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GVBGU LEGHLATCBE.
IN SENATE*
MILLEI>OKVIM.E, NoV. 10.
Bills . Introduced,
A bill to prese#be the mode for the collection
of rents, and to repeal certain laws nowriu force
in regard to tlie same.
November 11.
milt tklroduced. I
A bill to be entitled an act, to compensate Ex
ecutors, Administrators and Guardians, in certain
cases.
Billt patted.
A Jbill to prescribe the order of argument in
criminal eases.
November 13.
Billt Introduced.
A bill to amend the Ist Section Os the 3d Arti
cle of the Constitution.
A bill amendatory of the Statute of Limita
tions.
A bill to point out and define the mode of ser
vice of writs of Scirefacias.
A bill to regulate the practice of the Supreme
Court, and of the Superior Courts, and other rmr
poses.
A bill to amend the several acts heretofore
passed, iucorjxirating and relating to the South
Western Kail-Road Company, and to authorize
said Company to build and maintain a rail-road
from the South-Western Kail-Road at Fort Val
ley, crossing the, Flint River at, or near to a place
called Wolf Pen, in the county of , and
tliere to join the rail-road of the Muscogee Rail-
Road Company.
A bill to nu'thorize the Central Rail-Hoad and
Ranking Company to lease and work such rail
roads as now connect, or may hereafter connect,
with the Central Rail-Road, and to authorize the
Board of Director* of such Rail-Road Companies
as now have, or may hereafter have, their respec
tive Rail-Roads connecting with the said Central
Kail-Road, to make leases thereof for a term of
years, or during the continuance of their respec
tive Charters.
A bill to abolish Capital Punishment within
the State of Georgia.
A bill of the House to amend the net incorpo
rating the Savannah and Albany Rail-Road, so as
to extend the time for the commencement and
completion of said Road, and the continuance of
said Charter.
Billt Pasted.
A bill to lay off and organize anew county
from the cowntwss of Viho, 15>-nrv and F.iVQtto.
November 14.
A bill for the preservation of the rights of mar
ried women, and the distribution of their estates.
A bill to change the time of the meeting of the
General Assembly of the State of Georgia.
Billt Pasted.
A bill to compensate Executors, Administra
tors, and Guardians, in certain eases.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Bills Introduced.
November 10.
A bill to alter and amend the several divorce
laws of this State, giving both parties, in all eases
of total divorce, the right thereafter to contract
matrimony,
A bill to amend an net entitled an act to au
thorize the Governor to Ap|ioiut fit and proper
persons to dispose of tho undrawn lots, Ac.
A bill to amend the several laws now in force
in relation to playing and betting at cards, and
sos other purposes therein mentioned.
A bill to authorize the Relator, in any writ of
mandamus, to traverse the answer or return of
any person, officer, court or corporation of this
Ssate, to any writ of mandamus issued by the
Superior Court of this State.
A hill to amend tho laws of this State govern
ing Executors and Administrators, and also to
perfect the title of purchasers under void wills in
certain cases.
A hill to amend an act entitled an act to exempt
from levy and sale, certain property therein men
tion'd. assented to Dec. lltli, 1841.
November 11.
Bills Introduced.
A hill in relation to divorces.
A bill to amend an net authorizing the Guardi
ans of minors to receive, recover and remove from
this State, property belonging to their wards when
such Guardians mid minors both reside without
the State, and prescribing the mode of doing the
same, assented to Doc. 25th, 1837.
A bill for the relief of married women whose
husbands have deserted them.
A bill to prevent tho abatement of that class of
personal actions called actions in tort
A hill to change the mode of taking tho census
of the State of Geoigia in pursuance of tho re
quirements of the twenty-filth sections of the first
article of the constitution of tho State.
Bills Passed.
A bill to amend the act incorporating the Sa
vannah and Albany Ilail-Itoad, so ns to extend
the time for the commencement and completion
of said road, and the continuance of said charter.
November 13.
Bills Introduced.
A hill to appropriate money ns a contingent
fund for the years 1851 and 1852, and for’ the
payment of arrearages chargeable to tho contin
gent fund of 1851.
A bill to appropriate money for the purposes
therein designated.
. Bills Passed.
A bill to amend tho first section of an act enti
tled an act, to point out the mode for the collec
tion of Rents, approved 26th Dee., 1811; and al
so the Ist section of an act, entitled an act, to
point out the mode for the collection of Rents mid
tho recovery of the possession of property within
the city of Savannah, and tho precincts thereof
assented to 6th December, 1813.
A bill toA-cmpt anv ordained or licensed Min
ister of tho Gospel from working on any of the
public runds of this State.
November 14.
Bills Introduced.
A hill to establish rates of dockage, wharfage
and storage, in the. city of Savannah, and to repeal
all laws or parts of laws, militating gainst’ or
conflicting with this act.
A bill to prevent trespasses upon lan*, and to
make it penal for any person or persons to cut or
carry oft from tho land of another person or per
rons, wit trout authority, any wood or timber, for
the purpose of selling the same.
November 15.
Bills Passed..
A bill to create and lay off two new judicial
circuits; one to lie called Blue Ridge Circuit, to
be composed of the counties of Campbell, Cobb
Cherokee,'Forsyth, Lumpkin, Union, and Gilmer;
and the other to bo called Macon Circuit, to be
couqiosed of the counties of Ribb, lloustou, Sum
ter, Dooly, Macon and Crawford.
A joint Committee has been appointed to report
a bill reorganizing the Concessional Districts.
A resolution has passed both Houses, and been -
[ assented to by the Governor, appointing Thurs
day, the 27th inst, as a day of general Thanks
giving-
November 15.
Bill* Introduced.
A hill to change the name of “Relief Society of
the-Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episco
pal Chureli South,” to that of the Preachers and
Society of the Georgia Conference.
1 A bill to amend the Judiciary act of 1799 and
j for the prevention of frauds, and the further pro
| tection of innocent persons without notice.
A bill to alter and amend the twelfth section
of tho thirteenth Division of the I’enal Code of
this State.
A hill to require the Receivers of Tax Returns
in this State to make out arid return to the Comp
troller General separate lists of land given in,
in their respective counties, by jiersons owning
lands situate in other counties besides the coun
ties in which the persons giving in reside, and
for other purposes.
A bill to stop the running of the statute of
limitations in all cases where the Defendant shall
abscond or remove beyond the limits of the State
or to parts unknown.
\ hi!! to comjxdl the Clerks of tho Su]>orior
Courts and Courts of Ordinary of the several
counties of this State to buy a Seal of Office for
each of the several Courts.
A bill to amend an act entitled an act to pro
tect Religious Societies in the Exercise of their
Religious dtUies, approved Dec. 13th, 1792.
A hill to endow the Southern liotanico Medi
cal College at Macon, Ga.
A bill to authorize the Judge of the Superior
Court of Macon county, to draw two pannels of
Grand and Petit Jurors, mid for other purposes.
A hill to levy and collect a Tax for the political
years of 1852 and ’53.
A bill to require the Judges of the Superior
Court of the State on the trial of all causes l>e
fore a special jury, to have all the parol testimony
or evidence given in, taken down in writing at
the request of cither plaintiff or defendant, in the
words or language of the witness <fec.
Mr. Millcdge, a bill to amend an act entitled an
act to amend the several nets now in force regu
lating the fees of magistrates and constables in
this State. Also a hill to appropriate money to
repair and furnish Executive Mansion and to build
hones for servants.
Mr. Morehouse, a bill to incorporate the Grand
Division of tho Sons of Temperance of this State.
Mr. Tillman of Tutnnll, a bill to amend tlie sev
eral actn iii relation to issuing grants on Head
Rights in this State.
Mr. Bartow, a bill to preserve tho purity of pub
lic elections in this State, and to prevent magis
trates who hold court, or city or town officers,
from presiding at city or town elections.
Mr. Tift, a bill to provide more effectually for
assessing and collecting taxes on land or real es
tate.
Standing Coininitletis.
OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE
I.E(IIBLATIUE.
Ok MUtitary Affairs. —Messrs. Robinson, Rob
erts, Ramsey, Phillips, Pike, Patterson, Anderson,
McAffec, Cameron, Nasewothy, Love, Morrcl, Mc-
Lean, Moone, and Aired.
On Enrollment. —Messrs. Gardner, Cameron,
Barlow, Edwards, Thornton, Shewmakc, Erwin,
Junes, McFarland, Gilmore, mid Fall.
On Pet;/ions. —Mesms. Anderson, Rom, 1 llood
worth, Wiliams, Sumner, Morehouse, Bird, Biv
ins, Tillman, and Staten.
On Journals. —Messrs. Hackney, Grant, Knox,
Woftbrd, Cameron, Fuller,Hussey, and Stephens.
On Agricultural and Internal Improvemen ts.-
Messrs. Bartow, Perkins, Bullock, Dawson, Pow
ers, Bailey, Wooldridge, Walker, Fannin, Thur
mond, Bellinger, Tift, and Atkinson.
On Manufactures. —Messrs. Cmncron, Dyer,
Raulerson, Williford, Lochlin, Millcdge, Moreland,
Richardson, Brinson, Williams, and Dormany.
On the State of the Republic. —Messrs. MeDoti
gald, Dawson, Bellinger, Jacowny, Russel, Bar
nett, Cannon, Deadwylor, Born, Atkinson, Sew
ard, Wynn, and Relserson.
On Public Printing. —Messrs. Tletily, Ilcndric,
Morris, Mobley, Baynes, Hall, Wall, Wallace,
and Lott.
On the Judiciary. —Messrs. Henry, Millcdge,
Merrill, Harris, Trippe, Seward, Langmnde, Irwin,
Pearce, Clark, Hill, and Watts.
On Finance. —Messrs. Floyd, Smith, Barlow,
Fannin, Price, Wynn, llenry, Casters, Latimer,
Barnett, and Reeves.
On Public. Education. —Messrs. Stephens,
Armstrong, Harper, llill, Cobh, Gray, Baugh,
Chastain, Smith, McOomb, Clark, Loveless, Smith,
and Christie.
On Penitentiary. —Messrs. Waldbour, Robin
son, Irwin, Fowler, Daniel, Bartow, Floyil, Felton,
Carr, Clarke, McDougald, and Woodward.
On Banks. —Messrs. Harris, Scarlett, Harrison,
Latimer, Holland, Tillman, Mobley, McFniland,
Lewis, and Dawson.
On Elections and Privileges. —Messrs. Woftbrd,
Irwin, Chastain, Cobb, Harris, Trippe, Ilenly,
Gilbert, Mobley, Cameron, and Fall.
The following standing Committees were an
nounced by the President, viz:
On the State of the Republic. —Messrs. Harde
man, Moselv, Farris, Lawson, and MeCnne.
On the Judiciary. —Messrs. Foster, Simmons,
Calhoun, Moore, Harman, Reed, J. L. Bird, and
McOune.
On Finance. —Messrs. Bethunc, Connelly,
Bulks, Day, and Tomlinson.
On. Internal Improvements. —Messrs. Ander
son, Farris, Tuinlin, Stroud and Flournoy.
On Public Education and Free Schools. —
Messrs. Slaughter, Walthour, Crocker, Spalding,
and Wellborn.
On Banks. —Messrs. Moseley, Anderson, Har
man, Little, and Waters.
On the Penitentiary. —Messrs. Moore, P. M.
Bird, Cone, Wilcox, and Butler.
On the Lunatic Asylum. —Messrs. Slaughter,
Crocker, Walthour, Bethune, and Stroud,
On the Military. —Messrs. Cone, Knight P. M.
Bird, Coffee, and Beavers.
On Printing. —Messrs. Flournoy, Ross, Wolfe,
Bryan, and Wright
On Privileges and Elections. —Messrs, Day,
Griggs, Hicks, Mcliao, and Harris.
On Petitions. —Messrs, Calhoun, Connelly,
Coffee, Dickinson, and Ross.
On Enrollment. —Messrs. Simmons, Flewellen,
Lawson, ltarman, and Knight.
On motion of Mr. Moore, the President of the
Senate appointed Messrs. Farris, Hardeman, An
derson, Slaughter and Walthour, a Standing Com
mittee upon the Deaf and Dumb Assylum,
jC-t?” A young buck of the soap-lock order, who
wore an unshaven fare, because, as he said, it
looked foreign, lately accosted a Yankee at one of
our hotels, as follows : “I say, fellow, some indi
viduals take me for a Frenchman, and some take
me for an Etalyane , now what do you tliiuk I
am T “I tliiuk you are a darned fool,” replied Jona
< than. i
!
movement at tlie Capital.
Mr. Seward, of Thomas, introduced the follow- j
ing preamble and resolntions in the House of Rep- j
resentatives on Saturday last:
Whereas, the Convention of the State of Geor-j
gia which met at Milledgeville,on the 10th Decem
ber, 1850, adopted tlie following resolutions to
wit:
That the State of Georgia, in the judgment of’
this Convention, will and ought to resist, even j
(ax a last resort ,) to a disruption of every tie ‘
which binds her to tlie Union, anv action of Gon- j
gress upon the subject of slavery in the District |
of Columbia, or in places subject to the jnrisdic-’
tion of Congress, incompatible with the safety, do- j
niestic tranguility, the rights and honor of the i
slaveholding States; or any act suppressing the
slave trade between the slaveholding States, or |
any refusal to admit as a State any territory here- j
after applying, because of the existence of slavery
therein ; or any act prohibiting the introduction
of slaves into the territories of Utah and New
Mexico, or any act repealing or materially modi
fying the laws now in force for the recovery of fu
gitive slaves.
That it is the deliberate opinion of the Conven-’
tion, that upon the faithful execution of the. Fu
gitive Slave IjOW by the proper authorities de
pends the perservation of our much loved Union.
And whereas, it is the fundamental principle of
the Democratic party, that each State is sovereign,
and therefore entitled to the oliedience of all its
citizens when it announces its will. And Where
as, the party is now satisfied that the will of Geor
gia, as announced by the Convention in Decem
ber, 1850, is also the will of other Southern States,
generally, and that any future attempt on the part
of any party to change this will, would, if the
change were desirable, be a hopeless task.
And Whereas, the principles of the Democrat
ic party are more national and conservative, thar,
those of the Whig party at the North, which it
dc-nationalized and sectionalized. And whereas,
the wliigs and democrats of the South, who are
in favor of the two aforesaid resolutions, which
look to the future, prefer the principles and doc
trines of the Democratic party to that of the Na
tional Whig party, as at present organized, and
led at the North.
And Whereas, the National Democratic party
at the North gives some evidence of a willingness
to incorporate an important portion of said resolu
tions, as part of the creed of that party, and more
especially the vital particular, that the fugitive
slave law is not to be repealed or materially modi
fied, and is to be faithfully observed and executed
by the North,and the National Whig party gives
no such evidence, but on the contrary manifests
an unmistakable disposition to resist tho same,
and to repeal or modify that law, and on all oc
casions through its Governors and other State of
ficers, exhibits the greatest reluctance to execute
it. And Whereas, the repeal or modification of
the law, is to Ik? followed by tho consequences of
a dissolution of tho Union, so far as our own State
is concerned, according to its decision, already
made. Be it therefore
Resolved, That every c-ffort ought to lx? made
to prevent the repe.al or material modification of
tho fugitive slave law, and the National Demo
cratic Party ought to be solemnly invited to
pledge itself against such repeal or modification.
Resolved, That in our opinion, Georgia ought
therefore to send delegates to the next Democrat
ic Convention to nominate a I‘risident and Vice
President, with instructions to insist upon tlie
adoption by it of a resolution against the further
agitation of the slavery question in Conatess
against tlie repeal or material modification of tub
fugitive slave law, and in favor of its faithfimeXe
cution at the North, and if such a resolution can
not lie got through that Convention, then to with
draw from it, and invite all other members who
agree with them, to withdraw too ; and in a sepa
rate Convention adopt if, and also nominate can-j
didates, to be supported by tlioso who are in fa-;
vor of it.
Resolved, That in order to effect, the object of
the la?t resolution, particularly, we invite the citi
zens of Georgia who are willing to unite with us ‘
in the nomination of sound conservative candidates I
for tlie Presidency and V ice Presidency, to send j
delegates to a Convention to be held at
day 1851,
to select delegates to represent the State in the
Baltimore Covention.
Resolved, That we indulge the hope that there
will be no diversity of opinion in Georgia, in re
ference to the proposed action here indicated, and
should there lie a concurrence of opinion, we in
vite the joint action of heretofore conflicting par
ties, in said Convention.
From the Milledoeville Recorder.
Judge’ Berrien.
The following letter from Judge Berrien to Maj.
Harris is published in conseqence of the numerou
ous enquiries for it:
Savannah, sth Nov. 1851.
My Pear Sir: —l have your letter, I had
thought that I could not, and would not be con
sidered as a candidate for the re-election to the
Senate of tho United States, until I had so an
nounced myself. 1 have made no such annuncia
tion. The [msition which I occupy, was distinctly
stated in my address to the people of Georgia. I
asserted in terms which even eavilers could not
misunderstand nor honest man doubt, my dovo
tion to the Union—my unfaltering determination
to maintain by all constitutional means, and with
undiminished zeal, in whatever situation I might
be placed, the equal rights of tho South—and my
acquiescence in tho compromise. Perfectly satis
fied that such a declaration in the excited state of
public feelings, would not satisfy the exactions of
either of the two political parties, who were then
engaged in a contest of peculiar bitterness—and
unable to sacrifice, for the purpose of conciliating
either, the dictates of conscience and the convic
tions of my judgment, I expressed my willingness
to retire from the public service in tho conscious
ness of having faithfully discharged my duty to
the State, and sustained by the repeated, and re
corded approbation of my constituents.
I m told however that the fact of my being in
office, will lead to the inference that I am a candi
date for re-election. It is the purpose of this let
ter to prevent such an inference—to disclaim
such an intention Ido not ask from the Legisla
ture of Georgia, tho renewal of my commission.
Nay, more, 1 would at once resign that which I
hold, if a strong sense of duty, which recent occur
rences have only rendered more imperative, did
not induce mo to attend the approaching session
of Congress-. Whenever that will permit, the
situation of my family will present a motive for
my retirement, of which I will gladly avail mjsclf,
I am, dear sir, vours truly,
JOHN MACPHERSON BEIiRIEK.
From the Charleston Courier.
Bloosiinotiale, N. Y. Nov. &h
Messrs. Editors:- —A yoAng gentleman olgen
tecl and intelligent appearance, with sandy com
plexion and whiskers, stopped at one of oir Ho
tels on the night of the 6th inst., to await, as he
! said, the arrival of his baggage, which it seems
hid not been put on board of the Cars at New
York. Not appearing ii ‘be morning, his room
was entered, and, to the consternation of all /
was found a corpse. The cause of his death none
; could surmise. We suppose from his conversa-;
j tion he was from some Southern State, and on j
i his way to the Xew State and National 1
} Law School in Ballston Spa, Saratoga Cos., in this j
j neighborhood, as we know it has many students
’ from tlfc South, and as we found the following
j Note in his pocket
i “Dear James—As I lent n that the President
] of the Law School sends a circular to any who re-
I quest it, I wish you would have one sent to me.
1 have seen Miles who, you know, visited the
Saratoga Springs this summer, and he says no
(abolition sentiments are tolerated in the Institu
tion. This I was glad to learn, as lam exceed
ingly anxious to avail myself of the advantages it
affords for acquiring a familiarity with the legal
i, practice , and the ail-important art of extempore
speaking. If you stop in Philadelpha, call on Sc
sak, but dont tell her what I mentioned to you
the other day. Tell her that, though distant
i from us, my spirit is with her daily.
Yours &c., HARLESTON.”
The note was superscribed “James Butler,”
with no place of residence annexed. I give you
this statement, with the request that Southern
Editors generally, will copy it, as the only means
of conveying to his friends a knowledge of his sud
den and melancholly death. Enquiries may Ire
addressed to the l’ost Muster or myself, at this
plaee.
Yours Ac., 11. A. GRAY'.
California.
Mr. Silas E. Burrows, in a letter to the New
York Journal of Commerce, by the last mail from
San Francisco, writes as follows:
“The recent State election has given the Demo- 1
cratic party contorl of California, and the State ;
will be divided, in my opinion, this winter, the 1
Southern becoming a slave State. The value of
our possessions on the Pacific are incalcuably
great, in the march to greatness of our noble Na
tion ; and the attachments of the inhabitants to
the ties they have left at home, are strong as I
have ever known ; but still their wishes and inter
ests must be consulted, or they will set up for
themselves.”
Mr. Burrows is well known as a wcatliy New
Y'ork merchant, who, for the love of adventure
has engaged in all sorts of hair-brained enterprises.
The hist we heard of him before, was that he was
in a whaling exjieditioii beyond Behring’s Strait,
and in uncomfortable proximity to North Pole,
where ho and his confreres were in close prospect
of being turned into icicles. He had his usual
luck in getting out of the scrape, and has since re
freshed his love of novelty with a study of the
land of gold. lie is we suppose, a very impartial
observer, and writes ns above, in reference to a sub
ject we have before remarked upon. There ap
pears no doubt this matter of the division of Cali
fornia with reference to the formation of a slave
State in the South, is serious, and that it will
form the basis of tho next Congressional cmeule.
—Charleston Mercury.
Important Seizure-All Custom
Hnuwilom in motion.
On Tuesday last, a small schoonei, which pass
ed down the river the day before, was seized hv
order of the vigilant Collector, suspected of having
on board the armament of the Pampero. Curi
osity was on tiptoe, as the little craft was brought
up, iu emtody, and placed alongside the Pampero.
The mysterious Ixixes, supposed to be filled with
deadly weapons and “villainous gunpowder,”
were taken (board tbe ill-fated steamer; the offi
m functionaries were in anxious readiness to I
take an inventory of the rich spoils of muskets, ri
lles, swords, pistol*, revolvers and blunderbusses of
the late Fillibusters ; but alas! for human hopes
and appetites! they were not to be found ! Al
though it was not precisely “a beggarly account
of empty boxes,” it was tho next thing to it—it
! was a collection of old harness, decayed cartcucb
| boxes, rusty tin cups, and a number of similar
j valuable articles, too tedious to mention! How
! far the collector lias a right to seize vessels and
| merchandize under such circumstances, is a ques
■ tion that will probably lie decided by thccompc
: tent tribunals. There is great zeal now-adags
to preserve our neutrality with Concha ! —Jack
I sonviHe Neuis.
The Seminole Indians.
| The Jacksonville News says : —“YVo learn from
an officer of the lino that all the Indians are
I within their boundary. Bowlegs frequently visits
tho post at Fort Myers, where there is a trading
house. Sometimes accompanied by as many as
thirty of his men. lie himself is quiet and seems
peaceably disposed. Sam Jones never made his
appearance, being almost superannuated. Bow
legs declares that his quitting the country is out
of the question—he is prepared to die on the
ground—and if war is made upon him, hi will
have the satisfaction of putting the whites astir all
over the territory, and w ilt give them at least a
six or seven year’s war in hunting his small par
ties out of the fortresses and swamps. Captain
Blake of Alabama is now attempting to fulfil a
contract made with the Commissioner of Indian
Affairs for the peaceable removal of the tribe for
the fixed sum of SIO,OOO, with $750 additional for
every Indian he gets to go. It is supposed there
are about 500 Indians in the country, of whom
150 are warriors. The Indians report that the
last year had been unusually sickly, and the mor
tality among infants had been great.
Justice.
Mr. Consul Owen in his noto to the Savannah
Republican , published by us some days since, asks
to be heard fully in his own defence” saying that
while he seeks nothing from any one’s mercy, he
has a right to justice. Upon this tho Washing
ton Telegraph remarks that the “request is reoson
able, and both mercy and justice unite in demand
ing a compliance with it The sentiments of hor
ror and indignation have been spontaneously ex
pressed by the American people at the offences of
which he is alleged to be guilty; now let these
feelings be silenced as resjieets tho accused, and
let every American feel that he is a juror and
judge in an important trial. It may lie that the
result will invoke the censure of our own national
Executive, and not Mr. Owen ; or it may be that
(they will both fall under condemnation. Let jus
tice bo done!”
Rum’s Doings.
A correspondent of the Georgia Jeffersonian,
writing under date of “Barnesville, Nov. 9, ’51,”
says:
“King Alcohol has gained one more victory,
ami added one more laurel to his crown. A voting
woman by the name of Holley, who was in com
pany with her mother, sister and two small chil
dren, who camped near this place on Friday night,
accidentally caught fire, and was so severely
! burned that she survived but twenty-four h.urs.
(The mother and the two sisters were in a state of i
i jirtoxication at the time of the sad accident.
SOUTHERN DEMOCRAT.
OGLETHORPE, GA.
j THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1851.
FOR PRESIDENT,
JOHN M. MASON, of Virginia.
-
FOR VICE PRESIDENT,
|C. J. W DONALD, of Georgia
To our Patrons.
We have heretofore purposely abstained from
calling on our patrons for the amount of their
dues, and we trust they will cheerfully and j
promptly respond to the present call, especially !
when we assure them that our necessities are very
pressing at this time. All persons, therefore, in- j
debted to us cither for subscription, advertising :
or job work, will confer a favor which will be
gratefully received and duly appreciated, if they
will without delay afford us the necessary aid in
the present emergency, From now until the first
of January we will receive our advance price
from present subscribers, but after that time we |
shall adhere rigidly to our published terms.
Tliat “Good Time Coming!”
We were invited the other evening by the very !
gemleinaulv proprietors, into the “Oyster Saloon”
of Messrs. Jackson & Powell to partake of an oys
ter supper, and being rather a polite man, and al
ways receiving everything offered to us as a free j
gift, except a whipping and the itch, we did not
have it in our heart to refuse so polite an invita-
( tion so politely tendered. We profess to know j
| good oysters when we taste them, and we take
) great pleasure in saying those were not only tine, i
| but very fine—real’ “Thunderbolt” fellows—fat!
j and slick, and so large that it would Like two men |
to swallow one of them, and they were served up j
according to the most approved style, with good j
hot coffee and other fixins to match, throwed in.!
We invite all our friends who are fond of the good
“fresh oystare,” to call round at Jaekson & Pow
ell’s and call for them at—their own exjiense.—
Verily, the “good time coming” which has been
so long prophesied of, basal length visited us.
Tito IHat ln.
Wc hear continued complaints from all quar
ters, of the irregularity of the arrival of the Sou
thern Democrat. At Lanier, Winchester, Horse
head, Fredonia, Grnugerville and other places, we
learn that the arrival if our paper is sometimes
delayed for weeks. One of our subscribers has
had his paper changed from Fredonia, ailedging
that he does not receive it even when it dons find
its destination. We shall call the attention of
the P. 0.1 tepartment to these matters. At Win
chester on tlin South-Western l’ail-Road, our pa
per has on one or two occasions been two weeks
behind time, notwithstanding a train of cars pass- j
es that office daily. At Grangcrville the two last i
numbers of the Democrat are missing.
This state of things is vexatious iu the extreme,
and materially affects our (ocket nerve in the loss
of patronge. Fiver since Taylor and Fillmore
came into office, and so many faithful Post Mas
ters were dismissed, and their places filled with
raw recruits, the mail arrangement lias been get
ting worse and worse, and if it continues retro
gressing at the same rate for a few more years,
will lie a fraud upon the public. We can assure
our patrons that it is not our fault, and we trust
they will not blame us for that over which we have !
no control.
The Journal <{: Messenger charges the blame
upon the Post Master here. It affords tis pleasure
to state that Mr. Jaekson, the now Post Master at j
this place, is a competent, and faithful officer, and
if the Post Office at Macon is managed as well as
it will lie here, there will not be half the com
plaints hereafter. We have been in the office lu re
several times when the mails from Macon had to
be returned unopened, on account of wrong locks
having been carelessly put upon the mail bags.—
The Agent’s attention at that end of the line,
would not lie amiss.
Plank Road Hireling.
A plank road meeting was held in this city on
Wednesday evening of last week. Owing to the
inclemency of the weather, and the shortness of
the notice, the meeting was thinly attended, but
a unanimity of sentiment prevailed among the
few who were present.
On motion Warren Jackson was called to the
Chair and G. W. Moran requested to act as Secre
tary. The object of the meeting was stated :—to
take into consideration the praticability of a Plank
Road to Albany, and the propriety of co-operating ‘
with tho citizens of Sumpter, Lee and Baker, in
the immediate construction of the road. The !
meeting was unanimous iu the opinion that the
building of the Road was not only practicable, but
necessary, and having the strongest assurance that j
an effort was all that was wanting, to raise ample j
funds for the work, a committee of gentlemen eon- j
sisting ofP. L. J. May, P. Cook, A. A. Robinson, j
Geo. W. Fish and Robt. Carson, were appointed
to draft a charter, for said Road, and send to our
Senators and Representatives in the Legislature,
with the request that they present it to the Legis- ‘■
laturc for their sanction and approval.
We have no doubt of the passage of the bill by ;
the Legislature, and that the charter will be grant
ed. As soon thereafter as practicable, books will
be open for subscription and from the interest
manifested for the enterprize in this, and the lower
counties, wc doubt not that the stock will soon be
taken, and the work commenced at an early day
next spring.
The history’of plank roads, demonstrates their
great utility, especially to the firming communi
ty. The investment of capital in glank roads also
is not only safe, but profitable. The expense is
much less, and the dividends greater, than that of
Rail Roads, and their benefits to tire farming com
munity are infinitely greater than that of the Rail
Roads.
Pressing engagements deny us the privilege of j
saying more at this time. YVe shall however re
sume the consideration of this subject hereafter, j
The Methodist Church Law Suit.
The law suit which lias for some time been
pending between the M. E. Church, North, and
South, has at last been decided by Judge Nelsou
of the United States Court for the District of New
Y'ork, in favor of complainants. His decision is
that the Methodist Church, South, is justly enti
tled to an equal share of the Book Concern.
This decision will doubtless fall upon the ears of
our Northern brethren like a thunder-clap, for
they have congratulated themselves with the false
i and delusive hope, that they could withhold from
! the Church, South, her just share of that concern.
: The action of the Northern Methodists in this
lease, is in perfect keeping with yankee character,
i the world over. The love of ae “almighty dol
lar” is the controlling motive; the ruling passion; :
l lie eye glass through which they view every ob
ject.
But, for once in the history of yankeedom, have
they been brought to justice. Judge Nelson’s
decision not only unlocks the hand of injustice,
which has so long been clenched upon tbe gold
of Southern Methodists, but it administers a ro
ll roof which is well calculated to make all Cbris
itendom blush with shame for the action of the
| Church, North. Their fanatical hatred to slave
|ry induced them to depose Bishop Andrew from
| the exercise of his episcopal functions, on account
i of having married a lady who was the owner of a
few slaves, and also to expel Harding from the
itinerant ranks because lie could not liberate the
\ slaves, which were secured by law to bis wife, and
over which lie could have no control. These pal
pable violations of the Constitution of the Church,
created the necessity for a separate and distinct
jurisdiction of the Southern Church. According
ly a plan of separation was submitted to, and rat
: itied by the General Conference of the M. E,
: Church, providing for two separate jurisdictions
of the Church, and an equitable division of the
Clmrcb property, the proceeds of donatians from
the friends and brethren of all sections.
The plan of separation, which was solemnly
ratified by the Church, North, and South, has
been scrupulously adhered to by the Church,
j South, but the Church, North, in open repudia*
1 tion of her solemn agreement, nullified as tar as
I she could, the provisions of the plan, and dishon
estly withheld from the Church, South her equi
table portion of the Church property. The Church,
South, were forced as a dernier resort, to a law
; suit, to recover her proportion of the Church pro
perty. The decision of Judge Nelson settles the
; question of right—gives to tho South her own,
and fixes a stigma upon the character of the Nor
] them branch of the Church, which will not be do
j faced until the present generation shall have pass
| ed away.
YVe take the following synopsis of Judge Nel
j son’s decision, from the Aq I”. Keening Kxpress ,
; of Nov. 11:
| In the U. S. Circuit Court, Judges Nelson and
, Betts upon the bench, a decision was given this
morning, by Judge Nelson.
The Judge reviewed the various points in the
case, referred to the fact that the Methodist
Church was organized in the United Siates in
17 84, uudor the superintendence and sovereignty
of the travelling preachers, who, in General Oou
t-rence, were the whole power of the Church, the
hiy members then and now, having no voice in
Church government.
Before this the Methodist Church was conduct
ed by John YVesley and his agent, and the change
was made by his assent and wish. The Church
was never incorporated, but held together and
kept organized by certain printed rules.
The Plaintiffs say that the difference between
the Northern and Southern branches of the
Church sprung up previously to 1844, as to the
ownership of slaves. ‘I bis breach threatened the
j safety ot the Church. The question arose in 1844
| whether or not there should be a separation, and
resolutions were passed by a large majority of the
conference of that year, held in New York, decid
ing that should the annual Conference in the
Slaveliolding States, consider it best to separate,
they might do so.
All tiie Southern annual conferences, were in
that event to lie organized in a separate church
to be called “the Methodist Church South.” It
wa also decided that traveling Ministers might
attach themselves to either Northern or Southern
Church.
j I’be pbmtifts allege that the conference had
this power, and this was confirmed in 1845 bv a
council of Northern Bishops.
The members were free to say what was the
ilrt st policy of accomplishing the great design of
the Master in whose service they
the object Ix-ing the spread of the Gospel. The.
Court also thought that the idea that the Church
had but limited and prescribed powers was erron
eous. The Canada conference was originally a
part of the American Methodist Church, but in
1828 was allowed to separate. The Texas con
ference was also brought into the American Me
thodist Church, and iu both eases by the act of
the General Conscience.
The Court considered that the complainants had
the same right as previously to the separation —
that the claimants were still traveling preachers,
and their field of labor within their original juris
diction. Assuming that the General Conference
was unauthorized to make the division, still the
complainants were not deprived of their right to
share in the fund, uot having forfeited it; it was
nut in law in the power of even the Conference to
take it from them.
The Court so concluded, but whether pro rata
l or in proportion to tbe capital, it is left for future
; adjudication.
The Court also earnestly hoped that the diffi
culty might now lie amicably settled by the par
ties interested. If the conclusions arrived at
should restore harmony in the Church, it would
not regret the labor which had been expended up
• on tlie case.
j ‘The Court also considered that the Trustees of
the Book Concern stood in the light of the Bene
! ficiaries of a Charitable Fund, which bad been en
dowed by third parties. According to the de
; vision of the original founders the proceeds and
i profits had been devoted to their use, and if they
; came within the regulations they were still entitled
to such proceeds and profits.
The Court desired to administer the law in be
half of the claimants, their case exciting peculiar
sympathy. Tbe plan of separation in 1844 pro
vided that there should be a pro rata distribu
tion, and that each should have their share. It
bore the impress of good will and good feeling,
and was founded, so far as the Court knew, on
strictly equitable principles. It was adopted by
votv of 147 to 22 in a body where more than 4000 1
preachers were represented.
As to the powers of tho General Conference the-
Court considered that they were as they were ori
ginally, and that they were not affected by being
delegated to any lesser number, the reduction off
numbers, on the representative principles, bsrngrw
necessary incident to the growth of the country
iThey originally had the power to make as-many
distinct organizations as they pleased. Tile con
ference had the same power in 1844 as in-11784,
when tho whole body acted for itself.
The Chureh, tho plaintiffs then say became di
vided into two distinct bodies, Northern and Sou
thern, and that the South was entitled to its share
of the property belonging to the body. The
Church owned a large amount of property, among
which was the New Y’ork Methodist Book eoa
i eern worth $750,000, but the agents of thiseow
eern as well as the principals refused to allow any
division.
The plaintiffs further sap that a part of them
are traveling ministers, and that they and 1500
other traveling ministers have an interest in this
fund—that the church has about 480,000 mem
bers South and that there are about 039,000
: North.