About Georgia weekly opinion. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1867-1868 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 14, 1868)
rH THE WEEKLY OPINION, ABBiaiED^-Detcctivo Starnes and a tquad of tiro “boys In l>lue” arrived In tUo city this afternoon, having under ar rest and In their eliarge.'a goodly number of of Ilall eounty. These gentlemen are charged with having violated the In ternal Hevcnuo Laws. Tlio following Is a list of the names as furnished us: Tyler Bell, II. Huggins, G. Long, II. IV, Brown, A. E. Cooper, E. Harrison, G. Har rison, I. Hayes, A. Bell, SI. I’arkcr, James Tuggle. W The greater port of the session of tho Convention to-day, was consumed In discussing tho resolution of Sir. Asliburu, asking Congress to more clearly define tho powers of tho Convention In reference to the civil officers of the State. As the hour of adjournment interrupted the discussion, the matter will como up ns unfinished bus Incss to-morrow, when another Interesting discussion may be expected. HTTheBlll of Eights reported from the standing committee on that subject con tains the following provisions: Neither Slavery nor Involuntary servi tude shall ever exist la this State except as a punishment for crime, of which tho party shall havo been duly convicted. Tho Elective Franchise shall be enjoyed by all male citizens of this State, 21 years old and upwards, except such as are, or shall be disfranchised by the United States or any one of them, or for felony at the Common Law, of which the. party •-hall have been duly convicted. . Ex-Gov. Bnows’s AnnisKss.—Ex-Gov. Brows read a lengthy but able address to the members of the Constitutional Conven tion, at tho City Hall last evening; a large number of citizens Itclng present. The Hall was so densely crowded, that it was Impossible for all present to gain admit tance, or for all those who were In. to ob tain seats. Tile address treated mainly of the lie- construction movement, combatting th assumption that the Laws of Congee, contemplated the establishment of negr supremacy in the Southern States; ik fended the administration of,Gen. Pol 1 against tho popular change that he had s geremandored the State as to place th political power of the same In the hands of negroes; advocated measures of Kellel tor the People; counseled moderation hy the members of tho Convention; and advo cated some measure looking to the relief of stockholders In the defunct Banking Insti tutions of the State. The address was well conceived, deliver ed In a forcible and Impressive manner, and was listened to with profound In terest. Mn. Johnson and tub Democracy.— A foolish rumor, says the New York Aline!., h flviii* tuv ‘o«..A-. v»» lllC prias that President Johnson Intends to issue a proclamation urging the Southern States to send delegates to tho National Democratic Convention. Nothing could bo more preposterous. What has the Presi dent to dootllcially with political conven tions of any sort? And when has the Democratic party authorized President Johnson to issue proclamations on its be half? Wo presume the Southern States will seek representation in the Convention, and will probably get it; but it will not bo in consequence of any Presidential proclamation. The Cask of Mn. Uoi'kins.—The Wash ington correspondent of the N. Y. Times says: “It transpires that there arc no charges in the Treasury Department against Internal Revenue Collector Hopkins, of Savannah, Ga., suspended hy tho President A lew days ago. Tho charge against him St the White House is perjury in taking the Test Oath. It would seem that Mr. Dls* trict Attorney Fitch was a long time in finding this out, ns Mr. Hopkins has been In office nearly two years.” Grant on Bull Pupfies.—An occasional correspondent writes us says the Tribune, from Washington the following dlalougc, which we print as a good Joke, without at all vouching for its authenticity: Inquiring republican (to Gen. Grant)— Well, General, what do you think will be tho effect of Negro Suffrage, fairly carried out? Gen. Grant.--Have you seen Marshal Brown’s pups? They arc the finest in the District. [Exit Inquirer, quite satisfied with the pertinence of tho answer, and leaving the General smoking.] Nxw Minister to Austria.—The Wash ington Star of tho 6th learns from what it deems good authority, that S. S. Cox of New York, will bo nominated by the Pre sident aa minister to Austrin. GEORGIA STATE COWVBffTION. SIXTEENTH DAT. fUKPORTZD EXPRESSLY FOB Till DAILT OPINIO!!] Mr. HARRIS opposed the motion. IIo desired action at once, tiiat tho Convention have in) excuse to refrain frotft ‘nffiioftog all obstacles to reconstruction. Fripav, Jan. 10, 1668. did not desire44*?; *** ' OTA private letter from an Intelligent citizen of Georgia, by no means a sup porter of the Congressional plan of reooii* atractlon, says tiiat the removal of Gen. Pope, and the appointment of Meade, seems to give general satisfaction among Conservative men. “although.” he adds, “I cannot sec what Pope has done, so far ns Georgia is concerned, to have made him obnoxious to anybody; ho mado very few removals, was neither dictatorial or vin dictive; but, on the contrary, was tolerant end irenerous.” This is a compliment to the General’s administration, no matter what may have been tho enuso of his re moval. We dip the above from the New York /Times of the Ofcli. It by no means mis represents tho views of tho “intelligent citizens of Georgia,” with regard to tho administration of Gcu. Pope. The com pliment is deserved, and accorded l*y oil reflecting men. OT Mrs. Stratton? wife of Calvin Strat ton, of Columbus, died at her residence In tbit city on tho Wb. Convention met at the regular hour. Prayer by the Chaplain. Journal rend and approved. . Mr. DUNNING moved to suspend tho rules, and the following resolution consid ered: Resolved, That Inasmuch as Gen. George G. Meade has signified his convenience to visit the Convention this day, to farther the oblcct, we recommend tho appoint ment of a committee of three to meet Gen. Meade, and conduct him to the right pf this Convention. Resolution adopted, and the Chairman announced tho following committee: Messrs. Dunning, Walton nml Holcombe. Mr. PARROTT, (Mr. Trammell In the Chair,) moved a suspension of tlio Tides, that tho following ordinance be considered and adopted: An ordinance supplementary to nml ex planatory of an ordlnanco adopted by this Convention on the 16fa day of. De cember, 1807, for temporary relief .to. the people. ’ , Section 1. Bo it ordained by the people of Giorgio, In Convention assembled, That an ordinance adopted by this Convention on the 16th day of December, 1867, sus pending the levy and sale of property, and for the temporary relief ot the people, shall apply to no debts or money demand originating since the Ilrst day of J.une, 1865, and to no executive judgment, order or decree founded upon any debt or money demand originating since tho first day of June. 1805. Sec. 2. Be it*further ordained. That any Sheriff or other ministerial officer of said State who shall violate the provisiohs of aid ordinance, and who shall levy upon or sell property under any execution, judg ment. order or decree of any Court of this State, founded upon any debt orhionoy demand bearing date or origltintingpfiOi to the first day of June, 1805, or in renewal of any contract, debt or demand originating prior* to tiiat time, shall he deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Shu. 3. Re it further ordained, That It shall he the duty of the several Judges of the Superior Courts to Issue orders requir ing Sheriffs and ministerial officers to obey this ordinance, and for failure to obey saul ordinances, and for a violation of the same hy any Sheriff or other ministerial officer, ho shall be find not less than live hundred dollars, and imprisoned not less than six months for contempt of Court, and shall be removed from office Mr. PARROTT moved tiiat the ordinance ho adopted. Mr. MILLER objected. Jlc was opposed to hasty legislation, and desired to be nd- vUed of tlio purport of all matters before casting his vote. He moved that the ordi nance he referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. DUNNING expressed similar views. Mr. PARROTT explained the ordinance, when on motion, it was ordered tiiat it be printed and mado tho special order for to morrow. Mr. PARROTT offered a series of reso- ...tions instr committees, suspended, and resolutions be udopted. Mr. BRYANT objected to the resolu tions, and claimed tiiat they would operate as a gag to prevent free discussion. Mr. McCOY and Mr. PARROTT ex plained that the resolutions would not so operate, but would establish a regular order which would advance business. Mr. CALDWELL said lie could see noth ing to be gained by tho pnssngc of the resolutions. He wanted full and free dis cussion on all matters pertaining to the Constitution, and thought tlio resolutions entirely unnecessary. Mr. DAVIS favored the resolutions. Tlie Convention could do nothing without systematic working. Ho wanted nil the reports from the Committees before taking action. The motion to suspend tin? rules was postponed without division. Mr. ASH BURN from the Committee on Bill ot Rights made a full report.. Mr. WHITELY' moved the report bo laid upon the table, and live hundred copies be printed for tho use of the Convention. Adopted. Mr. AKERMAN, from the majority of the Committee on tlio Judiciary made a report, which, lie stated, was not in accord ance with the views of all the members of the committee. It was reported, and in opposing some of the provisions, he desired it understood that no member of the committee should lie considered incon sistent. Mr. WHITKLY presented a minority report, which was read, and on motion It was ordered that five hundred copies of botli reports he printed. Upon a call of tho roll ior the introduc tion of new matter, Mr. HUDSON present ed a letter from one of ills constituents which lie asked should be read and refer red to the Committee on Relief. By Mr. CATCHING, an ordinance for the relief of tho people of Georgia, By Mr. ASIIBUUN* a resolution asking that tho provisional government of the State of Georgia bo administered hereafter by persons who arc eligible under tho sixth section of tho reconstruction act. Mr. A8HBURN, also, forwarded to the Clerk’s desk a letter from the lion. John Sherman, which was read, ns follows: United States Sknate Chamber, I Washington, Jan. 0,1808. | Dear Sir: I don’t see how It Is possible for you or other members of the Conven tion to havo Just ground of fear from tho opponents of Reconstruction. Go ahead: Cbugress will unquestionably do nil that liad reepivod letters from three United States, Senators, similar iu sentiment to tiiat of Mr. $hcrmnn. Mr. CALDWELL took the, eamo ylew and was for removing all opposition* - Mr. ASUBURX and MtvDAVIS-also Ably advocated the immediate passage of the resolution , It being announced that 3ty)qr General Meade was In waiting, tbe.qupsiion was postponed, and tlio committee appointed conducted tiiat officer to thftjptyijman’s stand, when be was gredtedby the Presi dent, In substance, as follows: Mnj. Gen. Geo. G. Meade I In' tho name And In behalf of tho representatives of the peoplo of Georgia, 1 extend,you a cordial Welcome to the Hal! of our deliberations. Gentlemen of the Convention, allow me to Introduce to you Mai. Gen. Gco.tT Meade, the commander 0 f too Third Military Dis trict under tho Reconstruction laws of Congress, and I respectfully request that you will hear with attention sufch icmarks as he may think proper to-make. The General was received with applause, when be thanked the Convention for tho courtesies extended him. Hu was sent here by his government to carry Out the provis ions of the laws of Congress, and he should do so faithfully in such manner ns he might deem would best subserve the interests of the people of the district.- Referring to the public iinpre*doti tiiat be,was required to enforce tiic action of the Convention on all subjects, he mid lie was allowed the exer cise of his own judgment, ting it was not required of him to accept ns a finality any of its act-, but tiiat lie .might deem it pro per to use tlio power in his hands to enforce sonic measures, and in tills connection dis tinct reference was made to the relief ques tion. At tho conclusion of. the General's re marks thoiConvenUou took n.recess of fif teen minutes, mid the dclegutos were indi vidually introduced. When the Convention was cabled to der, Mr. AHIllUHtN advocated the passage of the resolutions, and Mr. TRAMMELL opposed tlioin. Before the latter gentle man concluded ills remarks,.the hour of adjournment arrived, and tho Convention adjourned until to-morrow. fjlF.OlM.II A NT ATE CONVENTION. SKVKXTKENTl! DAY. • opinio*.| w j _ w iticfcfa needed, state wbat It is, and it will be fur nished. Very truly, yours, John SnutMAX, C. II. UorxiNH, Esq. Mr. AHSBURN moved a suspension of the rules, id order that the resolution be taken up and coniitfcrod. Agreed to. Mr. WHITELY moved that the resolu tion be referred to the Committee on MU* coilaneoui matters. (KUrORTKD KXI'KKSM. V I OK T Saturday, Jan. 11. 1868. Convention mot at the regular hour. Prayer hy the Chaplain. Journal read and approved. The unfinished business being in order, and Mr. TR AMMELL having the floor, lie offered the following ns a substi tute for the resolution of Mr. Ashburn Resolved, Tiiat our confidenco in tlio firmness, ability, ami fidelity of Maj. Gen GeorgcjG. Meade is full uml complete: tiiat wifaicreby express our opinion that lie comes among us to ixetsute the laws of tlio United States; that his powers arc am ple and completes and tiiat he Inis the wil to effect the restoration of tlio State to it- full relations as a Stale of the I'nluii. Mr. TRAMMELL advocated the adoj»- tion of ids substitute at length. The ru- cord of the Convention in reference to the civil officers of the State. The removal of Governor Jenkins had been asked of. and ids successor named to. General Pope* That officer had passed from, and -jjcncral Meade had a p pun rod upon the stage. It seemed to him Gen. M. was uuwilliti, uphold flic revolutionary .schemes, there fore, they wanted to call upon a radical Congress for support. The people of Geor gia were willing to reconstruct under the Slier man bill—Radicals opposed, and Deni* ;it*nnd Conservatives favored such Re construction. His friends should be placed correctly upon tlio record. He wanted to k*now what information had been sent Mr. Sherman to call out his letter, and what party opposed Reconstruction? Mr. BRYAYT responded—Tlio party to which Mr. Trammell hrlongcd. as was evi dent from ills speech. Mr. TRAMMELL—Docs the gentlemen favor Reconstruction under tin* Sherman bill? Mr. MILLER asked that the original resolution of Mr. Asliburu be read, which was done. The resolution Is as follows: Resolved. Tiiat we, tlio Ruprwentlves of the people of Georgia, in Convention Assembled, respectfully represent to the Congress of the United States, that it is essential to the successful execution of tho Reconstruction laws that the provisonul government of tho State should be executed by such jieisons only ns are made eligible by tho fal lowing clause of the 6th section of the “act to provide for a more efficient gov ernment of tho Rebel States.” viz: “ And no person shall bo eligible to any office tin- dor any such provisional government who would bo disqualified from holding office under the provisions of the 3d article of said Constitutional amendment,” said sec tion 3d of said Constitutional amendment being: No person shall bq eligible “.who having previously taken an oath as a mem ber of Congress, or as an officer or the United States, or as a tncmber’of liny State Legislature, judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemy; and wo, there fore, respectfully recommond that this Convention be clothed with an operative authority, the same as delegated to the District Commander in section 2d of tho supplemental reconstruction act, passed July 10,1867; and tiiat wo further petition Congress to at oucc amend the reconstruc tion act, so tiiat all persons who have aided reconstruction under the said law, and are to endorsed by this Convention, shall be eligible to office In the provisional govern ment. Resolved, That the Secretary bo. aud ho Is hereby Instructed to transmit at once a copy of this resolution to the Speaker of tho House of Representatives, and to the President of tho Senate. Mr. MILLER referred to the subject matter mentioned in the resolution. The resolution asked Congress to give this Con vention power to vacate tlio civil offices of tho State, and replace them by persons who jfcife eligible under nmgqdijigit, the Constitution of the United States. He opjioietr WWW; "■OTFUTflBWHffii more magnitude than tUo gdhtlemen seem ed to bo aware of. If removals become ne cessary to prevent obstacles being thrown in i tho way of Reconstruction, th© power was already granted to'the oommanderW tho district, or tho tho Gotiefa! of the arhiy. Tho President could r not interfere, if the Genoral-ln-cliicf approved. IIo road Mr. Sherman’s lettor, which* he thought told the Convention plainly to go ahead ” and form a Constitution. Tills was nil tho lawj Intended. It would bo impossible for this Convention to fill tho 0,000 civil offices of tho State. It would taka too much time. Achangowas unnecessary. If tho Con-; vention should *go ahead*? a Constitution could be framed within tlio next week; this Convention could provide for a vote to be taken iu thirty days, and then the peoplo themselves could fill tho offices. Tho Convention was called for a spcclll purposes. Its duty was an diumblc one-*-; simply clerical, viz: To write out a Const! tutlon for the adoption or rejection of the peoplo. Haste was indecent and unneces sary. • t. Mr. AKERMAN opposed'the resolution. Tho gontlcmaii from Fulton lias said much he favored. IIobolievedsomo officers of our civil government should be remov- oil, and lie also believed’ they would he re moved iua short time. Two officials had poW er to remove, Gens. Meade nml Grant. The President could not interfere with the hit ter, und if the General could bo shown there were obstacles to reconstruction Inexis tence, lie would remove them because It was his duty to do so. If the Convention were entrusted with such power, it would endanger tlio political purity of numbers— it would involve them ill a struggle with an army of 60,000 place hunters; the Con vention could not select undcrstandingly. If tho Convention had such power, the love of place and power might lead ion course that wquld involvo a defeat of tho consti tution, for the purpose of continuing, the right to exercise the power in this Conten tion. Mr. AKERMAN concluded by propos ing an amendment, that no member of till- Convention be appointed to any civil of fice tiiat may 1>c vacated. Mr. BRYANT refuted the minor, rent* tered by gentlemen who opposed the ivm- lution. tiiat the majority desired to get this [lover for the purpose of using it to defeat a Constitution. Rumor said some gentle men wore on tills floor tbr tlie.purpose of defeating reconstruction, thereby betray ing the purposes of those who elected them. He would not charge'this, hut feared !t was true. The majority wanted to frniui a Republican Constitution without daisy; they wanted it ratified, nml wanted nil ob stacles removed. Mueli 1ms been said about the majority being anxious t*» linger the public treasure. 'Nobody, thought-oftills in a corrupt sense. Rut If arm* were to be thrust into the treasury, he infinitely pre ferred tiiat limy should bu Um arms of loyal men. snd not disloyal. A large ma jority wanted reconstruction—lie feared a few wore opposed to iu nml lie al-o loured that few would opjMise any inun»urdrt or Constitution that might be adopted, before the people. One side wauled to control the civil offices to aid iu ratification, the other was opposed to sueJi control, w ho lie would not say. Others might draw their own inference. Ho was opposed to the te^t-oath. Mr. WHITELY presented a series of re solutions as a Substitute for the proposi tion of Mr. Asliburu, which were read at the Clerk’s desk : Whereas, the ReooiistruiUui Aets n*eog- nIze the existence of a government within the limits of Georgia—Hiihieet to the mili tary commander of ’the dhtriet. and the paramount authority of Congress—under which certain officials hold office; apd Whereas, the term for which-aid official* ..ere elected Is set forth In the law- allow ed to operate within said limits has i xpir- ed, and sjiid officials hold only bv mason of a failure to provide their sucees«or>»; and Whereas, a great many of said officials are hostile to, and are using their influence against Hie restoration of Georgia lo the Union, and by so .doing are not only seri ously retarding the work ot reconstruct ion but also materially effecting tho pio*|H.»ri- ty of the State. Therefore. * Resolved, That the Convention do here by request the Legislative Department of the Government of the United States to authorize this body to declare vacant the Chief Executive offices of the State, and to till the same, as well as to provide for the removal, through the Chief Executive olfi* eer of tlio State thus selected, of all per sons who arc hostile to reconstruction, aud the tilling of such vaeSncfe.4 by said Exe cutive. Resolved, Tiiat the Convention. i» justice to the friends of restoration under the Re construction Acts, ihi hereby request ti e department aforesaid to relieve ail sneli of existing disabilities, tiuil Rmy may ho eli gible to fill the vacancies tfiudtrcutcd. Resolved, That thu Convention do fur ther request the modification of Urn Test Oath, so ns to admit of nil persons who havo nided or abetted the late war against the United States holding office I herein; Provided, such persons honestly regiot the past, and are earnestly attached to and de termined to labor for the return of the States, on the basis of tlio R won* t auction Acts. Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions I c forwarded by tho President of the Convention to the Presldentof the United States, the Presi dent ot the Senate, aud the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. RICHARDSON* moved the previ ous question, upon which the ayes and noes were called and rc*q)ted—ycaJ 6, uays 128. Mr. WIUTELY moved to lay the resolu tion nml substitute on tho table. Carried. Mr. TRAMMELL moved that 200 copies bo printed. Carried. Mr. WADDELL moved that the subject be made the special order foV Thursday next. Lost without diytyon. Mr. BRYANT moved that tha resolution and substitute be made the order for 3Ion- parried. [ j.i&lr,.DlcC01' offered the following reso lution, which was adopted after a auspen- f slofiof the rules: Resolved, Tiiat tho Secretary bo directed to ftirnlshito Major General Meade a coy .to furnlshito Mqjor General Meade a copy of tlio temporary ordinance passed by this Convention for.the temporary relief §f the people against farther sales of property under legal process, and a copy of the pre amble and resolutions passed on yesterday, requesting him to cause It to be enforced uutil farther action of this Convention. Leave of absence was granted to a num ber'or delegates, and the Convention ad journed until Monday next at 10 o'clock. Note.—Tho proposition made by Mr. Akcrman, to amend the resolutions of Mr. Ashburn. should tho latter be put upon their passage, was as follows: In such nn act of Congress we desire that it shall ho provided that no member of this Convention shall hold office in tlio Provis ional Ktato Government." telegraphic; intelligence. Urom tbc New York Press Association. Cong-rcsbioiml. Washington, Jan. 0.—Senate.—A me morial was presented asking an appropria tion foi* the relief of the freetlmen of the District; also, asking for female suffrage in the ODtrlet; uho, from five thousand hand Icon! operative*, asking exemption from taxation. Tho House bill to prevent fraud in tlio whisky revenue, was passed with an amendment striking out tlio words “in bond,” and making the provision apply, to all whisky. A petition from the Alabama Constitu tional Convention! praying the removal of Governor Patton’s political disability, was presented. •Mr. Morton called up hi* re*elution in structing the Judiciary Committee to re port a bill nbrogatlngexisiting State Gov ernments ir. the rebel State*, and provid ing proper governments iu lieu thereof. Mr. Frelinghuysen moved to amend so to make the report of the bill discre tionary with the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Morton desired to test the sense of the Senate directly upon the question. It was high time that Congress defined its position in terms not to be misunderstood on this subject. To his mind, the state of affairs existing in these rebel communities, had never been more uhrming. Congress had, on the second of last March, declared the cxi.-ting governments of these States as illegal, and not njftmling proper secu rity for life and property, and at that time Congicss had provided military supervi sion until such time ns legal governments could be established. To-day tlio military authority which they had set up was ob structing the proper operation of the laws iu some of.thrso States, mid upholding the existing illegal and unauthorized govern ments. Mr. M. here sent to the desk of thu Sec retary the kets of March and July, to he read, and also the order No. l.of General Hancock, in which the civil authority N declared supreme. It would be foeii that General Hancock, in this order, not only defined the power of Congress, but actual ly nullified and refused to execute it* laws. As General Hancock tut.* confronted direct ly the Congress of rite United States, it be comes a question n> to which side will sub mit. He recognizes the authority of the eivirtribunals, organized by the very State governments whh-li Congress has declared | m be. illegal. There was danger tb it tlie work of p^' construction would fail by the v uy milita ry jiowcr winch they ll.nl raised tip lo fo«- »er it. At till* erish it «»• iucmntmut oti Congress to be true audeon-isMlt to itself, and proceed to ahmg tie these guvenune'Tits. It became rongre-s to s .y ; ,r once what they intended to do. Alt lough declaring iu thu acts referred to that tle -o State gov ernment* were illegal, ('mign-s has | U >t lecided. in the exorci-c of it- power, to do away with them abruptly, but in ti e pre sent juncture, there should not tie a ment’s hesitation, if the amert'dment of Mr. Freliiighiiyseii was adopted, ir would mean nothing. He (Mr. M..; wauled peremptory order to this committee bring in a hill immediately, and he'dcMdredf this Senate to so order. Mr.l'rulinghuyKen did Ufa lineiid to op pose any : of the ex peri inert* wliieh Inid been advanced by the Senator. I.nt thought it hut right that some eonlldenee should be repoMtd in the judgment of the Committee. Expiration of the morning liourviit oft* further debate on tin* resolution, riml the House hill to siisjmmhI further contraction fa’ the currency, was tnken up and discuss ed to Executive session, when the Senate adjourned. House.—The resolution asking the release of Father McMahon, and seveial other Fe nians, was pas»cd. The bill preventing whisky frauds, a* amended 1 y the Senate, came up. and was discussed to adjournment, ttllMH'IInncnuM. TlW Senate rejected Edmund Cooper as assistant Secretary of Treasury, nml L. 1), Evans, Collector of thu Fourth District of Texa*. The Government paid Piorpont five and Riddle three thousand dollars tor prose cuting Surratt. Internal Revenue to-day 9231,000. Oscar Minor was confirmed a collector of customs for the District of Texa*. ffuapeiiiilatt. Richmond, Jan* 0.—Messrs. Harrison, Goddin & Appersoh, a large banking And real estate firm, suspended payment to-day. 5 Their depositors will by be paid, Virginia Convention,- ID the Convention the morning session was occupied by Mr. Ilunnlcutt, in a speech vindicating his political history against oharges from the Conservative side. An •retting Interruption occurred, in which tho statement that Senator Hunter was a traitor, was ^pronounced a Re by a Con servative thenber. Convention adjourned till night. Later.—The Convention to-night adopted Seven sectfans of the hill of rights, being all similar to tho old Virginia hill, except au, amendment adopted striking, out the wojrt “.twelve,” jh fixing the number of a jury, and another amouduicnt ‘adopted, giving any person ihc right to speak or write his sentiments, aiul ho held responsi ble for the same. Itidluua Democratic pin vention. Indianapolis, Jan. 0.-—T o Convention nominated Hendricks for Governor. The rcsolutlons urge tho abolition of. National Banks, and the repeal of tlio iniquitous tariff acts; oppose negro suffrage; Indorse Johnson's reconstruction policy; compli ment Hancock, and commoud Pendleton to the national convention for President. Ohio Democratic Convention, Columbus, O., Jan. 0.— 1 The Convention nominated Pendleton for President. The resolutions condemn congressional usur pation; oppose negro suffrage; urgotaxa- . tIon of bonds and their payment in green- buck** and recommend protection to for- e,ign-t>oi’Hcitl«en9i , It loti a Tftin, •NadnVjti/fg:, .Jan, 0.—There Was a black and white riot at Pulaski, in which two were killed and five wounded. One while man was. seriously hurt* Further trouble is apprehended. iMb’ctliig Broken L’p by a Mob, Gai.vkstox, Jan. (),—A meeting of Re publicans at Marshall, Texas, on the 31st lilt, was broken up by a mob. Judge Cald well, the speaker, was fired at several times. He sought protection at Post Head quarters. The disturbers of the peace were arrested by the military afterwards, and by order of General Hancock, turned over to the civil authorities, who released them on ball. Lpnininiiu Convention. Nkw Orleans, Jan. 0.—In the Conven tion to*d;tj r , a resolution was offered by a colored member, that the per diem of mem bers cense after the 20th, and was tabled. The balance of the day was devoted to tlm adoption of Articles relating to tin* State legislative body. Value of Import*. Sax Francisco, Jan. 10.—The annual report of imports from foreign ports U fifteen millions, yielding live and a hall* millions revenue; hy way of the Mimics thirty-six millions, mostly currency valu ation ; exports of treasure, forty and a half millions; merchandise, twenty-two and a half millions. The product of gold is smaller than it lias been since 1850. Foreign, Paris, Jan. 10.—-The bullion in the bank of France has decreased three hundred ami thirty thousand francs. Bkhi.in. Jan. 10.—At a Conscwvalive din ner, Bismarck in reviewing the situation, said that a war with France, tl.h year, was a phantom, and urged his hearer* to dli- miss all fear. Tun Reconstruction Acts ami tiii: SuniKMK Court.—It is stated that the Su preme Court of the United Slate* will shortly be called to pass upon tin* < «*n-ti- tutioniillty of tlie Reconstruction Act* passed hy Congress. We hope that if Re construction is to he brought teibri* the Supreme Court at all. that (’our: will not net until the whole question i* bfamc it — until, to use a technical phrase, all »m* p-.- tie* in interest are purrhs b- <'■•* -nil. There are three policies of Been OMi abm. viz: First—Gen. Sherman’.* poiii an il lustrated by ills treaty with Gen. dobnstor.. wliieh would have Involved noovertiirnlnr of any State Government whatever. Lit* would have admitted to the Union the same governmental organizations wbi.-lt lonne.l ••the Confederate State* of ^nmno.i.” Secondly—Andrew Johnson’-1 olh y, u limit consists in aholi.-diing these Slab- Govern ment* aud forming new one*, j m -until in a military proclamation, wln-t u be •!•• due* who shall vote, and allow- -.b while men to vote who take an oath - r-i •«.!. by Andrew Johnson. Thirdly ■ foe t;«*n greMiunalpolicy embodied in im* lb*. >.n sirm-tinu jaws, wliieh also nri-u rlt.e* v\ ho shall you*. Relore the Supreme Court venture* to decide the Congressional poliet iineon-tl- tutioiml. It should he prepared to di^igiwtu- one of the other two polit ic.* as the rousti- tutional one. All the legal uiguni* nw M-’nleh apply to the Congressional isdlev apply witli far greater toree to the |*r».*i- (lent's policy. If “the State* v « re never out of the Union,” nml “never io*t their right to regulate their dorocMi*- instiln tloris ih their own way,” then th- Johnson State Government* are nil void; tor none of them are the government* with wliieh those States seceded. They arc nil mush room governments, created by it miliiarv . proclamation to supercede State Govern ments which had exisred from tlie foutuia- tiouof the Republic. If “a State enn m-vi r lose its right to self-government.” then Gq v » Fletcfier and his Rebel J.egl-lutnre were unlawfully superceded in Virginia; Governor Vance tell a victim to the rre-i- dent’s illegal proclamation in North Caro lina, and should be restored, with hi- Retiel Legislature. Governor McGrath aud hi- Rebel crew are the rightful nifi.er*. of South Carolina. Governor lb own and his rebel confreres of (*. on in. uml Isham G. Harris, of Tennessee. h«\ • a right of action against Andrew John—n ioi-mu- ting up a psuedo State govenmient m place of the rebel concern. So oi all the other States. If the Supreme Court -Im.iM declde the case on the principle ot the in destructibility of States, they would saw oil’the limb on which the John-on Mate Governments hang, and let the (’resident down as flat as Cougres*. Let the whole question, therefore, be brought before the Supreme Court, and ir the lawrmaking power has no jurisdiction over Reconstruction, let them explain where*the President gets his power to over throw State Governments and create new Ones by a proclamation. Ami if Id* gov ernments are also void, let thrill explain how the State organizations wliieh, unde? tho names of Virginia, North Carotin South Carolina, Georgia, etc- formal » Rebellion, did also at the same time t»., S art of the Government* of th- tin.: tales.—AT. F. 7W6nr«.
