Newspaper Page Text
lournal & Jflcssengcr.
J. KNOWLES and S. ROSE,
EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS.
From th* Montgomery Advertiser.
SOUTHERN CONGRESS.
I iri Oay.
Montgomery, Ala., Fob.*4, 1361.
The Convention met to-day at 12 o'clock in the
Senate chamber of the Capitol.
W. P. Chilton, of Ala., called the Coovention to
order, and moved that tbe Hon. K. W Barnwell,
of S. C., be selected a* temporary President, which
motion was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Barnwell took the Chair, and mid that he
thanked the Convention lor the confidence re
posed and honor conferred in calling him to the
position ot Chairman. He then called upon Rev.
Dr Basil Manley to offer a praver. The Her.
Doctor addressed the Throne of Grace as follows :
“Oh, thou God of the universe, thou madest ali
things—thou tnadest inan upon the earth—thou
hast endowed him with reason and the capacity
lor government. We thank thee that thou hast
made us, at this late period ol the world and in
this lair portion of the earth ; and hast established
a free government and a tree form ol religion
among us We thank thee for all the hallowed
memories connected with our past history. Thou
hast been the God ot our fathers, ob. be thou our
God. Let it piease thee to vouchsafe thy sacred ,
presence to this assembly. Oh, our Fmthei, we I
appeal to thee, the searcher of fceariS, tor the pu
rity and sincerity or our motives If we are in
violation of any compact still obligatory on ns
with those Slates from which we have separated,
in order to set up anew government—il we are
acting in rebellion to, and in contravention of pie
ty towards God, and good faith to our fellow man,
we cannot hope lor thy presence and Messing.—
But, oh, thou heart-searching God, we trust that
thou seest we are pursuing those rights which
were guaranteed to us by the solemn covenants ol
our fathers, and which were cemented by their
blood. Aud now we humbly recognize thy hand
in the Providence which has brought us together.
We pray thee to give the spirit of wisdom to thy
servants, with ail necessary grace, that they may
act with deliberation and purpose, and theu they
will wisely adopt such measures in this trving coii
dttion of affairs, as shall redound to thy glory and
the good of our country. So direct them* that
they may merge the lust for spoil and the desire
for office inro tbe patriotic de-ire for the welfare
of this great people. Oh trod, assist them to
preserve our republican form ot government, and
ihepnrtlj of the toons ot religion without interfer
ence with the strongest Jorm of civil government.
May God, iu tender mercy, bestow upon the dep
titles here assembled, heaith and strength of body,
together with calmness anti soundness of mind -
may they aim directly at the glory of God and
the welfare of the whole people—and when the
hour ot trial, which may supervene, shall come,
enable them to stand tirui iu the exercise of truth
with great prudence, and a just regatd for the
sovereign rights of their constituents.
Oh, God, gram that the Union of these States,
and all that may come into this Union, rn.-tv en
dure as long as the *an and moon shall last, and
until the Sou of man shall come a second time to
judge tue world in righteousness. Preside ovei
this body, in it* organization, and in the distribu
tion of its officers. Let truth, and justice, aud
euual rights be decreed to our government. Aud
our Father iu Heaven, we acknowledge thee
as our God—do thou rule in us—do thou swav us
—and let tbe blessings of the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit rest upon tbis assembly, now and for
ever. Amen. [Some of the words of the a"ed
and pious Divine were scarcely audible to the're
porter. £ome slight inaccuracies in the language
may, iu consequence, nave occurred.]
The Chairman then stated that the first busi
ness of tbe Convention was to provide for its per
manent organization
Mr. Rhett—Would it not be proper now lot the
Deputies to present their credentials, so that the
Convention might ascertain who are members ?
Mr. Memminger—lt would be well for the
t hairmau to appoint a temporary Secretary, and
1 make motion to that effect.
Mr. Shorter—l suggest that A. R. Lamar, Esq.,
o! Georgia, be appointed temporary Secretary,
which motion was adopted.
Mr. Memminger—l move that the Deputies
•rom the several States, iu alphabetical order, pre
sent their credentials to the Secretary, and also
sign their name# to the roll of the Convention.
Adopted.
The Deputies then proceeded to romplv with
the resolutions, as follows :
ALABAMA.
R. W. Walker. S. F. Hale,
R. H. Smith. Colin J. Mcßae,
J. L. M. Curry. Jno. Gill Shorter.
W. P. Chilton.
FLORina.
J. B. Owens. J. Patton Anderson.
GEORGIA.
Robert Toombs Benj. H. HIM.
Howell Cobb. A. R. Wright.
Francis S. Bartow. T. R. K. Cobh,
Martin J. Craw’ard. Augustus H. Kenan
Kogenius A. oet. Alex. H. Stephens.
LOUISIANA.
John Perkins, Jr. D. F. Keener,
A Declouef. Edward Sparrow.
Charles ,M. Conrad. Henry Marshall.
-MI^SISSIW-I.
W. P. Harris. W. K. Barrv.
Walker Brooks. J. T. Harrison.
. X. S. Wilson,
sot tm Carolina.
R. B. Rhett, Sr., t'. G. Memminger,
R. W. Barnwell, W. Porcher Miles,
L. M. Keitt, Thomas J. Withers,
James Ohesnut, Jr., W. W. Boyce.
The Chairman stated that the Deputies had hand
ed in their credentials and bad signed the roll,
aud stated that the Convention was readv l'or
further business.
Mr. Rhett—l think our proper course is to elect
a President of the Convention. tu the part of
the Deputies from South Carolina. I pte*ent the
name of a gentleman for that office who has been
illustrious on the arena of the General Govern
ment—whose tarn* is eo-ex tensive with the length
and breadth ot this whole country —I nominate
the lion. Howell 1 obb, of Georgia, as President
of thU Convention. [ Applause. J lam sure that
hi election * ill be unanimous. 1, therefore, pro
pose that he be declared President by acclama
tion.
Tbe motion prevailed, and considerable applause
t olio wed the announcement.
Mr. Rhett—l mote that a committee of three
be appointed to inform Mr. Cobb ol h a election
and conduct bitn to the chair.
The motion prevailed, aud the Chairman ap
pointed Messrs. Rhett, Walker and Anderson that
committee.
After taking the chair, Mr. Cobb addressed the
Convention as follows:
Accept, gentlemen ol the Convention, niv sin
cere thanks for the houor you have conferred
upon me, I shall endeavor bv a faithful aud im
partial .discharge of the duties of the Chair, to
merit is some degree at least the confidence ton
have reposed in me.
Fhe occasion which assembles us together is
one of no ordinary character. We meet* as rep
resentatives of sovereign and independent States
who, by their solemn judgment, have dissolved
the political association which connected them
with the Government ot the United States. Ot the
causes, which have led to this decision, it is un
necessary now to speak. It is sufficient to an
nounce that by the judgment ol our constituents
they have been pronounced ample and sufficient.
It is now a fixed and irrevocable fact. ( Applause, j
The separation is perfect, complete and perpetual
[ Applause.]
The great duty is now imposed upon us of pro
viding for these States a Government lor their
Juture security and protection. We can and
should extend to our (sinter States— who are iden
tified with us in a common destiny—desirous at
the 9ame time ol maintaining with our former
confederates, as with the wot id, the most peace
ful and friendly relations, both political and com
mercial. [Applause.]
Our responsibilities, gentlemen, are great and
1 doubt not we shall prove equal to the occasion.
1 Applause.] Let us as nine ail the responsibility
that may be necessary for the successful comple
tion of the great work committed to our care,
placing 1 efore our countrymen and the worl.l our
acts and their results, as the justification for the
course we may pursue, and the policy we may
adopt. With a consciousness of the justice of our
cause, and a confidence iu the guidance and bless
mgs of a kind I rovidence, we w ill this day inaug
urate for the .South anew era of peace, security
and prosperity. [Applause.|
Mr. i hiltou—l move that the Convention now
proceed to the election of a Secretary. [The mo
tion was carried.] If it be agreeable to the (’on.
vention, I will nominate Johnson J. Hooper, F,q ,
of Alabama, to that office. He is a gentleman
too well and favorably known to reader it neecs
tiaiTl 0r E ? e to anything about hia ability and
qualification®, for the proper diicitaige of tbe
dutiea of that office. 6
I Mr. Toombs —1 move that the nomination of J. !
,1. Hooper, for Secretary be made by acclamation.
The motion wa® agreed to.
Mr. Withers—l mote that the President Ire au
thorized to appoint a Door-keeper and other nec
essary officers. Adopted.
Un motion of Mr. Stephens, the President was
requested to appoint a Committee f five to re
port rules for the government of the Convention.
Adopted.
On motion, the Convention adjourned until 12
o’clock to-morrow.
Nerauil liu>.
Tckshat, Feb. 5, 1851.
The Congress met to-day at noon. Prayer
was offered by Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of St. John’s
Church.
The proceedings of yesterday were read and
confirmed.
Mr. Stephens—The Committee on Rules have
authorized me to submit a report, which for the
couvience of members, ha* been printed and laid
upon the desks. Those rules'Tiave been selected
by the Committee from the Rules of the House
of Representatives as well as those of the Senate
of the United States, and with some from Jeffer
son’s Manual, and some few original ones, which
the committee regarded necessary for this body.
Mr. Curry—l submit the following resolution :
RetoLetd, That Messrs. Shorter and Reed be
appointed printers to this Congress, while it holds
its sessions in Montgomery, and that they shall do
the work in the same style and tor the same com
pensation they received lor the printing for the
Alabama State Convention.
1 would remark that these gentlemen are the
printers for the State ot Alabama.
The re a olotion was taken up and agreed to.
Mr. Xisbet—l submit the tallowing resolution :
Re*oirtif, That the Reverend ciergy of this city,
be, and they are hereby invited la open the ses
sions of this Convention with prayer, and that, a
committee of three be .--elected from the Alabama
Convention, and to arrange with them the per
formance of the service.
The resolution was agreed to.
The President—l would suggest that it would
be well to move to fix upon the hour for the
regular meeting of this body.
Mr. Stephens—l move that the hour of 12
o’clock be fixed upon as the time for meeting.
The motion was agreed to.
Mr. Chestnut—l move that the States be called
in alphabetical order, to allow the deputies to
present resolutions for the consideration of this
body.
The President —That will be in accordance with
the rules as adopted, and will he done.
When the Secretary called the State of South
Carolina, Mr. Memminger presented the following
resolutions :
1. Resolved, That this Convention deem it ex
pedient Forth with to form a Confederacy of the
States which have seceded from the Federal Un
ion, and that a committee be appointed to report
a plan lor a Provisional Government, upon the
basis ol the Constitution of the United States.
2 Resolved, That a eommitfee of thirteen mem
bers, be appointed as follows, viz : The Chairman
by the Convention, aud the members from each
State, to be nominated by the deputies of that
State.
3. Resolved. That ali propositions in reference
to a provisional government, be referred to this
Committee.
Mr. Memminger—l am not disposed to press
the consideration of these resolutions at the pres
ent time, if any gentleman desires their postpone
ment. It w ill require -some days to mature a plan
of government, and therefore I have brought
those resolutions forward at this early period.
Mr. Stepheus—l move to strike out of the reso
lutions the word Convention, wherever it occurs,
and substitute the word Congress.
Mr. Memminger—l Lave no objection to the
change projosed.
Mr. Bartow—l offer the following resolution as
a substitute for those presented by tbe gentleman
from South Carolina, (Mr. Memminger:)
Whereas, the States of South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and ( Louisiana have
dissolved the political ties which bound them to a
compact known as the United States of America,
and, through duly authorized delegates, are now
assembled in Congress, to provide measures for
the welfare of these State®, and to establish an
enduring Government whereby their rights may
be maintained —and whereas, it is important that
a Provisional Government shall be formed, before
ajiermaiient one can be constructed, therefore—
Resolved, That the President appoint a commit
tee of one from each State to report a plan for a
provisional government as soon as possible.
Mr. Barr?—l rise to offer a substitute for the
substituae of the gentleman front Georgia, (Mr.
Bartow. |
Mr. Perkins—Before this substitute is read, 1
move that the galleries be cleared, in order tliut
we may discuss tbe various plans proposed, in
secret session.
The Congress went into secret session at quar
ter before 1 o’clock.
Tilled Day.
Montgomery, Feb. 6, 1861.
Congress convened, pursuant to adjournment,
at 12 o’clock, and was opened with prayer by the
Rev. Mr. Tichelor, late pastor of the Baptist
Church of this city.
The Journal of yesterday was read and adopt
ed.
The States were called in their order for reso
lutions. Alter which the Committees were called
for report*.
Mr. Toombs, of Georgia, presented a communi
cation from a Commissioner from the State of
North Carolina, addressed to the President of the
Congress, which he desired might be read by the
Clerk. The Clerk read as follows:
Moxti.omkrv, Ala., Feb. 6th, 1861.
To (Ur lion. //..,<•. // CoU,
Trt'nL nt oj (he Southern (Joni/ren* :
The undersigned have the honor to submit to
tbe consideration of the Southern Congress, the
accompanying resolutions, adopted by the General
Assembly of the Stale of .North Carolina on the
29th tilt.
We are with high consideration,
Your ob’t svts.,
D. 1.. Sw.trx,
M. W. Ransom,
joiix L. Bkiui.krs.
; Resolato.ns e<Mirvoxn\) (he tifpointnatU oj ijoui
onseioner* to \\ -tshinifl-rn I it if ontl Alabama.
Ist. Resolved, That for the purpose of effecting
n honorable and amicable adjustment of all the
difficulties that distract the country upon the
basis of the Crittenden resolutions, os modified by
the Legislaiiue of Virginia, and for the purpose
of consulting for our common peace, honor and
safety, the Hon. Thomas Ruffin, of Almance, D.
j X. Bassenger, David S. Reid, John M. Morehead,
1 and George Davis be and they are hereby ap
pointed to represent North Carolina in the propos
j eJ consultation to be held at Washington city on
i the 4rh of February, 1861.
And Whereas, the State of North Carolina has
been invited by the State of Alabama to meet at
the city of Montgomery, on the 4th of February,
1861, for the purpose of framiug a provisional as
well a® a permanent government ; and whereas,
North Carolina, as a part of the Federal Union,
hap no tight to send delegates for such a purpose,
therefore
j 2d. U- i( /(-sotet<l, That for ‘he purpose ol af
j feeling an honorable and amicable adjustment of
ull the difficulties tliut distract the country upon
! the basis of the Crittenden resolutions, as ntodi
! tied by the Legi-lature ot Virginia and for the
purpose of consulting for our common peace,
honor and safety, the Hon. David L. Swain, M.
W. Ransom, and John L. Bridgets are appointed
Commissioners to visit Montgomery, Alabama, for
the purpose above indicated.
; <*d. Jtexolnrd, That his Excellency the Governor
: be requested immediately to inform the Commis
! sioners of their appointment, and upon tbe refusal
of any of them to serve, report the same immedi
ately to the General Assembly.
Signed, Wu. T. Dortch,
Speaker House Commons.
Henry T. Clara,
Speaker of the Senate.
Mr. Toombs moved to lay she communication
on the table, and that a committee of three be
appointed by the President to invite the Commis
sioners from North Carolina to seats on the floor
of Congress. Adopted.
Mr. Siemmiuger, of South Carolina moved that
the committee appointed yesterday in secret ses
sion, to consider and report upon the resolutions
in reference to the formation of a Provisional
Government for the States represented in this
Congress, and such other States identified with us
in interest, institutions and feeling, as may join
in a Southern Confederacy, be notified, and that
they now retire to their room to continue their
deliberations. U was important that they should
report as soon as possible, and by resuming their
labors now, he hoped they would he enabled to
report to Congress to-morrow.
Mr. Liciit, of South Carolina, moved that the
Convention now adjourn.
Mr. Toombs suggested that the hour of meeting
be changed to 10 o’clock.
Mr. Keitt said that the hour was inconveniently
early.
The Lour of 11 o’clock was finally agreed upon
an l the Congress adjourned to meet at that hour
to morrow.
Fourth Day.
Montgomery, Feb. 7, 1861. j
Congress met pursuant to adjournment, at 11 1
o’clock, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Dr. George IL W. Petrie, pastor of the Presbyte
ri.n Church of this city.
The Journal of yesterday was read and adopted.
Mr. Withers, of South Carolina, stated that he
was informed that the committee appointed to
frame a Provisional Government would be ready
to report at 12 o’clock. He would, therefore,
move that the Congress lake a recess to that hour.
Adopted.
At 12 o’clock the President again ctUed the
Congress to o.der, when the lollowing communi
cation from the House of Representatives ot Ala
bama, ws read by the Secretary:
Hocsk or Representatives, j
Montgomery, February 6, 1861. )
NY The undersigned have hepn ap oiuted a
committee on the part ot the House of Represen
tatives to communicate to the Congress ol the
Seceding States now in session, the enclosed copy
of an Act ol the General Assembly of this State,
approved by the Governor, placing at the disposal
of Congress, or of the Provisional Government ol
Seceding States, when formed, the sum ol five
hundred thousand dollars.
We have also been directed by order of the
House to make known the fact that the privilege
of seat® within the Bar of the House has been ten
dered to the members of Congress.
Asking the favor of you to communicate these
proceedings of the General Assembly to tbe body
over which you preside,
We remain, with great respect,
Your obedient servants,
3ameei. F. Rice,
F. P. Lion,
David Hcbbaro.
To Hon. Howei i. Cobb, President Congress.
A BILL
To be entitled an Act, to appropriate Five Hun
dred Thousand Dollars to the cause of Southern
independence.
lie it enacted Inf the Senate and Rouse of Hep
resen tali res of the State of Alabama, in (jen*ra /
Axsem/do eoneened , That the sum of five hundred
thousand dollars he and the same is hereby ap
propriated and placed at the disposal of the South
ern Congress now in session, or of the Provisional
Government of the Confederacy of the seceding
States, which the said Congress may establish, by
way ot loan to said Provisional Government or
Confederacy ; and that the Governor be and lie
is hereby empowered and required to pay out the
said sum of tire him red thousand dollars, in such
amounts and at such times as the said Congress
or Provisional Government may direct, taking
duly accredited receipts for the amounts so paid
oul : /* rorided , that it shall he left to the discre
tion of the Governor to pay the said amounts in
coin, or in the bonds of the State, or in the Treas
ury notes of this State, authorized to be issued
under the authority of any law of this Siatc.
Mr. Hill, of Georgia, moved to lay the commit- i
nication on the table tor the present, and that a i
committee of three be appointed to prepare a i
proper response front this body to the Legislature ;
of Alabama. Adopted.
The President appointed Mr. Hill, Mr. Conrad
and Mr. Harris said committee.
Mr. Withers, of South Carolina, moved that the
Governor and the members of the Senate anil
House of Representatives of Alabama be invited
to seats on the ffoor of Congress. Adopted.
On motion of Mr. Memminger, the Congress
then went into secret session to receive the report |
of the committee appointed to frame a provisional
government.
The Congress remained in session with closed
doors until three o'clock, when it adjourned till 11
o’clock to-morrow morning.
CO> STITUTION
FOR THE
PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
OK THE
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
We, the Deputies of the Sovereign and Inde
pendent States of South Carolina, Georgia, Flori
da, Aiabuma, Mississippi aud Louisiana, invoking
the favor of Almighty God, do hereby, in behalf
of these States, ordain and establish this Constitu
tion for the Provisional Government of the same :
to continue one year from the inauguration of the
President, or until a permanent Constitution or
Confederation between the said States shall be
put in operation, whichsoever shall first occur.
ARTICLE I.
SECTION 1.
All legislative powers herein delegated shall be
vested in this Congress now assembled, until oth
erwise ordained.
SECTION 2.
When vacancies happen in the representation
Irom any State, the 9ume shall be filled in such
manner as the proper authorities of the State shall
direct.
section 3.
1. The Congress shall be the judge of the elec
tion returns and qualifications of its members ;
any number of Deputies Irorn a majority of the
States, being present, shall constitute a quorum to
do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn
from dav to day, and may he authorized to com
pel the attendance of absent members ; upon all
questions before the Congress, each State shall be
entitled to one vote, uud shall be represented by
any one or more of it® Deputies who may be pres
ent.
2. The Congress may determine the rules of its
proceedings, punish its mem hers for disorderly
! behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds,
expel a member.
3. The Congress shall keep a journal of its pro
ceedings, and from time to time publish the same,
excepting such parts as may iu their judgment
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the
members on any question, shall, at the desire of
one-fifili of those present, or at the instance of
any one State, be entered on the journal.
SECTION 4.
The un-niberu of < “ongress shall receive a com
pensation for their services, to be ascertained by
law and paid out ol the treasury of the Confeder
acy. They shall iu ull cases, except treason, felo
ny and breach of the peace, be privileged from
arrest during their attendance at the session of
the Congress, and in going to and returning from
the same ; and for any speech or dehate, they
shall not be questioned in any other place.
section 5.
1. Every bill whieli shall have passed the Con
gress, shall, before it become a law, be presented
to the President of the Confederacy ; if he ap
prove, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return
it with his objections, to the Congress, who shall
enter the objections at large on their journal, and
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such re-cousid
eration, two thirds of the Congress shall agree to
pass the bill it shall become a law. But in all
such cases, the vote shall be determined by yeas
and nays ; and the names of the persous voting
for and agaiuat the bill shall be entered on the
journal. If any bill shall not be returned by the
President within ten day (Sundays excepted) after
il shall have been presented to him, the same shall
be a law, in like imputer as if he had signed it,
unless the Congress, by their adjournment, pre
vent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. t
The President may veto any appropriation or ap
propriations and approve any other appropriation
or appropriations, in the same bill.
2. Every order, resolution or vote, intended to
have the force and effect of a law, shall be present
ed to the President, and before the same shall
take effect, shall be approved by him, or being
disapproved by him, shall he to passed by two
thirds of the Congress, according to the rules and
limitations prescribed in the case of a bill.
3. Until the inauguration of the President, all
bills, orders, resolutions and votes adopted by the
Congress shall be of full force without approval
by him.
section 6.
1. The Congresg shall have power to lay and
collect taxes, duties, imposts and excise®, lor the
revenue necessary to pay the debts and carry on
the Government of the Confederacy ; and all
duties, imposts and excises shall he uniform
throughout the States of the Confederacy. And
this Congress shall also exercise executive powers,
until the President is inaugurated :
2. To borrow money on the credit of the Con
federacy :
3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations,
and among the several States, and with the Indian
tribes :
4. To establish a uniform rtt’e of naturalization,
and uniform laws on the subject of banxruptcies
throughout the Confederacy:
6. To coin money, regulate the value thereof
and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of
weights and measures:
6. To provide for the punishment of counter
• citing the securities aud current coin of the Con
federacy :
7. To establish post offices aud post roads :
. To promote the progress ol science and use
ful arts, by securing, for limited times, to authors
and inventors, the exclusive right to their respec
live writings and discoveries:
9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the eu
prerue court:
10. To define and punish piracies and felonies
committed on the high seas, and offences against
the law of nations :
11. To declare war, graut letters of marque and
reprisal, aud make rules concerning captures on
land and water:
12. To raise and support armies ; but no appro
priation of money to I fiat use shall be lor a longer
term than two years :
13. To provide and maintain a navy :
14. To make rules for the government and reg
ulation of the land and naval lorees :
16. To provide for calling forth the militia to
execute the laws of the Confederacy, suppress in
surrections, and repel invasions :
16. To provide tor organizing, arming, and dis
ciplining the rnalitia, and for governing such pail
of them as may bo employed iu the service of the
Confederacy, reserving to toe States respectively
the appointment ot the olhvers, and the authority
ot itdtning the militia according to the discipline j
prescribed by Congress : and m
17. To make all laws which shall he necessary j
and proper for carrying into execution the torego- ■
iug powers and all other powers expressly dolegat- |
ed by this Constitution to this Provisional Govern
ment.
section 7.
1. The iinporlatiou of African negroes from any
foreign country other than tlte slave-holding
Stat- sos the United States, is hereby lorbidden ;
and Congress is required to pass such laws as
shall effectually prevent the same.
2. The Congress shall also have power to pro
hibit the introduction of slaves from any State not
a member of this Confederacy.
3. The privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus
shall not he suspended uules , when in cases of
rebellion or invasion, the public safety may re
quire it.
4. No Bill of Attainder, or ex post facto law,
shall be passed.
5. No preference shall be given, by any regula
tion of commerce or revenue, to the ports of one
State over those of another: nor shall vessels
bound to or from one Slate be obliged to enter,
clear, or pay duties, in another.
6. No money shall be drawn from the treasury,
but. iu consequence of appropriations made by
law ; and a regular statement and account of the
receipts anil expenditures of all public money
shall be published from time to time.
7. Congress shall appropriate no money from
the treasury, unless it be a3ked for by the Presi
dent or someone of the heads of Departments,
except for the purpose of paying its own expenses
and contingencies.
No 8. title of nobility shall be granted by the
Conlederacy ; and no person holding any office of
profit or trust under it, shall, without the consent
of the Congress, accept of any present, emolu
ment, office, or title ot any kind, whatever, from
any king, prince, or foreign State.
9. Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof: or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the govern
ment tor a redress of such grievances as the del
egated powers ol this Government may warrant it
to coustdet and redress.
10. A w ell regulated militia being necessary to
the security of a free State, the right of the people
to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
11. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quar
tered in any house without the consent of the
owner ; nor in time of war, but iu a manner to be
prescribed by law.
]2. The right of the pieople to be secure in their
persons, houses, papers, aud effects, against un
reasonable searches and seizures, shall not be
S violated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon
probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation,
and particularly describing the place to be search
ed, and the persons or things to be seized.
13. No person shall be held to answer for a
capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a
presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except
in cases arising in tne land or naval forces, or in
the militia, w hen in actual service in time of war
or public danger ; nor shall any person be sub
ject for the same offence to be twice put in jeop
ardy of life or limb ; nor shall fie compelled, in
any criminal ease, to be a witness against himself;
nor be deprived of file, liberty, or property, with
out due process of law ; nor shall private property
be taken for public use, without just compensa
tion.
14. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy ami public trial,
by an impartial jury of the State and district
wherein the crime shall have beeu committed,
which district shall have been previously ascer
tained by law, and to be informed of the nature
and cause of the accusation; to be confronted
with the witnesses against him ; to have compul
sory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor ;
and to have the assistance of counsel lor his de
fence.
15. In suits at common law, where the value in
eontroveisy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right
(<’ trial By pronopvo.l •, Mild liA taW.
tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in
any court of the t'onfederacy, than atcoi ding to
the rules of the common law.
16. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor
excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.
17. The enumeration, in the Constitution, of
certain righto shall not be eoustrued to deny or
! disparage others retained by the people.
18. The powers not delegated to the Confeder
acy by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to
the States, are reserved to the States respectively,
i or to the people.
! 19. The judicial power of the Confederacy shall
not be construed to extend to any suit, in law or
| equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of
the States of the Confederacy, by citizens of an
other State, or any citizens or subjects of any for
eign State.
SECTION 8.
]. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance,
lor confederation ; grunt letters of marque and
repiisul; coin money; emit bills of credit; make
any thing but gold aud silver coin a tender in
payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder,
ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation
of contracts ; or grant any title of nobility.
2. No State shall, without the consent of the
Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or
exports, except what may he absolutely necessary
for executing its inspection laws; and the nett
produce ol'all duties and impost.*, laid by any
.State on imports or exports, shall be for the use
of the treasury of the Confederacy, and all such
laws shall he subject to the revision and control
of the Congress. No State, shall, without the
consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage,
enter into any agreement or compact with another
State, or with a foreign power, or engage in war,
unless actually invaded, or iu such imminent dan
ger as will not admit of delay.
ARTICLE 11.
SECTION 1.
1. The Executive power shall be vested in a
Frchideut of the Confederate States of America.
He, together with the Vice President, shall hold
; his office for one year, or until this Provisional
Government shall be superseded by a Permanent
Government, whichsoever shall first occur.
2. The President and Vice President shall be
elected by ballot by the States represented iu this
Congress, each State casting one vote, and a ma
jority of the w hole being requisite to elect.
i 3. No pursuit except a natural born citizen, or a
| citizen ot one of the States of this Conlederacy at
the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall
:be eligible to the office of President; neither
’ shall any person be tligible to that office who
shall not have attained the age of thirty-five
years and been fourteen yf.ars a resident of one
of the State* of this Contedeiacy.
4. In case of the removal of the President from
office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to
discharge the powers and duties of tlte said office, 1
| (which inability shall be determined by a vote of :
two thirds of the Congress,) the same shall de
volve on the Vice President ; and the Congress
i may by law provide for the ease of removal, death,
resignation, or inability, both of the President and
Vice President, declaring what officer shall then
act as President; and such officer shall act ac
] cordingly, until the disability be removed or a
President shall be elected.
[>. The President shall at stated times receive
for his services, during the period of Lite Provis
ional Government, a compensation at the rate of
twenty five thousand dollars per annum ; and he
shall not receive during that period any other
emolument from this Confederacy, or any of the
States thereof.
6. Before he enter on the execution of his office,
he shall take the following oath or affirmation:
1 do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faith
fully execute the office of President of the Con
federate States of America, and will, to the best
of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the
Constitution thereof.
SECTION 2.
1. The President shall be commander in-Chief
of the Army und Navy of the Confederacy, and of
the Militia of the several States, when called into
tlte actual service of the Confederacy ; lie may
require the opiuiou, in writing, of the principal
officer in each of the Executive Departments, upon
any subject relating to the duties of their respec
tive offices; and he shall have power to grant
reptieves and pardons for offences against the
Confederacy, except in cases of impeachment.
2. He shall have potver, by and with the advice
and consent of the Congress, to make treaties ;
ptovided two-thirds of the Congress concur ; aud
he shall nominate, and by and with the advice
and consent of the Congress shall appoint am
bassadors, other public ministers arid consuls,
judges of tin* c ourt, a tut II oth r officeis of ilie
Confederal' y who.w appointments are not herein
otherwise provided for, no which shall be estab
lished by lav,. Bui ti t ongress may, by lair,
vest the appor'iin-ul ot .-ucii interior officers as
they think proper tu the President alone, in the
courts of law, or in the heiv’ of departments.
3. The President shall have power to till up all
vacancies that may happen during the recess of
the Congress, by granting commissions which
shall expire at the end of their next ses-ion.
section 3.
1. He shall, from time to time, give to the Con
gress information of the stule of the Confederacy,
and recommend to their consideration such mea
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient;
he rnay, on extraordinary occasions, convene the
Congress at such times as he shall think proper;
he shall receive ambassadors and other public
ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be
faithfully executed; and shall commission all the
officers of the Confederacy.
2. The President, Vice President, and all civil
officers of ihe Confederacy shall be removed from
office on conviction by the Congress of treason,
bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors :
a vote of two-thirds shall be necessary for such
conviction.
AKTICLE 111.
SECTION 1.
1. The judicial power of the Confederacy shall be
vested in one Supreme Court, and in such infeiior
courts as are herein directed or as the Congress may
from time to time ordain and establish.
2. Each State shall constitute a District in which
there shall be a court called a District Court, which,
uutil otherwise provided bv tbe Congress, shall have
the jurisdiction vested by the laws of the United
States, as fur as applicable, in both the District and
Circuit Courts of the United States, for that State; the
Judge whereof sLall be appointed by the Presideut,
by and with the advice and consent of the Congress,
and shall, until otherwise provided by the Congress,
exercise tbe power and authority vested by the laws of
the United States iu the Judges of the District and
Ciicuit Courts of tbe United States for that State, and
shall appoint the times and places at which the courts
shall be held. Appeals may be taken directly from the
District, Courts to the Supreme Court, under similar
regulations to those which are provided in cases of
uppeal to the Supreme Court ot the United States, or
under such other regulations as may be provided by
the Congress. The commissions of all the judges shall
expire with this Provisional Government.
3. The Supreme Court shall be constituted ol all the
District Judges, a majority of whom shall be a quo
rum, and shall sit at such times and places as the
Congiess shall appoint.
4. The Congress shall have power to make laws for
the transfer ot any causes which were [lending in the
courts of the United States, to the courts of the Con
federacy, and tor the execution of the orders, decrees,
und judgments heretofore rendered by the said courts
of the United States; and also all laws which may be
requisite to protect tbe parties to all such suits, orders,
judgments, or decrees, their heirs, personal representa
uvea, or assignees.
SECTION 2.
], Tbe judicial power shall exfeud to all cases of law
and tquit , arisiug under this Constitution, tbe laws
of tbe United States, and of this Confederacy, and
made, or which shall be made, under its authority ; to
all cases affecting ambassadors, other publ c ministers
und consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime
jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the Confeder
acy shall be a party; controversies between two or
mote States; betweeu citizens of different States; be
tween citizens of tbe same State claiming lands under
grants of different States.
2. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public
ministers and consuls, mid those in which a State shall
be a party, the Supreme Court shall Lave original ju
lisdiciion. In all the other cases before mentioned,
the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction,
both as to law and fact, with sucti exceptions and un
der such regulations as the Congress shall make.
3. The trial of all crimes, except iu cases of impeach
ment, shall be by jury, and such trial shall be held in
the State where the said crimes shall have been commit
ted ; but when not committed within any State, the
trial shall fie at such piece or places as the Congress
may by law have directed.
section 3.
1. Treason against this Coo’ Jersey shall consist on
ly in ievyiug war against i., or in adhering to its ene
mies, giving them a.d anti c< uifoit. No person shall
becenvicted of treason unless on the testimony of
two witnesses to the same overt act, or ou confession
in open court.
2. The Congress shall have power to declare the
punishment ot treason; but no attainder ot (reason
shall work corruption of blood, or lotteiture, except
during tbe lite of the person attainted.
AKTICLE IV.
SECTION 1.
1. Full faith and credit shall be given iu each Stale
to tbe public acts, records, and judical proceedings of
of every other State And the Congress may, by gen
eral laws, prescribe the manner iu which such acts,
records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the es
feet of such proof.
section 2.
1. The citizens of each Slate shall be entitled to all 1
jirivtlcgos uml isnniuniticM of citiz<tna in th> hcvciul
States.
2. A person charged in any State with treason, felo
ny, or other crime, who shall flee tiom justice, and be
found in another State, shall, on demand of the execu
tive authority of the State from which he fled, be de
livered up, to be removed to the State haviug jurisdic
tion ot the crime.
3. A slave in one State, escaping to another, shall be
delivered up ou claim of the party to whom said slave
may belong by the executive authority of the State m
which such slave shall be found, and in case of any
abduction or forcible rescue, full compensation, inclu
ding the value of the slave and all costs and expenses,
shall he made to the party, by ttie State in which such
abduction or rescue shall take place.
section S.
1. The Confederacy shall guarantee to every State
in this union, a rej üblican form of government, and
shall protect each ot them against invasion; and on
application of the legislature, or o( the executive,
(wheu the legislature cannot be convened,) against do
mestic violence.
ARTICLE V.
1. The Congress, by a vote of two thirds, may, at
any time, alter or amend this Constitution.
AKTICLE VI.
1. This Constitution, and the laws of the Confeder
acy which shall he made in pursuance thereof, aud ail
treaties made, or which shall be made, under the au
thority of the Confederacy, shall be the supreme taw
of the land; and the judges iu every State ahull be
bound thereby, any thing in the Constitution or laws
of any Stale to the contrary notwithstanding.
2. The Government, hereby instituted shall take
immediate steps for the settlement of all matters be
twei n the States ‘orming it, and their other late con
federates of the United States in relation to the public
property and public debt at tbe tune of Iheir with
drawal from them ; these States hereby declaring it to
be their wish and earnest desire to adjust everything
pertaining to the common propel ty, common liability,
and common obligations of that union, upon the prin
ciples of right, justice, equity, and gopd faith.
3. Until otherwise provided by the Cong’ess, the
city of Montgomery, in the State of Alabama, shall be
the seat of Government.
4. The members ot the Congress and all executive
and judicial officers of the Confederacy shall be bound
by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution;
but uo religious test shall be required as a qualification
to any oflice or public trust under this Confederacy.
4. The Congress shall have power to admit other
States.
Seizure of New York Ve*Nels in the Port
oT Muvaitnali.
Agreeable to the order of Gov. Brown, the fol
lowing vessels were seized in Savannah on Friday
last, being the property of citizens of New York.
They were taken in consequence of the refusal of
Governor Morgan to give up the Georgia arms
seized on board the Monticello a few davs ago.
Brig 11'. A*. A ert>y, Capt. Barstow, with coa',
consigned to master.
Bark Adjuster, ('apt. Ewell, consigned to mas
ter.
Brig Golden Lead , Capt. Johnson, consigned to
R. Habersham & Son, and loading lor Aspinwall.
Schooner Julia A. Matlock,C apt. Pedrick, con
signed to master.
Bark />. ('olden Murray, Capt. Murray, con
signed to Muller \ Michels, and loading for Rot
terdam.
The Republican says, these vessels are now in
the possession of the Slate, and will lie held until
the Governor of New York shall have ordered a
restoration of the arms taken from the Monticello.
They are valued, we learn, at SSO,tXM). Small
detachments from the Phtenix ltilleinen, Captaiu
Gordon, that corps now being on alarm duty, were
placed on board each of the vessels as a guard,
though strict orders have been given that in no
ease shall the officers, crew or cargoes be molest
ed. The vessels will be allowed to discharge and
load without interruption though they will not be
permitted to leave the port.
A Paper l'or Hie South.
It should now become a matter of pride with
our people to sustain and cherish a press, firmly
established at the South, for the promotion of
Southern interests. Such an one The Southern
FiEi.it and Fireside has proved to be. It is pub
lished every Saturday, at Augusta, Ga., by James
Gardner, at the low price of Two Dollars per
annum. Its columns are devoted to Literature,
Agriculture, and Horticulture, —each department
under supervision of edi;ors of talent and expe
r ence. Mr. James N. Ells, of the Literary, —
Dr. Daniel Lee, of the Agricultural, — and Mr.
YVm. N. White, of the Horticultural departments,
present a n.ost acceptable paper, which should
hud its way, regularly, into every family through
out the South.
It is a large paper, in quarto form, contaiuing
forty columns, printed on tine material, with clear
type, and makes a beautiful book when bouad.
MACON, GEORGIA :
Wednesday, February 13, 1861.
i CON NABKET.
There I demand for cotton at all prices,
from 7 f ts. Some salc-s of superior qual
ities ut ites. The stock in our Ware-
Houses is •. .; iderably reduced, as it is going for
ward rapidly.
MACON COTTON STATEMENT.
‘The receipts for the month of December have
not yet been reported, and must await the return
of Mr. Frank Bloom from Fort Brown.
The receipts for January, are, 1it,983 bales
against 12,227 in 186<>—Decrease, 1,344.
Stock Ist of February, iB6O, 21,824 bales ;
1861, 17,277 —Decrease, 4,647. The eniite re
ceipts of the season, we are unable to give.
j£3jff“our agricultural readers will find an excel
lent article on the 4th page, from the graceful
pen of Mr. Howard, one of the editors of the
Southern Cultivator.
AUCTION SALE OF THE BELGIAN GOODS.
Let our readers recollect that this sale com
mences on the 20th insC. It comprises a very
large assortment, which will be seen by reference
to the advertisements of the Agents.
AUCTION SALE.
An extensive assortment of Ornamental Shrub
bery, Fiuit trees, Bulbous roots, Ac., will be of
sered on Friday next, as may be seen by refer
ence to advertisement. They may be relied on
as being the genuine articles which they are rep’
resented to be, and no humbug.
J3P Wp happy to learn, that the Gov. of
New York, before he received the intelligence of
the seizure of New York vessels in the port of Sa
vannah, gave orders for the delivery of the arms
illegally seized by the New York police. VpoD
learning this, our energetic Executive immediately
ordered the release of the vessels. We are glad
that this little speck of war has thus happily dis
appeared.
THE HON A. H- STEPHENS
Has accepted the office of Vice-President of tbe
•Southern Republic, and after a very handsome
speech, was sworn into office on Monday last.—
We wish him many long and useful yeurs in the
service of his country.
We shall give his inauguration address and
other proceedings of the Convention in our next
issue.
VIRGINIA AND TENNEbSEE-
The result of the elections in these two States
for members to State Conventions, is largely in
favor of an adjustment of sectional difficulties in
the Union, before a dual severance from the old
Federal Government. Should efforts in this direc
tion fail, we doubt not the border slave States will
promptly unite their destiny with their Southern
sisters.
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
Our numerous readers will be glad to notice
that our enterprising merchants are prepared for
a good Spring trade. Should Providence bftss
the husbandman with good crops and the country
with peace, w. m tv look for a prosperous future.—
Let us be o ■’ and hopeful.
THERN CONGRESS.
To the >c!u-!OQ of other matter, original and
selected, we lay before our readers ihe proceedings
of this important body, now in session at Mont
gomery. Thus far, they have been of a highly
satisfactory character. The adoption of the Con
stitulion framed by the fathers of the oi l Repub
lic is a propitious omen. The Congress has also,
we think, been fortunate in the selection of a
President and Vice-President of the new Southern
Confederacy. They are experienced statesmen,
of pure morals and national reputation. The
Constitution of the new Republic we publish entire
in to-day’s paper.
Thus has another Government suddenly sprung
into beiog, challenging allegiance at home and
respect abroad.
DAMAGE TO THE STATE ROAD-
We are glad to find that the damage by the
recent freshet, was much less, and could be sooner
repaired, than was supposed from the first reports.
Although they were of considerable extent, by
energetic management, such repairs have been
made that freight trains passed over it on the 9th
lost. The regular business of all our Railroad
connections is now uninterrupted, although we
had good reason to anticipate a different result,
from the recent heavy rains.
EDUCATIONAL REPOSITORY AND FAMILY
MONTHLY.
The January number of this valuable periodical
lias been several days upon our table. It com
mences the 2nd volume. G. B. Haygood, Esq., is
the Editor, assisted by an able corps of accom
plished contributors. We hesitate not to sav, that
this work merits the liberal patronage and foster
ing care of tbe Southern public ; and that teachers
and families will find it a useful companion.—
Subscriptions will be received at this office. See
Prospectus in another column. Now is the time
to encourage Southern Literary enterprise and
talent.
PROSPECTS OF PEACE.
It has suited the tastes and interests of certain
sensation sheets North and South, if possible, to
fan up a war feeling, and kindle into a consuming
flame the spirit of revolution. The formation of
anew Republic, gives anew aspect to our foreign
relations. Hereafter, tbe question of peace or
war rests not upon the dicta of a single State, but
upon the decision of the Confederate States of
America. We take pleasure in according to Gov.
Pickens of South Carolina, and the authorities of
her confederate sisters, great prudence, coupled
with dignity and decision, in conducting the deli”
cate relations between them and the Federal Gov
ernment. Under the general administration of
our new and honored Executive, we may hope for
a peaceful adjudication of pending issues.
FREIGHT ON GRAIN.
We learn that within a few days past that the
freight on corn, wheat, and all kinds of grain have
been raised on and Nashville Railroads,
four cents per bushel, and a previous rise of one
cent, which increases the cost of these most nec
essary articles five cents per bushel over the pric
es of last summer. The Macon and Western
Railroad declines to raise its rates. Why should
this bo, in times like the present, especially by the
State Hoad, built with the money of the people—
which was the titst to doit, and the Nashville
road followed in its wake? It is a subject for
inquiry by people who are buying corn. The
entire freight on a bushel of corn from Nashville
to Macon, is now twenty-five cents.
DON’T DO IT.
We see it proposed to have a law passed by the
City Council to compel owners of cows to keep
them out of the streets. This would be oppres
sive to many a poor family, who have no enclo
sures for tlieir milking stock, and we hope it will
not receive the sanction of the City Council.—
There is sulfering enough, now, without adding
thereto, officially.— Citizen.
We think these neglected, but useful members
of our community, should, at least, be permitted
to range abroad m Spring and Summer. They do
not then disturb shrubbery.
The I rnlirt in Home.
From the Rome Courier of the 7th, we learn that
the recent freshet there surpassed anything ever
before known since the settlement of the country
by the whites. The water completely covered the
Railroad track at the Depot, and for at least a
mile up the track it was almost entirely submerg
ed.
BROWN'S RIFLEMEN.
Anew Military Company has just been organ,
ized in this city, under the above title, and the
following officers elected :
Captain GEO. A. SMITH.
Ist Lieutenant, F. L. Nixon.
2d “ James P. Sime.
3d “ John T. Price.
Ist Sergeant, John Jeffers.
2d “ U. L. Williams.
&and “ James Keel.
4th “ Randolph L. Gray.
sth “ William R. Roberts.
Secretary and Treasurer, A E Small.
STATE ARMORY.
The L.Grange Reporter suggests Atlanta as a
proper place lor ihe State Armory. Why not
locate it at the Augusta Aisenal!’ This is already
the pi opt itv of the Republic ol Geotgia, and is
well adapted for the purpose.— Suuthei “ hepnb
he.
Atlanta would lie the most desirable locality for
the reasons that it is the most accessible point to
all parts of the State, and that the iion necessary
lor the manufacture of arms can be procured from
the Etowah Irou Works, and transported to At
lanta at less expense than it coulu be carried to
Augusta.— J.u Grange Rejiorter.
W e greatly doubt the policy of any one State
going to the expense of establishing aud Leepiug
up an armory. We can buy our arms cheaper
than we can make them. The General Govern
ment of the Seceding States may deem such au
establishment necessary. If so, we hope the
claims of Atlanta will not be overlooked. The
Etowah Iron Works might be a still better loca
tion on the score of economy.
Macon ami Rruukwick Hull Komi.
At the Annual meeting ot the Stockhoideis of
this Company, on Monday last, the following ofti
cers were elected for tbe ensuing year:
Hon. A. E. COCHRAN, President
Di rectors. —B. F. Ross, T. R. Bloom, Henrv
Bunn, L. N. Whittle, Geo. Walker, and J. T.
Blain.
Secretary and Treasurer. —Arthur Dickinson.
Chief Engineer. —A. N. Rogers.
Excitement in Savannah.—Considerable excite
ment prevails in Savannah in consequence of an
outrage committed upon tbe person of Captain
Vaughan, of the British bark Kalos. A corre
spondent of the Dispatch says he was tarred and
feathered by the “ Rattlesnake Club” “for asking
a colored stevedore to dine with him.” A reward
of £l6Cmi has been offered for evidence to convict
the party or parties implicated in the affair—one
thousand by the British Counsel at Savannah, and
five htmdred by the mayor of that city. The Jte
publican strongly condemns the lawless act.
Business in Savannah. —The Savannah Repub
lican of Thursday says : “ In the general grocery
line, our jobbers sav they never enjoyed such a
large trade as they have this winter. Merchants
and planters are Hocking here for supplies; and,
strange to say, there seems to be a larger cash
trade than ever before. The usual credit is 30
days, and the longest 60 days. We first thought
that the interruption in trade at Charleston had
caused this accession to our business, but, on
enquiry, found that such was not the fact. The
country is bare of goods, and credit at New York
is hard to obtain. Hence, maDy who have hereto
fore gone through Savannah to New York to make
their purchases, have stopped at home. We hope
that ties of business may now be formed that will
last during more peaceful times.”
TOR THE JOURNAL AND MESSENOER.
To the Uirec-iora of the Vlaron A Kruno
uii-k ttuiiroa.it.
Gentlemen :—I have heard from reliable sources
that the directors inletid to change the location of
the Macon A Brunswick Road, at a point opposite
to Hawkinsville, lor the accomodation of the
Hawkinsville branch-road, and to tbe serious
injury and inconvenience of some of the first and
best friends of the road in Laurens county. I
am opposed to the change, and will try to give
some reasons why I oppose it; when this railroad
project was tiist suggested to us in Laurens, the
! idea was held out that the road was to be built
upon a direct line or as near to it as the Engineer
could find a suitable location. By reference to the
map, we perceived that a direct line, between
Macon and Brunswick, would run considerably
into the S. W T . corner of Laurens countv, and
consequently the road would come as near, and
even nearer than some of us desired. Gum
swamp being in tlse wav, we expected it, according
to the understanding, to be located upott the first
table land west, and as near the swamp as possible
—this we were led to expect, anil with this expec
tation, we subscribed for stock and became inte
rested in the road, —tor one I cau truly say, that I
never counted very largely upon dividends, uutil
the Road is completed to Brunswick, yet, for the
sake of beiug convenient to a railroad, and for
the good of our county, I was willing to make- some
sacrifices, aud I subscribed more liberally than
any man in this county, according to my means.
Now if I am to be cut out of the convenience of
the road, I would, really, like to have my money
hack,or if I hud known tbe road was going to be run
so far from a direct line, at the only point I feel
much interested in it, I am sure I would have had
nothing to do with it. The Engineer has surveyed
a route aud reported favorably, and I heard him
say it was the “best location for a road in the
(then) l nited States to the length of it”—even
this route, which he praised so highly, was from
two to five miles farther from me than I expected,
but I made no complaint, I felt satisfied it was tbe
best lie could do, and 1 thought by severe driving,
we might make a trip there and back in a day
with a wagon ; if the road gets any farther off
we will not be able to do it in a day, if then, it
spoils two days to make the trip, it will be to my
interest to patronize the Central R. R. It costs
i1.60 per bale to get cotton to So. 16, C. R. R.,
and there, it will be 80 miles nearer tbe Savannah
market, than it will be laid down at the nearest
station on the Macon & Brunswick Road. As
near as I can come to it, I think the difference
would be about 50 cts. a bale in favor of sending
to the Central R. R. Cotton on that road seldom
travels up-stream to Macon. Now, if you locate
the road where the Engineer has put his stakes,
we wilt patronize it, and not complain ; but if you
bend it in more towards Hawkinsville, I secede, it
is not our road —I am not able to see why you
should change a location which the Engineer says
is the “best in the U. States,” and at the same
time be getting still farther from a direct line, at
all events I think it is rti-republican to make the
change, without giving all the stockholders a
chance to vote on it—it is as bad as “taxation
without representation.” Respectfully,
J. M. White.
Laurens Hill, Feb. 7tb, 1861.
THE PEACE CONGRESS.
Washinoton, Feb. 5.
The Peace Congress assembled to-day at noon,
with elosed doors, the commissioners generally
acquiescing in the desire expressed by the Virgin
ia commissioners, that their deliberations should
be in secret —to the exclusion es both the press
and the pulpit. They urge that their deliberations
will then be uninfluenced by outside pressure, and
that thev can progress with more satisfaction to
themselves and service to the country.
The proceedings were opened to-day by the
Rev. Mr. Gurley, chaplain of the Senate, with a
most patriotic and impressive prayer, iu which the
commissioners all joined in fervent supplication to
the Throne of Grace.
The committee on Permanent Organization ap
pointed vesterdav, made their report this morn
ing, nominating ex-President John Tyler, of Va.,
As'President, and the son of Judge 8. C. White,
of Ohio, as Secretary.
On taking the Chair, President Tyler addressed
the. Conference in most eloquent and patiiotic
terms. His address produced intense enthusiasm,
and the members of the convention flocked around
to congratulate him. The best of feeling prevail
ed and the Commissioners assured Mr. Tyler ‘•'that
the lead of \'irefinia would be followed, as she pur*
sued only the path of and honor, x