Newspaper Page Text
1
VOLUME XLII.
NUMBER
R. M. ORME & SON,
EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS
^oufjjcrtt Jlecflrirtr.
TUESDAY JANUARY 29. 1861.
GEORGIA SENATORS.
By the lute Action of Georgia the disagreeable
necessity of deciding between several distinguish
ed gentlemen of the same political faith, has been
obviated, in relation to a Senator in Congress to
succeed Judge Iverson after the 4th March, 1 861.
The postponement of the election in 1859, when
the contest became quite animated during the first
few weeks of the Legislature, has proved to be
rainently wise. No gentleman has lost favor with
imself or with the public by defeat, and no one
4* been exalted by a barren victory, to the dis-
irbance of the late Democratic brotherhood.
All's well that ends well,” and the case is dis
missed without prejudice, as the Courts say when
a suit is stricken from the docket for the want of
prosecution. There is a new field now open for
the exercise of all the abilities and experience
which for years have been identified with the Sen
atorial strength |tn Georgia. All are Democrats,
all Whigs, all Secessionists. There are no party
issues now to divide the freemen of the Empire
State Sonth. Such unanimity has never betore
existed within our borders.
PROPER DOCTRINE.
Instead of bitter and relentless persecution, bad
the people of the North manifested a kindly feel*
ing toward the South, such as should have actu
ated all sections of a common country, there
would have been no rupture of commercial or po
litical ties between the two extremes of the Union.
But an opposite line of action seems to have been
preferred, and fanaticism has worked the ruin of
its own victims, by forcing on the South a defen
sive policy now striking its roots deep into the
soil of its own independence.
These reflections have arisen on perusing a ser
mon lately delivered in Trinity Church, New
York, by the Rev. Dr. VlNTEN, most of which is
of a political character. We do not approve all
the views taken; yet we have selected one pas
sage which deserves the approbation of all candid
minds. Alluding to the troubles in South Caro
lina and the entire South growing out of the elec
tion of a Black Republican President, Dr. Vinten
says:
“ But for the present distress there needs for
bearance, with honest endeavor to redress real, or
fancied grievances; to silence just complaints,
and to reconstruct national intercourse into a more
perfect harmony of confidence, with patience and
mutual love, and prayer for one another, among
ths fellow citizens of our nation.”
FLORIDA ORDINANCE.
At the request of the Convention, the Judges of
the Supreme Court drafted the Ordinance of Seces
sion, who directed it to be enrolled on parchment,
and the edges ornamented with blue ribbon, by
Miss Elizabeth M. Eppes. a lineal descendant of
Mr. Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of In
dependence in 1776. The correspondence between
the Judges and Miss Eppes forms a beautiful
chapter in the secession of Florida.
A Great Reform Demanded Now.—A dis
patch from Milledgeville, remarks the Columbus
Enquirer,any s that a committee has been appointed
to inquire and report upon the power of the Con
vention to reduce the number of members of the
Legislature. We trust that no doubt will be en
tertained of the jurisdiction of the Convection over
the question, and that it will do the work promptly
and thoroughly. The limitation of the number of
Senators and Representatives is a constitutional
provision which the Legislature cannot directly
alter, and the Convention can alter and has altered
the constitution—its appropriate work is the revi
sion of the fundamental law.
UNION OF** INSULT.”
When the Senators from Florida, Alabama, and
Mississippi withdrew from Congress on 21st inst.,
in the course of his remarks Mr. Mallory was affect
ed even to tears. He said “ Florida did not secede
from the Union made by our fathers, but from a
Government usurped; from danger, wrong and
insult.”
The following communication was the same day
laid before the House of Representatives :
Washington, Jan. 21, 1861.
To the Hon. Wm. Pennington,
Speaker of the House of Representatives:
Sir: Having received official information that
the State of Alabama, through a convention re
presenting her sovereignty, has adopted and signed
tin ordinauce resuming the powers heretofore dele
gated by her to the Federal Government, there
fore it is proper that with her withdrawal from the
Union, that we withdraw our connexion as mem
bers of this House; and it is sufficiently evident to
us that our duty requires, in obedience to her, that
ws return to our homes aud our State.
We remain, sir, Ac.,
GEO. S. HOUSTON,
SYDENHAM MOORE,
DAVID CLOPTON,
JAMES L. PUGH,
JABEZ L. M. CUKRY,
JAMES A. STALLWORTH.
DEATH OF LOLA MONTEZ.
The Countess of Lansfeldt, who has figured iD
European Courts, and delivered lectures in Phila
delphia and the principal cities of the United
States, died in New York on the 17th inst., at the
age of forty years. She was attended in her last
illness by the Rev, Dr. Hawks, who said he never
witnessed deeper penitence. The Countess was a
bold, eccentric woman, and once horse-whipped an
Austrian General in the prseence of the Emperor
and the army for some offence he had given her.—
She married and separated from her husbands at
pleasure, Beldom waiting for them to die, except
when they were killed in duels. Whenever it was
announced that she was to lecture, the largest
public rooms were filled by andiences in which
rank, fashion, and intelligence prevailed, as we
have been assured not only through the papers,
but by an eye-witness who described her manner
and voice as the perfection of eloquent delivery.
A volume has been published containing most of
uer lectures. ^
ABOLITION CONVENTION SUPPRESSED.
The delegates and members of an abolition meet
,ng in Boston on 24th inst., got iutoa row among
themselves, and were dispersed by the Mayor, who
forbid the re-assembling of the convention.—
Wendell Phillips, the great leader, had to be pro
tected against the violence of the people. Thug
we see the war raging in Africa.
ENCOURAGE HOME INDUSTRY,
gee Wm. H. H. Pmem** advertisement, propo
sing to the citizens of Columbus and that section,
to supply all their demands.
REDUCTION NECESSARY.
It is very certain that the Legislature with its
132 Senators and 169 Representatives, in all a joint
body of 301‘members, will never razee itself down
to any sensible proportions. The attempt has been
repeatedly made within the last two years to give
the people a chance at the monster, a great over
grown booby, affected with dropsy in the brain, and
waterNn the chest, far beyond the possibility of
any cure short of a surgical operation by such
bold and trustworthy doctors as we have now in
Convention. Their task will be incomplete, if
they adjourn without at last submitting “Reduc
tion or ‘ no Reduction” to tbe people, which might
be voted upon in thirty days, and the resalt laid
before the Convention at its re-assembiigg after the
Southern|Congress shall it be necessary. Then there
can be no hesitation after the people have spoken,
in rasping the unwieldly carcase to a healthy and
active size, in which intellect and decency may
combine their vital powers, and infuse new life in
to the body politic. As the General Assembly now
stands, it is a burlesque on legislation, and should
be reformed, or abated as a public nuisance.
Year after year we behold three hundred men
who figure on the Journals as the ‘‘Hon, Tinker
Tubb from the county of Cantwell,” the ‘‘Hon*
Walter Winkle from the county of Katnip,” and
thus through the roll, with “Honorable” prefixed
to every name, which wholly dishonor an appella
tion once denoting zeal and character. Then Mr.
Tubb introduces a bill to change the line between
the counties of Cantwell aud Slingo, so as to in
clude the pig pen of Jeremiah Jenkins in the coun
ty of Cantwell, and to authorise the said Jeremiah
Jenkins, his administrators, executors and assigns
to pay taxes in said county, notwithstanding his or
their residence in the county of Slingo,” After
the second reading of the bill it is referred to the
“Committee on county boundaries,” who report it
back with a proviso, “that nothing in this act shall
be so construed as to prevent the said Jeremiah
Jenkins from performing jury and militia duty,
and of exercising any trade or employment, or of
prosecuting any claims at law or in equity as to
him shall seem meet, in the said county of Cant
well, without hindrance or molestation, subject on
ly to the Constitution of the State of Georgia, and
the Constitution of the United States.”
Then the bill is postponed to a day certain ; then
it is lost; then it is reconsidered, and then it is
passed, all this piocess requiring that the caption
shall be entered at least half a dozen times on the
Journal, which together with one hour of the few
usually occupied iu the daily sitting of the Legis
lature, amounts to not less than five hundred dol
lars, which sum is paid out of the Treasury of the
State to give the county of Cantwell jurisdiction
over the pig pen of Mr. Jeremiah Jenkins, a citi
zen of the county of Slingo ! In performing this
great achievement, aud having his name recorded
on the passage of the bill, Mr. Tubb is delighted
at his prospect of fame, and feels his patriotism ex
pand as he anticipates the verdict of prosterity,
and puts his mileage per diem in his pocket. Such
are the Tubbs aud the pigpens which lumber the
capitol every session, at a cost of $159,000 to the
State ! Now, gentlemen of the Convention, we as
public journalist, respectfully ask you to clear off
all this trash, aud substitute a Legislative body
not to exceed one hundred in both branches, the
Senate to consist of a fourth of this number.—
Then there will be a chance for wisdom and effi
ciency, at a great retrenchment of expenditures
which the people have long demanded, but could
never obtain by reason of Messrs. Tubb, Winkle
and their confederates, whose capacity and ambi
tion seek no higher level than to relieve hardships
like that of Jeremiah Jenkins ! Let us have no
more such cliilds play. It is humiliating to think
of it.
NORTHERN PREDICTIONS.
To show iu what contemptuous light the United
South is held by the Republicans of the North, wo
copy from the A’etr York Times, one of the ablest
and most respectable sheets in Hie support of that
faction, part of an editorial, headed “ The Trouble
icith our Southern Brethren, and ichal trill cure it.”
Our sole purpose in .transferring this fragment to
onr columns, is to place before our readers the
speculations of men who assume to know every
thing, and particularly to understand Southern
character, its aggressions and pride, all terminating
in boast and failure The reply to this charge
will be a studied and scornful silence on our part,
with the the simple remark that Northern arro
gance finds a happy exponent in the editor of the
Times, w ho is understood to be Henry J. Raymond,
Esq., late Lieutenant Governor of New York.—
His position in society, and his acknowledged tal
ents have secured him the opportunity through
our columns, of exciting mirth before a Southern
audience, by an outbreak of intellect and fancy not
excelled in deliberate purpose by any comment
which we have seen attempted on the fortunes and
destiny of the South.
After granting to the people of the North a
monopoly of wisdom, integrity and success, the
editor of the Times thus sagely discourses:
Our convictions are the result of our training,
which has taught us that everything valuable is ex
pensive in proportion ; and that all excellence is
the result of patient toil, which can never for a
moment be remitted wit bout lites of position and
power. Our logic is the logic RPlife—the logic of
experience, consequently of wisdom and success.
We are not boastful, because we have been taught
how difficult success is. In all hazardous matters,
with all the training experience has given ns, with
precedents that, perhaps, should inspire confi-
ence, wc admit defeat as very probable, even when
every condition concurs from which success may
be reasonably inferred.
The reverse of this picture is a confidence of
success, which is extravagant just in proportion
as those who cherish it are incapable. Everything
is simple to him who has never aceomplished any
thing. With such, to do is as easy as to wish —
Boastfulness is always in direct ratio to incompe
tency. Such a person is not to be reasoned with,
because in his entire ignorance of them, he as
sumes in his favor all the qualities upon which
success is based. If you ask a Southerner why lie
has not ships and sailors, he tells you that it is all
owing to the oppressions of the Government. So
with manufacturers, commerce, and with all mate-
terial progress. The Government has enriched
the North and reduced the South to beggary.—
Destroy this Government, and the South will im
mediately rival and eclipse the world. Its des
truction is urged, consequently, as the true means
of the disentliralment of the South, and of unlim
ited progress in power and wealth. Dissolution
and disorder are to result in railroads manufacto
ries, naval aud military armaments on'a vast scale,
population, wealth and power ; not one of which
has the South been able to develop in the Union,
which Las protected persons aud property, given
every encouragement to commercial and manufac
turing enterprise, and to indnstry and ingenuity
its greatest scope, relieved from almost every bur
den that oppresses it in other countries.
The case of the South is, consequently, past sur
gery in the forum of argument or reason. In
such they are children, with whom the demolition
of a giaut one hundred feet high is an easy and
pleasant pastime. They measure the extent of
their faculties by their wishes and necessities.—
They can come to a realizing sense of things only
as w-e have—through long and painful experience.
Nothing in the world can now save them from such
who spurn all obligations when disagrecab e ti
them, who desgise all reasonable precedent and
counsel, and who can be sobered, by only one
schoolmaster—that of experience in the ragged
road of life.
To a person unacquainted with the peculiarities
of our Southern brethren, it bas been incrediblt
how they could act with such assurance, coupled
as it is with utter helplessness. Almost every mar
iu Charleston believes that, with secession, tha*
city is to change places with New-York. Thai
every ship and soldier sent against them would
instantly range themselves on their side; that will
labor doomed to perpetual blindness, every achieve
ment of industry and skill is to grace their State;
that without a ship or sailor the South is to be the
first maritime power of tbe world; and that the}
arc to exact tribute and homage from all Christen
dom, through the marvelous virtues of their great
staple—cotton.
The career upon which they are entering is the
only thing that can release them from their delu
sions. Already has the moral as well as the com
mon sense of mankind spoken in words of ridicule
and contempt. Our Government is dealing more
lightly, very probably through the treachery of our
Ciiief Executive. With an efficient and honest
one, we hardly need do otherwise. With such a
President, a simple decree from Washington that
Charleston was in a state of blockade, or that no
clearances to or from it would be granted, not a
vessel would presume to enter the port from any
quarter. A mandate, without the movement of a
single ship or soldier, would be sufficient to close
every Southern port. No merchant would run the
risk of having bis ship or cargo confiscated. Were
the political power wictded by a firm aud resolute
hand, a moral force only would have to be exerted
to deprive the Cotton States of the very means of
existence. They can exert no power off their own
soil. Every thing they produce, and a very con
siderable portion of all they consume, 1ms to float
on the sea, which we command. The South can
not put a vessel afloat, nor could it keep one afloat
six months should we divide onr navy with them.
ARSENAL AT AUGUSTA.
Captain Elsxt, the officer in command, deliver
ed the Arsenal near Augusta to Gov. Brown on the
24th inst., the latter causing a receipt to be given
for all the public property, which is to be account
ed for in a settlement between Georgia and the
United States Government. Four field piece, and
about 22,000 muskets and rifles, besides a large
quantity of powder, grape shot, cannon balls «Jfc,c.,
come into the possession of the State. The mili
tary companies which had been ordered out tor the
occasion were not required to act offensively, as
the terms of agreement for the surrender of the
Arsenal and public stores were respectful on both
sides.
GEORGIA CONVENTION.
PUNISHMENT OF TREASON.
The Convention passed an Ordinance on Satur
day, declaring what acts shall constitute treason
and misprison of treason against the Republic of
Georgia. While the question was pending, Mr.
Simmons, of Gwinnett moved to strike out that
portion which made it a penitentiary offence to
conceal, or not to inform the Governor or some
Judge of a treasonable intention on the part of an
other. Mr. Conn referred to the penal code of
Georgia and to the laws of the lato United States
on the subject, and showed that the ordinance were
the same in substance, and nothing more. The
motion to strike out did not prevail.
The puniahinent for treason in the first degree is
death : for misprison, or the second degree, con
finement and labor in the penitentiary not less than
five, nor more than ten years; and for concealing
the knowledge of fruits of a treasonable character,
fine and imprisonment in jail.
ABOLISHING U. 8. COURTS.
Mr. Comb from the committee on the Constitution
and laws of the United States, reported an ordin
ance on Saturday abolishing the Circuit and Dis
trict court of the United States within the limits of
Georgia, but to continue in force the process here
tofore issued; and that the Governor appoint
Judges of a similar grade to exercise the power in
Admirably, and to give judgement in all cases that,
would necessarily arise, until the action of the Con
gress at Montgomery.
On motion of Mr. Clark of Dougherty, the stay
law passed by the last Legislature was made ap
plicable to the process of this Court. A debate
sprung up in which Messrs. Clark, Kenan, Cobb,
Rice, Hansell, B. H. Hill, Hood and others took
part,, after which the ordinance passed by a vote
of 204 to 54.
FAC SIMILIE OF THE ORDINANCE.
The Convention has directed its Secretary to
have the ordinance of Secession, with all the Sig
natures to it, photographed, so as to be a fac simile,
of the original document. The public will no
doubt be glad to possess such a memento, as we
presume that after the number of copies required
by the Convention are furnished, there will be no
limit on the publisher, who will be authorized to
satisfy the demand at his own expense.
experience; nor is it best, perhaps, that it should
be averted. To appeals to common sense, or to
standards recognized by mankind, they are as deaf
as madmen. No assumption is too monstrous to
be uttered with all apparent sincerity, nor any ex
travagance of prediction that is not fully believed.
Fora time we stood confounded because we could
not comprehend the degree of difference which
prevailed between our ideas and theirs. Profess
ed Union-savers were as much astonished as our
selves, at this, to them, new role of their friends,—
faithlessness, arrogance, and unbounded impu
dence of assumption. It was clear to all that we
had to deal with overgrown aud spoilt children,
PAYING DEBTS.
During a debate which incidentally arose in the
Convention on Saturday, mention was made of the
right of Georgia, under the law of Nations, to de
clare void all contracts between the citizens ot
Georgia and the citizens of New York, owing to
the lawless seizure of arms by the Police, Ac. Al
though the question was mooted, no one advocated
such redress. On the contrary, the several gen
tlemen who addressed the Convention expressly
disowned the policy, and maintained the duty and
willingness of our people to pay their Northern
debts, the greater portions of which were in the
hands of our friends who stood by us in the late
Presidential contest. The abolitionist, if a credi
tor, should also be paid to the last dollar. There
should be no repudiation in case of actual war; for,
as Mr. Kenan remarked, it was more honorable to
pay an enemy than a friend. Mr. B. H. Hill ad
mitted tbe sanctity of contracts, and said be
“would even pay the Devil if he owed him.” Mr.
Cobb intimated that it was laying down the doc
trine more broadly than safe, to settle with that
crafty personage dollar for dollar by all those upon
whom he had claims, as the liquidation, ho feared,
wonld in many instances, be of a disagreeable
character.
Thus the matter terminated in a vein of pleas
antry, without any formal expression on the sub
ject by the Convention. The incident is merely
noticed for tbe sound moral it conveys.
AID TO COMMERCE.
Mr. Asdznsok of Chatham reported an Ordi
nance on Saturday, to continue in force for a speci
fied time, the laws and regulations of the late Unit
ed States, existing at the time Georgia seceded
from the Union, relating to the Cuiton House,
postal facilities, and other matters touching com
merce between tbe Republic and other foreign
States, w hich was directed to be printed and made
the special order for Monday.
STATE ARMORY.
A resolution offered by Judge Nisbet has been
adopted, requesting the Committee on Military Af
fairs to inquire into the expediency of erecting a
State Armory, and to report on the same to tbe
Convention.
SCATTERING VOTES.
We notice in some of onr exchange papers a
statement of the votes cast in the Convention for
delegates to the 8onihern Congress which is to as
semble at Montgomery on4th February; and lest
the public might suppose that Got. Johnson, and
the Hon. Charles J. Jenkins, were is fact candi
dates, we are anthorised to say that they did not
authorise the use of their names for sneha purpose,
nor was it made with their knowledge or approbation
—neither being present.
CONFISCATION.
While tbe ordinance to abolish the Circnit and
District Courts of the United States for the Dis
trict of Georgia, and to establish other courts in
lieu thereof, aud to continne in force certain judg
ment and executions, was pending beforejthe Con
vention on Saturday, some reference was made to
the late seizure of certain arms by the Police ' of
the city of New York. Mr. Toombs stated that
he had telegraphed Mayor Wood on the sub-
,ect, whose reply admitted snch seizure of arms
belonging to Georgia, but that it w r as done by the
Police under the appointment and central of the
Governor of New York, who said Mr. Toombs, was
known to be a black Republican, and therefore the
enemy of the Sonth.
It was contended by several delegates that such
violence amounted to a quasi war which would jus-
•ify an act of confiscation of any and all property
tonnd in Georgia belonging to the citizens of New
York. For the want of authentic imformation on
ihe subject, however, no definite step was taken in
the matter for the present.
MOTIONS TO ADJOURN.
On Satarday several propositions were made to
■idjourn; one on Tuesday, 29th inst., and then to
meet in Sovannah on the call of the President; an
other to adj ourn on the 30th to meet in the same
place on the call of the Governor, in the event of
cbe death or disability of the President; another
that when the Convention adjourn, it shall meet
again at Milledgeville on 20th February, Ac., all
of which, after conversational remarks, in which
Mr. Maktin of Lumpkin, was quite felicitous in
his compliments to Savannah, were laid on the
table.
OFFICIAL FORMALITY.
As yet we have not had an opportunity of in
specting the original Ordinance of the Convention,
by which Georgia revoked her assent to the Con
stitution of the United States; but we have seen
in the Savannah Republican what purports to be a
literal copy, with the signatures and counties of
the delegates attached, all appearing in due form,
except the formality usual at the close, which
might have been added with great propriety, we
think, somewhat as follows:
“Done in Convention at the Capitol in Vil-
ledgeville, the 19th day of January in the
year of our Lord eighteen hundred and sixty-
one."
This, or a similar exhibition of the date when the
Ordinance was passed, may possibly be in the
original, and accidentally omitted in tbe copy fur
nished the Republican. If there be indeed such a
want of date as we have specified, there will bo
no guide to tell, officially, when Georgia did go out
of the Union, unless the entry, “Attest, A. R. La
mar, Secretary, this January 21st, 1861," shall be
considered sufficient, w hich is quite another date
from “January 19, 1861,” to which all the other
evidences refer as the birth of the Republic of
Georgia. _
VIOLATION OF ETIQUETTE.
On the first day of its session, tbe Convention
resolved that no applause would be allowed on the
floor or in the gallery, while the Convention was
iu session. Much of the time the doors are closed,
and visitors are of course denied the privilege of
witnessing the deliberations of that body. Of this
we make no complaint; such a regulation is per
haps necessary—but we do most earnestly protest
against the almost daily habit of persons in the
gallery of manifesting Ih.cir sentiments by loud ap
plauses in utter disregard of tho rulejof the Con
vention on the subject. It argues a want of solf-
respect in the persons who make this noise, besides
being a gross insult to the Convention. We have
reason to believe that a majority of the people who
visit the gallery to look on, are disposed to behave
in a calm and proper way, and we regret that their
feelings should not be consulted by the few who
choose to iudulge iu a boistuous behavior, altogeth
er incompatible with the dignity of the Convention,
and the cause for which it assembled.
W. T. Harris, Esq., of Grecnvillo, Meriwether
counly, has been appointed by Gov. Brown, one
of bis Aid-de-Camps, with the rank of Colonel.
Louisiana.—The Convention of this State pas
sed a secession ordinance on the 26th inst. by a vote
of 113 to 17. The Convention then adjourned to
New Orleans.
On the receipt of tjje news of the secession of
Lousiana in tbig city on last Saturday evening fif
teen guns were fired in the capital square. This
was also done in Alabama and we presume in the
other Southern States.
Ion, writing from Washington under date of the
24th, to the Baltimore Sun, says:
Mr. Seward’s promised adjustment is everywhere
repeated and referred to, but no one can imagine
upon what mysterious interposition lie relice so con
fidently for an early adjustment. Some suggest
that it must be the resignation of Mr. Lincoln and
Mr. Hamlin. In that very improbable case, the
President pro tern, of the Senate, who is not yet cho
sen, would act as President till next December,
when another President and V ice-Presideut wonld
be chosen.
It appears probable that, as far ns the federal gov
ernment and South Carolina are concerned, there
will be an armistice till the 4th of March. But it
is by no means certain that peace can be maintain
ed at Pensacola and some other points.
FROM WASHINGTON.
Washington, Jan. 24.—In the Senate to-day
the Red River Improvement bill was passed, and
the Pacific Railroad bill was debated
Mr. Crittenden vainly endeavored to get up his
resolutions.
In the House, Mr. Winslow, ol North Carolina,
declined to speak, on account of weakness.
The report of the Committee of Thirty-three was
taken up, when Mr. Rust opposed its adoption.—
Mr. Dunn contradicted one of Mr. Rust’s state
ment, when sharp words ensued, threatening a
personal encounter : Dunn subsequently made an
explanation, which wos not satisfactory.
Mr. Terry made a denunciatory speech against
secession.
ADDRESS FROM THE VIRGINIA REPRE
SENTATIVES.
The members of Congress from Virginia, have
sent an address to the people of that State, giving
a review of the proceedings, and predicting the
probable action of Congress. They say it is rain
to look for any measure of adioatmeut frem Con
gress which the people could accept; also, they
are satisfiod that the Republican party dosign by
civil war alone to coerce the Southern States,
under a pretext of enforcing the laws, unless it
shall become speedily apparent that tbe seceding
Statcs| are so numerous, determined, and united,
at to make snch an attempt hopeless.
The andress concludes by expressing their sol
emn conviction that prompt and decided action by
the people of Virginia, in Convention, will afford
tbe surest means, under the proAidcnce of God, of
averting impending and civil war, and preserving
the hope of a reconstruction of the Union already
dissolved.
Kentucky.
Louisville, Jan. 27.—The Legislature have
appointed Commissioners to go to Washington on
the 4th of February. Among them are Bell, Guth
rie, Wyckliffe, Morehead aud J. B. Clay.
FLORIDA CONVENTION.
Tallahassee, Jan. 21.—The Convention ad
journed to-day to meet again at the call of tbe Pres
ident. Hon. S. K. Mallory was appointed by the
Governor and confirmed by the Senate, Judge of
Admirality at Key West, vice Marvin, removed.
LOUISIANA CONVENTION.
Baton Rouge, Jan. 24.—The Louisiana State
Convention assembled here to-day. Ex-Governor
Moaton was elected President, and a Committee
of fonrteen appointed to report an Ordinance of
Secession. The Convention then adjourned until
Thursday.
MISSISSIPPI STATE CONVENTION.
St. Louis, Jan. 25.—A special dispatch from
Jackson, Miss., says that the Convention elected
seven delegates to the Montgomery Convention.
The Convnntion passed an ordinance to raise
eight regimeuts. Jeff. Davis was elected Major
General.
ALABAMA STATE CONVENTION.
Montgomery, Ala., Jan. 22.—The convention
to-day adopted resolutions recalling the Alabama
Representatives in Congress, and authorizing the
Governor to appoint commissioners to Washing
ton.
North Carolina Convention Bill Passed.
Rai.kigh, Jan. 24th.—Each House of the Legis
lature passed a Convention bill to-day—the Senate
by a vote of 37 to 9, and tiie House by a vote of 86
to 27. The bills are dissimilar iu minor particu
lars, but will be made to agree. Each submits the
question of “Convention, or No Convention” to the
people, and elects delegates after the manner of
Virginia. The election will be held on the 2lstof
February. Everybody seems pleased with the re
sult.
VIRGINIA MEDIATION.
Washington, January 21.—A special Cabinet
meeting was held to-day to consider the object of
ex-President Tyler’s mission iu behalf of Virginia,
which looks to an agreement, both on the part of
the President and seceded States, to abstain from
all acts calculated to produce a collision between
those States and the General Government, pending
the proceedings initiated by the Virginia Assembly
having in view- the adjustment of the present diffi
culties.
[ Special Dispatch to the Daily Morning News. ]
Hr. Tyler Charges the President with Bad
Faith.
Washington, Jan. 27.—It is understood here
that Ex-President Tyler charges President Buchan
an with bad faith in sending the Brooklyn South
with troops on tho same day of their interview, when
he (Mr. Buchanan) pledged himself to preserve the
peace.
Mr. Tyler thinks this action on the part of the
President will terminate the object of his mission
to Washington, and that he will return to Virginia
tc-morrow.
The large vote in favor of secession in Louisiana
astonishes both the Republicans aud Secessionists.
Suspension of Specie Payments in Virginia.
Richmond, Jan. 27.—The Legislature yester
day passed the bill authorizing the Banks of Virgin
ia to suspend specie payments.
Texas Decidedly far Secession.
New Orleans, Jan. 27.—The returns from
Texas thus far received indicate an overwhelming
majority iu favor of secession.
Maryland.—A dispatch to the New York press,
dated Baltimore, Jan. 22d, anys:—“Georgia’s
secession has struck a melancholy blow to the
hopes of Maryland. We are now At (he mercy of
Virginia. If she secedes, and no speedy compro
mise is made by Congress similar to Mr. Critten
den's proposition, I have positive knowledge that
the people of Maryland are preparing, independent
of the Governor, to elect and convene a sovereign
convention, which will certainly withdraw the
state from the Union before Mr. Lincoln’s inaugur
ation. Marylanders pray for peace, but will not
part from Virginia. Intelligent Virginians, fresh
from different districts of tbe State—men anxious
for the Union—tell me that nothing but a speedy
Congressional concession can prevent that State
from seceding. It is now understood that Gov.
Hicks will promptly call a convention if Virginia
re tires.”
THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BLOCKADED.
The Mississippi river has been blockaded by
order of Gov. Pettus, and all steamboats are re
quired to round to and give an account of them
selves.
From the Memphis Evening Argus of January 16.
Cincinnati steamboat men have been thrown in
to a fever from the Governor of Mississippi order
ing cannon and a military company to Vicksburg
to hail all steamboats passing. Tbe Abolition jour
nals of Cincinnati howl over it and are greatly in
censed. We would like to see them help them
selves.
Memphis, Tennessee, Jan. 22.—A battery of six
teen thirty-two-pounders is constructing here.
Destination of the Brooklyn.
Washington, Jan. 26.—Reliable information
bas been received that the IT. S. steamer Brooklyn
has gone to Pensacola. This is considered as anni
hilating all hopes of peace. The sailing of the
Brooklyn was the result of a conference between
G«n. Scott and Commodore Stewart.
Tho nows creates intense indignation among
Southern men in Washington. The sentiment uni
versal among them is that no time should be spent
in taking Fort Pickens.
England and the Southern Confederacy.
Torukto, Canada, Jan. 24th.—The Toronto
Leader announces positively that the Euglish Gov
ernment intends to acknowledge the independence
of the Southern Confederacy, as soon as it
formed.
WASHINGTON AFFAIRS.
Washington, Jan. 24.—Postmaster General
Molt took leave of his associates in the Post Office
Department this morning. He now assumes the
duties of the War Department.
A committee from Boston, consisting of Hons.
Edward Everett. R. C. Winthrop. Amos
Lawrence, E. 8. Tobey, and Chas. L. Wood
bury, arrived here last night, with a mammoth Un
ion petition, to which were attached fourteen thou
sand signatures.
Ex-President Tyler, the peace commissioner
from Virginia, arrived here this morning.
tSpecial Dispatch to the Charleston Courier.]
iHHrtui firm Washington.
Washington, Jan. 25.—Wm. H. West has been
dispatched to certain Southern cities in great haste,
with important dispatches from tbe Government,
the purport of which has not transpired.
An affidavit has been taken before Judge Taney
and filed, cliarging treason on the Senators and
Representatives of the seceding Slates. It in
cludes the late Senatorial aud House Delegation
from South Carolina; Senators Davis and Brown;
ex-Secretary Thompson, and Messrs. Barksdale.
Reuben Davis, Singleton aud McRae, of Mississip
pi ; Senators Benjamin and Slidell, aud Messrs.
Taylor, Davidson aud Landrum, of Louisiana; all
the members of the late Georgia Delegation, except
Mr. H.ll: the Alabama Delegation, except Mr.
Cobb; Senator Wig fall and Representative Reagan,
of Texas ; Senator Lane, of Oregon ; Senators Hun
ter and Mason, and ex-Gov. Wise, of Virginia :
Representative Pryor, of Virginia, and ex-Secretary
Floyd, of Virginia.
President Buchanan. Gen. Scott, Gen. Cass, and
Secretary Black aud Holt have been summoned to
appear as witnesses for the prosecution.
The affidavit alleges that citizens of Sonth Caro
lina and other States of the Union, have conspired
against the Constitution and Government of the
United States, aud have committed treason and oth
er high crimes against the peace and welfare of the
said United States.
The Republican Senators held a caucus this
evening, and resolved to accept the withdrawal of
the ten seceding Senators as an actual resignation.
They propose to strike their names from the roll.
A letter has been received here from Captain
Doubleday, of Fort Sumter. He gives a very
gloomy account of the condition of affairs at Sum
ter-
A few days ago Mr. Henry Misroon, Agent of
the New York and Charleston line of steamers, re
ceived a note from Capt. Doiihledav, stating that it
was the desire of Major Anderson to have tire wo
men and children removed from Fort Sumter, and
asking on what terms he would take them as pas
sengers to N<*w York. Mr. Misroon communica
ted to Gov. Pickens the wish of Major Anderson,
when his Excellency at once acceded to the request,
and stated he would afford him every facility in
his power to accomplish that object. The next
steamer will probably take them to New York —
Capt. Donbleday recapitulates the proposed passen
gers thus ; 17 women. 12 children under 10 years
of age, and 11 infants under 2 years—in all 40 per
sons,—Editors Courier.
Mr. Rnst, of Arkansas l>as challenged Mr Dunn,
of Indiana, but friends are trying to settle the diffi
culty.
Washington, Jan. 25.—9.15 P. M.—The Pres
ident received Mr. Tyler courteously to-day, aud
spoke very favorably of the Virginia proposition
for a settlement of the political troubles of the coun
try which was submitted by that gentleman.
The Military Committee have agreed to report a
Bill to indemnify the officers aud soldiers of Fort
Sumter for the losses sustained by them in the re
moval from Fort Moultrie.
Washington, D. C., Jan. 7,1861.
To the Editor of the Charleston Mercury :
My sympathy for yonr gallant State in its pre
sent hour of trial, prompts inc to offer a suggestion
which I am somewhat surprised to perceive lias
thus far bpen overlooked.
We are all aware that the operations of the civil
ized world are controlled by cotton. Of this great
and immutable truth the thoughtful and meditative
sons of South Carolina have long since satisfied
themselves and the rest of mankind. But we have
not yet awakened to a full realizing sense of the
priceless value of that noble plant as a means of
offence and defence, and of the fact, that iu tha
possession of cotton South Carolina holds iu her
own hands an inexhaustible supply of the means
aud munitions of war.
By immersing the cotton fibre in a mixture of
equal parts of fuming nitric acid and of sulphuric
acid (of sp. gr. 2.00,) it is at once converted into
gun cotton, a material more effective than the best
gunpowder, and which can be produced at a cost
of fifty per cent. less.
By giving this fact publicity you will confer ma
terial strength on the gallant sons of the South, and
increase still further the value of the noblest pro
duction of the vegetable world, on which our hopes
and happiness are founded.
A Friend or the South.
CMnterfeiten Arrested
We learn from the Advertiser that three gentle
men were arrested in Montgomery ‘21st inst., on
the charges of passing and, attempting to pass,
counterfeit bills on the Merchants Bank of New
Orleans. There names are Richard Morgan, The
odore Ankles and C. Clark. They were sent to
prison in default of bail.
Letter freni Senator Kennedy
A long letter, addressed by the Hon a„.i
Kennedy, one of the United States Senant ■
Maryland, to Dr. George R. Dennis, of
county, on the present distractions of the
ment, is published in pamphlet form, bit?'
neily, in presenting the position ofMan-lir'j
snmes that onr commerce would be pretty U ’ ~
destroyed by an interruption of relation ^
the South, and our interest iu slavery bv '*
those we hold to the North. He favors a nat*
convention, yet does not see how the call f-.*® 1 *
can get a vote of two-thirds in the present e*
stress. He maintains the duty of upholding
ern rights and shows appreciation of the tunr*!'
aggressions of the North by mniutainine- th e **
eral indictment against it, yet he does not a
the course of the cotton States ; but, notwit£«.
ing, advocates a Southern confederacy as al^
sort. He appears to think that Maryland mult'
linked with Virginia, but pledges Inruselt nr "
any circumstances, to go as Maryland goes. *
Letter From Ex-President Fillmore »
Hon. Millard Filmore was a few weeks
gested by a Union meeting in New York J
suitable person to go to South Carolina to
the peopie rtf that State the assurances of the
zeas of New York, that the North would tesv
and uphold the constitutional rights of the Som
This missien Mr. Fillmore declined, and in Uw
ter remarked:
What they want, what I want is some assur,,,,
from the republican party, now dominant at •
North, that they, or at least the eonservatire J
tion of them, are ready and wriliiug to come
ward and repeal all unconstitutional State 1&*1
live up to the compromises of the constant,
execute the laws of Congress honestly and
fully, and treat our southern brethren as trieni
When I can have any such reliable assuraut *
this to give, I will go most cheerfully and erg? 0 ,
southern brethren to follow our example, asd ^
store harmony aud fraternal affection betw?.
the North mid the South. At present, our I 1Do -
should be here. Let us put ourselves right at
then we can with more confidence and justice a
peal to them.
The Georgia Slat.
We are iudebted to the courtesy of Hon. Gw
Kellogg, Superintendent, for the following t rai
script from the record of the United States bn,.,
Mint, in this place, showing the operations of thi
institution for the month, quarter and year endin'
31 st December, i860.
Forthe month of December:
DEPOSITS.
Georgia 160,38 oz...
Kansas ..587, J9 ”...
VALUE.
$3,03i a
to in a
747,57 13,2ft? >3
For tbe last quarter in 1860: Deposits 231',.!;
oz., value $41 210 70.
For the year 1860; Deposits 3007,06 oz., f»iv
$71,680 03.
It is interesting to notice that the deposits ofth-
last three months are about sixty per cent, of :a-
deposits tor the whole year. This is in a gr«
measure owing to the large amount of gold depos
ited by returued miners from Pike's Peak. Ktuui-
and is a very satisfactory evidence of the succe*
attending Georgia miners iu that country.
[ Dalonega Signal.
ARRIVAL
OF
THE
STEAMSHIP
We learn from Springfield, Illinois, that Mr.
Kellogg, member of Congress from that State, bas
arrived there on a mission to the President elect,
to obtain a definite and authoritative announce
ment from Mr. Lincoln with regard to the com pro
mise propositions in Congress. On the result of
this mission, it is stated, will depend the fotore
course of the Republicans in Congress. A dis
patch from St. Louis expresses the opinion that
the Republicans, with Mr. Lincoln’s sanction, will
propose the holding of a National Convention and
the restoration of ube Missouri line to California.
Lieut. Gen. Scott — His Age, Height,
Weight, Health and Habits.—Gen. Scott is
the largest man in the American service. He is
six feet six inches tall, and weighs two hundred
aud sixty pounds. He is seventy-four years old,
yet bis health is good, and his whole system ts ap
parently vigorous—much of which is owing doubt
less to his very temperate habits.
The Seceded States.—If we are going to
force the seceded States back into the position
they lately occupied, let us see what the Federal
Government has to contend with. The States al
ready out are as follows:
Dec. 20.—South Carolina ordinance passed.
Jan. 9.—Mississippi ordinance passed.
Jan. 11.—Florida ordinance passed.
Jan. 11.—Alabama ordinance passed.
The population of these States, according to the
census of 1850, is thus stated :
Whites. Total.
South Carolina 274,563 668,507
Mississippi .295,718 706,526
Florida 47,203 87,545
Alabama 426,514 771,623
1,043,998 2,134,201
Tbe Government bas arrayed against it. at the
present time, (making allowance for increase of
population in the last decade,)not less than 1,100,-
000 white inhabitants in the States named; and
this number may be doubled by new defections
within the next week or fortnight. To oppose
them the United States has an army not exceeding
12,000 men, a largo part of whom are protecting
the frontier agaiust Indians. For additional re
cruits. we must look to the counting-rooms and
workshops of the Northern States. Who wants to
enlist?—iV. Y. Jour, of Com.
The New York Herald dilates upon the reported
44 Revolutionary conspiracy to seize the seat of the
Federal Government,” and “ supersede the present
government by a Southern Confederacy.” It de
clares that the “ plot” exists—and that it will be
carried into effect, if Virginia and Maryland can be
secured. The Herald makes the matter the occa
sion for one of its characteristic “sensation ar
ticles.”
Bedlae !■ flutes.
The Nicbolasville (Ky.) Democrat says that Mr.
J. Funk, of that county, offered a lot of fat mules
for sale at public auction in Lexington on County
Court day. in December hist, for which the highest
bid was one hundred and twenty six dollars per
head. On last Monday he offered the same lot in
the same market, and tbe highest bid was only
ninety five dollars, thus showing a decline of more
twenty-live per cent in their valne in the short
space of one month. <
Postal and Financial Affairs.—A Washing
ton despatch, iu tbe Charleston Courier, says: _
It is understood that the Government will give
orders to tbe Sub Treasury at the 8outh to compen
sate the mail contractors there for what the Govern
ment has engaged to pay them. All that is due
Amm over and above what they receive from the
several post-offices, will be paid by the Sub-Treas
urers in each of the Southern States.
NIAGARA.
ALL QUALITIES OF COTTON ADVANCED.
Halifax, N.S., Jan. 24.—The steamship Niaga
ra, with Liverpool dates to the 12th inst., arrived
here to day.
Liverpool Cotton Market—Saturday.—The sales
of Cotton to-day were 26,006 bales. The steamer’s
news caused an advance. The market closed ad
vancing. Hewitt A Co. say advanced jd.
COTTON MARKETS.
Savannah.—Cotton.—Friday, Jan. 25,1861.
The sales of the week foot 9,046 bales as follows :
5 at7£, 5 at 8, 42 at 84, 281 at 9, 72 9}. 75 at 9|,
445 at 24, 94 at 9J.554 at 10.261 at 10}, 110 at lug,
686 at 104.71 at JOf. 973 at 10|,20atl0 13-16,30?
at 10|, 1290 at 11, 1732 at 111 1488 at 11$, 347 at
111,215 at 114, 4 at Ilf, S at 11} and 62 bales
Deans at 12}c.
A comparison of the receipts with last year, gives
the following result :
Decrease at New Orleans 215,157
“ Mobile 154,814
“ “ Florida .... 37,680
“ “ Texas - 29,071
“ “ Savannah 00,126
“ “ Charleston 117 733
“ “ North Carolina 2,868
617.449
Increase iu Virginia 6,429
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS,
ADJOURNED MEETING,
Council Chamber, \
Dec. 24th, JdoO.)
Present, His Honor, Lewis H. Kenan, Mayor
Alderman, Nisbet, Grieve, Haas, Jones, Dart,
and Vaughn.
The minutes of the last meeting were read u
Alderman Haas moved to reconsider the first re»
lutioa. relative to the construction of the contf-a-
plated Gas Works, so far as the location was cot
cerned. A division was called for on the qncstin
to reconsider, and the motion was lost.
The petition of B. Harrell was further postpone!
On motion of Alderman Jones, it was
Resolved, That the Marshall notify the property
holders in rear of the Milledgeville Hotel, and a*
Stores on Wayne Street, to have their lots inclose!
On motion of Alderman Jones, the subject of the
Fire Engine was indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Alderman Darnell, it was
Resolved, That the feeding the hands and mnia
be let to the lowest bidder, by sealed proposals ut
Monday night, next.
N. C. Barnett was re-elected City Surveyor, fir
the ensuing year.
On motion the Council adjourned.
N. C. BARNETT. Ckrk.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
Council Chamber. I
Dec. 31st, I860.)
Present, His Honor. Lewis H. Kenan. Mayor
Aldermen, Nisbet, Grieve, Haas, Jones, Dame,
and Vaughn.
The Committee on the Engine made a report. &i.
on motion of Alderman Jones, a committee consi. 1 -
ting of Alderman Jones, Grieve and Haas, was ip-
pointed to confer with Mr. Wm. Barnes, late Alder
man, on the subject.
His Honor, the Mayor, was requested to see tk?
Principal Keeper of the Penitentiary on the subjeii
of the Street. West of the Penitentiary. Also, t-
examine the Law relative to Slaves living alont
and off of tbe premises of their owner*.
The Sealed Proposals for feeding the Street
hands and mules was opened and decided in favor
of W. S. Darnell, at a cost of $1154.
On motion of Alderman Grieve it was
Resolved, That the Street Committee confer wid
the Mechanics r>f the City, oa the subject of Sign-
Boards for the Streets.
Vu motion ot Alderman Haas,it was
Resolve7, That the regular meetings of the Cosb’
cil be held ou the first and third Monday nigbtsli
each month.
On motion the Council adjourned.
N. C. BARNETT, Clerk.
Total decrease in receipts 611,020
A comparison of stocks gives the following re
sult :
Decrease at New Orleans.. 171,184
“ “ Mobile 95,885
“ “ Florida 33,385
“ “ Savannah 3,215
“ “ Charleston 62,147
———365,815
Increase at Texas 16,630
“ “ Virginia — — 900
“ “ New York ..192178
38,817
Total , decrease iu stocks 327,007
A comparison of ex ports to date gives tbe fol
lowing result:
Decrease to Great Britain 147,114
“ 44 France.... .6l?,t 9o—J 07,212
Increase to other Foreign Ports 11,758
Total decrease in exports ..1 195,454
Increase in shipments to Northern ports 65,95!
Savannah Jan. 26,—Sales to-day 895 bales, at
the following particulars: 25 at 84: 16 at8}: 50 at
94: 95 at 10}; 85 at 1(>4; 15 at 10}; 33at 10|; 360
at 11; 41 at ll|: 157 at 11}; 12 at H}: and 5 at
11|c.
charleston, Jan. 26.—Sales of Cotton to-day
440 bales, at price* ranging from 8| to 12} cents.
Market easier.
Mobile, Jan. 25.—Sales of cotton to-day 1.000
bale*; Middlings at 10} cents- The market was
easier.
New Orleans, Jan. 23.—Sales of Cotton to-day
6,500 bales; Middlings at 10} a ll|c. Freights
l|d. Sterling Exchange 104} a 106. Exchange
ou N«ur York | a } per cent discount.
Southern Merchants, Attention!
ENTOURAGE HOME INDUSTRY!
T IIE undersigned will on thf* FIRST of FEB;
KUARY connect with his already establish'-
Manufactory fur Plain Candies, the Manatee®*
of all sorts of
FANCY CONFECTIONS!.
Such as St GAR ALMONDS aud all other kin®
of SUGAR PLUMS; thereby rendering it witfca
the power of all, who wish the chance, to encour
age their own Section. The prices it is thoucr.'
will compare favorably with those of the N'orthcra
Markets. A priced Catalogue will be ready int
short time and supplied to all Merchants who ft*"*
like encouraging this enterprise, which if success
ful will be kept in operation; but if the Southern
Merchants still persist in send ing their »rd<-n
North, of course it must be suspended, as apt*
their support rests the entire matter, Also, aboirt
the same time I will commence the Manufacture at
CHACBLBHS !
Such as SODA, BUTTER, LEMON, PIC M c
&c. These will be sold as LOW as any other
Southern Manufactured Article.
Merchants who fed friendly to this enter
prise will confer a favor by sending iu their orders
as early as possible. Those who are not now ®
want of Confectionaries or Crackers at preseni
and would like to encourage the cause, would c® 8 '
fer a favor by sending me their addresses—tfc*?
will thereby receive a Priced Catalogue in full
WM. n. H. PHELPS.
Manufact'g Confectioner, Under Cook's Hotel,
Columbus, G*
January 29. 1861. ® ,l
O RDINARY’S OFFICE. Montgomery co., 0«-
Whereas Murdoch Gillis applies to me for kt
ters of administration on the estate of NeiU
rison, deceased— . u
These are, therefore to cite and admom.-n
and singular, the kindred and creditors and all oth
ers coucerned, to be and appear at this office vn » !l1
he time prescribed by law and show cause, if •»?
they have, why letters of administration sb***}
not be granted to said applicant after the law®
publication of this citation, iu terms of the law.
Given under my hand at office, tins Januarv
1H61. If- McRAE, D. C. C. 0
January 29, 1861 o
OUTNAM SHERIFF’S SALE-Wiil be sM
Jr on *he first Tuesday in March next, betort
the Court-house door in the town of Eatonton, P°|
nam county, within the legal hours of sale, the ■<>
lowing property, to-wit:
Eight hundred and Thirty acres of land, more
less, adjoining E- Bay ns and M. Kilpatrick
others. Levied ou as the property of James N. Liu
to satisfy * fi fit issued from Putnam Superior
hi favor of R. A. Reid vs P. H. Dawson and J
„ R. H. GRIFFIN, D
January 29,1861 *