Newspaper Page Text
THE UNION & RECORDER.
Old “Southern Recorder” and “Federal Union’
consolidated.]
»KILLZ!Daz:VXZ.LZl, OA:
Wednesday, January 28, 1874.
Legislative Proceedings.
1 One of the most important measures
passed-by the Legislature is the repeal ol
the Lien law. The planters were anxious
to have the law passed and now are as
anxious to have it repealed. It is very
doubtful whether the law did them most
harm or good. With it many of them
bought too much on credit, and without
it. they may not be able to buy what
they need. It depends more on individ
ual management than on the law whether
it did good or harm.
There has been a committee appointed
to take charge ol‘ the Macon & Bruns
wick Railroad, and either to lease or sell
it on certain restrictions.
Mr. Nutting has introduced a bill re
ducing the mileage of members from
twenty-five cents to ten cents. This is
still too high, but is a great improvement.
One of the members from Fulton, or
from Atlanta, lias iutftiduced a bill to al
ter the Constitution so as to give two
l lembers to each Senatorial district. This
is rich; Atlanta will not permit the peo
ple to hold a Convention to form a Con
stitution for themselves, but Atlanta is
willing for her members to alter the
Constitution so as to reduce the members
to two from each Senatorial district. At
lanta probably finds it too expensive to
feed so many at Pease's Restaurant and
therefore wishes to reduce the number of
members.
The Editor of the Chronicle A Senti-1
nel writing from Atlanta to his [taper,
says: '
One of the most interesting and im
portant measures is the Convention ques
tion. Mr. Williamson, of Baldwin, who
introduced asimilar bill at the last session,
has, as you have already beeu advised,
introduced an act on the important sub
ject of a Constitutional Convention. The
bill provides for the election of delegates
—eight from each Congressional District
—on the first Wednesday in April an<
for the meeting of the Convention on tin
first Wednesday in May. Tliis quest ioi
was to be discussed by the House in Com
miitee of the Whole on. Wednesday, but
the author of the measure requested and
obtained a postponement until Tuesday
week next, on account of the meeting ol
the Georgia State Grange, which convenes
here Wednesday, and at the request ol
sumo prominent opponents of the Con
vontion movement, who are compelled to
oo absent on the day first set down foi
the consideration of the question. Tht
•ost of a Convention under the provisions
jf this bill would be a mere bagatelle to
the State. The expense of seventy-two
delegates—eight from each Congressional
District.,—to frame a new Constitution
would not exceed $20,000. At the very
outside it would not require more thaD
twenty days to frame the organic law.
Seventy-two members at $7 would be
$504 per day and for twenty days it would
be $10,080. The average mileage of each
member would be $74 50, or $5,304 for
mileage, making the per diem and mileage
$15,444. The other expenses of clerks,
etc.; would not exceed $3,000, so that the
entire expense of a Convention under
.Mr. Williamson’s bill would not exceed
$20,000. So far, therefore, as the cost
enters into this important matter, the
people have nothing to apprehend. The
finances of the State are in a flattering
condition and $20,000, or even $30,000,
can be appropriated without any ineoven-
ience whatsoever. The friends of the
measure in the House are confident of
carrying it through that body, but it is
the opinion of your correspondent that
the Senate is not so favorably disposed.
The opposition in this section of the
State, particularly here in Atlanta, arise?
mainly from the fear that if the Conven
tion is called the capital will go back to
Milledgeville. If satisfied in thisparticu
lar, the people of Atlanta would throw up
their hats and shout lustily for a Conven
tion.
The Editor of the Chronicle & Senti
nel writing from Atlanta gives the follow-
. ing significant information. It is very
plain that the Bogus Bondholders and
the Atlanta Ring are running the same
schedule.
"I have it from good authority that the
Northern holders of the Bullock bogus
bonds will not put in an appearance during
the present session. They are afraid to
agitate the “equities” of the question, lest
it might strengthen the cause of the advo
cates 'of a Constitutional Convention. It
is not that they have given up the fight,
but because their absence will help the
opponents of a Convention, the defeat of
which will subserve their interests. The
bogus bondholders fully understand and
thoroughly appreciate the importance to
them of the defeat of the Convention
movement. It means the recognition at
some day in the immediate future of the
$8,000,000. of fraudulent bonds now in
their possession. Should the Convention
movement be defeated the “equities” will
bo urged for consideration at the next
meeting of the General Assembly.
A Lad State of Affairs.
A correspondent of the Telegraph &
Messenger says:
"If the people ever have a convention
they will have to make it a test question
in their elections. I am satisfied that
Atlanta will defeat it every time until the
Capitol is located. Fix the Capitol here,
and vou can have a convention to mor-
row.”
This is good for Atlanta, but very bad
for the State. The Atlanta Ring wants
the Legislature to legislate for Atlanta
not for the people of the State. The
writer to the Telegraph & Messenger
boldly asserts, that Atlanta will defeat
every effort of the people to have a Con
vention unless the Capital is located there.
This, if true, is the strongest reason that
can be urged for taking the Capital from
that place. If the people of Atlanta can
defeat the wishes of the people on such
an important question as a Constitutional
Convention miless the interest of Atlanta
is made predominant, it is high time that
the Capital was located where the mem
bers will not be under the influence of a
lobby Ring.
Look to the Senate.
There was a proverb among the Greeks
that those whom the Gods intend to de
stroy were first made insane. Among
the practical Atlantese they have a pro
verb that those whom the Ring intend to
use they first feast at Pease's and then
make them drunk. Tips being under
stood the announcement that the Senate
were invited by one of the Atlanta Ring
to sup with Pease and his wife was start
ling intelligence to all who want a Con
stitutional Convention. Well might the
As we expected, all the opposition of
the Atlanta press and people to a Conven
tion arises from their fears if a Conven
tion is held that tha Capitol will be car
ried back to Milledgeville, and all of
their pretended fears of the expense of a
Convention is sheer hypocrisy and sel
fishness. If a Convention is called the
Capitol wall not be carried back to Mil-
lodgeville unless the people will it, and if
they do, shall the wishes of the people
be set aside for the ljenefit of the Atlanta
ring ? Does the lobby rule Georgia ?
Mileage.
The Atlanta Herald gives some curious
and pertinent illustrations of the mileage
system. It says:
“The Augusta members get on the
sleeping car at 6 in the evening, pay
$5 75 for a ticket, dream of power and
pomp for about ten hours; wake up in
Atlanta before breakfast, and draw $82
apiece for their one night’s services. The
Savannah members spend a day on the
train, pay about $12 expenses, and draw
$140 api eee for their troubles. The mem
ber from Camden, we believe, gets $275
mileage for two days travel, and $20 out
lay for expenses. The average member
occupies one day in getting to the Capital
pays an average expense of $10, and
draws an average mileage of $84.”
The same paper calculates that at a
reduction of mileage to 10 cents, instead
of 25, there will be a saving to the State,
at each session, of $12,000.
! Speech of Bon. Robert Toombs.
We take issue with the Atlanta Herald
when it says that General Toombs, in his
recent speech, presented no argument in
favor of a Convention that has not been
met and answered. That speech, even
taking the Herald’s imperfect report of it,
contains some of the grandest arguments
and appeals ever made to the freemen of
Georgia, and only give the people a chance
and the Herald will see how they will
respond to its utterances. General Toombs
was at himself entirely when he delivered
that address. We are willing to acc-re lit
the Herald with a moderate capacity, but
we very much question its ability to an
swer that speech. Its utterances are
those of a true patriot and lover of his
State and section; a man who, whatever
may be his rashness at times, loves to
breathe the air of liberty, and whose soul
no slavish chains can bind; one who has
never yet lifted up'his voice against his
people in their hour of distress, as did
some of the infamous and black-hearted
traitors who aided in fastening the present
Constitution upon the people, while the
best and truest sons of the Commonwealth
were disfranchised and not allowed to
open their mouths to speak for Georgia.
A temporary expediency may require a
postponement of this question, for the
present, but be assured the people will be
heard in the matter, and that at no dis
tant day.—Rome Commercial.
Savannah News exclaim “Let the friends
of removal tremble the Senate are invited
to sup with Pease and his wife tonight.
It was understood why they were invited
when tlic invitations were given out. If
reports are true some important meas
ures concerning Atlanta liavo been deci
ded in restaurants and saloons. But
perhaps the Ring may be disappointed
at last. A majority of the Senate may
not be corrupted by supping with Pease
and his wife. A good supper is such a
rare thing in Atlanta that the Atlantese
believe a man can be bribed to do almost
anything for tho privilege of supping
w ith Pease and his wife. But many of
the Senators, when at home, have supper
every night; to such it can’t be such a
great privilege to sup with Pease and his
wife, as the people of Atlanta may im
agine. Wc shall see what effect this
supper has had on the Senate, when the
vote on the Convention bill is analyzed.
Gen. Toombs’ Speech in the Rep
resentative Hall.—In this issue we
have published a part of Gen. Toombs’
speech as we find it reported in the Chron
icle & Sentinel. Wc expect to publish
the remainder in our next issue, and we
call upon every one to read it that has
an opportunity. It is not often that any
of us have an opportunity to read such a
speech. It is equal to the best efforts of
Demosthenese. Tho circumstances' which
surrounded him are like those in* which
Demosthenese was placed when he de
livered his Pliillipies. Philip of Macedon
had bribed the other Athenian orators,
and they mocked and ridiculed Demos
thenese as Henry Clews and the Atlanta
ring has found means to close the ears of
the Atlanta audience against Gen. Toombs.
By not heeding the remonstrances of De
mosthenese the Athenians lost their liber
ty. Let Georgians take warning from
their example.
An able article on “The Constitu
tional Convention" from “Pro Bono” was
received too late for publication this
week. We take this occasion to urge
our friends not to put off their commu
nications, advertisements, etc., till the
jast da/ before publication.
The Lien Law.—The Senate ses
sion on Saturday passed the bill re
pealing the lien law, to take effect
the first of November. It is a grave
question, and elicited a very animated
discussion amongst the members of the
higher branch of the Legislature. As
the bill passed, it repeals the liens of
factors,merchants and all others,except
landlords, for supplies furnished their
tenant. This feature of the bill gave
rise to more objection than the repeal
itself. The repeal was resisted more
strenuously by the Senators from North
Georgia than any other section of the
State. North Georgia is just begin
ning to realize the great benefit of the
law, and is as enthusiastic over its
operation as the people of your section
were three years ago.
The Usury Law.—The Finance
Committee of the House has reported
adversely to the repeal of the law
enacted last session.
I learn that they were of opinion that
the law had not had a fair trial, and
wished to give it another year. The
ipost ardent supporters of the bill to
reenact the usury laws are the banks
and bankers. Why is this thus?
Columbia, S. C., January 25—A loco
motive on the Greenville railroad explod
ed last night six miles above Columbia,
killing the engineer, John Lane and mor
tally wounding a colored fireman.
Nashville, January 25.—Maurice Ed
gar, a news agent on the Nashville and
Chattanooga railroa ., was shot and killed
by a gambler named Al. Stevens. Ste
vens was arrested,
Texas boasts of the superfine quality of
its flour.
Gorman, of Talbotton, in addition to a
newspaper, an orange grove, and the girls
proposes to run a grist mill.
The Hoosac Tunnel, one of the grandest
engineering feats of modern times, when
completed will have cost Massachusetts
somewhere about $12,000,000, including
interest according to official estimates.
^ voted in 1864 for McClellan
Grant
Letter From Athens.
University ol Georgia—I’iof. II. C. While—Pi of.
Waddell—Lucy Cobb Institute—G?n Win. M
Browoe—“Farm and Home”—.Madnme Sosttowski's
School—“Immortal Polish Lnuu”—Fine Painting.—
Sherman in S. C. iu 18 5—Rrv. C. W. Line—Rev.
H. E. Lucas—Mr. W. J. nes and Botauy—Story ol
Athenian hie—“Athens” should be "Rome Ks|ii«l
growth of Athena—Mr. T. A. Burke—Nor'h East
ern R. R.—Work progressing Almost finished to
Air Line—To extend to Rabun Gap —Cotton com
ing to market—“All aboardOff.
Athens, Ga., January, 1874.
We cannot leave this beautiful city
■vithout chronicling for your readers a
few observations respecting it. The most
striking feature of the place is, of course,
its State University. I must add, also,
its two excellent institutions for the edu
•ation of females, the Southern Hornt
School for Young Ladies,” conducted bj
the accomplished Madame Sosnowski ano
!ier daughter; and the celebrated "Lncj
Cobb Institute” of which Mrs. A. E
Wright is the able Principal. These thie*
popular and well known educators of tie
young make up the solar centre aroum
which all other Athenian interests re
volve, and from which the latter proxi
mately and remotely derive their sustain
ing light and warmth.
We cannot, enter into any of
the particulars respecting these institu
tions. They send out their catalogues
and circulars, and are too well known to
Georgians to need any notice such as we
can write. It may be mentioned, however
that the present able and popular Chan
cellor persists iu his determination to re
tire at the end of the present collegiate
year. Among the conjectures here n
reference to his successor, the name ol
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston seems to be
mentioned oftenest. We had the pleasure
of meeting only two of the Professors—
Prof. H. C. White of the Chemical and
Geological department, and Wm. Henry
Waddell, Professor of the Latin Language
and Literature. We found the former
busily engaged in analyses of fertilizers,
surrounded with the weird implemental
machinery of his Labratory, beihmmed in
mists exhaling from complex alembics and
crucibles, and immersed in clouds of per
fumery which we did not mistake, after
due nasal analysis, for any of Labia’s.—
Although the youngest, probably of any
Professor in the University, he lias a very
high reputation among scientists. He is
a native of Maryland. From Prof Wad
dell we received the courtesy of being
shown through the extensive University
Library and other attentions. His repu
tation as an instructor, and as the author
ol’ a valuable grammar of tho Greek Lan
guage, is widely known.
We also visited the two female institu
tions already mentioned, seeing at the
“Lucy Cobb” some of the fair daughters
of Milledgeville. Mrs. Wright, the wor
thy Principal, conducted us through the
institution and explained to us all of the
excellent facilities afforded there for ac
quiring a thorough education.
Near the Lucy Cobb Institute now re
sides the accomplished General Wm. M.
Browne, editorof “The Farm and Home,”
recently published in Memphis. We were
pleased to learn that this valuable agricul
tural and literary journal will probably
be restored to Georgia soon—having been
published in Memphis, Tenn., for two
years past. We cannot doubt that the
intelligence of Georgia will give the Farm
and Home a liearty welcome on its return
to the land of its birth: and a welcome
still heartier to its distinguished and able
editor. We had a long and most inter
esting conversation with Gen Browne,
whose acquaintance we have enjoyed since
meeting him in the dark days of 18(53 at
the Executive office of President Jefferson
Davis in Richmond. Gen. B. held a high
ly honorable and confidential appointment
in the Executive Department of President
Davis.
We must not forget our visit to Mad
ame Sosnowski’s Southern Home School.
We cannot imagine a school wherein
young ladies could receive a more thor
ough education under more genial and
refining influences, than at Madame Sos-
nowski’s school. She is the widow of a
Polish patriot who lost liis country in the
fatal attempt to restore Polish independ
ence in 1831. It was of this brief but he
roic struggle that the English poet Tlios.
Campbell exclaimed
“ And have I lived to see thee sword in hand
Uprise again, immortal Polish Lend ?’*
The accomplished MissCallie Sosnows
ki is an assistant teacher in this institu
tion. We were especially interested in
the fine paintings in oil colors from tlic
skilled pencil of Miss S. we had the pleas
ure of seeing during our visit. This ar
tist has secured the premiums for oil
paintings at several of our State Fairs,
and no wonder. Her portraits and her
landscapes are alike executed with the
hand oha master.
These ladies, Madame S. and her daugh
ter resided in the suburbs of Columbia.
S. C. when Gen. Sherman's forces de
stroyed that city in 1865. We heard from
their lips graphic accounts of the terrors
of that fearful and barbarous event. In
any controversy—supposing such to exist
—whether Sherman's soldiery or Gen.
Wade Hampton’s fired the fated Capital
of South Carolina, the truthful and cir
cumstantial testimony of Madame Sos
nowski and her daughter would forever
settle the question.
We must not neglect to mention two
worthy and well known ministers of the
Gospel we had the pleasure of meeting
here—Rev. Chas. W. Lane and Rev. H.
E. Lucas. The former in liis brief resi
deuce here has already endeared himself
to the Athenians, not only of his own
congregation, but of others. Conscien
tious iu every particular, zealous in de
voting all his energies to the work of the
Great Master, with a mind amply stored
with learning, and yet studious in the
highest degree, this good Shepherd is
wedding a power for good which must
lay up for him a crowu of glory in the
higher life. We rejoice to find him prop
erly appreciated here. Of the Rev. Mr.
Lucas we saw but little—that little, how
ever, being extremely pleasant—but we
heard from others many just and gratify
ing encomiums on him and on the good
work of which he is making himself the
author.
Another delightful personal reminiscence
is that of a brief visit to tho quiet and
charming home of Mr. William Jones,
formerly editor of the “Cultivator.”—
Driven by the “War between the States”
from his home on the seashore of Liberty
county, he has made his home here, where
he now leads the life of a man of letters.
His “pet” science has been Botany for
many years; and his acute observation
and enthusiasm have enriched Southern
Floral Science with some plants previous
ly undescribed. We found him, however,
busy at the present in some ethnological
reading. His son, Dr. W. Jones is the
present editor of the Cultivator.*
We hear a story here illustrative of the
bias towards learning pervading even the
conversational style of Athens. Many
years since one of the University Profes
sore, then unmarried) by previous engage
ment went to a brilliant party as the es
cort of three young ladies, all from the
sumo household, which ladies we may
designate as Nos. 1, 2, and B, In the
course of the evening Prof. L. jtromen
aded with No. 1 on the pavement near
the mansion to an eminence overlooking
a part of Athens. The young lady re
marked, “I do not think this place should
be named Athens." “ What Bhould it be
called," inquired the man of learning.—
“Rome," she replied. “Why Rome ?” he
asked. “Because it is situated on seven
hills.” Returning, Prof. L. soon promen
aded with No. 2. Almost unconsciously,
the twain followed the same route to the
same elevation. Immediately on arriving
there, No. 2 exclaimed, “This city should
not be named Athens." “What shonld
be its name?” inquired the startled Pro
fessor, “Rome,” was the answer. “Why
Rome ?” “Because it is situateacn teven
hills.” With no little of hidden mirth,
the gallant escort hastened to the festive
wone, and was soon leading the beautiful
No. 8 to the same magie summit.—
Immediately followe 1 the colloquy:
“This city should not be named
Athens.” “What should be its name?”
“Rome.” Why Rome ?” "Because it is
situated on seven hills. A\ her eat tlio man
of learning fell prone on the earth in un
controllable mirth ; then rising, explained
to the fan- one the mirth-compelling coin
cidence, sue! for and obtained the fair
one's pardon for the strange laughter.
Athens is growing rapidly; and we
have never seen a more beautiful little
city. Intelligence, refinement and religion
cluster here. Real estate commands large
prices, and the future of the place seems
bright indeed. We learn in a very inter
esting conversation with Mr. T. A. Burke
(the pop ilar book-seller of the city) that
the North Eastern Railroad will soon be
in ojperation to the Air-Line Road, 40
miles, to a point near Belton. This en
ergetic company, of which Mr. John W.
Nicholson is the President, is determined
,o push its line speedily across the Air
line to the Rabun Gap. there to meet the
ailway line in construction southward
rom Knoxville, Tenn. Me may safely
tay, therefore, that Athens will have with-
u three years, direct railway connexion
with Tennessee, teeming with cheap pro
visions, and with abundant coal; also
with Cincinnati through the heart of
Kentucky—by a route nearly 200 miles
shorter than tm present.
But the re. .ring train is ready : We
depart'with i eg ret. On the wagon road
a long train of vehicles drawn mostly by
oxen, are bringing cotton bales for sale to
the merchants of Athens. W. G. M.
Bor 5.
REPUDIATION !
PROVO XVOBLS OLD GEORGIA
Iff 1865 ! !
LOOK AX HSR.
By “Compulsion” She Repudiated
the War Debt But She would not
Repudiate any Claim or Debt for
Purposes “not Incidental to a State
of War.”
Although ^hen the war closed in 1865,
Georgia came out of it with a debt of
$20,000,000, more than two thirds of
which was created for the purpose of
carrying on tho war. Her People or her
Property Holders and Tax Payers did
not become so “demoralized ’ as to feel
that it was either right or proper to repu
diate just debts of their own contracting,
even though it was incurred in a "Lost
Cause.” They fell that when they went
into the war, they were grown men, and
had gone into it with their eyes open.* They
knew it would cost money, and entail a
debt, either large or small, upon them
selves and their posterity, for whose ben
efit, in common with their own, they had
gone into it; and as posterity would in
herit their property, or what was left of
it, like honest men, the Property Holders
and Tax Payers of the State wero ready
and willing to pay the last farthing that
was due, that their Representatives in the
Legislature had contracted to pay. Conse
quently there were bat very few, in Geor
gia up to the Fall of 18(55, who were in
favor of Repudiating any portion of the
debt of Georgia. But after the Conven*
tion was called, it began to be “whisper
ed” about that President Johnson would
not recognize Georgia as haring resumed
her relations of loyalty to the Union with
out her repudiating every dollar of the
debt contracted for the purpose of cany
ing on the war against the Government
of the United States.
Notwithstanding these “whispers,” and
while Provisional Governor James John
son did not hesitate, in his conversation
with all, to advocate repudiation, and to
give countenance lo tliese “whispers” as
to what tho United States Government
required of Georgia, yet when the Con
vention met on the 25th October, 1865,
out of 301 members to the Convention
upon a close canvass, it was believed
there were not exceeding 50 or 60 Mem
bers in the whole Convention who favor
ed repudiation in any form. These 50 or
60, however, were not idle, but worked
vigorously InJ vain did they circulate
these “givings out” of the “Powers tliat
be,” urging with those who abhored the
idea of having a Provisional Goveror over
us that we would never get rid of tliis
Provisional Governor, and would never
have our own Governor, nntil werepudia
ted that portion of our debt created for
the purpose of carrying on the war. But
it was “no go.” These Repudiators made
so little “headway," that, on the 28th Oc
tober, a motion was made to appoint a
committee to wait upon the Provisional
Governor, and ascertain from him, wheth
er or not he know, from his connection
with the authorities at Washington, that
it was “essential to the resumption of am
icable relations with the United States
Government that wc should repudiate
our war debt," but that proposition was
voted down.
Notwithstanding the voting down the
above proposition on Saturday the 28th
day of .October, on the Monday morn
ing following Provisional Governor
Johnson sent to the Convention the fol
lowing:
Executive Office, )
Milledgeville, Oct. 30th, 1865.)
Gentlemen of the Convention:
On last evening, I received the follow
ing telegrams. Concuring in the Justice
and propriety of tho views.therein con
tained, it is respectfully recommended tliat
the action of the Convention conform
thereto.
JAMES JOHNSON.
Provisional Governor of Georgia.
Received at Milledgeville, Oct. 29th,
1865, at • o’clock minutes by tele
gram from Washington.
Oct. 28th.
To His Excellency James Johnson :
Your several telegrams have been re
ceived. The President of the United
States cannot recognize the people of any
State as having resumed the relations of
loyalty to the Union, that admits as legal
obligations, contraots or debts created
on them to promote the war of the Re
bellion.
(Signed) WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
Received at Milledgeville, October 29th,
1865, by Telegram from Washington,
28th.
To Governor Johnson:
Your dispatch has been received. The
people of Georgia should not hesitate one
single moment, repudiating every single
dollar of debt created for the purpose of
aiding the Rebellion against the Govern
ment of the United States. It would not
do to levy and collect Taxes from a State
and People, that are loyal, and in the
Union, to pay a debt that was created to
aid in taking them out, thereby subvert
ing the Constitution of the United States.
I do not believe that the great mass of
the People of the State of Geqrgia, when
left uninfluenced will ever submit to the
pay/nent of a debt which was the main
cause of bringing on their past and pres
ent sufferings, the result of the rebellion.
They who invested their capital in the
creation of this debt, must meet their
fate, and take it as one of the inevitable
results of the rebellion, though it may
seem hard to them. It should at once be
made known at home and abroad, that no
debt contracted for the purpose of dis
solving the Union of the States, can, or
ever will be paid by taxes levied on the
people for such purposes.
(Signed) ANDREW JOHNSON.
President U. S.
(By the above it will be seen that oven
President Johnson was not in favor of
Georgia repudiating her debts due to
Ordinary Civil Officers fob Civil Ser
vices, &c.)
The above message, and its contents,
however, created much excitement, and
indignation, with many. From the word
ing of Messrs. Seward and Johnsons
Telegrams, it was evident that Provision
al Governor Johnson had asked for them,
£c. Consequently, on the 31st of October, j
JUr. Morgan of Dougherty, offered the
following, which was immediately taken
up andadeyptafL
And^et
‘Whereas t#c Telegrams, one from the
President of the United States, and the
other from the Secretary of State, have
been received and read to this Conven
tion, indicating in rather plain terms
what course should be pnr.-Uid by the
Convention in relation to the State debt
of Georgia, contracted to carry on the
war, which telegrams both refer to com
munications received from the Provision
al Governor of this State.”
■■It is therefore Resolved, That a com
mittee of three be appointed from this
body, by the Chair, and required to call
upon tho Provisional Governor, Janies
JohuscSi. for a copy of the telegrams sent
bv him to Washington, and all commu
nications between him and the Depart
ment at Wasliington, relating thereto."
The President appointed Messrs. Mor
gan of Dougherty, Warren of Pulaski
and Jourdan of Jasper.
The committee haring discharged their
duty, on the same evening the following
reply was received:
Executive Office, j_
Milledgeville, October 31st, 1865. )
Gentlemen of the Convention:
I have the honor herewith to transmit
to vou copies of Telegrams sent by me
last Friday, (27th inst.,) to the Secretary
of State and His Excellency the Presi
dent of the United States.
These Telegrams, and the replies to
them before communicated, exhib
it all the official instructions I have had
with the Government or any of its offi
cers in relation to tlte debt of Georgia.
(Copy) To Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of
State, Washington, D. C.
We are pressed on the War debt; what
should the Convention do ?
J. JOHNSON,
Governor, &c.
(Copy)
To His Excellency Andrew Johnson,
President United States, Washington,
D. C.
We need some aid to reject the
war debt. Sendme some word on the sub
ject. What shall the Convention do ?
J. JOHNSON,
Prov. Governor Georgia.
Still, all this “presure from within and
without” could not induce the committee
of sixteen, with Governor Jenkins its
Chairman, (to whom had been referred the
various Ordinances and Resolutions of
fered-in relation to the war debt) to re
port in favor of Repudiating the war
debt. For, yn the 6th November, 6 days
after tliese Telegrams, Governor Jenkins
reported to the Convention that the com
mittee were "unable to agree on the sub
ject ol’ the Repudiation of the War Debt”
and “asked that the Committee lie dis
charged from the consideration if that
subject.*
On the lid of November, however, Mr.
Chappell having reported an Ordinance
(I only here quote the heading) entitled:
“An Ordinance to render null and void
all the debts of the State created for the
purpose of carrying on the War against
the United States.”
After receiving the report of the Com
mittee of sixteen, the Convention, on mo
tion of Mr. Chappell—took up the Ordi
nance introduced by him.
While the first and second Sections of
the Ordinance seemed to repudiate only
the debt created for the purpose of carry
ing on the war, yet the third Section,
in its seeming indiscriminate and whole
sale prohibition of the payment of all
Bills, Bonds, Notes, or other evidences of
debt whatever, issued by the State, &c.,”
was considered as going beyond that ob
ject, and a part of the second Section, or
clause, being rather ambiguous, there was
much apposition to the Ordinance as in
troduced.
It was contended, and urged, by its
apponents, that if the Ordinance passed,
without Amendment, it would repudiate
many debts not incurred for the purpose
of carrying on the war, but incurred for
other purposes. Among which, it was
stated, was the debt incurred by giving
State Treasury Notes to State Civil
Officers i or their Salaries, and Mem
bers of the Legislature and others for
their Services,—which were “not inciden
tal to a State of War,” and who have held
then* Notes during the war and since for
the purpose of getting Bonds or Money
for them as promised in theirlace; also,
among which were State Bonds issued in
February 1861, to pay the State’s Sub
scription to the Atlantic and Gulf Rail
road, a Road commenced before the war,
and "not incidental to a state of war.”
During the discussion of Mr. Chappell’s
Ordinance, Mr. Alexander, of Thomas,
introduced a substitute for the same, also
repudiating the war debt alone, when Mr.
Warren of Pulaski moved to amend Mr.
Alexander’s substitute as follows :
That all Bonds, Bills, Treasury Notes
and all other securities, issued by the
State of Georgia, or by any Officer there
of, to aid, directly or indirectly, in car
rying on or supporting the late war
against the United States, be and they
are each and all of them hereby declared
null and void, and the Legislature of the
State is forever prohibited from recogniz
ing the same or any part of them, or in
any way directly or indirectly providing
for tlic payment of the same or any part
thereof.
This Amendment being a clear prohibi
tion of tho payment of the Treasury
Notes given to the State Civil Officers,
and Members of the Legislature for their'
Salaries and Services, it was at once
voted down by a large majority. -
Immediately after the vote, as the
Journal of the Convention shows, the
Honorable Joshua Hill, of Morgan, moved
to amend the Ordinance of Mr. Chappell,
by striking out in the second Section, or
clause, of the Ordinance, all after the
words “carrying on the war” and insert
in lieu thereof tlie following:
“Provided that nothing hehein contain
ed shall prevent any Legislature hereaf
ter to assemble from making appropria
tion of money for the payment of any
claim against the State, originating after
the 19th day of January 1861, when it
shall bo made clearly to appear that such
claim was founded upon a consideration
disconnected with any purpose of aiding
or assisting in the prosecution of the late
war against the United States and not
incidental to a state of war.”
Mr. Hill, upon offering the above “Pro
viso,” distinctly and unmistakeably made
known or “declared” to the Convention,
that liis “object” in offering the Amend
ment* was “to secure to the Ordinary
State Civil Officers who had received
and held State Treasury Notes for their
Salaries or Services during the war, pay
ment in an available currency.”—After
this Amendment, there being no opposing
remarks, the vote was taken, when the
Amendment or ‘‘Proviso” was adopted by
an oyenvhehning vote.
After which, tho Ordinance of Mr.
Chappell was adopted, as amended, with
out further opposition. But so “repug
nant” to the great body of the Conven
tion was then* having to repudiate any
portion of the debt of Georgia, that not
withstanding Mr. Chappell made several
efforts to have the Ordinance incorpor
ated into and to be made a part of the
State Constitution, yet the Convention
refused to do so.
We may all go back and examine the
past of Georgia and while we will find
much to be proud of, there is no page in
her History that will shine brighter than
this one, which shows in what manner, in
1865, she repudiated her war debt.
Audyet the Journal of the Convention
does not do her full justice. Although
the Journal itself shows partially tide
strong spirit of indignation Halt by the
Representatives of the People in the Con
vention, w hen they were satisfied they
were obliged to repudiate the war debtf;
yet, as I was in Milledgeville at the time,
I can truly say that while before, and
since, I have seen men and women show
much indignation and feeling at being
forced to pay their own debts, dee., that
was the first time I ever saw a large body
of men, perhaps 200, who seemed really
indignant, when being informed that they
and their constituents would not be allow- duced
ed to pay their own debts. /ear.
rorvbody authorized
be paid under Mr.wnll's Amendment ha
been paid, while the VERT^ MEN
Mr. Hifl and the
INTENDED TO
ing Mr. Hill's Amendment - HAVE NOT
YET BEEN PA^Dl '
But, taring written
V *t
upon this
mfieh
subject I will say no more, I only publish
this that the whole Legislature may see
the “Record,”pn detail, upon this subject.
Very Respectfully,
PETERSON THWEATT.
Atlanta, January, 1874
HON. JOSHUA HILL S LETTER—
HIS PROVISO, &C* *.
Madison, Dec. 3d, 1873. ’
Peterson Thweatt :
My Dear Sir :—Your favour of the
first instant, is before me. My recollec
tion of the history of my Amendment to
Mr. Chappell's Repudiation Ordinance,
and tho arguments offered in support of
it, are in substance the same as your
own.
I declared my object in offering the
Amendment, was, to secure to the ordi
nary State Civil Officers who had receiv-
bd and held State Treasury Notes for
their Salaries or Services during the
war payment in an available currency. In
accenting the Amendment, I considered
that the Convention approved my avowed
purpose.
It is true that’Judge Harris, yourself and
some others similarly circumstanced, did
confer with me, .before I presented my
Amendment. I am only surprised that
so long a time has elapsed, without pro
vision having been made by the Legisla
ture to pay such Officers. There can be
no good reason for withholding payment
of Salaries of such Officers, simply be
cause they consented to accept the prom
ises of the State, in the shape of Treasury
Notes, and kept them, deriving no benfit
from their possession. With high regard,
Yours Truly,
JOSHUA HILL.
Afraid of the People.
There is but little prospect of a Con
vention being called to revise the State
Constitution, although several bills
have been oflered to that effect.—
Nor will they submit the question
to a vote of the people ; that would
be a dangerous experiment, in the
opinion of some ot these wise law
givers. The people cannot be trust
ed, according to one Senator, who
attempts to frighten people with a
buncombe resolution about Federal
interference. That little game has
long since played out. The people
were bullied into adopting the present
Constitution; but they have long since
learned that arguments of that sort are
all bosh. While it would be dangerous
for a Convention to make needed
changes in the Constitution, yet the
Legislature may, according to their
idea, patch and half-sole the organic
law with amendments ad infinitum.
A committee, consisting of Messrs.
Harris, Hillyer and Cain, have been
appointed, on the part of the Senate, to
whom all amendments to the Constitu
tion must be submitted.—Gtcinnelt
Herald.
We hope that our cotemporary is
mistaken in its prediction of the action
of the Legislature upon the Convention
question. We have strong hopes that
the measure in its present shape will
pass, and that the Legislature will per
mit the people to decide the question
for themselves. We have no doubt
that a good many members, like the
Senator alluded to by the Herald,
believe that ‘ the people cannot be
trusted,” but they will hardly venture
to make this announcement publicly
by their votes. We reiterate our
former assertion that there is but one
question before the Legislature. The
members are not called upon to deter
mine whether it is right or wrong to
hold a Convention; whether it is
expedient or inexpedient to hold a
Convention; whether it will cost much
or little to hold a Convention; whether
the present Constitution is good, bad or
indifferent; whether the capital shall
be located in Milledgeville or Atlanta.
They are simply asked to say whether
or not the people of Georgia shall have
the privilege of deciding by their bal
lots the question of Convention or no
Convention. We care not what may
bethe individual opinion of a legislator;
nor how wrong, how inexpedient or
how expensive he may think the hold
ing of a Convention, he has no right
to say that the people shall not vote
upon the question. He has no right
to gag with his opinion an expression
of the wishes of his constituents. Yet
this is what those members will
attempt to do who vote against the pas
sage of the bill introduced by Mr.
Williamson.—Chronicle Sentinel.
The Royal Marriage.
Big Fuss in two Big Countries over a
Wedding.
St. Petersbrug, January 23.—The mar
riage of the Duke of Edinburgh to the
Grand Duchess Maria was solemnized at
one| P. M. The day was observed as a
holiday, and since early this morning
salutes have been fired, and file streets
crowded with people. The festivities in
the celebration of the event will continno
several days. The city is gaily decorated,
and it will be illuminated to night, Satur
day night and Sunday night. On Mon
day a grand military review will take place
in front of Winter Palace. The troops
participating will consist of forty-one
batallions of infantry, thirty-seven squads
of cavalry and artillery, with a force of
one hundred and forty guns.
The weather is delightful and sleigh
ing is splendid.
London, January 23.—Flags are display
ed from all public and many private build
ings in honor of the marriage of the Duke
of Edinburgh. Windsor Castle, the resi- 1
dence of the Prince of Wales, at Sandring
ham, and other buildings occupied by the
royal family are profusely decorated with
bunting. Throughout the entire country
bells are ringing in honor of the nuptials
and marriage services are being celebra
ted in all English churches.
_ «e inimical to health, as
have an unwholesome com
bination af the two at this season. They
penetrate tha skm and integuments and
affect the muscular, glandular and ner
vous organizations, producing rheuma
tism, neuralgia, chills and fever, and
wheat there is a tendency to dyspepsia or
liver complaint, provoking an attack of
indigestion or biliousness. The best ad
vice that can be given under such circum
stances is to keep the external surface of
the body warmly clothed, and to keep
the internal organs in vigorous -krai-king
order with the most wholesome and ge
nial of all tonics, Hoe tetter’s Stomach
Bitters. Gradually but constantly this
famous invigorant is superseding the
adulterated liquors of commWei^Tts a
medicinal stimulant and corrective, in all
parts of the country. It will be a happy
day for humanity, and it will surely come,
when this pure restorative shall have
taken the place of raw spirits as a stimu
lant iu all our puplic and private” hospi
tals. It is not, however, merely a harm
less substitute for the fiery stimulants re
ferred to. Its stimulating properties arc
not its chief merits, although in this re
gard it surpasses all the uninedieated
product of the still, domestic or import
ed. The powerful influence it exercises
over the torpid and toneless stomach,
the disorded liver, the constipated bow
els, and the relaxed nerves, render it a
positive specific in dyspepsia, liver com
plaint, intestinal constriction, nervous
weakness, hypochondria, rheumatism and
sleeplessness. All chronic complaints
are aggravated by a cold, moist atmos
phere, and it is therefore particularly ne
cessary for those who are afflicted with
ailments of tliis nature, whatever their
type may be, to meet tliis predispos
ing cause of sickness with a wholesome
antidote. Hostetter’s Bitters .should be
taken daily at this season by all persons
laboring under chronic ailments that tend
to weaken the system. (24 lm.
Caleb Cushing Again.—People ought
always to be very careful how they write
letters. While the nomination.of Caleb
Cushing, for Chief Justice, was before the
Senate, somebody ransacked among the
old Confederate archives now on file in
Washington, and found a letter from
Caleb Cushing to Jefferson Davis. Presi
dent of the Confederate States recommend
ing a certain individual to Mr. Davis’
kind consideration. Now there was noth
ing in said letter that could be construed
as disloyal to the “Glorious Union,” but
then it was written to “Jeff Davis," and
that was enough. Hearing of the rumpus
this letter was producing, Mr. Cushing de
clined the office and President Grant with
drew the nomination. So Mr. Cushing will
go to Spain as Minister at last, and
somebody else will be Chief Justice.
The Question Settled—Those emi nent
men, Dr. Jas. Clark, Physician to Queen
Victoria, and Dr. Hughes Bennett, say
that consumption cm be cured. Dr. Wis-
tar knew this when he discovered his
now widely known Balsam of Wild Cherry,
and experience has proved the correctness
of his opinion.
SIMMONS
REGULATOR
The Fftrorlte Home Remedy.
This unrivalled Medicine is warranted not to eon to in
a single particle of Mercury, or any injurious mineral
substance, bat is
PURELY VEGETABLE,
containing those Southern Roots and Herbs, whhJi an
all-wise Providence has placed in countries where
Liver Diseases most prevail. It will cure ail Diseases
caused by Derangement of the Liver and Bowejs,
Simmons’ Liver Regulator, or Medicine,
Is eminently a Family Medicine; and by being kept
ready lor immediate resort will save many an hour of
suffering and many a dollar in time and doctors’ bills.
After over Forty Years’ trial it ia still receiving the
most unqualified testimonials to its virtues from por»
sons of the highest character and responsibility. Emi
nent physicians commend it as the most
EFFECTUAL SPECIFIC.
For Dyspepsia or [Indigestion. 1
Armed with this ANTIDOTE,all climates and changes
ot water and food may be taced without fear As a
Remedy in Malarions Fevers, Bowel Complaints, Rest
lessness, Jaundice, Nausea,
IT HAS XTO EQUAL.
It is the Cheapest, Pnreat and Best Family Medicine
in the World!
Manufactured only by
J. H. ZHILIN A CO-,
MACON, G.%., and PHILADELPHIA.
Price, $1.00. Sold by all Druggists.
Dec. 17, 1873. 21 ly.
Jot to the World ! Woman is Free!—Among
tho many modern discoveries looking to the happiness
and amelioration of the human race, none is entitled
to higher consideration than the renowned remedy—
Dr. J. Bradfield'a Female Regulator, Woman’s Best
Friend. By it woman is emancipated from number
less ills peculiar to her sex. Before its magic power
all irregularities of the womb vanish. It cures sup
pression of the menses. It removes uterine obstruc
tions. It cures constipation and strengthens the .sys
tem. It braces the nerves and purifies the blood. It
never fails, as thousands of women will testify.’ It
cures whites. Tbit valuable medicine is prepared and
sold by L- H. Bradfield, Druggist, Atlanta, Ga.
Price |l 50 per bottle. All respectable drag men
keep it.
Tcskegee, Ala., 1808.
Mr. L. H. Bradfield—Sir: Please forward ns,
immediately, another supply of Bradfield’s Fe-
nali Regulator. We find it to be ail that is claim
ed for it, and we have witnessed the most decided and
happy effects produced by it.
Very respectfully,
Hunter dt Alexander.
We the undersigned Druggists, take pleasure in
commending to the trade, Dr. J. Bradeield s Fe
male Regulator—believing it to be a-good a°4 re
liable remedy for the diseases for which he recom
mends it.
W. A. Landsell. Atlanta, Ga.
Pemberton, Wilson, Taylor ft Cat,
Atlanta, Ga.
Rrdwinr ft Fox, Atlaata. Ga.
W. C. Lawhiie; Atlanta, Ga.
W. Boot ft Son, Marietta. Qa. *
v./!i.
STATE OF GEORGIA—Troop Courtt. ■
Thia is to certify that I have examined the recipe of
DR. J. BRADFIELD, of this county, and as a medi
cal man pronounce it to be a combination of fltedi-
cinaa of great merit in the treatment of all (be dis
eases of females for which he recommends if. This
December 21,1868.
WM. P. BEASELEY, M.D.
For sale in Milledgeville by
JOHN fit. CLARK and B. R. HERTY, Drugfei-ts.
May 14,1873. « ly
Grant Thinks the Radical Tarty
“ Overweighted,” and is ‘ Tired of
thisjfonsense.”
A Washington special to the Herald of
Sunday says that perhaps the most sig
nificant speech the President has ever
made of a political nature was addressed
Saturday evening to some prominent Re
publicans who called upon him at the
White House. The President said; “I
begin to think that it is time for the Re
publican party to unload. There has been
too much dead weight carried by it. The
success of our arms during the rebellion,
the confidence that the Republican party
was strong enough to hold up ’ any bur
den, have imposed all the disaffection in
the Gulf States on the administration,
am tired of this nonsense. Let Louisiana
take care of herself, as Texas will have to
do. I don’t want any quarrel about Mis
sissippi State matters to be referred to
me. This nursing of monstrosities has
nearly exhausted the life of the party. I
am done with them, and they will have to
take care of themselves.”
—The people of Dooly
5,959 bales of
county pro-
cotton last
PAIN-KILLER,
FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS
Perry Dark’ Vegetable Pail-Killer
Hu bee* tested is every variety of climate^ and
by almoat every nation known to Americans.
It is the ooostant companion and estimable friend
of tho missionary and tha traveler, on sea ami.'
Rad do one abould travel ou our Lakes or ®
without it. ;■
It baa been before the public over thirty ;
and probably bu a wider agd better reputatior
any other proprietary medicine of the present
this period there are but few unacquainted a
merits of tbo Pain Killer: but while some exfol
liniment, they know but little of its power ia
pain when taken internally, while -**“
At
the
I as a
sing
use
it internally with great success,
i equal
ly ignorant of its healing virtues wlTen_ «P;
plied externally. We therefore wish to sap tWRtbat
it ia equally successful whether used ifterna
ternally. and it stands to-day, unrivalled b,
great catalogue of family medicines. It is ■
evidence of its virtues as a standard
know that it is now used iu all pnits of tli^-WP 1
that its sale is constantly increasing. No’ c
aeant baa had such wide spread sale Or give
universal satidflction. It is a purely yegetaUftfom-
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After thirty years trial, te^tili •
unqualified teatinsonial to its virt
the highest character and responsibility
the first respectability, recommend it ss am
tnal preparation for tbo extinction of
only tbe best remedy ever kcown fcr Jfmw+y.
Bunt, Ike., bat for Dysentery or Cholera oranV
of bowvl complaint, it la n remedy
efficiency andrapidtiy of action.jln tbe
India, and other hot climate*, it k -
Stsadard Medicine (Or “
&ar& u " r<
For Coughs
and Rheumatic dlfficnW, -
seat ekendeelend eeavincing testimony 1 "
shsltlt madteinm '* < ■A9M
• Arwerr of M jLte
The Pain-Killer iesoid by tU
throughout the United State* and.foffffcSL St