Weekly Atlanta intelligencer. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1865-18??, March 22, 1871, Image 1

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‘ERROR LEASES TO BE DANGEROUS WHEN REASON IS LEFT FREE TO COMBAT LT.”—Jeferson. VOLUME XXII ATLANTA, GA., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1871. NUMBER 12 IDccMo Jutrllificnccr ATLANTA. GEORGIA- — Wednesday. March 22, 87 1 Democratic l»»tie» In 1S72. Under this caption the New York World of the 10th, iu its usual logical and liberal style, resumes the arguments upon Southern Democ racy and National Democratic issues first touched upon by the World in an editorial ol March 6th, and which was called forth by an editorial article in the True Georgian, of Feb ruary' 28th, reviewing the important speech of Hon. Linton Stephens, at Augusta, and which the Radical press of the country aliedges con tains the plattorm of the Georgia Democracy for 1872. The World says: “ A remarKable letter and speech of Judge Linton Stephens, brother ot Alexander LI. bte- E hcns, of Georgia, have suddenly revived in ihe lemocratic press, North and South, a discus sion ot the reconstruction questions, which, lor the four years succeeding tne surrender of Gen eral Lee’s army, were the engrossing political topic. We are willing to have these questions revived, and think it lortunate that the discus sion has been sprumr early in 1871 instead ol being postponed to 1872. The questions are likely to he setiled and finally disposed of by the preponderant public sentiment ot tne Dem ocratic party in such a way that they cannot lie a disturbing element iu the next Presidential canvass. We iully understand the Democratic senti ment ol the North on the reconstruction questions ; but our information is not so trust worthy respecting the views ol the Southern Democrats. We are accordingly watching with some solicitude the maniiettaiion ot public opinion m that great and interesting section of our common country. The extracts which we reprinted, a few days since, from the Atlanta True Georgian, asserted that Judge btephens is merely an exponent ot his own views, and not a representative of Southern Democratic opin ion. The True Georgian stated that “ four- fifths of the Houthcrn Democrats” repudiate “Judge Stephens’ extreme views.” 11 lurther expressions by the Southern press shall conlirm this estimate, the recoi.su iction measures may be dismissed, by common c msent, irorn the po litical arena, it is desirab e that the Demo cratic press in each Stale should express the views ol those whom it represents; when easy comparison will determine what the great body ol the party regards as “ live” and what as “ dead” issues. lteierring to the Albaay (N. Y.) Argus, one of the ablest and most launlul Democratic jour nals in the land, and which the World indorses as always true to its representative character, and as expressing the deliberate and settled judg ment of the Democracy ot the Empire State, it quotes the following well considered and em phatic extract from a recent editorial in the Ar gus upoD these issues: “ It seems to be generally conceded that the Democrats cannot be beaten iu 1872, except by their own mismanagement and lolly. The most sagacious and lar-seeing Republicans have lit tle confidence in regard to the lulure. And yet half a dozen hat-lieaded impractical! cs can fore doom the Democratic party to a defeat as utter and overwhelming as that of 1808, if they are allowed to pul the organization on the extreme course which then caused our downfall. We apprehend no such result, however j lor the serious lessons of the past lew years will not be lost on the party, nor will the sound conservative statesmen who ure entitled to direct and oomrol the movements of the organization shrink from the proper re sponsibility ol repressing the turbuier.ee ot tac tion and restraining the movement ol those who seek notoriety irrespective ol tne general wel fare. There are certain oovi<>us tacts that can not be overlooked or loi^oiien. T he political situation is determined sn I uninistak:e le, 2here is to he no revioai of obsolete issues—no reactionary movement or recurrence to the -past—no reconsid eration of measures that the people have der-J-et upon. We resisted ihe tlirte amendments to the constitution so long as opposition was ol uny avail; but they are now a part ot the fun damental law, and it is worse than useless to discuss their character and tendency, the means by which the^wero carried, or the eilect pro duced liy them. 7he provisions embraced in the 13t/i and 151A Amendments are now in operation, and m such a form that they cannot be abrogated except by another revolution. The first ol these amendments gave freedom to the negro, aud we have neither the inclina tion nor the power to remand him to servitude. 2he Democratic party cheerfully accepts this as one of the consequences of the rebellion, and has no desire to reverse it. The 15th Amendment secures the privileges ot a voter to a negro, and this provision having become incorporated into. most of the State constitutions, iity/o suffrage mould remitn, even if the amendment to the Fed eral Constitution teas rescinded. This issue, there- lore, cannot be loreed upon us. Au act oi Con gress granting universal amnesty as an act ol justice to the tiouth, equally wise and humane, will be one of the first measures ol the Demo cratic party on coming into power; and that will remove what is objectionable in the 14tli Amendment. In this com. ection we simply desire to remark that the sentiment? me New York Democ racy, so clearly stated by the Argus, are em bodied, in tolo, in the article on Judge Stephens, wiiich appeared in the True Georgian on the 28th ultimo, aud which has had the not unim portant eflect ot calling out such frank and clear expressions of tne public sentiment, of our Nor thern trieiHls, and ot the avowed policy ol tne National Democratic party. We cannot see how any man haviug only the best interests of a consolidated people’s party at heart, as well as a conscientious uesire to retrieve our common country, speedily and ellectively irom Radical anarchy aud min, can do otherwise than in dorse the sound views expressed by the Argus, or fail to perceive that tne policy ot wisdom, of justice aud ol moderation, consistently urged by the True Georgian, is the only policy by which the Democracy ot the Union can safely depend upon a decisive victory in the campaign ot 1872. Commenting upon the necessity tor a calm and dispassionate haudling of grave questions bt Btate, and that only masters, not tyros, should be allowed to rear the delicate labric upon which rests t he woe or t\ eal oi a nation,the Worid lurther says: The chiet wisdom ot a poiitican is to “under stand his epoch.” The statesman or politician who is not gilted to discern tae rising aud me receding tide, who cannot distinguish between the evening twilight which foretokens darkness, and the morning twilignt which heralds the dawn of a new day, was not born to be a leader ot men. A second or third rate politician may acquire transient importance as the representa tive ot decaying issues, and his temptation to play such a role is in proportion to his newness iu the party with which he acts. Following this, concise declaration, which common sense cannot tail to approve, the World narrows its argument to the following practical v. v ot negro suffrage: ■dripped ot irrelevant accessories, which «.!,,< cloud and conluse, the real question is, w.;t ther the Democratic party will array itseli against negro sufirage in me next Presidential election. It is inexpedient to do so lor this plain reason; that in the next Presidential election the negroes will all vote, aud on such an i sue every one of them wonjd vote against the Dem ocratic candidate. If there slioulo be in the National Convention any Democrats who desire the party to make an auti-negro-suflrage plat form, they will come lrom the States wnere the ueg'o vote is so large that tne plattorm recom mended by such delegates would cmainly lose their own States. Any candidate who tries to get nominated by appealing to that Kind ol sen timent, will solicit voles lrom tfie Convention which <3o not represent electoral votes among their constituencies. Any candidate who should get nominated on this issue would be booked, not lor an election, but a defeat." In conclusion, the World, lrom the stand point of Northern Democracy, which will and must be the controlling standpoint of the coun try sums up the real living issues upon which the Democracy of the Union must fight and tri umph, and enforces the inherent truths ot its statements with such candor and clearness, that au earnest perusal can scarcely fail to carry conviction to the hearts of fair-minded South ern men, who love their country, and are work- ins for the success of a united Democracy: “ The important question is not who shall vote, but what measures shall be adopted as a result of the voting. The Democratic party wants a sound currency, reduction ot taxes, re trenchment of government expenses, abolition ot the protective tariff, non-interierence with the reserved rights of States, and a foreign policy consistent with the national dignity and honor. If these great objects are attained, it is of little consequence whether they are attained with or without negro rotes. Certain it is, that the negroes will vote in the next Presidential election. It we can elect our candidates in spite of their votes, negro sufirage is nothing very formidable; but if negro suffrage is an insuper able harrier to our success, how are we ever to abolish it ? To make that an issue would be an act of political suicide.” CROW! CHAPMAN, CROW NEW HAMPSHIRE REDEEMED ! THE FIRST DECISIVE GUN FOR 1S72! DEMOCRATS, TO YOUR POSTS'. RADICALISM A DEAD DUCK ! LET THE GRAND OLD DEMOCRATIC COLUMN MOVE FORWARD! SOUND THE LOUD TYMBRAL, ETC. The Glorious Grauitc State! Our readers will see from tbe telegraph re ports bow complete has been the exhilarating victory of the Democracy ol the old Granite State. The people of thet State, by a glorious uprising of their manhood, have thrown off the vassalage to Radicalism under which they have been suflering for years, and have wheeled into line under the banners of rejuvenated Democ racy, the champion of the people and the bul wark of our national liberties. Dismay and confusion of an unprecedented nature, has been caused in the tottering ranks of the Radical abso lutists by this terrific shell from the very centre of their old camp, and the echoes of this signal victory will rejoice the hearts of the people throughout the land, and re-animate the energies of our National Democratic party to secure the final triumph of 1872, from Maine to California, from the Lakes of the Wt3t to the sunny shores of the Gulf. Nine cheers for the good old Granite State ! 1 * Surprised. The Chronicle and sentinel is surpised to see the “New York World” cite !!:c “T.ne Geor gian” as Democratic authority? It is no now thing to surprise the Chronicle aud Sentinel. IProapectns ol'tbe True Gcorjjl an, We direct special attention to the prospectus of the True Georgian, printed in another col umn of this morning’s Intelligencer. The True Georgian as a great family paper, is fast gaining on the confidence and affections of the people. We commend the prospectus to the notice of all. Thoso who want a general family paper, sound in the Democratic faith, can be accommodated by taking the True Georgian. u Tlie Sonilicrn Democracy.” As we print a lengthy article from the Au gusta Chronicle and Sentinel to-day, we enclose, as a supplement, the original article in review of Judge Linton Stephens’ Augusta speech. This article, which first appeared in the True Georgian, February 2Sth, has excited marked attention both North and South, and has called forth the article in the Chronicle and Sentinel, which we publish. Our readers would do well to read both arti cles, iu order to have a lull understanding of the differences involved. General P. XI. 11. Tonne. General Young has been suffering greatly from a cold which settled in his head. He is in his seat to-day, however, and is again looking up. There is no discount on his Democracy. He says he would like to charae through the House with a company of cavalry, to shoot and to kill, aud I believe in truth he would. We clip the above from the Chronicle and Sentinel ot the 14tb. It is over the signature ot a Washington correspondent signing hiinselt “ Torp.” The statement that General Young “ would like to charge through the House,” &e., &c, is a serious utterance lor a member of Con gress, and we think he will correct it. We hope so at least. General Young is by far too sensible and gallant a man, to give birth to ex pressions so wild, foolish and wicked. “ Torp ” is certainly mistaken, or wt have sadly mistaken the character and disposition ot General Young. Washington correspondents too frequently put words in the mouths of others. It is a very dangerous habit, as the words supplied are not always seasoned with discretion. Tlie “ Southern Democracy.” We print to-day a lengthy and rather loosely written article, under the above caption, which everybody will please read, from the Chronicle and Sentinel of the 14th instant. We may re view it at our leisure, or not, as circumstances may seem to develop. The animus of the writer, whoever lie may be, is not calculated to commend him very highly to public favor. Bad temper and careless ex pressions seldom weigh much with the public. Our fine is that of moderation, and we shall pursue it w iih constancy and fidelity. W e be lieve the National Democratic Convention will pursue the same fine, and that a magnificent victory will be secured to the National Democ racy in 1S72. The personal allusions in the ar ticle to the editor of tlii3 journal is a matter ol no consequence whatever to the public. TTe look only to the success and ul timate triumph ot ihe National Democrat ic party iu the coming struggle. She stands to-day the “ shadow of a great rock” in a weary land, and a complete triumph in 1872 will dispose of Radicalism for all time to come. Let us have unity — “ let us have peace.” From tfce Cbronicle & Sentinel, March 14.1 »• Tlie S. ntliern Democracy.” We publish, < sc where in our columns of to day , ! an article under the above caption, taken lrom the New Y ork World, ot the 6th instant, and call tfie att ntion oi our readers specially to it, as well a the comments upon it, which we now proceed, as briefly as possible, to make 1st. We are sirprised to see the New York World cite the frue Georgian, so-called, as a proper exponent of Democratic sentiment in this State. Th .t paper was established as a Radical-Grant organ. Its editor, Dr. Bard, be fore his appointment by Gram to the Governor ship of Idaho, in control of the columns of the New Era, defended and supported tue usurpv- tvjrs oi Congre i in the whole matter ot recon struction, so-c& led, including tfie montrous iniquities of the i4th and 15tn Amendments, so-called. He gave all the aid in his power to have the^e erior.aous wrongs fastened upon the country. It is true he now proclaims himseli a Democrat, and hoists the name of J. hn T. Ilollman a- the man of his choice for the Presi dency iu 1872, &s he did th it of Grant at the head ot the New Era in 1868. Now, while wo are glad to see him abandon ing the error oi bis way, and quitting a party, as thousands of others are doing, when he and they see the ruin which that party is bringing upon ail interest , in society ; and. while we hail with pleasure hi- co operation, in putting out of power those the; did so much towards putting in, yet we cann t accord to him, or aDy of his class, a luidersh p in the Democratic organiza tion, or permit its representations to go forth as the true t-..po .tion of Democratic views and sentiments in G' orgia. His stammem, iD the extracts quoted, that Judge Stephens’ position touching me invalidity ot the 14tii and 15th Amendments, so caked, ot the Constitution is not in accordance witn the expressed policy ot a majority of the Democra cy ot Georgia, is altogether gratuitous aud utter ly unfounded—the very reverse is the truth ol tne matter. The last expression ot the Democ racy oi Georgia upon these aud all the recon struction measur.«from which they sprung was in the State Convention last August, in At lanta. That Convention unanimously and with great enthusiasm adopted a resolution, drawn up by Judge Stephens, re-affirming the doc trines, principles and declarations of the New York Convention oi 1868, expressly declaring these reconstruct ; on measures “ unconstitutional, revolutionary, null and void.’’ Dr. Bam, in August last, at the head of the True Georgian, so -called, then a zealous Grant administration sheet, (out since held forth as a Democratic organ) was quite as little satisfied with that prout.uced judgement of the real Democracy ot t ic Btate as he is now with Judge Stephens’ utterances upon the same sub ject. The party in tins Slate went into the canvass upon that issue, unu on it achieved a most signal triumph and Judge Stephens did but utter a great truth when he said in his scathing letter to Bullock tna. the flag hoisted at Atlanta “ floated triumphantly in victory, least tattered where it was borne boldest and held highest in the conjlix.t.” judge Stephens did not resign the Chairman ship of the Exec alive Committee of tbe Demo cratic party oi the ialate ior any such reasons as those stated by the ex-Radicai Governor of Idaho. He simply declined to accept the posi tion of Chairman of that committee, after he learned that it bad been conferred upon him when there was 1 ;ss than a quorum of the mem bers present. 2d. It is very clearlyintimaledin the 'World’s article that the Smihern Democracy, which em- hraces an overw helming majority ol the white people in at least eleven States of the Union, can, it they choose, have the shaping and forming oi the issues win :h shall enter into the Presi dential canvass of 1872. This intimation com ing irom the sou, ce it does should he duly con- s’aered by every Southern Democrat. It is indeed but the concession ol a fact apparent to ail reflecting minds, ior without the electoral votes ot these eleven Southern States or a large majority ot them, th-.ro is hut little hope of the success" ot the Democracy in that election. Upon the Southern Democracy, therefore, it is properly and widely conceded, in advance, de volves the high and responsible, as well as patri otic duty of shaping the Issues, or in other words, oi determining what in that canvass shall be considered as “ living ” and what “ dead issues.” 3d, We have heretofore said that several things attending the war and its results are “ ir reversible,’, or, at least, should be so considered, though, strictly speaking, nothing can be said to be irreversible in politics which comes within the range oi the sovereign power of the people. Among the things, however, which should be considered irre /ersibie, in the sense in which ws u=e that word, are the abolition of “ ffegro Sla- iry,” and Secession as a practical remedy ior Federal wrongs of any sort, as well as all mat ters attending tne war, down to the time that the seceding States resumed their obligations under the Federal Constitution, and madeknown their wiliinghess, in due and proper form, for the restoration ot their practical relations to the Union, as co-equal States under that Constitu tion. Ail matters connected with the war and its results, antecedent to that poiut in our history, we class among those issues which, for all prac tical purposes in the politics ot the day, should be considered dead—things of the past, only to be mentioned and treated of as matters of his tory. 4tli. Now as to the “ living issues,” we have maintained and do maintain, and so have and do the real Democracy, not only of the Southern States, but of all the States, that ail the recon struction measures, so-called, of Congress, which have been enacted since ihe time we have spo ken of, have beta in direct violation ol the Con stitution of the United States, and rest for their support upon nothing but open and bold usur pation—the more glaring and flagitious from ihe fact that they have been in direct breach of the solemn declaration made to the world by the States North, of the object for which the war was waged by. them against the States South—which object, as they declared, was for no purpose whatever but to maintain the integ rity, so-called, of the Union, “ with all the dig nity, equality, and the rights ot the several States unimpaired,” under the Constitution. These monstrous outrages upon the Constitu tion, by which ten of tbe co-equal States ot the Un on were dri en from ihe Federal councils, denied all representation therein, and put under military satraps, we, in common with the De mocracy South as well as North, have held and do cold to be moat infamous usurpations ol power, utterly destructive oi public liberty and therefore “ null and void.” This was the public and solemn announcement ot the Democratic party ol the Unlied States in their last general convention in 1808, as well as that of the party in Georgia at their last August Convention. Ought this great fact than so announced by the last Democratic general convention to be ignored by the next ? Or ought it lo be ignored by tne people iu iuture elections ? Ought these huge crimes agsinst the Constitution and public liberty, perpetrated by the present ruling dy nasty, to be permitted to go unopposed, unre buked, and uacomdemned by those who shall make an effort to rescue our free institutions from the bauds f present usurpers, whose evi dent aims and objects are the overthrow of the entire system ot government instituted by our sue tors, and the erection in their stead oi a centralized Empire? This we sav to the De mocracy ot the South as well as to the Democ racy North is tie great practical question for them duly to consider ia shaping the issues tor the next "Prcsid-ntial election. it is a q estion invov.ug both principle aud policy. V\ e pro pose to consider it in both aspects." 5th. Tne World clearly intimates the opinion that thtce admit-ed usurpations ought to be ignored as stated from policy; oecause, says the article referred to; “ The reconstruction acts are no longer in force, etc. There is, therefore, no room either to resist their enforcement or acitate lor their repeal ” To th ? we say if it were true that the reconstructi n acts were no longer in force, it would lolt- w that it would not be botn right an.; most politic to agitate and keep the ever iiv.ag truth before toe "p<_- pie mat a party, or i iction, wiiich had so trampled upon the C. institution, is utterly unfit to be trusted with power. When did the agitation of the questions growng out of the inta nous alien and sedition acts ot tne last century, (passed by the ,-ame ^ party of centralism and consolidation) cease? M as it when Mr. Jefferson, who was triumphantly e.eeted President, treated them ont “ as constaiit nullities ?” Was it when there was a general, jail delivery by his Executive order of all prisoners wrongfully suffering under their iniquitious provisions ? Was it even when their authors were consigned to iniamy by the righteous judgment ot an outraged people? By no means ! Agitation did not cease even then ; on the contrary these foul usurpations were agi- Cgr A contraband in the employ of C. R. Moter, merchant, at Sidon, Mississippi, having an “ itching palm ” for his employer’s money box, climbed on the housetop a lew nights since, with the intention of going down the chimney, and thus gratifying his pecuniary wants by helping himself. The chimney and he had been built without a due regard to their relative phys ical proportions, and by the time he had reached he middle of the flue he ionnd himself wedged in, without the power either to keep on down or r treat. Iu this delightful predicament he remained all night to reflect on the uncertainty ot human plans, and when Air. Moter, ah un witting ot the impediment, began, in the morn ing, to kindle a fire under his contranandship, he~lifted up his voice in lamentation. A rope was let down trem the top and the wouid-De thief hauled out, dark and sooty as Erebus, to he landed in jail at Carrollton. After all, t&e Parisians could not resist a teoip.a'iou to view the parade of the Prussian forces through the great city, and the cable in forms us that hundreds ot men, women, and cnildren flocked t« the Arc de Triomphe as soon a3 it was understood that the procession had be gan to move. Iu view ot the many earnest ap peals of the Frenth newspapers that the streets should be deserted, and that the invaders snou.fi have no audience, the love of show and tinsel thus betrayed mutt be very galling to the admi rers of Ici Belle nation. Possibly the popula tion of Paris could not have given more palpa ble evidence of tieir inconsistency. Lady Wilmot-Horton, lamed in her youth for her beauty, aud the original ot Byron’s well known lines, “ She Walks in Beauty,” is just dead, in her eighty-third year. bated lor a generation afterwards as one of the most effective weapons, ot not only keeping the authors of those measures out of power, but of keeping out of power all who held like princi ples ol'c-ntraiism and empire. So it should vow be with the continued agitation of these re construction measures, viewed solely as a ques tion of policy. 6th. But is it true as matter of fact that these reconstruction enormities, with their mischief, have “expired by their own limitation ?” If so, how is it that ten States of the Union are now under governments imposed upon them by the bayonet, through the instrumentality ol these defunct measures ? If they, indeed aud truth, be dead, their evil effects certainly live alter them. These evil effects—their living offspring j —therefore present a livirg question cf no small magnitude, viewed in the light of either policy or principle. The World’s article seems to be based upon the idea that there is no principle involved in the question at all, and very little ot even policy. The whole subject, in the view of that journal, narrows down to the single question oi the policy of “negro suffrage.” It is true this in the article is strangly coupled with “negro slavery.” But, as we have shown, that has nothing to do with the reconstruction measures or the effects ol these measures ot which we are speaking. For neero slavery was abolished by all the States, and the 13th amendment, forever prohibiting slavery hereafterin any part oi the United States, was duly ratified by the States before the U3ur- patory proceeding- of these reconstruction meas ures were begun. There are, therefore, matters ot vastly more magnitude in the living issues presented by these measures than the one oi “negro suffrage,” and that one barely as a ques tion ol policy. It the reconstruction measures were themselves usurpations, and being in violation of the Con stitution were therefore null and, void, as every true Democrat in tbe United States, holds them to be, are not the revolutionary Governments imposed by the bayonets, and their agency alone, on ten State3 of the Union, likewise “null and void ?” Are not the 14th and 15th so called amendments of the Constitution of the United States, so carried by duress, lores, fraud and perfidy also “null and void ?” Can usurpation, lraud, violence and perfi iy impart validity to anything, or is it possible that any so called amendment thus curried by usurpation, Irand. violence and perfidy can be constitutionally valid? To us the question 3eems to be tuliy answered by it bare s atement. 13 there not then a great principle, a living, vital principle, still involved in these so-called defunct measures? Should this principle then be ignored in pre- euting issues tor the next Presidential cauvu&s ? If so, why ? Because ol policy? What course is more politic or u. >re expedient in appeals to the people to change their rulers at the ballot box, than by expor g the wrongs and misdeeds of those to be displaced? Is it expected that the people will lis’en tr such appeals favorably or respond to them wii- zeal aod enthusiasm, and that earnestness which secures success, when the attack is made only against minor offenses, while the infinitely greater high Crimea and mis demeanors are passe., 'over and utteny ignored ? W e maintain, therefore, both upon principle and policy, that the Democratic party should not lower its flag upon these greatest outrages yet perpetrated upon the Constitution by the ruling dynasty, if they expect the people to rally to the rescue ot their free institutions from the hands of those whose, w’hole purpose is their overthrow and destruction. On the contrary, our opinion is that the slogan should go forth irom the valleys to the hill tops, and from the mountains to the lake3 and seaboard—Out with the Imperialists 1 Dowwith their usurpations! and TJp with the Constitution! 7th. The World very truly says: “There is nothing in the 14th Amendment worth fighting about if the loth be accepted?” And what, we would ask, would be left pertaining to public liberty worth “figuring about” if the loth Amendment be accepted ’ What is left if this is to be quietly acquiesced in and received as a “ verity” and “fixed fact,” not to be questioned or condemned by ihe people’s judgment ? Wo do not refer specially to negro suffrage, which this amendment was intended to secure, but we refer to the usurpation of power by which the attempt was made to force negro suffrage upon the States. Suffrage is a question which, under our system, belongs to the States severally, each for itself, and there is where the Democra cy should insist, iu its platform of principles, it should be left. If any or all the States South as well as North see fit to allow sufirage to ne groes, it is their right to do so. It is eq ualiy the right ot each State North as well as South to reiuse suffrage to this or any other class of its population, as each State for itself may de termine. Tnis is the practical issue which we asserted. It rests upon a fundamental principle in the Constitution of the United States. Upon this principle, the Democratic party has ever stood in every platform and manifesto put forth by that party from the beginning, and it is upon the same platform we would have them to con tinue to stand if they intend or desire to pre serve the liberties ot this country. If this most daring of all usurpations of those now bearing sway be accepted, then, indeed, we repeat, we see nothing left of popular rights anywhere se cure against the grasp ot audacious usurpers. The yielding ot an inch invites to the taking of an ell—this, however, would be eventually yielding the citadel. 8th. In concluston, we say to the World, that we of the South wish the Democracy ot the Union, at its next general convention, simply to stand by its heretotore announced principles, and never to lower its flag by an acknowledge ment ot either the wisdom or validity ot an ad mitted usurpation of a most mischievous aud revolutionary character—one tnat strikes a death blow to the very vitals of the Federal system, and clear the way of all obstacles to a speedy and absolute centralized despotism. We give it to the world as our opinion, (that of Dr. Bard to the contrary notwithstanding), that the Southern Democracy will, with united voice, ia the next general convention ot the party, ask and insist upon an unqualified denuncia tion ot all the usurpations ol the present dyuas- ly in the matter ot the reconstruction measures so-called, and especially the usurpations by which revolutionary governments have been, through the agency of fraud, perfidy and bayo nets, imposed and forced upon ten States of this Union. We feel assured this is what they ought to do, and believe it is what they >vill do. Nay, more. We believe that they will look upon any organization calling itself Democrat ic, or by any other false came, which shall en deavor to pursuade the people to ignore these usurpations, and to stop the arraignment ol the perpetrators ol them before the people for pop ular condemnation, as no better than “accesso ries after the fact” to these high crimes against the Constitution and the liberties of the country. This is plain talk. We know it. The World asks lor a trank and free interchange of opin ion. We do but give ours fully, freely, frankly and candidly—just as “ out ol the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” State News. The Sparia Times & Planter says: The ship ments ot ireigh' to and irom the Sparta depot, in comparison with those of last year, exhibit a’ considerable increase in the number of bales ot cotton, and a diminishing in the number ol tons ot guano. Sparta needs a Juvenile Reform Society. A post-office has been established at Deve- reux. A splendid pipe organ is being built at Jew ell’s Mills, lor the Baptist Church. A small amount of robbery, extortion and other crime is embittering the cup of social bliss usually quaffed by the Savannahites. The Japanese are performing in Savannah. C. K. Osgood, the new postmaster of Savan nah has entered upon his duties. The scholars of the Baptist Sabbath School in Savannah preseuted a new library to the crew ot the ship Tidal Wave on last Sabbath. A communication in the Savannah News, speaking of the new library as?ociation ot that city, says: “ This most valuable and praise worthy institution, established by a few of our most respectable and earnest citizens, and in tended for the benefit of our young men, cer tainly deserves the confidence and patronage of every class of our citizens. The rooms now occupied by tlie association are in a most eligi ble and fashionable portion of the city, being a thoroughfare for ladies, who make their diurnal shopping promenades. As one of the members of tins institution I would mo9t respectfully suggest the propriety of the ladies of Savan nah becoming members, and using their potent influence in furthering this great oenevolence ; the good effect 01 their presence and patronage would be ot incalculable benefit, and would en courage their brothers, their sons 3nd husbands in spending their leisure moments where in struction and rational conversation would sup ply the place of the gilded saloons devoted to ilie worsnipof Bacchus and billiards. Tidbits. Amy Richardson, of Iowa, weighs 352 pounds. This is the latest case of big-Amy. The present annual production of tobacco is estimated to be 4,000,000,000 pounds. Kentucky made 9,906,957 gallons of whisky in 1869, and only 5,869,798 gallons in 1870. Victor Emanual is said to be fond of “the rosy,” as .Mark Tapley calls whisky straight. It wa3 Mr. “ Wood” who offered the res olution in Congress to remove the duty from coal. Sperm candles will be substituted for kero sene in lighting Vanderbilt’s railroad cars. UHman, erat or New York, is giving bril liant concerts in Vienna, with ten prima donnas. The Vermont clergyman who recently tried “ to starve out disease,” died under the ope ration. *- Turkeys are selling at from fifteen to seven teen cents a pound in the Boston market, and chickens at from twelve to fourteen. Mr. Horne of St. Louis has insured his life for .§409,000. His heirs.trust be will live long—iu a Horne Is the Smith family, running out ? In Mem phis, Tennessee, the Millers are largely ahead in the directory. It is said there is now the largest tide in the Kentucky river that has been known in a num ber of years. Skirts, to be stylish, must just touch the side walk at the back aud on the - - sides. They are just the thing lor completing the work of the boy who sweeps the crossing. Descendants of Indians whose fathers once held land in Tennessee have employed a lawyer in Memphis to sue for broad acres in the south ern part of the county. The New Orleans ice factorv runs six ma chines, each costing $2,500 in gold, and freezes sixteen tons of ice daily. The water is pumped from the Mississippi, purified, and frozen into mocks <.uice inches thick uhw t welve "by twenty- four inches in area. An early settler ot Indiana planted two trees in front ol hi« cabin, saying to his wife that they should be the trees of their lives. In 1834 the one named after the man fell, and he survived it but a little. Recently the woman’s tree died, and she lived but a day or two longer. A young man in Oswego, who started to at tend a masquerade party', on Thursday, attired and accoutred as he supposed Satin usually is, unhappily entered the wrong house, to the con sternation ot the inmates. The old gentleman, father of the family, especially, was greatly alarmed, and with a wild shriek, “ Maria, save the children!” lie made his exit through the rear door, closely followed by Maria and all the iittle ones. A religious paper is responsible for the fol lowing: Au oid lady who was about to breathe her last, received a call from an acquaintance ignorant ol her morial illness. The answer sent down from the chamber ol the departing sufferer was memorably uniqe: “Madam sends her compliments to Madam , but oegs to be excused, as*she is engaged in dy ing.” Josh Billings thus define? “horns:” “Dinner Horns—this is the oldest and most sacred thar is. It ia set to music, and plays “Home, Sweet Home” about noon. It will arrest a man and bring him m quicker than a sherrifl’s warrant. It kauses the deaf to hear and the dumb to shout tor joy. Glorious old instrument 1 Long may your lungs last! Whisky Horn—This horn varys in length. From three to six inches is the favorite size. It is different from other horns, being ov a fluid natur. It is really more puguashns than the ram’s horn; six inches of it will knock a man perfectly calm.” Philadelphia has 400 churches. The manutacture ol linen last year in Ireland was greater than ever before. Virginia made 65,000 gallons of fruit brandy iast year. The past season has been the wettest known in Australia lor twqjve years, causing severe losses to flock masters. The British revenue last year amounted to $336,839,765. Alice oary bequeathed all her property to her sister Phceoe. Iu the reign ol Francis I, more than one hun dred thousand witches are said to have been put 10 death. A Louisville modiste has just inherited $70,- 000, and recommends her successor to her late customers. :so me body assarts that more than half the ho tels in this country, arc kept by natives ol New Hampshire and Vermont. Sicily’s annual production of brimstone is 600,600,000 pounds. If she keeps on, there won’t ce any left lor the last day. English papers report that the Russian gov ernment has ordered tbe formation ot a reserve force of 1,000,000 men, but for what reason does not appear. A late quotation of the price of votes states that in the South Carolina legislature the aver age is $200, but that in the New Jersey legisla ture, at this session, $8,000 was paid in one in stance. This seems quite cheap, ior a member at Harrisburg not long ago said that it he did not get at least $20,000 at this session, he would consider that he was losing money. “ John,” said a lather to a son one day, when he caught him shaving the “ down ’’ off his upper lip, ** don’t throw your shaving-water out where there are any barefooted boys, ior they might get their feet pricsed.” “Wnat do you do ior a living?” asked a farmer near Poughkeepsie, of a sturdy vaga bond who came begging at his home. “ Well, noming much, except traveling around,” said the fellow. “ You look as though you wcie good at that,” responded the farmer. “ Web, yes, I am pretty good at traveling.” “ Then,” said the farmer, opening the door, “ let’s see you traveL” - Personalties are rather freely indulged in by Vermont politicians, as the election approaches One suffrage ^solicitor, we observe, charges a base lraud upon his opponent—namely, uuymg soup bones at the market, and sticking a pair 01 turkey Y legs in the top ot his casket to “ make a show on the street. A rich but ignorant lady of Boston, who was ambitious that uer conversation should be up to the transcendental style, in speaking of a friend, saiu : “ He is paragram of politeness I” *• Excuse me,” said a wag sitting Dext toner; “ but do you not mean parral'eiegram ?” “ Ot course I meant parrallelegram,” replied the am bitious lady; “ how coull 1 have made such a mistake ?” There is a young lady in Philadelphia who, 1 whenever she leels like enjoying a joke, drops her bonnet and shawl on Fairmount bridge, and then stays away from her friends for a week or so. Sue enj oys their distress ot mind. Tlie Enforennent Act. That the Radical dominant clement is strang ling iDeit iu its own toils is a self-evident truth, made still clearer by the recent passage ot the so-called Enforcement Act, by means of which the frautic leaders of a mutinous crew hope to save their foundering vessel from total ship wreck. In other woids, it is the insane attempt ol unscrupulous demagogues to garrote the American pc. pie, and to rob them of their most preciou; t r ensure—a free and untrammeled ballot. They hope by a liberal application of bayonet, and a complicated distribution ol hordes of partisan la'raps and malignant jani zaries to ov' re ivc the South, which has dared to proclaim its right to freedom of thought and action, and to assert its privilege to condemn the insufferabl oppression ot radical exactions, and to reaffirm its devotion to sound Demo cratic principle?. But these men are reckoning without their host. Already the mutteriDg thunder of national discontent at this unwar ranted action is being heard all over the coun try, and not only Democrats but honest, influ ential and determined Republicans are setting their laces against this flagrant politi cal outrage and insufferable chicanery, fired by .bate and brought forth in hiainlesi iniquity. Taking up the argument against this thing on the grounds stated by honest and pa triotic statesmen, like Governors Hoffman and Geary, that if is a mischievous interference with and deprivation of the freedom of elections guaranteed by solemn statutes, even such leadirfg Republican journal as the Chicago Tri bune sounds au additional note of warning and condemnation as follows: The effect oi this legislation upon the public mind is odious. It partakes ot the spirit of the sedition laws enacted under the first Adams, and intended to perpetuate the power of the old Federal party. It has a reactionary effect, and Ihough the law may not be resisted by violence, the popular feeling inclines against that party which adopts it. Under this law Federal troops may be employed to aid the marshals in enforc ing their absolute control at the polls, and thousands ot zealous and earnest Republicans n all parts of the country will not hesitate to denounce such unnecessary and wanton inter ference with tlie lrcedom of elections. Five voters in each precinct, thus protesting against such legislation, would revolutionize the politi cal organization ot the Government at a single election. Decisions of Supreme Court of Georgia— Jannarr Term, 1871# Order of Circuits with the number of cases from each": Macon Circuit 13 12 Flint Circuit. Tallapoosa Circuit... AJlapaha Atlanta Circuit Borne Circuit Cherokee Circuit Northern Circuit Middle Circuit Ocruulgce Circuit Eastern Circuit Brunswick Circuit Albany .. Augusta.. ...10 0 17 5 11 9 0 9 10 4 12 a Spontaneous Combustion, The Boston Journal of Chemistry has an in teresting and instructive article under the above caj*tion. Remarking on the frequency of cases of spontaneous combustion, it cannot help thinking that the people are becoming more careless than formerly, or else they are ignorant ot the nature and the causes ol this kind of combustion, which differs from ordinary burn ing only in that the oxidation— the union of the combustible subst ir-:: with the oxygen of the air—is more gradual. The decay of animal and vegetable substance is a process of this k.rd. Thus, when a log ot wood rots in the to rest it is as really burned up as when it blazes on au old-fashioned fire-place. The heat is the same, end the products ot the combustion—car bonic acid and water—are the same, the only difference being in the rapidity ot the process, which makes the heat perceptible in the one case, and impe-cepdble to the ordinary per eeption In tne other. The rusting of meta’s is another iorm of slow combustion, heat heir generate' 7 *r v-.h pr ice s as sn that of u. cay; aud it the rusting is made sufficiently rapid the rise ot temperature ia readily detected. Au insUnes in corrobora tion o f ’ ds assertion, which occurred in Eng- 'and d rring the manufacture ot a submarine cable, is given. A portion of cable wire, placed m tanks filled with water, rusted so rapidly that the temperature rose in four days from 66 to 79 degrees, and would have risen even higher had the wire not been cooled by pouring on water. In tb>s case, remarks the Journal, the heat set flee caused the oxidation to go on taster and faster; and tiffs is what occurs in spontaneous combustion, which is simply “rapid combustion ck /eloped graduahy from slow" combustion.” 0,17 rags used by p .inters, and cotton waste used lor wip-ug machinery, are common sources of such combustion. “ Wneu,” says the Journal, such substances have bre mae saturated with oil, if they happen to be thrown into a heat, the oil begins to oxidize slowly, but the heat pro dueed makes the oxidation more and m re lapid, until the mass bursts iuto a flathe. Oils that oxidize readily, like cotton-seed oil, are especially liable to take fire. Oil spilt on dry sawdust has been known to ignite in the same way.” Hay, cotton, tow, flax, hemp, rags, leaves, spent tan, straw in manure heaps, etc, when stacked in quantities in a damp state, take fire spontaneously, the oxidation being that ol incipient decay or fermentation promoted by the dampuess aud the ionfined heat accumulating, until it is sufficient to cause rapid combustion. Pulverized charcoal, prepared lor making gun powder, and stored in heaps, has been known to ignite when neither oily nor damp. The journal thinks it doubtful whether grain ox seeds of any kind are liable to spontaneous combustion, though several French savants came to tlie conclusion that a barn had caught fire irom spontaneous ignition of clamp oats stored therein. However that may be, the jour nal thinks it evident irom the facts given that many tires, involving great destruction of prop erty, have been tlie result ot spontaneous com bustion; and that it is probable chat many con flagrations ascribed to incendiarism have really owed their origin to the same cause. “Better Say NutUlng.’’ We print an article ihi3 morning feim the able and lucid pen of Colonel Cary W. Styles, ot tne Albany (Ga)News, ot March 14th. It is pithy and to tne point : “ it seems to us that silence, as to the future policy oi the Democratic party, is, just now, the imperative duty ot the Southern Press. Some of our contemporaries are continually hiazmg away, as if they were carrying the whole party upon their shoulders, and were ex pected to shape its fight lor 1872. They are violent, dictatorial and uncompromising in the expression of their views; and are as reckless in extreme utterances as it they were masters of the situation, and were directing their re marks to a conquered, prostrate and powerless adverse-y. ind they are not without encoura- gers and abetters outside ol the Press. There are distinguished individuals who have a mania tor writing, overweening vanity and vaulting ambition to keep themseives prominently be- iore the people, who write and publish all sorts ot combustible stuff about important matters Lhat ought to be deierred for some months. “ Such writers have done, and are still doing the cause they so zealously espouse, a vast deal ot harm. Already they hnd themseives on the defensive, and to iced to a system ot warfare that seldom results in success. “ At the time ot the meeting of the National Democratic Conv-.n-ioi; in 1368, the party’s fight was aggr-ssive—a-singie indiscreet tetter re versed the order 01 hattie, compelled a defen sive attitude, and led to a series 01 blunders that culminated in disaster. We should avoid the rqcx that wrecktd us then, and the way to doit ;s to fie to with just enough canvaso spread to keep our prow to windward. The time his not arrived for discussing a platform, and no good can be accomplished by it. The platfoim for the South is opposition to the Radical party, and all true men will unite upon that one idea; h.r it embraces Constna- tioDu! government, ooeciience to the laws, the integrity 01 the States and c.vil lioerty. The questions of now many pianks tne platform shall be composed, and of what kind of mate rials are cot paramount with us—the grand aim and mission of the Democratic party is to’res cue the government from Radical corruption and centralizing despotism, ana it is scarcely within the range of possibility, lhat a platform will be constructed that we cannot stand upon and fight upon. Therefore let us wait and watetq and above all, write nothing that will necessitate a change 01 front or throw us upon the defensive. _ There are said to oe 0u,u0u Clergymen in the United States, their average pay being about $700 a year. Wednesday, March 15,1871. Argument in No. 2, Tallapoosa circuit, How ard vs. Worrilland Freeman—was resumed and concluded. Judge B. H. Bigham, for plaintiff in error. Jno. \\. Park, by brief, for defendant in error. No. 3, Tallapoosa circuit, Freeman vs. Wor rell—was argued for plaintiff in error, by brief, of J. M. W. Parks, and for defendant in error by Mr. B. Hill. No. 4, Tallapoosa circuit, Hull vs. Holmes— was argued Ior plaintiff in error by Judge Big ham, and for deiendant in error by Colonel Mabi y. No. 5, Tallapoosa circuit, Merrell vs. Whitti- ker—was argued for plaintiff in error by Colo nel Buckhanan. The Court adjourned till ten o’clock, A. m.. to-morrow. Thursday, March 15,1871. No. 6, Tallapoosa Circuit—Thomas J. Jack- son vs. Francis M. Scoggin—was argued for the plaintiff in error by J. B. S. Davis, Esq., and for defendant in error by Colonel H. Buchanan. No. 9, Tallapoosa Circuit—Joseph Calhoun vs. N. H. McLendon—was argued ior plaintiff in error by Mr. Smith, and for defendant in er ror by Mr. Davis. Upon motion, and by consent of the bar, No. 10 was, next called; and pending argument thereon, the court adjourned till 10 a. m, to morrow. Tlie Democratic Caucus—Heorsanlzatlon of the Democratic aud Conservative Con gressional Committee. An adjourned caucus of the Democrafic and Conservative members of Congress was held iu the hall ol the House of Representatives at 11 o’clock, on Saturday morning. Hon. Fernando Wood, of New York, called the caucus to order, and, on motion, Hon. Eu gene Casseriy, of California, took the chair. Hon. M. C. Kerr, of Indiana, moved the fol lowing resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we cordially commend to our Democratic and Conservative fellow-citizens throughout the country the Patriot, of the city of Washington, as a newspaper eminently worthy ot their favor and support, by reason of the high tone, great ability and fidelity to correct prin ciples which characterize its mangagement Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be communicated to that paper for publication. Hon. William E. Niblack, of Indiana, offered the following, which was also unanimously adopted: Resolved, That there shall be appointed a committee, consisting of one Senator or Repre sentative from each State entitled by the politi cal character of its delegation to representation in this caucus, to serve during the present Con gress, and to to be known as Democratic and Conservative Congressional Committee, which shall be charged with such dutie3 as it may properly perform in regard to elections and other political matters during its existence, with power to choose its own chairman and other officers, and also to choose and appoint a sub committee, to consist, in whole or in part, as may be deemed best, ot members of Congress, to act as a resident executive committee, lor the distribution of documents and other campaign work. Resolved further, That each delegation here represented shall be entitled to name its com mittee-man under the foregoing resolution, but when no person shall be named within a rea sonable time, then the chairman ot this caucus shall appoint such committee-man. On motion, the roll ot the States was called, and it appeared that the following States and Territories were represented, viz: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkan- sas, Michigan, Florida, California, Oregon and Nevada, aud the territories ol Idaho and Da kota. On motion, the following-named gentlemen were appointed to compose the said Democratic and Conservative Congressional committee, viz : New York—H. W. Slocum. New Jersey—John P. Stockton. Pennsylvania—Samuel J. Randall. Delaware—Benjamin T. Biggs. Maryland—Stevenson Archer. ’ Virginia—John Critcher, North Carolina—F. E. Shober. South Carolina—Isaac C. McKissick. Georgia—P. M. B. Young. Alabama—P. M. Dox. Mississippi— I ouisiana— OI’o—Philadelph Van Trump Kentucky—Boyd Winchester Tennessee—W. O. YYhitthorne. Indiana—M. C. Kerr. Iillinois—Samuel s. Marshall. Missouri—Erastus Wells. Arkansas—James M. Hanks. Michigan—J. G. Sutherland. Florida—Silas L. Niblack. Texas— Iowa— Wisconsin— .»■ California—Eugene Casseriy. Minnesota— Oregon—James H. Slater. Kansas- West Virginia— Nevada—Charles W. Kendall. Nebraska— Idaho—Samuel A. Merritt. Dakota—Moses K. Armstrong. Horn John T. Bird, of New Jersey, from the special committee appointed at a previous cau cus to examine the accounts of the National Democratic Executive Committee, reported that the same were correct. The report was adopted, and the special committee was dis charged. Hon. Fernando Wood, of New York, moved the following resolution, which was adopted unanimously: Resolved, That it js essential to the interests oi the people of this country that the Demo cratic and Conservative members ot Congress be in constant attendance upon the sessions un til the final adjournment, and that the absentees be requested to return at once, so that the evil legislation contemplated may be avoided. On motion ot Mr. Niblack, it was ordered that the proceedings ot the caucus be handed to the press for publication. On motion, the caucus then adjourned. Eugene Cabserly, Chairman. F. E. 8hobef v W. £. Arthur, W. A Handley, Secretaries. Newspaper Change.—Judge Whitaker has retired horn the Atlanta Intelligencer, with which he has been connected for many years past. During all that time, he never forgot the dignity of his position ; but always courteous and gentlemanly in his intercourse with the profession, he won the es.eem of ali. We trust that health and happiness may attend him in his retirement from a position he filled so well. Judge Whitaker is succeeded by Governor Bard, whose bold, tearless and independent course fits won lor him a high position as a ioumalist. He i3 always polite and courteous, but somewhat pungent a9 a writer. We hope he may live to ar’minister many a stunning blow to Radicalism. He gives notice that he will continue the publication ot the Weekly True Georgian.—Athens Watchman, March it Galvanic Element with one Liquid. A galvanic element with one liquid, a3 recently announced, consists of a galvanic cell, composed ot zinc and carbon, placed in a fluid made up ot 40 parts of water, 45 of bichromate of po- tassa, 9 parts of suiphurie acid, 4 parts of sul phate or soda. 4 parts of the double sulphate of potassa and iron, tnis producing a very regular current. It is said that the zinc need not be amalgamated aud Lhat no gas is evolved. E. F. B. paints the pale, soothes the nervous aud cures the Hysterical. febl-dawlm.