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About Weekly constitutionalist. (Augusta, Ga.) 185?-1877 | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1867)
THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTIONALIST Our New York Correspondence. New York, April 18. The bad faith with which Johnson conserva tives have employed the most important politi cal truths, was never more apparent than in the course of the Administration and its especial champion* towards those who are endeavoring to f^ive those truths practical effect. The Presf dent and his organs have denounced the Mili tary Reconstruction Act, as au embodiment of all that is fatal to republican liberty on this continent; and yet, an effort to overthrow that act by the only raean3 that is left, encounters the active official and moral antagonism of those who have called upon the country to sustain them for their opposition to it. If this is not courting political annihilation, what is it ? It is well understood here that means will be found to defeat all the efforts tri obstruct the execution of the Sherman Act. There are one ot two judges of the Supreme Court, who are not insensible to the smiles and frowns of him who sits in the White House. And there is scarcely a doubt, also, that the machinery < f Reconstruction will be used to build up a party in the South that will eo-optrate with the Re publicans of the North, in the hope of forcing Secretary Stanton upon them as their candidate for President. Is this the entertainment to which the Southern people were invited when they were called upon to defy the Radicals and trust what remained of their liberties and in terests to the Philadelphia Convention ? A NEW FOREIGN POLICY. Schemes of weak ambition, entertained by Mr. Seward and promoted by all the adroitness which his experience as a politician has taught him, threaten to introduce elements into the National policy, upon which sooner or later the Republic will be sent asunder—fallingapart, as it were, of its own weight. The drift of the tunes is indeed towards aggrandizement of Empire— the absorption of senior powers at some powerful and brilliant centre —the usual prelude to a more thorough disruption of nationalities than preceded the consolidation. The purchase of Sitka from the Russian Gov ernment, Is the first step in Mr. Seward’s scheme of territorial aggrandizement. The country looks on w ith disgust at this squander ing of millions on a mere conceit. But, still more expensive jobs are on foot. Mexico is, in all probability, again to be partitioned, the United States receiving a large share of what remains of her territory. And it is hinted that we are to acquire possession by purchase of the Isthmus of Panama. Mr. Seward’s favorites have gone ahead, and obtained grauts in the ter ritories that are to be acquired, which require but their annexation to the United States to become valuable. Ifovv many millions are to be directly wrung from our over-burdened tax payers cannot be estimated. It is of small matterin comparison with the foundation which such aggrandizement will lay for the mainte nance of standing armies and great fleets—and, anon, civil wars arising from differences as ir reconcilable as those which sprung up between the North and the South. But Mr. Seward does not propose to stop here. An active interference in the political affairs of other nations is a part of his pro gramme ; an assertion is to be made of our authority as one of the “great powers.” An immense fleet is now being prepared to be dis patched to the Mediterranean under the com mand of Admiral Farragut We arc to acquire authority over some island in that sea. Thus the Jeffersonian policy of indifference to the affcirs of loreign nations, “entangling alliances with none,” is to go over board in quick suc cession, after that other security to peace and stability, rights, shall have been com pletely demolished. There are one or two possible obstacles to all these schemes. They are the personal hostility to Mr. Seward ; and, coming together, the enormous expenditures they will involve. But the robbery connected with them, will no doubt overcome such slight obstacles as these. An other solution will more probably be reached. It may be expressed in one word—“ Repudia tion.” When the people refuse to pay taxes,' princely schemes of aggrandizement must be suspended. EUROPEAN POLITICS. Telegraphic communication with Europe, or rather with the Western end of the cable, was interrupted for a short time this evening, and there was immediately put in circulation a rumor that serious internal troubles had oc curred in France, amounting, the story finally said, to air attempt at revolution. Gold ad vanced nearly two poiftts—illustrating the readi ness with which any report of violent proceed ings is accepted. The mail accounts show that Prussia is still pushing her schemes of territo rial aggrandizement, and it is now openly as sorted that she has the countenance ol Russia, who wishes to embroil France and England, to the better accomplishment of her own designs on the Bosphours. The disagreement between, these powers, of which the Crimean war was a mere ebulition, have, it is evident, assumed such vast proportions as threaten, at no distant day, to till all Europe with combatants. What will be the immediate effect upon us, is difficult to foresee. Opinions differ very widely re specting it. Many look for an increased sale and higher prices for our bonds; others for such distrust in all governments as will cause a demand tor gold only, to the serious depre- 4 ciation of Federal securities, a large export of gold and consequently an extreme rate of pre mium. BUSINESS MATTERS. The failure of the old and favorably known cotton commission house of J. H. Bowen & Cos., has caused some excitement iu commercial circles. Their liabilities are reported to be three million dollars. They have been carrying largb quantities of eottou, the depreciation of which has been the chief cause of their embar rassments. It is thought there are a large number ot houses in this country and iu Europe which are in little better condition than that which has just suspended, and from the same cause. The decline in cotton has been so severe that romantic tales begin to be repeated of the severe disasters that have overtaken families in consequence. I have thought it my duty, so far as I could, without seeming to desire to depress the market, to set forth in these letters the reason why the decline that has taken place was to be apprehended. The high-cost of breadstnffs, absorbing the earuiugs ol the people, continues to be given as the lead ing cause. The increased ease in the money rnark&t is felt more in the gold room than anywhere else. Stocks are dull. No one will buy merchandize for a rise. Cotton at the relatively low prices now current does not inspire so much confi dence as when middlings were 40e. Bread stuffs are so high as to cheek speculation, and yet they are held with more confidence than anv other great staple. Provisions are rela tively low, but no one will buy for a rise, and the whole state of trade, which at this season is usually active, is dull and dragging. The prospects of the Southern wheat crop are just now noted with the greatest anxiety.— Georgia wheat that reaches market before the Ist of July, will bring famine lour dollars per bushel, aud it is hoped that the supply may be liberal. If Georgia has a good crop she can sell it early at prices that will en able her later in the season to buy two bushels for one. W ILLOUGHBY. Vanderbilt has now nearly completed his seventy first year. His frame is still erect and vigorous ; and as a business man he has not a living superior. Every Kiud of success has at tended him through life. Thirteen children have been boru' to him—nine daughters and four sons —nearly all ot whom are living and are parents. One of his grandsons has recently cotce ot age. At the celebration of his golden wedding, three years ago, more than 140 ol his descendants and relations assembled at his house. On that joyful occasion the Commodore presented to his wife a beautiful little golden steamboat, with musical works instead of an eugiue—emblematic at once of his business career and the harmony of his home. If ever he boasts of anything appertaining to him, it is when he is speaking of the many virtues of his son lost in the war, or when he says that his wife is the fluest woman of her age in the city. \ female seminary at Salt Like City was re cently broken up by the principal marrying the whole school. Our Paris Correspondence. Pari3, April 9,1867. Editor of the Constitutionalist: THE WORLD’S FAIR. Sir : Last week was for the aristocracy, at the Exhibition in the Champ de Mars, the price ot admission having been five lrancs. The doors were opened to the public yesterday (Monday) at the reduced rate of one franc. — Thousands and thousands thronged in the gal leries and passages to see the wonders of the world. With, the exception of one or two courts, every thing may be said to be ready now at the Exhibition. The public is waiting with much anxiety to see the immense machinery (sent by England and Belgium) put into motion. In walking along the galleries we were, from time to time, struck with meeting some gentlemen in black dress coats and white eh*kers,anJ on inquiring who they were, we were informed that’ they were the members ot the Jury, who have al ready began to examine the different depart ments. i The prizes to be awarded will be distributed 1 in the mouth eff July, and we hear that a most imposing ceremony will take place in.the Paris de l’lndustrie. The Imperial Commission will ■ have to make amends for the shabby opening : ceremony (if so it can be called) of Monday, i the first of April* The world now knows that the Jasainater was opened on the first of Aj>ril without show, without speech, sans everything. Nothing was ready, except the Imperial will, and the real display of Art and Industry will not be ready for some days to come. The weather, too has not been of the best, and our minds are shaken by fears of an outbreak be tween France and Prussia. Under these cir cumstances, it would be absurd to say that the festival of peace and industry has begun. In about a month the Paris Exhibition will be worth seeing and writing about, but At the pre sent moment many of the courts are so bare that the chronicler does not know what to be , about, if he disdains falsehood. We have to “ wait a little longer,” but whether there is a good time coming e'est xautre chose. The catalogues called official have been print ed ; one seems to be the English official, the other the French official. The first, which is in four languages, English, French, German and Italian, is printed lor her Britannic Majes ty’s Commissioners, and concerns itself only with the English Departnffcnt. The second catalogue, in English only, relates to the e*ntire collection, and is, we should suppose, necessa rily incomplete. It is very handsomely printed. Everything is getting very dear in Paris, and strangers will no doubt be very much astonish ed at the exorbitant prices of rooms and liv ing. The hotel keepers are determined to make hay while the sun shines. From yesterday weekly tickets were issued at the rate of six francs, giving admission to the palace park and grounds at Billoneourt, with the privilege enjoyed by the season ticket holders of entering lrom nine in the morning. Persons wishing to profit by this disposition must furnish their photographic portrait, on which the ticket will be printed, the face being left uncovered. The price of daily admission is also reduced from one lranc after eleven in the morning, or two francs during the reserved hours of nine to eleven. The Correctional Tribunal of Paris was, two days back, engaged in trying by default, the Abbe Cheryenu, formerly cure of a parish in Burgundy, <3n a charge of swindling and a breach of confidence. It appeared that the Abbe had come to Paris twenty pears ago to work out an invention of which he professed himself the author, being anew system of transpositions for the key-boards of organs, and he soon obtained a considerable amount of business. On the strength of his success he founded various companies,namely: “La Caisse des bonnes Oeuvres,” Le Credit des Paroisses,” “La Banque des Deposits,” “Le Eaux de Calais,” etc., addressing himself to many ot iiis former colleagues in the country and inducing them to deposit funds in bis hands to a large amount. The result of all these speculations was a sudden failure with liabilities to the amount of more than 4,000,000, against assess of 60,000 francs. In consequence, a charge was instituted against the Abbe and two accomplices named Faure de Murginot and Mazarine, for the offences men tioned above. In the case of Faure de Murgi not, who had been delivered up by the Belgium Government in virtue of a treaty of extradition, the Court decided that he could not be detained as he had been demanded on the score of frau dulent bankruptcy. Whereas the indictment spoke only of the offences mentioned above. In consequence, it ordered him to be taken back to the Belgian territory. Several witnes ses were heard, nearly all ecclesiastics, and they were unanimous in declaring that, they had been completely duped by the Abbe’s represen tions. The tribunal condemned the Abbe to five years’imprisonment and ten francs fine; and Mazarine, as an accomplice of simple bank ruptcy to three months imprisonment and a similar fine. JFronvour Special Correspondent. Letter from Marietta. Marietta, Ga., April 26.1867. Mr. Editor : I have concluded to fulfill my promise made to you some time since, to give you a few items in regard to our prospects in this county of a crop in the way of cereals. From information gathered from the farmers and my own observations in passing through our county, I am satisfied that a better prospect for a good wheat crop has not been seen for a number of years. There is a large amount of land sown, and it looks very promising. The cold, wet season we have had, has kept it from being as forward as it would have been other wise. We have had avc ry late backward Spring, but we look for a full crop of wheat. Through out Northern Georgia the farmers are generally done planting their corn and cotton crops. There is being a considerable quantity of land planted in cotton in this portion of Georgia, more than has beeen planted for a number ol years past, but not more than one-third that was usually planted previous to the late war. In passing through the county you can see large farms that once made the farmer’s heart swell with joy at the prospect of a bountiful harvest, now lying idle and without a single rail to mark their past cultivation, and the formers that once knew them will know them no more. There is also a good crop of corn planted, and we trust that a kind Providence may bless and crown the farmer’s expectations with a plentiful crop, and that we may not have to call upon those who have been blessed with plenty during the past few years for relief to keep our poor from that most horrible death, starvation. There are some few farmers who will be compelled to abandon their crops un less they can get corn to bread themselves and feed their stock. In many instances they are mortgaging their whole farms for the purpose of getting a few bushels of corn to enable them to go on and finish iheir crops. We are having a glorious revival in religious matters in our once beautiful little city, and in the language of one of the ministers present, it is a glorious visitation of God—our whole population have become interested, and in the middle of the week, at the most business part of the day, yon can see old and young closing np their places of business and wending their way to the sanctuary, to hear what the minister has to say that will revive their sinful hearts, and the most hardened sinners are the first to leave their seats and go to the altar for the prayers of the church. These meetings are confined principally to the Methodist church, but members and preachers of all denomina tions are at work in the glorious cause. The ministers carrying on these meetings are few, and I fear they will break down in their work unless they can get help; and I understand they have made great efforts to get help from a dis tance. hot ns yet none has come. Bnt we trust that help will be given from on high. Politically, under paragraph 3, order No. 1, I am silent; but will say 1 thluk in this trying hour that it is every man’s duty to his country to go forward, register, and vote. H. M. H. m i Dr. J. J. Craven.— The Savannah Advertiser says the author of the “Prison Life of Jeffer son Davis” has bought property in Savannah, and determined to make that city his perma nent home. The people of Georgia are grate ful to Dr. Craven tor his kindness to their fall en chief, and will welcome him to citizenship with outstretched arms. * Mexico. Max Attempts to Escape from Queretaro—De scription of the Country Around that City — Riva Palacio Closes the Door on any Retreat —Slow Progress of Seward's Sicift Envoy. Sec. j . The following items are furnished by the : border pap rs, and throw some additional light . ou the situation at Queretaro : A letter from Queretaro, of the 28th, says ■ that the Imperialists were pushed back witbiw I one square of the plaza, the enemy being re- I duccd to the plaza itself; leaving them the lit ; tie hills de la Cruz and La Campana, where they are cut off, because our fortifications on this side are within gunshot of the last men tioned fort. It is horrible to behold the situa? ; ation of Queretaro, augmented by the spectacle j which the corpses of the enemy present, which , they leave unburied where they fall, rendering the atmosphere insupportable. Just think how much the inhabitants must suffer from this. Last night we attacked the enemy’s line, pro tected by all our artillery and musketry. We heard in the midst" of the strile the sorrowful lamentations of the families, and on this ac count suspended firing. The enemy will not let any one come out, and when the poor, unfortunate wretches, dy ing of hunger, endeavor to come to us they are shot down by t e enemy. Thus the miser able inhabitants are compelled to abandon their homes and go with the enemy into the Plaza. Maximilian endeavored to take flight, day be fore yesterday, with his chief officers, by the road to Morelia, which we had left guarded only by a few sentinels ; but the cowardly and disgraceful manner in which he undertook to leave, prevented his soldiers from following him. However, he would have left with his officers aloue; but in this he counted without h s host; for the same day, five thousand men* of Riva Palacio’s division arrived by this road, and closed that gap against him. The Periodica Official , of Monterey, says: Letters received from Colonel Zepeda and others, writeu in San Louis Potosi, witli refer ence to the news communicated by Generals Escobedo and Trevino, confirm the statement that our forces are within one square of the Plaza of Queretaro. It was stated that the trai tor Marquez, with a cavalry force, succeeded in escaping, and took the road to the city of Mex ico. It is also said that Quiroga and Vidauri accompanied him. But it cannot be possible that they could escape pursuit or evade the vigilance of the republicans who surrounded the city. The fights have been frequent be* tween the besieged and besiegers. Our latest news reaches the 30th ultimo. At four o’clock in the evening a general battle was expected. A broad open country stretches away from Queretaro in the direction of the capital. Sur rounding the open country are volcanic peaks and mountains. Among these mountains no force or body of men can be manoeuvred. In these mountians are the Liberals. They are there fortified by nature, and could no more be disioged than could rabbits be dislodged from a chaparal jungle. Surrounding the city of Queretaro are several peaks occupied by the imperialists. On them batteries are so planted as to rake all approaches to the city. Five miles to the west of the city is the hill La Cam pana, in the centre of the valley. From this peak the Imperialists fire upon the Liberals whenever they show themselves in the open country. North of the city is the hill of La Cruz; also occupied by the Imperialists. Be sides these are many other peaks or hills sur rounding Queretaro, which the Imperialists took possession of some time ago and fortified them before the Liberals advanced upon the place. One of these fortified hills, San Grego rio, the Liberal* captured on the night of the 14th ult. * The advanced lines of the Liberals are in the very edge of the mountains, in half-circle sur rounding Queretaro on the north, east and west at a distance from the city proper of four or five miles. Instead of the Liberals having the city besieged the Imperialists have laid siege to the mountains. The mou*h opening in the rich valley to the south of Queretaro is solely in the possession of the Imperialists; and though the Liberals claim to have twice the force of their antagonists, thev cannot be in duced to risk a pitched battle. [The troops ordered forward by Diaz to re inforce ’ Escobedo having, according to last authentic accounts, reached San Juan de Rio in the last days of March, it is highly probable that the south side of Queretaro is now threate ned by Liberals and communication with the capital cut off.— Ed. H.J The steamer Blackbird, which took out Mr. White, Mr. Seward’s swift messenger to Juarez, asking him to treat Maximilian and bis follow ers according to the laws of war, if they fell into his hands, got out of coal and had to put into Brazos. She is to take the messenger to Tampico, w hence lie is to find his way through to the seat of war as well as he can. [Correspondence of the Chicago Evening Journal. The American Colony at Jaffa—Visit of the Agent of the United States G-orern ment. Jaff’a, Palestine, Thursday, March 11, 1867. My first visit, after arriving here, was to the American colony recently located in Jaffa. The accounts in the various newspapers of America and England in regard to the condition of this colony have been of such a character as to at tract much attention throughout the civilized world. Mr. Seward, our Secretary of State, has recently appointed an agent to come here and make a thorough examination into the af fairs of the colony. This agent (Rev. Mr. Bid well, of the Electic Magazine, New York,) was ajellow-passenger with me lrom Egypt. He seems to be well qualified for the w T ork he has undertaken. In company with Mr. Bidwell aud others I called upon Mr. Adams, President of the colony, heard him preach in the evening, and learned enough of the situation and pros pects of the people to justify a brief article in regard to them and the strange opinions which have led so many to leave the land of their birth and emigrate to this far off country. The colony numbers about 160 persons, old and young. The majority of the members ex press themselves entirely satisfied with their situation and prospects. But a very respecta ble minority are in favor of returning to Amer ica. At the meeting last night a vote was ta ken b£ Mr. Bidwell on these two questions: Ist. “ Are you satisfied in regard to your situa tion here ?” The vote was a unanimous one in the affirmative. 2d. “Do any of you wish toreinrn?” All voted “No’’but one. This exception was a pale-faced and decidedly in tellectual looking woman. She, iu accents sad and nlaintive, said: “ I wish to go home to America.” I confess the word home sounded strangely sweet to* me, and my syrnpalies are decidedly with the lone voter. Mr. Adams, and all with whom I have conversed, are of the opinion that the colony wiil be a success. Re ligiously, they believe that Christ’s Govern ment wiil be established in Palestine, and that the whole laud will enjoy a prosperity and glory unparalleled in history. They say that they* have had an abundance to eat and drink during their sojonrn here, and now have about three hundred ac.es under enltivation, which bid fair to produce a large yield of corn, wheat, potatoes and the necessaries of life. Four adults and seven children have died since the colony settled here. The colony have built quite a number of houses, having brought the lumber all the way from Maine. "A three story hotel is new being erected in the village, and is well under way. AH the members speak in the highest terms of the kindness of the Turks and Arabs' to them, and in very strong terms ot the unkiudness and unfairness of the American Vice-Consul at Jaffa. James P. Sanford. Plant Peas Deep.—The theory recently ad vocated of planting peas very deeply in the earth, in order to prolong the bearing capacity of the vines, has been well tested and found to be correct. A farmer plowed a furrow beam deep ; then scattered the seed peis at the bot tom, after which he formed a deep farrow upon them with his plough, covering them to the depth of twelve or fourteen inches. They pushed their way up through the thick mass of earth very soon, and instead of turning yellow at the bottom, and dying after the first gather ing, they blossomed and bore nntil he was tired of picking the pods. If such a result will be uniformly realized from the plan, pea culture may be more profitable than hitherto. [From the News and Herald of 27th. Introduction of Odd Fellowship in the United States. OBSERVANCE OF THE ANNIVERSARY. rite anniversary of the introduction of Odd rdlowsLip into the United States was duly celebrated yesterday by a grand procession of t he various Lodges, accompanied by seven Past | .’tasters, whose names are as follows: C. . Key, Orator of the day. L. F. W. Andrews. B. F. Denser J. G. Deitz. Geo. W. Adams. C. C. Millar. A. R. Wrigiit. distinguished officials, in connection with the members of the'various Lodges ot the i including members ot various decrees trom Augusta, Macon and other points, con stituted the procession. The DeKalb and Live Oak Lodges proceeded *c order to the Lodge of the Oglethorpes, and atter a thorough marshaling, they formed in the street, the DeKalb Lodge taking the lead. About half-past ten o’clock the procession (numbering about four hundred men) begifn to move up Bay to Bull street, thence to Brough ton street, up to Barnard and borth to the Methodist Trinity Church. The procession was under the direction of Brother P. G. John Oliver, of Oglethorpe Lodge No. 1, who was assisted by Brothers P. G. James Lahlison, of Live Oak Lodge No. 3, and W. M. Metzger, of DeKalb Lodge No. 9. After the arrival and seating of the various Lodges in the Church, the choir, composed of skillful vocalists, male and female, who had kindly volunteered for the important occasion, sang several appropriate odes iu the finest 6tyle, >in the following order : ODE. Brethren of our Friendly Order, Honor here asserts he.- sway ; All within our sacred border " ilust her high commands obey. ® Join Odd-Fellowship of Brothers, In the song of Truth and Love; Leave dispute and strife to others, We in harmony mu6t move. Honor to her Court invites us, Worth j- subjects letus prove; Strong the chain that here unites u , Link’d with Friendship, Truth and Love. In our hearts enshrined and cherished, May these feelings ever bloom— Failing not when life has perished, Living still beyond the tomb. Prater— By Brother P. G., S. Landrum. ODE. * Strangers, amidst a hand Os brothers he’-e we stand, Firm tried an ; true : Here Friendship’s power is shown, Here Love and Truth are known, And here, before their throne, We welcome you. Strangers you’ve nought to fear, For honor’s court is here, Love, peace and joy ; Here in good faith we meet, Here friends and brothers greet, » And in communion sweet, The hours employ. Address—.By Bro. P. G. M., Caleb W. Key. ODE. Brothers, we thank you all T or this, your f. iendly call, Our hearts to cheer; - ■‘‘m- May peace her influence shed, * And heaven its wing outspread, To guard each brother’s head From pain and fear. Good night! and as you go, Bear henee, and fully show, Stamped on your hreast, The seal of Friendship, pure, And Love through life t’ endure, And Truth, which still secure With honor rests. BENEDICTION. The prayer of brother P. G. Landrum was most beautiful, touching and appropriate. The address of Brother Key was very inter esting and excited general praise. THE BALL. As might be expected, the crowning event of the anniversary was the ball in the evening at the Masonic Hall. This appropriate place had been thoroughly renovated, and was last night devoted to its original purpose, that of a ball and concert room. The walls were decorated with the various devices and emblems of Odd Fellowship, and around each window there was a beautiful garland of palm. The floor was marked off in circles for setts, in the centre ol which were the names of some lodges, aud in others various characteristic sentences, such as “ Remember the Orphan,” and other appropri ate words. The hall, which is one of the finest iu the city for dancing, was comfortably filled with the elite and beauty of the city, who, du ring the dance, chased away the fleeting hoars to the most exquisite music. Every evidence of pleasure and enjoyment was visible, and the utmost good feeling prevailed. No one hesi tated in pronouncing it one of the successes of the season. In the centre of the hall the banner of Live Oak Lodge No. 3 was suspended, which bore on one side the name of the Lodge, and on the other the expression— ll But the least of these is Charity.” Immediately below this was the banner of De Kalb Lodge No. 9, upon which was inscribed on the top, “ We trust in God !” and below, “Friendship, Love and Truth.” Tne music, which was splendid, was per formed by Savannah musicians, whose profes sional abilities are too well known to require comment. They were led by that excellent musician, Prof. Maas. Prominent among the assemblage were the worthy visitor of Millar Lodge No. 10, and the Augusta Encampment No. 5, both of Augusta, whose appreciation of the affair was plainly ap parent. 1 The supper, which wa3 prepared in the. high est style, was furnished by Mr. M. M. Belissa rio. It was served up in the room above the hail, and was laid on three tables, occupying the entire length of the room. All that the most fastidious epicure could desire was af forded, and in a style that reflected great credit upon Mr. Belissario. Taken altogether, it was one of the most successful events of the season ; and the mana gers, as well as the committee of arrangements, deserve great credit for their praiseworthy ef forts in rendering it pleasing to all present. wm i Mexican Bond 9. —Some months since a fi nancial agency was established in this city by President Juarez for the sale of bonds of the Republic of Mexico to the amount of $30,000, 000. A large amount of this paper has been negotiated at rates varying from ten to sixty cents on the dollar in United States currency. The interest on some of these bonds of seven per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually in gold, was due on the Ist instant, but the agents of the Juarez Government, Messrs. John W. Corlies & Cos., of No. 57 Broadway, deferred payment. Yesterday some of the bondholders again demanded their interest and were again refused on the plea that there were no funds to meet such obligations in the hands of the agents. Protest for non-payment was there fore entered upon the coupons by a notary public in behalf of the holders. This informa tion will be doubtless interesting, though not gratifying, to manv persons in this city. |N. Y. Times , April 18. ■— » Press Convention.— Before adjourning, by a unanimous vote, the handsome bachelor from Augusta, was requested to read, being a firm and~unswerving friend of the “ Constitution,” a list of resolutions, only one of which can we append : Resolved, That we cannot part. Resolved, That this Association is a better Association than any other Association; - that it is a greater Association than any ard all others. We '’make this assertion because we have Wright always on our side ; Steele for onr strength ; a Harpe that affords Sweet strains at all our meetings ; a Bard that is at all times elo quent, and we have a machine for Thrashing any other institution and a legal Barr to all complaints ; while we are eminently more Dutch er than oar rivals, our President is a love of a Clark, and our Secretary can put a Burr under the shirt of any of his rivals. Judah P. Benjamin, formerly of Mr. Davis’ Cabinet, has received a compliment on his ability, as an advocate in the English courts, from Sir Fitzroy Kelley, Lord Chief Baron of i the Court of Exchequer. [From the Baltimore Gazette. Crime on the Sea Islands. LOYAL MEN THE CAUSE. We give in another column a letter written | to the New York Times by a Northern man residing on one of the Sea Island plantations in South Carolina. It will be remembered that General Sherman* gave authority to the horde of negroes who thronged his line of inarch from Chattanooga to the seaboard to settle on the Sea Islands, at that time in possession of the Federal authorities. M ny of these planta tions have since been returned to their lawful owners by the General Government, and a por tion of the negroes who had squatted on them have gon.o back to tbe ma”iuland—some to euter the service of their old masters, and others to huddle together at the larger centres ot popu lation. Considerable numbers of them, how ever, still remain on the islands, sometimes working on the plantations, sometimes cultiva ting little patches of their own, obtained either by purchase or under an agreement entered into between the land owners” and the agents of the Freed men’s Bureau, the latter of whom made the setting apart for the use_ ot the negroes some fragments of the estates, alleged to have been confiscated, as a condition of their restitu tion. “These Sea Island people,” as the writer Styles them, appear to have become far more depraved in morals than they were whilst in a condition of slavery, for the reason that they are not now subjected to any restraining in fluences. * & To what extent “ the Northern idea” has been inculcated amongst them may be best illustrat ed by the following passage, which we cite from the letter in question : “ Among the two plantations of people ad joining me on onesjde,” says the writer, there is scarcely one young woman who has arrived at the age of fifteen or sixteen years who has not become a mother outside of wedlock. Os the children thus horn the large majority are hall white and were horn during the war. This terrible work superadded to the habits of slave life is going on apace, and I know of eight mar ned women who have the evidences of their infidelity about them. These,” he adds, “are not exceptional plantations. * * “This fear ful condition was brought about by Union offi cers and soldiers.” He tells us, moreover, that when he first came to. Beaufort, and whilst the people were under his supervision, they were 14 measurably fi ee from this sad blight,” because, as be says, he was careful to keep them away from Beau fort and from the camps. He then goes on to remark upon the little regard that is now paid to the marital relation, and ascribes it to the uhrestrained license in which the negroes have been permitted to indulge, and to the temptations held out to them by the Federal troops in their midst. He concedes to these negroes many good qualities naturally, and ex presses the belief that they are as responsive to correct moral teaching as any other people ; but he fears that now they are for the most part settled on lands of their own, and are more and more living alone to themselves, and especially since they have attained to full civil rights, they “ will rapidly become independent and defiant in their way of thinking and act ing, and so will speedily he beyond the reach of all restraining influence to rot in their own corruption.” This, be it observed, is the picture drawn of the negroes by a Northern man, himself settled on the Sea Islands, and in the midst of the peo ple who.<e degradation he describes. We con fess we are not surprised at it. The history of the liberated negro teaches us that his natural tendency when freed from all control is ta re lapse first into a condition of immorality and finally into that of semi-barbarism. In Hayti, next to Cuba the finest and most fertile of the West India Islands, his capacity for self-gov ernment has been fairly an uninterrupted oc cupation of more than sixty years. During that period the people have been subjected to one revolution after another and have passed from despotism to anarchy, from mock mon archies to mock republics, from timsel Dukes, and Marquises, and tinsel Emperors, to beggarly Presidents supported in power by a little waste of gunpowder and a few rusty muskets. Commerce has been destroyed, the towns are masses of dilapidated houses, the once magnificent plantations now lie wild and ne glected, whilst the moral condition of the peo ple even among themselves, and uncontarai nated by the insidious teachings of unprincipled white men and the presence of a licentious soldiery, has been gradually but surely grow ing more aud more debased. In Jamaica, under a.different rule, but from causes not wholly dissimilar, like results have followed, and that island, which less than half a century ago, was one of the fairest jewels in the British Crown, is now regarded not simply as worthless in a commercial point of view, but as a burthen which Great Britain would be glad to shake off, if it were possible to do so without endanger ing the security of her other West India pos sessions. What wonder, then, is it that the ne groes of the Sea Islands should have become polluted by the lessons they have been tanght by their Northern fronds and worst enemies, or that the older negroes should complain, as we are told they do, that “ dese young people he spile by close freedom ?” The Military Bill. Forthcoming Opinion of the Attorney General on the Reconstruction Law. Washington, April 23, 1867. The preparation by the Attorney General of an opinion on the Reconstruction law was un dertaken, it is stated, at the request of the Pre sident and the Secretary of War, the subject having been discussed at great length in Cabinet meeting. The for having certain clauses of the law clearly defined, especially the disfranchising clause, and that which gives au thority to make removals, has been pointed out by at least three of the military commanders. The opinion, it is understood, will be quite lengthy, bearing upon the wholelaw, instead of being confined to one or two points, and will not be completed before next week, on account of the great addition to the duties of the At torney General, caused by the injunction cases in the Supreme Court.— New York Herald. FROM TEXAS. Headquarters, District of Texas, ) Galveston, Texas, April 15,1867. $ Special Orders—No. 60. 111. Agreeably with instructions received this date from the Commanding General, Fifth mili tary district, all farther elections by civil au thority in the State of Texas are hereby for bidden. No elections will be held until they are or dered under tbelaw by the Military Commander. All law appointments to vacancies which occur among the appointees of the Executive Department of the State will be made by the Governor, as heretofore. Vacancies occurring which are filled ordinari ly by election will be reported by the Executive Department of the State without delay to these headquarters for the needful action. All appointments herein authorized to be made by the Executive of the State will be dnly notified to these headquarters, for the advise ment of the Military Commander. By command of Brevet Major General Griffin. A. H. M. Tatlob, Second Lieutenant Seventeenth U. 8. InFy, A. A. A. G“neral. Death Among the Demi-modne.—A singular funeral cortege was observed passing up Col lege street last Thursday. In all theriong train ,of carriages not a man was to be seen save the drivers. This was explained by the fact that the remains of one of tbe demi-monde were in the hearse. Her fallen sisters, however, turned out in full force, and a sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by the pastor of one of our churches, in accordance with the earn estly expressed wishes of the deceased. [Nashville Banner , 23 d. One Dr. W. W. Hehbard lectured on alcohol in Boston, last Sunday night, and said : “He thought the time would come when legislation would restrain the sale of opium, 'he betel nut, tobacco and pork, as well as •quor.” Marine Disaster.— We learn from Messrs. West <& Daniels, the consignees at this port, that the schr. Emma Jane, Capt. Kirvin, from Baltimore for Savannah, with an assorted cargo, put into Wilmington, N. C., in distress. f Savannah Advertiser, 24th. [From (he New York Hertfd. The Indian War. Hostilities Commenced on the Part of the Chev ennes—Lookout Station Cavtured—n ey ] Hancock Surrounds a Deserted CaLp ' Denver City, Colorado, April 22. Lookout station, two hundred a-d seventy , “I I®* 1 ®* e » s K l of Smoky Hill route, was destroyed »»\ the Cheyenne Indians on* Monday last and three ot the employees of the United States Ex press Company killed and scalped. Erin 'of the company’s horses were stolen. Gen. Hancock had reached Fort Zaf-a and at tempted with the Indian scouts to fiud the iriul of the Cheyennes, but ,wu6 unsuccessful. He then surrounded their camp, hut before com mencing an attack sent lorward messengers to propose a treaty. Tbe camp was found de serted aud most of their property abandoned. Gen. Hancock is supposed to be now upon the war path. About one thousand Indian warriors passed Downer’s station, going North. They are pro bably the same Indians who burned Lookout station. Passengers by the Smoky Hill coach to-day report 2,000 to 3,000 Cheyennes and Sioux on the road. ■Sixty United States express horses have been stolen this week. The coach passed Gen. Custer at Fort Hayes, from Hancock’s command, where they had halted for provisions. The Indians seen were nil on the war path, and thus far have eluded the troops. government train attacked near fort Mitchell, Dakota. St. Louis, April 23. •A train loaded with Government freight was recently attacked by Indians near Fort Mitchell, Dakota, and one hundred and twenty mules driven off. The wagons were left standing on the road. * OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. BULLY’S “TALK” WITH THE OGADOLAS AND SIOUX. Washinqjon, April 23. The Commissioner of Indians Affairs has received a telegram from Brevet Brigadier General Alfred Sully, President of the Commis sion appointed to investigate the law massacre at’Fort Phil. Kearney, dated California Cross ing, twenty-five miles east of Fort Sedgwick, April 20, in which he states that after great difficulty they had succeeded in getting the Ogadola and Brute Sioux in for a talk, repre senting three hundred and fifty lodges, had had a satisfactory arrangement with them, and Gen. Sully thinks it can safely be Baid that they have prevented over seven hundred warriors from joining the war party. The Commission would leave Fort Sedgwick for Laramie in three or four days, and hope to he successful in prevent ing many more Sioux from joining the hostile party. There has been much trouble on the road to Laramie from hostile Sioux, which would increase the difficulties and expenses of the Commission. ' Death of Dr. 11. K. Green. —We regret to announce the death, from consumption, of this distinguished physician, which occurred at his residence in Foit Valley on the 25th Inst. Dr. Green was for many years an eminent practitioner of his profession in this city, and was esteemed by all who knew him. During the war he held the position of Chief Surgeon, with the rank, of Major, and was stationed at many important posts. His rema ns arrived here yesterday evening on the Southwestern train, and were taken by many of his mourning friends "to Rose Hill Cemetery for interment. [Macon ( Ga .) Journal Messenger , 27th. A Beautiful Incident. —Last November, when it was proposed that the Sabbath Schools of the comity unite in the purchase of a horse for our beloved Colporteur, little J. W., 6 years old, (who had lost his right arm by a sad acci dent) and the orphan of a gallant soldier, said to his widowed mother, “ Mamma, I want to help and supplied with a basket of apples, made his way to town, sold them, and gave the proceeds into the* treasury for this purpose. Since the widow gave her two mites, has therq been a more beautiful example ? f Charlottsville Chronicle. » . ■ An Aged Woman.— Sallie—a woman of color, formerly the property of Mrs. P. Saffold, of this county, died in this place on the 19th inst., at the advanced age of one hundred and fifteen years. She professed religion and joined the Methodist Church and was baptised by im mersion in. her one hundred and twelfth year. We are informed that she was nearly blind for years, but at the age of oue hundred her sight returned, and she was able to do almost any kind of sewing. She was engaged during the greater part of the late war in making clothes for the army.— Sander sville Georgian. Horrible Accident. —The Chattanooga Union, of the 21st, contains the following : John Morgan, a soldier belonging to Cos. B, 34th U. S. 1., was walking down the track on Railroad avenue, a little below Ninth street, yesterday morning, at 11 o’clock, when he was run over by a locomotive and horribly mangled. It seems that the unfortunate man was watch ing an engine coming up on the other track from the one he was on, and did not hear a second engine backing down on the track he was walking along. The unfortunate man died in a few hours after the accident occurred. The Blockade Runner Peterhof. —The United States Supreme Court has decided the case of the celebrated blockade runner, the Peterhof, in favor of the vessel and against the Government. It involves nearly $2,000,000, and the point decided by the Court was that the mouth of the Rio Grande could not be blockaded by our Government; that a block ade of the Texas shore of that river could he enforced but no vessel ostensibly bound for Matamoras, as was the Peterhof, could be over hauled by our blockadcrs unless she attempted to land on the Texas shore. Suicide. —Jane M. Mitchell, a cousin of Gen eral Joe Hooker, died in Chicago a few days since, from the effects of poison administered by her own hands. It appeared in the evidence elicited at the coroner’s inquest that some years ago she was deserted by her husband, and left to struggle through the world unaided and alone. For the past year she has been living iu Chicago in the family of a pork packer. A few days since she was taken sick, and it was dis covered that she had taken poison, from the effects of which she died after suflering the most excruciating pain. Sale of Kamia Mills.— Kalmia Mills were sold yesterday morning by Messrs. Wardlaw <fc Carew, sui ject to mortgage, for $210,000, which was $20,000 more than the mortgage called for. The property was purchased by Mr. H. Cogs well and others, and the Mills will be worked by anew company.— Charleston News , 2iid. Three years ago the Dube of Wellington had an income of $750,000 a year. By reckless dis sipation and profligacy of every conceivable kind, Le has reduced it to about $7,500, and is now the poorest man of his rank in Enfopc. He is distantly related to the Emperor Napo leon, and is married to one of the most beauti ful women of the day. Lay Representation.— Dr. Summers, editor of the Nashville Christian Advocate t writes that lay representation ha 6 received the requisite number of votes in tbe Southern Methodist Church. By this reckoning, the votes given on the question before the session ot the Balti more Conference were 1,450, to which adding for that conference 105, we have a total of 1,555, three fourths (if which are 1,167. The total vote for lay representation was I,l77—ten more than is ueeded to make a three-fourths majority. Her Majesty Esther Blythe, alias Esther Rutherlord, Queen of the Gipsies, has made ap plication to the Parochial Board of Jedburgh, in Scotland, for relief as a pauper. Qneen Esther owns a horse and cart and eight chil dren* The parish have offered to admit her to the poor house. • The difference between Whittier’s new poem and a Massachusetts school maria is, that while one is “ The Tent on the Beach,” tire other is bent on thb teach.
