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CONSTITUTION PUBLISHING CO.
ATLANTA, GA„ TUESDAY, Dtt EMBER M. ief«.
anr.tilulifln.
Trlcblnoua I»orU In CblniffO.
Chicago ho*a health eonuntasioaer, and
she has plenty of hogs. The commis
sioner suspected that the city had in her
| liogs eomething besides pork; and he,
It appears now, in addition lo our other, therefore, inaugurated an exploring expo-
inherit.. U»t PML ShtriJ^i know. >, Ur employed II. F. Atwood,
ATLANTA, 0A.. DECEMIiEK SI. U7K.
phrase or two of Latin. This is the worst ]
preauient of the state microscopical
d»lli« republic liw ever »*. an<l j*. W. T. IielfieM, demon-
t'rk w.th .u-ll-pu., why do*Jhon | h |ok , t Uie Roijh me , licaI
Zm*? " an.l armed them with Bollock
' • I binocular microscope* that have an
Tnk Yickiihurx Commercial rays that Mr. J amplifying power of seventy-five diamt*
roll county; and Mr. Bell, a bill to define unlock the vastest secret of this earth,
the class of post-offices at which money- t If the expedition has prospered, and
OLD NED’S CHRISTMAS G$
Hayes has pit the south l»y the tail. This
is a very bad piece of news, if it is true;
and the fact that Mr. Hayes would lie re|-
rehensihie enough to catch anything by the
tail will, doubtless, offend the exceptional
morality of the amiable Rodgers, the private
secretary of the administration.
In Turkey they aay of a man who is dead
that he is tired. In America they say more
fluently and probably more sincerely that
lia has retired. And yet even this is a vie
Jation of that tkith which should exist be
tween nations. Neither Stewart nor Van
derbilt has retired. Their remains still re
main.
Tub recent call for a little over ten
millions of 5-20 bonds wipes up the bal
ance of the immense issue of 1865. In
all (),18Q/>41 t <f00of six per cent, bonds
have been funded in bonds hearing a
lower rate of interest. The other bond*
of *hc six-per-cent, series now outstand
ing are
..*««,we, juo
Mr. Hemphill, of Ablieville, who is
an editor and a memlier of the South
Carolina legislature, is not a strict dis
ciple of Calhoun, for he wants the
legislature of his state to instruct its
representatives in congress “to use all
u proper means to secure such legislation
u in congress as will prevent any pro-
*‘ducerof cotton in the United State*
** from planting more than six acres of
** cotton in the United States to each
"mule used by such producer in culti-
M vAting the soil." The offering of such
a resolution, even as an argument, is a
striking Illustration of the odd times
Upon which we have fallen.
Mr. Stewr-ns has by no means aban
doned the goloid dollar. Ho has pro
cured a number of sjiecimcns of the pro
posed dollar. It contains 75 centigrammes
of pure gold, 12 grammes and 75 milli
grammes of pure silver, and ouc gramme
425 milogramiiics of pure copper. It
weighs I I) grammes, which is a little less
than 220 grains. It is slightly larger in
diameter, hut not so thick as the half-
dollar, and is inca|»ahle of being split. It
is the exact equivalent of the present
gold or silver dollar. The reverse of the
metric dollar is ornamented by the words
"United States of America, 100 cents,"
within the outer circumference, and a
chain of .'18 stars to represent the states of
the union, within which an? inscribed
the words, "iioloid metric 1 G,16.1s, 1.0
conta, grammes 1425," arranged in tabular
form. On the obverse are 13 stars, to
represent the original states, the words
"K piurihus unum," and a finely cut
fignre-heud of liberty and the figures
1878.
ters. From the flesh of each of the first
hundred hogs they came to they cut two
pieces—one from the tenderloin and the
other from the ham—cutting the pieces
Into longitudinal sections so that
they could be placed under the instru
ment. Eight per cent, of the Ixign were
found to be infected with the terrible
trichina, some badly, while in others only
comparatively few were found. In the lat
ter the worms were invariably found. in
the tenderloin, the latter being in all cases
the most affected part. In one of the
hogs 13,000 parasites were found to the
cubic inch, the smallest number being
thirty-five.
These facts are official and startling.
The hogs that were examined were not
of any particular class; they represented
the average slaughtered hog of Chicago
—of any other western city for that mat
ter. It may be set down as a fact that
eight per cent of the pork of the coun
try istrichmoiifl. And there is noway
to assort the hogs while alive, for trich-
inoua hogs arc not generally out of health.
The ex|>erts of the Chicago health com
missioners report the results of their ex
periment with a white rat three weeks
old. They fed him on trichinous pork
until he was three months old. The rat
thrived amazingly on the food, and when
killed it was found to be literally alive
with trichina from the tip of its nose
to the end of its tail. Nor can trich
ina be infallibly detected in the
carcass of meat except through the use of
a microscope; and Bullock microscopes
are not thrown in with every box of
baron.
If |H»ople will eat pork they must eat
trichnia. That much is established. It
will be freely granted tlfat live trichnia
are not a desirable diet. \Ve cannot con
veniently detect their presence, and our
safety therefore lies in killing them be
fore eating. This can be done by a
thorough cooking of the pork. They can
not stand heat, although they can stand
ithout any perceptible loss of vitality
salting, smoking or other forms of ordi
nary pickling. The Chicago microeco-
pists, however, say that if a small quantity
of sulphurous acid be used in parking
hams it will kill the worms without
injuring the pork. It permeates the ham,
and yet it is readily expelled.
The HIM Luml Troubles.
The full and exhaustive re]»oit made in
our issue of yesterday, concerning the
troubles that have arisen in this state on
account of the manner in which the
wild land tax laws are executed, will
serve an admirable purpose. It will give
to the people of the State a true, unvar
nished mass of data upon a subject with
which they have been no little concerned
for many months. Complaints are legion
all over the State, many of them
just, many of them unreasonable
Inrause the facts are tnisund£-
stood, but in the light of the revelations
which Tnx Coxsrrnrnox has deemed it
due to the people to moke, the real
causes and the true evils may be han
dled.
That the present law concerning the
returning of wild lands for taxes, the
jisyment of taxes thereon and the sale of
inch lands under tax fi. fas. for default,
is radically defective, no one conversant
with the law will deny. To its faultsand
omissions may be traced the origin of
difficulties that have produced the most
aggravating confusion between the peo
ple and the officers of the law. Its exe
cution has worked numerous hardships
while its true interpretation is a matter
nf conflicting opinions ami a subject yet
to Is* determined by a tribunal higher
than any that Inis yet given a deliverance
upon the matter. The laws need either
oleur (Id'miiionnr sensible amendment,
and the wrongs, hardships and opportu
nities for oppression and double-dealing
under it will continue until one or the
other mode of relief is obtained
The system of land speculation which
the facts show has sprung up under cover
of this law is one that can only produce
the widest dissension and the grossest
detriment to the true interests of the
state. A law, in this day and generation,
which permits enormous amounts ol land
to lie ahsorbed by a small combination of
speculators anti held at nominal values
and at low rates of taxation, to the exclu
sion of progress, development and the
general improvement of the state, is in
itself pernicious and m its effects disas
trous. A landed monopoly, as much as
a landed aristocracy, is an eye-sure
republic, and the State of Georgia is not
in a condition, financially or industrially,
to permit the consummation of a scheme
that would create either.
The facts given in our article are start
ling, not only aa to the extent of these
operations, but as to the ease and safety
with which they are conducted by the
speculator*. It is not to be wondered at
that the people, who. in their poverty
and distress, have seen their landed pro
perty , useless as it might be, swiftly and
surely pawing from them under color of
law, have cried out against the system
ami denounced the perpetrator* of these
acts as members of "a ring." We do no
more than produce the facts, and it is ft
the wronged to bring their complaints to
the proper forum and demand redress.
The subject will ba one of the
leading topic* in the next
session of the general
sembly, ami the whole system, as
it now stands, will be probed to
the very bottom. If there has been
wrong, fraud, or conspiracy, against the
rights of citizens or property, there still
remains a mode for correction. If no
evil has been willfully perpetrated, and
the system alone is in fault, that will find
speedy attention.
The results of our investigation, so
fairly and fully made, are impartially
given ami they warrant the people in
demanding a reform in the wild land
"laws. Tliat reform cannot be too sweep
ing in its nature or too prompt in its ap-
Tlic Next House.
We are down to bed-rock at last.
We can now "figure up" the next house
without putting in any conjectural work
to bridge over gaps in the mass of facts.
In the second North Carolina district
Mr. Kitchen, democrat, finally carried off
the certificate of election, and our dis
patches of this morning show that Mr.
Hull, democrat, was awarded the certifi
cate for the second Florida district. The
hitter squeezed in by thirteen majority.
These determinations make the ]>olitical
complexion of the next house stand as
follows:
Democrat*
Republicans......
National*
The unfilled scats are those A Cali
fornia, now represented by two demo-
rats and two republieans, and that of the
twelvth New York district in which Mr.
Smith, representative-elect, died on the
night of election day. Mr. Smith was a
republican, but the district as between
the two old parties is overwhelmingly
democratic. Governor Robinson, who
ill name the time of the new election,
is also a democrat. It is, however, use
less to speculate upon the manner in
which the five seats will be filled.
In the table we have assigned to the
republicans such men as Mr. Barlow, and
to the democrats Mr. Stevenson of Illi
nois, Mr. Ladd of Maine, Mr. Wright of
Pennsylvania, and all others whose in
tentions have !>eon declared or are well
understood. The ten nationals are Mr.
Ix>we of Alabama, who with radical aid
defeated a democrat, and is likely to act
with the republicans; Mr. Forsythe of
Illinois, who l>eat a democrat with re
publican assistant; Mr. I>e Iai Matyrof
Indiana, who was elected with demo-
ratio aid, hat will go into neither caucus;
Messrs. Weaver and Gillette of Iowa,
looted with democratic aid, and, it is
understood, pledged to act with the demo
crats in organizing the house; Mr. Murch
of Maine, elected over the candidates of
both parties; Mr. Ford of Missouri,
•looted by republican help; Mr. Bussell
of North Carolina, elected by republican
aid, but vehemently anti-Blaine; Mr.
Yocum of Pennsylvania, who beat Cur
tin with republican assistance, and Mr.
Jones of Texas, elected over a regular
democrat. On the general run of party
questions it is therefore likely that the
nationals will divide themselves equally
between the two parties.
If the five vacancies are captured by
the radicals, if the ten nationals go
over in a body to the repcbl
caucus, the democrats will still liave five
majority. There is no way of depriving
the democrats of a working majority.
This insure* justice as to the contested
seats, which are legion. All of the Iowa
seats but two are in doubt because it is
not settled whether the October ot* the
November election was the leg** one.
Governor Curtin will contest Mr. Yocum’s
scat, Mr. McCabe Venezuela Orth’s, Mr.
Donnelly, of Minnesota Mr. Wash-
burne’s, and Mr. King of Wisconsin will
try to oust Mr. Hazleton. If the three
last named contestants are successful, the
Indiana delegation will be democratic
regardless of Mr. De La Matyr, the Wis
consin delegation would be tied, and the
Minnesota delegation democratic. These
rliacgcs would give the democrats twenty
states, the republicans having sixteen.
order offices shall be established, a bill for
tike relief of Elias Murphy and James M.
Cooper, of Georgia, a bill for the relief of
Thomas A. Emmett and James M. Coop
er, and a bill for the relief of Fran
cis C. Bell and James M. Coop
er. Mr. Bell presented the petition
of 46 citizens of Georgia, for the estab
lishment of a post-route from Amicalola
to Jasper; Mr. Stephens presented the
petition of John W. Gass, forthe jtassage
of the house bill No. 5308 with an amend
ment that will give soldiers totally disa
bled in their hands or feet a pension
$72 a month. In the senate Mr. Matthews
tried to have the Texas Pacific bill taken
up. The vote on the proposition to lay
aside all prior orders for that purpose
was yeas 26, nays 33. Neither General
Gordon nor Mr. Hill voted.
On Tuesday Mr. Blount called up the
deficiency bill to appropriate $450,000 for
the postal-car system. He opened the
discussion With a speech of considerable
length, in the course of which he cen
sured the post-office department for hav
ing run the government so deeply in
debt, in fare of the fact that
congress refused during the last ses
sion to make the appropriation asked
for this purpose. This led to a warm dis
cussion, the republican leaders endeavor-
Messrs. Blount, Atkins and % Durham
stood their ground well, and the bill was
passed, with a reconi of the extravagance
and looseness of the post-office dejinrt-
inent thrown in. In the senate General
Gordon presented a joint resolution of the
legislature of Georgia in favor of the
passage of a law by congress authorizing
the sale of public lands, the proceeds to
be used in aid of popular education. He
also obtained unanimous consent to in
troduce a bill for the relief of Hubert
Halkershatn, George Patten and John L.
Villalonga. When the Blaine resolution
was taken up, Mr. Hill explained his ab
sence on the previous day. He left his
seat because he was suffering under in
disposition, having, he said, "the severest
cold that I believe I ever felt" He fur
ther said:
lost by a tie vote. While „
think committee* of Investigation nu-ht to !*•
allowed to determine for thcnwelve* whether they
will have oven or secret session*, while as « gen-
eml role I think it la better to leave it to them, iu
this particular chim* I should have voted for the
amendment to require »|<en doors.
The resolution^was finally adopted by a
vote of 56 to 6. General Gordon voted
"aye,” Mr. Hill’voted "no."
Last Thursday the committee on war
claims in the house reported back the
bill for the relief of Samuel I. Gustin, of
Georgia. It was place* 1 on the private
calendar. On the amendment to the In
dian hill to prohibit the removal of any
more wild Indians to the Indian territory,
Messrs. Bell, Candler, Felton, Harris and
Hartridge voted "aye;" Messrs. Blount,
Cook, Smith and Stephens did not vote.
It is proper to state in this connection
that Mr. Cook is still suffering from his
late rheumatic attack, that Mr. Stephens
did not recover from the effects of the
fall on the stejx* of the capitol so as to
hike his seat before the recess, and that
Mr. .Smith did not go to Washington at
all on account of sickness in his family.
Mr. Blount’s frequent absence isgenerally
attributable to the large amount of work
he has to shoulder in the room of the
committee on appropriations. Absentee
ism is not a besetting sin of the Georgia
delegation.
On Friday, or the day before the holi-
ilay recess, Mr. Knott, chairman of the
judiciary committee, reported back the
bill for the removal of the political disa
bilities of John McIntosh Kell. The
hill was immediately passed. Mr. Kell
was Raphael •Semmes’s first officer on the
famous cruiser, the Alabama. Since the
war he has resided on a farm at Sunny-
side in Spalding county. Mr. Hartridge
obtained leave to withdraw from the
files of the house the papers in the case
of Mrs. Gillis. The two houses soon
after adjourn* d to Tuesday, the 7th day
of January, 1876.
there is great room to believe that it has,
it may be looked for at Behring’s strait
any day. The sight of this
strange Swedish ship, bearing down
U]*on San Francisco from beyond
the Arctic seas, will be the miracle of
the century. It may be fairly stated that
never in the history of earth has this
great problem been apparently so nearly
solved as now. An expedition is being
fitted out at San Francisco, by the way, for
Arctic exploration, through Behring’s
strait,and it may be that the ships of this
expedition may meet the Swedish ships in
the frozen wastes. If so, it may not be im
possible that the two expeditions, joining
hands, may turn their all-compelling keels
towards the North pole itself, and thus
conquer the List and most stubborn se
cret of the globe. We feel sure that the
prayers of all civilization will remember
the brave Swedes during this festered sea
son, and ask for them a successful Issue
of their exploits.
IV. SMALL. (OLD «.) jb % \
A LITTLE
'SPICE.”
I'ul. 11 All cx
On yesterday, the blessed day of peace
and gift-buying, Mr. Jonathan Norcross
came into Tux Constitution office, holding
in his hand a card. He approached the
editor, and cam to him in a tone that sharp
ened up the sweetness of his wonls, " you
t complain that the negroes didn’t have
a fair chance to vote in the lost elections?
They were encouraged to vote.”
"Oh, yes, but that was iu a fight between
democrats. It is the democrats that have
gone to seed, that are doing the opposition
now. We have no interest iu that. But
I’ll tell you if the democratsaint put down,
they will ruin this government as sure as you
are born."
“Well, yon all have had them ‘put down’
pretty securely for the past sixteen years,
and yet the government is about ruiiud
anyhow."
Forgetting to laugh at this be joke went on
to say. “I am for U. 8. Grunt for president.
He is the man to do the work."
"I suppose you think he is the biggest
man in tne country?"
“I am for him liccause he is no baby, but a
full-grown man."
"Il«*w about those whisky frauds 9 "
"Well. I think the fellows about Wash
ington nulled the wool over his eyes in that
matter.
"What about the Black Friday affair?"
“I must confess they did come pretty
near besmirching him on that."
“And uhout the Sanborn contracts?"
'*0, well. Fra for him, because he is the
man to whip out the democrats; and that
must he done.”
At which Mr.Norcrossdeparted, evidently
very much disgusted with democrats of afi
sorts, whether they were in the bud, in
the flower, or had run to seed. It will l*e re
membered that Mr. Norcross was beaten over
eighty thousand votes for governor in the
lu-t race, and he thus has a very good ex
cuse for believing that there was probably
a suppressed vote somewhere. We present
his curd, however, and let it go for what it
is worth. 8uch tilings as this carry their
own answer:
Editors Constitution—Having noticed
an article in your paper of the 2iat, head***I
"Peace Reigns in Georgia,” and csjiecially
that part of it. referring to "Republican
Opinions," I wish to say as one repub
lican, that I in nowise have an unfa
vorable "opinion,” nor any words of “con
demnation'* for what you call “the silly and
senseless performance of Blaine." Nor do I
believe that there arc three white republi
cans or three colored men of sense in Geor
gia who have an unfavorable opinion of
the Blaine resolutions recently |»assed in
congress. But on the other hand, I do be
lieve that every white republican and every
colored man of int«Uigence in the state
do regard them as the wedge and tin* ini
tial step to open tin* way through which we
are eventually to regain our civil and polit
ical rights in the south; but which qow,
under the present democrat foreign of terror
and fraud, we can but regard as a mockery.
I do not expect nor propose to enter upon
a discussion of the questions involved, in
your columns, but I ask the privilege of the
fuser*Ion of this communication in your
paj»er. Respect fully, yours,
December 23, 1878. J. Norcross.
A Darina Explorer.
There has l>een no problem presented
to human inquiry that has been investi
gated with so much persistence and hero
ism as the possibility of the northeastern
passage. Skirting the edges of the con
tinents that surround the Arctic sea is a
huge sheet of water open for three or
four months in the year. The influence
of the immense fresh water rivers that
pour into this sea clears the waters
and makes the way navigable. For hun
dreds of years patient and heroic ex
plorers have sought to go from Ham-
mersfest to Cheluysink cape. These
are the highest points respectively of the
continent* of Europe and Asia. The
ships that have made this trial have
always been beaten back in disaster.
The sea of Kara, lying midway between
these points, and somewhat south of
Nova Zembla, has always proved ini
penetrable. It was frozen so solid that
it came to be known among the explorers
a* "the ice-cellar of the North pole."
Of late years, however, this terrible sea
his yielded it* secret to the address and ,
pluck of a Swedish sailor. His name, we
regret to say, is Nordenskjaldj. In spite
of this, however, be has achieved a suc
cess in Arctic exploration that seems to
have been directed by inspiration. He
not only passed through the dreaded Kara
sea, but he passed the Obi river, went l*e-
yond the hitherto unapproachable Asian
cape, and going still further went to the
Yenisei river which flows through Si
beria and pushed up to Sakutsk, where
he discharged hi* cargo. He then re
turned to Europe, and reloaded his ship,
and made the same trip* over and re
turned in less than seven weeks. Hi*
was the first steamer tliat ever entered
the Kara sea.
The importance of these explorations
cannot be overestimated. They demon
strate the practicability of the Arctic
passage from Europe to Asia, and they
have opened more than two-thirds of
the passage from Lapland in Europe
—The total canal toils in New York state
for flic entire season will show an increase
of about $111,0(k) over 1
—All tlic Southern States are beginning
to raise less cotton and more grain. North
Carolina raised 2,000,000 bushels more of
grain this year than last.
—The Italian government is about to ask
.r a subsidy of $600,000 from its parlia
ment. in order to connect the Mont Cenis
railroad with that of the 8t. Gothard.
—Jefferson Davis’s book of memoirs is to
be published next spring simultaneously
New York and London, with a French edi
tion iu Paris.
—The wl ole indebtednes of individuals,
companies and corporations of all kinds iu
the United States is estimated by careful
person* to Ik? now not less than twenty bil-
f .L.IU
IN GENERAL.
lions of dollars.
—A statue of Admiral Coligny is to be
erected by subscription in the Louvre
Quadrangle, in Part*, near the spot where
he was assassinated in the.St. Bartholomew
massacre.
—A curious petition has just been laid
_.*fore the municipal council ut Marseille*,
begging that the clergy may be forbidden
mud the death knell every Friday
commemoration of the publication of M
Ernest Renan’s "Life of J<
—Bromley of the Tribune and of Yalc’j
n<<nc-l>ui-it.«clf*caii-be-its-parallel class o
*33, read the p»**m at Yale’s jubilee last
evening. It is understood that Mr. Brom
ley’s subject was "What Shakespearian by
not being u member of the class of ’33."—
Albany Journal.
—The German papers announce that the
Berlin police service is about to be very
much increased. The number of adult
male* in that city j<?r police officer will
after the addition, be seventy. The object
of the increase is the better supervision of
railway stations, hotels. sn*i-ecicd places
«i:d persons, and secret meeting*, and to
prevent the spreading of revolutionary pub
lication:
—This is the season of the year when the
Methodist minister packs up liis ketotcr.
sunders old tie*, packs hi* kitchen utensils
in barrels, and move* to new field where
the fatal donation party awaits him, liable
at any moment to strike his ianiilv and
bring" destruction, calico aprons and sour
•icklcs, and carry off all be has accumulated
for the winter. There ought to be a light
ning iod invented that would ward off a do
nation party.—New Orleans Times.
•In Russia much attention has been
given of late to insuring a supply of carrier
pigeons in all the principal fortresses. The
pigeons are frequently exercised in flying
r fortress ’o fortress, and not long ago
twenty-five birds taken from Novoge*
gievsk were set free at Warsaw, seventy
Old Ned in his cabin was sitting
In the Christmas evening’s gloam,* T*,
All wcaiy at heart and sore iu bone Y
But over with work and “at home.’?>*fo * ’• .
OuuiJe he could hear the hurry offeeg 1 f Ia -
And lkughter merry and free— “
"Di m Jokes is getthi’ dere Chrismua tfl>]
But dar aint uo Chrism us for
•• Bar’s a moughty change fum olden davs
When I libbed w id ole Man* Jim
An’ better fokes it wu* hard ter raise ^ •
Dan de good ole Miss an’ him! W} .i
But freedum cum aa* dem an’ me ^
Somehow* moved far apart. * .
But di* Chrismua night I seems ter see *...
Dere images iu my bean."
"IK* rears dey come an’ de years do 507 ''
M id all dere trouble an’ strife; *
De day* fly past wid der Joy an* woo
Makin patch-work oaten dis life;*-
But here an* dere I kin alius *oe r.
Sum glimpse ob dat ohleu time,
Jess like de clouds broke ap fer mo Ktff:
’Kase I wanted de sun ter shine!" '*
But de sun don’t seem to shine so war n.
An* de days don't come so fair,* - ~
And life hez sorter los* hit’s charm.
An’ are duller of worry an’ care; • 5
Dis libiu’ free an* flndin’ yoursef ) . *
Is monghty deludin’ sho!
Hit’* cr life-long wah to keep ycrbrrtT
An’ kick de wolf from yo’ do*, t
In de ChrinpM'days ob de long ago
Dis’darkey nebber wuz sad.
An’ he did’t hub ter ask ter kno’ *
Dat he’d share what *6e Man* hod—
DarwuzChrismas gitsfnrall us foke*.
v An 1 Cgg-u.<»g£"plertfy an’ frii— %
An ' I’.il •') ;•! 1! T'* I .:.:iy j.-U*
For dere ole? «l»ddk*V ’ like me.
But now—j cm look—di* is Chrism uxebe,
An* de house Is barr'u an’ bar’— J
Dar’ aint^enutT on de table ter leaf*
For de rats *s midnight far’! "x*.
De fiah is low an’ my clo’s is thin r
An’ l’se faint an’ hougry too, '*2- •
While de Chrbmus day is creepin' in.'
But Ned—hit aint fer you! *.«’
But de Lord wu* bom dat holy day—
Hit’s Marse Jim’s birf-day, too—
An’ while I kneels ter de one ter phty,
' ax fer his blesshigs new,
I II put iu a word for ole Marse Jim,
An’ a pra’r fer ole Miss May;
n’ inebbe dey’ll come, like bread on de s«
Back ter ole Ned some day!’’
THE WILD LMDS.
A RICH THEME OF SPECULATION.
The funner was sitting at eventide
I11 the yule-log’s golden glow.
But the vacant chairs on either side
Woke thoughts of the long ago;
Of the days of plenty and days of Joy
in the rambling old homestead—
Of a loving wife ftn.l a petted boy.
With his mqily curly head.
He thought of his home—of hi* old-time home.
When the Christmas eve came on.
How the merry eyes in the growing gloam
Spoke hopes of the morrow's dawn;
<>W son and slave in their happy glee.
Told tales of Old Kris Kringle,
And danced at thoughts of the Christmas tree.
And the stockings by the ingle.
He thought again—and the merry prattle
Of glcesome son and slave
Was lost in tbc din of deadly battle
And hushed in a hidden grave,
was Christmas eve in sixty-four—
Oh, eve of hope aud dread!—
And Old Ned stood w eeping at the door
With the news that he was dead!
Dead—in the battle’s foremost rank!
Dead—with his sword in hand!
Dead—and the blood the cold ground drank
the bravest blood of the land!
Folded close in the strong embrace
Of his slave-companion’s arms
He was borne away to his resting place
Safe front earth’s rode alarms.
And the farmer thought as he heard the wind
Go sharp and chill on its way.
Of the poor, brave soul, so true, so kind
Who had stood with his boy that day.
He said, " This Christmas eve is drear
And there are none to share with me.
Except Old Ned, and this night of the year
As happy as uny old king he’ll be!"
Old Ned had finished and said ‘hitmen,’-’
When n knock was heard at th6 door.
"Who’s dat? You boy’s jis wait tell you’re men
Fore you come here ’sturbin* me more!"
Rap! Bap! at the door! “Coma iu!” uid Old
Ned,
As he opened the portal wide
Aa Interview With OomptreHerOeneral Goldsmith
MLtae Wild Lea 1 Tax Fi. Fa. Business—How
'Beat Things an Worked—Who the Land
Kings are—Food for Reflection.
The people of Georgia are aware in
vague sort of way tliat they are interested in
thfe manipulation* which the wild lands of
the state undergo, from time to time, and
date thap once a disposition has been shown
to draw aside the curtains and look in upon
these transactions.
OCR WILD LARM
from a peculiar species of property in this
state. All unimproved land. 1 *, mountain
and swamp lands, and lands not retumd to
the tax receivers of the various counties ai
lands included in active cultivation, are in
cluded under the head of wild lands and art
so treated in the tax digest* ami in ;he col
lection of the state’s revenue.
These lands lie in nearly every county ol
the state and are oftentimes quite as valua
ble for agricultural, mineral and oth
sources as the more favored lands returned
for taxes as improved and <>f highc
true that in north Georgia much of
tiie>e lands are rugged, mountainous tracts.
*ii!e in south Georgia they are dismal and
atiipy, and in both instances barren of
production.
CSKSOWX QUANTITY.
The correct amount of these lands
been accurately ascertained. If, at
/ time, a full and true return of the im
proved lands had been made to the state,
the number of acres of alleged wild lands
could bsve been approximated. Accrtn...
proportion of them ar'o known through the
efforts of tax receivers, who report to
the comptroller-general so many
acres of wild land in a given county as un
returned for taxes, but these returns are not
reliable for data upon which to base a cal
culation intended to cover the aggregate
wild land area in the state. Errors andj
omissions innumerable occur in these■■
turns, and it would be only by the tedious I
and almost endless process of abstracting]
the tax digest* and mapping from the
records of the surveyor-general in the sec
retary of the state’s office every lot of land
in every county of the state that is not os-|
certained and returned as improved landl
Even that record, so laboriously made,!
would be imperfect, from the fact that much]
improved land often fails to find its wav to]
the tax digests and much that is really iflH
I proved mysteriously gets itself included iu]
[the wild land returns.
■ Something over a year ago the comntroller-
I general startled the state with an ndvertise-
| nient embracing the numbers only of wild
land lots that were in default, the advertise
ment covering rnar.y columns the length of
| those of The Constitution. Still these were
I not all, but such only as had been refuted
\ to him, 1
B THE ACREAGE RETURNED.
■ The report of the comptroller-general for|
Il876 showed that for that year 7,033,447 acres j
of wild lands were returned at au average]
value of 26 cents per acre.
^In 1877 there were returned 6,533,710acres
t an average value of 2G rents per acre. The
| decrease in acres for 1877 was 400,737.
■ In 1878 the number of acres returned was|
j 7,582,323; the average value per ncr^flH
| cents; increase of acres for 1878 was 1,048,-1
[613.
■ The value of the wild lands returned was]
I as follows
I 1*76-7,033.447 acres *1, *35,8281
| 1*77—6,533.710 " 1,700,51*
[ 1878-7,5*i2.323 “ 1,656,7731
■ These figures speak for themselves, show-l
[ ing increased return* ami decreased value of]
[ lands. We do not attempt any explanation I
| upon this point, as that is not a part of the]
[purposesof this article.
now THE RETURNS ARK MADE.
The wild lands of the state have at various]
I periods been returned in various modes;!
I sometimes to the tax receiver of the county I
I in which they lie, at other times the owner
I hod the option to return them in that ntan-
| ner, or to the comptroller-general, while
they may be returned either in the
I county where they^ta^H^ARHMB
I county where the owner resides.!
I The details of tho matter are rather]
plicated and the operations of the InwM
Relating to the returns, collection of taxes
and sales of wild lands have been oflate
years anything but satisfactory to the peo-
| P le *
MOST SAVAGE COMPLAINTS
Ihave been made all over the state. Owners |
of wild lands have been divided into two
large classes, those who hold smaller bodies
| of these lands as investments or for spccu-
proY»*d lands have been\
from your office?"
"Tliat is true.,bu. ... >
were reported to me as bcQ^'j^
default by the tax recei\v Vj
mistakes, either of the owxieto'
ceivers." ^ -
"Is there no record fo wt*n^
ers may refer to verify then . *
"Certainly. 1 spent o\t*j %
for the tax-receivers of the coiv
they might get the li-t of x » ! <* tu .
reel. They ought to oe able to do * •** .
very little trouble.’
"Have any of the <>'•• .^laivta « >-T*
transfers been made to yon persoca {•
“Not directly, but, as 1 u»re aa. rt *
rei>ort. 1 have been blamed-ior ilf«
tion of the law, but in that I hr 4
cretion. The law and the opinion
attorney-general controlled my acti
"After a transfer of a fi. fa. doe? J
feree have any further relation*^
.t
«'V» acres of wild land, or
■%-is are now returned for
x Inch about $30,000 are an-
he ow tiers.
by which these lands are
investigation, as tho late
.ittee report. It i? claimed
•of 0,'lvertisIiigand
lecunl for the sal.'-* there i* a'.- It to
r v»»ry questionable practice. But
iere wrre none of the.ie things, the
1 < :ir. hM his fii fa. for its value
" i*«*r oen» more than any one else,
:« .-tw of 3874 *avs:
V"
; fo/.,
I
K
>wuen
the nr
m with: . __
'K to the purchaser the amount of
money and costs together with in ter-
uo of twenty per com. per annum
VOL. XI., NO. 28
didate. notwithstAmlitui
contrary. TUden to «
whose opinions arc worth reporting as quite
These Gentlemen of w H«nah.”
Knoxville Chronicle.
have about •'honor.’’
In Tennessee. Here Is one who is fo sensitive
about his honor that he carries a pistol in his
r from day ol
itb yoqr office? 1 ^
"None’at alL They l«ay_tl»c flBy
like the fi. r ^IKisequeut
the follow ing extract* t
latest rej>ort to the governor:
INVITING THE ATTENTION OP TH* SOL 'N6.
I respectfully rail you attention to my report
submitted to your excellency on the first of Jan
uary last, am.’ to the recommendations therein
* “cln relation
'Vill be seen the Investment is a
even should the true owner re-
'and. If he doee not. it is im-
rv-«° 0 <L
V • / *“ TH * T Rstimatb.
ith the JuVrifGi and *ax L»r. ri i' *’ $ s not denied anywhere that the great
of the counties." I s . A »h*» wild lands of th$ state are in the
Tho comptroller-general then. onr t the speculating tranferee*, and to
*..i»— : *- ' ♦-'*'\hqw i!.*»y estimate their land*, as com-
•Tur -il with the small holders who return
J* elr ! aI, ds» in i heir c .n“counties, while
the speculators return’hciip in their own,
being the richer couiuie*. we present the
following table. Tt embraces the average
yalueofwild land* returned in the five
counties giving the lowest number of acres
and the five counties giving the largest num-
lation and who do not believe the law per-
’Good I.iwd, Marse Jim. is you rix fum de ded? [ mits the transfer of fi. fa*, for taxes upon
’ * * 1 wild lands, and another class of larger hold
ers and speculators who have become the
transferrees of large numbers of fi. fu*. and
who have given the people great trouble in
seeking to enforce the executions; and
hence a howl of complaint.
COMPTROLLER-GENERAL GOLDSMITH
| was found by a reporter in his snug office,
I tuck up a noshun you’d died!"
•Why. look heah, Marse Jim, to you movin’?
Er what to de marter, fer shore?"
Said Old Ned, as a darkey moored in
And sat n great box on the floor.
No! Clirismas gif? All dis to fer me?
Ills bacon, an’ flour au’ stuff?
Well, I deelar’, Marse Jim, jis ter see
Yo’ good face to Clirismas gif ’nuff!
All dem clo’s to fer me an’ dto hat—
An’ dose gloves an* dese boots?
Now, won’t dto ole nigger feel fat
When he gits on bofeob dem suits?
But Marse Jim, liow cum you to kno’
Put I wuz no needy as dto?
Hit puts me in mind o’ long ’go
When I libb’d ’o long o’ you an* Ole Mias!
"But, Marse Jim, ’fore I tuchcs em dar,
l«e got sum mo’ bizness ter do
llit’s ter add er pos’skrip ter dat pra’r
I jess got throo prayin’ fer you!’’
Then Marse Jim and Old Ned knelt them—
Together they knelt on the floor.
And together they joined in a prayer
More precious than gold in the ore.
Together they sat and talked over
The memories of "what had been;’’
They spoke of the spirits that hover
And watch over us all unseen;
And Christmas eve grew into morning.
And the stars seemed singing again
The sweet song that they saug at the dawning
When a Savior was born to all men.
and readily yielded to the process of inter
viewing.
In reply to our first questions he gave us
the following outline of the wild land leg
islation of the state:
In 1866 the first wild land law of this
state was passed. It was almost identical
with the present law. The then comptrol
ler-general, Madison Bell, seeing its defects,
tried to have it corrected by the legislature,
but without any results. The first year
that I came into office I also discovered the
defects in this law, and tried to have it
changed. The legislature passed a law in 1873
requiring these land* to oe given In to the
tax receivers where they were located or to
the ordinaries of the counties where the
owners lived. This law was tried only one
year. So great was the confusion under it
that in 1874 the legislature returned to
the law of 1866, which is now known as the
act of 1874, and under which these difficul
ties have arisen. I tried from 1874 until
1877 to have the law so amended as to avoid
these troubles, but without success. I then
ISSUED EXECUTIONS
| according to law and proceeded to collect
| the taxes. Knowing of the many mistakes
| and the great difficulties in the way, I did
I all I could to obviate any further
trouble. Many of these fi fas were transfer-
T>n lay *n Letter. , ,. , .... -
Christmas d.v, jnsl after dinner, eighteen hundred «■» “ P rovided *“ « CUu “ Bal «»
seventy-nine. | the code. ,
Dear old Santa: Papa says that maybe if I drop a I What is that sectionT
^ fine , _ J "It b found in the cod# and read* as fol-
To you down In Pant* Clans Land you will get it I i OW8 .
cafe and sound, ‘ I * .
perhaps you’d bring an answer when you | "Whenever any person, other than the person
fete* * ’ ‘ * * “ "**
proper to remark that.
r wr r— I nave been censured
for the manner in which the wild land law baa
been executed. Errors and mistake* have oc
curred and Inconvenienced many citizens, .‘tome
good people blame me for theee disagreeable
troubles. The transfer of wild land fl faa under
section 891 of the code of 18“3 has been regarded
hr some aa unwarranted by law. in view of the
above, I earnestly request the legislature to ap
point a committee to look into this matter and
ascertain if the wild land law has been correctly
and faithfully executed by me. and whether!
hUblame for^the errors and mistakes wbloh
These statements went before the general
assembly but they proposed and perfected
NO CORRECTIVE LEGISLATION.
The result is that the law remains os here
tofore, and it will be the duty of the comp
troller-general to proceed again as he has
heretofore. If errors and difficulties have
occurred in the past, they ate well nigh
sure to re-api>ear whenever the new fi. fas.
issue from this office. It is the business of
the legislature to make the needed changes
in the law, and without action upon their
part, or an order from the governor sns-
l*ending the collection of the tax, affairs in
this line will go on getting worse, and the
complaints of the people will be doubled
at every new emission of wild land execu
tions.
AN EXONERATING REPORT.
The legislature did appoint a committee
i wild lands, of which Representative
McWhorter, of Greene, was chairman. The
committee-of twenty-three appointed a sub
committee of twelve, composed of its best
material, to investigate the doings of the
comptroller general’s office in connection
with these fi. fas. They did so and report
ed, the essence of the report being in these
words:
Your committee, not being satisfied with the
information to be obtained in the comptroller-
general's and the wild land office, have had be
fore them several of the transferees of these fl.
fas., besides other wltneaHC*. The information
gathered from these witncrWK entirely exonerates
the comptroller-general and wild land clerk from
even the suspicion of fraud upon their part They
have, to the execution of this uw, had to contend
with the difficulties which were (insurmountable,
and with which none of their predecessors
have had to contend, and the fidelity with which
they have watched the state's luterest deserves
commendation at our hands.
Immediately upon the making of the re
port the comptroller-general demanded by
circular of all sheriffs that they observe his
order forbidding farther sales and that they
make at once a full return of all sales made
by them.
DISABLED TAX-RECEIVERS.
From gentlemen who are conversant with
the tax-business of the several counties of
the state it is ascertained that probably in
a majority of the connties the office of tax-
receiver is considered a charity, to be be
stowed upon aged, infirm, or crippled men;
men who have lost an arm or a leg and to
whom their fellow-citizens feel disposed to
give an easy money-making berth. When
ever this is done there are large chances that
the interests of the county and state will
not be rigorously looked after. It requires
good work to secure a proper return of tax
able property and some of the evils under
which we labor are traceable to the
fact that men of "git up and git"
are not set about the business.
COLLUSION AND FRAUD.
The complaints made all over the state,
and which have become painfully plenti
ful, are of various hues. The people,
whether rightly or not, are con
vinced that a huge fraud is being
!>erpetrated upon them and the
state in many ways. They are growing
very restive, and it may be possible that an
organized effort will finally be made to uj>-
set and nullify proceedings w hich have
about them the semblance, if not the
prominent badge of fraud. The report of
the legislative committee says: "Officers,
whose duty it was to execute them, have
either ignorantly or intentionally allowed
the transferees to pervert the law, and by
this means to rob the state of thousands of
money, and her citizens of hundreds of
thousands of acres of land.” If fi. fas. have
been so manipulated, outside of the
law, as to result- in the deception and spoli
ation of the people, and these practices
have been general, we may yet find in
Georgia a way and a means to establish the
fraud and vitiate the proceedings.
THE NATURE OF COMPLAINTS
made are as various as the hues of the cha
meleon. and change their color with the
coming of each new complaint. For in
stance, in Ills circular to sheriffs of De-
’cernber 14th, the comptroler-general says:
The wild land committee of the house of rep
resentatives complained that excessive cost had
been charged and collected by sheriffs In soma
counties, and that a different and great
lected from defendant* in fl. fa. from tti
by newspapers for advertising: also, t
of sale has been turned over to transferrees prior
to order of 28th February, 1878. from this office,
simply on their giving bond for forthcoming of
said money if a better owner claimed said fund.
" me but the true owner was entitled to sa' *
it*, and if you have paid such excess to ai
other than the true owner, or collected e_
cessive cost, or a different amount of cost Horn de
fendant in fi. fa. to that charged by the advertis
ing paper, then, in either of all these cases, you
and your securities would be liable for the abuse
of your authority; and I notify you that I shall
exhaust every legal right of the state to correct
ly or all of these abuses.
The committee in it* report use* th* fol
lowing language:
her of acres:
VALUES rEB ACER RETURNRD.
tip*"—- }£■
*®oK.. ...3fic. Chatham 16c.
Clinch 9c.
y>hite 22c. Ware 4c.
From this table it will he noted* by
reference to the report of the comptroller-
general, that the returns of value from the
large holders in wild land speculating eoun-
lq«vel>’ b*>Nfw the return* given in
wners m tue counties named,
tch the presents round.
| against whom the same has been issued, shall fi
Alaska in America. Being —
an*l two being divided. W ithout these [ Goldened by his success in these
clumpM the demoenu. and republicans (wo tripSi the Swedish M il or ,with the un-
*B1 each have eighteen states, California
and Mr. De La Matyr holding the balance
o( power.
Grergia In Conjrress.
Our summary of the doings of Geor
gia’s representatives leaves for record the
work of only the week that preceded the
adjournment for the holiday recess. This
cliapu*r brings us down to the day of ad
journment.
The states were called on’Monday of
last week lor bills and resolution*. Un
der the call Mr. Hartridge introduced a
plication. The best interests of individ- bill to repeal the test-oath, or SJUt-tKCtion
ual citizens and the commonwealth at of the revised stotntea; Mr. Harris, a bill
large will be subserved by it- for the relief of Moees R. Russell, of Car-
five miles away. Two hours afterward
pigeon arrived’at Warsaw from Novogeor-
pievsk. bearing a dispatch stating that seven
of the birds liberated at the former had
reached the latter place.
—When Mr. Henry Drummond, an eecen
trie but able English member of Parlia
ment. and a light of the Irvingite faith, was
in Rome, some thirty year? ago, he had oc
casion to refer to the highest authority
among the Jesuits on the subject of the
Real Presence. The Jesuit told him he must
believe that there was no bread present after
consecration. Mr. Drummond asked wheth
er if the bread were chemically analyzed
tlie a-hes would contain animal and not
vegetable products. The father replied that
"if such an act of profanation were commit
ted. the holy presence would be withdrawn
and the element- would bo as they were be
fore.”
The Re-election of Senator Gordon.
Portland lOregotri Standard.
The re-flection by the state of Georgia, of
General John B. Gordon, to serve another six
yean in the United States senate, is a matter for
congratulation, not only to the state be *o ably
rerr»enu. but to the country “ ’ ”—*—
without
any execution issued for state, county dr naJS.
perfectly discouraged—Little Taul and 1 pal taxes, or any other execution issued without
prink and me. ( the judgment of a court, under any tow, the offl-
r just as poor! What we shall do tor new-1 cer whose duty it to to enforce said execution,
vrar’s I u- -n't sec. I shall, upon the request of the party so paying the
Where we use to have whole dollars we havehmrd I some, transfer sold execution to said party; and
work t r-axing dimes. | said transferree shall have the same rights as '
It's hard times, papa tclto us. Now, Santa, what’s I enforcingsaid
hard times? | as might have
| said transfer.'
One d„5- rtran were ukint wh»t be hoped old 1 "Harm* a»ked end received the opinion
HeklSdu. three tUnes round end then he sighed he “" der
like any thing: | this section with regard to wild !and fi. fas.,
(Little Prink was on his shoulder, where he always 1 1 went on to issue the execution*.
climbs-) ... | I opposed to the policy of transferring
‘Chrbmui* wonit bring much to pepe. I’m afraid. I lheM fl . an d had refused to transfer
except hard tunes. I them until the attorney-general decided
Xow we want a lot of money, bocause—why, just I that it was iny duty to do so, and I then
because! I transferred them to any party who would
The shop* ere beautiful—you're no idea, Santa I come and pav tlie taxes."
aad spotted about It, Justs.sweet “ H "*»*“ °P inion ° r ,he Mtomey
peppermint, I general at hand?
..... lhey fon't know how to I Here is the essential portion of it:"
| THE ATTORNET-GE5ERAL’8 OPINION.
So, Santa, when we re sleeping, and you’re creep-1 "2nd. Whether section 891 of the code
will cover fi. fas. issued by the comptroller-
general for taxes on unreturned wild land*?
‘That section is very broad, applying to
»
and which are representative counties.
THE SPECULATOR'S DREAM
of wealth to flow in a constant stream from
these investments is based upon the fact
that Georgia is upon the high road of pro
gress and that her people are increasing in
wealth and her boundaries are filling with
population. Since the last returns 859,382
acres increase in improved lands was report
er taxation, and the growing necessities
the state in a few years will force large
bodies of these wild lands to the mar
ket to _ supply a demand for land fit
cultivation. Tliat day is not far distant
and when it comes the wild land specula
tors will bathe their limbs in the golden tide
that will roll in upon them.
WHO ARK THE LUCKY MEN.
We cannot just now give a complete list
t the fortunate individuals who are revel
ing in the prospects of this auriferous flood,
but Atlanta will not be lacking in examples
of her enterprise. We find the following
records upon the tax collector’s book for
Fulton county
Name. Acre* Owned. Tax Paid.
Hennr Banka .287.801 go 50
Banks & Scott 30,650 18 97
... 60,067 30 17
- 30,782 14 52
Henry Irby 19,080 9 90
These are the principal owners of wild
lands who reside in this county, and return
their lands here. They own 434,3.90 acres of
wild land, and upon it they pay only
$138.46. These arc startling figures, and
will certainly cause many a struggling tax
payer to look further into this manner of
transactions.
OTHER BONANZA KING*.
Among the other names of persons who
appear to have taken a decided interest in
seeing that the state got its taxes from
these wild lands and who exhibited a
greater fondness for wild land fi fas than
for their cash, we find
O. W. Garmany, of Savannah, who _
said to be at the head of a combination con
trolling a very large lot of land in southern
Georgia, amounting to several hundred
thousand acres.
Daniel Lott, of Ware county, who also
has absorbed the fi. fas. that cover exten
sive tracts of land.
T. R. Bennett, of Mitchell county, who
has been enterprising enough to take in a
goodly number of broad acres for future
disposition.
WHAT SHALL WE DO
be saved? That is the cry of the people
the state. There must be some reform
this matter. The state is annually losing
thousand of dollars in revenue, for the
comptroller-general himself says, Speaking
of this tax:
When I came Into office in 1873, on account of
the ncwceaa and KUBpcnrions of the law, it waa
899.000, and
“550,000or «7S._ _
i get the owner*
the atatc and her citizen* from the fraada prac
ticed upon them.
In his report, made on the 1st day of Jan'
usry of this year, tlie comptroller-general
al*o says with regard to these transfers of
wild land fi. fas:
I do not think It rtoht. I believe the state
should keep control of all such fl. faa The
transferee can hold the transferred fl. faa nntll
the dull summer month*, and seriously impair
Christmas Day.
ing romes. they
When Chri
The whole
The very rattle in the sulto
rid knows it’s Christmas d&y;
e in the stall*
the blessed midnight tolls.
e nit:bi the heavens shine.
pronounceable name and the unconquer
able resolution, determined in his next
trip to go beyond tlie Yenisei river, and
head his ship straight for Behring’s strait.
The Russian government joined with the
Swedish in fitting oat this expedition,
and on the 4th of last July it started
amid great celebration from Europe.
The expedition of three ships jassed
safely through the Kara sea. Cape Che-
luysink and the Yenisei river, and then
started direct for Behring’sstr&it. As we
write this the brave Swedes are battling
with the ice-bugs >» tlut hitherto nnex- fcSST’StoaSlSuiSSStoSSSStt.wS! :
plorvd waste of water, or h»ve yielded Poor Bisine: To
r . ... ■ „r_. . the tremblers wlso IssT. tired (or fesre on the «oc- rensre nude chsira_
up their lives m their daring attempt to motions hors taken to ordinary kao. unkindest cut of alL
tons; conservative, but still olive to tne
universal march of the wheels of progress; be
stands today foremost among the conspicuous
rebels, who. having staked their all upon The
hopes of a confederacy and lost, ha* had the good
sense to accept its trying penalties gracefully
bending ollhto abilities towards building up the
energies of the south, lavishly expended in the
toot gigantic struggle.
wifi comes tile hours of joy and cheer.
Of loving friends and kindred dear;
Of cifL« and Bounties iu the air.
Sped by the “Merry Christmas!" prayer.
While through it all, so sweet ana strong,
I* heard the holy angels' song;
•Glory be to God above!
On earth be peace and helpful love!”
And on the street, or hearts within.
The Christmas caroling* begin :
"Woken Chri-lian children,'
Up and let ns sing.
With glad voice the praises
Of our new-bora Ling.
’“Come, nor fear to seek Him,
Children though ve be;
Once He said of children,
•Let them come to me.'
Haste we then a welcome.
With a joyous toy,
Christ, the king of glory.
Bom for us to-day.”
(Christinas page St. Nicholas for Jan.
[ every execution issued for state, county
j municipal taxes, or any other execution is
sued without the judgment of a court, un
der any law, provided that the
| officer whose duty it is to
| enforce the same, shall upon the request jrA
| the party so paying the same, transfer said
| execution, ect
"No reason occurs why this section should
| not embrace tax fi. fas. on wild land* as well
s other tax fi. fas."
We then asked Colonel Goldsmith whether
| there were not a good many of these fi. fas.
sent out to the sheriffs directly from liis of
fice?
’Certainly. All the fi. fas. that are not
transferred are sent to the sheriffs of the
counties where the lands arc located.”
"What is the difference between those
from the office and those held br tranv
none, whatever. They
o be advertised anil
county where they are
•r
"There is
II hare
sold in the „ , 0
| located and everybody has a chance to bid
on them."
"A good many are located in counties
where the owners do not reside?"
Yes, sir; but the owners have twelve
months after the sale in which to redeem
their land."
THE OWNER'S DUTT.
"Then, it is the owner’s duty to return
the lands and pav the taxes once every
land il. fas.
It thus appears that all parties, saving and
excepting the transferees, agree that these
transfers ought not to be made, and that so
long as the law requires them, so long will
the jieople be subjected to these wrongs.
IS THERE A RING?
The question arises: "Who are the trans
ferees.
The people at large have
idea that there is a gigantic
ring formed among certain capitalists
for the purpose of buying up these tax fi.
fas. ana controlling ail the unimproved
lands of the state that it is possible for
them to command. The singular unanimity
with which certain parties have invested
their capital in this apparently unprofitable
field has caused an investigation into the
reasons for such anomalous conduct. The
impression prevails that there is a "wild
land ring” in Georgia, and that the ultimate
design of this ring is to control the whole
area of nnoccupied land in this state and to
so manipulate the investment an to make
it safe and profitable now, and an enormous
mine of wealth in the near approaching
Juture.
HOW IT WILL WORK.
The cost to the parties buying these fi. fas.
is the amount of taxes due simply. It is
true that in some instances the taxes for two
or three years are included in a single fi. fa.,
but in a majority of instances the tax
onlv for one year.
up every cent, e
i il he suspects that his unuk-
— — "e con-
n place
blot c
If he hod I. ,
cage her plantation to Ret it. Ho loiter
War-roon», talks politics on tho urveto, smokes
other people's cyrars. and fills his stomach with
mean whisky bought on credit, but this matter*
naught. He regards labor as degrading, and fit
onlv to be engaged In by "niggers” ami "poor
whit* trash." lie talks long and loud and elo
quently about his "sacred honor." But. while he
is so honorable in some respects, ho to singularly
lax ln othera. Honor demands, in his estimation,
that-he should wear good clothes, but does not
require that he should pay hto tailor’s bills. Ho
to willing that the state of Tennessee should bor-
_ ' Ijillllir ~ ** * superb state-
tiaefi
Id. In
tho principle, •
the power, and let him keep who can."
_ - _ ,;ht not openly approve of highway rob-
besr; but. if tho creditors of the state can bo
robbed by legal technicalities, ho thinks it is all
right. What other people would cull knavery he
regards as a sharp trick, indicative of superior
_ . principle tliat he refuses
to hto tailor and for the whisky he drinks, he
of their just
8 credito:
i curious idea of honor.
The National Outlook.
Boston Globe.
In th* late congressional elections, in which
the contest was made upon the money question,
the opponents of the republican party cast a ma
jority of the votes. By a union of the parties
forming this majority it is therefore evident that
ty which at the tote elections polled a vote of
more than a million, against a total vote of a few
thousand two year* ago. From a comparatively
insignificant faction it has risen to the dignity of
a party which may, under favorable conditions,
assume to arbitrate between tho two older organ
izations, as it now evidently holds the balance of
wiuuu, ui iu priv-em wrrupv miu demoralized
form, the writer suggests a plan similar to that of
the fusion tickets ot I860. That U, the notniira-
tion of joint electoral tickets for which both par
ties shall vote, with the understanding that tho
ticket so elected shall be divided in the electoral
college in proportion to the number of votes cast
‘ -- —» .... _ understood
1 ittMMhnnds
could express itself and make its influence felt
in the next presidential election. If this courso
should result In throwing the election of prcsl-
that the opposition to conti
could exproi " ■* “
in the next r
should remit.
den tin to the house of representatives tho effect
would be the same, so far as republicanism to o
to tho presidential election, tho ideas of this
writer are certainly very pertinent to the condi
tion of things at present, showing what might
be done with the elements now at hand. iLis at
least interesting as a speculation in politics.
A StortllngNtory from Indiana.
Washington Special to Cincinnati Enquirer.
A report has reached here from Indiana to tho
state, to to be sent to t
stead of Voorhec*. The terms of the bargain are
farther said to include the organization of tho
state senate by the national*, and the election of
1© an tbc vacancy caused
La Matyr. This baraain
would give the republicans control of the delega
tion and prevent the proi*osed reapportionment of
the state. The story or this bargain, however, is
discredited at the national head-quarters here.
Chairman Dewees, of the national executive com
mittee. has not heard of it; and Colonel Lee Cran
dall, hto secretary, says: "I am in constant cor
respondence with Mr. De La Matyr, and if such a
thing is contemplated I have not heard a word of
it Nor do I believe it, for I know Mr.Dc La Matyr.
and he is not a trading man. I do not think either
he would give up hto seat in the house. He was
elected as a national, he will come as a national,
and he will vote aa a national. No, ldon’t bo-
few years; provided, we <
time has come when the exigencies of the state
urgently call for the tax on this property. These
lands are generally owned by large land specula
tors, who will not, until compelled,return and pay
the tax thereon.
He has recommended several remedies to
the general assmbly, but without success.
If the people do not move in the matter
and demand a reform at the hands of their
ntatives, they ought not to kick
he law is brought to bear upon them.
There must be a remedy somewhere. The
complaints come from somewhere and the
experiences of the people who suffer may
suggest the remedy now so greatly needed.
w “l would be economy for the state to have
full and thorough investigation of this
whole subiect and the sooner it is had the
sooner will the treasury begin to appreciate
the term ‘‘resumption" and the sooner will
the people understand that government
means protection and justice to all met;
THE CAROLINA MOONSHINERS.
it Changeof Feeilng Reported.
Washington, D. C., December 24.—Com
missioner Raum has received a de
tailed report from Collector Bray ton, of
South Carolina, of the operations carried
on in Abbeville county by the special reve
nue force under command of Deputy Col
lector Hoffman, from the 3d to the 18th in
stant. Tlie report shows that seven illicit
stills have been seized of a capacity rang
ing from thirty to ninety gallons a day.
Ten illicit distillers were arrested.
The report concludes: in accomplishing
the above work, the force has traveled five
hundred and fifteen miles since November
28, frequently both night and day, with but
little rest we were also put to consider
able expense on account of our horses, be
ing frequently compelled to leave our
broken-down stock and have fresh horses.
It affords me great pleasure to add that
the sentiments of the inhabitants of this
locality has undergone a great change on
onr arrival and we were looked on with
distrust and dislike. It was claimed that
there was no illicit distilling In these coun
ties, but our discoveries have the de
termination of a discharge in our du
ties, and our character and the good
conduct of the men employed have
wrought a change in their feeling aud
most of the better class of citizens have ex
pressed regret at our departure. There is
nodoubt that our operations in the moun
tains have had the effect of cutting off the
blockage whisky supply in these lower
counties, and unless occasional raids are
made to these parts, illicit distilling will
again be made.
The Outlook for 1880.
Samuel Bowles, Jun., in the Springfield Repub-
Jy that Mr. D
La Matyr to working to secure the election«_
James Buchanan to succeed Voorhec*. Buchanan
is hto warm friend, and he would like to see him
elected."
Too Good for Circulating Purposes.
Burlington nawkeye.
They have a new financial scheme way down in
„ „ r per cent. tnteresL
will be Issued in denominations of $5.00 each,
and will be exactly the size of a greenback bilL
Each bond will have six coupons to be clipped
annually. It is proposed to sutatitute four per
cents for the whole of Georgia's debts, this half
million being issued to take up bonds which ma
ture In February. As these obligations
have coupons attached, they are not
in conflict with the provisions of the
tow against the issuance ol money by states.
Georgians say that the plan will succeed and that
the bonds will circulate os currency. It is » «*»•»
pretty scheme but it remain* to be seen
than to keep in circulation the Georgia notes.
Georgia** New Bond.
Washington Special to SL Louis Republican.
There to some amusement over a financial meas
ure which has pawed the Georgia legislature. The
legtolature has authorized the issue of half a mil
lion dollars of bonds, bearing four percent, inter
est The bonds will be issued in denominations
of $5 each, and will be exactly the size of a green
back bill. Each bond will have six coupons, to
clipped annually. They will be largely used
currency, and will furntoh a safe interest-bear
ing investment to the people, and will be issued
in January. It is proposed to substitute four per
cents for the whole of Georgia’s debts, this half
million being issued to take up bonds which ma
ture tu renruarj. x« these, obligations have cou
pons attached, they are not tn ooi.metwith tho
provisions of the tow against the issuance of
money by states. Georgians say that the plan will
succeed, and make money plenty.
Toombs on the Presidency.
Special Telegram to Chicago Inter-Ocean.
General Robert Toombs, of Georgia, being
«sked to-day by your correspondent about Grant
for next president, replied: "Well, If by the de
cree of the Almighty we are not to be free for
four years more from radical power, then l should
say, give us a tall lion, not a sneaking sheep.
Grant to a Hon. I have respect forthe man, for
he either kills or wins. I have never forgotten
bow gracefully he treated Lee and our soldiers at
the surrender. Grant to better for the south, lion
though be to, than to a sheep who tries to make a
lican.
Promptly sensing the improved outlook, the
leading republican candidates are quick to cuter
the llsu and so soon are industriously working up
the field, directly or through their friend*. These
candidates are Blaine, Grant and Coukling. and
their comparative prominence and strength at
this time from the Washington stand-point cor
respond in the order in which I have named them.
But after all It to the dork horse that wins In these
presidential contests, the unknown quantity
which ultimately comes to the front In contra
diction of all the present figns the prize of the
nomination to more likely than not to ull to some
one In the background, like Washbume, of Illi
nois, Joe Hawley or John Sherman. If to good a
as Hawley or Washbome, he will be elected,
Georgia’s Superior Economy.
Boston Herald.
The general appropriation Mil lust passed by
the Georgia legtolature provides *4,000 annually
for the governor, and $1 a day (the session lasting
a Uttier over a month) and 10 cents per mile
mileage for members of the legtolature. except
that tne presiding officer in each branch to allowed
$7. Here the most earnest economists are willing
to pay our legislator* twice aa mnch as Georgia
pays, and ore met by the cry that 83U0 to too little.
What Did Atlantis Promise?
MilledgeviUe Old Capital.
Atlanta promised to build a capitol as costly
and as good as the capitol in this city. The build
ing here has cost, first and last, nearly 1700.000.
As a capitol It to worth today $500,000; but it is
not worth that os a pile of bricks and mortar. At
lanta, to carry out her con tract, would be required
to estimate this building aa what—a government
house or a mass of material? Aa material simply
it would bring but little; as a capitol it would
bankrupt the Georglametropolls to duplicate it.
Knlmon for Hr. DIonnt’n District.
"A. W. R.,” In Macon Telegraph.
A train left for the south yesterday on which
were fifteen thousand live salmon from Drnid hill
pork, Baltimore, and bound for Macon. Milledge-
villc, Conyers. Covington and Reynolds, where
they will be placed In the rivers at those places.
You see our district gets the lion's share, which
shows that Mr. Blount to looking sharply afteronr
various interest*.
General Toombs in the House.
Washington cor. Augusta Evening News.
The general produced quite a sensation in the
bouse to-day. He went in to aee Mr. Hartridge
about acase in the supreme court in which they
are both engaged. He was soon the center to
which all eye* were directed. Many old friends
both engaged.
‘i all eye* were
up and gave him a cordial salutation, while
jjujnf- * —- u — ——- — *— — 1 —- *•»—-
Suctions.
great number* of others come up to receive intro-
Tbo Kins or the Turf.
Washington Port.
Rarus Is now admitted fo be the king of tho
turf. Hto time of 2:13^. made at Buffalo lost
twelve month, and If he did this none of
Crest-Fallen Jim. 1 hi* lands could be sold, or if neglected once
St. Louis Republican. I *nd tbex were sold, he would have oppor-
hart tb* Otaram mata the! ‘a™!? redemption-•
chairman of his pet committee is the i * «. air/
"It is reported that a great many im-
Yhat is to say: 1,000acres of wild lan<f at
the average value of 26 cents per acre,
bought for taxes at the rate in Fnlton coun
ty, 80 cents on the $100, would coat the
transferee just $2.08.
The average cost, by tax fi. faa., through
out the state, however, is put down at $2.00
per thousand acres. The comptroller-gen
eral estimates that hardly one-half of the
wild lands of the state are returned for
taxes, and, if this be true, as it undoubtedly
seems to be, the dullest arithmetician can
figure out
THE ASTOUNDING BONANZA
which these speculators have quietly
dropped upon. Any sum between $15,000
and $20,000 would purchase the fi. fas. upon
of the d .. ... w . , _
recognize it and courageous enough to use their
opportunity. There to one man whom they can
certainly tfcet fredden* " * "
re turning-board to coat
tor Bayard, of Delaware, whose strength is not
feiaoly negative, bat positive, whose course ss a
public man "ill bear the most searching scrutiny
and who has knowledge, culture and convictions
which he to not afraid fo assert. He is the only
man at all prominent in the party who would
draw the balk of the independent vote of the
country and under certain likely conditions heav
ily encroach upon the straight republican sup
port itself. That he coaid be nominated by a con
certed and courageous effort on the run of the
ero chiefs, Lamar. Hill, Gordon, would be only
too thankful to hove him chceen as the pony
standard-bearer, and say that the south would
Justify the appellation “solid” in hto support.
Doubtless the soft-money democrats of the west
would shudder at the thought of electing so
steadfast and consistent an advocate of round
monetary principle. But the irredeemable cur
rency issue fa likely to be essentially eliminated
from the next presidential campaign, and Ray.
aid’s candidacy would have the merit of uniting
nummer, to the best on record. Lately at Sacra
mento he baa beaten Goldsmith Maid’s time one-
fourth of a second. In arder to keep the stick-
»w«n rinm»« the democrats will
rise to the opportunity that to presented to them.
They say we should all be glad fo have Bayard for
onr candidate, bat fear he could not be nomina
ted. More likely It to that some trimming politi
cian, like Hendricks or Thurman, will be the par
Why the IndepenUenta-elect Go to
Washington.
Washington Special to Chicago Tribune.
The Independents from the south who have
been elected to the next congress are very much
courted here. Both parties ore trying to make
much of them; and it to (air to say that these in
dex »en dents seem to enjoy it, and will try to leave
their position equivocal as long as it will be ol ad
vantage to them.
Besnmption and Radicaliam.
Washington Republican.
The politician wboae horoscope of 1880 does not
embrace a big boost fo the republican party for
having brought the country back to specie pay
ments after the trials and tribulations with which
it bos been d'-luged by the bourbon democracy,
must be willfully blind. Successful resumption
means another lease of life to republicanism.
Canada’s MUfortunes.
Chicago Times.
The worst misfortune have fallen \
Prince** Louise, governorngenend of
We learn from the Canadian papers that her royal
highncM has lost her little rosewood cane with
the buckhom knob. It to not stated whether
dominion will go Into mourning.
