Newspaper Page Text
T.ge MAIN TRUNK..
MftLKI>OGVH-U5,,28tU Doc., 1858.
Jb 'tie Hon. J. L. Seward: ‘ >:"A ‘ !
Sir—-Your reply to my communication of
tho 18th in.it., would not require from me any
notices but for the fact that it contains state
ments which demand correction.
The main issue between us, was the gen
eral location of tho Main Trunk through the
eouaties of Lowndes and Thomas. You have
abandoned that issue, and now contend only
for the rights of the people at Milltown.—-
Your.friends west of Milltown, on and near
the Brunswick line, in the counties of Ber
rien aud Colquitt, whose rights you so ar
dently supported in your address, will per
ceive, with regret, from a perusal of your
letter, that you now abandon tho defense of
their interests in the location of the Main
Trunk. Mitltowu’s claim is the only one
{irosented for my consideration in your last
etter, and is now tiro only issue between us.
Yon say that 11 tire people of Milltown and
vicinity were equally as strenuous in regard
to their rights, and insisted upon them at the
Brunswick meeting in 1857,” aud lam asked
whether *T was not present at that meeting,
end was not the point of connection, and
from’ thoncc the Brtfnswick line, again and
again designated, as the line to be sub
stantially observed, and did yon deny or
gainsay it 1” In reply, X have to say that 1
was not at the meeting referred to. Norte
lug a stockholder in the Brunswick St Florida
’ ft* ft. 00., I had no right to be present at a
meetiAg of that Company, and 1 therefore
did not attend. It is true .hat 1 assented,
and other Savannah Directors unofficially
agreed, to the propositions of that meeting,
but the Board or Directors of the Atlantic
& Gulf Railroad Company never gave their
Consent to them. But let ns examine these
propositions, to seo whether the Main Trunk
Directors were required to adopt *ubgtanttal
ly, tho Brunswick line. Fortunately, I have
a copy of tho proceedings before me, and
upon reference, 1 find that the fifth resolution,
upon which you base rbur assertion, reads
as follows, “ That it bo recommended that
the Mura TruSik road be put under contract
for construction to Thoraasvilie, within the
least j>oߧibioperiod consistent witli the means
of said Company, not departing exceeding
cr&n jjiil es from the Brunswick St Florida
Here, then, we have a latitude
given for tho line of seven miles
above, and seven miles below tiro Bruns-
wick line, and there is no provision in any of
the resolutions for following, substantially,
tho Brunswick line, ns yon state. I have
fatefully examined the proceedings of the
meeting, but can find no provision asserting
tbe claims or protecting the interests of Mifb
town j indeed, Milltown is not even named
in the minutes of the proceedings. But ad
mitting Re claims of that town, have t|io
Directors wronged Milltown J According to
tho propositions of tho Brunswick stock
holders, a latitude of seven miles on both
sides of the Brunswick line was given to the
line of tho (Main Trunk. Upon careful
measurement M the map of onr surveys, I
find the distance of Milltown from tho Main
Trunk line, as located, to be just seven
miles. My conclusion, then, is, that you
have not given this subject a careful exami
nation. Ignorant of the history of tho Main
Trunk negotiations, and without an examina
tion of tho maps and profiles of the line of
location, yon have spread lir.sty and (ill-di
gested opinions before the public, to the
injury of the great enterprise, so essential
to tho prosperity of your section of the
State.
You ray that you are “ aware that at least
tLree of tho Directors of tho Atlantic St
Gulf Railroad are largo proprietors of real
c&tate in the vicinity of tbe lower line.” I
ennnot believe that any gentleman with
whom I am associated in the Board, could
to influenced by sordid nnd selfish considera
tions in the decision of tlio important ques
tion of location, but admitting that three Di
rectors have been insensibly warped, as you
insinuate, in favor of the lower line, could
their votes control six other Directory not
subject to such insensible influence ? To my
knowledge, six of the Directors do not own
one square foot of land near the line, from
tho initial point So far as
regards myself, I have to say that I have
built-a few miles of llailroad in Georgia, and
although 1 might have largely increased my
furtunc by speculation in lands on or near the
lino of my works, yet I do not own, nor have
I purchased qr sold one aero ot la nil between
Savannah and Bninbridge, except for my road,
and then only for the purposes cf the right
of way. >, .
1 agree w}th you in tho opinion, that tho
action of my Bonrd is a proper subject for
review. All of the parties interested in the
road have this right, and I have not objected
to its excise. Upon your remonstrance, the
Board has, by resolution, determined, as 1
stated in my communication to you of tbe
19th inst., “ not to take tho final step in tho
location, without an attempt to procuro now
light,” from tho examination and revision, by
the experienced Engineer now in the em
ployment of the Company, of aU tho work
already done. In my reply to yon, I de
fended tbe action of tho Board, iu looating
on the Mineral Spring line, and presented an
argument in favor of their right, under the
Charter, to take that action, but I have no
whero called in question your right to review
it. 1 must, however, bo permitted to say, that
if any calamity shall befall tho Main Trunk,
in consequeuce of the prescut agitation of the
question of location, it will be alone attributa
ble to your unwise and unnecessary exercise
of this right.
Very respectfully, yours,
J. P. SCRUVKN. .
Communicated for tbe Macon Telegraph.
Mb. Editor Do me tbe favor to give
?ie a place in your columns, to notice briefly
a statement made editorially in tbe Bain
bridge Argus, in relation to tbe
which influenced tbe Hon. W. C. D. Cook,
tbe Representative from Early county, in in
troducing a bill to define and point out tbe
lofgtion of the Maii .Trunk Rond. Tbe
Argus says, “WcbopetliO Representatives
of tbe people from ether sections will see to
it that they do not permit themselves to be
used as tools in the bands of men, who, for
tbe sake of their own private interests, will
aoek to retard tbe progress of this great pub
lic wrork.” Passing over the rather equivocal
compliment paid tbe Legislature in intimating
that they might become tools, ipc., I desire to
say that Mr Cook, in introducing this bill, re
fleets the will and vindicates tbe rights of tho
people of Georgia. Tbe Main Trunk was
up and aided by tbe State to give an
Kmtlet to the trade of Soetbeta and South- ‘
Western Georgia, but by the present route
the road would boos more service to Florida
titan Georgia. The people of Baker, Mitchell,
Colquitt, Early, Irwin, Worth, Coffee, and
the upper part of Thomas and Lowndes,.will
sustain you, Mr. Cook, notwithstanding the
sneers of the Argus and its tiro wd, who are
interested in having the road go to Bain
bridge. ,i Yours,
... ,1 J. Lodjbab. .
, From tbe Hnvannah Republican.
MEETING OF THE MAIN THUNK DIBECTOBS.
We-aro informed that a meeting of the
Board of Directors of the Atlantic t£ Gulf
Railroad Company, commonly known as the
Main Trunk, was held on the 17th inst. (Nov.)
in tbie city.
At this meeting, the report of the acting
Engineer of the Company, J. W. Moore,
Esq., upon tbe surveys from Thomasvilie to
Bainbridge, was submitted. Two lines were
surveyed, and a reconoirance of a third made,
but tbe latter was not surveyed, because it
wus not warranted by the examinations of
the Engineer. Os the lines surveyed, the
upper is 39 miles, and 2,880 feet long, the
lower or air line, 38 miles and 3.320 feet
long. Tbe estimated cost of the former, is
#57*2,197.80. and of tho latter, *553,760.42.
The cost in favor of the latter, or air line,
being #18,437.38. The costpermile on the
upper lino is #14,498.68, and on the lower
14,966.44, showing the cost per mile to be in
favor of the upper line. The aggregate
eost is, however, in favor of the air, or short
line.
The board therefore resolved that the road
should be located on the short line, and have
instructed Mr. Moore to proceed immediately
with the location.
Mr. Moore also submitted a report upon
the results of the location to Tliomasville,
showing a large reduction in the estimated
cost of tho lower line, namely, tbe sura of
#51,212 less than tho preliminary survey.
Tho Mineral Spring, or lower line, will at
present estimates cost #17,628 less than all
other lines examined.
The Board approved of all of the acts of
the President in relation to contracts for work,
iron, and. o(her,materials for the road.
The resignation of Mr. Harriot as Chief
Engineer, was acccpted, and E. P. Holcombe,
Esq., was elected to fill the vacancy. This
appointment, conferred upon the ablest, old
est and most experienced Engineer in this
Slate, must inspire confidence and lead to
good results. Mr. Holcombe was tire Engi
neer of one of the best roads in tho State,
the Savannah and Augusta ; he was also the
Engineer of tbe South-Western and its Cos
hi ui bus branch, of the Mobile St Girard, and
tbe Savannah, Albany St Gulf Road.
Tbe following bill has been presented to
the Legislature. We believe it is the one
presented by Mr. Williams, of Berrien. No
action had been had on it up to our latest in
formation from Millcdgevillc:
AN ACT, to explain au act entitled an act
to incorporate a Railroad Company, to be
called the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad
Company, nnd for other purposes therein
named, approved Feb. 27, 1856, to repeal
conditionally, so much of the fifth section
of said act as authorizes certain payments
in money or bonds, and for other purposes
herein mentioned.
Whereas, Tho President and Directors
of tho Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Company
have located or allowed to be located, the
line of tho said Railroad authorized by tlie
act aforesaid, in a direction entirely different
from tho one contemplated by. the Legisla
ture which authorized the subscription; And
whereas, tho line now in contemplation skirts
on tho boundary of Florida, instead of boing,
as it was designed to be, a main trunk from
tbe initial point to tho Chattnhoochen river;
And whereas, the western terminus evident
ly designed by the present Directors, is St.
Marks, instoad of Pensacola ot Mobile, as
tbe charter of said Atlantic and Gulf Rail
road directs; And whereas, the policy now
indicated by tho Directors, is unjust to the
whole people of Georgia, and especially the
section originally designed to ho benefitted;
And whereas, all the evidence yet exhibited
in the way of estimates and reports, shows
conclusively that Lino No. 2, ns located by
the Brunswick and Florida Railroad Com
pany, nnd designated by such number in
their Engineer’s Report, is the most practi
cable route for tbe Atlantic and Gulf Rail
road Company; And whereas, a protest and
memorials from hundreds of good citizens of
Lowndes. Clinch, Berrien, Ware. Colquitt.
Coffee, Irwin and Thomas counties; is pre-
sented to this General Assembly, asking a
location of the line in conformity with the
above views.
Sec 1. lie it by the General As
sembly of the State of Georgia, That no
further payment in bonds or money shnll be
made to any of the officers of the Atlantic
and Gulf Railroad Compnuy, by virtue of
any subscription heretofore made by the
State, until satisfactory evidence is presented
to the Governor, that the Line No. 2, origi
nally marked and aurveyod by the Brunswick
and Florida Railroad Company, nnd so de
signated in their Engineer’s Report, or some
other line in tbe vicinity thereof, has been
adopted and agreed upon as tbe lino upon
which said Railroad shall be built.
THE FIBST SHAD.
This distinguished personage has made his
first appearance twice —once in Augusta and
another time in Columbus. Where are
Messrs. Ells & Son, of Macon ? llow is thy
glory departed, Oh, City of the Hills, when
another claims the honor so lung your own.
Look to your laurels ye gourmets, or the
mantle of epienrianism will rest on the
shoulders of some more generous city. The
f>rice is not stated, but,we bcliere forty dol
ars is the correct quotation at the opening
of tho season.— Sac. Republican.
Snook's says that there is a marked differ
ence between birds and women. As an il
lustration of this, he cites the fact that a kit
of looking glass on a fruit tree will frighten
away every bird that approaches it, while
the same article would attract more fair oues
than a load of cherries.
U. 8. SENATOEB ELECTED.
The North Carolina Legislature, on Mon
day, elected Governor Bragg for the long
term, and Hon. Thomas L. Clingman for tbe
short term— U. S. Senators from that State.
— Sav. Republican.
BT Another rumor is afloat to the effect
that a number of Mexicaua in Sonora are
making efforts to revolutionise that State, in
order to annex it to tbe United States.
THE WIRE GRMS REPORTER.
THOMASyiLIJE; GA:
WEDNESDAY, PEC’BEB 8, 18*$,
Agents for this Paper.
The following gentlemen have kindly consented
to act a* agouti for the Wire-Oraa* Reporter,whose
receipts will bo acknowledged for any monies due
thia office s ‘Ji
8. M. Pettengill 4c. Cos., New York.
Henry Mash, Duncanville, Thomas Cos. Ga.
R. A. Kemp, Dry Lake, Thomas Cos. Ga.
Joshua Griffin, Troupville, Lowndes Cos., Ga.
B. B. Ransone, Irwinville, Ga.
Thos. Wilcox; Jacksonville, Telfair Cos., Ga.
W. H. OvEnsTRF.P.T, Nashville, Berrien Cos., Ga.
A. J,Liles, Milltown,Berrien Cos., Ga.
W. J. Mabry, Griffin’s Mills, Berrien Cos., Ga.
R. N. Parish, Ava, Berrien Cos ,Ga.
John C. Nichoi.Lß, Wareaboro, Ga.
THE MAIN TKTJNX CONTBOVEBBY.
We publish to-day the rejoinder of Dr.
Screven to Col. Seward’s lost. As tbe peo
ple of this section are much interested in all
that pertains to the Main Trank, we have
deemed it proper to publish both sides of tbe
controversy, that they may be able to read
the arguments on both sides, and- make np
their opinions from a full knowledge of the
facts. We do this without note or comment
on oui own part.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
Hon. John E. Ward having been unex
pectedly called to Washington, on business
preparatory to his mission to China, he re
signed his position as President of the Sen
ate, and Hon. T. G. Gierry, of Randolph
county, was elected to fill his place.
HON. HOWELL COBB.
A statement is in circulation that Mr. Cobb
will shortly resign his position in tho Cabi
net and assume the functions of American
Minister at the court of the French. This
rumor is said to be without foundation.
SILVER OBE IN COLQUITT.
We are informed from reliable authority,
that Mr. Nathaniel Croft has discovered on
his premises, in the 9th District of Colquitt
county, lot No. 528, an ore which has beeu
pronounced silver by some who have tested
it. We have not seen it, and cannot there
fore judge for ourself. Mr. Croft proposes to
give one-half the proceedsfor working it, aud
it may be worth the,attention of capitaOsfs.
He lives on the premises, and the ore wHI b'tr
shown to any one caHihg to see it.
JUDGE OF THE 80UTH-WESTEBN CIRCUIT.
Some weeks ago weannounced that Judge
Allen had declined to run agaiu as a candi
date for tlie Judgeship of the South-Wes
tern Circuit, the seat of which ho now fills>“-
Wo see that lie has recently como out again
as a candidate for that office.
Li
ANOTHER SAW MILL BURNT.
The Savannah Republican informs ns, that
on the night of the 21st ult. tjje Steam Saw
Mill at St. Mary’s, situated on North river,
and owned by Messrs. W. C. Temple Si Cos.,
t was discovered to he on fire, nnd before assist
ance could bo rendered it was entirely de
stroyed.
A DOLLAR WEEKLY.
The Savannah Republican very justly re
marks, that “Clisby, of the Macon Tele
graph, is the -best newspaper manager in
Georgia [at least he is one amongst tlie best;]
but il he manages to make bis a “year
paper pay, be will do that which no other
map in the country has ever done.” Sever
al papers in this State have tried the experi
ment, when ueither work nor materials were
so high as they are now, nnd after having
spent time and labor for years without profit,
have abandoned the enterprise. But it is a
pretty good plan to gather a subscription (at
the expense of the other papers of the State)
and then raising the subscription to a living
price.
WHAT BAILBOADS CAN DO.
The whole route of tho Memphis and Lit
tle Rock Railroad was a wilderness until tbo
railroad was commenced. Since the track
has been opened from Memphis to Madison
(40 miles) large and small settlements have
been made, and twenty cotton plantations
been opened. Such will bo the effect in
Southern Georgia, keeping pace with the
progress of-the Mam Trunk. New settlers
will press into the country, and thousands of
acres of valuable land will be brought into
cultivation, which are now neglected because
there is no outlet for the produce. We have
recently rode over a portion of these
in passing from Thomasville to Irwin, Telfair
and Berrien courts, and although the public
roads are usually run along the ridges and
most barren portions of the soil, we are sat
isfied we saw iu our short travel more than
fifty thousand acres of good cultivablo
laud, which is now lying in the woods, but
will be brought iuto tillage whenever a con
veyance can be had to market for its produc
tions.
A COWARDLY ATTACK.
As Dr. J. C. C. Blackburn, the editor of
the Lumpkin Palladium, was returning home
from-a visit, on Tuesday night of tliei 30th
ult., some cowardly assassin attacked him in
the street with a blud gepn, and beat him se-
verely before be could gain assistance, when
the assassin fled. The night was very dark,
and tbe doctor could not see his assailant.—
Dr. 8., although a whole-souled Httle fellow,
is not much larger than a large sized doll.
Cement kok Broken China. —The Ger
mans use a cement prepared in this ways—
Take by measure, two parts of litharge, one
of unslacked lime, and one of flint glass; let
each be separately reduced to finest powder,
and worked up into a paste with drying oil.
It is said that this compound will acquire a
great degree of hardness when immersed in
Water, and ia very durable.
THE HAIR THUNK ONCE MOBS.
We, (the writer of this article,) bare not
put pen to paper on tliis subject for two
•months, and did not expect to do so again;
but a communication which appeared in the
last Baiobridge Georgian, over the signature
of “ A Farmer, ’’ makes it necessary to say a
few words more in regard to the matter. “A
Farmer” thus begins his communication ;
Messrs. Editors: Amidst your ingenious devotion
to the success and early completion of the Main
Trunk Railroad, and your candid condemnation of
various views held out by several persons which you
thought antagonistic to the interests of said road, I
have wondered why you have spared their Honors
Janies L. Bcward and Peter E. Love from a sound
basting, for their unwarrantable and selfish positions
and actions in the premises 1
The gentleman then proceeds to administer
the “ basting ” which he thinks the Editor
neglected. He sustains the action of the
Directors in the location of the road, abuses
the people of Berrien, Colquitt,and the upper
portion of Lowndes for complaiuing, and
“ bastes ” “ Seward and Love” for defending
them.
After letting off a considerable amount of
steam on these points, he winds up thus:
But now I come to the point, and ask you and
your readers to mark what. I say: James L. Sew
ard and Peter E. Love are political aspirants,
one feeling after the Governorship, and the other
alter a seat in Congress. Hence they deem it expe
dient to work for popularity; and true to their politi
cal instincts and antecedents, they have commenced
the humbug game. They know that if the people of
Berrien ana Colquitt counties are too poor to build
railroads they are able to vote, and here lies the se
cret of Seward and Love's friendship for them. A
nicer vote trap, bated with the corn of circumven
tion, never was set by two political jugglers, and I
trust the people es those counties will find feed else
where.
Now, as to whether Col. Seward is “feel
ing” after the “Governorship,” we know not:
hut of one thing we are satisfied, and that is,
that if lie should ever be made Governor of
Georgia, lie will discharge the duties of the
office with faithfulness and ability. As to our
own aspirations for a seat in Congress, we say
to the gentleman that he is widely mistaken.
We say unhesitatingly and conscientiously,
that we have not the slightest desire for the
office, and the position which we have taken
in regard to the Main Trunk Railroad is
influenced by any such considerations. This
position was assumed before the organization
of the Main Trunk Company, and was known
to many, if not all the Directors of that Com
pany- ■
We believe that we have heretofore proven
jq, various ways that the Brunswick line should
have been adopted, and we now propose to
prove it by Dr. Screven himself, the Presi
dent of the Company. From the reply of
Dr. Screven to the committee of the Tallo
kas meeting, we make the following extract,
and ask our readers to examine it closely:
The State required us to produce a release from
the Brunswick Company before tin- subscription mi
the part of the State should be paid; and this cir
cumstance alone gave rise to all the negotiations re
ferred to. But lor this requirement, inserted in the
charter to quiet the apprehensions of thoagLjyjio
feared litigation and consequent loss to the ktate,
and not at the instance of the Brunswick Company,
this company would have lost no time in those nego
tiations tor a release. The directors took the legal
advice of a hie counsel on this subject at au early
day, and felt assured that there was no impediment
in the way of a location any where within the limits
of the charter, not actually pre-oecupied by another
road. The requirement ol the charter was, how
ever. so positive, that we could not call (or the
State’s subscription without obtaining from the
Brunswick Company that release lor which we
otherwise had no need, to enable us to exercise all
our corporate powers.
Now, if it be true in fact and in law, that
the Main Trunk Company could have rntr
the line of their road anywhere within the
limits of their Charter, except upon the actu
ally located line of the Brunswick road, and
the Legislature positively required them to
get the release of that particular line, is not
the inference irresistible that the Legislature
intended they should take that line? And
yet what have they done? Why, they dilly
dallied for nearly twelve months negotiating
1 for that line, finally paid seventy-five thou
sand dollars of the people’s money for it, and
then refused to adopt it. If such conduct is
not inexcusable and indefensible, we confess
we know not what is. The only possible
means of escape from this dilemma, is for the
Directors to say, that their legal advisers had
more sense than the Legislature had which
granted the Charter. This, however, the}’
will doubtless do,as it will be as easy to charge
the Legislature with ignorance, as private in
dividuals with political “trickery and jug
glery.” We are now done with the subject
again, and will remain so, if people will let
us alone.
Will the Southern Georgian do us the fa
vor to copy this article 7
Communicated for the TVire Grass Importer.
ACROSTIC.
C onie dulcet muse, breathe softly now,
A nd strike again my dormant lyre;
L et not the charms of beauty bow,
L ost to a generous world's desire,
E nwrapt in lore's celestial the.
H ang high the mysteries of her power—
E inbletn of beauty—type of mirth;
A 11 hail! bright star of youth’s fair hour,
R eplete in alUthal speaks of worth,
Directs our joys, or gladdens earth.
SOWHiRN BIGHTS.
We know not what Mr. Tucker intends by
his bill, but its effects will bo to impair the
credit of every Georgian, and punish innocent
parties at the North, for the sins and fanati
cism of the guilty. We consider all such re
taliatory measures as beneath the dignity of
a sovereign State—irritating sectional feel
ings, without securing private redress.—Jour
nal if Alesscngir.
Suppose Mr. Tucker’s bill does contem
plate the punishment of innocent parties at
the North “for the sins and fanaticism of the
guilty.’’ ‘ Is it not right? • If a majority.,of
the people of the North persist in their re
bellion against the constituted authorities
of the country, and openly defy the laws
of the Government, then retaliatory meas
ures are not only not beneath the dig
nity of a sovereign ’State,” but are man
ifestly right and proper. Our property
ought to be as secure to us, under the Fed
eral Constitution, in Massachusetts,’ as it
ia in Georgia. Who say a not I—Federal
Union.
. For the Wire-Grait Reporter,
MEETING OF THE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF
i THE FIBST CONGEESSIONAL DIOTBICT.
At a meeting of the Democratic membea
of the Legislature from the Ist Congressional
District, held at the Capitol, on the night of
the first Dec. 1858, the Hon. A. S. Atkinson,
of Camden, was called to the Chair, and the
Hon. James M. Oweus, of Mclntosh, appoint
ed Secretary. TT # /
The Chair having called tbejumse to or
der, and announced its readinm to proceed
to business, the Hon. of Bulloch,
nrose and statod that the ob
ject of this meeting to be to appoint a place
and time for holding tl next Cohvc'ntion to
nominate a candidaterepresent the first
Congressional Distfim in the next Congress
of the United Stfftcs.
The Hon. Geo. A. Gordon of Chatham,
moved a call of the members of that District,
upon which the following gentlemen answered
to their names:
Appling : Messrs. J. Bennett and M Gra
ham.
Berrien: Messrs. S. G. Williams and D.l\
McDonald: -
Bryan: Messrs. A. 11. Hart and 11. W.
Mattox.
Bulloch: Messrs. Foter Cone and W. H
McLean.
Camden: Mr. A>S. Atkinson,
Charlton: Messrs. I*. W. W. Mattox and
O.K. Mizell.
Chatham: Messrs. G. P. Harrison and G.
A. Gordon.
Colquitt: Mr. Amos Turner,
Coffee* Mr. J. P. Wall.
Emanuel: Messrs. John Overstreet and
S. M. Fortner.
Irwin: Messrs G. Xoung and J. B. Dor
miny.
Liberty; Messrs. J. B. Mallard and W.
Hughes.
Lowndes; Messrs. J. West and J. Carter..
Mclntosh: Messrs. U. Spalding and J. M.
Owens.
Pierce: Messrs. J. Donalson and J. Sweat.
Tntnall: Messrs. J. B. Stripling and J. B.
Smith.
Thomas: Messrs. J. C. Browning and J. J.
Everitt.
Ware : Messrs. W. A. McDonald and W.
Brantley.
Wayne: Messrs. S. 0. Bryan and H. A.
Cannot!.
A large majority of the District being
present, Gep. Cone moved that the Chair
appoint a Committee to prepare action for
the meeting. The motion being carried, the
Chair appointed the following committee:
Gen. Pater Cone of Bulloch.
Gen. G. P. Hatrison, of Chatham.
Hon. j. B. Mallard of Liberty,
lion. J. B. Striplingof Tntnall.
lion. J. C< Browning of Thomas.
Hon. W. A- McDonald of Ware.
Hon. H. A. Cannon of Wayne.
Hon. S’. G. Williams, of Berrien.
Hon. John Overstreet of Emanuel.
Hon. John L. Harris of Glynn.
The Committee having returned, reported j
the following Resolutions, which, being taken
up separately, upon motion of the Hon. Mid
dleton Graham, of Appling, the first was
amended by striking out Doctor Town, and
inserting Wares boro’; after which this Reso
lution, with the others, weie unanimously
adopted, which makes them read ns follows : j
Resolved, That this meeting recommend |
to the Democracy of the Ist Congressional |
District, that a Convention be held at Wares- j
boro’, on the second Wednesday in July ]
next, for tins purpose of nominating a snit-’
able candidate for Congress, from that Dis-’
trict.
Resolved, That for the purpose of ensuring
a fair and honest expression of the wishes of
this District, this meeting earnestly recom
mends each, county to _scnd a full representa
tion to said Convention,
Resolved, That all the Democratic news-
papers of the Ist Congressional -District be
requested to publish the proceedings of this
meeting, also the time and place of meeting
of said Convention, at least two months pre
vious to the same.
Gen. Peter Gone offered the following Re
solution, which, on motion, was unanimously
adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting
are hereby returned to Hon. Alexander S.
Atkinson, for the able, courteous and dignified
manner in which he has presided over this
Meeting, and'the Hon.'"J. M. Owens, for his
efficient services as Secretary.
Oil motion the meeting adjourned.
ALEX. S. ATKINSON, Ch’n.
J. M. Owens, Secretary.
Communicated (or the Wire-Gran Reporter.
Lowndes County, Nov. 30, 1858.
Messrs. Editors:— Among the subjects
which occupy the special attention of our
people at present, is the approaching elec
tion of Solicitor General of the Southern
Circuit in January next. Permit me through
your columns to express a few opiftjpns rel
ative thereto.
This request beirig granted, I set out with
the proposition that in this matter, no politi
cal issues are (nor should they be) involved.
If a man’s political principles in a high judi
cial or executive office were to control his
conduct, then justice would he but a name,
and the guilty go unscathed, the innocent
meet severe punishment, as party spirit would
incline those in whose hands their destinies
arc placed. This fact is so evident that it
needs no argumont to sustain it. The com
mon sense of the people makes it apparent
to them.
As an inevitable deduction then, a man’s
integrity and capacity furnish the highest
claims he can have on the votes of those
who from him, as State’s Attorney, may re
ceive so much good or sustain so much evil.
Secondly, it is the policy of our republi
can institutions to create no monopoly of
power in the liAnds of any one man, or set
of men, and as a matter of course, to distrib
ute the different functions of our judiciary,
as r.eaily as possible, through the different
sections of each circuit to be represented. I
hold sir, that to concentrate all the offices of
such an extensive district as this, in the resi
dents of one place, is gross injustice. It
places the rest of us iu an attitude of inferi
ority, and vice versa renders the favored
town or county so arrogant that it will as
sume to govern and to rule those who sub
mit so tamely to its unfounded pretensions.
One more general principle sir, will I lay
down, and then proceed to make a special
and personal application of the whole. It
is this, that wheu circumstances are not viola
tive of the positions already taken, in an
election of the kind referred to, the voters of
a county ought, as a matter of pride, disre
gardmg all party feeling, to sustain their fel
low-citizen, knowing him to he competent
faithful, and energetic, who aspires to th ’
post. Their interest too would demand it
for then in their midst they laye the Stated
aworn Attorney, hound to prosecute, wii| lo „.
fee or reward, all offenders against their D er
sons or property; one too who hears i,i”
them an equal share of their public burde
and whose interests, as a private person -
identified with theirs in all matters of
policy. *
These truths, I maintain, cannot be
troverted, and 1 shall now briefly advert t
the causes that led me to suggest them Tv
is well known to the free and independent
voters of the Southern Circuit, that there
at present, in the field, five candidates for tha
Solicitorahip thereof, and soon must they and
cide who will receive their support?
it from the write’s intention to indicate th!
choice ol Ins favorite, by detraefing from the
merits of the other gentlemen before the
public in connection with this matter. I b'°
lieve them all to he men of capacity and if
neve them an to be men ot capacity and
tegrity, but outside circumstances, assuming
that the rivals are equal in talenf, it s* e n, 9
me ought to control this election. Politic,
surely lias nothing to do with it, for there is
no law making power vested in the incum
bent of this office, for he takes a solemn oath
and whether he is American or Democrat if
honest, must cany out the law’. We thVn
claim that Col. V. E. McLendon, of Troup,
ville, is entitled to onr suffrages; First, be
cause we believe him competent; and’ sec
ondly, because he represents a section of our
district which has not yet beeu represented
in the selection of our Judges and Solicitors
Thomas county, in these matters, hasoflato
years been the favored recipient of popular
favors, and while we cheerfully testify to tlio
ability of her sons, wc appeal to her sense
of justice, to give to us what Lowndes lu 9
never had, and what she deserves—the So
licitor General of the Southern Circuit. If
it can be shown that our man knows not bis
duty, or knowing it, has not the integrity or
do it, then would we abandon our
position; but those who know the man, who
have watched the energy and honesty of
purpose which have achieved for him an en
viable personal and professional reputation,
can have no doubt as to Ver.Xun E. Mc-
Le.ndo.n’S qualifications. Born and bred in
our circuit, many, if not most of us, know
him, and I for one will sustain him. Let us
then put our shoulders to the wheel, and by
a triumphant majority, secure to the State
of Georgia a first rate prosecuting Attorney,
and show that Lowndes can, by the eleva
tion of Mr. McLendon to the post lie seeks,
truly say that her sister counties are disposed
to go hii.iid injuind with her in bestowing of
fice where it is due. Citizen,
Communicated (or the Wire-Gran Reporter.
Messrs. Editors:—An editorial in the
Southern Enterprise of the 27th ultimo,
having come under my notice, requires a
few remarks from me. I desire that the ed-
the Enterprise shall distinctly under
stand that 1 am not opposed to his prosper
ing, and would not have him think 1 am ac
tuated by on unkind motjve iu ’ publishing
this reply to lii.s editorial. The editor is la
boring under a great mistake, and does (he
Grand Jury of Berrfcn county an injustice,
| when lie attributes their request to the
| Sheriff “to advertise in the Reporter” to
! “political animosity,” or “jealousy.” The
j.lury believed, and so I am informed, that
the Reporter had a larger circulation in the
bounty of Berrien than the Enterprise, and
i they thought the Sheriff should advertise
in the paper having the largest circulation.—
The sheriff, 1 learned, intended changing his
advertising from the Enterprise to the Re
porter, even before the Grand Jury made
the request; firstly, on account of the Re
porter having the largest circulation in the
county; and secondly, from recent observa
tion, the Enterprise had evinced an opposi
tion to their Railroad interest, whilst the Re
porter had espoused that side of the ques
tion which tended to their benefit, if, Messrs.
Editors, the Grand Jury intended their re
quest to act as an oppression in conscqucnco
of the politics of the Enterprise, why did
they not select the Watchman, atTrdupvillc,
instead of tlie Reporter ? Surely the Watch
man is as good a Democratic paper, as is pub
lished in the State of Georgia, or any other
State, and the nearest newspaper to Nash
ville— hence tlio correctness of what I assert,
and I only state what I heard the Jury say,
that the Reporter had the largest circulation
of any paper in the county, and by having
the advertisements published therein, it would
he more likely that the people would know
what has to be sold than if published in a
paper which circulation was inferior. Sure
ly the editor of the Enterprise will admit fiflrt
1m was premature iu charging tlio Graud Ju
ry of Berrien county with either “political
animosity” or “jealousy.” Now if the Re
porter has not a larger circulation than (ho
Enterprise, then the editor of the Enterprise
might bn excused for intimating that the as
sertion of the Grand Jury was untrue; but
if the Reporter has the larger circulation,
then tho editor of the Enterprise has per
mitted his ire to lead him astray, and ho
should seek the earliest opportunity to inako
the proper amende. The Grand Jury wero
right, if their assertion be correct. Tlio
Sheriff would be truly acting very “ silly” if
he did not advertise in the gazette in the
county, ortlie one having the largest circula
tion Id the county. If 1 mistake not, such
is the law.
I would not, Messrs. Editors, have noticed
the editorial referred to, but 1 considered it
my duty, inasmucji as 1 wrote the present
mifnts for the’ Grand Jury, and I would be
acting unkind, unjust and recreant to'evefy
principle that is rocognized ns being right,
were I to passively remain a silent witness of
the wrong perpetrated on that body, and uot
correct the error which the editor of the Ln
terprise has so unfortunately fallen into. The
question of politics was not mentioned by ns"*
of the Jury, and I do not believo any one
thought of it; and furthermore, I do not be
lieve there was a gentleman on that jury who
would wantonly assert a falsehood, or sneak
behind a “mise/ahie subterfuge for the pur
pose of concealing the real origin of the ro*
quest.” Lean further state, that Ido not be
lievo that either of the editors of the U c *
porter had spoken to any of the jury on the
Subject, ns 1 heard one rSt’ the jury sy as
much, whilst the proposition was being con
sidered.
I regret being compelled to publish this re
ply, as Ido not like newspaper notoriety- I
do not entertain the least unkind feeling for
the editor of the Enterprise. I would rather
see him succeed in life (Ban fail, but I cannot