledin deadly conflict? Was it for this that
the sages and patriots, many of whom breasted the
storm of the Revolution, formed 'he constitutional
compact ? Was it designed that the States should
not have the power of deciding, each for itself, what
should or should not be property —or was it intended
that any party or faction in this country, whether
Free-soil, or known by any other name, might vio
late the most vital provision of the constitution, so far
as the south is concerned, with impunity? Feeling,
as 1 do, the incalculable value of the Union, in that
purity ol equality handed down to us by the great
apostles of liberty that formed it • entertaining with
ardor and sincerity a feeling of horror at nil attempts
by one section of the Union to violate the rights of
another; and cherishing the spirit of liberty and
equality, actual and positive, in government, above
and far beyond unequal laws and odious oppression,
I may be permitted here to reaffirm the sentiments
with which I went before the people of the state in
the late election, as containing my opinion that fur
ther aggression is not to be endured, and, if attempt
ed by flic Federal Government, must be repelled, all
amicable means being first exhausted, by all the
power, moral and physical, at the command of the
State.
With the confident belief that the opinions here
expressed, accord strictly with those of the great body
of our constituents, I feel it my duty to ask of you
the passage of an act investing the Executive with
the authority to convoke a convention of the people of
the State to take into consideration the measures
proper for their safety and preservation, in the event
of the passage of the Wilmot Proviso, or other kin
dred measure, by the Congress of the United States.
Relying upon the purity of our motives, and feeling
deeply impressed with the magnitude of the duties
that devolve upon us, let us ever be mindful that our
strength and capacity for usefulness come alone from
that Being, whose favor is success, whose aid is om
nipotence. GEO. W. TOWNS.
Special Notices.
53* We are authorized to announce E. C.
TINSLEY as a Candidate for TAX COLLECTOR
at the ensuing Election in January next. n7
13* Georgia Railrod and Banking Co.--
Augusta, October 11,1349. —DIVIDEND No. 17—
A Dividend of 3j per cent, is declared from the pro
fits of the last six months, payable on and after
MONDAY, the 15th inst.
011-tw2w£w4 J. W. WILDE, Cashier.
Augusta and Waynesboro’ R. Road
—Notice is hereby given that books of subscription
for the stock of the Augusta and Waynesboro’ Rail
Road, will be opened at Savannah, Augusta and
Waynesboro, on the 9th day of OCTOBER next,
under the superintendence required by law, and con
tinue open as the law directs.
And whereas, subscriptions for the stock of said
Company have already been made in advance for a
sum exceeding the amount authorizing an organiza
tion ;
Notice is hereby further given, that the stockhold
ers will meet at WAYNESBORO’, in the county of
Burke, on Tuksday, the 13th day of November
next, for the purpose of electing seven Directors to
manage the affairs of the Company in conformity
with the charter. CHARLES W. WEST,
Chairman Board Commissioners.
Twos. H. Bloujct, Secretary Board Commis’ere.
Waynesboro’, Sept. 4, 1849. s6-trwtNl3
53* Another Physician’s
Mr Fowle—Dear Sir: I could send you a dozen
certificate*, strong and decisive, of the really sana
tive effects of your valuable Balsam of Wild Cherry,
within the past twelve months, under my own su
pervision and direction. Indeed, I know of few per
sons who have used it, comparatively, but commend
it in the strongest terms. A case of Asthma, the se
verest I ever saw, to which I was called a month ago,
evinced the superiority of the Balsam. The disease
lasted six weeks, and the dyspnsei and suffering were
dreadful; he sat up every night. The gentleman told
me to give him something to last him home, (21
miles) so that he might see his wife and child, and
die in peace! I gave him one bot.le of the Balsam,
and four ounces of syrupeq tills, directing him to lake
tea sp-MMiful doses of best Bordeaux olive oil, when
the difficulty of breathins was greatest. Next day I
forced his despondent will, and made him take six
bottles of Wistaria Balsam of Wild Cherry home with
him as a present, he having alleged that he bad used
so much expensive medicine to no profit. Last v eek
Mr. A. called and expressed his gratitude to me in
the warmest manner, said the medicine had saved
his life, paid his whole bill, and took six bottles more,
and left my office for home, rejoicing.
Very respectfully, WM. SHAW. M. D.
Washington, North Carolina, Aug. 12, 1847.
Buy none without the written signature of I.
BUTTS on the wrapper, if you would avoid imposi
tion. Forsalein Augusta by Haviland. Risley & Co.,
D. B. Plumb & Co., and T. Barrett & Co.' In Ma
dison, by Wm. Haines. n6-tw£w?
STONE & M’COLLUM’S'
; LEVIATHAN ESTABLISHMENT.
THIS VERY SUPERIOR. AND STUPENDOUS EXHIBITION, acknowledged with
one accord to be the
LEADING EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENT ON THIS CONTINENT!
WILL EXHIBIT AT AUGUSTA,
On MONDAY, 12th November, FOR THREE DAYS ONLY'
It is necessary to add, in consequence of the immense amount of humbuggcry of late resorted to by
Itinerant Travelling Exhibitions, that the material of STONE & McCOLLUM’S CIRCUS is entirely
new. The extent and grandeur of the outfit this year, is without a parallel in the annals of similar Estab
lishment?, and required the services of several Mechanicsand Artizans to complete the sous ensemble of this
VAST TRAVELLING CAVALCADE, during the pastseason.
THE CORPS OF PERFORMERS
Are of that superior cast not found in Circus companies generally, numbering among them gentlemen who
are alike respected for their estimable qualities in private life, as for their superior performances in public,
and with satisfaction we refer to the following names: .
IL SIGNOR LUIGI GERMANI, T. McCOLLUM, E. STONE, JOHN SMITH,
Four men the world cannot produce equals to in their respective lines of business, with M. J. Lipman, D.
W. Stone, J. R. Shay, A. Levi, W. Stuart, Lb Sieur Edgar, T. H. Coleman, J. Brown, A. Gates,
Masters Burt and Williams. The Jesters to the Entertainments are W. WORRELL and GREEN
JOHNSON, of that pure dye so often inquired after by gentlemen visiting similar Exhibitions, attended by
ladies. In the representations, so far as the Clowns and other performers in the ring are concerned, no rude
jest or improper action will be tolerated by the proprietors.
With this assurance, we trust the odium heaped upon Travelling Companies generally by a portion of
the mass, will, in this instance, be recalled.
“Good actions crown themselves with lasting bays;
Who well deserves, needs not another’s praise.”
THE GRAND BRASS BAND!
Is another important feature in the annals of musical connoiseurs, placed, as it is, under the direction of its
very eminent leader, H. K. GAUL, forming, during the entertainments in the circle the most efficient String
Band— Leader, J. Bernard. All tend to one grand point, viz: making Stone 4* McCollum’s Circus
complete in every department.
Everyday, between the hours nf 8 and 11, (weather permitting,) the superior Band will appear in
procession, seated in their Elegant Car, Drawn by Twenty Horses I and driven by Mr. John Allen,
one of the most expert reinsmen of modern days.
Gentlemanly Ushers in attendance, to wait on families to their seats.
Prices of Admission.— Box 50 cents—Children under 10 years of age half price. Pit, for the Negro
population, 25 cents —no half price.
" Time of Opening .Doors.— Afternoon Representation, 1} P. M. Night, 6} P. M.
To Exhibit at RDGF.FI F.LD
“ “ “ GRANITEVILLE, Friday, “ 9th.
“ “ “ HAMBURG, on Saturday, fi 10th. *
Franklin Lodge No. 11.-- Whereas, by the
dispensation of an all-wise and inscru-able Provi
dence, our worthy and esteemed brother Barnaby
Shivers, has been snatched away from us in the
bloom of life, amidst the tears and anguish of affec
tionate friends and the melancholy regret of a com
munity to whom he was greatly endeared :
And whereas, Franklin Lodge of free and accept
ed Masons has been deprived of one of its most active
and useful members, and the Church of a devoted
and exemplary Christian, be it therefore,
Resolved, That in the death ot brother Shivers,
this Lodge has sustained a loss which time can never
repair. Under this heavy and afflictive stroke we
bow with humble and reverent submission, believing
that while his membership in the Lodge below has
ceased forever, that he is now a member and fellow
worker in that grand and celestial Lodtie above,
where the Supreme Architect of the universe pre
sides, and that his immortal spirit is now in the full
fruition of those joys and rewards which succeed a
life well spent in the service of our divine Grand
Master, whose supremacy we acknowlege and before
whom with reverence and adoration we humbly bow.
Resolved, That we mingle our tears and sympa
thies with the bereaved friends of our departed broth
er, and in testimony of our regard and esteem for the
deceased, the furniture and jewels of this Lodge be
clothed in mourning for the space of three months,
and that each brother wear the usual badge of mourn
ing on the left arm for the space of thirty days.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sign
ed by the Worshipful Master and Secretary of the
Lodge, and be forwarded to the family of the deceas
ed brother.
Resolved, That a copy of the same be also trans
mitted to the Augusta papers requesting their publi
cation. JAMES CODY, Sec’y.
Columbus papers please copy.
Warrenton, Geo., November 1, 1849.
MARRIED.
In Hamburg, S. C., on the 4th inst., by the Rev.
G. J. Pearce, Mr. Wm. N. Raines, to Miss Rebec
ca A. E., eldest daughter of Wm. Wolfing, Esq.
On the 30th ult., by the Hon. John J. Floyd, Dr.
Joseph H. Murrell, of Covington, and Miss Mary
Ann, daughter of John Neal, of Zebulon.
DIED.
In Warren county, on the 25th day of October,
Mrs. Missouri E. Cody, wife of Dr. Jeptha M.
Cody. This afflicting dispensation of an all-wise
Providence, has bereft a husband of an affectionate
wife, two lovely children of a kind and dutiful mother,
and left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn
her loss.
“Leave* have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither at the north wind’s breath,
And stars to set; but all,
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, Oh, death I”
(Scunnerrial.
AUGUSTA MARKET.
VVeelxly !>. M.
COTTON. —The total receipts of Cotton at Augus
ta and Hamburg during the month of October were
43,987 bales against 34,442 last year during the same
month, of which were brought by the Georgia
Railroad this year during the month 20,578 bales
against 16,377 bales last year. The shipments to
Savannah this month have been 13,724 bales against
9,236 last year, and to Charleston 10,778 bales against
21,190 last year. The stock on hand is 33,018 bales
against 30,241 last year. The receipts since the Ist
inst. have been heavy by the Railroad, the River and
wagons, and the very favorable seasons for picking
and bringing to market has no doubt been the cause
of our heavy receipts.
Our market this week opened with an active de
mand, and the sales on Wednesday and Thursday
were to a very heavy extent at very full prices—
some very choice parcels bringing as high as 11 cts.
The demand was principally for the grades from
middling fair to fair, the lower qualities very much
neglected, as holders were not willing to make the
difference that buyers required, On Friday and Sa
turday the market was quiet and the business of both
days was limited as the steamer’s news was hourly
expected, and both sellers and buyers preferred
awaiting its arrival ere they operated to any extent,
On Monday the first report of the news being at
hand, and as the accounts indicated a decline and
dull market, our prices gave way a little, and sales
to the extent of about 609 bales were made at a de
cline of | to fc., but to-day the particulars of the ac
counts being at hand, and the decline having proved
an advance, our holders advanced their rates from j
t > |c. on the prices prevailing in the early part of the
week, and sales to the extent, of about 1200 bales
were made at those rates. The sales of the week
reach 6,206 bales at the following rates : 61 at 9 ; 8
9|; 10 9|; »1 at 9j ; 38 at 9j; 304 at 9| ; 6at9j ;
502 at 10; 650 at lOj; 12atl0 1-l6; 1449 at lOf ;
53at10 3 16; 120 at 10 5-16; 1093 at 10$ ; 44 at
10 7-16; 1107 at 10j; 420 at 10j; 256 at 10|;
20 at 10J ; and 42 bales at 11 cents.
Inferior to ordinary 9 a 9|
Good ordinary to middling 9| a 10J
G‘«d middling to middling fair lO| a 10|
Fair to fully fair 10f a 10?
Good fair and choice 11 a
The market closed quietly this afternoon, buyers
not being willing to pay the prices current in the
morning, as trie accounts received during the day by
Telegraph, both from Savannah and Charleston rep
resented those markets quiet, and sales small at an
advance of from |to f cent. 11} cents was offered
and refused for a choice lot this afternoon.
The receipts up to the latest dates show a falling
off at the seaboard of about 70,000 bales. The total
of stocks are about the same as at the corresponding
dates last year. The exports to Great Britain about
90,000 bales less, and to France about the sime, and
the shipments to the Northern ports vary but little.
All the Southern river? are open, and the crop will be
brought to market very early.
REMARKS.—Business continues heavy in all
branches of trade. Our merchants have large stocks
of goods, and tbe wholesale as well as retail trade of
the city continues to improve; and the value of real
estates and rents have appreciated very considerably.
GROCERIES.—We have no change to notice in
our Grocery market. Goods are plenty and selling
at about the same rates as quoted in our last report.
The stock of Coffee is still good, and yet holders are
selling in small lots at 10 cts.
BAGGING and BALE ROPE.—There is no
ce nation to the demand for both these articles—prices
remain unchanged.
BACON.—-About 70 hhds. of Western Sideshave
been sold at 7 cents for cash and on short time. We
notice the arrival of 20,0b0 lbs. rides to-day by the
Georgia Railroad from Knoxville, Tennessee, which
have been but eight days on the way, including the
river, land carriage and railroad travel—the expenses
were about 1 cent per lb.
FEATHERS. —The sales of Feathers in small par
cels continue to be made at 30 cts.
STOCKS. —There is but little doing in any kind
of Stocks.
EXCHANGE.—Checks on the North continue at
| per ct. prem.
FREIGHTS. —Our River is getting low and the
boats cannot carry off full Freights of Cotton. The
wharves are crowded and the quantity shipping to
Charleston is also heavy. Freights remain to Savan
nah at 50 cts. per bale, to Charleston, sl.
COTTON STATEMENT.
Comparative Statement of Cotton in Augusta
and Hamburg, .y'ov. Ist. 1848 and 1349.
1549 50. 1843-9.
Stock on hand, September 1 13,819 26,553
Received in September 7.280 14,204
“ October 43,987 34,442
Total supply and receipts- ••• •• 65,066 75,199
SHIPMENTS.
To Savannah in October ••••13,/24 9,236
“ Charleston in “ 10,773 21,190
“ Savannah & Charleston pre’ly- • 7,566 14,532
Total shipments 32.063 44,958
STOCK.
Stock in Augusta, Nov. 1 21,795 22,029
“ in Hamburg “ 11,223 8,212
Total stock 33,018 30,241
RECEIPTS.
Total Supply and Receipts 65 086 75 199
Deduct Stock Sept. 1 13,819 26.553
Total Receipts 51,267 48,646
Liverpool Markets.
Extracts of letters per steamer Europa.
“LIVERPOOL, Oct. 12. Cotton— The unfa
vorable accounts of the weather, brought by the Eu
ropa, from all parts of the cotton growing districts of
tbe United States, produced much excitement in this
market. Cotton immediately advanced fd. per lb.,
spinners and speculators vicing with each other in the
extent of their purchases; and a corresponding im
provementin yarns having taken place, prices of cot
ton again advanced Id a jd-, <» r quotations
for American jd. a jd., and far other descriptions }d;
a |d. per lb., above those current at the departure of
the last steamer. The sales for the week are esti
mated at 116,770 bales, of which speculators have
taken 48,000 and exporters 17000 bales, leaving the
trade 66,000 bales.
The American descriptions sold were 22,050 bales
Uplands, at 4} a 6}; 33,760 Orleans, at 4} a7}d.;
20,050 Alabama and Mobile, at 4} a 6}d.; 820 Sea
Island, at 9} a 17d per lb. Fair Orleans is quoted
at 6}d.; fair Uplands and Mobile, 6d., and Middling
5} as} per lb. The estimated stock of cotton at this
port is 499,000 bales, of which 348,000 are American,
against a stock at the same period last year of 559,000
bales, of which 393,000 were American.
LIVERPOOL, Oct. 12.— Cotton.— The accounts
per Europa, caused much excitement here and alarm
in Manchester, and after a large business prices are
}d. per lb. higher. A resort to short time is now
considered necessary to equalize supply and demand.
Whether prices for a time go higher or lower, the
future is uncertain and dangerous. The sales of the
week have been 116,770 bales, of which 48,300 are
on speculation and 1,720 for export. The sales sf
Sea Islands have been 840 bales. We raise quota
tions }d per lb.
HAVRE, Oct. 11. —Owing to the intelligence re
ceived from the United States to the 26th ultimo, and
that from Liverpool to the 10th inst. announcing 60,-
000 bales sale in that market, at an advance of }d, a
sanguine feeling manifested itself with us, and yes
terdav the sales were 8000 bales at an advance of
f. 5 a6. To-day they amount to 5000 bales, at a
further rise of If. So that our present quotations are
7f. higher than on Saturday last. New Orleans tres
ordinaire, our standard, is now worth f. 93 50 a 94.
Hopes are entertained by holders that the same qual
ity will lOOf. Sugar is dull, but Coffee is in
g-x> I demand. Carolina Rice is quoted at f. 29 a 32.
Correspondence N. Y. Com. Adv.
SAVANNAH, Oct. 31.— Colton. — Arrived since
tbe 24th instant, 13,858 bales Upland and 30 do. Sea
Island. (7,370 from Augusta, 6,472 per Railroad,
and 16 per wagons.) The exports for the same pe
riod have been 5,599 bales Upland, viz; to Hull
1,259 bales Upland ; to New York 2,796 bales Up
land; to Boston 1,029 bales do.; to Philadelphia 421
bales do.; and to Charleston 94 bales do. —leaving on
hand andon shipboard not cleared, a stock of 19,916
bales Upland and 145 do. Sea Island, against 20,483
ba’es Upland and 1.221 do. Sea Island at same time
last year.
Just before the close of our last weekly report the
foreign advices had been of a discouraging character;
the markefdeclined an |c. and closed unsettled. The
transactions on Wednesday and Thursday were quite
limited. On Thursday evening the news per Europa
was announced by telegraph, and the report of the
Liverpool market being so highly favorable, our mar
ket on Friday morning opened at an advance off
to |e. and these rates have been maintained. The
sales are for this season large, but the receipts are
also quite large, being 14,558 bales, or nearly half
as much as had been received in the seven previous
weeks of the season. This increase of receipts is
owing in a great measure to the rise in the Savannah
river, the boats on that river having brought over
8,000 bales from Augusta and intermediate landings,
Central Railroad has also been busy, 6,472 bales
having been brought over that Road. There was
not much doing yesterday, buyers not being willing
to pay asking prices, and the difference between tbe
buyers and sellers makes it so difficult to give correct
quotations, that we omit them entirely.
The particulars of the transactions in Upland Cot
ton. amounting to 4,8b‘0 bales, are as follows; 21 at
9j; 39 at 9f; 81 at 9J; 79 at 10; 50 nt 10*; 140 al
10$; 587 at 10|; 876 at 10$; 390 at 10f; 812 at 10$;
164 at 10J; 1,226 at 11, and 395 at Ilf cts.
Sea Islands. - The receipts thia week are 30 bales,
and we notice the following sales ; 7 at 19; 28 at 21;
7at 20; and 6at 22 cents. The stock on sale is very
small, the whole stock on band and on shipboard be
ing but 145 bales.
STATEMENT OF UPLAND COTTON.
1849-50 1848-49.
Stock on hand, Sept. 1 10,600 8,900
Received this week........ 14,558 7,222
“ previously 21,945 31,957
Total receipts 46,403 49,081
Exported this week.• 5,599 3,705
“ previously... 20,188 23,888
Total 25,787 27,593
Remaining on hand, Oct. 30,-20,616 20,488
Rice.— There has been an increased amount of bu
siness over that of the previous week, and the follow
ing snles have been reported, amounting to 790 tcs.;
50at*2|; 50 at 2 13-16; 270 at 2 15-16; 120 at 2s;
200 at 2J; and 100 at S 3 per 100 lbs. Prices remain
unchanged.
Coffee. — 50 bags Rio brought 10 cents.
Sugar.— We notice the following sales: 35 hhds.
New Orleans at s|; 21 do. prime 6f; and 20 bbls,
clarified at 7| cents.
Gin.— 3o bbls. American sold at 31 cents.
Corn. — We have no large sales to report this week;
it is selling from stores in small lots at 62| a 70 cts.
Hay.— loo bundles Eastern sold on tbe wharf at
70 cents.
Potatoes.— l,2so bbls. Northern sold atß2l2|.
Ragging.— 2o bales Gunny Cloth sold at 20c., 4
months.
Salt.— The cargo now on shipboard is selling in
lots at 81 per sack.
Exchange.— The rate for Sterling is nominally 7 a
7f per ct. prem. The Banks sell right checks on all
Northern cities at | per cent, prem., and buy sight
to 5 day bills at par ; 30 days at | per cent, dis., and
60 days at 1} per cent, discount, and 90 days at 2
per cent, discount.
Freights.— Foreign are entirely nominal. Coast
wise, to Boston |c. for square, and 7-16 c for round
Cotton; to New York f for square and 5-16 for
round; to Providence j; to Philadelphia 5-16 c. for
Cotton and 62j cts. per tierce for Rice.
CHARLESTON, Nov. 2.— Cotton. — ln reviewing
the market during the week that has just termina
ted. we have been forcibly struck with the contrast it
bears to the one that preceded it; and nothing, to our
mind, proves more conclusively the vicissitudes that
are inseparably connected with the Cotton trade, than
the fluctuations in prices, that have marked the annals
ol the market during the preceding fortnight. When
we closed our inquiries, preparatory to the publication
of our report of the 26th ult., the market was in ave
ry languid and depressed condition. Holders gene
rally had been disappointed in the accounts brought
out by the Caledonia and the Niagara, and this cir
cumstance, taken in connection with a very large in
crease in tlie supply, made them extremely anxious
to sell, and in their anxiety to realize, concession af
ter concession followed, in quick succession, during
the week, until, at its close, prices were a full |c. be
low the point at which it opened ; and even at this
reduction it was difficult to effect sales—in fact, at
tbe time fair quality was freely offered at 10|c. to ar
rive, without finding purchasers; the face of the
market, however, soon presented quite a different as
pect, and the downward inclination of prices was at
once arrested.
With ibe close of the week came the telegraphic
accounts of the news by the steamer Europa, advis
ing of an advance of |d , in tbe article, on the other
side ; and it would seem that some of the electricity
of this great agent had infused itself into our CotU n
market, judging from the excitement that prevailed
on Friday fast—the first day of the week under re
view—and, indeed, from that period up to the close
of business yesterday. On that day the sales extend
ed to 5318 Dales, and the reduction noticed above was
not only fully recovered, but during the excitement
that prevailed, holders would occasionally obtain even
more favorable terms ; these high rates, b*vwever, in
a measure, eoon checked this extraordmary demand,
as the sales on Saturday were reduced to about 2000
b»l»»s; but, on Monday, the sales were extensive—
-3030 bales—and buyejs paid prices they refused to
give on Saturday. Ihe transactions on Tuesday were
also heavy, upwards of 3500 bales having changed
hands, al the rates current on the previous day. An
addi ional impetus was given to (he market on Wed
nesday, by an increase in tbe demand for the article
The opcrauans summed up about 5300 bales, 1300
bales of which were sold, io arrive, and prices ob
tained a higher point than they had yet reached.
A good demand prevailed yesterday, but the un
usually heavy operations during the week had ma
terially thinned tbe supply on sale, and the transac
tions were confined to 2000 bales, and 300 for future
delivery. Prices, al tbe close of the week, were |
to fc. better than at its opening. We subjoin the
fallowing quotations, which will give a fair index of
the market, at the close of business yesterday; we
must remark, hosever, that the two first qualities
are, if anything, rather unoer the figures of some of
our classifiers: middling fair 10| a lOg, fair 11, and
fully fair to good fair 11| a lljcts. The aggregate
transaciions since our last report reach 21,200 bales,
exclusive of those reported to have been sold to ar
rive, and the receipts in the same time comprise
13,370 bales.
The sales are as follows:—85 at 9|; 20 at 9|; 137
at 9g; 39 at 9f; 14 at 9g; 113 at 10; 89 at 10|; 56
atlOf; 349 at 10 5 16; 325 al 10|; 824 at 10|; 122
at 10 9-16; 298 at lOg; 137 at 10 11-16; 1024 at
10|; 712 at 10 13-16; 4462 at 10J; 204 at 10 J 5-16;
11,200 at 11; 380 at 11 and 31 bales at 11 |c. The
sales of Ixing Cotton, for the week, comprise about
250 bales, chiefly of the middling fine and fine quali
ties of Sea Islands, at prices ranging from 28 to 35c.
Some stained, of prime quality, brought 15c. With
in the last two days we have received information,
that a frost has been experienced in several sections
of our State, sufficiently severe to have made ice, the
correctness of which we have no reason to doubt;
how far! bi J frost may have extended throughout tbe
Cotton region, or tbe extent of injury done thereby,
remains to be ascertained.
Comparative statement of Upland Cotton, embra
cing Stock on hand, Receiptsand Exports.
1849-50. 48-49.
Stock on hand, Sept. 1,1849 ••23027 12416
Received since Oct. 2513370
u previously3B979
Total receipts7s376
Exported since Oct. 25 6429
“ previously 35638
Total exports 42067 62934
On shipboard, not cleared* •• • 6081 8503
Deduct from total receipts •• 48148 71487
Remaining on hand. Nov. 1-27228 13904
Rice.— We have no new feature to report in the
Rice market. There has been a moderately fair de
mand for the article during the week, and as the re
ceipts continue light, former prices have been sustain
ed. The arrivals since our last reach 2,452 lieices,
nearly, if not the whole of which have been sold at
prices ranging from 2 15*l6ih8 to S 3 3-16'hs. The
bulk of the sales have been made at 3 a s3} P« r
pounds.
Corn. — The receipts of Corn since our lastcorn
prise 2,300 bushels of common North Carolina,
which were sold at 55c, and between 1500 and 2,000
bushels by the Railroad, which have been selling at
prices ranging from 55 to 56c. according to quality.
Flour. — There has been a very little inquiry for
Flour during the week. The market continues in a
very depressed state, with a heavy supply on ga^ e -
The transactions hav- been limited to small lots for
city consumption, and confined almost solely to Balti
more and Philadelphia descriptions, at prices
from 5} to 35} per bbl. Received this week 1.000
barrels.
Oats.— There was an arrival of 1300 bushels Mary
land Oats, which were sold at 39c.
Bacon.— There have been some heavy operations
in Bacon during the week, the transactions however,
have been confined principally to Sides, upwards of
400 hhds. having been sold at prices ranging from 0
to6|c. Shoulders in small lots have been selling a.
prices within the range of our quotations, 4 to be., the
latter price, however, is an extreme rate.
Lard.— We have no sales to report.
Sugars.— The Sugar market has been very quiet
during the week. The transactions, bo far as we
have been able to ascertain, have been limited to the
sale of about 150 hhds. Muscovado description, at
prices which have not been allowed to transpire;
our quotations, however, will give a criterion of the
market.
Coffee— About 1000 bags of Rio, part of a cargo
received some time since, have been sold at 10}c.
Molasses.-- The market has been very much neg
lected since our last report. The transactions have
been confined almost exclusively to Cuba description,
principally at 20c. We have no sales Io report in
New Orleans, and present quotations are nominal.
Salt. —There is no sack Salt afloat. Small parcels
from store command our quotations, viz: 90c. to 31
;>er sack.
Domestic Liquors. — The market has been quiet
since our last. N. Orleans Whiskey has been sell
ing from store at prices ranging from 28 to 30c., 100 *
barrels bringing the former price. About 25 bbls.
Northern Gin sold at 25 cents; and 25 bbls. Monon
gahela Whiskey at 31c.
Rape.— The heavy supply on the market, and the
advanced state of the season have depressed the mar
ket, causing prices to recede. The transactions have
- - - ■ Kentucky Rope, of which
7 ,u I-'.lll iJ!dha ,t from
9 to 10 cfs., mostly within the range
Philadelphia, in small lots, at from 10} to 10}c.
Bagging.— The market has been at a stand since
our last.
Stocks.— l he following Stocks were sold at auc
tion on the 31st ult.:—7s Shares Charleston Insu
rance and Trust Company Stock, 63; 25 do. Bank
of South Carolina do., 42}; 50 do. do, of Charleston
old do., 110} and 110 ; 5 do. South Western Railroad
Bank do., 76} ; 4 do., Planters <fc Mechanics’ Bank
do.. 27} ; City 5 percent, stock, redeemable in 1850,
’52,’54 and’s6, 398 round; besides which, we un
derstand that 450 Shares of Charleston, of the old
issue, sold at 109, and a commission; and 200 do. of
the new, al 54}, and the commission; we also learn
(hat upwards of2oo Shares were sold at 110 and 111;
States have brought 97; and Planters and Mechan
ics’ 27} and 328 per stare.
Exchanges.— Checks on the North } per cent
premium.
Freights.— There has been some movement in the
freight market since our last, three vessels having
been taken up to load for Liverpool at |d. for Cotton
in square bags, which is an advance. There are lour
vessels loading for Havre. We quote }c. for Cotton
in square bags. Our Coastwise rate are without
change. To Boston |c. for Cotton ; Rice 75c.; New
York 20c.; Rice 62} per tierce.
NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 31, P. M.— Cotton
STATEMENT OF COTTON.
Stock on hand on the Ist Sept., 184912,154
Arrived since to date-***113,687
Arrived to-day 3,137
133,978
Exported to date 36,418
Exported to-day 456
Stock on hand and on shipboard not cleared •• 97, iO4
Sugar and Molasses — There having been no re
ceipts, the sales were limited to small lots from second
hand.
Flour— The demand was limited, and we hear of
the sale of only 200 bbls. Illinois at $4.75 ; 80 com
mon at 33.75 and 113 unbranded at $4.25.
Corn. —Sales 4,000 sacks, including 1,650 prime
old at 54c.; 2070 part new at 53, and 300 green at
46 cents.
Whiskey.— loo bbls. Rectified sold at 21}c.
Freights— The ship Trenton was taken for Boston
at $2 for Cotton.
Urn
MUSLIN D’ LAINES, PRINTS, GING
HAMS, &c.
A LARGE ASSORTMENT of MUSLIN
D’ L..INES, PRINTS, GINGHAMS, and
MERINOS, just received and for sale very low, by
n 3 dlw&cl WM. H. CRANE.
RICH CARPETS!
SNOWDEN & SHEAR
HAVE JUST RECEIVED from New York
Rich VELVET TAPESTRY CARPETS, of
splendid style and patterns;
English and American BRUSSELS CARPETS, of
new and beautiful styleß-*---v.
Superior THREE PLY ’
and most choice patterns ; 1 — "
Superior INGRAIN CARPETS, of very handsome
styles, and some at very low prices ;
3-4 and 4-4 VENETIAN CARPETS;
Rich Chenille and Tufted RUGS, to match the Car
pets.
Printed FLOOR BAIZES and Cotton CARPETS.
The above comprises one of the largest assortments
of Caqiets which we have ever offered to the public,
and have been most carefully selected in regard to
patterns, style and quality, and will be sold at the
VERY LOWEST PRICES.
The public are respectfully invited to call and exa
mine the assortment.
Carpets cut and made to fit rooms. n 5
MORE NEW GOODS.
WM. H. CRANE
HAS JUST RECEIVED, by the last
steamer and other recent arrivals,
Black and other colored MERINOS and THIBET
CLOTHS•
Small figured CASHMERES and DE LAINES;
Black MODE and other colored ALPACAS;
Rich fig’d SILKS and SATIN D’ CHINE ;
Plaid, stripe and chamelion SILKS ;
Wide black GRO D’ RHINE, for Mantelets;
Rich fig’d PURITAN AS, for ladies dres-es;
Black CANTON CLOTH, for mourning ;
Rich, plain, white and colored THIBET SHAWLS;
Fine black and Mode do. do. do.;
Plaid, Turkeree and other woollen do.;
3-4 and 4-4 FURNI PURE DIMITY, fig’d and plain;
Fine IRISH LINENS, BIRD’S EYE and SCOTCH
DIAPER;
Fine Welch and Gauze FLANNELS ;
White, red and green do.;
Stair CARPETING and printed FLOOR CLOTH ;
CLOTHS, CASSIMERES, SATINETS, JEANS
and KERSEYS;
Fine 11-4, 12-4 ribbon bound Whitney BLANKETS;
8-4, 4-4 Duffil BLANKETS; Crib do ;
A large assortment of GINGHAMS CALICOES
and SHIRTING, very low;
Augusta SHIRTING and KERSEYS j at Manufac
turers prices.
Together with a great variety of other articles
which will be sold low, and to which he would re
spectfully invite the attention of the public.
New Goods received weekly by the Steamers.
030-d&.w2w
NEW GOODSI NEW GOODS 1 !
SUBSCRIBERS are now receiving
JL their supply of FALL and WINTER GOODS,
and having made arrangements with several Houses
in New York, they will receive weekly the latest
styles of Goals imported during tbe season. They
have now on band a large stock of RICH DRESS
GOODS, among which are,
French CASHMERES and Mous. DeLAINES;
Hol’d French MERINOS of every shade ;
A large assortment of colored SILKS;
Plain and Satin striped ALPACAS;
Fine Black BOMBAZINES and Silk Warp AL
PACAS;
French, English and American PRINTS ;
Ladies’ Black and colored Silk MANTELETS*
Ladies* Rich Merino CLQA KS of
One case of Linen Cambric HDK’FS, at cents.
ALSO,
A large stock of Negro BLANKETS;
Georgia Wool PLAINS, at Factory prices, and
50 Bales GSNABURGS, at less than Factory prices.
They respectfully call the attention of their friends
and persons visiting the city, to their large assort
ment of Goods, as they will give great bargains
at the lowest cash prices.
JAMES MILLER
n23-d2wAw4 Opposite the M'
TO COUNTRY
rp BRENNAN <fc CO. have now nn hand
-lea good supply of DRY GOODS, suitable for
the country trade. Country Merchants visiting this
city are invited to call and examine our stock.
T. BRENNAN & CO.,
Opposite the Mansion House, next door to Hand &
Williams’. 030-trw&w
NEW FALL GOODS? -
DOW & ESTES
ARE NOW receiving their fail supplies of STA
PLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS, among
which are —
Ladies’ Dress GOODS, of every variety ;
SHAWLS, of all kinds and sizes ;
Ladies’, Miases and children’s HOSE, of all
kindsand colors;
CASHMERE and Kid GLOVES;
CALICOES and GINGHAMS;
A great varie’y of black and colored SILKS ;
Linen cambric HD’KF’S, from 10 cents to 85 ;
White and Red FLANNELS;
Kentucky JEANS and CASSIMERES;
Jaconet and White AM BRICS;
Swiss and Book MUSLINS; Irish LINENS;
Linen LAWNS, Birds Eye DIAPER, &c., Ac.;
Augusta MiIIsSHIRTING. Cotton OSNABURGS
and YARNS; Negro KERSEYS and BLANKETS,
always on hand al Factory prices.
Also, a general assortment of
boots and shoes,
consisting in part of Men’s fine and coarse
BOOTSand SHOES; Ladies’ fine Kid BUSKINS,
TIES and SLIPPERS; Youth’s and children’s
SHOES of ail kinds; a large 10l of Negro BRO
GANS and Women’s BOOTEES, of every grade;
all of which they will sell very low for cash.
010-d&wlm
WELSH FJLANNELS.
ALEXANDER & WRIGHT
HAVE JUST received real WELSH FLAN
NELS, of superior quality;
Gauze and silk Warp Flannels, of superior quality ;
Red, Yellow and Green “ all qualities*
Bleached and Unbleached Cotton Flannels ;
Ladies’ Merino and Silk Vests;
Infants “ “ **
Gent’s Merino Undershirtsand Drawers;
Merino Half Hose;
Plaid Linseys;
Gala Plaitis, for children, &e., Ac., . .
zbich they offer at low prices, and respect Tully invite
the attention of the public. 01-d&w
aIULK SALT. — 10,0u0 bushel* Liverpool Salt
B . bu> k . WILLIAMS & w
3