Newspaper Page Text
The Macon Daily Telegraph.
Joseph Clisby.
MORNING, DECEMBER 31.
I«r Deh*tf ate« to the Convention.
HON. E. A. NISBET,
COL. JOHN B. LAMAR,
HON. WASHINGTON POE
CONVENTION ELECTION.
The Election for members of the State Con
t. and for county officers, will take place
~n one and the same day, and that is
WEDNESDAY, the 2d Janua-
ry, 1861.
|x-t the people take notice.
attention, minute MEN 1
The“ M. M.” battalion, under their respec
tive will meet in/uR regalia in front
of the
LANIER HOUSE,
Wl Monday night, December 31st, 1860, at half
after 7 o'clock.
-,T \ full attendance is required. By or
,f the COMMANDER
of Battaiion.
TH INGS InTi mT’eR COUNTY.
We are pleased to learn from a friend, that
, , the opening of the canvass in Sumter co.,
t ;,. [,<»-:tion of parties has been precisely re
.... 4. At the outset, the secession party were
wilhn- to take one of the 3 members, but were
r !,,•!(. The cooperationists were confident of
, crviii.’ the county. Accordingly, two tickets
A .. pit in nomination, and such has been the
I of the secession course, that a day or
mo -n.ee. as we are informed the co-operation
w .. n came forward with a proposition to decline
the contest, if one of their men could be placed
on the secession ticket. This was respectfully
d.s lined in turn, as the secession men feel cer
tain of carrying all three.
THE I’ACIFCATION COMMITTEE DIS
BANDED.
It will be seen that the Senate Pacification
Committee was finally disbanded on Friday.—
T kh- was not a black republican man on it
w would take the first step towards a healing
>•••, breach between the sections; and yet,
[r eposition is, that Georgia shall open an
.1 pink shop of the ultimatums and compro
!. - refuse, in the hope of catching some stray
>ti with second hand ware. Shall Geor
p.A.t itMay Heaven forbid. Let her jh-o
. r< member that not an Olive Branch has yet
,ii ext- nded towards them, by a single man
a < . . omisds are to shape the black republi
can a Immistralion. Let them reinember that
, i t >uch man who has spoken, from Lincoln
i wn. and every influential press of that party,
*, ■:u ly affirm that they will never abate a
~ - l.n uith from the position ofthe black re
<wbli an party.
THE WEATHER.
T - < ver prolific theme for scribblers, ap-
; ar- to be, at present, more out of gear than
r. thir streets present an uninviting spec
top destriars, who are constantly giving
exhibitions, at our street crossings of hops
■ the “ light fantastic toe,’’ much to the
- . un nt of bystanders, who care but little
•i th-, r you come down right side up or not
I hl AN A CERT AIN FOR SECESSION.
U are rejoiced to place before our readers
H -wing letter from a gentleman of much
,1 experience, and one in whose judg-
. o i years’ acquaintance has led us to
.1- with more than ordinary assurance ;
Nrw Orleans, Dec. 24th, 1860.
Mr Di »■; C.: —Thank you for your letter.
) i a-k me to tell you of the state of things
\\ ■ 11. I have only .to say that the people
: - ■ ■■ ; ? <>f their excited Representatives.
H two weeks in Mississippi, and was sat
i that the “immediate action” men far
r d the ” wait-a-whiles,” as has been
■ tn late election. In this State there
is -: h greater approximation to unanimity
M -i-sippi. The co operationists will
w ningly beaten. In Texas the ex
seven greater than in South Carolina.
s " all the Cotton States is now put
•stion. 1 was a day in Memphis,
i k there is no doubt of Tennessee. The
Mr. Crittenden's propositions, of which
t-»r today by telegraph, will settle the
' K ntu. ky, if there was any doubt be.
.. r ultimate action—North Carolina and
- i must follow—Missouri and Maryland
- nowhere else than with the South, and
' ' Mil now have a “united South.” What
wG -d only knows. If civil war en-
- which I fear, thousands will be ruined—
I p for better things. The West will
tiie unrestricted navigation of the Missis
. and Ik mg the natural allies of the South,
. ha ing nothing to gain by a fight, will. 1
and believe, come into our confederacy.
M idle Mate- will find it to their interest
■w. and we may well let New England
i ’ Should this be, we shall have peace
* “a more perfect Union,” and become
• At- -t and happiest people in the world.
' it be. Financial matters are getting
' r here thin in St. Louis, and better I be
an any where. Our only salvation now
u of the South for the sake of the South.
• t*.e 'Htrdcr States taken decided positions
ar’.er day, all would have gone well—as
- I am hopeful.
Yours truly, E. C. CABELL.
■L- NEW YOKE TRIBUNE AND CON.
CESSIONS.
D New York Tribune of the 20th inst.
• : mg on the compromise resolutions,
• • d into the Senate by Mr. Crittenden,
* ! h were unanimously voted down by
'■as Republican members of the commit
s thirteen, says :
' - are the concessions, as yet the most
- ’c. which the South has put forward un-
■ name of compromise. They demand
-hould give up all that a legitimate,
'■ UKiunal victory, the fruits of years of la
“-puedby deep, moral and conscientious
oK-uon has gained; they ask what our an
* ! s. m days of darkness and peril, would
•»er yield, an 1 they seek togain what, if nec-
• - -ary. Would only be snatched back again un-
• ” the grow ing anti-slavery sentiment of the
A nil at no distant day —snatched back again
•'■—fi determination on the one side and resist
*’--e on the other would lead to a struggle
which this is as child s play. It is a
‘‘■is foolishness to make such comparison now.
M e are half through this battle, let us finish it
like men, and be done with the controversy
forever.
FIRE.
Last Saturday night about 11 o’clock, flames
were discovered issuing from the stables be
longing to Col. J. R. AVashington, which were
quickly consumed, together with an out-house,
belonging to the Blind Asylum, in which Hook
and Ladder Co., No. 1, had their old apparatus
stored. Our Firemen and Military were prompt
ly’ on the ground, but owing to the efforts of
the citizens and a drizzling rain, their services
were not called into requisition. All the car
riages and movable property’ were removed,
consequently the loss is comparatively small.
For the Telegraph.
A SCRAP OF AMERICAN HISTORY FOR
NATURALIZED CITIZENS.
The following extract is taken from an au
thentic account of the proceedings of the cele
brated Mecklenburg Convention held in the lit
tle village of Charlotte, North Carolina, on the
twentieth day of May, 1775, by which the first
Declaration of Independence in the United
States f America teas made:
' “ A Committee consisting of Dr. Ephriam
Brevard, Mr. Kennon, and Rev. Mr. Balch were
appointed to prepare resolutions suitable to the
occasion. Some drawn up by Dr. Brevard, and
read to his friends at a political meeting in
Queen’s Museum, some days before, were read
to the Convention, and then committed to these
gentlemen for re-vision.
While the committee were out discussing
these resolutions, the Convention continued in
session, and was addressed by several gentle
men. General Joseph Graham, then but a
youth, and present at the deliberations, relates
an interesting incident. A member of the con
vention, who has said but little before, addres
sed the Chairman as follows : ‘lf you resolve
on independence, how shall we all be absolved
from the obligations of the oath we took to be
true to King George, the Third, about four
years ago, alter the Regulation battle, when we
were sworn—whole militia companies togeth
er ? I should be glad to know how gentlemen
can clear their consciences after taking that
oath.’ ”
flie Speaker referred to the oath of allegiance
to the British Crown, which had been forc
ed on the people of North Carolina in 1771, by’
the Royal Governor Tryon, after he had rout
ed those who had been driven to armed resis
tance by the exertions and tyranny of his Maj
esty’s Officers in the battle of the Alamance
where the first blood of the war of indepen
dence was shed. The account continues:
'fhe question produced great confusion and
many- attempted to reply’; the Chairman could,
with difficulty, preserve order. This question
did not imply fear or want of patriotism. It
simply revealed the spirit and tone of the man’s
conscience, that he was one of those men bless
ed of the Lord, “ who sweareth to his own heart
and changeth not.” The excitement that fol
lowed evinced the fact that the speaker had
struck a chord, that vibrated through the as
sembly. An answer must be given, or the
event of that days’ discussion, would not be for
independence. The haste to answer the ques
tion revealed the fact that the community’ felt
the awful and binding sanction of a solemn oath,
and unless some answer was given, and given
speedily, the minds of the auditory would be
turned back from the proposed Declaration;
for very many were held by the oath exacted
by Tryon. Some cried out that allegiance and
protection were reciprocal; when protection
was withdrawn, allegiance ceased; that the
oath was binding only while the King protect
ed us in our rights and liberties, as they exist
ed at the time it was taken. Others, of more
passion than conscience, cried out that such
questions and difficulties were all nonsense.—
One man at last carried the assembly with him,
by a short illustration. Pointing to a green
tree near the Court House, “if I am sworn to
do a thing as long as the leaves continue on
that tree, I am bound by that oath as long as
the leaves continue, but whon the leaves fall, 1
am released from that obligation.”
This illustration removed the difficulty ; the
Convention determined that when protection
ceased, allegiance ceased also, and then proceed
ed to make that Declaration, of Independence
which Jefferson afterwards used as a model in
framing that of the 4th of July, 1776. The
men who composed that Convention, and pledg
ed “ their lives, their fortunes, and their most
sacred honors ” to maintain that bold Declara
tion, were not only the born, but the sworn sub
jects of the English Government, and therefore
bound to it by every obligation of fealty which
binds the native and the naturalized citizen of
the Uuited States to the Government of the
Union. But they calmly’, conscientiously, and
correctly’ concluded that no obligations of natur
al or assured allegiance could bind them to a
government w’ ieh o; pi them,and obliged
them to submit tamely to its tyranny and its
exactions. Their conclusion was right in law’
and in morality ; aud if there is a naturalized
citizen of the United States in Georgia who feels
the insults and oppressions of the South, but
hesitates to give his voice and his vote for her
Independence because he has taken an oath of
allegiance to the Government of the United
States, let him ponder this conclusion well, and
he w ill accept it, and emulate the example of
these framers of the Mecklenburg Declaration,
who broke through all the obligations of an
oath of allegiance, and of natural allegiance, to
the British Crown to assert their independence
RIP VAN WINKLE.
ALABAMA ELECTION.
Owing to the intervention of the Christmas
holiday and the usual suspension of publication
on that day, the news from the various coun
ties of Alabama as to the election of delegates
to the Convention, comes in slowly. But few
counties have so far been heard from ; all for
secession on the assembling of tbe Convention.
Henry Barbour, Macon, Russel, Montgomery
and Chambers send up secession delegations.
The last named is reported to have given 400
majority for secession, and the telegraph an
nounces that the secession ticket have carried
that county by 1,000 majority.
REPORTS FROM KENTUCKY.
Louisville, Dec. 28.—The Governor of Ken.
tucky has called an extra session of the Legis
lature to take into consideration the course to
be adopted by Kentucky in tbe present crisis.
The extra session is to begin on the 17th of Jan
uary.
MONDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 31, 1860.
For the Telegraph.
Mr. Editor:—lt seems to me that it is at
present the duty of every true patriot to con
tribute all that may' lie in his povrer, to promote
unity among ourselves. The darkest omen of
the times is the growing bitterness and aliena
tion between those whose differences of senti
ment and principle, are far two slight to warrant
such feelings. Allow me, as an humble one of
the people, to set forth, as I view them, the true
issues amongst us, that all may see how nearly
we approximate unanimity.
As to our rights and grievances all Southern
ers are agreed. All would perhaps concede,
that if it were possible to obtain satisfactory re
dress for those grievances, and reliable guaran
ties lor those rights in the Union, it were better
to seek them. But that hope is going, nay
gone. No matter what the commercial and
manufacturing classes of the North would be
willing to concede, no matter what political lead
ers there would promise, the great body of the
Northern agriculturists are conscientiously’ op
posed to slavery, and will not be held to any
league, treaty or law, that would render them
responsible fur its perpetuity or protection. Be
lieving, as I do, that they are conscientious in
their position, 1 would not ask them to do it. —
What then is the next best thing to be desired?
I answer, and 1 think every good man will an
swer with me, a peaceable die is ion of the Union.
The next question is, “how can this best be
secured ?" By immediate, separate secession
of slave-holding States, as one after another,
they come to the conclusion, that they cannot
remain in union with the North? Many of our
citizens honestly think so. Others think dis.
ferently; not as to the propriety of secession
ultimately, but as to the best method of secur
ing peaceable separation between the slave-hold
ing and non-slave-holding States. If there be
any who do not desire peace between the two
sections, peace in division, division in order to
peace, I hope they are few. I know that they
will not have any influence in our State coun
sels, or popular assemblies, if they will openly
declare their principles and wishes. It is not
to such 1 would here address myself; but to all
those who think that separate State secession
will secure or promote a peaceable division of
theJJnion. Have the advocates of this policy
considered one thing—the national debt of the
Lnited States? \\ ill not the adjustment of its
share in this liability, be a very difficult point
to be settled lor each State, as she retires from
the confederacy ? Will it not require a great
deal of calmness and moderation and forbear-
I ance, to settle such a matter amicably between
the Federal Government, and any one seceding
1 State?
And will not this difficulty exist in the ease
’ of each seceder? \\ ill not the very’ number of
■ such complicate the matter? Is it at all likely
that such delicate negotiations can be carried on
amicably in every case ? Is the spirit and tone
I of the popular mind favorable to such an ad
justment at this time?
On the contrary, would not the previous union
of the South, and their confederated negotia
tions with the North as to the terms o( division,
' the share of the public property, and the ratio
of the national debt, infinitely simplify the prob
-1 lem and facilitate its peaceful settlement?
Are any disposed to conclude from the recent
indications of the Black Republican leaders,
that they desire conflict with the South? If
they do, most assuredly they misrepresent their
constituents. The late immense majorities for
Lincoln, truly argue the preponderance of anti
slavery sentiment. But it is not anti-slavery
sentiment of the John Brown type. They
would be most glad to be rid of all the respon
sibility, as they call it, on the account of slave
ry ; and with a neighboring slaveholding na
tion, could and would very easily come into
terms of unity’. But this breaking up of a part
nership without consultation, without agree
ment as to terms, is the very way to bring war,
despite the reasonable efforts of either party to
avoid it.
Besides: when other States are sufferers with
us, and have common interests, is it right and
due to them to abandon them in this hour and
post of difficulty ? If they' are disposed to agree
to a plan of peaceable disunio 1 is it right to
weaken them aud their claims, by withdrawing
from them our support and countenance? Do
we not owe it to them and to ourselves, to con
sult and co-operate with them in all the meas
ures which so great an enterprise demands ?
“But there is danger in delay,” say some.—
And is there no danger in haste ? Is not pre
cipitancy and haste oftener the mark of coward
ice, than deliberation ? They who are so much
afraid that advantages will be taken of us by
our foes, manifest too strong a reliance on mere
force, and too little faith in a right cause. What
if it took a year for the Southern States to con
sult and come to a good understanding, and
agree upon their claims and measures—would
that weaken them ? Would not the unanimity
and fraternity, and resoluteness, and deep con
sciousness of right, secured to the whole South
by such a union, be worth a hundred times as
much as all the forts and arsenals she might
snatch in immediate and separate State action ?
Does any believe that reasonable advances and
overtures irom the united South for a peaceable
separation, would not be met with a correspond
ing and respectful negotiation on the part ofthe
North ? If so, he is as much mistaken as those
who have hoped for the subsidence of the anti
slavery sentiment and action of the North, so
long as the Union lasts. No man understand
ing the temper of the North tinnks thus. It is
equally certain that anti-slavery agitation will
continue to break our peace while we remain in
the Union, and that amicable adjustment of in
ternational relations can be made between the
South united on one side, and the North on the I
other. It is acknowledged to be a difficult and i
delicate matter to settle such relations between
neighboring nations, even where they have never
been united under one government. This difficul
ty is greatly’ enhanced when a nation is to be divi
ded into two nearly' equal sections. But the diffi •
cullies amount to moral impossibilities, when
piece after piece, State alter State rends itself
away, each demanding recognition as an inde
pendent and sovereign nation, with relations to
be settled by negotiation and treaty, and that,
too, when men’s passions are aroused. In such
a case, separate State action is sure to produce
war.
Now, we know there are some—many of our
citizens, who think otherwise; but can they i
blame those who do hold these opinions, for dis- 1
couraging hasty action, and inviting the co ope- <
ration of the majority, at least, ofthe Southern <
States ? Is this the time for indulgence in mu- ’
tual crimination and the bandying of opprobri- 1
ous epithets ? Can we possibly succeed without l
unity among ourselves ? Wherein consists the 1
wisdom or the justice of calling Southern co- t
operationists, “submissionists,” “cowards” ’
“traitors?” ’ j
Fellow-citizens and brethren, let us cease this
disgraceful strife. Let us try to agree; or, at
least, let us amicably differ, and all declare our
intention to be governed by tbe voice of the
majority. Os all means of settling difficulties,
war is the most costly. Os all wars, civil—
that is, sectional war—is most dreadful. But
far worse even than that, is internecine, frater
nal strife and bloodshed. Sons of the South,
will you lef differences of opinion put you in
such a fiendish attitude, distract your counselss,
and weaken your hands?
If the whites ofthe South are divided amongst
themselves, there is but one doom for them.
OLIVE BRANCH.
From the Charleston Mercury of Friday.
THE EVENTS OF YESTERDAY.
Charleston was yesterday morning thrown
into a state of the wildest excitement, by the
news that the United States troops had been
transferred from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sump
ter. At first the flying rumors were so numer
ous and so contradictory, that it was no easy
matter to get at the truth ; but in a short time
the leading facts began to be pretty well estab
lished. It seems that on Wednesday night,
about eight o’clock, Major Anderson an 4 his
command, having spiked the guns, fired the
gun carriages of Fort Moultrie, and sawed down
the flagstaff, evacuated the place, and took pos
session of Fort Sumpter instead. The ladies,
who had hitherto lived in the Fort, had been
previously sent to Charleston, and, whatever
furniture, ammunition, and provisions that
could be moved without exciting suspicion, had
been quietly transferred to Fort Sumpter. The
report that the defences of Fort Moultrie had
been so shamefully mutilated, naturally arous
ed great indignation in the city. People im
mediately sought the steeples and cupolas of
the public buildings, and telescopes were
brought into active requisition, to gratify the
general curiosity. Little, however, could be
described beyond a dense smoke issuing from
within the ramparts, and large gangs of men at
work unloading the cargoes of schooners into
Fort Sumpter.
A PEEP AT FORT MOULTRIE.
At half past two o’clock our reporter visited
Sullivan’s Island. Quietness reigned through
out Moultrieville, and it was not until the fort
was reached, that he noticed any signs of activ
ity. Here, however, was a change. Instead of
a mass of smoking ruins, were the well-defined
lines ol the fortress, uuchanged, at least, in out
ward appearance. Inst d of utter abandon
ment on the part of the garrison, the senior of
ficer of Engineers and six men maintained pos
session of the stronghold. Instead of gaining
ready admittance, a stolid sentinel barred the
way, whilst a succession of carts loaded with
canister and grape, cooking utensils and cook
ingstoves, made their devious way to the light
er in attendance, to convey the ill-assorted car
go to Fort Sumpter. It was easy to sec that
the Fort had been virtually abandoned, but it
was not so easy to ascertain the full extent of
the damage. The barracks were still standing,
though stripped of their furniture, and deserted
by their tenants. In short, it was plain enough
an evacuation had taken place, and that visit
ors to Major Anderson were expected to leave
their cards at Fort Sumpter. From the citizens
it was gleaned that the guns had been tarred
and spiked,and that the small columns of smoke
rising from the interior, proceeded from the
burning gun carriages. One or two, more
mysterious than the rest, stated, with ominous
shakings of the head, that the whole of the in
terior of the fort had been undermined, and that
it was perilous to venture within its walls.
The effect of the news was immediately visi
ble in the streets of our city. The volunteers
were out in full force and under arms. The
Cadet Riflemen and the Palmetto Guard, with
a detachment of City Police, were detailed to
take charge of the Arsenal, and a line of pa
trols were established around the walls.
Tin: OCCUPATION OF CASTLE PINCKNEY.
The Rifle Battalion, under command of Col.
J. J. Pettigrew, assembled promptly upon the
Citadel Green. They were substantially equip
ped in winter uniform, with blankets, knap
sacks and revolvers. The battalion numbered
some 150 men, aud consisted of detachments
from the Meagher Guards, the Carolina Light
Infantry and the Washington Light Infantry
Shortly after four o’clock the word was given,
and the companies advanced in double quick
time, without music, towards the Cooper River.
None of them, we believe, excepting the offi
cers, were aware of their destination. They
embarked on the steamer Nina, which immedi
ately headed for Castle Pinckney, and the sur
mise soon became confirmed that the destina
tion of the command was to take possession of
that fortress. On nearing the fort, a number
of men were observed on the wharf, one of
whom, in advance of the others, was observed
holding what appeared to be a paper in his
hand. This was said to have been the Riot
Act. As soon as the Nina touched the wharf,
the storming party who had been detailed for
that duty, sprung ashore and rushed round to
the rear of the fortress, where the gate is situ
ated. This was found closed, and a cry for
storming ladders was soon answered by a de
tachment bearing a dozen or more of them.—
These were instantly planted, and under cover
of the rifles of the battalion, the walls were es
caladed and the gates thrown open.
On entering the fort it was found to be ten
anted only by an officer of Engineers and a
small party of laborers —none of whom made
any resistance. The Engineer officer was in
formed that he was at liberty to leave, and re
move his personal effects, and in a few minutes
he set out in a boat belonging to the fort ac
companied by four other men. From the di
rection in which he steered, it is supposed that
he went to Fort Moultrie.
The flag of the Nina, consisting of a white
star on a red ground, was then hoisted amid
loud cheers ; and when our reporter left, a
strong guard had been mounted, and prepara
tions for garrisoning the fortress were well ad
vanced.
About seven o’clock the tramp of detach
ments from the artillery regiments was heard,
and the Washington Artillery, the German Ar
tillery, the Lafayette Artillery, and the Marion
Artillery, making a total of two hundred and
twenty-five men, rank and file, under command
of Col. Wilmot G. DeSaussure, were soon em
barked on hoard the and General Clinch,
and steamed away down the harbor towards
Sullivan’a Island. Among those on board were
Col. Charles Alston, Aid to the Governor, and
Capt. Humphreys, of the Arsenal. On reach
ing the island these two last named gentlemen
approached the gate, and the sentinel, in ac
cordance, it is said, with orders, surrendered
on demand. The troops then quietly took pos
session, and the Palmetto flag was soon waving
over the time-honored fortifications. Three
rockets (the signal agreed upon) was then sent
up, to notify the people in the city that the
fort was in the hands of the State, and then the
newly-installed garrison betook themselves, as
best they might, to devising the ways and
means of comfort and protection. Thus far
had the affair progressed up to a late hour last
night
This transfer of the troops faom Fort Moul
trie to Fort Sumter is regarded as an outrageous
breach of faith. For there was a distinct un
derstanding with the General Government, up
on the highest authority, that no such transfer
would be made, no reinforcement of either of
the forte attempted, and no transfer of arms or
ammunition. Relying upon these declarations,
the authorities of South Carolina had not taken
the forts when completely within their power.
They have acted with good faith, and expected
it in return.
Major Anderson alleges that the movement
was made without orders and upon his own re
sponsibility, and that he was not aware of such
: an understanding. He is a gentleman, and we
will not impugn his word or his motives. But
it is due to South Carolina and to good faith,
that the act of this officer be repudiated by the
Government, and that the troops be removed
forthwith from Fort Sumter.
For the Telegraph.
REV. J. HENRY VAN DYKE.
It is proposed, in the following remarks to
put forth a few practical thoughs, suggested
by a perusal of the sermon by this gentleman,
as published in the Telegraph of the 21st inst.
Mr. 4 an Dyke has taken the only ground on
which the Abolitionist can be met and logical
ly refuted, viz: that slave-holding is right per se,
and that its abuse does not make its use a wrong.
Unfortunately, the South, at the outset of the
controvery on this subject, admitted it to be
wrong per se, and defended it on the plea of
necessity. This admission was at once seized
upon by the Abolitionists, who have made more
converts to their party by using the so-called
axiom, that “ slaveholding is an acknowledged
sin,” than by all other means. Mr. Van Dyke
destroys the force of this axiom by an appeal
to the laws of God—the true test of sin, and
finds that the All-wise and Holy God has, in
one instance, expressly established slavery,
and has nowhere in his laws prohibited it.—
But this dogma has so taken hold of the North
ern mind, that many will deny even this au.
thority, rather than see the corner stone taken
from their belief. No better proof could be de
sired of the Bible sustaining slavery, than the
fact, that its opponents are forced to take re
, fuge in Infidelity to maintain their ground.
• It is not, however, to the Northern States
alone, that the belief in the essential sinfulness
of slavery is confined. There are to be found
I in our midst, upright and conscientious men,
who believe slavery is not altogether right, and
. is justifiable, only because the setting free of
f the negro would be a greater sin than the hold
-1 ing him in bondage. They hold this opinion be
cause tbe true ground of its defence has not
been shown them, and they can nowhere find
it, except in ponderous volumes of controversy,
; which every one has not time or inclination to
■ read. The staple argument in conversation
and writing, is the inexpediency of emancipa
ti n, illustrated by comparisons between the
prosperity of the slave and the wretched condi
l tion of the free negro at the North. Now,
J. while these comparisons may be strictly just,
and may tend to show the beneficial results of
1 slavery to the negro race, they do not prove
i the right to property in slaves. The question
’ is, is slave holding a sin? And’it is high time
, for us to meet the question fairly. All argu
[ ments on minor issues is wasted while the main
question remains unanswered.
As was before remarked, many at the South
feel a painful sense of uncertainty as to the
justice of slave holding, which no argument
t from expediency can remove ; some are scarce
ly conscious of this feeling and would rejoice
to have it removed, yet find it hard to get rid
' of, with the great bulk of American literature
• in its favor. This uncertainty of belief is the
( secret cause of much hesitancy to take active
measures to protect the rights of our section,
at the present emergency. They do not feel
sure they are right, and are therefore unwilling
to “goahead.” Man cannot move with confi
! dence towards a consummation so vast as the
dissolution of the Union on the slavery issue,
[ while trammelled by the faintest doubt as to
; the righteousness of his cause. The excellent
; discourse of Mr. Van Dyke will do much for
the South in this way. If circulated among
the people, it will convince them that right is
clearly on their side—that a master has a claim
to his slave similar to that a husband has to
his wife. When the people of Georgia have
but one sentiment as to the justice of that claim,
they will not be divided as to the proper method
of vindicating it.
This is the point where a union of hearts
should be sought; not on the time when, but
the cause why, this Union should be dissolved;
and how can this be accomplished ? The object
of this communication is to suggest to the cler
gy of Georgia, this noble Northern divine, as an
example for them. If slave holding is in ac
cordance with the laws of God, let them from
the pulpit proclaim it. The sinfulness of any
man or class of men is the lawful theme of
these preachers, but the defence of innocence
from the charge of sin is his duty. Christ de
fended his disciples against the accusation of
Sabbath breaking, and he is the model for the
preacher.
The Northern clergy have, from the pulpit,
roused that entire section to an earnest crusade
against slavery. Whose duty is it to answer
them ? Southern statesmen defend our consti
tutional rights in the halls of legislation, and
explain them to us on the stump; editors do
the same through the press; but neither are
qualified to defend our moral rights. The min
istry make the Bible their study—theii® occupa
tion is to exprLnd it—and we have a right to
demand from them an answer, whenever the
question is of moral right or wrong. And fur
ther, while they studiously avoid the subject,
does not their silence encourage a lurking
doubt—whether the institution is sustained by
the Bible? Now is this proper? When the
whole country rings with the notes of strife—
when men are troubled to know what is right
—when Northern preachers are anathematizing
Southern Christians for holding slaves, should
they remain mute, whose sacred duty it is to
point out the difference between sin and inno
cence ? No. They should lift up their voices,
in the name of Him whom they serve, and if it
be sin, exhort us to renounce it: but if it be not
sin, they should remove the stumbling block
from the path of their brethren. To do this,
it is not necessary to introduce politics into the
pulpit. No tirade against Abolition is desired
—no allusion to any party or person. All that
is required, is a simple exhibition of the fact
that the right to slaves is fully recognized in the
word of God—-that slavery is an institution or
dained by Him in the Old, and confirmed in the
New Testament. A Northern divine has shown
them how it can be done, in the first division of
Mr. Van Dyke's sermon; the last three are not
required in this latitude.
The people of Georgia oa.ll upon their pastors
for light on this subject; and it is to be hoped,
that each will respond to this appeal by at least
one sermon. Such a response will cheer the
hearts of many, by giving them a sure founda
tion for their faith in the righteousness of slave
holding. X.
By Electric Telegraph
n oiri iFcarolina news ; .
Raleigh, Dec. 28.—The members of the Le.
gislature have all gone home. Meetings have
been held in various counties. The Union sen
timent prevails here, but hope is well nitrh
gone.
WEST POINT CADET RESIGNATIONS.
Washington, Dec. 28.—Cadet Ball and Kel
ly, of Alabama, Cadets in the West Point Mili
tary Academy, have resigned, and their resig
nations have been accepted.
Special Dispatch to the Constitutionalist.
CHARLESTON NEWS.
Charleston, Dec. 29.—The laborers who
have been employed at Fort Sumter left the fort
this afternoon. They positively refused to do
military service. It is understood thatthev all
left for Philadelphia to-day in the steamship
Key-stone State.
Lieut. Foster, in charge of the slaver prize
brig Bonita, is still in the city. He had one of
the slavers before the court to-day, but the
Judge declared that he had no jurisdiction over
the case, and the prisoner was remanded back
to the charge of Lieut. Foster, The prisoner
was soon after released from the Lieutenant’s
control, and is now at liberty. This is a crumb
for the Hon. Isaac Toucey, at Washington, to
exercise his intellectual masticator upon.
The most interesting portions of the proceed
ings of the State convention are conducted in se
cret session, and hence I am unable to keep you
better posted. Georgia.
Special Dispatch to the Constitutionalist.
RESIGNATION OF SECRETARY FLOYD—
EXCITEMENT IN CHARLESTON—LA
BORERS LEFT-GUNS UNSPIKED.
t uakleston, Dec. 29—There was consider
able interest excited this afternoon, and specu
lations freely indulged, as to the causes, when
the bulletin board in the front of the Mercury
office announced that Secretary Floyd had re
signed his seat in the Cabinet. Some thought
that**he cause originated from the belief that
Mr. Buchanan has determined to send reinforce
ments to Charleston—others thought that it
might be connected with troubles which have
resulted from the late robbery in Washington
—and various surmises were indulged.
The steamship Key-stone State took about
twenty of the mechanics and laborers from
Fort Sumpter to-day'. They refused to do mil
itary duty under Major Anderson, at the Fort,
and insisted upon being sent back to Philadel
phia. They left this afternoon at four o’clock,
aud, on leaving, gave, from the upper deck of
the steamship, three cheers for South Carolina,
and three more for State rights.
The half dozen guns which were spiked at
Fort Moultrie, have been unspiked, and will
soon be in good condition, o
At Castle Pinckney there are about two hun
dred men.
Fort Johnson is well manned, and the Pal
metto flag waves from all the forts except Sump
ter. Troops are constantly leaving the city to
occupy former Federal points—and the troops
are well provided with necessary comforts and
the best weapons for defence.
The little Republic is moving on with firm
ness and prudence, and her nationality’ is a fix
ed fact until she forms a confederation with her
Southern Sisters. GEORGIA.
WASHINGTON AFFAIRS.
Washington, Dec. 29.—The President states
that as it was never stipulated by him that the
troops in Charleston harbor should be with
drawn therefrom, the Administration does not
consider that it is under any obligation to with
draw them now. And as to the request of the
Commissioner for the restoration of the milita
ry status of Charleston harbor, this is considj
ered by’ a majority of the Cabinet as impossible.
Messrs. Floyd, Thompson, and Thomas, who
hold to the Constitutional right of secession,
were separated from the other members of the
Cabinet on this South Carolina question.
No positive conclusion was arrived at in the
Cabinet meeting to-day, although the action
that was taken was certainly not favoroble to
the Commissioners. This statement is strength
ened by the fact that Secretary Floyd resigned
his office to-day. It is said that Secretary
Thompson would have resigned also, were it
not that the pending investigation of the Rus
sel-Bailey affair made it imperative for him to
remain.
A report prevails, and it is believed to be cor
rect, that the Secretary of the Treasury is disaf
fected, and may’ resign; he is known to sympa
thise with Secretary Floyd’s views.
No hope remains now of any adjustment of
pending difficulties. The Government is bank
rupt, the Cabinet almost dissolved, and the peo
ple disaffected ; all seem to foreshadow anarchy
and ruin; Congressmen and Government em
ployees are daily clamoring for money at the
door of an empty Treasury.
Washington, Dec. 28, midnight.—lt is said
that Secretary Touccy has just received an in
timation that an attempt will be made in a few
days to seize the Norfolk Navy Yard, and cap
ture the Plymouth and other vessels now lying
there. Reliable information represents Virgin
ia as no a eager for secession. Hon. Mr. Bote
ler from the Harper’s Ferry District, thinks
that there will soon be only one side to the
question in his section of the State.
“ REPORTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA.
Raleigh, N. C., Dec. 28.—A1l is quiet here.
Times are dull. The last of the members of
the Legislature have gone home. Meetings
are being held in various portions of the State
to consider the course to be adopted by North
Carolina. Even in those counties where the
Union sentiment was lately overwhelming, all
hopes of preventing a final dissolution is now
well-nigh gone.
WASHINGTI >N AFFAIRS.
Washington, Dec. 28. —The Senate commit- 1
tee of thirteen broke up to-day, without any ■
concert of action in relation to the present na
tional crisis. They will request to be discharg
ed next week.
The House committee will make the same re- |
quest.
Ihe South Carolina Commissioners, in view '
of the alleged stipulation, on the part of the I
President, that the garrison, in the forts in ‘
Charleston harbor should not be augmented, k J
nor the status of the posts changed, request-
ed information of President Buchanan, as to
whether Major Anderson acted by authority or
in consequence of any orders from headquarters.
1 he President responded in the negative, and
added that Major Anderson acted contrary’ to
the well known wishes of the General Govern
ment.
The commissioners then requested the Pres-
w Cn > Major Anderson back to Fort
Moultrie ; but after a Cabinet session of six
hours, no definite course was resolved upon.
It is understood that the Commissioners will
, eir Potion and return home at once,
it Major Anderson is not removed.
Rumors are rife here that troops have been
ordered from Boston to Charleston, bat the ru
mors are discredited in high quarters.
MARKET REPORTS.
Mobile, Dec. 29.—Sales of Cotton to-day, 4
thousand bales ; Middlings 10 J all cents. —
Market firm.
New Orleans, Dec. 29.—Sale of Cotton to
day’ 10 thousand bales ; Middlings at ll|all|
cents. I reights on Cotton to Liverpool
New Yobk, Dec. 29.—Sales of Cotton to-day
5 thousand bales ; Middling Uplands at llja
Icts. Flour firm ; sales of 9,500 barrels.—
M heat dull ; sales of 5,500 bushels. Corn
firm; sales of 58 thousand bushels; Mixed at
G 9 a7O cents. Navals firm.
e are authorized to an
nounce O. H. SEYMORH as a candidate for Tax Collec
tor of Bibb County, at the election on Wednesday, 2nd
January next dec 28 d-4t*
\\ e are requested and au
thorized to announce the name of PETER M. CURRY
as a candidate for Receiver of Tax Returns at the JanJ
uary election. dec 25
ZjOF’ vV e are authorized and re
quested to announce the name of 11. M. LINDSAY, as
a candidate for Tax Collector at the January election.
dec 25
BT We are authorized to announce J. B.
NELSON, as a Candidate for the office of Tax Receiver
of Bibb County at the approaching election in January,
subject to a nomination of the “immediate secession”
party of Bibb county, if any is made.
REV. R. A. CAIN.
B?” The friends and neighbors of Rev. R
A. CAIN, announce him a candidate for election to the
office oi Tax Collector of Bibb County, at the election in
January nex. [dec 20*] RUTLAND.
'1 he friends ol HENRY G. ROSS, announc
him as a suitable person for Receiver of Tax Returns at
the January Election, subject to a nomination, if any
be made. _[decl4-te]
The friends of Capt. WM. BONE, an
nounce him as a suitable candidate for the office of Tax
Collector of Bibb county, at the approaching election in
January next. Capt. Bone gave general satisfaction in
the same office in 1857 and 1858. MAN Y VOTERS.
B? We are authorized and requested toan
nonce FREDERICK HARTLEY, as a Candidate for Re
ceiver of Tax Returns for Bibb County, at the Election
in January next, subject to a nomination if any be made
dec 6-te*
are authorized to announce JOHN
P. COOPER a candidate for re-election to the office ot
Tax Collector of Bibb county, subject to the action of a
Nominating Convention, should any be held.
nov 27
announce my name as a candidate for
Tax Collector ol Bibb County, at the election in Jan
uary next, and will feel giaiefui io mj mentis and the
public for their support on that occasion.
djgJL R. A. THARP,
Notice to Car Builders.
XAM now prepared to cover Cars with Tin in a supe
rior style, and at short notice. H. MORCE.
dec 31 Office on Cot. Av., op. J. H. Cherry & Co.
MACON COTTON MARKET.
Satubday.— Receipts 47 bales. Sales 3 bales at
35 at 8,17 at 9Jtf, sat 9&, 55 at 10X, 32 at 10 1-16, 243 at
10, 35 at 9 13-16, 18 at 10X,-total sold, 443 bales.
OTRAYED OR STOLEN.—A bay Mare and Buggy.—
O S2O reward offered for them.
dec 31 JAMES 11. BLOUNT.
Protection Fire Company, Mo. 1.
V r OU are hereby ordered to appear at your Company
I. Room on
TUESDAY EVENING NEXT,
(January Ist.) at 7 o’clock, for election of Officers.
By order of F. 8. BLOOM, Foreman.
E. D. Williams, Secretary. dec 31 d-2t
TO hipe;
\ NEGRO GIRL, good nurse and house servant.
Apply to [dec 31] DR. R. H. NISBET.
ARMORY HALL, MACON VOLUNTEERS, )
Macon, Ga., December 30, iB6O, j
THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Macon Volunteers,
for the election of Officers, will take place on Friday
night. All members are hereby notified to pay theirdues
and sign the revised By-Laws previous to said election.
dec 31 U. VAN GIESEN, Secretary,
NOTICED
I AM now prepared to execute all orders for Tin Roof
ing, Galvanized Iron Cornice, Guttering, &c.
Mr. A- E. Kimball
Will have direct charge of my business in this city, and
hopes to receive a liberal share of public patronage.
{2&~Tin Rooting in thecountry promptly attended to.
H. MORCE,
Office on Cotton Av., op? ' f. Cherry & Co.
C^Refebence.— B. A. Wise, G. .. Scattergood,
D. B. & J. W. Woodruff,
V'olney Pierce, W. J. McElroy,
oct 31 W. S. Brantly.
Light for the Million.
[C DAL OIL LAMPS!
AT PRICES
CST TO SUIT TUE TIMES.I
BOLSHAW & HERZOG.
nov 27—d *w
Prize Bonnets.
rpHE Beautiful Bonnets which took the Premium at the
i Cotton Planters’ Fair, are on Exhibition and sale at
dec2Bd-3t MRS. F. DESSAU’S.
Negroes for Sale.
ON the Ist Tuesday in January next, will be sold be
fore the Cout t House door in the town of Clinton,
Jones county, Ga., between the usual hour® sale, a
negro woman from 2(1 to 30 years old. She is an excel
’ lent Cook, Nurse, Chambermaid and House servant.
Also, a negro girl, about line years old, unusually
smart and likely. Enquire of James G. Barnes, Clinton,
and also at thia Office. “ ec 29 d-2t
1 ~ "for sale.
I OFFER for sale my residence in Vineville. It has all
rhe improvements necessary to make it a desirable
residence. It is located in the heart of Vineville, and
surrounded by the best of society.
tso-Mv terms are twelve months credit, for undoubted
notes Apply to T. J. PRITCHETT, or,
notes, aip » fears & PRITCHETT,
j ec 29 Grocers, 3d st., Macon, Ga.
SELECT SCHOOL.
THE Exercises of my School will be resumed on Mon
day the 7th of January, 1851. Both boys and girls
received as pupils. . H
Terms.—sso 00 a year—one-half payable in aa
vai.ee. at the beginning of each session. HI LL .
dec 29 d-t Ist feb. BEN J. M. TOMum.
XEORO FOR IIIRB-
rpHE undersigned has for hire or month
k to m [d h ec Kt]“ co£ K- KATCHFORD,
fa
give a liberal rewara.to any one returning it to me
dec 28 d-lt J- T. COXE.
DIARIES lor IS6I.
V LARGE assortment of the above for sale at
novi BOARDMAN’S,
x T EGKOES I'OR HlßE—Several men and women.—
IN Apply at the Office of
dec 28 LANIER & ANDERSON.
ATTENTION AKTILLLBY.
A your Company Room Tuesday night, at
, *• » clock, as business of importance will be
transacted. By order of Capt PARKER,
dec %
No. 283