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About Tri-weekly constitutionalist. (Augusta, Ga.) 18??-1877 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 16, 1868)
CONST ITUTIONAL I ST. AUGUSTA, GA. SUNDAY MORNING. FEB. 10, xB6B PERPETUAL BOTCHING- Many months ago, when Gov. Brown and his friend Senator Wilson attempted the difficult task of persuading Georgians that Radicalism was pure and patriotic, we took issue with this brace of Arcadians and pronounced their party obscene and an archical. When the same individuals pleas antly and emphatically declared the Recon struction Bill, as it then stood, a finality, we sturdily denied the assertion, and pre dicted, from the character of Puritan con spirators, fresh exactions for every conces sion made or every infamy defeated. Since the harangues of Governor Brown and Senator Wilson, what depths of villany, falsehood and treachery have not been sounded by the faction of which the first named is the tool and the last a master fiend! Os the Shkkman-Shellauargkh Bill how much remains? Its authors would find great difficulty in recognizing their handiwork, so persistently has it been botch ed from month to month. It reminds us of some of those extraordinary garments tena ciously clung to by thrifty or impecunious negroes—those astonishing patch-works in which the form of a coat survives to the utter loss of every original filament. The darkey, by some miraculous dexterity, con trives to fit the monstrosity upon his body ; the Congress, with equal ingenuity, adapts its shoddy raimeut to the South. But the hideous thing is an opprobrium to good taste everywhere, and no amount of sophis try would convince a rational being that the Sherman-Shellabargek of to-day is the same as the Sheuman-Shellabager of yesterday, any more than Sambo’s coat of many colors and infinite quilting is the identical article the tailor manufactured. If the negro is the victim of botehery, so is the white man—only, as Artemus Ward says, a little more so. The most impudent effort in the way of botching is that of Senator Sherman, the “ original Jacobs ”of Reconstruction. He was satisfied, at first, that a majority of the votes registered should decide the fate of his partisan measures in the South. He felt perfectly sure that enough negroes and mean whites could be drummed up to make victory secure. If there should he a possi ble numerical inferiority, it was so easy to Hulbertm majorities and perform a feat, hitherto deemed incredible, the creation of something out of nothing. Alabama was the first State experimented upon, and Mr. Sherman’s prognostics are, at least, in dan ger of discomfiture. Even the pliability of satraps or the manipulations of’a llut.bert may be insufficient to consecrate a fraud ; and so, Mr. Sherman finds it imperative to interpose his machine divinity and declare a triumph where disaster, on his own terms, is indisputable. Abnegating his former record, and meanly discarding the original compact, he has prepared the suit joined botehery to suit the exegencies of his bantling: “ Whereas, the people of the State of Ala bama have iu strict compliance with tho fifth section of the act oi March .2, 1 SOT, entitled ‘an act to provide for the more officiant govern ment ol the rebel Slates,’ formed a constitution of government in conformity with the Consti tution of the United Staten, framed by a con vention of delegates in compliance with said act ; and, whereas, said constitution has been ratified by a majority of tlic qualified persons voting on the question of ratification, and said constitution contains all the guarantees re quired by said act; therefore, be it enacted and declared by the Senate and House of Repre sentatives, &e., &c., that the State of Alabama is entitled to representation in Congress and Senators and Representatives shall be admitted therefrom on their taking the oath prescribed by law.” The Senate and House of Representatives may uot consent to this stultification, if the Registrars do their dirty work and make the figures lie. Failing to accomplish this, the two houses of Congress will find it con venient to bring forth the Sherman Botch and suit it to the unwilling limbs of Ala bama. The sagacious correspondent of the Baltimore Gazette anticipated this move of the Radicals, and, as early as the 7th ot this month, thus exposed it: “ It will have been observed that whenever it is found that, upon counting the votes in the bo gus elections at the South, the Radicals have not a sufficiency lor their purposes, the polls are re opened again and again by the satraps in com mand ; but as soon as the required number is reached by rc-voting the negroes t he ballot-box is , presto / hermetically sealed. A ease of this kind has just occurred, or rather it is in pro gress, as the phrase goes, in Alabama. Some ot the Conservative correspondents at this point are indignant at such tactics. But why ? I can assure them and your readers, upon the most reliable authority, tiiat it has long ago been de termined by the leading Radicals to accept, by Congressional enactment, the State constitutions to be sent here by the Negro Conventions, irre spective of the action of the peojile, aud that the requirement in the reconstruction acts, that these constitutions shall be adopted by a ma jority of the registered votes, is to he repealed or (whichis the some thing) wholly disregarded.” Tiie fell determination of Radically re constructing the South, per fas et nefas, is here unmasked. It is no new thing to us, for we have never believed otherwise; but it is an instant proof of the wisdom of those, who never trusting the dominant faction or its promises, have kept their souls free aud their heads erect. It would seem, under existing circumstances, that honest men in the South stand no c'nauce in op position to such enormities. Hot so, how ever. Though the perfidious anarchists at Washington succeed in their hellish de signs, success, through such wickedness, will not be permanent; aud the more pre sumptuous our foes become, the greater will their downfall be. The true men of the South must preserve their organization; they must confront foreign and domes tic traitors and force them to assume re sponsibilities that sow the dragon's teeth. If the Northern people are not besotted beyond recovery, events transpiring all over the South will smite their hearts and con sciences, not to speak of their material wel fare. The different menageries are watched by hundreds of men from the North who have been sent forth to report the truth.— They have seen the mad revely on the peril- ous verge of national ruin, and, return ing homeward, will sound the alarum far and wide. Meanwhile, the gibbering Congress must proceed with its botching. A burlesque like “ Pocahontas” will be enacted where the “ life of the nation” is so constantly preserved by prussic acid and sword-thrusts. Powhatan Wade will swing his toma hawk and call the members to disorder.— Then will be proclaimed the regular routine of business by Medicine Man Sherman, who, mid the grins of the assembled wis dom and applause of the spectators, announces: “ The first thing toe have to do to day is to repeal all tlxe laws we passed, yester day..” Forty-Fourth Day’s Proceeedings of the Georgia Unconstitutional Convention. REPOUTISD FOR TUB ATLANTA DAILY INTEI.LI GENCFR. Atlanta, February 13. The convention opened with prayer—Parrott in the Chair, v Ti c. journal was read. The following resolution, offered on the pre vious evening by D. G. Cotting, was taken up and read : Whereas, Some unauthorized person lias undertaken to institute proceedings in the Su preme Court of Lire United States, in the name of the State of Georgia vs. Generals Grant and Meade, and others ; therefore, Resolved , By this convention, representing the people and sovereignty of the State of Georgia, that no person has been empowered by any statute of this State, or by any ordi nance of this convention, to commence or pros ecute any such suit, aud that the people of Georgia, as plaintilfk, will not litigate said suit, and demand that it be dismissed from said oourt. Resolved, That as it may be necessary that an attorney should be employed to represent the State ot Georgia in said suit, the lion. B. H. Biglmin, of Troup county, be authorized and empowered to represent the State in the above mentioned case before the Supreme Court, and procure (he dismissal of the same. A. T. Akerman thought it wonld be impru dent on the part of the convention to take any action in the matter. They might send a law yer to Washington, and he would go into court and say that he represented the State cf Geor gia. The Judge wonld ask him by what au thority be represented the State He would say that he received his authority from the convention, and then he would be told that that was the very question involved in the trial pending, and it, was for that court to decide on the constitutionality of that convention. The real I sue in the case lay between the President and Congress, aud it would not be well for them to interfere. D. G. Cotting explained his position and the motives which induced him to offer the resolu tion. The resolution only 'provided for the ap pointment of an attorney to represent the State of Georgia in case it might be necessary. Con tingencies might arise that would require such a representation. The Government had, it. w'as said, employed counsel to represent itself, but it appiared that the suit was brought in the name of the State of Georgia, and the State did not appear to lie directly represented in the case It was so provide against any contin gencies which might arise, injurious to the State, that this resolution was offered. They could not, (ell, from the meagre information before them, what was the ground of the suit, but the design was plain enough—it was a part of the warfare instituted against reconstruction, in which the Supreme Court had been attempt ed to be made a weapon. As to the objection of the expense of em ploying an attorney, it might be a matter of sound economy. If the. State of Georgia is cast in the suit, she would be, so far as any thing appears to the contrary, east in the cost, and it was not to he supposed that the Hou. .Mr. Black was going to work for nothing, nor that Gov. Jenkins, it he was the person insti gating this suil, was going to pay him out of his own pocket; Black would demand his lee from llie Treasury of Georgia. Therefore, the question was, whether it. was more economi cal to i nit the pecuniary risk of a prolonged and expensive law-suit, or to dismiss it at once. U. li. Wliiteley thought that as Congress had taken the matter into its own hands, the con vention ought not to interfere. C. jl. Prince moved the previous question. The motion was sustained. The rub s v, ore suspended and the ntaiu ques tion put; lost- - yeas, 4.8, nays, 55. FRANCHISE. The 4th section was taken up and read, as follows: Ali persons before registering must take and subscribe to tlic following oath : “I, , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that i will support and maintain tlie Constitution and laws of the United States, and the constitution aud laws of Grorgia ; that J am not excluded from regis tering by any of the clauses of section 8, article -, of the constitution of Georgia ; that 1 will never countenance or aid in the secession of this State from the United States. So help me God.” R. H. Whiteley moved that the whole section he stricken out. . F. Blodgett hoped the motion would not prevail. J. F. Bryant could not see any good reason why the section should be stricken out. J. E. Blount supported tlie motion to strike out. He. thought they should not be legisla ting for the past, but for the future. He thought they should legislate for posterity. He was no prophet, but il theie was one thing he knew better than another, it was the minds of the people, and he knew there was no ground for fear in the future that certain men would get. into office if they did not put restrictions on the organic law. He regretted that such fears should get into the hearts of statesmen who come there foi the purpose of framinsr laws. He was satisfied the Union spirit was sound in Georgia, aud they did not ask any odds so long as they acted as honest and pa triotic men. He did not want the people of Georgia to be dragged into the Union by the hair of the head, but like men deserving a place in that great and glorious Union. J. L. Dunning offered the following amend ment. : All electors, if required to register, must take and subscribe the following oath: “I, 1 ( jo solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and maintain the Constitu tion and laws of the United States, aud the constitution and laws of Georgia ; and that I will never countenance nor aid in the secession of this Slate from the United States. So help me God.” After some discussion, J. L. Dunning begged leave to withdraw the above amendment, which was granted. He then moved to strike out the words “persons” and “ before” in thefirstline, and insert the words “ electors, if required.” K. 11. Whitely moved the previous question, when the amendment of J. L. DunniDg was lost —yeas 69, nays 25. The motion of It. H. Whitely to strike out was next put, when it prevailed—yeas 72, nays 60 The sth section was taken up, which read as follows : Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, he privileged from arrest by civil process for five days beiore the fiist day of election, o:i the day o('"election, and two days subsequent to the last day of elec tion. C 11. Prince moved the section he adopted. 11. H. Whitely moved to strike out the words “and civil process.” The yeas and nays were called for and result ed as follows: yeas 71, nays 60. Carried. The section was adopted as amended. Section oth was read, as follows : It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to enact adequate laws giving protection against the evils arising from the use of intoxicating liquors at elections. J. Murphy moved the following substitute: The sale of intoxicating liquors on election days iu this State is hereby forever prohibited. The substitute was adopted. Section 7th was read, as follows : Returns of elections for all civil officers elect ed by the people, who are to be commissioned by the Governor, and also for the members of the General Assembly, shall be made to the Secretary of State, unless otherwise provided by the General Assembly. The section was adopted withontamendment. Sec. 8. It shall he the duty of the, General As sembly 7 to enact adequate laws giving protec tion to electors, before, during, and subsequent to elections. Adopted without amendment. Sec. 9. The election of Governor, Senators and Representatives shall be on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, unless otherwise provided by the General Assembly. J. E. Blouut moved that the word “ Novein her” be stricken out and the word “ October” inserted. Some discussion ensued, after which the pre vious question was moved and the section adopted as amended, as follows: The election of Governor, members of Con gress, Senators and Representatives, after the year 1868, shall commence on the Tuesday alter the first Monday in November, unless otherwise provided by the General Assembly. Sec. 10th was next taken up and read, as fol lows : All qualified electors and none others, shall be eligible to any office in this State unless dis qualified by the constitution of this State, or by the Constitution of the United States. W. T. Crane moved to insert after the word “ electors” the words “ who have been citizens of the United States for seven years.” H. V. M. Miller called for the yeas aud nays on the amendment. , The yeas and nays were called and resulted, yeas 31, nays 89. Lost. Mr. Harris, of Newton, moved to strike out the section. H. K. McCay moved to amend by inserting after the word “electors’’ the words “citizens of the United States who can read and subscribe the oath of office.” L. N. Trammell said : He would address himself to the main question, which was to strike out the 10th section. He came to the convention for the purpose of adopting the re quirements of the acts of Congress—not that he considered them just, wise, or constitutional —but for the purpose of restoring peace, quietude, aud order to his distracted country. He had ever held that this is a white man’s government; that it was made by the white man, and that it should be governed by the white man ; but as his State had been overpow ered in its revolution, and was suffering all the calamities attendant upon defeat and subjuga tion, he hail made up hist mmd to comply with the requirements of the laws of the conqueror. He thought ft due to himself, his country, and his people, that he should do so ; and under such feelings he came to that convention. But it was not consistent with his feelings or with his pride of character to degrade his people, himself, and his country, and it should never be done with his consent. He did not want to degrade his country and his people more than the government which conquered them required at their hands. They had certain requirements prescribed to them by Congress, and in the name of nine-tenths ot the white people of Georgia, he forbade them to go any farther, in the name and behalf of all the women and chil dren of Georgia, he forbade them to go beyond the hounds prescribed by the laws of Congress. Elis position in coming to that convention was not to give the government into the hands of the colored people, aud he thought that any attempt lo give the government of the State of Georgia into tbeir bauds was unjust, aud ex ceeded the requirements of Congress. In speaking in this manner he did not wish it to be understood that !.e meant any disre spect for the black man, or that he wanted to boast of bis superiority of race over him, though be thanked his God there was a superi ority in his race. On the contrary, the black race had his sympathy, and there was no man witc would go further to promote llie interests of the colored people than he would. But he did not come there for the purpose of raising from the very lowest depths of slavery to the highest position of government a race without experience, without cultivation, to preside and rule over sixty counties in the State of Georgia. He would tell them also that whenever they incorporated such a provision in their constitu tion as that with all its vicious instincts, aud with all its ignorance, to control and govern his race, it would fail as soon as it was submit ted to the people. As the friend of the black man, he advised him not to 6eek such power.— The delegate from Mclntosh, Campbell, (negro,) had stated, the other day, that the privilege of voting was not a gift conferred upon his race, hut that it was a right. He could tell the delegate that he was very much mistaken —it was a gift, and they had no rights save aud except what the acts of Congress had conferred upon them. He would have them mark his words aud bear them in their minds. They were asking too much ; their haste was too great, and he was satisfied that when the Republican party —the guardian aud friend of the colored race met in national convention, they would object to it. The Republican party would be com pelled to do this, because it wa3 a matter of self-preservation, and if it was incorporated iu the constitution it was eertaiu to be defeated. This was a matter of necessity with the Repub lican party. They had knocked that plank out of the platform in Ohio when Hayes was a can didate, and they were certain to do it in the Presidential campaign. He denied that it was General Grant’s intention to give them ofUees, or the control of the Southern States, of mak ing of them St- Domingos. Chase’s position would he qualified suffrage, and it would he so with the Republican party, because necessity compelled that party to make it so. T. P. Saffold wanted to know for information sake where the speaker got his authority iront regarding Grant’s position. Mr. Trammell said lie had got it from the public prints, and what the general belief was as regarded Gen. Grant’s opinions. ,T. E. Bryant would like to know from what public prints he had derived his information. Mr. Trammell had not time to enumerate.— He had never read the Loyal Georgian but once, and consequently lie had not got it from that paper. [Laughter. | There was one fact of which he was certain, and that wars, that as soon as they attempted to raise the colored race to the government and control of sixty counties in the State of Georgia, just so soon would their constitution be defeat ed. He did not think that gentlemen who oc cupied seats in that hall, and who had only been in the State a short time, had any right to at tempt to force this result upon the people. The interests ot those persons were not identified with the people of the State. They could leave the State at any time, but be and those who were horn and raised here, and who had lived in the State all their lives, and still expected to live in it, would have to bear with the hardships and suffer the consequences. The valuation of the landed estates in those counties would be destroyed in one fell swoop, it this course was persevered in, and he wished to know if they dared to ask him to aid in bringing such misery, poverty and degradation upon himself and his people. He would rather live under a military government for the balance of his life, and leave his children to live under a good military com mander forever, than accept such a state of things. They might try as much as they pleased, by relief and other measures, to secure the adop tion of their constitution by the people, but he could tell them that so soon as they adopted this provision, the tntire constitution would be defeated. Mr. Trammell dwelt with much force and at considerable length on tbe horrors that must inevitably result from the placing of the blacks iu office, and he warned them to be careful aud to weigh well what they were doing before they consummated such an outrage. We regret that we cannot give a lengthened report of his speech, which was powerful, and did not fall in vain upon the ears of those who heard it. The convention, on motion, adjourned, [From the Atlanta Opinion. Judge Andrews Declines, Washington, Ga., Feb. 10, 1868. Beau Sir: I notice some days since a com munication in your paper recommending my name for nomination as a candidate for Gover nor. Since then, I have been informed that a like suggestion has been made iu other papers, which admonishes me that to prevent disagree able comrailta's, it is prudent to say that I am uo candidate nor will he if nominated. Other worthy and competent gentlemen are wishing the nomination, one of whom should have it, aud thanking the partial friends who have thought me worthy of the high office, they will oblige me by turning their attention to the better material at their service. Respectfully, yours, <fee., Garnett Andrews. Forney and Maximilian.— ln overhauling the papers of the Imperial palace at Mexico’ they have found a paper from Mr. Otterbourg, Untited States Consul, in which “he declares especially that his friend, the Secretary of the Seuate, owns two newspapers, the Philadelphia Press and the Washington Chronicle, and of fers to influence public opinion in the United Slates respecting matters favorable to the Mex ican empire.” Maximilian declined Forney’s assistance, it is said, which fact no doubt ac counts for the mercenary wretch’s bitterness toward the Emperor nnd his cause. An intelligent Gorilla introduced the follow ing in the North Carolina convention, a few days since, and asked that it be referred to the Committe on Cities and Towns: “Resolved, That all real estate shall be taxed in accordance to its vnlue throughout the State, and that horses, mules, oxen, and other horned cattle, be taxed ior half their value, except stallions and jackasses, which shall be taxed at full value.” Capt. Semmrs tn Set,e-Deff.nse.—Ad miral Raphael Semnies, formerly of the late Confederate navy, lias published a card, from which we make the following extract: “ The New York Times , 1 understand, for I have not seen the article, is quite merry over the fact, stated by me iu one of my lectures, that when I captured the Califor nia steamer Ariel I did not permit the pas sengers to be despoiled of auy portion of their-money or personal effects, limiting myself to tiie capture of the steamer and her freight. While 1 struck sturdy aud lieariy blows at the commerce of the enemy, as was-my duty, this was my constant practice at sea, and I contrasted, iu the lec ture referred to by the Times, this practice with the shameful robberies perpetrated by Sherman and his ‘ bummers ’ upon the wo men and children of the South, burning from over their heads tire houses which sheltered them front the storm, and robbing them not only of their jewelry, but of their food and clothing. Will the limes cease a moment its abusive rhetoric aud deny the facts stated by me? If so. I call upon the five hundred passengers whom I captured on board the Ariel to contradict it. Will it object to the contrast I have presented of my own conduct upon the sea where pri vate property is subject to capture, and the conduct of the vandals I have men tioned upon the land, where private proper ty is not subject to capture? It dare not. It is time, then, that all this senseless clam or about the piracies of .the Alabama had ceased. Her commission was as legitimate as that of General Lee, and no oue but an ass will seek to draw any distinction. A slanderous Northern press has poisoned the public mind as to the career of my ship, and believing in the fairness of the Ameri can people, 1 design at my leisure, and as opportunity may offer, to present to my countrymen the facts —those stubborn things at which all the Radical pack, Blanche, Tray and Sweetheart, may bark in chorus, but not one tittle of which can they alter.” Terrible Accident from tiie Explosion of a Lamp.— A few nights ago a terrible acci dent occurred to the family of Jonathan Mast, in Holmes county, Ohio. The Holmes Farmer says : During the evening, a 1 imp in which they were burning aurora oil, sold as non-explosive, became low;. Mr. Mast lighted a candle and extinguished the light from the lamp for the purpose of filling it. li is son, a child about niue years old, was holding the caudle, while the father tilled the lamp from a two gallon jug, aud by. some mishap lighted the oil, which ex ploded, blowing the jug to pieces, and immedi ately enveloping ihe room in flames, ten per sons being in the room at the time. AH were immediately rendered helpless except Mr. Erb, who exerted himself to the utmost to save the others from death. He succeeded in getting Mr. Mast, and perhaps some others, iron) the house, anil ran to Mr. Stubcrs, about a quarter of a mifitr distant, for help. His way could be plainly traced alierwards by blood and pieces of flesh, which fell front Ins body. Timely as sistance-: saved the building, and, it is hoped, some ot jlie inmates. Mr. Mast lived about an hour alter the accident, aud his little son some time longer. One of the children—Mr. Hul meth’s json—died Monday night. Os the re maining seven, all were alive on Tuesday, but three ot them cannot live, and it is feared all will die. ■ OTHER accidents. A young lady, named C. Mills, was fatally burned by a kerosene lamp explosion, in Phila delphia, on Sunday. lit New York, on Sunday night, an explosion occurred at the kerosene od works of Cullen & King, at Green Point. Peter McEnga, employee, was barite burned. Miss (SWienoiisii, aged 1? years, was burned to death at Burlington, Vt., on .Sunday night, her clothes taking lire from the explosion of a kerosene lamp. The New Pul u>e>;t op Brown Iniveksi ty. - At a special meeting of the corporation of Brown University on Friday, Rev. Alexis Cas well, 1). D. LL. I)., was elected to fill the va cancy caused by the resignation of President Bears, Since Ids graduation Irom the Univer sity ill the A'eur I«3J, he has been closely allied Lo the interests or tile msTiTiinon. lie was lor a few. years subsequent to his graduation a Professor in Columbian College,--"Washington. In the year 1527 he was ordained pastor of the Raptigt Uhiii'idi jii Halifax, Nova Beotia. In llie following year he was elected Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Brown University, a position which be held fill (804, when obliged to resign from tin- pressure of oilier duties. Dr. Caswell was tor many years Professor of Astronomy, in which department fie lias ty world-wide reputation. The extent and variety of his attainments auq his .profpuud learning eminently qualify Ibis gentleman for the duties of his new position. We learn that professor,George 1. Chaco, who has for some time been. President ad interim, assumes the Professorship of Moral arid intellectual Phil osopby (R. 1) Herald. FataiAllesht.t of Too. Much Marrying in One Family—A fearful murder occurred a few days since near Chesterfield, 111. The par ticulars are about as follows : A woman living in the vicinity of Chesterfield had married successively two brothers named Sherraan*and on the death of the second hus band, a third brother aspired to her hand. She looked favorably upon his suit, but her own brother, named Roper, thinking the marrying ot two members ot one family wa r, enough, swore that she should uot marry a third. 'Thus matters stood until last Tuesday, when the woman and tier brother-in law, Sherman, while out riding, met her brother, Iloper, also driving a team. Sherman gave half the road, tint Roper did not give any, ami the wagons locked. A quarrel ensued between the two men. Roper struck Sherman with a stick, whereupon the latter drew a revolver, which went off in the scuffle and the ball struck Mrs. Sherman, killing her almost instantly. F.vcu.is Decensus Avemi. — I The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun writes : Gen. Longstreet has been the recipient of much attention during his visit here, both from the army officers and the politicians. At Gen eral Grant’s reception, on Wednesday night, he divided with Sheridan tbe honor of being the greatest attraction. When his name was an noßpped by tbe usher, Gen. Grant immediately turned from the person wifi whom he was speaking, and met Gen. Longstreet half-way, presented hint to Mrs. Grant with great cor diality, and remained in conversation with him for several minutes. It is said that on his re commendation, and in consideration of Gen. Longstreet’s support of the reconstruction measures, Congress will soon pass a bill remov ing the political disabilities ol that Confederate genera!. Election of Officers.— At a meeting of tbe stockholders of the Atlantic aud Gulf Rail road Company, held at their office in this city, yesterday, the following Board of Directors was elected to serve during the ensuing year : John Screven, John Stoddard, Henry D. Weed, W. H. Wiltberger. Hiram Roberts, William Duncan, R. D. Arnold, Charles Green, E. C. Anderson, Oetavus Cohen, J. L. Villalonga, of Savannah ; J. W. Spain, of Brooks county ; A. T. Meltttyre, of Thomas county; B. F. Bruton aud C. J. Munnerlyn, of Decatur county. The composition of the Board is the same as last year. — Savannah Republican, 13 th. John H. Surratt. —John 11. Surratt, who is soon to be again tried as one of the conspira tors against the lile of President Lincoln, was permitted, a few days since, to visit Brady’s photograph gallery, in Washington, for the purpose of sitting for his picture, from th proceeds ot the sale of which ho hopes to real ize funds to meet the expenses of his defense. The 24,b of the present month is assigned for the commencement of his trial. A Man Killed.— The dead body of Jesse Moore, a citizeu of this county, was found near White'Plains on Tuesday evening, lie evi dently came to his death by malicious means. We have heard of no positive clue, as to the murder. Will withhold public opinion until the matter is judiciously investigated. \Grcenesboro Herald.. Burned to Death.— Wc are informed by Mr. John S. Jackson that lour negro children were hurried to death on his place a few dnys ago. Their mothers locked them up in their cabin tod went off to work, when the house caught fire and was destroyed before assistance could |>e rendered.— Greenesboro' Herald. [From llie Galena (111.) Democrat. Grant at Galena. some account of his life in that city— HIS PRESENT CLACQUEKS “ DIDN’T KNOW” HIM AT ALL. We are repeatedly called upon, in com mon with others of our fellow-citizens, by letters from different parts of the Union, for information in regard to the antecedents, moral, social, and political, of Gen. U. S. Grant, or Gen. Samuel Ulysses Grant, ac cording to a late newspaper writer, who says he derives the information from Sam’s own father, who, if he knows anything, ought to know his own son’s name. Having no personal feeling against U. S. Grant, or S. U. Grant, we have consequently no objections to give an answer to these queries, and to state fairly all that is known, or can be brought forward, in re gard to the political opinions of this gen tleman. As to his social and moral stains, we have little to say at present; but, as to his politics, we have excellent authority to whom we can refer for proof,—that is, if Geu. Grant ever had any fixed opinions while he resided in Galena. U. S. Grant or S. U. Grant came to this city about nine years ago. His father was a resident of Covington, Kv., had a leather store here, and Was engaged through his two sons, Orville and Simpson Grant, in the purchase of hides, which were shipped to Covington. Hither came Ulysses, alter he wandered out of the United States army, and was employed as a kind of porter about the establishment. He was equally unknou n to fame or to society here, and so remained until his good luck came into play with that of the black republican dynasty of A. Lincoln. It has been repeatedly stated that Grant voted for Douglas at the Presidential elec tion in 1860, which resulted in the triumph of “ Black Old Abo and the eternal nigger !” Again, it has been said that both he and his brother voted for A. Lincoln. His brother did vote the Republican ticket, but Sain did not vote at all. He told one gentleman that if he did vote lie would prefer to do so for Bell and Everett, the Know Nothing candidates. To another gentleman he ex pressed liis preference for Judge Douglas, adding, however, that he did not like to op pose the wishes of his father and brother, Who were Republicans ; thus exhibiting the same vacilating course in politics that lie does at present. Know Notliingism ap pears at all times to be his predominating political characteristic. But few of our citizens knew U. S. or S. U. Grant dining his residence here ; and it was not until the title of general was at tached to his name that they began to in quire : “ Who and what is this Gen. Grant who is announced as a distinguished citi zen of Galena?” “We never knew him !” “ What is he, and what did he clo liare?”— Everybody seemed astonished to find that we “ had a Bourbon among us,” and had ignorantly been nursing a military genius in our midst, who was destined (politically, at least,) to overslaugh all competitors. It is generally understood that there is, and has been for some time past, in fact, ever since Gen. Grant loomed up in the po litical horizon, quite a contest or rivalry as to the particular individual who first lent Grant a helping hand—both E. B. Wash burne and Dick Yates claiming the merit of being his benefactor, It appears that on the breaking out of the rebellion, U. S. or S. U. Grant (we had bet ter cal! him Sam, for short) wandered to Springfield and obtained temporary em ployment as q clerk op peace adjutant in the office of that moral, sober, and exem plary chief magistrate, Gov. Richard Yates, then busily attempting to organize the mili tia, of Illinois. It was here the first stroke of good luck occurred to him. A regiment was being organized and Dick was about to appoint a certain A. 11. Colonel thereof, against whom the officers of the embryo corps rebelled stoutly. “ Who then shall I appoint?” said his excellency. “Anybody hut a nnlitician.” resoonded the euniama. ami lieutenants present. “There’s Captain Grant, how will he do—he’s a West point er?” says Dick (Sam was writing at a table ill the room.) “ Content,” answered the officers, and Grant was immediately com missioned by the Governor (Aloud of the Twenty-first Illinois regiment, and who probably, in that capacity, was the best ap pointment that Dick bad made. Ulysses Sam or Sam Ulysses, after his singularly accidental fortune in getting the regiment, had next to raise tin 1 funds (o equip himself. His present admirers were not the men to assist him ; they stood aloof, although many of them at tjtc time were malting money out of army contracts. He was poor; they 7 were rich. His own family refused to aid him; and, had it not been for the kindness of a gentleman who was a Democrat, and had been at one time con nected with his father in business, lie'would not have been able to purchase his outfit. Up to this time it is said that Bam Grant had never known E- B. Yvashburne, or Washburne known Sain, although some members of his family had politically stood by Washburne. The Congressmen had of ten past and repassed the unknown hero in blessed ignorance of who and what he was. When and" where they found out their re spective merits, is unknown to us. So also others of our citizens, who now advocate, fawn upon, and worship Grant, hailing him as the “ Agamemnon ” of the army, never recognized him, patronized him, or extend ed to him the right hand of fellowship, un til Washburne led the way, after he bad been manufactured into a general, and then it was that he was first deemed worthy of their distinguished consideration. Such is the brief sketch of the Galena ca reer of “ Uncle Sam ” Grant, as he was wont to be called bv his old comrades in the regular army. We have “ naught ex tenuated or set down in malice.” ITis good luck in things personal has adhered to him thus far. As we have before remarked, the very men who knew him not, who never ex tended to him their hands in friendship, or their hospitality to him or hH family, or even visited them—who, in tact, while he was in the hnmbie employ of his father, un der the direction of his younger brother, gave him the cold shoulder, are now his most obsequious servants, and, in conjunc tion with and at the nod of E. B. Wash burne, purchased and furnished him a house, at the enormous expense of some $6,000, making the whole country ring with their generosity. On the other hand, the few who, out of pity for his poverty and forlorn condition, showed him kindness, appear to have been totally forgotten by this distin guished “ citizen of Galena.” It is premised here very generally, and there are those among us who “roll the sweet morsel under their lips ” daily and nightly, that, should Grant’s good luck elect him. President, our city of Galena will be highly benefitted. The Cabinet, in whole or the greater part, is to be selected from among our citizens. The lion. E. B. Wash burne will be Secretary of Stete ; our gal lant aboriginal Parker, Secretary of the Interior, while our former Democratic counselor, J. A- Rawlins, will receive the Department of War. We have even great bankers who might be persuaded to accept the Treasury Department, such as the gen tleman lately elected President of the Grant Club of Galena. In fact, we have men fit (or who think themselves fit) for any posi tion ; and why should they not be reward ed for their devotion to Sam Ulysses or Ulysses Sam Grant ? An'enterprising and ingenious Illinoisan, of the romantic name of Wiggins, had seven young women under promise of marriage to him in the same village at the same time, two of them being sisters, and in each case had an ticipated his marital privileges. He departed between two days, and at present there are seven young Japhet Wigginses in search oi a fugitive father. A young man in Newmarket, Tenn., waltzed himself to death. He went round the room 6ixteeu times, but on the seventeenth round he fell dead. BY TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIAT EIH’REBB 1) IS BATCHES. Congressional. Washington, February 14. Sen ate. —The President was asked whether lie bad created anew military department here, and under 'tvlint law ? A bill regarding filling vacancies was passed. It provides tint offices vacant by sickness, or otherwise, may be filled by the President for ten days, provided, that, appointees’salary shall not be increased. Tbew’s () ease resumed and discussed to e.vi culive so -sioti. Senate adjourned. House. —Gen. Grant was directed to furnish the House Ids correspondence with Gen. Han- A resolution was offered taxing Federal bonds two per ceut. A bill extending the patent for the wooden screw-making machine was lost.. The Speaker submitted a communication from the Secretary of War, covering orders issued by district commanders. The. resolution of the Virginia convention, praying a reduction of the tobacco tax, was re ferred to the Committee on Ways and Means. House adjourned. WnsTiiiigton. Washington, February 14. The Government is pushing the claims against Confederate agents abroad ; some seven tnil lions properly lias been attached iti France.— The Claims against Mr. Mcßea approximate twelve millions ; be also sold twenty-six ships l<> vat ions parties, proceedings against whom are about being instituted. The Treasury Department suggests that 'the seven-thirty bonds due 15th June and July, amounting to two hundred millions, be prompt ly forwarded, otherwise there will be delay in returning the five-twenty bonds, into which seven-thirties arc convertible. The President has pardoned Com. Farran, who commanded the Pensacola navy yard, hut resigned to join the Confederacy. The whisky tax, from 1863 to 1867, Has avraged twenty-seven millions per annum. Ethan Allen, collector ot customs, Techela (?) Albert G. Gridley, Genoa, appraiser of merchan dise for South ; E. J. Morgan, surveyor, of cus toms, Selma, Alabama confirmed. An official proclamation was issued to-day creating anew military division of the Atlantic, eomp'-ising the department of the Lakes, the East and Washington, commanded by General Sherman, with headquarters at Washington. The President orders Grant to make no per manent. assignment for the division of Missouri. Grant assigns Sheridan to temporary com mand of the division of Missouri. Revenue to-day, ¥213,000. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas has been assigned to duty as Adjutant, General of the Army, reliev ing Gen. Townsend, who has been aeting since 1363. Covode presented a communication, support ed by affidavits, regarding alleged whisky frauds in New Orleans. The paper is quite voluminous; it alleges that each distiller pays Ihe “ whisky ring” SI,OOO per month—the rev enue officers getting a portion of the money. Indications arc strong that Senator Thomas will be rejected. V irginia. Richmond, February 14. In convention, tbe Judiciary Committee re ported in favor of exempting properly to the value of twelve hundred dollars from seizure lor debts contracted after tbe ratification of the constitution, A resolution prohibiting ministers, bank of ficers and prosecuting attorneys from being members oi the Legislature was tabled. The oyster tax waa discussed the rest of the day. Schofield lino issued an order vacating all to bacco inspector offices on the Ist of March, whore the occupants cannot take ihc oath oi cffficc. He also addressed a letter ton court of magistrates, asking why certain inspectors were “allowed to qualify without taking the test oath.” Commodore E. M. Iloulwell, late U. 8. N., lias been appointed Commissioner of Revenue of the cilv. . .... .. N ortli Carolina. .. Wilmington, February 14 —Noon. A number ot persons were buried beneath the ruin: of a falling wall, at the Are, about day light thin morning. One white and four ne f.'Toi'.--.--fireincn - havethus far been taken from the ' nitin, in a mam- led condition. It is thought all will die. A large.number of hands are at work on the mins, to recover other bodies.— Ris feared tenor twelve were crushed. The lire wr. --.mimed to the buildings mentioned iu the. i!'e-patch last night. Loss, about one hundred ami i wenty-fire thousand dollars. Raleigh, February 14. The convention was engaged ail day in dis cussing the hill of i ights; Nothing done. Night sessions begin to-night. Gen., Canby has left for Charleston. South. Carolina. Charleston, February 14, Tn convention the day was spent in further dio-isoion of the new constitution ; nothing of special interact transpired. Greorfsia, Atlanta, February 14. The 10th f i ction of the report of the Fran chise Committee was stricken out. Whether negroes shall he eligible to office or not is left to the Legislature. Passed, by a vote of 125 to 12. The convention adopted seven sections of the Legislative Committees report. The Governor and Senate arc to be elected for four years. Florida. Tallahassee, February 14. The excitement among delegates has been intense the past four hours, and serious appre hensions have existed of a collision between the Billings faction and the majority of the convention. The former holds a negro meet ing to-night, ami through the civil authorities the military are protecting the capital from the possible violent demonstrations. The convention had twenty-eight members present to-day. A hill of rights was adopted, declaring the equal rights of all men, arid incorporating the provisions of the Vermont and Missouri con stitutions, legislative, judicial and demonstra tive. Articles were adopted that all Judges are ap pointive; those of the Supreme Court for life an i good behavior ; Circuit Judge, eight years; County Sheriff and Clerks of Court also are appointive; Constables are to be elected by the people. State officers are to be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. They consist ot Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller ot the Treasury, Survey or General, Superintendent of Education, Ad jutant General and Commissioner of Immigra tion. The Biil of Rights declares the State shall ever remain a member of the Union and the people part of the American nation. The Legislative article establishes nniform legislation. An ordinance was passed to repeal unequal taxation respecting the school taxon freedmen. Butler was admitted a delegate from the first district, and George Walker declared ineligible because he was judge of elections. It was de clared in the case of Butler that the convention lias full plenary powers, and is absolute and supreme in judging of the qualifications of its members. The minority generally absent themselves from the proceedings, and it is understood they have hut little confidence in the prospect of the acceptance of their constitution by Gen. Meade. Foreign. [by the cable. | Paris, February 14. Ministerial changes conciliatory of the Lib eral party are currently rumored. Florence, February 14. In answering the Parliamentary question, Mcnabrca stated that the Government had dis patched seven 6hips to the River LaPlatn, hut gave no particulars. Louisiana. New Orleans, February 14. The convention yestesday adopted a re*nb. tion asking for the appointment of Gen Mow er to command the sth district, i n case Gen Hancock is removed ; it was amended to subl stitute Gen. Sheridan for Mower To-day was the sixty-fourth day of the sea sion. Another resolution abolishing the additional thirty cents par diem failed. “ l The Committee on Style reported that the constitution, as revised, had been sent to the printer and wonld be ready f or the action of the convention Monday morning, together with suggestions ot the committee on amendments proposed. Convention adjourned till Monday. A dispatch troin Galveston says convention will undoubtedly be carried. The Conserva tives are voting against or wholly abstaining No general returns yet received. Hayana. Havana, February 14. On the 10th instant Cocas was within twenty miles of Cape Haytien and had captured thirty of Sal nave’s followers, including a Genoral several of whom were shot. Salnave’s fall is regarded as certain. A British man-of-war has gono to Bay of Ba raana to watch Federal proceedings there. Marine News. New York, February 14. Arrived—Steamers Virginia, Gulf City, Hit teras, and Huntsville. Savannah, February 14. Arrived—Steamship Cleopatra and schooner Carrie Walter, from New York ; ship Star of the West, from Liverpool. Charleston, February 14. Arrived—Steamers Key West and Virginia New York. ’ Sailed—Steamer E. B. Souder, New York Markets. FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. London, February 14—Noon. Consols, 98%. Bonds, 72)% London, February 14—Evening. Consols, 93%. Bonds, 73%. Liverpool, February IS. Common rosin advanced 3d.; quoted at tij fid.; medium steady at 11s.; turpentine ad vanced, 82d. Liverpool, February 14—Noou. Cotton quiet; sales, 8,000 bales ; sales for the week, 114,000; on speculation, 19,000 ; exports, 25,000 ; stock, 288,000, whereof 22,000 bales are American. Breadstuff's and provisions quiet. Liverpool, February 14 —Afternoon. Cotton easier ; sales will reach 10,000 bales, amount afloat for Liverpool, 240,000 bales, In cluding 140.000 American. Lard, 555. Liverpool, February 14-Eveniug. Cotton closed firmer; uplands, B%<aßjk; Orleans, 8%@8% ; sales, 10,000 bales. Man. Chester advices unfavorable. Breadstuff’s und provisions unchanged. Sugar, 245. Turpen tine advanced, 335. Rosin unchanged. Paris, February 14. Bullion increased 2,000,000 francs. Bourao higher. Rentes strong. New York, February 14—Noon. Gold, 40%. Sterling, 9%. Old Bonds, 11% ; Virginia’s, 40% ; Tennessee, ex. coupon, 64% ; new, 60%. New York, February 14 —P. M. Governments dull and steady. Carolina Sevens, 81. Sterling, 9%@9%. Gold was ex cited during the afteruoon and reached 141%; closed at 140%@140%. New York, February 14—Noon. Flour steady. Wheat firm. Corn %@lc. lower. Rye firm. Oats dull, and declining. Pork heavy, ¥23 37%. Lard heavy, 14@14%. Cotton a shade lower, 20%e. Freights quiet. Naval Stores without decided change. New York, February 14—P. M. Cotton %<gt%e. lower; sales. 2.100 holes at 20%(gr<4U%e. Flour less active; prices un changed. Wheat unchanged. Corn closed heavy ; mixed Western, ¥1 26@1 28 ; Southern white, ¥1 24@1 28; New Orleans, ¥1 57. Oats, 84%. Mess Pork —new, ¥23 37%; old, ¥23 13. Lard, 11@14%. Groceries quiet. Rosin, $3 05 @7. Turpentine, GS@OG. Freights dull; cot ton, sail, % ; steam, %(«)%. Baltimore, February 14. Colton dull; nominal, 20%c. Flour more active: low grades city mills for shipping, extra, ¥lO 75@11. Wheat quiet. Corn tirru ; prime white nnd yellow, $1 20. Oats active ui 78@80. Rye firm at 65. Provisions quiet and steady. St. Louis, February 14. Flour very dull. Corn advancing; held at 85@88. Provisions firm with good demand. Mess pork, $22 50@22 75. Bacon—clear sides, 12%@13 ; shoulders, 10. Lard, 13%. Cincinnati, February 14. Floor steady. Corn, 83@85. Mess pork, $22 25. Bacon--shoulders, 10%; clear sides, 18%. Wilmington, February 14. Spirits of Turpentine firm, 59c. Rosin ac tive ; strained, $2 20(32 25 ; No. 2, $2 30 ; No. 1, $3 25. Tar firm, $2 35. Cotton firm; mid dling, 18%e. Mobile, February 14. Cotton —sales, 200 bales ; closed flat; nomi nal, 18%(3ll9 ; receipts, 2,070 bales ; sales of the week, 11,900 bales ; receipts, 12,466 ; receipts to date, 279,764; received same lime last year, 183,509; exports—-foreign, 3,262; coastwise, 3,587; stock, 76,830. New Orleans, February 14. Cotton easier ; middlings, 19% ; sales, 2,700 bales ; receipts, 6,487; no exports reported yet; sales of the week, 34,500 ; receipts, 13,181; ex ports coastwise, 2,ss3—foreign, 9,720; stock, 121,814. Savannah, February 14. Cotton dull and nominal; sales, 1,509 bales ; receipts, 3,271 ; middlings, 19%@19%c. Charleston, February 14. Cotton declined %@%c ; sales, 600 bales ; middling, 19%<g20; receipts, 1,020. Augusta Market, OrriCß lIAILV CoSaTITDTIONALIST, ( Kridat, February 14—P. M. J FINANCIAL— GOLD.—Buying at 140 and selling at 144. SlLVEß—Buying at 132 and selling at IS#. COTTON.—The market to-day has been somewhat variable, opening firm, afterward wavering and clos ing du'l with but little demand ; sales, 1,130 bales on a basis of 18X®181» fur middling; receipts, 608 bates. BACON—Active. Dry Salt Shoulders, 11@12X ; Clear Rib Sides, 13>4@14; Clear Sides, 14® 1414 ; Tennessee Hog Round, 13%. Smoked meats—Shoul ders, 12*@12X ; Rib Sides, 14 ; Clear Rib, 1414 ; Clear Sides, 15; Hams, 18@20; Tennessee Hog Round, 14tf@15. LARD— Scarce at 15@15>4 for prime Tennessee. CORN—Demnnd nnd supply fair, round lots bring $1 30 at depot; retail, $1 35®1 40 from depot and store. OATS—Steady; supply small; sales at $1 15@1 20 for lots and $1 25 at retail. WHEAT—Scarce; red, $2 80©3; white, fa 26. Savannah, February 14. Hay.—Some arrivals of Northern hay this week have been disposed of at $1 30 fer laige lots from the wharf; rceellirg from store at $1 46®1 60. There have been no wharf sales of Eastern hay, which com mands from store, #1 05@1 75. Rick.—The receipts for the week have been 4,881 bushels, making a total ot 137,041 bushels since Sep tember lft. The stock on band is very limited, and at present quotations there is do export demand, trans actions being confined to a retail trade. Prices are firm at our quotations—clean Carolina, 10>{®10Xc.— retail, ll®li>4c.; rough, nominally |2 25®2 60. "Salt.— The demand for salt ia improving. Stock large. I’rices unchanged. Cargoes to arrive are offer ed at 60c. in bond. We continue to quote: Large lots, $1 40® 1 46; by car load, $1 60. TnE Presbyterian Assembly.—The Gene ral Assembly of the two chief divisions of Presbyterians will meet in May next—the old sehcol in Albany, N. Y., and the new school in Harrisburg, Pa. At these meetings it Is thought the final arrangements for the union will be settled, and that In 1869, if not sooner, the General Assembly of the United Church wll be convened.
