Newspaper Page Text
THE GEORGIA WEEKLY TELEGRAPH.
oironua Oolcfliln f clctivapl).
Affairs in Washington.—The letter of
our Washington correspondent, published
this morning, will be found peculiarly inte
resting. It contains some matters of which
we have spoken freely heretofore, perhaps too
freely, and others upon which wo fear to
trust ourselves to commend. We can only
say to President Johnson: be just, consider
ate, and above all, keep a stiff backbone, and
all will yet be well.
Another Answer Desired.—Gen. Sher
man says that when he issued the order turn
ing over the sea islands to the negroes, he in
tended it for the practical benefit of aged and
imbecile negroes and children, who, having
followed him, could not be otherwise dis
posed of, and that he had no expectation that
the reliellion was so near its end. He is in
favor of making restitution of the islands to
their owners.
• Will the General be kind enough to tell us
how long he meant his act to lost when he
seized a Savannah printing office and turned
it over to a man “who followed him, and
could not be otherwise disposed of”? Is he
in favor ot making restitution to the owners
in this case ?
Cotton.—The commercial advices from
abroad, which we publish this morning, are
not very cheering to dealers in the great sta
pie, especially such of them as are compelled
to realize. If the decline is based upon the
prospect of a heavy crop in America the pres
ent year, we think somebody has been de
ceived. No doubt, though, the Bank of
England has a figure in the pie—proving
what has always been true, but seldom ac
knowledged, that moneys not cotton, is king.
The growing suspicion against American
trade has also, very likely, had its influence
in bringing about the depression.
To Correspondents.—The pressure on our
columns is so great at the present time, that
contributors must exercise the virtue of pa-
tioncc. We have many meritorious articles
on hand that will appear as rapidly ns we
shall be nblc to make room for them.
THE TREE BASIS OF
SE.YTATIOX.
3SEPKE
Purser Van Ingeii, of the Steamer
San Jacinto, arrived at Savannah on Wednes
day, will accept our thanks for late New
York papers.
Can't Pass the Senate.—The New York
Times' special of the 5th says: It appears
now almost certain that the joint resolution
will fail to receive a two-thirds vote in its
favor in the Senate. Among those who have
openly announced their purpose to oppose it
are Senators Howe and Yates, and it is said
all the radical members will vote against the
resolution.
A New Disease.—The Detroit Tribune
says that one case of the disease called trich
ina, which has recently excited much alarm
in Berlin, Prussia, has appeared in that city,
and proved fatal. The victim was a young
German lady. The Trichina Spiralis is a
small microscopic worm or animalcula,
which is found in the muscles and intestines
of various animals, especially pigs and rab
bits, in such enormous quantities that in a
single ounce of pork 100,000 of these animal
cules have been found. By partaking of the
meat infected with them they arc transferred
to the human body, causing intense suffering,
followed in many coses by a painful death.—
These animalcules are not destroyed by
smoking or by frying pork, but hard and
long boiling is necessary.
The Christian Index.—We have been
surprised by the size and elegance of tills
paper, now published in Atlanta, but formerly
issued in Macon by the junior editor of the
Telegraph. It is most neatly printed, and
filled with excellent reading matter. Its
editor is Dr. II. II. Tucker, a writer of rare
powers, conservative in principle and lull of
the spirit of the gospel. lie makes the Index
a capital religious paper, aided as he is by
many of the best writers of his denomination.
The paper is $5.00 per annum, and is mor
than worth the money.
Report.—We have received the report of
the Trustees, Superintendent, President and
physician of the Lunatic Asylum of the State
of Georgia, for the year 1865, and purpose to
notice it more fully hereafter, when we have
more space at command.
—
A Hard Sentence.—The sentence of the
Military Commission who tried Mr. G. B. La
mar for cotton frauds, bribery, etc., in Savan
nah, a few weeks ago, has not yet been made
public, though we learn privately that the
judgment of the Commission was three years'
imprisonment and $25,000 fine! The Presi
dent has ordered Mr. Lamar to be released on
bail until he can get time to examine fully
into the evidence on which this severe sen
tence was pronounced. "
The Opera.—The Italian Opera Troupe,
announced to appear in this city this week,
seems to be electrifying the good people of
Mobile. Their first appearance there was in'
the popular tragic opera of Trovatore, which
croated great enthusiasm. The Tribune thus
speaks of the two prima donas:
"Mine. Ghionu in the role of Leonora did
not only more than fill the great expectation
that we had of this excellent artist, but made
quite a sensation by her correct intonation,
her powerful and sympathetic voice, her ex
cellent action and supurb rendering of this
difficult character. Her voice is pure and
powerful, and each of her motions dignified
and accurate. Wo are not any more aston
ished that this lady created in Ijfew Orleans
a sensation equal to Sontag and Frezzalina.
Her Cavatina in the first act was rapturously
applauded, each of the pieces in which she
sung was successful.
“Mine. Patti Strakosch, as the Gipsy, sung
and acted with much fervor, and took the
public by storm by tlio fine rendition of tbe
difficult role of Azuccna, the Gipscy.”
PTA correspondent of the London Morn
ing Post, says: “It is reported in diplomatic
circles that a private understanding exists
between the Government of Great Britain
and Washington, by which the claims made
by America for the losses at sea will be ami
cably arranged."
The “Bottle Imp” neppv.—The fact is
published that in response to one of General
Grant's cards of invitation to the recent re
ception, Gen. Butler addressed a very curt
note of declination, stilting that lie neither
wished to hold personal intercourse with the
Lieutenant General or any of his family, and
must decline the present or any future proffer
in that din. etion.
Grant got just what lie deserved. He had
no business to invite such a creature as But
ler iuto the society of gentlemen.
The agitation of this que.-tion in Congress
since the close of the war, has directed pub
lic attention to it, and elicited an interest
that is coextensive with the Union. Thou
settled definitely and satisfactorally by the
constitution as it came from the hands of the
fathers—a rule of government for States hat
ing different institutions—the emancipation
of the slaves of the South has placed all the
States on an equality ns regards the civil
character of their respective populations. Un
der the old order of things, three-fiftlis of the
slaves were represented. As the slaves have
been put on an equality with the whites civ
illy, the South would seem to have a right to
demand that the entire slave population
should be counted in fixing the basis of rep-
sentntion; but she sets up no such claim, be
ing willing they should continue to be repre
sented os they were when in a state of slavery,
five being counted only as three. Northern
representatives in Congress arc unwilling to
continue this arrangement, which is most lib
eral on onrpart; nor will they consent that all
the blacks should be represented,except on the
condition that the Southern States shall ex
tend to them equal political privileges with
their former masters. They are unwilling to
take the responsibility of declaring that the
negroes shall be excluded altogether from the
representative population, but they are whip
ping the d—1 around the stump by a consti
tutional amendment which secures the same
end practically, but throws the responsibili
ty on the Southern States. The amendment
referred to declares that none but legal voters
under the State laws shall be included in the
basis of congressional representation. By
this measure they expect to force the South
ern States to a choice between two alterna
tives, cither of which is most obnoxious, viz:
either to grant the right of suffrage to tbe ne
groes, or to submit to suck a reduction of
their numbers and influence in Congress as
will result from striking out three-fifths of the
black population from tlie present constitu
tional basis of representation.
Both of these objects are iniquitous and
opposed to all just principles of republican
government; and we regret very much to see
that the political heresy of confining repre
sentation to the qualified voters of the coun
try,has found an advocate in so distinguished
a lawyer and statesman as the President of the
United States. How he can risk bis reputa
tion as an American politician on such an
opinion, is to us most unaccountable. These
arc times, though, when ^expediency, rather
than principle, is the great rule of action, and
we suppose he lias been seduced or forced by-
external pressure to subscribe to a doctrine
which his learning and good sense must teach
him is most untenable and wrong. '
In all free governments, representation is
an inherent right-in all the governed. It pro
ceeds upon the principle, always held as vital
in republics, that those who are controlled by
the laws and pay tlieir money for the support
of government, whatever may lie their age,
sex, or condition, have a right to be heard in
that government through duly appointed
agents. In forming the Federal Constitution
the statesmen of that day conceded that even
slaves were entitled to this right, but being
property as well os persons, and paying no
tax, it was finally agreed to compromise that
right by admitting three-fifths of their num
ber into the Federal basis.
The right of suffrage is a wholly different
matter—being a political and not a civil
right. In conferring it, our legislators have
selected for tbe privilege that class of society,
who from education, association and habits
of thought, are most capable of exercising
it with safety to the public welfare. Wo
men, however much of the burthen of gov
ernment they may bear, are excluded, for tbe
reason that they are ordained of Heaven as
subordinate to tbe sterner sex, and in tbeir
physical and mental constitution, are unfitted
for the scenes of public life. Minors are re
jected by reason of tlieir tender years and
presumed incapacity to appreciate tbe weight
of political responsibility. All these reasons,
and more besides, declare against tlie negro
as an elector, even in bis state ot freedom.
Males above twenty-one years of age, are se
lected as depositories of the sacred political
right of the ballot, and as the agents of the
great mass of society. To say that the right
of the great body of citizens to representa
tion shall be confined to these few, would be
to perpetrate an unnatural and crying injus
tice. There is not one solitary reason that
can be given for this wholesale disfranchise
ment of the great body of the people who
come under tbe jurisdiction of government
They are no more interested in the public
administration of affairs than the rest; and
a very large proportion of them pay far less
for its support than the classes proposed to
be excluded. Reason, justice, philosophy,
the entire spirit of our government are all op
posed to tlie proposed change, and we shall
have to trample all of these undqr foot when
we inaugurate it as part of our domestic poli
cy.
TnE Indians.—Dr. McGowan lectured in
New York, on Wednesday evening upon the
Indians. He estimated the Indian population
of the United States at between 250,000 and
350,000. He predicted the entire extermina
tion of the red men in the mining States and
Territories within ten years.
Tiie Telegraph in Square Feet.—Our
contemporary of the Atlanta Era, who is an
excellent judge of newspapers, and publishes
a first rate one himself, gives our Weeklt the
following excellent notice:
Weekly Telegraph.—Wereceived a copy
of the Weekly Macon Telegraph yesterday
morning. It is one of the largest sheets we
have ever seen—a regular mammoth—a mas
todon of newspapers—and filled almost en
tirely with reading matter, veiy few adver
tisements finding their way into it.
If any of our friends .want to take a good
weekly paper, one that will furnish more
reading matter than any other, we will sim
ply say that the weekly Telegraph furnishes
twenty-two feet and ninety-six inches—square
measure—weekly. Few papers can boast
that.
52?” A gentleman who left General Forest s
plantation, in Sunfiowcr county. Miss., on the
30th, states that, instead of General Forrest
being in full flight for Mexico, as has been
reported, he was quietly at work preparing to
plant a large cotton crop.
53?“ A steamer arrived at our landing on
Sunday, bringing to this place some thirty or
forty white laborers, who have been engaged
to work a plantation on Tensas, in Louisiana.
Cuffeo must soon have his eyes open.
[iiate/iez Courier.
A bill has been introduced in the Penn
sylvania House of Representatives requiring
$7,000 to be paid by any railroad company to
the widow or minor child of any person kill
ed on a railroad while riding within a car.
WASIIIXOTOX CORKESPOXDEXCE
OF TIIE OEOnOIA TELEGRAPH.
Efforts to bring Jefferson Davis to Trial
before n Military Court—Rumors that He
is to be Sacrificed—Rumored Intention of
the President to Enforce the Admission
of Southern Members of Congress—Atro
cious Avowal of Thadeus Stevens—Gen.
Sherman’s Letter.
Washington, Feb. 4th, 1866.
The attempts to have Jefferson Davis tried
by a Military Court have been lately revived,
and are now being renewed with redoubled
zeal. Gen. Butler, the Secretary of War, and
Senator Howard of Michigan, are the chief
actors in the business, hut they are spurred
on by the whole tribe of blood-thirsty radi
cals, with Thadeus Stevens at the head, and
Charles Sumner at the tail. What incites
them to the savage work in which they have
engaged, is the certainty, now admitted on
all hands, that Mr. Davis can never be con
victed of treason in any civil court; and the
possibility that if such a trial is much longer
delayed, the President may release him with
out uny trial at all. The idea that their prey
may, by any possibility, slip through their
fingers, is agony to them, and they are mov
ing heaven and earth to induce the Presi-
sident to recede from his determination, and
convene a court-martial for the trial of the
rebel chief Thus far, the President has firm
ly withstood the pressure that has been
brought to bear against him, and I believe he
will continue to do so to the end.
In the Senate, Mr. Howard lias made a raw-
hcad-and-bloody-boncs speech in favor of the
military trial of Jefferson Davis, or of bis
execution without any trial at all. Accord
ing to his view, Mr. Davis is a monster, guilty
of the blackest crimes, and 'worthy of an
ignominious death. According to this fran
tic Jacobin, the people of the Northern
States demand his death, and will never be
satisfied tell they dip their handkerebiefs in
his blood, and till the executioner, holding
aloft his head, shall proclaim, “Behold the
head of a traitor!” This, of course, was not
the language used by the Senator; but his
words and the tone and scope of his argu
ment, plainly implied that. This libel on tlie
great body of the people of the north will
be appropriately answered and refuted, in
due time, by Hon. Reverdy Johnson and Hon.
Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware.
And yet, I do not say positively that Jeffer
son Davis will not lie given up to those who
are thirsting for his blood. I have confidence
in tlie President, and I believe that be will
withstand the pressure that is being brought
to bear upon him, and will not stain bis
hands with the blood of this just man. But
the strength of the radical party is very great,
and their power here, at present, seems al
most without limit. It may be, after all, that
their victim will be delivered up to them, but
I still trust that it will not be so. It rests en
tirely with the President.
There is a heart-sickening rumor here,
which I give merely as a rumor, and hoping
that there may lie no foundation even for it;
as I cannot believe it is true. It emanates from
tbe President’s secret enemies, men who have
alwaysjnade loud professions of “loyalty” but
who at heart arc real rebels and traitors.—
The rumor is that tbe President despairs of
fully carrying out liis policy of restoration,
in view of the great strength of the radicals
in Congress opposed to it, and that he has at
last determined upon a compromise:—he will
consent to the trial of Jefferson Davis by a
military Court, and in return for this conces
sion, the radicals in Congress will abandon
their opposition to his restoration policy, and
admit the members from the Southern States.
In other words, Mr. Davis must be sacrificed,
in order that the rights of the South may lie
saved. He must be made to lay down liis
life, and tbe radicals will accept the sacrifice,
will vent tlieir rage upon him, os the leader
and embodiment of the rebellion as they call
bin), and will cease and abandon tbeir other
schemes/'or the punishment of the Southern
people, upon which they are now bent. Such
tlie rumor. A short time will show whetk-
ir it has any foundation or not.
Another report prevails, much more proba
ble, and, I believe, well founded. It is, that
since tlie delivery of tbe recent bitter speech
of Tbaddeus Stevens, in which he assailed the
President in such a coarse and indecent man
ner, the latter has made up his mind to delay
action no longer, but boldly to assume and
exercise those executive powers with which
he is clothed by the constitution, and to carry
out bis entire policy of restoration in spite of
tbe unconstitutional action of tbe radical fac
tion of tbe Rump Congress. Eminent law
yers here have expressed the opinion that
every act that has been passed by tlie present
Congress is illegal, unconstitutional, and void;
because it is clearly not such a body as the
Constitution provides. That instrument ex
pressly declares that the Congress shall con
sist of members from the several States—
meaning, of course, from each one of the
States; and the Southern States have all been
recognized and acknowledged as States by
the executive department of tlie government,
in receiving and claiming their votes on the
Constitutional amendment abolishing slavery.
It is said therefore that the President will
now immediately issue a proclamation, declar
ing those States to be in tlie Union, entitled
to full representation in Congress, and requir
ing those members of Congress who are now
in their seats, to admit the Southern people.
If the Rump still refuses to admit them, it
would then be the duty of the President to
place himself at the head of the legally elect
ed Southern members, Senators and Repre
sentatives, and proceed with them, in a body }
to the Capitol, and demand their admission.
If this was refused, the President could call
to his aid a regiment of U, S. Troops. The
presence of this force, drawn up on the plain
in front of the capitol, would be enough. Is
the remedy objected to as revolutionary ?—
It is not half as revolutionary as the recent
proceedings of the radical faction in Con
gress. The course taken by the radicals, is a
despicable party trick to keep themselves in
power, and the American people would
unanimously justify the President in de
feating it Thadeus Stevens frankly avowed,
at the opening of the session, that he intend
ed to keep the Southern States out, until
they, under the direction of Congress, adopt
such measures as will secure the permanent
ascendency of tbe Republican party. It is
the duty of the President to prevent tbe
Radicals from dissolving the Union for any
such purpose as that. Even Mr. Rosseau of
Kentucky, in an eloquent speech which lie
made in the House yesterday, declared that if
he had known that that was the purpose for
rupt parliament in this manner, when it be
came evident that they were bent upon
trampling on the Constitution and revolu
tionizing the government, just as this Rump
Congress is doing.
A remarkable scene took place in the
House of Representatives yesterday afternoon
while Mr. Rosseau was making the speech
against the Freedmen’s Bureau, alluded to
above. Mr Delano, of Ohio, interrupted him
by stating that he held the Southern States
to be as much in the Union as any other
States, and then he electrified the House by
declaring that he was ready this moment, to
vote for the admission of the members from
both Tennessee and Arkansas. This senti
ment was unexpected coming from a Republi
can member, and in an instant every Demo
cratic member applauded it by a vigorous
clapping of hands, while the Republican
members, with one or two exceptions, sat still,
petrified with astonishment at this audacious
declaration.
I enclose the remarkable letter of. General
Sherman to the President, written at the re
quest ot the latter a few days ago, in which
he explains what lie intended by liis order
making allotments of lands to negroes. It
takes tiie ground completely from under the
Radicals, and leaves them without any shadow
of authority for doing what they propose to
do about these lands—namely, to give to tbe
negroes now upon these lands valid titles to
them in fee. The idea tliut Gen. Sherman
had any right to take away these lands from
the rightful owners, and confer the owner
ship upon the negroes, is simply absurd
Gen. Sherman did not intend to do anything
of the kind. His letter expressly states that
the whole thing was only a temporary ar
rangement, and that it was not intended to
divert tbe titles of the lands.
Your readers will be pleased to learn that
General Lee, who is now in Georgetown, D.
C., is receiving a great deal of attention at
the hands of many of the most eminent citi
zens of Washington. The gallant old soldier
enjoys excellent health, and has, apparently
many years of honorable usefulness before
him. Warwick.
LETTER FROM MEMPHIS.
Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 4th, 1866.
Editors Telegraph: Alongjthe Mobile and
Ohio Railroad, I noticed more evidence of
of planting than over any other portion
of my route from Macon to this point.—
The rich alluvial prairies from Meridian to
Tupelo, will be largely cultivated the coming
season. Apparently the plantations were very
little disturbed during the liite revolution.—
The railroad is in good condition, and ship
ping on immense freight, and a large number
of passengers daily. All the railroads in this
section are in running condition and doing
an immense business.
The rail road interests of this city and
vicinity, are being agitated very much at
present. Most prominent is the St. Louis,
Iron Mountain and Memphis road. Its in
terests are in the management of a class of
men, who have always made successful, every
railroad enterprise,with which they were con
nected. Therefore,the road mayjbe considered
a certainty. Its absolute necessity as a tribu
tary line to this city, is apparent to the most
casual observer.
Corresponding to this link in the west,
there is a line projected eastward, ill whose
existence the section of country, of which
Macon is an important centre, is especially
interested. In the counting rooms and offices
of the first railroad men and public spirited
business men of tliis city, the principal article
of furniture is a railroad map of this conti
nent. On every one of them a line is signifi
cantly drawn from Decatur on the Memphis
& Charleston road to Atlanta. It has been
studied and carefully calculated, and the
men, who feel that it is a great necessity, not
only to Memphis, but to the great country
that it will develop, have decided that it
shall be accomplished. It must be very evi
dent to you, that the consummation of that
route through the great and illimitable re
sources of mineral, coal, the oil beds and
rich valleys of North Alabama, and the ad
vantageous connections it will form at Atlan
ta with the entire Southern portion of Georgia
and the seaeoast depositories cast ot that
point, must effect a material influence on your
interests.
Over the great route projected, the agri
cultural products ot the Northwest will find
a cheap and easy transit to the great cotton
producing regions of Georgia. From the sea
coast, a straight and short line of communica
tion places Charleston and Savannah in di
rect and easy reach of the great Northwest,
of which Memphis necessarily, perforce, be
comes the gate. Ever anxious for the pros
perity ot your section, I look forward cheer
fully to the consummation of this great enter
prise.
The meeting of the Press Association which
has been called at Montgomery on the 14tb,
promises to be well attended. Its importance
to Southern journals cannot be calculated.—
The interests of every daily newspaper should
be represented in it, for in the deliberations
ot the Convention will be decided certain
points that materially effect the pecuniary in
terests as well as the standard of excellence
of their telegraphic advantages. The South
western press is very favorably noticing the
cal], and there is no doubt a successful and
well represented meeting will be held.
Cousin Nourma.
|3P"Ten thousand “notices to quit” have
been given to tenants of houses which are to
be pulled down to make room for new streets
in Paris.
TELEGRAPHIC.
DISPATCHES TO THE ASSOCIATED DRESS.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE.
"Washington, Feb. 10.—The Virginia Leg
islative Committee had an interview with the
President on Tuesday last, and presented res
olutions endorsing his policy. T^ic President
replied,thanking them for their visit and ex
pressed his gratification at the sentiments ex
pressed by them, and declared his determina
tion to follow the principles he had pursued
throughout. They were that the Union could
not be dissolved, and responded cordially to
the sentiments of the resolutions and trusted
that the time would soon come when they
could meet under more favorable auspices
than at present.
He stated that he would not be forced to
take the position that any State is ont of the
Union. The interview was a very important
one.
At the conclusion of his remarks the mein
bers of the committee were introduced per
sonally, and expressed pleasure nt the Presi
dent’s address.
the
**res|.
A<lclre*k of \c^ro6^
dent,
WaKQNOTON, Feb. 8.—The foil,,*;,,,, .
the published reply of the Colored n T *
ti i i fi • • ■? "’ I,rp l >ar *l after
they lm«l their interview vc.-terdav
him: ' * ? ,th
THE
CONGRESSIONAL NEWS.
NAVAL APPROPRIATION BILL
PASSED TnE HOUSE.
TIIE FREEDMEN’S BUREAU BILL PASS
ED BOTH HOUSES.
Washington, Feb. 9.—The House ta-day
passed the Naval Appropriation bill. Nearly
nil the items for the Norfolk and Pensacola
Navy Yards were stricken out.
The House also concurred in the Senate’s
amendments to the Freedmen’s Bureau bill
Instead of confining its operation to those
States in which the habeas corpus is suspend
ed, it is of general application. Tbcbiil now
awaits tbe action of the President.
In the Senate the credentials of 3Ir. Hous
ton, Senator elect from Alabama, were pre
sented and laid on the table.
A resolution was offered for the appoint
ment of a committee to investigate the charge
of peculation against the cotton agents of
the Government.
Sir. Johnson, of Slarvland, made a speech
in opposition to the proposed constitutional
amendment
ONE DAY LATER FROSI EUROPE.
ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN.
the coimniision, which, with the argument
sustaining it, were read to tlie court. The
plea was overruled. The defendant then
plead “not guilty” to all the charges and
specifications. Tlie Judge Advocate read in
evidence a great number of letters of G. B.
Lamar, Jr., found in possession i f G. B. La
mar, Sr., at the time ot his arrest, detailing
the operations of the writer as agent ot G. B.
, , _ 11 Lamar, Sr., at Thoraasville, all of which have
which the war was waged, he never would | alread ’ be ^ n pub n ?hcd in our reports of the
have drawn his sword agnmst the South and | trial of Mr. Lamar, Sr. The reading of these
on behalf of the North, for such a cause. j letters consumed the remainder of the session.
„ , . ,, , .. .. , The commission adjourned until ten o’clock
Precedents would not be wanting for such a m to-day
a course on the part of the President- Crom- I Messrs. Lloyd & Hartridgc are counsel for
well did not hesitate even to dissolve a cor- Sir. Lamar.—Sav. Herald, 8th.
New York, Feb. 9.—The steamship Aus
tralian has arrived with Liverpool advices to
the 27th ult
MARKETS,
The Liverpool cotton market was irregu
lar and generally rather lower. Sales of Sat
urday (27th), 6000 bales.
Consuls quoted 86 7-8 a 87. Five-Twenties
66 1-4.
Political news unimportant.
FRED DOUGLASS & CO., CALL UPON
THE PRESIDENT.
Washington, Feb. 7.—Fred. Douglass and
other negro delegates had an interview* with
the President to-day, for the purpose of se
curing to themselves nil civil and political
rights, and particularly the right of suffrage.
The President referred them to liis past
conduct as evidence of his friendship, but ex
pressed himselfdecidedly against giving them
the right of suffrage, as likely to bring them
in conflict with the whites and produce a war
of races.
CONGRESSIONAL NEWS.
Washington, Feb. 7.—The House to day
debated the bill setting all the public lands
in Slississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Flori
da, as homesteads for both whites and blacks.
In the Senate, Sir. Clarke reported a bill
providing punishment for the offense of kid
napping negroes.
Sir. Fessenden made a speech in favor of
the joint resolution in relation to the repre
sentative basis.
Washington, Feb. 8.—The Senate to-day
discussed the Constitutional amendment
resolutions.
The House passed the hill disposing of the
public lands in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louis
iana, and Florida on the homestead principle
for both whites and blacks.
The Naval Appropriation bill was also dis
cussed.
Sir. Rice, Chairman of the Committee on
Naval affairs, decided that we were prepared
to go to war with France and England.
NEW YORK SIARKETS.
New York, Feb. 8.—Cotton dull and de
clined 1 cent. Sales, 800 bales at 46a47,
chiefly the former.
Gold, 1,40 3-8.
LATE FROM EUROPE.
DECLINE IN COTTON.
New York, Feb. 8.—The steamship City
of Washington, has arrived with Liverpool
dates to the 25th ultimo.
MARKETS. *
Sales of cotton in Liverpool for four days
2,800 bales. Tho market bas declined l-4d.
Consols, 86 7-8«87. Five-Twenties, 66 l-4o
66 1-2.
ONE DAY LATER FROSI EUPOPE.
FURTHER DECLINE IN COTTON.
Portland, Feb. 8.—The steamship Peru
vian, has arrived at this port with Liverpool
advices to tho 26th ult.
MARKETS.
Cotton has declined l-2d on American
qualities and from l-4da3-4d on other de
scriptions. Sales of the week, 58,000 bales.
Sales of Friday 7,000 bales, the market clos
ing heavy.
Consols quoted 8G 3-4a8G 15-16. Five-
Twenties GOaCG 1-2.
The general news is unimportant.
New York, Feb. 7.—Cotton market heavy.
Sales to-day 1,400 bales at 47a48c, chiefly the
former.
Gdld 139 1-3
military and civil officials. The counsel for ADDRESS OF THE EMPEROR OF THE
Mr. I. luiar put m a plea i<> the jurisdiction of
Trlal op G. B. Lamar, Jr.—The trial of
Mr. G. B. Lamar, Jr., before a military com
mission, was commenced yesterday forenoon.
The commission is constituted as follows:
BvL Lt Col. II. A. Darling, C. S., U. S. Vols.,
President; Onpt. J. SI. Thompson, 12th Slaine
Volunteers; Capt. E. II. Sturgis, 12th Slaine
Volunteers; 1st Lieut. H. M. Davidson, 176th
New York Volunteers, A. D C.; 1st Lieut J.
A. Kendall, 11th Slaiuc Volunteers; Copt. J.
II. Watrous, 103d U. 8. Colored Infantry,
Judge Advocate. On the assembling of the
commission the accused was arraigned upon
the three-fold charge of conspiring with G.
B. Lamar, Major G. A. Hastings, 12th Slaine
Volunteers, and others, to steal cotton be
longing to the United States; of stealing cot
ton, and of conspiring to bribe United States
augurating its capital in the centre ot the
Peninsula. Wc may count upon the scrupu
lous execution of the treaty of the 15th Sep
tember, upon the indispensable maintenance
of the power of tlie Holy Father.
As I expressed the hope last year that our ’ tion to President
expedition to Slexico was approaching its
termination, I am coining to an understnnd-
with Maximilian for the recall of our troops.
North America, issuing victoriously from
a formidable struggle, has re-established the
l nion. and has proclaimed the abolition of
slavery. France, which forgets no noble
page of her history, offers up cincere wishes
for the prosperity of the Great American Re- | >iay, tne undersigned would respectfully
public, and for tlie maintenance of amicable j this method of replying thereto. Believi
relations with that Government, which has j as we do, that the views and opinions
had a century's duration. The excitement pressed in that address are entirelv unsonnA
produced in the United States by tbe pres-1 '*d prejudicial to the highest interests of on
cnccofour troops in Slexico will'be pacified race, as well as our country, we cannot T
by the frankness ot our declaration. Tiie otherwise than expose the same, and as f
American people will comprehend that our as may be in oar power, correct their’dan^
expedition was not opposed to their interest. ! one influence
V Mis. President—In consideration 0 f« > ,
icate sense of propriety, as well as v 00r
mations of an indisposition to discuss or r
ten to a reply to the views you were nleai^i
to express to us in your elaborate speccht
day, the undersigned would respectful!,. “.U*
DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTIONS.
Hartford, Conn., Feb. 7.—The Demo
cratic State Convention met to-day. The
convention is the largest held here for many
years. Hon. J. E. English, of New Haven
was nominated for Governor, bv acclamation,
as was also E. L. Hyde, of Hartford, for
Lieutenant Governor. Sir. English address
ed the convention in a handsome speech, ac
cepting the nomination. Resolutions was
adopted by the convention endorsing the re
construction policy of President Johnson.
Concord, N. H„ Feb. 7.—The New Hamp
shire Democratic State Convention has nom
inated H. J. G. Sinclair, of Bethchum, for
Governor, and Col. D. H. Rice, of Dover, for
Railroad Commissioner.
Resolutions were adopted indorsing Presi
dent Johnson in his efforts to have the South
ern States represented in Congress, and dis
countenancing any amendment to the Con
stitution.
3IEXICAN NEWS.
San Francisco, Feb. 4.—The Slexican
Consulate lias received officinl communica
tions from Juarez and the Slinister of Foreign
relations at El Paso, Dec. 28. All the Generals
commanding the Liberal forces have given
in their adherence and approval to the decree
extending the term of Jaurez-Presidency.—
Some French troops started in the direction
of El Paso, but returned after marching 42
miles. The troops at El Paso are fully pre
pared to resist them. General Slejia was in
stalled Slinister of War on the 20th of De
cember. The report that Juarez has marched
to San Antonio is false.
For the Georgia Telegraph.
WHICH IS THE TRUE POLICY OF
PLANTERS—THAT WHICH LOOKS
TO PLANTING LARGE CROPS OF
COTTON OR OF GRAIN?
This is a question 'of some importance to
the countryjust at this time; and it should
he settled very speedily, and to the interest of
the country. From various conversations held
with planters on this subject, from different
parts of the State, there seem to be a gen
eral disposition prevailing to plant largely in
cotton to the neglect of grain crop* To as
certain what will be the probable result of
this course let us look, into its condition in
relntion to its supply of breadstuffs, and the
circumstances bearing upon us. It is a fact
known to every body that there is a defi
ciency of breadstuffs now in the country, and
yet nearly the whole of the available labor
last year was employed in producing grain
crops. The available plantation labor is
greatly diminished during the present year,
by three different causes, first, by removal of
negroes, secondly, by tlie withdrawal of a
number of women, who will be engaged in
carding, spining and the vocations that will
not increase the amount of provisions; and
thirdly, by the alteration in the system of la
bor. All of these causes combined will cer
tainly very materially affect the amount of
productions. In my opinion it will reduce
the present crop at least one-fifth below the
amount produced last year. This reduction
will, in the supply produced, very materially
affect the price of this class of products, in
juriously to the interests of the planter who
has them to buy. And yet a great many
planters, who have the reputation of being
very intelligent und successful business men,
propose to plant nearly the whole of tlieir
farms in cotton. The result of this would
be to deprive the communities in which they
live of the means of carrying on the farms
another year—rendering their capitals or in
vestments entirely valueless or unproductive
for the future. You could not rent to ad
vantage, because provisions could only be ob
tained at the expense of transportation added
to actual costs. If you offered the place for
sale, this condition of tilings would not only
lesson the chances of sale, hut no purchaser
would pay as much for it as he would if the
complete outfit of necessaries for carry
ing on the farm were at hand. Again, sup
pose one fourth of the large planters of
the community pursue this policy, planting
nearly the whole of their lands in cot
ton, with the view of selling out next fall,
there will be so much land thrown upon the
market that it could not be sold for more
than half its real value, and the difficulties
thrown around the purchaser who wished to
carry on his farm would involve so great an
additional expense, that few would he willing
to enlist in it. Again, this increase in the
value of provisions would compel the laborer
to advance in the price of bis wages, which
would constitute another obstacle in the
farmers way. The country would not supply
the necessary provisions, and laborers would
seek those places that arc abundantly sup
plied with them: by this means, the cotton
growing section would be deprived ot labor.
"Would you answer me that you can im
port provisions ? Yes! I know that you can.
You can go to the Western States with your
empty corn sacks and get them filled. Can
you go to the men who have trampled you
under foot to buy your bread ? To the men
whose intent it was to have you subjugated,
in order that you might still be forced to buy
their flour, bread or com and bacon—their
baging, rope and mules. Will you continue
this course and still be subjugated! and re
main the slave of slaves ? Or arc you deter
mined to be a free and indcpendcnt.fself-re-
liant people, producing your own necessary
upplies? Think of it before you plant
And if you arc still determined to be poor
and dependent upon these men to produce
your bread,—plant cotton, but remember
that your king is dethroned.
Wire Grass.
ous influence.
It is not necessary at this time to call .»
tention to your remarkable address. The first
point to which we feel especialy bound to
take exception is to found a policy oppose,]
to our enfranchisement, upen the alledsed
ground of an existing hostility on the part of
the former slaves toward the poor white nco-
pie of the South. We admit the existence ot
this hostility, and hold it is entirely recipro
cal ; but you obviously commit an error bv
drawing an argument from an incident of the
state of slavery, and making it a basis lor a
policy adapted to a state of freedom. IJostii
lty between the whites and blacks "of the South
is easily explained. It has its root and sap i n
the relation of slavery, was incited on both
sides by the slaves masters. Their masters
secured their ascendency over both the
poor whites and blacks by putting enmitv
between them. They divided both to con
quer each. There was no earthly reason why
the blacks should not hate and dread the poor
wliiWs when in a state of slavery, for it was
from this class their masters received their
slave catchers, slave drivers nnd overseers
They were the men called on upon all occas
ions by the masters when any fiendish out
rage was to be committed upon the slave.—
Now, sir, you cannot but perceive that the
cause of this dread removed, the cause must
be removed also. Slavery is abolished. The
cause of the antagonism is removed anil vou
must see that it is altogether illogical, puttin*
new wine in old bottles, mending new gar
ents with old clothes, to legislate from slave
holding and slave-driving personsfor a people
whom you have repeatedly declared vour pur
pose to maintain in freedom. Besides'ifitwero
even true, as you allege, that the hostility of
the negro towards the poor white men must
necessarily exist in a state of freedom as in a
state, of slavery,in the name of heaven wc rev
erently ask how can you, in view of your
proffered desire to promote the welfare of the
black men, deprive them of all means of de
fense, and clothe him whom vou regard as
his enemy in the panoply of political power?
Can it be that you would recommend a policy
which would arm the strong and crush the
defenseless ? Can you by any possibility or
reasoning regard tliis as justice or wisdom?
Experience proves that those are oftenest
abused who can be abused with the greatest
impunity; men arc whipped oftenest who are
whipped easiest; peace between the races is
not ro be reached by degrading the one and
exalting the other: by giving power to one
and withholding it from the other.
On the colonization theory that you were
pleased to touch, very much could* he said.
It is impossible to suppose, in view of the
usefulness of the black men, in time of peace,
as a laborer, and in time of war as a soldier'
of tlie growing respect for his rights among
the people, and his increasing adaptation to
a higher state of citizenship in this his native
land, there can come a time when lie can he
removed from this country without a terrible
shock to its peace and prosperity. Besides,
the worst enemy of the nation could not cast
upon its fair name a greater infamy than to
suppose that negroes could not be tolerated
among them ‘otherwise than in a state of
most degrading slavery and oppression, or
must be cast away and driven into exile, for
no other cause than having been freed from
their chains.
Signed: Geo. Downing, John Jones, Wm.
Whipper, Fred. Douglas, Louis H. Doug
las, and otheis.
Senator Sumner’s Last Measure—-Guaran.
tees of a Republican Form of Govern*
meat.
On the 2d instant, in the Senate, Sir. Sum
ner (Rep.) introduced the following joint
resolution for carrying out the guarantees'
of a republican form of government in the
United States, and enforcing the constitu
tional amendment for the prohibition of
slavery.
Whereas, It is provided in the Constitution
that the United States shall guarantee to ev
ery State in the Union a republican form of
government; and whereas, by reason of the
failure of certain States to maintain govern
ments which Congress can recognize, it has
become the duty of the U. States, standing in
the place ot “guarantor,” where the principal
has made a lapse, to secure to such States,
accord ng to the requirement of tiie guaran
tees, governments republican in form; and
whereas, further, it is provided in a recent con-
stitiM' jal amendment that Congress may en
force ths prohibition of slavery by appropriate
legislation, and it is important to'this end that
all relics of slavery should be removed, includ
ing all distinction of rights on account of
color; now, therefore, to carry out tlie guar
antee of a republican form of government, and
to enforce the prohibition of slavery.
Be it Besolced, By the Senate and House of
Representatives, That in all the States latch-
declared to be in rebellion there shall be no
oligarchy, aristocracy, caste or monopoly in
vested with peculiar privileges and powers,
and there shall be no denial of rights, civil or
political, on account of color or race; hut all
persons shall be equal before the law, whether
in the court room or at the ballot box: and
this statute, made in pursuance of the Consti
tution shall be the supreme law of the land, 1
anything in the Constitution or laws of any
such State to the contrary notwithstanding.
The preamble and resolutions was laid on
the table and ordered to be printed.
Sir. Sumner gave notice that he should
move this joint resolution as a counter prop
osition to the constitution amendment pass
ed by the House.
Lager Beer in Council.—A mass meet
ing of Germans was held in Chicago, on the
evening of the oth inst., at which resolutions I
were adopted declaring it the duty of Con- I
gress to impeach President Johnson, and re- |
commending the abolition of the Executive I
branch of the Government. There will prob- I
ably be a constitutional amendment offered I
to that effect before the present Congressional I
cabal adjourns. I
Always Tell the Truth.—The ground I
work of our manly character is veracity, ot
the habit of truthfulness. That virtue lies at
the foundation of every word said: How J
common it is to hear parents say, “I have
faith in my child so long as lie speaks the
truth. He may have many taults, but I know be I
will not deceive. I build on that confidence-
They are right. It is a lawful dud j®*
ground to build upon. So long as the truth !
remains in the child there is something to tic- I
pond upon; but when truth is gone, all is j
From Virginia.—New York, Feb. 8.— j lost, unless tho child is speedily won back to ■
The Times’ "Washington special says: Intel- veracity. Children, did you ever tell a 1|
ligencc received from Richmond is to the i It so, you are in imminent danger,
effect that John Slinor Botts is at the head of i at once, little reader, and enter the strong
the movement of certain Union men for the ; hold ot truth, and from it you may r
FRENCH TO TOE LEGISLATIVE.
New York, Feb. 7.—The following is a
portion of Napoleon’s speech to the Corps removal of Pierpont. The Virginia Legisla- part again."
Legislative, Jan. 22.1: To inform you of my turc ha> appoin 1 ted a committee to waft on
views, as in former yearsi, I will examine with , the Prt . s ident with the resolutions adopted
you the principal questions, which interert k** ^ The are expected in Washing-
oar country abroad. Peace seems assured j ^ ” t0 . d . iv 1
everywhere, for everywhere the means arc | ‘ ‘ * *
sought for amicably settling our difficulties, I
in the place of ending them with the sword fW*The Colnmhna (Miss.) Sentinel says it
and musket. The meeting of the English and I is rumored that R. II. Coney has spirited
French fleets in the same ports had shown away some four or five thousand bales of
the relations formed upon the field of battle ‘Government cotton placed in hit hands.—
have not. In-id weakened. They have only Coney i> reported to have gone to Europe with '
eeineiited the two countries. the cotton. Attachments have bpen taken India ha
Italy, recognized by almost all the powers out against the cotton that is here which be- j instead of buroii
of Europe, has strengthened its unity by in- longs to Coney. again.
• de-
Sf.un.—A Madrid dispatch, dated «[*®-
ficially confirmed that 0*®* I
rtugal on the 20th. HeI
22d, says it is oflie
Prim entered Port..^,.. .... — ..
livered the hones and equipments ot 3
followers to the Alcalde of Anacola.
£v?”Lctters trom Vera Cruz say that bi>
e Southern army. wa«
and left for Alvarado.
that
lty ret
rs In
of th
•nliv.
Wido'
1ICM M'llNUilUi. , .
themselves, are marry!".-