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Intion. Now suppose the retail traffic were confined to
•men who would respect and faiihlully obey the laws
it* regulation, is it not evident that .he great mas's ot exist
ing evils that idfliet society would cease ? ‘1 he ro,T^ ecl 2j
Jhen. is to confine the granting of licenser to such men.
How can you effect this { Withdraw the granting povver
from the Cleik, and \*“t it in the sound dL rcti >n ot w
Inferior Court of each comity. As die guardians of the
general welfare, they will ex< lude vicious and corrupt
wen from the traffic, and confide, it to tno?e whose known
fidelity to the laws ot the land will he a guarantee for well
regulated and oulerly houses. 1 feel confident, that this
change in the license law, would vindicate itsell, >y e
benefits it would diffuse, and meet a spsta.ning response m
the public sentiment.
„ Military. . |
“Our militia system requires entire re-organizntion. It
miglit he well tosufatituie a commutation tax in lieu of the
.present onerous requisition of personal service, at the option !
of the militiaman. , !
‘Fhe State should encourage, the organization ot volun
teer companies. ‘Fhe judicious application of the fund aris- j
4ng from the commutation would he well devoted to that
object. ft . , . . ;
Previous to the la~t C7< ogress, thebiate lost largely in the j
■quota of arms to which she wa- entitled from the federal ,
government under the law ot 18**8, on account of the int- :
perfect returns of onr militia strength. We have, lost not]
less than $50,000, equal to 3346 muskets. Put the law h •
now so amended, a to distribute the quotas fit arms to the
several States, according to their representation in Con
-gress. Still, however, it is important for you to adopt
■some plan to ascertain the numerical strength ot our militia.
It may he done by requiring the Receiver ot tax returns iu
•the several counties to m ike a lit ot a I male citizens be- 1
tween the ages of 18 and 45 years. This l i-t could be tabula
led among their respective regiment'-, brigade‘ and divis
ions, under the direction (if the Governor. ‘Phis would
enable the commander m chief, in case of a call for troops
by the general government, if the number were greater
than could be raised by volunteers, to equalize the draft
‘among the sev ral military divisions.
The State will in a lev# years he supplied Iy aw II edu
cated, scientific end efficient corps of young men, to officer
her troops,should necessity require, in the graduates ot the
Georgia Military Institute, capable to discharge the duties
ol any po-t, in any and partment of military sorviee. Two
classes, one of six and the other of fifteen members, have
already been graduated ; their scientific skill and military
knowledge can readily be made available, and the volunteer
organization of the {Stale placed upon a pemauent tooting.
There are in liie. arsenal , at Savannah, 3 ) pieces of siege
field artilleiy. Most ol them have been condemned
as li-pless They >houid be sold Ybe small, arms, in both
our ar emils .rc ot obsolete in >del. 1 hese, aLo, witli the
exeeplnm of tne. Town muskets in th ■ arsenal at Miliedge
vil'e, should be exchanged tor new and ellicieut wea
pons.
I commend to your fostering care the Georgia Military
institute,. It is destined to supply a gieut and important
desideratum —military education and a nurture ot a proper
•military spirit. H iving enjoyed pe.ace so long, we permit
both to be neglected. I’he charter of our civil institutions
and the pursuits ot our people are not calculated to stimu
•late the, arts .•!’ war. It is well to be so ; hut we ought to
profit, by the les-ou o’ hi Uuy, that no people ever preserved
their freedom who were not both wolfing and prepared to
fight tor it.
Academy for the Blind.
1 transmit he. liir I Annual Report of the Geor
gia Academy for the IJI nd, and respectfully relor
you them tor information as to its progress and
financial operations. Thu sightless objects of its
care are entitled to the sympathy and aid of every
patriot and philanthropist. The successions of
day and night—the changes of the season®, cloth
ing Nature in the loveliness of i finitely variegated
•cob rs, tire all uncnjo cd, unappreciated b f e
b'ind. To them, earthly existence is one long,
dark, monotonous night, without a gli meritig
star to relieve its gloom. Let the Legislature take
the u u cer iis fostering care, and n rse this infa t
school into vigorous maturity and efficient useful-
J 1 :ss.
Georgia Any turn Jar the Deaf and Dumb •
The Georgia Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb
presents similar claims upon your favorable c msid
eration. Its Sixth Annual Report, herewith trans
mitted, shows that it isgraduulh advancing in use
fulness. The institution needs more extended ac
commodations, in the way ot buildings. The re
port represent that about SBOOO wilt bo sufficient
or tli : purp so, and asks the Legisiat ure for its
appropriation, it would be we i, also, that provis
ion short id be made lor the emplo merit, of an agent
,o devolediis whole time in seeking out and bring
ing to the institution the unfortunate objects whom
it is designed to benefit. The same individual
•mi’lit also he the agent of the Academy tor the
Blind, and thus perform the service tor both estab
lishments. This arrangement, would be. at once,
•economical and useful, and bring the b md and the
.mute within ihe genial spere ol an education adap
tea to their respective con ‘ition .
Lunatic Asylum.
The Lunatic Asylum, although far front complc
ttio i. both as to the necessary buildings and the full
consummation of tlie object of its establishment, is
yet sufficiently advanced to become a lixed and set
tled object <*t Legislative regard and support. Its
ui im ate success is now beyond contingency. It is
destined to be an honor to the taste, liberality and
philanthropy ol’ Georgia. Under the Act approved
February 18, 1854, 1 appointed Drs. R D. Arnold,
•Richard Moore and i’iiilip Minis, and Hines Holt
and A. M. Nisbet, E-qrs., to investigate and deter
mine upon the buildings necessary to be erected,for
the additional accommodation ot Lunatics. Upon
the resignation ot Dr. Minis and Col. Holt, their
vacancy was tilled by the appointment of R. it.
Ramsay and- atkan MeGehee, Esqrs. The ne
cessary buildings hive been deiermi >ed upon, put
under contract and are in rapid progress of con
smtetion. I refer you to tht report ot this board
herewith transmitted,-lor the details ot their pro
ceedings, the terms of the contracts lor the build
ings, the amount expended, and the amount neces
sary to their completion.
Lookin’ to the proviso of the fourth section of
-this act, 1 first doubted whether it authorized the
work to proceed, if the estimates transcended $50,-
000. But being satisfied, as it must appear to eve
ry intcll’geut man, that the institution could not be
enlarged to an extent equal’to the necessity of t e
case, nor in architectural harmony with ihe origi
nal design, nor in accordaec; with tho character of
the State, my construction of the proviso was, that
it intended to limit the expenditures to $50,000,
prior to another session of the Legislature. It was
the opinion, also, o-t the commissioners, a majority
of them being pkysicions, familiar with the neces
sities ot such institutions, that il the Le islature
- intended to limit the extent of the improvements
within the aggregate and final sum of $50,000, it
* xvas totally inadequate to furnish the necessary ad
d tional accommodations. Hence, it seemed to be
the reasonable intention’of the act. to initiate such
improvements and additions to the Asylum build
ings as would enable th • institution to fulfil the end
of its establishment, to appropriate $50,000 for the
first two year's and leave it to a succeeding Legis
lature to complete the work. Under this construc
tion ot the law, I did not hesitate to sanction the
report ot the gentlemen appointed, and permit the
work to prog ess. It will devolve upon the Legis
lature to make the appropriation necessary lor its
■completion.
I herewith transmit the biennial report of the trus
tees, superi itendent and Resident Phvsieian.—
From them you will learn fully the progress, condi
tion and operations of the institution —all reflecting
credit upon the fidelity of those to whom its inter
ests are confided. They will disclose to you its
want ; let them be supplied with a liberality com
mensurate with the claims of the unfortunate de
mented, and worthy the character of a great and
growing tState.
Pardoning Power.
The Executive is charged with no duty more
embarrassing and delicate than that of deciding
upon petitions for pardon. In most cases, the ap
plication is sustained, not only by a long list of
signers, but by the streaming tears of the heart
broken wife or mother. To resist sueh appeals re
quires a ii mness of nei e, bordering upon stoicism
and a deafness to he < ‘■ of distress, which resem
bles indifference to lutnan woe. But the Execu
tive, whilst he re em ers his oath to execute the
law in “mercy,” must also look steadfastly to the
great interests of society which are involved in the
exercise of the pardoning power. The public are
deeply concerned in the proper p inishment of crime.
The security of life, property, reputation aud the
social weal depend upon it. Certainty and unifor
mity in the execution of the criminal law’s are of
incalc table importance They are terrors to evil
d• •• * *s, facility, in pud ming offences, gives
‘■ of (•!■: O’ *;. ‘.miditig up
“iff impUiiii Jciov-v. ..‘.-“c views
unu i io opinion, that too much clemency has been
heretofore p acticed, I have interposed wit a great ‘
caution. For the purpose of preserving consisten
cy and settling the principles upon which this povy- j (
er should be exercised, I have opened a book in this
office, entitled “Pardon Docket,” in which every j
case of application is entered, and the reosons brief- ■
ly stated on which it was decided; and I have
adopted written rules for mv guidance. In order
that proper responsibility to the public may be se
cured, I respectfully recommend the passage of a
law’ requiring the Executive, in future, to commu
nicate to the Legislature, at the opening of each
session, a lull list of pardons granted, together with
a state ent ol the reasons on which his decision ol
! each case was predicated. This wifi draw’ atten
tion to, and result in the formation of sounder pub
lic opinion upon this important subject,
i Under the provision of the seventh section of the \
I first article of the constitution of this State on the j
1 Gth of June last I respited the sentence gainst Ja- j
: cob Mc’ccr. conviced of the murder of Green B.
Lee, in the conn y of Stewart, and adjudged to be .
’ hung on the sth djy of June, 1855. t’n the “sth
day ot August las , 1 also respited the sent nee I
against John T. Boyd, convicted of the murder, in
; the second degree, ot Alexander M. Robinson, in
the county of Muscogee, and adjudged to be hung on j
the 7th day of September, 1855 The sentence, in ;
both cases, is respited until the 23d day of the pres
ent month. It will therefore behoove the Legisla
; ture to give their early attention to these cases. It
is not designed that the action of the Executive
should be construed into an expression of opinion j
as to v hat ought to be the final decision of the Leg- |
islaturo. The cases should be decided strictly on i
; their merits. But human life being suspended up
! on my action, I felt bound to give the unfortunate
! convicts the benefit of every extenuating circum
! stance, and cast upon the pardoning power the res-
ponsibility of determining their fate.
Former Legigla’ures, iri few instances, have ex
ercised the pardoning power, by passing law’s for
that purpose, in cases not capital. The constitu
tionality of such action is so questionable, that it
ought never again to he attempted. The 7th sec
tion of the Ist article of the State Constitution, con
fers upon the Governor the power “to grant par
dons, or to remit any part of a sentence, in all ca
ses alter conviction, except for treason or murder, in
which case he may respite the execution and make
n port thereof to the next General Assemply, by
whom a pardon may he granted.” Hence the pow
er to pardon in cases not capital, is entirely distinct
from the power to pardon in capital offences. The
one is vested in the Governor, the other in the
General Assembly. Therefore the first section of
the first article of the constitution would seem to
settle the question. It declares that “the Legisla
tive, Executive and Judiciary departments shall be
confined to a separate body of magistracy ; and no
person or collection of persons, being one of those
departments, shall exercise any power properly at
tached to either of the others, except in the instan
ces herein expressly permitted.” It is needless to
s iy, that the power under consideration is not one
of these “instances.” The executive will always
respect the wishes of the Legislature, and therefore,
it were better for them to recommend him to par
don, where in cases not capital, they think clemen
cy is due, than to attempt the exercise of a power
so questionable as the enactment of a law for that
purpose.
Boundary line between Florida and Georgia.
In conformity with an interlocutory decree of the
Supreme Court of the United States, the last Gen
eral Ass‘ mhly, by resolution, required the Execu
tive to appoint a Commissioner and Surveyor, on
the part of Georgia, to run and mark the boundary
line between the States of Florida and Georgia,
whenever the former should signify its acceptance
of the decree, and its acceptance therewith. This
resolution was duly executed by the appointment
of Alex. A. Allen Esq, as Commissioner, and James
R. Butts, Esq., as Surveyor on the part of this State.
These gentlemen, in conjunction with the Com
missioner and Surveyor on the part of Florida, de
voted four months to the prosecution of the work ;
and by the amount oflab r performed, the informa
tion collected, and the science exhibited, they fully
evinced their industry, fidelity, and capacity. But
the survey was not completed. It was abruptly ter
minated by a misunderstanding between the two
Commissioners, as to the terms agreed upon, on
which ti e work should he performed. This, < ith
other causes, prevented a hearing of the case be
tween the two States, at the last session of the Su
preme Court; and upon motion of the Attorney
General of the United States, the United States was
permitted by the Court to intervene, and to become
a party there’o. This is the present status of this
unpleasant controversy.
By letter dated 21th of September of the present
year, Governor Broome proposed, that by the con
sent of the Executives of the respective States, the
cause should be continued, in order to obtain from
the Legislature of each State authority for the set
tlement of the question and its removal from the
Court. After consultation with John McPherson
Berrien, Esq., the leading counsel in behalf of
Georgia, this proposition was accepted, and the
cause will be coatinued for the purpose indicated.
Florida is the complaining party and instituted the
suit. Hence, it was deemed best to yield to her
wishes thus expressed, not only as a matter of cour
tesyf but to evince a readiness to reciprocate every
i indication of amity emenating from her. The ex
: isterice of litigation between adjoining sister States
of the confederacy, identified ill interest is a matter
deeply to be deplored. It is better to terminate it
by settlement, if posssible—more consonant with
the dignity and decorum which should character
ize their intercourse. The tone and tenor of Gover
nor Broome’s letter is such, as to justify the hope
that the effort may lead to the most gratifying re
sult. He says it is believed, that, with the infor
mation acquired by the commission of last year, a
settlement may be effected, provided a proper spirit
of conciliation exists, and of this he entertains no
doubt. It will doubtless be your pleasure to meet
the State of Florida, on the terms and in the spirit
proposed. I therefore respectfully suggest, that the
General Assembly adopt such measures as will en
able the negotiation to be entered upon, for the set
tlement of this long standing controversy. The
manner of conducting it, whether by the Executive
or by a special commissioner clothed with the requi
site power, will he prescribed by the Legislature.—
The matter is respectfully submitted and your ac
tion invoked.
Brunswick.
The resolution of the last Legislature, approved
February 15th 1854, recommending to the Con
gress of the United States, the establishment of a
Naval Depot, at Brunswick, was forwarded to our
Senators and Representatives. They brought the
subject before Congress ind elicited a report from
the Secretary of the Navy, highly favorable to the
ultimate success of the enterprise. When it is
considered that Brunswick offers the best harbor for
shipping south of the Chesapeake, that it is a point
at which all the materials for ship building and re
pairing can be obtained on the most favorable
terms, that there isnoNavy Yard between Norfolk
and Pensacola, a length of coast of nearly two
thousand miles, that it is capable of being anade a
strong point for military defence to the Southern
Atlantic coast, and that it is the natural outlet to
that ocean, for the extensive travel and trade of the
vast country sketching from the Gulf of Mexico,
the object contemplated by the resolution is one of
deep c concern to the State of Georgia. It should
be urged by all proper means and influences.
Federal Relations.
I herewith transmit resolutions and acts of the
Legislatures of the various States which have been
forwarded to this Department. They either con
eer directly or indirectly our Federal Relations;
■ and ou.no o. them arc of a character which renders
l it doubtful, whether a proper self-respect should not
have dictated their silent return to the source
whence they emanated. But it is deemed best to
err on the side of courtesy, and viewed in connec
tion with the present political condition of our
country, they suggest matter ot the gravest import ,
for your consideration.
In 1850, the people of Georgia, responding to a
Proclamation of their Chief Magistrate, met in
Convention, for the purpose of “determining the
course which the State would pursue, in reference
to a series of Acts passed hy the Congress of the
United States, known as the ‘Compromise meas
ures.’ ” All those measures, “directly or indirectly
affected the institution of slavery,” but were de
signed to form a connected “scheme of pacific ad
justment.” While Georgia found in it “matter for
objection and matter for approval,” still, in a spirit
of devotion to the Union, she calmly considered in
Sovereign Convention, whether, “ consistent with
her honor,” she could “abide by the general scheme
of pacification,” and whether her interest lay “in
adherence to it, or in resistance.” The result was,
that whilst she did not “wholly approve,” yet she
would “abide by it,” as a permanent adjustment of
| this sectional controversy. But she did so upon
terms. Sbe psst the world upon notice, that she
“will and ought to resist, even (as a last resort ) to
i a disruption of every tie that binds her to the
| Union, any luturc action of Congress, upon the
| subject of slavery, in the|l)istrict of Columbia, or
in places subject to the jurisdiction of Congress,
incompatible with the safest, domestic tranquility,
the rights and honor of slaveholding States ; or
any act suppressing the slave trade between the
.slaveholding State®, or any refusal to admit, as a
State, any territory hereafter applying, because of
the existence of slavery therein, or any act prohib
iting the introduction of slaves into the territories
j of Utah and New Mexico, or any act repealing or
materially modifying the laws now in force for the
recovery of fugitive slaves.” It was hoped that
these measures would prove, what they were prom
ised to be, a final adjustment of the slavery agita
tion, and that the country would henceforth enjoy
repose. It was hoped, that, after making so large
a sacrifice, involving a surrender of all participa
tion, on the part ot the slaveholding States, in the
vast territory of California, the spirit of free soil
aggression would he appeased. It was hoped, that
the exhibition of such disinterested devotion to the
Union would provoke a cordial reciprocation, on
thcqjurt of the non-slaveholding States, and restore
those fraternal relations, between the two great
sections of the Confederacy, which prompted the
magnanimous compromises of the Constitution.—
But this hope has not been realized. The agita
tion continues. The storm cloud still obscures the
glories of our political firmament and threatens to
discharge its thunder on our heads.
The laws now in force for the recovery of fugi
tive slaves, have not been repealed or materially
modified. But it is constantly threat ned. The
Convention of 1850, expressed the deliberate opin
ion, that “upon the faithful execution of the Fugi
tive Slave Law, by the proper authorities, depends
the preservation of our much loved Union.” How
contemptuously has the dec aration been treated in
some of the non-slaveholding States ! In Massa
chusetts, Vermont and other States, acts have been
passed, virtually nullifying the law. In some in
stances, it has been executed, and with great diffi
culty in every instance, where it has been. A slave
escaped from Maryland into Pennsylvania. His
ow r ner went to recapture him, was butchered, and
the Courts failed to execute the law or punish the
crime. A slave escaped from Virginia to the city of
Boston. To effect his recovery the President had to
order the army and navy to protect the Marshal, at
an expense of more than SIOO,OOO. Such are spe
cimens of the manner in which the Fugitive Slave
Law is enforced, although the Georgia convention de
clared the Union depends upon its faithful execution.
A case for resistance however, is not made, until it
shall be repealed or materially modified by Congress.
Therefore, if no redress can be had, consistently
with the Constitution, in the adoption of retalia
tory measures, let us “in pationce possess our
souls,” trusting that the patriotism of the North
may yet he rallied to the rescue.
The compromise measures of 1850 established
the principle, that the people of the territories should
determine the question of slavery for themselves,
and that hereafter, such territories should be admit
ted, as States, into the Union, with or without
slavery, as they should decide. The last Congress
passed an act to organize territorial governments
tor Kansas and Ne’ raska, in which this principle
was practically applied ; and by the repeal of the
Missouri prohibition which it contains, it opens
these territories to the slaveholder, with his property.
The late elections in Kansas show, that a large ma
jority of the people are in favor of adopting slavery
as a part of their domestic system ; and the indica
tions are, that she will probably apply during the
ensuing Congress, for admission into the Union as
a slaveholding State. This brings up the par
amount question of the day. Looking to the ele
ments of the next Congress, it seems, that the anti
slavery freesoil sentiment is in the ascendency, and
that her application will be rejected. This there
fore is the condition of affairs—on the one hand,
we see the threat, and the power to execute it, to
refuse the admission of this territory into the Union,
“because of the existence of slavery therein,” on the
other, Georgia stands pledged to resist such an act,
“even (as a last resort ) to a disruption” of the* Un
ion. How then, can we secure the admission of
Kansas as a slaveholding State, without resorting to
this fearful ultimatum! It can only be done by an
unflinching adherence to the position which the
State has taken. She is the centre of the column
of her Southern confederates ; they will rally around
and sustain her. If she falters, all is lost. The de
termination to resist is settled—the manner is not.
The Convention failed to specify in this particular.
It being the province of the'sovereignty, the Legis
lature cannot supply the omission. I there
recommend you to provide by law, for the calling of
a State Convention, in t.ie event of the rejection of
Kansas, “because of the existence of slavery there
in,” to deliberate upon and determine the time and
mode of the resistance contemplated by the 4th res
olution of of the Convention of 1850.
The benefits of such action by the Legislature
! are apparent. Should the contingency arise after
j your adjournment, it would make the call of an
| extra session absolutely necessary. By providing
j for it now, you save a heavy expense in the Treas
ury.
Another advantage will be the conviction upon
the minds of the people of the non-slaveholding
Statas, that Georgia is in earnest. This is impor
tant, lor they do not believe it. Their freesoil pr< s
ses and speakers ridicule the idea, that we are the
least serious in our avowed determination to res st.
We feel and know that e are ; a:.d as a matter of
mere good faith, we should undeceive them, ere
their delusion betray them to extremes from which
there is no retreat.
Such action, moreover, will furnish the sound
Constitutional men of the North with the most po
tent argument by which to apreal to the patriotism
of their fellow citizens. It will arrest the attention
of all thinking minds, and rouse, to the highest de
gree, that devotion to the Union which animates
the bosom of the masses in every section. It will
“strengthen the knees and hold up the hands,” of
that intrepid band of Northern patriots, who, both
in and out of Congress, are witling to stand by the
South in this perilous struggle. If we fail to main
tain our position, they fall ; we strike from them
the prop that supports them ; they will be over
whelmed for folly, if they attempt to vindicate our
rights, after we have failed to battle f r them.
Nor should'such action by the Legislature be re
garded in the light of a threat to the non-slavebold
ng States. That would he as derogatory to the
dignity of Georgia, as it would be wounding to
their pride. But in ’he words of the Convention
of 1830, “we should address to them the language of
calm and frank remonstrance, rather than of defiance
or menace. We would recall them to the faithful
discharge of duty as confederates, by an appeal to
their reason a'id their moral sense. If, after all,
the ppeal, in the form suggested, should prove
unavailing, we should have the proud satisfaction
of having placed our State triumphantly in the
r'ght, and of casting ugon them the fearful respon
sibility of driving her to her fearful ultimatum.
Let me not he understood as counselling rash and precipi
tate action. The call of such a Convention, should it become
necessary, might not. as a matter of course, had to disunion.
It might to within the scope ot human wisdom to devise
other means of redress. It would certainly be their duty, as
it would be their desire, if possible, to do so. “Disruption”
should indeed be Mr “last resort.”
Still, however, if they should, after mature dehbeiation,
become satisfied that dessolu ion would be the only remedy,
it could not, in the very nature of the case, bo carried into
instant effect. Mwouid require several months, and during
that time, the remion in the non-slavthoh*.i 2 States might
he so decided and lutarv, omd evince a sense of returning
justice and of reWwed the Cons'itntion Indeed,
wealready see thelndicatiotSf a favorable reaction, which
encourages the hope that of the North will
saye us from the necessity to the ultimatum of
the “Georgia Platform.” It by the recent elections
and has been brotight about f>y the nobie and self-sacrificing
efforts of the sound men of the non-slaveliolding States. At
all events, the Convention would not act hastily Whilst
they would proceed with (he firmness of unalterablejmrpose,
they would also act with well considered prudence and cau
tion. 1 hey would not adopt an ordinance for immediate and
unconditional disruption : but provide lor it to take effect at
a day futute, sufficiently remote to admit of this reaction. In
the mean time the popular elections will have transpired in
the non-slaveholding States; another Congress may have
assembled, who, upon reconsideration, and seeing the posi
tion of Georgia, and the peril of the Union, may admit Kan
sas as a slaveholding State T,pf the rs resists ce,
therefore, he framed so as to allow time for reaction if need be,
and null and void upon the admission of Kansas by a speci
fied day future, but to take effect, ipso facto upon its final re
jection. This would present the most powerful appeal to the
non-slaveholding States in favor of the rights of the South
and the Union. Aboveall. it would make them responsible
for the consequences, and vindicate the position of Georcia
in the estimation of mankind. I conscientiously believe this
tofbethe best way to preserve the Union. It is as a lover of
the Union, that I recommend it. Georgia has solemnly de
clared, that “the American Union is secondary in importance
only to the. rights and principles it was intended to perpetu
ate;” and in acco l dance with this, she has solemnly announ
ced, that she will “resist (even as a last resort,) to a disruption
of every tie that hinds her to the Union,” the acts of Congres
sional encroachment enumerated in the 4th Resolution of the
Convention of 1850. These two announcements taken togeth
er, if they mean any thing, express her determination to
maintain her rights in the Union, if she can, but out of the
Union, if she must. The people of Georgia endorse the vow;
let their Representatives prove themselves equal to the emer
gency.
(JjThis communication is necessarily suggestive, not argu
mentative; otherwise, its length, instead of being tiresome,
as it is, would be intolerable. I have barely glanced at the
most important subjects which claim your consideration. It
remains for you. in your wisdom, inspired by enlarged and
devotod patriotism, to dispose of them as may “appear most
conducive to the interest and prosperity of the State.”
li~UcCllhL V. duiIXSON.
(Times onb Sentinel.
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
FRIDAY MORNING, NOV. 9. 1855.
The Prosp cl over the Waters.
There is evidently a crisis at hand, and it would re
quire a prophet indeed to toretell the unfortunate re
sui s impending the Continent. From the recent
counts, anoth* r great battle is anticipated. The Rus
sums are daily fortifying and strengthening their posi
lion. The A dies, with unceasing and untiring en
deavors. are preparing for the attack. Every inch of
ground will be courageously contended f.r, and every
advance met with a strong repulse. Men of noble
bearing, of lofty spirit, of intrepid prowess, will kiss
the earth in death, and the wounded and the dying fil 1
;he air with h •rriti.e groans and shritks. And ye
;his will be but the beginning. If the Allies prove
successful, it will not shorten tin- duration of the war
If the Russians should beat back the invading foe, it
wdl cause but a liu ted cessation of hostilities, to be
renewed again with increased power and momentum
While lhe war is progressing in the Crimea, Ger
many and France are about to contend with a foe more
dangerous than bannered armies—more portentous
than the tread of conquering heroes. Famine is a
broad, and with her p.:le and haggard look, is striking
terror and despair to the hearts of the people.
The policy of the Emperor Napoleon may be wise
and politic, in striving to remedy the evil, by com
manding uniform and • fix and prices, and reimbursing
the seller from the public treasury the amount unob
taint-d, and which, without the interference of govern
ment, he could have procured. The people must be
taxed to supply the deficiency in the treasury, and we
cannot see how the evil is to be remedied. If, in
this critical state of affairs, the Fmperor should fall by
the hand of the assassin, or natural causes should has
ten a dissolution money scarce, famine in the land—
the nation at war. a revolution of the most terrific cha
racter, would be the result. As it is, “sufficient unto
the day is the evil thereof.”
Italy is in a disordered state, aud no possible occur
rences can long avert tbe crisis, or keep in a slate of
subordination a people who are beginning, and who
have already begUß, to understand their rights, and
who will, by the help of the God of battles, dare main
tain them. What with wars and rumors of wars,
scarcity of money, increasing per centage, and mena
cing famine, we are convinced that a crisis is at hand,
and it requires a prophet’s ken to predict the mighty
events that are throwing their over shadowing gloom
over the Continent.
In our own loved land, we have plenty and peace,
but we should beware lest we unadvisedly become in
volved in the financial difficulties threatening the Old
World.
This Columbus Guards. —This veteran corps (Capt.
Semmes commanding) paraded on Saturday last, with
full ranks, for target practice. The prize was fifty, one
dollar gold pieces, won by private G. A. Huckaba, mak
ing an average of 2 1-8 inches, distance sixty yards,
with muskets. The next best average was 478 by pri
vate G. E. Thomas, Jr.; the third best, 5 9-16, by
Corp’l J. A. Johnson.
Later from California.
New York, Not. 4.
The Star of the West, with one million dollars in specie*
has arrived from California. The passengers were de
ta ned nine days on the Isthmus, in consequence t f poiiti
cal troubles.
New Orleans Election
New Orleans, Nov. 5.
The election is progressing rather quietly. In the third
district one American and one German are reported to
be killed. Capt. Place, of the P.lmelto Guards, was
wounded. It is impossible to loretell the result of the
election.
New Orleans, Nov 6.
Th Know Nothings have carried the city by n large
majority. The result in the State, not ascertained, but
the chances favorable tor the Know Nothings.
Bailroad Accident.
St. Louis, Nov. 3.
An excursion train on the Pacific Railroad, on Thurs
day last, broke through a bridg . Twenty persons were
killed, and about fifty seriously injured.
Appointmentjby the President.— J. Addison Thotmr,
of N> w Y- rk, Assistant Secretary of Slate.
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
Georgia Legislatme.
Milledgeville, Nov. 6.
SENATE.
The Senate met at 10 o’cldck A. M. Cone, of Greene,
in the chair. After the usual preliminary notices to the
other House, a committee consisting of Lawson, of Burke,
Lawson, of Houston, and Cone, o! Bullock, were appoint
ed to join a committee ot the House, to wait on His Ex
cellency Governor Johnson, and inform him that the two
Houses were organized and ready to proceed to business.
Mr Peebles, of Clarke, introduced a bill in relation to
fraud and perjuries.
A resolution offered by Gibson, of Pike, was adopted, to
elect Solicitors General and State House officers, on
Thu r sday r.ext. There are many candidates for all the
offices, and the pertinacity, eloquence and zeal with which
they urge their claims, is a subject ot good humored railery
on the part of the members.
The committee appointed to wait on the Governor re
turned, accompanied by Secretary deGraflenried, who laid
before the Senate the annual Message and accompanying
documents. This able State paper was then read and lis
tened to with interest and attention. I send you a copy,
; which you wi)J, of course, publish in extenso. I will re
. view its suggestions and propositions at length hereafter
when you have more space at your disposal.
On motion of Lawton, of Dougheity, the privileges ot the
floor were extended to the Editorial corps
The Senate agreed to meet the Representatives at
o’clock this afternoon to consolidate and count the vote for
Governor, after which a motion for adjournment was car
ned’ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Ihe usual preliminary notices were given. On motion
of Lawton, of Chatham, the House resolved to meet the
Senate on Thursday, Bth, for the purpose of electing Solici
tors General and a Director ot the Bank ot the State of
Georgia. Mr Dawson, of Greene, resisted the motion. —
He was in favor of electing Solicitors General by the peo
ple. The House, however,concurred with Mr. Lawton in
the opinion that the vacant Solicitorships had better be fill
ed now, and ihe policy of giving the election of these of
ficers to the people be discussed and settled at some future
day in the session.
On motion of Thornton, of Muscogee, the privileges of
the floor were extended to the press.
The Speaker, on motion of Irwin, ot Wilkes, appointed
a committee consisting of Irwin, Dawson, (Took, Jonea, ot
Muscogee, and Pickett, to join the committee appointed
by the Senate and inform the Governor that the two Houses
were organized and ready for business. Upon the return
of the committee, Secretary Briscoe laid before the House
the annual Message and accompanying documents
On motion of Mr. Haynie, 150 copies of the Message
were ordered to be printed. Lewis, of Hancock,expressed
a desire to have a larger number of the ‘‘able paper” printed,
and at his suggestion, a larger number was ordered. Lewi©
is classed as what is called an American, but he is an old
Fire-eater, and the views of the Governor upou our Fede
ral relations kindled the old flame.
The House invited the Senate to meet them at 31 o’clock
this afternoon, to count the vote for Governor, and ad
journed.
Milledgeville. Nov. 7
The two Houses met in the Representatives’ chamber to
witness the imposing ceremony of the Inauguration at 11
o’clock this day. Among the throng were mingled th©
Georgia Senators, Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Court,
members of Congress and other known and distinguished
citizens. The center of the Hall was graced bv the moth
ers and daughters of our chief men. ’1 he Inaugural ad
dress is complimented as a chaste and beautiful production.
It was delivered with grace and eloqiKffeii, and received
with rapturous applause. After the ceremonies were con
cluded, thundering cannon announced the close an old and
the beginning of anew administration. The best hopes of
the country will be realized if the new shall be as economi
cal, as just, as wise and beneficial to the State as th© old
has been.
A bill has been introduced to-day into the Senate, by
Peebles, to raise the salaries of Judges of the Supreme
Court. Cone, of Bullock, introduced a bill to limit th©
number of Senators to 33. There are now 112 member© of
that body.
Nothing else of importance was done in either Hous© to
day. I spare you an enumeration of matters of local in
terest.
To-night the Inauguration Ball will take place. It
promises to be a jam ; would you not like to be in th*
press ?
Senators Toombs and Iverson arrived last night.
BY TELEGRAPH.
THREE DAYS LATER FROM EUROPE.
ARRIVAL 0F THK
STEAMSHIP ARAGO.
Columbia, Not. 6.
The Steamer Arago, from Havre, arrived in New
York this afternoon.
The Cotton market was dull and unsettled, and had
declined 1 Bth. Sales 12,00# bales for the last three
days in Liverpool. Wheat and flour was steady and
quiet. Ohio Flour 43 and 44 shillings. Wheat 11*.
6d.t0125; White 12s. 3d. to 12s. 6d. Corn actiTe
and unchanged, and provisions unchanged.
Money stringent and Cousols quoted at 87 1-2.
The War.
The capture of Kenhurn is confirmed. The squad
ron’s 6teamers lie at the mouth of ha Dneiper, com
manding the entrance to Nicolaieff and Chirson. The
Russians blew up the fortifications at Orsehakoflf on the
18th ult. Thirty thousand of the Allied troop© land
ed on the peninsula of Sendra on the morning of the
capture of Kenburn, but their destination wa© on
known.
Sir Wm. Moleworth died on the 22d ult.
There was another Bread demonstration at Iljdt
Park on Sunday.
Nothing very important from the Crimea.
Death of Dr. Habersham.—lt is with pain we this morn
ing announce the death of Dr. J. C. Haliers bam. He died
at his residence, in this city, a few minutes after five o’clock
yesterday afternoon, after a long and painful illness, aged
sixty-five years.— &av. Jour. 4$ Cour., 3 d.
Conspiracy Discovered. —The Ch irlottesv ill© Adro*
cate says a conspiracy iu Albemarle county, near Nortons
ville, among about forty negroes, has been discovered.-
They intended to rob and murder, and make their escape
to a free State. Two white men have been implicated in
the affair.
Louisiana Sugar Crop.
New Orleans, Not. 3.
Letters from the interior report considerable damage to
the sugar cane by the recent fro6t. Planters are com
plaining of the present warm weather, as it prevents toe
juice from granulating. Th's will delay receipts es the
now r rov