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cements and special notices
{cr each insertion.
" . i C „ first insert;on, $1 00 per
C jhpeanent insertion (if inserted
3 cents pc* «l Q & re *
,, natter notices, 20 cents per
insertion*
t j inserted rnery c!A/r day, twice a
f^k, charged $1 00 per square tor
itiOC*
50 ““ 10 UirKe **■
allowed except by epscial
I
|c'-‘ '
A bod
nrH CHEAP COLUMN KATES.
0V wiIlte d by, or offered to, Clerk*,
n *' ^tocher*, Workmen, Mechanic*
’ A \ porter*, Boy*, Cook*, <Lc.; Board
wanted or offered; Apartments and
■ , or t0 let; House*, Stores, ike., for
J l . 0 r wanted; articles, lost or found,
•r rent, and mis-
uantsot ad kinds, ten cents a Unefoi
tl0 ° BEMITTASCE3
.: or advertising can he made
der, I registered Letter, or Ex
" 'r ri-k All letters should be ad
onr n.x. ai j H _ BSTILLj
Savannah, Ga.
author of several
■ petredin tic last two or
I that paper,
Affairs in Georgia.
, t i, 0 bailee at tbo late inauguration
Lala Ui«“ u wore a twen,y thousaud dol_
L =et ol diamonds.
!*. . v fiaribert, well known in Gcor-
, “' bc ' e „ elected General Superinten-
f’„i the Bedford, Sprigvillc, Owonsborg
□ Bloomfield Railroad of Indiana. •
! The nrice ot retail liquor licenses in
«„Il»roiB two thousand doUars. In the
. 1, • ..vamsboro tbe license w
county ouisiuk.
0D e thonsand dollars.
Darien is out of debt and has a few sur-
LLrecnbactoinibe treasury, whilst the
c mity is only a little behind. This is a
Lj showing for McIntosh, and we con-
Ltnlate her people. .
Hr E. h. Hoffman in a card in the Darien
T'i ' r Gazel& annouuces that ho is the
1 articles which have ap-
threo issues of
and concerning which con-
giderabie objection has boen manifested, as
he is informed. The articles were written
durin-the absence of the editor, and the
explanation is made by Mr. Hoffman be
cause tbe editor says “the articles did not
reflect his own views, and he could not en
dorse nor hold himself responsible for them.”
The Beutcnco of Tunis li. Campbell ex
pired yesterday. IIo has been for somo
time at work at Col. Smith’s on the Central
Rulruad.
The Calhoun Time* remarks that farmers
are getting ready to make their annual
guano purchases. They swear against
It every year, and then purchase just as
much as if they hadn’t sworn.
The following ticket was elected in East
man last Saturday, and gives great satis
faction to the community: John F. De
Lacv, Mayor, anl L. M. Peacock, 0. B.
Murrell, J. M. Arthur, and I. Q. ColemaD,
Aldermen.
Mr. Harrison V. Uevill, father of the editor
of the Merriwether Vindicator, died on Sun-
da}, the 14th, at Greenville, aged eighty-
two years.
Mr. Samuel B. Allen, a promising young
man, well known iu Southern and South
western Georgia, died at DuPont, Ga., aged
27 years.
The Valdosta Times mentions that some
eidtemeut was occasioned by the foar that
I small-pox would bo introduced into that
place by persons who attended the funeral
: of Mr. Allen at DuPont, but it soon sub-
| sided.
Mr. Green Chandler, a popular citizen of
Jackson coantv, was arrestod by United
States Marshals and taken to Atlanta on Fri
day night, charged with illicit distilling. It
[ was believed that ho is entirely innocent.
| Some forty of the employees of Howe’s
London Circus passed through Atlanta on
Friday night en route to their homes in the
West.
Oa the 12th of February a remarkable
meeting will take place in Macon. Triplet
brothers, sixty years old, will meet and go
out to an older brother’s iu Jones county,
and celebrate their birthday by prayer and
preaching. Theao brothers are Jesse, Tom
and Ben Hammond. They arc triplets,
born nearly sixty years ago. Jesse lives
iu Mississippi, Thomas in Jasper county of
this State, and Ben in Upson county.
Pleasant 1\ Clapton, one of the oldest and
best citizens of Meriwether county, is dead,
»ged 82 years.
The correspondent, “C. R. P. f ” of the
»aldosta limes, is not very happy over the
*Ppearaoco of tho Legislature. Ho says :
The personnel ot the body that is to decide
this question and to mako and patch laws
for our State is not as fine as we expected.
Such men as Turner and Hammond (in ap
pearance) are comparatively scarce; but an
Old adage says ‘thero is nothing in looks;
*ud so it may turn out that among some of
the new members there may be a Webster
° r a Calhoun ret. If the present condition
°f the country does not call for them to
8 P^ak and show themselves, then it never
did.”
The Alapaha Gazette learns from reliable
authority that many of its citizens who emi
grated West contemplate returning. They
We satisfied that thero is more to bo made
,a ^ err ‘ en than on the frontiers of Arkansas
°rin the wilds of Texas.
C. R. Jenkins, Esq,, a prominent citizen
0 roup county, died last week. Ho was
^uut ^nkty years of age, anu once repre-
sfcn.'u his county in the State Legislature,
e -ating Hoa. Hugh A. Haralson, after-
7 ' a ^ 8tlD gu:shed member of Congress.
he number of white polls in Pike county
- ‘ year was 1,241, and the number of col-
^ polls 913. A very nice majorily for the
I
Whites.
Pike is i
J. H. ESTILL, PROPRIETOR.
SAVANNAH, MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1877.
, -—-s never in danger as long as
r white voters are harmonious.
^Augusta j g gj 0a ^ng over the report that
* animate and horsei of the circus will re-
“minthktcitkall tiie winter.
I past week there was not an
I ^rtuout in either of the Macon cemeteries.
^ f it' ^ 1IoIme8 » a prominent phvsi-
- a or Macon, was critically ill on Saturday
Richards, a leading dry goods
6t*r * » l ^ u S a sr a , fell down the cellar
8 o his store on Friday, and broke his
* er ^ leg at the ankle.
.^iher J * Riusom, F.i
^gustii
F.sq., well known in
The Greensboro Herald has this: “We
have fewer idle freedmen in our section
than we have had any year since the war.
They all seem anxious to hire and get homes
for the year, and at much less wages than
heretofore. This speaks well for the pros
pects of the country, if it is generally the
case. Now, if farmers will only raise their
supplies at home, and then what cotton
they can, you will see everything and every
body brighten up. Gome farmers, suppose
you try it.”
The Madison Home Journal says : “The
Legislature has elected Mr. James P. Har
rison, of the Frankliu Printing House, to
the position of Public Printer. We are
heartily glad aud approve of the choice.
The Franklin, as it asserts, ‘leads the van,’
aud Mr. Harrison, its head, is fully compe
tent to manage its ponderous business. Tbe
work of the State has been placed in good
hands, and will be faithfully, punctually,
economically and tastefully executed. His
election by a large majority was as flattering
as deserved.”
Cherokee Georgian of the 20th s&vs: “On
last Friday morning a party of men in the
employment of W. L. Goodwin, Deputy
United States Revenue Collector, attempted
to arrest one Memory Turner at the old tan-
yard near town. They had discovered that
Turner had a wagon loaded with illicit
whisky. Munro Wilkie attempted to make
the arrest, but Turner fled, and Wilkie and
a man named Hardin pursue I and fired
several shots at him, without t fleet. Turner
escaped, aud the party started to Carters-
ville with the wagon and whisky. After
they left, Turner came into towD,
sued out a warrant for Wilkie and
llardin, aud placed it in the h&uds of con
stable Harris, who summoned a posse aud
started in pursuit. About 8 o’clock p. m.
the posse returned with Wilkie. In the war
rant the parties were charged with shooting
with intent to murder. Turner stated that
Wilkie had shown no warrant or other au
thority foj arresting him. Wilkie was tried
on Monday morning, aud bound over in the
sum of five hundred dollars for his appear
ance at the next term of the Superior Court.
J. E. Vincent and H. W. Newman for the
prosecution, and Abda Johnson, Esq., for
the dofence. It was our purpose to give the
full particulars of the affair this week,
but as Mr. Goodwin came up yesterday
morning and arrested Constable Harris
and the entire posse he had summoued to
assist him in arresting Wilkie, wo will await
farther developments, aud give the full
details of the whole matter next week. Tho
affair has created considerable excitemont,
and our people look with interest for the
final result. The arrest of Wilkie was
strictly in accordance with the laws of
Georgia, as was shown by tho testimony.
The arrest of tho constable who arrested
Wilkie, as he was compelled to do under the
law, having a warrant for that purpose, is
considered, in its present aspect, & palpable
outrage.”
Grangers had been known to buy butter for
their Household purposes in town. If these
facts be true, in a general sense,
it does not argu s well for either the economy
or energy ot country people, and if they
should be poor all their lives, the reasons
therefor are embodied m the above facts.
It is a downright habit of extravagance to
buy what cm be easily made or produced
and such a habit i3 a bar to any prosperity.
No better way can be devised of keeping “a
nose to the grindstone.”
This from the Palatka Herald: “Every
week we are called upon to answer inquiries
about Palatka and its surroundings, and
this is one reason why we say so much about
it. Palatka is attracting more than ordi
nary attention. As a place of business it is
improving; as a health resort, it is as far
south as invalids need go; it affords a
most delightful climate, thjugh many go
as far as Enterprise, Mellonville
and Sanford. Generally the air
is balmy, yet refreshing and
invigorating, there being more or le3s wind
every day. Every vegetable, fruit and
flower, can be cultivated with the least
amount of labor. We are in ihe orange belt
centre; oranges are plentiful, lemons, sour
oranges and tho bitter sweet grow wild,
and form a most delicious drink. Our
citizens are quite free from chills and
fever, and summer is equally healthy with
winter, and not as hot as other places
North or South, except the mountainous
regions. We have steamers plying daily
to Jacksonville and Lake Monroe, aud tele
graph communication wiih all parts of the
world and without the fear of contradiction
wo can affirm that we have hotels inferior
to none on this continent. We have plenty
of fish, Vbnison, and wild fowl, delightful
retreats for angliug, and sporting generally,
and tho finest orange groves within striking
distance of Palatka.”
11.7 ^ aa ^ eea Wanted by Governor
’ ^ r6a8Urer of Aiken county.
iatmj 11 '- is 8Cri0U8l y contemplating the
ohas UuJOa ^ite servants, the colored
!f S . IiroviD S utterly unreliable and worth-
i Uni, " * tea( l a ssumes an editorial posi-
, n Henry County Weekly in a neat
n mt ‘- VWritteD
cona Q cJ“ e , 8vi11 * G az ette, one of tho best
commenr^o . co . un , tr >’ exchanges, has
'‘'fogpeot nf o CCd llB * ulDl R volume, with every
TkVf ,1 Pr ° 8per ' >Qa year *
^*Dar IJ ^ a Scommunication in reforcnco
r&Ph CHpped from the Jo8U P Sen ~
i flava.;, puljli,i,ie d in these columns a few
q CC ’ nee ^B no explanation :
1 a^i? na 7 20 > 1877.-1 see an ex-
! . ltl « dots our P liuiI , ^ r0m the deBup Sent:n< ‘l*
* rue we h&vA “ lI S p ace an l ujustice. It is
*84er control ? a 1 1 ' po . x liere > but we R ava it
’dly. /). f. » an( l R IB not spreading rap-
}Q*t ? ame her ° from Savan-
kh -° there have P ms f tma8 » a «<l diod. Since
time from i een four cases, all taken at
firat’cajJ 0 *l aviD K been in contact with
to tn • ®y w ®ro immediately re-
and building off tbe
to i., v „ _ now well; and we
1 p ‘ e We JJn ?° n9W ca8e ‘- 4-B of the peo-
tre dbids
Respectfully, Ac.,
The m • • Bobebt J. Smith.
1 JUe institn* Cl S al authorilieB of Brunswick
I Sfeof against the peo-
l0 6 ttiem lo’mm :ch they re 8 ard aB soRjsct-
“ 'ums.ceBsury i lat( i 1( i li p i
Affairs iu Florida.
Mr. Clarence Baer, a tinner, whilst at
work on the new Nicholla’ House saloon, in
Jacksonville, on Thursday, foil from the
staging and was seriously injured.
The revenue of St. Augustine for tho cur
rent year is estimated at $4,774, and the
expenditures at $4,038. A close scratch.
Gainesville is smacking her lips over fine
strawberries that were set out in November.
Bennett and his party are still loitering
around Jacksonville, living a life of luxuri
ous retirement, and coldly declining to make
the acquaintance of any of the newspaper
men.
Arrangements aro being made for the es
tablishment of a telegraph lino between
Fort George, at the mouth of the St. John’s,
aud Jacksonville.
An incendiary fire on Friday in a build
ing at Sanderson, occupied as a court house.
Clerk’s office and Masonic Lodge room, re
sulted in tho destruction of the building and
entire contents, including the county
records and all tho docum ents relating to
tho different offices.
The Quincy Journal announces that its
next issue will be as the Quincy Herald.
Tho Madison Recorder says that the most
of tho colored people have accepted the
change of State government cheerfully, but
some of them still persist in the idea that
Stearns will yet be recognized by Ulysses.
Dr. P. G. Snowden, Dr. L. P. Ashmead
and Messrs. James Chcsnut aud Wm. W.
Hampton, of Gainesville, have been chosen
delegates to the Episcopal Convention which
convenes at Jacksonville on tho 24th inst.
The eucalyptus trooa in Madison, which
presented such a pretty green foliage in tho
fall, have been killed by tho late freeze.
It is said that Governor Drew has re
ceived one hundred aud seventy-two appli
cations for the appointment of Sheriff of
Duval county. Thero must bo “money
in it.”
By recent act of the Legislature every
paper in the State lias been made an official
paper for tho publication of legal adver
tising.
Tho advantages of a northern water pro
tection against frost have been practically
demonstrated throughout Orange county by
the effects of the late cold snap. For eight
or ten miles south of Lake Monroe, says tho
South Florida (Sanford) Journal, the fro3t
was not as destructive as it was further
south, beyond tbe protection of tbe temper
ing waters of tho lake, and oast and west of
us. This fact is also noticeable elsowhorc.
Where groves are situated southjof a large
body of water they received much Jess in
jury than those not favored with water pro
tection.
Large numbers of bales of cotton of an
excellent quality are being shipped from
the wharves of Lake Monroe, showing that
the settlers are turning their attention to
branches of industry that will yield them
more direct income than fruit raising.
Quincy has been aroused to a high pitch
of indignation by tbe boldness of several
robberies, perpetrated by a band of roving
marauders.
Mr. W. J. Warrenton has purchased a
tract of land on Cumberland Island, a short
distance from Fernandina, and contem
plates the erection of a fine hotel at or near
the old site known as Dungeness on that
beautiful island.
The following appointments and removals
for Nassau county have been promulgated :
Peter Cone to be Sheriff, vice James E. Med-
daugb, removed ; W. H. Garland to bo As
sessor, vice Cornelius Bell; James McGriffin,
Lewis Davis, C. F. Condry and John Owens
to be County Commissioners ; F. M. Bennett
alid Gamaliel Fisher, removed as Commis
sioners of Pilotage; H. H. Linville, W. B.
Duryee, Charles Kcabb and J. H. Prescott
to bo Commissioners of Pilotage.
The Jacksonville Sun makes oat a clear
case of intimidatiou in the following : A
man named Johnson was recently arrested
at Live Oak for stealing a horse in Alachua
countv, and was placed in charge of an^offi-
c®r to be taken to Gainesville. While the
train upon which the two were riding was
1?“* Sto below Baldwin tho pri.oner
coolly took from his pocket a small knife
and intioidatingly told bw guard that he
< reckoned he wonldn t go any farther,
and he didn’t, hot quietly loit the car. He
is still at large, while the name of the vali
ant official is withheld from an unsympa
thetic public.”
Gainesville Times has this: “We ave glad
to learn that Mr. H. U. Sage, of Ohio, has
recently purchased several thousand dollars
worth of land in and aronnd our city from
Mr. r. M. Oliver, real estate agent, and
that ho intends to make this his permanent
home. He will soon commence >“£«>"“{>
and building on a lot near town. ' Ve "e*
come all such men ‘a oar ., ml ? at ' r ?“U 1 ijP®
that our citizens will unite in rendering
them all necessary encouragement and as
sistance in locating.”
Tho Qnincy Journal publishes the follow
ing appointments and removals for t
county: “F. }■ Soarborongh, Treasurer,
vice S. Hamblen; Jesse Wood, Superintend
ent of School,. vice S. lUmblen, removed;
David W. Hoflamon, Andrew J. Smith,
Charles Williams, M. Bates, Wilham H.
Scott, County Commissioners, W. H. Eckles
and W. R. Random, removed, Wm. H. uee,
County Surveyor; D. H. Wilson, fa. H- Bav,
Auctioneers; D. H.Woodley, A. J. Miller.E.L.
Smart, D. H. MeDoogal, David Clark,
Henry H. Spear, Joshua Drake. Hamilton
McPhaol II- F. Sharou, Edward Owens,
Justices it tho Peace. The Senate has made
tho following confirmations: J. E. DuPont,
sheriff vice B. S. Tucker removed, N. T.
Scott, Tax Assessor, vioo Lafayette Mitohell
removed. .
The Qnincy Journal tlins moat sensibly
sDeaks ■ “We saw a barrel full of axe-helves
in a store yesterday, and naturally inquired
if there w'as much sale for the article. Oh
yes,' said tho merchant, wo sell so “ a ;
principally to country poople. In further
conversation we wore Informed that
FROM FLORIDA.
Florida Immigration Agrnry— 1 Tlir I.egnl
Advertising—^Tlio I.abor Protection Law
—The Dcnnid and C'cnann InveMtlgntlon—
The (:ontOHted Senate Election In the
Flrtd Dlutrlet—The Deficiency Appropri
ation Hill—The State Can vanning Hoard
— Game Lnw.
[Special Correspondence of the Morning News.]
Tallahassee, January 18, 1877.—The
action of the Board of Trustees in asking
the Legislature to authorize the Govern
or, subject to the approval of the board,
to appoint an agent to reside in New
York to solicit and induce immigration,
and to appropriate $1,500 per annum to
cover the expenses of such agency, is
generally regarded as a move in the right
direction, and will, before long, should
the Legislature accede thereto, of which
there can be no doubt, commence to
show forth good fruit.
There is also pending before the Assem
bly an extremely liberal official and legal
advertising law, prescribing length of
lime and prices for tax sales which are
both just and equitable to the tax payer
and printer. The terms of the bill in
other respects seems to be a return to the
good old times of doing as you please
with one’s own.
Pending the consideration of the bill
extending protection tojlaborers, the dis
cussion assumed quite a political turn,
but was finally passed. Tbe law is a good
one, and if properly enforced it will
thoroughly eradicate from this State
these unfortunate labor strikes which
have occasionally appeared at Jackson
ville and Fernandina.
The committee to investigate the Den
nis and Cessna matter say they are abso
lutely compelled to come to a stand still
until they can get an appropriation
through to pay witnesses. The bill will
in all probability be acted on to-morrow
by the Assembly in a prompt manner.
It is thought that the Committee on
Privileges and Elections of the Senate will
report on the contested seat from the First
District to-morrow. This district is
composed only of Escambia county. The
same legal question arises in this contest
as to the right of citizens on the Naval
Reserve to vote. The committee was
engaged all the evening in hearing argu
ments from both sides.
Tho Senate appropriation bill for the
deficiencies of 1875 and tho expenses for
187G, in its different amendments, foots
up such a huge amount that they came to
the conclusion to ask a conference com
mittee from the Assembly. This was
promptly acceded to, and it is to be sin
cerely hoped that the bill will be thor
oughly scrutinized, and not an item nor
an amount will be allowed to remain be
yond a just and reasonable compensation
for the services performed, etc. Nothing
less will satisfy the people, and take the
matter as it stands in its most favorable
light, and the reality will be greviously
burdensome.
It was Mr. Jones, of Levy, who accused
Dennis, of Alachua, of pooling out coun
ty offices, instead of Mr. Doughtery, of
Volusia. Both these young men occupy
seats adjoining each other, and both were
engaged in the discussion, and were after
Mr. Dennis with sharp sticks. Mr. Jones
will undoubtedly place his proof of the
charge in the hands of the committee.
The State canvassing board under the
electoral vote bill just passed the Legis
lature organized and commenced to per
form their duties under it this evening.
Judge Emmons argued against the board
haviug any jurisdiction, etc. This matter,
so far as the action of this board is con
cerned, creates no interest. Everybody
knows how the State has gone and the
only thing that is interesting to our peo
ple is how are they going to canvass the
result at Washington.
Tho Assembly for several days pa3t
have been engaged, off and on, in trying
to pass a law for the protection of game,
but as every member seems to have his
own peculiar ideas, you can readily im
agine not much headway is being made.
Tallahassee is again flooded with office-
seekers. They keep the Governor quite
busy, and it is quite amusing to stand off
aud observe these different gentry iu
their manners and actions.
Only one copy of the News reached
here this morning, and that one was ad
dressed to a member of the Assembly.
The weather is warm, threatening rain
and mornings damp, foggy and disagree
able. Columbia.
Grant to be Asked fob Information
Concerning Louisiana.—A Washington
special to the New Orleans Picayune,
Mr. Ellis, of Louisiana, will offer a reso
lution reciting that, whereas, two govern
ments exist in Louisiana, both claiming
to be the lawful government; and, where
as, Congress has power to decide under
the Constitution which is the lawful gov
ernment : therefore that the President be
requested to furnish the Hause with all
tbe information he may possess in regard
to the claims of the said two govern
ments, and all official correspondence in
regard to the same since the 8th of Jan
uary, 1877, and all orders and instructions
that have been issued on the subject.
The adaption of such a resolution would
tend to preserve the statu quo until Con
gress acts.
A party of young peasants were ca
rousing in a loft in Vouvray, France,
when one of the hungriest of the party
offered to bet five francs that he would
eat the nose and cheeks of any one
present. A companion, well endowed
by nature, accepted the bet, aud lay down
to the sacrifice. Tho anthropophagist bit
off his nose and ate it, but when he came
to the cheeks the obliging companion
paid the bet, and jumping up tried to
perform the same delicate operation on
his rival, who declined to submit. A
general fight closed up the savage scene,
and the jovial party found themselves in
the police station the following morning,
with the exception of the noseless man.
who was taken to the hospital to have the
stump of his prominent facial organ at
tended to.
Gov. Hendricks on the last day of his
official term pardoned a man who was
under a life sentence. The prisoner fired
a pistol at one man and killed another.
He studied so much upon the matter in
prison as to become partially insane upon
that topic. The Governor and he had
been school-fellows in early life, and this
fact, joined with others, produced the
action of the former.
M TIM
THE MOUNDS(4 NEWS.
THK UEOHlili LEGISLATURE.
A Constitutional Convention Bill
Presented.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM GOV
ERNOR COLQUITT.
CONFIRMATIONS OF JUDGESHIPS.
Tlie Senatorial Question.
[Special Telegram to the Morning News,]
Atlanta, January 20.—Yesterday Mr.
S. A. Corker introduced in the House a bill
to change tho time of holding the Superior
Court of Burke county.
Mr. G. W. Jordan, of Pulaski—To provide
for the service of writs in certain cases.
Mr. C. S. Guyton, of Laurens—To consoli
date tho offices of Tax Receiver and Collec
tor and Clerk of Superior Court and Treas
urer in Laurens county.
Mr. C. W. Collins, of Mitchell—To repeal
the act crea ing a County Court in Mitchell
county.
Mr. A, M. H. Wolihin—To establish a
County Court in Dougherty and Lee coun
ties.
Mr. G. A. Malette offered a bill to prohibit
the Tax Receiver, Collector and Sheriff of
Camden from holding office two successive
terms; also to repeal all laws issuing land
warrants to headrights in Camden.
Mr. A. P. Adams, of Chatham—To ex
empt from jury duty tho Goorgia Hussars of
Savannah.
Mr. J. J. Turnbull, of Banks—To abolish
tho Agricultural Bureau aud Board of
Health.
Senate.—In the Senate Mr. O. Wessolosky,
of the Tenth District, introduced a bill to
provide for the assessment of the value of
tho rent of property in Dougherty, Lee and
Worth.
House.—In the House to-day Mr. Stewart
of the Judiciary Committee, presented a
bill for a constitutional convention,and asked
to make it the special order for Monday
morning. He spoke of its groat importance,
and that the question should at once be set
tled. Mr. Arthur Hood, of Randolph, also
urged immediate action, and it will come up
on Monday as desired.
Tho Secretary of State and Treasurer re
ported that they had no fees in addition to
their salaries.
Mr. J. T. Williams, of Columbia, offered a
resolution asking what the Superintendent
of Public Buildings did with the fifteen
thousand dollars appropriated.
Mr. Price, of the Committee on Education,
reported against abolishing the County
School Commissioners of Education aud Su
perintendents in certain counties.
The com uittee recommend that the bills
changing tho county lines of Johnson and
Washington, and Lowndes and Echols do
pass.
Mr. Moses wants to kuow about the work
ings of the Attorney General’s office.
The House is engaged ia reading bills the
third time.
The Senate confirmed George N. Lester as
Judge of the Blue Ridge Circuit, Judge
Knight not desiring reappointment. Judges
Pottie and Tompkius wero reappointed and
confirmed. Seaborn Reese has been ap
pointed Solicitor iu the Northern Circuit in
place of Lumpkin; Joseph Preston, re-ap
pointed for the Ocmulgee Circuit; A. B.
Smith in place of Lamar; B. H. Hill, Jr., in
place of Glenn in the Fulton Circuit.
The Senate aud House aro now receiving
an important message from the Governor
on fiuancial matters and retrenchment and
relorra.
The Senatorial election is tho all-absorb
ing topic in Legislative circles to-night. A
new “tied-ont horse” is spoken of as likely to
distance all the others on the homo stretch.
Mr. Fry in his remarks to-day in tho
House said all knew that the first ballot
would not settle the question, aud probably
four or five days would be consumed iu bal
loting. Ho is a Hill man.
FLORIDA L.EGISLiATUKE.|
r I lie Jury Bill in the Assembly.
THE ELECTORAL VOTE OF THE STATE.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Comptroller^ Warrants and Tftxca.
[Special Telegram to the Morning News.]
Tallahassee, Fla., January 20.—In the
Assembly, the bill prescribing tho mode and
manner of drawing and regulating the num
ber to compose grand and petit juries, was
made the special order for next Monday.
Bishop introduces another bill iu relation
to tho electoral vote of tho State.
The bill to prohibit tho collectors from
receiving the Comptroller’s warrants and
Treasurer’s certificates, issued prior to July
X, 1871, for taxes, passed the Assembly
unanimously.
Both houses have before them bills giving
Justices of the Reace jurisdiction to try
certain minor misdemeanors.
All the important business is in the hands
of committees.
The Legislature adjourned till Monday.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Count of the Electoral Vote.
THE BILL BEFORE THE TWO HOUSES.
Florida’s Electoral Vote Recan vasseiL
the eastern muddle.
THE PORTE AND THE ARMISTICE.
CONGRESSIONAL.
Washington, January 20.—Senate—Dur*
incr the morning hour the Senate discussed
the message of the President in regard to
the occupation of Petersburg by the military
on election day, Messrs. Withers and Mor
ton participating in the discussion.
At the expiration of the morning hour,
on motion of Mr. Edmunds, the Senate took
up the bill reported by the special commit
tee in regard to the count of the electoral
vote.
Both parties in the 3enate caucussed this
morning on the electoral count bill. Neither
E arty meeting was intended to be binding.
u the Democratic caucus nothing was said
against it, bnt in the Republican caucus
more opposition was expressed than ex
pected.
Morton has a dispatch from tho Secretary
of a Republican caucus in tho Indiana Legis
lature, which s&ys that his course in with
holding his name from the report was unani
mously approved.
Washington, January 20.—House.—A bill
J assed removing tho political disabilities of
oel 8. Kennard, of Goorgia.
The House resumed the consideration of
the resolutions reported from the Commit
tee on Privileges and Elections. After a
speech by Willis, of New York, Soelye, oi
Massachusetts, obtained tbe floor,
but yielded to the motion of tho
House to go into committee of the
whole on tho Indian appropriation bill,
pending which Payne, of Ohio, gave notice
that he would call up for considoratiou on
Tuesday the bill reported from the joint
committee on the electoral vote, the de
bate on said bill to proceed until Wednes
day night, when he would demand the pre
vious question.
In committee of the whole speeches were
made by Wilshire, of Arkansas, opposing
the power of the Vice President to count
the vote ; by Tarbox, of Massachusetts, de
claring that the jadgment of the people
revolted at any attempt at compromise on
the Presidential question; and by Chitten
den, of New York, declaring himself
strongly in favor of the bi.l of the joint
committee on the electoral vote.
The Indian appropriation bill was then
considered by sections, but, without dispos
ing ot the bill, the House adjourned.
Nominations—Miss L. A. Johnson, Post
mistress at Griffin, Ga.; Benj. H. Lanier,
Collector of the Second District of Louisi
ana.
Senate.—Half a dozen Senators presented
petitions for female suffrage. All were re
ferred to the Committee on Elections.
Mr. Coukling presented a petition of the
citizens of New York protesting against the
passing of the steamboat bill.
Oq motion of Mr. Edmunds, the Senate
took up the bill to provide for and regulate
the counting of the electoral votes for Presi
dent. He spoke two hours arguing the con
stitutionality of the bill and against the
power of the President of the Senate to
count the vote. Having had an article in
tbe Constitution read, Mr. Edmunds com
menced: “Ujjder this article cf the Consti
tution some eight millions of the
citizens of the United States, author
ized by the laws to select
a chief magistrate in the way prescribed in
this article, had endeavored to discharge
that duty. They had expressed their pro-
ference, and the contest was so close that it
became a matter of serious between
five million poople oa one side aud five mil
lion people on the other, as to which of their
candidates had been elected. Congress
was now brought face to face with the ques
tion as to what means were left for decidiug
this dispute. A large part of the people on
either side believed their candidate to have
been honestly elected, and to keep him out
of office a great constitutional wrong, in
their opinion, will be committed. If tnere
was auy duty greater than another devolving
upon Congress, it was that of providing
some means by which, no matter what the
result might be, all men might say the due
course of law had been taken. It had ap
pealed to the committee charged with the
onerous and unpleasant duty of framing
this bill that if the Constitution authorized
them to lay down a line of procedure which
should lead to auy result through the
calm, orderly administration of tho law,
it would be a beneficent act for the
republic. On tho contrary, if Congress
should fail to do this our posterity, under
this or somo other form of government, no
one could say which, would feel that this Con
gress had failed in performing a great duty.”
lie then referred to the labors of the com
mittee and said that opposing political aud
partisan feeling had subsided on both sides,
aud the measure upon which they solemnly
united in reporting they recommended to
the consideration of the Senate. He then
explained tho provisions of the bill at length.
The speech attracted earnest attention.
THE HOUSE INVESTIGATION.
Washington, January 20.—Before the
House Committee on Powers and Privileges
Osmer B. Roberts, cashier of the Second
National Bank of New York, exhibited two
certificates of deposits by Z. Chandler,
dated October 21,1875,one for $2,000 and one
for $3,000. They were made payable to
Chandler’s order aud when returned
bore this endorsement: “Pay S. B.
Packard and Jas A. Ayer.” Could not state
how these transactions were made public.
Two letters to Chandler wore exhibited, one
signed J. B. Stockton, dated New Orleans,
November 11, to the effect that if steps
wero taken immediately, tho affidavits of
10,000 or 12,000 Republican voters
could be procured, showing that they
were debarred of the exereDe of
the ballot by violence and intimidation.
The writer was chief deputy of Marshal Pit
kin.
Ex-Goveraor Wells, of the Louisiana re
turning board, was examined at some
length. His testimony was about to the
same effect as that given at New Orleans.
Witness said he had not sent for the records
of the returning board. He would have to
get permission from the Governor. Gov
ernor Wells had charged his mind with
little or nothing concerning the proceedings
of the board.
THE EASTERN COMPLICATIONS.
London, January 20.—The Porte informs
Servia that tho armistice will not be re
newed, and the Turks will march on Bel
grade by March 1st, unites Sefvia treats
directly with Turkey.
A dispatch from Constantinople to Reu
ter’s Telegram Company says the Grand
Vizier was summoned to the palace yester
day. It is stated that the Ottoman plenipo
tentiaries will present counter proposals at
to-day’s sitting of tho conference, with the
object of conciliation. Should this be
the case, it is not easy to foresee
what will be the attitude of the European
delegates. Yester Jay they were understood
to be disposed to declare the conference at
an end, but if the Turkish propositions
should appear worthy of examination, it is
not imposriblo that the conference will he
adjourned until next week for the purpose
of arriving at a decision.
A Reuter dispatch, from Moscow, says
To-day’s Gazette, ,in discussing the result
of the conference, concludes as follows:
“Europe has lowered her prestige by Ler
compliant humor. As the Porte has refused
the proposals, Europe must now enforce her
original demauds instead of a modified
scheme of conference.”
THE FLORIDA CANVASS—TILDEN*S MAJORITY.
New York, January 20.—A World special
from Tallahassee, dated yesterday, says:
“Yesterday Governor Drew approved an act
of tho Legislature, requiring tho board of
canvassers to mako a canvass of the electoral
vote in accordance with tho decision of the
Supreme Court, in the caso of Bloxham vs.
tho Secretary of State, decided iu Jan
uary, 1871, and iu the caso of Drew,
decided December 23d, 187G. In
obedience to this law the board
met to-day. Attorney General Ranoy having
been of counsel for the Democratic electors,
declined to act, and Mr. Carley, Commis
sioner of Lands and Immigration, wa3
designated in his place. The canvass was
then gone into, and all the returns found to
be regular wero counted and footed up
24,434 for tho Tilden electors and 24,340 for
the Hayes electors.” This gives Tilden a
majority of 94.
THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES AND THE
ELECTORAL BILL.
New York, January 20.—Mr. Tilden
was questioned last night, but declined to
state his views or wishes on the electorial
bill. A Columbus (O.) dispatch says that
Governor Hayes also refuses to express
any opinion thereon. An Indianapolis dis
patch to the U orld says that Governor Hen
dricks has declined to be interviewed, but it
is understood he has expressed to those in
his confidence entire satisfaction with it and
warm approval of the plan as reported.
Watertown, N. Y., January 20.—W. A.
Wheeler declines to express an opinion on the
compromise bill.
GOV. NICHOLS’ ACCREDITED AGENT IN WASH
INGTON.
Washington, January 20.—Colonel E. A.
Burke, of New Orleans, who is accredited to
go to Washington by Governor Nicholla, of
Louisiana, visited the President this morning
accompanied by tne Democratic delegation
in Congress from that State.
Colonel Burke and Representatives Ellis
and Levy decline to give the details of their
interview with the Presilent, beyond the fact
that it was quite satisfactory to them both
as regards the present and the future.
A BURLESQUE ON MAY AND BENNETT.
Wilmington, N. C., January 20.—
Two South Carolina negroes fought a duel
at Fair Blaff, in this State, yesterday. One
was a Democrat aud the other a Republican.
They fought about politics. There were
four exchanges of sholg. One was wound
ed three times dangerously. The other was
wounded iu tho right arm. The affair
created great excitement, which was inten
sified by the prominence in the public mind
of the recent Bennett-May affair.
THE LONDON STOCK MARKET.
London, January 20.—In stocks Russians
are depressed and 14@U lower. Turkish
are weaker. The news of the failure of tlie
conference has not had much effect, the re
built having been discounted, consequently
the foreign market has been fairly sustained
by tho closing of speculative accounts for a
fall.
MORE ABOUT THE MONTEZUMA.
Havana, January 20.—The steamer Mon
tezuma was burned off Brogman, on the
coast of Honduras, by her Cuban captors,
on the 31 of January. Her original crew
are now in Havana. They were taken off
the beach at the place of burning by the
Jorge Jnan’s boats.
ABSCONDED.
Biddeford, Me., January 20.—W. A.
Woods, manager of the Truckman’s Express
and Treasurer of tho Sheridan Post G. A. R.,
has absconded with the funds of both
organizations. He has been traced to Phila
delphia.
SUICIDE.
Cleveland, January 20.—Chas. Collins,
chief engi- eer of the Lake Shore and Michi
gan Southern Hoad, suicided to-day. The
act is attributed to anxiety about the Ashta
bula accident.
INEFFECTUAL BALLOTING.
Springfield, III., January 20.—Five in
effectual ballots were had to-day lor United
States Senator. Six members were absent.
Adjourned.
approving the plan for counting the
ELECTORAL VOTE.
Chicago, January 20.—A resolution ap
proving the plan for counting the vote,
passed tbe Board of Trade by a close vote.
The population of Australia is 2,000.-
000.
GOVERNOR COLQUITT’S MESSAGE.
Executive Department, (
Atlanta, Ga, January 20, 187G. J
To the General Assembly :
In response to your joint resolution of in
quiry and request, I beg leave to submit the
following suggestions in regard to the finan
cial matters of the State, which, in antici
pation of your action, I have prepared, in
order that’l might be able to reply promptly
to your request, and save delay in tbe legis
lation deemed necessary. The condition of
Georgia is such that it is proper that we
who have been chosen to administer her
public affairs should try to devise some
means to lessen the burdens of the State
government.
In tbe year 1876 tho amount expended
for the public service, as reported by the
Comptroller, was $2,250,435 46. Of this
a uonnt SI,330,177 95 was paid on the prin
cipal aud iuterostof the public debt, of
wnich $100,000 was principal and the
balance interest. Tho large payment of in
terest included a part of nearly three years’
defaulting interest on the endorsed bonds
of the Macon and Brunswick and North and
South Georgia Railroads, said interest
amounting to $544,342 12. This left tho
sum of $944,257 51 as expended for the
other disbursements of the State govern
ment.
Our public debt at present, upon which wo
have to pay interest by taxation of the peo
ple, is $10,671,500, upon which the yearly
interest is $748,005. Of the principal of the
debt $100,000 is to be paid this year. This
makes the sum of $848,005 necessary to be
raised by taxation for the public debt alone.
It will be observed that I have included in
the statement of the debt the sum of $2,-
224,000, this being the State’s liability on
ihe endorsement of the bonds of the Macon
aud Brunswick, North and South Georgia
and Memphis Branch Railroads, the two
first roads being now in the possession aud
UDder the control of the State.
If the current expenses of the State con
tinue tho same as last year, viz : $944,257 51,
then, by adding to that amount the sum of
$843,005, that must be paid on the public
debt, we get tho large sum of $1,792,250 as
the amount to be raised this year for our
public expenditures. As the Comptroller
General has estimated the probable receipts
of the State at the sum of $1,457,000, you
will see that we will have a deficit of
$325,256, to be made up by increased taxa
tion, by a system of economizing, or by the
plan of a temporary loan, as appears to have
been the custom. Increased taxation is
to bo avoided if possible. Our
receipts of taxes must be necessarily
less because property has depreciated iu
value in the last year fifteen millions of dol
lars. And it may be well for us to recog
nize the unwelcome fact, that it is probable
that property everywhere will undergo still
farther depreciation this year. Even at the
same rate of taxation the income will bo
less, as the property to be taxed has fallen
off iu value, and, therefore, if we can ad
minister the State government at the same
tax, we shall have effected some retrench
ment. The remedy for us is to economize,
and I have given no little anxious thought
to this problem of possible economy.
So far as the public debt is concerned, we
need expect no lightening at present of its
buraens. We must pay promptly principal
and interest as they fall due, and we must
pay the interest iu money, so as not to in
crease the principal of the debt. It may be
proper to offer our regular bond creditors
the privilege of either payment iu money,
or in new bonds at a lower rate of interest.
Oue iueideut of our financial practice has
beon a floating debt carried over from oue
year to another, and not included in the
statement of tho public debt proper. This
is regularly reported under tho head of
Temporary Loan. It would be well for us
to got rid of this as soon as we can. Last
year the money temporarily borrowed was
$350,000, and the amount paid out under
this head up to date of Comptroller’s report,
including interest, was $312,000. The idea
in making this loan is not to burden the
people by taxation to pay its principal, but
to relievo by raising simply the interest to
carry it. This temporary loan is a part cf
the sum of $944,259 51, referred to as out
side of the money paid on tho public debt,
being the sum covering the general ex
penses of the State government. Take this
temporary loan of $312,000 from the $944,-
259, aud we have about $630,000 as the real
amount of the current expenses to he raised,
taking last year as the basis of calculation.
When we can briug down our taxation to
cover this sum, the burden of tho govern
ment would be light on the poople. But we
cannot now lessen the State debt to any ap
preciable extent, nor are our people iu a
condition to be taxed to raise money to pay
the floating debt. V, as has been ihe past
experience, the receipts will not enable us
to pay this floating debt, I would suggest as
the most practicable aud convenient dispo
sition of the matter, that hoods, at six per
cent, interest be issued to retire it, and all
other past floating debt. The interest upon
the bonds will bo less than the cost of a
temporary loan, while much inconvenience
will be saved. Aud the liability will be
added where it properly belongs, viz: to the
regular debt.
if there is any possibility of retrenchment,
and my judgment, after careful scrutiny, is
that expenses can he reduced aud saving
made to some extent, it will come from a
more exact return of property lor taxation,
a moro rigid collection of taxes, saving in
the cost of collecting tho taxes, reduction in
the ccst of legislation and clerk hire of tho
General Assembly, diminution in the outlay
of the contingent printing and building
funds, in the appropriation by the State of
all perquisites, in tho reduction, so far as
practicable, in tho number of clerks in tho
various departments, and in cutting off all
unnecessary offices. Small economies, prac
ticed iu every branch of the government, will
aggregate a handsome saving of the people’s
money.
Au examination of the Comptroller’s re
ports for the last twenty-five years shows
that since tho war tho amount of uncollected
tax, and the cost of collecting the tax, are
greater, iu proportion to tho tax, than be-
foro the war. They now average, each, ten
per cent, of the tax, or both, twenty per
cent, of the whole. Before the war the
largest figure that these two items reachod
was one-sixth, or sixteen per cent, of tho
whole. This was in 1854. The tax assessed
that year was $449,990. The net tax was,
$374 914, leaving $75,076, or one-sixth, as
the lost tax aud cost of collection. The
closest aud cheapest collection of State tax
was in 1553, when the whole amount of tax;
uncolleoted and coat of oolleotiou was one-
tenth of the whole. And the general aver
age of these two items before the war wasjone
seventh, or only fourteen per cent, of the
whole. Now the average is twenty per
cent. In the year 1874, by way
of example, tho aggregate tax was
$1,365,460, and the whole collected tax was
$1,211,628, leaving a balance of $153,of
uncollected tax. The net tax was $1,092,029,
showing, as the cost of collecting the tax,
the largo sum of $119,590. This includes
the Receivers’ fees. The two items, of un
collected tax and cost of collection, that
year, therefore, summed up $273,431, being
one-fifth, or twenty per cent, ot the whole
tax. If the average bad been the same as
before the war, of fourteen per cent, in
uncollected tax and cost of collecting,
jnstead of twenty per cent., tho saviDg to
the people would have been six per cent, of
the whole, or the amouut of $68,273. The
rule of ordinary compensation for collec
tions, is that it diminishes in proportion as
the amouut increases. We have here in our
Stats matters, the cost increasing, as the
amount to be collected becomes larger. It
will be seen that there is a chance to in.-
crease the public revenue in these two items,
of reducing tho cost of collecting and the
uncollected tax.
Tho law of compensation of Tax Receivers
and Collectors has been changed, and the
law of reduced compensation goes into effect
this year. In 1876, under the old law, the
compensation of these officers was $135,000
for collecting tho tax—property, poll and
professional—of $1,476,017, or nearly one-
tenth. Under the new law, the saving will be
between twenty and twenty-five per cent, or
$30,000 of the $135,000. £ coasolidatiou in
more of the small counties 1 of the offices of
Tax Receiver and Collector, under a law that
requires returns of assessments to be made
as now, with a reduction of the compensa
tion allowed tho two, would operate a still
farther saving. In tho hasty examination
given this subject, no sufficient reason
occurs to me why such a law might
not be general. Wo shall, under the
new law, have a considerable saving
in the oost of collecting the tax. Let us see
if still farther saving cannot justly be made.
It ought not to cost over $90,000 to assess
and collect our tax. We should then have a
saving of $45,000. The loss of uncollected
and insolvent tax should not be more than
five per cent. If, before the war, the aver
age of loss was only six per cent., we ought
to now be able to do as well. Every dolla*
of uncollected tax is a wrong to those who
pay their taxes promptly. There is no jus
tice in exempting one man’s property, and
burdening another’s. Instead of $15Q,00Q
of uncolleoted tar, opt qf a million and a
quarter of assessment, there should not be
one-half of that amount.
I find, by reference to the Auditor’s re
port of Virginia, that the cost, m 1876, of
receiving the tax of $2,477,714, was only
$47,071, while in Georgia it was $67,961 foy
receiving $1,229,265 of tax. And the uncol
lected tax was only $51,006, in Virginia,
while it was more than double that in Geor
gia. The practice in Virginia will show that
a much closer and cheaper collection of tax
can be made.
If we now add the increased tax resulting
from a juster appraisement of property, wo
can see a chance for still more revenue.
Taxable property ia notoriously returned at
ESTABLISHED 1850.
less than its value. I find, by reference to
the census of 1870, that the estimated dif
ference between the returned and true value
of property in Georgia was some forty mil
lions of dollars, it being returned then at
$'227,219,519 and estimated at $268,169,207.
Ia this matter of revenue from taxes,
there is possible ground for its increase in
other ways. It is a grave question how far
the tax laws should bo amended, so as to
make the tax equal on individuals aud cor
porations, whether the real and personal
property of every kind or the incorporated
institutions of the State should not be made
to pay full State and county taxes—respect,
of coarse, beiDg observed*to vested rights.
Telegraph and express companies pay too
little tax, in proportion to their wealth and
transactions. I find that, in the year 1876,
tho express companies, with consider
able property, and an office in every
city and town, and doing thousands of dol
lars of bnsiness.only paid the State $653 12
of tax. In AlaJmma they paid $2,000. The
telegraph companies paid only $320 58 of
tax in Georgia. The sleeping car companies
only paid $374 48. These seem small reve
nues from such large and wealthy interests.
In Virginia, in 1876, the tax from telegraph
companies was $4,310, or $3,790 more than
in Georgia. In Wisconsin, this tax was
$2,283, or $1,768 more than in Georgia. I
can only call your attention to these lew de
tails, as matter for invesfigation.
it may be practicable to revive the civil
list. Iu 1852 there were twelve judicial cir
cuits, and the cost of the judiciary was
$33,825. In 1861 there were sixteen cir
cuits, costing about $55 000. In 1876 we
had twenty circuits, the judiciary costing
about $80,000. If twelve Judges did tho
work in 1352, and sixteen in 1861, tho ques
tion arises whether less than twenty can
properly perform tho same work in 1877.
In 1856 the taxable propertv was $495,473,-
045; in 1861, $643,803,000; and iu 1876,
$245,853,750, or ono-half les* than in 1856,
when twelve Judges administered the law.
It is true, that while property, the
material of litigation decreased so much,
the voting population, the material for liti
gants and criminals, has grown from 104,505.
polls in 1861 to 208,939 iu 187C. This iucrease
of polls has been due to growth of popula
tion and the endowment of the colored peo
ple with citizonship, and this increase,
affected by tho demoralizing influence of
war, has multiplied criminals and crime.
But the disturbed social condition resulting
from war is passing away, and order pre
vails. As an offset against the increase of
criminal business, there is less civil
litigation as tbo result of the decrease of
property. Lawyers everywhere in the
SState complain of insufficient business, and
tho largo increase in the number of appli
cants for tho offices of Solicitor General aDd
Judge attest the lack of foes. I have the
opinion of some of the Judges of the courts
that the number of circuits can bo decreased
without injury to the State. Some of the
Judges have all that they can well do. Oth
ers can easily do more. Tho increase of
courts, county and city, aud the raising the
jurisdiction of the lower courts, has ren
dered fewer circuits necessary. The reduc
tion of the judiciary to sixteen circuits
would save the State a large amount.
I find tho sum of $2,455 paid in 1876 under
tho Solicitor Generals’ Act of 1858,aud about
this amount is paid yearly. This is compen
sation to Solicitors General, for cases carried
to the Supreme Court, and is about equiva
lent to their expenses in attending that
court. This amount could bo saved by
having the Attorney General to attend to
such cases without cost, the Solicitors Gen
eral sending him briefs. This would not
diminish the compensation of solicitors,
while it would save the State considerable
expense.
The offices of Superintendent of Public
Works, of Wild Laud Clerk, and Physician
of the Penitentiary are unnecessary, and
can, in my jadgment, bo abolished without
detriment to the public interest. My
preseut idea Is to impose the duties of
Superintendent of Public Works upon one
of the persons in the Executive Depart
ment.
Whether the clerical force in any of the
departments can be reduced, is a proper
matter for you io investigate and deter
mine.
I venture to suggest a very considerable
item of saving iu the clerical service of your
own body. The expense of clerk hire has
been thoagbt by many to be too large. In
1876 the House, with 175 members, had 74
attaches, and the Senate, with 44 Senators,
had 50 attaches. The cost of these 124 at
taches for 219 members, or one to two, was
$26,343. In one of the adjoining States the
General Assembly has 3G attaches—19 in tne
House aud 17 in the Senate—at about $9,000
cost. Over $10,000 ought to be saved in this
clerical work.
Tnere is good reason for the opinion that
the existing system of public printing should
be remodeled. The protiis of this work are
excessive, as I am informed by those who
have tried it. The State pays too much for
the work done, and there is’too much print
ing. A private individual could and would
got the work done cheaper. The basis of
cost upon which the State pays 25 per cent,
of profit, has itself a margin of profit. Aud
the amount of printing executed is iu excess
of the public needs. More copies of the
laas and journals are published than are
required. Perhaps nearly every member
can call to mind in county towns boxes of
undistributed laws and journals, or distri
buted to persons not entitled to them. It is
useless to be publishing copies not demand
ed for the public benefit.
The fees of inspectors of oils and fertil
izers aro generally in excess of a fair salary.
In some places they amount to a munificent
income. By paying tbo inspectors a rea
sonable salary, and requiring tho baiancj of
the fees over the sa’ary to be paid into the
Treasury, revenue could bo derived from
this source.
I would suggest that there can be effected
au economizing in each one of the forego
ing items of Stale expense, to which I have
referred, amounting in the aggregate to
about the sum of one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars. If this should be reali2?d
the amount saved would pay the interest on
over two millions of the public debt.
Savings may not be practicable in all of
tbeso matters. But it behooves us to at
tempt in earnest all of them that are possi
ble. A reduction of $150,000 from tlie
$630,000 that it takes to pav the current
expenses of the State government would be
an important benefit to the tax-payers. It
would be a decrease of over one-fourth in
these expenses. If all the servants of the
public will co-operate in thisi attempted re
trenchment we can accomplish a great deal.
Nor does the work stop with the officers
and expenses of the State. In county and
city matters, the reform can be carried od,
aiding ns in our State retrenchment.
We find in 1870 that the tax in Georgia
was as follows :
State ta- $ 945,394
County tax 906,270
Municipal tax 775,365
$2,627,029
Our people paid that year over two and a
half millions of taxes. The county and mu
nicipal taxes were each nearly as large as
tho State tax. A reduction in these will re
lieve the tax-payers. While the State can
not regulate the city tax, it can by proper
general laws improve county management,
and county ufheers, by good administration,
can make the inevitable harden of State
taxation easier borne.
I do not mean in urging a policy of re
duced expenditures, to contend for either
parsimony in salaries or a crippling of the
needed machinery of the government. The
State must be just to her servants and alive
to her own necessities and dignity. Poorly-
paid officials will not render faithful service,
and the administration of the affairs of the
commonwealth must not be cramped in any
department.
Aud while I argue for State economy, I
would not have you understand that in'the
candid statement of the reasons for it,
there is cause for us to be ashamed of our
financial standing m comparison with other
States. The statistics show that Georgia is
in a better condition in the proportion of
wealth to debt thun any of her sister South
ern States, and our securities stand
higher in the commercial world. Oar
debt has increased, but tbe increase is
due to an administration that unfortunately
governed us for a few years since the war.
in spite of all the drawbacks of that burden
some rule and tho depreciation of values last
year, there has been an increase in Georgia
since 1870 of over forty millions in wealth
and over forty thousand polls. And ourpei-
capita tax is far less than that of the best
governed and most prosperous States of the
North aDd West.
In conclusion, it should be borne in mind
that the ex'ent of your appropriations is the
measure of taxation. If you limit the rate
of taxation, you must necessarily limit the
appropriations accordingly, uuie'sa the per
nicions pohuy prevails 01 running expendi
tures beyond receipts, and swelling tho
public debt. Let us proceed in i’pis patriotic
work of retrenchment resolatelv, yet wigely
and carefully. Let us begin at the bottom
and work up- Let the people give in their
whole property at just valuation. Let tho
tax be impartially imposed and rigidly col
lected. Let every department of the public
service, city, county and State, lie econo
mically aud faithfully administered. Let
all superfluous offices and unnecessary ex
penses be cut off. Let new debt be avoided
and old debt promptly paid. Let a high
sentiment of public duty animate all public
officials. And we shall gee a moBt gratify
ing result. ALFRED H. COLQUITT.
THE PKESIDE3T1.1L (.OUST.
The Proponed Tripartite Tribunal Under
Diaruwiion—Itu Features C'rlticlsed-
Views of Leading Public 3Ien—Con-
Hieting Opinions In Both Houses of Con
gress—Speculation*—fattens Proceed
ings, Etc.
The question as to whether Ihe right
of suffrage shall be given to women in
the new State of Colorado is to be sub
jected to a vote of the people.
[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]
THE PLAN DISCUSSED.
Washington, January 18.—The plan
for the proper determination of the elec
toral vote was presented in both houses
to-day, and it has been almost the only
topic of conversation in all circles. The
members cf the joint committee, now
that the measure is before the public in all
its details, converse on the subject with
the utmost freedom. It can be stated
that the bill and the report were drawn
principally by Senator Edmunds, Judge
Thurman assisting from time to time in
shaping the text, and the other members
making such suggestions as seemed
proper to them at all periods of the three
weeks’ discussion.
The bill is based on certain principles
laid down in the electoral bill of 1800,
the Van Buren electoral bill of 1824, the
late twenty-second joint rule, and Senator
'Morton’s electoral bill of last session.
There have also been incorporated in it,
as will be seen, certain original elements.
The members of the committee speak in
the highest terms of the fairness and
patience exhibited by each toward the
other during the whole period of their
labors, and the sincere wish displayed to
arrive at a mutually satisfactory agree
ment. A Democratic member of the
Senate committee alluded particularly to
the course of Senator Conkling, which he
said had been that of a high-minded
statesman from beginning to end, and
marked by an entire absence of partisan
ship.
A Republican member of the House
Committee said that the spectacle now
presented of the American people settling
in this peaceful manner, through their
representatives, a question which threat
ened the very foundation of the govern
went would lift them to an exalted place
in the respect of the nations of Europe.
Senator Bayard said he could not but feel
happy that the danger that this country
was to be made a second Mexico was now
averted. The Justices of the Supremo
Court, while sitting on the bench, passed
around among themselves, and read with
the greatest interest, the special dispatch
in the Baltimore Sun of this morniDg,
giving the authentic outlines of the
proposition. There was much desire to
obtain an expression of opinion from the
Justices, who are particularly interested
in the matter, but they all indicated that
they preferred to express no opinion on
the subject at this time. The bar wero
not so reticent. •A number of distin
guished lawyers were m attendance on the
court to-day, and commented at length
on the subject.
OPINIONS ADVERSE AND OTHERWISE.
Senator Carpenter said the bill pro
posed a revolution to be sanctioned by
law. Judge Black was very outspoken
in condemnation of it, and said it was a
very bad bill. He said the American
Democracy were pigeon-livered; that
the House was to be bull dozed, and
they were showing the white feather be -
fore the guns were pointed at them. Ho
could not approve of the idea of submit
ting to arbitration the question whether
fraudulent votes should be counted. A
distinguished Democrat who comes from
the same State as the Judge, said after
wards that Judge Black was never prac
tical, aud that it was very easy for him
to talk about fighting, because his ago
would exempt him from taking part in it.
AMONG THE SENATORS.
In the Senate chamber Senators talked
of nothing else. Mr. Morton did not at
tempt to conceal his dissatisfaction at tho
action of the committee, which he said
was a weak expedient, but was at work all
day privately conversing among the Re
publican Senators in opposition to it. He
said he would not express himself at
length as to his views at this time, but
would do so when the report came up in
the Senate. It was understood that he
and Senator Sherman intend to have a
Senate Republican caucus in order to get
up opposition to the measure.
Gov. Whyte said his impressions are ii
favor of the bill. If it was to be per
manent in its character he would not bo
willing to support it, but looking to an
amendment of tho Constitution for future
elections he would take this as a tempo
rary expedient to relieve the great em
barrassment growing out of the anomal
ous condition in which we find the States
of Florida, South Carolina and Louisiana
and their anti-Republican returning
boards. As a States rights Democrat he
was reluctant to give any adhesion to tho
views contained in the bill, but belieying
with Mr. Madison that the language of
the Constitution is not as full as it might
be, and recognizing that there is a great
diversity of opinion in its construction,
he was willing for peace and com
promise to leave the disputed ques
tions to a fair and honorable tri
bunal. Senator Christiancy said it would
take some study of the bill before
he could determine whether he would
like it or not, but from his present light
he was inclined to support it. General
Gordon thought he would support the
bill, although it did not strike him very
favorably. Senator Wallace said he had
no doubt that the bill would be distaste
ful to a great many of the old States
rights Democracy of Pennsylvania, and
he did not concur in the general prin
ciple of the bill. He should, however,
vote fo? the bill for the reason that it
preserves the theory of the revisory power
of the two houses. It is thought that
amoDg the Republican Senators who will
vote against it are Morton, Sherman,
Sargent, Spencer, Patterson and perhaps
Ingalls. So far Mr. Eaton is the only
Democratic Senator who is regarded as
certain to vote against it. Senator In
galls said he looked upon if as a prize
package cornpro^iisa.
AMONG THE REPRESENTATIVES.
During the day the views of members
were eagerly sought, not only by newspa
per correspondents but by prominent pol
iticians on both sides, as to what impres
sion the reading of the bill had made on
the House, prominent among the visitors
on the House side were Judge Black and
Hon. Montgomery Blair. Mr. Blacfc,
whose general views have been already
shown, after attentively listening to the
reading of the bill, declared that the
measure was unconstitutional, and that
Congress had no right to delegate to any
body the purely political duty - defined by
the Constitution. He so expressed him
self to a number of Democrats and Re
publicans who asked him what he thought
of the measure. Mr. Blair was equally
positive that the plan was a bad one and
ought to be defeated, and that would be
the course of the Union, of which he is
the editor.
The members from Maine, all Republi
cans, are against the jaeasure, Frye,
Hale and Plaisted openly giving utter
ance in their opposition. Hale lingered
so long after adjournment that he was
asked if he intended to take part in the
Democratic caucus, to which he replied
that after the labors of the day it would
seem to be his duty to join the enemy.
Tarbox (Mass.\ a Democrat, said he
would rather see Hayes elected by the
notion of the two houses than that Til
den should be counted in by any such
measure as had been proposed by the
committee. It was clearly unconstitu
tional. Other Democratic members from
that State were in doubt as to the advis
ability of establishing a new precedent,
while the Republican members were ju
bilant oyer the bill. The New York city
delegation approved the bill, Messrs,
Hewitt and Field taking an active part In
shaping opinion amoDg the Democratic
members from other sections.
The Maryland delegation preferred to
reserve their opinion until the bill could
be carefully ioad and considered. Gov.
^wann said that it was a grave question
whether the House should yield its pre>
rogative to an outside body. Among
those with whom he had talked there was
more opposition to the measure than he
had supposed really existed. The States
members there might be stroe Sonttl “ n
ti.on t0 “ooepting the bUl 8 WUW
giving an opinion unnn ^ without
bill be coaid only say that he au 1 * 8 ^ 41 * 6
to think over it “ ti „? h ° u ' d ha ™
could see his way clear A 1 ^ >e ^ ore
Supreme ‘° “l*
political funotion. M r P O’Brii * p * r *ly
vorsation *ith Gen. Hurlbm a '
can, aiid he was inclined to thinV
it. Hurlbnt said he ought to ^7!L 0f
. “ Wld <* «de surrendered
asked O Bnen. “Both sides M ‘
Hurlbnt, “and they have m'ade a pnze
package proposUion out of our Presideu
tial contest.” Messrs. Thomas
Henkle and Roberts had no“hTn’J n . ’
until the bill had teen read by thfm 7
The Pennsylvania delegation appeared
to be divided. The Democratic membern
expressed hostility to the bill M r
Mackey eonid not see the need of a com
proimse. Tdden was elected fairly, and
why seek new trouble at this time’ Mr
Hopkins was clear the right did not e“si
m the House to give the Supreme Court
the authority proposed. Messrs. Sheakiey
and Marsh had not formed an opinion!
while Messrs. Clymer and Cochran were
anxious to read up on the law before
committing themselves.
Among the Virginia members, Beverly
Douglas said he would stay here until
the crack of doom before he would vote
for the new precedent the bill proposed
to establish. Heretofore it had been that
a concurrent vote was necesaarv to count
in a President. Now it was proposed to
make it necessary that a concurrent vote
should be necessary to count one out
Governor Walker was on the side of the
deliberators. Mr. Tucker thought tho
measure might be improved, but could
not expect perfection from a mixed com.
mittee.
The Southern members generally were
non-committal.
The Ohio Democrats aro opposed to it
as are also Danford and Garfield, of the
Republicans. Bright, of Tennessee, and
Knott, of Kentucky, will actively oppose
it. The Missouri delegation are in favor
of it, and it is expecUi the thirteen
members will so cast their vote
The Democrats from IUinois are divi
ded in their support of the measure.
Sparks looks upon it as proposing to
settle a great question by the pitch of a
copper. Prof. Seelye regarded the bill
as an admirable one, and would support
it with pleasure.
THE FIFTH JUSTICE.
There is much conjecture as to who tho
fifth Justice will be if his choice is
eventually left in the same hands as at
present provided. Justices Clifford and
Field are classed as Democrats, and Jus
tices Miller and Strong as Republicans.
If the four should be as obstinate as
partisans in Congress generally are, they
might have some difficulty iu coming to
an agreement. By the terms of tho bill
Chief Justice Waite is excluded, as it
provides that the fifth Justice shall be
selected from the Associate Justices.
Justice Swayne comes from Ohio, the
home of Hayes, and Justice Hunt from
New York, the home of Tilden, it might
seem as if propriety would exclude them.
This would narrow down the choice to
Justices Davis and Bradley, and the im
pression seems to be general that Justice
Davis will be the man. Some of the ex
treme Republicans have objected to
him for the reason, as they say, that he
is a Democrat. It is known, however,
that during the last campaign Justice
Davis expressed himself very decidedly
as preferring Hayes to Tilden, and, there
fore, Republican objections to him on
this score are apparently not reasonable.
For the honor of the representatives of
the people it should be said that such
objections as these, which spring from
the minds of small partisans, are not the
views of a very large proportion of Re
publican Senators and members. On a
par with the Republicans who object to
Davis are some Democrats who object to
Justice Miller because of his known Re
publicanism. Other Democrats say,
however, that they are satisfied that no
Justice of the Supreme Court will be
guided by partisan motives at such a time
as this.
DEMOCRATS IN CAUCUS.
Immediately after the adjournment of
the House to-day a caucus of tho Demo
cratic members was called, and about one
hundred and twenty-five members were
present when Chairman Lamar called tho
caucus to order. It was explained that
the purpose in calling the Democratic
members together was that members of
the joint committee might explain tho
features of the bill proposed. Mr.
Payne, the Chairman, then proceeded to
give a narration of the deliberations of
the committee, and was followed by Mr.
Hunton, these gentlemen occupying
nearly the entire hour. Speaker Randall
remarked that the bill was admirable m
many of its features, but it did not ap
pear to him explicit enough as to the
manner in which the testimony before the
commission ought to be taken. That
which had already been taken by the
House committee ought to be accepted
by tbe commission, and an amendment
making this obligatory soemed necessary
to perfect the bill. Mr. Landers, of
Indiana, asked Mr. Hunton whether tho
opposition of Senator Morton was
genuine. Hunton replied that Morton
was so foxy in his ways that it was im
possible to give positive information on
that point, but so far as be could judge
the opposition of Senator Morton was
downright earnest. Amidst much mer
riment Mr. Landers roplied that if it
could be definitely ascertained that Mor
ton was against the bill it would go far
towards making it acceptable to the
L\emocrac v, at least of Indiana.
Without coming to any conclusion or
committing the members to any resolu
tion of support, the caucus adjourned at
five o’clock.
RESPONSE FROM THE COUNTRY.
The response from the country is al
ready reaching here. A number of
private dispatches were received by mem
bers to-night urging them not to lose the
only opportunity of an amicable settle
ment. A prominent business man of
Boston, an earnest Republican, who
reached here to-night, says the sentiment
of the East is such that the greatest in
dignation will be felt if Congress should
neglect to give the prostrated and Ian-
guishlng industries of the country an as
surance in the passage of the bill that all
danger of disturbance is at an end. He
says it is no longer a question of politics
with the business men of the country, but
is a question of oommercnl existence.
The late M. Chaix-d’Est-Altge, an emi
nent French barrister, QiiOe defended a
prisoner, the principal evidence against
whom was the fact of a dagger having
been found him. “I am a Freema
son,” said hi3 counsel, “and, according
to custom, always have a poignard, and
there it is,” said" he, producing it from
his breast pocket. The presiding Judge
smilingly observed: “M. Chaix d’Lst-
Ange, tho court does not think you in
tend stabbing any person, but it inforas
you that, by the code, you are prohibited
from possessing such a weapon, and I
have to fine you in lOf. and to confiscate
the poignard.”
An elderly French lady, on returning
home, told the house porter that she was
tired of her life, and was resolved to
make a change. The man paid no atten -
tion, as the lady was known to be eccen
tric; but she had no sooner entered her
apartment than the report of firearms was
heard. !fbe door was brokon in, ana tfie
lady found dead on the floor. ^
fired a revolver into her right ear, and e
ball had vasaed out just over her left eye.
A \et4er* in her pocket contained the
iugubnous announcement that sfie g
her body to her boebaud for his New
Year’s gift.
Frederick Woods went out to boy a
coffin for his dead mother-ifi-law over in
Brooklyn, but on tbe way^ fell in with
friends, eot drunk, and didn t J
coffin. Yesterday Justice Walsh let him
off on condition that he at once go
coffin. The moral is, never resort to
spirituous liquors to assuage j 01 ’ 1 ^
for if the sorrow is deep it takes too
much rum to drown it, and J
worse at the police station than you did
before you got drunk.
=-s§Hi?
gas ougbt to te ^ n ^ amer will con-
is said that a single m0 ro
sums “« a /^^“ d rat f rthe atmos-
carboaic acid to dete candles.
pon health must, be
necessarily injurious.
4
