Georgia journal and messenger. (Macon, Ga.) 1847-1869, January 02, 1861, Image 2

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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*