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COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
WEDNESDAY AfOKNING, JUNE 8, 1853.
Capt. John Forsyth.
We are much gratified to see our old friend and ‘
tew iibitian, Capt. Forsyth, at home again. And we
take this occasion to correct an erroneous impression
w hich prevail • in the community and which we have
done somewhat to make. Capt. Forsyth has never
contemplated leaving Georgia. ll.s absence has been
temporary mi pursuit of his pecuniary interests, and
he has always contemplated a speedy return. We
make this announcement a* we are sure it will fill the
hearts of his numerous friends in Georgia with the live
liest satisfacion, to learn that our noble State can still
point to him as one of her brightest jewels.
Acknowledgment.
The Lady to whom was sent twenty five dollars for
the benefit of the Orphan Asylum, tendt rs her sincere
acknowledgments to the unknown donor. The gift was
timely, as the Asylum is greatly in the n<-cd of money.
Koockogeys.
The splendid pitchers presented to Mr. Samuel
Koockogey by the Savannah d* legation and the beau
tiful Cane presented by the Macon delegation for his
generous hospitality on their r* cent visit to Columbus,
may be seen at the Jewelry store of Messrs. Foster
& Purple for a few days.
Geneva.
At the recent festivities iti Savannah “the Kooeko
geys” by an unanimous vote, changed the name of this
village, and gave it the more euphonious designation
of “Koockogey.” The change has been generally re
cognised as judicious and will be universally acceptable
lo the public.
THE FESTIVITIES AT SAVANN \H.
With the fust blush of the morning on Wednesday,
Ist instant, the Columbus delegation stepped on board
the cars with hearts ns light and laugh as free as tho
song of the lark when he greets the sun at his rising.
With the speed of the winds we were whirled along
over the Muscogee Railroad by the “Fire Fly,” which
emed to hound under its burthen like a horse under
his rider, until we reached the vil age of Butler, where
the Engine and two of the baggage cars were thrown
off the track, and the train delayed four hours. Here
most of the passengers had the pleasure of making the
acquaintance of two gentlemen connected with the Cen
tral Road who will always have a warm place in our
hearts and homes —Mr. Wadley, the superintendent,
and Mr. Ferry, the Engin. man. We hurried as soon
as the accident occurred to the front of the train and
thete found Mr. Ferry still at his post, though the En
gine was tilted over on its side, pouring a flood of water
on the fires and letting oft’ the steam—he had pre
viously sounded the whistle, applied the breaks and re
versed the action of the Engine—and we are, no dou t,
under God, indebted to his nerve and promptness for
the preservation of the limbs and lives of the passengers
committed to his charge.
As soon as the fires were out, Mr. Wadley com
menced to rep air the damage with a precision of judg
ment, and energy of will, which immediately won the ad
miration of the company, all of whom seemed proud to
serve under such a leader—foremost, however, among
the workers were Ricker, of the Muscogee Road, and
Goetciiius, of this city. In four hours the disabled
cars were removed, the road repaired, and every thing
in readiness to proceed to our destination. Having
procured another engine, the train was hurried on to
M icon in good time, where we met with one of those plea
ant surprises which are green spots in the desert of life,
A large concourse of citizens greeted our arrival with
loud huzzahs and flung open a large warehouse in
which a lunch was provided, that, or variety, elegance
and appropriateness, never was surpassed ; and the wel
come was as cordial as the feast was acceptable. After
luneh, short and appropriate addresses were made by
R. J. Moses, Esq., of Columbus, and Hon. A. U. Chap
pell and Mr Lochiiane, of Macon, which were received
cordially, and we continued our journey, enlivened and
made happy by the presence of the Macon Delegation
—whom we found to be as pleasant and clever a set
of good fellows as ever rode in a ear.
At the 90 mile station (Grifhn’s) we partook of a hear
ty supper of good things, with which that table always
groati9, and had the pleasure of meeting a committee
from Savannah. Hero we telegraphed to Savannah
that we would reach the city r.y 2 o’clock, A. M. but, on
account of some deft ft of the Engine, we soon found
that it would be impossible to make time. llow we re- j
gretted now the loss of the “Fire Fy!” These last nine- ‘
ty miles were the longest and most tedious on the whole
route, though the officers on board the ears did every
thing in their power to while away the hours and make
our captivity agreeable. Had we known that the fair
ladies of Savannah were watchers with us—that her |
military were under arms —that her aged and eloquent i
orator was at his post to bid us welcome to ‘ the ancient i
city of Oglethorpe” until the peep of the morning we !
should have been still more grieved at our bad luck.
This, however, we did not learn until the burning elo
quenceof the orator, the wreathed smiles of beauty, and
the cordial grasps of the mi itary, gave ample assurance
that the annoyances of the long watch were all forgot* ;
ten in the gratilieation of'the re union.
In the gray of the morning twilight we caught a |
glimpse of the steeples of Savannah, and the tall masts
of the shipping in her noble bay—and the red sun was
just peering above the horizon a hen the Chatham Artil
lery, Capt Galley, welcomed us with thirty-one rounds
from liis brass cannon.
The Delegations were now formed in line and march
ed into a large warehouse, in which an immense con
course of citizens were assembled, and the entire military
of Savannah—a body of citizen soldiery which does hon
or to the Slate and nation. Here Hon. John McPher
son Berrien welcomed us to the city of Savannah, to
their homes and hearts, in an address replete with elo
quence and cordiality. He was replied toby Col. Sea-
Born Jones in his happiest style. And now we com
menced to taste the hospitalities of Savannah at a table
spread in the Hall on which was found just the thing
we needed after 24 hours of wearisome travel.
A procession was then formed and escorted by the
military, under command of Gen. White, through the
city to Monument Square, where we were dismissed
with the polite request to assemble again at 10 1-2
o'clock, for the purpose of taking an excursion to Tybee
Light. At the hour designated the guests of the city
re-assembled, and, to the sound of martial music, were
conducted to the wliarvesand aboard the steamers Gordon
and Welaka. which had been engaged for the excursion.
Very soon the noble steamers left the quay, and
pointed their prows to the sea, and amid the booming of
cannon, the crash of martial music, the cheers of the
citv and the shipping,, and the lively reports of cham
pagne bottles, we sped with easy grace over the broad
waters of the bay—as jolly a crew as ever trod a deck—
nor stopped our voyage until having passed Tybee Light
we looked out upon the expanse of “the dark blue sea,”
when the steamers gracefully rounded to and approached j
Fort Pulaski. The gallant o:ue-r in charge of this stupen
dous work of national defence, Lt. Gilmer, threw open its
gates and bade ns welcome. After Kiins-ving the work
we assembled on ill* northern w.Ji .m i were treated to
four rounds limn cannon oi the but. At each discharge
a ball, visible to the sight, tbw over the waters and
bounding along upon their bosom at length sank beneath ;
the waves. So perish every enemy who may come be
neath its walls!
Upon the ringing of the bells we re assembled upon
the steamers, and at the invitation of their polite officers,
Commodore Brooks and Captains Kino, seated our
selves around their hospitable boards loaded with i
every good thing—and under the stimulus of the
good cheer provided, returned to the city. The excur
sion was a delightful one, and was the in re acceptable
as some of the party hud never felt the roll of a vessel on
the waves or seen the illimitable sea. The only fault
we found with the trip was the too generous hospitality
of our hosts and the absence of the noble men and wo
men of Savannah, most of whom had denied themselves
j the pleasures of the excursion for the more abundant
accommodation of their gusts. We appreciate the
delicacy of the compliment, though we regret its conse
quences.
At night we were invited to a Ball in a capacious
room magnificently adorned, it is said, but we candidly
confess that our eyes were so much dazzled by the
bewitching smihsand twinkling feet of the lovely brings
who flew like fairies through the dance, that we could
see nothing hut their lovely faces, and hear nothing but
the music of their sweet voices.
We refer our readers who are anxious to know how
j the room was adorned and the table furn shed, to those
persons whose minds are made of sterner materials
than ours. We can only say, that the occasion was one
of unalloyed pleasure to those who participated in it,
and that everything was done to make it agreeable,
which good taste could suggest and genius accom
plish.
I Thus closed the festivities of the first day.
The morning of Friday w..s agre* ably spent in visiting
the city and its environs. We have not space to-day
; for a description of Savannah. We reserve this treat
for a more opportune occasion. We will but say now,
! that the view from the steeple of Dr. Preston's church
| cannot be surpassed for quiet beauty in the South. It
jis a fairy scene—a city in the f rest—the daughter of
civilization reposing in the bosom of nature.
At 12 o'clock a large party assembled at Armory
Hall to witness the presentation of a cake from the ladies
of Savannah to the ladies of Columbus, The scene
here enacted is so truthfully described in the Morn
ing News , that we gladly avail ourselves of ils language
to convey to our readers a full conception of the scene,
merely adding that Col. Jones but expressed our own
sentiments when he gallantly announced that a glance
would satisfy any one that he was not the embodiment
of the loveliness and beauty of Columbus ; though a
glance satisfied him that he beheld before him an em
bodiment of the grace, beauty and loveliness of the wo
men of Savannah in the array there assembled before
him. The News says :
PRESENTATION ok the cake, &c.
This was decidedly the most agreeable episode that has
yet transpired in connection with the advent of the cele
bration in our city.
Before the hour appointed for the presentation, (12
o’clock M.) Armory Hal! was thronged bv as brilliant an
| audience as ever assembled within its walls. The Cake
was presented on behalf of the ladies of Savannah by Col.
• R. II Griffin,and received by Hon. Seaborn Jones as the
| representative ■ f the ladies <*f Columbus.
The address of Col. Griffin wis equal to the occasion,
notwithstanding the indisposition under wh eh he labored,
i The response of Col. Jones was felicitous in the extrem-.
Both were listened to with marked attention, and elicited
manifestations of warm interest.
This presentation was followed by the address of Henry
Law, Esq., who, in behalf of the Savannah delegation to
Columbus, on sented to Mr. Koockogey a pair of elaborate
ly chased silver pi’chers as an acknowledgment of his
free-hearted hospitality to them on their recent visit to Co
lumbus.
The effort of Mr. Law, (if effort it may be called,) was
one of those bright spots in the memory of all who listened
j to it, which will dwell there—a softening, pleasing remi
niscence, when perhaps all cotemporary occurrences are
! buried in oblivion. They only who have on other occa
! sions listened to the soft, the witching strains of that sin
gular voice, can judge of the effect of this little speech.
Ilis whole soul seemed wrapped in ffie contemplation of
the subject ; his mellow voice seemed to gi e utterance to
something more than words, for each word was freighted
with rich and glowing imagery, and was but the echo of
the purest sentiments of the heart.
Mr. Koockogey’s apology for not making a speech in
reply was nut the least interesting speech on the occa*
sion.
L. O. Reynolds. President of the South Western Rail
road, then presented to Mr. Koockogey, on behalf of the
Macon Delegation to Columbus, at the recent festival in
that city, a beauti ul walking cane. The speech of Mr.
Reynolds was produ tive of much meriment, and was lis
tened to witii deep interest, lt was a very happy addition
to the ceremonies in which th ,j ame parties are now par
tieipatingin Savannah, and will be remembered as one of \
the most int* resting features of this festive occasion.
At 4 o’clock, P. M. the guests of the city were
re-assembled and escorted to the Dinner Hall. We
again avail ourselves of the friendly aid of the News—
as we were so much absorbed in the festivities of the oc
casion that we find it impossible to give a minute detail
of the occurrences from memory. The News says :
the dinner, torchlight tbocession, and fire works.
Some four hundred gentlemen sat down at th Q tables,
which were spread in the spacious and beauti’ully decorated
hall (for the time) of the Central Railroad Ware Rooms.
Hon. John McPherson Berrien presided, assisted bj
several Vice Presidents.
BILL OF FARE.
STEVV.
Terrapin.
FISH.
Fresh Cod, F.gg Sauce,
do Mackerel, do
do Halibut, do
do Porgies. Fried,
do Whiting, do
Crab Pies.
Scolloped Shrimps,
do Lobsters.
BOILED.
Ifatn.
&alt Beef.
Tongues.
Leg Mutton, Caper Sauce.
Chicken, eir & Parsley do.
ROAST.
Turkeys.
Ducks.
Geese.
Chicken.
Venison, Currant Jelly,.
Beef, do do*
Pig.
M RATS—SUNDRIES.
Broiled Chicken.
Venison Steaks.
Veal do
Beef do
SALADS.
Chicken.
Lobster.
Shrimp.
VEGETABLES.
Green Peas.
Irish Potatoes,
Sweet do
Cabbage.
The regular toasts elicited speeches and sentiments
Onions.
Beets.
Squashes.
Cucumbers.
Green Corn.
Beans.
Turnips.
Pickles.
Olives.
PASTRY.
Peach Pies.
Prune do J
Plum do
Apple do
Coco&nutdo
Cream do
Lem<>n do
Citron do
pumpkin do
ICES.
Alamode Cream.
Strawberry do
Vanilla do
Pine Apple do
Lemon do
Pine Apple Sherbet.
Orange do
Chanofte Russe.
Blanc Mange.
Calf Foot Jelly.
FRUITS.
Apples.
Oranges.
Pine Apples.
Banauas.
Nuts.
PYRAMIDS.
Orange. Cocoauut.
Cake.
from several gentlemen, which we regret it is out of our
power to present to our readers.
The second mast, “The Cty *f Columbus,” was re
sponded to by R. J. Mo. s. of that city, in an eloquent
a Idress, which he closed vvi.h the. following sentiment:
The State of Georgia :
Endowed ay nature with great re-ources and great men
to devclope them. She is bat fulfilling her destiny in earn j
ing the appellation of the Empire State of the So_th. Three {
hcaity cheers were given tor Columbus.
Io the third toils:, “The G.ty ol Macon,” Hon. A. H.
Chappell made an approp; iate re.-pr.na-. . in which he :d- ;
luded to the noble part our s sti-r ei:v has borne in the \
great system of internal improvements, the fruits of which
jwe are now enjoying. 11c gave a* a sentiment:
! The City of Savannah :
She has accomplished more in the work of internal im
provement than any other city ofher population and wealth
m the Union. Three cheers were given for Macon.
Ihe tourtii to ist — “Augusta" —was responded to by j
John Schley, Esq., who c.ose l Ills speech with the fol
lowing sentiment :
The City of Savannah —Her spirit of unparalleled
i liberality aim enterprise elicit and command the emulation
ol all.
The fifth toast —“Maj. John 11. Howard”—brought
up that gentleman, whom we may denominate the railroad
Hercules of the \Y est, and who discussed the subject of
i railroad connection with Mobile with an earnestucss and
; force indicative of the deep interest which lie feels in the
: cause. He closed with the following sentiment:
Gov. James Jack so a and E I ward lattuall, wise, pa
triotic and courageous men, worthy to be held up to the
present generation as examples. Three cheers were giv
j en for Major Howard.
The s.xtli toast, “Education,” was responded toby Rev.
I J. P. Tustm.
On the reading of the seventh toast —“The Railroad
! System”—R. R. Cuyler, Esq. was loudly called for. Mr.
1 Cuvier, with a view to atve our guests from the various
! parts of the State an opportunity to be heard, was about to
otter a sentiment. But the company were determined to
lu-ar from hmi, and in obedience to their call he intio
duced wuh a oriel speech the following sentiment ;
Steam, on the ocean, on river , and on land :
Controlled by the agency ot man to contribute to the
happiness ot man. lt has done more than any other pow
er to advance the age in which we live.
Three cheers Were given lor the I'resident of the Cen
tral Railroad.
The • iglith toast —“ Free Commerce, free Consciences ,
free Presses" I—-Having 1 — -Having been read, Mr. Lomax, ot the
Cos muDus TimesS: Sentinel, was loud.y called tor. His
sp.ech was peculiarly happy and appropriate. Three
! cheers were given lor the press.
in response to the ninth toast —“The Judiciary,” —
Judge W ayne, of the Supreme Court, made a brief
speech, which lie closed with the following sentiment :
Colporteurs, schoolmasters, steamers, locomotives
and the telegraph —The great leveleis o. ditt’ereiiccs in
social Ine, except sttcli as may be made by mind, personal
industry and an honest lile.
Tue eleventh toast —“Alabamu”-brought up Mr. Rich
ard Pow. 11, who in a f-w eloquent remarks, expressed
the warmest fraternal feeling and admiration tor Georgia
! He said, Alabama was the daughter of Georgia, and that,
as the Roman rn -ther answered when asked for her jewels,
Georgia might point with pride to Alabama her richest,
jewel. In conclusion he offered the following, which was
j received with Lu i and enthusiastic cheering :
Alabama and Georgia. —The former looks with no en-.
i vious eye upon the bright career ot the latter, but will
i follow wth vigorous stride to the 4 goal which she is ap
pr< inching.
The twelfth toast—“Jlorf culture”'—biought up Mr.
Chas. A Peabody, the distinguished Ilorticultur.st and
j Florist, who responded in a tasteful and eloquent address,
! in wh eh he dwelt upon ihe benefits conferred upon man
; kind by the beautiful science, in the pursuit of which he bus
i been so eminently successful. liis speech was received
with heal ty cheers.
The thirteenth tons: — “Woman” —was received with
enthusiastic demons;rations of . ppreciat.on, and several
gentlemen were called upon io respond. Unable to re
sist the call, Judge Henry R. Jackson rose, lie thought
the call upon him was entirely out of order. Theiewas
a time when he talked and thought and wrote of woman,
but that time had passed, and he thought the duty in the
present instance devolved on those whose dreams and
visions and aspirations better fitted them for the task. Al
tera few play ul and appropriate remarks the Judge took
his si'at. But a unanimous and prolo god call auain f r •
ced him to his feet, when changing the theme, he enter
tained the company for a few minutes, with a speech—
Ivs eloquence, wit, ami pleasantry iiciting the hearty
plaudits and exciting the m.rtli of his hearers.
The following sentiment, which had been omitted
in reading the regular toasts, was then read by the Presi
! dent;
Tennessee. —The n collections of the past, and the af
fiuities of the pi\ sent, conspire to make us welcome her as
an associate in the career ot internal improvements.
Mr. Pierpont being called upon for a song, gave the fol
lowing, which was well received by the company :
Oh ! is not this a time, my friends,
Like that that tried men’s souls ■
When railroad men are stirring round-
To reach to both the poles ;
Directors, treasurers, men at large,
Each buy a certain share,
And dream their cotters will be tilled
By business doing there.
I Sometime ’bout thirty years ago,
We used to Lavel slow—
In coach or jumble, cab or coach,
They all were “all the go
We’d jolt and j > tie, growl and vow—
Kick others’ shins in spite ;
Ten miles to go, we leave at morn,
And reach our homes at night.
But in our day we take the road
Os iron rails secure,
Though some fatigue we undergo,
Our mis.-iori it is sure.
The locomotive is a horse,
Breathes hardest when he’s fresh ;
Just put him up to what he’ll do,
He’ll distance all the rest.
And when our journey it is done,
At night we lay our heads
Upon such downy pillows,
Our bodies on such beds,
That when the morning sun
In splendor greets the earth,
We’ieju t prepared to spend the day
In jollity and mirth.
Oh, I cannot go away,
1 cannot leave tins place,
‘J he people, are so veiy fast
They’re sure to win the race,
But if aboard the iron horse
‘1 he man should bust her biler.
The hills would all be footed right
By President R. R. Cuyler.
Oh! Georgia is the State, niv boys,
Where all would like to dwell,
The people are so -ociable
They would not “cut a swell,”
And it Columbus and other towns
Upon the Central route,
Come down to see Savannah boys,
I gues they’ll find them out.
Mr. Lochrane, of .Macon, responded to a call in a brief
speech.
•Several songs and stories were given, after which the
President announced that tile company would form a
torch light procession and march to Chippewa square, to
witness the dispay of Fire works which Had been prepar
ed for .he occasion.
> The pyrotee nio display attracted a large assemblage
of persons around the square, among which we noticed a
very large number of ladies. The greatest order prevailed
at this point of the performances, except v\hn some piece
brighter and more varied in .ts colorsjthan those which had
preceded it, excited the enthusiasm of ti e boys into a
loud expression of admiration. The finale of the fire
works was most urilliant and appropriate. It was formed
so as to resemble the coat of arms of the State of Georgia.
The num.'s o! the three cities, Columbus, Macon and Sav
annah, appeared u letters of fire. Surrounding the whole
was an arch of stars. The torch, light procession was
agiin form* and and proceeded to Monuimnt Square.
On t le south >ide of the Monumen', in view of the p o
cession as it approached, a beautitul transparency repre
senting the arms of the State, spanned by the words
“WELCOME TO SAVANNAH,”
w .s brf iantly il umiuaUd.
At this time the Square and the Streets in vicinity were
literally thronged with citizens, who joined in the hearty
three cheers given to the guest, which were as heartily
responded to by our visitors.
i Thus ended r he celebration of the Iron Nuptials of Sa
vauuah r.i.d Columbus, —an ineidt-nt second in int rest
or commercially or socially, ‘•> ,l ”
other event in the modcru history of our Mate, liaa
wc taken less interest In it. imi vuiually, e liaw 1 !
aj veil fuller details of the interestin'? occasion. Our aim i
has been simply to record the tacts, as they on. mi. < .
leavin'* to others to appreciate, as in their jiinomt Tit tin y
(J*set ve, the hospital ties of onr city. If we have on pi *>•--
ed mil- suests as *’avor bly as we were impressed by them,
the object which induced the int. rei'.angc oi eourtesus
will have more than been acoomphslnd.
On Saturday morninu the great body ot onr delegation
started for home. Just before we reached Gritlm s we }>ass
j ed the “ Fire Fly,” which had again mounted the iron
track and wildly rushed along in our rear, hut too late to
join in the festivities. As the b’hoys caught sight ot the
| engine a wild cry rent the welkin, and it was treated to
’ champagne and baptised the “ Columbus. Ihe cheers
were not less lusty when we bid adieu to Mr. Wadlf.y, just
before we reached Macon. He was quite as popular as
his engine. No other occurrence transpired of sufficient
interest to record, on our return trip. !he journey w.-.s
pleasant, and though we reached home as smutty as we
were on our arrival in Savannah, each ot us rushed to his
home —some to receive the warm embrace of wives and
children—others of partial friends —and others to the fa
| miliar place which is to us as wives and children and
friends, but one and all with warmer hearts and larger af
fections than when we left, and absolutely overpowe.ed
with the intense admiration which vve leei for the noble,
’ accomplished, hospitable and generous people of Savan
nah. We are all swell heads —the disease is contagious,
and originates in the profusion ot a generous hospitality.—
May it spread to the farthest limit of our glorious State !
And now that we have returned to our own loved home
on the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee, and in the
j quiet of our sanctum review the boundless hospitality of our
sister city, we aie ashamed ol the meagre entertainment to
which this was a reciprocation. Wecomt n t uu sell with
the reflection that we “did what we could,” and he who
i does most can do no more. Her generous sons, during the
i late festivities, kindly complimented us with the idea that
we were now part and parcel of Savannah. We are proud
of the honor. Situated upon the seaboard, she flies upon
! her swift winged ships to the farthest ea-t, and levies her
! contributions upon every foreign clime, and upon her iron
! cars she penetrates the mountain and de-eil barriers which
for so long separated her from the prolific west. Her
! growth to commercial greatness is certain. Bwt g:eat as
I Savannah is commercially, she is still greater socially and
intellectually. Her large heart is as tall ol hospitality as
the wide bay, upon which she sits like a queen, is of water.-;
and her head is as large as her h art. We conclude these
| has i!y written reminiscences with this sentiment:
Savannah and Columbus —Joined m holy wedlock by
! iron bonds May their union be prolifle in social dimities
J and commercial prosperity.
j lion. Seaborn Jones’ Speech on Behalf Os the
Columbus Delegation.
iWr C h(tirma r ‘ i and Gentlemen of h* Qrimmiti.ee
! and (f theCVu of Savanna’ : Upon me lias de
| volved the welcome duty of returning thanks
for the people of Coluin us, and for all who
| have united with us to partake of your kind
! hospitality, and for kind and cordial wM-
J come < fthe citizens of avannah, and toyour
| selt tor the heart! it and affect! nate mantle • in
which it has been tendeied A more pltasa t
and gratitying dut could not have been as
signed, and in their name I tender you o r
sincere thanks.
With a noble and spacious harbor you have
well said, that for a long time your city has
been isolated and separated from the fertile
I back country, which was to supply her cum
j mercial wealth and prosperity and the only
means of communication wa< by “slowcoach
es'’ for passengers, and still slower agonsfor
the transportation ot produce. \V* lI do we
remember Sir, when Savannah and Augusta
weresuppl ed by a weekly mail on horseback
of lie -ulky, and > v e Iso remember when o
I supersede them by the four horse stage three
j times a week, the Hate of Georgia gave to
j Calfrey & Bustin the exclusive privilege for
twenty y ars, of running those c* aches at the
enormous spee tof sixty miles a day Savannah
was impatient at these restraints on her pros
perity, aim aroused from her deep sleep bv the
shril whistle otthe steam engine runningfrom
( harle ton to Hamburg -he put forth he en
ergies, and guided by her lamented Gordon,
commenced the Centr l Railroad. His loss i
was supplied by the ability the energy and
industry of the present President, my old
friend. Mr. < uyler. Under his ausp ees, that
road has been finished her resources have
been properly applied her financ s placed
upon t e m st de-irable footing and the stock
ofthe t ompany at a higher premium than any
in *he Mate ; and while the stock taken by the
city has be n largely increased, the value of
the rea property of her citizens has be< n
doubled. Did savdoubled ! Yes sir 1 believe
I should not be wrong were I to say trebled or
quadrupled. < oluinbu< and Macon have en
deavored o sec nil those eff *rts in extending
that road, and you have only spoken thesirn- !
pie truth in the proud boast that you saw the 1
morning sun raising his broad disc from ihe
| Atlantic wave, that you travelled wi h his fie
! ry coursers throughout the extent of our State,
ad saw lis golden i>* ams trembling at the
gat° of the West beyond the rapid Liiatta oo
chee.
We too have endeavored to perform th*
I same feat and flatte ed ourselves that we wo Id
be able to travel the same distance in the same
or shorer period We failed ; but we ought
not to complain for how could olumbus ex- j
pect to equal Savannah! Savannah is in tiie
pride amt vigor of her strength, and olum
bus but the ‘miss in her teens” fut while I
she grows with her growth and st engthens
with h*r strength, she will still strive to
emulate the glorious example set belore her
And permit me to say, sir she wa only
prevented from succeeding by t e mo t trifling
accident. he co ‘-catch r • fthe engine was
put r th>*r lower than those generally u-ed on
the oad ; and you know, ir, that where coun
try roads cross the ail track scantling are :
placed on either side and between .he r ils, j
and, although the locomotive passed up safely
the evening beb re, in descending, the cow
catcher struck against on • ■ f the scantiing
and instead of driving it before it was unfor
tunately thrown directly across the track ad
the engine, baggage car, and one ot the pas
seng r cars thrown off the track and much m
jured. And. -Sir, it was a merciful interposi
tion that not one person, of that lar e number
was inj rd. But. Mr, although we we e p r .
vented by this ac ident from boasting that wc
had traversed the tate from We st to £ a .. ~ ‘j
.he rising loth setting su,. y, t Sna y a muM
say with Joshua of old that the sun tuu.l a, 11.
and that we saw mm rising as we left Coluin
#liU risit, e ° ‘*’ advent at
Gen Bernard las properly pointed out ten
commercial advantages f avannah and Sa
vannah has mad groat aqd successful exer
ertions to avail herself of them all. 0 r* be
h'ved State, “the Empire State ofthe south,”
has been penetrated by railroads in all direc
tions ha\ ing ‘ avannah as the focus or starti g
point. She has nearly penetrated to Augusta,
ij n the • ast, and will receive a rich reward in
1 great business from that city A road with
! the Atlantic ports as its eastern terminus has
been continue I through t e ccutie of the
1 ? tate nie cmg the mountains and leaving its
western end in a tributary o the mighty Mis
sis ippi. . nd ihe road to < olumbus has open
-led to avail an the rich productions of West
ern Geoigia. iut while she has done Hits
i much, permit me sir to oillei horn you in
the proposition, that l-si it iL has bctH
j - Q pfj ‘
Southwest rn Georgia is calling li udly for
your ai Florida, a-'so, is rai ing her hands m
supplication and Alabama, like .v.acedonia|of
i old is urgently entreating you to come over
| and help her. . nd hey will pour into your
| lap a rich reward tor all flu* aid bestow and.
The time was when loud complaints were
made ag inst Savannah for th large subse ip
; tions she made to build In r roads Her lum
was predicted. Now the most incredul us are
convinced and the most skeptical have been
silenced, ’i he stock is sufiicb n to pay all
the ebt she contra ted for it, besides the in
cr ased value of property in the ci y. And
none can be found so foolish as to b l.eve t at
any investment she might make in judiciously
; extending her lines - I communication would
I not e profi ably employed
You mentioned, sir, that you had rode in the
i first ear drawn by horses over the altirnore
land hio Railroad. and hat was the first i.oad
lever saw and not tlnee decades have past
j since there too first saw the iron horse with
! his burning lungs, his ilamin no-arils and his
fiery breath, a dwitn ssed his mighty power.
; In a onversa‘.ion heard ab ut that tune. I
i b*ar ed that the resistance ot ihe atmosphere
| and the friction of the rails was mom than
| overcorm by the accelerated velocity, and that
| the velocity would be increased in an equal
1 ratio with the power. 1 Mien thought and that
opinion has been onliim and, that it will not be
difficult to run l(K) mites in an our with as
much satety as l wen y miles It is on y neces
sary to have the ia I way p rtectly level, and
; ttie curves perfectly correct and th re will be
no iucr used danger. For if they run off when
running 30 miles an h ur they wi I b ki 1-
ed and they can only be killed at ihe increas
ed velocity. ‘ hey now run 61) miles the ho r,
and I have little doubt, if my life is spared for
as long a period, ihai I shall see or hear the 10J
miles live been accomplished.
You have said sir that from the approxima
tion creat. and by raiimad <‘.o nmupiciti n r-a
vannah \ ac< n and olumbus can no loger be
called three cities but are united into one,
with Golumbus for its western Macon its cen
tre nd .'‘avannah for its eastern ward A.low
me then, to suggest, who their increased pop
ulation shall draw them cl ser t gefher, o that
we can take the votes that, we elect .vir. Wad
ley, your able superintendent, the Mayo ot t e
great city. A y acquaintance with him has
not been long, but t orn the skill aridity and
energy he displayed in repaiiing ihe accident
which bes and us, a more efficient officer could
not be found.
With you, ir, we won and join in grateful ac
knowledgments to the Giver oft*very good and
perf ct gift, tor the success w.th which he has
crowned our efforts. t has been tru.y .'aid,
man ‘proposes but Goi disposes.” V\ ithout
His aid we can do nothing -b i in our rigbtlul
undertakings we may look with a firm reliance
on him for success
Again, sir permit me for myself and those l
j represent, to tender to the pen pi of avannah
|ou hanks for your kind and c idia Reception,
j and to'assure you that th ydiave been r< eeiv
|ed i the same spirit, in which hey have been
j offered, and with grateful heart-. For myself,
I alio me to ask the pardon of this m eting
! foi the time i have detained them, and to thank
them for their kind and patient attention.
Mr. C. A. Peabody has kindly furnished utf
with a copy of Ids remarks, as follows :— Sav ,
j lie P-
Mr. President — ihe sentiment just propos
ed calls for a response from an abler head than
mine. The horticulture of the South ! how
much is embodied in that sentiment! Beauty,
refinement, poesy, truth and love, mingled with
the stern realities of life, ail combine to make
! horticulture the most attractive, il not tbe most
! import mt calling ofm m. Too long have we
! lost sight ofth * imp rtaut trutas taught by the
science of horticulture. Whilst Flora expands
her varied petals to the mormng sun, and scat
ters abroad tier re i perfu ojs uu ii tie evening
breeze, how few have heeded the silent, beautf
lul work she is carrying on in the impugnation
and perfection of seeds, through the agenjy of
her scarce perceptible polen! Phis silent, view
less work, is to rn ike the food and cloth
ing of our race, freight for our raiboads and
giant ships, employment for every willing hand,
; and will carry joy and peace into every bosom
j that can appreciate the pro v lance of God, in
; so blending the useful and the beautiful.
The horticulture of the South is yet in its in
fancy, but with a soil and climate mure favora
ble tii'iu Trance, wiih a population of greater’
energy, and now with cuu municaiions of al
most lightning speed, coiinecti g the seacorit
with the mountains, what may nut the horticul
ture ol Georgia aspire to ?
Here tl e w ild rhododendron* and azalias of
the mountain .-lopes, shall u ingle their beauties;
with the perfumes ofthe magnolia and the bay
of the coast. Here Pomona's mountain f.reas
u s hail mingle their blushes and their swtets
whit tier golden sisters of the tropics Here
may Ceres welcome into her sisterhood of iife
sUfftaiuinggrains, perchance some “willing of
nature, 5 now “cultivated with care,” until our
own sense of justice shall stump our hnrtici ltura
as the greate.-t civ lizer, refiner aid sustainerof
our race. And, Mr. Chairman, l hail u.e com
pletion of this road, and the bans we this day
celebrate, as tiie brightest day that ever dawned,
upon the horticulture cf Georgia. Fruits and
flowers that have been as sealed books to i-y
aie now throw'll open to our view*, s*’
grounds now take the place of *’ l '\
° i ~ , .ne cramped pent
i|. Imi house, ;md no.v the wing
ana Iron Imn.'.;, tllat bi „j utgo . u.aissnfußlv to
get ic., , ve will disseminate not only our cultures,
j ° UI ’ Poouc's, until this laud ol the sunny
S nith th .il be covered widi sparkling beauties,
and mountain and valley, groan under the w’eight
ol horticultural treasuies, giving freight to yog?
raiiio.ids, employment to your peoi thereby
beautifying and enrichingyour own fair city.
Gentlemen ot Savannah, to your wives and ,
daughters do l commend the horticulture of the
South. Some of its brightest lessons may be
learned, even in your city gardens. Its pure
and elevating influences w ill be felt in your o\vyd