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The present fashionable practice of rejecting the bible from
our schools, I suspect has originated with the Deists. They
discover great ingenuity in this new mode of attacking Chris
tianity. If they proceed in it, they will do more in half a
century, in extirpating our religion, than Bolingbroke or Vol
taire could have effected in a thousand years. lam not wri
ting to this class of people. I despair of changing the opin
ions of any of them. I wish only to alter the opinions
and conduct of those • lukewarm or superstitious Chris
tians, who have been misled by the Deists upon this subject.
On the ground of the good old custom, of using the bible as
a school-book, it becomes us to entrench our religion. It is
the last bulwark the Deists have left it; for they have render
ed instruction in the principles of Christianity by the pulpit
and the press, so unfashionable, that little good for many years
seems to have been done by either of them.
The effects of the disuse of the bible, as a school book, have
appeared of late in the neglect and even contempt with which
scripture names arc treated by many people. It is because
parents have not been early taught to know or respect the
characters and exploits of the old and new Testament wor
thies, that their names are exchanged for those of the modern
Kings of Europe, or of the principal characters in novels or
romances. I conceive there may be some advantages in
bearing scripture names. It may lead the persons who bear
them, to study that part of the scriptures, in which their
names are mentioned, and perhaps it may excite in them to
possess the talents or virtues of their ancient namesakes.
This remark first occurred to me, upon my hearing a pious
woman, whose name was Mary, say, that the first passages of
the bible, which made a serious impression upon her mind,
were those interesting chapters and verses in which the name
of Mary is mentioned in the New Testament .
It is a situ dar fact, that while the names of the Kings and
Emperors of Home, are now given chiefly to horses and dogs
scripture names have hitherto been confined only to the hu
man species. Let the enemies and contemners of those
names takp care, lest tly? names of more modern Kings be
given hereafter only to the same animals, and lest the names
of the modern heroines of romances be given to animals of
an inferior species.
It is with great pleasure, that I have observed the Bible to be
the only book read in the Sunday schools in England. YY'e
have adopted the practice in Sunday schools lately establish
ed in this city. This will give our religion (humanly speak
ing) the chance of a longer life in our country. We hear
much of the persons educated in free schools in England turn
ing out well in the various walks of life. I have enquired
into the cause of it. and have satisfied myself, that it is wholly
to be ascribed to the general use of the Bible in those schools,
for it seems the children of poor people are of too little con
sequence to be guarded from the evils of reading the script
ures in early life, or in an unconsecrated school house.
However great the benefits of reading the scriptures in
schools have been, I cannot help remarking, that these bene
fits might be much greater did school masters take more pains
to explain them to their scholars. Did they demonstrate the
divine original of the Bible from the purity, consistency, and
benevolence of its doctrines and precepts —did they explain
the meaning of the Levitieal institutions, and shew their ap
plication to the numerous and successive gospel dispensations
—did they inform their pupils that the gross and abominable
vices of the Jews were recorded only as proofs of the de
pravity of human nature, anel of the insufficiency of the law,
to produce moral virtue, and thereby to establish the necessity
and perfection of the gospel system —and above all, did they
enforce the discourses of our Saviour as the best rule of life,
and the surest guide to happiness, how great would be the
influence of our schools upon the order and prosperity of our
country ! Such a mode of instructing children in the Chris
tian religion, would convey knowledge into their understand
ings, and would therefore be preferable to teaching them
creeds, and catechisms, which too often convey, not knowl
edge, but irords only into their memories. I think lam not
too sanguine in believing, that education conducted in this
manner, would in the course of two generations, eradicate
infidelity from among us, and render civil government scarce
ly necessary in our country.
In contemplating the political institutions in the United
States, I lament that we waste so much time and money in j
punishing crimes, and take so little pains to prevent them, j
We profess to be republicans, and yet we neglect the only
means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms
of government, that is, the universal education of our youth
in the principles of Christianity, by means of the Bible; for
this divine book, above all others, favors that equality among
mankind, that respect for just laws, and all those sober and
frugal virtues which constitute the soul of republicanism.
I have now only to apologize for having addressed this let
ter to you, after having been assured bv you, that your opin
ion respecting the use of the Bible as a school book, coincided
with mine. My excuse for what I have done is, that I knew
you were qualified by your knowledge, and disposed by your
zeal in the cause of truth, to correct all the errors you would
discover in my letter. Perhaps a further apology may be ne
cessary for my having presumed to write upon a subject so
much above my ordinary studies. My excuse for it is, that I
thought a single mite from a member of a profession which
has been frequently charged with skepticism in religion,
might attract the notice of persons who had often overlooked
the more ample contributions on this subject, of gentlemen of
your profession. “Universal Mag. pages 129 to 136.”
So much for the quotation of Dr. Kush’s letter respecting
the uses and advantages of the Bible as a school book, and here
we take occasion to say, we think it is fully shown to be e
qualled by no other book, or books in the world. And while
we shall contend that the Doctor is right as to the uses and
advantages of the bible as a school book, we do not adopt some
of his religious opinions, which we find thrown in occasion
ally, aside as we conceive from the main subject. Such for
exaniplo, as the doctrine of “vicarious atonement.” And
such also as “internal revelation.” To neither of which can
we give our assent; nor do we mean, on this occasion, to
show the absurdity of snch opinions, the discussion of such
questions at this time, being wholly foreign to our purpose.
But we shall proceed with the investigation of the subject
we set out with, viz: General Education. The Afferent
plans adopted for imparting knowledge to youth, &c, Ac.
[TO BE CONTINUED.]
OBSERVER.
From the St. Louis Intelligencer.
The Nashville Convention.
The company of gentlemen from various points in
the South, who recently assembled at Nashville, and
tinder the title of ‘Southern Convention,’ have been
holding sessions there, brought their deliberations to
a close last Thursday evening, the 13lh inst,’ and
adjourn* 1 to meet again in six weeks after the ad
journment of Congress. The thunder of that aug
ust body has gone forth—it has been heard through
out the land—yet so far as we see or hear, the Un
ion is net shaken at all, nor is any wonted pallor
found on the countenance of men. A pebble cast
into the ocean would leave as serious and permanent
a trace behind.
No earthquake, no eclipse, no omen or portent,
“has signalised the times ; if we except the truant
comet now observable near our system, But that
—alas, for such an omen--is a comet without a tail.
The session of the Nashville Convention was pro
tracted nine days. We are not much given to su
perstition, else we would regard this circumstance
with some degree of interest. A cat may be killed
eight times, it is said, and still have a life to spare.
But the ninth blow makes an end of grimalkin, and
gives his body to the worms. A litter of puppies
when cast upon the world, grope nine days in dark
ness ; but at the end of that period their pupils are
opened, and then, or never, they see the blessed light
of day. It may also give interest to these facts of
singular coneidence, that the ‘cat o’ nine tails’ is
now the only scourge which can be laid, by law, on
an American’s back. Literally, we suppose, no del
egates to the Nashville Convention will ever feel this
scourge. But figuratively, they will, in our opinion
forever smart under it.
The first thing that strikes the mind forcibly in
reflecting ou the history of the Nashville Conven
tion—for it now belongs to history—is the amazing
imdudence of the whole affair. By what right did
those gentlemen assemble there ? Did they assem
ble in pursuance of law, passed and expressed in a
Constitutional way ? Did they assemble by virtue
ol the original rights of society when placed in a
Uate of revolution ’ Or did they assemble without
color of popular approbation, and without the sem
blance of respect for the rules of republican repre
sentation ? The latter is notoriously the case.
The Governor of South Carolina, of his own will
and pleasure, uninstructed by Legislature or people,
appoints delegates to the Nashville Convention for
the State at large, whom he thereby empowers to ex
press the w ill and bind the action of that sovereign
State. The members of the Georgia Legislature —a
part of them, we should say —uninstructed by the
people, do the same thing for that State, and rec
commend the people of each Congressional District
in the State, to elect district delegates to the Nash
ville Convention. Not ten men in a hundred pay
any heed to the matter ; but yet delegates, effectu
ally damned by faint and few votes, go to Nashville
and assume to utter the people’s will. A legislative
caucus of Alabama, without reference to Governor
or people, attended to that State’s representation in
the Southern College. In other Southern States,
county meetings were held ; in a majority of which,
if we have kept the count rightly, the whole project
of the Nashville Convention w T as pointedly condemn
ed. But here and there, with appropriate ifs and
ands , and many provisions and reservations, del
egates were appointed to atttend said Convention.
It would probably be a safe declaration to say
that at least one-half of the delegates thus appointed,
have, on ‘sober, second thought,’ declined to attend
—all obviously under the pressure of public opinion
against the Convention. In Texas, the appeal of the
people met with almost unanimous contempt and
neglect. We doubt whether a hundred votes were
’ polled in that State for delegates to the Convention,
though the call was made and the opportunity offer
ed : yet we find one delegate —but only one —from
Texas in the Nashville Convention, voting his whole
State away to the sentiments and purposes of South
Carolina politicians—and having equal voice there
with the great Stateof Virginia, represented by names
of historic renown, who, however, like their solitary
brother of the Tone star,’ are unsustained by the pub
lic sentiment of the State they claim to speak for.
Snch was the composition of the Nashville Con
vention —such the glaring irregularity of its existence
—such its absurd disregard of the rules of equal
popular representation—such its notorious and im
pudent contempt for popular will—its outrage upon
them, and assuming to be their organ after thev
had by the most emphatic and unmistakeable signs,
expressed their disapprobation of an)- sectional move
ment —any Southern Convention.
With the exception of South Caroliua, we do not
believe there is a single State in which five thousand
men could be found heartily approving the purpose of
holding a Southern Convention. In no Southern
1 State, with the same exception, do we believe five
hundred men could be found who would have been
willing to pledge themselves to abide by the decis
ions of the Nashville Convention and sustain it in
all it might do or say.
What claim, then, has such an unauthorized, un
accredited body of men upon public respect or con
fidence? We may safely leave the whole concern
to that contempt w hich its anamolous character mer
its. It would be folly to treat its deliberations with
grave consideration as if therein were to be found
the unanimous convictions and ultimate resolves of
the Southern half of the confederacy. Such assump
tion would be eminently and necessarily false. No
such respect shall be paid to the Convention or its
doings.
Its impudence shall be rebuked as it deserves. —
Its misrepresentation of southern sentiment shall be
exposed by showing true southern sentiment, as it
emanates from the masses in their primary assem
blies. Its propositions for action shall receive such
consideration and judgment as reasons atul patriot
ism require at our hands.
i A blow from a frying-pan, though it may not hurt, sullies.
A calumny, though known to be such, generally leaves a
stain on the reputation.
ConTDjhiukiiff.
LETTER from COLLJIBIS.
Columbus, July 14, 1850.
Dear Doctor: —l thank you for the Extra, with Mr.
Chappell's letter. It is an able expose of the true doctrine.
I am proud of your course, and shout at the sturdy blows
you deal to the Disunionists. You have a high mission :it
is to aid in the support of the only Government of the people,
on the face of the globe. If an independent press does not
preserve it, it will be crumbled into atoms in sixty days.
The state of feeling here is worse and bitterer than language
can depict. If not soon allayed, blood will be spilt, and then
who can control the Revolution ? It is rumored that secret
clubs of Disunionists arc being formed, to register the names
of all citizens, who support the Constitution of the Country,
and the Senate’s adjustment. The punishment to be inflicted,
is to force them to abandon their conscientious opinions, or
drive them from the country and confiscate their estates.
Appearances indicate the truth of the rumor. Are there
not good, honest, conservative citizens enough in the country
to come forward and frown down such criminal madness ?
AMICUS.
LETTER from COLITIBI S.
Columbus, July 11th, 1850.
Dear Doctor : —Our City was thrown into considerable
excitement this morning in consequence of a despatch having
been received here relative to the death of our President
General Taylor. Much has been said in relation to it, and
many think that now, as Mr. Fillmore will take the place of
General Taylor, that the South will not be shown a particle
of quarter, and a division will soon follow after he lias taken
his seat. Many think that we will be compelled to shoulder
muskets in self defence. lam in hopes their surmises will
not come to pass. If such should be the case, good bye
North, South, East and YY'est, and good bye Republican
Government, for I am of the opinion that if we dissolve the
Union, some strong foreign power will make our once glori
ous Republic a Kingdom, it will be governed by a King, and
the once proud American people will be compelled to sub
mit to his will.
YY r e have two parties here, one for dissolving the Union
immediately, without taking into consideration the serious
effect it may produce and the horrible situation we may be
precipitated into. They think the Union must be dissolved,
all hailing it with joy and rapture. YVe the citizens of the
South will show the North that we are anxious for a dissolu
tion. The other party are more moderate. They are friends
to the South, they study its interest, and feel it their duty to
be more moderate. They say they have elected able and
great statesmen to Congress ; we have implicit confidence in
them ; we know that they will do all that they can to briug
about a reaction on this awful question ; we are waiting to
see what can be done; we are waiting for the time that this
matter will be settled; and when we are informed by our
Senators and Representatives tliat it cannot be adjusted
without a dissolution, then, and not until then, will we agree
to a dissolution of the Union. Here you have the foelings
of both parties, but there should be but one party, for the
North are under the impression that this party holding off,
are in favor of them and will sustain them in their outrageous
aud contemptible proceedings, but how much they are mista
ken 1 Not au individual south of the Potomac will sustain or
aid them in a single particular. YY’e are waiting but for the
crisis, then and not till then, the North will sec tliat we will
stand by the South to a man, yes even unto death.
_ I witnessed the hanging** George Evans on Friday the
sth of July. There were nearly three thousand persona
present. I saw him when he got into the carriage that was
to take him to the gallows. He appeared calm and perfectly
reconciled to his fate. He smiled as he gazed upon the crowd
and seemed to be perfectly happy, as he had made his peace
with his Maker, and he rejoiced to be able to meet him so
soon. I can assure you it was a heart rending scene to see
one 60 young plunged into eternity, but such is the law of our
land and it must be obeyed. He ascended the ladder with a
firm step, advised all those who had children to raise them in
f US lIDIIII
the right way and make them obey, and said that being raised
as he was, brought him where he was. He struggled for
sometime and was no more.
A certain gentleman in our town amused himself on that
occasion by giving the country people a ticket to the Mar
shal to give them a front seat at the hanging ! He is some
times called after a small place in North Carolina. A queer
subject that for sport, dont you think ? .
No news of importance here. Many of our citizens have
gone North and to the watering places, and consequently, un
usual dulness prevails within our borders.
Truly yours, JOHN GREENIIILL.
LETTER from Ft. GAINES.
Fort Gaines July 8, 1850.
Dear Citizen: —As mentioned in my last, I got my best
bib and tucker ready, and hastened to the Grand Masonic
celebration at Eufala, on the 24th of June. The Lodge is
fitted up in most splendid style, and the procession when
formed had an imposing appearance. The Oration was very
appropriate and did honor to the Orator and Order. At night
a sumptuous entertainment was served up at Messrs. M. &
Co’s Saloon, and at a small cost to all who wished to enjoy the
pleasures of a chit chat—a love tale or the sequel to it—or to
skim the air with “the light fantastic toe,’.’ to the music of Mr.
R. and Son, whose equal at his age is hard to find. All
seemed to give ear and taste to the merry’ dance. I would
give you items of persons, but pen aud sheet will not admit.
It was the frequent remark that, that Indian village had but
one of its feminine fair at the Ball, thus having to depend on
foreign hearts and hands to give it life. None could divine
the cause, save that church and state might bo at stake. The
evening and morning star of the assembly was the lovely
Miss L—r, of Georgia. And it made me proud to know
she held the prize. The show closed between three and four
o'clock in the morning, when many retired to the low’er de
partment to regale themselves with the cooling delicacies of
ice water and sugar mixed with a little good liquor.
1 lie said John of the aforesaid village had been mighty
wrathy at vour “Wire Grass” for daring to insinuate about
him, the noble, wealthy and high born, as he thought, with
more money than brains. But I would recommend the
young man not to become inflated, lest he might grow short
er, and to read the “Apologue to Rhod click Random” for
consolation, and close with the couplet of “Away with gold it
is but dirt, mind alone makes the man of worth.”
It was gratifying to your readers here to see that instead of
not having a reader in the Athens of the S. \V. you had o
ver a dozen. I was aware that the imputation agaiust the
Citizen was unfounded, for I saw Sol Pat read it, and heard
him speak ot it in the most flattering terms. But we must
be on the lookout, for there are sonic of the most selfish and
snarling ani-rnalcs there you ever did see. Pat, who eats,
tuughs and grows fat. happens to laugh at the one, as he
thought, who was referred to in the last ‘Wire Grass,’ and the
little old fellow wiped his nose with the cuff of his coat, bristled
up his hair, worked his legs and mouth tike a rusty rat trap,
his eyes snapping all the while as fast and as loud as a power
loom. He look’d like a fright aud no mistake. Extent of cor.
porosity alone, kept him and his pugilistic friend and associate
quiet. Laughing seems to be catching there, and Pat has in
creased in size as fast as his plate would with the good tilings
of a good dinner.
The Athenian lias not solved the problem.—My dear sir,
you have not “taken the flood that leads to fortune and to
fame” in not doing so, for to you alone were offered the hon
ors, equal only to those conferred by the people of Thebes on
(Ed ip us Tyrannus, when he explained the riddle of the
Sphinx.
One of the Chiefs of the “battle royal” that took place in
this County, sleeps his last sleep and has fought his last bat
tle. No sound shall awake him to glory again. Three of the
persons charged with his death have been arrested and held
to bail.
On last Monday Baker Superior Court commenced, noth
ing was done except the Grand J ury business of the County.
There were a number of indictments found, but the health
of his honor Judge Warren was such, that he could not with
safety and satisfaction to himself go through with the busi
ness. It is sincerely hoped that he will recover so as to be
able to perform his duties as heretofore, so satisfactorily to the
people aud county at large.
There is scarcely a place in this section, where a traveller
can stop, but what he can find your paper to read. It is called
the Map of the State, and properly enough. Some of the
“Blue Stocking Club” think and say, you get “the dots,”
and then write the letters. This is saying much for your in
dustry at least.
On the glorious Fourth we had divers demonstrations and
sentiments of love aud regard for that memorable day, and a
continuance of this most perfect Union in despite of all the
Conventions to dissolve it. General A.—a glorious whole
soul'd Bachelor of Randolph, gave a dinner after the most
Epicurean style and taste which was attended from this place.
Col. R. of the same county furnished a most splendid party
at night. There was also in the same county, at Ebcnezer
Church, a Barbecue and an Oration from Doctor P., both of
which were according to Hoyle. At Cuthbert I learned the
B’hoys done the thing up brown at the Courthouse, with
every thing that was good and tasteful. Mr. It. and Son
presided over the dance. The table excelled any thing of the
kind ever seen there before. The company enjoyed them
selves from top to toe. It was a pleasant and inviting afi'air
no doubt. The beauties of that place, which arc many, were
out in full dazzle in their best graces and faces, flowers, floun
ces and frills. The glittering of diamonds made the lights of
grease look dim indeed. As for the gents there was a fair
proportion there, some needing a mask only to cover their up
per stories—to make their heels, slippers and propellers a fine
picture of a Count D’Orsay—a Beau Brummcl, or such like
| characters. The Judge, for a time lent his heart to his heels,
and tripped the toe lightly. The greatest improvement of the
day in dress, for the season and occasion, would be the Swiss
muslin unmentionables—so light, so cool. The dance con
tinued until the next night in spite of all opposition, which
came out minus and much to the mortification of the oppo
nents. Our B’hoys who went were so smitten with the wid
ow or some other fair lady of that place that they did not
leave until the Sunday afterwards. Perhaps it was the deli
cate Miss J. or Miss M. of whom they have talked and
dreamt so much.
If some here only knew your poor “Wire Grass” they
would chaw him up in a minute. The Blakely Col. was
wrathy enough to eat a ten penny nail. I must therefore ‘lay
low and keep dark,’for no doubt he is as savage as was the
race of Powhattan, with whom lie might claim kin; but I
would say to him that he might be mistaken in making him
self suit the picture. Therefore be not oftended—he has con
stituted himself the special Guardian of the people here, in
relation to the Bank-and all things political. His trust is not
beyond the reach of enquiry, but perhaps he thinks. King
like, “he can do no wrong,” or if he docs, it cannot be reach’d
he is so long.
Doctor Bolus, wiil you apply the caustic of the Apologue
of Rhoderiek Random to yourself l It may heal your mala
dy-—Do not borrow the “Citizen,” and carry it with you to
bed to read and sleep on it, when you say you would not pay
the postage to Uncle Sam on such a sheet. There arc some
of the cleanest and nicest people in hand, heart, and soul,
that you ever did see, who take it, pay for it, read it, and
keep it.—Return something liberal to the man whose paper
you read. Remember also that you are not such a ‘rare avis’
but that you may strike ‘terra firraa’ some time.
Col. S. has become somewhat cadaverous ou the occasion,
this is‘wondrous pitiful’just about the time he is about to
pluck the lily in the land of flowers.
The old man of the Castle laughs at all but himself, be
cause as lie says, “he was touch’d so lightly.” Look out old
fellow, aud dont borrow your fellow “Citizen” to read, when
you do not pay for it. iSave yourself if you can, for the next
whistle of the prompter may bring you on the stage with now
scenery and dress, with music Ac, set for the occasion.
YV e have here one of the most busy men ever seen, and
with the least business in hand, or habits of business. Now
friend George, you are a great hand on roads. Keep your
self at rest, for we have got a long one fur you to travel.
Read daily from Shakespeare, eommeneing at “Know ye all
Denmark, Ac,'’ and end where you please.—YY r c have only
saved you for a longer time and sheet, feeling satisfied that a
pamphlet would be scarcely sufficient to hold you and do you
justice.
In a day or two I leave for Albany, on the Flint, where
there arc some hard eases and faces. I will get the far famed
“Sancho Panza” and others, to shew me from the hill to the
blue spring. Until then, Adieu. Yours, faithfully. *
YVIRE GRABS. •
LETTER from ATLANTA.
Atlanta, July 16th, 1850.
Dear Doctor :—On Thursday last the Grand Section of
Cadets held their first grand jubilee in this city. A pro
cession, consisting of the Grand and Subordinate Sections,
the Rachabites, and a few citizens, was formed at the head
of YVliite Hall street, at 10 A. M., and marched to the
Spring Grove, where, after appropriate music by the Choir,
several thrilling speeches were delivered by various delegates,
(lads from ten to seventeen years of age,) and Rev, John S.
YY’ilson, of Decatur, who had been chosen their first annual
orator. The ceremonies were of a deeply impressive char
acter, and every tiling passed off as smoothly and pleasantly
as could be. I was surprised at the apparent indifference of
the “ Sons” on this occasion—there being only two or three
out in regalia to encourage and stimulate their protogees, the
gallant little Cadets. The occasion was graced, however, by
a large number of our fair country-women, which more than
repaid for the absence of the cold-blooded sons.
By a late number of the “ Cassville Standard” I discover
that its sapient editor is down upon me “ like a thousand o’
brick” for daring to call into question Capt. Fullton’s qualifi
cations for discharging the important duties of Superintendent
of Transportation on the State Railroad, and on you for pub
lishing my “ scurrilous” letters. The editor, among other
things, says: “ YY'e have conversed with men who ought to
know all about these matters, who say that he fills that
responsible station with honor to himself and credit to the
Road. YVe also know, that in a recent trip upon that Road,
.Mr. Arms, of the Georgia Road, remarked that the Road
was in excellent order, considering the recent bad weather.
Besides all this, Capt Fullton has had long experience in
Railroad matters, and so far as we have been able to learn,
he gives entire satisfaction to all, except ‘ Gabriel.’ ” At
the risk of being considered discourteous, I must express my
incredulity iu the editor’s statements. 1. Ido not believe
that any man , unconnected with the State Road, who is
conversant with Railroad matters, can be found who will say
that the present Superintendent knows any thing about his
duties. 2 Ido not believe that Mr. Arms, (who is a man
of truth, and withal, a practical engineer,) ever made any
such remark as that attributed to him. 3. I knoic that there
are not ten men in every hundred in this community, who
know any thing of these matters, or who have had any
business with the road, who are any better satisfied with its
management than myself. The editor asks: “ YVhy don’t
‘ Gabriel’ blow about the failures of trains upon other Roads
as well as the State Road ?” I answer, that I have kept
your readers fully posted up in reference to all occurrences
on the Georgia and Macon and YVestern Roads, in which
they had an interest, but have never felt at liberty to meddle
with the private matters of either of them. Not so with
the State Road, which is the exclusive property of the people ;
ami being “ one of them,” l have tl.o ngi.t, which 1 shall
continue to exercise, of examining into its condition and
management, and of speaking freely thereof. 1 have no
unkind feeling toward Capt. Fullton; he is, so far as my
knowledge extends, a very clever gentleman, as may, like
wise, be the editor of the “ Standard.” But cleverness
does not constitute efficiency; and I would as soon attribute
to him that ingredient, as to charge the editor with being a
paragon in the conduct of his journal—and every body
knows that would be a falsehood. The idea that, because
Capt. Fullton was at one time a clerk in the # Georgia Rail
road Bank, at Athens, he must necessarily know all about
the management of a Railroad, is too preposterous to be
considered.
Our City Council was in session all day yesterday, until a
late hour last night, trying the Snake Nation women. Three
of them, [ understand, have been found guilty of the offences
with which they were charged. 1 learn that the Council
will continue their sittings until the calendar has been gone
-through with, and that the prospect of ridding the city of
these vile creatures is brighter no.v than at any previous
period. YY'hcn the trials are over, I will acquaint you with
the result, and, perhaps, say something respecting the conduct
of the dilVerent Aldermen before and by whom the eases are
tried.
T\he trains of the several Roads have run with much regu
larity during the past ■week. I have heard of no accident on
either since my last. The managers of the State Road have
changed their schedule time for leaving this place—from
half-past eight to eight o’clock, A. M. This is a source of
much inconvenience to travelers, especially to those coming ‘
up on the Georgia Road, who now have, frequently, less J
than half au hour to sec to the transfer of their baggage,
and get their breakfast. This change was made, too, with
out previous notice, and the only reason I hove heard assign
ed for it is the bad condition of the Iload .’ Will the editor
of the “ Standard” give us a better reason ?
Y\ e have been blessed with several copious showers of
rain since my last. The weather, however, continues warm
and sultry. Yours truly, pABRIEL.
LETTER from CUTHBERT.
Cuthbert, Gf.o., July 13, 1850.
Dear Citizen :—The Seventy-fourth Anniversary of our
j National Independence has again come upon us, and wa*
I celebrated by our citizens in an appropriate manner, and with
a full appreciation of the great blessings we have enjoyed
under the workings of our present plan of government.
But it is my purpose to speak principally of a ball which
came oft’ on the night succeeding the day of the fourth, and
which formed ail agreeable afterpiece to the demonstrations
of the day. Mr. Rasittii A Son who have been giving les
sons in dancing to fire youth of our village, and to whom
your correspondent, “ YY'iregrass,” alluded, in one of his
recent letters, were the musicians procured for the occasion.
The court room was fitted up for the occasion, and served
admirably the purpose to which it was applied. The“ beau
ty and chivalry” of both town and country, met in goodly
numbers, eager to embrace the present opportunity to “ trip
tlte light fantastic toe.” for the opportunities for indulgence
in such healthful exercise and pleasant amusement, present
themselves but rarely to the youth of our village—too rarely,
for when the occasions for proper indulgence do present
themselves, they are sure to be abused because of former
abstinence and the fear of future deprivation. lienee origi
nates in my opinion the principal, and in truth the only sub
stantial reason for the opposition usually manifested towards
dancing, and indeed towards all popular amusements. An
interval in the dance was devoted to an elegant slipper, pre
pared under the supervision of Mrs. P., who I assure you
understands getting up things of this kind, and doubtless,
she felt amply rewarded for her care, by the manifest delight
with whicli the assembled numbers walked into the good
things. The Colonel and Major seemed determined to be
compensated at the tabic for what they had expended to pro
cure admittance, for they must have had themselves in keep
ing for the occasion. The ladies, God bless them, were all
there with their pretty faces and sweet smiles. I regret the
want of time and space to make you acquainted with them
all, but as it is, 1 shall venture to speak particularly of two
who seemed above all others to please the eye, and excite the
admiration of all. The one, Miss M., with eoinplection
“ White and red,
With great blue eyes, a lovely hand and arm,
And feet so small they scarce seemed made to tread.
But rather skim the earth.’’
The other Miss M. also, but quite unlike the first,
Was somewhat large, and languishing, and lar.y,
Yet of a beauty that would drive you crazy.’’
The dancing was continued until a late hour, and all dis
persed, pleased, because they had an opportunity to engage in
so rational and innocent amusement. May we all live to wit
ness many returns of the glorious fourth, if at each annual
return we are to be entertained in so pleasant a manner.
The sad intelligence of the death of our Chief Magistrate
has just been received ; and now that he is dead, the voice
of party is hushed, and all unite in acknowledging his worth
and services, and in deploring the loss his afflicted country
has sustained in his death. The decease of a President or
other great public functionary, is severely felt at any time,
but at this peculiar crisis in our National affairs, it is a dis
tre aig calamity indeed.
We have been watching with peculiar interest the progress
of the Compromise Bill of the Committee of Thirteen, and
are beginning to be apprehensive for its fate. We believe if
it fails, another, similar in its provisions, will finally pass.
The present constitution was the result of conciliation and
compromise, and no bill can pass which does not do justice
to all parts of our widely extended Republic, and that cannot
be accomplished, but from some concessions from all. In my
opinion, this great sectional controversy aims at nothing. It
is said by tho North, the “ Compromise concedes every thing
to the South,” and by the South, that the “ North gets every
thing, and she is robbed of her just rights.” It
legislate upon the subject of slavery. Slave lalor will go
wherever it is profitable, notwithstanding legislative enact
ments to the contrary. I believe three-fourths of our peo
ple favor Mr. Clay’s bill, because it promises most speedily
to settle the vexed questions now agitating the country, and
bring back peace to the Union which they dearly love. They
know the priceless cost at which it was obtained—feel the
benefits and blessings it has worked, and dread the countless
miseries its subversion is likely to bring in its train. For all
these considerations, they love the Union •, and for an i inagi
nary abstract principle they are willing to take no hasty ac
tion—to make no liasty resolves, that will be likely to endanger
its perpetuity upon which so much depends. This has, in
deed, been “ a time which tried men's souls,” and happy for
us, there arc yet to be found distinugished men, North and
South, who forgetting party, have nobly stepped forward to
repair the breach between the different portions of our coun
try, and remove the obstacles that impede its successful and
onward progress. And let us, the people, in our several
counties, assemble together and express our approbation* of
their conduct. It will be a direct assuranco of popular sup
port, and they will feel stimulated to still greater exertions
to accomplish their wished for ends, nor will their efforts be
relaxed
“Till danger’s threatening night be past,
And the Star of Peace return”
to the distracted councils of our Congress. Will yon, Mr.
Editor, urge this upon the people of our State? Our people
arc beginning to disapprove strongly the course of our Gov
ernment in relation to the prisoners confined in Cuba, and
hope something may yet grow out of the affair which will
give them an opportunity to seize upon that rich Island which
will be worth far more than all California and New Mexico,
about the riches of which so much has been said and written.
The tannery, near our village, was broken ami entered a
few nights since. A small quantity of leather was carried
away. Some dogs were carried down, that readily took the
trail, and ran up to a person’s house who makes shoes, some
times. This, you know, is no evidence that he took or had
the leather. Yet some persons will be disposed to say,
“ Dave ought to sell his products cheap, he is working upon
‘ borrowed capital,’ or that there is no expenditure but of
mechanical lalior and skill.” Yours, CIVIS.
O vf/ r.>
(tljc (Ijforgifi Ciiiznt.
L. F. W. ANDREWS Editor.
MACON, GA., JULY 19, 1850.
A New Division.—On the sth inst., anew Division of
the Sons at Temperance was organized, in this city, under the
name of Amaranth Division, No. 300. The following Offi
cers have been elected for the’eurrent Term :
J. G. Rogers, W. I* 5 J. W. Benson, W. A ; 11. E.
Ball, R. S; W. C. Hodgkins, A. R. S ; F. W. Sims, K.
S ; E. Harris, T 5 1). Thompson, J. S; J. 11. Griffin, O.
S.—
THE DEATH OF GEN. TAYLOR.
We glean from the N. Y. Herald and other prints the
| following particulars of the last moments of the President,
! together with the subsequent events connected with his sud- j
den demise.
lie died on Tuesday evening, the oth, at 35 minutes past
■ 10. The last words spoken were, “I am prepared. I have J
1 endeavored to do my duty.” This was uttered about 2
; o'clock, P. M., and at 5 he became insensible.
On Wednesday, the lOth, at 12, both Houses of Congress :
’ met in the Representatives’ Hall, and N ice President Fill
more then took the following oath of office, administered by
Judge Crunch :
THE OATII.
li I <lo solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the j
office of President of the United .States, and will, to the 1
best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitu- ,
tion of the United States. MILLARD FILLMORE.”
Mr. Fillmore had previously sent in a Message to the
Senate and House, officially announcing the death of the
President. In the Senate, eulogies were pronounced by
Messrs. Webster, Berrien, Downs, King, Cass and Pearce.
In the House, by Conrad, Hilliard, Wintbrop and others.
Mr. Downs ottered the following resolutions in the Senate:
“ Whereas, it has pleased Divine Providence to remove
from this life Zachary Taylor, late President of the United
States, the Senate, sharing the general sorrow which tills
melancholy event must produce, is desirous of manifesting its
sensibility on the occasion.
Therefore resolved. That a committee, consisting of Messrs.
Webster, Cass and King, be appointed, on the part of the
Senate, to meet such committee as may be appointed on the
part of the House of Representatives, to confer and report
what measures it may be proper to adopt to show the respect
and affection of Congress for the memory of the illustrious
deceased, and to make the necessary arrangements for his
funeral.”
A second Message was sent into Congress by the Presi
dent, requesting that the proper funeral obsequies be paid to
the distinguished dead, and expressing his sincere desire to
co-operate with Congress in any ceremonials which they
might order.
Measures were accordingly taken by both Houses for the
funeral ceremonies to be performed on Saturday, the 13th.
The non. Win. R. King, of Alabama, was elected Speaker
of the Senate on the 10th.
The late Cabinet have tendered their resignations, and
many speculations are afloat as to the complexion and mate
rial of the new, which it is useless to give, as a few davs will
decide the matter.
Mendacious.— A Scriblei; in the last Telegraph over
the signature of the time-honored name, “ Troup,” attempts
to give an account of the Union Meeting of the tith in this
City, which for reckless disregard of truth, low witticism and
vulgar abuse, caps the climax. He commences with a false
hood—inserts a dozen or two of the same sort, in the middle,
and winds up with a few in the superlative degree. The au
thor is believed to be one of the small fry politicians, of the
Bill Jinkins and Timothy Jenks school of brawlers, wlio
were observed, on the evening referred to, making sport of
Messrs. Poe and Chappell, while discoursing so eloquently
and solemnly of the dangers threatening the Union! These
are tho Nero* of tlic day who would “fiddle while Rome is
burning,” and laugh at the calamity which their own mad
ness and folly have brought about. Let them mock on, per
chance the day of retribution is nearer than they suppose.
\\ ere we disposed to retaliate ujx>n such offenders against
truth and decency, vve might review some of the exquisite
passages iu the speech of their Ex Senatorial and Reverend
Cluunpion, at the Meeting of the sth, and show by truthful 1
contrast, that common decency did not appertain to the oc- ,
casion, so tar as he was concerned. So vulgar was he in phra
scology, tliat some Ividics who had placed themselves on tho
south portico of the Courthouse, to hear the far tamed Orate:,
were obliged suddenly to absent themselves, to escape con- j
tamination ! This was however, the gravy of the feast to
such as “Troup !” They were titillated , hugely, and grew
fat on these unctuous bits of the entertainment which were so
lavishly provided bv Sir Walter! Well, they are welcome to
such dainties as their instincts crave. All we ask is, that we
bo not compelled to board at the same table.
Too good to be lost. —Gen Pillow lately gave a toast at
Nashville, that the South would shake hands with the North
over the line of the Missouri Compromise, but would not
be driven beyond except at the point of the bayonet. To
this a contemporary suggests that perhaps Pillow would like
to superintend the diggingofa ditch along that line.
The Cassvillc Standard.— Our Atlanta Common
dent alludes to some comments of the ‘Standard’ concerning
us which is the first intimatiou we liave had that we had been
so honored. The -Standard’ of last week has not yet come to
hand ! Is our contemporary afraid to let us sco what he has
to say of us 1
Disunion Meeting of Friday did
not attend this meeting, but understand that it was barely
respectable in point of numbers, probably not more than fifty
of the “faithful” having rallied at the double Call, by differ
ent handbills, to the gathering. The Speeches of the elderly
gentlemen, Gov. McDonald and Judge Strong, were desert
bed to us as very soporific in their power and cloudy in their
arguments. The ex-Govemor did not deign to explain how
it happened that, one year ago, he was as fierce as a lamb,
against the Missouri Compromise, and that now he is ns ram
pant as a full-grown sheep, in favor of it! Perhaps, how
ever, he laid no leisure to devote to such small matters as po
litical consistency.
The speech of Solicitor McCunc was the most lively and
awakening of the three. His effort, though ou the wrong
side, was said to be a creditable performance.
The proceedings of the meeting were not particularly wor
thy of note, save that which calls for a meeting here on ths
22d August. We deprecate all such attempts to get up an
excitement on a question like this which should rather be dis
cussed calmly and philosophically, and independent of all in
flammatory appeals to the prejudices and passions of the
people. Bnt we suppose the politicians will liave their own
way, and we must e’en do our best to expose their humbug
gery, so that as little evil, as possible, will follow their revo
lutionary assemblages.
Judge Strong's Speech.
The Tribune gives the following as the just meed of friend
ly praise to the Hon. C. B. Strong, for his gigantic effort on
Friday night last, both as to the manner and matter of the J
.T udge’s Speech :
“Judge C. B. Strong was then requested to speak, and bu
‘did so, in a style whicli greatly amused and edified his audi
ence. His argument was mainly directed against the at
tempt on the part of Congress to get jurisdiction of the sub
ject of slavery and in defence of the Constitution, under
which we hold title to that property —He argued that Mr.
Clay's bill would enact the Wilmot Proviso and accomplish
the dearest object of Northern fanaticism, in giving thorn
jurisdiction of “slavery.”
When a logician’s premises are false, his conclusions aro
very apt to be fallacious. All argument from facts may b
j good, but ratiocination from assumption, never! So with
j Judge Strong’s argument. When he assumed that Clay’s
■ Bill would enact the Wilmot Proviso and was an attempt on
the part oi Congress to get jurisdiction of the subject of Sla
very—and Unit, by necessary implication, the Nashville Con
vention with its Missouri Compromise Line and recognition
by Congress of slavery south of that degree, did not enact
the Wilmot Proviso or give Congress any jurisdiction over
the question, he was certainly befogged in his understand
ing of the subject. For what, pray, is the Missouri line but
; an enactment of the Wilmot Proviso for the territory of New
j Mexico, 5 1-2 degrees north of 36 deg. 30, and what further
action than this and the adoption of the recognition princi
ple of the Nashville Convention is necessary to constitute a
jurisdiction by Congress over the subject ?
It is to defeat both these measures that we go in for Clay’s
; Bill, because it adopts the non-intervention principle aa to
! territories and gives the Missouri Compromise, which has
! ever been considered an infraction of the Constitution, the go
by—reuding the same null and void, forever!
The Augusta Republic & its Junior Editor D.
“Fool* shock] be pulled
From ‘.visd<mi’s seat —those baleful, unclean bird#—
Those lazy owls, who, perched near fortune** top,
Sit only watchful with their heavy wings.
To cuff down new-fledged virtues, that would ri*o
To nobler heights!”
It is against our own will and the judgment of friends, in
• whom we liave confidence, that we take any notice, w hatever,
j of the late scurrilous attack of the Junior of the RepnUis
upon the Editor of this paper, nor should we do it. but for
1 the simple reason tliat it is sometimes necessary to “‘answer a
fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit,”
and become insolent from the immunity extended to him.
The Hon. H. Clay lately said, in his place, that he detected
the author of certain Delaware resolutions by their ‘ diplo
matic odor.” There was something about them that *;ne)t
of the oil which Secretary ( May too was accustomed to use in
the preparation of his official correspondence.
111 like manner, (comparing small things to groat.) there is
a peculiar odor lately about the columns of the Republic, but
whether this odor is “like the sweet south wind blowing
over a bank of violets,” ‘“stealing and giving odor,” or whether
it resembles more the odor from a manure hunk in a Kentucky
J mule-lot, we leave to the judgment of the reader, after we
j have given the jedigree of the animal and set forth his stri
king points.
M e have hear.] that Andy Dawson first made his ajqiear
aneeon the Georgia Stage, as a mule driver from Kentucky.
He was then in the vocation designed for him by nature, the
necessary faculties moral and intellectual, which are required
to make any tiling else, being wanting in his craniological do
vclopements, all the organs of conscientiousness, truth, du-
I ecney, modesty, Ac, being overshadowed by the extra prota
| beranecs of bis occipital region.
The next we hear of him is as an Attorney and Counsel -
lor at I-aw in Warrenton, in which capacity, while in Macon,
a few months ago, he volunteered to defend a little man of
the name of S s against a big citizen of the name of
I R—y, but backed out hastily from the case, on finding his
j client not quite as little as he imagined!
The third phase in which this genius made his apjtearanco,
was, as associate Editor of the Republic and itinerant men
dicant for that concern, in the matter of subscriptions and ad
vertisements. In this calling, he has succeeded somewhat,
: not so much however, owing to his own social powers as to his
j matchless impudence. This was manifested by his imperti
. nent self-introductions to the sanctums of the Editorial Frs-
I ternity wherever he strayed, and in his “free and easy,” “dev
j il may care” cock-up-your-heels style of address, generally,
j which showed him utterly insensible to all the amenities of
’ gentlemanly association. The fellow’s language is usually
such an offensive admixture of egotism and cow-pen phrase
ology, that a Rev. Gentleman of “statistical” celebrity had
once to rebuke him sharply fur his vulgarity, during a stage
coach ride of a few hours.
The fourth phase iu the career of “Andy” is tliat of a Tem
perance Lecturer. Two instances of his achievements in
; that line have been coimnunk ated to us—the one, in w hick
he so disgusted the Indies of Upson county, by the indecea
! ey of his vernacular, that they would fain have left the house,
j could they have done so without observation—the other in
which he finished a speech in Perry, by relating an anecdote
j about a little school-boy spilling the word goat —g-o-i-t—and
! making an application of the same to himself, by saying “go
it,” putting on his cap and suddenly decamping from tho
; meeting.
No wonder then that the people weir astonished at the ap
pointment, by his Excellency, of such a pilgrim to the Shrine
of Nashville. The Governor was doubtless imposed on, bat
whether so or not, the said appointment was so disgusting to
another appointee, that he peremptorily declined going, al
though solicitous to participate in the proceedings of the Con
| volition. He preferred to forego the honors of a seat in that
body, rather than submit to an affiliation which might compro
j rnise his personal dignity and self-respect.
Os the exploits of “Andy” at Nashville we have but little
j to communicate, save his notion to support the new Press at
j Washington aiul to form anew “ No-party” party in tho
: South, both of which luminous propositions were laid on ih
table as puerile. Wc forget—another item in the history of
his Nashville exploit*, was the writing that letter home, iu
which he declared in favor of the superior wisdom of tho
Convention against the field! Cause why ?he was, himself,
magna pars of the same Grand Sanhedrim of politician*.
In proof that “what’s bred iu the bone, will shew itaelf in
the flesh,” we refer to the refined and classical language of
the Republic's associate in the article under notice. “Slaught
er House,” “bleating calf,” “cow short horns,” “crack,”
“kick,” “snapping at heels,” &c, are plentifully sprinkled
through afull column and a half of that paper on the lltb,
inst. If this has not the ammoniaeai odor of the original and
appropriate vocation of cow-boy and mule-driver we know
nothing of the signifieancy of the “Kings English” transla
ted into horse-jockey and corn -cracker lingo! Say, Andy,
what's the price of mules ?