Georgia weekly opinion. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1867-1868, September 03, 1867, Image 3
GEORGIA WEEKLY OPINION.
THE WEEKLY OPINION.
BY, W. L BCRUQ08 AND J B. DUMBLE.^
Cion. Pope's Letter.
An Important letter from Gen. Poke ap
pear* In another column, to which wo di
rect attention. It will be seen that the
Idea of military Interference between debt
ors and creditors, in the Third Military
district, Is distinctly repudiated. Individ
ual cases may occur, (when courts fall to
recognize the rights of all, without distinc
tion as to race or color, wo suppose,) that
might demand Interference, but it Is scarce
ly probable they will.
The stay law of the State prohibiting
the collection of debts contracted prior to
the dose of the war, will expire January
1st, 1808. Its benefits can he extended only
through the agency of a State Convention.
We have no Legislature—Governor Jen
kins cannot act. General Poke says he
will not. The question rests with the peo
ple. If a Convention is defeated by them
they will have no chance to revise the ac
tion of their previous Legislatures. How
far this opportunity will be neglected, re
mains to be seen. We trust the situation
will be appreciated.
lion. D. A, Walker*! Letter.
The attention of our readers is Invited to
the letter from Judge Dawson A. Walker,
which appears this morniug. It is not
written by a politician—Its sentiments are
those of an honest man, who seeks the
welfare of his fellow-citizens, and is not
nfrahl to throw his lufluenco in the right
direction. Honored, as lie is, with a seat
upon tlie bench of the Supreme Court of
Georgia, ids views will be read with inter
est, and have great weight with the people,
Those who know him know that lie would
not give advice which he did not sincerely
believe to be the best for his country i
In the letter referred to one of the lead
ing minds of Georgia pointedly advises a
vote “ for a Convention,” No doubt can
lie entertained as to the position of the
author. Notwithstanding Mr. Hill’s ti«
rade about “ f>erji»red villains,” etc., Judge
W. could not be deterred from expressing
his opposition to the arch agitators who
seek to prolong our troubles. Head the
letter carefully.
“ Order No. 40.”
Our cotemporary of the InldlUjenc.tr was
unusually sensitive when the article under
the above head, published yesterday morn
ing, was written. We are surprised, nay,
astonished, that so courteous a gentleman
as Judge Whitaker should have been so
indiscreet. He lias a record as well as
others. We decline to ventilate It. It
would accomplish no good, either for him
or the writer. The question now before
the public Is not one of the Past. The
Present and the Future are all we feel in
terested in. It would be foolishness on
our part to accept the pointed Invitation
of the proprietor of the Intelligencer, to
unearth the Past, and we shall decline, as
at present advised. Our fature course will
be determined by the manner in which our
present position is viewed.
To gratliy the “woman’scuriosity” of
the Intelligencer, we give it credit for be
ing “somewhat consistent, though un
wise” and “bitter” In Its “opposition to
Keconstructlon under the Congressional
plan.” Nobody will dispute this; it is
*» known of all men.” We hope this will
l>e satisfactory; If it la not we shall en
deavor to enlighten further.
jy Tho New Orleans Times of the 25th
says that the late dispatch reporting that
Gen. Sheridan has informed Gen. Grant
that the yellow fever had become an epi
demic In Now Orleans was Incorrect. Gen.
Sheridan only telegraphed that fears were
ntertained that it would become epidemic,
and the dispatch was altered in the trans
mission.
|ST The State Department has received
intelligence through an agent of General
Prim, the Spanish revolutionary loader,
that if he is successful, he will offer the
island of Cuba to our government at a
price to bo fixed by a mixed commission.
To keep England a passive speetutor, Culm
will be pledged to repay British bond
holders.
Cf Hon.P. Thwcatt, late Comptroller of
the State, called upon us yesterday. Bad
health lias led him to seek a temporary so
journ with friends In the city, but we hope
the cause of his presence amongst us may
speedily be removed.
tJTTlie Gallatin (Tenn.) Examiner says:
“A largo party of veritable Gipsies, forty
or fifty in fiumber—with wagons or carry-
alls and stock, women and children—have
been encamped near town for several days.
The women tell fortunes and the men trado
in horses, just os their ancestors did a thou
sand years ago.
UF*Noticing the arrival of lion. E. B.
Woshburnc, of Illinois, from Europe, at
Washington, a dispatch says: “Although
heretofore opposed to impeachment ho ex
presses the opinion that the late action of
the President will inevitably lead to the
presentation and passage of articles of im
peachment the moment Congress meets.
Egf About three thousand visitors who
went from Boston, on the *22d inst-* to the
encampment of the First Brigade, in Hall,
were obliged to spend the nlgbt in camp.
A terrible storm prevailed all night, and
there was much suffering among the women
and children, who wore without shelter.
HTThc first vineyard on Kelley’s Island
was planted June 28, 1858, since which
time four hundred and twenty-ono acres
bavo been devoted to the culture of the
grape.
LKTTLK FItO.TI (JE.VEKAL POPE.
Collection of Debts not to be Disturbed.
Head Q'R8 Tiniu» Military District,)
CiEouoia, Alabama and Florida, t
Atlanta, Ga., Aug.Sfl, lbCT.s
Hear Sir: I have the honor to acknowl
edge the receipt of your letter of the 20th
Instunt, Informing mo that “There is a
popular belief in this part of Georgia, that
you will use your powers, as commander
of this District, to give to debtors greater
relief from the claims of creditors thso
they can get, either from tlie Bankrupt
Law, or from constitutional legislation un
der the Provisional Government of the
State, or under the Government that may
be formed in pursuance of the Reconstruc
tion Acts of Congress; and therefore, some
persons desire the continuance of military
rule and tlie postponement of Reconstruc
tion, as the only means of relief from their
liabilities.”
You usk whether there Is foundation for
such an opinion.
In reply. I have to say that I know of
no conceivable circumstances that would
induce me to Interfere by Military orders
with tlie general business of the State, or
with the relation of debtor and creditor
under tlie State laws, except, perhaps, in
individual cases where very manifest in
justice had been done.
The only Military orders which I have
issued, or intended to issue in this District
are such as I consider necessary to the ex
ecution of the Reconstruction Acts. I do
not understand those Acts to warrant me
in making violent and radical changes in
the ordinary course of civil buslnesi?, ex
cept in tlie manner and for the purposes
above indicated.
I do not see that the relations of debtor
and creditor and their adjustment in the
usual legal manner, have any proper eon-
ncction with tlie enforcement of tlie Re
construction Acts, so long as those rela
tions are fairly and justly settled by tlie
Courts without discrimination as to classes
or individuals.
I repeat, then, that under no circumstan
ces which I can now foresee, will I Issue
any such order as you say is hoped for by the
people, and it seems to me tiiat any such
relict as is desired, If it can be obtained at
all, must lie looked for to a State Conven
tion or subsequent legislation after Recon
struction is accomplished.
The pressure upon me hitherto to lspue
an order staying the collection of debts,
lias been greater than it is likely to be
again, and whilst I have no doubt the sub
ject is worthy of grave and anxious con
sideration, I do not consider such matters
properly within my province to adjust.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) John Poke.
Bt. Maj. Gen., U. S. A., Com'g.
Amos T. A. Kerman, Egq„
Elberton, Elbert county, Ga.
TUB SITUATION,
VIEWS OK HON. D. A. WALKER.
Dalton, Ga., August 20,1807.
Judge D. A. Walker:
Dear Sir : From a sense of duty to our
common country, and ■ from tlie high ap
preciation wo entertain of your profound
judgment, and feeling that the condition of
the country is such os to require every
true lover of liberty to render what aid he
can in the cause of Reconstruction, wo are
constrained to call upon you for your
views, believing that they will not prove
fruitless to a people that have so long and
chccrfally honored you.
With very high regard, we are, very re-
spectfally, your fellow-citizens,
N. F. Coolkdok,
L. N. Trammell,
N. 1». Harbkn,
W. J. Underwood,
J. I*. Freeman.
Dalton, Ga„ August 27,1807.
Gentlemen : Your note of the 20th, re
questing my views on the subject of Re
construction, is received. You refer to the
fact that tlio i>eople have long honored me
as a reason why they are entitled to my
opinions upon a subject of so much Inter
est to us all. 1 entertain no opinion which
I ain afraid to express; and if tlie expres
sion of my opinion cun do any good, I will
cheerfully give that expression.
Perhaps my view s can be more satisfac
torily given by reference to a few facts.
During the past winter I became satisfied
that the only way in which our political
affairs could bo settled was by adopting
tlie Constitutional Amendment and man
hood suftVago. Believing the adoption of
these measures preferable to an anomalous
condition, I endeavored to satisfy some of
our State authorities that the Legislature
should he convened preparatory to their
adoption. This effort was made prior to
the passage of the “Sherman Amendment”
on the 2d of March lost.
On the 1st of March I w rote a call for a
public meeting at tlie Court House, in tills
place, of the citizens of this county < which
was signed by fifteen of us, and published
In tlie Cherokee Georgian of that date. In
that call we say, “ The sooner our people
can harmonize with the General Govern
ment the better for tho wholo country,
Como ono, come all) Let us lay aside our
prejudices, and give an earnest expression
of our intention to accept in good faith
tlie results which arc now' inevitable l ”
At the mcetiug thus called, a committee
was appointed, and as Chairman of that
committee I reported a preamble and reso
lutions for the action of tho meeting. The
first resolution was In these words: “Re
solved, That we hereby accept tho terms
tendered by the Congress of tho United
States in the bill known as tho * Sherman
Amendment;’ and that wo will do all in
our power to have them carried out In
good faith, and will, to the utmost of our
ability, aid In the Impartial execution of
the laws, afi'ording equal protection to all
persons, of every race aud every shade of
political opinion.” Tlie second was a re
quest that the Governor convene tlie Leg
islature to carry out ihe provisions of the
bill. The third favored the formation of a
State Constitution, “which shall be alike
Just and protective of all persons of all
races” In tho State. The fourth was an
appeal to the people of the North to adopt
moderate counsels, with a view to the early
restoration of kind feelings between the
people of all sections of the Union. Tlie
fifth was in these words: “Resolved, That
having accepted tho position, we pledge
ourselves to discharge faithfully our duties
as loyal citizens of the United States, and
to defend her flag, and to sustain her credit
and tier honor, at any sacrifice and at any
cost. Her flag is now our flag, and her
honor Is our honor.”
A substitute for the preamble and reso
lutions was offered, looking to the calling
of a State Convention, “ to consult and or
dain for tlie best interests of the State,”
without indicating what policy should be
adopted. This elicited considerable dis
cussion, In which a number of persons
participated, myself among them. The
preamble and resolutions, as reported by
the committee, were adopted, and published
In the Cherokee Georgian, of the 8th of
March.
During the month of March—probably
about the 12th—in reply to a letter asking
my views, I wrote to a gentleman in Au
gusta, and among other things, said: “I
am satisfied that the Supreme Court is
powerless for our relief at an early day, if
at all. Tlie people represented In Congress
are going to arrange our political affairs
their own way, and we have no pow'er suc
cessfully to oppose them. The Military
bill is upon us, and will continue so until
removed by action on our part, as contem
plated by tlie fifth section; and in case of
non-action, our present “Provisional Gov
ernment” will he displaced, and one or
ganized alter tlie Elliott Bill plan for
Louisano, maintained by tfie bayonet atour
expense. In my judgment the best thing
we can do is to comply with the terms pro
posed in the filth section of the bill to the
very letter; and thus place ourselves in a
position to demand admission to Congress
according to their own terms. I am sure
that our representatives will be admitted,
aud this agitation, uncertainty and mili
tary rule will immediately cease. That
once our representatives shall be admitted,
a liberal policy toward our people will be
adopted; tlie test oatli will be regaled, and
the great body of our people who are now
disfranchised, will be relieved almost
simultaneously with the admission of rep
resentation.
We have to submit to the terms imposed
by the conqueror. This done, and in my
opinion, tlie people of the North will be
glad to have an opportunity to show that
they are not so much disposed to tyranize
over us as we are now cnclined to think
they are.
I am unable to see how non-action can
benefit us. I think we have to exprress
our assent to the terms proposed, and then
w’e will be rid of military rule, and not
till then. We now have the choice of a
government organized on the Sherman
bill plan, or over organized on the Elliott
Louisiana bill plan; and in my judgment
tills is all the choice we have left us on tho
subject.
I.am no politician—never held a political
position—and may not be competent to de
cide a question purely political; but to my
mind the course of duty is so clear that no
one should hesitate to come out squarely
In favor of the policy which alone can give
relief from the evils already upon us, and
the still greater ones impending over us.
I have thus given you my views freely
and frankly, believing it the duty of every
one to do all he can to aid In extricating
our noble old State from her present diffi
culties.
These are views I entertained and ex
pressed prior to the passage of the Supple
mental hills, and I entertain them still. 1
have, In my quiet way, endeavored to dis
seminate them, believing that the course
indicated is for the best interests of our
whole people.
Our pcoplo tried to adjust these difficul
ties under the Presidential plan without
saccate. Our Governor applied to the Su
preme Court of the United States to stay
tlie execution of the unconstitutional acts
of Congress, and was told that the Coprt
has no Jurisdiction of the question. Tlie
Executive aud Judicial Departments of the
Govprnment having been applied to In
vain, it would seem to be tho part of wis
dom to make tho best possible terms with
the Legislative Department. Congress
represents the people of the North, and
has shown that it has both the power and
tlie will to control tho wholo question of
Reconstruction. Wo now understand what
is required of us as conditions precedent
to our fall restoration to our position hi
the Union and the protection of tho Con
stitution. I think we should promptly ac
cept tho terms proposed and render the
Military BUI ‘’Inoperative In said State.”
All who are allowed a vote should roto
“for a Convention” and the best men
they can get as delegates to that Conven
tion, “who will appreciate our condition
and do for us the best that circumstances
surrounding them at the time will permit.”
By pursuing this course, our political af
fairs will soon be quiet, capital and skilled
labor wUl come into our State, and ere long
Georgia will again bo properly designated
as an “Empire 8tate.”
Our people, thus becoming prosperous,
will have tho means to reward labor as it
deserves, and they will cheerfully do so.
They can establish a system which will
euahle our active population to receive the
benefit of a cornradn sclwol education.
Such would be a “ consummation devoutly
to be wished,” X hope tho time is not far
distant when every citizen of Georgia wIU
possess the means of procuring the rudi
ments of a good English education. It U the
duty of tho whites to facilitate the educa
tion of the colored; and the duty of ail is
to cultivate relations of amity and friend
ship, as neighbors having a common inter
est and a common destiny. The legisla
tion which will benefit tho white man will
J>onelU the colored, and vice versa. By act
ing upon the true theory that we are all
ono people In Interest, peace and harmony
will prevail, the laborer will bo amply re
warded for his tons, and tlie country will
be prosperous and happy.
These, gentlemen, are my views, stated
more at length than 1 Intended when I be
gan. The subject is ono about which so
much may he said that it is difficult to c
press one‘s ideas into a small space.—
Thanking you for tho flattering note you
addressed me, and believing that I have
freely and fully compiled w ith your re
quest therein, I remain, very truly, your
friend, Dawson A. Walker.
Messrs. N. F. Cooledge, L. N. Trammell,
N. P. Jlnrben, W. J. Underwood, J. P.
Freeman.
Republican Mail Meeting at Hlacon
Maco.v, Ga., August 28,1807.
Editors Opinion: Yesterday was a day
long to bo remembered In the history of
this city. A mass meeting was held here
yesterday by the colored citizens of Bibb
and adjoining counties to ratify tho plat
form adopted at Atlanta by tlie Union Re
publican State Convention, on tho 4th of
July Just. Jt was the largest political meet
ing ever held in this city, and perhaps the
largest ever held in the State. Our city
panel s concede that there was never before
so large and so orderly a meeting in our
midst.
The Telegraph this morning, devotes
nearly two columns to a report—such a re-
j)ort us it is—of tlie proceedings of the day.
That paper says: -This was by far the
largest political gathering ever eonveued
in Macon, if not In Middle Georgia. There
were at least from six to eight thousand
present—there were one thousand four
hundred from Jones county alone. Most
of tlie delegates arrived the previous eve
ning, and the balance early in tlie morning.
We must concur with Major Obear In say
ing that it was ono of the most orderly
gatherings we have ever seen.”
Tims much of the lengthy report made
by tlie Telegraph, though its estimate of
tlie number present is entirely too low, us
there were at least twelve thousand pres
ent, appears to have been given with a
sincere aud honest intent.
It Is amusing to observe how these oppo
sition papers deceive and defraud their
readers, by giving a distorted and pervert
ed account of sucli meetings, how they
garble and misrepresent the speeches, how
they put words into tlie speakers’ mouths,
which were not used, how they strive to
make the whole thing ridiculous.
Yes, by II o’clock not less than twelve
thousand people had gathered around
the* speakers stand, and about that
hour a nilendid coach, drawn by four beau
tiful deep bay horsed, decorated with min
iature United Suites flags, drovo up with
the speakers of tlie day in it. The mag
nificent brass band wfilch had been pro
cured for tho occasion then enlivened the
immense multitude with its thrilling
music.
Tho meeting was then called to order by
Mr. F. Long, who presided on the occasion.
The chairman explained the object of the
meeting and stated that tlie invited speak
ers of the day were Ex-Gov. Joseph K-
Brown and Col. Henry 1*. Farrow, of At
lanta. He stated that a letter had been re
ceived from ex-Gov. lirown stating Hint
his presence at I.umpkln Court was Im
peratively necessary, and would prevent
ills presence at the meeting, but tiiat lie
was cordially with them in tlielr efforts for
Reconstruction. He stated that Col. Fur
row was present and would address them,
and tiiat there were other gentlemen pres
ent who would also address them.
He then introduced Col. Farrow, who
addressed them for an hour and a half in
an able and impressive manner, lie al
luded to the progress of tlie age, and, as an
evidence of it, pointed to the thousands of
human beings then before him who so re
cently were all mere pieces of property,
sold and purchased as a horse, niule, or r
cow, but who, by means and instrumental
ities chosen and selected by Almighty God,
had been freed from the shackles ot slav
ery and elevated to the high and honorable
position of American citizens. lie recog
nized the wonderfal change as tho work of
an overruling Providence, and yielding to
it as such, should take them by the right
hand of friendship with ft Christian spirit
ami do all In ids power to aid them In the
discharge of tlie new duties which de
volved upon them. That the moment an
all-wise God, through his own agencies,
struck from them tho shackles of slavery,
they became American citizens, they be
came tax payers, they became subject to
military duty, and of right became entitled
to the elective franchise.
He alluded in a feeling manner to the
Mages and laws of bis own native South,
which had so long closed tlie lids of the
Holy Bible upon four millions of our own
W le * which had so long made it a crime
e State of Georgia to enlighten one
half of the State sufficiently to receive that
inestimable gift of God to man. He
thought nil the missionaries should be
called home from tho far distant fields of
heathenism and caused to labor in our own
beloved South until at least half of our
own population could sit down and read
tho Word Gqd,
He not only assailed certain Items of
legislation which existed prior to the war,
but much of the legislation since the war.
Thought the attempt to make the State as
sume the payment of Bonds and Treasury
notes issued by the bogus rebel government
during the war, an insult to tho people of
Georgia. Tlie scheme would have succeed
ed, and the people would havo been made
to pay heavy taxes to nay a debt they
had never contracted, had not the Federal
Government Interfered to prevent It.—
County officials had, in some instances, as
sumed such debts, and the people should
to U that no such outrage* aro perpe-
ie^farored a common school ^ system
«Sm
all
no matter
tch would open the door of knowledge to
of every color, and every station in life,
matter of how low, humble and obscure
parentage. Tiiat the school fand should
Bo raised by taxing the property of all.—
of all should educate tho
rfcsjbf life and as little as possible upon the
necessaries of life. Taxes should full upon
thoso most able to pay them, aud thoso
who arc worth most aro most able to pay
taxes. Was opposed to excessive poll
' tea, aud thought them unjust aud op-
esslvc. Advised every freedman present
... pay all taxes legally imposed, for it was
ono of the paramount duties of an Ameri
can citizen.
The speaker then took up the Sherman
bill and its supplements, lio advised the
acceptance of the terms tendered; advised
all to register and vote for a Convention,
and to vote for men who were friendly to
tbo great principles of equal justice con
tained in thoso hills, lie was surprised
that any one should contend that those
bills disturbed, or in any way affected, so
cial relations. Just as water seeks a level,
so does every individual shape his social
destiny, and will stand high or low socially
just as his own intrinsic merit and worth
assigns him, in spite of all legislation. He
demonstrated in a clear and lucid manner
that the Reconstruction laws cannot and
will not affect any man’s social worth and
standing. , . _ „
He was glad to see tiiat tlie pcoplo of all
portions of tlie State are ignoring tlie
teachings of their old leaders and coming
to tlie rescue of tho country. He exposed
tlie manner in which Ben. Hill has been
first swearing to support a Constitution and
tiien making war to overthow it; how he
made a new ono and swore to support it,
and then disregarded every provision in
it; how he violated it by making conscript
laws to make Union men light against a
Government they loved, and Insisted that
such men were unworthy of the confidence
of any Government or or any people.
At this point a white individual, whoso
social and moral status is well known in
this city (by tho knowing ones), ascended
the stand and handed the speaker a slip of
paper, propounding three questions:
1st, “A re you in favor of socialc quality ?”
To which the si>eakcr responded that If
God had done so little for the individual
propounding the question as not to have
given him enough brains to understand
his views upon tiiat question, after his hav
ing given them so fully and so plainly
that every freedman within the sound of
ids voice must have understood him, then
it was tlie misfortune of the individual and
not the fault of tlie speaker; that lie was
here to make argument, and not to make
brains.
The second question was, “Aro you in
favor of Amalgamation ?” To which the
speaker replied, that in past times, under
former institutions, and under stringent
laws against amalgamation, ho was con
strained to say that, from the thousands of
living evidences then around him, the ef
forts to prevent amalgation had proven
very ineffectual; and that, so far as his
observation bad extended, those who now
feign opposition to it, and seem most op
posed to It, and thrust tho question most
upon public assemblages of the people, aro
those who, when their private history be
comes known, would be least suspected of
opposing it. That thoso who pretend to be
most alarmed about amalgamation are the
very class of men against whom lie would
warn ills colored friends, and where they
found such enemies (V) of amalgamation
lurking around their houses at night, to
dog them away, and if possible save their
daughters from their seductive and hellish
purposes
Tbe other question was, “Are you In fa
vor of electing negroes to Congress?” To
which the speaker replied, that he was an
advoento and supporter of that eternal
principle of equal justice which prevailed
in Heaven, and should prevail on earth;
that no man possessed of tho requisite
qualifications would be denied entrance
Into Heaven because he had been a white
man or a colored man, and he w ould. op
pose the ratification of any State Constitu
tion whicli excluded from office any one
possessed of all the essential qualifications
for office simply because ho Is a w hite man
or a black man. Tiiat ho was for letting
every man, white or black, stand or fall by
his own intrinsic merits.
Tlie speaker had no knowledge of the
individual propounding the inquiries, but
the deafening shouts which rent the air ns
tho speaker answered tho first and second
interrogations clearly indicated that there
were many present who knew something
of him.
The speaker then spoko of the thorough
organization of the friends of Reconstruc
tion and the Republican party throughout
tlie State. which had been perfected. In
some Instances, by open organization, and
other instances by secret Union Leagues.
Secrcsv in some localities had been neces
sary to shield Union men from open vio
lence ; and iu several instances their peace
ful, quiet meetings had been fired into and
gunshot wounds inflicted. He assured his
hearers that tho true Union men of Geor
gia would discharge their duty, and that
the State would go for a convention by a
majority of fifty thousand votes.
lie had an abiding confidence in General
Pope—in tlie United States Congress and
in the American people. Whatever might
be necessary to re-establish the integrity
of the Southern Stato Governments w ould
be required by the American people and
nothing more. Ho closed with an earnest
appeal to all to return in good faitii to
tlie flag of their fathers.
Tho meeting was also addressed by
Messrs. 11. M. Turner, of Macon; G. w.
Ashburnc, of Columbus; James L. Dun
ning,?of Atlanta, and John P.^Caustln, of
Augusta.
Several heavy showers of rain fell during
the latter part of the meeting, but the
crowd were so much interested in tho
speeches that all remained through sun-
slilne and through rain, till it adjourned,
about 5 o’clock, p. m.
It was remarked on all sides that there
never was a more quiet and orderly meet
ing in Bibb county. Tnc best of feeling
preveiled upon tho ground and through
out the city. All the speeches were mild
and concilatory. Tho feelingfln tlio meet
ing was against running colored men for
oflTcc, If white men can bo found in the
different counties, occupying tho proper
political status.
Tho platform of principles adopted by
the Union Republican Stato Convention
w as unanimously endorsed, aud endorsed
in such overwhelming numbers os but fow
platforras.over received in a primary meet
ing In the South.
The Indications of yesterday clearly
show that Reconstruction Is going to take
placo In spite of Hill. Johnson £ Co. If
reliable wdiito men shrink from their duty
and leave the government in the bands of
the colored citizens, upon their heads will
be the consequences.
In accordance with my promise, I will
address you when events or sufficient im
portance transpire in this city.
_____ • , OCMULUKZ.
Tiiat the .school fand should
The property
children of ail.
He was far an equitable system of tsx*-<
tlon. and thong > no fiyrtotn of tax .Mon
could be equiui ’•* unless It imposi- < its
burdens hk mu'' Kjmdhleupon G ehisu-
UJ.Great Britain, as is well known now,
has the largest fleet of merchant vessels
ffloat. It. tonnage fa over 7,000,000. The
Dnltcil htates now In. 5,000.000 tons, and
third on tho list stau-U Germany. and
fourth Franco. ■ In -1*5:i. however, the tola.
ttve position, wore ihe United
dtates being lire, tire I. In second,
hranve third, an i Genu ,ii-. rtb.
Ord.
Hkadq'rs Fourth Military District,)
(Misstssim and Arkansas.) \
Vicksburg, Miss., August 13,1SC7. )
General Orders So. IS.]
I. The General commandingImvJng beca
credibly Informed that In somo Instances
landholders within tlijs district are, with
out legal cause. hut upon frivolous pre
texts, driving nlV their laborers with a view
to withhold their arrears of wages or slums
in tho growing crops, Assistant Commis
sioners of the Bureau of Kofugces, Frced-
men and Abandoned Lands, will Instruct
their subordinates carefully to investlgato
every such ease which may como to their
knowledge, affording nil the luirties a full
hearing, so that, should the circumstances
ns developed disclose, on tho part of tho
employers, cruel treatment of tlio laborers,
on attempt to defraud him of his wages,
the Offender may be brought to trial before
a Military Commission.
„The officer who makes tho investiga
tion will report fully to tho Assistant Com
missioner all tho facts discovered, and will
state whether any and what application
lias been mado to tho civil authorities, and
what action, If any, has been taken by
them, with tlio names of all civil officers
who fail or neglect to do justice in tho
premises.
III. Complaints having also been re
ceived that In somo cases there are labor
ers to whom a share of the crop of lwio is
still due, Assistant Commissioners will di
rect their agents to prevent the removal of
any crop, until the .hares of tho laborers
havo been ascertained and assigned them,
and in caso of any dispute between tho
employernnd tho laborer in this partition,
and on account of the fact that the courts
of the States of this District are not open
to persons too poor to give bonds, tho mat
ter in dispute will bo decided by tbreo
referees, one of whom shall ho selected by
tho employer, ono by the laborer, and tho
third by the other two; or. If they fail to
select a third, then lie shall bo appointed
by the nearest officer of the Bureau, and n
record of the decisions of these referees
will lib made, so that If found to lie in
good fifth and In keening with the re
quirements of this order, It may be ditly
enforced by the agent, who, to this end. is
authorized to call for aid upon tho nearest
Military Commander.
Tlio General Commanding wishes it to
be understood that the complaints of frauds
upon laborers implicate only a low class
of men In this district, and ho asks all
gentlemen, cugaged In planting—who aro
of course interested in protecting tho
laborer—to aid In punishing and bringing
into general contempt all persons, whose
treatment of their hands refects discredit
upon their class.
By command or Brevet Major General
Ord- O. D. Guf.knk, A. A. G.
Human Moxstrosity—a Child Kith
Two Head, and Four Anna.—In Chippewa,
Wisconsin, tliero is ono of the most re
markable objects that over breathed tlie
breath of Heaven—the body of a child
with two perfect heads and four complete,
well-formed arms. Tho lower limbs are
natural, and also tho extremo lowor part
of tho body. Just above tlio hips the body
ticglns to Increase in size, the backbone
branching out to right and left, and diverg
ing sufficiently to give room for two shoul
der blades between them iu their proper
position, tho distinct two forms beginning
tlielr seperate existence just below the
arm pits. In front tlio bodv below the
navel appears natural. About that point
It gradually branches out into two separate
organizations, tho breast bones being
joined. Tho vital organs are all double;
tho shoulders and necks aro all perfect, and
tho heads aro well-formed. Tlie features
are regular and well developed, ono head
appearing to bo that of a male, while the
features of the other resemble those of a
female. Tho genitals of tlio male are per
fect. Altogether this fa u wonderful speci
men of the genus mail. Likotho Siamese
twins, the two faces aro naturally inclined
toward each other, tho back of the body
being broader than tho front. Tlio insldo
arms are In such a position as to naturally
twine around tlio little necks, each of Its
fellow, giving a pleasing effect. The weight
ol the body, after having been somewhat
reduced by tlie process of embalming, was
eight pounds. The child was born in
Chippewa on Sunday, tho 14th of July—
Drs. J. A. MacDonald and Alexandria
McBead being in attendance. Ono side
lived a few minutes after being ushered
Into this strange world, and then died,
whllo the other did not breathe. Tho body
has been leased from the parents—wlio
naturally shrink from having their names
published—by a man who proposes to take
ft abroad and exhibit It to tho curious
world. Dr. MacDonald has embalmed it
for that purpose.
A Gkoroia Contractor.—The Monoids
Bulletin, of Tuesday last, says! 1
V e havo been Informed that the Presi
dent and Directors of the Memphis and
Little Book ltallroad have made arrange
ments whereby the Eastern division of
tlielr road, extending from Memnlds to
Madison, on tho St. Francis rlvcw 5nd tlm
Western division, from Duval’s Bluff to
Little ltock, are to be completed by the
llrst of next January. They havo made a
contract with Mr, Edward Donmead. of
SIarlctta,Ga,to put these divisions Iu com
plete running order. The entire cost of
thework, iron Included, fa estimated at
HTFoddcr is selling in Wetumpkn at
oncdo lar per hundred; In Montgomery
and Selma at one dollar and a quarter; in
Tuwaloosa and Huntsville at one dollar;
and in Mobile at one dollar and a half. Wo
canbld good-by to Ohio grass hereafter.
IV c predict that it will be inane year- lie-
fore another bale of Ohio grass Is used by
» farmer In Alabama. With plcntv ot
"£"5 fodder, pea*, beans, potatoes
(both Irish anil sweet), nml counting tlio
pumpkins, with reconstruction, wo will
havo the happiest people in Alabama to lio
found In the world.—Mon ten m ery Sentinel.
. *K* Many curious Incidents of the Sul-
tau s visit to London aro related. Among
°?Vi r ra 8 i or ,l eg ’» i8 °“ e to thc that i>urt
i ^hultan’Hsulto was nmistoined to go
At longth, after some of these de-
had been observed from
tlio Palace Hotel, opposite, a gentle hint
was given to them, to the effect that In
England they were not accustomed to such
a style of attire—thc climate not being that
of the garden of Eden.
tf* Tho K cw Albany Ledger says: Cop-
tain Joshua Wiley has negotiated* for tins
purchase of the Plain City, to run In con
nection with the Cairo Bello In the
r»M? 00 r lvor an( * Sunflower trade. Captain
>Viley has been spending the summer in*
this city, and will, as soon as the trade is
completed, bring tho ThUn City hero far
a thorough overhauling. The price settled
upon is 99,000 cash.