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EniTED A>D FCiLISHCP WKEKI.V, BY
IJ7LL/.1.7A It. II.IRHIXfI.Y.
[rOR TRE SOUTHF.RR MUSEUM }
Fleming In Hie (ouuirj.
There is a mystery in all nature,
From humblest flower to tile towering oafcy
From gentlest breezes to tire sweeping gale;
And blessed is lie whose mind is eapable
Os solving even the smallest part ol it.
There are periods in iny experience,
When left alone amongst the forest trees
In morning’s rosy hour, or evening s dim
But pleasing time, I have more company,
And sweeter converse and companionship,
And purer lessons of instruction reap,
Than if surrounded by the flippant crowd
Os youthful chatt’rers, or the senseless jaw
Os babbling politicians, whose delight
And merit is to study ignorance :
To prate of things as foreign to their mind’s
Conception, as tlie great Pacific s shores
Are from the Deuru, in Ilispania’s cliine.
To rise at dawn, when nature’s thankful hymn
Os praise to God for his preserving care,
Is chanted by a host of joyful birds
Os every species and of every size,
From the cawing jackdaw to the sparrow,
It throws a pleasantness about my path,
That rivals all description from my pen.
The cock, the faithful watchman on the tower,
First lifts iris warning voice to echo round
That day is coming o’er the Eastern hills—
And threatens, if we dare delay an hour,
Aurora’s smile will meet us unprepared
To answer it with smiles becomingly.
And, true enough, the canopy o’erhead,
Which, but an hour before, with jewels shone
As brightly as their distance would permit,—
Becomes a little shaded ; o’er its face
The fast appearing day lias thrown a veil,
Os pure, transparent white, at first, so thin
As merely to diminish in the sky
The stars of lesser magnitude, hut soon
The second vail is placed upon their forms ;
And now, just here and there, a planet hold
Defies thu meshes of the covering, and
Still ventures to assist us with its light.
The moon, meanwhile, lias transfer’d all her rays
Back to the orb from whence she borrow’d them,
And with a meek, contented countenance, falls
Into obscurity, her menial worth
Acknowledging, by calmly stepping off,
When Sol, the undisputed emperor,
Mounts on the platform of the peerless sky.
And now the feathered legions of the woods
Are up, each one assigned a station, where
He may assist the service of the morn
The forest flowers, wet by the dews of night,
Put on their sweetest smiles, and lifting forth
Their varied hues, bend to and fro their heads,
Ready to join the rest of nature’s choir
In the first hymn of joy and thankfulness.
The trees awake from slumber, and the shrubs
Shake off the drops collected in the night.
The insects, also, Ije prepared to raise
Their meed in harmony with the great song.
While every atom of creation stands
Thus ready to begin their welcome praise :
The glitt’riug splendor of the sun appears;
And ere the horizon has yielded half
II is form, the grateful incense meets him there.
The birds pour forth their sweetest melody—
One great harmonious strain is echoed forth,
From sweetest tenor to the loudest bass—
And western zephyrs bow the reverend trees.
What teaches this, oh man of thankless mind,
To thee of duty and of self-regard ?
If birds and beasts, far less endowed by God
With goodness from his mercy’s bounteous store;
If flowers inert, and trees inanimate,
Conspire to praise their great Creator’s name :
What should’stt/(o« do, for whom was everything
Designed, forever thine; and thou wert formed
In likeness even of tlie living God.
And yet, unthinking man ! the morn, the noon
Escape, the evening twilight settles thick,
And thou dost yield thyself to slumber’s arms,
And wilt not bend the knee or bow the heart,
Nor even presume to make acknowledgement,
As if thou didst not think that there doth live
Sucli being in infinity as God !
Beware ! hell epeneth to receive thee, and
The yawning vengeance of its quenchless fires
Will teach thee, then alas ! too late to learn
For good, that God’s existence is not vain !
W. V. 11.
From the South Carolinian.
Good Advice to Cotton Planters--
A Propose* Convention.
Mr. Editor —The question is frequent
ly asked, can we afford to raise cotton at
live cents perpound ? I answer that in S.
Carolina we cannot—the thing is impossi
ble. To prove the truth of what I say, 1
submit below a comparative statement of
the income, expenses, and loss for this
year (1848) ot what I conceive to he a well
conducted and economical plantation in
this State. I will take occasion to remark
here that the land is inferior to none in
point of productiveness for cotton, and that
the yield’per hand is far above the average
for the whole State. On this place, grain
and provision of all kinds has been raised
in sutheient abundance to supply its wants,
but nothing for sale. The negro clo
thing too, for winter use, has also been
manufactured for the place, but not the
summer, for the simple reason that it was
thought more economical to buy at the
present low prices. I call the attention
of my brother planters, especially of South
Carolina and Georgia, to the comparison;
and ask, in all candor, if there is anything
extravagant in the expenses, and if the in
come is not above the average.
This place contains in round numbers
550 acres, part of whieh, only four years
ago, cost twenty-five dollars portiere, and
111 is on it forty negroes, twenty of whom
Ire able bodied field hands, tlie test aged,
and children,unable to work out. Now,if
we estimate the negroes at three hundred
dollars round, and the land at the mode
rate sum of twelve dollars per acre, with
the stock and plantation utensils, the in
vestment will amount to at least $20,000,
which sum, at legal interest, would afford
the nett income of fourteen hundred dol
lars—a sum far greater than is now yield
ed by cotton planting, as the annexed com
parison will show.
Income for 1846.
Bales of cotton raised, 120; weight,
350 each, 42500 lbs. ats cts pr.ll>.s2loo
Births of young negroes 2, at SIOO
each, 200
Whole income $2,300
Expenses and Loss for 1848.
Wages of Overseer S3OO 00
Blacksmith acct., iron included 35 00
Medicine and medical attendance 30 00
Bagging, rope and twine lor 120
bales of cotton, 150 00
Blankets, 30 in number, at $1 12|
each 33 75
Shoes 25 pairs, at $1 25 per pair 31 25
Cotton Osnaburgs, 300 yards at 8
cents per yard 24 00
Taxes, (State, poor and bridge,) say 30 00
Salt, 6 sacks, at $2 each 12 00
Nails, 100 lbs. at 5 cents per lb. 500
Hoes, 1 dozen 4 50
Sugar and coffee for sick, 75 lbs.
at 10 cents per lb. 7 50
Annual wear and tear of land, say
5 per cent, upon estimated val
ue. (G,600) 330 00
Contingencies, such as restocking
the place with mules, wear and
tear of wagons, See. 200 00
Cost of transporting 120 hales cot
ton to market, at 75 cents prbale 90 00
Loss by death of old negro, say 100 00
Wholeexpenses and loss for’4B $1,383 00
If this latter sum be deducted from the
income, wo have a balance of $917 as
clear profit upon an investment of $20,-
000, or a fraction over 4j per cent. Out
of this my own labor and trouble must be
paid for, and my wife and children sup
ported. If, for these nurposes, we allow
four hundred and seventeen dollars, the
income will be SSOO clear, or 2$ per ct.
on the investment. Verily, we have fall
en upon prosperous times, and are en
gaged in a most profitable business ! 1
would sooner pick up chips for a living
or even be an editor.
Your own experience will tell you, Mr,
Editor, that the above is the most favora
ble statement as regards produce raided
a».J loss incurred. It is far more favo-a
ble than usually occurs to me. For last
year, on the same place, I raised hut 101
hales of cotton, and lost three valuable ne
groes by pneumonia. Then, again, the
average of six bales to the hand is most
unusual, exceeding, 1 believe, by 30 per
cent. the general average of the State.—
We all know if a planter does not make
over 10 per cent, clear of all plantation ex
penses, he is driving a poor, very poor
business. Nothing less will pay for his
his trouble and cover the risk of loss by
death of negroes.
Now, Mr. Editor, something must he
done, and done speedily, else universal
ruin will sweep like a hurricane over the
land. What shall it he ? One says change
your investment. Another says diversify
your productions ; plant less cotton ; more
corn ; raise your own stock, and keep out
of debt. Good advice excellent! But
can we follow the first portion at this time?
I think not; because, forsooth, the de
pressed price of our great staple, with
the deranged s'ate of the finances of the
woild, precludes ihe possibility of chang
ing the investment, but at a ruinous sacri
fice. The second can he followed, and
should he at once. Every planter should
determine for himself, without reference
to his neighbor or neighborhood, to cur
tail his crop one-third or one-half, and
then the reduction in the amount planted
will tell severely upon the amount of the
next crop, and the price also. If the crop
of next year could he reduced to 1,500,-
000 bales, does any doubt that the price
would rise to 15, perhaps 20 cents per
pound ?
There is in political economy no propo
sition, as a general rule, more true than
that a deficiency in an article of general
consumption increases its price in ratio
greater than the deficiency, and Ihe reverse.
The latter part of this proposition has been
fully illustrated by the effects of the crops
of 1547 and 1848, and the former by that
of ’45 and ’46. It is familiar to us all that,
in the winter of forty-six and seven, a de
ficiency in the crops of the latter year of
one fourth doubled the price, or raised it
from five a six to lea and twelve cents. —
And such will ever be the case, save
when some great political outbreak, like
the present in Europe, shall shake to their
foundations the governments of the Old
World uprooting and destroying the
time-honored but corrupt social, and, I
might say, commercial systems of each.
1 fear, Mi-. Editor, that I weary you
by the length of this communication, but
the deep interest I have, and we all have,
iti this matter, must be my apology for the
tiespess on your patience. It is certain
that unless we at once curtail our crops,
we are ruined beyond redemption. I say
again, let every man determine for him
self that it shall he done, and it will be
done; the thing will then he universal,
arid we will next year reap the reward of
our good resolutions in full pockets of shi
ning dollars, and a plenteous abundance
of every necessary of life around us. Let
no one he selfish, enough to say that the crop
planted will be small, and next year the
price will he high; therefore / will be wise
as a serpent , score in the seed and make my
Jack. Such an individual should remem-
ber that others are as selfish as himself,
and will reason in the same wry, and con
sequently the production will be heavy,
and the price small. Admitting, Mr. Ed
itor, that every man acts upon the resolu
tion, and the price next year is a compen
sating one, will not our own greediness
for gain induce us to forget the effects of
the curtailment in the produciion—plant
largely another year, and produce the
same disastrous effects that we are now
feeling? 1 fear so. To provide against
this state of things, I would respectfully
suggest that the Legislatures of all the cot
ton growing Staics impose a heavy tax, say
of ten dollars per acre, upon every acre here
etftcr planted to the task hand over and
above Jive or six. This suggestion I know
may provoke a smile upon the countenance
of many. I myself have doubts of its prac
ticability—the practicability of i’s adop
tion, not of its opera*ion. ]f your col
umns will be open forme, L will endeavor,
at my leisure, to point out its advantages.
It has merit, and great merit.
In the meantime, Mr. Editor, I insist
that we poor cotton planters hold a con
vention to interchange opinions, discuss
and mature some plans of relief. The
manufacturers,stockholders and silk glow
ers, have their cotiven ions, and why not
the cotton planters? If so humble an in
dividual as myself he allowed to suggest
the time and place, 1 would say Thursday,
Ist February, 1849, and Columbus, Geor
gia, the place. I select tlie time as a lei
sure one, and by time developements will
be made as to the fu’ure condi ion of Eu
rope, upon which we shall be able to act
advisedly, &c. The place, because of
its central position, the beauty of its loca
tion, and tlie known hospitality of the
Georgians. lam sure, Mr. Editor, you
will help us in this matter. Your own
deep interest in the agricultural welfare
of the South will prompt you to keep the
hall rolling. Call upon our Georgia neigh
bors—upon Alabama, Mississippi, Louis
iana, and every State that raises a stalk of
the staple, to come up and toe the mark.
Ask the editors of newspapers to exert
themselves in the good cause, and we will
succeed. If no other goes from South
Carolina I will be there, if 1 have to ride
a mule, provided anv one will meet me.
A COTTON PLANTER.
MACON, G A .
SATURDAY MORNING, DEC. Hi, lf<46.
J. I’. Robinson, nnd J K. Har
mon, are authorized to receive subscriptions fur
tlie Southern Museum, in any of the South
Western Counties of Georgia.
IEP We design, in the publication of our pa
per, to encourage domestic talent, and wo
should be highly pleased to see those of our
friends who can possibly do so, favor ns with an
article or two. We desire to make the Museum
interesting to all classes, and therefore wish our
correspondents to have their offerings of varied
characters,
“From grave to gay, from lively to severe.”
Qj’Wo forward the present number of the
Southern Museum to several of our friends,
with a view of obtaining for it their support.
Wc disclaim, however, any desire of forcing the
paper upon any, therefore, whilst we shall be
thankful for any patronage which may he extend
ed to us, we respectfully request those who are
unwilling to aid us in the enterprise, to notify us
of the fact by returning the paper to this office;
otherwise their names will be entered upon our
subscription list.
To Advertisers. —The arrangements now
making to extend the circulation of our paper in
this city and the surrounding country, already
warrant the filling up of our advertising co
lumns. The success of our enterprise has far
exceeded our most sanguine expectations, and,
in the first two weeks of its existence, our edi
tion is as large as we contemplated publishing
in the first volume. This is cheering to us, and
we need but the aid of the advertising public, to
make our paper of more interest to the mass of
the people, and to improve its size and appear
ance. No pains shall he spared on our part to
render all of our patrons an abundant return for
their support. We do not wish the public to
judge of the Mis Ki'M from the published issues
—there are many leading features which we
have, as yet, been unable to present to our read
ers, by which we expect to enhance the value
of our paper. Nor have we been furnished with
an exchange list, to make our selections, which
together with other circumstances, needless
now to mention, have prevented a variety in
the news department. In order to make these
additions, it is desirable that we he aided by
the mercantile class. Still, we do not beg for
their patronage ; we are confident that the pub
licity given to their advertisements will amply
justify the expense, and we think that our mer
chants need but the knowledge oftheir interests,
to act in accordance with them.
Thanksgiving Dav. — liis Excellency Gov.
Towns, has issued a proclamation appointing
Monday, the 25th inst., as a day of Thanksgiv
ing and Prayer. The anniversary of the Birth
of the Savior could not be better observed, than
by a general tribute of gratitude to the Giver of
every good and perfect gift.
(HpIInNHY Clay and Lewis Cass will, it is
said, be elected to the U. S. Senate. The elec
tion in Kentucky will be held early in January.
The Legislature of Michigan must, by' law, elect
a Senator in ten days after their meeting, unless
they postpone the election by joint resolution.
Mr. Allen is also expected to he re-elected,
the House of the Ohio Legislature should be a.
hie to organize.
The State of Missouri is about to construct
a levee along the west bank of the Mississippi)
from New Madrid to the State line of Arkansas,
dista nee of 54 miles.
Tlie Influence of Woman.
It was an auspicious era, in the world's histo
ry, when female intellect was delivered from
the bonds of ignorance, and declared suscepti
ble of cultivation, and upon an equality in natu
ral endowments with the mind of man. Many
illustrious men, have been of the opinion that,
as the “weaker vessel,” woman was designed
to be inferior in intellectual powers—to be the
servant, rather than the equal. However ho
nest these may have been in their belief, and
however strenuously they may have advocated*
and endeavored to prove the truth of the asser
tion, the history of modern times, the expe
rience of our own age, most clearly furnish un
deniable evidence to the contrary. Although it
has been, comparatively, but a few years since
a female education was considered essential,
there are a host of witnesses, who have distin
guished themselves in every department of Lit
erature, and in every exercise of the mental
abilities, 1o offer their testimony in behalf of
woman’s right to a thorough and practical edu
cation. In the list of American women, we
could point to many, whose depth of thought,
beautiful imagination, and refinement of expres
sion, at least compete with, if they do not excel,
the most extraordinary efforts of masculine wri
ters.
Nor is the proof of this equality alone depend,
ant upon experiment. The Holy Scriptures, in
recording the creation of Man, give tlie strong
est argument, and in the most explicit terms.—
As remarked by a learned writer, woman was
not taken from the head of man, that she might
become his superior—nor from his feet, that she
might be his inferior—hut from his side, thus
indicating her perfect equality; not the ruler,
nor the subject, but the participant in the joys or
the sorrows of our race.
The social state has placed her to preside over
affairs around the domestic hearth—distasteful
to the natural capacities of man —where the
harmony and peace of the family are especial
objects of her guardianship. But this is not all;
the earliest impressions upon the human mind,
the first tutoring of the world is confided to her.
She is to plant the seeds of virtue or vice—of in
dustry or idleness—in the soul of the infant.
The new-born mind, fresh from the hand of its
Creator, spotless and pure, is to dawn beneath
the genial rays of a mother's piety, or to he
seared and blighted by her negligence, and vi
cious example. She is to stereotype upon the
yielding suffice, lessons of reverence and god
liness : to write upon its first pages with tlie
pen ofholiness, a record of its obligations to its
creator, and its future blessed immortality—or
feed the sinful evidences of its fallen nature,
and to nurture, for a fuller and more distant de
velopement, its proticness to evil.
How important, then, if these responsible
situations are to he filled by woman, that she
should be educated—fitted and prepared for
them ! By educat on we do not mean every
thing that is generally classed under that head,
by no means. The spirit of imposition, by
which no profession or vocation is uninjured,
has devised systems and brandies, which it
wi re far better if they remain unlearned.—
Nor do we allude to the most popular method ol
education, combining, as it does, much that is
useless, with a very small portion of available
knowledge. It is the education of the heart,
and the corresponding enlightment of the miff’d,
with pure, pract cal, and necessary information.
It i« that education which is calculated to in
struct them in the objects of their creation; in
the duties and tlie obligations of the station
which the foresight of Infinite Justice lias as
signed them ; and the means by which they may
act in unison with the designs of the Eternal;
promote the enjoyment of their own privileges
and comforts, and contribute to the happiness of
others.
These arc things not to he learned in a day.—
Nor are they to he found in the resorts of fash
ionable seekers of amusement, nor among the
gay and the trifling—nor yet in the institutions
of outward accomplishments and superficial in
struction. All these are most eminent means of
disqualifying woman for the duties naturally im
posed upon her, and change her destiny from
being the most potent power to impart gaud, to
an evil destroyer, scattering abroad with a reck
less hand, the germs of vice, whose fruit can
alone he fully recognised in eternity.
Woman is not only the equal of man—his
companion and help-mate—and the'being to
whom the first impressions of infancy are confi
ded—but also the preserver of the union and the
harmony of society. She it is, whose approba
tion can nerve to fire the spirit of the coldest
temperament; whose frown will dispirit the
most ardent ambition; » hose pleading tear will
melt the ice-clad heart, and draw from the close
embrace of a frigid nature, the warmest and
most sympathetic sentiments. She is the ruler
of mankind—if riot by holding the reins of polit
ical government, nor by pre-eminence in evan
gelical and sectarian power,—still, she governs,
bv the most potent of all sceptres —moral sua
sion. Her power in controlling man is almost
unlimited ; and while, as a general rule, she is
inclined to he mild and generous, she can be
woise than tyrannical—for her dominion is such,
that none will fail to acknowledge it, and few
will venture to disregard it.
In view of these facts, they who are to occu
py this all-important position, have no time to
spend upon whimsical and temporary accom
plishments, and shallow, imperfect, and unne
cessary systems of instruction. So great an end
must be difficult of attainment—and yet, unless
it be arrived at, the design of the Almighty has
not been carried out, and woman is perverted
from the most perfect creation of Deity, and the
most powerful means of instilling virtue, into a
vain, foolish and degraded creature.
In short, theonly study of woman should he
—herself! A theme sufficiently complicated to
admit of the most profound research, and contin
ued investigation—and important enough to de
maud the whole of her leisure time and atten
tion. It is not necessary, nay, it is utterly su
perfluous, to crowd her mind with the Litera
ture of obsolete ages, and with theoretical fan
tasies of speculative brains. She is nut to fulfil
her duties by theory, but by everyday practice ;
why then, withhold from her a tangible, useful
education ? She is never to roam over the fields
and converse with the inhabitants of the planets
or stars —why, then, consume her time with the
relation of pure speculations, and imaginary
truths, when she lias to acquire so much, which
she must either use in her daily life, or feel her
unpardonable deficiency ? Why instruct her in
the polish ofan education, while she is ignorant
of its elements ? Why teach her to execute the
most beautiful pieces of elegant embroidery', and
at the same time leave her unknown to the most
simple lesson of domestic duly ? Why teach
her to mimic the tawdry colors and motions of
the butterfly, and suffer her to remain untaught
in the objects and end of her creation ?
These are solemn enquiries—we feel them to
he such—and we address them to those who
have charge of the female mind ; and most ear
nestly recommend a more universal attention to
the practical education ofyoung wnmun. They
are to be wives, practically—mothers, practi
cally—guardians ofyoung intellects, practically:
and should they not be aware of these facts, and,
by a practical, tangible, and available educa
tion, prepared for the discharge of these respon
sible duties ?
The President’s Message. —This public
document was received by last Saturday’s mail
In accordance with our previously expressed
intention,we do not insert it in our paper—more
particularly because its extreme length renders
it inadmissible. Asa matter of record, nnd for
the benefit of those who have no disposition to
read twelve columns oftlie Museum in one con
tinuous article, we liavg prepared a brief detail
of the President’s recommendations, and the
substance of his statements.
The Message opens, as it is proper and just
that it should, with thanksgiving to the Al
mighty, for the many and boundless blessings
bestowed upon us during the pust year.
It nexts alludes to the Mexican War, its pro
secution, and tlie peace concluded between the
contending parties. One ts the most important
events oftlie War—says the Message, in sub
stance—lias been the vindication of our capabil
ities to carry on a foreign war with success, and
the value of our republican method of raising ar
mies—from the citizen soldiery. An erroneous
opinion, entertained by various European gov
ernments, lias here been refuted—viz : that the
people of the United States could only wage a
war of defence; that they lost their bravery and
efficiency, when attempting the offensive. It
has also, by this, and other evidences of our
military and civil greatness, j laced us in a more
commanding and enviable position than tve have
hitherto occupied—besides the addition of a
la ge area of territory' to our possessions.
By the annexation of Texas, and the recent
Treaty, we have acquired—together with the
settlement of the Oregon question—l,l93,o6l
square miles, or 763,559,040 acres. This esti
mate exceeds half of the size of the Union be
fore this acquisition. The area of the United
States, including these territories, is 3,252,574
square miles.
Tlie President recommends the immediate
creation of territorial governments—and a satis
factory settlement of the slavery agitation.
According to official information, large mines
of gold have been discovered within the limits
of the conquered territory—as also a most pro
ductive mine of quicksilver.
A geological and tnineralogical survey of New
Mexico and California is considered necessary.
The apprehensions entertained by our states
mt n that our power would he crushed by increa
sing territorial limits, have been dissipated by
experience.
The Tariff of 1846 has increased the public
revenue.
The constitutional treasury has been success
ful in its operation.
If the appropriations made by Congress shall I
not exceed the amount estimated, the means in
the Treasury will defray the expenses of the
government; pay oft'the next instalment of 3,-
000,000 to Mexico, and leave a large surplus—•
If the appropriations are increased, the payment
of the debt will lie postponed.
The Executive then goes into a long history
of the American System ; its inappropriateness
and utter hostility, as he believes, to republican
institutions; the importance of the present un
restricted use of the Veto—and closes with a
summary of the measures which have been car
ried out during his administration.
We have glanced hastily at the Message, and
in some instances we copy its language in the
above paragraphs, and iri others express its
sentiments. Os course, we are net to tell our
view of the President’s arguments—therefore
we neither condemn or approve them—that is
of an enlighted public.
The Times. —According to everybody ’s opin
ion now-a-davs, “the times” cannot he other,
wise than dull. Cotton low, money scarce,
and growing “beautifully less.” Now, one of
the best preventives for hard times is prettily ea
sily obtained. Mind your own business ; never
go in debt ; try to tel! the truth, and work hard,
and our word for it, you’ll never know anything
about “hard times.” Imagination is a great
thing—and when one has nothing else to do hut
to imagine himself at the point of starvation,
why, troubles and crosses will be as plentiful a s
blackberries. Let every one fancy himself get'
ting rich, and whether it be true or not, is
matter of no consequence. Keep your mind
less on making money, and you will make more
of it, and what is better, cankering care won’ 1
dig into your face, and you’ll have more real, so
lid happiness. That is what you seek for.
Connubial Bliss. —The Point. Coupee
Echo, of the 25th ult., announces the marriage
at Baton Rouge, ofCol. Bliss, to Miss Bkttv
Taylor, daughter of the President elect.
(£j"Land Warrants were recently selling at
Washington City for $16!). In New York the
selling'price is sllO. Brokers give $lO7, wilt
a fair demand.
(EFTlie U. S.store ship Fredonia, sailed from
New York for California, on the 7th inst.
Cotton Planters’ Convention.
We direct the careful attention of the reader
to tlie article over the signature of “A Cotton
Planter,’’ in to-day’s paper. It is a plain, sim.
pie, and substantially correct statement of the
“profitable business" in which Cotton-growers
areengaged. Itis much the same, in this re
gard, as our article of last week, and recom.
mends the application of the same remedy which
we then proposed ; the reduction of the staple
produce. It is a gratifying fact that the peo
pie are turning their attention to this matter
Itis an evidence that they know what will be
for their benefit, and, au sensible and judicious
practical philosophers, they will adopt the best
plan of consummating the desired reform. Al
though we coincide with the writer in most of
his positions, we doubt capitally the expediency
of a Planters’ Convention. This method ofap
plying means to discontinue public evils, We
are by no means partial to. We have no faith
in such a Convention. It will create a kind of
distrustful feeling between farmers, even if a
universal attendance be secured. But we have
much reason to doubt that such will be the case.
The manufacturers can afford to have such con
sulfations upon their affairs, because they are
comparatively speaking, hut few, and mostly
large capitalists. Farmers are a numerous, and
less monied class, and therefore have no time
to spend in such assemblages, especially if they
are far from home. We think a Convention un
necessary—because all that it can effect, may be
done without it. Let each farmer, engaged in
the produce of Cotton, reduce his next year’s
crop one-half, and otherwise employ the re
mainder of his land. Then the experiment
will either pioveour assertion tiilse or true. It
is running no risk to do so at any rate, for the
planters eunnot do worse than raise Cotton at 5
cents !
Still, if the people demand a Convention, let
them have one. We hope it may end in devi.
sing something for tlie public good. But we
have a word to say to those who will not attend
this Convention. Let those of your neighbors
meet together who wi I, and adopt such reso u
tions as they see proper, but do you determine
to plant but half your usual crop. Let every
one adhere to this, and Cotton will bring from
12 to 15 cents per pound—trade will be brisk,
and everybody satisfied. Will you try it ?
Central Ituilrounl.
It will he seen by reference to the advertise
ment in another column that a dividend of $3
per share of this Company, lias been declared.
By the reports recently published in the Geor
gian, vve learn that the affairs of the Company,
under the present able and efficient officers, are
in a prosperous condition. The project of run
ning a road from Washington to intersect at sonic
point on the Central, is not urged at present—
the Southwestern Road having the preference
now.
The Superintendent "ives the following infor
mation in relation to the business of the Central
Road :
Total amount of earnings for the
year, : $516,252 64
The expenses of maintaining and
working the Road for the same
period have been, : 266,450 01
Leaving a balance,as net profits,of $249,38!) 63
And an increase in the gross earn
ings of the Road over the pre
vious year of : $132,38!) 09
The following shews the average increase
and decrease oftlie business of the road for the
year ending November 30, 1848i
Decrease in up Height, : 4 per cent.
Increase in down freights, 101 “
Decrease in through passage, 10$ “
Decrease in way passage, 3.J “
Increase in total earnings,
Western ami Atlantic i£ailroad.
We learn from the Report of the Chief Engi- |
neer, the following particulars in relation to this !
Hoad :
A contract was closed on the 22d day of March,
1848, with Allen Cochran, John D. Gray & co.
and Asa Bates & co., for all the graduation,
bridging, superstructure, tunneling, brick-work,
depots, water-stations, turn-outs, turn-table, en
gine-house, and such other work as might be
required on the whole or any part of the road,
between Dalton and Chattanooga, to be com
pleted and ready for use by the first day of Oc
tober, 1849. The contractors have entered up- I
on their work with a fair prospect of completing j
their engagements in due time. The contract
was made payable in the bonds of the State of j
Georgia. It iscalculatcd that at the opening of |
the road to Chattanooga ten or twelve engine* 1
will he in operation. The motive power now .
on the road is in good condition.
During the year, the Nashville and ClintM- ;
nooga Railroad Company has been fully organ
ized, its stock freely taken up, and a portion of .
the road located and put under contract. It is to j
connect witli the Western and Atlantic Railroad
at Chattanooga, and is destined to make our
great State work a most valuable property.
The Memphis Branch Railroad from Kingston
to Rome is nearly completed, and anew steam
boat is to be put upon the river, so that an in- -
creased business may be expected from the vak- i
ley of - the Coosa.
The debt of the Road on the first day of Janu
ary last, amounted to the sum of $42,1G7 43
with a cash balance in the Treasury 0f51,878 7->
and the debt chargeable to the road on the 39th
of Sept last, amounted to $30,455 25, with a
cash balance in the Treasury then 0f520,058 3*.
The gloss income of the Road, for the y® ar
ending 30th September last, was $115,585 3fl,
and the current expenditures for the same time
were $62,022 91, which shows a balance of
$53,562 39, being an increase of $15,755 46,
over the profits of the previous year.
The State now owns eight engines, which arc
barely sulficient for the present transportation,
and there is reason to believe that the increase
of business will warrant the purchase of at least
two more during the next year.
There are also on the Rond and belonging 10
the State, four passenger, two baggage and eight
platform cars, which will be sufficient for the
transportation of passengers and way-freight th°
ensuing year.