Georgia weekly opinion. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1867-1868, September 03, 1867, Image 3

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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.