Newspaper Page Text
Journal ft ftltssriiger.
J. KNOWLES and S. ROSE,
EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS.
nr, Jeoklna’ AdtfrM* at the City Hall.
•Honda)', Dec. 24th.
Mr. Chairman and Fellow-Citizens: — In th<
roiust of gloom, the darkest and deepest that ha?
overshadowed thia once favored land since the de
claration of American Independence, I cannot ade
quately express the gratification I feel, in view ol
the quiet, orderly, and grave deportment of tbe
citizens of Richmond county, here assembled, u
deliberate upon tbe portentous crisis through which
we are now passing. Every countenance before
me expresses solemn appreciation of its magnitude,
and earnest inquiry how it may be rendered inno
cuous, or how its evils (if evils must en*ue) may
be most largely mitigated. In auch action of pri
mary assemblies, there is hope—in such counsels
there is safety. I entreat you, fellow-citizens,
throughout this terrible agitation, which must run
its course, to maintain unimpaired, in the quiet ol
your own homes, in your social intercourse, ii
your primary assemblies, and at the ballot box,
that passionless equanimity and firmness you s<
strikingly manifest to-day. Occasional excesses ol
popular excitement are perhaps inseparable from
the operations of free governments, embracing
within their scope large and diversified interests,
but just in proportion to its height is the necessity
for cool heads and steady hands, to moderate iu
fury and direct ita course.
You call for an *rpression of my opinions re
garding appropriate action in this time of peril,
and I will freely give them, valueless though thev
raav prove to be.
W ith increasing years, I feel an increasing aver
eiuQ to political excitement, and am therefore im
pelled, both by indination and a sense of duty, to
present to you thoughts carefoliy revised, in lan
guage well weighed. I, therefore, ask permission
to read in your hearing an article embodying mv
general views, contributed by roe, a few day’s
since, to a highly respectable and influential jour
nal, published at the Federal capital.
Jenkins then proceeded to read from the
National Intelligencer of the Bth, an article over
the signature of “Lowndes.”
Mr. Jenkins then continued: Allow me now, fel
low-citizens, to add a few unwritten words touch
ing an important event that has transpired since
that article was written, and elaborating somewhat,
some of the views presented. I read, though in
appropriate just at this time, just as it was written,
the allusion to the action of South Carolina, then
contemplated, now, actually taken. I did so, first
as elucidating the spirit of the article, aud second
ly as introductory to a few remarks I feel con
strained to make upon the changed attitude of
that State, so far only, as it mav be supposed to
influence the action of Georgia. -
South Carolina lias seceded from the Union and
the question is gravely asked, should not this action
on her part, superadded to other reasons, induce
Georgia, in a spirit of fraternity, and in view of
an example so heroic, to do the like ?
There are those who respond affirmatively to
this question, for myself, I answer most distinctlv
and emphatically in the negative.
South Carolina is a sovereign State—a noble
State—deserving the respect and admiration of all
cunamd. And here I may be permitted to express
an opinion long maintained and often recurring,
that in her interna! affaire, in all that appertains to
her Mate government proper, she exhibits a con
conservatism, which, in that point of view, places
her a head and shoulders above all her late con
federates, North and South.
South Carolina is a Sovereign State, and iu Tir
tue of her Sovereignty, had a perfect right to do
what she has done. Nay more—ah* had the per
-80 ,l .eied good to her, to do what
J? has done, without pausing to cousult with
sister States, having like interests, sutleriiic like
wrongs, ana deserving a like desttnv. with herself.
1 trust I know too well what is due to her Sove
reignty, and what is becoming mv iudividualitv. to
arraign her before the bar of public •>(ioitfii f'u■
tn.s cuu-ie. It is hr rtkir, not ourst. I sincere!? I
tiusi that iu the future, the utmost harmony maT
obtain not only between her and Georgia, but be
tween her and all the other States of the Confed- j
eracy she has abandoned.
Mv heart’s desire is, that in or out of the Union
the lu-.ure may have iu store lor her, peace, pto*-
perity, and glory immeasurable.
The action ol Georgia wilder tbe tryiug circum
stances by wbi. h ahe is suiroundej, has yet to be
determined. If anterior to, and wbollv irreapec
live of the action ofg-juth Carolina, a majority of
licr pecple had arrived at the conclusion, that im
mediate secession was the proper remedy, aud if
<>n the second da? of January next that couclu
s.on should remain unaltered, that course will be
taken.
I.'it wnen I am told that, in spite of fraternity,
and from considerations of poliev, Georgia should
conform br action to that of South Carolina, I
taae h ave to suggest, that Georg! i too, is a sove
reign Mate, with no lower claim? to intelligence,
to ie.pectability, and to caj>aeitv for self-govern
ment, than has South Carolina. ’ If she would not
make the smaller concession of prior conference,
with the view to the attainment of unity of opin
ion and action, should any other State yield con
formity ol action, uifko'it entice i-nif-urreu'-e of
opinion?
No, if one week ago, it were proper, that all of
the southern State* should confer together, Indore
secession, it it equally proper to dav, that all,
Mill with,n the Union should do the same lhit!
Again, if it were right, and not unehivalrou o , in
South Carolina, to propose co-operation, twelve
month* since, it can hardly be very wrong, or al
together spiritless, in Georgia to propose or to
accept co-operation now.
Rut taking lor our stand-point a proposition al
read asserted, and which it is supposed few will
controvene, that in the event of the formation of
a Southern Confederacy, it i§ greatly to be desir
ed that it should embrace all of the’ slavebolding
States, iet us review the whole ground, with ref
erence to the question of co-operation.
It is insisted that these States, other than South
< arolina, will certainly adopt immediate secession
as their remedial action—that then, there will be
out of tbe Union four Stater, with three of which
Georgia is contiguous—and that then an unanswer
able argument, predicated on her surroundings
will be presented to Georgia. But let us look a
mtii* firtiior. There will then remain, besides the
five already named, ten Southern Stater, whose
approval of immcd:ate, separate secession, is, by
concession, doubtful; the disapproval of some of ‘
them being unyurstiOHible. Dig understood that
they are all ready and willing to confer freely
and to co-opetat, if their views can be harrnon- j
ized. t*l the ten, there are five which are not
border States, which are to a greater or less ex
tent, cotton growing <uu*, an J two of which are
also cotrrrmnious with Georgia, though upon com
paratively short line*. The political relations!
between these States and Georgia are the fame !
us between her and tbe four first named.— :
Does she not owe as much consideration to the
views of one class as the other? Mav she not!
more Mich- lean to the advance* of those askiii-*
rdv coabreiice, advise unlit, than of those which
propose her Immediate, irrevocable action ?—for i
irrevocable a- it would I H -, by her own mere wi'L I
Rut let ii* extend the view a little further tak
tng m the hve border Suits, extending in uubtok
en line from the Atlantic to aud herond the Mis
aiSMppi. Here new views present themselves— j
additional aud more cogent reasons for -ood ltd-1
low slop and generous co ojierati.ni, press upon u.
1 * rtlcu - ar i7 >b*tes are more aggressed than
are we. Their annoyance, their losses, their
tis are tenfold greater than ours. Thev have ever i
been, and in.or out of the l n.on, will continue to
be to us a strong defensive cordon against anti
slavery aggression*. They are, and of neeessirv !
must be, our impregnable break-water, against
which the surging billow* of abolitioni-n, dash. |
olten ante It by u-, and know u only bv the rising j
spray, or the distant umrimu ol the wave. At the !
time t int*, we are t* them a sror-g Mipp,*,
•--a demur reliance. I uuinuin, fellow citizen* j
that out of the* eircMnstancwe, there aptMk iiecu- 1
l.ar reUOß<*—eirong C-Uim* a'p®,, our generous j
confidence ur active Sympathy, our lov.l fratei
im.r. U*t i*e are told, that it the,* Ter? SuteJ
invite our conference and ct.jperation, ‘we Biust!
fvil- V reF ’ U I Ue I ,h< ‘ , "T n *- f ’ •rrogaotly tell them to i
foUow our lead, or taU the consequences ot think-1
Kemetnher, ;le’
SU ' r ’ f“ ,hC S * me l ~ea" “ * h I
ouraelvea—that they have heen reared under inni-
ZZ;tZ7LV''’ '?*—■ i a
ssin mSst zrcr.r fr* *•
t 0W 9 * •h'ckoii them bu*k to-mor-t
Now if the proposition Were, that t ,„h S *a t e
i, lt o conference ‘mu!d s.,r* n Jer , 10r f ; ‘ ,
of iodepciideiit action ; it it were a aM? i lt to t> “ ,
ah, absolutely, br the dec!-ion of the iuioritv
. r< ” would be some excuse for fbe rejection oi
propoiuoa to reasonable, so jit, #o wise. Hm
113!$!?* not e *" ist — mo obii-tuou is
( .h State wfR be as free to .“t sep*- ;
alter conference *• before.
The plan of to two alteroa- 1
h^lSoa!" 1 WWWihf of j
One is, the pacific adjustment of the controver
sy, without a dissolution of the Union, and with
ample guarantees for the future. This is not al
together Homeless. It is our tight, and 1 am for
insisting upon that right. We are entitl'd to all
the benefits ol this great confederacy, and I assert
that there i* more manliness in pressing upon our
confederates, one united, conciliatory, firm de
mand for redress, than in giving up the ship, and
betaking ourselves to such small file-boats as we
can hastily seize and hastily man.
Then let the effort be made. If one-third of
the aggressed States adopt the course of im
mediate secession, let the remaining two thirds
try the plan of pacific adjustmust. We may be
able to effect an adjustment, and to secure guar
anties satisfactory to all, and thus win back the
no re precipitate. It is even possible that their
nbsence from our counsels, their extreme position,
nay make more apparent the necessity for amica
le adjustment, and omy thus aid our negotia
tions.
if this led result can be effected, I cannot but
but indulge the hope, that even South Carolina
will return to tbe fold. She played too conspicu
ous a part and achieved too large a share of our
common glory iu the revolutionary struggle, she
Ims contributed too many pages, all aglow with
intellect, and statesmanship, and patriot : sm, to the
civil and diplomatic history of the Government,
not to be willing, upon a proper basis, to renew
the bond and to perpetuate the Confederacy.
1 Rut conceding for the argument, that pacific ad
justment is hopeless, I would still adhere inflexi
bly to co-operation, in view of the alternative—
viz: simultaneous secession of all the Southern
State ß , and the immediate, harmonious construc
tion, with such and so abundant materials, of a
nationality that would at once command the res
pect and confidence of all mankind. Thus would
spring into fife a nation that need seek no support
in foreign alliance. Already do we hear it said
the cotton States, united in a separate confedera
cy, could secure an advantageous alliance with
Great Britain.
See, fellow-citizens, how at every step, in this
t hasty programme, we are departing from the sage
; counsels of the Fathers. Do you not remember
that Washington, in his address—his last will and
testament, bequeathed to his dearly loved chil
Jren, the heritage he had won for them, coun
seled us to avoid antangling alliances with foreigu
nations, to Il have with them as little political con
nection as possible.” Do you not know that, how
ever many departures our Government may have
made from the course he marked out, it has faith
fully adhered to this inj unction ? Do you not per
ceive that to this adherence, we owe in a large
measure, our exemption from foreign wars—our
perfect tranquility, when Europe is convulsed with
intestine strife, our real independence, our tower
, ing strength *
Why do any now talk of foreign alliances? On
ly because they are conscious of being about to
i construct weak governments. Just as sure as
four or five of our cotton-growing States form a
separate government, and contract an alliance
with Great Rrit&io, just so surely will experience
teach them that in the nature of things, a mon
archy and a republic cannot work well together in
alliance ; just so surely will the stronger ally, by
slow advances, transmute the alliance into a pro-
J tectarate ; just so surely will the weaker gradually
dwindle into the proportions ol a tributary. And
so we go back to colionial vassalage.
Rut if argument be unheeded, shall we in vaiu
hold up to view example—glorious example—the
example of all the Fathers of the Republic? When
. the thirteen colonies found the yoke of the mother
couutrv intolerable, did they separately aud with
out conference, each for herself declare independ
, eucc? No. With a wise forecast, knowing that
iu l nion there is strength, they summoned a Con
gress for united counsels. In that Congress were
their Adams, their Shermans, their Livingstons,
their Franklins, their Carrolls, their Jeffetsons,
; their Rutledges, their Waltons, and a host of other
worthies known to American history. The result
was, an unanimous declaration, “that these united
! colonies are, and of right out to be, free indk
| i*KX dent staSes.” So, unitedly , they threw off
the yoke—so, unitedly, they formed an indepeud
-1 ••* Jfovovn r.u D, ‘•rt fTtSlfFu re u C lie uV*/ x,WU
quered, and unitedly have prospered.
Have all these glorious memories faded, have all
these illustrious examples lost their power over the
mind* ol their descendants?
Fellow-cit.zctis, the issues before us are of the
gravest character; the consequences will reach all
classes and al. interests, and the end no man can
foresee. Consider what a revulsion this agitation
has already produced; business of every descrip
tion hUgiiiol, commerce paraiized, resources lock
ed up—employment failing. If such be the first
traits, who will answer tor the ripened harvest?
All these evils, tuav he mitigated, if not averted,
by calinuess, deliberation and co-operatiou.
1 feel t.iat 1 should detain you no longer. The
subject is a vast one. 1 have hardly touched it.
The itivestigxtion of it in all its le-aritigs, would
task the mo 4; gigantic mind.
In the spirit of one of your resolutions, I repeat,
the breaking up of a (Teat and powerful govern
ment, and the reconstr oct'on ol one or more in its
-tead, is no light undertaking. It is a work not to
be well done ia haste, or in the tumult of pa-.sion.
ft i* a work, in view of which, the loftiest intellect
and the proudest Mate, may well pause, to take
human counsel, and to implore Divine guidance,
i-et us trust that guidance will not fail us in this
extremil v.
[|TO THE FRIENDS OF THE 41 LTIVA*
TOII.
I J
’ The connection of tha undersigned with the
II Socihkrn Cci.tit ator, ceases with the issue of the
! | present number, having sold his entire interest to
Hr. I). Rehmono, who for several years past ha 6
’ been its Editor. In thus severing the ties which
I have bound its Readers and Dublisher for so long
’ : a time, the undersigned embraces the opportunity
‘ of tendering bis most cordial thanks so its patrons,
: and particularly to those who have ever taken a
a deep interest in tbe success of the work. But
’ I lor them and their efforts, it must long siace hare
’ j been a failure. Os the good the Souther,s Culti
vator has effected, it does not become us to epeak ;
but we may be permitted to hope that its teaching*,
for many years past, have not been without a ben
eficial influence vpon the Agriculture of tb*i South.
Os Mr. Remvono, it is unnecessary lor us to say
a word of commendation to the readers of the
Cultivator. The/ are intimately acquainted with
his ability to conctict such a work, and he will
i- spare no pains to i.take it acceptable to the public
—to whose kind patronage we cotmneiui hiiu,
with our besi wishes for his and their future pros
perity. W. fJ. Joses
; Tiir. above card will inform our readers of the
transfer of the rropri*torship of the SoomutN
j Cci.hvator to the subscriber, who hopes to meet,
k> the future, from readers and contributors, that
ftiVor and assist jce which have been so geru-rous
ly bestowed up<n himself and this journal during
die past ten years. •
j Cherishing an earnest desire for the advance
ment of the South iu all things, and especially
for the foil and perfect dcvelopemcnt of her great
Agricultural re wurccs—the foundation of all her
prosperity—*• shall endeavor to render the ClL
■ riVATR prinu-e trice, practical and reliable in all
‘ ita departments: only asking lrom the tillers of
the Southern soil, that support to which our efforts
may fairly c ititle- us—and which we feel confident
will not U withheld.
The Sav h owes Dr. Jones a debt of gratitude
for the fiV-ral ana unselfish use of his time and
uier-tia in o.aiding up and sustaining the Cultivator
dnriti? many years of feeble and inadequate sup
port loom the Agri cultural public, to whose inte
a has ever bisen devoted. We feel assured
tliat all our readers will unite with us in tendering
our best regards ami liest wishes to our respected
li'irmd. and trust tha . his useful life may he pro
longed for many hap pv years. D. Redmond.
JLuyustj, (ia., l>tx. Ist, ISUO.
Fort Soiiiier y
To which the Uttiiel Sstalea troops in Uharleston
lllibor hare retired, st saris nearly opposite Fort Moul
j l>a. a ruile and a h.xlt of two miles diataut Irvni it and
J <>n the opposite side < C the cltanne', and fix or seven
‘ mf* Iroui the city, it is not, like Fort Moultrie, upon
| a It ug island, or otb entfse accessible from a land side
• hut is euriosoded ’•? winter, and eonimatids the chan
j nel to the city. The <'ioirlesmu J feme rtf thus deecrib
i 4 i*s condition about three weeks since:
I otti Simh.wA work ol solid masonrj, octagonal
o I wm, pietce I on the is •rih.ea-t and west sides with
a double row <if pf.rt h-4.*s t**r the heaviest guns, and
; on tlte south m land a Ok-, in addition to openings lor
i tries, loop-hob and for u.MWcetry, stands in the middle of
| th* harbor, o*. the co'* of the ship channel, and is
-aid to br t>c nab prvf. It is at present without any
tegular yf mr it. Theis in a bge lotce of wotkmen
’ tine onu hiUutisd and Jitly in all busily employed
mount inf the guns and ovhero j-e putting this peat
iiaigs4tc point in order. Tne aitnauieu! of Fort
Sorot-r vintwsts *i t 140 gutrf>, many of them being tot*
m dfabb- ten-inch “Colnmbi ads,” which throw either
ehot or- *h*ll, and which kai e a fearful isnge. Only a
tew i.t v|| ( v* an* yet in jm leitisu, and the woik of
in<n*,tmy piacss of this cult* re in fits caseinate- is tie-
I s *Ww use. That* dsaiw? a large amount of
*' u * e rv >tores, cotixisiing of slb>nit 4#,ot* Ibf. of pow
rftr, ai>c| u ptoportiouute qm ntity-of almt and shell.
Ihe weg ~iueu engaged hete sleep i*t the tort every
nightj Oiving to the want of aoyteguWcostniunica
uou with the city. Tbs wha or lauding is on tbs
auilfc side, and is of courts exposed lo scrota fire
frs| ll thu openings on t hat
I.rttrr from Hon. ('baric* J. Jenkin*.
The people of Georgia have been in the habit of
confiding largely in the wisdom, integrity and pa
triotism of Charles J. Jfnkis*. We ask their
attention to the following letter, which was address
ed to Several gentlemen in Meriwether county, and
published in the Middle Georgian :
Acocsta, Dec. 12, 1860.
Gentlemen :—Your communication of the 30th
tilt, asking my “opinion in regard to the present
aspect of our public affairs,” came here during my
absence from home, and hence the delay ol my
answer.
The most careless observer of the progress of
events iu our country, during the last quarter of a
century, iuu*t have perceived that, from small .be
ginnings sectional discord has grown to alarming
proportions among us, engendering strife and ani
mosity, prompting to crimination and recrimina
tion —aggressive aud retaliatory action, by indivi
dual*, by associations aud by Slates.
This lamentable state of thiugs has resulted from
the unnecessary and unjust introduction ol South
ern slavery as an element into the politics ot the
country The excitement produced by the discus
sion of this topic within and w ithout the halls of
legislation, iu the pulpit and at the hustings, by
words 9poken, words written, and words printed,
has reached a height wholly incompatible with do
mestic quiet, social order, or good government. —
It is manik-stly exerting a malign influence upon
the political relations aud moral tone of the whole
country. The institution of slavery, appertaining
exclusively to one portion of the country, has be
come the one issue in the political contests which
periodically occur throughout the republic. In
popular governments, highly wrought and long con
tinued excitement, especially where parties divide
upon sectioual lines, is essentially demoralizing. A
striking proof of this is to be found in “ the pres
ent aspect of our public affairs.” In the Northern
States, it has incited a large portion of the people
to the exercise of bad faith towards their Southern
confederates, the violation of their constitutional
obligations, and the perpetration of gross personal
injustice, all of which is sought to be justified by
sanctimonious professions of obedience to a “high
er late.” In the Southern States, whose institu
tions and modes of life eminently promote conser
vative opinions and feelings, there are plain indica
tions that the people, exasperated by accumulated
wrong*, and especially by the intrusion among
them ot incendiary emissaries, aud believing them
selves impelled by a “social necessity” maybe
betrayed into the habitual commission of acts in
volving not only individual disobedience to law,
but associated usurpation of the highest powers of
Government; the infliction of extreme penalties
■pon offenders not legally convicted. Such, under
great provocations, are the unmistakable tenden
cies. The plea of the “higher law” is answered
and rebuked by Holy writ; the only true higher
law which, in these lew words sanctions human
law and enjoins obedience to it is, “Sibmit YOUR
SELVES IO THE AITHORITIKS THAT BE.” The plea of
t.ne** ; ty” finds its practical refutation iu
the late of John Brown aud his followers. That
was a flagrant case, i’he majesty of the law was
amply vindicated —atrocious guilt coodignly pun
ished; yet human blood stained no Southern hand.
All Southern States have laws equally efficient in
like and lesser emergencies; all Southern juries,
will be equally prompt in the conviction of incen
diaries. May sober second thought, and the noble
example of Virginians, full ot moral sublimity,
restrain all Southern men from resisting wrong by
wrong, South of Mason aud Dixon's line; at least
let law be supreme.
I have not indulged in this digression uselessly
tior yet in a censorious spirit. I directyour atten
tion to these things, as striking indications (there
are many others) of the disorganizing spirit which
this agitation is awakening among tho hitherto
law abiding people of these United States. My
conclusion is, that its suppression has become a
domestic, a social, and a political necessity.
It is not simply that an anti-slavery man has
been elected President of the United States, for
with the Legislature, and judicial depajtmetits of
the Government opposed, he could, if he would,
do us little detriment.
It is not alone that a slave occasional!j
to freesoil and haihored, or sped on to foreigu
parts, is lost to his owner; for Georgia slave-own
ers lo*o more annually by the thievish practices of
our own undetected felons than by escape to frefe
territory. It is that the persistent adherence of
some of the tion-slaveholding States to unconstitu
tional enactments intended to thwart tiie execu
tion of the fugitive slave law; the election of a
President, by a strictly sectional vote, upon this
issue alone; the tone of the Republican press, and
the Republican pulpit; the defiant and menacing
attitude of Jiciui Representative men in high
positions, and many other things besides, indicate
but too plainly that the Northern crusade against
the cherished and indispensable institution of the
South, is in full career—that its course is onward.
It is that these officio: and iniquitous demonstra
tion 4 are engendering among Southern people,
hatred of their authors, aud alienation from the
Government under which they are united, aud by
whose instrumentality the latter seek to wrong the
former. It i*, that under the normal operation of
such causes, the whole people of these United
States are becoming politically demoralized; law
and order more and more, year by year, losing
the re*peet of the masses; the right ends of good
government failing; anarchy creeping upon us by
stealthy, but steady advances.
In this view of the subject, gentlemen, I bold
that a quietus should be given to this agitation
within the Union, ii it may be, without the Union,
if it must be. This brings me to the consideration
of the remedy, and here let ine say, briefly, that I
believe firmly, and ever have believed, since in
early manhood I investigated the subject, in tbe
right of secession as inherent in the several States
to the Confederacy, it U not a revolutionary right
in the sense that implies liability to the paiua mid
penalties of treason, if the existing Government
fie able and willing to enforce them. There is no
treason in the case. My allegiance to the Federal
Government results from Georgia's accession to
to the Confederacy, will continue whilst she shall
adhere to it, and will cease whensoever she shall,
in the exercise of her sovereign power withdraw
from it. Ido not propose to urge this point. Se
cession. however, is an extreme remedy, not to be
resorted to, I think, until all others shall have
failed. This was the position assumed by Georgia
in 1850. She enumerated certain threatened ag
gressions upon her rights, to which 9he declared
she would not submit, but solemnly avowed she
would resist them, “ecen as a last resort ,” by se
cession. Mark, “ tts a last resort.” None of these
aggressions hive been committed, but the agita
tion has been continued, until it has grown to the
enormous proportions already indicated. A reme
dy for the evil is imperatively demanded.
But, gentlemen, it is my firm conviction, that
we are not yet reduced to this last resort. The
Federal Government is a noble structure, noble in
theory, and apart from this deplorable, modern
abuse of it, as well calculated to accomplish the
designs of its framers as any Government can pos
sibly be. It is well worth another deliberate
elVort to reclaim and to reform it before abandon
ing it forever. The Confederacy as now constitut
ed, lias elements of strength, of self-reliance, that
rv two or more Confederacies that may be formed
art its fragments, if it be broken up, can possibly
(■•Mess. They will be comparatively weak; and
tl ey w ho talk of trans atlantic alliances with strong
Governments, forget how badly, even in an alli
afiee, monarchical and republican Goverunx >to
work together—forget that in an alliance Ic
tween the strong and the weak, the former grad
i ally assume!! a piotectorate, the latter slowly
t windles into a tributary. Oh no, it is far better
i‘ we can, without a sacrifice of our interests and
car honor, to adhere to our ptesent Government.
Il’ we cannot, why then, let the consequences be
what they may, we should abandon it, and adven
ture once more ujion untried experiments.
There is a plan of action within the Union nev
er yet attempted, from which much good, nay,
entire redress may be hoped, and from which no
greater harm than a short postponement of the
ultimate remedy can possibly result. 1 propose
but this sjiort delay, this one effort, before taking
that ultimate remedy—let them through that Cen
to ntion, by united action, calmly and di-pnssion
tUely, without menace or bluster, but in the firm
Imgutfgc of settled purpose, present to their Con
federates their ultimatum. Let that ultimatum
be broad enough to cover the whole field of con
troversy and embrace ample guaranties for the
future-
I will not presume to enter into details, but there
is w ithin oitr borders statesmanship enough, guid
ed by the lights of experience, to frame one ade
qui tv to the object. If this be accorded to u,
we shall have found redress within the Union,
bear, the si test, the most complete redress possi
ble. Nor is it visionary to expect it. There are,
in early all the Northern States, large minorities
who have ever been true to our rights and their
obligations. In the msjorities there are teus of
tbotisadds who have been deluded by artful dem
agogues, self seeking aspirants, and thus led on to
the brink of a precipice they knew not to lie ia their
wav. Show them this—disclose it to their view in
its terrible perils; let them realize that the next
step is into the abyss below, and it I- but reasona
ble to suppose they will recoil. They do not
desire a dissolution of the Union. Such a de
maud, emanating from s.uch a source, evincing at
om* attachment tn th* Govffrpirient horn of the
Revolution, which gave us all the heritage ot
freedom, and a determination to maintain rights
more valued than the Government itself, cannot
fail ot suces9, unless the people of the Northern
States are lost to all sense ot justice, and of the
value of good Government. Should it so result,
should the effort fail, then let the entire South,
satisfied that there remains no remedy in the Un
ion, withdraw simultaneously from it. Let them
form a Confederacy, acting without divided coun
sels, without heart-burnings —no reproaches ag
ainst this State for precipitate action, or against
that for hesitancy or timidity. Is not the salva
tion of the Uniou worth one such effort ? If not,
are not entire harmony, simultaneous movement
of the Southern States, the formation of the
strongest possible government for the South in its
very inception worth something ? Is not co oper
ation of the Southern States after secession, most
desirable in the inauguration of anew order of
thines? If so, is it worth nothing before secession
to determine or at least to confer upon the ques
tion whether it is best to attempt first to amend
our present political status, or to proceed forth
with to the creation of anew one? No State
will by suh a procedure, lose her right of ultim
ate separate action.’ It is only an aJvisorv pro
ceeding, only a consultation among those who
have common interests, a common destiny, and
who (if we are not to split into numerous, power
less, contemptible nationalities) must, in the fu
ture, form a common Government. If, in ad
vance, we cannot have consultation , what hope is
there of harmony in the sequel of secession? —
Wise men will, in this great movement keep two
objects eteadily in view. First, unanimity, or an
approximation to it, among the people of any se
ceding State. Secondly, united action of all the
Southern States, or a large majority of them. It
seems morally certain in the circumstances sur
rounding us, that nothing save conference and
co-operation as a first step, can secure these ob
jects.
I think, then, that our Convention should pro
pose, or should accept the proposition of (if previ
ously made.) a Southern Convention —provide for
the appointment of delegates to it—and adjourn
over to await aud consider its action when report
ed to it. When our convention shall assemble, I
sincerely tru3t its proceedings will be sharacter
ized by calmness, a spirit of conciliation, a dispo
sition to harmonize conflicting opinions, and a
profound sense of the momentous trust confided
to it—a trust embracing in its scope the disruption
of one great nationality, and possibly the construc
tion of another—a trust in view of which the lofti
est intellect may well pause to take human coun
sel and to ask Divine guidance.
If you think the foregoing suggestions of any
value they are at your disposal.
Verv respectfvlly, Ac.,
CHARLES J. JENKINS.
Messrs. J. A. Williams, W. J. Barnes, J. W.
Madden, R. A. Cochran, S. W. McLendon, John
Banks, J. C. Lee, IT. C. Madden, Win. Barker,
and others.
Mr. Jenkins, we are glad to see, is a Cos opera
tion candidate in Richmond county.
B. 11. Hill** Letter ot Acceptance.
The county convention of Troup county was held on
Saturday last, and nominated to the State Convention
Hon. B. H. Hill, Dr. W. I*. Bxaslky and Col. James
M. Beall. We subjoin Mr. Hill's letter of accept
ance :
LaGrange, Ga., Dec. 26, 1360.
Gentlemen:—Your letter, informing me that l have
been unanimously appointed as a delegato to the ap
proaching Convention, has beeu received. I accejit the
nomination, because I do not think such a position
ought now to be sought or declined.
You ask for my particular views on pending issues.
The e I have hitherto hilly given. 1 see no teason
to change or modify the views exprtssed to the people
ol Troup county ou the 2i*th day of November last.
A mure important crisis was never upon any people.
We ot the South can bring this crisis to au end, just
as we wish ; and we can reach that end in blood or
peace, as our passions or ear piudeiice inay direct.
Come what may, we should never be content with any
patchwork. Slavery must never again be the hobby
nf the political demagogue. 1 greatly deplore so much
feeling cud impatience with so muny ol our people.
We need all the wisdom and cool lmmiess of all our
people. We are in dunj<sr now (roin nothing but our
eetves Ho man is u tit counsellor now who assumes
that slavery can be abolished by any party or any
power. This is a concession to ttie efforts and dreams
of fanaticism without uny foundation in fact. Os all
people in this nation, the slave is this day fur the hap
piest ; and of all pioperty, slavery is by lar the safes .
The Uniou, the Constitution, good government and
the peute of ilia country, are in danger I root the pas
sions, the fanaticisms, and ambition ot the white race
only. But whatever may be the cause, a crisis is upon
us, and we must meet it.
It is au hour when every mun should be all pru
dence aud Ui miiess, without petulance or lashness iu
wold or uction. Every {Southern man should remein
bv-i uiui c.eiy oilier tVmiuei u ui.u i... i..—
ested us himself; and every Southern Stute must be,
more or less, involved by her action. Each is, there
fore, bound by every consideration of ordinary roß|>ect
and good feeling to op'tr a consultation aud an inter
change of views befote final action.
Has South Carolina done this? Does her hasty ac
tion become tbe dignity ot the occasion aud the impor
tance of the issue. Rather has she not acted with
abrupt discourtesy to the claims, wishes and move
ments of her sister slave-holding {States V I trust she
will yet be more deliberate, and comrnuni alive than
her proceedings vtould at first view indicate. South
Carolina is not acting totvaids her sister States in 1860,
as she did act towards her sister colonies in 1776.
J'ethaps her people are more chivalrous and patriotic!
In the name of Calhoun, South Carolina is doing what
Calhoun, to the day of bis death, uever intended, de
sired or counselled.
It may be, her present statesmen are wiser, and un
derstood Calhoun better than Calhoun understood
himsell! She, doubtless, expects the sympathy and
assistance of her srnter Southern States; and these
States, equally, expected troin her consultation, and,
at least, advisory co operation. Thty Lavs been disap
pointed ; she may not be. At any rate, I hope Georgia,
tuber own sensible way of doiug things, will return
f;ood for evil, and act in no spirit of letaliatory petu
auce. At the same time Gooigiu will not be dragoon
ed by either friend* or /on. Georgia will prefer dis
cretion to busie, and wisdom to impetuosity. 1 believe
she will be courteous tu all her sister States of tbe
South, and seek to combine the wisdom ot at least as
niauy as will act with ber. Sbe will not be coerced to
stay in tbe Uuion, nor to be hurried out before the
proper time.
There are numberless rumors and telegraphic reports
flooding the country. We know not how- much to be
lieve. Our people must be selt possessed and deliber
ate, or they will be misled. One truth is established:
thete are too many demagogue and too few statesmen
at Washington, lty the paticrß of this morning I atu
conjirtmd in what I have before suspected: that cer
tain great men, so called, are j.liyi/iy tricks in this
uwful crisis, to excite the people! Oh, my country!
The dissolution of this Union may be a necessity.
If so, utter being fully satisfied of thut (act, let us de
cree (bat dissolution, lint 1 must be allowed to say
that 1 cannot regard such an event as an occasion for
rejoicing. The sum of Nero’s ingratitude is recorded
iu the fact that he “fiddled while Home was burning.”
Ido not liken our people to Nero Far from it. liut
is it not strange that we should fire cannons, illumine
cities, raise bonfires, and muke noisy tbe still hours of
night witli shouts over tbe destruction ot a government
infinitely greater than Rome ever was?
Unless our grievances are fully redressed, and we
can have satisfactory guarantees that they will net be
repeated, I will aid iu the necessity of disunion. Rut
1 shall dissolve this Uuion us 1 would buiy a benefuc
tor —iu sorrow of heart. For, after all, the Uuion is
not the author of our grievances. Had extreme men,
in both sections, insult each other und then fight the
Union which never banned or insulted either! Per
haps it bus blessed all above their meiits. For myself,
1 shall never ask lor more tiue liberty uud real liappi
ness under any government than I Lave ei joyed us a
citizen of this great Aineiicau Union. May they who
would destroy this Union in a J relic, have the wisdom
to furnish to oui'children a better.
Yours, very tru'v, 11. H. HILL,
i To Messrs. C. F>. Pullen, W. C. Darden and Thomas
Leslie, Committee.
Tub Pittsiu'RO Guns.—A dispatch received here a
few days ago reported that u shipment of cannon for
Soulhei u Forts had been stopped by the citizens of
Pittsburg, but there was some doubt as to whether the
movement was made to prevent the forts from being
aimed against the South or no'. Newspaper advices
the question, by informing us that the “ appareut
object is to place the guns where the secessionists can
get them,” and that “the feeling against allowing a
gun to be removed South, is unanimous.” It is well
known that the torts for which the guns were intend
ed are just approaching completion, uud that in ordi
nary times the shipment would havecreaUd no re
mark: hut now, wdien the moment approaches that
cannon may be used fm something besides compli
mentary salutes, the city of Pittsburg, in the State of
Pennsylvania, rises up in her in ijcstv und informs the
Government of the Uuited States that it is her will
and pleasure that the guns shall not be sent, because,
forsooth, they are going South. Does any one suppose
that such a proceeding would have transpired hid the
guns been ordered to Philadelphia or any other north
ern city or tort? Verily, the efforts to conciliate the
South, breathe any thing but kindness.— ‘'uannak
lisp uh 1 lean.
Seceivsloii a-ktu to Absconding,
The Richmond Whig publishes the following
extract from a letter from one of “ the ablest and
most distinguished gentlemen of the Common
wealth, approving its opposition to secessionj:
“ I h&ve read, with pleasure, your editorials in
yesterday’s Whig. They take, in my opinion, pre
cisely the right ground and breathe the right spirit.
Sereilimp has alwajs seemed to me like absconding
—both equally mean, but the latter far more sen
sible than the former—as the abscomlim/ debtor
runs away from burdens, but tbe seceding States
from mot valuable rights and privileges, us well
at duties.”
That is wise and sensible talk. And we repeat,
let the Cotton Rtattfl afcscoad If tbej cboooc—but
Vlrgi.nl* new l
From the Mercury of Friday, Deo. 23.
Mirriug EvenU at Clinrleston.
Charleston was yesterday morning thrown into
a state of the wildest excitement, by the news|that.
the United States troops had been transferred
from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. At first the
flying rumors weie so numerous and so contradic
tory that it v as no easy matter to get at the truth ;
but in a short time the leading facts began to be
pretty well established, Ii seems that on Wedne9
day night, about eight o'clock, Major Anderson
and his command having sp'ked the guns, fired
the gun carriages of Fort .Moultrie, and sawed
down the flag staff, evacuated the place, and took
possession of Fort Sumter instead. The ladies,
who had hitherto lived in the fort, had been pre
viously sent to Charleston, and whatever furniture,
ammunition and provisions that could he moved
without exciting suspicion, had been quietly trans
ferred to Fort Sumter. The report that the de
fences of Fort Moultrie had been so shamefully
fully mutilated, naturally aroused great indigna
tion in the city. People immediately sought the
steeples and cupolas of the public buildings, and
telescopes were brought into active requisition, to
gratify the general curiosity. Little, however,
could be descried beyond a dense smoke issuing
from within the ramparts, and large gangs of men
at work unloading the cargos of schooners into
Fort Sumter.
A I’kf.p at Fort Moultrie.— At half-past two
o’clock our reporter visited Sullivan’s Island.
Quietness reigned throughout Moultrieville, and
it was not until the fort was readied that Ire no
tieed any signs of activity. Here, however, was
a change. Instead of a mass of smoking ruins,
were the well-defined line of the fortress, unchang
ed, at least in appearance. Instead of utter
abandonment on the part of the garrison, the sen
ior officer of the Kngineers and six men main
tained possession of the strong hold. Instead of
gaining ready admittance, a stolid sentinel bar
red the way, whilst a succession of carts loaded
with canister and grape, cooking utensils and
cooking stoves, made their devious way to the
lighter in attendance, to convey the ill assorted
cargo to Fort Sumter. It was easy to see that
the fort had been virtually abandoned, but it was
not so easy to ascertain the full extent of the dam
age. The barracks were siill standi’ g, though
stripped of their furniture, and deserted by their
tenants, lu short, it was plain enough an evacu
ation had taken place, and that visitors to Major
Anderson were expeeted to leave their cards at
Fort Sumter. From the citizens it was gleaned
that the guns had been tarred and spiked, and
that the small columns of smoke rising from the
interior proceeded from the burning gun carriag
es. One or two, more mysterious than the rest,
stated, with ominous shakings of the head, that
the whole of the interior of the fort had been un
dermined, and that it was perilous to venture
within its walls.
The effect of the news was immediately visible
in the streets of our city. The volunteers were
out in full force and under arms. The Cadet Ri
fle Battalion, under command of Col. J. J. Petti
grew, assembled promptly upon the Citadel Green.
They were substantially equipped in winter uni
form, with blankets, knapsacks and revolvers.—
The battalion numbered some 160 men, and con
sisted of detachments from the Meagher Guards,
the Carolina Light infantry and the Washington
Light Infantry. Shortly after four o’clock the
word was given and the companies advanced in
double quick time, without music, towards the
Cooper River. None of them, we believe, except
the officers, were aware of their destination.—
They embarked on the steamer Nina, which im
mediately headed for Castle Pinckney and the
surmise soon became confirmed that the destina
tion of the commaud was to take possession of
that fortress. On nearing the fort, a number of
men were observed on the wharf, one of whom, in
advance of the others, was observed holding what
appeared to be a paper in his hand. This was
said to have been the Riot Act. As soon as the
Nina touched the wharf, the storming party who
had been detained for that duty, sprung ashore
and rushed round to the rear of the fortress, where
the gate is situated. This was found closed, and
a cry for storming ladders was soon answered by
a detachment bearing a dozen or mote of them.
These were instantly planted, and under cover of
rifles of the battalion, the v alls were scaled and
the gates thrown open.
On.entering the fort it was found to be tenant
ed only by an o.'Ccer of Engineers and a 3tnall
party of laborer—none of whom made any re
sistance. The Engineer officer was informed that
he was at liberty to leave, and remove his per
sonal effects, and in a tew minutes he set out in a
boat belonging to the tort, accompanied by four
other men. From the direction in which he steer
ed, it is supposed that he went to Fort Moultrie.
The flag of the Niua, consisting of a white star
vii a icU ground, wns Uieii twisted uiulil luutl
cheers; aiid when our reporter left, a strong
guard had been mounted, and preparation for gar
rinouiog the fortress were well advanced.
About seven o’clock the tramp of detachments
from the artillery regiments was heard, and the
Washington Artillery, the German Artillery, the
Lafayette Artillery, and the Marion Artillery,
making a total of two hundred and twenty-five
men, rank and file, uuder command of Col. Wil
mot G DeSaussure, were soon embarked on the
Nina and General Clinch, and steamed away down
the harbor towaid Sullivan Island. Among those
on board were Col. Charles Alston, Aid to tire
Governor, and Captain Humphreys, of the Arse
nal. On reaching the island these two last named
gentlemen approached the gate, aDd the sentinel,
in accordance, it is said, with orders, surrendered
on demand. The troops then quietly took posses
sion, and the Palmetto flag was soon waving over
the time-honored fortifications. Three rockets
(the signal agreed upon) were then sent up to no
tify the people in the city that the fort was in the
hands of the State, find then the newly installed
garrison betook themselves, as best they might, to
devisiug the ways and means of comfort and pro
tection. Thus far had the affair progressed up to
to a late hour last night.
This transfer of the troops from Fort Moultrie
to Fort Sumter is regarded as an outrageous
breach ot faith. For there was a distinct under
standing with the General Government, upon the
highest authority, that no such transfer would be
made, no reinforcement of either of the forts at
tempted, and no transfer of arms or ammunition.
Relying upon these declarations, the authorities of
South Carolina had not taken the forts when com
pletely within their power. They have acted in
good faith, and expected it in return.
Major Anderson alleges that the movement was
made without orders and upon his own responsi
bility, and that he was not aware of such an un
derstanding. He is a gentleman, and we will not
impugn his word or his motives. But it is due to
South Carolina and to good faith, that the act of
this officer be repudiated by the Government, and
that the troops be removed forthwith from Fort
Sumter.
[By Telegraph to tbe Columbua Enquirer.]
for Co- O, jo
ration I
Montgomery, Dec. 29, —12 m.
The indications are that the co-operationists
will control the Convention bv a majority of ten
or twelve votes. The popular vote, so far as heard
from, is largely for co-operation.
From the Columbus Enquirer.
Weal Florida ngalnat Secession.
Mariana, Dec. 24, 18(10,
Editor * Enquirer: Dear Sin: Flection lor dele
gates to the Convention came oft'last Saturday. The
disunion or secession ticket is badly beaten. Breck
inridge carried the county by s!t votes; the disunion*
ists are beaten by 42 votes. The Governor elect
look the stump and was associated with tho Circuit
Court Judge (Kindly.) We? Florida you may rely,
will go against tho dmunioi project by at least 80U
votes, and if the Convention mils to wait for tho co
operation of Georgia and Alabama, it will be killed
off by 2,000. All this fttss and feathers is only so
tuuch bluster. The pcoph stand on Hill's and
Stephens’positions. Tours, truly, M.
Milton, Fi.a., Dec. 24.
Editor Enquirer: At the election for delegates to
the state Convention, in this county (Santa Rosa) the
co-operation candidates wore elected by Ib.r to one.
Respectfully, “ F.
SrxxY Slope, (near Acui ux,) Ala., )
December 21, 18G0. )”
Mr. Editor: —Allow me a space in your paper to
say that I heartily approve tl£ j wograutme of action
laid liown in your editorial of this week, in reply to
the question—“ Wliat shall the Convention do?"
It provides for a Southern Convention —a movement,
in my opinion, indispensable to Southern harmony,
and any efficient res stance whatever. I greatly fear
that the quasi secession of separate Suites will cm
bariLss and demoralize the whole resistance move
ment. Nothing can prevent it from doing so but a
Southern Convention. Urge its call at once!
My views and feelings have been much misunder
stood and misrepresented. I should not tax vour
columns with this letter, but I have been excluded
fVom the more ultra papers. We are in the hands of
the revolutionary cabals. It is Bed, against Black Re
publicanism.
Respectfully, your fritnd and fellow-countryman,
w. f,
MACON, GEORGIA:
Wednesday, January 2,1861.
Co-Optra‘.ion Ticket for Bibb County.
bnd bass,
JAS. 11. R WASHINGTON,
< .’f V Ki 10 THARP.
Ek ; rt the first Wednesday in January.
COTTON MARKET.
Considerable sales have been made duriug the
ptst week ; and all sold that has been offered.—
10$ cents is now paid for the’best qualities.—
Principal sales from 9$ los. The quantity of
Colton now in our Ware Houses U quite large—
probably about 26,000 bales. With the present
nriees, we think it will be considerably reduced in
short time, and the money pressure that has ex
isted, consequently be materially relieved. People
having money laid by at home for future emergen
cies, may now bring it forth, and pay existing
debts. A fair price for Cotton, is a much better
“Relief Law,” than the one passed by our Legis
lature. In doing this, we trust they will remem
ber the small claims due the Press.
The latest European dates are to the 20th ult.
The Cotton market was firm with the advance of
a $ penny. Sales for the week, in Liverpool, 40,-
000 bales. Stock on hand, 689,000 bales, of which
434,000 are American.
TO DELINQUENT SUBSCRIBERS
We have the names of scores of subscribers on
our books who owe us from four to eight year*
for the Jo-n-na! <t Messenger. They have been
occasionally reminded of their indebtedness and
requested to remit the amount. We have been
inclined to attribute tbeir continued delinquencies,
rather to forgetfulness than to meanness or dis
honesty. Hoping that they would respond to the
promptings of justice and equity, their names have
been continued on our books from year to year.—
If they should not hereafter receive the Messenger,
they will ascribe it to a failure upon their part to
give us our dues. We would fain hope that in
these times of trouble, they will not overlook the
claims of an old friend.
ELECTION RETURNS.
We will thank our friends in interior counties
to send us election returns as early as practicable.
Professor Loeiir has placed upon our ta
ble “ The Cotton Planters’ Convention Galopade,”
composed by himself, for Class Exhibitions, and
well suited to young performers. For sale only by
J. W. Burke, Agent.
A CAUTION.
We would caution our friends against all undue
excitement to-day, particularly at the polls. Let
every man bear mind, that in this country the
right of private judgment is guaranteed to every
individual, aud that there should be no obstruction
to the lawful exercise of the elective franchise.
THE BELGIAN GOODS
Which have been on exhibition and for sale at
the Fair Ground, we understand, will be removed
to the City this week, where merchants and others
will have a better opportunity to examine, and
make purchases. We trust that they will find a
ready sale for their stock, and their prices are very
moderate. Eo’ a list of Goods, Ac., we refer
readers to the advertisement, in our columns.
THE OLD AND NEW YEAR.
The old veai passed away amid chilling winds
and sombre clouds. The new one makes its ad
vent under similar unpropitious omens. We ten
der our kindly greetings to our worthy patrons,
and wish them all many “ Happy New Years.”
PREMIUM LIST.
We publish to-day a portion of the list of pre
miums awarded by the late Cotton Planters Fair,
held in this city. There has been so great a pres
sure upon our time and space for the last few
weeks, that we have not given a9 full notices of
this important Exhibition as it demanded. We
here take occasion to tender to its worthy officers,
and especially its courteous Secretary, our thanks
for their polite attentions.
INTERESTING LETTERS.
In addition to those to which we have already
directed attention, we would invite attention to
the letters of Hon. Asbury Hull, B. H. Hill and
\V. F. Samford. Mr. Samford, it is well known,
has long been an open and earnest secessionist.—
These letters from different and influential sources,
are presented not so much with the expectation of
changiug the opinions of others, as vindicating and
fortifying our own.
SOUTHLBH CULTIVATOR.
The December number of this valuable Agricul
tural and Horticultural Monthly, is on our table.—
Ab r Pioneer in the cause of Southern Husbandry,
as well as from the able manner in which it baa
been uniformly conducted, it deserves a generous
patronage. It should be in the family of every
planter and farmer. The volume opens with Jan
uary. Priet s*!.< 0 per annum. By reference to
a card in mother column, it will be seen that Mr.
Redmond has become Proprietor. We wish him
> and his accomplished editorial associate much suc
cess.
MR- JENKINS.
Last week we gave to our readers an admirable
letter from Hon. Linton Stephens. To-day we
invite their attention to a letter and a speech from
Hon. Charles J, Jenkins. They breathe tbe right
spirit and mark out the true policy for Georgia tn
pursue. Both of these gentlemen are rather
more hopeful in regard *to a satisfactory adjust
ment of our sectional difficulties, in the Union ,
than we are. Since the announcement of their
views, developments have doubtless transpired
which have weakened their own faith upon this
subject—all, however, going to show the impolicy,
if not madness, of separate State secession, and
the vast and vital importance of a co-operative
and simultaneous movement of all of those States
which are bound by kindred interests and com
mon hopes.
The views of Mr. Jenkins upon the right of se
cession are novel and striking. We commend
then* to the perusal of all our readers.
THE CANVASS CLOSED-
To-day Georgia makes up a very momentous
verdict—one which will deeply involve her every
interest. That she is for resistance—stem, unyield
ing resistance—we cannot doubt. The develope
ments, of each revolving day, demonstrate the futil
ity of all hopes for the perpetuity of the Union. We
write this in sadness. Others may lightly esteem
a Government under which they have enjoyed so
much that renders life desirable—not so wiih us.
We contemplate its ruin with sorrow and anguish.
And yet we see not how the catastrophe can be
averted. In spite of every warning, the non-slave
holding States have, steadily and malignantly and
wantonly, persisted in their wicked aggressions,
and now we see no guaranty for peace and safety
except in disunion. Heretofore the South has
made concessions—now they must come, and
promptly too, and fully from the North, or the
Union is gone and that without remedy.
Whilst, we doubt not, a mnjority of delegates
elected to the Convention to day, will be in favor
of consulting with other aggrieved Stales before
final action, we believe that bod) will be a unit
far strong resistance measures.
Deatii of Tlon. H. M. v Feller. —llonjJHenry M.
Fuller, ex-member of Congress from the Honwtdale
district, died in Philadelphia on*Tuesday, of typhoid
fever. lie was the defeated candidate & Sad
I tester*
A MISTAKE.
Last week the Examine; published what purported
to be an extract from the proceedings of Congress, in
which Mr. Hardeman is represented as having pro
posed “ amendment resolutions amendatory of the
Constitution of the United States,” and which that
paper says was “ met with unult, ridicule , and cot,i
temptuoHs rejection /” Now if all this were true, it
would very naturally fire up the hearts of Mr. Hard
eman’s numerous friends and the friends of the South.
But unfortunately for the precipitators, Mr. H. never
made any proposition of the kind alluded to, as wfij
be seen by the follow ingdispatch to Mr. J. W. Grif
fin, ol this city, dated Washington, Dec. 26, 18C0.
“ I have not asked any coarwy to allow, or introduce,!
any resolutions as charged In Examiner.”
T. HABDEMAN, Jr.
Again we caution the people to be on their gutui
against false rumors.
Tbe above article appeared in an extra from this
office, a few days since. The following extract
from the proceedings of Congre®*, taken from the
Xatianal Intelligencer , instead of the “_V. E.
telligevcer,” as published in the Examiner, by the
oversight of the printer, shows that our contempo
rary was honestly misled—which we never doubt
ed—in ascribing to Mr. Hardeman the proposition
to introduce the resolution referred to. By re
ference to the Congressional Clobe, we find that
the proposition ascribed by the Intelligencer to
Mr. Hardeman was made by Mr. Hindman, of Ar
kansas, and for Mr. Sherman, the name of Stanton
should be substituted. This explains the whole
difficulty.
We lake pleasure in saying that the brief edito
rial career of Mr. Branham, has been marked with
ability, dignity and courtesy, and regret that cir
cumstances forbid his longer continuance in a posi
tion he is so well qualified to fill. We learn the
Examiner has been suspended for the present.
Mon. Thomai Hardeman-tnloatavlnK
Erojjositton — 11#to received by the liUxdc ReyuUicant.
Ou the lltb inst.
Mr. Hardeman asked, through the courtesy of the
House permission to lespoud to the imputations of the
gentleman tiom Ohio, t,Mr. Sherman,* and to oiler
amendment resolutions, amendatory of the Constitu
tion ot the United States, with a view, if possible, of
settling the agitation of tbe slavery question, and of
placing the whoie mutter in connection with it on a fair
and just basis, and to peipetiute tbe Union. lie hoped
gentlemen would meet hu proposition in a spirit of
tairness and trank ness, and not resort—be did not now
mean imputation or any thing of the sort upou any
one—to legislative expedients and parliamentary ma
noeuvring, but voting directly and t-quaielv, so that
the South may clearly understand what is the deter
mination of the Northern people. It appeared to him
that the Representatives in Congress—every member
in that House —must understand the question as fully
now as he can hope to do. Tbe whole issue was in>
volved in this sectional contest. lie would say no
mote now, but asx that the resolution be read.
Mr. Morris, ot Illinois, objected. [Laughter.]
Mr. Hardeman. Well, I have offered a resolution in
favoroi the Union and it was not received. [Laughter.]
Mr. Morris, ot lllioois, again claimed tbe floor, to
put his resolution.
The Speaker ruled that he could not now present hi-i
resolution.
Mr. Uaideman asked the Chair if he could not em
body his resolution in his remarks.
The Speaker. It has been objected to.
Mr. IlardemaD. Who objected ?
Several Members: “Morris.” [Laughter.]—A". Turk
Intelligencer.
Patriotic Responses. —A telegraphic dispatch
was received by Mayor Macbeth, on Thursday, from
Captain J. W. Adderhold, of Macon, Ga., placing
his command ot sixty-five men at the service of
South Carolina. And a few minutes after a similar
offer was made from the same place by Lieut W.
H. Ross, who tenders the service of fifty men of the
Floyd Company.
The dispatches were sent to Governor riekons.
And still later in the day another ehivalric offer
came from Macon. F. Fitzgerald, Captain of the
Bibb Cavalry, placed his corps at the call of Gov.
Pickens.
At intervals during the day similar noble tenders
of services were received from the volunteer soldie
ry of our sister States. Among tiiese numerous
profers of assistance, we would mention the hearty
dispatches from Captains L. M. Lamar and It. A.
Smith, of Macon, Ga., and from the Southern Guards,
of Columbus, Ga., through their President, F. W
Dillard. This last mentioned company numbers six
hundred men.
Georgia has spoken out boldly. All honor to the
Empire State.
We copy the foregoing from the Charleston Cour
ier of Friday last. We can assure our Carolina
friends, that whilst there is a difference of opin-ion in
Georgia in regard to the propriety of iter leaving
the Union in such haste, there is but one feeling rel
ative to any attempt of the Federal Government to
coerce her back. As we have heretofore remarked,
such au experiment will prove a hazardous and
troublesome one. On this subject the patriotic res
ponses of our gallant volunteer corps, will find an
echo in the heart of every true Georg ian.
‘* BDBMISBIONI3TS.-’
Those Southern Editors who falsely charge a
portion of the people of the South with being
“submiasiouists,” are giving aid and comfort to
our Northern enemies, by creating the impression
that there is a party at the South fiiendly to them.
The thing is utterly false, and the sooner the peo
ple of the North learn it, the better. We do not
know of one solitary submissionist in tbe State of
Georgia.— Athene I Vatchman.
Pardon of Col. Rltdler. —The latest advices
from Truxilllo announce the unconditional pardon
of Col. Rudler, by the Hondurean Government.
Kentucky Lbui.sla.tcrk.—Tho Governor of Ken
tucky has culled an extra session of the Legislature,
to moot on the 17th January next.
Gov. Moore, of Alabama, has issued his proclama
tion convening the Legislature of that Slide on the
*4th proximo.
now tub Counties Stand —The “Chronicle A
Sentinel” says: In eighty-four counties in Georgia,
included in a list published on Tuesday— forty-four
have nominated t nly co-operation tickets— fourteen
only immediate secession tickets, and in twenty-'ix
there aro two tickets.
Opinion of Gtx. Scott. — Gen. Scott said to-day
that he almost despaired of reconciliation, and feared
tliat the flag of the United States would not wave
over Fort Moultrie nfler New Year's day.
Thus wrote a Washington correspondent on the
24th. The flag of the United States has been taken
rom Fort Moultrie.
Robbery of Indian Bonds.
The lute robbery of Indian Trust Bonds, says the
National Intelligencer, is the topic of general remark,
The clerk who so culpably allowed himself to lay
hands upon property placed in liis charge by the
Government, and for which, of course, the Govern-
ment was and is responsible, js named Goddard
Hailey, from Alabama, and held the office of Appeal
Clerk for Indian matters in the Secretary’s office of
the Interior Department, at a salary of $2,000 per
annum. He wa9 not a clerk in the Indian office.
Wo learn that he was induced to take the bond 9 in
order to assist a friend, Mr. Russell, well known as a
proprietor in tbe wagon train lines between the city
of Leavenworth and Utah and New Mexico. It is
said that Mr. Russell held a large amount of drafts
accepted by the Secretary of War, but on which lie
could not realize, and that, finding Mr. Bailey the
custodian of these- trust bonds, induced him to lend
them until his own receipts could come round, so
that the bonds might be taken up and all made right
agaic. At first $150,000 worth of bonds was taken
in this way, but, as only about SIOO,OOO could be
realized on them, a second abstraction was made,
and then others to close margins of former deficien
cies. Mr. Russell’s business taking an unfavorable
turn, and the troubles of the past six weeks following
on, the criminal acts of Mr. Bailey could not longer
be concealed. Mr. B. was yesterday lodged in jail’
and we understaed the case was before the Grand
Jury. Mr. Russell is also in the bands of officer 0
sent on to New York to arrest him. It will be per
ceived by the proceedings of the House of Represen
tatives that these embezzlements formed the subject
of a communication to that body yesterday by : > '’
Secretary of the Interior*