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f
complaints on this score are well founded,
we have no doubt is true, and the delay in
shipments have resulted from a want oi
stock.
Your committee will not trespass fur
ther on the patience of this House than to
offer one additional argument against the
policy of discriminating in favor ol local
freights. More than at any other period
since the completion of the N\ estein & At
lantic Railroad, would the present he an
unfortunate time to resort to an invidious
measure in the administration ol the affairs
of the State Road. Whatever we may
say of the purpose of our Legislature in
selecting the upper - portion of the $tate as
the location of a vast and beneficent ex
penditure of money—however cogent may
he our reasonings fin prove that in the orig
inal conception ot that work, no special
favoritism was intended to that section.
and impartial investigation, we feel hound
to report that we find order, euonomy, un
bounded energy and strict fidelity con troll
ing throughout every department ot the
Western & Atlantic Rail-road. And we
feel confident that could the party out ol
power in the State Administration always
leel assured that they enjoyed an equal
chance for overseeing and scrutinizing the
management of the Road, that this interest
would he the cherished pet of all parties in
Georgia. How far would it go in giving
juiet and confidence to the public mind.
*■ s-v .'ncfltiito o Rnoril. ffimnospn nf
were we to institute a Board, composed of
the majority ami minority parties, for the
purpose of'investigating the affairs of the
State Road, and reporting semi-annually
thereon, it would perhaps be a matter of
importance to enquire; hut of one thing
wo maybe assured—that the present con
dition of this work—its splendid future—
and however convincing the evidence, that
since its completion, no special or exclusive
privileges have inured to Cherokcee Geor
gia. Yet will no man assume that there
lias not been a vast incidental bene
fit to that section resulting from this expen
diture by the {state. f ihis, we should
think, would be an ample compensation,
even for a taxation in freight that was ad
mitted to ', j appreciable ; especially as the
advantage at last went to the common
weal. But what would the tax payer ot
3Iiddie, Lantern, Western and {southern
Georgia say / what would he not be excu
sable in saying, were Ire to see the brilliant
prospect., of our great {state work sacrificed,
and sacrificed for the exclusive benefit of a
single section ? Would not the reflection be
much still more bitter when it was remem
bered that this vast work, with all the ex
pense and anxiety which it has caused usall,
first ami last, was a charge upon the whole
{state, and can only be a public and a
general benefit w hen impartially adminis
tered 1 The public discontent would be
great, we lee! assured, were we to induce
the distrust that and interest like the Wes
tern &: Atlantic Railroad, though built up
by a common treasure, was to be used Im
partial and sectional interests. We have
good reason to fear that should our policy
in the management of the state Road en
gender this suspicion, that it would become
an object of disgust rather than pride and
from being a source of profit, it would even
tually i e, a tax. We theiefbre give our
unqualilie 1 approbation of the principle
upon which the present tariff list of the
State Road is adjusted, and think that it
would be' impolitic, ungenerous and un
just to discriminate in favor of wav freights.
We, in the progress of our investigation,
have had before us the memorial of Mr. C.
,W. Howard of Cass, in relation to the
turn-out at his lime kilns. This gentleman
complains that this turn-out has been re
moved arbitrarily and to the detriment - of
Lis interest and the interests ol the public.
It is first proper to state that nothing hascome
to the knowledge of vonr committee in rela
tion to this privilege-of a turn-out, which au
thorises ustoconeludethatit was a right and
not merely a matter of favor. There have
been instances in which the convenience
of turn-outs have been granted lor a val
uable consideration, but in the instance of
Mr. Howard’s siding, this was not the
case. As to the motive and reasons f
its marked and radical influence upon the
material and social interests of our belov
ed Commonwealth, makes it a guiding
light for the councils of the State in furth
er attempts for our improvement; and an
impelishable remembrancer of the wisdom
arid patriotism of the men who suggested
and sustained the enterprise.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Signed, C. MURPHY,
RICli'D SIMS,
GEO. 1). PHILLIPS,
W. B. TER HUNK.
MINORITY REPORT.
The undersigned, a member of the spe
cial committee appointed under a joint res
olution of.th&House and Senate, to inquire
into the finances, equipment and manage
ment generally of the Western & Atlantic
Railroad, and all other matters appertain
ing to said road of interest to the State,”
begs leave, not being able to agree fully
with the majority of the committee, to
submit the following minority report.
In pursuance of the instructions given
him, tlie undersigned as a member of the
committee, proceeded to the discharge of
liis duties, the most important portion of
which in his opinion, was the investigation
of certain charges recited in the follow ing
preamble and resolution, which was adopt
ed in committee far the purpose of definite
ly shaping our proceedings and accurately
specifying the scope and nature of our in
quiries, viz :
“Whereas, it lias been repeat* dly and distinctly
charged, that the management <>t the Western and
Atlantic Railroad, for and during the past year,
has been characterised by numerous acts of politi
cal fncorihsm, and that the said road has‘thereby
been made an engine of political power, devoted
to the subservience of political purposes greatly to
the detriment of the interest and lunar of the .State ;
and whereas, it lias been specifically alleged that
the rates of freight established to and front Etowah
depot, were in violation of law, that higher rates
of freight have been demanded and collected of the
political party out of power, than were asked of
the party in power, (botli being on the same or
similar, mission where these respective but difer-
et>t rates were charged and collected) which dis
tinction between parties on account of political
opinion, was unjust, odious and plainly infract fie
■ >t law : and wii.w is, sp teij hat h :.-u transported
over the road free of charge in one instance, and
taxed with freight in another, which distinction
evinces partiality, disregards and breaks the* law :
and whereas, full fares have been demanded and
collected of a Railroad agent, known and recognis
ed as such, and in other cases Railroad agents on
precisely the same footing, have been passed free,
which distinction was made on account of the polit-
the removal of the tu
i-ou f at M’ - How ! * ca l opinions of said Railroad agent, nothing to tin
1 *■ 1 " . I contrary having been shown, or is possibh to L<
time, anti animal) d with a sincere desire to
shew up everything rotten and wrong,
could, in the opinion of the minority, find
some work to do on the State Road : and
could rapidly dimiuish the prospect of that
‘great interest’ becoming the ‘cherished
pet, of both parties in the State.
The majority report sets forth that from
tl-e ‘lights before the majority’ they were
hound to pronounce the above recited
chargesto he unfounded,'and then proceeds
in general terms, to extol the management,
policy, &c., of the road. The great point
which the minority would make, is that
(here icas Utile or no light before the commit-
iee, though there should have been. Never
theless, from the lights before the minority,
the undersigned would submit :
1st. That there has not been that judi
cious economy in the settlements of law
suits which might have been exercised ;
)ior that pains taken, nor that conciliatory
spirit manifested on the part of the road,
which if put in operation, might have sti-
fiod many of these suits at their inception,
and thus saved to the State many thou
sands of dollars. This subject calls for
investigation.
2d. The payment into the State Treasu
ry of *100,000 during the last campaign,
was, in the opinion of the minority, i!l-
advised as a measure of Railroad policy,
through perhaps a shrewd stroke of diplo
macy, That payment was, in the opinion
of the minority, made solely for political
effect*, and while it accomplished no other
good than good to the party in power, it
was a source of evil. While it deni red the
people, it damaged the Road, The said
sum should have been applied to the dis
charge of debts of the Road, instead of be
ing held idle (?) for party purposes. Or if
there were no debts, the amount named
might have been more profitably applied
to the more peifect equipment of the road,
which was loudly called for at the time,
and is still called for by the rapid increase
of freights seeking an outlet over it. But
there we he debts at the time, calling for
and expecting payment, which from the
‘lights before me,’ should have been paid ;
but on which, indulgence was ashed and ob
tained, i:i order that the road might make
a show in the Treasury. This subject is
respectfully submitted as a proper one for
investigaticn.
3d. 'flic undersigned submits as a ’prop
er subject for investigation, the numerous
charges made in the tariff of rates on the
State Road. Cotton and other produce on
the East Tennessee river below Chattanoo
ga, can be shipped to New Orleans at a
less cost than to the Atlantic ports; but as
greater expedition can .be had over the
State Road in .reaching the Atlantic ports,
and as the latter are preferred as markets.it
was in the pow er of the State Road, by a
judicious adjustment of its tariff, to secure
for itself and the Atlantic markets, those
immense freights which would otherwise
seek New Orlea ns as an outlet. The roads
fro In Atlanta to the Atlantic ports being
anxious to enter the lists for these freights,
agreed with the former administration of
the State Road, upon a tariff of freights
which would enable them to compete with
the lines of transportation ending at New
Orleans.
must pay a revenue to support the Rond, un- j But the minority is going weary with the
lessa portion of, the necessary income eanbe; subject and does not de>ire to fatigue your
derived from the products and supplies of
remote sections of country or a through
business,’ and as Hie profits derived from
the latter increase, the necessity for a
local tariff decreases, and further shows the
honorable body, though there arc still ma
ny other subjects for enquiry. In conclu
sion it recommends the appointment of an
efficient, nnfastidious and competent com
mittee, gifted w ith power to probe to the
identity of interests of Roads, and their ad-; bone :it recommends as a measure-of vital
jacent communities, and the propriety of ‘importance and absolute necessity, the ap-
enconraghig and seconding the exertions! poiiitment of a standing committee to make
of the merchant, in drawing trade from re- semi-annual reports on State Road affairs;
mote points, as long as such trade can be j said committee to be selected from both
induced by low tariff', and there is profit to j political parties. And lastly, it calls for
the Road in the transportation.
An examination of the tariff of freights
<>n the State Road will shew, that higher
rates obtain there than upon almost any
other Southern Road. And just here the
undesigned would remark, that if the high
special attend.at to the recommendation of
his Excellency the Govenor, in his late
message, enjoining upon the Legislature
to take the Sate Ruud out of the hands of
Government. What this mea.'.s the minor
ity is enable to snv, and would like to
rates hitherto asked upon that Road have
know-. If, in the last resort, it should he
.... . . , | twuMWj ii.i>m- uccii suvnu, ui 19 pOSSlLIv t.) be
fd s Ivlins, we are fully persuaded that | shown ;nnd whereas, ail these acts of fav
the Superintendent actijl under a sense of
duty. Accidents, and of a serious nature,
have occurred at this switch, and let the
blame of their occurrence rest where it
may, the State and the public should not,
without the weightiest reasons, he subject
ed to this liability; and we are fully per
suaded that in all cases there is an nppre
ciable extra risk in passing trains over a
track in which these sidings are multipli
ed, if the sehc Juic time is to be made regu
larly. In the particular instance referred
to, we confess we cannot see the hardship.
Mr. Howard’s kilns are not farther than a
mile and a half from the Kingston depot,
where, at the expense of the State, ample
ont ism,
partiality and injustice, together with a general
want of a judicious economy, argue and demons
trate a decided want of something—either firmness
or prudence or capacity, on the part of the Super
intendent of said Road or his supi riors in office;
and whereas, the people of all parties, who are
stockholders in said Road, absolutely demand an
investigation of all matters pertaining to said road,
and whereas, in the language of the resolutions ap
pointing tins eomniittee, it is their duty and privi
lege - ‘to examine into and report upon the Finan
ces, Equipment and Management generally, and
upon all other matters pertaining to said road of
interest to. the State. Be it therefore
Resolved, That this committee do now proceed
to the plain duty required of them, as indicated in
tii * above quoted resolution, which in the opinion
of this committee, require the investigation of the
above specified charges, with a view finally to pro
nounce and dispose of them, either as liumiliat-
and safe Storage has been provided for ! ing truths, or discreditable falsehoods,
lime. Besides this, at a regular station, a j The undersigned entered upon his du-
freighter may always depend with more i ties expecting to have the hearty co-ope
confidence in obtaining regular transport:
tion than he can in the very nature of
things/realise-betw een stations. In illus
tration of t!iis fact, it may be stated that
the books of the Road show that Mr. How
ard’s recent shijmiciits confirm tin’s opin-
. ion. The traspbrtation of lime a distance
of less than two miles, we do not think a
grievance or a reason why prices of this
article should be enhanced to the con
sumer to any injurious extent. We therc-
ration of his- fellow committee-men hi a
frank, full and free investigation, without
regard to private feeling, party interests,
or any other object thay the sole one of
deciding finally whether or not the above
recited charges were true. But he regrets
to say, while he disclaims all intention to
reflect upon the majority or their policy,
that so far as the investigations of the com
mittee tend to throw light upon these
charges, nothing has been accomplished,
fore give it as our opinion that it is inex- j in his opinion. Too litilg time was taken
pedient and not consistent with the inter ! for investigation ; a majority of the earn
est of the State Road or of the public, that ; mittee had, in the undersigned’s opinion,
this turn-out should he replaced, or that j too limited notions of the extent to which
others should he laid down at other points j investigations should be pushed ; too fasti-
mid stations." - j dious ideas as to what were proper subjects
But upon another question affecting the j inquiry ; and too narrow view s of their
interest of all lime-burners in the State; i ° v-il powers in the premises. The very
vour committee are pleased to say that ! matters or many of them w hich, in the
they have agreed, heartily to recommend j opinion ot the undersigned, called for the!
a reduction iuflitt tariff of freights so far as ! |llf, st rigid scrutiny, were held by the ma-
lime, and indeed cvey other fertilizer, are j jority to he ‘beyond our scope’ ‘not proper
concerned, to the very lowest point possi-1 subjects for inquiry,’ &c.. &c., and while
’The State Road was to charge 20 cents
per 100 lbs. from Chattanooga to Atlanta,
157 miles, and the Roads thence to the sea,
were to charge 40 cents per 100 !hs. as
their compensation for a distance of, in
and about, BOOmiles. This agreement was
for a time observed by the present admin
istration of the State Road ; hut after a
time the rates were raised to 30 cents per
100 lbs (about SI 50 per bale for cotton,)
while the other parties to the agreement
were still adhering to the common rates
agreed upon. On the opening of the Nash
ville & Chattanooga Road, freights, accu
mulating - at Nashville, aiso became a de
sirable object for competition ; a recaction
of rates to the Atlantic ports was found
necessary to secure them. The present
administration on the State Road agreed
with its Eastern connections to compete,
for these freights; a tariff was agreed up
on, and soon after the State Road receded
from the tariff mutually established, though
the other parties to the agreement still ad
hered. In a word, the tariff of rates on the
State Road seem to have been frequently
changed according to whim. In August,
1S<>4, a new taw if was established ; on the
burning of the Etowah bridge, it is alleg
ed that material changes were made in the
rates; on the completion of the bridge
failed thus far. to produce a revenue, how-
can it be expected to pay in the future
when new lines are thrown into competi
tion with it, and it will he of necessity com
pelled to lower its tariff? The only con
ceivable remedy for this is a radical change I
in its policy and management. The sud
den inflation of rates on the State Road
has only failed to result in serious damage,
(in the opinion of the minority.) from the
fact that its connections adhered to the
rates agreed upon. Had they seen fit to
adopt the State policy, the probabilities
are that immense freights would have been
diverted from the State Road, never per
haps to he recalled. This branch of the
subject, it is respectfully submitted, calls
for examination and inquiry.
4th. From ‘ail the lights before the mi
nority,’ it is deemed his duty unqualified
ly to condemn the act of the Snperinten
dent in removing the switch on the State
Road through which direct communication
was had with the lime kilns of Mr. How
ard. It is alleged that /aid switch was
found to be dangerous to trains on the
Road. If so, it is a little singular that it
was allowed to remain unattended to, and
unremoved from Fell., 1S51,till Sept 1355, a
period of one year ami nine months. A Su
perintendent who would thus tolerate so
great a source of danger for so longa period,
is not, in the opinion of the minority, a fit
person to have charge of so ‘great an in
terest.’ It is the opinion of tiie minority
that said switch w as removed for the sole
and only reason that on the 26th of .Sept.
iS55, Mr. Howard confronted his Excel
lency the Governor in political debate at
Kingston and there dared to ‘beajai the
lion in his den.’ The switch, with a se
cure gate and lock, and its due compliment
of cars, was tolerated for nearly two years,
and gave no dissatisfaction. But the mo
ment it was found that he for whose bene- j
considered as synonymous with the peti
tion “lead us not into temptation,” the mi
nority are of opinion that the prayer
should he answered.
All rf which is respccfullv submitted,
but with the emphatic disclaimer of any
desire to reflect upon the majority, or to
do more than differ with them radically,
in opinion—which difference the minor
ity has felt impelled to, by considerations
of dutv, and his bonert convictions.
JOHN S. IIII.L.
$>J'.it'hTlt
Y>
,u
>- •: L
tfoanraent to Judge Meriwether.
W e arc gratified to learn that the Legislature
has made an appropriation to erect a monument in
honor of Judge Meriwether similar to that for Hon
A. J. Miller. Judge Meriwether at the time of his
decease was Speaker of the House cf Representa
tives of the Georgia Legislature.
tore of IH03, our citizens v. ouM ,
4 .. „
TaUapooxa Circuit.
Xf.w Judicial Circuit.—Hon. Dennis F. Ham
mond of Coweta, has been appointed Judge of this
new Circuit lately formed of Floyd, Polk, Carroll,
Haralson, Paulding, Campbell, Heard and Coweta.
Col. Fielder lias heed appointed Soleitor.
Remarks of 1r. Parris of Tcriwethcr.
Inanothei column w ill be found the remarks of
Mr. Harris of Meriwether upon the qnestion of
•State aid to the Brunswick and Gnlf Railroads. We
differ from Mr. Harris in the position taken by him.
W c publish liis remarks however for the beuefit of
those who differ from ns, and to place him in aright
position upon this subject.
put the necessary repairs upon the Pn vi:„. .
It has been the agitation cf tin ,tl-
kept Miliedgeville from improving, a „ !
*»IS
members of the Legislature wifi .
acts, that this is to be the permanent ~
emnient as it was intended to be by if f;
more Hotels and other aecon.ns,,],": ^ : ‘®
comfort and amusement of the I,,: ,
er visitors to the city. Make the . ° C:
asked for and, it can nearly all 1„.;
State by the labor of the Penitentiary " ^ '
They can do all the work about tlu ‘
it \\ ill cost the St;ite butvrxv !ittlo \
ways a surplus of men about the p CII j.
cannot be very profitably e:; pg’ C(1 ^
w alls. Now Senators do not ~ M.i..,,
yonr, n „.
V>:ion .Seed Drill.
We invite attention t“the Cotton Seed Drill ad
vertised by Mr. Watson to-day. This machine is,
in our judgment, well adopted to the purpose for
w Inch it is intended and should bn owned by plan
ters generally. The price at which it is sold is no
index of its true value.
maters do not withhold
from an-appropriation which is
It is necessary and riotld
1 xcefipf
_ more than the
ot Miliedgeville justly merit, a,id j s f
keep that money from beiim a los-r 1
tliev have — A ’ r --
exienoed foryenrownac^ -
Mr. Pope said he fully concurred inti
ty of repairing the State Hor.se. He ,,
$7fAU) too small.* He proposed to qrfre '
make it $15,Cut). IF
vs prepared t-
Hilled;
!e agitation t
: fiuestion had
We have been kindly presented by W. L. White
& Co , with a very pleasant perfumery known as the
*• Balm of a Thousand Flowers.” Tliev keep on
hand also many tttber articles of perfumery used
for toilet purposes.
• iWT
Kr -i. - 4 * .a-*
Mr t- *^y*.ji
& j irsSfellif «vd r ,. i-: ml
i r.v .•s.-r.e v .4
QTTl ilr'lil
MILLEDGrEVIEEE :
TUESDIY ffOkmc. hi KOI 4. IS 30.
The Adjoin nntect.
After a laborious session cf ninety four days,
the Legislature adjourned sine die at about eleven
o’clock on .~.itui Jay night last. The President of
the Senate and Speaker of the House made appro
priate address and the members separated to re
turn to tin ir homes with apparently much harmony
and good feeling.
f We understand between fom hundred aud eighty
and five hundred acts were passed. We give the
captions of a portion of them this week and will
The Hon. Howell Cobb was in Macon last week,
says the Citizen, just from thfegranite Hills of New
Hamshire via Washington.
lion. Robert Toombs will accept our thanks for
a pamphlet copy of his recent lecture on slavery
at Tremout Temple, Boston.
Several communications and much other inter
esting matter is crowded ont this week by what
we give of the proceedings of the Legislature.
lit it w as made, baa taken the opposite |
... .. . „ , . V , l complete toe list m our next issue,
side in politics irom that espoused by the 1 _
Administration, and presumed to speak liis j
mind in opfn delate, the switch was ahol- j
ishetl- !
Such arbitrary conduct strikes at till ;
freedom of opinion, speech and sirffr;
Sallona! Amciiean Contention.
The nomination, by this body of Millard Fill
more for l’resideut of the United States, is exceed
ingly gratifying. He has ever stood pre-eminent
ly high i:i our confidence and affection. He is a
and cab 9, i! not tor condemnation, at least! reliable man—has been tried and not. found want-
loi IX'Q! iK\. It i-. mged in too maj uitv : j n ^. j[; s words and actiojis have ever farlied.
lepoit that Mi. Howard can still sell ids | -Sn-h a man we need for the Presidency. Particulars
lime <it a profit, though deprived of the
switch, hut this is not the question at issue, j
Either the establishment and keeping up
of the switch was wrong, or its abolition
was wrong. If the firmer, is it not strange
that the error was not discovered until
Mr. IloWjird kicked out of the harness : if j
of the Convention have not yet reached us. One
fact is worthy of note however. Previous to the
balloting, a resolution was introduced, ine sub
stance of which was, that the nominee must he in
favor of the lest iration of the Missouri Compro
mise, which resolution was laid on the table by a
. ... . , vote of 1 11 to i.9. Immediately upon this vote the
the latter, tne conclusion is too plain to be j de!e „ ;ltea frou . Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island and Ohio, and part of those from iiiinois,
1 touching the number
rpad since the last re-
changes were again made, and on the first
of January, still another tariff’ w as adopt
ed. In this connection the undersigned
hie. The limit, we think, should be that
point just short of positive loss; but at the
same time, we think the Road should be
consulted by making arrangements for the
transportation of lime at these reduced
rates for agricultural purposes, only at
such seasons as will he best accommodat
ed to more pressing and more remunerat
ing freights.
In process of time, the richest lands
penetrated by our Road, as well as those
more distant which are tributary to it, will
be denuded of their fatness. And it would
1%bard for the practical or the political
economist, to name that subject which
more broadly underlies the ■greatest good
of our country, than the renovation of our
exbauste i soil. To us it is a matter of sur
prise as well as deep concern, to see how
indifferently the subject of cheap trails
portatimi of fertilizers has been regarded by
our Rail road authorities. Nothing, to our
minds, can be clearer than the reciprocity
of this policy; for the road lhat will carry
a bushel of lime at remunerating rates, to
to the field of the farmer, will receive in return
a bushel of wheat, and for an indefinite
period. But the policy heretofore pursued,
in reference to this subject, has been an
extremely unfriendly one, aud it is demon
strable by figures that, but tor this, mil
lions might have been added to the produc
tion of our State, with increased benefit to
all parties, and at the expense of no one
interest. It is vain to urge, as has been
the undersigned would here distinctly re
cognise the confiding disposition of the
majority, and their praisworthy desire to
lqok upon the bright side of every State
Road affair, he respectfully submits that
it was his desire to take nothing upon trust,
but to sift every charge to the bottom, and
then declare the result.
The mode of investigating the above re
cited charges was specially unsatisfactory
to the minority, and is here made the sub
ject of special protest. In order to ascertain
their truth or falsity, the majority took the
singular plan of calling upon his Excellency
the Governor, and upon the Superintendent
of the Road, for information, and there slop
ping. Documents ‘A’ and ‘B,’ were fur
nished the committee by tile Governor and
Superintendent, in response to the commit
tee’s request and whatever they may
show, the undersigned respectfully submits
that they present but one—the adminis
tration-side of the question. This is a sin
gular way of conducting an impartial in
vestigation. But the minority would call
special attention to the documents referred
to. In the opinion of the undersigned,
while tlujy admit the facts recited in the
above preamble, they offer nothing in jus
tification, except that it was in the power
of the administration to do as it is charged
they have done; and that having the
potter, there was no infraction of law j and
there being no infraction of law, the acts re
cited were legal and could not be classed
done, that upper and middle Georgia will j under the head of mismanagement.
alone he benefitted by a reduction of
freights on lime. The very least there can
be said in favor of the policy, is, that the
benefits resulting will he restricted. So as
far as it goes, all admit that good is done,
and wc will not argue the point to prove
that partial good shall not be conferred
upon a section because all cannot get the
direct avails of it. But it is self-evident
that er cry citizen of Georgia will he a re
cipient directly or circuitously of the ad
vantage r -suiting from cheap manures —
In dismissing this subject, we express our
cordial concurrence with the views enter
tained by his Excellency the Governor,
upon this .bead, and commend them to the
wc beg lea\ e to say, that after a careful
It is the opinion of the minority that a
rigid investigation would establish as true
in the main, most, if not all the charges,
brought against the road during the last
campaign.
If it he asked why such investigation
was not had, the undersigned can only re
ply in addition to the reasons above gisen,
that there was little concert of action or
agreement in opinion between the various
members of the committee as to their du/ifs
and powers. It being rarely the case that
any two thought alike, the committee was
seldom chargeable with having done any
thing to accomplish the object for which it
was appointed, or to effect any good either
consideration of this body. In conclusion to the Road or the State. A committee
clothed with proper power, given ample
would respectfully submit, that the rela
tions between the Road and its patrons are
much the same as those between a mer
chant and liis customers. Confidence and
friendly relations must he established ;
and this can only be done by pursuing a
steady consistent and just line of policy.
It may he, and is, in the power of a Road
to swell its receipts by running up its ta
riff, or by frequent changes to suit its
temporary interests. But tills is not the
policy by which to inspire confidence, or
to make permanent friends and patrons.—
Rail roads are .not omnipotent. They are
amenable to those infallible laws which
govern trade in general; and though it may
he in their power, for a time, to hush their
coffers by using to their own advantage
solely the powers they enjoy, they do so
at a heavy cost in the long run, and by
consulting their own temporary interest
alone, may make enemies of former friends,
and drive from their support all but those
who are compelled to give them their bus
iness. A great increase of reveuue, there
fore, may be made apparent-for a year or
two, during all which time those out of
whom it has been made may have been
contriving other plans for their acco nino-
dation which they will not fail to pat in
operation, wi soon as they can make them
selves independent ot the power by which
they have been oppressed. Public works
are governed by the same commcrical laws
which affect individual and private enter
prises. What is detrimental to the latter
is equally so to the former, and should be
as studiously avoided in the one case as
the other.
Railroads are identified with,and sustain
ed bv the country through ^lich they ran,
by commercial enterprise at home and at
a distance; the merchant’s interest induces
him to encourage trade, to draw it from re
mote puiuts and to make business for the
Road on which he depends for transporta
tion. His capita! and iudustiy are em-
pi.iycd as directly for the benefit ot such
Road, as though it belonged to, and the
Road paid for such agency ; a stagnation
of trade,or anything that affects our interest,
is felt by all. The customers of a Road,
thus indirectly become its agents, and are
inseparably identified with it, in their busi-
iuoss interests. General dissatisfaction on
the part of a commercial interest, with the
management of a Road on which it de-
pends-^for transportation, constitutes, in
the opinion of the minority, a charge of mis
management, and demands investigation.
The general policy of this Road towards its
connections, affords abundant proof of mis
management. Roads derive their revenue
from two sources, viz: the local business of
tholme and tributaries, depending upon its
position, and inseparable from it, this trade
stated.
5th. The minority differs toto calo from
that portion of the majority report touch
ing damages to the rolling stock during
the past winter, an
of cars put upon tin
port of the Superintendent. The under
signed is of opinion t ieat‘prudenceand care’
ran greatly diminish the damages conse
quent on those casualties to which all roads
are liable, nor has any evidence been sub
mitted to him in proof that such prudence
and care has been exercised, or that the
damages from said casualties have been
made as light as possible. Such may he
the case, but there is nothing on record,
known to the minority, in proof of it. Fur
ther, the undersigned is of opinion that the |
reported large damages accruing the past |
winter, have not been over-estimated or j
exaggerated by popular report ; and that j
said damages are being repaired very |
slowly and at great expense.
Iowa and Pennsylvania, withdrew, proving that
Mr. Fillmore’s unanimous nomination which im
mediately took piaee, must have come from the
conservatives of the Convention.
Andrew Jack-ox Donalson, the coinineefor the
Vice Pre.-ideHcy, is a straight forward, honest man,
of fair ability. In politics, lie has ever been a Dem
ocrat nf the Jackson School, but now a decided
“anti to the fret-soil tendencies of t’^g Loco, Squat
ter Sovereignty, alien pre-emption administration
party.’’ Ilis nomination will therefore be accept
able.
The Slate Road Investigation.
It will be remembered that in December last, a
committee was appointed from both branches cf
the Legislature to make a th rough investigation
in relation to the alleged mismanagement and par
tiality shown by the authorities of said Road. We
publish in to-day’s paper the majority and minority
reports of that committee in relation to this sub
ject. We would call particular attention to, and
Small Pox in Had County. Ga,
Messrs. Editors Recorder The small pox
has prevailed to some extent, in Hall county, and is
still going ahead, though with the exception of two
cases, is of a very light form. It was brought to
Gainesville by a Merchant, had made friends
with Mr. Jackson Bnttcrworth, before I knew it
was in :he country. Mr. Butteworth after visiting
the case, was exposed a good deal in the snow and
cold weather. lie was attacked with rigors, follow
ed up by hot skin, quickened pulse, furred tongue
of dirty brick dust color, tongue was red around
the edges and a watery'appearance, nose stopped
up, very sore throat, head ache, vovci.ing thick
tough slime or mucous, pain in the back and ie-j-s,
soreness of the glutei muscles, eye3 very red and
great flo-.v of tears, profuse spitting of thick tough
white phlegm. The face became swollen and florid,
and was soon covered, with hard pimples, which
changed to s.n.v'l clear vesicles, commencing on the
chin, which became umli.icnted or pitted in the
centre.. They afterwards became cone shaped, ve
ry closely packed together, the cells containing
pearl col.a-, d matter, which in a day or two turned
of a pinkish color. The dividing walls of the cells,
at length gave way, and they communicated with
each other, turned, of a brown color, bnrst and dried
uj>, and the scabs fell off. This was the case over
nearly the-whole body as well as the face, forming
what is called confluent small pox. There was a
scab on the tongue an inch over. The smell that
eminated front the body, was very sickening. The
other confluent- case was scarcely so bad as Mr.
Lutterworth's though very similar.
Many persons here have the prelimary symptoms,
break out with a few pocks, and do not suffer very
much. Those who have been vaccinated scarcely
tak'e their beds with it, and so far as I have ol>-
rved, do not communicate it to their friends. Mr.
J s face is not at all scarred, though somewhat pit
ted, some scabs thrown out, were picked up by a
Shanghai, which killed it i:i about two hours—so
that Barn urn’s representative is the only case we
have lost- 1 am impressed however, should .he
disease not dieout before summer, many will wish
it had visited them this winter- '
CURIOSITY ET ACCIDENT.
question of removal. Tin citi
had been h.massed for
subject. At the last election the
referred to the people and l>v. l,i; ( ..
had decided it in favor of Milled -ev -
been said, the question Lad not been fr;, '
the people, but be would reply tl, ; -
gone the other way no such
have been made; there
struggle who first should
“Ved tiro
K It t
■gatien \,,j.
would have u
introduce a
remove the Capitol. The people Ltd d :
q'i'-sti ai. They knew •
them a large snm, perhaps a n.illi<i n y
The bill from tiie ether House w .
r ,,:3 ' flucu
farce. The question had bees derided last Q .
aud be would not stultify himself bv rttcrii-
them again so soon. He asked .SenaU,. , t
themselves in the position of the peo .. j
lcdgeville. with the question of removal ooa; :
hanging over them and their properh
queue*, ever hav ing an uncertain value, ac
w ottl J see the necessity of giving a q l: | tll3 ,, .
question of removal.
He proposed an additional section to the
tute appropriating $>o,00'J to repair the E\
Mansion.
Mr. Calhoun said there was r.o question cf :
power of the Legislature to remove the - •
Government. It had already been m.;.
tnn e limes.
lie looked upon the recent vote as uo evii-.-
that the people were in favor of Milled'-,-.; .
They had been told that a very iru .n-i
amount w as necessary for repairs of the
lloase. They voted under that ioipressi. i.
they had known that, a.-the fiovernorT-t.-n. -
§100,000 would be required, they tvotild Laver,
ted differently, la his opinion one hundred a
fifty thousand dollars are necessary to put th: F
itoi in proper repair.
He said let the question as it is put in the I -.
passed the House lie decided by the people..:.]
they decided in favor of Miliedgeville, In-
4 member hereafter, voce any amount that mi.-h:
necessary to repair this building or erec-t a i. -
one. But before expending any more n: -upv'Ii
let ns ascertain what is tin- true will of th- ;
upon this subject. The will of the pi- ; 1,
yet been ascertained, 't he developments L.;
Governor’s Message hud made a deep iih-.r, -
tlmm. Many never would have voted for :Ji ,,d.
ville if they had known what that m. -,
since revealed to them.
Mr. Brows of Baldwin said, he was sur d
that the Senator had said they had not a f;d:,
pression of the will of the people The font
Senator from that county had been tin ,ir.-. ij
pose to leave the quesli-m of removal to the ,
and had said if they decided against him hew,.-
Now liis successor s a vs the tbit
la regard to the equipment of the Road j <osk fur them a candid reading.
with rolling stock, it is the opinion of the
minority that the present facilities for
transportation arc greatly inadequate to
the requirements of the Road, and that
notwithstanding the additions made since
the last report of the Superintendent, a
large increase of stock is now demanded
to quiet “complaint,” which complaint is
not querulous, but well-grounded.
6th. The minority is of the opinion Chat
a fine subject for investigation is afforded
in the numerous fat offices which have
been instituted on the State Road, and the
large number of subordinates employed,
over aud above what are deemed necessa
ry to the proper conduct of business on
private Roads. For instance : there is on
the State Road an Auditor receiving
$1,500 pei annum salary, a Treasurer kept
up at a cost of $2,000 per annum, all of
which, under a proper superintendency, or
rather management,-could he provided at
an annual cost not exceeding $1,500. The
number of subordinates too, is, by the mi
nority, considered unnecessarily large ;
and his reasons for coming to this conclu
sion, are derived from examination into
the economy of private Roads, which have
found these “extras” unnecessary. The
undersigned cannot see why a State en-
terprize, having no political motives to sub
serve, and striving solely to do a good Rail
Road business, should need these supernu-
meries. Here seemsto he mattcrJbrcnquiry
7th. The minority is duly advised that
a resolution has been'introduced, inquiring
into the ‘ Cowart appointment;’ and -it
may seem unnecessary to enter into that
affair. But with “all the lights before, him,”
the undersigned feels it liis duty to submit
a few farts in reference to this matter. If
such an office had been created in accor
dance with law, it was still not wise, be
cause it was a had economical measure.
The office, as shown by its practical work
ings, has not diminished litigation, nor ob
viated the necessity for employing the usu
al complement ol Attorneys for the defence
of the Road’s interests, neither has it in
demnified the poor wood-chopper for liis
loss in furnishing wood at 90 cents a cord,
which was contracted for by the Road, at
$1,50 the cord. It is the opinion of the
minority that there is no necessity for such
an office, that created in defiance of law
and by a usurpation of power, for the Leg
islature of 1853-4, [vi;?e page 1000 of its
Journals,] emphatically refused to - "feather
an]) such nest." It is not.believed by the
undersigned that the present incumbent
of said nest, would demur to, or deny the
positions taken in this paragraph.
While the minority do not demand in
vestigation of this pleasing quid pro quo
appointment, it is respeefully suggested
that it would he ail interesting and amus
ing subject for enquiry ; and that the de
velopments consequent thereon, would af
ford great merriment to the State, confes
sedly a desirable object,for a State does well
to amuse, as well as provender its subjects.
It is umicceseary for us to enter into an elaborate
criticism of tlie majority report, for we feel that that
of the minority, by Mr. Hi!!, tears away the flimsy
veil that t!ie mrjeiity would throw over the charg
es, and that he in a concise and terse manner does
away with the circumlocution and unmeaning Hie-
tork-ai flouiFlies by width they endeavor to cover
up tlie direct cliaiges, as set forth in the resolutions.
We think that tin re was too much Miss Noneuism
displayed by the majority, and that they were too
nice of the feelings of these against whom the
charges had been made. It was truly an unpleas
ant office, but truth aud justice demanded an im
partial and thorough investigation should have
Leeii made.
The whole of :he proceedings, from first to Inst,
convince us of the wisdom of that policy that
would place the road by its sale, out of the hands
of those who would make it a powerful political
engine. It ought not to be so used by any party,
and the temptation is so great thus to use the road,
that we would place it now and forever beyond all
party control. We regret that the House did not
agree to the bill that had passed the Senate, by a
large majority, for the immediate sale of three-fifths
of if, as the State’s interest, in every particular by
that bill, \\ # as fully protected. Private corporations
invariably manage better, as t-o finances, iVe., than
larger and more complicated bodies. We are con
fident that economy, if no other motive, will ulti
mately compel the State to pass the immediate con
trol of it ont of her hands.
The renifeuiiar).
The act which was passed on the last day of the
session in relati in tothe Penitentiary, provides for
the lease of ihat Institution. If the lease is not ef
fected witlii^twelve months and fora sum -of not
less than one thousand dollars per annum, to tlie
State, then the Penitentiary is to be removed to the
Stone Mountain; foi which purpose an appropria
tion of $70.00;- is made.
Gen. PeterCone of Bulloch, I’. M.Compton, Esq.,
of this city and W. R. Poole, Esq., Senator from
Hart county, were appointed Commissioners to su
perintend the lease or removal, as the ease may be;
an-.l in tlie event that a lease is effected, the Gover
nor and Commissioners are empowered to inter
fere to prevent the cruel or other improper treat
ment of the convicts.
Death of another Member of the Legislature.
Thomas E. Beall, Esq. Representative from
the county yf Columbia, died on Tuesday night
last of that fatal disease Pneumonia. On Wednes
day nuuning, on the announcement of his death-
both Houses passed the usual resolutions and ad-
jonrued. The members walked in procession with
the remains of the deceased from liis bourding
lionse to the Depot, whore they were taken in
charge by a committee to convey them to his home
in Columbia. The committee consisted of Messrs.
Barton and Kitchens of the House and Messrs. A-
very and Nichols of the Senate.
Mr. Beall left, we learn, an estate of about one
hundred thousand dollars, and by will gave tlie
most of it for the education of the poor uf his coun
ty. He was.a batchelor and had no nearer relative
that he knew of, than a cousin, to whom lie be*
queathed a portion.
Rer.ifr.al or repairs of the Capitol.
debate in the senate
On Monday the iFuli nit., the Senate took up as
the special order the House I iff to appropriate m-m-
ev to repair the State House and to refer to the peo
ple the question nf -• removal ’ or “ reconstruction
at Milh-dgeville.”
The hill was taken up by seciiurs and went
through with without amendment. .
Mr. 15.: i vv.v of 15 tidw iii then offered a substitute
providing for tlie appropriation of $7,500 for lh e
repairs of the 8tate llotise.
Mr. B. read a portion of the act by which Mill-
edgeviile was made the permanent seat of Govern
ment. and said,
I desire Mr. President, to say but a few words
upon this subject. 1 think there are but fe-.v words
of explanation necessary to make the Senate act
generously and liberally towards this appropriate n.
4 on see by this act that Miliedgeville was located
by a set of Coniini>sioners appointed by the Legis
lature of to locate the seat of government,
permanently. It was located at this place when this
was a w ild Indian,country, and when almost of the
whole territory \\ cst and North of this piaee was
in the peaceable possession of the Aborigines of
the country. At that time the State Hues were ’aid
out as they now evist, and the Commissioners tak
ing all things into consideration, located the Capitol
at Miliedgeville, because they knew it would be
about tlie centre of the State, and that it was necessa
ry for the interests of :be people that it should be as
nearly central as possible. 1 hey made their report
to the Legislature in Louisville and that bodv eon-
firmed the action ot the Commissioners, and then
passsed an act for the sale of lots in Miliedgeville.
In that act tin y - solemnly decreed that this was to
be the permanent seat ot Government and invited
Udders to come aud buy lots ; and they did buy
lots at very Ligh prices. And now will Senators
withhold their votes from this appropriation, for
the purpose of moving the seat of Government to
another place >. Will Senators undertake to repudi
ate the saJemuly declared.engagemon't of the State,
atter the Citizens of Miliedgeville had done every
| thing the Legislature has ever asked of them ?. Six
qrcars agotuo members of the Legislature told us!
to build them a Railroad and the agitation of this
question should stop. We built them a Railroad
and after the Railroad was built, then commenced
this clamor about “no accommodations.” We have
now gone to the expense of putting up a Hotel,
which with its furniture cost over $S0,t»0il, for the
accommodation nf the Legislature- And will not
now tin- great State of Georgia or the Representa-
talives of tlie great State of Georgia appropriate
the p.til’ul sum of seven thousand five hundred
dollars to repair the State’s own buildings and to
reeiproeate a favor to the Citizens of Miliedgeville.
Mr. President, 1 know that former legislatures have
alw ays withheld their support from Miliedgeville,
hut I do hope and believe that this intelligent legis-
lalnre wiij do us justice, and justice is all that we
ask at your hands; and Mr. President we have not
only done vvhat I have enumerated, but two years
ago we became tired of this agitation, and we told
tlie agitators we were willing that this matter
should be referred to the peopiijj and we were wil
ling to abide by v> liat the people might say. It has
been referred to the people and we have got an e\-
pressi n of opinion from them, and that expression
was largely in favor of Miliedgeville, when at the
same time the Atlanta papers, were telling them
that large appropriations would be necessary for
the repairs of the State House. With these lights
before them, three fourths of the countries in the
State gave a majority in favor of no removal, there
fore three fourths of the members of this Legisla
ture ought to feel themselves instructed to vote, to
submit-
He asked what security have we that tlie v
woHld be settled after another vote by the p
Mr. Pope at the instance of Mr. Brawn,
drew Ids amendment, proposing to strike ou: t
500 and insert $15,Oi iff.
Mr. Murphait said, he would only give his r;
sons for voting fer tlie substitute. 'Deque.- - !
of removal had been referred to the people out
motion of tlie Senator from DeKalb aud he tc
disposed to carry out their will in good frith. I
had decided the question and » hetbertbat <Ii Li
w as right or wrong, he was not preu irc-d at -
very next session to refer it to them agida. i: t-
had expressed a preference for Atla itaorMr.ivt.i.
would not vote a dollar to repair this. Hou.-.- -
felt as much bound by their deci-i n as ii u
been in favor of Atlanta n here it would hav
greatly more to his interest to have the Ca{ i -
cated. The small amount required tonpuL
building made it the interest cf tbe people iur
it, and make it answer the purpose of a '
House as long a* is v. ill. It would probably si
the purpose ten, fifteen or twenty years. H - '
therefore vote for ihe substitute.
Mr. Hardexa.n said, at the Iasi session he -
done what he could to remove the Capitol to '
But the question had been left to the j rpl ■ ~
liad decided it and lie and liis oonstitia •••'
wi.ling-to abide by that decision. That being- 1
was it not tlie duty of the Legislature to keep ,
buddings to protect the public records ■ k--
• would cost a large am >unl ot motley, altar t. —
i; sn of dollars appropriated this day (i t I »
lautic and Gulf Kaim.ad,) was th btnts a
make another Larger appropriation fora renin-
the Capitol! He thought dot and weald •
the substitute.
Mr. Wingfield said, lie belonged toaCom®-
to examine and report vvhat amount was ue- j
to repair the Executive .Mansion. Di y- •
cided ou $I5,U00. But as there seemed h"“ •
disposition to vote appropriations toriE‘ e '-
lie would vote for Mr. 1‘ope’a amendment
Mr. Screven said, he aiso had belon.tsi ■
Committee and he concurred in the statenu •
$5,000 was the least wn that could tc
available.
Mr. Dope’s amendment appropriating$■-
repair tlie Executive Mansion, was ado; a ■
Dr. fc-CREVEN proposed to amend by aut.a ,ri
the Governor to consult a competent arckitt
to make such alterations as will preserve u:
tv of design, Ac., piov ided the same can L
within tlie limits of the amount apart!
which was agreed to.
The bill, was then passed by yeas y n*F'
SENATE—'Tuesday, Feb-j^
Mr. Lawton from the C’onimitte outlie-
the Republic to whom was referred tl.yt (’ - D
the Governor’s Message touching our I-
ti jns made a report (similar to that r.n. v ^
House Committee on the same subject n‘ -J
was reported in t!.e Ifeewfcr of the it -
unreduced a bill authorizing the Goyi nr - “
a C- invention of the people of Georgia ap 1
happening of certain contingencies.
A
Weiuesiiat, Feb.-
The reading < f fire Journal was suspend* J
the resolutions of the House of Repre* a . .
relation to the d: ath ot’M. E. < unuiue. 'y ' f j
member of the House front l'orsy th eo* B .'
taken up and unanimously agreed to. .
The Committee appointed ou the P i,rt ,‘j 1’
ate in accordance with the second n* 1 ,!. • ••
sisfed of Messrs. Moore of Cobb and Gray- ,
The Senate then adjourned until c--
moruing.
Fr.lDAT, FJs „ |
Mr. Murphy from the Coinu.ittee »PP 91 ”‘. p
investigate the eon at ton "5 toe \* «.>f> ^
Ian tie Railroad matte a majority re port , (
bo found in aaolinfr column ot to-O- v s l 1- ‘
HOUSE OF REDREWENTWrn^ - ,,,
Tiesdav. F
The Committee to whom the subject ° 1-
brought in the State of Tennessee agau
he j
fi tf|
______ oust triG
& A."Railroad was referred, made a
ing that the State of Georgia yield 1 (t.i the
jurisdiction, expressing the opinion tha , |
ions of the Courts of Tenne.-see " ^ - . -D
stating the belief of the committee,
present able management of the R°a , ..
litigation and discontent has D en rear ■ ■,• I
The Committee on the State of ihe
whom had been referred that portion o.^^
nor’s Message in reference to our i ooe ■