Newspaper Page Text
Fromt'w Boston Weekly Times.
A MANUFACTURING POPULATION.
In our list We stated tint the girls in the Lowell facto- .
ties are ill fed, according to the labor required of them; '
nnd that thev stiffer in health in consequence. W e also (
•unposed lite question to beaked, why they did not leave
the works, nnd go home, if they were so badly used tn |
that respect. A question to that effect we are prepared,
to answer.
When the Merrimack mills were first put tn operation,be- ,
•ides the workmen employed from Europe, the proprietors ,
had to relv upon such girls as they could obtain to attend j
their looms and spinning machinery. Girls gradually came |
in from the suriounding country—daughters of fti mers j
aud mechanics. They were genetally poor, but of un
blemished reputations ; giilsot pure characters and ha.iHs,
and able to live bv various occupations, though the high |
wages of the Factories, with the low price of board, was
an inducement to them to engage in that employment.
Then all was well. The poor found nothing to con opt
them. They did m ike money. Provisions were much
cheaper than since, and they tai ed better; ami ior along)
time the girls seemed to bo healthy and happy. I hey ,
dressed handsomely, ami preferred the light, though con
fining labor of the'mill, as their own mistresses, to the p c . ■
cupation of sempstresses ot servants in families not their
own.
The fact soon became generally known. It was told
in th* papers; and, from all parts of Ne’v England, girls
flocked into Lowell, as new Factories. we,,c erected, all
anxious to share in the independvr.t V.to, and handsome
profits of tending a loom. Soy.ie of these, from time to
time, having saved a considerable portion of their earnings,
which, to the skilful and expert were great, retired to their
homes, and quitted the onsiness altogether. To them it
was a blessing. O.'ners adhered to the business,squander
ed in dross and in eating and drinking more than they
Could afford, so that they were compelled, as it were, to
stick to the mills, be the consequences what they might.
They were to be sure, independent, so tar that they could
change from one mill to another, but they had no means
of leaving the place entirely; or if they could get away,
it would lie in poverty, with no occupation or resource.
In the course of time, knowing this profitable occupa
tion, there became a great desire on the part of poor pa
rents to put their daughters, 14, 15, or 16 years < t age in
to the factories, and still the supply did not equal the de
mand; and men have been employee an ! paid by toe fac
tories to scour the, upper country in New H ampshire, 1 er
mont, and Canada, to bring down girls, without expense
to them, if thev would engage in the mills.
Thus from far and near,camo a population of females,
for the most part yoi ng, entirely dependent on the mills
for a living. Some of them probably had no home to go
to, if thev left Lowell, and others, ot a shiftless character,
cared not for the morrow, and plodded on, earning and
•pending with equal disregard of their future wilt :re. In
the midst of this w< re constant changes. Many who saw
the evils of their condition would not submit ;O then’;
others, who were not absolutely obliged to work,
retreat to the domestic occupations ot their own homes,
finding that servility, ill-health, starvation, and corruption
were the common accompaniments ot lab')’ in a f ictory.
Still enough more accumulated to turni<!» a permanent sup
ply of a considerable portionof lent al’,. 1 .borers.
During the spring and fall it is »’,ot uncommon for one
hundred girls to ariive and denari. f rom Lowell every day,
for weeks together. The numbers in the factories will
average about the same ; bat, with the exception of that
portion which miv be <. ailed permanent, the individuals
change often. This tluctuating portion is composed of
many of desultory habits and character, or of those who
comets try an experiment, and retreat in disgust, because
thev are not bound bv necessity.
The nature of the case shows, at once, that the perma
nent number of female laborers must increase gradually
•nd steadily, in proportion to those who are able to retire at
pleasure; because of the constant influx a certain portion
will be incapable of getting away with advantage, and
will settle down into the life of a factory gitl without hope
of change. The number, therefore, that actually depend
upon the factories, is constantly increasing ; and, being
dependant, so that they cannot go from one null to another
without an honorable discharge, (according to the agree
ment of the agents) they must obey the orders and submit
to the rules of the corporation by which they’ are employ
ed. Tliev become gradually reduced in character, from a
•lavish dependence, till they, in the course of some years,
forgot the associations of the world at large, and form
what we call a distinct, peculiar, manufacturing population,
which cannot go back to the occupations of domestic lile,
and are unfitted by habit, debility, and general character,
/or the duty of wives and mothers.
After a sufficient time had elapsed from the commence
ment, perceiving 'hat a large number of girls could be re
lied upon to remain and work, because they could do
nothin- else, the corporations by agreement, and simulta
neously, reduced the wages--the same operat.on has taken
place once since. On the first jetaston was tio c< e ira
ied turn out, when a vast number of guls went md.gnam
it • r r( . •uaincd; some of
ly home. A great many of conrso ,( ’
the recusants came back, and new hands we.* c g o! , 10,11
■ovary portion of the country.
We do not find fault with the Corporations for i’ediK 'ng
the prices of wages. They have a right to doit, in all
proper and reasonable cases. The point to be made here
is, that the tendency of such establishments is to accumu
late round them a mass of people entirely dependent upon
them forsupport, that they cannot go away ami must be
subservient to any prices that may be offered, 01 to any
rules that may be imposed. If this tendency is not coun
teracted by the philanthropy and good management of
tho«e controling the movements of the institution, girls
will constantly be taken ycung and in health, and when
they have learned the management of some portion of the
business, thev will remain, to plod through a weary life,
without health, education, or any other happiness or use
fulness than may be gaineef from the same daily routine in
the mill.
In point of education, the factory girl who goes young
to the mill, and children who grow up in the towns where
factories are located, must always be sufferers. The cu
pidity of parents induces them to place their offspring in
one establishment as soon as possible. The law requires
that they shall have at least three months schooling in each
year, until they arrive at a certain age, and the corpora
tions are liable to punishment if any child is employed by
them the whole time. But this law is evaded by the cru
el and mercenary owners of the children, who keep them
nine months in one factory, and then lake them directly
to another, with a lie in their mouths, that the children
have had three months schooling. Nine months in this
factory, fits them to go back to their old situation, and
when the mills are short of hands, the superintendents
are not very anxious to ascertain the truth: nor do they
care much for the welfate of the children or obedience
Io the law. Here again, is another source from which an
■ignorant, unhealthy, and permanently unhappy manufac- .
luring population is raised, to swell the numbers of our j
degraded, enslaved citizens of the country.
We not only argue, apriori, that such must be the re- |
suit, but we say tb it the facts coriespoml to the natural
tendency. Thera has been created, and there is now i
growing up, in Lowell, a manufacturing population, whose
tendency in the scale of civilization, health, morals, and
intellectuality, is manifestly downwards.—Their looks,
mariners, condition, all prove it; and though the race is
jnot, in any considerable proportion, so diminutive, wretch
ed, and degraded, as the Spitalfields weavers, or the Man
chester operatives, they, are rapidly descending to the
•ame level.
Some efforts are made by philanthropic individuals, to
counteract this natural operation of the system. Lyceum
lectures mid Sabbath School*are established. The pas
tors of the various religious societies do wliat they can, to
encourage attendance upon such institutions; but with
very little benefit. A Jolmable number of the new girls,
who have come in fresh from the country, with decent
school education, may attend ; but (bo lutckney-
cd factory girl, Worn with toil, depraved in her appetites,
wretched in her feelings, will scarcely go to an intellectual
ontoi tainment after 12 or 15 hours of labor.
Gills bred and educated in the mills of large mannfac
tm ing towns can scarcely think of being married. They!
are never fitted for household cares, or domestic affec
tions, even if their constitutions were not impaired. TUey
are a mure automaton appendage of machinery, and in
the course of time lose almost all that is Valuable in moral,
intellectual and social character. They have no scope
for the expansion of the affections, or the ’’mprovement of
the mind—body and soul wither top’ether; and should
they produce increase, their progeny, following in the
same path, will but increase tho r urse o f their inheritance.
What can bo done to checl.- this horrible evil, ami yet
allow out large manufactui : a) g towns to flourish, so far as
the proprietors are cot< Pr ned in profits, we will not pre
tend to say. Our pG-serl purpose is to state truths, upon
w hich those who are interested may ponder. Sure wc
aie, that it is ;1 day of calamity for any girl who goes to
Lowell as a permanent operative in a factory ; and, so
sure a* ( | )e S y Slen) shall continue under the present nian
""‘•'ment, so sure degradation, misery, and crime, will rest
upon that portion of our people. A deadly atmosphere
pervades the morals of the place. Thousands are sacri
ficed for the increase of profit to the proprietors ; and t lie
immolation of each year exceeds that of the last. We
wish our readers to think of these things in earnest. It is
for the community to be aware of facts first, that they
may afterwards find a remedy. To appeal to proprietors
in such establishments is vain, because it is asking them,
in othsr words, to give away money. The few rich, who
thrive by manufacturing profits, will hardly consent to
decrease those profits though they may witness the gradual
ruin, degradation, and suffering of the many who are en
gaged in their employment.
Tims far, wo have said but little about the morals of
these female operatives, and their liability to be cor
rupted. We have something upon those heads to speak
of hereafter. i
From the N. O. Louisianian.
NEWS FROM MEXICO.
The schooner Eclipse, which arrived h-ere ' t ne day before
yesterday, brings a letter and papers addressed to us bv
our correspondent. We have ma'ie some extracts from
these papers, amongst others tb. Pl answer of the president
of the chamber of deputies to the president ad interim,
sent at the opening ot the chamber. We abstain from
publishing the message aa it appeared in the papers of
yesterday.
It confidence c.ould be placed in the reports published
in the Mex’ca’., journals, it would appear that the great
est tranc u-'oty prevails in all the states of that republic.
G ? nc-ral Jose Urrea having abused the clemency of the
? r n'_ral government, had been deprived of the rank of
| b/igidier general, which was preserved to him after the
defeat of the federal party, of which he was the chief.
Bv a decree of the president, ad interim, a(J persons
who had taken up arms against the authorities, as well as
those who had been included in the capitulation or amnesty
of the government, coidd not reside in the city of Mexico,
nor in any capital of the department, or any fortified place
of the republic.
' The following is the answer given by the Chamber of
Deputies to the message of the President, ad interim,
at the opening of the second session of the National
Congress:
In those days which followed our recent and glorious
independence, we devoted ourselves to the first essays of
our political liberty, and when it was allowed us, we gave
ourselves up to sweet delusions and seducing hopes. The
solemnity of our legislative assemblies producing like all
public or private re-unions, expressions of the most vivid
enthusiasm, and prophecies of prosperity and grandeur,
which it appeared impossible for power to revoke.
These days flowed on like an agreeable episode—to
what good did it callus? the misfortune of to-day wills
that our situation should be quite different. The past pre
sents us only with bitter disappointments. Thank God
that wo know how to turn them to good account.—But the
motives of consolation offer themselves only at a distant
future. We can scarcely imperceive them they me so
uncertain nnd insufficient, when we compare them with
the state of gloom and affliction in which we are now
plunged.
War in the exterior has ceased, that is true—the active
and intelligent hand of the executive power has stifled in
the inteiior, a disastrous revolution, whose roots were large
and deep—but let us strike off the other branches of the
public administration, and only occupy ourselves this day
with that which relates to the minister of finance. Can
it be argued with us that these ciying abuses attach them
selves only to the recovery and distribution of revenues,
and th t they oppose insuperable obstacles to all the efforts
of congress. It is a fact true and incontestible, augment
ed bv the arbitrary measures which have been resorted to,
and by the loans with which the nation has been burthened;
that the necessities of the state have reached the utmost
extent! Ancient and honorable servants of their country,
elevated and respectable functionaries, widows and or
phans grown in almost lamentable manner, and add to
their torment that of seeing themselves surrounded with
•>roud speculators, brilliant with splendour and inagnifi
( "use, who have made immense and rapid fortunes from
th e p.’blic: treasury.
Now what C'eans are to be adopted to avoid these lavish
expenditures and reme( b' ‘ lles « evils? Sliall we aug
ment the imposts, when the people can scarcely support
those that exist? T.'js is H hard and dangerous remedy,
and one that will not attau? the .object which it has tn view
inasmuch as the abuses will continue, which absorb and
devour the national revenues, ’ll.’’’ ’’gfi* should not be
exercised, those that exist are feebly su°P l?rtf •
In presence of this state of things, congress approached
with trembling the delicate task which exclusively con
cerns it, or else it would renounce entirely the ente’rp. 'Ze,
if, on the other hand, it had reason to calculate on the
firm, declared and effective co-operation of government.
It is convinced that the reception of the revenues will
be entrusted solely to faithful and pure hands—that the
same fidelity and the same purity shall preside over their
employment. It hopes that in the taxation of salaries, a
just impartiality will cut off the discontentment that unjust
disproportions would produce.
See the just and rational system, worthy only of a vir
tuous government and a true republic, which extends to
all the branches of the administration, which should in
spire us with a lively confidence. The insurrections,
without ceasing in the interior, have relaxed the foice of
aws; opened the door to shameful conduct and to vices
which accompany it. It is time that the laws should be
respected and crimes severely punished. If it is wished
that order and peace should continue; that the laws
should not govern by the will of particular persons; that
virtue and ability should be necessary accompaniments,
then the efforts and vows of a legislative body and govern
ments will obtain a happy accomplishment; then the state
will have revenues, and be able to satisfy all public ex
penses ; then the political machine will resume its regular
movements, and will give us all those blessings which a
civilized society can wish.
Extract Jrom our Correspondence.
Vera Cruz, 14th July, 1839.
No news in the interior. St. Atta is expected shortly
\n\i\s hacienda de manga del clavo. Bustamente should
be on his return to Mexico to take the reins of govern
ment.
Two hundred thousand dollars of the second instalment
are on the way from Mexico to Vera Cruz. The Mexi
cans give this the greatest punctuality. This money will
arrive only a few days after being due.
Commercial affairs have a good appearance. Uli ere
has not been as yet any arrivals from Europe, and the want
of goods is immense.
General Urrea is to go to Europe.
1 salute you cordially, L.
From the Buffalo Com. Advertiser.
TEPILLOUS ADVENTURE AT THE FALLS.
An occurrence of most thrilling interest took place at
Niagara Falls yesterday afternoon, attended with immin
ent peril to the lives of two individuals, but resulting in a
most happy and providential deliverance.
The'new bridge to Iris island is plained in a fright
ful rapid where the current is from 20 to 30 miles an hour,
and is only about 100 or 150 yards above the brow of the
great precipice or perpendicular fall. A carpenter by the
name of Chapin was engaged with others in covering the
bi idge, and while at work upon a staging about one iiun
dred feet from Iris island, accidentally lost his footing and
was precipitated into the rapids, and in the twinkling of
an eye swept away toward the great cataract. Speedy
and inevitable destruction seemed to await him ; but for
tunately he was uninjured by the fall, and even in the
most hopeless condition retained perfect self possession.
Turning his eye toward the only point of hope above the
fearful precipice, he succeeded, by great dexterity in swim
ming, in effecting at landing upon a little island some
twenty foot in width and length, the outermost of the gloup
of little cedar islands situated some thirty or forty yards
above the falls and about cqui distant from Goat Island
and the American shore.
There he stood for an hour, looking calmly and beseech
ingly back upon the numerous spectators who lined the
bridge and shores, but with whom he could hold no con
versation ou account of the distance, and the roar of the
rapids.
There is a man in the village of the Falls by the name
of Robinsori muscular power, great in
trepidity,and withal an admirable boat-man—and he was
probable the only one that could have been found within
fifty miles—who generously volunteered his services, to
attempt reaching the island in a boat and bring Chapin off.
A light boat of two oars, similar in construction to the
Whitehall race boats, wassoon procured and he embarked.
fie proceeded with great deliberation and consummate
skill, darting his little boat across the rapid channels, and
at the intervening eddies holding up to survey his situation
and recruit his strength for the next trial. In a few min
utes he neared the island, but a rapid channel still interve
ned, sweeping close to the island, and rendering the at
tempt to land very difficult. He paused for a moment,
and then with all his strength darted across and sprang from
his boat—his his foot slipped, and he fell backward into
the rapid current.
With the spectators it was a moment of thrilling interest
and breathless silence ; his boat seemed inevitably lost,
and himself in fearful jeopardy. Retaining, however, his
grasp on the boat he sprang it), and again seizing his oars
brought up under tne lee of the little island. All again
felt a momentary relief, but s.ill the great labor and hazard
of the enterprise remained to be overcome. A cool head
and a strong arm only could effect it—Robinson proved
equal to the task. 'l’aking his companion on board, in
the same careful and deliberate manner, though at infinite
ly great hazard and labor, they effected a safe landing on
Goat Island.
There the spectators assembled to give them a cordial
greeting. A scene of great excitement ensued—the boat
was drawn up the bank, and it was moved and carried by
acclamation that a collection be taken up on the spot for
Chapin and his noble hearted deliveier Robinson. It was
a generous one and was thankfully received; but the re
flection to Robinsoi; that he has rescued a fellow being un
der such circumstances will be to his generous heart a much
richer one. After the collection, Robinson and Chapin
took their seats in the boat, and were carried in triumph
on the shoulders oi’ their neighbors to the village.
The intense interest of the whole scene was heightened
by the presence of Chapin’s wile and children, who stood
on the shore watching with unavailing horrer and agony
what seemed his inevitable and fearful fate. With what
devout and heartfelt gratitude must they have thanked
God, when the husband and parent once more stood by
their side safe and sound.
ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH QUEEN.
Yesterday morning about ten o’clock, arrived, the steam
ship British Queen, after a passage of sixteen days from
Portsmouth. The vessel left London on the evening
<>!' <ii<: lOlil, . <1 tin. off of .1.0 r r;.u.ia><fa oil tffw 14111,
and sailed from Portsmouth harbor at midnight on the 12th.
She made the Floating light, below Sandy Hook, about
one o’clock on Sunday morning, and shortly afterwards
the Highlands, where she was detained in waiting for a
pilot. 'Though during the whole time of her passage the
wind was blowing freshly against her and the sea running
very high, she was easily controlled, one person being suf
ficient at any time to manage the helm.
We are indebted to Captain Roberts for files of the
London Times. Morning Herald, Morning Chronicle,
Morning Post, &c. till as late as the 11th July. The news
they bring does not materially change the aspect of com
mercial affairs. The sales of cotton have been few, and
at a decline of from three-eights to one half of a penny.
The spinners, it is stated in the London prints, continue
to work short hours, under an anticipation that there will
be a still farther fall in the price of cotton. On the 11th
the Governor and Directors of the Bank of England were
in session, when it was supposed that the rate of interest
would be advanced to six per cent, but no order to that
effect was published. It was, however, reported that such
a notice would be issued on the 18th July. Exchange
upon Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg, and other continental
cities, being against London, the report was very generally
credited. In this condition of things there were of course
little or no sale for American securities.
. Favorable accounts of the state es the crops are given
from all parts of the continent. Partial injury has been
done in several districts of the south of Europe by storms
of rain and hail, but still the prospects of the coming har
vest were promising. In Ireland and Scotland, though an
excessive fall of rain has retarded the growth of grain, it
is expected that the crop will be abundant.
The proceedings in Parliament are not without interest.
On the sth uh, the Chancellor of the Exchequer opened
his budget, and in the course of his remarks spoke of the
influence which the new plan for a penny postage would
have upon the finances of the kingdom.
In the House of Commons on the 9th inslant, Mr. Jos.
Hume moved the appointment of a select Committee *to
enquire into the pecuniary transactions of the Bank of
England, since the resumption of cash payments, and par
ticularly to ascertain how far these transactions produced
the crisis in the manufacturing, commercial, and financial
affairs of the country in 1825-6, and in 1836-7 ; and also
to enquire whether, as the Bank is at present constituted
there ever can be stability in the currency, or confidence
in the commercial operations of the country. The mo
tion was lost by a majority of sixty-four.
On the same day in the House of Commons Lord Palm
erston. in answer to questions from Mr. Milnes expressed
a hope that the quarrel between the Turkish Sultan and
the Egyptian Pacha would be arranged ; and that, in the
matter of Persia, the Ambassador for that Government
would not bo received till certain conditions suggested by
the English Government had been accepted.
In answer to Mr. O'Connell, his lordship stated, that as
it was known that the British Minister at Mexico had suc
cessfully negotiated between France and Mexico, instruc
tions had been sent out to endeavor to effect a siriiilur ar
rangement between Mexico and Texas.
In reply to a question from Lord Mahon, Lord Palmers
ton observed that every thing would be done to humanize
the war in Spain; that the Russian Government had ex
pressed a strong wish to put an end to the disgraceful atto
cities which distinguished it, but that no particular plan
had yet been announced.
The Lower Canada Government bill was brought for
ward in committee of the House of Commons, on the llth
but the debate had not closed when the steamship sailed.
The disturbances at Birmingham had not wholly subsi
ded, the Chartists having been again excited by the seizure
by the Police of Mr. Lovett, Secretary of the National
Convention, and Dr. Taylor and Mr. Harvey, two of the
speakers of that body.
STATE RIGHTS ANO JJNITED STATES
TfflE TRUE ISSUE.
Shall ours be a GOVERNMENT OE THE BANKS,
ora GOVERNMENT OE THE PEOPLE? Shall we
have a CONSTITUTIONAL TREASURY, or an UN
CONSTITUTIONAL NATIONAL BANK? Shall we
have a CONSTITUTIONAL CURRENCY of gold sno
silveh oroue of IRREDEEMABLE PAPER? Shall
we live under the despotism of a M ON IED AR ISTOC RACY,
or under the safeguards of a FREE CONSTITUTION ?
[Washington Chronicle.
TUESDAY MORNING, AUGUST 13, 1839.
DEMOCRATIC TICKET.
FOR PRESIDENT,
MARTIN VAN BIREA
FOR VICE PRESIDENT,
JO HIV FORSYTHs
FOR GOVERNOR,
CHARLES J. MCDONALD.
MERIWETHER RESOLUTIONS.
The people are beginning to speak out against the spirit of
dictation which has been stalking through the land.
We publish to-day, the proceedings »f a public meeting,
lately held in the county of Meriwether, upon the subject of
the petitions set on foot by Mr. Flournoy.
They speak the language of independence, and display a
spirit worthy of freemen.
We hope to see their example followed wherever the dic
tator shall show his head.
“THE GREAT WESTERN.”
We publish to-day, the prospectus of a news paper to be
called “The Great Western,” which will be issued in
the city of Now Orleans in October next, under the Edito
rial direction of our talented and worthy fellow citizen. Doc
tor Edward Delony, of Columbus.
We congratulate the democracy of Louisiana, on the ac
quisition of so able a coadjutor, and knowing as we do, the
energy and talent of Doctor Delony, as well as his devotion
to the true principles of the constitution, we look with confi
dence to the “ Great Western,” as a powerful auxiliary in
promoting the republican cause.
EDITOR’S CORRESPONDENCE.
From Western Georgia, we received a letter a few days
since, from which we make the following extract; and as the
writer is a man of superior intelligence and well acquainted
with the western people, the information it contains, may be
safely relied on :
“In reference to politics, I can assure you, our prospects
were never more flattering ; and it seems to be the general
impression of our friends in the several counties through
which I have travelled, that Judge McDonald’s election is
certain, and that no conlbinatiou of circumstances can defeat
him.
“The Cherokee counties will be more united in our cause,
than they have ever been, upon auy former occasion,
and it is confidently asserted that McDonald’s majority or*>
Dougherty, will be a thousand more than Schley’s over Gil
mer.
•* As to the cornpls-xion of the Legislature, there is but one
opinion in this section of the State, that is, that our majority
ou joint ballot cannot be less than twenty. In the Senate, it
cannot fall below teu, and my impression is, that it will reach
fifteen.
"The temperance, or rather anti-retail petitions, as was to
be expected, arc producing the greatest excitement amongst
the people, who are rising in the majesty of their strength,
determined, as they say, to put down all attempts toiuterfers
with their natural rights, and unnecessary encroachments up
on their privileges.”
JONES NOMINATION.
The following Union Democratic Ticket has been nomina
ted in Jones county, aud will be actively and zealously sup
ported by the party.
The gentlemen selected, are advantageously known to the
people of Jones; three of them having been long tried in
(he public service, where by their ability and devotion to the
support of sound principles and wise measures, they have
justly entited themselves to the confidence of their fellow cit
izens—and the fourth, although not heretofore in public life
has beeu long and well known for his adherence to the con
stitution of his country, and the interests of the people.
“Jones! you are right—go ahead.”
Gen. John Gordon, for Senate.
Joseph Day, I
James Gray, > Representatives.
Daniel McLeod, Esqrs. )
ELECTIONS.
North Carolina.
Four Congressional Districts heard from, in which three
Democrats and one Whig are elected, as follows :
C. Shepherd, Democrat.
Hawkins, do.
Bynum, do.
Stanley, Whig.
Tennessee—Governors Election.
Washington county only heard from.
Polk, Democrat. 1119.
Cannon, Whig. 796.
From the Georgia Argus.
Dear Sirs—l presume by year argument against a law
to regulate the sale of intoxicating drinks, that you have
undesigaedly, I hope, brought in much foreign matter; aud
among other reasons why this trade rhould not be regulated
by law is a suggestion, that it is now spoken of as necessary
to begin to require pripeity qualifications to enable a man
to vote. I hope you did not intend to insinuate this as my
course, nor as having any thing to do with the proposed law
to regulate the sale of intoxicating- drinks. You will upon
reflection see how important it is that no one should feel him
self authorised to inflame the populace against the friends of
this reform ; and most especially should it not be done by in
troducing subjects that have no connection with the regula
tion of a traffic which is full of evil and only evil.
For myself, I seek to have this trade arrested upon the
ground.
Fit st—of having my negroes destroyed, some killed, and
others valueless.
Secondly—my peace and happiness disturbed, my life en
dangered from drunkards; fur no one knows what a drunk
en man will do.
Thirdly—the danger of having my children ensnared, by
having the temptation to drink, thrown all along the path of
life. •
Fourthly—having lost many valuable and near relations, as
I think, by the operations of a law which patronizes schools
set up at all convenient distances and places to make drunk
ards. Now whatever may be the vicious propensities of men,
it docs appear to me that the laws should not sanction crime,
much less encourage schools for crime. Here is a diploma
for ofie who Jias graduated : y
This is to certify that the bearer D. P. having, at the ag®
of eighteen, commenced attendance at a primary school, (to
wit, a retail shop) set up under the law of Georgia, near his
father’s and bejng as apt as usual, by the time he was twen
ty-one years, was a confirmed drunkard, and being pressed
for funds to get drink, stole a horse in the neighborhood ; ho
was pursued, and being intoxicated, was easily apprehendod,
and committed to the county academy, (to wit, the jail) where
ho remained a few months with several others of the like
class, he was then examined by the proper authorities, and
adjudged worthy of a four years residence in the state college,
(to wit, the penitentiary) when having been associaied with
a very large class of pick-pockets, negro stealers, cutthroats,
and counterfeiters, he may uow bo considered as A. M. in vil
•iny. and is turned out well prepared to do auy job iu crime
that the public good requites.
Keeper of the Penitentiary.
Fifthly and lastly—l seek to have this trade at rested, be
cause of the general mischief doue the country by the retail
of intoxicating drinks.
JOSIAH FLOURNOY.
MR. FLOURNOY AND THE RETAIL LAW.
We frankly confess, that until we read the foregoing arti
cle from the pen of Mr. Flournoy, wo were wholly ignorant
of the causes which impelled bitn to embark in bis preseut en
terprise. We had at first, supposed that he was moved by
an impulse, having for its aim, a higher and holier purpose;
of no less magnitude than the moral teformatiou of his fellow
citizens; and however we may have doubted the policy of
his measures, we were disposed to allow him credit for zeal
and sincerity. We had taken it for granted that his sole ob
ject was, the advancement of the great and good cause of tem
perance, and although he might have misconceived the means
of effecting “ a consummation so devoutly to be wished,” that
he had only in view, the promotion of morality, religion and
philanthropy—until we were startled with the disclosures con
tained iu the article above referred to.
The question as presented by his shewing, stands now be
fore the public, disrobed of all the doubt and mystery which
previously hung around it, and nothing is left to conjecture
or construction, because by the evidence which be has fur
nished, the fact is conclusively established, that ho has not
been influenced by a proper regard for the moral elevation of
the people, but by calculations of the most narrow, selfish, aud
mercenary character.
The article iu question, was intended as a reply to the ve
ry able and pregnant Editorials which have lately appeared
in the Georgia Argus upon this question, and is only char
acterised by its weakness and arrogance. Its weakness, be
cause it does not meet the Editors upon a single material point
in controversy, or offer the shadow of an argument to sustain
a solitary position assumed by the writer. Arrogant, because
it has the audacity to declare in the face of the world, that ho
seeks to carry his measure for reasons involving alone, his
private interest, personal security, peace aud happiness; aud
in proof of this assertion, we shall proceed to examine the rea
sons which ho has advanced in support of his project.
He says, “For myself, I seek to have this trade arrested
upon the. ground, First—of having my negroes destroyed,
some killed, and others made valueless.”
Here then is a positive, unequivocal admission on the part
of Mr. Flournoy, that so far as the first reason goes, that he ie
acting entirely for his own interest, and that so far from being
induced to undertake the enterprize in view, as a measure de
manded by the general welfare of the community, it is only
intended to prevent the injury or destruction of ("my") bis
“ negroes.” Verily, a modest request indeed, that the whole
country is to be agitated into a tempest—the world turned
upside down, and the political elements of the country wrought
into madness, because Mr. Flournoy has takeu it into his
head, that some of his negroes may be injured, “ killed or
rendered valueless!”
If this system of legislation is to be introduced into our
country; if the whole community is to be thrown into ex
citement and turmoil at the instance of any individual who
tuny conceive his person or property in danger, or who may
desire to innovate upon established usages, then indeed have
we boasted in vain of the freedom of our institutions. Grant
his request now, and next year, his imagination will conjure
up some other ghost of alarm, and the same scenes which are
now passing before the public eye, will bo acted over again,
and so on to the end of the chapter, until we shall find the
great interests of the country cast aside, to make room for the
demands of Mr. Flournoy.
We protest most solemnly against this attempted innova
tion upon our State legislation. Has it beeu the habit of our
republican fathets to traverse the country with petitions for
the passage of laws upon subjects well understood—to im
portune men, women and children for their signatures, and
that too by individuals seeking nothing but their own self in
terest? Never, aud whenever, (which may heaven avert,) it
becomes the settled policy of the State, we shall find ourselves,
within one short step of despotism ; and as this is the first in
stance upon the record of our history, in which an attempt so
audacious, has been made to use a majority of the people to. •
purpose so grovelling, we hope aud trust that it will receive
all the contempt which it so justly merits.
Mr. Flournoy is afraid his negroes will be “killed or made
valueless,” by the use of ardent spirits! and the whole coun
try is called on to stand guard around his interests, as if no
other citizen owned property of a similar character, or requi
red the interposition of the law to preserve it. VVe have known
people to. lose negroes from various causes, and far more than
those destroyed by the use of ardent spirits, and what baa
beeu their course? We knew a gentleman to lose a very val
uable slave by his falling from a tree, which he had impru
dently climbed, but he did not petition the legislature to pass
an act to have all the trees iu the State cut down, to prevent
a similar occurrence. We knew another who had one burned
to death, and two others greatly injured from the same cause,
hut he did not ask the legislature to abolish the use of fire, to
save his property from the ravages of that destroying element;
and we knew another, equally respectable with Mr. Flournoy,
and having superior claims for revolutionary services, who
lost a brother, dear to him as his heart, by a gun-shot from
the hand of an assassin, but he has not demanded of the leg
islature to prohibit the use of fire arms, to protect his survi
ving relatives against a similar fate ; but Mr. Flouruoy with
his hundred and eighty, or two hundred negroes, is to eom
maui a consideration and importance which has not been
heretofore claimed by any citizen of Georgia. What is aris
tocracy !
As Mr. Flournoy has evinced so much solicitude for the
safety of his property, particularly for the bedily welfare of
his slaves, how does it happen that he has not manifested some
interest for their future welfare also? but as that is a matter
between himself and his God, we leave the question to be
answered before a higher tribunal. t
We will, however, offer him a word of advice. Let him
abandon his preseut crusade—return to his home—attend to
his own people, and so modify his domestic police, that his
negroes shall bo kept within his own boundaries. This he
can do with proper regulations, and then he will have nothing
to apprehend from the effects of intoxicating liquors.
So much for the first reason assigned by Mr, Flournoy, and
now for the second.
“ Secondly—My peace nnd happiness destroyed, my life
endangered from drunkards—for no one knows what a drun
ken man will do.”
Know ye, people of Georgia! that the peace and happiness
of Josiah Flournoy, Esquiro, of the county of Putnam and
State aforesaid, is greatly “disturbed ;” and that such an out
rage upon his dignity is no longer to be tolerated. And be it
further known unto you, that his “ life" is “ endangered from