Newspaper Page Text
One of the defects of the old system wm
re milled nt the last session, but the highly
objectionable Feature of arbitrary specific taxa
tion of property, whether real or personal, ir
respective of its value, as ascertained by the
price it would command in the market, or
otherwise, is still retained, in violation of toe
most obvious principles of justice and sound
policy. Taxes, however raised, whether by
the Stale or General Government, may be re
garded as a charge upon property and people
for the protection of both. In what mode,
and to what extent property should be bur
dened to raise the required sum, whether by
specific levy w ith discrimination, or strictly
noon the ad valorem principle,*has been and
will doubtless continue to be, the fruitful
source of discussion, and diversity of opin-
Thc principle of discrimination that so
largely enters into every system of specific
taxation, had its origin in no clear, or well
defined notions of justice, and should only be
resorted to in behalf of property, in which
classes and conditions of society have, or arc
supposed to have, an equal interest. Leave
man free to engage in w hatever lawful pur
suit, mav be ong.'.nia! to his taste; h.abPs and
interest, but let thffState, beware how the
property of one ofits citizens is exempted from
taxes, while by an unequal and unjust dis
crimination, heavy burdens are imposed upon
that of another.—The obvious duty of the
Legislature, as it seems to me, is to ascertain
with precision, or approximating it, ihe sum
Tcqu red to meet the demanus upon the I rcr.s
ury, and then, from the property of the coun
try,raise tlie requisite sum not b}
that 10) acres of land, though worth one
thousand dollars, should pay no more tax to
the State, than the same number adjoining it.
not worth one hundred dollnre; not by ex
empting the, property of one man, and taxing
that of another; not by saying that, r.s be
tween two individuals possessed of eqtia
amounts, but different species of property the
one should be assessed, at the rate of fifty
dollars, whereas, of the other, only five dol
lars is demanded; but by levying the same
rate ofttax upon ail of the property of the
State, according to its value. If discrimina
tions are to be tolerated at ail, I am clearly
of the opinion, it should be in favor of real
estate, as against personal; but certainly there
is no equality or justice, in a system of fi
nance, exacting different rates of taxes on
lands of the samedvalue.
One of the objections offered to a system
of taxation bused upon the value oi property
Itself, is the want of reliable data by which
the principle could be tested. All must fore
see the'imininent danger to the credit of the
State, its character and prosperity resulting
from an inability in the Treasury to meet
promptly all demands upon it, by whatsover
means produced. But it is believed, the pres
ent period is exceedingly favorable, either for
.a total, orp.arti.il change oft lie present sys
tem. The data furnished, of the value of re
al and personal property of this state, under
the authority of an act of Congress, during
the last year, would be highly useful. Many
interestiu'statisties. that would serve to di
rect the research and investigation of the
Legislature, in fixing the proper rate of levy
to raise a given amount, might be obtained
from the Census books deposited in the of
fice ot the Secretary ol’ State. It may not be
unworthy of notice that, upon this authority,
the. real estate of Georgia ns ostimated at.
§120,603.283 the personal at $210,081,254
and that one-eighth of one per cent, on the
gross amount, would bring into the Trenail r
v about #517,232,82 ilfer allowing sixteen
per cent, for assessing, collecting and paying
over the same; an amount exceeding the pres
ent income, and more than adequate for the
present accruing liabilities.
Having discussed the subject, somewhat at
length, in a communication submitted to the
last Legislature, I feel thatit would be an
unnecessiuy tax upon your indulgence, again
to repeat the arguments then submitted. I
most respectfully refer you to what was
then communicated, as containing not merely
my opinionsat the time, but since greatly
strengthened by further observation, reflec
tion and experience- I cannot therefore, too
earnestly urge upon you a strong and abid
ing conviction, that justice and good faith, as
well as expediency, imperiously claim at the
hands of the Legislature, an entire change of
the principle of your tax laws by the substi
tution of a tax based upon the value of prop
erty.
Whatever may be the fate of this measure
before the present Legislature, 1 shall ever
cherish the hope that a sense of right, a love
of equality and justice .will ultimately prevail
md that the sound principle of taxation, that
the burthens of Government should rest up
on the objects ofits protection so earnest! o
pressed upon you, will become firmly riveted
upon the public mind.
The Reports‘of the Treasurer and Comp
troller General, for the financial years 1850
and 1851 and herewith transmitted. The
duty imposed by law upon the Treasurer lias
been complied with, and his estimates of the
probable reeeipts-and expenditures, for the
next two years, arc submitted.
The total available balance i;i the Treas
ure, at. the close of the financial ye r is
#llBO 9 G f.ioni this sum deduct $57:180,- i
71, of drawn appropriations. $ 0 2 19 i0 of
the tax of 1851, collected before the close of
the financial year, and #10582 00 dividends
on “Sliucation Fun If’ leaving a surplus at
the close of the fiscal year of $10,087 34.
The amount of undrawn appropriations,
t!i it will revert to the Treasury, will proba
bly not vary far from sl3 950 75 making the
actual surplus in the Treasury, Lobject to any
future’ appropriations made by+the Legisla
ture, or applicable to the public debt, $51,-
0 8 09.
At ill > last session, an Act was passed,
providing $ 0 0’ 0 .:s an annual sinking fund.
St was early foreseen, after the adjournment
of the Legislature, from the extraordinary ex
pense of that session, exceeding as it di i: the
estimates of tho Treasurer, by $ 9 001 6S
independent of an extraordinary appropria
tion of § 0 000 the expenditure of which
was dependent upon contingencies that did
not arise until near the close of the fiseal
year, that the Treasury might he somewhat
sir lightened, if an application of the sinking
fund to the redemption of the Bonds, was
m ute before any portion of the taxes of 18-30
was received. Efforts, however were made
abroad, bv fiio agents of the State, to ascer
tain at what 2 tes the £ls -00 sterling, could
be obtained; and from causes already men
tioned. it was deemed injudicious to redeem
these s enrities at the time. Nor was there
any application made or opportunity afforded
the Treasurer to redeem any portion of the
domestic debt before March last, when s'2,-
OCO of.th-. 6 per cent, bonds were offered for
and redeemed. Dilligent inquiries h ave since
been made, to obtain the bonds of the State,
that the surplus now in the Treasury might
be applied, in redeeming the same, but with
little success
At a more n-vcnt and ite notice was given in
the public gazettes, of the readiness of the
Treasury to redeem an additional sum, and
after all proper means used to induce holders
to part with tin* bands of the State, at par,
within the last two fiscal years, just closed,
the amount presented and redeemed at the
Treasury is §<101,350 00 of the 6 per cents :
thus furnishing the most satisfactory evi
dence of the prosperous condition of the ll
nanci and affairs of tue State.
In this connection, it would be an accepta
ble announcement to make, I apprehend, to
the Lsgislatufe, that after years of delay, the
sum of $!5,6Ss it- exclusive of commissions
has been collected from the G mend Govern
ment, for advances made, and the interest ac
cruing thereon, in the Indian disturbances of
18 56. Under the authority ofa Joint Rcso
olutiqn of the last Legislature, I appointed
Joseph Sturgis, Esq.,the Attorney in fact of
the State,to urge upon the Auihorr.ies at
Washington, this just claim, of fifteen years
standing. To his untiring zeal, assiduity
an! skill in the management of this long neg
lected claim, the State is in no small degree
indebted for the respectable sum received, so
very generally regarded as utterly worthless.
A claim of the Central Bank against the
United States, of like character, was also pla
ced in tlie hands of Judge Sturgis, with like
h ippy results: the Bank having received for
this claim § .10 !0 00
The Reports o‘‘the Chief Engineer of the
Western & Atlantic Rail Road, for the years
Jo3o and 1851, and the Reports of the Fi
;janco Committee, appointed under .the Act of
1815, njc also transmitted. To those Reports
I invite the calm and patient attention of the
Legislature, for many valuable suggestions,
and much useful informati >n.
Questions of deeper interest to the future
prosperity of the State, will not engage your
attention, than those connected with this pub
lic work. They rise above all party, selfish
or sectional considerations, and, to the enlarg
ed and comprehensive views of the States
man, address themselves with a force too irre
sistible*, it is believed, not to insure the adop
tion of wise meastir s.
It was early foreseen by the friends of this
work, that sectional jealousies would spring
up, and that it would have to encounter oppo
sition from this quarter, not less virulent in
its character, than from that equally deplora
ble infirmity, unfortunately too prove hint with
I certain classes, to busy themselves most’ in
matters of public concernment, in which they
! are mo3t ignore nt. The Report of the Fi
i nance Committee,and the views there pres
! seated, as well as the policy in which this
Railway had its origin, would seem to de
mand at my hands, iu retiring from the pub
lic trust confided to me, to enter somewhat
into the detail of facts connected with the
administration of the a {fairs of this Road,
since my official connection with it commenc
ed. This seems to me proper, that the pub
lic, as well as the Legislature, may under
stand the policy that has governed me, and
the dillieulties with which the management
of the a If, i r.s of the Road have been invested,
from the moment of my connection with it.
It will he conceded, I apprehend, that the
successful management of Railroads very
much depends upon the financial ability with
which its income and disbursements are con
duct'*d!
Wh -a the present Chief Engineer was
called to perform the threefold duties of a
Board of Directors, [’resident and Chief En
gineer, the name affixed to those duties by
our st tnfe, was th ;t of Chief Engincc”.
To find blended in one man, the highest at
tainm Tits in these several departments, com
bined with practical experience in each, was
not to be expected, at least, for the inade
quate salary of SIB9O per annum, a compen
sation below what is believed to be paid on
most of the important roads in the State, to
the Chief Engineer alone. Being quite sat
isfied of the eminent qualifications of the pres
ent incumbent, in everything connected with
the financial duties of this truly multifarious
office, to which he combined an accurate the
orcti'-.a! knowledge of Civil Engineering, su
peradded’to which'l may mention his eleva
ted character for probity, intelligence and
strictly business habits, with an intimate ac
quaintance with legal principles, and the ne
cessity of such knowledge in the adjustment
of many vexed questions, left; s a legacy by
the preceding administrations, clearly indica
ted Mr. Mitchell as a suitable pc: son to in
vite to his responsible station.
Being satisfied at the time, that the
public interest would be promoted by
calling the present incumbent to tabu
chargp of this branch of the public ser
vice, I have no just cause to change
that opinion since. The propriety of
this remark will be seen, when it is
known to the Legislature, that in every
instance of a clitirge involving the
mismanagement ot the Road, brought
to my attention in a form that would
warrant official notice of the same, the
accusers have invariably failed to ad
duce proof in support of their charges.
Tiie conclusion would seem irresistible,
that allegation have been preferred
through a misapprehension of the tacts
or from motives less creditable to the
human heart, and looking to ulterior
objects connected with party, or the
creation of a public opinion that would
devolve upon the Legislature the ne
cessity ofdisposing of valuable proper
ty, to private individuals, or compan
ies
In January 1848, when the former
Chief Engineer, Mr. Garnett, turned
over the effects of the Road to the pres
ent incumbent, about one hundred miles
commencing at Atlanta, and extending
to Dalton, were completed: and the en
tire equipment for this extent of Rail
way, consisted of six locomotives, one,
of which was purchased after the Ist of
November, 1847, two Passenger Cars,
and two Baggage Cars; with an out
standing debt, amounting to #42.16743,
and a cash balance in the hands of the
Treasurer of $1,878 75.
Tiiis equipment would be admitted by
all experienced Rail R„oad men, as
’wholly inadequate; admitting the En
gines and cars all new, and fit for use.
The Passenger cars were at best rough
ly constructed, and not likely to attract
the admiration of travellers, either for
the comfort afforded, or elegance of
finish. The Motive Power was miser
ably deficient.
Since January, 1848. to the present
time, the motive power has been in
creased by the purchase of 7 locomotives
ofthe first class at a costof $14,500; ma
king the present equipment in motive
power, to consist of thirteen engines,
seven of which have been bought and I
paid for since April, 1848; and most ofi
which are in good order, and are believ- ’
ed to lie barely sufficient to do the bus - 1
ness for the present.
But the deficiency in Freight cars still
exists, and until it is supplied, it may be
expected that the buisness of the Road
will not be conducted with dispatch, or
satisfaction to the public. It is believed
that, from the earliest experience to the
present moment, few, if any, examples
can be found, where either a Stats or
Company, with one hundred and thirtv
eight miles of Rail Road, has attempted
to do the business of transportation, for
any considerable length of time, with
out a full equipment of freight cars.—
If the question is considered, alone in
reference to the net income of the Road
economy would demand an immediate
equipment. For, let it be borne in mind
that the present Chief Engineer found,
upon entering upon his duties, a subsis
ting contract with the Geo. Rail Road
Companies, made by the former Chief
Engineer, Mr. Garnett, that one-eighth
ot the gross amount received for freight,
transported in the cars of those Compa
nies overthe State Road,should bo paid
as hire or rent, for the use of the same,
together with the expense of repairing
all oars which might be broken or in
jured, while engaged in such transpor
tation. These items, for the last two
years amount to the sum of $15,815,69,
exclusive of an nnadjusted claim of the
Georgia Rail Roa-I Company, for re
pairs of cars, of $47, 111 51.
Til i cost of freight cars, necessary to have
performed the transportation for the same
time, wo id not have exceeded $00,000; os
tim iting the number of cars to be one hun
dred; while the entire cost of the construction
of In 1 Western & Atlantic Rdl Road up to
this time, amounts to $ 5,913,56 J 28. From
these dat i it will bo seen, the Georgia Rail
Road, ami Macon & Western Rail Road,
have probably received, upon their capital in
vestc 1 in c irs from the State, in ihe form of
rent an! repairs alone,about thirty-eight per
c i it. per annum for the two years just end
ed, where:; • tha State has received, upon the
capital expended in the “construction of its
Road, about It per cent, for ISoO, and 2t
for the year just terminated.
But. a complete equipment of freight cars
is deal ;nled, not merely from the considera
tion noticed, but it is essential to the faithful
disch.rge ofa duty to the public undertaken
by the State. Freights in large quantities
accnmuiat-* >ecasionu!!y at different points on
the Road: tha owners or shippers are deeply
interested in having them sent forward k>
meat an advance in the market, actual or .an
ticipated, but how often is it the case, when
the freight ears are most needed on the Wes
tea A Atlantic Rail Road, the Georgia and
Macon <£ Western Roads are not able to
rnaet ‘he demand. And if injury result to
the owner or shipper of produce or merchan
dise, by a decline in the markets, from such
unseasonable detention, is not the State, by
its mistaken and ruirous policy in refusing to
equip the Road, morally, if not legally, an
swerable for the damage.
There is no oblig;ition on the Georgia and
Macon and Western Rail Road Companies,
to furnish ears for the use of the Stat s Road ;
and it may not be expected they will do so ;
unless it suits their own interest and conven
ience.
But another insuperable objection to the
longer continuation of the existing arrange
ments grows out < f the fact, that the busi
ness of transportation of three Roads, be
come sso mixed and blended, as to create
much confusion in fixing the liability of each
fortlie loss or damage of merchan ise and
produce in transitu. Much more might be
said but it is dwmed unnecessary,as this
brni ch. with all ■ ther questions connected
with the subject, is forcibly presented in the
R-p irts of the Chief Engineer, and accom
panying documents of the Finance Commit
tee’ herewith transmitted?
It is generally known, that the, iron used
on fifty miles of this Roud, is of the most
inferior dess and wholly unsuited to its pe
culiar curvilinear structure, or the nature of
its business. So radical is this defect of
structure; the assertion may bo .• afely ventur
ed, that a succession of accidents, with a hea
vy loss of property, aail possibly human life,
m ly be apprehended, unless the early blunder
is reinedic i,asf ir ns possible, by the substi
tusion of a heavy iron rail for the one now in
u ; o
Upon this subject-, a becoming solicitude
was m mifeatel t.vo veirs ago, as also in re
lation to providing anew organization for the
government of the Road. It need not be
said that these subjects, of great interest then
bu’ of vital moment a‘. this time, did not re
ceive the favorubk consideration ofthe Leg
islature. ,
The Road was left, although in the pro
cess of completion, nadir the management
ofthe Executive and Chief Engineer restric
strictedhy statute in many of their duties
when a sound discretion would scum indis
pensable to its best interest; without means
or equipment, forced from stern necessity, to
incur heavy expenditures for erecting a bridge
o er the Cliatt liocc’ .e i, & substituting heavy
and expensive embanking for the rapidly de
caying bridges at Noonday an 1 Proctor's
Creaks: the wonder should r filler be to a
c.a'in and impartial observer, not that com
plaints miv have been heard, but that so
much has been achieved, and so few accidents
occurred; under the circumstauccss so embar-
rassing.
From the condition of the Road, and its ob
vious incapacity to meet the daily increasing
bu-ines.s of transport .tien, I was forced to
assume the r sponsibiiity of making suitable
provision, for the purchase of heavy Iron
rails for about fifty miles of the Road.
Feeling sensible tint no a thority was vest
ed in me, or the Chief Engineer, for V is ob
ject, by law, the contrac's were made binding
upon ihe conditHi they were ra ilied by the
Legislature. A full and detailed statement
of the purchases of iron from M issrs. Pad
dlefovd, F.av & Cm of Savannah, is contained
in the report, ofthe Chief Engineer, to which
I respectfully refer the Legislature*—ln
that Report, eopiei of II the correspondence
had on the subject, and ofthe contracts en
tered into, will be found: with a clear and
thithful statement ofthe facts an 1 circumstan
ces that, in my judgment rendered the pur
chase of iron a duty l could neither postpone
or avoid, without the most reckless disre
gard of the public interest It is true, if J
had been capable of entailing upon my sue
cessor inextric-ihlc embarrassment, or could
have deprived pleasure from seeing the inter
est and character of tlu State sunk and de
grade 1, I might li vo folded my arms, and
permitted the Road to fall a wreck on the
hands of others.
The purchase of on a thousand tons of iron
was made in April last; which is now being
laid and will extend over asout twelve miles.
In addi. ion, 3200 tons h vj been cun* noted
tor, and from the. best advices from Messrs.
Pad lb ford, Fay &, Cos., may be expected in
Savannah, sometime in this month and De
cember n xt.
It will be seen, by the terms of the contract
time it i expected the ,-ost ofthe iron will b
provided for at an early day of your sessione
‘l’he cost of Iho first 1000 tons, at Sa
vannah, uas $ 13,742 18: and the 3200 tons,
will not proba ly exceed $! 24 8 ‘(): making
th‘. sum to be provided for, SIOB 712 18.
This may be done, if the Legislature should
ratify the contracts, by an application of a
part of the. surplus nowin tin Treasury
and by issuing <5 per cent bonds redeemable
by the Rond, and guarantied by the State.—
Should this eonr.se be pursue' 4 , there can he
no doubt of the entire ity ofthe. road to
meet tin interest promptly: and ultimately
redeem the principal; so that in fact, the pub
lic debt of die State would not be increas
ed.
It is believed, the Lets di.iclo.s-_, 1 by the
Finnic’ Committee and by the Report of the
Chief Engineer, arc quite sufficient to do
monstrete the propriety < f p oviding an in
d spend silt equ'p ncnt iff eight aers.
By n f •renee to the Report, of the Chief
Engineer, it will be seen that $;0 ),00 ) would
cover I lie cost of relaying fifty miles of the
Road with heavy T rail iron, and equip it.
with Locomotives, freight and passenger cars,
sufficient to do the in roased business, that
wiil necessarily result from the completion
of the Rail Roads now in progress in Tonnes,
i see, connecting with ours: to say nothing ol
the mere, so from the devlopment; being made
iu our own State. I cannot doubt that the
true policy of the State, is fully to equip this
Road, and pledge it with its income, after the
discharge of its liabilities, as sacred to the
cause of Education, perfect its organization by
a Board of Directors; of whom one should be
made lire President, vesting in the Board the
ordinary corporate powers: and thereby, as
fares possible, disconnect it and its govern
ment from ail improper influence, or the ap
pearance of it. To do this however, su_-
cessfult •, the example furnished in the or
ganization of the Supreme Court, of select
ing gentlemen of qualification from both po
litical parties, is worthy of imitation; and it
would relieve the Governor, of responsibili
ties which cert inly are n>t desirable, and
from the nature of which, nis other and para
mount duties reu lor it difficult, if not imp< s
sibie, for him to perform, satisfactorily to
himself or the country.
It Ins occurred to me flint this a pr: pit ions
time, to bria rto the notice of the General
Assembly, a question intimately connected
with the prosperity of the St ite.
Heretofore oar energies have been direct
ed to the eon of Railways: has not
the time arrived when the State should ex
tend its aid to our enterprising citizens, iu
the estubii dim sit of a line of Steaui Propell
ers from Savannah to England, or even the
continent of Europe.
The success of private Companies, in nav
igating the ocean by steam, is generally
known; and the advantages resulting to such
of our Atlantic cities ns are directly connect
ed with it, ars obvious. Why should we ex
pend our millions, in affording a cheap and
expeditious railway transportation, for the
Agrien t ral products of the State, to Savan
nah? Certainly not because it is expected
that our cotton, bread-stuff's, &e., are to be
consume lat this port, but on reaching there
may be shipped abroad, and seek more renu
merating markets. Should the foreign mar
ket bz reached by direct shipment, or by the
circuitous route to New York with a long
list of charges and expense which might be
avoided, is. the question.
It was good policy in the State to expend
four millions in the construction of a railway
whiih by its connection with others enables
the farmer froin.our extreme limits, to offer
his surplus products, at a remunerating price
in Savannah, why not, by farther facilities,
enable him to offer his commodities in Eng
land, France or Germany, at better renumer
ting prices? Why should the producers of
Georg'a be dependent on the city of New
York, for the articles they consume, of for
eign production or manufacture, as well as
the price they receive for the products of the
farm? The answer is, that New York has
the capit and, by the skillful management of
which she commands the whole commerce
of the country. By this engine of power
New York fixes the standard of value of our
exports, to some extent at least, and exacts
from us tribute, in the way of charges for
receiving and forwarding storage, wharfage,
dravage, and commissions, besides the profits
of the merchant through whose hands they
pass, until they reach the hands of the con
sumer. This is true of our exports, as well
as imports. Every farthing paid for these
objects, must of necessity, according to the
laws of trade, diminish the market value of
the products of the Georgia farm, in Savan
nah.
But it maybe asked, wouldalineofSteam
Propellers from Savannah to England, or the
Continent, relieve us?—Pe Imps not entirely,
but to some extent, Thrive no doubt.
Commercial facilities, in the transportation
of produce cr u*ercuandise wth regular
ity and dispatch, are, in fact, a part ot the
merchant’s capital, and to that i X'ent at
least, it would be the introduction of it into
our State. Is not much ofthe business c-f
New York based upon a svste.ni < f cr-fits
that has grown up in large dimensions from
the f.cilities of commercial intercourse with
England and Europe?
This credit is capital, f>r all practical pur
poses, while confidence remains firm and un
shaken; and we, cf Georgia, are forced to
yield up just so f the value cf our
products, by the present course < f trade, as
pays the enormous profit to the city cf
New York, by which Ibis system < f credits
is kept aflont. Does it become us to p t
tribute to New York? We produce ti.®
staples upon which a respectable portion of
the commerce of th<* country is based: why
should we then, with this solid capital bo
dependent upon other cities, to convert it in
to cash, or i x -hange it abroad for such .arti
cles as we desire to consume?
I am not insensible of the. difib li lies that
lie in the path of success, yet I cannot for
bear the expression ofthe opinion, that a
great step to be taken to elevate the .State
and increase the reward of Agricultural in
dustry, is to stimulate a direct trade between
our own seaport and ports abroad. And, if
to accomplish this end, the cradit of the
State should be found necessary, to a iimit'A
amount, the wisdom of the police, in my hum
blc judgement, would soon Income so appa
rent, as to command the approbation of the
country.
These suggestions are respectfully submit
ted, more with the hope that they will excite
a spirit of inquiry and investigation, than
with any confident < xpeetation that they ivill
be at once acted upon. The necessity
therefore, of entering f illy into the discussion
if not believed to exist at this time.
Under a joint resolution of the last Gen
eral assembly, as ai-o the preceding one, it
was made my duty to appoint a Committee
to inquire into the State, of Education in
Georgia to report to the. n- xt Legislature on
the present poor school laws, to recommend
any alteration in the same that might to
them seem advisable, or to suggest a plan
for general education, if conceived by them
expedient, accompanied wi h a Bill t >r carry
ing out the same. Under the first Resolu
tion, adopted in 1347; the lion. A. 11. Chap
pell. Bishop Elliott, and Dr. Leonidas B.
Mercer, were appointed a Committee. They
f filed, howuver, to report to the last Legisla-
ture.
It is proper I should also state, that a
part ( f the Committee, as came to my knowl
edge,bestowed considerable labor in collect
ing materials prepar tory ofthe. Repost A
regret was t -it, and by none more than ir.y
se f, thud a report from those gentlemen, .so
fivorably and generally known, was not
made. The iw Legislature substantially
adopted, the Resolution < f the preceding one,
containing the same highly objectionable fea
ture, requiring me to appoint a eonanitte to
j prepare a rep nt i pon this subject to the
Legislature, -provided the same could be
done without cost to the State or cost i non
the School Fucd.”
During the early part of the last year, an op
portunity,was offered lor consultation with an emi
nent, cifixen, who, from education, pursuits and
practical experience, was well infi rnied of the
wants of the country in reference to the subject,
and who kin lly assured me of his willingness to
servo the public in this respect; if upon redaction
he should become satisfied that lie could do so
with satisdietion to liimself or with benefit to oth
ers. Within the last forty days, the Itev. George
F. Pierce, the gentleman referred to, through a
friend, notified me of Ivs readiness to engage in
tiiis arduous duty. Dr. Talmndge, President, of
the Oglethorpe University,and Dr L. B. Mercer
of Lee, were associated with him, from each of
whom the gratifying assurance has been reccivedf
of their ready co-operation. From the report o,
this Committee, which may be expected at an ear
ly day, valuable information and suggestions de
serving the consideration of the Legislature, may
be confidently anticipated.
I consider, from the high character, literary at
tainments, the -zeal, and general knowledge ofthe
wants of the State, which these gentlemen will
bring to the task of preparing a Report on the
subjects embraced in the the country
lias a guaranty of its ability and practical utility.
It. is eontcir.pl it ‘d by the terms of the resolution,
that the report will be made directly to the Leg
islature, by tha Committee.
Upon tiiis important subject, of universal inter
est, T have, in the discussion of other questions,
incidentally referred to some of the cons’dcrntOils
that may arise in this. One or two a 1 litional sug
gestions only, will he offered at lb s time.
Judging from the demonstrations made during
the past summer, in behalf of Education, it may
he assume 1, that a large proportion of the intelli
gence of the .Slate is in favor of abolish’ng the pre
sent system, (if it lie so regarded,) of cdneat'ng the
poor,and adopting free schools, common to all, in
its stead. A system of common schools, 1 doubt
not, may be established, adapted to the wants of
our people ; but to plant and rear so delicate a
bil l, and at the same time, of such incalculable
important oto the future character of the State,
requires the fostering hand of the Legislature.
The arguments in favor of Common Schools, to
my mind, are clear and unanswerable ; but ob
vious propriety will not allow me to notice but
one or two.
Equal: ‘v in the ilistributYn of benefits by the
State to people, is a cardinal princ'plc of Jus
tice. When this principle is observed, you pro
duce amity, concord and friendship; when disre
garded, th: consequence is li ‘an-bimrngs, dis
content and opposition. Success in this noble
work of educating the jouth of the State, and
thereby preparing thorn, in some measure at least,
Ibr future usefulness to themselves, their families,
and their country, is the business of all classes and
conditions, conjointly and harmoniously co-oper
ating to bring about one general result.
There is in the human heart, n feeling of ap
probation and sic.u ily in systems of education, as
well av other, that are based upon equal rights :
while the opposite feeling of repugnance and m s
trust, springs up for that immili cnee that de
grades the objects of its care, by od.ous distinc
tions. The poor parent may desire to see Irs
eh!! I educated, and feel biaiseT unable to furnish
the means, but be does not wish to be pointed at
as improvident father, who, from folly or crime, is
unable to discharge this duty to las chit 1;’ and
agrfn, the generous, liigli-souled youth would
sooner grope his way in ignoranc > through life,
than to enter t'.ie school-room to be taunted and
jeered by Isis fellows as a charity school. False as
may bo deemed tlifi pride, it is a part of the n;i
----j ture of man, and if it is the dee gn of your policy
to be useful, your education must be general, a id
every difiieuby removed, as far .s possible, to the
consummation of this object. You must invite,
encourage and induce parents to discharge tl.e'r
duty to their children, iu this respect. You can
not, and ought not, to force them. But all dis-
grace, real or imaginary, ail inequality between
the rich and the poor, is swept away the moment
your system of education is common to all.
A commendable emulation, is excit
ed; a closer communication produced,
ties offriendship created, and a broader
field is opened for the full exercise of
manly feelings, which, if not planted in
youth, never take root, by the rich and
the poor mingled together, and deriving
instruction from the same source. But
conclusive as I believe the arguments
to be, in favor of Common Schools, ov
er the system ofeducating the poor, pro
vided by the act of 1843, I forbear fur
ther remarks, and apply myself to the
consideration, briefly, of ihe capacity
of the State to furnish adequate means
for a system of Common Schools.
What are the resources ot the State,
and by what means is the required sum
to be raised, tor the objectainderconsid
eration? This is the great question, and
upon the correctness of your decision
in this regard, hangs the destiny of this
measure.
The Bank-Stock, the income from
which is, under the law of 1843, applied
to educating the poor, is an appropriate
fund to be applied to this object, when
ever the Stale provides for the holders
of bonds of the Central Bank. The
next source of permanent income for
this object, should be the net income
from the Western and Atlantic Rail
Road, after the present liens, and such
as may be necessary to incur forits im
mediate equipment and repairs, have
been redeemed; and the deficiency, if
any, should be supplied by a per capita
tax.
From these fnree sources, it is believ
ed, adequate means for the most enlarg
ed usefulness i light be obtained, if not
presently, at no distant day. In the
meantime, while the Rail Road is en
gaged in discharging its liabilities, let
the income from the Bank Stock, and
the poll-tax be applied to the prepara
tion of teachers, selected from among
our own young ladies and gentlemen,
and educated at our own schools and
colleges. The leading Christian deno
minations in our State have, within a
few years past, founded colleges, and
are annually returning to society high
ly cultivated and moral young men, em
inently qualified to take the lead in this
great work. Besides these Denomina
tional Colleges, there is the University
of the .S'tate; what may it not accomplish
in the preparing and qualify ing of young
men to engage in this important ser
vice?
Encourage these several C-.lieges, by
selecting in some equitable mode, such
young men as afe w filing, for a period
of years, to engage in the duties of teach
ing,to indemnity forthe money expended
in educating them, and you have a guar
anty of securing a corps of teachers,
thus organized, of greater usefulness to
the country, than by any other plan that
has suggested itself to iny mind.
But it this plan be not acceptable, let
a better one be adopted. It has occur
red to me, that providing the necessary
means and securing competent teach
ers, unexceptionable in all respects,
would be the greatest difficulties to over
come. For immediate use, no income
need lie expected from the Rail Road.
The deficiency from that source, if it
should bo deemed advisable to com
mence file system at once, mightbo sup
plied by taxation, or by the Slate issu
ing bonds, the interest a< cruing there
on only, to be paid by the State, which
should be an ultimate charge upon the
receipts oftlie Western & Atlantic Rail
Road. This, I should consider, howev
er, obnoxious to some objections, and
therefore do not press it; but would with
great deference, advise the assessment
of a poll-tax, which, with the income
from Bank Stock, should be applied,
first, to the qualification of teachers; but
if it is believed a sufficient number could
be engaged qualified, not merely from
literary attainments, but from associa
tion, principle, and sympathy with the
people ol'Georgia, the experiment might
well be made, and its beneficial results
tested, from the sourcesofincome allud
ed to. Should, however, the p >ll-lax
and Bank stock, not furnish a fund, com
mensurate with the high claims of edu
cation upon the Legislature, let the de
ficiency be supplied by an open and un
disguised requisition upon the property
oftlie Staff*.
If it is the wish of property holders, to
see the blessings of education extended
to ail classes and conditions of our peo
ple, they will yield to the necessity that
demands the means; but if they do not,
the hop : of success must be deferred to
a more favorable season. But, whatev
er may be the fate of your efforts to ma
ture a system of common schools at this
time, I cannot too earnestly urge upon
you the importance of pledging the
Western & Atlantic Rail Road, with its
net income after discharging its liabili
ties to the great object, in which all are
interested, of common schools. Should
the system recommended, or any other,
receive the favorable consideration of
the Legislature at this time, however
limited the means may be at your com
mand, you must have a head—an able
and responsible Agent < r Superintend
ent, whose duty it shall be to see to the
faithful executon of your own plans; or
your brightest hopes will end in disap -
pointment.
Copies ofthe reports of the Commis
! sioners ofthe Deaf and Dumb Asylum,
| and ofthe Trustees of the Lunatic Asy
! lum, are herewith transmitted. These
j several reports are commended to the
j careful consideration ofthe Legislature,
j as containing highly satisfactory evi
dence ot the fidelity with which these
I Institutions have been managed, and
the corresponding improvement and
benefit derived by those afflicted and
unfortunate classesofour people. These
benevolent institutions were founded in
the warm sympathy ail should feel lor
the aflictions and sufferings, and the ne
cessity of protecting the community
from the possible violence and annoy
ance of unfortunate beings, deprived of
reason.
Each of these Institutions should re
ceive the fostering care ofthe Legisla
ture; and I would fondly hope that'hoth
ing will be left undone to extend the
sphere eftheir usefulness, that all ne
cessary means will be provided,for en
larging the comfort ofthe Lunatics, and
increasing the probabilities of their re
siorati m, and for gladdening the hearts
of the Deaf and Dumb by unvieling to
their understandings the treasures of
knowledge, and pointing out to them
the path ot a virtuous, industrious and
useful life. These are solemn trusts,
confided to your care, and cannot fail
to command yourattontion and cordial
support. The probable amounts re
quned for the support of each Asylum,
will be found in the respective reports.
All efforts to adjust the question of
boundary between this State and Flori
da, by reference or negotiation, have
failed. At the instance of the latter
State, a bill has been liled, andthe ques
tion is now pending before the Supreme
Court of the United States for its deci
sion. The correspondence not hereto
fore communicated to former Legisla
tures, and printed, is transmitted. Be
lieving it to be my duty to have the in
terest ofthe State protected, the lion.
J. M. Berrien was engaged, as the At
tornev of the State, for that purpose.
The last Legislature appropriated
SIOOO to erect a monument over the re
mains ot the lion. John Forsyth, which
are interred in the Congressional bury
ing ground at Washington City, and di
rect and me to cause the same to be
put up with suitable inscriptions, &c.
Upon consiFtation with a member pf
Mr. Forsyth’s family, it. was deemed ad
visable to suspend action under the Re
solution, and refer the subject again to
the Legislature. It would certainly be
more congenial to the feelings of Mr.
F .rsyth’s family and the people of the
State, that this tesrirnaniai of regard
should be erected on some conspicuous
site in our State. The iiiustriuos Dead
was endeared to the people of Georgia
by a life devoted to their interest; and
it appeared to me that there was a pe
culiar propriety in conforming my ac
tion to what I am sure must be the gen
eral wish of all, that the monument con
templated should be erected on the pub
lic grounds near the State Ilou-e, or at
some more eligible place, and that such
addition be made to the appropriation,
as w’ould accomplish the object in a
style worthy the character of the State
and its distinguished son.
At the same session, two hundred dol
lars was appropriated to erec* a Tomb
stone over the remains of General Ja
red Irwin, former Governor of this
State. Upon advising with the surviv
ing daughter of Governorlrwin, I was
informed that a tombstone had been
erected, by the family, over his remains,
equal, ir not superior, to ono that could
be obtained for the sum appropriated;
and upon her indicating a decided pre-
Ibrcncc that the tombstone erected
should remain, unless replaced by one
of greater value, I was induced to sus
pend the execution of the law directing
it to be done, and refer the matter to the
Legislature for such action as it might
deem worthy and proper to perpetuate
the memory of one who has rendered
valuable military and civil services to
the State. .
Under tho authority of an act ot the,
last General Assembly, the unsurveyed’
lands in the county or Ware, were di
rected to bo surveyed and sold. One
hundred and seventy .lots have, beensur
v yed, and advertised for sale on the first
Tuesday of this month, at the Court
House of Ware county. A large pro
portion of the Okefenokee Swamp re
mains unsurveyed, and from the icpoit
oftlie Surveyor, engaged in this service
it would be attended with vast expense
to push the survey further than has been
done’ without much probability of the
State ever being reimbursed for such an
expenditure. What disposition should
be made of the unsurveyed lands in
Ware, consisting mostly, if not entirely
of tile Okefenokee Swamp, is respect
fully submitted to the Legislature.
By a recent decision of the Supreme
Court, a sale of certain fractional lots
of land, authorized under the act of 1817,
lying in the territory disposed <.f under
the Lottery act of 1825, has been declar
ed void, upon the ground, it is under
stood, that the contract between the
State and original purchasers of these,
fraction-; (at least in the case that was
deci led,) was impaired by the subse
quent sale under the act ot 1817. This
decision lias not, I believe, been pub
lished, and 1 have had no opportunity
otsecing it, but if correctly stated above,
provision should bo n ado by law, au
thorizing the Treasurer to pay back to
i the purchasers, tho purchase money and
grant fees received under the act of
1347.
Other lands, declared forfeited by the
act of 1849, tn the county ot Ware, if
not granted by the first ot October 1830,
would have been. offered for sale, at
the same time and place, the newly
surveyed lands were, but forthe appre
hension that the principle settled by the
Supreme Cosm’ in the decision refered
to, would apply to them also.
I found that many errors had taken
place in issuing grantsforfractions, and
chiefly because no numerical book had
been provided so that an entry could
be made in this Department when the
grant passed; hence, I thought a neces
sity existed for having prepared a book
containing the fractional lots of land
throughout the State, arranged alpha
betically as to counties, and similarly to
the land lottery books in number. Such
a book has been prepared with great
care and labor, and supplies a vacuum
that lias heretofore existed in our land
boo's. This labor has been performed
by John T. Smith and Julius M. Patton,
for which a fair compensation should be
allowed them.
Brinkly Bishop, convicted of murder
in the county of Bibb, James Norris in
Butt--, James Johnson in Baldwin, and
Garland D, Cornett in Morgan, have
been respited to December next; Bishop
to the 12th, Norris to the sth, Johnson to
the 2!sth, and Cornett to the 19th, Co
pies of the evidence upon which the
several convictions were founded, with
the petitions in each case, arc, respect,
fully transmitted to the Legislature.
I felt it my duty to withhold my ap
proval of the Acts of the last General
Assembly; and two resolutions, which
are transmitted to the respective Houses
of the Legislature, in which they origi
nated, with my objections to each.
I herewith transmit the Resolutions of
different Slates, received since the ad
journment of the last General Assem
bly, for the consideration of the Legis
lature.
By a joint resolution of the last Gen
eral Assembly, I was authorized to have
the digest prepared byTiios. R-R. Cobb
Esq., of the Statute Laws oftlie State,
with a notice of the decision of the Su
preme Court on each, as far as practi
cable, thoroughly examined by a com
petent Committee, and if found correct
and faithful, to subscribe lor a number
of copies, not exceeding three thous
and, at a price not to exceed $1 per vol
ume. Under the authority of this reso
lution, FrancisH. Cone, Julius Ilillyer, j
and Edward H. Worrell, Esqs., were ap- j
pointed the Committee, who, after dis
charging the duties assigned them, re
ported most favorably ot the work, re
commending the “plan as simple, plain
and intelligible, presenting all the laws
under appropriate heads, so as to make
them readily accessible, almost without
the aid of an Index, and that the whole
execution of the work bears abundant
testimony to the accuracy, ability and
carefulness of the Compiler,” a copy of
which repo: t is transmitted.
Having entire confidence in the fidel
ity of the report, and being fully sensi- j
bio of the necessity of such a work. I
did not hesitate to subscribe for the lull J
number of copies authorized under the
resolution.
A copy of this work lias been sent me
in two volumes, neatly bound, printed
with new type on good paper; and I
cheerfully add my testimony, as far as
lam able to judge, to that of die Coin
mi'tee, oftiie fidelity with which it lias
been gotten up, and its utility with every
class of our citizens. It should be borne
in inind that til's work was printed in
Athens, Ga., and to this extint should
be favorably regarded, as the money
paid for the labor at least, will remain
in the country. To afford becoming en
couragement to this enterprise two thou
sand dollars of the States subscription
was advanced out of the Contingent
Fund, to this object.
In the month ot April last, a vacancy
occurred, by the resignation of Win, B.
Tinsley, in the office ot Treasurer of
the State. Julius M. Patton, Esq. a for
mer Secretary oftiie Executive Depart
ment, having resigned that office, was
appointed by Executive Order. Treasur
er of the State, who, upon giving bond
and taking the oaiii of office, entered
upon the discharge of bis duty; and Lo
gan E. Bleckley was appointed Secreta
ry ‘d the Executive Department.
Two vacancies in tile office of Solici
tor General, one in the Flint, and ihe
other in ihe Southern Circuit, have also
occurred by resignation; and both have
been tilled by Executive appointment:
R. Ranson Stell, Esq., was appointed
for the former Circuit, and George W.
Jordan, Esq., for the latter.
The Report of the Principal Keeper
of the Penitentiary, will be printed and
laid before the General Assembly at an
early day, with a detailed statement ot
the business of the same, for the last
two years, to which I respcciully refer
you.
I felt it my duty to recommend to the
last General Assembly, the propriety
of classifying and separating the con
victs within the walls, according to the
moral turpitude ofthe offence committed
Satisfied of its importance in bringin fr
aboutleformation, the recommendation
is renewed.
For the last two years, the expense of
subsisting the convicts has been large I
ly Increased. Pork atii Corn were
scarce, and commanded nealy, or quite I
100 per cent, on the prices paid the pre
ceding two'years. Independent of this
consideration, the shirt supply of tan
bark that could be obtanied after tbs
most diligent efforts, has reduced the in
come from tanning of leather, and man
ufacturing shoes. Other supplies of
material, suitable to the wood-shops,
were found scarce and high. While
the effect of these causes were sensibly
felt, the difficulty of finding sale for the
manufactured articles at remunerating
prices, was also experienced, render
ing the two last years lest productive of
profit than the two piee iding. The as
sets repor:ed in the Book-Keeper’s
Department, show the ability of the In.
stitution, if a fail-proportion is collected
to sustain itself for the next two years,
without Legislative aid. For the last
four years, no aid whatsoever has been
received from the Sta e Treasury; in
view of which, a claim of the Peniten
tiary againsWhe State, amounting tos4,-
75303. I would recommend to b : paid.
By reference to the items of this ac
count the justice ofthe claim ca lot be
reasonably denied as a legitimate char
ge upon Treasury.
” At the last session, an (unsuccessful
effort was made, to apply apart of the
convict labor to the manufacture of
Freight, and other Cars for the use of
the State Road. The tacilites afforded
by the completion of the Milledgevilie
and Gordon Rail Road, to transport
Cars from the Pententiary to the State
Road, renders this subject worthy of
your consideration- The demand for
Rail Road Cars will exist as long astlu
different Rail Roads of the State are
worked, and the probability of an ovei
supply is not so great as to discourage
the undertaking. So far as the State
Road is concerned, it may be well con
sider and is a proper application, of con
vict labor
In reference to the several acts of the
General Assembly, for the organiza
tion and discipline ot the militia of the
State, so much lias been communicated
by my several predecessors and myself
and so little done, that I reluctantly
bring the subjeet to your notice. Our
prerent mflia system is one of the few,
in which any change might be regarded
an improvement, and none seems more
demanded, than a total repeal of all
laws on the subject, that the Legislature
may be disencumbered oftlie rubbish,
crowded into the Digests, by successive
Legislatures amending repealing and
reviving Acts and parts ol Acts on this
subject.
It is believed, if your legislation was
directed to the organization ofvolunteer
companies, and tile adopting of a plan
for ascertaining with accuracy the ef
fective force of the State, each year,
above tiie age of 18, and under 43 years,
much more would be accomplished, than
is done under the present system.
The inducement to organize volunteer
companies, may be made sufficiently
great to afford a reasonable assurance,
that one-thirdiof the State “capable of
bearing “arms, would at all times be
found attached to volunteer associations.
The effect of the policy would be, to
have ahvaps ready, an effective torce,
somewhat trained. : >t jleast, in the use
of arms, for any emergency.
Under the present plan, the only re
liable force to meet any crisis, however
great, are the volunteer companies
now organized. A commendable spirit
to form volunteer associations, has
manifested itself in many sections oftlie
State, within the last four years, but
their ardor has been checked, from my
inability to furnish arms amlequipmcnts,
This I regard as a great misfortune.—
To the strong arm and stout heart of tho
citizen soldier, must we look for protec
tion in peace au4 in war; and in view
of a possible disturbance, however re
mote iU’may appear to many, of the
amicable relations, existing with the
States of tho Confederacy, or a distur
bance more strictly local and domestic
in its character, does it not devolve up
on the Legislature to provide arms and
munitions to equip at least one-third of
the militia force ot the State! This sub
ject addresses itself with peculiar force
to tho Legislature at this time, from the
attitude assumed by the people in Con
vention last December, that “Georgia
would and ought to resist, (even as a
last reaort)"to a disruption ot’ every tie
which binds her “to the Union, any ac
tion of Congress upon the subject of
slavery in the District of Columbia, or
in places subject to the jurisdiction of
Congress, incompatible with the safety,
flie rights and the honor of the slave
holding States.” Will Georgia “ take
no step backward? Will the triumphant
majority that have ratified this senti
ment, consent that they should not be
provided with arms and munitions ot
war, if need he, to enable them to
maintain this patriotic sentiment! or
will this wise and precautionary meas
ure be postponed, under the persua
sion that the necessity contemplated
by the resolutions of the Convention,
will never arise. If even this was cer
tain, or the probabilities far greater
than the history of passing events would
justify us in believing, I submit it to the
sound judgement of the Legislature, if
the adaption oftlie measure Here recom
mended, of arming the people, would
not do more to prevent usurpation of
power by Congress, in this respect, than
tho adoption of the Resolution them
selves. The State That arms.its citizens,
and gives warning to the aggressor to
beware of the next blow, will bo respec
ted ; but an enunciation to the world,
unaccompanied with any preparation to
sustain it, would rather accelerate, than
arrest the apprehended aggression,
which I am sure it must be the wish ol
all to prevent, however widely we may
differ as to the means best calculated
to effect that object.
r.ysc 4 re.lcctioiis are submitted with no partisan
spirit, wini n-xlesi-!i loirri'uie, orlo rec; li the past
Inal is tue appropriate duly ofthe historian; my'duty is
° ‘ : ,M ‘ '■ ‘* Unn-cs as they exist, to earnestly liryr upon
vour co isidrratioa whatever in my judgment, will con
uii.ii’ to die solely, honor and happiness of the stale, iire
spective oi every consideration Pul Ihe public - eul.
• lai m/ Prongut to the attention of ihe Legislature,
suen measures, as in my judgment, should engage its
a.lent on, my duty is wed nil'll ended- Ever tolerant
.rid rt-p jctm! o .in; op lii ms of others. 1 have never
i-- on oa suitable Peons om to avow rav own, on ill
ipiestioas, Sane cr Fo ieral, of public concemtm ir. .t
a uccu iny constant object, so to exercise myolticia,
,, lIUM :ls ;i V“ I'.-’ P 1 lute a.id advance the honor
inc riguts, lioery and prosperity of Ihe people ofCeir
•au; to.unpress npo . the public mind ihe solemn obliga
t'd” 01 ooserviug good faith in ail things; to diffuse
among ad classestue blessings of education; lo stimulate
t ie people to increased industry py developing the vast
reso irees oi tiie -tale; to inspire all witli a fresh love of
c-ui-ilry, Libertv and Equality.
T i• !l l ye Peon objec.s of my unremitting solicitude.
And II on I his occasion, I abstain from adverting to some
me.s'ircscoii iccted with the to objects, which have so
widely an 1 deeply : g tated ihe public input,grooving , ut
o ae la.e action oi congress, it is not Inc mst ilicopin
••••'have so often expressed, have undergone a change,
or o! a desire to conceal them, hut in deference lo the
popular will, and iny rebut moo'to throw any puss hie
obstael -, or attempt lo <lo s. , in the w. y ofa lull a al en
tire res oration o£ iraleral Iceimgs anti haruioniour ac
tion, unoagthe people of the fatale.
; ’ uatever ilestmy await ns, wlieiher of prosperity or
in.v rsHy, we cannot too oltea invoke the guidance of
” at Inline being, whose favor is jiower, whose displeas
ure is weakness. (, \\ io\t
TELEGRAPHIC.
L I TEII FR <)M EUR() PE.
ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMER FRAXKLIX.
New York, Nov. 2, P. M.
The steamer Franklin has arrived from
Havre, with dates to the 22 i tilt.
The London money market was easy
Consols closed at 97 j- a 97 J.
Trtde in the manufacturing districts was
dull, and prices declining.
(Jetton, M ’rkr.!.—'} lie Cotton market was
depressed, aatl prices i:i favor of buyers:—
There was .continued pressure Jo sell. The
sales oa the 21) !i were 5,000 boles, of which
1 feOO were fur export—no speculative de
mand.
New-Oe LEAN'S, Nov. 3.
Dates from the Rio Grande to thc3o:h u't.
have boon received, which state that Carava
jil attacked and captured Matunaras on the
23 ! ult. 150 Mexicans and other revolution
ists killed and wmindod. Tit city was fired
and the custom house and other buildings
burnt. The American Consul was wound
ed.
New- York, Nov. 3.
( ottos. —Tit: market is heavy. Sales
6090 bales. Flour slightly declined.
Charleston-, Nov. 3P. M.
Cotton". 7 ne. market is droopincr. Sales
to-day 5:0 biles, at 7 a 8J- cents °
Wasiiix TTOX, Nov. 1.
Lis rumored that tlie Chevalier Htilseman
the Austiian a! i ills ter in this city has con -
mpicitod his intention to .Mr. Webster to
withdraw when Kossuth arrives.
The New York Commercial Advertiser
and the New \ ork Herald, of Saturday, con
tain letters charging Kossuth with writing
abusive letters against the Americans, and
stating that it is now doubtful whether he
will visit this country.
A fugitive slave owned in Maryland, was
arrested in Harrisburg on Friday. J’
rest caused no disturbance. ”'l
Baltimore Nov. [ I
The steamship Cherokee arrived at \ v
at halt past. son Saturday afternoon f.,,1
Chagres. with a large number of passtWl
and *2200000 in gold. She f
maihs. “ $
Bigler the Democratic candidate had \
elected Governor of California by 15000?
jority. Both the democratic candidates ?
been returned to Congress, and all the s ;
Ticket elected by one to live thousand m
rity.
Tiie Legislature is strongly Democrat*
Tho whole vote of the State was 45 00f
l’urday was elected “Lieut. Governor 7’
Oregon pipers are filled with painful accom?
of attacks made by the Indians on emUr?
The formerly reported disasters to tluTwi
ing fleet have beet) confirmed. Fifteen
ers are known to have been Ut. qq,,, 11
ing int elligence from California is highly?
orable. The country was quiet. >”
din Lushed. Trade was comparatively j
Real estate was improving. A riot
cur red of a serious description between it
native boatmen ami returning California
Chargees. Fortv of the former, and fiv"/
far as known, of die latter were killed V
many wounded. The messenger of }[’?,
Adams’ Express is missing. I t is f ( . nr ' p ?’’
has been killed. He bad all the despau’
with him. The Oregon, from San p r .„, c j“”
and for Panama, had taken two million^.
FRIDAY MORNING, NOV. 7 )
EXPRESSLY FOR THE TIMF.S
THE GREAT TELEGRAPH CASK*.
rmi.AD-iLniu, 2 o'clock. P. M (
Nov. 3rd, ]S;q. ;
‘Hie U. S. C'renit Court—Judge* Grier w .|
Kane—have deeded the Telegraph ease. Tin
opinion sustains each and all of .Morses patents ,
every particular, and decides that lie was the i B .
ventor of the art of Telegraphing, by recording
a distance, by the means of Electro Magnet;,?,,
and as such, is entitled to protection, and that th
Bain Line infringes upon his claim*. Tim Curt
directed a decree an 1 injunction to Im prcp* r q
by toe complainant s counsel, in accordance
the pr ivcr of the bill. Counsel for Morse’,
George Gifford, of New York; St. Georg,,j
Campbell and George Harding of Philadalpl.ia.
Counsel for Bain’s L’ne, R. IT. Gillctt. \
York ; Win. M. Merideth and Peter MuColl 0 (
Philadelphia.
RAIL ROAD MEETING.
The meeting on Tuesday night was all tint t|
best friend of Columbus could have desired. o nr
people are fairly moused at last, and are ripe for
any exertion of the resources of the city which
be necessary to no-omp]ish tin* workgrf placing it
on an equal : cotin.y of competition with enterprij
ng and rival neighbors, fy, Jong ago an ISM.
we urged in ties paper the importance of this rail
way junet on with Mobile Bay. We have from
time to time, since then, continued to keep th
subject alive in our columns ; and we are gratifiel
t) know from the demonstrations of Tuesday night,
.hot tois community is new not only unaninioiu,
hut enthusiastic in favor of the enterprize. Tin
subscription of $130,000 vj-ith an a Iditioaal sm „
.0 construct a rail-way bridge across tho Chatta
hoochee was recomnienleJ without a dissent hy
tho most, power 1 111 and influential meeting we haro
ever seen assembled in Columbus.
fins city is in a most happy condition to enrt
its financial powers in tit's great work. It don
not owe (1 dollar. From its regular ine vu•* lot
year it was enabled to defray all the c : ty expense*,
pay the interest on the Museague Railroad bond*,
and still have a considerable surplus, and this with
out a resort to its ‘xDiordinarv powers of taxation’
for Railroad purposes granted by tin* Legislator*.
In 18.1. J its I; conic will he increased several fiton
srnid dollars hy the reversion oftlie wharf proper
ty ■ A Railroad tax of otic tftieiricr of one per rent
will enable the city Jo pay its coupons with rgulsr
iti & ease on about $400,000. The best financier*
and the most successful business men in the city
have no hesitation in saving that Columbus ConM
with ease extend her credit half a million of dol
lars for Railway purposes, and not only rnaintVn
it t cred t, hut thereby increase her resources,
while vastly enhancing the interests of all clussn
of the community.
M e heartily approve of the action ofthe meet
ing. Wc only regret ‘tin t ‘it Aid not go fur
ther. Wc are in no condition for half-way
measures. Long stq in -n -ss and delay have Uhd
e l us in a strait where extraordinary energies an 1
exertions are imperiously demau led. There aro
}et toe means of regeneraton within our resell,
out they must he prompt'v seized upon—a f-w
ye ir.-> more of inaction will shut us out from all
hope an I encircle ns with a system of railways
that wd! drain the life-blood of trade away from
our doors. \v e say, let us do what is needful, and
ail that is needful. The first great stop has been
taken —it is to stretch out our hand to the rich
country of Alabama, now locked out from commu
nication with the commercial world and desiring
to pour its products into our laps, gut 1,-t us not
halt here. \Vc have been a long time in starting,
an 1 we must now move in double quick time, to
retrieve the losses of past inaction. A Railroad
to West Point is nr cc v vary, and our proposition is
that whatever is necessary must be done. Tim
million and a half of taxable property in this city
h.is either to advance in amount and value, or
it has to recede. It cannot remain stationary; and
whetner it advances or recedes, depends entirely
ii jKiti our activity in opening new avenues of trade.
A road to W e-t Point, -11 miles, will put us in di
rect and easy communication with the Cherokoo
country, the Tennessee valley and the great west
iieyond. It will dra wto us many bales of cotton
from Troup, liar.is and Heard counties, and giro
us th? advantage of a goo-1 boat navigation on tho
Chattahoochee 100 miles above West Point.
This is not all—we want feeders to our road#
an 1 city from other quarters. We want at least
three short plank roads running to Merriwether,
M iron and Stewart Connies. All these works
ara necessary to our prosperity, and almost to onr
ex’steace.
By means of these we can re-people these
streets, resuscitate and vastly augment our droops
ing trade, save and regenerate our beautiful oitv,
But to do it, we must act now. Wc must turn a
deaf ear to croakers, and go into it with heart and
soul and courage. We must —
Como ns the wind when forests nrerended.
Come as the waves when navies are stranded-.
F. S.—Since writing the above,the City Conn
ed have acted on this subject with most commen
dable promptitude. The conditions of the sub
scription are slightly modified, and while they
meet the views of the people of Columbus, wo aro
happy to learn tliat they are entirely accoptablo
to tlte Company of the Girard and Mobile Road.
The ground being thus cleared, we hope to see
the work pushed along with vigor and energy.—
The road is secure for 50 miles, and should Capt.
Abercrombie succeed in the land bill before Con
gress in favor of tile work, the completion of tho
connection with Mobile Bay will be placed beyond
contingency.
See the proceedings of City Council in our
columns.
ivf?” A great Rail Road meeting was held
tit Nashville, Teun.. Oet 10. at which fifty
delegates were appointed to attend the eott-i
veutlon at New Orleans,