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Journal ft ptascngcr.
J. KNOWLES and S. ROSE,
EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS.
CONIT-DERAT £ STATES OF AMERICA
Prratdent D*U’ iD&agural Address.
Gentlemen of the Congress of Confederate
Fortes of America, friends and fellow-citizens I
am called to a difficult and responsible station, as
Chief E xecutive of the Provisional Government,
which you have instituted. I approach to the
discharge of the duties assigned me with an hum
ble distrust of my abilities, but with sustaining
confidence in the wisdom of those who are to
guide and aid me in the administration of public
affairs, and an abiding faith in the virtue and pat
riotism of the people.
Looking forward to the speedy establishment of
a permanent Government to take the place of this,
and which, by its greater moral ami physical
power, will be better able to combat with many
difficulties which may arise from contorting inter
ests of separate Xations, 1 enter upon the duties
of the office to which I have beeu cho'en with
the hope that the beginning of our career as :•
Confederacy may not be obstructed by hostile op
position to our enjoyment of, ar.d existence in
the which we have assorted, andj
with the blessing of Providence, we intend to main
tain. Our present condition, which has been
achieved in a manner unprecedented in the his
tory of Nations, illustrate’ the American Idea. Thai,
government rests upon the conduct of the govern
ed, and that it is the r.ght of the people to alter
and abolish Governments whenever they become
destructive of tbs ends for which they -<-r- e *
tibiishej.
i/18 declared purpose ol the compact of il.o
Union from which vre have, withdrawn was to es
tablish Justice, ensure domestic tranquilty, pro
vide common defence, promote general the wel
fare, secure blessings and libertv 10 ourselves and
our posterity, and when, in the judgment of the Sov
ereign States now composing this Confederacy, it
has been perverted from the purposes tor which it
was ordained, and ceased to answer the ends for
which it was established, a peaceful appeal to the
Ballot Box declared, that, so lar as titer were con
cerned, the Government created by that ronip.n i
should cease to exist. In this they merely assert
ed tlie rght which the Declaration of Independ
ence, :n 1776, defined to he ioalicuable at the
time and occasion of its exercise ; they, as Sove
reigns, were the final judges each for itself.
The impartial and enlightened verdict of man
kind will vindicate the rectitude of our conduct,
and He who knows the Learn of men, w ill judg.-
ot the sincerity with which we labored to preserve
the Government of our fathers, in its spirit. The
right solemnly proclaimed at the birth of States, |
and which has been re-affirmed in bills, and th
righis ot States subsequently admitted into the
Union ot 17fy. undeniable recognise in ifi e peo- j
pie the power to resume urn authority delegated j
lor the purpose of Goveruaieut. Thus, tbe'sov
ereigu Status here represented proceeded to lornt
this Confederacy, and it is by an abuse of lan
guage that their act has been denounced revolu
tion. They have formed anew alliance, but with- i
in each State its Government has remained. The !
rights of person and property has not been dis- j
turbed, but the agent thiough whom they com- j
municated with foreign uatioos is changed; but >
this does not necessarily interrupt their interna- j
■tonal relations, Sustained bv the consciousness
that the transition from the former Union to the S
present Confederacy did not proceed from disre
gard on our part of ju obligations, or anv failure !
to perform every Constitutional doty—moved b> i
no interest or passion to invade the rights of oth- I
er-, but anxious to cultivate peaca and the com
merce of all natioua. If we may not hope to avoid (
war, wo may at least expect that posterity will
Hr quit us of having needlessly engaged in it
doubly justified bjr tlu- absence .of wrong on onr
part, and by wanton aggression on the [tart of
others. There can be no cause to doubt that the
courage and patriotism of the people of the Con
federate States will be found equal to any meas
ures of defence which soon tl.cir security icav
require A* an agricultural people, whose chief
interest is the export of a contmroditv eqttired in
every manufacturing country, our poiicy is peace
and the freest trade which our necessities will
permit. It is alike our interest and that of all
those to whom we would sell, and from whom we !
would buy, that there should be the fewest prac
ticable restrii lions upon the interchange of com
modities. There can but Lute rivalry between
our and any manufacturing or navigating commu
nity, such as the North-Eastern States ot tlu.
American Union. It must follow, therelore, that
mutual interests would uai* them in goodwill and *
kind offices. If, however, the passion or lust lor j
dominion should cloud the judgment or infiamo ■
the ambition ol those States, we must prepare to
meet the emergency aud maintain, bv final arhit- j
raroent of the sword, the position which we have
as.'umed among the nation? of the earth.
\\ e have entered upon a career of independ
ence, and it must be inflexibly pursued. Through
many years of controversy with our Utc associates,
the Northern States, we have vainly endeavored
to secure tranquility, and to obtain the respect for
our rights to which we are entitled. Asa neces
sity, and uo a? a choice, we have resorted to the i
remedy of separation, and henceforth oar ener
gies must be directed to the conduct of oui cwu
affairs and the perpetuity of the Confederacy
which we have formed.
Ifftjul perception of mutual interests “ball
permit u peaceably to preserve ou’ separate po
liticii career, my mo“l earner fesirc will have
en fulfilled ; but it this ehaJ* tje denied ns and
the mtegruj of our territory and jurisdiction be
assatled, it wilt but rei-.Jn f or us< with firnl r ,„
, **’• la *PF eil ‘ w ar m-> and invoke the blessings
ol Ii ovule nee, i-. nos just cause.
As :i of our new condition, and
won a v*!s*w to meet anticipated wants. it wiii be
to provide a speedy and efficient organ
ization ot the different branches of the Executive
department, having special charge off oreign
intercourse, the Finances, Military affairs, aud the
Postal serriee.
for purposes of defence, the Confederate States
may, under ordinarv circumstances, rely inainlv
upon their militia, but it is deemed advisable, in
the present condition of s flail?, that there .-hoidd
be a well instructed arid disciplined army, more
numerous than would usually be required in a
peace establishment.
I also suggest that lor the protection of our liar- |
bors, and our commerce upon the high seas, a
navy adapted to those object* will be required.—
These necessities have, doubtle.-s, engaged the
attention of Congres.
\t ith a Constitution differing from that of our
fathers only in so far as it is explanatory of their
well known intent, freed from sectional conflicts,
which have interfered with the pursuit ot the
geueral welfare, it is not unreasonable to expect
that the Slates from which we have recently part
ed may seek to unite their fortunes with ours,
uuder the Government which we have instituted.
For this your Constitution makes adequate pro
visions, but lieyond this, if [ mistake not the
judgment aud will of the people, a re-union with
the Staton from which we have separated is neith
e practicable nor desirable.
To increase the |*>wer, develop the resource",
and promote the happiness of a Confederacy, it is
requisite that there should be so much of uomo
geuitv, that the welfare of every portion shall be
the desire of the whole. Where this does not
exist, antagonisms are engendered which must
aud should result in separation.
Actuated solely by a desire to per.serve our own
lights and promote our own w.lir.rc, the separa
tion of the f'onfederate Stales has f*eeu marked
by no aggression upon Other*, and followed by no
domestic convulsion ; our itnlu-iuial pursuits have
received no check; the cnttiraiion of our fields
has progressed a# heretofore; and eten should
we be involved in war, there would be no consid
erable diminution in the production of the staples
which have con tinued our exports, in which the
commercial world has an interest scarcely less
than our own. The common interest of producer
and consumer can only lie intercepted by f n ex
terior foice which should obstruct the transmis
sion of these staples to foreign markets, a course
of conduct which would be as unjust towards us,
as it would be detrimental to manufacturing and
commercial interests abroad. Should reason
guide the action of rhe government from which
we have .separated, a policy so detrimental to the
interests ot the civilized world, the Northern States
included, could not lie dictated by even the strong
est desire to inflict injury upon us, but it the
government should act otherwise, a terrible res
ponsibility will rest upon it, and the suffering of
millions will bear testimony to the folly and wick
edness of the aggressors.
In the meantime, there would remain to u, be
sides the ordinary remedies before suggested, the
well known resources for retaliation upou the
commerce of an enemy.
Experience in public station® of subordinate
grades, to this, which your kiudness has confer
rui upon me, has taught me that care, and toil,
and disappointment, are the price of official eleva
tion. ou will see many errors to forgive, many
deficiencies to tolerate ; but you shall not had me in
either want of zeal or of fidelity to the cause trial
ie to me the highest in hope, and of most endur-
j ing affection, four generosity has bestowed upon
1 me an undeserved distinction —one which I neit 1 •
er sought nor desired. Upon the continuance o!
that sentiment, and upon your wisdom and patri
otism I rely, to direct and support me in the
performance of the duty required at my hands. —
We have changed the constituent, part®, but not
the system of our government. The Constitution
formed by oilr fathers, is that these eonfede!a*c
States in their exposition of it, and in the judicial
construction it has received, we have a light
which reveals its true meaning. Thus instructed
as to the just interpretation ot the instrument, and
ever remembering that all offices are but trusts
held for the people, and that delegated power? are
to he strictly construed, I will hope by due dili
gence in the performance of my duties, though 1
may disappoint your expectations, yet to retain
when retiring, something of the good will and con
fidence which welcomes my entrance into office.
It is joyous in the midst of perilous times to
look around upon a people united in heart where
one purpose of high resolve animates and actuates
the whole ; where the sacrifices to he made are
not weighed in the balance against honor, right,
liberty and equality —obstacles may retard, but
they cannot long prevent the progress of a move
ment sanctified by a virtuous people. Reverently
let us invoke the God of our fathers to guide and
protect ns in our efforts to perpetuate the princi
ples which ly His blessings they were able to
vindicate, establish and transmit to their posterity
and with a eontincance of His favor ever gratefully
acknowledged, we may hopefully look forward to
success, to peace and to prosperity.
Ifir Southern Tariff.
r.t it enacted by the Confederate States of
America, in Congress assembled, That the follow -
ing articles shall be erempt from duty, and admir
ir-1 free into said ports, to wit Bacon, pork,
ham’ lard. L cf f.ih of -til kind.- wheat, and Dour
i ntt other £fF.if-s, Indian corn and meal, barley
and bailey Hour, nee and rice flour, oat', ami oui
meal, gunpowder and all the materials of which it
is made, lead in all its iorins and of every discrip
lion, munitions of war and military aecountrements,
perni'Sinn caps, living animals of all kinds, also all
agricultural produce in their natural state.
Srr. 2. All goods, wares and merchandize im
ported from any one of the late United States ol
America, not being a member of this Confederacy
betore the 4th day of March next, which may have
Ireen bona ftU pci chased heretofore, or within ten
days after the passage of this act, shall be exempt
and free from duty.
S>:c. The £taie of Texas he and it is hereby
exempted from the operation of the tariff laws
heretofore passed or adopted by this Congress.
Signea Howell Cobb, President of Congress.
Parsed on the l&tb of February, 18fil.
J. J. ItooHi.B, Secretary of Congress.
The Montgomery correspondent of the Haiti
| more A inert van writes:
1“ Already the Georgians are flockiug to the cap
itol with the smell of fat offices in their nostrils—
and to make the object even more attainable, like
; vandals, they will try to carry off the Capitol to their
own State. Calhoun, you know, in days long since
passed, predicted that Atlanta, Georgia, would one
day be a great city—that in the event of the for
mation ol a Southern Confederacy the capitol
would be their located—and the prediction will be
prophecy, if Georgia can make it so.
Next foremost in the hunt for office stands Ala
bama. This, however, is but natural and to be
expected, since the accessions of the Congress are
held at the capitol of the State.
from South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida and
Louis ana 1 believe there are none, or compara
tively few, who seek the pap and plunder.
sauihrrH l oiiimcrcc-lii-iriM iloitn for I ol
lectors.
Special attention i requested to the following
circular to Collectors of Customs of the “Confeder
ate States
Congress or the <’oxr:m rate States, i
Montgomery, Ala., Feb. 18 18fil. )
7o the fol lector of the Custom*, Charleston, S. C. ;
Sir: By direction of the enclosed resolution of
the Congress of the Confederate States of America,
1 herewith transmit to you copies of the acts passed
by the Congress on the Subject of duties on im
ports.
\on are instructed to collect duties on articles
imported from all foreign States, in compliance
with the provisions of these acts.
Respectfully, your Obedient servant,
Howell Cobb,
President of the Congress.
ti'r.uu the Qkuuir ffau hUwa, £>.*. Iff .
K\ port Ihit)’ on Colton.
The policy of an export duty on cotton w hich is
said to he contemplated by the Congress of the
Confederated South, is misapprehended in its ef
fects by the Northern pres-'. They suppose it will
fail at all times on the planter. Whether it will
tali on the planter or the manufacturer will depend
on the state of the market. If there should be an
excess in the supply, the duty would have to be
paid by the planter. If on the contrary, there is
n deficiency in the supply, the duty would have to
be paid by the manufacturer. I ndor any state of
circumstances, it would be an injudicious tax and
is almost universally discarded in the fiscal econo
my of States.
Hot:. 1.. \V. S|rll ol S. 4'.
This gentleman claims the honor of first enun
ciating the irrepresible contlict doctrine, so long
and vehemently attributed to W. 11. Seward, tint.
lately charged against Abe Lincoln. Mr. Spvatt
in ius address to Hon. John Perkins, of Louisiana,
says:
“ Seward and Lincoln, in theory, at least, what
ever be their aim are right. 1 realized the fact
aud so declared the contlict irrepressible years be
fore cither ventured to advance that position.—
Upon that declaration 1 have always acted, and
tlie recoin experience of my country has not in
duced me to question the correctness of that first
conception. Nor is indignation of such leaders be
coming the statesmen at the South.
Mr. Spratt has come out in a long article in the
Charleston .Mercury, against the Provisional Con”
stitutioo, because it puts the slave trade under the
ban. He intimates another secession movement.
Unhappy Mr. Spratt.
The Legislature of *>hio, now in session, have
passed a bill prohibiting intermarriage or illicit in
tercourse between persons of white and those of
negro blood.
Orioin of tiii. Pkack Conup.kss.— The Staunton
(Virginia) Spectator states that the \ irginia Peace
Congress was tir-t suggested in that city by a dis
tinguished member of the Virginia judiciary; a
gentleman who has not been a politician for thirty
years.
Tur Secretary of War. — A despatch to the
Charleston Courier txjn: Hon. Leroy I*. Walker,
who was confirmed to day aa Secretary of War,’ is
a distinguished lawyer of Madison county, and a
leading man in North Alabama. He was Chairman
of the Alabama Delegation to the Charleston
National Democratic Convention, and is represen
ted to be a man of decision and integrity.
Hon. John J.-Crittenden's present Senato
rial term expires on the 4th of March next. Vice-
President Breckinridge will succeed him, but, as
the St. I.ouis “ News” pertinently asks who will
replace him? Who will take the mantle of the
retiring patriot, and exert himself as he has done,
for the good of his country? How sorrowful, and
almost sickening the thought that the very mo
■ ruent when wc need a hundred Crittendens, we ate
to lose the services of the only one we have.
Are we to Part witu Mofnt Vekyon?—Voth
i ing is more certain than that reconciliation failing,
j Virginia, too, will be out of the Uuion before tlie
• 4th of March. Os all other States, we of the North
should most regret panting with the old Domin
ion, in whose soil are the bones and dust of the
i Father of his Country. Must we give up the grave
jof Washington ? Is Mount Vernon to be taken
from us? Answer, ye Republican patriots, who
place a higher value upon the Chicago platform
than upon I’nion, conciliation and peace!— Xei*
York Krjtrc**.
Commissioners from North Carolina. —The
legislature ot North Carolina has appointed Gov.
J. M More bead, Hon. Thomas Ratlin, D. M. Bar
renger, Geo. Davis and David S. Reid, Commis
sioners to Washington. They also appointed ex-
Governor Swain, M. W. Ransom and J. L. Bridget's,
commUioners to Alabama.
The London Star says :
If Mr. Buchanan does not intend to send relief
to Major Anderson, why does he not order him aud
Us bandful of men to withdraw? The vacillation
which marks the conduct of the Government at*
Washington is naturally exciting both indignation
and contempt iu the minds of metxof all parties.
MACON, GEORGIA s j
Wednesday, February 27,1861.
COTTON MAHKKT,
There are but few sales, and do not vary much
front tho a e of last week. They are generally from
yto lof cents. A higher price will be paid for
superior qualities.
Savannah. —On Monday—Mlddliug= were quot
ed at 10 5-B—strict middlings 11—good middlings
iu
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
The Plunter will not lad to notice the advertise
ments of Memirs. A. Ayres !t Cos. It will alo be
observed that Messrs. K.ein A: Cos. are opening new
and attractive goods. Read also the business eard
of Min'sis. Patten k Miller, Savannah, Ga.
observe that our good friends in Quin
cy, Florida, are anxious to be shaved. Barbers
will take due notice, &<■.
Some wretch in the Nashville Gazette, advertises
for a thousand babies. He must be fond of squalls.
J. \V. Wofford has disposed of the
Rome Southerner to Geo. T. Stovall, Esq., who,
we doubt not, will give to the public an excellent
paper.
We omitted to notice in our last, among
oibn- editorial mutations in Atlanta, the accession
o: Mr W £ Ease ford, as associate editor to the
Inttlli-H’irer, who is favorably known as a wider.
The Florida Convention has been called to reas
semble, at Tallahassee, on Tuesday, 26th inst., to
receive the reports of the delegates from Mont
gomery.
WARLIKE.
It is said Lincoln is cultivating a formidable crop
of whiskers ; front which we infer that his Admin
tion will be a “masked batterry.” *
L3T ( >ur old and esteemed friend, Maj. Stephen
F. Miller, has been associated with the Editorship
of the Southern Recorder, lie has hud consider
able experience in that line ass political Editor in
Alabama—also as one of the Editors of Dcßow’s
Review, at New Orleans—and is also favorably
known to the public, by his work, published a few
years since, entitled the “ Bench and Bar of tiror
etiaf in which he has, by his industry in investi
gating dusty archives and the memories of a pass
ing-oIV generation, placed many facts on record,
and before the public, which otherwise might have
been lost in the history of our State.
THE TWENTY-SECOND
Was celebrated by the Military of this city with
unusually full ranks, and under one of the bright
est skies that ever canopied our henven-favored
land ; a beautiful tribute to the memory of the
Father of his country.
MR. LINCOLN,
After running the gauntlet through Ohio, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and
Maryland, and saying a few good and many silly
things, reached Washington privately at day
light on Saturday morning. At every important
point on the route, multitudes tiocked to see him.
Soon after his arrival he was closeted with the
President and Mr. Seward. This is a good omen.
The coercionist* are dispirited. It is said Mr.
Lincoln will advocate the calling of a national
Convention.
MR. BOARDMAN
Has kindly laid upon our table Harper’s
Monthly, for March, with an excellent bill of fare.
The illustrated articles arc unusually attractive.—
We read with thrilling interest the “Seig<* of Pon
tiac,” by lleadlcy. We are also indebted to Mr.
11. lor anew and interesting volume, entitled, “77. t
.1 tlurnry,” or the eorresponeteure of John Quod,
by John T. Irving, Nephew of Washington Irving,
12 mo. T.S4 pages, Robert M. He Witt, 13 Frank
fort street, New York.
The work is very handsomely gotten up and
will doubtless meet with ready sale at Boardman’s
and elsewhere.
THE PRESIDENT'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
We doubt not, will give very general satisfac
tion. It is, in every particular, in pleasant con
trast with the rambling and obseere utterances of
Mr. Lincoln. We are glad, however, to see that
as the Republican President upproaclied Wash
ington, liis speeches grew better. There is cer
tainly room for great improvement still. For the
honor of the American name, we hope that Mr.
Lincoln will agreeably disappoint both his ardent
friends and his embittered foes, and give to the
people of the United States a wise and conserva
tive administration. As for our own Chief Mag
istrate, wc do not believe a mere suitable choice
could have been made by the Southern Congress.
PEACE OR WAR ?
That is now the absorbing question. There is
undoubtedly, both at the North and the South a
class of persons, composed of sensation editors,
desperate adventurers, and a few ardent spirits
who arc panting lor military fame, who would like
to see the country involved in war. Such per
sons at e actively engaged fanning into a Hamc the
spirit of sectional hatred and strife, instead of act
ing the part of peace-makers. In spite of the
wishes and efforts of these reckless ami mischiev
ous men we believe there will bo no war between
the North and the South. It would liea reproach
not only to American statesmanship but to Amer
ican Christianity to suppose [lending difficulties
cannot be settled without a resort to the sword.—
Every true Christian and philanthropist should
frown down all attempts to involve the-country in
the horrors of a civil war, and labor to promote
the cause of peace.
As Commissioners have been appointed by onr
CJovernment to visit Washington, we presume there
will be no conflict of arms pending negotiations.
GUNPOWDER BY THE QUANIITY-
The train from Columbus yesterday morning
brought hero fifty-two thousand pounds of gun
powder, originally, we believe, from the Mount
Vernon Arsenal. It was on the way to Charles
ton, where we hope it will safely arrive to-day
■and prove useful in the capture of Fort Sumter.—
Telegraph, of Tuesday.
We trust it will be needed for no such purpose.
Jf wise counsels prevail, the vexed question rela
tive to the Southern Forts and Arsenals will in due
time be satisfactorily and nm'cably settled.
THE CAPITOL AT MILLEDG JVILLE BURNT!
Dispatches received here yesterday announce
the destruction of the State House at Milledgeville,
by fire, on Saturday night,. We leant that most
of the public records were saved. —Cotmnhnn din*
ejuirer.
It was Lite Court House instead of the capitol
that was burned.
THE CABINET
The following names have been nominated and
confirmed as members of I’resident Davie’ Cabi
net :
Secretary of Stale. —Hon. Robert Toombs, of
Georgia.
Secretary of the Treasury.*-- Hon, C. G. Metn
minger, of South Carolina.
Secretary of War. —Hot). L. Pc pe Walker, of
Alabama.
J’ostmaster General. —Henry TL Kllett of Mis
sissippi.
Attorney General. —J. P. BenJ|amin, of Louis
isiatia.
The following gentlemen were appointed com
missioners to Washington city:
A. B. lCumain, of Louisiana, .Martin J. Craw
ford, of Georgia, and John Forsythe, of Alabama.
It is rumored that Mr. Mallory, of Florida, will
be appoint'd Secretary of the Na^jy.
REVENUE FINANCE.
Anew Government b fairly launched in the
Cotton States. Though incomplete and in some
particulars, doubtless, defective, it is, under all the
circumstances, more perfect, than might have been
anticipated, under the urgent exigencies which
called it into being. The question now arises bow
shall our Government be maintained? kor we
ma t, ere tLr know, unless oblivious to the histo
ry of the pa’t and the present financial embarrass
ments of the old Confederacy, that governments,
no more than individual', can live and flourish up
on thin air. Several modes have been suggested for
raising a revenue adequate to the necessities ot
our changed condition and relations. Some of
onr intelligent contemporaries advocate direct
taxation; some a tariff upon imports, others a
tax upon exports. The latter mode seems to be
favored by Mr. T. R. R. Cobb, the Augusta Con
stitutionalist and other papers. For ourselves, we
freelv confess our preference for the old system ol
import duties, with such discriminations ns will
afford incidental protection to home manufactures.
But we have no idea that for the first few years of
its existence, with the extraordinary expenditures
actually necessary to put the new government
fairly into operation, a revenue, by such means,
could be raised adequate to its wants. In regard
to expott duties, we have only to say, that they
ar< impracticable. Those who advocate this policy,
must have forgotten that “Cotton is King,” and
that Rice and Sugar belong u. bis regal household, j
The. only alternative then, the only certain mode ,
of promptly and certainly meeting the wants of
our government, is by direct taxation. Let the
Congress now in session, make an estimate of the
financial wants of the Government for the present
fiscal year, upon a tear basis; let it apportion to
each State its proportionate amount; let the re
spective States assess such amounts upon the
people in the same manner and to be collected in
the same way and by the same persons as is now
assessed and collected the Stale tax. In addition
to this, let discriminating and countervailing du
ties be laid upon such articles as we can readily
. and advantageously manufacture, as encourage
ment to home industry.
It should be borne in mind, that our Govern
ment has been inaugurated with a quasi war up
on our bands. That there has already been an
expenditure of millions in its very inception.—
That for a long time, if’ not permanently, its ex
posure to blockade and invasion by land and by
sea, will render necessary a large military estab
lishment, which all history shows can only be
kept up at enormous expense. That public build
ings ate to be erected —that armories, naval de
pots, naval schools and naval ships are to be
established and built—that foreign embasies are
to be created and sustained. And does any sane
mind suppose that there will be for some time to
come an incoming revenue from imports adequate
to these necessary disbursements ? Especially
when it is considered bow critical must be our
foreign relations and bow easy it will be, from our
extended sea coast and inland facilities of trans
portation and intercommunication, to evade our
revenue laws.
But it is said that tin* people will not submit to
direct taxation. We do not believe tbit. How
can they do otherwise? Onr new government
cannot live without means. It cannot live by
borrowing—indeed, it has no foreign credit, and
we hope it never will have. We want no national
debt to transmit as an incubus to our children, in
addition, it may be, to exhausted lands and an
over-crowded servile population. Let us avoid
this as we would the fabled Upas.
As humble individuals, depleting the precipitate
action of the Seceded States, we stand ready to
contribute our share to place the new government
upon a strong and solid basis. Whilst then the
enthusiasm is up, let a judicious and enuitahle
direct ad vatorora tax be levied. Tlie people will
probably never be more willing or able to meet it
than during the present yt*ar.
In the foregoing brief and hastily penned re
marks, we do not wish to be considered an advo
cate of the policy of direct taxation, except as a
necessity. If out statesmen can devise a more
agreeable and certain way of maintaining the gov
ernment, we shall gratefully award it our support.
Until, however, our independence is acknowledged
by the United States and other foreign powers,
and friendly and satisfactory political and com
mercial relations are established, we think it would
be Utopian to rely upon import duties for adequate
means to carry on the Government.
STATE ROAD FREIGHTS.
Two weeks since, we made a btief notice of the
advance of freight by the State Railroad on grain of
all kinds; and that the toads above, to correspond
with its charges, advaueed theirs; so that at this time,
they are, on every bushel, five cents higher than those
of last summer, w hen Ihese articles were much less
needed bv the people, generally, than they are at this
time. As we can see no cause lor this, and very good
reasons to the contrary, we leave the question to those
with whose money the ltoad was built, and who are
now thus taxed on their daily bread. If there ever
could he a time when the beu'jfits of this Road should
be exteiided to the people, that time now exists. Had
a Corporation of Stockholders done this, what would
not be the measure of übuse heaped on them, under
the present circumstances ?
Last week, n meeting of the proper officers of all the
connecting Railroads was called, and met in Atlanta,
to take the subject of freights on provisions into con
sideration. Dr. Lewis, of the State Road, was not there.
During the sitting, Mr. Tail, President of the Memphis
aud Charleston Railroad, telegraphed the meeting, that
it was unnecessary for him to attend, us he had infor
mation from l)r. Lewis, thut he should not. These
roads not being represented, nothing could be done
and the responsibility of these high freights rests only
on our State Road.
We should not omit to mention, that the Macon and
Western Railroad has adhered to its old rates. Con
nected with this advance of height by (he State Road,
atises serious injury to itself und others, which is also
worthy of consideration. Already, coru, bacon, and
other articles of provisions from Cincinnati, and that
region, are taking u route by Baltimore, and can be
delivered here at less freight than by the natural chan,
nel, which has been most unnaturally blockaded. Our
merchants, with due “ commercial sagacity,” ure alreu
dy tuhi.ig the advantage of anew route.
THE PEOPLE THE SOURCE OF ALL POWER.
The great difference between the Government
established by our Revolutionary fathers, on this
continent, and the Governments of Europe from
which they fled, is this: that here the Government
was formed by tiik i eopi.E for the purpose of
establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility,
providing for the common defeuce, promoting the
general welfare, and securing tlie blessings of
liberty to themselves and to posterity. The Gov
ernments of Europe, were founded upon the
assumption that the rulers had a divine right to
govern the people. In this lii-9 the difference.
Our public servants who are now in Montgomery,
organizing anew Government, should not lose
sight of the great principle lying at the foundation
of onr Republican system, that the people are tlie
source of all power.
In connection with this, we will merely refer to
a few facts, whichjhave taken place in the formation
of our new Government, which strikes us as not,
entirely according with the great principle upon
which our Government rests.
First, then, we have to notice the fact that
the Georgia Convention elected seven out of the
ten members to the Southern Congress, out of its
body. A number of the commissioners appointed
to|tiie border slave States, we do not exactly know
the number, were taken from its own body.—
Second, the Southern Congress (which should have
been held only to organize a Provisional Govern
ment, and report to a Convention of the States a
plan of Permanent Government, and then he
functus oficin) seems to be perpetuating its exist
ence with unlimited power, for the whole period
of a Provisional Government, instead of allowing
the people to elect members to the Congress which
should legislate for the country under President
Davis. Third, then, this Southern Congress (to
have the chance of getting distinguished places
and fat offices under the Provisional Government)
have omitted in the Provisional Constitution, that
article in the Federal Constitution, which prohibits
iiu-ii.Wi 1 ol Cv-ns-roffl fioiu holding any office of
honor and emolument, and which also prohibits
any person holding anv office under the Govern
ineut, from being a member of Congress.
Vow, we are well aware that there is a very large
amount of talent in the Southern Congress; hut,
most assuredly, all the talent ot the South is not
concentrated in that. body. \\ e would again
remind our public servants to not rely too much
upon their own power, but to remember that a
Republican form of Government is based on I lie
virtue, the intelligence, and the patriotism ot the
people. Vox popali, Vos Dei. Atlanta Intelli
gencer.
Having the fullest confidence in the intelligence
and patriotism of a large majority of those who
compose the Southern Congress, we, nevertheless,
before it met, expressed the hope that it would do
nothing in the way of forming a jiermancnt gov
ernment. That it would only enter into a tetnpo
rory compact for the common security and defence
us the seceded States. We knew that the people
were very properly jealous of their rights and
prerogatives. Indeed, in this lies their safety.—
Ariy government not emanating from themselves,
is not likely to secure so largely their confidence
and affection, nor so certainly and readily to com
mand their hearty aequiesence and support ns oue
framed by delegates selected by themselves for
that especial object. Without, therefore, e odors
ing fully Ihe above art icle, we must say it has
much of justice and force in its suggestions.
The Editor of the Cos, ner Stone and one of his
correspondents openly and fiercely denounces the
action of ike Southern Congress as a usurpation
and as having no binding force upon the people,
because the delegates have transcended their
powers. Other papers have expressed dissent at
the exercise of prerogatives, deemed of doubtful
legality and propriety. We are glad to see that
the people are watchful and jealous of their rights.
By this alone can they hope to preserve their lib
erties.
Since preparing the foregoing, we find the fol
lowing pertinent article on the same subject in the
Atlanta Guardian :
IS THE CONGRESS OF THE CONFEDERATE
STATES OF AMERICA CLOTHED WITH
THE AUTHORITY OF THE PEOPLE?
The people, ever jealous of their rights, espe
cially when accustomed to sit in judgment at the
ballot box, upon all questions pertaining to their
interests and privileges, are beginning to discuss
the question of legislation by a Congress of seced
ing States. Not that the Southern Congress, thus
far has, or will do anything subversive of Demo
cratic principles, but to what extent, in the way of
legislation, will the Southern Congress go, is a
question now being discussed by the people.
The Southern people dislike, under any circum
stances, legislation, in any form, to be carried on
in secret. They desire to become acquainted with
the acts of their representatives, whether those
acts are done publicly or with closed doors. The
people of the Cotton States being now, and ever
intending to be, as free as the air they breathe,
dislike anything that i acks of assumption or
secrecy. Vnd when v <!r ted members to
their res; live u ■ ■- *r-\ t wv done
solely to tr n. -it mg the propriety and
policy of passing the On. .e of Secession or
not. Farther than ibis aiu .ority, save ami except
such legislation as migin 1 ■ necessary to protect
a State alter . ~a.-sin'r au Act of Secession,
there was no amh rn > / en. Rut the sequel has
proven tlmt, in ,v t.. ...- .nee where a State has
sect-tied, the Conventirn thus acting has assumed
the authority to elect delegates to a Southern
Congress; and, in a majority of instances, have
elected to this Southern Congress almost exclus
ively, delegates composing those Slate Conven
tions.
When the Southern Congress convened, it as
sumed the authority to frame a Constitution for a
Provisional Government, and to elect a President
and Vice President tor the seceding States. And,
furthermore, this same Congress have now ap
pointed a committee to report a permanent Con
stitution, to be the chart of a Southern Confeder
acy. In ail this the people have not been consulted.
Rut as yet the legislation of the Southern Con
gross meets the entire approbation of the Cotton.
States.
WKllof If wvnj* Ka poli.jy, jnat tliio tnin tir
prohibit the re-opening of the African .Slave Trade,
yet its justness and propriety is a matter for the
foturo to determine. A a iur na the rleclion of
President and Vice President are concerned, in
meets the cordial approval of all. Hut if radical
changes are to be made in the system of Govern
ment now in the progress of formation, the people
demand it, as a right, to be heard at the ballot
box. We are told that by the 4tli of March, at
farthest, that the President will have at his com
mand an army of fifty thousand men; and wheth
er this immense army is intended to protect South
ern soil from the foot of the invader, or enforce
the mandates of a Southern Congress, is also a
question of discussion. We can readily under
stand, that in times of revolution, it is proper for
the people’s representatives to act in this wise;
but it is alone excusable in cases of revolution.
So far, then, the Southern mind is quiet and
confiding under the circumstances ; but that great
discretion should be exercised by the Southern
Congress, is highly important. Unless such be
the case, discord aud dissension, if nothing more,
will be the result.
FORT MORGAN-
One of the soldiers at Fort Morgan writes to
the South Alabamian that there are about 400
fighting men and 150 laborers there; also, that it
will require half a million of dollars to complete
(he fortifications at that point. We fear that the
men in authority are too regardless of expense in
their military movements. Tlip United States had
no garrison at Fort Morgan. Would not a single
company of Stato troops, with the laborers, be
sufficient to maintain it now ?— Columbus Enquir
er.
We arc glad to see that the pi ess—which is, in
some measure, the guardian of the rights of the
people—is directing attention to extravagant ex
penditures to keep up an unnecessary military
establishment. What is true of Fort Morgan, is
doubtless true of many other interior military
posts. Any expenditure of men and means neces
sary to the maintenance and defence of their
rights, will be cheerfully met by the people. But
we greatly fear that expenditures arc being rapidly
incurred, that will excite murmurs of disaffection
and discontent, when pay day arrives.
“A BAD BEGINNING.”
We publish to-day a communication under the
above heading. The wUtor is of the opinion that
the salaries fix.-’ ’\ t 1 (■ • • o- !;e Confeder
ate States is i ii v -h We agree with
him, that the ,1c nilicers should
be at the low- witn a decent
support. The < ur able statesmen
should prompt Miem io c ■ ‘ igh and responsible
positions, without <n exh t *-• ant salary. The new
Government w ill have t.v and heavv expenses
to incur, and the elotest economy should be iL-ed
compatible with public interest. We heljeve that
high salaries is the bane of a republican form of
Government. The salaries of most officers, both
State and national, have been raised much higher*
than they were many years ago, and with the
increase of salaries, has tin* inordinate desire for
office increased. Place the salaries at us low rate
as possible, and there would not be half the trick
ery and chicanery used by political demagogues
to secure office. Economy will secure anil main
tain a pure administration of the Government, but
run into extravagance, and we may expect a cor
rupt Government. —Cwtstrille Standard.
There is much force in the above suggestions.
We trust one of the distinguishing traits of the
new Government w ill be its republican simplicity
an economical and efficient administration of all
its varied departments. In this way it will com
mend itself to the confidence and esteem of the
people. An extravagant, pompous, showy Gov
ernment, would speedily run itself and the country
headlong into ruin.
lion. Jere Clemens has been appointed by the
Governor of Alabama to the responsible position
of Major-General of the army of Alanama. The
Vicktburtr Whig very truly says :—“ There is not
in bis State, a man more fit and capable of com
mand. Gallunt nnd chivalrous, cool and self
poised, with a judgment quick and sagacious. He
combines all she elements of a good soldier. Ho
served with distinction in the Mexican war, and in
the U. S. Senate, stood a peer above his peers.—
As an editor and writer he holds a high position
among the American “literati.” J
THE OLD LEAVEN
Os party, we regret to see, is occasionally visi- 1
ble in secession democratic papers. Previous to
the election of our Southern President, a leading
disunion paper Insisted that tire choice must fall
upon “an original secessionist"—a distinction
which we deemed, under all the circumstances,
invidious. Since the election, we find from this
class of papers disparaging remarks in reference
to Mr. Stephens,— Journal •!’ Messenger, J'ek. 20.
What is a “secession democratic paper?” Is
the Journal and Messenger prepared to say that
there are any anti-secession papers in Georgia
now—that is, to say, auy papers opposed to the
Government ot the Confederate States! If not,
then has any question arisen under that govern
ment which could possibly decide politicians on a
democratic or auti-deiuocralic issue ? The l 'old
I.eaven” indeed. Cannot men forget the dead
and buried squabbles of the old republic, and re
alize that party demons, if they must come at all,
have yet to find a basis whereon to stand.— Tele
graph.
The enquiry of our neighbor “is well put,” as
Mr. Cushing would say, and timely, if addressed
to certain editors and leaders who accord especial
importance and merit to the fact that they were
immediate and unqualified secessionists. Previous
to the withdrawal of the State from the Inion,
the term secession, as the Telegraph very well
knows, was applied to such persons in contradis
tinction to eo-operationists. For ourselves, we
are not conscious of any partisan feeling. So the
State and Republic are served by good and true
men, we are indifferent as to what party they may
have heretofore belonged. But did this spirit
prompt opposition to Messrs. Hill, Wright, and
others in the State Convention? Does it control
our State Executive ? Our neighbor must be an
indifferent observer, if he does not perceive that
certain original “secession democratic papers”
retain still a “ few risings” of the old leaven, and I
that it pervades other States than Georgia, as will
be seen by the following article :
IION. ALEX. H. STEPHENS.
We had indulged the hope that after the pas
sage of the Ordinance of Secession by our State
Convention, all party distinctions would have been
buried, and that both the co operation party and
those who bad recommended the immediate se
cession of the State, would have united more
closely together in one common cause, and stood
side by ride ready aud willing to suppress dissen
sions among the people, as well as to earnstly urge
them to forget all past party and personal differ
ences. We had gone so far as to believe that
such wouid be the case, and were rejoicing over
the result of our efforts.
Such, unfortunrtely, is not the crso. We were
not only surprised, but grieved to find two such
journals as the Marion Commonwealth and the
Clayton Banner—papers published in this State,
and thoroughly identified with the “extremes! ot
the extreme” wi.ig of the secession party —dis-
senting, rather discountenancing the elevation ol
the Hon. Alex. 11. Stephens to the Vice Preside!)
cy of the new born Confederacy—and for what
reason? Simply because Mr. Stephens was a co
operationist, aud thought that by either co-opera
tive resistance, or co-operative secession, the rights
and independence of the South could have been
effectually secured. The same objection which is
urged by the one, is also urged by the other ol
these pr per-. VVe give an extract from the Com
monweaikh
“Mr. S ep ecs may be all right now, but he i
so ns a m e. ol ueeessity. To the very last he
touglit s< in Georgia,” &c.
Dees noi .ni.-, exhibit a factious spirit on the
part of thi paper, which if it had been felt, should
never huve been disclosed. This is not a time to
encourage factions, or to bring to view old party
differences and distinctions. Hut if these papers,
endorsed by their party, insist upon this thing,
we can assure them that they can be gratified and
to the very fullest extent.
The eloquent and patriotic speech delivered by
the illustrious Georgian, to a large crowd of sere
naders on the night of his election to the next
highest office in the Confederacy, certainly could
not have met the the eye of the respective editors
of the Banner and Commonwealth—nor could they
have learned of his unanimous election or that
lie was endorsed by Toornbs, Cobb, Barry, Keitt
aud others, the night on which lie was serenaded.
We would advise our cotemporaries of the pro
priety of keeping still just about this time. The
iceo iir-j any uuuui uie \ ice President, the better
it will be for them. Mr. Stephens is a patriot and
enjoys the confidence of the people—a thing
which probably our rather irritated cotemporaries
are unwilling to believe.— Mont. Confederacy.
SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
The press is already agitating this subject, nnd
| several places have been named and some lobbying
done to secure the coveted boon. We have here
tofore expressed the opinion that, in a certain
contingency, few more eligible or suitable locations
could be selected than Macon, Ga. We think it
quite unnecessary, however, in looking out for a
place for the permanent seat of Government, that
a populous city should be deemed impoitant for
that purpose. A location which combines health
at all seasons, cheap subsistence and accessibility,
should be the main desideratum. If we are not
mistaken, there is no place, combining more natu
ral advantages than Marietta or about Kingston,
Ga.—provided the border Slave States secede.
The Columbus Enquirer makes some very good
remarks on this subject. The Editor says:
But we regard the determination of this question
at present as premature, and calculated to lay
the foundation for future agitations and divisions.
We should, by all means, wait to ascertain the
extent ot the confederacy before its capital is per
manently located ; we should wait to see whether
the six States now represented at Montgomery are
all that will secede and join our union, or whether
it is to be extended in another, and which direc
tion. Should Texas and Arkansas coiue in, and
no more States to the north and east of us secede
from the old Union, Columbus, Miss., will be
nearly central, and will present claims similar to
those which we have urged above in favor of our
own city. Should North Carolina, Virginia ami
Maryland secede and unite with us, Augusta would
present similar claims of centrality and a border
position between two large States. It is moreover
nothing but just aud fair that each State that shall
secede during the present controversey between
the North and the South, should have a voice in
the settlement of this question. We fear that
there is a disposition among the would-be direct
ors of the Southern movement to precipitate
events that ought to be left to the development of
time and circumstance, and this matter of the
“hurrying up” of permanent regulations for the
new republic is one instance. The people should
be consulted, as far as possible, in every import
ant step, and tutious and ueliberate progress
Is essential to m uoption of measures sanctioned
bv their a[
For the given above, we think that the
irtcation o icrmanent seat of government
should not ! j by the Provisional Congress
now in ses
A friend n.is furnished us with the subjoined
despatch for publication :
Montgomery, Feb. 19.— The acts of the Provi
sional Government are not lo lie submitted to the
State Convention. The plan of the Permanent
Government will not be binding until ratified by
the State Convention.
ALEX. H. STEPHENS.
We find the above in several of our exchanges.
The following extract from the proceedings of the
Georgia State Convention, settles the question
discussed bx some of our contemporaries :
Mr. Stephens, from the Committee on Foreign
relations, made the following report :
Jlesolned, That the delegates sent from this
State by this Convention, to the proposed Con
gress to assemble at Montgomery, Alabama, on
ttie 4th day ot February next, be fully authorized
and empowered upon free conference and consul
tation with delegates, tnat may be sent from other
xeceding States to said Congress, to unite with
them kn forming and putting into immediate opera
tion a temporary, or provisional government, for
the common safety and defence of all the. States
represented in said Congress.
Such temporary or provisional government not
to extend beyond the period of twelve months
from the time it goes into operation, and to be
modelled tut nearly as practicable on the basis and
principles of the late Constitution of the United
States of America. The powers of the Delegates
so appointed by this Convention in this particular
being hereby declared to be full and plenary.—
Be it further
Jtc. solved, That said Delegates be likewise au
thorized, upon like conference and consultation
with the Delegates from the other Stales in said
Congress, to agree upon a plan of government lor
upon the principles and basis of the
Constitution of the late United States of America,
which said plan or Constitution of permanent
Government shall not be binding or obligatory up-
on the people of Georgia until submitted to *i,h
approved by this Convention—which was taij.
up and agreed to.
Upon the foregoing, frund in the Messenger of
thp 80th of January, we made the following re
marks, which we see no occasion to withdraw
modify :
“We are glad that, the Convention adopted thee .
instructions. It is of course desirable and in- .
sary that ihe seceded Rtates, for mutual protection
enter at once into a temporary compact. Bur
forming a permanent Government and el*ccir
permanent officers, the people, as the source oj ,ij
power, should be directly consulted. The t\,
veiitinn now in session at Milledgeville, under ii,.
act calling it into being, is very circumscribed i„
its powers and prerogatives. The same is true (,<
the Congress which meets on next Monday
Montgomery. Whilst we are opposed to consult
ing the people upon every trivial question of State
policy, all must tee the propriety and justice 0 f
Srtcreoiy regarding their voice and will in thee
tablishiuent of a permanent Government under
which they nnd their children after them are to
live.”
In relation to the ratification of the permanent
Constitution of the Confederate States of America,
the Savannah iCpuUican well expresses our own
views in ihe following sentence :
For ourselves we have no choice in this matter.
The new constitution should, of course, be ratified
by the States to come under the government to
ba formed by it, and it is immaterial with us
whether the ratification shall come from the Cor
vention or from the people direct. Our opinion
is, though, that under all the circumstances, the
latter would be preferable. It would give mo.-v
general satisfaction among the people, who, after
all, are the only true sources of power under o; r
free institutions. Jealousies have already been ex
pressed toward the Convention, in sundry quaitei
and it is exceeedingly desirable that everything
should work smoothly and harmoniously under our
new government. From indications already given
I by the Congress, we have no doubt the petnianem
constitution to be reported by them will receive
the unanimous approval of, at least, the people of
Georgia.
A JUST TRIBUTE.
That sterling paper, the New York Journal of
Commerce, pays the following just tribute to the
Executive officers of the new Republic :
“The choice of provisional officers to preside
over the new Confederacy, fiils us with admiration
for the wisdom and good sense of the Southern
Congress. If in this they have reflected, an we
see no reason to dispute, the views and wishes o:
their constituents, we bail the omen as one of the
happiest attending the secession movement. If
we must encounter a rival government upor soil
hitherto common to every American citizen, wo
greatly prefer that it should be controlled bv
statesmen of ample experience and ability, such
: as have been chosen to control the destinies of the
Southern Confederacy. It is the weak and incom
petent who plunge their people into war, and pre
cipitate its terrible calamities. Statesmen of larger
calibre, better appreciate and understand the
i blessings of peace, and labor mote intelligently
l and effectually to preserve them. The selection
of Jefferson Davis for President, and Alexander
LI. Stephens for Vice President of the “ Confede
; rate States of America,” is a step which will go
ftr towards the accomplishment of the object in
| view—the establishment of an independent gov
ernment. General Davis is a statesmen of great
power, combining in an unusual degree, the vari
, ous qualifications for his new position. He is effi
cient in action, cool in judgment, firm in purpose,
and conscientious in his opinions. He is not by
any means the fire eater which-many Northern
presses have represented him ; and we are not
j sure that he has any superior for the first office in
, the gift of any people on this Continent. For
r Viet* President, the Southern Confederacy has a
l man who less than two months HrO, was pronounc*
1 ed by the entire Republican prea-*, a patriot aud a
statesman of the first order ; a moderate, honorable
, friend of the Union. While those who thus
praised Mr. Stephens, were either in softie degree
1 ignorant or bis position, or what is more probable,
. governed by partiz.au malice, their general esti
mate of his character wa9 quite correct. He de
plores the necessity of secession, and has favored
an appeal o the justice of the North, before taking
the final step; and we have no doubt that both he
5 and General Davis would have been infinitely
better pleased to preserve the Union unbroken,
than thus to be made leaders in its dismember
s
ment.
FOR THE JOURNAL AND MESSENGER.
Export Luiii's on Codon.
In the Daily Telegraph of the SiCth inat.. the
reader may fiud a communication s-igned “ Sug
gestion, ’ copied, as that paper says, from the
Montgomery Advertiser, on the subject of export
• and import duties.
! The article referred to is doubtless Irom the pen
[ of someone of the few politicians who advocate
the doctrine of free trade and direct taxation as
being the true policy of our new Government. —
But, being alraid to risk his personal popularity,
on that issue, before the cotton planters of the
new Confederacy, seeks, by a multiplicity of words
ingeniously placed, to wheedle them into the be
lief, that the levying of an export duty, of half a
cent per pound, on their cotton, would not be a
direct tax upon the cotton planter, and him only.
Read but a single sentence of what he says, and
then judge, for yourself, of the political honesty,
or the piactical intelligence of one w ho advocates
such a policy, for a country like ours. He says:
“Admit, for the sake of argument, the absurd
proposition, that the planter will, in the end, pay
the export duty. Even those who entertain so
confused a notion of political economy, can be
convinced that the export duty is the cheaper.—
Tue lowest estimate of a revenue tariff is ten per
cent, ad valorem ; the expot t duty of a half cent
per pound is about equivalent to five per cent, ad
valorem. Buying abroad all we consume, and sell
ing abroad all we produce, which is cLeaper. To
pay ten per cent, on our consumptions, or five per
cent, on our productions ? And applying the rule
to the individual, as well as the nation, is not the
largest producer always correspondingly the lar
gest consumer ?
The man whose vanity would tempt him to un
dertake to palm off the “absurd propositions”
contained in the above paragraph, on the planters
of this Confederacy, must regard them as being
a class similar to that referred (o by the gentle
man who urged the Georgia Legislature to declare
lor secession without waiting to hear from the
“grog shops and cross roads.”
If our cotton plamers expected to invest the
entire proceeds of their crops, say about two hun
dred millions of dollars per year, in foreign mer
chandize, and had the option of paying either an
export duty of five, or an import duty of ten per
cent, on the amount, I doubt if it would take the
dullest subject among them, more than ten days
to cipher out “so confused a notion of political
economy,” and become convinced that the export
duty would he the cheapest for him.
“Suggestion” seeks to conceal the abscurity of
his proposition by referring his readers to the
commercial policy of the Government of Italy,
Spain, Turkey and Portugal; each of which he
tells us levys export duties on articles peculiar
to these countries, and which the world can
buy nowhere else. As little as our planters know
of the commercial policy and the political tyranny
practiced by those who rule the people of these
countries, they know enough to oppose the adop
tion of any measure that would tend to fasten on
them a system of direct taxation under the dis
guised name of export duties. Let no man be de
ceived by this clap trap argument, lor be assured
that if this trick of export duty on cotton is ever
put into practice, the effect will assuredly be a
fixed and direct tax upon every pound grown in
these cotton States, and that tax, be it littie or
much, will be abstracted directly from the pockets
of the cotton planter. For example : to-day the
current market price in Macon for the best cotton
ia ten and a half cents per pound, and the present
rate of freight on this cotton by the Central Rai