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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.