Weekly Atlanta intelligencer. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1865-18??, September 29, 1869, Image 1

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Newspaper Page Text-v l ERROR CEASES TO BE DANGEROUS WHEN REASON IS LEFT FREE TO COMBAT IT.” VOLUME XXI. ATLANTA, GA., WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29,1869. NUMBER 39. What Next I On Friday last we gave to oar rendera an article bom the Buffalo Express showing that the interior Press does not sustain Attorney General Hoar’s opinion touching the application of the test oath to the members of a legislature elected under the reconstruction acta. We pre sent now below an article from the Cincinnati Gazette (Radical.) We are led to enquire “what next?" legal siHcoarms. The Attorney General’s opinion of the Vir ginia case makes the lest oath as convenient as the hunter's gun, which he shot to hit it it was a calk The Virginia Legislature, it appears, is a competent Legislature, without the test oath, to ratify the 15t b Amendment, but is not a com petent Legislature to do any other act, without taking the test oath. It is competent, without the test oath, to perform the highest act of leg islation—the enacting of the fundamental law of the nation—but it is not competent, without the test oath, to perform the minor acts of leg islation. In this esse, the rule does not hold good, that the greater includes the less. And then comes in a proviso, that when the non jurmg legislature has ratified the 15th Amend ment, and Congress has signified its acceptance of this as the fulfillment of the conditions, then the Legislature comes under the provisions ol the Stale Constitution, which does not require the test oath. And thus the Legislature, which was elected under a law ot Congress, which re- q ulred the test oath, performs a legislative act without having this qualification, and by virtue of that passes into another stage where it es capes from the requirement of this qualification We are quarreling with results, tor our read ers will bear witness that we have not placed much value on the process of making men loyal by swearing, even when Military Governor An drew Johnaon was regulating elections in Ten nessee by bis iron clad oath; but we are remark ing the queer way in which this comes about, and the paradox that an illegal Legislature can ratify a constitutional amendment, and by that act can make itself legal It is pleasing to ob serve that the New York Tribune, in giving the Attorney General’s process, remarks, “ we have always held these views,” like the infallible pro phetess when it was reported to her that the cow- bad swallowed the grindstone. And yet we doubt if any two persons, examining this question separately, would have come to this conclusion; and certainly the Attorney Gene ral's opinion has the merit of novelty. But queer methods spring from the queer do sition that a Slate having no legal status or power in the Union, may take part in the en actment ot the fundamental law ol the Union— that a body which is not a Slate, and which can not elect a legal Legislature to do tbe business ol the Slate, can yet act upon the fundamental law by giving an affirmative or negative to an amendment of the Constitution. Ot course such a notion can have nothing to do with logi cal rules. And yet it would seem that such a thing as tbe enactment ot a fundamental law, and as the legality ot a State Legislature, ought to be subject to logical rules. There is a straight logical course when we adopt the true premise, which is that a State in rebellion against the nation cannot exercise any voice in its legisla tion, either affirmative or negative. Three- fourths of the adhering elates were competent to amend the constitution, or to do any act of legislation. It is a reduction to absurdity to say that a State may at the same time be at war against the nation and have a voice in its legis lation. If Virginia is competent to ratify an amend ment to tbe Constitution, she is competent to do any ad which any State may do. It she is com petent to act upon a constitutional amendment, Congress cannot require her to do it as a condi tion tor her existence as a State. If done as a condition, it is done under duress, and is there fore ot no effect. It was well enough to require of the rebel States the acceptance of certain results of tbe war as conditions to restoration, but it wak merely in the nature of a treaty of peace. The amendments to tbe Constitution are completed when ratified by three-fourths ot the adhering States, or ot the States that have all the powws ot States of the Union. When we take this true ligtl ground we avoid the dilem ma in which we have to play Cast and loose with States, holding them not to be legal States, and yet requiring them to do acts which only legal States can do, and requiring them to do eels of constitutional legislation under a duress which vitiates them; and, as in the case ot Vir ginia, doiug a fundamental act ot legislation while an illegal body, and thereby lifting them selves into a stale ot legality. The propriety or policy of imposing the test -oath as a qualification is one question. We have not at any time given much weight to test oaths. And with our view of the nature of these conditions ot State restoration, as simply a treaty tor the settlement ol the war, the rati fication of the rebel people is what is required, and not ot the loyal But if Congress had the right to impose any conditions of restoration on tbe people of Virginia, it had tbe right to im pose the test oath, aa it did, and this oath was the condition ot its recognition ot the Legisla ture. And, according to the conditions which it prescribed, it would have the right to reject Virginia, because it has not complied by elect ing members who are qualified. This is accord ing to the acts of Congress. It may be that a loop-hole ot escape from this is a convenience. The Attorney General has furnished an inge nious one. We may accept the insult, for its convenience, but we cannot accept a law or xeatou the process by which it is reached. The R«klae-Th« Story of tse Attempt to Slow up the vrlikte sal Ike.ktaxlnx or the Sallore Our Paris correspondent writes about the at tempt to blow up the Sabine at Cherbourg, which was vaguely alluded to by a cable dis patch some days ago, and caused considerable alarm,as follows: w The Journal du Havre, of Monday, contains the account ot the execution of seven American sailors, in the open sea before Cherbourg, lor being concerned in a plot to blow up the United States trigate Sabine. The following are the de tails : For the last ten days the frigate had been anchored in tbe roadstead. On Saturday morn ing a midshipman descended into the hold to execute an order horn one of bis superiors, and perceived a match, one end of which was burn ing, and the other ot which communicated with the powder magazine. He hastily reascended and apprised the officers on boara of the tact, so that the match was immediately extinguished. It was time, lor a lew minutes later the frigate would have been blown up. The oomtnander on board the Sabine immedi ately commenced an inquiry, which led to the discovery ot a plot having tor its object the de struction ot tbe American trigate and of the whole ot its personnel. The authors ot this wicked attempt did not recoil before the pros pect ot a certain death in order to satisfy their savage vengeance. Twenty-two sailors were placed in irons and seven were condemned to be bung immediately. Before executing them, tbe commandant ot the Sabine applied to the competent authority at Cherbourg tor permission to carry out the sentence on the spot, but this permission was not granted. Tbe Sabine, there fore, immediately lilted her anchor, put out to sea, and was barely quitted the roadstead when r<*pes working on pulleys hoisted the guilty wretches into the air. Human justice was satis fied, and an example ot terrible punishment given. Sever*! boatmen, who happened to be behind the mole, were witnesses of this sad spectacle.” Th« Champion Starrier of Ike World. Au exchange says that the “ Rev. James Dur- buron, an Episcopal clergyman of Philadelphia, is the champion marrier ol the world. Within the last louiteeu yean he has performed tbe marriage ceremony one thousand times. Tbe auiouut ol domestic misery that man has helped to inaugurate is trighifuL” What a naughty follow that, who penned the foregoing. We venture none bat a crusty, cross ill-natured, old, and woman-torsaker bachelor, could have come to the like conclusion. A cumous trial occurred recently in Odessa, in Ramis. Tbe wile of a Justice of the peace had grossly insulted a coachman, who sum moned her before her own husband in his offi cial capacity. The justice of the peace issued a warrant lor his wite, investigated the aflair, and fined her filty rubles. Wi republished yesterday, from tbe New York World, a paragraph teaching the health of James Gordon Bennett. The Star of a subee- i; a d-i-f. aayr : “ lp the forcible language of ii.« Ihr.,Id people, the e'at ro<ut in Hie World <4 }«.!«•]day, to the effect that Mr. Bennett is seriously ill, is a d—d lie.” Tks tsaikers Commercial Convention at Lonlavtlle, Kentucky. The importance to Georgia, and especially ol her t Railroad interests, of this Convention we apprehend is not appreciated as it should be, by our people. We are pleased to see, however, that a note of alarm, if we may so term it, and it not, a note of tearning has been sounded at our principal seaport, which we trust will arouse all Georgia to the fact that an insiduous move will be made to divert freight and travel from over her roads to the sea- coast, irom tbe great West, and to otherwise form railroad connections which will leave “out in the cold," Charleston, Mobile, and New Orleans, and depriving them with Savannah and Brunswick, from ever becoming large im porting or commercial centres as they naturally should be. la an article on this subject, the Savannah Republican says : “It is eminently, in name and in fact, a Southern Convention, and yet we fiod the Mates of New York and Penn sylvania not only interested but appointing large and influential delegations to be accredited to the body. The motive is evident; we are about to build a Southern Pacific Railroad, and the North wishes to step in and appropriate all the benefits to herself. The movements ot tbe Southern Slates toward com mercial independence is a sore subject to her. She cannot bear the thought of Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans becoming large exporting and importing centres, thereby attracting tbe trade ot the Southern people, and their policy is to keep us iu a condition of per petual vassalage to themselves. To this end, instead of allowing the new road to keep the line oi the thirty-second parallel irom tbe Pacific to the Atlantic, thereby passing through all the cotton States and terminating, in its main liue, at a Southern port, they are seeking to divert it northward from its legitimate course as it ap proaches the Stales, and deposit its freights at Philadelphia or New York. This Is the object ol the lively interest felt bj r the Northern Atlan tic States in the Southern Commercial Con vention ; and now the question arises: will the Southern seaports consent to be thus cheated out of all the benefits of their situation and made forever the commercial dependencies ol the North 1 We hope not.” “ We, therefore, call upon New Orleans, Mo bile, Charleston, and especially our own city of Savannah, to look to their interests and rights while they may. This will he the last meeting of the Convention before the assembling of Con gress, and the result oi its deliberations will be sent forward to inlluence the action of our fed eral legislators iu the matter of a Southern rail road to the Pacific ocean. We should there fore see to it that tbe Convention is not overrun and controlled by Northern members, and the vast interest ot the South in the contemplated work sacrificed. We hope the Mayor and Coun cil ol Savannah will forthwith take the ques tion under consideration, and appoint a delega tion ot our shrewdest and best informed citizens to represent and protect fier interests in the ap proaching Convention. If this is not done, we may make up our minds to he ignored, with all. our superior claims, and left out in the cold.” The Republican, in t he foregoing, has struck the key note, and gives, we are pleased to see, timely warning. Why this Southern Commer cial Conventions. Convention originally de signed to promote Southern interests—should be given up to the control of Northern men, who will naturally protect and advance the interests of their railroad enterprises and commercia cities, we confess we are unable to see. And yet they will have the “power of numbers” in the Convention to do so, if they will, and mar every project designed to carry out the objects oi the Convention as originally proposed and understood. Our whole Georgia delegation to that body, will, we trust, guard vigilantly the interests of the State and the South during its deliberations. The following tribute to the memory o one of Georgia’s centenarians, and one of her most highly esteemed citizens, addressed to us is from the pen ot a gentleman who knew him well. We invite the attention of our readers to it: *• Uncle Bub Martin,** or Milton County, fieorgln. This remarkable man deserves a tribute to his memory, and I beg you will allow a friend who knew him well for the last thirty-five years, a brief notice. He was born in Henry county, Virginia, on the 19th of December, 1706, and died at his res idence, near Alpharetta, on the 27th of July, 1869—in his 103d year. His herculean frame was filled with a soul on the same model. Warm-hearted, hospitable, benevolent, and generous, he was highly es teemed by all who knew him. Denied the advantages of education, bis solid good sense and energy secured him a handsome competency; but it was all torn from him dur ing the late cruel war, (including 35 negroes) except bis farm. Living upon a public thoroughfare, he, like most of our well-to-do farmers, “entertained travelers ;” but there was one striking peculiar ity in his case: he never charged or accepted any pay from any respectable member ot the legal fraternity,” but always iuststed that he was more than compensated by their intelligence and fine social qualities. Scrupulously honest, he always regarded with undisguised contempt all that was mean and dishonest. For 79 years preceding his death he was a Master Mason iu good standing, and was inter red by Alpharetta Lodge with au attendance ot the brethren that attested their warm regard. He removed to Geoigia in 1790, and lived in Oglethorpe couuty, theu iu Jackson, in Coweta and Oobb, and in the creation ot Milton county was included in it. He left an afieciionaie wife, two surviving sons, and a large posterity to lament his death. He died in the full possession ot his mental faculties. Peace to his ashes ! il. A Question.—The question “who wrote Judge Dent’s letiet to Bout well” is uow agitat ing our Northwestern exchanges. Some main tain that a Mr. Page, Deni’s law copartner, wrote it, and soma have fixed upon others, the singular opinion seeming to prevail that Dent himself could not have written it. The Chicago Time* travels all the way to Georgia for an author, and says “a good many gentlemen in Chicago, who, upon a careful examination, will be ready to affirm that its style, construction, and thought are peculiarly those of a gentleman who used to have a considerable local reputa tion for brilliancy, and who has since acquired some national fame, named Henry S. Fitch. Tbe points are so striking,” says the Timet, "that Fitch should have the benefit of a doubt.” Stand up, Colonel, and let us hear what you have to say to the charge.—Savannah Republi can. Sssihers Xerchasu lit New York. We see it stared that the number of country merchants in New York especially from the South, is daily increasing. Most of them are paying cash on their purchases, and tbe whole sale merchants say the proportion asking for credit is smaller than ever before. . Attorney CeneratMoor's Opinion. We have from time to time published articles from leading Radical journals in the North, out side of New York City, showing that the opin ion of the Attorney General touching the appli cation of the test oath to officers elected under the reconstruction acts, was not luliy sustained or accepted aa sound by the people there.— These articles coming as they do, from leading journals in the Middle and Western Mates, are a fair index of Radical sentiment among the masses ol those people. And we find in Harper’» Weekly the following: THE VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE. The decision of the Attorney General in the Virginia case ingeniously compromises the dif ficulty. The dilemma, however, should not have arisen ; and we con teas it seems to us that it would have been betier avoided by leaving Congress to iuterpret its own law. The regis tered voters of Virginia have, indeed, voted in favor of a Constitution which, waen accepted by Congress, becomes the law ot the Slate. But. until accepted, it is not the law of the Sia e, which is still a Military District, subject to the laws passed for its regulation, and ainoDg these laws is Ibat which requires the oaiii of all offi cers, including the members of the Legislature. The Attorney General says that it is impossible to suppose that Congress could intend that a Legislature under the Constitution ot a State should lie regulated b. tbe military commander But is tins Legi Uture, before the Constitution has become valid, properly defined by the At toraey Genera) as “a Legislature under the Con stitution of a State t" If it be, it is cer'ainly nos a provisional Legislature, as the Attorney General afterward asserts. Amt if it be provi sional, all its acts must be equally so, including the ratification ol the Filleeotb Amendment But is a provisional ratification valid ? It is plain that the Legislature is not a Leg islature ot full functions until its action is ap proved by Congress; and is it not tiierefore equally plain that Congress, notwithstanding the Attorney General’s remarks, does “under take to iurnish lhe Slate with a suitable Legis lature to start with ?” It this Legislature does not do what Congress wishes, it will be held to be unsuitable. If, on the other hand, Congress is satisfied with it, it will, tor that reason, and for no other, be considered suitable and valid. But iu considering the action of the Legisla ture, Congress will necessarily investigate its ori gin and authority. The reconstruction laws do not compel Congress to approve or assent to conoitions which is made by a body that is not qualified to make the assent; and although General Canby will not exact the oath, under the circumstances, and the Legislature will therefore probably meet and ratify the amend ment, yet Congress will have to satisfy iiself of tbe justice of the Attorney General’s decision before it accepts the Legislative action. Ot course we have no desire to prolong the controversy, still less to lavor a course which would deteat the manifest will of the registered voters ot the Mate. In the dilemma which the law ot Congress has itself occasioned, we would have postponed the proclamation ot tbe com manding General, which would have enabled Congress to deal with the subject before the Legislature assembled. It will be much more difficult to manage the matter when the Legis lature has organized and acted, without any clear conception ot the limits ol its authority. It it chooses to do no more than the Attorney General suggests-namely, ratify the amend ment, and then wait and see ii Congress will clothe it with full Legislative functions by ac cepting tbe Constitution and approving its action—the difficulty will be passed. Or If Congress is willing to accept tbe action ot those who by existing laws are incompetent to act, thereby suspending laws in their favor, there will also be no trouble. But was it not better to avoid both contingencies and all the questions that may consequently arise ? CUBA. Admiral HofPt Views of Caban Affairs— A Protracted Sirnttrle tor Independence -Spanish Becoming Dls«aiisflea wltli Eke War-Activity of (he SpasUah Pices. Washington, September 16,1869. Admiral Hoff had an interview today wi'b the Secretary of the Navy aud Admiral Porter concerning the condition of affairs in Cuba.— Nothing especially new was elicited beyond what has already appeared in Admiral Hoff’s dispatches to ilie Navy Department while in command of the West India station. The sto- ries which were put in Circulation some time ago with regard to tbe Admiral sympathizing with the Spaniards as against tbe Cubans were entirely without foundation and were never credited at the Navy Department. The Admi ral’s instructions from the government were to observes strict neutrality as between the bellig erents and look after the interests ot American citizens resident in and trading with Cuba.— His position was naturally one of great delicacy, requiring tact and discretion and at tbe same time fiimness. Like nearly every other American ot course bis sympathies WTsonally were with the struggling Cubans, but lis instructions from onr government prevented bim Irom making any ostentatious parade of them. On all proper occasions, however, be did not fail to embrace whatever opportunity offered to aid them, and he possesses numerous evidences ot tbe gratitude ot the Cubans for bis conduct Admiral Hoff thinks the struggle in Cuba will oe a protracted one, unless the matter Bhould be settled by the negotiations now pend ing between Minister Sickles and the Spanish government. He thinks, however, that the policy adopted by our government is the correct one, as tbe best way to get aronnd tbe Spani ards is not to irritate them or aronse their hostility. It is bis opinion that the lead ing men of Spain are beginning to see that they cannot hold Cuba, and that the best policy is to accept the basis oi settle ment offered by General Sickies The Spanish fleet in Cuban waters, the Admiral say9, is quite formidable and very active in wauhing the coast. In addition to the large war ships they have a number of light draught vessels that are constantly running around tbe island watching everytningin the shape of a vessel. In sailing np and down tbe co ist the Admiral’s flagship was frequently followed by these vessels until they could ascertain from his movements where be was going and who he was. The health ot the squadron, the Admiral reports, was severely tried, and several of the officers and men died ot yellow fever, notwithstanding tbe most strict sanitary regulations were maintained on every ship. The past season has been the most sickly that has been experienced in tbe West Indies for many years, and the Spanish troops have suffered severely from this cause. To-morrow Admiral Hoff will have an interview with Sec retary Fish.—Cor. N. Y. Herald. A Great Plantation in Tahiti.—The p!au tation Soares was started in 1863, and is perhaps the most beautiful place in tbe Pacific. It is situated on a level piece of ground at the base of a very high mountain, which rises to 5,000 leet, within a mile ot the sea. The plantation is three miles, and ranges irom a quarter of a mile to one mile in width. There are three roads running the lull length of the plantation, and four cross-roads, which are uniformly planted on either Bide with banana trees, forty feet high, all forming a delightful Bbade from the sun, making eighteen miles ot perhaps the best carriage drive in tbe world. Tbe stores, machine shop and dwellings cover an area ol twenty-two acres. There is a storeroom for at least two or perhaps three years’ cotton, (it is said in case ot war.) There are dwellings for one hundred families, many of which are not occupied, a good hotel, and buddings for two thousand laborers. The managers mansion is tbe largest and best on the island, with a dining room fifty by sixty leet, lined with panel work, and a jetty running out into the harbor three hundred yards, that required 500,- 000 tons ot coral to build. The boose and fix ings cost eight per cent, on the capital of the company. Standing upon the verandah ol this beautiful residence, between you and the clouds, on a point of the mountain rises a beautiful lit tle cottage, 3,000 feet above tbe level of tbe sea ; this is the manager's cool retreat, and the five miles of road np to it is said to have taken 1,100 men lour months to make. The land was pur chased from the natives for $3,000, and there are about 1,400 acres under cultivation, pro ducing about 400,000 pounds ot cleaned cotton annually.—Cor. San Francisco Bulletin. ** TM CaasEltntlaa.’* Once tor all* the Intelligencer says to the “ Constitution " that it does not feel under the slightest obligation to answer either its perti nent or impertinent interrogatories, nor will it do so, save at Its own pleasure, until that paper shall manifest a disposition, which it has not shown, to deal fairly with the Ihtklligbnckii. As for its anonymous correspondents, “Bob Short" acd others “of that ilk,” let them cast ofl the mask which conceals their penonal idea tity! In such event, their lucubrations will, perhaps, and if deemed worthy of it, will cer tainly be attended to. Tbe Intelligencer must know, and recognize the responsibility of its assailants ere it will attempt to either con vince them of the error of their ways, or to de fend itself from their assaults. With onr own personal experience, we fight no man hidden Irom onr view, and none bnt a tool would do so, lor in such wariare, we would not know whether we were contending with an hon orable adversary or a knave. EVB8VAHCB OP THR BBMABKS EADS BY COLONEL E. HULBERT. Georgia. From an article in tbe New York “ Citizen <fc Round Table, ”we notice that Georgia was the fourth State, of the “ Old Thirteen,” to ratify tbe original Federal Constitution, which she did by a unanimoqs vote, on the 2d day of January, 1788. As this reminiscence oi the past, may be interesting to war readers, we extract from the article referred to, the following history of that important event: ^ “ There was little or no opposition iu this State, and no demand lor amendments. Her Convention, being called to consider the pro posed plan, and the accompanying letter and resolutions, ‘and to adopt, or reject, any part or the whole thereof,' (Ibid, 323,) unanimously rat ified the Constitution—the substance of her or dinance being as follows: ‘ Now know ye that WE, TUB DELEGATES OF THE TEOPLE OF THE State of Georgia, in Convention met, pur suant to the provisions oi the Legislature afore said, having taken into onr serious consideration the said Coufitution, * * by these pres ents do, nt VIRTUE OF THE POWERS AND AU THORITY GIVES US BY THE PEOPLE OF THE SAID State for that purpose, lor and in behalf of ourselves and our constituents, fully and EN' TIRELY ABSENT TO, RATIFY AND ADOPT THE said Constitution. Done in Convention, at Augusta, in the said Slate, on the 2d day ol January, A. D. 1788.’ (Ibid, 323.)” “ As to Georgia, the Constitution of govern ment was completed by tbis act; and it was done solely in virtue ot tbe poweis and anthor- ity* ‘given by the people ot the said State,’ and not by the people of any nation. This alike shows that tSe phrase ‘we the people’ meant Georgia, and destroys the whole theory ot the Massachusetts schooL” The wheat crop of Ohio is estimated at 40,000,000 bushels, about two-thirds more than in 1868. The aggregate of money which it will produce ia twenty-five per cent, more than last year. “The Vratt of the Tabernacles.'* The Jewish “Feast of the Tabernacles” be gan on Sunday morining last at 6 o’clock, and will continue, from that time, for seven days.— Its origin is found in Leviticus: “Speak unto the children of Israel saying: The fifteenth day otitis seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles tor seven days unto the Lord. 08 the first' day shall be a boly convocation. Ye shall do "no set vile work therein.” In an other part of the same Book, dwelling in booths is enjoined. The whole feast, says »!ie Augusta Constitutionalist “is intended to leuih depend- ance upon the Lord tor all blessings and to stim ulate and provoke sentiments ot thanksgiving lor them—“Lest, when thou bast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly bouses and dwell tberein, thon shall forget God.” Souccoth is one ot tbe most cheerful and de- lightlul holidays in-the Hebrew calendar. It is not celebrated here with all the “pomp and cir cumstance” that It is in some parts ot the world; yet ii is everywhere commemorated with festive joy and thanksgiving. Business is not generally suspended in this country on this festival.” Spain and Cnba. The late cable reports in regard to Spain and Cuba are to tbe effect that the Spanish govern ment will summon the Cuban Parliamentary deputies to meet in Cones in Madrid. Five war frigates are to sail for Cuba. General Prim bad another audience with Napoleon. The Empe ror advised him to recommend Spain to sell Cuba lo the United States it ebc could, and re minding him ot his own experiences in Mexico. Spam is deeply agitated. Ring Victor Emanuel Consents to his son tukir g the throne ot Spain. The Hespano Cuban subject was earnestly can vassed by the English press, the weight ot opin ion inclining towards the conviction that the Si«ni>irds cannot hold the island, aud should negotiate the terms of a sale or surrender. "Tbe Has of the Universe.’’ B. ston, the “ Hub of the Uuivtr.-e,” was 239 yeais old on the 17th instant. A respectable age this lor a new country, but we have no his toric evidence that she should be veoerated on at count ol her age, or respected for her liberal ity. Progiess sbe has made il is true, hut in the main she i>as been controlled by men intolerant and bigt tied, men who carried their prejudices so lar as even to close the doors ot their historic hall against great Webster, who did more to promote her prosperity and that of all Ne# Eng land, than ail the hummus and Wilsons that have ever trid the soil ot Mu>sach'isetis. Bos ton, iiseti, since the d;iys ol '76, has made no re cord that i. fleets credit upon the patriotism oi her citizeus We trnsr, when she doubles her present age, for we have no hope ot her doing so in less time, she will become more liberal in sentiment, and her cit>ens more patriotic Mere oval oi th* National Capital. Tbe National Capital Executive Committee have issued a call tor a convention to be held in 3t Louis, Mo., on the 20th ot October next, of all in favor of removing the national capital from Washingiou city to the Mississippi valley. Tbe Governors ot all the States are invited tc attend the convention. Here is a little paragraph from the Buffalo Gazette, which explains one to which we re ferred the other day: “ The son of Ex-President Tyler denies that he entered a charity ward in Providence Hospital to be cored of drunken ness.” There are now living bnt two sons ot Ex-President Tyler, we believe—Mr. Robert Tyler, of Montgomery, Ala., and Gen. John Tyler, Jr., of Virginia—and those who know them require no such denial as that referred to by tbe Express. Slander tbe dead, if yon will, O, Bohemians, for they can never know it; bnt lor Heaven’s &ake let the virtnons and honorable living live on in peace. “ Street Trade wltli the South.” We invite thS attention ot onr readers to ?n article, headed as above, which we publish in another column to-day, and which is accredited to the Liverpool Cornier. It takes a correct view ot the Sooth and of the importance of direct trade with it and Europe. These views of a leading Liverpool paper ought to impress them selves upon the minds of onr readers, and in deed upon tbe minds of the people ot tbe whole South, and especially upon those residing and engaged in commerce at onr several Southern seaports. Too much tribute is being paid by the Sooth to New York, the bead-centre, as it woe, of extortion upon Southern labor. BIVORS THZ Members ef tks Press Antifim at Georgia Ddtverei on board tbe Steamer StowaM.sn tbe Coosa Utter, Otuntmr MtffJU, August as, 1888. Gentlemen : It is my desire, on this occasion* to say a word or two as to the object which brought us together. It cannot be better stated than in my eircnlar, an extract irom which I will read yon. In that eircnlar I said: ** Onr immediate section abounds in resources whose valne, developed by the well-directed and energetic application of labor and capital, it ia impossible to estimate. “ Imbedded in our mountains, almost every where, are deposits of the richest Iron and other Ores, whose development will give profitable employment to thousands of people and to mil lions of capital. “ These resources of our State, skilllully and energetically developed, will, in a tew years, cause the Iron Crop of Georgia to exceed in valne her present Cotton crop. An examina tion ot them is all that is needed to demonstrate the proposition and convince the most skep- In that I meant business, nothing more—noth ing else. It was to afford an opportunity to exatpine these, in part, as to quality, abundance, and ex tent, that this excursion was projected. Tbeir limits are undefined—their speedy and proper development is a matter of vital importance to tbe whole State. Look at Pennsylvania, and note the history of the development ot her coal and iron fields, and its effect upon her increase in population, manufactures, commerce, and wealth. The results there show conclusively the wisdom of the policy pursued. As in North Georgia we have these minerals in abundance, it w impossible tor you not to perceive the great advantage to the State of their development. But, I spoke of Pennsylvania because the re sults there are a practical illustration ot the benefits ol the policy I would purene in Geor gia. Twenty-five years ago, only, she adopted the policy ot development. Persons present know how rapid the growth ot her coal and iron interests has been, and to what it is to be attributed. It is mainly due to the liberal man agement of the Pennsylvania railways. They pursued the policy ot reducing freights on coal and iron to low rates—lower than those ot any other roads in the country. The burden of ex pense was at one time so great, and the profits so small, that they were almost ready to give up the experiment in despair. But they persisted:; the business finally began to increase, slowly but steadily, until, after a few years, they felt instilled in making a still lurther reduction.— Their business continued to increase — fine profits were realized, and now, I believe, the profits on coal and iron freights alone, on the lines doing a regular heavy business in these articles, pay a handsome dividend on their aggregate capital stock. The State Road of Georgia, in consequence of its position, has hitherto had the monopoly of the carrying trade between Tennessee and the West and Northwest, and a large portion oi Alabama, and all ot Georgia and South Caroli na. Taking advantage ot tbis position, high arbitrary rates were exacted, to the detriment ot | agricultural and other pursuits, especially of the Coal aud Iron interests. Deeming Ins a mista ken policy, I have reduced tbe rules ou coal and iron, (by which the development of these inter ests has been stimulated.) and on such leading articles of food as bacon, corn, wheal, floor, &c. A second reduction bus had the effect ot still further stimulating their development, but at the sacrifice of immediate profit to the road. We are now, prouabiy, carrying coal and iron at lower rates than any other road in the country. Now FOR THE PRACTICAL RESULTS : Fuel, like food, is an article of pripie necessity to rich and poor alike. To cheapen it to the consumer is to do a material service Until the freight was reduced nearly one-half, coal was but little used in Atlanta. Since the r< Auction, however, the consumption for domestic purposes has mote than quadrupled. As one tou oi coal is claimed to equal three cords of wood for heating properties, and as coal is sold now in Atlanta at $5 50 per ton, it is clear that if gen erally used, the saving to the seven thoas&nd for more) families of Atlanta would approximate $200,000 per annum. Take other interests. The Rolling Mills and 1 Foundries ot Atlanta use about fitly tong oi coal per day. The previous high freights made it almost impossible lor them to cover expenses. They became discouraged—disheartened—and contemplated abandoning their enterprises. I reduced the rates on coal—they took courage and a lresh start, and are now making money. Besides, coal is about being introduced more generally into the cities of Augusta, Macon, Co lumbus and Montgomery. Connecting roads, taking a liberal view of the matter, have agreed to pro-rate with the State Road, so that the freight on this article is much reduced, and I doubt not the quantity w hich will be transported this season will amount to not less than 100,000 tons. Thus, gentlemen, you will jierceive that while the private consumer is benefitted, our manufac turers are encoung d and assisted so as to give employment to the laborer, and the production of coal at the mines is so stimulated as to give, employment to yet other laborers—benefit tina the farmer by providing a ready cash market for all his surplus products. 1 am satisfied that under low rates the con sumption ot coal in Atlanta, Augusta, Mont gomery, and at other points, will increase so rapidly that in a few years it will require all the present motive power ot the road to move tbis me article. Be tore leaving Atlanta I ordered a schedule prepared tor coal trains exclusively, so arranged that they should stop only for wood and Water, and make the close connections needed to sup ply the rapidly increasing demand. Now, as to Iron, which enters into all the manufactures, and without which agriculture itsell, or the working ot the mines, cannot be pursued. Cheap Coal cheapens the production of Iron; benefits the laborer by reducing the cost ol living, and cheapens manufactured arti cles. From time immemorial we have been import ing iron and steel tor onr plow shares, and act ually wearing them out on the iron lying loose on our hillsides. I propose to change the pro gramme, and encourage the development ot this interest, conscientiously believing we have scores of localities possessing as great advan tages lor the cneap production ot iron as General Wilder’s, in Tennessee, tbe ad vantages ot whose property is unsurpassed anywhere. I desire to have numerous turnaces at abort intervals on and along the line of road, whose fires shall light its track and serve a* standing advertisements of the abundance of our resources, as well ss of the liberal policy which stimulates their develop ment. Hence 1 propose to alt who will repair tbe old, or build new turnaces; all who wish to erect a saw or cotton mill; or to engage in manufacturing ou the line, to transport their machinery, their building material, (lumber, lime, rock, &c.,) and to lay side tracks when needed,free of charge; and 1 propose, also, to transport iron aud coal lor them almost at tbeii own price—as low. or lower, than is done by any other road in the country. 1 have assured them of my earnest cooperation; that I will advertise their business; help them to sell their goods; give them low rates for their manufac tured articles, and aid them to the extent of mv ability, and if they do not make money, it will be their fault, not mine From Lookout Mountain northward and east ward in Tennessee, and southward in Alabama and Georgia, there are vast mineral resources only awaiting development to find a ready and profitable market. To develop these resources, capital is required. We msy not have it, or it we have, we dislike to invest it in a business new to ns. Bnt by holding out proper 'thdnnements—by showing to capitalists elsewhere how profitably it can be employed here, it will come by hundreds ot thousands. There are men all through the North—men of capital, energy, experience and enterprise—who have strong desires to come Booth, bnt they hesitate about coming now. To all such I have said “ cornel bring your capita] and experience, and help na to develop and build up, and you will receive a hearty wel come !” This desire exists from Maine to Omaha, and we have only to adopt and pursue a liberal line ot policy, in all. respects, to secure ail the beneficial results so much desired. Aware ot tbis very general desire on the part of Northern men; of the opinion generally pre vailing that the Booth was unhealthy; and that we over-estimated onr resources, I conceived the project of offering low rates of tare to persons wishing to visit and examine property in the Booth with a view to investment and settlement. Afccordlngi/, Ifesoed acall last December lor a Convention, which met in: Atlanta in January. Two d»ys were spent in consultation. Con ceding that the roads might be the victims ol fraud to some extent. It Was nevertheless deter mined to try the experiment, and the fare over nearly ail tbe leading roads in the 8outh was re duced to two cents per mile, until July 1st, 1869, Iq all coming South in good laith, lor the pur poses indicated.' I had the honor of being ap pointed chairman of the' Standing Committee, charged with executing the details ot the plan, and am pleased to report that, although the ar rangement did not becoms generally known in the North until alter crops had been put in the ground, many hundreds have visited our section within the part six months, all ot whom have been favorably impressed, and many ot whom have invested, and will make their homes here. The immediate resnhs of this experiment were so satisfactory, and promised such really incalculable benefits, that I easily obtained tbe consent of three-fourths of the roads originally consenting to the reduced rate, to extend the time to July, 1870; while some of the remain der agreed to recognize the certificates from Oc tober 1st, 1869, to May 1st, 1870. This liberal action will indace many additioual thousands to visit the South for investment or settlement, who, but tor it, would not have done so. Thus will our population be increased by farmers who will Improve our wild lands, and add to our products; and by skilled miners, and machi nists, and manufacturers, who will bring or command capita), and develop onr mineral and other resources, augmenting our wealth; influ ence and power. - Then was conceived this Excursion for the Press ol Georgia, believing that by giving you, gentlemen, an opportunity ot seeing/or yourselves, a portion ot the vast resources of our immediate section, and the publication through your jour nals ot your observations, would be the sim plest, cheapest, and surest way of geting the de sired information before the country. Northern journals will republish much ot what yon will write, and thus Northern labor and capital will be attracted to our fields, mines, and water powers. Now, gentlemen, a few remarks as to the policy of tbe State Road, as t> competing lines building and projected, and what should be none lor its protection. The prevailing idea has been, that the road was projected and built with a view to its pay ing money into the treasury. Consequently, taking advantage ot its position as a trunk line, possessed ot a monopoly of travel and freight between great section?, high and arbitrary rates of freight have been exacted. Dissenting from this view, and under the con viction that the wise statesmen ot tbe part who originated this great work—which, when origi nated, was regarded a gigantic undertaking— contemplated its being used to develop the resources of the State, I have adopted the new policy, al ready indicated in my opening remarks. To cheapen food to the lawring consumer, I reduced rates on articles of food of prime necessity as already stated; to cheapen fuel, and stimulate the search for, and the opening and working of coal mines, and thus encourge the erection of furnaces, and foster them afterwards, I reduced the rate on coal nearly one-half; and, still further to encourage the prodnetiom and manufacture | ol non. I very materially reduced the freight on pig, iii.d merebant bar iron. But, gentlemen, I did not slop here. I told connecting roads that I wanted liberal tbroughrates— that I proposed to reduce to very low rates—and that I wanted their co-operation, so as to place our iron product before Northern dealers in their own markets, where Iwas convinced a comparison would bead vantageovs to the Southern product. Some de murred at first, but fiually consented, and tbe transportation ot these articles have greatly in creased. I do not censure aoy one for the policy here tofore pursued—bnt had it been broader and more comprehensive; more in accordance' with what its projectors contemplated, furnaces and foundries w .uld long since have been estab lished all iil> *i• the line, developing these dor- uri n' usoui ci s greatly to the advantage of all tin 1 ether great interests. It is well known that the State Road has been regarded and used as a political machine; and that tbe payment of money into the State Trea sury has been considered a strong card in the hands of the party in power. It - la fair that I should rtate that I could easily pay forty, or even fitly thousand dollars into the treasury, instead ot twenty-five thousand. I could do it by sim ply negh cling the road itself, its motive power, or by increasing the freight on corn, and the other prime necessaries of life transported over it. But in the one case the property would soon become valueless—in the other I would take the additional profits out of tbe pockets ot the poor man aud the day laborer. Every dollar thus paid into the treasury would cost the people two—development would cease—capital would he discouraged—and theu laborers would be without employment. Thus, gentlemen, while money may not be taken from the pockets ot tbe people, by high rates ot freight, that it may be paid into tbe Treasury and squandered by reckless legisla tion, the policy 1 have endeavored to inaugurate will improve the road every year, reduced rates of freight on lood and lue), thus cheapening liv ing, and encourage the development of dormant resources, affording employment to Ibe laborer, increase the comtorts ot all, and enrich the 8tate. It is generally believed that the road is in good condition. This is a mistaken idea. To make it a first-class road in all respects would require halt a million of dollars. It lelt to tbe dictates of my own judgment—the piofound convictions of my own mind, as to what I thought for the best interests ol the State in re- gaid to its management- 1 would use every dol lar of its surplus earnings until its entire length was well ballasted, all its depots put in the best possible condition, new rail ot tbe best manu facture placed wherever needed, all the bridges built ol the best material and on the most ap proved plan, and commodious, substantial, fire proof shops built. In every deiail, from tbe moat important to tbe minutes, I would have it first-class. Having done this—still keeping in view tbe great leading idea that the road was originally projected and built, not to build up and subserve the interests ot tbis or that parti- zan organization, not merely to pay a few dol lars into the State Treasury, but to develop the interests and build up the power and influence of Georgia—l would find tbe net profits, and then reduce the rates of the freight to the lowest pos sible point that won Id pay current expenses and maintain the road in all its appointments in a first-class condition. By this policy the prosperity of Georgia would be increased to a wonderful extent, and the increased value of ail taxable property would cause to be paid into the Treasury a much larger amount than has been or is now paid by the road. A word, now, as to the future of tbe road, and tbe effect opon it of other lines building or pro jected—and permit me, gentlemen, to ask your careful attention to what I am about to say. As I have already intimated, the position of the State Road has enabled it to exact bigh rates. This was because it enjoyed a monopoly of the travel and trade from the Northwest, and Horn East Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia to the Sooth-Atlantic States—Sooth Carolina. Georgia, Florida, a large portion of Alabama, and even a part of Mississippi. But now it ia different. Lines already built bare taken away a portion of the travel and freight, and lines be ing built and projected, and which will certainly be completed, will take away still other and greater portions. Let me demonstrate my propositions, taking Nashville, Tenn., as an initial or central point. Heretofore freights for Montgomery and points in central and Southern Alabama have been transported via Chattanooga and the Western & Atlantic railway, the distance being 464 miles, with grades on the Nashville & Chattanooga railway oi 105 feet to the mile. A road is in operation from Nashville to Decatur, 122 miles, from wbicn point one is being built lo Mont gomery, 183 milts, making the distance only 305 miles, or 159 miles less than via the State Ifnai The highest grade on these lines ia about 80 feet, or leas, per mile. The distance to Columbus, Ga., from Nash ville via Decatur and Montgomery, Ala., is only 402 miles, over an easier grade, against 428 mites via Chattanooga and Atlanta, showing an advantage over the Mate Road even to that city of 26 miles I Toe Selma, Rome & Dalton Road is comple ted and working between Selma and Rbme—and will soon be completed to Dalton. The distance from Nashville to Montgomery, via Chattanooga, Rome, Lime Kiln, and the Montgomery & Decatur railways is 426 mites, while via Atlanta and West Point it is, aa before stated, 464 miles, showing a differ- against the State Road ef 38 miles I The Alabama & Chattanooga railway, be tween the latter city and Meridian, Miss., is being rapidly pushed forward to completion. Thus you will observe that the travel and freight between Nashville and Montgomery is as good as lost already to the Western & At lantic railway, and that at a day not remote we shall have to compete lor travel and freight with Alabama roads for Columbus business even, in the State of Georgia. Another line projected, which will doubtless be built, is that from Griffin. Ga., to Decatur, Ala,, which will be 237 miles long. By this line lhe distance from Nashville to Columbus, via Newnan and West Point, will be 418 miles, with lower grades, against 428 miles via Chat tanooga and the State Road, or 10 miles in dis tance against the latter 1 The distance from Nashville to Macon, via Decatur, Ala., aud Griffin U 419 miles, against 392 miles by tbe State Road, showing an advan tage in favor of the latter ot 27 miles. But tbe grades of the line via the Griffin & North Ala bama Road (to Decatur, Ala.) are enough lighter than those of the Nashville & Chatta nooga, (over which freights most pass to reach the Western & Atlantic,) to counterbalance this difference in distance. These are our present and impending dangers on the West. You will observe that a portion ot the travel and freight once ours is already gone, while roads projected, and others progres sing to completion, will shortly take away a portion of what is left. Now, let us see what is doing on the North and East: Aa I have already stated, the entire travel and trade of East Tennessee has heretofore been monopolized by the Western & Atlantic Rail way. This has been the only railway over which the people and products of that prolific region could reach Georgia, Eastern Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. As already shown, Middle, Southern and Eastern Alabama, are lost to us; and we are threatened with the loss of even that portion destined for Columbus, on our own soil. The distance from Knoxville to Montgomery via the Selma, Rome & Dalton Railway is 347 miles, against 385 miles via the Western & Atlantic Railway—a distance against us of 37 miles. The Bine Ridge Road, from Knoxville to Charleston, will soon be completed. By tbis line, the distance between Knoxville and Charleston, will be about 400 miles, against 518 miles via the State Road, a difference against us of about 118 miles. So that travel and freight irom this direction, is as good as lost to us. The distance via the Blue Ridge, aud the Co lumbia and Augusta Railways, to Augusta, Ga., is about 295 miles, against 381 miles by the Western & Atlantic Railway, a difference against us of about S6 miles. So that travel and trade are lost. Not only that; the Georgia Road can compete with us for both nearly halt-way its line from Augusta. Gentlemen, these facts need only to be told for you to perceive that the East Tennessee bu siness for South Carolina and Eastern Georgia, once ours without competition, is irrecoverably gone. The Georgia Air Line Railway from Atlanta via Gainesville (and, probably, Walhulla, on the Blue Ridge Railway) to Charlotte, N, C., is in progress, and will very likely be completed to a junction with the Blue Ridge Railway, by Jan uary, 1871. An extension of the Georgia Railway from Athens to Clayton, Ga., or a junction with the Air Line Railway, somewhere between Gaines ville and the South Carolina line, is in serious contemplation, with strong probabilities that it will be built. The construction of this last named line w ill take away from the State Road a large portion of the East Tennessee business left by the Blue Ridge Railway. Look at, and ponder tbe figures. The distance irom Knoxville to Augusta via Clayton and Athens, is about 386 miles, against .381 via State Road, a difference of 4omiles- against us. The distance from Knoxville to Atlanta, is 210 miles, while the distance from Knoxville to Athens via Ciayton, is only about 220 miles, and to Union Point about 260 miles; and to bring the matter to a nice point, I will state that the distance to Union Point, on the Georgia railway via the Western & Atlantic railway, is 317 miles, against about 260 miles via Clayton and Athens; showing a difference ot about 45 miles against the State Road. In conclusion, on this point, I will remark, that the completion of the Bine Ridge Road lo Knoxville, and of the Air Line Railway to a junction with it, will form a competing line with the Slate Road, even from Knoxville to Atlanta so nearly equal will the distance be 1 It is, perhaps, proper to state that exactness is not claimed in every instance. Where roads are completed and in working condition, the figures are official; but where partly construct ed or projected, the distances have necessarily been estimated, and, consequently, must be re garded as only an approximation—yet I think the estimated distances sufficiently correct lor all practical purposes, and to make good the ar gument based on them. Now, gentlemen, you will naturally ask wh&t policy should be pursued; what measures can be suggested, by which tp make np what is lost; prevent farther loss of business; or, secure oth er business from new sources. First, then, there is the railway projected from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, in which, as you all know, I feel and have taken a great interest.— This, when built, wiil do an immense business, of which this road will get a fair share, though it will be divided by the several other fines ra diating from Chattanooga. Bnt even a large portion that we might have secured for Eastern Georgia and South Carolina will be diverted by tbe Knoxville & Kentucky Railway, which will tap the Cincinnati Railway at or near the Ken tucky line. Another proposed remedy has already been discussed at length—namely, the encouragement by low rates ot freight, and by every other means in our power, ot the development of our mineral resources, and of the introduction among ns along the line of the road of skilled labor oi all kinds, and of the surplus capital of the North. What you will have seen before this excursion is over, will supply you with all the arguments needed to pursuade labor and capital that this is the country in which to find profitable employment. My next suggestion is the purchase by the State ot tbe Rome Railway, and its extension to tbe Alabama line with the least possible delay. From tbis point it is understood parties stand ready to build it to Decatur, Ala. This will shorten the distance between Memphis and At lanta about 74 miles; while the distance between Nashville and Atlanta will be 18 miles greater. But this distance will be more compensa ted tor by the grade b«ii> a mi much lighter on the line from Nashville to Decatur than on mat from Nashville to Chattanooga—there being a difference in the maximum grades of the two roads ot twenty-five or more leet to the mile. Next, build the road from G«rtersvilie to Van Wert, that that vast mineral region may be de veloped, made useful to the world, and add to the greatness and power ot Georgia, while en riching her people. Then build a load eastward from Carters ville,up the Etowah and amid the mineral wraith which lies imbeded in the mountains on either side of that stream, awaiting the coming of the miner and the locomotive, to swell still more tbe vol ume of Georgia’s contributions to the comforts and commerce ot the world. Then build the road irom Dalton to Morgau- town, and across the northern portion oi the State to where it would intersect the Blue Ridge Railway. This line, as you aware, would trav els a portion ot Georgia including soil of rare fertility, iron ore, and copper mines of immense value and extent, medicinal springs, and vast water power. By the iocai business of these side lines the Western & Atlantic Railway would be inde pendent ot through freights, aid in develop-no untold treasures, and be self-sustaining. Witnout the development ot this vast portion ot the State, and the construction of these side lines, the State Road, (if the lines building and pro jected, to which I have directed your attention, are completed,) will not cover operating expenses. In conclusion, gentlemen, we should give our hearty co-operation to the various railway en terprises now in progress or projected, while at the same time guarding the interests of our great State work, and extending to it a helping hand, by building side lines, whereby our vast re sources may be developed, the valne of taxable property increased, and a local business created, which, under all circumstances, would maintain this valuable property in a condition worthy the people ot the great State of Georgia. Cotton.—The crop is nearly blown, and most of planters are had through picking. The de cline has pretty well stopped sales,andnobody’s staifi, and nobody’s hurt.—Albany Jfern.

Georgia Historic Newspapers

Weekly Atlanta intelligencer. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1865-18??, September 29, 1869, Image 1