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£im*s avfo Btvd&ruL COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. FRIDAY MORNING, MARCH 16, 1855. The Proposed Southern Convention. Our suggestions upon this movement have attracted the attention of some of our Whig cotemporaries; but the responses elicited are as enigmatical as a Delphic oracle. The Journal Messenger “believes that the ne cessity for union at the South is growing more urgent every day, and would rejoice to see its people without distinction of party, united upon some well defined and well ascertained plan of resistance to the aggressive policy of the anti-slavery sentiment of the North. But we would most respectfully suggest to our con temporary^ —that to do this in the way it proposes, i. e.: by the assemblage of another Southern Convention, would be a work of supererogation, so far at least as our own State and people are concerned. Georgia has already held its Convention and erected its Platform— her people have already defined their position upon the momentous issues presented by Slavery, and have already stated calmly what they will submit to, and what they will resist.” The Southern Recorder is opposed to a seotional organization ; believes even that, in the Democratic party of the North, there might be found enough of sound elements to form a rallying point for national men in all parts of the Union and yet prefers “to wait and watch.” While this temper last, it is useless to urge any reme dial measures which are based on the union of parties at the South. Until Southern men confide in each other, and are able to rise above the paltry considera tions of party politics, and act solely in reference to the good of the country, we must allow Southern interests to float at hazard upon the sea of party expediency. Our proposition to hold a Southern Convention, composed of representatives from all parties at the South, to define the position of the South in respect to abolition encroachments, and to prescribe the mode and measure of redress in case the defined boundaries of Southern Rights wereinvaded, was called out by frequent propositions for Southern Union coming from the late whig press of the State. The reception of our pro position, by the whig press, convinces us that their pro fessions of concern for Southern Union are but a repe - tition of the old tricks of partisan warfare, intended to subserve the interests of the party to which they be long, and have no reference to the publio good. Look at the objections of the Journal f Messenger. .Admitting the necessity of Southern union aud concerted action, it regards the movement as a work of superero gation booause Georgia has already adoptod a platform ! It will be a sufficient answer to this reasoning to say that Georgia is not the South, nor the Georgia platform the joint work of the Southern people. The objections of the Recorder are still more futile. It interprets our proposition into an invitation to the Southern Whigs to disband, and align themselves with the National Democratic party, and thinks it very un reasonable “in our Democratic friends to expect the Union Republicans and Whigs of the South hastily to embark their fortunes in dubious crafts on dubious seas/’ In reply, we say, we have made no such proposition. We proposed that a Southern Convention he held, composed of an equal number of Whigs and Democrats ; that said Convention define anew the position of the South on the subject of slavery ; to state calmly what she will submit to and what she will resist, and to pledge our support to that candidate for the Presidency who would adopt our platform. Our respected cotemporaries do not object t our pro position either as unfair, illiberal or inefficient. Why then do they oppose it? Unless ihey can show better reasons for their opposition, than they have heretofore done, they need not be surprised if they fail to satisfy the people that they are earnest in their professions of loyalty to the South. Georgia anil the Administration. Several Democratio papers in Georgia have complain ed, recently, very bitterly at the conduct of the Ad ministration in the distribution of the spoils in Georgia. We think the complaints unfounded. Georgia has re ceived her share. A Georgian, Henry R. Jackson, is Minister resident at the Court of Austria. A Georgian, Edward R. Harden, has been appointed to a Judge ship in Nebraska. A Georgian, William J. Hardee, has been appointed Major of Cavalry. A Georgian, Wm. 11. T. Walker, has been appointed Major of In fantry. A Georgian, Philip Clayton, is Second Audi tor of the Treasury, and a goodly list of Georgians fill subordinate offices in the Department at Washington City. A Georgian, Matthew Hall McAlister, has reoently received the appointment of Judge of the Cir cuit Court of the United States in California, And last of all, a Georgian has been appointed Judge of the Court of Claims recently established. But this last ap pointment is regarged as an insult rather than a favor by our Democratic cotemporaries. Why, pray ? Judge Lumpkin voted for Pierce, aud according to the oanon so insisted upon that “to the victors belong the spoils,” he is as much entitled to office from the present administration as those Democrats who are so ravenous for the prey. This array of names will show that the President has not slighted the State of Georgia in the distribution of the offices in his gift. We have said this much in reply to this objection to the adminstratiou as it has been made with some vio lence ; but we look upon it as utterly contemptible even if it could be sustained. A patriot does not fight for spoils but principles. He can neither be bought by the gift of office •, nor will he desert his colors because he is not permitted to share the spoils of victory. The ooly question worthy of being considered is the fidelity of the administration to the constitution, and its offer ts to pro mote the best interests of the country. Iu these re gards we challenge enquiry as to tbe oourse of Presi dent Pierce, except in tbe appointment of Reeder as Governor of Kansas. ll© has aided in the repeal of tbe Missouri Compromise ; he has curbed the violence of abolition fanaticism ; he has driven the harpies from the Treasury ; he is the friend of the South and her rights under the constitution. These are his claims to the support es Georgians. A Favorable Presage. In the Columbus Enquirer of the 13th, it is said : “And particularly do we hail it as a favorable presage, when our neighbor of the Times [and Sentinel] candid ly admits the propriety of a Whig appointment, under any circumstances.” We are very sorry that the conduct of the Enquirer towards political opponents does not justify us in recip rocating the compliment. We have yet to discover the first effort on its part to break the hard shell of pel tic and prejudice which envelope the “chick” who pre sides over that journal. Second District—Col. Eli S. Shorter. For some time past we have understood that, by universal consent of the Democratio party in the Second Congressional District of Alabama, Col. Eli S. Shorter, of Eufaula, had been brought before the people as a candidate for Congress. In the last Spirit of the South we find a letter from Col. Shorter consenting to, and indeed, advising the call of a Convention to select a standard bearer. This policy is advised, as their seems to be a disposition among a portion of the people of Coffee county to fol low “the old beaten track” of making nominations by Convention. Col. Shorter professes perfect willingness to acqui* esoe in the decision of the Convention, and to give the nominee of the Convention a hearty support, “ provided the Convention be constituted as to reflect the will of the party, and presents a candidate who is reliable on the question of State Rights and a supporter of General Pierce.” This defference to the popular voice and readiness to sacrifice all present hopes of personal ad vancement to the harmony and success of the party is charaoteristio of Col. Shorter and will give him a still stronger claim to publio confidence and support. The following survey of the political horizon is as comprehensive as it is just. Col. Shorter says : The next session of Congress will be an important one to the South and the Union. The recent elections at tho North, have developed the alarming faot, that the Abo litionists and Free Soilers are stronger now, as a party, than ever before. The whole North seem to have com bined to break down the Administration of Gen. Pierce, because he has dared to proteot the rights of the South; faithfully enforced the Fugitive Slave law ; and nobly sus tained the constitution of his country. Flushed with vic tory at home, the Abolitionists will e nter the next Con gress, determined to make a desperate effort to legislate slavery out of Kansas—re-establish the Missouri line — repeal the Fugitive Slave Law, and to complete ihe abo lition of the institution in the District of Columbia. When the discussion arises on those questions, as it inevitably will, should I be honored with a seat in Congress, I shall be found, regardless of old party associations , acting with those true men of the South who take the highest and boldest ground in defence of our constitutional rights.— My motto is u no more compromises with the North on the subject of slavery .” We have never made a ‘com promise” on that subject since the adoption of the Con stitution, unless we were, at the same time, victimized. — Our policy for the future is to resist firmly upon the floor of Congress, all anti-slavery agitation , and failing there to appeal to the Right of Secession , and leave a Union which will then no longer secure the purposes for which it was formed by our patriot sires, but be converted by the fanatics of the North, into an engine to oppress and desolate the South. Fasting and Prayer. Governor Winston, of Alabama, by Proclamation, has named Saturday, the seventh day of April next, as a day of publio humiliation and prayer. The object is “to beseech tho benefioent Father of mankind to pre* pare us to act with fraternal forbearance towards each other in our private relations, and to meet with patri otic firmness whatever political ordeal we may have presented to us.” In explanation of this singular proclamation, we ap pend the following from a private letter from the Gov ernor to the Editors of the Advertiser <s• Gazette : Gentlemen —At the suggestion of some intelligent and devout gentlemen, and in compliance with my own sense of propriety, under the peculiar circumstances in which we find ourselves placed, both as regards our pe cuniary and domestic affairs and the gloomy aspect of the political relations of the Southern States, I have consider ed it proper to do what, under other circumstance, I should have left to those whose religous position it more properly becomes to move in spiritual affairs. It well be comes every one whose political lot has been cast in this section ol the Ufoion, to examine prayerfully the end to which political fanaticism at the North is so rapidly tend ing, and to implore Him who endued the stern men, the fathers of our Republic, with fortitude, patriotism and wisdom to conduct our infant people through the difficul ties of the revolutionary struggle and the establishment of a Constitutional Government, to enable us to bear our selves in whatever emergency we may be placed so as not to reflect disgrace on our ancestors. Involved in a common destiny, would it not be well for the Governors of all the Southern States to co operate with the Governor of Alabama in urging the Christian ohurches of the whole South to implore the high and mighty Ruler of the universe to endow the people with “fortitude, patriotism and wisdom” to meet the emergency in which they are placed by the dispen sations of his providence, and to give us a happy issue out of all our afflictions? Our cause is a holy one, and we can safely trust it before the throne of the heavenly grace. Theatre—Continued Success of Mrs. Charles Howard, Mr. Crisp’s excellent company continues to ’give, nightly, very pleasing entertainments at Concert Hall, of which the charming Mrs. Charles Howard is the bright particular star. She does not overwhelm her audience, but continually entertains with an ever pleas ing variety, and develops anew fascination in every character she delineates. To-night is the last but one of Mrs. Howard’s engage ment. MV e hope the community will show their good taste, and appreciation of rare excellence, by filling the house to the brim on both occasions. Captain Ingraham. —While the working men of England, the German citizens of the United States, and tbe Corporate authorities of cities and towns in various parts of our extended country, are showering testimo nials of regard upon Captain Ingraham for his interpid conduct in the affair of Martin Koszta, the Sheriff'of Charleston, S. C., is offering his patrimony for sale to the highest bidder, to satisfy an Execution obtained against him as endorser upon the paper of a friend.— The Charleston Mercury proposes that the citizens of South Carolina raise the money by voluntary subscrip tion to relieve Capt. Ingraham’s property from execu tion, Such a testimonial would be creditable to the liberality of the State which he has honored by his heroio daring. JohnE. Ward and the Governorship.— Mr. Ward, in a letter to the Independent Press , announces that his ‘‘name will not be either before the people or their representatives in convention” as a candidate for the Governorship. Savannah and Albany Railroad. —We are in re* ceipt of a pamphlet copy of the first report of the Presi dent aud Directors of the Stvannah and Albany Rail road company. We have heretofore noticed the Re port. We are pleased, however, to learn that our esteemed friend, Mr. E. L. Ileriot, is Chief Engineer of the Company, than whom a more worth gentleman and accomplished Engineer cannot be found in the Southern States. Good Eating. —Science has demonstrated that rich food, well cooked, is the surest guaranty of health. IK is, therefore, a public benefactor wuo places within our power, at email cost, the means of cooking to advantage. Call ou D. 13. Thompson & Cos., and they will explain the meaning of this paragraph. Also, read their ad vertisement. J The Deluge and Creation.— This splendid pano rama will be exhibited, to-night, at Temperanoe Hall. This is the last opportunity our citizens will have of seeing this striking delineation of the most impressive scenes in the Biblical record. We hope all who have not heretofore visited the panorama will be present to night. Fires in Milledgeville. —A fire, originating on Factory Hill on Friday, 9th inst., consumed the resi dences of Messrs. Hendricks and Balcom. The build ings were owned by the Factory Company. On the satno night fires were discovered on the premises of Messrs. Joseph Miller and James Duncan, but by time ly efforts were put out without doing much damage. Macon Botanic College. —The commencement exercises of. this institution took place on the Ist inst., in the following order : Valedictory Address by T. W. Brents, of the Graduating Class, from Tennessee ; an Address from Prof. Loomis ; Degrees confered by Prof. Bankston 5 Address from Prof. Cox to the Graduating Class. Supper at night in the College Saloon. Fancy Dry Goods. —Call at the Store of Manley & Hodges and see their new stock of Spring and Sum mer goods, which have been selected by the head of the firm, who is acknowledged to be a gentleman of taste and particularly skilled in Ladies’ gear. Ciiewacla Lime. —We are indebted to the Chewacla Lime Works Company, for a barrel of very excellent lime. The works are located on the Opelika Branoh Railroad, near Opelika, Ala. The lime is regarded, we are told, as equal to the best Thomaston, and is extensively used by masons in this city. The Compa ny is prepared to fill large orders. We hope our masons generally will give this home enterprise a very liberal patronage. A Mistake Corrected. —We olassed B. Hill, Esq., of Maoon, Ga., as a Whig, in some remarks recently made about the succesor of Judge Lumpkin. We are happy to learn that since 1850 he has cordially acted with the Democratio party. We make this announce ment because we are anxious to introduoe so sound a lawyer and so clever a gentleman to the Democracy aud commend him to their confidenoe. Rain and Hail.— On Thursday last, we had quite a shower of rain accompanied with hail as large as hens’ eggs. This good fortune has been attributed by some to the arrival of Swan, of Montgomery, in town, who is said to carry good luck wherever he goes. By the way, he has opened a branch of the Military Academy Lottery in this city, where all who are disposed can put the rumor to the test. Fire at Princeton. —“ Old Nassau Hall, at Princeton, N. J., was entirely destroyed by fire on Saturday night, together with the books, clothing, and furniture of the students. The gallery of pictures, however, a choice and valuable collection, was rescued. The loss is esti mated at fifty thousand dollars, on which there is insu rance of sixteen thousand. Nassau Hall, so called in honor of the Prince of Orange, formed the principal building of the New Jersey or Princeton College, found ed in 1738, an institution that has maintained the highest rank among our seats of learning, and between which and Yale and Harvard colleges there has existed a generous emulation- It has ever been popular with the South, and numb*red among its graduates Thomas Jefferson, John C. Calhouu, and a host of others who have shone conspicuously in every department of intel lectual effort.’’— N. Y. Herald. This last sentence is not true. Jefferson was gradu ated at William and Mary, Virginia; and Calhoun at Yale, Connecticut.—[Ed. T. & S ] Hon. Mark W. Izard, Governor of Nebraska Terri tory, arrived at Omaha City on the 20th ult. He was very cordially received, and would immediately enter upon his official duties. Mr. Soule has declined the invitation of the Cuban Junta of New York to a public demonstration in his honor. Mr. Overby. —Through the Newnan Banner , we learn that this gentleman has taken the stump, having addressed the citizens of that'place on Wednesday last. The Temperance Prohibitory candidate seems to be in earnest, and the other candidates for the office, whoever they may be, may rest assured that they will have an energetic rival to deal with. Taxing Non-Residents, —The bill authorizing the taxation of non-residents doing business in the State of New York has been signed by the Governor, and is now the law of that State. Such a law adopted in many of the Sonthern States would put to serious inconvenience many of the citi zens of New York. Where Emery is Found. —lt is a singular fact that although emery has been sought for in all parts of the world, it has been found in only two places—in the Is* land of Naxos, in Greece, and in a few places in Tur key. The annual production is at present limited to 2,000 tons of Naxos stone, and 1,600 tons of Turkish. Tide of Trade. —W T e are in formed that a consign ment of 250 bales of cotton reached our city on Mon day the 12th, from Montgomery—it having been chased in the latter city by Wessrs. Hall & Deblois, of this place, who have recently established a branch of their house in Montgomery. Verily, these Railroads are a wonderful institution ! — Columbus Enquirer. Our Supreme Court. The appointment of Judge Lumpkin of the Supreme Court, to be one of the Judges of the Court of Claims, will, in the event of his acceptance, entail on Gov. John* son the duty of filling the vacancy thus created. In ac- th that just spirit of compromise aud concili ation w ieh at the organization of the Court prompted the Legislature to place the Supreme Court measurably out of the arena of which has been ever since re spected and conformed to,7by retaining on the Bench one judge w'hose political opinions coincided with the party out of power, we take fur granted that Gov. Johnson will place a Whig in the vacant judgeship. The other in cumbents, Judges Starnes and Benning, are Democrats, and it would, therefore, not be decorous in Governor John son to ignore the happy unders’anding existing on this subject between the two great parties of Georgia, and passover the professional claims es the many emineLt Whig Georgia, by appointing a Democrat. The proposition seems to have been couceded from the beginning, and faithfully .adhered to, that the minority shoukl have one member ou the Supreme Bench. It is a proposition correct in itself when applied to an office not political, and to a Court which has the ultimate decision on all the great legal questions involving life, liberty and property. The people and politicians have alike acquies ced in it, and we trust a Democratic Executive will not be the first to deny and defeat it by a prrtizau exercise of his appointing power.— Conn. & Rep. [for the times and sentinel.] SKETCHES OF TEXAS—No. *. The first ten years of the deliverance of this country from Mexican misrule, and during the days of the Repub lic, everything seemed an “up hill business.” It was only the light of annexation that shed a settled policy around her government, and she entered the confederacy, deter mined. as will be seen, on consulting her constitution, to forego the privilege of involving hersell in heavy indebted ness, or her citizens in bankruptcy by granting the special favor of having their paper discounted by banking monop olies. Her legislatures have always pursued the policy, in this respect, marked out by the framers of the fundamental law. They have pursued a liberal policy in their enactments upon the subject of Taxation, by exacting a uniform levy and an almost nominal amount, and it is believed that the day is not distant when an entire release to the citizen from taxation will be effected by Legislative provisions. Such seems the evident policy. The future will reveal its wis dom. Should such be the ’case, it is reasonable to con clude that this alone will be an inducement for having a home within her borders. Nor h there any substantial reason why such should not be the final termination of the policy, for after supplying her coffers to overflowing by the trade with the general government concerning the SantaFe territory, becoming thereby the beneficiary of ten millions of dollars bearing sem-anuual interest, she might well af ford to grant to her citizens any reasonable releases. The interest alone is more than sufficient to meet her expenses, and the greatest protection to the citizen, it seems, would hold forth the surest additional inducement to the immi grant. The temptation to tell, partly, how it was that Texas fi nessed in the ten million trade, cannot well be withstood, and the reader will pardon the seeming digression. There is little doubt, but that she was honest in believing her right to the Santa Fe country, a good one, but it is very certain that all her efforts to exercise a jurisdiction there proved fruitless. After the close es the war with Mexico, during the administration of Gov. Bell, of thanksgiving proclamation, Bible and Skakspeare quotation notoriety- Texas having given up, by the terms of annexation, her impost duties—her only resort to sustain the State Govern ment being a direct tax upon her citizens—came wisely to the conclusion, that as her treasury was in somewhat straightened circumstances, something must quickly be done to avert the burthen of heavy taxation upon her peo ple. Her right was asserted to the Santa Fe country; it was thought by the knowing ones of the United States to be a doubtful one, and initiatory measures were taken to extend the civil jurisdiction of the general government there as Col. Doniphan’s division had already proclaimed by their successful marches, the military. This state of things aroused the indignation of Gov. Bell, and he pro claimed to the world and “the rest of mankind,” that the representatives of the people of all Texas should assemble in extraordinary session to deliberate upon matters of im portance. They did assemble accordingly, and the “war message” was laid before them with sundry indications on the part of his Excellency that he verily believed the U. S. government had as little business to occupy our territo tories as Mexico had, ‘and that he should resist it. He prayed for the co-operation of the assembled ‘wisdom of his constituents—‘the dear people.’ Upon an investigation of the condition of the treasury, it was concluded that to wage war against Uucle Sam with the whole amount of thirty jour dollars and ’perhaps a cents over, might not pay a sufficient interest to induce the investment, and after a session of three weeks.the representatives of the people; retired to their homes for a short interval to awai 1 the action of Congress, then in session, upon the Boundary Bill. In the meantime, the spunk of Texas was noised abroad, and there being no line of telegraphic communica tion between the people of the two governments, and the news of the “war message” of the Executive having reach ed Washington city, it is supposed that the Compromise Measures of 185© was a sort of peace offering to allay the courageous Texas. ‘-‘Despise not the day of small things.” Those measures became the law, and Texas was thereby offered ten millions of dollars for her Santa Fe claim, which she gladly accepted, for it was all ip the way of a trade anyhow, her blustering blew ov er and she settled quietly down, eivently well satisfied that she had got decidedly “the best end of the bargain.” Thus ended this small filibuster excitement by which the Texas trearury was replenished and her people comforted. To write the political history of Texas is foreign to the purpose in view; incidents, however, connected therewith, may serve to show the spirit which has actuated her poli cy. To an eye witness, these scenes, in their minutiae, have been most amusing. Whether the warlike spirit manifest ted through her executive, or the diplomacy of her advis ers, or any single act of her assembled wisdom, or all the doings of her and council, were the means of bringing about either the annexation of Texas or the full ness of her treasury, it is not meet to determine—the fact however, exists, that she now oocupies an enviable position among the sisterhood of States, in resources, natural and fiscal. The mountainous range of the upper region is the most picturesque, and sublimely beautiful of ali her territory.— Here is food for the romantic mind. While the vision rests upon the summits of the distant hills, the beholder is forcible impressed with the fertile luxuriance of the inter vening valleys, and the peculiar adaptation of this section to the favorable growth of stock, and the manufacturing interests. There is no place where sheep are more sue* reared, an'd certainly none wher the water power can be rendered more efficient in propelling all sorts of ma chinery. “To see is to believe ” Important to Postmasters and to the Public. We are requested to call special attention to the law just passed by Congress modifying the r.tes of postage, &c., particularly to those provisions requiring that all let. ters between places in the United States shall be prepaid from and after the first of April, 1855, by stamps or otherwise, and that from and after the first of Janu * ary next postmasters must place postage stan ps upon all prepaid letters upon which such stamps may not have been placed by the writers, or which may not be enclosed in stamped envelopes. From and after the first of April , 1855, the postage to be charged on each single letter for any distance in the United States not exceeding 3,000 miles is three cents , aud over 3,000 miles ten cents. The law does not change the existing rates or regular tions in regard to letters to or fiom Canada or other for* eign countries, nor does it affect the franking privilege. The provisions in regard to the registration of valuable letters will be carried into eff-ct, and special instructions issued to postmasters on the subject, as soon as the neces sary blanks can be prepared and distributed. We beg to suggest that editors generally throughout the United States would render an essential service to their readers by calling attention to tbs subject.— Wash, ington Union. Another Conviction for Wife Murder. Syracuse, March 9, 1855. The jury in the case of Alfred Tyler, on the chaige of the murder of his wile, which has been on tri; I for the last seventeen days, after being out about five I ours, returned with a verdict of “Guilty.” He will be s<ntea eed to-morrow morning. From Mexico. New Orleans, March 11. The Orizaba has arrived, with dates from Vera Cruz t 0 tl e Bth inst., and from the city of Mexico to the 3d. Santa Anna left the capital on the 26th ult., for the South with all the troops except 1500, taking with him a large amount of baggage. The official paper says ho had gone to the baths in Southern provinces. Romor, ; on the contrary, affirms that he had left the city to join Al varez, for the purpose of executing a grand coup d'etat. SANTA ANNA’S PREPARATIONS FOR FLIGHT. Advices from to February 19 represent Santa Anna as daily losing and Alvarez gaining ground. It j 8 sai<l that Santa Anna holds several steamers ready to re” ceive him on the approach of the revolutionists. Santa Anna has sent what he could of the seven millions re ceived from the United States out of the country, togetln er with all his valuables, and has sold the three millions yet to be paid to Mexico by the United States. THE KINNEY EXPEDITION. Some change in the management o\ the Kinney expe dition has been made, but its destiny is the same as be fore, and Col. Kinney will soon leave for Central America. DAVIS NOT A BRIGADIER. The rumor that Jeff. Davis will presently or ultimately receive the appointment of Brigadier General of the new regiments is untrue. FURTHER FROM MEXICO. Rumored Defeat of the Insurgents New Orleans, March 13. By an arrival at New Orleans, later dates from Mexico have been received. It is reported that Santa Anna lias defeated the insurgents under General Morento, and, also, that he compelled the m un body of the insurgents, under General Alvarez, to retire, alter a desperate battle.—• General Santa Anna has retured to the capital. Dates Irom Brownsville to the 7th,have been received. A Mexican steamer was taking on board Mexican troops from the mouth of the Rio Grande. All now stationed there were going to Vera Cruz, or to Tampico. The Second Commencement OF THE Savannah Medical College Took place on the 13th inst., in presence of an audieuco which comprised, in a large degree,*the intellect, intelii-. gence and beauty of Savannah. There were fifty students in attendance on the lectures during the course just closed, of whom 34 were from Georgia, 11 from South Carolina, 3 from Florida, 1 from Alabama, and 1 from Germany. Os these 17 had con ferred upon them the degree of M. D. At the appointed hour, the Trustees and Faculty of the College, with the orator of the evening, followed by by the Students, entered the hall two by tvi o. The ceremonies commenced with prayer by the Rev. Mr. King, after which the names of the graduating class were read by Professor Byrd. Dr. R. D. Arnold next addressed the graduating class, after which he conferred the degrees. NAMES OF THE GRADUATES. Charles 11. (folding, Barnwell District, S. C. —Thesis, Billious Remittent Fever. David E. Coie, Sumter District/S. C. —Thesis, Gonor rhoea. Wm. B Folks, Washington County Ga.—Thesis, Dys entery. John W. Farmer, County, Georgia.—Yellow Fever. Thomas G. Hardison, Gadsden County, Fla.—Typhoid Fever. Edward 11. Hart, Liberty County, Ga.—Pneumonia. Joseph T. Jobnstou, Bryan County, Ga.—Sedentary Oc cupations. George N. Jones, Mclntosh County Ga.—Phthesis Pul monates. Lee A. Jennings, Randolph County, Ga.—Neuralgia. John'C. W. Kenherly, Edgefield District, S. C.—llo mcepathy. A. Thomas W. Lytle, Henry County, Ala.—Digestion and the Circulation. Britton R. Mims, Scriven County Ga.—Folicular En teritis. Wm. J. Sanders, Clarke County, Ga.—Uterine He morrhage.*! Chesterfield H. Smith, Pulaski County, Ga.—lnguinal Asrnia. Lucien Q. Tucker, Laurence County, Ga.—lntermittent Fever. John H. Talbird, Beaufort, S. C. —Typhoid Fever. Wm. J. Toole, Seriven Cos., Ga.—Pneumonia. The degrees having been conferred, Dr. Arnold pro* sented in the name of the Trustees, the Prize Cup offer ed for the best Thesis Chesterfield 11. Smith. Two Ladies Murdered. Boston, March 9,1855. At South Gardiner, Worcester county, on Wednesday night, two elderly ladies, sisters of the late Abnur Kuce land, an infidel, were murdered in the house where they lived alone, as is supposed by persons who were after mon ey. From the appearance of their heads they bad been beaten with clubs and stones until life was extinct. The house was then completely ransacked. A vagrant Frenchman has been arrested on suspicion of having com mitted the deed. Mrs. Gaines’ Case. New Orleans, March 13. The application of Mrs. Gaines to the Judge of Probate to be allowed to prove the last will of her fother, has been refused on the ground that the evidence was insuf ficient. Another hearing will be granted. The Steamship El Dorado Fired at by a Spanish Frigate! Charleston, March 13, 1855. The steamship El Dorado on the night ol the Btb inst., at twice by a Spanish frigate with balls, when about ten milts from Cape Antonia. The trial of ,Ramon Pinto, Doctor Poncho, and Juan Cada'oyo was to have taken place on the 10th inst., before the Military Commission. The steamships United Stales and Philadelphia ar rived at Havana on the 9th, from New York. There is no news of importance from Key West. Destructive Fires in Burke. The county of Burke has been rapidly swept from very near the 79 C. It. R. station to Mcßean, burning fences in every direction, occasionally dwellings, kitchens, stables, corn, fodder, and in someone or two instances, horses and cotton. The destruction of property is wide-spread and in some cases disastrous. Some of the farmers already proclaim their inability to reinstate their premises sufficiently to make a crop. Others are now trying to hire out their hands intent on not cropping it at all. — Con. cj- Rep. Louisiana Legislature. Baton Rouge, March 9, 1855. In the Senate to-day the bill to protect the cities of New Orleans ind Carrollton from inundation was passed — yeas 17, nays 0. Iu the House, Mr. Nixon’s bill, amending the Gth, 7'h and 34ih articles o! the charier of New Orleans, was laid on the table, subject to call. The Kidnapping Case. Phil idelfhi a, March 9, 1555. The man Warwick, charged with kidnapping a female slave from Mississippi, has beui released on a writ of ha beas corpus, no one appearing to sustain the charge. Mrs. Partington wants to know if it is not inhuman* and contrary t< the Maine L’quor Law, for the -dikes i’ insist on the Cz .r‘s taking four pints ? We lenrn from the Albany, (Ga.,) papers that the ■ > Rev. Stephen Elliott, of Savannah, is expected at Aii t> n ) next Sunday, the 18th in Ft , for the purpose of dedicating the new Episcopal Church just erected there.