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£iwes an ir SmthdL COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. TUESDAY MORNING, DEC. 20, 1853. GEORGIA LEGISLATURE. (CORRESPONDENCE op THE TIMES &. SENTINEL.] SENATE. Millkdgeville, Dec. 10. Much time was spent this morning in hearing re ports from committeess. We will notice only, a few. Mr. Dean, as chairman of a special committee, re ported in favor of the bill to authorise the loan of $500,000 00 in State bonds, to the South-western Rail road company, to aid in the extension of the Road. Mr. Anderson, from the committee on Internal Im provements, reported against the bill to charter a Rail road from the Rabun Gap Road, in the direction of the copper mines in Tennessee. Mr. Hull, frem the committee on Banks, reported favorably to the bill to establish a bank at Griffin. Mr. Watts, from the committee on Printing, report ed a bill requiring the public printing to be done at the capitol, in 90 days after the copy is placed in his hands, and to require a bond of $19,000, fce., Arc, The report of this committee, and the bill reported by them, is in the teeth of the report made by the I louse committee on the same subject. The Senate’s com mittee gave the opinion that the delay in printing the laws of the last ses-don, was owing in great part, to the fact, that the printing was done away from the capitol. The House committee, which was much f better informed, reported that the delay was occasioned by the illness and pucuniary embarrassment of the Public Printer. We are surprised that sensible men will allow them- selves to bo imposed upon by the misstatements of parties in interest. The public printing can be done quickest, where there is the best office. On a steam power press, such uB you have in your office, you could print five sheets where one could bo printed on the hand presses used in the offices at the capitol. Mr. Dunwoody, from a special committee, reported a substitute for the bill to improve the navigation of the Altamalia. Mr. Hull, offered a resolution, which was adopted, instructing the Governor to employ the Solicitor of the circuit, to enquire into the condition of the Atlanta bank, its organization and manner of doing business. The bill to regulate the mode of measuring timber &c., was taken up. Mr. McLeod offered a substitute which was adopted. Mr. Dunwody used every par liamentary expedient, to amend the substitute, by in serting provisions more favorable to the measurers and buyers of timber, but failed, there were more sellers; than buyers of timber in the Senate. Mr. Collier, introduced a bill to incorporate the 1 Georgia western Railroad company. This company j proposes to build a Road from Atlanta in the direction j of Tuscaloosa Alabama. The resolution to take a recess from the 21st Decem ber, to the 2d Monday in January, was taken up. Mr. Dunnagan moved to lay the whole subject on the table for the ballance of the session. Ayes, 42, nays 38. Here the Senate was thrown into great confusion by in numerable motions fur leave of absence &c., &e., pend ing which, the Senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Millbdgevillr, Dec. 10. The bill to reduce the bonds of the Sheriffs of Liber ty county, hereafter to be elected to SSOO, was passed. The resolution to take a recess from the 21st Decem ber, to the 2d Monday in January, was also passed. Ayes 62, nays 32. The bill to incorporate the Eaton ton and Montioello Railroad, was passed. The bill to regulate the weighing of cotton, was also passed. So, also, was the bill to authorise certain commis sioners to raise SIO,OOO by Lottery, in order to build a Maponio Lodge in the city of Columbus. Senate. Millkdgeville, Dec. 12. . ME- Ounwoody. moved t(\ l itfweSN^‘ l ’,AWi al Aft-amt#, which was passed on Saturday ; his motion was lost. Mr. Pope, moved to reeousider the resolution to take a recess on the 21st inst., which was also lost on Sat urday. After much discussion, in which Messrs. Cochran, Green, Pope, Clark, Stephens and Guerry, advooated the reconsideration, and Messrs. Cone, Moore, Mosely, Millet* and Bully v opposed it, the vote * stood, yeas 50, nays 38. Thu resolution was then la- j ken up, the previous question called Cor and sustained, the main question put, which was carried by yeas -IT nays 42. The Legislature lias therefore, agreed to take a recess from the 21st inst., to the 2d Monday in January. A communication was received from Mr. Zachary, prin cipal keeper of the Penitentiary, proposing to leas*; the Penitentiary lor six years, which was referred to the appropriate committee. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVKS. Milleuokvili.b, Dec. 12. On motion of Mr. Green, the committee on the me morial of Judge Scarborough, were authorised to employ a clerk and Messenger. Mr Walker, introduced a bill to advance the Agri cultural interests of the State. Mr. Harrison, a memorial from the citizens of Sa vannah, asking the Legislature to prohibit vessels from sailing from that port with cargoes of free negroes. The bill to advance State bonds to Mark A. Copper, was taken up and advocated by Messrs Orawford and Latham, and opposed by Messrs. Walker and pottle. j Mill Rockville, Dec. 13. The House assembled in the afternoon of yesterday and continued the discussion of the bill to loan $85,000 | to Mark A. Cooper. Mr. McDougald, made a very able speech in favor of the bill. The bill, however, was lost. The Senate also met in the afternoon. The time i was principally consumed in reading bills. The Gov- I ernor sent in a communication recommending the claim ) of Echols and Howard, to the favorable eousiderati nos j the Senate. MllXt! DGKVILLE, DcC. 13. .SENATE. Mr. Satlbld—A hill io make it penal to lease land when the Ictsur knows he lias no title. Mr. Miller—A bill to call a convention to alter the Constitution of the State. Mr. Hubbard—A bill to lay out anew county out of portious of Carroll, Pun Ming and Polk. Mr. Lawrence objected to the bill, on the ground that a similar bill had already been defeated. The bill was, therefore, ruled out of order. The order of the day, being the bill for the pardon of Elijah Bird, was taken. Mr Dunnagan addressed the Senate in favor of the bill. The report of the com mittee was agreed to with great unanimity. Then the President arose, and in a solemn voice asked, “shall this bill pass?” the yeas and nays were called for, and the vote resulted as follows: Ayes—Adams, Bailey, Beck, Bogges, Brown, of Bald win, Brown of ihomas, Bryan, Bullard. Chastain, Cone, Dixon, ot Talbot, Drake, Dunnagan, Guerrv Gmslv.m Griggs Hill, Hubbard. Jnnieson. Lambert!], Lott, i. ions’ Love, McConnell, McChee, McLeod, Mortis, Mounger, Patterson, Peebles, Reddish, Ridley, Saftbld, Smith, Ste- White T‘ P ’ Tnmmrel1 ’ Walkcr - °* Crawford, W-Anderson. Beall, Boyd, U amden, Cametou, Cocb ran. CoUter.Crawtord, Dabney. Deadwvlef, Dickson, of Walker,Echols,Green Greer,Guyton, Hull, Jon.,, King Knight, Laughridge, Lawrence, May, Miller, Moore Moseley, Morrell, Newsom, Paulk, Frau. Piles, tk,™ Reynolds, Sirmons, Strickland, Surrem-v, Turner Watts’ Walker, of Jones, Williamson, Wilder, Whitworth 41 Mr. Dunnagan, hoped that as the Senate had tied and the life or death of the prisoner was in the hands of the President, that he would lean to the side of merev. The President arose amid deep silence, very much affected and spoke as follows : Gentlemeu of the Senate.—The position I occupy is an unfortunate one; the occasion is a trying one The reasons which have constrained the otliec House to pass this bill, and which has produced a tie vole in this, press strongly upon me. 1 ain, however, fortunate in being beyond the reach of all the outside influences which have been brought to bear upon this ease, it is mv good fortune never to have known the prisoner nor the deceased; and never to have associated intimately with the community in which the alleged crime had been committed. I therefore oome to the decision of this question free from all improper influences or prejudices. 1 have often been called, on to vote upon bills of a similar character, and have uuiformily voted against them ; except in cases where rights were denied in the courts before which the Prisoner was tried ; and time and i xperit nee have satisfied me of the correctness of my previous course. It had, however, never happen ed that a presiding officer has cast a vote against pardon ; and in conformity with this usage, I take great pleasure in giving the casting vote in favor of the bill. (Ap plause.) It will thus be seen, that Elijah Bird is snatched from the jaws of death, by tho clemency of the Leg islature. The bill to loan the credit of the State to Railroads, under certain circumstances, was taken up in committee of the whole. Mr. Knight offered a substitute. Mr. Pope moved that the committee rise and report disa greement to the bill, which was carried. Mr. Sturgis moved to agree to tho report of the committee, which was carried by yeas 52, nays 36. So the bill was defeated. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Milledoeville, Dec. 13. In the House of Representatives this morning, the bill of the Senate, laying out and organising anew county from Baker, was taken up. Mr. McDougald, of Mus cogee, moved to strike out the name of “Dougherty,” and insert that of “Fannin/’ and made a speech giv ing his reasons for opposing the name which the Senate gave to it. Mr. Pottle, of Warren, replied to him in very warm language, so also, did Dr. Phillips, ol Habersham. On motion to strike out, the yeas were 15, cays 85. The regular order of the day was then taken up, which was Mr. Field’s, of Cherokee, bill to revive the old tax law for special taxation. Dr. Phillips, of Haber- sham, from committee on Finance, reported n substitute. Mr. YY'alton, of Richmond, also reported another sub stitute, providing for a system of taxation for the year 1854 and —55. On motion of Mr. Hardeman, of Bibb, these bills were made the special order for Friday next, and 150 copies of them were ordered to be printed for tiie use of the House. Mr. Mobley, of Harris, introduced a bill*to incorpo rate the Columbus and Hamilton Railroad Company. The following bill was passed—a bill to authorise the Commissioners to raise by Lottery, a sum sufficient to complete the Green and Pulaski Monument in Savan nah. The House then adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Milledgkville, Dee. 14. Tho House met this morning at 9 o’clock. A bill to define the duties of Coroners in this State, II was passed. Mr. McCombs, introduced a bill to allow Billiard tables to be k< pt in private dwellings free from any other than the usual tax on furniture. J Mr. Staten, introduced a bill to repeal an act pro hibiting the introduction of slaves into this State. Mr. Gurtrell—A bill to amend an act authorising parties to compel discoveries at common law. Mr. Mobley, introduced a bill to regulate the fees of Ordinaries in this State. Taylor, of Houston—A bill to define the duties of appraisers in this State. Mi*. McDougald—A bill to revive an act requiring Sheriffs to advertise in tho paper having the largest circulation in this State. Mr. Dawson, of Putnam, introduced a bill to exempt one negro from levy and sale, under any fifa or attach ment obtained after the passage of this act. Mr. Calloway—A bill to grant to the Judges of the Superior Court, the power of commuting the penalty of death to imprisonment in the Penitentiary, upon the recommendation of the Jury rendering the verdict. Mr. Harden—A bill to relieve all free negroes in this State from penalties incurred by failing to register their names. Mr. Williford—A bill to prohibit slaves or free per sons of color, to aet a clerks in the retail of ardent spirits. Five .hundred copies f the repurl of the Census committee, were ordered to be printed. Mr. Young, introduced a bill for the pardon of James 150 copies of evidence were ordered to be printed. Mr. Harrison—A bill to authorise the Governor, ; with the consent of the Senate, to appoint biennially, an j Agricultural chemist for tho State. No other business of importance in the House. SENATE. Milledgkville, Dec. 14. The Senate met at half past nine o’clock. | Geu. Kniglu, moved to reconsider the “Omnibus ; Railroad bill,” rejected yesterday, and on the yeas and ’ nays being taken, tiie vote stood, yens 45,, nays 34. A resolution was offered by Mr. Dabney, to bring j on the election of a Superintendent of the Western and | Atlantic Railroad to-morrow, which was lost. The special order of the day, which was the “Wo j man’s Bill/’ was taken up. Mr. Miller addressed the Senate iu an able argument in favor of the mesure, and a long disOuseion took place, which was participated in by Messrs. Moore, Mosely, Stephens, Dabney Dawson, Thomas and Dunwoody, against the bill, and Messrs. Pope, of Wilkes, and McGehee, of Houston, in favor of if. The two latter, were powerful speeches and | highly creditable for the spirit which pervaded them. The Senate adjourned after Mr. Dunwoody conclud ed his speech, without coming to any determination. j HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Milledgeville, Dec. 15. j In the House of Representatives this morning, a bill ; to require the Treasurer of the poor school fund of the j county of Muscogee, to pay certain to persons therein named, for teaching poor children, was read , n third time and passed. The committee on Banks, reported favorable to the i incorporation of certain banks in the city of Savannah. : The bill to allow the several Receivers of tax returns | additional compensation, was referred to a special coin- j mittee- Tho bill to oiganise anew county out of portions of , Dooly and Irwin, was made the special order for Satur- j day next. The bill to lease the Western and Atlantic Railroad, , was made the special order for the 16th of January, j The bill to amend the several acts in relation to the | Public Printing, was made the special order tor the 17th j January next. The House then adjourned. SENATE. Millkdgkville, Dec. 15. | In the Senate, an effort was made this morning to j reconsider the bill to organise the county of Kiuchefob uee, passed yest. rdny afternoon, which failed. The i Woman’s bill was again taken up, and the morning consumed in its consideration. Messrs. Miller. Collier ’ and Ridley, spoke in favor of it, and Mr. Cochran, against it. After which, the Senate adjourned till 3 j o’clock. I SENATE. Mili.edokvii.Lc, Deo. 10. Tin Senate met this morning at half past nine o’clock. Some surprise was manifested by a resolution having ■ been offered by Dr. Smith, of Coweta to bring on the j Senatorial election, so soon as the House was ready. Mr. Miller, of Richmond, called for the special order j of the day, on which the yeas and nays were taken, | and resulted as follows: yeas 47, nays ■■ 1. The special order of the day was then taken up. | which was the Woman's bill. Messrs. Stephens, Pope, | Willingham, Lyons, Jones and Williamson, addrised the Senate. The spot oh of Mr. Lyons was characterised by considerable ability, and was received with great ap piause. On the vote being taken to postpone the bill and amendments indefinitely ; the yeas were 58, nays 30. The Senate then adjourned. HOUSE OK REPRESENTATIVES. Millkdgeville, Dee. 16. In the House, the bills read a third time were : A bill to appoint timber measurers, and to prescribe their duties. A bill to alter and’define the line between Taylor and Talbot, passed. A bill to give the Superintendent of the Western and Atlantic Railroad to the Governor, passed, yeas 75, nays 36. Mr. Pottle, of Warren, introduced a bill fur the pardon of George W. Wray, of Houston county, now under sentence of death for tho crime of murder. Mr. Harrison, of Chatham, a bill to appropriate $30,000 to the Savannah Medical College. Mr. Pow ell, of Deoatur—A bill to protect ferry boats and other water craft from injuries done by steamboats. Mr. Gross, of Scrivin, introduced a Resolution that after to-day, the House have no regular order of business. The consideration of the tax law was postponed until | the 18th of January, 1854. The House then adjourned. Milledoeville, Dec. 17. SENATE. The Senate met this morning at 9 o’clock. On motion of Mr. Hull, of Clark, one hundred copies of the Report of the Sub committee on Internal Im provements, who visited the Western and Atlantic Railroad, were ordered to be printed. The bill to make certain advances to officers and members of the Legislature, was read a third time, and the yeas and nays taken on its passage. The yeas were 72, nays 15. Mr. Gresham, of Burke—A bill to prevent deer kill ing in Burke county, at certain periods. Mr. Dean, of Bibb, reported a hill to amend tho ju diciary act of 179.*, to provide that when the Clerk fails to attach procees to any bill or declaration, and the defendant or defandants come into court and plead, such pleading shall amount to a waiver of service of process, and all judgments in such oases shall be held to be valid. The bill to incorporate the German Fire company, of the city of Savannah. Mr. Dixon, of Talbot, presented the memorial of Joseph Sturgis, for renumeration, for services as agent of the State of Georgia, to the General Govern ment. On motion of Mr. Anderson, the order was suspend ed to take up a bill to extend and define the limits of the city of Savannah, which was read a third time and passed. Mr. Guerry, introduced a bill to pardon James L. D. Register, of tho county of Troup, under sentence of death for murder. A bill to incorporate a sub-marine Telegraph compa ny, from Ycacas in Cuba, to Floaida and Georgia, and then northward. Mr. Lyous, of Butts, introduced a bill to pardon George N. Wray, of Houston, under sentence of death for murder. The Senate then adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Milledgeville, Dec. 17. The only business of importance in the House this morning, was the passage of two new county bills, one from Irwin and Dooly, named “Worth/’and the other from DeKalb, named “Fulton.” A bill to incorporate the north-eastern Railroad company, was under discussion when the House adjourned. Alabama Legislature. Montgomery, Dee. 14. Senate —The bill to divide the State into sevtn Con gressional Districts was read the second time. It was the special order for Friday 16th. House.— The Senate’s bill to continue the Commis sioner and Trustee of the State Bank and Branches, was ordered a seoond reading. The bill makes John Whiting, Commissioner. A great number of petitions in favor of an Anti Li quor law were presented Mr. Yelverton introduced a bill to transfer the duties of Bank Commissioner to the Comptroller. Mr. Hays from a select committee reported a memo rial praying Congress to reduce the price of pine lands in the State. Mr. Payne introduced a bill to incorporate tho Tus kegee Femnle College. Mr. Creagh—A joint resolution to adjourn 20th De cember, and meet again on the 2d Monday in January, which was adopted by yeas 48 nays 40. Tho committee on Divorce reported favorably on ture will follow the example of their neighbors in I Georgia, and relieve the guilty parties from the legal | disqualifications of their positions, they will do much to render marriage a farce. Montgomery, Dec. 15. Senate-— Mr. Watts introduced a bill to assist in building Railroads by the State. The bill was road first and second time, and referred to the Committee on in ternal Improvements. House —A memorial from the Baptist State Conven tion was presented to the House, praying for the pas sage of the Anti-Liquor law. Mr. Curry introduced a bill to authorise a geological survey of the State—read second time and referred. .Montgomery, Dec. 16. Senate. —Mr. Watts, introduced a bill to incorporate “The Western Railroad company of Alabama. Tbe bill to provide for taking the census for 1855, has passed. The Senate concurred in the resolution of the House, to take a recess from the 20th December, to the 9th January. A resolution to prevent members from re ! ceiving pay and milage during the recess, was lot. I The consideration of the bill to apportion tepresenta | tion in Congress, was postponed until 10th January. Mr. Watts, introduced a bill to renew the loan of | part of the two per cent fund to tho Montgomery and ! West Point Railroad. Montgomery, Dec. 16. House. — The bill to provide for the location of swamp I and overflowed land, was passed ; so also, was the bill ! to regulate common schools in Mobile. The balance of the day was mainly consumed iu the I discussion of the resolutions upon the subject of inter nal improvements. South Carolina Legislature. MONUMENT TO MR. CALHOUN. The House of Representatives have laid on the table the resolution to appropriate $30,000, to erect a monu ment to Mr. Calhoun. This is scurvy treatment, after the State had solicited of the family of the great Caro linian, the priviledge of disposing of his remains. It was stated in the debate, that Mill had determined to construct a bronze statue of Mr. Calhoun. Mr. Henry Melver, of Chesterfield, has been elected Solicitor General of the Eastern Circuit. Mr. Monroe, of Charleston, lias been elected Law Judge, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resig nation of Judge Frost. lie is said to be the only Union man who lias been elevated to this high |>osition since the exciting contest of 1832 subsided. It is, however, worthy of remark, that O’Neal was elected Judge in the midst of the excitement, lie was, and is now a Union man. Professor McCoy, of Franklin College, Georgia, has been elected Professor of Mathematics in South Caro lina College. The pay is better in South Carolina, than in Georgia. It is thought, however, that the learned Professor will not accept. The Joint Committee of the House and Senate have made a report, recommending a separate Court of Ap peals, composed of three Judges. A memorial has been presented to the Legislature, signed by St persons, opposing the re charter of the Bank of Charleston with its present capital. The bill appropriating twelve thousand five hundred dollars for the Charleston College, has passed the Senate. The Education Bills have all been luid upon the table in the House. A bill has passed the Senate to provide a plan for public education ; also a bill to incorporate the Central Bank of Charleston, and also a bill to repeal the laws against usury. A bill to provide for the establishment of a general system of registration of births, deaths and marriages, has passed the House ; the bill to establish Boards of Direction for Common Schools was laid on the table. Both the Senate and House Committees will recom mend the appropriation of a million of dollars for the completion of the new State House. The Committeo of the Whole, on the electoral ques tion, were discharged from the subject, by a vCfo 0 f 46 to 44. At Home Again. After an absenoe of two months, we agaiu return to our duties. If our readers are as happy as we are at this occurrence, they will overlook any little short comings they may detect in our paper for a few issues, until we get our hand in again. We may not hope to rival our late locum ienens in the spiev brilliancy of our productions; what we cun do, however, in this way. is at the service of our readers ; but our forte is labor, and upon that we have and will rely for success in our laborious profession. Statistics of Crime in Georgia* The Penitentiary, Since the establishment of the Georgia Penitentiary, 1343 convicts have been received within its walls. 712 were convicted of larceny • 260 of offences against the person from assault and battery to murder; 38 of un lawful indulgence of the sexual passions ; 2 of perjury ; 76 of forgery ; 56 of buglarly ; 32 of counterfeiting and crimes of a like character; 45 of robbery ; 25 of vagrancy. It will thus be seen, that our criminals are a thiev ing and fighting set of vagabonds. If these two classes of offences could be prevented, there would be but few criminals in Georgia. Indeed the love of money is the root of nearly all the crime committed in the State. 921 out of 1343 convicts, were guilty of offences against properity. We have been long convinced that the great evil of Georgia society was an undue love, of and respect for, wealth. We estimate men not for their virtue, talent or patriotism ; but for their money. Hence, the great struggle with us, is to accumulate filthy lucre. We chose our professions in respect to this object; we too often marry our wives to improve our pecuniary condition. The lower orders see this, and, forgetful of the restraints of morality and the ter rors of law, rush madly into the commission of crime in order to place themselves upon a level with their neighbors. It is, however, some consolation to know, that less than one half of the convicts arc natives of Georgia. Os the whole number, only 467 are natives of Georgia ; while 258 are natives of South Carolina ; 177 of North Carolina ; 90 of Virginia ; 36 of New York ; 35 of Ten nessee ; 15 of Maryland; 16 of Massachusetts; 24 ol Pennsylvania ;12 of Connecticut; Sos New Jersey • 8 of Alabama ; 6of Kentucky ;5 of Maine; 4 of New Hampshire ; 4 of Rhode Island ; 4 of Florida ; 4 of Lou isiana; 3of Vernont ; 3of Ohio; 2 of Delaware; 2of the District of Columbia ;2 of Mississippi; lof Missouri; 136 of Foreign countries; and 12 unknown. It may be remarked in explanation of the large num ber from South Carolina, that their system of punish ment is calculated to drive criminals across the Savan nah, and further, that perhaps 1-3 of tho population of Georgia are natives of that State. The counties have contributed respectively the fol lowing numbers: Chatham 142; Bibb 62; Richmond 95 ; Muscogee 40 ; Baldwin 37 ; DeKalb 34 ; Gwinnett 35; Morgan 33 ; Cass 30 ; Jackson 26 ; Burke 23; Jasper 22 ; Jones 21 ; Wilkerson 21 ; Pulaski, Franklin and Elbert each 20 ; Clarke 19 ; Monroe 19 ; Cobb 18 ; Hall, Mclntosh, Warren and Walton each 17 ; Green, Habersham, Henry, Newton and Lincoln each 16; Columbia 15 ; Oglethorpe 15 ; Camden, Troup and Up son each 14: Pike 13; Jefferson 13; Laurens 12; Cherokee, Murray. Talbot and Twigs each 11 ; Lump kin, Screven and Wilkes each 10 ; Butts, Campbell, Hancock, Randolph and Washington each 9 ; Bryan, Effingham, Fayette, Merriwether, Putnum, Tatnall and Thomas each 8 ; Appling 7 ; Crawford, Emanuel, Lib erty, Marion, Sumter, Talfair and Walker each 6; Heard, Harris, Houston, Montgomery and Madison each 5 ; Carroll, Dade, Decatur, Early, Forsyth, Glynn and Gilmer each 4 ; Floyd, Paulding, Rabun, Stewart, Taliaferro and Wayne each 3; Dooly, Lowndes, Lee, Union and Ware each 2 ; Chattooga, Gordon and Irwin each 1. These statistics show that towns are more prolific of crime than the country. It would, therefore, seem to be a wise policy to discourage the emigration of the peo ple from the country to ihe town. They by no means, however, show the relative morality of the different counties. In some counties, the laws are much more rigidly enforced than in others; the population of the counties is very unequal; and some of them have been facts in mind, our readers can readily determine which counties are the most moral. The principal keeper in his report makes thejfollowing suggestions: “The accommodations in the Penitentiary, as is well known to you, are of such a character, as to throw all classes of offenders together, without discrimination or separation. Among them are many young men who by judicious treatment might be reclaimed and sent forth to the world, benefits to themselves, their families and society.*’ The complaint here set forth, is a grievous one. The strongest argument in favor of Penitentiary punishment is that it has a tendency to reform the convicts. Un der our system the very reverse is the result. The convicts are thrown indiscriminately together ; they be come acquainted with each other; they form bands which re-unite on their discharge to carry on other villanies ; and the more hardened couutcraot the good influences which are brought to bear upon the young during their confinement. We are Borry to see that no action has been had by the present Legislation upon the suggestions of the Principal keeper. Copt. John Forsyth. It is stated in the Alabamajpapers that our fellow Towns man isnow gracefully ensconced in the Chair Editorial of the Mobile RegisterjWe recognise his Damascus blade.— ll is as sharp as when of yore he fought at the post we now guard. We guarantee that there will be no breach in the wall ho defends. We greet him heartlily again, and hope lie will re-enlist. Thy country cannot spare so well trained an editor Irom his post just now. Col. Glover’s Tannery. We were pleased to meet yesterday in our city, Col. J. 11. Glover, of Marietta—the most successful manu facturer of Leather in the Southern States, nnd produc ing a quality equal to any in the country. Col. Glov er’s tannery, which is situated about half a mile this side of Marietta, directly on the railroad, presents a completeness of arrangement, which bespeaks the per fection of the internal products. The design iB entire- ly his own, nnd carried out at an expense and trouble, which no one with less energy and public spirit, would have effected. The works arc driven by an engine of twelve horse power—the vats are supplied from a spring near ?the establishment which is so admirably arrang ed, as to be an embellishment. The wet bark supplies him fuel, saving an expense, hitherto, a dead loss. The out buildings are all in keeping with the successful es tahlishment. He has invested at this time $50,000, and we are happy to learn, that contrary to the predic tion of friends, he is begining to realise a fair return for his enterprise and energy. Col. Glover has established agencies in our city for the purchase of hides of every description, and we trust will find a good demand for his leather, for which he received at the last State Fair, two premiums over all other competitors. Alabama Legislature. During our absence, but little attention has been paid to tile sayings and doings of the “assembled wisdom” of our sister State. We propose to correct this over sight in future. Wade Keys, Esq., has been, elected Chan cellor of the Southern division, over our esteerped friend, Sterling G. Cato, Esq. Mr. Cato received the almost unanimous vote of his party. We exceeding re gret his defeat. He is eminently sound in politics ; a gentlemen in the highest sense, and a lawyer learned in all the mysteries of his profession. Mr. Walker’s substitute for the bill to exempt a cer tain number of slaves from execution, was, on motion of Mr. Creagh, laid on the table for the present. Mr. Bethea, has introduced a bill to authorise the Savannah and Albany Railroad, to extend their Road to Mobile, and to build a branch Road from Eufaula to Montgomery, Both Houses hnve passed a resolution authorising the Govern':,; to appoint Commissioners to wait upon the O jorgia Legislature, for the purpose of obtaining dor the North-east and South-west Railroad company, a right of way in Georgia. The memorial and joint resolutions of the Statu of Georgia, were referred to appropriate committees. A Challenge* Taber of the Charleston Mercury has sent a challenge | to Mr. B. F. Perry of the Southern Patriot; which the j latter has dioliued. The cause of offence was a severe j criticism, of a speech recently delivered by Mr. Taber j before the South Carolina College, which appeared in the Patriot. The following i* a copy of Mr. Perry’s * letter of deelinatioi : Janet's Hotel, Dec. 11.1853. Sir: Your note of yesterday, requiring satisfaction for the editorial correspondence complained of, has been received, and in reply, I have only to repeat that your Address was a public one, on a subject of public interest, and consequent ly a subject ol fair criticism. In my remarks on it there is nothing in the slightest degree impugning your honor oJ character as a gentleman. Having already disavowed any such purpose or intention, I am constrained to deny your right to require any further satisfaction, and decline your invitation to a hostile meeting. 1 will not say that no circumstaneevS could induce me again to appear on the field ofmortal combat, but there are reasons, unnecessary to be mentioned here, which would make such a necessity in the la6t degree painful lo me. Im pressed with these sentiments, I have always endeavored to avoid giving just cause for such a result, and I am not con scions of having departed from that course of conduct in this case. Yours, &c. B- F. PERRY. W. R. Tabkr, Esq. Florida Cotton in Columbus. —We are pleased to learn that twenty-four bales of ootton were shipped on the James L. Day, to this city from the Florida line. Alabama Conference. —This body assembled in Tuscaloosa on the 7ih inst. The Bishop YVas absent. Rev. G. Garrett was elected President pro tern. Dr. Summers was elected to deliver the Conference Ser mon. The follow.ng gentlemen was admitted on trial into the conference—Rev. T. W. L. Matthews, D. M Hudson, Jas. Beverly, W. P. llarrinon, Geo. A. Sha fer, Dr. J. M. Jennings, D. C. B. Connerly, C. D. Nicholson, J. M. Campbell, and K. Patton. Election. —The annual Municipal Election for the city of Macon, took place on Saturday, inst. Five hundred and seventy-one votes were polled for Mayor, of which Dr. Stroheeker, the presnt incum bent, received 229, and Mr. Bond, (Whig) 272. The following gentlemen were elected Aldermen: Ross, Mix, Wise, Thomson, Holt, Levy, Ayres, and Rogers, five democrats to three Whigs. The contest for the Mayorality, was close and ener getic, and we believe that Mr. Bond elicited the full strength of his party.— Telegraph, 13 th. Fire in Columbia. —We learn by Telegraph, that u fire occurred in Columbia on Saturday last, at five o’clock, at the Hardware establishment of Messrs. Fisher & Agnew, The fire originated in the cellar of the store. Loss estimated at about $5,000 ; fully cov ered by insurance, however.— Murcury , 12 th. Baltimore and Savannah. —The steamship Ten nessee, will, as soon as finished, be put on the route be tween these two cities, and will touch at Charleston. Circuit Court. —The Jury in the case of the State vs Maolewrath, returned a verdict yesterday morning, of “Guilty of voluntary manslaughter.” O” Dr. Wynne has been elected President of the Georgia Gold Company, whose mines (lately purchased by New York capitalists) were recently discovered near Dahlonega, Gu. The Company has a capital of $500,000, The Harpers’ Establishment on Fire. —Baltimore, December 10, 5.25 I*. M.—The Harper’s Establishment, including seven buildings, the Frankfort and Walton House and adjoining property have been destroyed by fire. The total l"*s is estimated at a million of dollars. The Messrs. Harper’s are insured for about u quarter of a million. One thousand hands have been thrown out of em ployment. Three have been burned to death. The fire sproud furiously. Fifty men are at present employ***! upon the Wash- i ington Monument. It has attained a height of one hundred and forty-seven feet, to which it is hoped throe . feet more will be added before opcrnlioii* are suspend- ! ed for the season. The contributions at the Crystal Palaoe to the monument continue to uv - rum* thirty op Foriy uunurn u uity. From Washington. —Confirmatory accounts of the massacree of Capt. Gunnison’s party have been receiv ed at the War Department at Washington. The bodies of the slain were torn into fragments by the wolves. Father Gavazzi announces his intention to lecture in Washington. From Boston. —Mr. Jonas Chickering, Piano Manu facturer, died to-day of appoplexy. U. Cunningham & Cos., India merchants, have failed. Their liabilities amount to more than one hundred thousand dollars. Health of New Orleans. —The Mayor oi New Or leans has issued a proclamation declaring that the health of the city was never better. The weather is cold and frosty. The Riot at Erie , Pa. —The riotous proceedings at Erie, Pa., continue. The track was again torn up on Friday night. The Company, however, were to have proceeded to lay the track iu the city on Saturday. From the Sandwich Islands. — advices from I the Sandwitch Islands state that the Ministry is un- j changed. The small pox prevails to an alarming extent. Immense discoveries of gold have been made in South America, along the Amazon. Expeditions are setting out daily in search of the precious metal. The Cholera in New York. —The Newark Adverti ser states, on the authority of a New York physician, that four deaths from Asiatic cholera occurred in the city of New’ York on Monday last, and all within his immediate knowledge. Col. Benton's History. —Col. Benton’s history of thirty years operation of the United States Government, will bo Issued from the press of Appleton & Cos., about the first of April next. The work will be completed in two volumes octavo, of 700 pages each. The population of Turkey in Asia, is 13,700,000, and that of Turkey in Europe, is 15,500,000 —making a total of nearly 30,0(10,000, nearly equal to the popula tion of Franco, although the country is not thickly set tled. The population of Russia nearly doubles that of Turkey. I FOR TUB TIMES AND SENTINEL.] To the Citizens of Columbus. Seeing a protest in the Times &. Sentinel signed by many of our citizens against the City Council, in regard to an appropriation of $140,000 made by them (the Council) to the Girard and Mobile Railroad, as recommended by a meeting of the citizens held at Temperance Hall some time in July last; we feel it a duty we owe to von and ourselves to say a few words in vindication of the course pursued by that body, as there seems to be a disposition on die part of die person who signs himself “Citizen” to mislead or innocently deceive the public in regard to their action. The charges that are brought against ns by him we are compelled to deny, for we have, as representatives of the interests of the citizens of Columbus, used our utmost endeavors to promote the same. He directly charges us with having taken possession of your property, laid hands upon it, forcibly acting contrary to your wishes as tax pay ers, without giving you an opportunity to say yea or nay in regard to tiie matter. Weleelit our duty to lay before you the tacts in the ease, as you are necessarily compelled to infer from his communication that your Council are to tally unqualified lo transact the business that devolves upon them as guardians of your best intoresta. Who, let me ask Citizen, authorized us to subscribe $150,000 to the Girard and Mobile Railroad 1 was it not unanimously recom mended by a meeting of the citizens at Hall 1 and wus not the petition of that meeting presented to Council in due lorm I Did we not give you u fair opportunity to enter your protest before the final action ot the Council on your own recommendation ? You will bear in mind that this matter was delayed from time to time, to give you an opportunity to object. llow, let us ask, can we be blamed when your own suggestions and recommendations were the guiding influence in our ac tions ! It has been said by “Citizen” that the meeting held was not a lair representation of the tax paying interest of the oity. In reply we ask, was not sufficient notice given 1 1 Was not tha meeting as large as meeting* are generally, j upon like occasions ? was there any respectable opposition ! to the measure ? and were we not iu duty bound to respect | the recommendation of that meeting i However, after the final action of Council, and the mat* I ter was placed entirely beyond our control, the protest j signed by many of our citizens, was prerented with a list 1 containing the same name* as the petition calling upon the City Council to make the appropriation ; both the protest and the request to make the appropriation were out of res pect to the signers, read and laid upon tho table, the usual course pursued with all matters when presented oat of order. The facts above given cannot be controverted and we feel satisfied that all sensible and high minded men will ex onerate the Council from blame. THOSE WHO KNOW. FOREIGN NEWS. [ From tho Savannah Courier. 3 THREE DAYS LATER FROM EUROPE. ARHIVAIfIOF THE ARCTIC. New York, Dec. 12 Thu U. S. Steamship Arctic, Capt Luce, Collins I.int*,,) arrived early Sunday morning She sailed from Liver, pool, Nov. 30th, and brings four days later intelligence from all parts of Europe. Liverpool Market. Transactions in cotton on the 28th amounted to 20, 000 bait s. Quotations are unchanged. Demand fair. Holders firm. Moderate sales to trade. Simulators took 5,000 bales. Further Accounts by the Arctic. The Turks are abandoning nearly all the positions ou the left bank of the Danube, and only 6000 men have been left at Kalafat. They are fortifying, however, their positions along the right hank. The Porte refuses to open direct negotiations with Russia. The conduct of Oinar Pacha lmd been approved by his government and the Sultan had presented hint with ahorse The combined fleets were at Hey rout. Tho Turkish fleet had gone to keep open the coast of Circassia. The Russian fleet had left Sebastopol, and the combi ned fleets had been ordered to drive them back. Two Russian vessels had been lost in the Black Sea. It is now reported that Dost Mahomed’and all the Ma hometans in India are opposed to Russia. Groat excite ment, indeed, is.said to pervade Afghanstan.und Dost Ma homed is stated to lutvc expressed a determination to at tack the Russians in the direction of Chervan, ami to march through Persia with or without the oonseut of the Shall. There is a rumor that some difficulty lias occurred be tween Turkey and Greece. England mid Franoe have conclnded a treaty to main, tain tiie integrity of Turkey and Austria, and Prussia has been invited to join therein. Prussia, however, reserves her right to act according to her interest, and Austria, it I is said, has actually sent large forces to concentrate in Croatia. In Hungary a difficulty has ooourrred between the Clergy and the Governme’ The British Parliament has been prorogued until the 2d of January. In China the insurgents continue to be successful every where. There is some talk of a Tarta.l invasion. The son of tho Hon. P. Soule, at a ball given by the French Minister at Madrid, made an assault upon the Duke of Alva, brother-in-law to the French Empress ! on account of his having uttered disparaging remarks j relative to the dress of Mrs. Soule. Mr. Souls onr Min. j isterinterfered in the matter, which crated considerable l excitement. Young Soule afterwards challenged the j Duke, who declined tile invitation. [From the Savannah Daily Morning News.) I ffKr.r, OAI.I n.v inK fKO.H EUROPE. ARRIVAL OF THU ASIA. Cotton Unchanged—Thr Turks Still Victorious— Xeic project for Peace proposed. New York, Dec. 15. The British mail steamship Asia, with Liverpool date* t,le 3,1 ‘“*■> has arrived at New York. She brings ! three days dates Inter than the Arctic. Liverpool Cotton Market. The Biles of Cotton in th.* Liverpool market, for the week, ending on tho 2.1 inst., comprise 43,000 bales, ..f which speculators took 0000 an.l exporters 3000 bales leaving 36,000 bales of all descriptions to the trade. The quotations continue unchanged. Holders, however, were not pressing their stocks on the market. Tho quotations at. the close of the market were precisely the same as those current at the sailing of the Niagara on the 26th ult. viz : Fair Orleans, 6JJ. ; Middling Orleans, fid.; Fair Up lands, 6Jd. ; Middling Uplands, fjjd. The trado in the ■ manufacturing districts liad largely declined, j All qualities of Floor had ex perieoeod a decline of two i shillings per bbl. Thr London Money Market.— The money market wre tighter. Consols had declined, and thr extreme ran K e was Irom !)-L, to 95. The transactions in American se curities were small. Affairs in the East. Latest accounts from the theatre of war in the East state that little progress is made by tho belligerents. Thus far the results have been favorable to tho Turks. It is stated that anew project for an arrangement of the diffi culties between the Russians and the Turks, has been pro posed by Austria. Further News by the Aklh. New Yoek, Dec. 15. Liverpool Cotton Market. Die circular, of Messrs. Donistoua & Cos., quotes mid dling Uplands at 5 13-1 riii., and veport the lower grades to be hardening, lhe stock of Coi’on, exclusive of tliat on shipboard amounted to 646,400 bale*. Rice was dull and lower. Naval Stores were stoady. Corn was in moderate demand, and prices were in fa vor of buyers. State or Trade. -In the manufacturing districts trade had largely declined, and in Manchester business was very dull. The difficulty with the strikers had not been settled. London Market.— Rice was dull. Sugar quiet, and Coffee in good demand at stiffer prices. European Intelligence. The Russo Turkish war has made but little progress, but success so fir has been with the Turks. It is reported that an alliance, offensive and defensive, lias been formed between England and France, and be tween Spain and Sardinia. The Emperor of Russia, it is anticipated, will iame an** other Manifesto. Anew project for amicably settling mutters has been proposed by Austria, and she has suggested that aconlcr ence should lie held at Vienna, Paris or London, and it is reported that the Powers are disposed t acquiesce in such a meeting, and are in favor of inviting Russia and Turkey to send delegates thereto. Skirmishing along the hanks of tho Die .be continued. A Turkish steamer had captured a Russian Vladiiuar, in thu Black Sea, and a 1 urkish ship had eaptured a Russian frigate, after a desperate conflict. Ihe allied fleets remained at their anchorage. The Turkish fleet intended to attack Sebastopol, and after thu dlhli ult. Russian shipping wus liable to seizure by thu Turks. The Sultan him declined to receivo further tr6£aurfl Irom the Ulemans, being unwilling to make tho war n re ligious one. Apartments were being prepared at Adrianople for thu reoeptkm of tho Sultan. Iu Asia, tha Tarlts had nut with the moet brilliant sue. having oAptured the first claw, fortress of Soucbarn Kh in and Fort Usargbelti. In Servia affairs were nnaatiffitetory, and the Servians had demanded from tiie ftultao on exeqaa tui for a La-, sen Consul, whiob leads the Porte to believe that -Servi., ia under Ruasiau iuflm nce, notwithstanding it b; pr 0,,,;,. f)J to observe a strict neutrality. It is reported that revolution hart broken out iu Eirta. gel iu liver of Don Miguel. [Correspondence of the Delta. 1 Later from Mexico. FluausTEßtxs.—lt appears that a nuinl>cr of “pirte” landed, not at Acapulco, as reported, but at LaPai.in Lower California. The town was surrendered without tin firing of a shot. The invaders took what they wanted paying for the same, and then sloped. In getting aboard their vessel? they were fired upon from the town, but got off without receiving greater damage than that which the commissariat necessarily suffered in the loss of the un ices ol the cook of the expedition, who, it seems, was slightly wounded. Tits MrsttU Valley.— lt is reported here that General Gadsden has made an unconditional demand upon the Mex ieau Government for the recognition of the Garay Grant and recommends the American Government to wade into the Mesilla Valley forthwith, if there be not an immediate compliance. Os course, however, no one—not even the bearer himself, can know the contents of the dispatches now on their way to Washington. Santa Anna Proclaimed Distatoe—lt seems that Santa Anna has taken time by the forelock, aud i? already pro claimed Dictator for ten years, and that, in imitation ol Faur tin the First, and Napolean the Third, this is but the antecedent of that which, his speedy coronation wjJJ be Ibc legitimate sequitur. Safety foe leaveleks. —Santa Anna's vigorous Gov ernment certainly possesses some advantages. One ol the most important to travelers is the entire safety of the road lietween this place and the city of Mexico, and thence to Acapulco. Robbers aie now seen illustrating the trees by the way-side in a pendant form, which must, doubtless, prove very consolatory to the feelings of thoee who migh! otherwise have experienced the novel, but particularly dis agreeable sensation of being robbed. Baltimore, Dec. 10. TheO. S. Mail steamship Baltic, Captain Comstock, sailed irom New Y ork on Saturday, with nearly 81,000,000 in specie. The Hon. Robert M. McLane, of Maryland, U. S. Commissioner to the Empire of China, was amongst her passengers. Baltimore, Dec. 10. The riotous proeeed.ngs at Erie, Pa., continue. Tiie track was again torn ou Friday night. The Company however, was to have proceeded to lay the track in the city on Saturday, Baltimore, Dec. 10. j The Hariier establishment, including seven buildings, the l-rankfort and Walton House, and adjoining property have been destroyed by fire. Tbe total loss lseßtimated at $1,000,- 000. The Messrs. Harper's are insured for about a quarter ol a million. One thousand bands have been thrown out of employ ment. Three have been burned to death. The fire spread furiously. New Orleans, Dec. 12. The weather is indlscrihably beautiful, bracking and salubrious. For several days, the ski a leave surpassed those of Naples, for deep cerulean elcarmw and bright, neas. The atmosphere could not be clianged to adapt it more Completely to all tastes. Urerylwdy look* cli.ol - ful, springy, bright-eyed snd rosy.cheeked. Health reigns over the city, I rode is extraordinarily prosperous. Money is abundant. Indeed, in every essential of pro prosiHTitv ttud onr eitineon, and who sojourn among ns, may indeed congiwtnlate them, selves tlwt their ‘ lots are cast in pleasant places.”—.V, O. Della. Highly Important, if Trus. Charleston, Dec 14. Tire New \ ork Herald proles*?*? to have private Euro pean advietsto the effect that a treaty had been consum mated at London, between England and France, guaran teeing the integrity of Turkey, and insisting upon the im mediate evacuation of the Principalities by Russia; and that couriers had been dispatched to Vietia and Berlin, to invite Austria and Tmesis to enter into tlm compact, gi v ’ u ,g them seven days in which te accept tho proposal. Congressional. Washington, Dec. l'J. The Senate, on Monday elected Beverlv Tuck er its Printer. Committee on Foreign Relation.*, —Messrs. Mason, Douglass, Slidell, Clayton, Weller Everett. On Finance.. —Messrs. Hunter, Rriolit, Gwinn, Pearce, Norris, Badger. On Commerce. —Messrs. Hamlin, Dodge of Wisconsin, Stewart, Seward, Clay Benjamin. On Military Affairs.- Messrs. Shields, Wel ler, Fitzpatrick, Dawson, Jones, of Tennessee. On Natal Affairs.— Messrs. Gwinn, Mallo ry, Broadhead, Fish, Thompson, of New Jersey Bell. J ’ On Public Lands. —Messrs. Dodge, of lowa, Stuart, Johnson, Foote, Walker. On Judiciary. —Messrs. Butler, Yancy, Bay ard, Petit, Combs. On Territories.—Messrs. Douglass, Houston Johnson, Bell, Jones, of Tennessee, Everett Resolutions were passed calling upon the President, for correspondence. The Senate, soon after, adjourned. In the House of Representatives the Speaker announced the various Committees. Resolutions asserting that Congress has the power to build Railroads through Territories for Government purpoaes were offered and laid on the table. All Free Soilers and Whigs except Jones and Bell of Tennessee, voted for Beverly Tuck er as Printer for the Senate. Prom Washington. Baltimokr, Dec- 13. In the Senate on Tuesday, Mr. Bright’s mo tion authorising the President, with the consent of the Senate, to appoint an assistant Secretary of the Treasury, wus passed. Mr. Gwinn introduced a bill to establish a hue of steamers from San Francisco to China via the Sandwich Islands. Mr. Adauiß also introduced a bill to reduce and graduate the priee of the public lands. House of Representatives.— Mr. Rigby’s reso lution to appoint a Librarian to the House was again rejected. I he question of the right of the government to construct Railroads through Territories for defence, safety, tkc., has been laid on tho tab e by a vote of 119 to 68. Mr. Bissel’s resolution tendering a vote of thanks and sword to Gen. Wool was referred to a Committe. Congressional. In the U. S. Senate on Wednesday 14th no business of any importance was transacted. In the House ol Representatives the resolu tions to purchase Mount Vernon wore warmly discussed, but no decision was arrived at. 1 he Senate resolution to change the mode of appointment of Assistant Secretary of the Treaa ury, elicited considerable discussion, Mr Pres sley Ewing, of Kentucky, regarding it as an indirect assault on Mr. Guthrie, which Mr. Thomas H. Baylv, of Va., and Mr. Georgia S. Houston ot Alabama, denied. In tho House of Representatives, Mr. Benton of Mo., declinee serving as Chairman on the Committee of Military Affairs.