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Journal & SJlfssntgtr. !
J. KNOWXES and S. ROSE,
EDITORS AND I’UOPUIKTORS.
.. r - - L - ~i— .
CO-OPERATION.
AcorsTA, Ga., Dec. f. IW. I
Editors of the National Intelligencer:
Gentlemen —Knowing well your attachment to ’
the Federal Union, and your sympathy with the
Southern States of the Confederacy, in these per- j
ilou9 times, I ask the privilege of presenting, j
through your valuable journal, a few suggestions, >
which, if they serve no good purpose, will at least !
be harmless. A caret'll and anxious observer of i
the progress ol event*, menacing the stability of 1
oar Government — a Unioo man from early man- ‘
hood, yet profoundly seneibb* of the wrongs done j
and threatened to that portion of the country to !
which I am native. I am note oither young enough *
to find attraction in charge of Government, or i
congeniality in high-wrought popular excitement,
nor old enough to heed the suggestions of timidi
ty, counselling the surrender ot cherished birth
rights, rather than encounter the perils, small or
reat, that wait vipoa their -pirited maintenance.
would not, even under a sense ♦>< wrong—of
grievous wrong— abandon tlic Government framed
by our Revolutionary focefathers, until every hope
lu experiment for redress within it had becu tried
in vain. But who is the Southerner who can now
wrap his mantle aitont him and lav himself calmly
down to sleep'under the delusive whisper** of peace,
j>* ace, when there is no pears/
I have applied to the tiroes in which we lire the
epithet perilous, and he raul he fatally blinded hy
passion and prejudice who doe* not see the perils
that enviroo the Federal Union. The sectional
controversy out of which the peril* .spring, alter a
steady progress through more than half ‘>, r year*
of the Republic, i* now culminating in a crisis,
whose alternative results most be either immediate
reaction or irreconcilable disruption. The prevail
ing feeling at. the Booth now is vastly dilTereoi
from that which obtained in the commotions of
1832 and ]&&>. In tho-e times conservative men
rose, in tic strength ol patriotic zeal, to beat back
und put down as political adventurers, and disturb
ers of the public peace and tranquility, all nho
talked of disunion a* a rentedv lor our wrnn"*.
Now they realize that Southern forbearance l±a
been abased; they declare that tl.e oe.- itfoa ol
irritation on the subject of slavery both a right
and a necessity of the Sooth; they tue resolve.f to
r.chieve it, within the Union if they mar, aithont
it if they must. The only question i-> w hether the
thoroughly-awakened -spirit of out people can he
moderated to one more effort in the former or
whether they will instantly advance ui the U-ror
mode of redress.
This is no exaggeration ; it is a faithful repre
sentation of the state of feeling in tbe more South
ern States, and tbe sooner it i? realized bv the
border Southern States, and all others wno Value
our present political status, the better. They who
would preserve this Union, even for one brief vear,
E ust be up and doing. There imi*t he no thought
of “masterly inartivlly” That way sometimes
Toil the machinations of wity diplomacy, but a* a
barrier against toe onward, desoitiing course of
civil discord, of sectional eootroversv, its tvpe i*
the spider s web betore the wcep of tlie tornado.
Let there, then, be neither speech nor thought of
(pnet .submission So at least sy tenj of thous
ands in this latitude, who arc denominated
suwtMid by the advocates ot iromediate extreme
action.
it were bootless to pause here to enumerate
Southern wrong-, ot to indicate the change which
one brief y#at Jus wrought in the nspeet'of politi
•al affairs. These are apparent to the intelligent
observer. Tise engrossing problem h, the remedy
to be adopted. It is nor proposed in this eonnec
tion, to addre.-** ooc word to our Nootbern confed
erates. It will be seer, tow ami by w.nom the
writer would have them addressed. To the peo
ple of the Southern States he wow'd speak—with
them he would take counsel.
The extremes of opinion, regarding appropriate
Southern action, are immediate secession ***<l en
tire non-action. Those occupying the former posi
tion are intelligent, patriotic, and numerous—tilled
with a zeal (in my humble opinion) not according
to knowledge, but well-nigh if not absolutely irre
pressible. They wiio maintain the latter are too
lew in number to man effectively a stronghold if
they had oue. But there is a middle ground, and
they too, who occupy it are numerous intelligent,
and not the lees resolved or the less reliable, be
cause they are moderate. And here it naav not
be inappropriate to remind Georgians and other
Southerners, who agreed to stand with them upon
what is called the Georgia platform, that from that
platform, constructed tea year* since, not a plank
has been torn by the Scry zeal and the strong arm
of fanaticism. There it stand- to-day, iur'iotah.
Other modes of annoyance ami aggression have
been devisod, but not one of tho-: we declared
we would not tolerate has been perpetrated. This
t* noteworthy. But reference is made to that sol
emn declaration of sovereign will ar.d indention
for another purpose.
After enumerating aggree-kms, then threatened.
Georgia said, that upon the perpetration of anv
one of them she would—do what: Forthwith se
cede from the Union? No. But that she would
“ resist, even (as a last resort) to tbe disruption of
every tie that binds her to rhe Union.” Mark,
now, firstly, that platform has not beeu infracted ;
and, secondly, that had it been, Georgia was
pledged to ultimate resistance bv secession, only
when that became “a last report. ‘ f reemen and
Patriots of tbe rioutfa, in rlic emergency pressing
on you to-day, this Ls not the only “rCsort.” There
is an untried experiment, abort *ot that u lust re
sort, ’ full ol hope, worthy a* well of the faithful
devotee of the 1 ntoc as of the zealous champion
of Southern rights. That experiment is joint ac
tion of the entire Boutb, to lie obtained bv a Con
vention of the {--outhern ritau-s, and through that
Convention, to be exerted, entity for tire vindica
tion and assurance ot our rights within the Union :
find failing this, turn, v'vvi iy, for their s-uv/ta
r. tons, dignified and peaceable withdrawn! iron- lie
Union. This Coavcntion ah onto present to the
i ederai and to the U*c non
fdavehoicing Suites, with unaiiinitv, *ud with all
possible distinctness, their ot* adherence
to the Union.
What that ultimatum ahou'd b< the wrifer nLil
sot venture to ougguit. Let mat he h* work of
•wistr heads, ci long tri*d and fu’k
proven Practical wi-uo:n, akied !.f tr-p light* ot
experience, can ccnsinlv rirvi.**** which,
ff accorded to us, wiH ’accomplish the end pro’
p.>Bed. Let it he . II considered and j.ui forih
without menace or bluster, in the calm, dignified
language of settled purpose. If it he heeded, *v7/.
Ihe tide of tauaucism roiied d*ek, nescc and har
mony restored, thia great Rep-ablir. returning to
it* ancient usages, aeUtt? within the *<-o|>c of its
constitutional limitation*. will go on to illustrate
ihe grand theory of popular ooveroigritj, ar.d to per
petuate thennexaiapted pro*p iitv in all branches
ct huir.en indasti v, ihi 4 day enjoyed t*r our peo*
pie. and acknowledged L the cirilized World. 11
unheeded, then. conscious of hating done all that
iOrteara , ee ran to .• -el, cJu suggest, or patri
tiam demand, to -uve from demolition the noblest
governmental structure reared iu all the com—- of
un * tje Southern St a tea a-r-urediy ta ill nav, of
necessity, Mat t withdraw from a Conte.leroi no
longer compatible with their interest or “their
honor. Then nay they take counsel together for
tha construction of anew Government, framed of
aoinogeueous materials, larg* enough in territon,
strong enough in population, and rich enough jil
resources, thus, “without tear and without re
proach, claiming from other nations the recotroi
tion of a separate nationality.
Whet objection cxi-ta to this course ol aclion?
It is said, firstly, that the South cannot he muted
upon it. This w a gratuitous assumption. The ob
jection can never be substantiated until the trial
shaU have been made, if no*, in this, in what oth-
f r the South be united * Rreatbcs tiiere,
In ail the sUvehoiding States, a far-seeing, rethxi
;ag man, who would not concede that, in the adoii
tion of this extreme action, it is irt tire l ist dert-. j
desirable that there should b- an-ng them a per
fect unity of act inn * hook for * moment at the
alternative -partial sec -Mon. Who is wise enough
to foretell, with the degree of certainty indi-mens*.
f.'ie to actiufa- so inorm-ntous. the number, names,
itnu relative localities of thooe who will promptly]
and without concert., elect to take it? Will there
~!? or tiirce four? Who knows? Will
wey beco-termlnous? Who can trU? Ah! if this
Confederacy u to be disrupted, let it nor he hartt
u.b° ke V t,to !ra^' T ' et,t "‘ *lk Incapable of eori-o-
TCr'’Lr°tL" trOD? V? rl: MUfl * oatUmaJay, ami of
*** atln fi republican govern merit.
“"'- h £
At moat Only a lew months, and whit are th*-vV
How wiu* t tM.T :^ P, a t r d J,:Uer ‘ J “i‘>nalitv?
. Wd this trivial delay in one scale
“s a^? £!: gri st desideratum of oonocried ar.l
“** aggrieved Htate*
he tnuL; * n<it *H rnen worthy to
one ot the lh "l mi - ht y work of breaking op
.xntely an.f oYf ‘ (jOT< ' ir, ®‘ nr of the nineteenth
r ut it M farther objected that
this action, if taken, will avail nothing; that we
shall at la*t tc driven to secesoion by the unheed
ing onward oour.-c of fanaticism. Here, again, we
hive io meet gratuitous assumption. Heretofore
re.*i*tauee has been offered by healed discussions
in the Halls ol Congress, or by resolutions adopt
ed in State legislatures, or Conventions acting
separately. Congressional speeches of ‘-outbern
Representatives tnve failed of success, because
each, differing often in tone and in matter from
ether* on the s-nn? side, was the utterance of but
cue man, and, though able and patriotic, uually
fulminating denunciation, defiance, and menace. !
The*?, though well meant and perhaps irrepressi
ble, but fanned the llante. They bul furnished the
pabulum on which fanaticism feeds and fattens. 1
The Other mode heretofore tried lacked the pow- 1
erful element of concert, of co-operation; and
even in it* singlcne-s, a before remarked, has not
been unheeded. But ir i not the repetition of
these we now propose.
Imagine tbe whole South, by a regularly organ
ized Convention, speaking with one voice to the
entire North, listening with the newly awakened
attention appropriate to so grave a movement;
remember the large and respectable minorities in
* many of the Northern States, composed of good
and true men who have never bowed the knee to
Baa!, and then compute the tens of thousands in
the tanks of the majorities who love the Union
and have never contemplated its dissolution as the
probable result of their crusade; who have gone
on. step hy step, deluded hy the assurances ol am
bitious leaders that the South would never venture
upon the extreme measure of disunion; review
calmly these elements of reactionary force, and
*ay i* it extravagant to assume that the former
would go forth again with renewed hope and en
ergy, their arms incalculably strengthened, s# do
haute for the I.aw9, the Constitution and the
Union? Is it Utopian to anticipate that the lat
ter, in view of our ultimatum, would retrace their
steps ?
But let us look on the dark side of the picture;
let u suppose the attempt to fail, as fail it may,
wliat then? Why, then, I repeat, we shall by
briet delay have secured that which probably can
tie scored in no other way— united action of the
South. Now, do not the promptings of prudence,
of fraternity, (among the- aggrieved, > and of pa
triotism commend the proposition to all Southern
heart* and minds v
1- has been said that Virginia will probably pro
pose such u conference, and a voice from South
Carolina has ventured the prediction that no South
ern State will second her movement. Rut this is
not tbe voice of South Carolina speaking to Vir
: ia. it may well le hoped that she will return no
negative response. Lei those who ride ou the
whirlwind and direct tbe storm ot popular excite
ment, remember that success in thp mighty enter
prise they have in hand demands that they unite,
fit-t, the masses, constituting the several sove
reign ies involved; and, secondly, the sovereign
ties themselves. i*et them consider whether any
other plan of action *o surely promises the hearty
co-operarion of nil hearts and all minds in the
work of polling down and reconstructing govern
ments. I.et them beware how they despise either
the scruples or tite reasonable request* of others
as patriotic, .as firmly resolved on redress, and
nearly as numerous as themselves, if there be
either individuals or States claiming to wield an
influence so potential, essaying to -peak in a voice
*o commanding in ihe exodus, what may we ex
pect in the transit through Ihe wilderness, what
upoaourentrar.ee into the promised land? All
profess io aim at redress. Hence, in two words,
the secret ol success, gently whispered, “Fkstina
i.rntr.”
Onward, then, \ rginia—venerable mother of
states, noble Old Dominion; iuvite your sister
confederates of the couth to meet you in confer
ence, and if theie be any hope of the future, in or
out of the Union, ii we l*e not doomed to anarchy
and misrule, they will come at your bidding. And
thou, too, gai’ant South t -trolina, whose chivalric
acci are always “ op it petrali,” act il
you wiU, but, in the name us frwtei nity, first take
counsel with n.*. Southern sister States* alt hear
the appeal, and, in view of your grave responsi
bilities, answer it. All Lave a common interest, a
common destiny. Let each hear all the others
touching the tortner; Jet the shaping or the latter
in every stage, from first to ln*f, be the work of
am.. Should divided counsels finally prevail—
should some stay while othcr9 go—lot thia be an
inevitable result, not a foregone conclusion.
LOWNDES.
A Wwiitbern Lotivenifou,
The National Intelligencer in on able article ad
dressed “To the I’eople of the Southern States,”
proposes as a measure suited to the present crisis,
a Convention of Delegates from the J-outhem
States. The Intelligenccr says:
‘•So long as the prevalent spirit of dissatisfaction
is suffered to find expression in words of individ
ual menace and of individual demand, it Ls idle to
Lope for any intelligent apprehension of our polit
ical situation. It is vain to hope that the policy of
prudence will emege from the counsels of coelu
tion, and it is equally vain to expect that those
who are foremost in showing themselves “able
architects of ruin,” will, if they shall succeed in
undermining, one hy one, the pillars which now
uphold And adorn our national temple, show them
selves equally able in the work of reconstruction.
“With the view, ther ‘lore, of arresting the
hands already uplifted for the piecemeal dismem
berment of our body politic, and to the end that
our fellow-citizens and compatriots of the South
may -eeL a solution ot our present political com-
in a spirit of unity, and by n method
which ehall rb at leat to the dignity of the occa
sion, we venture to recommend the at
an early day, of a Convention or Congress of l>el
egatea, v.ho ahali lei appointed by the several
slaveholding States, in such number and in such
a way a* shall be deemed mo*t expedient, for the
purposes ol mn'ual coa=altation in respect alike to
the dangers believed to be impending and the
remedy defined most adequate to avert them.”
A state of suspense and uncertainty, the Intelli
gencer urge*, ol’ all condition*, the least adapted
to inspire a renso ol security, us it is the loaft pro
pit : o*is to the consummation of aught that involves
del'hcmtion ?n. counsel or vigor in action. While
the roprrhensions that now disturb the repose of
tbc Soiitiiern people Soil vent in vague repining,
the evi! of the day grow? ouiy more and more in
ver - rate, !t T .dcr eircumstanoes the least available
to #per!ire tor it* cure. Where ob-curi'y mid di
vision ot opiniou prevail with regard to the nature
and extent of the cause* that iuspire solicitude
and ol” the wrong” which call for redress, it is ap
parent that the |eoplo of the Northern States,
hewer, r they nay be in accommodate
the outstanding diflerence* between the two sec
tions, ure in ro position to understand the basis
on which an adjustment may be reached that will
assuredly and finally satisfy their Southern breth
ren. Our contemporary add** :
“The profioeitiou we have made is a grave oue.
lint in making it we have not been reduced to the
necessity <if rclyiug alone on our individual con
viction* or unsupported judgment*, however clear
we are in the conclusions at which w have arriv
ed. There will be found in onr column* to-Jay a
communication under the bigrmturn of “Lowndes,”
proceeding from an eminent ei'izen ol Georgia,
who, in words of earnestness and patriotic solici
tude, invoke- the counsel- 3 and co-operation of tho
Fouthcrn Stares, not in the rash act of that politi
cal desperation which iooLs to separate civil sui
cide, but iu the more becoming attitude of free
men, calmly addressing themselves to the work of
reconciliation, if possible, and to the maintenance
id their own dignity in any and all eventualities.
The name of the distinguished writer, if we felt
free to give if, would add to the weight of his
recommend*!ions, but it ouy be enough to say
that, having tilled fil *e.s of high distinction, he
has proved himself in tnem all uot unworthy
of the great statesman n naer whose signature he
writes
“We have thus sought to place this question be
fore our reader* in all it* magnitude and pressing
importance. The North and the South are at va
riance over a common constitution. The mothers
ure di-puting for the possession of a child claim
ed by them each as her*. Let not the people of
the Southern State* be the first to prove the in
justice of their claim by a needle** alacrity in
consenting to sec that child remorselessly rent in
Xwnio.”
Thk Editor of the Knoxville ll'Aty, writing
from Nashville, says:
I mutt he allowed to conclude with an item in
regard to lion. Oave Johnson's speech on Monday
lan, in a large and enthusiastic Union Meeting in
Clarkcgville he denounced the disumonist* in un
measured terms, and announced in clear and un
mistakable language, that the people of Tennessee
ought to r -(*uid by the Union and spurn the coun
sels of the lihett’s, the Yancey's, the Kilt's and
the Governor ITarrises! Thi speech, and the de
nunciation* of these men, were received with deaf
ening applause. Cave Johnson i an old Jackson
man —was in Congress when Jackson was lighting
the NuiKfieye, and was subsequently a member of
Polk’s. Cabinet, fie is a Simon Pure Democrat,
and know* tbc member? of his party.
PUBLIC MEETING.
Pursuant to previous noticer* large and respect
able meeting of the citizens of Ribb county, la
vorahle to co-operation with all the {Southern
States or a* many a practicable, was held at the
Court House on Saturday, December Kith, l^co.
On motion of J. Knowles, L-q , Hon. Asa Holt
was called to the Chair, and James t. Rodgers re
quested to act as Secretary.
On motion of Col. Bas, a committee of seven
was appointed by the Chair to prepare business for
the action of the meeting. The Inflowing gentle
men were appointed : Col. N. Bass, Judge T. G.
Holt, J Knowles, Seth Cason, Gen. J. W. Arm
strong, May. Deni, ami J. M. Jones, K*q., who,
after retiring, presented the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted :
VN bores*, the impending crisis in the Federal
relations of the slaveholdmg States to the Geuernl
Government calls for an untquivocal expression of
public opinion, both in relation to our grievances
in the past and our safety and protection in the
future ; therefore,
JlesoLed, That the Federal Government of the
United States, as framed and intended to he
administered by its wise and patriotic founders,
is the wisest and best, government ever conceived
by the wisdom of man or vouchsafed bv a kind
Providence to erring mortals, and that if it could
be faithfully administered :wid executed, accord
ing to the designs of its founders, we would con
tinue to reverence, cherish, abide by awl support
it.
Resolved, That so far as concerns the immediate
administration ol” the General Government, in its
Legislative, Executive ami Judicial departments,
though there are, as is common to all things hu
man, some detects, which we would have correct
ed—yet, there is no grievance from that souice,
which, in our opinion, would justify resistance hy
disunion or revolution. Hut, whilst we thus re
gard the General Government proper, we are and
have long been of npi, ion that there are various
acts, on the part of several ot the Northern Sta es
—such as their personal liberty bills, Ac. which
la theory and practice, violate and nullify the
plainest :unl most unequivocal provisions of the
Uoi'ititutiou of the United States, without the
recognition ol which that instrument would never
have been uppioved and adopted by the Southern
StAtes—by not onlj refusing to aid in the enforce
ment ol the fugitive slave law, but bv the enact
ment ol Jaw* by their several Stale Legislatures,
and obstructing the discharge ol the official duties
of the United States oflieers, by making it a penal
offense for any of their State oflieers or citizens,
to aid in (he execution of such duties in the en
forcement of such laws—thus declaring that they
are no longer bound by the t.'onsiitution, the
common bond ol ( uiou.
J,'.’soled, Ihn in it compact broken by one
party i- not bitiding on the other parties, and be
lieving that the government of the United Slates
Ls a compact formed and entered into by the vol
untary assent ol Iree, sovereign, and independent
State*, lor the specific purpose- therein enumer
ated, and for which eeitain powers were thereto
delegated, and all others “reserved to the several
States or the people thereof"’—we regard the States
which have been true and faithful in the observ
ance of their Constitutional obligations, absolved
by the acts on the part of those States which have
been faithless to said compact, from all obligations
longer to remain in a Union under a common
government withjsuch faithless States.
Resolved, That believing that the several States
composing this Union have not only the right in
their sovereign capacity of judging of the infrac
tions of the Constitution, hut also of “the mode
and measure of redress"—we unhesitatingly assert
that, when the grievances, resulting from such in
fractions, are greater than the evils of revolution,
a wise, brave and maguaui;nons people will not
hesitate as to the choice of alternatives—prefer
ing secession arid revolution, with he hazard of all
ensuing consequences, to abject submission to the
violations of plighted faith and consequent dis
honor.
Resolved, That thus regarding the cardinal
priueipii.- vjr..... -■>.,* -mi ihe flagrant in
fractions thereof to which we have alluded, we
hesitate not to sav, that they demand resistance
ut our hands, and that, viewing the deep-seated
enmity and antagonism of feeling manifested by
such infractions, we deem the only alternative
left us is a “disruption of every tic which binds us
to the Union,” unless speedy reparation be made
for the past and satisfactory indemnity for the
future.
Resolved, That in view of such an important
event, we approve of the call, by the legislature,
of a convention of the people of Georgia, in their
Sovereign captity ( to wlmo “vuilnm j.lQtioo,
and moderation,” we are willing to refer the whole
question—pledging oursclvea to abide by its action,
whatever it may be.
Bat, whereas, differences of opinion prevail as
to the proper course to be pursued by said Con
vention, when assembled, wo deem it proper to
say that, whilt we regret the existence of such
differences of opinion, and would hope that all
Southern men are actuated alike by purity of mo
tives and patriotism of feeling, yet, “a decent res
pect for the opinions of mankind,” prompts us to
set forth our view* as to the safest and most relia
ble course to meet the emergency by the most for
midable and effective resistance ; therefore,
Resolved, ‘1 hat we believe that said Uonvention
should exercise the utmost freedom, caution, and
firmneflß in a bold and efplirit avowal of the vari
ous grievances to which we have been subjected,
with a firm and fixed determination of resisting
them “at every hazard and to the last extremity.”
Resolved, That, for the purpose of giving force
and effect to such a position, as well as from a
seuse of respect and regard for the sympathies of
our Sister States of the South, whose co-operation
wc should, by all means, secure !f practicable,
vre would respectfully suggest, that the Conven
tion, before any Jinal action be taken, should pro
pone a Convention of all the Southern States at as
early a day as practicable, for the purpose of con
sultation and united action in whatever course they
may think proper to adopt, and that the State Con
vention should then adjourn to meet again on a
day subsequent to the meeting and adjournment
of the Southern Convention, for the purpose of
considering the action of said Convention.
Resolved, That whilst the united action of all
the slaveholding States would be desirable, yet we
would desire concert of action with any number
ol them, should the concurrence and co-oje'ration
of the whole not he attainable.
litmtlvrd, That should the States represented
in such Convention, or any number of them, con
cur as to the propriety ami necessity of the. seces
sion of said States from the Union, we would sug
geat that they adopt and agree upon the Constitu
tion of the United States, with such changes
’.herein a* might be necessary lor the utm organi
zation, as a procliionat government lor the South
ern Confederacy, or the United States of the South,
to go into oflect and operation at a future specified
day, as early as practicable, with due regard to all
interests involved, and that their aetir.n be re
ferred to the Conventions of the respective States
thus agreeing, for ratification, and to be binding
upon those States thus ratifying said Provisional
Government, and that the several State Conventions
so ratifying and approving, shall pass ordinances
declaring their respective States out of the Union
on the day specified for said Provisional Govern
ment to go into eflect, and thus go directly out of
the old into the / ieir Government.
tietolrtd, That for the pur[>ose of giving efteet
to these views and proposition*, this meeting will
nominate three Candidates to represent the county
of Hibb in the approaching State Convention.
Col. llass, in presenting the resolutions, made
an eloquent and forcible speech. On motion of
Wm. Holmes, Esq., thc.meeling then proceeded to
ballot for three candidates to represent them in the
approaching convention. Col. Nathan Hass, Hon.
T. Hardeman, jr., and Cicero Tharp, Esq., having
received the highest number of votes, were, upon
motion, declared unanimously nominated by the
meeting ns candidates for said convention. The
Secretary was appointed a committee Os one to
notify these gentlemen of their nomination. Dr.
L. F. W. Andrews then presented the follow ing
resolutions, which were unanimously passed :
Jletolvfd, that though we consider the doctrine
of immediate secession to be ill-advised, rash, and
dangerous, we do not feel disposed to denounce
those of our fellow citizens who urge that measure,
as traitor* to the government and enemies of law
an-J order, nor will we allow ourselves to insinuate
a want of patriotism or devotion to our section in
any Southern citizen, merely lor differences of
opinion an to the “mode, measure, and time of re
sistance to common wrong 9 and common griev
ances.
Jitred, That all the city papers bo requested
to publish the proceedings of this meeting, pre
suming that all “a/v friendly to the cause of the
Fouth,'* in every trial and emergency.
On motion, the meeting then adjourned.
AFA fIOLT, Chairman.
Jiwis G. Roixjf.rs, Secretary.
Tho reader will perceive that out of the
120 or more SoutliqQ* members of Congress, only
thirty signed the ooceomon manifesto.
The following patriotic letter was read to the
meeting on Saturday last:
Jo thr Conservatives of Rsbb County :
Fallow CiTizr.ss: Learning that you are to as
semble to-day, for the pin pose of nominating del
egates to represent. your views in the approaching
State Convention. I write to you from a sick
bed —not to solicit a nomination —for be it known
to yon and to all men, that I am not one of those
who would write a word, or make a speech, or
change a principle for any nomination or office
which could be set before me.
But having been informed that it was tbe wish,
probably the intention of some of my good friends,
that I should be nominated as one of yqur candid
ates to-dax. I write to say that, however much i
might be inclined to represent you, such is the
condition of my health as utterly to preclude the
possibility of my canvassing the county in such
maimer as to do justice to you or myself. I must
beg therefore, that my name be not used in your
nomination*, but that, you will concentrate upon a
ticket carefully selected trom the many good ami
true men who are with us, in the county —with the
assurance that 1 am with you heart and soul, and
will do all 1 can to ensure the success of your
ticket.
Believing, as I do, that the conservative element
in the couutv, if it can be properly concentrated,
is largely in tbe ascendant, 1 invoke union and
harmony in your proceedings, which, in view of
the nbhlc objects that attract us, lain sure every
patriot must sincerely desire.
lam one of those who still (laro to love this
great Union, however much 1 may abhor the per
fidious traitors who have outraged our rights
by violating its principles and laws. But, ar
dently as 1 may love the Union, I love the rights
of oiv natirp South still more, and whilst I would
gladly preserve both the Union and Southern
rights, if it were possible, still, tho latter must be
preserved at all hazards, even though we should
with mournful hearts, yield up the Federal Union.
If we must abandon it—if there is no other alter
native, but to dissolve the Union —surely, surely,
there can be none so blind as not to see that in
going out, we must take measures to secure the
co-operation or concurrence of a sufficient number
of the Southern States to warrant protection
against all enemies, at home and abroad.
By the adoption of such a course we may ac
complish what this movement professedly sets out
to do—we may “protect the rights of the South.’’
Ry immediate and separate State action on the
part of the State, I firmly believe, the rights of the
South and all other rights will he destroyed.
Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite heart and
soul in the noble effort to rescue Southern Rights
from impending ruin, while at the same time we
rebuke the agitators who would destroy them.
Your true friend and fellow citizen,
J. H. R. WASHINGTON.
Macon, Dec. 15, 1860.
Inf on-ltesi*tnni'c Aomin Hi ion in A'nylor.
Tuesday, 4th Inst., there was a large assemblage
of the friends of resistance in the Union, on notice,
at the coui l house in Butler. Win. P. Edwards,
bv unanimous vote, took the chair, and D. A. J.
Willis the desk. The chairman said the purpose
of the call was to nominate candidates for the •
State Convention, and to agree on the principles
of I heir action, if elected by tbe county.
James T. May moved a committee of twenty,
to be taken by tbe chair from all parts of the
county, to prepare and report. Carried.
These were the Committee: Janies T. Maj, :
chairman, W. S. Wallace, J. T. Gray, J. Howell,
A. MeCants, H. 11. Long, B. Stewart, Willis Hobbs,
J. Stallings, R. 11. Ilucker, John H. Wallace, James ;
T. Harmon, W. IL Ingram, W. A. H. Royal, J. A. |
Rucker, Willis McLendon, John Sturdivant, J. D.
Parker, L. tj. C. McCrary and 1). W. Miller.
Tbe Committe, through their Chairman, after
deliberation, said their counsel had been harmo
nious, and, without a dissent, had resulted in the ]
lollow ing
RF.roRT: .
Whereas, it becomes necessary, in tbe present ]
crisis, for our State to take decided action in view |
-c cjj. Tiie Pouiti bus been grievously
wronged, and Georgia is a common sufferer with
her Southern sisters. Our case demands that we
should earnestly insist on speedy redress. Yet, as
our affections still ding to the Federal Union, in
spile of cause for alienation, we are disposed to
prove the sincerity of our love by an effort to obtain ;
justice anil restore harmony, without a political’
severance from our Northern confederates. Be it
therefore
Resolved, That our State Convention, we desire,
should calmly consider of our grievance and adopt
such measures of resistance as, in its judgment,
are best calculated to retires* mu- iuuf;.-. ami
protect our rights in the Union—and refer its
action to the people for ratification or rejection.
Resolved, That if we can save onr honor and
secure our rights in the Union, we prefer the sure
guarantees ol onr present Federal Constitution to
the hazards of separate sovereignty, or the con
tingencies of another compact .
Resolved, That if our just appeals be unheeded,
and be followed by persistent injury, we wish our
State to become her oien arbiter —to elect her
remedy in tbe path of constitutional sanction and
usage, or out of it —in the wilds of revolution.
Resolved , That we are decidedly in favor of
having the joint counsels of all the Slave States.
To this end we concur with the suggestion of a
Southern Conference, to be held at Atlanta, or
other fit place, before the middle of next February,
to consider of our injuries, our rights, and our
remedies.
On motion of James T. May, the preamble and
resolutions were separately put to vote and sever
ally curried by little less than unanimity.
On motion of Jerry Wilclter, tho nomination of
Delegates was taken up. It was agreed that the
choice be made by acclamation. Mr. Wilcher
moved that the candidates should bo Wu. J. F.
Mitchrli and Hknry H. I.ono, who were severally
chosen, mm. con. They were soon informed of
their nominal!on, bv a committee. They accepted,
came before the Convention and declared their
adherence to conservative principles as expressed
in the preamble and resolutions just adopted.
On motion, it w as agreed thai u meeting be held
at the Court House, Saturday, 15th inst., to nomi
nate candidates for County officers.
Messrs. D. \V. Miller, W. S. Wailace and James
T. May addressed the meeting.
Ri solved, That these proceeding* be published
in the Georgia Telegraph, Citizen and Messenger,
Macon, and ihe Enquirer and Times, Columbus,
and such other papers as favor conservative prin
ciples. All these papers, but the first, will please
copy from the Telegraph.
Adjourned to 15th inst.
W. P. EDWARDS, Cli’n.
I). A. J. Willis, fiec’y.
IVleciinyr it) ITloiiroc.
Pursuant to call, a large meeting of tho citizens
! of Monroe county assembled at the Court House
l on Tuesd iy, Dec. 11 th, for the purpose of nomina-
I ting delegates to represent the County in the Cou
■ vention of the people of Georgia, to be held on
| the tiith day of January next.
I On motion of Col. J. T. Crowder, the Hon. tV.
C. Redding was called to the ('hair, and John T.
! Stephens requested to act as Secretary.
| On motion, it was resolved that the meeting
nominate a Compromise ticket consisting of two
co-oyerationists and one secessionist.
The delegates from the District having retired,
reported the names of Hiram Phinazee, John T.
( Stephens, and Dr. It. L. Roddey as suitable nomi
-1 nees. The action of the delegates, was on motion,
, ratified, with three dissenting voices.
On motion, the following ws adopted :
Jieno/vfd, That the election of Abraham Lin
coln and Hannibal Hamlin to the Presidency and
Vice Presidency of the United States, ought not
to be, and will not be submitted to.
Rtsolved, That the proceedings of this meeting
be published in the Educational Journal, the Alu
con and Griffin papers.
\V. C. REDDING, Chairman.
J. T. Stephens, Secretary.
The Public llelit of .Noiitli Carollun.
The Comptroller General of South Carolina, in
his report to the Legislature now In session, fur-
Dishes the subjoined statement of the Publie Debt
of that State:
The following Is a statement of the Public Debt
proper, s* taken from the hooks of this office, at
the close of the fiscal year, September SO, 1800,
viz:
8 per rent, stork outstanding Oct.lst, 1880 f 44,078 CO
<5 per c*nt. stork, oimtandin;r Fire I-oan, ISOS,. .! , S6,iii7 02
6 tionUs, Fire Loan, ISSo -154.444.51
6 per cent. Honda, Bin* Iti.ljc*- Railroad litl ,600 (Ml
C per rent. Honda, New Capitol, 50,1.00.00
5 per rent. Stork New Capitol, lßftJ, 250,060 00
0 percent. Stork, New CapUol, 1857, fktOjJGO.CO
5 per cent Stork, New Capital, 1858,..
On Ist October, 156&,.,.. faty.O.'ej
laaned thia year, 00,08© —400,000 CO
5 per cent. Stoek. New Capitol. 1850
J-aued thia year 872,210.00
♦ 1,0-16/, tO. 10
The amount due for surplus revenue is not in
cluded in the items of the Public Debt proper, as
the General Government has repeatedly borrowed
money since it was divided among the States,
without demanding payment, there Is no proba
bility that the State will be required to refund it.
The amount is #1,061,422.00.
4-op<-rutlii MreUng,
SENATE CHAMBER, )
Millbim.*vjlus, Dec 14th, 1860. j
A largo meeting ol the members of the Geneiai As
sembly, in lavor of co-operation and opposed to imme
diate separate State secession, was ibis day hi Id in the
Senate Chamber.
On motion of Mr. Jones of Newton, the Hon. John
Billups of Clark was, bv acclamation, chosen President,
and Slessts. Price of Pickens, Wofford of Clatk, and
Carter of Echols, were chosen Vice-Presidents.
The Pres dent, on taking his seat, made some feeling,
beautiful, and eloquent remarks, explaining the objects
of this meeting. The remarks were delightfully made
and pleasantly received by be meeting.
On motion of Mr. Patton of Walker, Messrs. I’aiue
of Telfair, and Render of Meriwether, were chosen as
Secretaries. ,
The Chairman announced the meeting organized and
ready for business.
Mr. Quillian of Gilmer, moved that the Chair appoint
a Committee ot twenty-two to icport busiuess lor the
action of the meeting.
The motion was carried, and the Chair appointed the
following Committee:
Quilliau of Gilmer. Chairman.
Jones of Newton, Wilson of Columbia,
Irieof Habersham, Fain of Union,
Hill of Troup, Knox of Wayne,t
Briscoe of Baldwin, Holt of Muscogee,
Echols of Chattooga, Andrews ot Wilkes,
Grice of Tatnall, Flewellen of Upsou
Terrell of Decatur, Cook of Macon,
Howell of Miiton, Rushin of Marion,
Hyde of Fannin, Fannin of Morgan,
Tt ippe of VfoDroe, Lewis of Greene,
Davis of Dade, Wallace of Taylor.
The Committee retired, and alter coasultaiion through
their Caii man, reported the following preamble and
reso'utions:
Nothing can test more thoroughly the capacity of a
people for self-government, than the manner in which
that people meet those crises in their history which
threaten the destruction of their form of government.
Such a cisis is Dow upon the whole American peo
p!e, and is pressing heavily upon the Southern States
of this Union. This is the people’s government, and
into the hands ol the people alone shoulJ its preserve
lion, its reformation, or its destruction be committed.
In the patriotism, good sense, ami discriminating jus
tice of the people, is our only reliance now.
It is admitted ou all hands that the Southern States
have a common interest in the issues now pressing us.
The action of one State must affect all. Mutual confi
dence and good feeling uiuat. he the only sheet anchor
of safety to each and ti> all. Ordinary respect and good
faith require that wtien all are to be so deeply affected,
none should act singly, without first consulting all, who
are willing to counsel, and this conclusion becomes irre
sistible in this ctisis, when so many of the citizens of
the Southern States are expressing a desire for consul
tation and co operation, rind ore actually preparing for
such consultation und co-operation. Therefore we do
resolve,
Ist. That we repudiate (be idea that either of the
sdaveholding States will, under any circumstances,
prove untrue to her own interests, and to the interest of
her sister States, and the success of a common cause.
“and. That we repudiate the delusive policy ot seces
tion first and co-operation afterwards. Interest, safety,
and success, and ordinary respect to our sister slave
holding States, requite consultation with at least as
many as will consult before secession ; and then if se
cession be deemed advisable, co-operation ‘id secession
and cooperation after secession. Whatever mode, man
ner, or redress he adopted, the first step to its success
ful accomplishment is to unite the counsels of those
who are equally aggrieved, and who are simultaneously
demanding red: ess, or at least as many as will unite
with their counsels
t 3d. That in hasty, ill-advised, separate State seees
j sion, we can see nothing but divisions among our peo
• pie, confusion among the slavelmlding States, strife
around our firesides, and ultimate defeat to every move
nient for the effective redress of our grievances.
4th. That in the consultation and co-operation of the
slavshnlding States, we recognize the maintenance of
our rights and equality, the preservation of our laws,
the peace of our families, the security of our property,
the harmony of our people, the peaceful division of the
I public property if disunion must ensue, and the suc
cess of whatever plan of redress may be agreed on and
i adopted.
sth. That in selecting delegates to the approaching
| Convention, we urge the people to see to it that they
f do nos cast their votes for those who are in favor of
the immediate secession of Georgia aloue ; and to avoid
doubt on this subject, so vital to our success and peace,
we respectfully request that the people require every
candidate seeking their votes, to take distinct position
against immediate separate State secession, at least
: until a proper effort for co-operation has failed.
Mr, Jones of Newton, in a few appropaiate remarks,
j, burying all former party differences, which were warm
ly responded to by the meeting, moved the adoption of
the resolutions.
Sir. Trippe ol Monroe, and Mr. Paine of Telfair,
made a few remarks, responding to the resolutions,
and endorsing the resolutions.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Tl.e Committee also reported the following address
from the meeting to the shareholding States :
ADDRESS
To the people of South Carolina, Alabama, Mix
sissippi and Florida, in delegate convent ions as
sembled, and to such other Southern States, as
map assemble before the meeting of the Georgia
(tonvetrtion.
The people of Georgia, in many very l arge pri
mary met?tints have frequently requested that the
, Southern States of this Union, should meet at an
early day by their delegates in convention and
confer together.
The same meetings have urged the present Gen
eral Assembly of Georgia to inaugurate this move
ment. Before these meetings were held, this
Assembly had passed a bill for the call of a Con
vention of the people, and to that Convention it
seems all our prominent men were understood to
have recommended the reference of all other ques
tions on our Federal relations. In deference to
that recommendation, the General Assembly, as
Pitch, has taken no further action.
The Convention of the people of Georgia will
; assemble on the 16th day of January next, and
doubt’ess that Convention will appoiut delegates
to a General Convention of the Southern States.
Before this, tlie Conventions of our sister States
| of South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and i’lori
j da, and perhaps others, will have assembled for
■ action.
! In behalf of the people of Georgia, whom we
I represent, this meeting, composed of members of
the General Assembly, do most respectfully but
{ earnestly ask the people of our sister States, above
• named, to appoiut delegates to such u General
Convention of Southern States, or as many as will
convene; and that until such General Convention
shall assemble and deliberate, no final separate
State action shall he taken on the question of our
longer continuance as members of the present
confederacy of States.
Wc urge this request, deeply feeling its import
ance to all, and to our groat common cause.
We have but one interest; we are separate in
dependent sovereignties, but in welfare, feeling
and destiny we are one indivisable people.
The action of one State in *st affect all the South
ern States. The separation of one from all must
greatly involve not only the feelings, but the inter
ests of all. No slavehohling State can live for it
self. We must live with and for each other. God
has not mingled more indutinguishablr the drops j
of water in our rivers than He has linked indisso-1
lubly the destinies of our people and their children !
forever.
In climate, soil, productions and systems of la
bor we are as identical with each other as we are
separate from the balance of -the w orld.
Let us consult together, then. Let us so act
that all may agree. ’—
Our people must he united. Our common inter
est must be preserved. Our common movement
must he successful. Common dangers must he
avoided. Our equality—our honor shall be pre
served. AH these can devise a co-oporatiou. Not
for our enemies, but for ourselves, our safety, one
children, our peace, our necessities, wc beseech
you so to order your action, as that consultation
and co-operation shall not be defeated, but secured.
Nearly all our sister Southern States are, even
at this writing, moving to this end. We be
lieve all—most certainly a very large majority—
will unite in such a convention. Incalculable em
bariassments arid dangers can thereby be avoided,
ami incalculable good ensured.
We know we cannot be mistaken as to success,
when we appeal to the noble chivalry of the South
ern not to take ti final step, which must
inevitably and irrctiievably, in its very nature,
involve all, without at. least offering to consult
with as many as will consult ; and above all, such
action will not be taken against the urgent request
of those who heg that consultation, and who are
now moving to secure it.
We feel it is ouly necessary to make known our
wishes and by our brethren they will be respected.
[Signed by 52 members of the Legislature.]
The address was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Howell ol Milton, moved that the proceed
ings of this meeting, ,\viih address, be forwarded
to all the slaveholding States ; that they be pub
lished in the Recorder,'and all papers of the State
in favor of co-operation which motion was adopted.
The proceedings of the meeting throughout
were characterized by great good feeling, a liberal,
catholic, true Southern spirit, nnd entire unairm
ity.
On motion of Mr. Hill of Troup, the meeting
adjourned.
JOHN BILLUPS, President.
Wit. W. Pavn’K, ) a
t . r> ... „ i Secretaries.
J. A. Kknde , )
The Crisis. —Tiie effect of the crisis upon business
relations in this city, says the Confultracy, is tiuly
deplorable. Daily laborers, mechanics, clerks, uad that
class of persons generally, which pel form the business
relations of society, are out of employment. Planters
can’t sell their cotton, the batiks refuse to accommo
date. and the result is, that few can discharge their
obligations. There is but little prospect of relief.
Provisions are scarce and costly, aud distress stalks in
our midst. This slate of things is simply the result
of disappointed ambition. And yet we are asked to
destroy tha Government,
MAC<JN, GEORGIA:
Wednesday, December 19,1860.
COTTON MARKET.
For a few days past there has been a moderate
demand, and sales for all that was offered at the
prices. Sales mostly at 9to 9| —some at 9±, and
a favorable tendency in favor of sales and prices.
CO-OPERATION-
Col. N. Bass, co-oporation candidate to repre
sent Bibb couiity in the approachiog State Con
vention, will address the citizens of Bibb oounty,
at Concert Hall, on Thursday evening next, at
o’clock ; and also at Ryder’s Academy, Rutland
district, ©n.Saturday, 22J iust., at 11 o’clock.
The citizens, without regard to parties, are res
pectfully invited to attend.
WILL OUR PATRONS
Bear in mind that “ New Year” is at hand, aud
that the Printer wants his dues to make one of
peculiar happiness and pleasure. A remittance is
highly desirable at this time.
DIRECT IMPORTATION.
We invite attention to the advertisement of Mr.
Weed, in our paper to-day, by which it will be
seen that he in common with our dealers in Hard
ware, generally, is largely engaged in the direct
trade. Country merchants and planters will find
Macon a capital wholesale market.
CHANGE
We would direct attention to the change which
has been made in the schedule of the Apalachicola
and New Orleans Steamers. We hope this line
will be well patronised.
M 2. HILL’S SPEECH,
On Wednesday evening last, was an eloquent
and masterly vindication of the co-operation policy
It was listeued to with breathless attention by a
packed audience, and produced a wonderful effect
upon the public sentiment in this vicinity. We
hope Mr. Hill will yield to the universal desire of
his friends, and furnish a copy for publication.
£§PThe co-operationists of Muscogee county,
have nominated lion. Hines Holt, Porter Ingra
ham, and N. L. Howard.
THE CO-OPERATION MEETING,
On Saturday lust, was well attended, though the
day was very inclement. A gentleman, who was
present at both meetings, Said it was as large as
the Secession meeting on the day previous. The
proceedings will be found in another column.—
We wish every citizen of Bibb could have heard
the able and stirring speech Col. Bass. We hope
every friend of co-operation will go heartily to
work, and elect the excellent ticket presented by
the meeting. This is the time for every patriot to
do his duty.
JE'fST’We have received from Hon. Janies Jack
son, a pamphlet eopy of the address of Mr. Secre
tary Cobh, to the people of Georgia, on his retir
ing from office. We have no space for this lengthy
document. Mr. Cobh urges immediate and sepa
rate State secession. Had he explained to the
people, how it is that the government under his
financial administration ha 9 become bankrupt, it
would have been quite as satisfactory as to urge
them to precipitate themselves into evils they know
not of.
A SAD ACCIDENT.
On Wednesday evening last, Miss Martha Biv
ins, daughter of Roland Bivins, Esq., of this coun
ty, was accidentally shot by a pistol in the hand*
of a lady of the family. The pistol had been used
; n practicing, and while she was handling it, it
exploded. The wound was not, at first, considered
dangerous, hut terminated fatally on the third day
afterwards.
W e are authorized to announce tliAt the
FTon. Howell Cobb, on his return from Washington
City, will I*o in Maoon, and addrcea the people in a
speech on Thursday next. 20th iust., at II o'clock.
A. M.
RICHMOND COUNTY.
Hon. George W. Crawford, John Phinizy, Sr.,
and Dr. I. P. Garvin were nominated for delegates
by the meeting in Augusta, Wednesday night.
” TENNESSEE.
Gov. Harris has issued a proclamation calling
an extra session of the Legislature of Tennessee,
to meet on the 7th January, the same day on
which the Virginia Legislature is called together.
The Legislature of Kentucky will also, probably,
assemble at the same time.
!£g~We publish to-day, from the National In
telligencer, the able and patriotic article of
j “Lowndes.” It is from the pen of one of Geor
gia's best men and will well repay perusal.
Csf*” The Methodist Conference has appointed
its next annual session to be held at Savannah.
A committee of seven has also been appointed to
inquire into the expediency of dividing the Con
ference, to report at its next Annual Session.
The New Mator of Boston.—The Cowrier says
that Joseph M. Wightman, elected Mayor of that
city on Monday last, by a large majority, was run
squarely on “ the sentiment of nationality, law,
order, and the equality of the States.”
- A I Nitr for Secession.—The Columbia South
i Carolinian says : “So far, there has not been a
single opponent of secession elected in the State.
• hir Convention will, therefore, we have no doubt,
bo unanimous for immediate secession.”
GEORGIA LEGISLATURE
Adjourns to day. Iu our next issue we hope to
notice the leading measures which hare passed
during the present session. The Federal Union
of Thursday says:
Yesterday, some of the most important acts of
the Session were consummated. The commission
er from the State of Mississippi was received by
the whole Legislature in the Representative Cham
ber, where he delivered a very beautiful and patri
otic address, pledging the sympathy and eo-opera
tion of Mississippi with Georgia in her resistance
to Black Republican domination.
WHO IS BESPONSIBLE FOR IT?
The Mayor of Philadelphia, Alrx’r Hbnrt, (whom
we understand to be a Coaserrative Politician,) has
called a day of Fasting and Prayer on lha 20th inst.,
in the following terms:
“ Citizens of Philadelphia /—At a time when the
continuance of our National Union is in peril, aud the
breaking ot our Confederacy appears to be imminent,
it is proper that a loyal people, costing off the spirit ot
party, should in a special manner avow their unfailing
devotion to the Union and their abiding fidelity to its
Constitution and Laws.’’
Now, for what can their fanatical Clergy pray f
Surely it must be for the forgiveness of their owp
errors—they tvho have most taught the people to go
astray from the Constitution ; and make a cause lor
the disruption of the Country, a more prominent
theme in their discourses, than inculcating the truths
laid down in the (Jospel? Instead of teaching repent
auce of sin, and lore to Uod, it has been mare to ssp
the Inundations on which our Great Union is founded.
It is time that they held a day of humiliation, repent*
aticeand prayer on their own account. They have
sown the seeds of discord, and nine-tenths of all the
ti iii’is with which the country is now afflicted are
chargeable to them, aud they should have their dav
of leckoning—and it cannot be far distant. They
have done more towards lowering the standard of reli
gions influence, and creating infidelity in ihe North
and West, than ever did the writings and teachings o!
Voltaire, Paine and Volney, when France became al
most a nation of infidels. If the Moral Plijsicians had
held to their proper sphere, the Political world would
uot now be thus afflicted from their interniedlings
and false teachings.
If this Union be dissolved, and thousands reduced
to starvation, and fraternal blood be shed, cn whose
heads should rest the curses that will come up from
the voices of millious, but on those who should have
taught their people only, through the “ Gospel of
Peace,” the “ golden rule,” and the “ straight and nar
raw way” es ealvattpa fur the aeo.l*
CHRISTMAS
W e suppose the “ Young Folks at Home” will
not forget that next Tuesday is Christmas. We
wish it may be a merry one to all.
COTTON PLANTERS FAIR.
The Fair was very well attended through last
week, and is still attracting a large number of
visitors diily. In addition to the articles then
exhibited, there has been an accession of stock of
all the various kinds containing many fine speci
mens which, of course, will attract the attention
of those whose taste oi interest run in that line
Also among the additions, is a considerable show
of fancy Chickens, Geese, Ducks, Piegeons,
We regret that we cannot say more of this “home
Institution,” in consequence of the outside pres
sure of noticing important political events, ahich
are now crowding our columns.
IST The patriot'c and timely action of the
friends of co-operation at Milledgeville, will be
read with pleasure.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Our latest advices from this State are, that ow
ing to the prevalence of small pox at Columbia—
(there being 14 new cases)—both the Legislature
and Convention had adjourned to Charleston at
which place they were in session on vesterdav.
MR. T. R. R. COBB
Just as we were going to press laat week the
mail brought us the Federal Union which contained
a letter from this gentlemen. In hastily glancin-’
over its contents, we were gratified to observe that
Mr. Cobb conceded w hat we have all along urged
—that in the destruction of the old and the lor
mation of anew government, co-operation anion?
the aggrieved States is “of great importance”—
—that “lAt greater the number of States which re
tire from this Union, the more dignity and moral
weight will the movement have. that “any haste
in one State to move in advance of the others
(though not so intended) will have or be construed
into appearanoe of disregard to the will and action
of others. ’ This we viewed as an important con
cession on the part of Mr. Cobb, and as favoring
co-operation—for we cannot see how, without
previous consultation and co-opeiation, the seced
ing States can determine the time when they shall
secede, or decide whether they will simultaneously
adopt the old Constitution, or any other form of
Government, or “secure harmonious action” and
“provide for a future Confederacy.” We there
fore, in the pretatory remarks to the paragraph
we extracted from his letter, put Mr. Cobb down
as favorable to co-operation—not upon precisely
the same plan or to the same extent we are—but
still enough so to largely improve the prospect of
our becoming co-laborers with him in devising
and consummating measures of safety to our sec
tional rights and honor.
By a note from Mr. Cobb, which will be found
in another column, it appears that we “grossly mis
understood” the purport of his letter to the Fede
ral Union , and that he is for ‘•'•co-operation mth
the States which are determined to secede before the
4 th of March, 1861,” and them only. Herein Mr.
Cobb and the Co-operationists differ ; for they are
for consultation, and if practicable, co-operation
with all the slaveholding States, in securing their
rights in the Union, or a separate and independent
government out of it—and not, as he intimates,
with those States only, which are disposed to
remain unconditionally in the Union. On this
subject he will see our position more fully defined
in the action of the Co-operationists of this coun
ty on Saturday last, aud which we publish to-day.
MR. SENATOR TOOMBS,
We are happy to see, has modified his views in
regard to the policy of Georgia in the present cri
sis. In his speech at Milledgeville and in this ci
ty, he urged immediate and separate State acces
sion, regardless of developments of sentiment or
the occurrence of contingencies and events, North
or South. He was unwilling to trust Conventions.
It is no reflection upon his sagacity or patriotism
that hi3 mind has undergone a change on this sub
ject—for who can now predict “what a day may
bring forth ?” when front the public mind and heart,
new disclosures of sentiment and feeling are con
stantly evolved.
In the Savannah Republican of Moodav, we find
the following extract of a letter from Mr. Toombs,
in reply to a committee which addressed him from
Danburg. He says :
The legislature of Georgia have unanimoedy
declared that the present crisis demands re
sistance, and have unanimously voted toealj a pon.
vention of the people to determine the mode and
measure of redress. This is plain language—it is
easily understood. It proposes to resist wrongs at
tin time and in the manner best calculated to ob
tain redress. The legislature, also, unanimously
voted a million of dollars to arm the people of
Georgia, in order that they may repel by force w hat
ewer forcefmav be brought to resist the measures of
redress the people may adopt. Then, upon the
questions that we have wrongs, and that we in
tend to redress them by and through the sove
reignty of Georgia, the State is unanimous. What,
then, is likely to divide us ? It cannot be the
mode of redress, for it seems all look to eecession
—separation from the wrong doers as the ultimate
remedy. The time when this remedy ought to be
; applied seoms to be the most important, if not the
i only point of difference between us ; we ought not
to divide upon this point. Many persons think the
remedy ought to be applied immediately, Gihers
at a day Pot to extend beyond the 4th of March
next, others agajn supposing that too short a time
for the convenient action of the abolition States
would extend it only to what might he fairly
deemed a reasonable aud convenient time within
which our wrongs might he redressed by the wrong
doers. I would strongly advise that there be no
division among those who hold either of those opin
ions. While I personally favor the position of
those who are apposing delaying longer than the
fourth of March next, I certainly would yield
that point to correct and honest men who were with
me in primipie, but who are more hopeful of re
dress than I am, especially if any such active meas
ures should be taken by the wrong doers as prom
ised, to give us redress in the Union. But to go
beyond the 4th of March, we should requiie such
preliminary measures to be taken before, as would,
with reasonable certainty, lead to adequate re
dress, and in the mean time we should take care
that the delay gives no advantages to the adver
sary and takes none from ourselves.
Jf we understand the sentiments feeiings qt
the friends of co-operation, they are not in epi
thet with those set forth above. If they cannot
get a redress of their grievances in the Union,
they are for seeking safety out of it. But not al
together yet despairing of the Republic, in con
cert with aggrieved confederates, they are dispos
ed to make one more effort for the rescue of the
Constitution—in the meantime fearing and prepar
ing for the worst.
GLOOMY PICIUBE
The present aspect of our beloved but agitated
and afflicted country, is truly pitiable. Dr. Brown
low writing from Nashville to his paj er says:
“ The disturbed condition of the financial world
continues, and increases—and there seems to be
no hope for any improvement—East, West, North
and South, employees are thrown out of service,
and the greatest of sufferings ensue. We think,
in East Tennessee, that we see hard times. The
times are worse in Middle Tennessee. There has
been a failure of their crops here, and the planters
have nothing to offer for money. Business never
was as flat in this city as at present. Glpoin and
distress are to be seen everywhere. The ijter
chants are selling nothing, nor can they collect,
while their own debts are pressing upon them.—■
Exchange co9ts them five per cent. To give our
East Tennessee friends an idea of the state of
affairs in this country, I will relate one, only, of
several incidents I could name. In Columbia, on
Monday last, I am told by Col. Gordon, who wit*
nessed the fact, that ten Jennett * were sold at
Sheriff’s sale, where cash in hand was required,
and they brought about one hundred and twentji
dollars , or an average of twelve dollars each.-*
Six or twelve months ago, they would have
*m4*4 thousand.’*