The National Republican. (Augusta, Ga.) 1867-1868, January 26, 1868, Image 3

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The National Republican., January 26, 1868, Image 3

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Newspaper Page Text5 «h« he did at the request of said proceed to said Millen on business ol to said Citr. ■■B J. E. Hut ant. to and subscribed before mo this of January, 1868. Hr William Doyle, (L.Jv) Notary Public for Richmond County. ot G Kouuta —City of Augusta. appeared. Thus. I'. Heard, being duly sworn, deposetli and sayitli BBHon the 24th day of October, 1807, at : of tho Mayor of said City, he to Herzelia to look after business in bHHi said City was interested, and that amounting to one dollar and fifty was charged to said City of Augusta, ‘ received a pass from the Mayer > effect. ■K Titos. I’. Heard. to and subscribed before me, this 1868. WK WILLIAM IhlTl.K, (b. S.) ■HH Not ary Public for Riebm nl C uuty. Bllfflifef Concern! </ Mr. Me Kune. OK K f IIU AI M TWKKnt. —Richmond County. appeared belore me I.: Ini ni HK who, being dub sworn, deposeth WSBBKih : That John M. Kiune told him, on mSBBat the ninth day of December last, ■ John McKinne, owed Mr. Foster the sum ot one hundred and dollars, borrowed money, and .• bad told Mr. Hlutne, Clerk of Conn- his cheeks to Mr. Blodgett for up. Ei'huaim Tweedy. to and subscribed before me, ibis of January, 1868. SHHB \Ym. R. McLaws, HS|H| County Judge R. C. HHgt Rafe Knight. affidavit or ueo. m. noon. ■Hir G BORGIA — C't't -f iaya.d.:. appeared before me, <i, roe who being July sworn, deposeth BHHh : That he is an i has been since HHHlBf>7, officer in cl. eve ot the prison- for work. Tii.it it was and has SH|HI rule and custom to select , of of sail prisoners to act as such prisoners being allowed to HHomc without special guard. ' > ' nog BhH'v water for said detail, and that HHH has ever been allowed liberty cx above sta'ed. Deponent further Rati' Knight, a e Pored pris mer, who lias hi eu s selected, and ■BHir his cm.trot and survcillaiue said pointed out and thus aide 1 in 'tin ot prisoners who, having HHH cotibl not have otherwise been Actimi as aforesaid wi, had direction of Mayor, an 1 . ~'.v S r i before stated. gko. m. hood. and subscribed b-.-so: ■ me, January, 1868. William Doti.e, [i . s.j Not. Pub. for Rd. Cos. W*- |nV OTK FROM MR. LYNCH. Augusta, Jan. P-1, 1868. Blodgett , Mayor: —The bearer of this, Join: W. : HHBi, for eight years or more, lost k.4.«Bri'D a resident of this City. since lien moved, bis family tote where they now are. At the fhtß" Hi apj.-.inttnt at as Policeman be ..teaser working upon the Augusta of no reason l ion do I know sf, ir.tij BBy he is not a fit person for City 8 \J[jßfetCtfully yours, ■mSbm Otis G. Lync h. I ■ <% Printing. OF E. 11. PtlillK. i)j! day of .July. 1 »•;•>. If. li. of (ho ljmh/ l’,- • , p,• HI A t i:i ins paper 1 1 f. iver'i-c. (•• fourth s ■bHHMB»I to 12J cents ' of the Ch-ai h also offered (their bid to quote from their offer: • rin, ' !1 i r 1,0 !»Vet! to tOCft fmmKpSßi'-'-;% T * * publish the proceed ialßiaßfljßai,c' 1 anil advertisements of the next year, for one third less ««Hk»l ar advertised rates, at the is ; | i J.R. \V. J . ! Bus. Man. C. »f■ S. ’’ V Stockton iV Cos., K *.,& Proprietors of f.'o,'iV" to 66J cents per square. C v ffca Pughe was accepted, with the f'im&mlßpg that he would do all the City Advertising. ,; f ,,4.3,yt^Btncats were ordered in the /liter Mi>-as well as the Official Organ. Vrfi results, as taken lrem g hill now before me. f'.F. Election l’ruclaiua tlon ’ 10 -'9 • ,#t s!2.il) A;v. Election I’re clamatiun, 11 sq., lot .Vt.de Election Pruclamati 12 Ht 7.dd dpy Aug. Water -c|*X. Work?, 2t sq., ht i).(ju Any ’foj&hr icicle, Aug. Water Works, -Hf- 2 ?q. fit 7.ft isij Press, Aug. Water Works, V 5.,:.- K 3 Sq., fit 1 .SI) AUg* 3s Hwiicle, Adv. Election Notice, ■t sq., 9t 17.50 Election N'o- Hice, 1 Eq,, 9t Press, Election Notice. ■l «q.. i»t ybe apajfe cases arc merely mentioned though Puglie was presumed S*> he Hm Printer, the other offices were rates, addition isfejf job work, as their bills will of June, 1»67, a notice was *§r-?2tlHpc me by the Clerk of Council. Blooine, that sealed pro jiftPiusteald be received until 12 o'clock July 1, for doing the City the ensuing year. 1 handed toffor fifty cents per square. No presented, Col. U. 15. liul the following resolution at the HKing of Council / Friday, July 5). That the Mayor be authorized isl with E. H. Pughe, upon the for the City Printing lor July 1, 1807, or upon any which lie mav he able to Em him. . ",S* meeting, August 2, the, verbally that lie had con E. 11. I’uglie to do tho City : for the pre.-eut term, for forty being 10 cents less than and adopted. Press was the sole propcity ot ..HWHe, and at. the time of giving out - f I!iK L ", ever been spoken - to regarding , iu y change. the < hr,,ov lr, C„nslt»i/iontili ‘t l/ - put in bills for the printing. of the < 7/ roub le, offering • the Notices, Ordinances, and 4rnt 'trig matter of the City Council, Iftpt advertising rotes, mul to pule ol Council gratis. & Cu-i of tlie (.'unstilu/ionalisl, publish the advertisements and '* of the Council for one year for B further offered to charge regular Hprli.it might be done, and emits Mw J. N. Ella, of the Transcript, offered to do all the offioial printing for S3OO. Tho Bids of Mr. Ells and Stockton A Cos., were accepted. A member of the late Council from the Second Ward stated in Council, on a discus sion on City Priuting, that it w»s unfair that the Proprietor of the Dailt Passu should take the Printing at a mere nominal sum, whilst the Constitutionalist should receive the more profitable work. Whilst I only received 12J cents per square, the other papers never charged the City less than sl. „ _ ' K. H. Pcuiix. Sworn to before me, this 17th January, 1868. John Phinixt, Jr., Not. P. R. C. [Copy.] State of Gkoruia— Richmond, County. Personally appeared before me, E. H. Pughe, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and says, that he took the contract for pub lishing the Council proceedings, ordinances, etc., for the years 1866-67, at the nominal rate of 12J cents per square, because he was publishing a newspaper, freo of charge, as an advertising medium, and desired the Council proceedings so as to attract atten tion to said Daily Press, and for the fur.her reason—that he was promised the job work (printing) of the city. In making a bid for 1867-68, he placed the rate at about one half the usual charges, vis: Fifty cents per square. Being the only bidder, he was entitled to the said advertising at the rate named in his bid ; but, upon representation made to him by his Honor the Mayor, of the financial condi tion of the city, and the further representa tion that the incidental printing of the city should be given him, he consented to, and did contract for, said advertising at forty cents per square, being twenty per cent less than his bid. Deponent further states that his bid was made on Monday, July 1, 1867, and that the contract was closed on Saturday, July 6, 1867. Deponent further states that, at the time of making said bid and contract, he was the sole and only owner and proprietor of the Daily Press ; and further, that at the time, nor for some period thereafter, ho had no expectation or knowledge of the busi ness arrangement which were subsequently made by him with the Georgia Printing Company. Deponent further states that the follow ing comparison of prices paid to his paper and the other city journals is correct, and taken from the paid bills now in the hands of the city authorities- 1566. July 31. Constitutionalist advertising Water Works, 2J sq., 6t $9 00 July 3!. Chronicle advertising Water Works, 2 sq., 6t 7 60 July 31. DailtPre-s,advertising Water Works, 3 sq., 6t ISO 1886. Aug. 9. Constitutionalist advertising Election Notice, 4 sq., 9t 13 00 Aug. 9. Chronicle, advertising Election Notice, 4 sq., 9t 17 60 Aug. 9. Dailt Prsss, advertising Elec tion Notice, 4 sq., 9(. 3 00 1566 Nov. S. Constitutionalist. auvertis ng Election Proclamation, 11 sq_, 10t 50 00 Nov. S. Chronicle, advertising Election Proclamation, 10 sq., lOt 42 50 Nov. S. Dailt Press, advertising Elec tion Proclamation, 12 sq, lit 7 00 1867 April 22. Constitutionalist, advertising Notice to Tax Payers, 3 sq., 10t.. S Mi April 21. Chronicle, advertising Notice to Tax Payers, 2 sq., lOt 7 00 April 23. Daily Press, advertising No tice to Tax Payers, 3 sq., lOt 2 50 1867 April 21. Constitutionalist, advertising City Taxes for 1867,1 sq.,lot 4 60 April 22. Chronicle, advertising City Taxes fer 1867,1 sq., lOt T. 375 April 23. Dailt Press, advertising City Taxes for 1867, 1 sq , lOt 1 20 1867 May 11. Constitutionalist, advertising Mayor’s Message, 62 lines... 12 40 May 11. Chronicle, advertising Mayor’s Message, 54 lines 5 00 May 11. Dailt Press inserted it with out any charge, 1807 May 15. Constitutionalist, advertising Health Notice, 1 sq., 6t 3 75 May 15. Chronicle, advertising Health Notice, 1 sq., 6t 4 37 May 15. Daily Press, advertising Health Notice, 1 sq., 6t 0 75 E. H. Pushe. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 23d day of January, 1868. William Doyle, L. S., Notary Public for Richmond County. Georgia— Richmond County. Personally appeared before the under signed, Leopold T. Blome, who, being sworn, says that he was Clerk of the City Council of Augusta, from January, 1863, to January, 1868. That, as such Clerk, he served a notice on each of the City Papers of Augusta, of which the following is an exaet copy: “Clerk of Council’s Office, 1 Augusta, Ga., June 19, 1867. } NOTICE CITY PRINTING. Sealed Proposals for doing the City Print ing for the ensuing year will be received at this Office until 12 o’clock M., of Monday, July Ist, 1867. Applicants will state in their bids the sum for which they Will do all the adver tising of the city for the year, and also a sworn statement of the amount of heir city circulation, as the Committee will de cide, before awarding the contract, whether to give it to the lowest bidder or to the paper having the largest circulation. By order of the Chairman of the Printing Committee, bids must be directed to Hon. It. R. Bullock, Chairman Printing Commit tee, and endorsed, “Sealed Proposals for City Printing." 1,. T. Blome, Clerk of Council. Sir: lam requested to furnish you with the foregoing notice in lieu of advertising it. Respectfully, etc., L. T. Blome, C. C.” This notice was duly served, and on the day fixed for the proposals to come in, none had been handed in but the proposal of Mr. Pughe, of the Daily Press, and no proposals were made by any of the other City Papers for 18C 7 . LEorot.D T. Blome. Sworn to and subscribed before me this January 22d, 1868. Jas. 8. Hook, Not. Pub. 11. C. Value of City Bonds and Stocks. STATEMENTS OF BROKERS. Augusta, Ga., Jan. 18, 1668. City of Savannah Bonds, 7 per cent., coupons paid in cash, 62. City of Charleston Stock, 6 per cent., coupons funded, 28. City of Macon Bonds, 7 per cent., coupons received for taxes, 54. City of Columbia Bonds, not known. City of Augusta Bonds, 7 per cent., old coupons received for taxes, 54. Coupons of City of Augusta Bonds, worth in May, 1867, 98. Coupons of City of Augusta Bonds, worth iu January, 1868, 97}. Ohah. D. Carr k Cos. Augusta, Ga., Jan. 18, 1868.* Foster Blodgett, Esq., Mayor: Dear Sir—ln reply to your inquiry as regards the present value of the following city stocks, I take pleasure in giving the information as desired. City of Charleston has no bonds, but a registered stock. It is worth 35*40 cents. They issue certificates for the interest which is not transferable, aud only received for taxes—worth 38»40 cents. City of Augusta, 50. City of Savannah, 63a65. City of Macon, 52. City of Columbus, not offered in this marketi As to the value of the Bonds last May, we quoto 70. Tho coupons have not varied in value. We bought them for 92*96 then, and do the same now; and sold them at 95a97i, and do the same now. Yours respectfully, John J. Cohen k Son. City Finances. [Extract.] REPORT. To the Honorable Mayor and Council: The Committee on Finance report that from an examination of tho city finances, they find tho existing debt amounting to some Ono Hundrod and Twelve Thousand Dollars at the present time, with no avail able means to pay except from the collec tion of taxes, which will be slow in coming in, and be paid largely in the overdue Coupons and indebtedness of the city. In view of which situation, we see no way of meeting the difficulties in their money affairs, except in retrenchment in every way that can bo done with safety to the welfare of the city. They, therefore, recommend, in the first place, the vacation of certain offices, by repealing the Ordi nances and Resolutions under which said Officers have been appointed, not for want of any confidence in them as officers or men, but from the necessity growing out of the inability of the city to pay the salaries. They also recommend that, in all the departments of the city—the Streets, Water Works, Bridge, Canal, En gines—all supernumerary bands be dis pensed with, so that the expenses be re duced to the lowest amount possible, regard ing the welfare of the city, which your Committee believe will improve the credit, and enable them to pay the indebtedness now pressing on them. They annex a statement of the liabilities of the city, so far as they have been able to state. There is a further amount unsettled for Engines and Hose Reels, to what extent we are unable to state. Respectfully submitted. (Signed) Jas. B. Bishof, Chm’n, “ Ephraim Tweedy, “ B. Conley, Committee on Finance. Augusta, Ga., May 13, 1806. The following statement accompanies the Report: Amount due on credited bills of March, 1867 $3,215.00 Amount due on credited bills of April, 1867 5,449.00 Amount duo on credited bills ot May, 1867 12,020.00 Amount bills payable 31,610.00 Amount duo on acc’t Engine, bought in 1860 1,500.00 Amount duo Augusta, Ga., Gas Light Company (estimated) 8,000.00 Amount due In’st Coupons prior to Ist April, 1567 35,000.00 Amount duo in April and May, 1867.. 5,100.00 • $111,95400 Above estimate made to 6th May, 1867* The report was, on motion, received. A true extract from the Miuutes of Council of May, 13, 1867. Attest: James N. Ells, C. C. statement or dr. uarvin. City Collector A Treasurer's OFries, 1 January 17, 1868. j I hereby certify that from the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning on April 1, 1866, to January 1. 1567, there was paid on Account of Priding $2,575 86 For the entire fiscal year tho amount paid was 2,835 07 from April 1, 1867, to January 1, 1868, amount paid on same ac count $1,505 64 Os which S4S7 75 was for Printing done before April 1, 1567 487 75 Printing bills unpaid 962 95 Total amount paid and kills unpaid $1,980 81 1- P. Garvin, Collector and Treasurer C. A. From May 1, 1866, to January t, 1867, there was paid out by the Col. and Treas $271,749 36 From May 1, 1867, to January 1,1868, there was paid by Col. and Treas... 205,841 24 Os this last amount there was paid on account made previously the sum of $14,384 05. A largo amount of the City Taxes from 1867, was paid in City of Augusta Coupons, past due. Kospeotfally submitted, I. P. Garvin, Collector and Treasurer C. A. January 18, 1868. REPLY OF THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. In reply to the charges in a petition made to the General Commanding the Dis trict. for the restoration of the late Board of Councilmen of the City of Augusta, we would respectfully state, 1 That the term for which Messrs. Jno Foster, A. P. Robertson, John U, Meyer, Jas. T. Bothwell, Joshua K. Evans, John Phinizy, Ephraim Tweedy, Wm. A. Ram sey, Alex. Philip, Georgo R. Crump, Chas. Estes, Michael O’Dowd and Jas. Gargau were elected by the registered voters, under City Registration, ou the second Monday in April, 1866, expired on the 10th day of April, 1867. By the ordinances of thj City (in copy of Ordinances, p. 59, here unto appended) a registration of persons entitled to voto at tho election is required. Such registration was had in 1807, exclud ing persons of color. Previous, however, to the day fixed for election, the Command ing Officer at this Post, Gen. Sweeny, re ceived an order from Gen. Grant suspend ing all elections. By “General Order, No. 12, May Ist,” Gen. Pope appointed Foster Blodgett, James B. Bishop, Henry T Peay, Thomas N. Philpot, Ephraim Tweedy, Joseph 13. Reynolds, Samuel Levy, Ben. Conley, Jacob B. Platt, Wm. H. Tutt, R. B. Bullock, Otis G. Lynch and David L. Roath to fill the vacancies occasioned by the expiration of the term, as heretofore explained. 2. That the vacancie* which have oc curred in the Board by death, or resigna tion, have been duly reported to the Mili tary authority. No other or special effort has been made to have these vacancies filled, because there is and has been more than a quorum present for the transaction of business. 3. The fact that the City is largely in debt is of course a matter of record, as shown by the accounts of the Collector and Treasurer, but this body have not con tracted any debt, nor issued any bond, ex cept such as were provided tor, or required by Acts or Ordinances of former Boards of Council. And recognizing the necessity for great care and economy in administer ing upon a financial condition so deplor able as that to which wo were called, our every act has been prompted with a desire and intent to give to it the same caution and consideration wo exeroiso in the manage ment of our privato affairs. 4. That the fees and wages of all officers aud employees of tho City are fixed by ordinance passed by Council and in the exercise of this authority the Mayor was required to give his personal attention to the interest of tho City, and his salary fixed at a proper fignre. We would here remark that the custom has betn for the person elected Mayor to givo tho City affairs only such attention as he ilnght bo able to, not neglecting his privato business. (Seo Jas. T. Gardiner’s letter of resigna tion, accompanying this). The increase of salary was unanimously agreed open in Executive session—no sessions of Council have lmen held contrary to law—the result of ivnioh action was dnly recorded. (See certified extract from the Minutes). Por the beneficial results which have flowed from this action we refer with prido to the efficient condition o( the public ad ministration, and to the improved financial condition, as shown by me Treasurer's report (appended). The present Treas urer was elected by the former Council, and holds his office for four years from date of election. 5. Tho charge that the present City Council have “wastefnlly squandered the means of tho City, in contracting for print ing, etc.,” is untrue, as shown by the state ment of the Treasurer and of tho City Printer. The fact that a newspaper establishment in which some members of this body were partners, was. subsequent to tho time of contract, consolidated with the paper to whom the contract was given, we respectfully submit does not constitute mai-adtninistration, unless improper con duct bo shown in such connection. That tho printing has been done at a saving to the City as compared with former bills, is shown by the statement of the Treasurer and Mr. Paghe, the City Printer. That Mr. Pughe was the only bidder, as shown liy the statement of the Clerk of Council, elected by the old Boaid. (Ap pended.) 6. Wo respectfully state that no officer or employee of the City was discharged from office, except for good cause, either for improper conduct, or by vacating the office to reduce City expenses. Your attention is respectfully called to comparative state ments of expenses for officers and salaries, before our appointment and those now in force. (Appended). 7. The redaction on Bridge Tolls was made upon Cotton wagous at the solicita tion of a large majority of the cotton fac tors, under the representation that it was essential to the promotion of the trade of the City. Finding, after due trial, that satisfactory results did not follow, the Tolls were restored |to the former rates. The City’s credit has not been prejudiced by this action. Foster Blodgett, Mayor C. A. Efhraisi Tweedy, M C. R. B Bollock, M C. B, Conley, M. C. Otis G. Lynch. M C. Thos N Philpot, M. C. W, P. Rhodes, M. C. Samuel Levy, M. C. 8. Hon. Foster Blodgett, Mayor by ap pointment has frequently been elected to that position by his fellow citizens before the war, and is eminently fitted to perform the important and ardious duties re quired. His indictment for perjury is alto gether political, and turns intirely upon the point as to whether he rendered volun tary aid to the Rebellion. There is noth ing iu said indictment which reflects upon his reputation for veracity or his position as a citizen and gentleman. In conclusion, no further respect fully represent that the real object of the peti tioners is to obtain a restoration of politi - cal power and position. Ephraim Tweedy, M. C. R. B. Bullock, M. C. B. Conley, M. C. Otis G. Lynch, M. C. Thos. N. Philpot, M. C. W. P. Rhodes, M. C. Samuel Levy, M. C. Communicated.] FOSTER BLODGETT. Messrs. Editors: Writing for the press is not in my line, and yet I feel constrained to say a few words. Mr. Blodgett is well aware that a charge has been made againsthim before the United States District Court, at Savannah, and he feels confident that that charge cannot be sustained : but, as a wise and prudent man, he does not desire to “show his hand” to malicious and unprincipled enemies —some of whom, he feels confident, would not hesi. tate to swear to falsehoods, if they thought it would injure him. Hence, in his affidavit he states that he believes he will be vindi cated before said Court, etc. The writer of this article knows, of his own knowledge, that Mr. Blodgett did not voluntarily enter the Confederate service— that he did nothing against the United States while in said service, and further that he has ever been a true and loyal citizen of the United States. So much for his not answering' the puny affidavits of parties named in tho editorial of the Chronicle dr Sentinel of yesterday morning. An Old Citizen. AUGUSTA ENCAMPMENT, NO 5, I. O. 0. F.—Tbo regular meeting of this En campment will be held TO-MORROW (Monday) EVENING, at 7J o’clock. The R.-.W.-.d.\C.\lV. of the Stato, Brother BAILEY’, will visit the Camp. Patriarchs are requested to attend punctually, as the semi-annual Election of Officers, and other important business, will be transacted. Transient Patriarchs are fraternally invited to attend. By order of tho C. P. ja26—lt E. LABISCIIE, Scribe. CONSIGNEES PER SOUTH CAR OLINA RAILROAD, January 25, 1868.—J C Galvan, M Hyauis & Cos, O’Dowd A Mulhorin, J A Bronnor, WriSht & Mobley, Clark A Martin, A Poullain, H B Moore, Bothwell A Cos, J O Mathewson <k Cos, P A Scranton, YV M Jacobs, Z McCord, J Huiet, R C Kerr, Richmond Fac tory, Dr YV S C Ellerbe, O T Porcher care J J Robertson A Cos, II Cohen, A Toles, YV B Taylor, Henry Cranston, R YV Maher, J Daoforth, P Jennings, Charles YVilliams, J A Ansley A Cos, Stovall A Edmonston, Fleming A Rowland, (P), J P Burke, CONSIGNEES PER CENTRAL RAILROAD, January 25, 1868.—O’Dowd <6 M, D L Adams, G YV Evans A Son, YVarren Lane it' Cos, E O’D, [R], YV A Ramsey A Cos, T Richards A Son, Muliarky Bros, R Knight. J. J. BROWNE, PABVER AND GILDER. . Looking Glass and Picture Frames CORNICES, BRACKETS, CONSOLE TABLES MADE TO ORDER. Old PICTURE and LOOKING GLASS FRAMES REGILT, and OIL PAINTINGS RE STORED, LINED and VARNISHED, AT 135 BROAD STREET, Auuusta, Ga. jal9—lawtf Watches, Clocks and Jewelry. EH. SUMMER, 184 BROAD STREET, • AUGUSTA, GA. SPECTACLES, EYE-GLASSES, etc.; YVatch makers’ Tools, Materials and Glasses. YVATCHES and CLOCKS REPAIRED and WARRANtED. Jewelry made and repaired. All kinds of Hair Braiding done. Agont for Singer’s Sewing Maohines. All kinds of Sewing Machines ropaired nud warranted, jalit—law3m Nationalttepublican Official City Paper. LARGEST CITY CIRCULATION. AUGUSTA, GFA-Ti SUNDAY MORNING January 26. 1868 Range of Thermometer. At National Republican Office, 1 . “January 25, 1868. j la.M. I2»>. 3».»/. 6 p.m. 9 p.m 46V 60* 54 f 47° 43 c Miniature Almanac for January, 1868. SUNDAY, JANUARY 26. Sun Rises 6.59 | Sun Sets 5.27 MOON’S PHASES. First Quarter —January 2d. 10.54, evening. Full Moon—January 9th, 5.45, evening. Last Quarter—January 16th, 11.55, morning. New Moon—January 24th, 2.10, evening. “Signs of the Times.” This is the theme of the discourse an nounced for this evening, by Rev. Mr. CuTHBERT,[at the Greene Street Baptist Church. Token She Oath. Gen. J. B. Magruder presented himself, on Friday last, in the Clerk’s office of the United States Circuit Court, of New York, and proposed to take the oath of allegiance j which was thereupon duly administered to him by Commissioner White. Church of Atonement. Rev. Mr. Peck will hold|service in Church of Atonement to-day. Rev. Mr. Peck is here to supply tho temporary absence of Rev. Mr. McAllister, who is now attend ing an afflicted and aged mother. Services at 10£ a. m., and 3} p. m. Shipment to Bremen. The Oldenburg brig Argo, Capt. Bartelo, was cleared at Savannah ou Thursday for Bremen, with 639 bales Upland cotton, weighing 301,719 pounds, and valued at $43,724.28. The vessel was cleared by Messrs. Brigham, Holst Sc Cos., and the cargo by Messrs. Knoop, Haueman It Cos. Keep it Before the Tax Payers That the Constitutionalist charged the City of Augusta, and was paid, a bill which ought to have beer, settled by the Fire De partment. Verily, before accusing other people of overcharging the City, they should see whether or not their own skirts are clean. What right had J. L. Stockton to charge the City for those advertisements? That’s all. - - - Admitted to Practice. 'ln the Superior Court, on yesterday. Mr. J. L. Maxwell, who resides near this city, was admitted to practice law in this State. Mr. Maxwell was a student of Messrs. Hook & Carr, and acquitted himself with great credit. He is a grandson of our former esteemed fellow-citizen, Leon P. Dugas, now of Athens, and a nephew of Mr. Christy, of the Athens Watchman. -V Carious, The Chronicle, of yesterday, declares that Foster Blodgett is of “no consequence.” Why, then, has the chaste and pure minded editor, “Governor East of the Oconee,” taken so much pains, and be stowed such great mental labor, upon the gentleman The “Governor of Georgia, East of the Oconee,” has got himself into a muddle, by the above declaration, which will prove more annoying than a “spider bite.” Sponksfor Itself. To the exclusion of other matter, we lay before our readers, to-day, the facts bearing upon the subject which is excitiug attention at home and abroad—the personal and partisan assaults against the Mayor and Councilmen of Augusta. No candid man can peruse these papers and resist the conviction that the prosecutors in this move ment are “animated by bad passions and worse motives.” Let the people read and judge lor themselves. A Thought. A good doul has recently been said, In the city prints, about “character.” Char acter is not shaped by trifles any more than marble is sculptured by puffs ol air. Only by hard struggles, and stern conflicts with temptation, and resolute self-mastery. Joes the divine principle assert its supre macy and carve its immortal loveliness into every faculty and mood of mind. The sharpness of our trials aud the hardness of our lot show what sterling stuff we are mado of, and hotv long we are to last. “ What Time is It !” It is rather amusing to see a stranger andeavoring to find out the “ time of day ” in this City. He goes first to one watch maker’s establishment, aud then to another, and very soon ascertains that no two clocks run anywhere near each other. The hotels and drinking saloons aro in the same posi tion ; each one of the three railway companies, the police office, and the express company have different time by which their business affairs are conducted ; and that charming piece of mechanism, the Market Clock, is irregular in its horo logical indications. It is rather provoking that the regular time can not be found at some place or other inside the City limits, so that people could set their time-pieces right at least once in a month or two. Whr Not 7 - “Sergeant Buzfuz,” in yesterday’s Chron icle, asked why Mayor Blodgett did not remember to answer the charge contained iu a certain part of the argument of himself and Dr. Ganahl. Our readers will remember that a certain very grave charge has recently been made, in public print, against the “Governor of Georgia, East of the Oconee” ; and, to quote the Chronicle, “it is somewhat remarkable that so grave a charge (kidnappiug a free negro) should be overlooked. Are we to take his silence as an admission of the charge"? What says the Shyster ? [Advertisement.] Couutrr Merchant*, In making their purchases, will do well to oall first on Mrs. Pughe, 190 Broad street, who is selling out hot entire stock cheap. ts PRESENTMENTS OF THE GRAND JURY. We, the Grand Jury for the first and second weeks of the January Term, 1868, of the Superior Court of Richmond county, make the following Presentments: We hare examined the booka in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court, and find them neatly and correctly kept. The build ing uin good condition. There is a reverse i qso* l^e deeds and mortgages up to 4853. We suggest that in order to facilitate reference an appropriation be made for the purpose, and a competent person be em ployed to complete this Index under the supervision of the Clerk. There is quite a number of old deeds, mortgages and other valuable papers m the office, which should be properly filed away in a substantial box or safe. The Poor House is in only tolerably good condition, yet the inmates appear to be comfortable. The food is substantial and well cooked, and the bedding clean. We find several of these unfortunate inmates who can do some work, but who, from dis ease or other causes, are unable to sup port themselves. The house, as all are aware, is located on one of the most sterile sand hills in the county ; the ground being too poor to produce vegetables; almost every thing, therefore, that is consumed has to be purchased. We recommend that the Infe rior Court, with an equal number of sub stantial citizens of the county, select a suitable site, where vegetables, at least, may be raised by the labor of these pau pers, thus contributing to their own support. After a careful investigation, we are fully convinced that if this was done the annual expenses of this institution would be re duced quite one half. We respectfully ask the Inferior Court to consider this matter at once, and we think that that honorable body will agree with us. The public |roads we have examined are not in as good condition as we think they should be, even at this season of the year, and we are told that in many places the water is allowed to run over the roads instead of on the sides. We recommend that tho working of tho roads be let out by contract for a term of years to responsible parties,under sufficient bonds, and that reliable citizens in each district be appointed to report delinquen cies of such contractor. The bridges across Spirit Creek, on the Savannah and Waynesboro’ roads, need early repairs. The Jail is in excellent repair, and the cells in moderately good order. There are at present six whites and sixty one colored persons in confinement, who appear to be well cared for. One ol the inmates, a notorious character, under twelve months’ sentence on the working gang, we regret to learn, has, at various times, been allowed to run at large without a guard, contrary to law. The reason assigned by the Mayor for his action in allowing temporary liberty to this notorious criminal (however plausible it may appear), cannot be sanctioned by this body, inasmuch as it is our decided convic tion that he exercised authority which alone belongs to the Governor of the State. We are informed by the. Tax Collector that, he has paid into the Treasury since 14th Sept., 1867, the sum ot $40,807.24, an ,l he estimates that there will be fully $15,000 more collected on the present digest, ex clusive of the insolvent list. Besides, there is still SIO,OOO in the bands of Mr. Bohler for school purposes for 1867. We have examined the books of the County Treasurer, and find them neatly and carefully kept. His disbursements are all supported by vouchers, with the exception of $1,121.62 in the hands of Judge Levy, for County purposes, by order"of the Court. He has received into the Treasury since 14th September last, as follows : From Tax Collector $40,807 24 “ Mr. Dease, for sale of corn 631 50 “ Mr. Levy, for salo of sacks 30 00 Total $41,468 74 He has disbursed since 14th Sept, last : For paupers..... $10,867 64 For Poor House 3,108 99 For Roads and Bridges 4,493 41 For Court Expenses 5,322 72 For Printing 721 75 For Elections 99 00 For Salaries 500 00 For Treasurer’s fees 1,692 60 In hands of Judge Levy for county purposes...... 1,121 62 $27,927 73 Cask balance on hand 13,541 01 $41,468 74 A considerable portion was for claims against the county prior to the 14th Septem ber ; one account dated as far back as May, 1860. We make a memorandum of some ot the articles purchased, viz : 2,034 pounds bacon, 115 pounds coffee, 4,300 bushels corn, and 1,176 bushels meal. The amount paid for medical attention to the poor is about $1,500; including the SIOO salary of the Physician to the Poor House. This amount was principally for Small Pox patients. The Inferior Court has paid out for charity, $915, as follows : liy Judge Levy $747 75 By Judge Davis 160 20 By Judge Deas f 00 Judge Levy has the supervision, we understand, of the Purveying Store, as well as the Roads and Bridges, and devotes a great deal of his time to it, and receives a salary this year, for his services, of SI,OOO. \Ve suggest that all accounts in future against the county be audited and passed by the Inferior Court in session, and such order endorsed on the account, before being paid by the Treasurer. There is great destitution in the county, yet the amount charged to pauper account seems to us to be enormous, and we call upon the Court to curtail this item as much as possible. It is our opinion that no per son should be assisted, who does not come properly recommended, and who has not been a resident of the county for twelve months. Otherwise Richmond county will become an asylum for the paupers of the surrounding country. Wo earnestly urge all officers having the authority, to take all possible steps to en force the vagrant laws. . The amount charged to Court expense* may he divided thus: l or Superior and Inferior Courts $3,716.91 For County Courts 1,605.83 A portion of these claims were also some time past due, when paid. We recommend the Inferior Court to levy a tax for 1868 of fifty per centum on the Stato digest of 1867, one half to be appro priated to the cause of education, one thou sand dollars for the payment of Petit Jurors, and the remainder for county pur poses. We request the Committee having in charge the Sohool Fund, to see that all teachers aro properly qualified, and that if possible, they be paid quarterly. Upon the subject of the illegal trafic in spirituous liquors, wo bog leave to express our gratification at that part of the charge of Ilis Honor, Judge Gibson, looking to a reform in this direction ; and, whilst wo believe that in many instances the infrac tions of the law are through ignorance of its provisions, and not from any intention to violate it, wo would call the attention of all vendors and dealers to the law as em bodied in the Code of Georgia. It is greatly to be regretted that there is so much difficulty in obtaining competent Grand Jurors, in consequence of so many of our best citizens having boon disfran chised and neglecting to register. In truth, we almost despair of having justice admin istered in any of our Courts so long as the highest functionaries of onr country can be subject to the caprice of military power, constantly inflicting upon ns all manner of humiliation and degradation, in obedience to the representatives of a Republican Government, who have much to say about “protecting American citizens abroad,” while, at the same time, they are using all their political power to enslave and im poverish American citizens at home. When Robert Emmett pathetically ex claimed, “I want to procure for my country what Washington procured for America,” little did he think that we, iu the nine teenth century, would be smarting under greater tyranny than ever disgraced his own “gem of the sea,” for which he offered np his life. We are no politicians, but as native and adopted citizens of this fair land, we mourn that a heavy cloud hangs over us, which all the nations of the earth can see, and which is well calculated to cripple and destroy the agricultural and commercial energies ii T be,OVC(I country; nevertheless, with all these dark clouds of adversity by which we are surrounded, including heavy taxa tion without representation, yet we have an abiding faith that He who ruleth the desti nies of nations| will in His own good time, bring order out of confusion, and light out of darkness. fa We are indebted to His Honor, Judge Gibson, for his able and faithful charge m bnngmg important matters to the attention of this body which shows that he has an eye to the public interest, and we respect lull tender him our sincere thanks for his uniform courtesy during our term of ser vice. We also desire to return thanks to our respected and courteous Attorney General J. P. C. Whitehead, Esq., for his able’ counsel and unremitted attention from time to time. Since making out the above presentments, »e learn that Ralph Knight, the notorious prisoner before referred to, is now at large, having made his escape. It appears he has’ long had the privilege of absenting himself as water carrier for the working gang, when yesterday he saw fit not to return. Who is to blame for such negligence in allowing his escape, we are not able to say. Joseph M. Newby, Foreman. Thomas W Coskery, John B Greiner, D B Plumb, McKinne Law, G A Blount John C Gouedy, William S. Roy .1 Joseph A Simmons, Thomas Sweeney Edward Campfield Henry Myers F R Shaw Theodore Sonnekalb John V Tarver Harris H D’Antignac Joseph E Burch Leroy J Miller. The above general presentments of the Grand Jury having been read in open Court, and such being the desire of that body, on motion of John P. C. Whitehead, Solicitor General, ordered that publication be made of them in the city papers of Augusta. The foregoing is a true copy of the minutes. Li Fayette McLaws, Clerk Superior Court. ®degtapl)tc News. STATE CONVENTIONS. GEORGIA. Atlanta, January 25.— The Convention voted fifty dollars to each member, out of the ten thousand dollars received yesterday, and the balance to incidental expenses. Four additional sections of the bill of Rights, none of a novel nature, were adopted. The Committee on Finance reported that they had had an interview with Gen. Meade, and that the General has applied to Gen. Grant for the loan of a sufficient amount of the funds sent by the State of Georgia to pay its indebtedness to the government on the Western aud Atlantic road to defray all the expenses of the Convention, and that Gen. Grant accepts the proposition, so far as his power extends, and will answer defi nitely to day, if possible. Should this proposition fail he will direct Governor Huger, immediately, to ascertain upon what terms the money can he procured from par ties in Savannah. A resolution was adopted, approving the plans of the Committee for procuring money. Three candidates for Governor, under the new Constitution, if ratified, have been announced. [Ah ? We were under the impression that a" Governor would be voted for at the same time the ratification is submitted to the people.—Ed. Markets—By Telegraph. Financial. LONDON, January 25, .Voon. —Consols un changed. Bonds 72. FRANKFORT, Jan. 25.—Bonds 75|. LONDON, January 25, Afternoon. —Finances unchanged. NEW YORK, January 25, jVoon.—Stocks active. Sterling, 9|. Bonds—old,ll : Virginia 42. Hold, 139 J. NEW YORK, January 25, Evening. —Gold 1.40. Stocks closed higher. Produce and Other Markets. LIVERPOOL, January 25, Voon.—Cotton firm and unchanged. Sales 12,000 bales. Up lands to arrive 74d. Brendstnffs quiet. Turpentine 28. Others unchanged. LIVERPOOL, January 25, Afternoon. —Cotton more active and advanced 6-12d. Sales reach 15,000 bales. Uplands TJaTjd. Lard steady. Pork dull. Turpentine 29. NEW’ YORK, January 25, -Yoon.—Cotton firm—lßc. Flour and wheat quiet and unchanged. Corn lo lower. Rye dull. Oats dull and lowor. Mess Pork steady at $21.50. Lard qniet at 12lal3ie. Freights firm and quiet. Turpentine very firm at 54. Rosin quiet—common $2.80. NEW YORK, January 25, Evening. —Cotton Ormer. Sales, 4,000 bales at 18al8], Flour less active, prices unohanged. Wheat, steady. . Co.-n, dalle lower; new mixed Westrrn, 28a31c. Pork firmer, $21.70. Lard heavy. Turpentine, 540. Groceries quiet. Freights firm. Governments very active. BALTIMORE, January 25 —Cotton firm at 17fo. Flour steady. Wheat dull but steady. Corn dull; white and yellow, $1.15a1.17. Provisions quiet. CINCINNATI, Jan. 25.—Cotton active and higher; Middling, 161 c. Flour unohanged. Corn dull and lower; ear, SOo ; no demand for shelled. SAVANNAH, January 25.--Cotton light stock, and restricted business. Sales, 2,113 bales. Receipts, 4,031 bales. Exportss 9,635 bales. CHARLESTON, Jan. 25.—Cotton quiet, and buyers holding off. Sales 350 bales. Middling at lTalTlc. Receipts 2,080 bales. NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 25.—Cotton active advanced ]o. Middling 17£nl7jo; Sales 3,500 bales. Receipts 1.100 bales. Exports 31,21 bales. Sugar quiet, oommon 9Jalo; Fair 12a12}; primo 13t. Molasses firm, oommon 58a62; choioe 75aS0. Gold 381. Sterling 49a52. New York sight 4 discount MOBILE, Jan. 25.—Cotton firm. Sales 3,300 bales ; market bare of cotton and dosed fine; Middling ISJaICj ; receipts 446 bales.