The Weekly constitution. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1868-1878, January 04, 1870, Image 1

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m CONSTITUTION. ATLANTA, GEORGIA, JANUARY 4. /t ■ ^ ' 7- Z Q\ A New Territory. The Dominican Republic has been an nexed to the United States by treaty, sub ject to ratification by the Domlniclan Sen ate. The republic is annexed as a territory, the United States paying its debt. This is accompanied by a fifty years’ lease of Ba nana Bay. The Negro Members. — As some arc tailoring under a wrong im pression in regard to the effect of the Georgia Bill upon the negro members, we would say that the Bill calls for the origin al members of the Legislature, pronounced elected and convened by General Meade, to meet and perfect organization by the elec tion of proper officers. This includes the negro members. The Act itself puts in the negroes, and forbids their exclusion. It leaves the Legislature nothing to do in the matter. It settles the force, as to whether /' L U I -■ K " " -V " P " >-■•■ ■ ■ WEEKLY CONSTITUTION. ym ;li!T VOLUME n.l ATLANTA, GEORGIA, TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1870. iNUMBER 421 Col. Forney dubs this letter-speech an “ elo-: Governor Bollock’s Whitewash. wt nt a ^ d able dCfenSe ” ° f Governor Bul ‘ We ventilated yl^rday. some of the mildly ° rney "Uould draw it morej“eloquent and able” lapses of memory A.,/. i .. , : made by onr disintegrating and feasting as this letter has appeared in Georgia, Executive in his letter vindicating himself the correction of a few of Governor Bul lock 8 **eloquent and able n mistakes may not. be amiss. The Governor says he expected to be abused when he became Governor. Avery natural conclusion for a man who expect ed to do and has done what merits abuse. The Governor says he was to be dis- e whole question by I graced by the conspirators that expelled the negro members J the negroes, and these charges were trumn- Tlir negroes, and tnese charges were trump- who were annealed, shall be restored to j ed up for that purpose. And this is proved their legi-lative functions. j by tiie card of Morgan, Bell and Claghorn, three of the committee looking into the matter, published February 2d, saying that they did not doubt the Governor’s integri ty, but bis discretion. The Governor says these gentlemen “felt constrained to publish and cause to be tele graphed,” this card. The Governor has probably forgotten that Mr. Claghorn, one of the signers of the said exonerating card, on the 4th of February, published a card saying tbecard was unauthorized by him, that when it was presented to him for approval he pro nounced it improper, and finally that Governor Bullock himself, telegraphed it to the country. These facts were not fitted tohelp the Governor's case. Their omission was laud able Radical strategy. The Governor says that the Democratic conspirators offered to purchase his silence, and even proposed high political advance ment to him. Name the bribers, Govern or. We want to impeach them The Governor says he was justified in his use of the public money without au thority by a -long list of gubernatorial precedents.” The Minority Report of the Legislature, which was adopted by a vote ar80 to 37 in the House, says that his course was “not only without authority, but also without precedent.” The Governor didn’t let Congress know this. The Governor says the Committee had the “lawful vouchers” before it account ing for the $4,000 lie admitted using. The report says no “accounts or bills of par ticulars have been presented to the Com mittee ” showing how the amount was made up., • More forgetfulness of the Governor. But we have not now the space to show more of these “eloquent and able” lapses of Governor Bullock’s memory. We shall notice more of them hereafter. Democratic Executive Com mittee. That the present U a grave crisis in our State history no one will question. The complete destruction of the State govern ment U Imminent. The course to be pursued by the Demo crats should be carefully considered, and when adopted, unanimously supported, for it to have the best chances of snccess. It has been suggested and desired by many, that the Democratic Executive Com mittee meet and discuss the propriety of having an expression of the party Judg ment. and that the 4th of January would l>c a goo 1 time for the meeting. We call the attention of the Chairman of the Committee to the suggestion. We are in favor of some step to get the party united and settled upon a policy. The Alabama Claims. President Grant bas furnished Congress with late correspondence on the Alabama Claims. In May, Mr. Fish wrote Mr. Motley that in reacting the agreement of Reverdy Johnson and Lord Clarendon, the United State.- didn't mean to drop the subject, nor .did it mean to insult England, bnt It still hoped for a peaceful settlement of the dis pute. Ifc instructs Mr. Motley to tell this to Lord Clarendon. in June. Mr.FI-di writes Mr. Motley that whenever England has any notion to re open negotiation, the United Slates is ready; but tbe juggling must be carried on at Washington. In September, Mr. Fish sends a clincher to Mr. Motley, rehearsing Uncle Sam’s multifarious wrongs at the hands of John ny Bull, and telling him to inform Johnny that it was about time to reopen the mat ter, ample months having been allowed to simmer down the irritation of the British lion, at being snubbed by the American eagle. In November. Lord Clarendon writes Mr. Thornton, the English Minister at Wash ington, that as the United States liad re jected one patch-up of the difficulties, it should now make some new propositions, which England would consider. The ad vances should come from the United States and not England—in other words, as the eagle was aggrieved, let it say what it want ed, and the lion would answer whether it would do what was asked. Thus stands tlie case. Mr. Fish has made no further move. The. Constitutionality of the Cot ton Tax. A short while back the telegraph brought us news that the Supreme Court had dec! Jed the cotton tax constitutional. We have not yet seen the text of the decision. From tiie New Orleans Commercial Bul letin we glean the facts connected with tbe case of Farrington vs. Saunders, and the tenor of the argument. This caso was rande up expressly to test the constitutionality of the tax. It wasar- gued for tiie plaintiff and against the tax, by briefs, by Judge Campbell, of Louisi ana, Jiii’ge Sharkey, of Mississippi, Albert Pike and Robertson Topp, of Memphis, and Judge Hughes, of Indiana; and orally, by P. Phillips, of Washington, and Judge Curtis, of Boston. On the other side, and for the Government, was Attorney Gener al Hoar and Assistant Attorney General Field. It was contended that tiie tax was un constitutional, because it was direct, and not laid in conformity with the rules of np- poitionmcnt as provided in Article first of the Constitution, which says that “no di rect tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to tlic census”; that it was a tax without representation; that it did not come in the rules of uniformity prescribed by the Con- Istitution; that, ns an export tax, it was and oftener than through any other me- prohibited; that as n special or exclusive dlum. , t lix it had no warrant; and, finally, tiiat In addition to this. The Constitution j the taxing power conferred no right to publishes exclusively theofficial and full levy taxes on rawproductionslnonesec- text of the decisions of the Supreme Court, tion, while the productions ofotlicrsec- tbat will be in session tor the next month tions were exempt Now is tlicTiine to Subscribe for Tbe Constitution. In a few days tho year 1870 will begin. It promises for Georgia to be an eventful year. It will be lively with incident. On the lOtli of January the Legislature will assemble, and its session bids fair to be one of the most exciting known to our State history. The Constitution lias made arrange ments to have full daily reports of its pro ceedings. The most accomplished report ers have been employed. Publishing two editions daily, and the only paper in At lanta that docs tills, the people can get tho intelligence through our columns sooner They showed that in I8C7, The corn crop of that year was worth, JB10 9I3.5M wheat crop “ “ “ 421.796,460 “ hayorop “ •• “ 372.861670 " cotton crop " •’ •’ 201,470 406 •• oat crop “ •' “ 172,472,070 Of these, cotton alone is taxed, and is all grown in eleven cotton States. 'J he pay ment of this tax by the South has not ex empted it from a full share in all the other taxes. Nothing was more strenuousiy guarded against by the framers of tiie Con stitution than partial and unequal taxation. This certainly made a strong case of un- constitutionality. It affects the South powerfully. Deciding the tax. legal is a direct establishment of the principle that populous sections of the Union can “levy” „, , __ . , contributions on weaker sections to any Edwin 11. Stmito . j cx tent. It is as bold and thorough an In- Af ter haring retired from public life.! fraction of tiie fundamental essence of the broken in health, and battered in fame, Mr. | Constitution as the reconstruction acts. Stanton seemed about to enter upon a new lease of political mark, as an Associate or two. Tub Constitution lias a special reporter in W ashington,. and will receive tele graphic and epistolary intelligence from the National Councils. Our foreign.and home correspondence is dally cnlanging. New features of interest wjll be added constantly. The latest news from the whole whrld is condensed in our columns dally. Now Is tiie time to subscribe. Begin witli tho now year. Our circulation has grown surprisingly in the last six months. And we are striving to make .such a live progressive, sturdy, reliable journal as will repay our readers for their patronage. Tho Third Party The Mobile Register thinks the “Third Party ” idea is not only scotched but dead. from certain accusations of impeachable offenses as Governor of Georgia. We shall to-day notice other remarkable statements of this letter. The Governor is charged witli using $55,000 of tbe State’s money, illegally. A grave charge, tills. This amount was drawn on the New York Fourth National Bank by drafts. To meet these drafts, or guarantee their payment.be hypothecated 7 per cent. State Railroad Bonds against the law. In his letter he dismisses tiie subject lightly, with the flippant statement that “all my action in that connection is fully covered by lawful authority, pnd lias been done in direct conformity with the stat utes.” We will quote thelaw for Gov. Bullock’s benefit: Section 1st of the Act approved Decem ber 13,1EGG, to be found in the ActsoflSGG, page 16, says that said-bonds are to be issued “in exchange for, or in redemption of the said old bonds of the State, fallin due in the years 1SG8.1869 and 1870. Nothing here about using these bonds to meet drafts for money illegally used in fixing up tiie State House that tiie city of Atlanta was to fix up, and a part of which was paid after the Legislature had declared that Governor Bullock had no authority in the matter. Section 8th of the Act, approved 12th of March, 1866. to be found in the' Act of 1865-6, page 20, says that the Governor can issue bonds “in renewal of bonds now due,” that were issued to raise funds to meet appropriations made for the repairs and equipment of the State road. Nothing here about money for State houses. The Governor dared not quote the law. He has violated the statutes of Georgia openly and unequivocally. His letter on this point, as on the others referred to yes terday, contains willful misstatements of facts, that are neither “eloquent” nor “able,”, hut simple, unadulterated false hood. We will probe this unique specimen of “ eloquence and ability ” still further here after. . SKATING WITH THE GIRLS. The Georgia Senators Elect. As some enquiry has been made as to tbe status of Messrs. Hill and Miller. Sen ators elect, under the recent act of Con gress, we publish from the full report of the debate "on that measure a question pro pounded by Mr. Moore, of Illinois, and the answer of Mr. Butler, who may be consid ered the father of the whole scheme : Mr. Moore, of Illinois—I would like to ask the gentleman one question. As I understand, this Legislature, while in ses sion and while all the members were pres ent. elected Senators to represent the State In the Senate of the United States. Now, if this will be passed, and the original Legislature be called together, will the status which existed at that time be re stored, and will tho election of those Sena tors be considered valid under tho bill ? Mr. Butler of Massachusetts. I am very much obliged to my friend for ptittingtlnit question, for I had intended to refer to It. This bill does no’t interfere with that mat ter at all. The question of the qualifica tions of persons chosen as Senators must be referred to the body in which they are to sit. I hold in my hand the report of tho Senate Committee, who. upon the question of tiie admission of Mr. Hill, report “that the Legislature violated the conditions un der which it was^ allowed to organize, by lermitting disloyal persons to paiticipate n its proceedings;” and that tiie commit tee conclude with tiie following recom mendation : Wherefore your committee feels called upon to recommend that Mr. Hill he not allowed to take his seat in the Senate, for the reason that Georgia is not entitled to representation in Congress.” o that the passage of this bill docs not affect that question. There may be. or may not be a new election of Senators after a loyal Legislature is assembled in that State. Goobers.—Little things sometimes get to be big ones in real importance. Peanuts are no “ small potatoes” themselves. The peanut production of Virginia is immense, and in Norfolk, is fast out-rival ing the old and famous oyster trade. The goober freight over the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad is a great source of freight. The production is steadily in creasing. Speculators are buying up farms for this purpose. Good land raises 123 bushels to tiie acre; and tbe price ranges from $2 to $2 75. Good soil for tbe goober is in fact poor soil. Tbe principal fertilizer i3 lime. Little cultiva tion is needed. The production grows largely every year. Already England imports our peanuts. So, hurrah for the goober3! Newspapers in Schools. Our Augusta correspondent, “ Ralph'.” throws out the idea for tho introduction C'f carefully edited newspapers in schools. In South Carolina, Professor Carlisle, of Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. But death took bin* in tiie very moment Mississippi tried it. but mired to the bot- of restored power. He has died, probably , tom. Alcorn beat Dent so badly, that the as little regretted as any public man of the inter has not even the comfort of a decent day. He possessed very considerable abil-; minority. The negroes voted solid for tiie . ity. and great energy, no was unsernpu- bitter-enders. They utterly refused to pull lous and bold. He seemed to be an exlia- jpg conservative* wagon. In Texas there lation of tiie war, springing into notoriety j was the same result. Davis lifted Hamii- in its rude turbulence, speeding a brash j ton out of bis boots. In Virginia, it is true noticeable career amidst Its turmoil, show- tiie Conservatives whipped, but what good lng many valuable war qualities, and grad- has their victory done them? They still ually paling out his savage vitality and pc- ; dangle out. and have the prospect of swal- cnliar usefulness as the revolution merged j lowing the full Radical dose before tbe Into peace. State will get in. In Tennessee the Con He was born In Ohio, and was fifty-four j servatives were triumphant, but already year* old at his death. the adumbration Of re-eclipse is visible. Hi* first advent into national public life j i n Louisiania an attempt is being made to was in December. I860, when President, coalesce Democrats and moderate Republi- Buchanan called him to be Attorney Gen-j cins on Warmoutli, but such prudent and cral in place of Judge Black, resigned, able Democratic journals as the New Or- Presldent Lincoln made him Secretary of leans Bee, are takiDg decided stand against War early in 1862. which position he held j ;t. until the middle of 1863, when be retired,! The Mississippi Democrats seem satisfied after having held a cabinet office for a long I with their trial of the third party notion, time under President Johnson, against that j and clamor tor a straight-out Democratic official’s wish. In conformity with party | policy as the only one. They talk right dictation for party purposes, and in viola- i trenchantly of the folly of their late course tlon of every dictate of personal honor and Certainly the Radicals give little encour- cvcry obligation of legal duty. ; agement to conservatism. Right nor prin- He attempted to emerge from private life ciple enter into any Radical calculations, during the Presidential campaign as a • The simple test is whether you will swal stump speaker, but he had no encourage-1 low Radicalism. If not, you need expect meat He found himself without respect, ; no favors, as a matter ol right, humanity or • rtVil i<va Finn he retired. tears will be shed upon his grave. Spartanburg, one of the ablest teachers in the South, used newspapers in his school. He had his reading and parsing classes use a daily paper in the place of books. And he would question his school each day up on the news of the previous day. The plan worked ad mirably. It not only improved the children in their parsing and reading better than tiie-ole us<- of tiie text books, hut it kept them posted upon the valuable even!.- of tiie world. General Howell Cobb. A memorial volume of General Howell Cobb, will be published early in January, by Samuel Boykin, of Macon. It will have 300 pages, and he illustrated with two fine steel portraits. The price for the dif ferent bindings will be 83 00. $4.50 and $600. jpp It will contain a biographical sketch by Gen. Wm.M. Browne, speeches and resolu tions upon his death, and offerings of friendship by distinguished Georgians. Parties wishing to subscribe, can address Mr. Boykin, at Macon, or J. B. Lippincott & Co., 715 Market street. Philadelphia. The Situation in Georgia. Brother Forney still gets an occasional pop from the slander mill. Tbe following is tbe latest telegraphic morceau: Special Dispatch to the Chronicle.] BT XARCIE. Come, girls, get on your jockey liats, Dre«s in your skating suits, Be sure ro lace up «.nuely Your pretty little boots; And we will all go ska-insr. For the ice t« clear and bright. The moon will soon bo up, my de:.rs, We’!! nave a lovely night • Then 60on we’re off. a little bind Tucked snuely *ne?th each arm. While all tho boysare making love, And keeping dar'trg* warm. 'S * Oh! don’ry on think it’s jolly. Mixing up one’s self wi»h curls.. And goingo' ,, pn n>on light nighls. bkating with tho girls? But when It comes id putting on— Lor<I T ovf us ain’t it nice To hold the darling’s pretty foot! Yon luvc to be precise. \ For oft the skate won’t snugly lit: So with manv twists and twills. How ong it takes tho putting on L The skates or pretty girls! r The Toot’s so small, sff vory trim. The boot so high and neat; Perhaps a glirap-e f stockings white May cause your heart to beat! * It takes so long to put on skates n > Of pretty ones with curls; And yet. wo wish we always could Go skating with the girN! , JUDGE CABANISS.’ He Urges tbe Democratic? and Conservative Members i.'ot to Resign. FonsYTir, Dec. 2t? 1869. Col. I. JF. Avert/, Dear 8ir: A pressof business prevents me from r.-plyfng to but one question propounded in' your circular of the 27th Inst.: “ What is the course that patriotic mem bers of the Legislature should pursue for the interest of the state ? ” x My opinion is, that all who are embraced in the proclamation which lias been re cently issued, convening the Legislature, and arc eligible to seats, should attend promptly, and qualify and partake in the business of legislation.. It may be in-tlieir power to prevent much, barm being done; from a contrary course, Incalculable Injury may result. ... ’ ;,s| When tbe Constitutional Convention was called, the conservative portion of Unpeo ple stood aloof and declined to take any part in the election of delegates. It is now generally admitted that that was bed pol icy. it is hoped that such policy will not now be repeated by tbe Democratic and conservative members of the Legislature refusing or declining to take their seats. Let everyone attend, and let all who can conscientiously take the prescribed oath, take their seats. They are very nearly, if not quite equal in number with those of opposite politics, and they hare tip pre ponderance of intelligence and influence. Let it be exerted for tho good of the State. Upon the other question propounded in your circular, I have-not the time i:pw to give my views. All that* I have to iay is, that tho members of theXogUIature .-mould meet tiie case as.lt Is, and legislate accord ingly. If the 'Legislature is provisional merely, accept the situation, and do the best in their power for the interest 6T the State. My policy 1s, prevent harm from being done; that can not be accomplished by non-action. Very respectfully, "• E. G. CabaniSs. OUR STATE CORRESPjfrVDV? ESOE. \ Christmas at Greensboro—Mrs. Clayton’s Entertainment—Cotton —Reconstruction. Greensboro, Ga., Dec. 27,1869. Bear Constitution—The memory'ol-the oldest inhabitant or this ancient village, so far as lam informed, does not run back to a more bleatacloudy, misty, stormy, mud dy Christmas thnn the one which has just passed away. And yet it has been one of a good deal of enjoyment. The usual amount of crackers and rockets, and fire works generally, have been exploded, and even the fantastics had their annual mus ter. Service was held here on Christmas day in the Episcopal (Church ? also on the day succeeding, which were well attended, not withstanding the inclemency of tho weath er. The church had been most beautifully decorated for the occasion, and flowers and evergreens in beautiful wreaths and gar lands, tastefully arranged by fair and artis tic hands, conspired, with the impressive lessons for the season, to render the occa sion one of pious joy and gladness. On last night, Mrs. Clayton and her ac complished daughters gave a very sumptu ous and handsome entertainment to the teachers and pupils of the Episcopal Sab bath School, the Rector and his faraily f and other members of the congregation. The spacious rooms of tiie hospitable mansion were early filled, and the hours passed swiftly and merrily away, amid feasting, mirth and song. For myself, I have rarely ever spent an .evening more pleasantly; and could our Radical friends at tbe North have looked in upon the merry group, they would have seen that, in spite of their kindly offices in our behalf, there is life, and joy. and beauty, too. in our old land yet. Cotton is still coming in, and merchants seem. busy. Persons from different sec tions of the North and West occasionally look in upon us, and purchases have been made by them in several instances, both in this and adjoining counties. I am no poli tician, but it strikes mo that all kinds of business, outside of politics, both at the North and South, must suffer by re-open ing tho reconstruction question. • Why will not the people of the North learn, that not only their national interests, but their po litical and social destiny, are involved ir a proper and early solution and settlement of our Federal relations- c With the salutations of the season, I am yours, etc. • X. Rome. Dec. 2S. 1S09. Editor Constitution, Atlanta—I will drop you a few lines whilst running this morn ing, as I suppose you and the people of Atlanta, as well as the citizens of Rome, will rejoice over tho Mayor’s election. Mr. H. A. Smith was elected by 80 or 100 votes. Wish there was a State election in Georgia to-morrow. Truly your friend, j Conductor. bound, let us make them as harmless as ■ ing all their members eligible. On the possible. There is no want of self-respect 1 -* " in defending yourself against the public enemy in the only way possible. And again: What is to be gained by the lack of a quorum ? Haye the Radicals not already decided in the Indiana case that they have the right to make any number a quoru m. provided they are present, whether it be fifty or five? And what is to prevent tbe Radicals of Georgia from doing the same thing, and being sustained by Con gress ? Let everybody included in Meade’6 proc lamation be in Atlanta on the 10th of Jan uary. and take the oaths, if they can. And another thing we would suggest: If they have power in the matter, make the session as brief as possible. We need no legislation, beyond the civil appropriation bill, that we cannot wait for until next winter.—Savannah Republican. WE CANNOT arA^ A DEMOCRATIC. VOTE. What shall we do in the premises? We say. alter mature reflection, the first thing to be accomplished, is to cultivate a spirit of kindness and forbearance toward those in our own party who differ with U6 on the question of ratification. Those members of the Republican party in the State who have, from the first, op posed the extreme and violent measures of Bullock and Blodgett, and who are now, wo think, opposed to this last crowning outrage—such men as Akerman, Josh Hill, Fannin, Angier, Farrow, the McWhorters, Holden, Jordan, and the like, who are fully Identified with the best interests of the State, and who must view with alarm the efforts which Buliock, Blodgett & Co. are making to destroy our social organism and inaugurate hell in our midst, will, we hope, co-operate with all true friends of virtue and of the State, in proper efforts to defeat the schemes of Bullock and the extremists. But to accomplish any good results in this direction we cannot spare a single Democratic vote. If members yielding, to what we must consider counsels not well considered, shall voluntarily absent them selves upon the assembling of the Legisla ture, all will be lost. Sucli a course, is what Bullock most desires. It will enable him to take perfect and absolute control of.botb Houses, and dictate just sucli measures ns he may. desire enacted. Such a course yields in advance the whole position to the enemy. It will require years of suffering, of insult, of outrage, and perhaps of vio lence and blood, to regain our lost ground. Those members of the Legislature who adopt- the stay-away policy incur a vast re sponsibility—a responsibility which tiie people who elected them will surely call them to account for. They have the means within their grasp of defeating Bullock. These they must use to the best of their ability.—Augusta Chronicle. THE GEORGIA PRESS. ■Wliat it has to Say on the Situa tion. ullock Whitewashed. Atlanta. Dec. 24—The proposition to obligation. I call a convention of the people of Georgia Let the knowledge not be lost on Geor- j to protect them against the late action of gia. ; Gongreas meets with universal ridicule. _ —. . Governor Bullock’s proclamation, call- Gcorgia Appointments. : ing the provisional Legislature together on LET NONE RESIGN. We can not agree with our “Die-in-the' last-ditch” contemporaries, who advise all Democratic members of the Legislature to resign. Such counsel is about as sensible as that which kepi decent men out of the Convention that framed the present Con stitution, and equally as hurtful—provided any shall be so foolish as to heed it. The man who deserts his post in the hour of danger, will never again be called upon to stand guard for Georgia.—Albany Neics. LITTLE HOPE UNDER ANT FACTS. For our part, we have very little hope of a Conservative remainder large enough to effect any good, after Bullock and Terry shall have fixed np a Legislature to suit themselves and their party, and still less that Congress would permit a Conservative majority to control the body, even if It could be left after the purging and substi tution already required.— Columbus En quirer. LET THE MEMBERS ATTEND. THE GEORGIA BILL. An Able Discussion of it From Strong Authority. Ed. Constitution: From some of the com ments on the late reconstruction Bill of Congress for Georgia, very erroneous im pressions are entertained as to the provis ions of said act. -It is said by some that all the acts of the Legislature are declared void; that we must have a new reorganization of our Judicia ry; that Bullock and Joe Brown are to be nur Senators; that Bullock Is to bring upon tiie country the “ loyal malitia ” to'seourge. etc ,'etc. The whole of this Is bosh. It is an iniquitous hill, and will render every man connected with it infamous in due time, hut the Congress has not been guilty of the folly thnscharged. The original Morton bill did require the Military Commander to convoke the Leg islature, but tbe bill as passed, required tho Governor of the State of Georgia to issue ti.e proclamation, etc. Not Provisional Governor, as lie signs himself to the pro clamation ; not members of a “ provisional legislature,” as be calls them, but summons all ‘-persons elected to tho General As sembly”—the very term used in our Con stitution. Again, it is said that a large number of those elected, would be unable to take tiie oath prescribed in said act: and hence, Bullock can fill their places with bis own friends, and have everything his own way, and that he would swim in luxury etc. This Is all bosh too. This bill gives no such power to tho Governor or Provis ional Governor; ho is to summon such as were oeclared elected by “Gen. Meade’s Proclamation.” He can not go out into the highways and hedges and hunt up a hungry crew to feed at his feast; these de clared elected, are his people, his crowd— none others. But shall it be said that section 121, of the Code, would control and give the place to the next highest. If the Code isto govern, then all these elected are eligible, and there can be no vacancy. But if the Code is to be authority, then section 120, declares the acts of persons in office, who are ineligible, •• valid as tho acts of an officer de facto.” So that our law (and the act of Congress does not conflict with it,) declares valid all the acts of this Legislature, in cluding the appointment of Judges and election of Senators, and this would be so, even if every member of both Houses were unable to take the oath. But what is tbe oath. I say that it is only the 14th Amendment—no more, no less. The phraseology is a little different, but the meaning is precisely the same. As proof that my view of this oath Is correct, this Act provides two oaths. The latter provides that upon taking the oath— that such person had been relieved of their disabilities by act of Congress, in com pliance with tho provisions of the 14th Amendment—then such person shall be eligible, etc. If the first oath includes any thing but the provisions Of the l4tb Amend ment, how is it that persons relieved under the 14th Amendment can be rendered eli gible? This is conclusive upon the point. If this oath had not been required of members, not one could have retained his seat, wlio can not now take this oath, for tbe 14th Amendment is declared to be the law of the land, and sueb person would be ineligible under it. In the latter case, it would have been the duty of each House to have purged its roll, and to have excluded those disqualified; in the former, as under this bill, the purging is upon the con science of each member, who Is required to take the oath prescribed, under heavy pen alties. It was intended to scare off tbe “faint-hearted,” and such as have a con tempt for usurpation and tyranny. I do trust that in this, as in other vital matters, in the reconstruction measures, that Geor gians will show now, as they have shown, that they are “ masters of the situation.” The language of tho oath*is deceptive, and must be studied to be understood. To render a person ineligible, he must have held some oneof tbe several offices specified, before tbe war, and besides this, be must hare done one or all the acts specified in the oath. If such person had been guilty of all the acts specified in the second and third clauses of the oath, this, of itself. i3 not a disqualification, unless such person 18th of July, 1868, he writes Gen. Meade, communicating this Information, and pro testing against the decision of each House, and insisting that each member should be required to take the test oath, etc. To which Gen. Meade, under date of 20th July. 1868, replied: “I have now to advise and instruct you that each House having complied with re quisitions of my communication of the 18th inst.: by examining into. and deciding on, the eligibility of their members, under the acts of Congjess and the 14fft Article Constitutional Amendment,! have no fur tber opposition to make to their proceed ing to the business for wkich they are called together, as I consider them legally organized from the lSt^inst. - Yours respectfully, George G. Meade, Major General Commanding. What, then, is the meaning and purpose of the act? It was to put each House as it stood when Gen. Meade dislodged them, legally organ ized. by restoring the colored members As Bollock contended tiiat each House had erred, the oath was prescribed for the pur pose of satisfying and silencing all carping and objections about the matter. When this is done, then all is right and proper, and the Legislature can proceed to exercise the law-making power of the State, just as they have done up to the last adjournment. Some say that the Legislature is required to pass the loth Amendment before Geor gia is restored to the Union—this Is a great mistake. Georgia was, in fact, never out of tho Union; she tried to get out and failed. But Congress settled tills matter in July, 1868, by declaring Georgia returned to the Union, and admitting her Represen tatives. She has never been excommuni cated since. This act treats her as a State fully, hut requires that before her Repre sentatives shall he admitted to their seats in Congress, the Legislature must adopt the 15th Amendment. This is the boon oflered for this act—the loss of the money and honor (save the word) to our members, is the sacrifice we are to make for not doing It. But I will discuss this question of the 15th Amendment in a future number, and show that many erroneous opinions arc entertained of its premises. It is my deliberate opinion, tiiat if tbe members of the Legislature do their duty under this'act. that there will be*in both Houses a working majority against Bul lock, and tbe State will bo safe from his folly and fraud. Dougherty. J Georgia who possess ready means will cer tainly move to a place of security.” 4. The construction of railroads and fac tories will cease. 5. Labor will ngain be disorganized, and as a consequence no crops made. 6. The lands of the State depreciated. 7. The credit of business men seriously injured. 8. A general loss of confidence, followed by lawlessness and violence. Such must be the inevitable effects of the act “to promote reconstruction in Geor gia.” What will Bullock Co ? 1. He will organise a Legislature that will do whatever he says. Does not the) WHY DON'T THE GIRLS PROPOSE t “ The men arc sly,” tb" ladies crv. “ Their minds they’ll not disclose : ” If this be so, I’d like to know Why don’t the girls propose? At splondid balU. in dazzling halls, Amidst a host of beans. With speaking eyes and well timed sighs, 1 ho Ladies might propose. Vo maidens fair, now laughing there, So ooyly with your beaux, Take my adrioe, don’t be o’er nice. They'll wed if yon propose. Then stem papas and cross mammas. All marriage schemes oppose. “S 4 ® 111 !* •!/. there's no cause why The belles should not propose. Poor Martha Moarg.Tor-ihirty years. To wedlock was opposed; *1"VST:ihIdp^^ n ^ h,mpcrin « B ’ te '• Then pity take, for Hnneo's sake, ' On these unhappy beaux, Who are. poor elves, too shy themselves A marriage to propose. Foreign. The acquittal of OVerend, Gurney, and others of the charges of fraud, causes gen eral satisfaction in London. ..... ™ jPHj . 4 Salnave has been driven into Port au act give him this power? For the day has Prince, and threatens to bum the place be- passed to say, so and so can not be done, j fore he surrenders. Men said, In solemn accent?- that Congress dare not pass this very act. Notwithstand ing, It has been done. _ 2. After having a Legislature organized to suit him, “ the Governor,” will settle his obligations to Congress by ordering tbe adoption of tho loth Amendment. That An Imperial decree has been issued ma king a new postal arrangement between France and the United States, by which letters arc to bo pre-paid. Tiie Cuban Government are banishing done, Congress loses sight of Georgia and : Prominent Cubans to Spain, and think this turns its attention to Tennessee, or some mov 0 will result in breaking up tho revo- other field for vengeance and rapine. i lution. 3. “The Onromnr” will order, the pa8- 3. “The Governor sage of an act to organize a colored militia for the better security of life, liberty and property, and for the further prevention of Ku Klux outrages Tho lease of the Bav of Samana docs not £ Te entire satisfaction to the people of St. Domingo, and an attempt will bo made , IT to displace Baez before the United States 4. He will fill-every office in the'State can ratify the treaty, with Ms particular friends. The London Times, in speculating on the action of tho (Ecumenical Council, c.v- 5. He will have an act passed for tiie pur chase of the Opera House, for half mil lion. 6. He will have an act passed Orderin'* tbe sale of the State Road. 7. An enormous tax will bo levied to build new lines of railroads, and to perfect a system of free schools. 8. An enormous amount of State lands will be issued, simply to bo sacrificed in the markets. 9. The State will bo plundered and bank rupted. A hungry swarm of Bullock’s attacbces pects some concessions to the enlightened sentiment of the age, but predicts "the de cree of the dogma of Papal infallibility. In a case on trial in Edinburg, evidence was introduced from Gen. McMahon, form erly United States Minister to Paraguay, and H. G. Worthington, United States Min- - istcr to Uruguay, which represented tho character of I.opcz as all gentleness and humanity. It is reported that a council of the royal TIio Meaning of tlio Georgia Bill- Bullock Lord and Master—Geor gia Sold Out to Him—What will ho the Effect of tho Bill—What Bullock will Do—Ruin and Rav age—The Deuce to Play-Cormo rants in Flight for Georgia—'The Remedy a Convention of tho People. Special Washington Correspondence.) Washington, Dec. 25,1869. Editor Constitution: Christmas, the re cognised birthday of the Son of God, is universally observed by the Christian world, and Is emblematical of the estab lishment of the Government of Christ over the Government of the Devil. Ergo.—'' An Act to Promote the Recon struction of the State of Georgia,” reverses this Christian decree, nnd enthrones in the State of Georgia tiie Evil Spirit of ven geance and Radicalism. The debates in the Convention of 1787, show what was the meaning the framers placed upon every word and lino of the Constitution, aa it came from their hands. And so, by the act just passed, “ to promote the reconstruction of the State of Geor gia,” the debates of Congress, now a mat ter of record In the Congressional Globe, must be'BnrJU-tf To discover ttio rcaTTiic.Sir- ing of the measure. As time will show, those authorized to execute this Act upon the people of Geor gia, will find in those debates their author ity for any enormity they may think prop er to perpetrate. The Act is as insidious as it is ingenious, and it is well calculated, as itwas designed, to mislead the credulous people of Georgia. I now say to the peo ple of Georgia (as they will see for them selves, before the ides of March,) that this Act makes Rufus B. Bullock their lord and master. Asa certain monarch said of him self. he is, by tills Act. the State—the abso lute ruler of the people of Georgia; he is the embodiment of the authority of Con gress, as he is the appointee of Congress. From the mandates of Mr. Bullock there is no appeal, not even to the President of the United States. In fact, this Act of Con- greM U the first on record which makes the President of the United States secondary in authority, as ail executive officer. Sec tion 7tli of the Actreads as follows: “ And be It further enacted, That upon the appli cation of the Governor of Georgia. the Pres ident of the United States shall employ such military and naval forces of the United States as may be necessary to en force and execute proceeding provisions of this Act.” Pending the passage of this Act, the files of the Congressional Globe will show that Senator Casserly moved to substitute the name of the President of the United States for that of the “ Governor of Georgia,” in the seventh section quoted, and that the motion only received the votes of the Dem ocratic Senators. The same day on which the President gave his signature to the Bullock-Georgia Act, Gen. Terry was as signed to the military command of the new district of Georgia. Gen. Terry, therefore, by this new assignment to duty, is to pro tect the “trooly loll” of the Empire State, and especially the immaculate person “ the Governor,” and at tbe same time will, doubtless, be tbe chief of a drum-head court martial to try and sentence all those wlio may offend “ the Governor.” or other wise (in the judgment of “the Governor”) refuse to “ promote reconstruction in Geor gia.” What was the object of this Act, and what will be its efl'ect. Senator Morton frankly declared the vote of Georgia Is absolutely necessary to secure the XYth Amendment, and without the passage of this bill the State of Georgia would never ratify it; and he had arrived at that con clusion from the tone and temper of the Democratic Press of Georgia. Congress, therefore, was willing to utterly destroj' the existing State government of Georgia, and with the aid of the army, and navy of the United States, to turn over tht. State to the absolute control and -management of Rufus B.Bullock. I use the words absolute control, for I challenge any friend or apolo gist of the Act to point out any word, line or section of the Act that restricts the au thority of Bullock in the least. All that was said about the injustice of expelling the negroes of the Legislature, and other alleged outrages, really made no impres sion on tbe action of Congress. No proof was adduced that a single Radical had been killed in the State of Georgia since the sudden departure of Ayres and Adkins had before tiie war held some of the*offices early last spring. Caring nothing about specified. As an illustration: Gen. Meade the interests of the people of Georgia, and decided that Gen. Gordon, under the 14th being-actuated by a spirit of hatred, envy Amendment, was eligible to the office of and revenge, and bard pressed to secure the Governor. He caused as much Yan- adoption of the XYth amendment, this kte blood to-flow during the war as could only be done, said Senator Morton, any man that survived it. Gen- by the passage of the bill then under con era! Meade was right in his alderation. _ - • . , exposition of the law; for Gen. Gordon What then will be tbe effect of the Act? did not bold any of the specified offices be- How -will it operate? I refer to the de- fore the war. bates of Congress pending the passage of If Gordon could appear with tbe wed- the bill. More debates show, that after ding garment.in this “ loyal feast,” I ask packing the Legislature eo as to secure the who ought to hesitate to walk into his adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, that “high estate.” the Governor may do anything else he There area few members of the Legisla- pleases. If the Act does not mean this, it ture that did hold office before the war, and means nothing. The Act, in truth, is a it is a little remarkable, but such is the fact bill of sale of the State of Georgia, made that a larger number of such are Radicals at public outcry by Congress, and Rufus nominally, who are pardoned, and the case B. Bullock is the purchaser, and the com- of each member in question wa3 closely pensationis to be the adoption of tbeXVth and fully investigated, and the evidence in Amendment. When the Governor^ has com each case was reported to the House, and by an overwhelming majority,every mem' ber of both Houses was sustained and held to be eligible. This proceeding was had hovered around the Capitol pending the I 4®»Uy of Italy has been held to decide ihc passage of tho Georgia outrage, and now question of tho candidacy of tho Duke of that the deed has been consumated. with Genoa to the Spanish throne. The Snan- ? ’ ar r", C l b , eak ^ a , nd y oraclou s Stomachs, ish Government and his partisans have not the flock is beginning to move Southward, vet eiven nn • ,. r. t Their threats of vengeance and gain found I J S Cn ! ‘he hope of making him kmg-. free utterance after the passage of the Act. I Poor Georgia will be denuded of tho his; Frimev Ti^ . V Selected ix ounce of flesh and robbed of her la«t P re * e ° t ID0 « 0 of »PP»intl ng penny. ■ bishops m Europe is curious, as lllnsim- Ten thousand carpet-baggers are now! w?,f„i, t , l i O „SS nncct ‘ 0 i n ^' ate of ready for the journey to Georgia; many < ,i ^ hp C ^ o 0 n U i^ c = , n c i}', Co ' r ‘ 1(!l1 Doxpect:- on the way, and the rest only waiting » T ,, c C^r appoints to irocure transportation from the head ofh, nn t ij“ t b ?J? 0, ^! cs , ^u p f ia - The Sultan Freedman’s Bureau. They will be at the SEPSlSSishops throughout meeting of tho Legislature. p. Austria, in Will tho people of Georgia fold their I Portugal theCrownappolnls the arms, and submit quietly, to bo plucked P i - ll0 Pl’.? n<1 _ tllat ‘ too, when the first-' HMHMijiiieUuPHHI and oppressed? Those who advise sub mission arc certainly not the true friends of Georgia. What then is the remedy for the threatened evils? We answer And when we say a Convention of tho people, wo mean a Convention of the Dem isterof the Crown, as in the caso of Aus tria, is a Protestant. The Pope, indeed has a veto, but Ills veto is limited by tho condition of its resting on strictly canoni cal ground. Even in Protestant Prussia, a Lutheran King practically appoints the nodiyl,;!;; State Of Geortrin. The Amerienn fnrKrrnss I thOBame Way that tllC 1 O|o; . veto I- m the cases already mentioned. The interest which some of the European Powers take ocratic or conservative party of Georgia. The Pope, 1,1 fart. nomi For only such a Convention would repre- f :i 1 vct ° sent the property and respectability or the State of Georgia. The American Congress know this fact as -.veil as any citizen of Georgia. Then wo say. let a ‘Convention of the people be held without delay—not later than the lOtli of January, if possible, and let that Convention be composed of the best people of the State, including tiie con servative members of the Legislature, and such Republicans as are ‘opposed to Bul lock’s schemes. , If such a convention should be held, and an address made by it to Congress, and signed by tho members thereof, pledging the adoption of tho 15th Amendment, and the reseating of tho negroes, there is no question, in the humble judgment of your correspondent, hut what Congress would repeal the act complained of. Sucli assur ances have been freely given by thosmvho " ‘ Tho ant oonldP^ver hot Bullockexldbltod to the Reconstruction Committee tho files of all the Democratic journals of Georgia, opposing the adoption of the 15th Amend- mend, and the reseating of the negroes. Now that the State is in distress, there can bo no dishonor in acceding to llic require ments of Congress. The alternative is now presented to the people of Georgia—whether they will qui etly submit to the rule of Bullock and a carpet-bag and negro Legislature, or will they hold a convention and pledge them selves to the adoption of the loth Amend ment and the reseating of the negroes, and ask Congress to repeal the act. That is the question. It docs seem that the people of Georgia should not hesitate to make an effort for tiie repeal of this act—through a Convention. It is the only mode of redress left them. 1 believe it would succeed. Whether their presence is necessarv to] under the order of Gen. Meade; the result • •_ *;°ro*ogwperiwi congt jt u te a quorum or not. they should be was reported to him and he was satisfied The following appointments In Georiga | “2 l™ 1 . : there to prevent mischief, if nothing else, with it. Thi» action was taken early after *ton chronicle contains, havfl confirmed by the Senate: I SSfJjSSSJtmTand to the ’• Tbis mnch wiU P robabl F ^ in their power, the organisation, and before the colored Governor Bullock, in re- postmasters—Wesley Prettyman, Mari-1 jn^olou- condit’onMGeor "a 0 ™ 1 and tbey owe ic t0 the long-suffer-1 members were excluded. * ade against him. I etta, Ga.; David Barwold, Araericus, Ga.; Walter L. Clift, Savannah, Ga.; Frederick! ___ „ ^ - ... j protection tney can. ms imiy io ue mm-1 puuiumru in me report oi wn. anaoe; South Carolina, maoc. j^Grange Ga. Gen. D. H. Hill proposes starting a. )n£t al)out - illegality.” “ self-respect” and and I suppose may also be found in the speech defending; Assessors of Internal Revenue—Robert j weekly paper in Charlotte, on the 6th of. a |fthat sort of thing. Because, the Legis- published proceedings of the Legislature. ing people of Georgia to give them all the > This ts an Interesting document, and Is protection they can. It is follv to be talk- J published in the report of Gen. Meade ing about two ; Clark, Second District of Georgia; John January next, to he styled the Southern ) a ture la illegal, is no reason why we shall j yards of letter H. Gould, First Georgia. Conservative. I not be bound by their acts; and If to bo 1 The result of the action of each House was communicated to Got- Bullock declare Fact. Libby Prison is now a sumac factory. Five hundred persons make a living in Ncy^York by telling fortunes. A glass piano has just been invented by a Mexican genius. San Francisco has received $6,677,175 less gold and silver this year than last. Prince Napoleon has squandered $10,- 000,000 during tho last seventeen years. There is no daily paper in Maryland outside of Baltimore. London, Dec. 22.—The advocates of Papal infallibility arc losing ground in the Council Vittorio Emanuel Ferdinando Mara Gcn- narro Humbert Guiseppi Innoccnto is tho name of the new Italian baby. The year 1870 will have fifty-three Sat urdays. It comes in and goes out on Sat urday. Our Yankee neighbors have a saying that the human family is composed of “saints, sinners and the Beecher family.” Hundreds of men and women gain a livelihood at Louisville by skimming off the grease from Beargrass Creek, over which are extensive pork-houses. An incomplete list shows that over fifty in the Council Is easily understood; and the encouragement they give to bishops like tho Bishop of Orleans may l>o guessed. Bishop Dupanloupliadbecn SoexeesMvelv Tapal, that his declaration against a defi nition of the Pope’s infallibility came like a shock at Rome almost as severe a- Father Hyacinth’s letter. If the n il lake the other course, his lordship and tho-e wlio think with him will be in a fix. nnd they ;must either forswear all that they now so positively assert, or they nsu.-t leave tho church. We will not suggest a third ‘course—retaining their present opinions nnd professing the contrary—though she history of the church has 'precedents of the kind. Personal. Robert Browning's son and heir isou. of Oxford's best oars. John Stuart Mills’ works find much fa vor in Russia. The late Marquis of Westminster's .n- come was upward of a guinea a minute. Faber, the pencil maker, is said to lie so fat that he can’t walk alone. Abel R. Corbin, of this city, is in Cov ington, a guest of his fnthcr-in-Iaw, Jessie R. Grant. Tho autobiography of Medora Leigh, ed ited by Dr. Mackay, will rcopc-n the SU-wc- Byron scandal. I Hiram Towers’ statue of “ Eve,” now nearly finished, is said to excel hi* .“Greek Slave.” A son of Oliver Wendell Holmes is clerk of the Senate Committee on Foreign Rela tions. Minnie Haiick, the vocalist, has not met with tho success she anticipated in St. Pe tersburg. Napoleon the First’s opinion of the Pa risians has been unearthed. “Their judg ments,” said lie at St. Helena, “arc as grave as tho decisions of a monkey on metaphys ics.” Judge Hall, of the’United States District Court for the Western District of New York, has decided that the making of a gen eral assignment, without preference, by an insolvent debtor, is an act of bankruptcy. Mr. Hamilton, who is now supporting Hackctt at Booth’s New York theatre, was a wealthy planter before tho war, owning hundreds of slaves. Tho rebellion reduced him to poverty, and he took to tiie stage as a last resort. Lord Palmerston, eleven years ago, ex pressed the opinion that the Suez Canal scheme was the “greatest bubble ever im posed upon the credulity and simplicity of the country.” Robert Stephenson, tiie great engineer, who had conquered thn difficulties of the Kilsby Tunnel and built the Mcnal Bridge, endorsed Palmerston’s persons in ifew York city have their lives j opinion, stating tiiat the canal was “ physi- insured for $50,000, over twelve of them ! cally impossible.” for $100,000 and over, and two for $300,-1 a young son of Prince Napoleon has 000- just been placed at a public school. The chief of the institution waited upon the Prince to know how tho youth scholar— aged 7—should bo addressed. “Call him Victor,” was tho reply. “ But in tiie list of prizes?” “Victor Napoleon. To his com rades he must be Victor only. He must take or give thrashings as her and he may, and in no case must he be addressed aj Monscigneur.” tW A New York girl has got her skating costume from Paris, and this is it: A full plain skirt of dark brown cloth falls just below the knee; this skirt is trimmed upon the edge with seal skin fur about four inches broad. Underneath the skirt are worn Knickerbockers, which meet rather hiah plied,-his title is complete and he may manage his property a3 may suit his inter ests. That the Governor will manage the State to promote his varied interests, none can doubt, from his known shrewdness in busi ness matters. What will be the effect upon the interests of tbe people generally can be easily understood. 1. All emigration to Georgia will cease. 2. persons living beyond the limits of Georgia will not likely invest their means in a district controlled by military author- During the month of November the re ceipts of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railrood were as follows: Passenger traffic, $35,721 75; freight, $76,133 14, makings total of $111,857 89. Over 250,000 people asked for tickets to witness the ceremony of the opening of the French Legislative Chambers this season, and only one lady out of every 200, and one gentlemen out of each 380, succeeded. Gen. Chamberlain was married to Miss Alice C. Ingersoll, one of the prettiest Maine girls in Washington, on Thursday evening. President Grant attended the wedding. on.. tfirniKrh the Cnm - boots, a la Russe, trimmed with the same Tto.dtyof Buffalo, throngh the kind of fur . over the skirt is worn a sort mercial Advertiser, lajs claim to tho pos-. of vest s ] e evcs, of the same cloth as session of more mischievous boys than any | skirt, and fastened with large plain city of its size in the country.. Reference i irold buttons. Over this, made open to the is made to boys who indulge in “feats of I front so as to show the vest, is a seal skin pure and unadulterated cusscdncss.” , jacket, made to fit pretty closely to the flg- „ . , ure and extending down Just over the Eugeme has an annual sale of old clothes i pipg. white linen collar and cuffs the col- at the Tuileries, and as she never wears a jar fastened with a matciot knot and the dress or bonnet more than once, a year’s ; cuffs with plain buttons to match those on collection makes a magnificent show. The i the vest, and a jaunty seal skin cap com old garments are generally bought up by ; pletes tbis pretty costume, the valets and women of tho wardrobe, who dispose of them to the great dealers! Acquitted.—Col. Tom Taylor, lorm-.-r.r in Paris, who again sell them to their cus-. commanding tho first Kentucky regiment towers at immense prices. in the Confederate army, and who killed a Captain Cleveland in Mobile, several ity. a@- Mr. Eldridge (Dem. Wisconsin( months sinco, was acquitted laat week, after spoke in opposition to the bill. He said «> exciting trial, fasting several daya. that one of the saddest things in connection “ c‘,""p£irl has reformed, with discussion in this House was, that the ih ®vou rccenti*. some money at the Ba- House had almost ceased to bo a delibera- den-Baden fumbling he»i. and with Uahe tive body, and that its action was dictated bought a little villa at Belloville. where ahe to it by the leading partisans of the Re-, »>yg she will live in strict retirement...Her publican party. diamonds arc said to be worth ne«iy three puuiu.au p J ^ hundred thousand francs, and a leading VfT Rooms have been engaged ata New Parisian jewelry firm haa^ , 3. All persons residing in tbe limits of | pied next May. indistinct print I