Newspaper Page Text
vast capital being subjected to the fluctuations of party
politics —confided to agents, who as a general rule, will
be changed every two years, in obedience to the utter
ances of the ballot box, is preposterous and ridiculous
in the extreme. It is only Railroad men who understand
the conduct of these great works. Politicians, who
aspire to Gubernational honors, know but little, if any
thing, about it. How absurd, therefore, to place the
Executive at the head of the Road—inexperienced and
therefore disqualified—and expect him to manage it
with skill and success. How unjust to him —how haz
ardous to the interest of the people, to saddle him with
so heavy a responsibility. Without disparagement to
predecessors, it is believed that the Road has never
been better managed, than it has been during the last
two years. Economy and punctuality, in ever** de
partment, have been enforced —not a dollar lost by de
falcation—not a dollar recovered in litigation for dama
ges which accrued within that period—but few and
Might disasters from running off or collisions of trains —
and yet the dissatisfaction and complaint, in certain
quarters, are deep and loud. All, all demonstrating
that the policy of severing it from Executive control, is
absolutely imperative. I respectfully urge the Legisla**
ture to do it,
Under the resolution of the last Legislature, for that
purpose, I appointed the Hon. John D. Stella Com
missioner, ‘‘to proceed to the State of Tennessee, to pro
cure the repeal of the law of that State, which subjects
the Western and Atlantic Railroad to suits in her
Courts, and to fix upon such terms of negotiation and
reciprocity, as shall be acceptable to both States.” As
the result of his mission, I herewith submit the Mes
sage of the Governor of Tennessee, and the action of
her Legislature upon the subject. You will perceive
that they, by Resolution, authorized him to “appoint a
Commissioner learned in the law, whose duty it shall
be to confer with the Commissioner appointed by the
Governor of Georgia, either here (in Nashville) or in
the State of Georgia, upon the subject of the intercourse
by Railroad between the two States, with instructions
to report to the General Assembly of this State (Ten
nessee) all the legislative action that has been had by
the two States in reference to this matter, and also
what further legislation, if any, is necessary to preserve
the rights of the citizens of Tennessee, and to maintain
our friendly relations.” After Mr. Stell returned, he
surrendered his Commission, and I appointed William
K. DeGrafFenried, Esq., in his stead, to complete the
negotiation. The Governor of Tennessee appointed
James A. Whitesides, Esq , under the resolution above
quoted. These two gentlemen have had a meeting,
but finding that the question of the jurisdiction of the
Courts of Tennessee over the Wes'ern and Atlantic
Railroad was made in the McClung case, then pending
before her highest judioial tribunal, they considered it
most prudent and respectful to await the decision, be
fore proceeding with the negotiation; for the Court
might determine the question in our favor, and thus
end all trouble on this score. Butuur hope of so grati
fying a result lias failed. I understand the Court has
decided against us. Hence, if no satisfactory adjust
ment between the two States can bo effected by nego
tiation, it will devolve upon you to determine the course
to be adopted. A lease or sale of that portion of the
Road which is within the limits of Tennessee, would
seem to suggest itself as the most natural remedy.
Penitentiary.
I refer you to the Report of the Principal Keeper for
the operations of the Penitentiary. The statement ex*
•hibits its present financial condition :
■”' J ’ am Ist Oct. 1555.
RISS lURCES.
To notes and Accounts $>23,276 03
•Os which are considered bad and
doubtful, 2,602 27 $20,573 76
Cash, 2,807 80
$23,381 56
And the Liabilities are :
Due Officers and Guard,... .$7,590 S9
“ Indi’ls, In’spr’s Debt.... 8,483 32
“ do B’k K’p’s “ 504 95 16,579 16
Resources over and above Liabilities,
collectable, $6,802 40
To which add :
Manufactured articles, in B.
K’s Debt 6,747 90
Material on hand, PM Kp’r’s
Debt 10,257 91 17,005 81
S23,SOS 21
Hence, it appears to have been managed with quite as
‘much ability and success, as under previous administra
tions. Still, I feel constrained to say, what its whole his
tory confirms, that it has, to a great extent, proved to be
a failure. A brief glance at the causes, will point out the
remedy. It is the duty of tlie Legislature to apply it
promptly.
The original design of the Institution was two-fold ; Ist,
to substitute efficient punishment for crime, properly ad
justed to its demerit, for the gallows, in the higher', and
the application of the pillory arid whipping post to the
lower, grades of offences ; and 2nd!y, by connecting la
bour with confinement, to make it a self-sustaining sys
te'.n. The first object has been s > far accomplished only,
as to dispense with these engines of cruelty and barbar
ism. _ But the Penitentiary has failed to answer the great
ends of Punishment—reforming the criminal and deter
ring others from crime. It never can answer these put .
poses under its present organization. From the utter im
possibility of preventing inter-communication between the
convicts, and the absence of all classification of them, ac
cording to the moral character of their respective offences
the hope of reformation is unavailing—is vain and futile.’
It is rather a school, in which the villain learns to be more
obdurate in his depravity, and he who is imprisoned for
an offence, not involving the darker shades of turpitude
loses the little self-respect remaining to him, by the ne
cessary contact with his associates, and is thus ultimately
robbed of this last trait of human redemption. The ex
ceptions to this general remark, few and far between, con
firm its truth. Hence, the Penitentiary ceases, to a great
extent, to be a terror to evil doers It also fails to answer
the other object of punishment—that of deterring others
. -from violating the laws of the land. The loss of personal
liberty, of the sweets of social life, and the necessity for
constant toil and restraint upon the passions, should con
stitute the terrors of imprisonment. But organized as it
is, how feeble and impotent are these sanctions, under our
system of Penitentiary confinement!
It lias most sigaaliy failed to accomplish the second
design of its formation—that of being a self-sustaining
system. The proof of this is found in the large appro'*
pnations, which the Legislature have been compelled, at
>altn >st every session, to make for its support. These are
.palpable causes—causes that meet the “eye of the most
superficial observer—which render it impossible for it to
pay its own expenses Its wall encloses only about two
acres of ground ; is it to be expected, that one hundred
and seventy-five men can be employe 1 profitably, upon so
small an arena, in which it is impracticable to diversify
•1 ibour ? It is locate 1 where materials for manufacturing
cannot be obtained, without the payment of ruinous prices
The question then arises, what is the remedy ? Re
move it to another region of the State. Construct it upon !
a plan suffio eutly capacious to meet all the conditions re-
C'Jired. So arrange its apartments as to classify the con •
victs, according to the moral character of their offences
and to secure absolute prohibition of all social intercourse’
among them. Locate it at a point where material of all
kiuds can be procured cheaply, and build it of stone and
iron.
Now is a most favorable time to apply this indispensa
>!e remedy. The present wall and buildings are all dila
pret tted aud tottering, and they offer hourly temptation to
tiiedevounng eiemem. Something must'be done, and
y U)W ‘ 1(? present structures are incapable of. such
repairs as will render them suitable for the purposes de
sired. The whole concern must be rebuilt, if you intend
to continue the institution and to make it what it ought
to be.
By removal, you can remedy another great evil. You
can locate it at a point, at whioh, heavy operations in iron
and stone may fiurnish employment for the Convicts, and
thus dispense with the common branches of the mechanic
arts. On this score the present system is most detrimen
tal. So far from retarding, the State should so sliajSe her
poliay, as to encourage industrious and honest men to en
gage in them. But what is the effect of the present Pen
itentiary system ? It degrades them, by turning loose
annually a corps of graduated villains, half skilled and too
depraved, in most instances, to perform according to their
ability, who will work at reduced prices, and thus meet
the honest mechanic with ruinous competition. In ar
ranging a system of Penitentiary labour, this reform
should not be disregarded ; but, situated as the institution
now is, it is impracticable.
In submitting this subject to your consideration, your
attention is directed to the suggestions, under this head,
contained in the Report of the “Finance Committee on
the State of the Treasury, &c,” aud the Report of the
Principal Keeper.
Internal Improvements —Stale Aid.
If we look to the geographical position of the
State, it is not singular that she has taken the lead
of her Southern sisters, in works of Internal Im
provement. She occupies the gap between the
Southern spur of the Alleghany mountains and the
Atlantic, and is therefore the portal through which
the travel and products of the great vallies of the
West must find their transmit to the “highway of
nations.” Such a position fixes upon her a heavy,
but glorious responsibility, involving a mission for
the future, worthy of the most comprehensive grasp
of enlightened statesmanship. On the other hand,
her varied and inexhaustible mineral and agricul
tu al resources, afford a perpetual stifnulus and
prompt, to constant efforts to secure the means of
their development. Tnese considerations create a
twofold obligation upon the Legislature; the one,
to adjacent States —the other, to her own vast in
ternal interests. Hence, to comprehend fully their
legitimate scope of action, the Legislature should
assume a lofty stand-point from which they can
survey the whole field. Holding in her hand the
key which opens the Atlantic to the West, the
State should so use her power, as to force, by a com
pulsion mutually advantageous, the travel and pro
duce which seek the ship to become tributary to her
own wealth, prosperity and greatness. Looking to
this, as the light to guide her general policy, she
should likewise, as the proximate motive of action,
keep in view the development of her natural resour
ces, and the advancement of the people, in all the
elements of the highest and best civilization.—
Hence, the paramount necessity of well defined and
well regulated system, in our scheme of Internal
Improvement. It does not follow, that a charter
for a railroad must be granted, as a matter of course
when asked. An enlightened Legislature, com
prehending fully the system, its design, and what
is best calculated to advance the general welfare,
will inquire whether the. charter asked, is in harmo
ny with that system, what will be the bearings of
its connexions without the State, what its effect in
developing our resources, and what its relation to
other works under which large interests have be
come, or are likely to become, involved and vested ?
The system in Georgia, though in its infancy, is yet
suffic ently advanced to indicate the ultimate shape
which it is likely to assume. On her eastern border
she has three points which have formed and are
seeking to form connexions with the various sec
tions, internal and external, whose productions will
foster their growth and prosperity. These poiftts
are Augusta, Savannah, and Brunswick. The
two former arc connected by Roads completed, with
Tennessee and Alabama ; and the latter possessing
a harbor unsurpassed by any on the Atlantic coast,
putli of the Chesapeake and flanked by an exteiv
sive territory, covered oy tne trest~pmu uimt ta cn>
world, and of wonderful agricultural fertility, seeks
a connexion with the vast, region that skirts the
Gulf of Mexico. In a word, these three cities form
the basis of our system, and the lines through the
State, which connect or propose to connect them,
with her own great divisions within, and exhaustless
feeders without, constitute its framework or skeleton.
Its symmetrical completion should both define and
limit the policy of legislative action. It will be most
speedily accomplished by private capital, aided by
the loan of State credit. Such charters, and such
only, as may be required for neccessary intermedi
ate connections and facilities, should be granted, to
fill out the system ; and these should be construct
ed by unaided private capital. But to complete the
skeleton of the system, so as to extend an arm into
each of the grand geographical sections or divisions
of the State, she may, with propriety and wisdom,
lend her credit, under securities and guarantees,
which will place her beyond the contingency of ul
timate liability and loss. To that extent the Leg
islature may go; but to that extent only should it
go, and with well considered caution and well guard
ed prudence.
The direct appropriation of money or subscrip
tion for Stock by the State, to aid in the construc
tion of railroads, is considered to be unwise and in
expedient. Its tendency is to emasculate private
enterprise, by removing the necessity of self-reli
ance. It will complicate the State with individual
interests, which experience teaches to be dangerous
to the public welfare. It will increase the State
debt, and consequently create a necessity for bur
densome taxation.
The construction of the Western & Atlantic
Rail Road, by the State, is regarded, both as a pre
cedent and an argument in favor of direct appro
priations, in aid of internal improvements. But it
ceases to be forcible, in either point of view, when
we consider the circumstances which prompted
that project. At that time, there was not a rail
road in Georgia. Private capital refused to be thus
invested, because experiment had not shown either
the practicability or profitableness of such works.—
Besides, the region which it penetrates, though
abounding in agricultural and mineral fertility, is
mountainous and difficult of access.- It was social
ly and phisicaliy severed from the lower region of
the State and advantageous markets for the pro
ducts of its industry. On the one hand railroad en
terprise needed the stimulus of example: and en
the other, the North-west was incapable of develop
ment by private capital. Hence, the State embark
ed in the enterprise ; and if no other advantage
shall ever be realized, the enhanced value of the
lands of Cherokee Georgia amply remunerates the
State for the outlay, and vindicates the farsighted
wisdom of its projectors. The justification of the
State was the necessity of the case; but where the
necessity does not exist the reason for the policy
does not obtain.
But viewed in another light, the building of the
Western & Atlantic Rail Road by the State does
furnish a sound reason why sections may
ask, with propriety, her fostering aid, in the form
of a loan of her credit. That work cost not less
than -*55,000,000. The region through which it
runs was then very sparsely populated, and conse
quently contributed a comparatively small portion
of the expense of its construction. Middle and
! Southern Georgia bore the tax ; they bore it gener
ously and patriotically. It is therefore, not arrogant
nor unreasonable to ask, in return, such aid from
the State, as will develope other sections and brin
them within reach of advantageous markets. The
request would come with the force of an appeal to
the magnanimity of those, who are the special ben
eficiaries of this large State beneficence, to practice
the spirit of enlightened reciprocation. There are
those, whose patriotism and intelligence are enti
tled to great respect, who earnestly advocate the
policy o’ the State aiding works of internal improve-
ment, by issuing her Bonds for a sufficient amount
per mile, to purchase the rails, to all Rail Road com
panies which shall have completed the grading, &c.
of their respective Roads, and made them ready for
laying the superstructure. But I regard it. wild
and hazardous, and the adoption of such a measure,
as the worst calamity that could be inflicted upon
the State. If there could possibly be any necessities
which would justify it, they certainly do not exist
in Georgia. Railroad enterprise, with us, does not
need stimulation, but rather wholesome and judi
cious direction. Such a system as that, however,
would multiply those works —or attempt to con
struct them—indefinitely ; and the sequel would be
a crushing State debt, impaired State credit, ruin
ous depreciation of State Stocks, and general par
alysis in all the departments of business and labor.
States, like individuals, will retard their progress if
they endeavour to advance too rapidly. A system
of internal improvements should be rather a growth,
developed and gradually matured by the action of
the laws of social and commercial progress, than
the artificial result of restless, impatient, and ill
guided, but well-meant legislation. Let us shun
both Scylla and Charibdis and move cautiously
through the strait beetwen the two extremes.
Banks — Atlanta — Central — Darien.
The various Banks of the State have promptly
made their reports, from time to time, under Exec
utive proclamation, issued in obedience to the law
regulating that subject. By the exhibits made,
those institutions seem to be sound and healthy.
Still, the Legislature cannot be too vigilant, in their
examinations, or too stringent in restraining them
within the limits of their respective charters. New
charters should be granted with caution, and only
at points where the interests of trade require an in
crease of Banking capital and facilities. Created
sci reference to such demand, they are pubi c con
veniences, otherwise they are mere brokerages and
.shaving shops, and being compelled to realize their
(profits by other means than the appropriate busi
ness of Ba-nking, they become engines of ruthless
oppression and lawless usury—grindingthe faces of
the necessitous and waging a guerrilla warfare up
on the safer and better institutions of the State.
Ihe practice seems to have obtained of late, with
some Banks, of sending their issues to distant
States, not seeking nor desiring a home circulation.
As yet, it is not known, that material injury has
resulted, but that it is violative of the correct prin
ciples of Banking, is not to be doubted. It. is equal
ly certain that their ultimate failure will bring re
proach and dishonor upon the State. Hence, it
would be well for the Legislature to investigate the
extent, character and policy of these distant opera
tions. Are they not hazardous to the financial
welfare of the State ? Are they not inconsistent
with collect Banking principles? Are they not
against the reason and spirit which prompted the
Legislature to charter them ! Is if not had policy
for the General Assembly of Georgia, virtua'ly to
establish Banks for other States, although nominal
ly located within our limits l These are grave
questions. lam ri6t prepared to say what ought to
be the effect, it investigation should furnish an af
hrmative answer to them. That it would disclose
a tearful evil is certain, but whether it is within the
reach of legislative remedy, consistent with char
tered franchises, can only be determined by the
facts developed. If such disclosures should amount,
to a fraud upon |he intentions of the Legislature,
in gianting the charter, or show a misuser of the
chaiters, by perversion to purposes, not contempla
ted by their croation, the remedy is plain. The
whole subject is respectfully submitted, and if noth
ing more valuable result from its discussion, it will,
at least, in ulcate tne salutary lesson, that hereafter
they shall be granted upon such terms and restric
tions as will prevent the evil.
In compliance with a resolution of the last Leg
islature, 1 appointed L. E. Bleckley, Esq., Solicitor
General of the Coweta Circuit, to inquire into and
report the circumstunces attending the organiza
tion oi the Atlanta Bank, and also its mode and
places oi transacting business. He performed the
duty with ability and neatness. It was a laborious
service, not necessarily appertaining to his office,
and therefore it is but justice that the Legislature
should make an appropriation for his liberal com pen-
La examining the Resort. I did not deem
the irreguTarutEß, m she of A„”
or tlie pliice and mode of its transactions, to be of
such a character as to work a forfeiture of charter,
and ilicrefore, I have not caused judicial proceed
ings to be instituted for that purpose. It is, how
ever, herewith submitted, that yoa may take such
action in the premises as you may deem proper and
expedient.
In obedience to Executive order, to turn over the
assets, of every description, of the Central Bank,
eithei in ms hands or those of Attorneys or Agents
to two or more suitable Attorneys or Agents,"the
1 reasurer, on the 15th of July, 1854, entrusted “the
same to William L. Mitchell, Esq., and Janies N.
Bethune, Esq.. with full power to collect, compro
imsc or dispose of, upon an agreement that they
should retain one half of the amounts realised, as
compensations for their services. These assets
were in great confusion-, consisting of Notes. Bills
of Exchange, returned as insolvent, Attorneys re
ceipts and fi has, endorsed “Nulla bona,” scattered
o\6i the entiie extent ot tne State. The
amount was $312,650 63. As yet, but fittlelias
been collected, and it is quite certain, that the ulti
mate loss, on this score, must be very large. The
indebtedness of the Bank, exclusive of her out
standing'Bonds, is about $36,140 00. It is hoped,
that sufficient may be realized from these assets, to
pay,this liability but the hope is not founded upon
such data as to make it confident. From the known
energy of the gentlemen entrusted with them, all
tnat can, will be accomplished. For accurate in
formation, as to the amount, thus far collected, you
are respectfully referred to the report of the Treas
urer.
The Commission to settle the claims of the cred
itors of the Darien Bank upon she State, under an
act of the last General Assembly, approved, Feb
ruary 14th, 1854, performed the duty assigned them
The IWEIi H. Baxter, not accepting, William L.
Mitchell, Esq., was appointed in his stead The
Hon. Walter T. Colquir. and Richard H. Clark, Esq.,
were appointed as attoineys to represent the State
before the Commissioners. Early, however, in the
progress of the investigations, the former depxrted
this file, whereby the labor and responsibility were
devolved upon the Latter. It ts but a tribute of
justice to bear testimouy to the signal ability and
success with which he performed the duty assigned
him. By his diligence, industry and legal research,
he doubtless saved the State many thousand dol
lars. The award of the Commissioners was ap- I
pealed from to the Superior Court of B Baldwin coun
try, and thence, the questions of law were* carried
by Writ of Error, to the Supreme Court. The ulti
mate liability of the State, including compensation
to Commissioners, Counsel fees and Court cosfs
was only $48,500. By authority of the act under
which the proceedings were had, this amount was
paid, with the proceeds of State Bonds, sold at par
dated July Ist, 1855, ten years after
date, at the city of Savannah.
Public Printing.
The publication and distribution of the Laws and
Journals of the last Legislature were not accom
plished until after the time required by the law reg
ulating the duty of the Public Printer. This af
ford s the second, of two successive instances, show
ing the absolute necessity of requiring this woik
to be perfermed at the Seat of Government. r rh e
act of the 16th of February, 1854, clothes the Exec
utive with enlarged power over the subject and
under proper circumstances, it might be exercised
with advantage. But there were considerations
connected with the delinquency of the late Public
Printer which induced forbearance. Ruder that
act, if the delav, in the delivery of the Laws and
Journals, go beyound six months, the Executive is
authorized to remove him from office and appoin
a successor. Ere the expiration of s’x months, how
ever, the public printer had the misfortune to lose ;
by fire, almost the entire edition of the House Jour
nal. Soon after that the city of Savannah wag
visited by the Yellow Fever and he fell an
early victim, leaving the work unfinished
and the office vacant. Messrs. Boughton, Nisbet
&, Barnes, of the Federal Union press, were ap
pointed to re-produce the requisite number of co
pies of the burnt Journal, and they executed the
work with great fidelity and despatch. However
sad the leasons for the delay in this instance, and
however ,iaiJ they may go; to remove the censure
which the public mind, under other circumsiances
would visit upon the delinquent, it does not weak
en the reason for requiring the work to be done
hereafter at the Seat of Government.
There is still another and unanswerable argu
ment in support of such requisition. The 9th sec
tion of the act referred to, very properly, requires
the Compiler to read, the proofs of the Laws and
carefully c >mpare them with the enrolled Acts.
Those acts cannot be removed, with propreity,
from file in the office of Secretary of State. Hence,
! the exceeding inconvenience, almost impracticabil
! its, of thus reading and comparing the proofs. I
| therefore, earnestly recommend, that, whoever may
be the Public Printer or wheresoever resident, he
shall be required, by law and the termsof his Bond,
to execute the work in tho city of Milledgeville. It
will secure dispatch, accuracy and fidelity.
A large amount of the expense of this branch of
the public service may be saved, without detriment.
The law requires the publication of 4000 copies of
the Journals of each House ; whereas, 2000 cop
| ies of each would be a most ample supply. It is
well known that the Journals, in most cases, are
deposited with the Clerks of the Courts of the sev
eral counties and are piled away unappropriated to
mould or rot or waste. It also requires 5000 cop
ies of the Laws, whereas 2500 would be sufficient.
Why continue the useless expense of so man}’ cop
ies of the Laws and Journals'? Under this head,
there may be a still further reduction of the ex
pense, by printing the Journals in smaller type, —
By the change, in these two respects, several thou
sand dollars may be saved to t the Treasury, without
any detriment to the public interest. I therefore
recommend the publication of 2000 instead of 4000
copies of each of the Journal, and 2500. instead of
5000 copies of the Laws—the Journals in Long
Primer, instead of Small Pica type. The margin
al notes to the Laws are almost useless; they may
well be dispensed with, and thus save another very
considerable item of expense.
A still greater saving may be effected by letting
the Public Printing to the lowest bidder under
sealed proposals, to be opened and the contract a
warded, on a specified day, by the Executive. I
therefore recommend adoption of this plan of
selecting the Public Printer. Fidelity and despatch
may be secured by responsible Bondsmen, and the
continuance of the powers of th Executive over
the subject with which he is clothed by the exist
ing laws.
Mr. Chapman received on account of print ng
the Laws and Journals the following sums, to-wit :
As an advance by Legislative authority SO,O >0 00
Under Execvtive Warrant n, yo 00
Freight on Journals properly char eable to hiui i()0 00
Paid J. M. Cooper &, Cos. to lift lien for binding Laws... 1,137 00
Amount in the aggregate to $18,237 00
For the work performed by l.iin, according to au
estimate made by Geo. Ringland and Win. Barnes,
pract cal printers, at the request of the Executive,
he was entitled to receive $ 13,749 80, showing an
over payment of $‘4,487 20. The estimate is bas
ed on what he would have been entitled to, accord
ing to the rates of compensation fixed by law prior
to the act of 16th February, 1854. He should be
held down to those rates, on account of his failure
to perform the work according to C( ntract, a faith
ful compliance with which only entitled him to the
increased compensation provided for by that act.—
If, however, he should be considered as deserving,
under the circumstances, the rates of compensation
provided for by that act, ho would then be entitled
to receive for the work done by him the sum of
$16,172 00, which, deducted from the $'18,237 00,
which he actually received, shows an over payment
still of $2,065 00. For the one or the other of
these amounts of over payment, according as the
Legislature shall hold him to the rates ot compen
sation of the old or the new law, his securities are
responsible to the State. Under this view of the
subject, it is respectfully submitted to the Genceal
Assembly to determine whether, under the circum
stances, they will direct suit to be brought upon
the Bond of the State Printer.
The Sent of Government.
The question of the removal of the Seat ol Government
ha been agitated, from time to tune, for many
years. The last Legislature, impres-ed with the impor
tance of its final settlement, referred it to the legal voters
of the State, and required them to end'-r.-e on their tickets
“removal” or “no removal,” and “if to be removed,where ”
The following is the official vote, on the fir.-t Monday in
October last, according to the official return* on file in the
Executive Department: No Removal 49,781; Removal to
Atlanta, 29,3.17; to Macon, 3,809; to Thomasville, 1: to
Savannah, 93; to Marietia, 4; to Gordon, 1; to Fort Val
ley, 1; to Griffin, 313; to Waynesborough, 1; to Rome, 4;
to Madison, 5; to Stone Mountain, 4; to Indian Springs,
2; to Sandersville,s; to Barnesvtlle, 1; to HootensvilleJ;
to Augu-ta, 1; to Clarkesville, 1; to St. Simon’s Liaud.’l;
to Lumpkin, 1; removal to no place designated,9s2; scat
tering, 14. The aggregate vote upon the question of re
moval is 84,326, ot which 49,781 were for “no removal,”
and but 31,515 for removal to all other places. Hence, ’it
appears, that the majority for “no removal'’ over all others,
is 15,216. The Gubernatorial vote, at the late election’,
was about 104,250, showing that there were about 19,705
legal voters who did not vote on the question of Removal.
Hence, if it be a fair construction, a* it would seem to be
that their failure to vote is expressive of their contentment
with Milledgeville as the seat of Government, it isevident
that the popular will is overwhelmingly opposed t > its re
moval. It the Legislature should concur in this view, then
it is due to the public as well as the citizens of Milled*'©’
ville, that you should, at once, by decisive action, put a
quietus to the further agitation of the question. Not the
least efFctual mode oi accomplishing this object, will be to
make necessary repairs and additions to vour pub ic build
ings. The State House should be repaired and suitably en
larged. The square should be graded, cleared of the Ar
senal, Magazine and the four Churches, upon just compen
sation to the lespective denominations, set vvitli shade trees
and enclosed by substantial iron fence. The Executive’
Mansion, also, should be thoroughly r paired and refurnish
ed, and the lot surrounded with an iiou enclosure
By resolution of the last Ses-ion, I was “reque-ted to ‘
furnish to each branch of the Legislature, the amount of ‘
the original cost of the public buildings at M liedgeville !
exclusive of the Penitentiary and Lunat e A y uin arid ‘
what amount is necessary to so repair them as to make I
them suitable forthe purposes ‘or which they were intend I
ed ” This resolution passed just at the close ot the session I
and consequently could not be re-ponded to, before its ad-’ j
journrnent. lam unable, even mnv, t< give a full reply j
As far as can be ascertained, the public buildings, inelud !
ing State House, Executive Mansion, and out houses the I
Arsenal and Magazine, have cost, first and last, about I
S3' ! 0,000 00. I have engaged Messrs. Sho 1&, Fay, pro- j
lessional Architects, to furnish information on the second !
I branch of the resolution. They have already submitted to j
j me a rough sketch of the additions and improvements to 1
the State House which are necessary; and they authorize ■
me to say, that the whole can be completed lor $125,000 to !
150,000. They are now engaged in making the necessary
drawings and estimates of the expense; and at an early
day, they will be ready for transmission to the Legislature.
The State House is entirely unprotected against°the rav
ages of fire. You should author ze the construction of a i
large cistern on either side, and the purchase of a Fire En
gine. T his precaution is highly important, and, cost what
it may, it will be wise and p evident economy.
Annual Sessions.
I recommend a return to annual Sessions of the General
Assembly. The growing and diversified interests of the
i fctate require it The people, in a popnl r government,
■ should every yea r , have thsir minds specially directed to’
the principle-on which it is based an j ?hould be conduc-
I ted, apd by their representatives, review its administration.
i Nothing will so effectually entoice responsibility upon its
j officers of every g-ade, from the highest to the lowest
I l ar from being an evil, annual elections are important;
I they interest the masses m the politics of their country, and
they become enlightened by the di-cn&dons they provoke
Ihe executive term begins arid ends, with the legislative
and consequently, both Governor and Legislature enter
! U P°” their respect ve departments without much knowledge
of the duties they require The Legislature adjourns and
: leaves the government in the hands of the Executive- his
term expires at the assembling of the next, and no oppor
tunity is afforded to review his conduct, until after he has
retired from office. The remedy for this is a return to an
nual fusions But the duration of the Session should be
limned by the Constitution.
COTTON STATEMENTS.
§ §:?c |g ?p ■£= X Stoct
3.1 i § -."ini fH on
, i|s 22 3 X hand
week r*-Sii.S ES .* :8S- 3 I this
ending g “
Nov. 4, 1— J j *
- 1855 - ! 524 4645 3181936164 465715186 198-13 16932
(Tint** mil) Smlitul.
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. ~
WEDNESDAY; MORNING, NOV, T
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
Georgia Legislature.
Milledoeville, Nov. 5, 1855.
SENATE.
The Senate organized at 10 o’clock, to-day, by calling
Cone of Bullock, to the Chair. The roll was then called
and the oath of office administered by Judge Powers.
On motion of Murphy of DeKalb, the Senate then pro
ceeded to elect a President. The names of D. J Bailey ot
Butts, and A. J. Miller of Rich nond, were put in nomina
tion. Upon counting out ihe ballots, it was ascertained that
Bailey had received 70 votes and Miller 34 votes. Mr.
Bailey was conducted to the Chair, and in a neat and ap
propriate address, accepted the honor conferred upon him.
On motion of Cone, of Bulloch, the Senate then pro
ceeded to elect a Secretary. The names of P. H. Colquitt,
of Muscogee, and L. J. Glenn, of Fulton, xvete put in
nomination. Open counting out the ballots, it was ascer
tained that Colquitt bad received 73 votes, and Glenn 34
votes, and Blank 1 vote. Mr. Colquitt was declared duly
elected, and took tho oath ol office. John Weems, of
Wilkes, was appointed assistant Secretary, and J. AV. Dun
can, of Baldwin, Journalizing Clerk. Jno. L. Wilson, of
DeKalb, was elected Messenger. He is a lawyer by pro
fession. The Senate adjourned without electing a Door
keeper.
Afternoon Session. —The Senate met after dinner, aad
after several balloting.*, elected Allred, of Picken ß , Door
keeper.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The House was organized by calling Phillips, ol Haber
sham to the Chair After the members were sworn, the
House proceeded to elect its permanent officers. For
Speaker, William H. Stiles, ol Chatham, received 86 votes,
John Milledge, of Richmond, 47 votes, Irwin, of Wilkes,
1 vote, and blank 4 votes. Mr. Stiles was declared duly
elected, and upon being conducted to the Chair, accepted
the honor conferred upon him with characteristic urbanity
and eloquence. For Clerk, Alexander Speer, of Bibb, re
ceived 81 votes, Charles G. McKinley, of Cow’eta, G 6 rotes.
Mr. Speer was installed in office by taking the usual oath.
Wm. II Hunt, of Cobb, has been appointed assistant Clerk.
Jesse Oslin, ol Cobb, was elected Messenger over a host of
opponents. Ibe House adjourned for dinner, without
electing a Door keeper.
Afternoon Session. —The House m**t alter dinner. After
several ballotings elected Mori is of Floyd, Door-keeper.
The elections so far, have been conducted with entire
harmony, and have resulted in the selection of first-rate
officers. It is proper to remark, that Irwin, of Wilke.*,
| was not a candidate lor Speaker. He had hosts of friends
in the House who tendeied him their support, but he per
j emptorily declined to allow his name to be used in tha
| connection.
I In the list of members published by you, the name of
; Pope nl Wilkes, is recorded in italics, to indicate that ho
i* a Know-Nothing. We are very happy to inform you
that he is nut a member of the order. Pleas* publish this
correction.
The grand rally of the party will come off on Thursday
or Friday. Messrs. Cobb, Stephens, Seward, Colquitt o
Baker, and other leading men are already here. Iverson
and Toombs.are expected by Wednesday. The principles
ol the Platform ol the June Convention met with univer
sal f.ivor, and will be embodied in substance in the Resolu
tions of the meeting, with the approbation of all the wings
ol the party. The conviction is general, that the time has
come for the South to take firm and decided action on the
slavery question, and to cut off fiom the Democratic party
its rotten lungi.
There is the largest collection of people in Milledgeville,
ever seen. Notwithstanding ;the erection o f the New Mo
tel, there is very great difficulty in obtaining accommoda
tions.
The Editorial fraternity is well represented. AVe have
had the pleasure of meeting Gardner of the Constitution
alist, if Republic , Howard of the Intelligencer, Hilton of
the Journal If Courier, and Sneed of the Savannah Re
publican. The Democratic portion of them are in excel
lent spirits and as smiling as a ba.-ket of chips. Tney have
all done their whole duty during the exciting canvass just
closed.
From the Savannah Republican.
ARRIVAL OF THE
STEAMSHIP BALTIC.
Decline of Cotton—Financial Matter*-—Further Suc
cess of the Allies.
Nf.w York, Nov. 3.
Jin* Baltic has :urived, with Liverpool dates to the
’ being one week latir.
Commercial-
The L'verpool cotton market has dt dined 1 16 to Jd.
Sales of the w’eek 54.000 bales, ol which speculators to*.k
5,000 and exporters 4,000. Fair Orleans is quoted at 6$ ;
Middling at 5 9 16 ; Pair Uplands, 5-| ; Middling ss.
Money is stringent. The Bu>k of England has advan
ced the rate of interest to 6 percent, and n long b l!s
to 7. Great alarm is ft It in commercial circles, and a pa
nic is feared. Consols for money were quoted at 87.
The restrictive measures of the Bank of France .are*
telling upon almost every branch of trade.
The Rothschilds are about to establish on Austii.ii
Bank ot credit, with a capital of $60,000,000.
Breadstuff's have slightly advanced. Ohio flour was
selling at 455. ; Canal at 425. White Wheat at 12. 6*l.
Red, 12s. White Guru *lss. Yellow, 435. Provisions
unchanged.
From the Seat of War.
The allied expedition which it was supposed had gone
to Odesa, lias captured Kiubutn, an important p<>stti>-n
at the rnoulh ol the river Dnieper and in the rear of
Per. lo p.
The Allies were concentrating their lines from Eupa
toria, Kinburn, Kerstch, and the B lidar Valley, with the
view ot cutting off ilie Russian forces. Their advanetd
p sis were already within five leagues of Bactheserai, and
the 11 us.-iaiis were retiring, li was believed that Bipratuii
would defend the Balbvk. A batije was anticipated on
the 3rd.
The North side of Sevastopol has been placed in a state
to support a 6eige.
Taman and Phanagora, on the strait of Kerstch, have
been destroyed by the Allies.
City Light Guards, Attention l
APPEAR at your A-moryon Thursday Evening next,
at half past 7P. M. A punctual attendance is re
quired, as business of great impoitance will belaid before
the meeting. By order of the Captain. novfilt
COW FEED! COW FEED !
ONE DIME PER BUSHEL!
For a short time, in order to reduce our File !!
WE are seUing bran at 60 cents per hunted pound.-, which
is less than 10 cents per bushel, and-Sntvrts at 80 ct nts per
hundred. Keep vour cows fat. No excuse at such prices
Where 1000 lb? at a time *re taken, we wl-1 sell at 50 cents .'or
Bra i and 70 cents lor Shorts. Meal 70 certs per bushe’
no\.6—wuw.tf. Winter’ll Jfilli.