Newspaper Page Text
Uicchlt) Intelligencer.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA,
Wednesday, February 7, 1866.
m«B*troa« to Hoiiruad and Express Coni'
pan lea.
Tlie following bill lias passed the lower House
of the General Assembly, and if it shall become
a law, will seriously damage the railroad interests
and almost completely annihilate the Express
companies. It is hoped the Senate will careful
ly investigate the matter before it shall consent
to give its aid in seriously crippling our railroad
companies. Here is the bill:
A Bill to l>c entitled an act to regnlate the rates of
freight and travel over the several railroads of the State,
and to punish for a violation thereof.
Sec. 1. The General Auemldy of the State of
Georgia do enact, That from and after the pass
age of this act, the rate for the transportion ot
ull freights over the several railroads of this State
shall not exceed the amount of compensation
fixed by the lirst proviso of the 12th section of
the act assented to December the 21st 1833, en
titled an act to incorporate the Georgia Railroad
Company.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That the rates of
passenger travel shall be the same as fixed in the
afore&iu proviso, and that no railroad company
shall charge or collect any storage for goods,
wares or merchandise left at their several depots
for shipment, or for delivery to the consignees or
owners thereof, unless the same has not been
called for in the space of ten days of the arrival
of the same, aud no storage shall be charged or
collected on any articles delivered for shipment
ut tiie depot receiving the same.
Sec. 3. lie it further enacted, That no railroad
company shall farm, or lease, or let out any part
of their cars or rond to any persons, or corpora
tion, to defeat the provisions of the foregoing sec
tion of this act.
Sec. 4. lie it further enacted. That when any
railroad company of this State violates any of
the provisions of this act, its President, Directors,
General Sujrerintendeut, (as well as any of its
officers or agents so offending,) shall be deemed
and held guilty of a high misdemeanor, and shall
be subject to indictment in the Superior Court of
any county having jurisdiction thereof; and upon
conviction shall be fined each in a sum not ex
ceeding two thousand dollars, and shall each be
imprisoned, in the common jail of the county, for
a term not exceeding twelve months, at the dis
cretion of the court; provided, that nothing
herein contained slmll be so construed as to pro
vent any injured party, from preceding against
any of said railroad companies in an action for
damages, or by the common law writ of quo war
ranto for the forfeiture of its charter.
Sec. 5. lie it further c/uieted, That the rates for
passenger travel, and freights over the Western
Atlantic Railroad, shall conform in every res
pect to the previsions of the first three sections
on this act.
Commenting on the above bill, a correspond
ent of the Macon Telegraph says: “The House
of Representatives have passed a bill requiring
all the railroads in the State, to conform in their
charges for freight and passage to those allowed
in the charter of the Georgia railroad of 1833.—
it is understood that these charges are 5 cents a
mile for passage, and 50 cents a hundred miles
for freight. The Central railroad is not limited
in its charges by its charter, and the Macon and
Western, 1 understand, is by its charter allowed
more than the Georgia Railroad. If this is a
chartered privilege belonging to the Macon and
Western road, I do not see that it can be altered.
The Central railroad certainly needs the sympa
thy of the people in its distress. It lias over a
hundred miles still to put in repair, and when
the read is completed, the cotton will be all out
of the country, and but little freight will be of
fered. It is a public work of the first importa
tion to the people, and the present is not the
proper time 1o bear heavily upon it.
Injustice, by the same bill, is done Express
< ’onrpanics, which arc a great public benefit.—
These companies have already existing contracts
which the Legislature has no right to impair.—
During the war invaluable service was rendered
clic Government and country at large, as well as
the army, by these companies. A vast amount of
free business was done by them for hospitals and
relief societ ies during the war. This bill would
strike down at a single blow tlie National Express
Company of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, which
was established with one of its objects to give
employment to ex-Confederate officers and sol
diers.
The remedy lor the high charges complained
of against, these corporations, might have been
reached by requiring the several railroads of this
State to return to the provisions of their charter,
and this itself would have been bad enough, since
their charges before the war were on agold basis,
whereas, they must now be on a basis of the
United States currency. It is to be hoped that
the Senate will give the subject the attention it
demands, and not aid in the perpetration of a
wrong to these institutions.
It might be said iu justification of the seem
ingly exorbitant charges of the corporations re
ferred to above, that they have to pay from one
to tim e hundred per cent, higher for skilled labor
than they did before tlie war, and that the price
of nearly all articles used about a railroad has
advanced in the same proportion; and that most
of them have at this time empty treasuries.—
These institutions have all lost heavily during the
war; and with their rolling stock in a miserable
condition, and the roads needing new rails, they
deserve 1 letter treatment at the hands of the Leg
islature.
Tiie duties of the noun are set forth in an
able article in the Christian Index -, its view is a
sensible, one and is worthy to be pondered on.—
That man is fortunate in these times who pos
sesses the happy faculty ot suiting liimsell to
circumstances. Says the Index “a heavier bur
den of duty was never imposed upon any people
than that which now rests upon the people of
the South; nor was the demand for the discharge
of duty ever more imperative. To repair the
ravages ot a four-years war which devastated
fields, laid cities in ashes and scattered penury
broadcast over the land, would have been a task
attended with more difficulty had the circum
stances Ih*cu most favorable. But the results ot
the war have rendered the circumstances not only
not favorable, lmt decidedly the reverse. We
have difficulties in our way which nothing but
the soundest judgment aud tlie most enduring
patience will enable us to surmount. It, how
ever, these qualities be duly exercised, we trust,
under the blessings of God, that we may over
come all obstacles and render our country once
more prosperous and happy.
“The most immediate duty before us is to es
tablish our agricultural interests on a secure basis.
In order to do tliis, it will be necessary to organ
ize a system of labor which shall supercede that
which has just been removed. This is a practi
cal question, and must be met in a practical way.
Utopian theories and visionary speculations will
be of no avail. We must not wait too much
upon legislation either; for while good and
wholesome laws may do much towards remedy
ing the evils under which we labor, much will
l»e left to be done by individual effort. The leg
islature may say that tlie treedmsn must gain his
living by honest industry ; but it rests with the
individual to give him employment, aud with
generous kindness meet him half way in his ef
forts at self-support. It is our duty, by dealing
with them justly and in good faith, to disarm
that class of that profound distrust which they
have lately conceived for the white Southron.—
When this has been done, one difficulty in the
way of procuring an abundance of efficient and
reliable labor will have been obviated. It is not
merely a fondness for being idle but tlie tear of
being cheated that keeps the freedmen from work.
When convinced that there is not an intention,
on the part of his former owner, to defraud him
of his labor, it may be that he will return to tlie
field with his wonted cheerfulness. But this
conviction must lie forced upon him by individ
ual conduct."
The English and French Embassies at Berlin
have sustained a slight at Court. No scats were
provided for the Embassadors at the table of the
King on the occasion of the fete after tlie xnai -
riage of the Princess Alexandrine, so their Ex
cellencies withdrew indignantly from the “gay
aud festive scene.”
The President’s Talk with a Distinguished
Senator.
The telegraph brought us the other day what
purported to be “the substance of a conversation"
which took place on Sunday, the 28th ultimo,
“between the President and a distinguished Sen
ator." This account had nothing about it to
stamp it as an authentic narrative, and conse
quently it did not attract that attention it other
wise would. The Washington correspondent of
the Cincinnati Gazette telegraplis that paper on
the 29th ultimo, as follows: “It has been very
difficult to convince the Union men in Congress
to-day, that the reported conversations telegraph
ed over the country, last night from the President,
had his sanction. This is, however, true, he hav
ing revised the statement, approved it, and di
rected it to be sent to the Associated Press with
those declarations as a text.”
Tliis statement imparts an interest to the “con
versation, which it did not before possess, and
the importance of the views enunciated by tire
President, induces us to reproduce the account of
the conversation as follows :
“The President said that he doubted the pro-
(IHety at this time of making any further amend
ments to tlie constitution. One great amendment
has already been made, by which slavery has
been forever abolished within the limits of the
United States, and a national guarantee thus
given that that institution should never again ex
ist in the land. Propositions to amend the con
stitution were becoming as numerous as pream
bles and resolutions at town meetings, called to
consider tlie most ordinary question connected
with the administration oflocal affairs. All this,
in liis opinion, had a tendency to diminish the
dignity and prestige attached to the constitution
of the country, and to lessen the respect and con
fidence of the people in their great charter of
freedom.
“If, however, amendments are to be made to
the constitution, changing the basis of represen
tation and taxation, (and lie did not deem them
at all necessary at the present time), he knew
of none better than a simple proposition, em
braced in a lew lines, making in each State the
number of qualified voters the basis of represen
tation, and the value of property the basis of di
rect taxation. Such a proposition could be em
braced in the following terms : ‘Representatives
shall be apportioned among the several States
which may be included within the Union accor
ding to the number of qualified voters in each
State. Direct taxes shall be apportioned among
the several States which may be included within
the Union according to the value of all the taxa
ble property in each State.’ An amendment of
this kind would, in liis opinion, place the basis of
representation and direct taxation upon correct
principles.
“The qualified voters were, for the most part,
men who were subject to the draft and enlist
ment when necessary to repel invasion, suppress
rebellion, and quell domestic violence and in
surrection. They risked tlieir lives, shed their
blood, and spent their all to uphold the Gov
ernment and give protection, security and value
to property. It seems but just that this prop
erty sliouid compensate for the benefits thus
conferred by defraying the expenses incident
to its protection and enjoyment.
“Such an amendment, the President suggested,
would remove from Congress all issues in refer
ence to the political equality of the races. It
would leave the States to determine absolutety
the qualifications of tlieir own voters with regard
to color, and thus the number of Representatives
to which they would be entitled iu Congress
would depend upon the number upon which they
conferred the right of suffrage.
“ The President, in this connection, expressed
the opinion that tlie agitation of the negro fran
chise question in the District of Columbia, at.
this time, was the mere entering wedge to the
agitation of the question throughout the States,
was ill-timed, uncalled for, and calculated to do
great harm. He believed it would engender en
mity aud strife between the two races, and lead
to a war between them, which would result in
great injury to both, and the certain extermina
tion of the negro population. Precedence, he
thought, should be given to more important and
urgent matters, legislation upon which was es
sential for the restoration of the Union, the peace
of the country and the prosperity of the people.”
These views place the President decidedly in
opposition to the Radical programme, and they
appear to have been promulgated that that fac
tion might not seem to misunderstand his posi
tion.
Since the departure of the United States troops,
says the Columbus Sun, a general quiet pervades
our streets, and, except those portions visited by
the ravages of tire, the city is beginning to as
sume almost the same appearance it presented
before the war. ’flic freedmen seem nearly all
to have made contracts and left the city or en
gaged in peaceful avocations within it, and it is
believed that if they can remain uuinfluenccd by
fanaticism, they and their former masters will
live prosperously and happily together, the de
clarations of the radicals and sensationalists
among us to the contrary notwithstanding.
The Mayor’s Court shows the violations of
law in the city, for the last two weeks, to be few
aud trivial.
Our legislators are busily engaged in the work
of reconstruction, giving that attention due to our
public institutions, which had all suffered more
or less iu the late struggle, and it is confidently
hoped and believed that the presence of another
armed force in this section, to preserve order,
will be unnecessary. All classes are sick and
tired of war and war-like operations and appear
ances. ^
Audition relates that he once saw a toad un
dress himself. He commenced by pressing his
elbows hard against his sides and rubbing down
ward. After a few smart rubs liis hide began to
burst open along his back. He kept on rubbing
until he worked all liis skin into folds ou his
sides and hips; then grasping one hind leg with
both liis hands, lie hauled off one leg of his pants
the same as anybody would, then stripped off
the other hind leg iu the same way. He then
took his cast-off cuticle forward between his fore
legs into his mouth and swallowed it; then by
raising and lowering liis head, swallowing as his
head came down, he stripped off his skin under
neath until it. came to his fore legs, then graspini
one of those with the opposite hand, by consid
erably pulling, stripped the other, ami by a sin-
;le motion of the head, aud while swallowing,
Food Wublncton.
Dispatches from Washington dated February
2d say: The Senate to-day discussed the bill for
the protection of all persons in their civil rights,,
and after a long debate, passed it by a vote of
33 to 12.
The House was engaged in a discussion of the
bill for the enlargement of the powers of the
Freedman’s Bureau.
The President to-day transmitted to the Sen
ate, a message, nominating a minister to the Re
public of St. Domingo. He believed the commer
cial interests of this country would be benefitted
by the recognition, whilst such action would ac
cord with the settled policy of the United
States.
in the House to-day, Majors Gen. Meade and
Thomas appeared on the floor. A recess was ta
ken, when the Speaker, in a few' complimentary
remarks, introduced them to the body. They
returned their thanks in short speeches, after
which, on motion of one of the members, three
cheers were given them by the House and galle
ries.
On the Bio Grande.
The latest Associated Press dispatches dated
New' Orleans, Feb. 2d, say: Later Matamoras
dates have been received. Bagdad was aban
doned on the 26th by the Liberals and the Uni
ted States guard that hail been placed there.—
The Imperial troops re-entered the place on the
same day.
Nearly all the merchants ot Matamoras, Mex
ican and foreign, and among the former several
prominent and influential Liberals, have published
a solemn protest against the course the United
States army and civil officers on the Texas side
of the river, charging them with being responsi
ble for the troubles and outrages of that frontier
by aiding the partisans of Juarez, who has no
more foothold or basis of operations on that
frontier than that which is afforded by said offi
cials. The report is very severe, and its truth is
certified by the consuls of Spain. France and
Great Britain, who were present at Matamoras.
At the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Mexican
affairs were discussed at some length. There
seems to he no doubt that the French Govern
ment has made through Mr. Bigelow the propo
sal relative to the evacuation of Mexico by tlie
French troops alluded to. It is said that before
Secretary Seward left for Vera Cruz, he knew or
conjectured that such a proposal would be made,
and urged the President to accede to tlie propo-
postion. if it should be made. The President, it
is believed, is in favor of a settlement of tlie
Mexican question upon this basis for two reasons:
First, because Mr. Bigelow’s dispatches have con
vinced him that the French troops will remain in
Mexico and will be largely reinforced, unless Na
poleon is assured of our ueutaaity; and second,
because he is convinced that Maximilian cannot
maintain liimselt upon his throne ior six months
after the French troops are withdrawn. The
President, therefore, it is said, is not only in favor
of giving to Napoleon tlie assurance of our neu
trality, but also wishes General Sherman to su
percede General Sheridan in command on the
Rio Grande, in order to repress all attempts at
fillibustering. It is reported that the Secretary
of War vehemently opposes all parts of the pro
grume, but that the President announced liis de
termination to carry it out.
A special, dispatch to the New York News
says that a private letter from a gentleman in
Paris, dated January 4, has been received at
Washington, describing a recent interview be
tween the Emperor Napoleon and the American
Minister. Napoleon spoke frankly on the Mexi
can question, and expressed his determination to
preserve friendly relations with the United States,
and said he wished to withdraw the French
troops as soon as he could be assured that our
policy of neutrality towards Mexico will be con
tinued. He intimated, however, very plainly that
he w’ould never abandon Maximilian as long as
there was any danger that tlie United States
would pull down what he built up at so much
expense. All he would ask was, that we should
not interfere with the present government ot
Mexico, the permanency and stability of which,
if left to itself, he was convinced would be se
cured. The correspondent adds: “I have rea
son to believe that dispatches from Bigelow, con
taining ft full report of this interview, were re
ceived at the State Department by the last stea
mer.”
tie drew
whole.
it from the neck and swallowed the
Gen. Longsteet’s Opinions.—The Cincinna
ti Enquirer publishes the following extract of a
private letter from Gen. Longstreet:
“I see that some of the public men of the
North are still inclined to doubt our loyalty at
the South and to hold us in our present condition
for further guarantees. What can we do to sat
isfy them? We are willing aud anxious to do
anything that is wanted of "us, provided we are
allowed to get on some constitutional platform.
I do not suppose that there are a thousand men
in the South who think differently from myself
on this subject; and I have some doubts whether
there are as many as that who would leave the
Union to-day, if ihey were offered the choice to
go out or return upon terms of equality.”
Coffee in tiie Sandwich Islands.—We ex
tract the following from the Honolulu Gazette :
Our export of this valuable product during the
last year amounted to the respectable figure of
50,083 pounds, a convincing proof that, in spite
of drawbacks, the precious berry can be grown
with success upon some of the islands of our
group. The very careful account of Mr. G.
Rhodes on coffee, published through tlie medium
of the Royal Agricultural Society, is the most
practical, and hence the most valuable, statement
that we have met with on tlie subject, and we
shall uot hesitate to borrow largelv from it
•» * * ■*"■* * *
The cost of producing coffee is variously esti
mated at from four to six cents a pound, and at
present rates ought to yield a handsome profit.—
It has been thought that one of the chief obsta
cles to a more extended cultivation is the scarci
ty of capital. This may lie so, still it is a great
mistake to suppose that capital is anything
without the most unflinching industry and econ
omy.
Rather Hard on Massachusetts.—Gene-
eral Washington, writing to Richard Henry Lfer
August 29tli, 1775, said :
“ I have made a pretty good storm among such
kind of officers as the Massachusetts Government
abounds in since 1 came to this place, having
broke one colonel and two captains for cowardly
behavior at Bunker Hill; and two captains for
drawing more provisions and pay than they had
men in their companies, and oiie for being ati-
sent from his imst when the enemy appeared and
burned a house just by. Besides these, I have at
this time one colonel, oue major, one captain and
two subalterns under arrest for trial. In short, I
spare none, and yet fear it will not all do, as
these people seem" to be only attentive to their
own interests.”
Secretary Seward and tarty returned to
Washington on Saturday night, by the steamer
De Soto. The De Soto proceeded to St. Thomas
and then made a complete tour of the West In
dies, from St. Thomas in the East to Vera Cruz
in the West, stopping at Santa Domingo City,
Port an Prince, the capital of Hayti and Havana,
spending a few days at each port, and bein
most cordially and hospitably received by the au
thorities and people everywhere. The two West
Indian Republics, the Dominican, and Haytian,
were unexpectedly found at peace, all the recent
troubles having been quieted. At Havana the
party were hospitably entertained by the Captain
General. The entire party have been greatly
improved in health and vigor,especially the Secre
tary and his son, who are now able to walk with
out tlie use of canes for the first time in almost
two years. The ladies of the party, Mrs. F. Sew
ard and her sister, Miss Wharton, were also much
benefitted.
The projected assembling in WAsniNGTON,
during the present week, of Generals Sherman,
Thomas, Meade and Sheridan, is causing nume
rous surmises there as to the object of this im
portant meeting. The most probable solution is
that the}' have been summoned by the President,
to give him a true statement of affairs in their
several military divisions, in view of Congres
sional proceedings relative to reconstruction.—
The Tribune's special says that they have been
directed by General Grant to confer with him at
his headquarters, relative to the reduction of the
military force, tlie disposition of troops, and af
fairs generally within the limits of their respec
tive commands. Other prominent regular army
officers would have been ordered to have been
present at the conference had it not been that
they are stationed at points far distant from auy
army headquarters.
The Washington correspondent of the New
York Times mentions that the course of debate
for the past three weeks in Congress has had a
very good effect. There is a more general dispo
sition among the members of the House—espe
cially among those who have held aloof—to cul
tivate friendly relations with the President, and
many have been to see him. He is desirous of
such interviews, and he is perfectly free and frank
in expressing his sentiments. He adheres tena
ciously to his policy recognizing the Southern
States as in the Union, that the existing State
governments are perfectly legitimate and valid,
and that they are entitled to representation, but
that none but perfectly loyal men should be ad
mitted to seats in Congress. He also continues
to be utterly opposed to the imposition of condi
tions of admission of the States, either by amend
ment of the constitution or otherwise.
GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.
ors SPECIAL COR&ESPOSDnrCX.
Millkdgettlle, Jan. SI, 1866
SENATE.
The Senate met at 10 o’clock, the President,
Hon. William Gibson of Richmond, in the Chair.
Prayer by the Rev. Lovick Pierce, D. D.
The bill to alter the line between Lee and Ter
rell counties was paused.
Mr. C. H. Smith-introduced a resolution for the
appintment of a joint committee to wait on Hon.
Alexander H. Stephens aud request him to ad
dress the members of the Lesislature in such
manner and at such time as he might think
proper. The resolution was suffered to lie on the
table under the rules.
The bill for the relief of the heirs of Maiy A.
West, being a special order, was taken np, and
after some discussion was lost by a vote of 15 to
20. Mrs. West bad left in her will money to be
laid out in the purchase of negroes for her grand
children.
Mr. Moore introduced a resolution, which was
passed, requiring the Secretary, as a part of his
duty, to inform the House when one of its bills
is lost in the Senate..
The Committee on Internal Improvements re
ported a bill to raise the salary of the Superin
tendent of the Western & Atlantic Railroad to
$6,000.
The homestead biU, being also a special order,
was taken up and discussed. This bill as intao-
duced by Mr. Strozier proposes to exempt from
levy and sale a home regardless of value. For
this two substitutes have been proposed, the first
providing that such home shall not exceed in
value $1,500, and tlie second substitute, reported
by the Judiciary Committee, provides that such
home shall not exceed $4,000 in value.
Pending the discussion of the bill the Senate
adjourned till 10 o’clock to-morrow morning.
HOUSE.
The House met, and prayer was offered by the
chaplain.
New matter was called for, and the following
introduced:
By Mr. Harrison, of Chatham. A bill to en
courage tlie agricultural interests ot the State,
and to assist the Georgia Land and Ocean Navi
gation Company of Savannah. It provides for
tlie endorsement of the Governor upon the Banks
ot said county to the amount ot $2,000,000;
also a hill to amend an act entitled au act to
incorporate the Central Railroad and Banking
Company. This bill regulates the manner ot
voting, and extends the charter for Banking pur
poses for 30 years.
By Mr. Dosier, of Chattooga. A bill to encour
age the arrest and conviction of horse-thieves.
By Mr. Gartrell of Cobb. A bill to change the
county line between Cobb and Paulding.
By Mr. Rodgers, of Dade. A bill to legalize
certain marriages in the State.
By Mr. Morrell, of Effingham. A bill to con
solidate the offices of Tax Collector and Receiv
er of Effingham county.
Mr. Woods, of Floyd. A bill to authorize the
City Council and Mayor of Rome to issne change
bills not to exceed the amount of $10,000.
Mr. Hill, of Fulton. A bill to incorporate the
Atlanta Mining aud Rolling Mill Company.
By Mr. McWhorter, of Greene. A bill to sus
pend the laws of collecting debts till January
1st, 1868.
Mr. Dart, of Glynn. A bill to alter and amend
586th section of part 1st of the Code.
By Mr. Smith, of Hancock. A bill to incor
porate the Central Georgia Manufacturing Com
pany.
By Mr. Willis, ot Talbot. A bill to change the
line between Talbot and Meriwether.
By Mr. Hardeman, of Bibb. A bill to alter
tlie 2d section of an act passed incorporating the
Empire Coal and Mining Company, allowing
said company to increase the capital stock not to
exceed $5,000,00<$
4fc,LS PASSED.
A bill to define the duties of persons joining
fences, and tor keeping up the same.
A bill for the relief of all persons who were
bona fide soldiers in the late Confederate army;
who are charged wit h crimes during the late war,
carrying out the orders of superior officers.
A bill to incorporate the town of Steadman, in
tlie county of Newton and conferring certain
powers on commissioners of said town.
A bill to make owners of mischievous dogB
liable for damages.
A bill for the relief of the securities of B. F.
Handley, who was indicted for horse stealing;
said Handley was last in the Confederate army.
Mr. Woodward, of Monroe, and Cloud, of
, were granted leave of absence lor a few
! the penitentiary was made the order of the day
for Tuesday next
A message was received from his Excellency,
on the subject of the Western & Atlantic Rail
road. The same was taken up and read and re
ferred to the Committee on Finance, with instruc
tions to report a bill to cany out the recommen
dations of the Governor.
bills on third reading.
Bill to alter section 2,827 of the Code in rela
tion to the oath of grand jurors. Lost.
Bill to alter sections 4596 and 4597 of the
Code. Passed.
Bill to authorize Inferior Court of Habersham
county to levy and collect tax for the benefit of
crippled soldiers, widows, and orphans of de
ceased soldiers. Laid on the table.
Bill to allow Artemicie A. E. Jones, of Bibb
county, to receive and receipt for property, as
though she were a femme sole. Passed.
Bill to incorporate the town of Wester, Web
ster county. Passed.
Bill to change the line of Upson and Crawford
counties. Passed.
Bill to legalize the marriage of first cousins
Passed.
The use of the Hall was gradted Maj. W. T.
W. Napier, to deliver au address to-night.
House adjourned. N.
A strange story is told of two sisters at Ber
lin. About three years ago one of these young
ladies was engaged to be married, but outlie bri
dal morning Itecame so ill that she could not jms-
si bly go to the church. The bridegroom was a
desirable one, and he was a fish who, it seems,
had not easily been hooked. There was, there
fore, great danger iu delay, so instead of postpon
ing the marriage the second sister covering herself
in a long veil, personated the first and duly went
through the ceremony. The moment it was over
she transferred the bridal dress and ornaments to
her sister, who was thus considered to have all
proper claim to this husband she married by
proxy. Is is only recently that a discovery has
been made of the real tacts, anti proceedings are
about to be taken not only in the civil, but also in
the criminal courts of Berlin.
Ash Wednesday comes on St. Valentine’s
day.
days on important business.
A bill to authorize the redemption of land sold
for taxes.
The House adjourned. N.
Milledgeville, Feb. 1, 1866.
SENATE.
The Senate met at 10 o’clock, A. M.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Yarborough, of the Metho
dist Church.
Mr. Patterson introduced a bill to authorize the
Inferior Court of Camden county to regulate
and prescribe the rates of ferriage in said
county.
Mr. Carter. A biU to amend the laws regula
ting the admiilistration of the estates of deceased
persons in certain cases therein mentioned.
A message was received from his Excellency,
transmitting the report of the Superintendent ot
the Western & Atlantic Railroad.
On motion of Mr. Butler 100 copies of the
message and report were ordered to be printed.
The unfinished business, being the homestead
bill, was taken up and discussed at length.
The substitue providing for the exemption of
$4,000 worth of property for every debtor, was
put on its passage and lost by a vote of 16 to 22.
The orignal bill as introduced by Mr. Strozier,
was then taken u p.
Mr. Gibson movd a proviso that the homes ex
empted from levy and sale should not exceed
$4,001* in value.
Mr. Gresham moved to strike out of Mr. Gib
son’s amendment $4,000 and insert $2,500.
On motion of Mr. Redding the question was
divided, and the vote taken first on striking out,
which was carried.
Mr. Gresham moved to fill the blank with
$2,500, Mr. Gibson moved $3,500, and Mr. Car
ter moved $3,000.
The sums $3,000 and $3,500 were voted down.
The motion to fill the blank with $2,500 pre
vailed.
The bill was then passed. The provisions of the
bill as passed are the same as those contained in
the original bill of Mr. Strozier, except, that the
value of the home must not exceed $2,50C in
value. If worth more than that sum to be sold
and the debtor to receive $2,500 from the pro
ceeds—the balance to go to the creditors. If the
homestead contains water or steam machinery
it should be exempted, provided the same is not
worth more than $2,500. The bill does not pre
clude the payment of taxes.
Senate adjourned.
HOUSE-
The House met.
Mr. Pottle, of Warren, moved to reconsider
the action of the House on yesterday on a bill
referring to mischievous dogs. Lost.
Mr. Brock of Haliersham, moved to reconsider
the action of the House on yesterday, on a bill
altering the time for holding certain elections.—
The motion prevailed.
Mr. Kibbee moved to reconsider the action of
the House on the bill to create a new judicial cir-
euiL Lost
Mr. Ridley of Troup, introduced a bill to pre
vent persons from enticing away laborers from
their employers.
Mr. Pottle introduced a resolution to have
printed 251* copies of tiie list of members of the
House, with their post offices. Agreed to.
A seat on the floor of the House was tendered
Rev. Dr. Tucker, of Atlanta.
Mii.ledgevi.le, Feb. 2. 1866.
SENANTE
The Senate met at 10 o’clock A. M.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. .Yarbrough.
The small pox bill was made the special order
for to-morrow.
Tlie Judiciary Committee reported a bill to or
ganize a County Court in each of the counties of
the State. Tlie court provided for in the freed-
man’s code.
Bill to legalize certain returns to tlie Houston
Superior Court. Passed.
Mr. Thornton introduced a resolution to have
printed in pamphlet form, the Rules of tlie Sen
ate, ami alphabetical list of the members of the
Senate. Passed.
Bill to require non-residents to have tlieir lands
registered in the counties in which said land lies.
Passed.
Bill to authorize Justices of Inferior Courts to
borrow' money on bonds of counties. Lost.
Bill to authorize John G. Park to build a grist
mill ou the reserve lands of tlie State, at Indian
Springs. Gives a 20 years lease. Passed.
Bill to increase the salary of the Superintend
ent of the Western & Atlantic Railroad.
On Motion of Mr. Moore, tlie sum of $6,000
was stricken out and $5,000 inserted. The bill
then passed.
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE.
The House met at the usual hour.
Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. Stew
art of Spalding and Mobley of Upson.
Mr. Shaw of Stewart moved to reconsider so
much of tlie action of the House on yesterday as
rejected a bill to determine the value of nominal
or Confederate prices. Lost.
NEW' MATTER.
Mr. Dodds of Polk. A bill to make valid cer
tain acts of the Inferior Court of Polk county.
Mr. Woods ot Morgan. A bill for the relief of
Leslie Markham, Thomas Hollis aud David Dyer,
oi Morgan county.
Mr. Cook of Irwin. A bill to provide for the
payment of certain executive and judicial offi
cers. The hill applies to Governor, Comptroller
General, Secretary of State, Solicitors, &c; also,
a bill to authorize the Governor to issue bonds
of the State for certain purposes.
Mr. Dart of Glynn. A bill in relation to the
corporation of the town of Brunswick, and to
provide for the election of Mayor and other city
officers; also, a bill to incorporate the Brunswick
Improvement Company; also, a bill to amend
tlie charter of the Brunsw ick & Florida Railroad
Company, and to change the name of the same
to the Brunswick & Albany Railroad Company.
Mr. McWhorter of Greene. A bill to regulate
and protect the mechanical interests of the State.
Mr. Gartrell, of Cobb. A bill to discharge per
sons accused of crimes committed during the late
war, when such persons can show to the satisfac
tion of the court that he had a witness whose evi
dence w'ould acquit him.
Mr. Boyington, of Clayton. A bill to define the
liabilities of Railroad and Express Companies in
certain cases. .
Mr. Sims, of Bartow'. A bill to exempt from
taxation the present year, those counties overrun
by the enemy.
Mr. Hardeman, of Bibb. A bill to incorporate
the Great Southern Insurance Company.
Senate bill for the relief of persons on recogni
zances. Passed.
Senate bill to extend the civil jurisdiction of
the city courts of Augusta. Passed.
Bill to change the time tor drawing jurors for
Sujrcrior Courts. Passed.
Bill to authorize and empower Judges of the
Superior Courts to hold special terms tor the
trial of criminals. Passed.
house bills on third reading.
A bill to alter paragraph 1232, chap. 2, of the
Code. Passed.
Bill for the relief of the Muscogee Building and
Loan Association, and the Chambers Building
and Loan Association, Passed.
Bill to authorize the Inferior Court of Lump
kin county to levy a tax to build a jail and court
house. Passed.
Bill to incorporate the town of Wrighlsvillu.
Johnson county. Passed.
Bill to incorporate the Gate City Gas Compa
ny. Laid on the table for the present.
Bill to reduce the sheriff’s bonds of Forsyt
county. Passed.
Bill to empower the Justices of Forsyth county
to levy an extra tax to pay for attention ou cased
of small pox. Passed.
Bill to compensate ordinaries for administering
tlie amnesty oath. Tabled for the present.
Bill to legalize the-action of John C. Wells
while acting as ordinary, under commission of
the Provisional Governor. Passed.
Bill to change the time of holding Inferior
Courts, from 2d Monday in January to 1st Mon
day in January. Passed.
Bill to fix the terms of Judges of the Supreme
Court, and to fix their salaries. Lost. The bill
proposed ten years, and $3,500 salary.
Bill to incorporate the Georgia and Alabanm
Railroad Company. Passed.
Leave of absence w'as granted to Messrs. Rob
inson, Sheppard, Dixon and Swan for a few
days.
The use of the hall was granted Rev. Dr.
Tucker of Atlanta, to make au address ou the
subject of relief for the indigent widows and or
phans of deceased soldiers.
Bills were then read a second time.
House adjourned. N.
Milledgeville, Feb. 3d, 1866.
SENATE.
The Senate met at 10 o’clock.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Yarborough, of the Meth
odist Church.
Mr. Black introduced a memorial from the
Mayor aud City Council of Americus, in refer
ence to small pox in that city. The memorial
was referred.
Sir. Butler introduced a bill providing for fur
nishing each maimed soldier in the late Confed
erate cause, that needs it, with an artificial arm or
leg at the State’s expense; also a bill to alter
the law allowing married women to deposit
money in saving’s banks.
Sir. Casey presented a memorial from the citi
zens of Jefferson county, asking that said county
be relieved from the payment of State tax the
present year. Referred to the Committee on Fi
nance.
Mr. England. A bill to incorporate the Blairs-
ville Mining and Manufacturing Company of
Union county.
Mr. Ezzard. A bill to allow the Inferior Court
of Forsyth county to retain the State tax for 1866
j and 1867, for the purpose of building a court
Mr. Gresham. A bill to alter section 3,350 of
the Code, in relation to bail; also a bill to pre
scribe the mode by which private corporations
may be chartered.
Mr. Moore reported a bill to prescribe and reg
ulate the relation of parent and child among per
sons of color; also, a bill to prescribe and regu-
ulate the relation of husband and wife among
persons of color. It prescribes that where a per
son has been living with more than one husband
or wife a choice shall be made of one with whom
marriage shall be celebrated.
bills on third reading.
Bill to sell the Suite’s lands in Okefenokee
swamp. Withdrawn.
BiU for the relief of securities ou criminal bonds
where the person accused could not, on account
of the condition of the country, be brought to
trial. Passed.
BiU to amend the charter of the city of Athens.
Passed.
Bill to compensate Clerks and Ordinaries for
administering the amnesty oath. Laid on the
table for the present.
Bill to incorporate the Savannah Navigation
Company. Passed.
Bill to incorporate the Savannah Loau Associ
ation. Passed.
Bill to incorporate the Augusta Savings Bank.
Passed.
Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
The House met at the usual hour.
Mr. Pottle, of Warren, moved to reconsider so
much of the action of the House sts relates to the
use of plats or grants, as evidence iu courts of
this State. The motion prevailed.
Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. Mo
ses, McDowell of Pike, and Alexander for a few
days.
house bills on third reading,
Bill to prohibit concubinage among tlie blacks
of this State. Referred to joint Committe on
Freedmen’s Code.
Bill to incorporate the New Era Mining and
Manufacturing Company. Referred to special
committee.
Bill to allow Riley Johnson, of Clinch county,
to retail spirituous liquors w ithout license. Lost.
Bill to prevent persons from inducing freed
men to abandon their contracts. Passed.
Mr. Glenn of Whitfield, introduced a bill for
the relief of indigent widows and orphans of
soldiers, and other indigent persons.
It is not known outside the Governor’s sane
turn, who is to be superintendent of the State
Road. I learn that General M. L. Smith, of
Georgia, one of the most distinguished engineers
of the old army, and late chief of that depart
ment at Vicksburg, is an applicant for the posi
tion, and with a fair prospect of sucoess. lie is
a highly accomplished officer, and a gentleman
of unblemished private character.
There is a growing disposition among mem
bers of the Legislature to wipe out all indebted
ness incurred during the war—private as well as
public. I cannot think that tlie policy is at all
popular, or will attain even respectable propor
tions.
Hon. Joshua Hill addressed the members of
the Legislature and the public at the capitol last
evening. He thought the General Assembly
ought to elect him. He could take tlie oath,
which but few could do. For this very reason,
many will not vote for him.
With many wishes for your typographical
household, I am, truly &c. Muta.
P. S. Below' is the vote for United States Sena
tors :
Long term, A. H. Stephens, 152 ; Joshua Hill,
3A
A long and animated contest took place be
tween Gen. Gartrell and Cincinnatus Peebles,
Esq., for the short term. After seven unsuccess
ful ballots, the General Assembly adjourned.
The report of the committee on the subject of l house and jail in said county.
Bill to incorporate the Macon Canal and Wa-
ter Works. Passed.
Bill to provide for the election of certain offi
cers in tlie tow'n of Ringgold. Passed.
Bill to re-establish the Vandorn lien. Passsed.
Tlie use of the hall was granted to Rev. C. B.
King to make an address on the introduction
into the State of white labor.
House adjourned.
Special Correspondence from OTilledee*
vllle.
Milledgeville, Jan. 30, 1866.
After I had closed and mailed my letter to you
of the 24th, I, as an honorable man, felt that I
had done injustice to a much abused gentleman,
the Clerk of the Weather, and therefore take tlie
earliest opportunity to make the amende honora
ble. The weather did frown, hut no storm fol
lowed. This subject naturally introduces tlie
ladies, who, for several days ©f the past week,
thronged the galleries of the capitol, in full feather
aud diminutive hats. Without imitating the
“Jenkinses” who congregate about fashionable
places of resort, and seek to give popularity to
sheets like tlie New York Herald, and notoriety
to beautiful and brilliant women by easily divin
ed initials and stars, I may yet speak candidly
and truthfully of the girls, “to the manor bom,”
or “birds of passage” flitting for a few days about
us, and basking in the smiles of men who recog
nize no goddess but gold, worship no idol but the
almighty dollar. By-the-by, Major, while on
this subject, let me ask, have you not always
been struck by the artless beauty of tlie Milledge-
ville girls ? Now', own up. Others come a long
way, stay for a brief season to enjoy the society
of intelligent, refined, humorous and marriage
able gentlemen visiting the capital—we look at
them, talk to them, walk with them, and admire
—but, ah ! Major, we love the Milledgeville girls.
Now, whether I be married or unmarried, a den
izen of the metropolis, or a citizen of the world,
don’t you think the Milledgeville girls ought to
invite me to all their soirees, concerts aud sup
pers, and hang my likeness up in the best fur
nished apartments of their dear little hearts ? I
do.
The election for United States Senators takes
place to-day. It seems to be well understood that
Hon. A. H. Stephens will be elected to the long
term, and Gen. L. J. Gartrell for the short term.
All agree that Mr. Stephens’ great abilities, and
especially his conservatism and prudence, entitle
him to the position, but many think his election
at this time would be a mistake, since he is not
even pardoned, and from his association with the
late Confederate Government, personally objec
tionable to the party in power at Washington.—
But here the question arises: w'ill the dominant
party in the National Legislature, acknowledge,
not men, but tlie right of Georgia to lie recognized
as a State ? This is the jjons asinomm. If they
will not acknowledge the sovereignty of Georgia,
will they recognize the right of any of her citi
zens to a seat in the Senate of the United Stales ?
Certainly not. Then it matters very little who
may be chosen Senators by this Legislature.
The election for Judges of tlie Supreme Court,
the result of which you already have, excited
much interest at the capital. Judge Benning’s
friends are intensely indignant. They feel that
lie has been borne down by tlie weight of an old
burden, which his flashing sword, nobleness of
soul, and undoubted courage, should have struck
iff forever. I truly sympathize with the friends
of General Benning, iu lii3 defeat for the Judge-
ship. But the position of Judge of tlie Supreme
Court, is one not to be sought, and, therefore, the
disappointment usually consequent upon defeat,
ought not to be entertained.
There is an outside pressure here to remove
the Penitentiary to or near the Stone Mountain.
Whether this move is made by interested par
ties or not, I am unable to say. But the repre
sentatives of the people, in legislating upon a sub
ject so important as this, should look well to con
sequences liefore they take final action. They
may discover; wiien too late, that there is a spec
ulative cat covered up in the meal tub. Tlie
people would gladly abolish tlie Penitentiary it a
belter system for punishing criminals could be
substituted. I must confess that I can, at present,
see no safety in amputating this fungus on the
body politic. It is there, and must stand until
some plan can be suggested and adopted, which
will not prove a remedy worse than the disease.
A great deal of work has been cut out by this
Legislature. There are very few men in either
house, of much experience in legislation, but for
tunately, the presiding officers of both houses are
old members, quick at comprehending vexed
questions, and prompt in the dispatch of busi
ness.
Judging from the number of bills already re
ported, chartering companies for industrial pur
suits, I conclude that our people intend to fence
in a great deal of ground, whether they cultivate
it or not. If foreign capital does not seek invest
ment here, we cannot rise up, and shake off the
incubus that depresses all our energies. We
must invite it here. Alter the law in relation to
interest. Let parties contract for even ten or
twelve per cent., and capital will as certainly
come to us, as water flows down a lull.
His Excellency, Gov. Jenkins is getting on
smoothly with the Legislature. He has, I be
lieve only vetoed one bill—a bill granting cer
tain privileges to a Fire Company in the city of
Augusta, which, I suppose, was unconstitution
al in one or more of its features.
The Executive Mansion has not yet been suffi
ciently repaired to be occupied by the Governor
and family. It will soon be rendered comforta
ble which has not been its condition for several
years past
From the Ne w York World.
Tlie Great Soutliern Plano manufactory.
Until about forty years ago Americans were
content to purchase at large prices very indif
ferent piano-fortes from England, France, and
Germany. These instruments, never very good
in themselves, were utterly unable to stand the
excessive variation of our climate, and the super
heating of our parlors generally, so that alter
two or three years they became mere rattle-traps,
fit only for kindling-wood. One of the lirst
houses to assert that America could manufacture
for herself, and whose efforts were successful in
diminishing the importation of pianos, was that
of Knabe »te Co., who commenced business over
thirty years ago in the Monumental City of Bal
timore. Their beginnings were humble, for large
investments in an untried branch of trade, which
must at once come into competition with the
best manufactures of Europe, was then a thing
unheard of, since, besides tiie competition to lie
overcome, there was a wide-spread, deeply-root
ed prejudice in favor of the foreign article jo be
encountered. The excellence ot the lvnahe
piano, however, gradually attracted attention,
and it began to command a market elsewhere
than in Baltimore. Pianos made in the Eastern
States also began to claim attention, and the tact
came to be realized that instruments worthy ot
that name could lie made in America, and that it
was worse than folly to import an article at a
high price, which could be furnished at home
better in quality, and at about two-thirds the
cost.
Under these favorable circumstances, the house
ot Knabe gathered strength and made headway,
until to-day their manufactory is one of the larg
est in the world, and tlieir business extends all
over the United States, South America, tlie West
Indies, and even to Europe.
This house is the only rival of the few great
piano establishments of tlie Eastern and North
ern States, and the Knabe instruments are run
ning a race in popularity, and successfully compe
ting in the North and East with the best pianos
made there. The enterprise of the firm is note
worthy.
The present capacity of tlieir manufactory en
ables them to turn out thirty-live pianos per
week, but the success of their agency in New
York, carried on by J. Bauer & Co., lias so great
ly increased the demand for their instruments
that they have been compelled to erect a new
wing to their building on Eutaw and West streets,
Baltimore, which, with the lumber-yard attached,
occupies two entire blocks. This extensive ma
nufactory is five stories high, and with the new
wing attached, will present a frontage of tom-
hundred aud thirty-six feet, with a depth on all
the floors of the building of forty feet. We
doubt if there is a piano factory in the world of
much larger dimensions. All the modern me
chanical aids to labor are contained therein;
their beautiful engine turns a hundred wheels,
and moves a score of saws; the motive power,
steam, warms the entire building, and a number
of rare and costly machines, of extraordinary
power and unique invention, are in constant ope
ration to produce the beautiful specimens of
workmanship which tlie Knabe pianos exhibit.
The pianos of Knabe & Co. are sterling instru
ments, thoroughly made ot first-class and long-
seasoned materials, so that their powers of en
durance may be entirely relied upon. They are
not turned out rapidly with a view only to their
sale, but the makers expect that each piano shall
be an advertisement, of many years’ standing, ot
the sterling excellence of their work.
There are but few makers of grand pianos in
the country, and in this class of instruments the
Knabe acknowledges no superior. Their new
scale has produced an instrument of noble quali
ties. The tone is large and sonorous, brilliant
and sympathetic, round and bell-like, and its
power of singing or sustaining the sound is not
exceeded in any instrument now made. The
touch is firm, yet elastic; light, yet powerful,
meeting every want of tlie player. It is au in
strument of surpassing beauty, grandeur and
richness—one that could not fail to inspire a good
player with exquisite thoughts.
The new squares are equally marked in their
general excellence. The popular weakness seems
now to be in favor of a great body of tone. This
is not in accordance with correct taste. The
Knabe square piano has plenty of tone, but is of
a refined and beautiful character, sympathetic
and brilliant, clear and equal in all its registers,
and its singing quality is but little less than that
of their grand. In point of touch it is all that
could be desired, while in finish and exterior ap
pearance the workmanship is perfect. Tlie
purchaser of a Knabe square piano may rest as
sured that he prossesses one of the finest instru
ments in the world.
The uprights are the best of their class now
made in the United States. The tone i3 sweet
and silvery, rich and sentimental, and possesses
far more power than could be expected from in
struments of that class. They stand well in time,
their small, compact form is very convenient, the
cases elegant, and they are in every way an ad
mirable instrument.
Editing a Paper.—Editing a paper is a very
pleasant business.
If it contains too much political matter, people
won’t have it.
If the type is too large, it don’t contain enough
reading matter.
If the type is small, people won’t read it.
If we publish telegraph reports, people say
they are lies.
If we omit them, they say -we have no enter
prise, or suppress them for political effect.
If we have iu a few jokes, people say we are a
rattlehead.
If wc omit them, they say we are old fossil.
If we publish original matter, they damn us for
not giving selections.
If we publish selections, men say we are lazy
for not writing more, and giving them what they
have not read in some other paper.
If we give a man a complimentary notice, then
we are censured for being partial.
If we do not, all hands say we are a greedy
hog.
If we insert an article that pleases the ladies,
men become jealous.
If we do not cater to their wishes, the paper is
not fit to have in the house.
If we attend church, they say it is only for ef
fect.
If we don’t, they denounce us as deceitful and
desperately wicked.
If we remain in the office and attend to busi
ness, folks say we are too proud to mingle with
our fellows.
If we go out, they say we never attend to busi
ness.
If we publish poetry, we effect sentimentalism.
If we do not, we have no literary polish or taste.
If the mail does not deliver our papers prompt
ly, they say we do not publish “on the time.” If
it does, they are afraid we are getting ahead ot
the time.
If we do not pay all bills promptly, folks say
we are not to be trusted.
If we do pay promptly, they say we stole the
money.
A very learned and compassionate judge in
Texas, on passing sentence on John Jones, who
had been convicted of murder, concluded liis re
marks as follows:
“The fact is, Jones, that the court did not in
tend to order you to be executed before next
spring, but the weather is very cold ; our jail, un
fortunately, is in a very bad condition ; much of
the glass in tlie windows is broken ; the chim
neys are in such a dilapidated state that no tire
can be made to render your apartments comfort
able ; besides, owing to the great number of pris
oners, not more than one blanket can be allowed
to each; to sleep sound and comfortable, there
fore, is out of the question. In consideration of
these circumstances, and w ishing to lessen your
sufferings as much as possible, the court, in the
exercise of its humane compassion, hereby or
ders you to be executed to-morrow morning, as
soon after breakfast as may be convenient to the
sheriff and agreeable to you.”
Thk Pennsylvania State debt is $500,000.