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CONSTITUTION ALIST.
AXJGHJSTA. GhA.
TUESDAY MORNING, 00T. 5,1869
ATHENS AND THE CLAYTON RAIL
ROAD.
The delegation appointed by the City
Council to represent Augusta at the Athens
Railroad Convention met at the Union
Depot on the night of Friday last. We had
expected that some of our merchants would
have spared ouc day from their business,
in order to impress their up-country neigh
bors with the vim and enterprise of this
city ; but this expectation was but slender
ly realized. The empty benches of Super
intendent Johnson’s special car bore testi
mony to the passive nature of our people ;
and, if we did not know them better
than many other critics, we should
have supposed that Gabriel’s trump
would fail of creating a sensation, much
less a railroad meeting which was pos
sibly to benefit their town. The scats
provided for other occupants, having fail
ed of their mission, were converted into
first-rate beds; and, if the pleasure of good
company had to be abandoned, those who
did go Atheus-ward hud the minor com
pensation of comfortable repose. A few
miles up the road, we were joined by the
Hon. John P. Kino, whose presence at a
Southern railroad meeting is equal to what
Rhodemck Diiu’s used to lie in the stricken
fray. Not caring to “ turn in ” so early as
the majority of the delegation, the writer
sought Judge King’s company and was by
it entertained until very deep into the night.
We had never before fully appreciated the
President of the Georgia Railroad. To us,
as to thousands, he seemed as one absorbed
utterly in schemes of finance and steam
connections; so much so, indeed, that
no time remained, or inclination either,
fo.r an acquaintance with other mat
ters that agitate the world. This, how
ever, is a very great error of judgment.
Four hours of conversation with Judge
Kino dissipated such a conviction; and
we left him fully satisfied that few men are
so studious in every branch of human ef
fort and few who have so profound a grasp
of the great actors and great events of the
past and present. His vast knowledge of
railway systems is conceded ; but, outside
of this specialty, no politician in Georgia
is better posted about the intrigues of the
Atlanta and Washington authorities ; while
his familiarity with European affairs is
worthy of the intellect of the best cos
mopolite.
About midnight, the members of the dele
gation, in various attitudes of comfort or
discomfort, were wooing the drowsy god.
Just when slumber with many men is most
enjoyable, the cars stopped and we were
jostled out of our extemporized bunks in
order to take backs for a trip across the
Oconee, which, very sluggishly now, flows
by the hills of Athens.
The bridge, which was formerly used,
lias been condemned, and a very good flat
is used instead. We passed across safely,
and, very soon afterward, had reached our
ultimate destination.
After an excellent breakfast at the hotel,
accompanied by Gen. Wright, we saun
tered about the lower or business part of
the town and were struck with its very
peculiar and exceedingly bumpy situation.
While at a loss which way to turn, in order
to catch a glimpse of the more beautiful
prospects of the place, we luckily encoun
tered Dr. Edward Newton, who forthwith
solved the difficulty by proposing a carriage
ride around the town. Rapidly and pleas
antly we were carried to and fro, passing
in our circuit the lovely and commodious
private residences of the Athenians, and in
full view likewise of the public institutions.
Among the latter, we noted a preparatory
Academy for those youths not yet suffi
ciently advanced to enter the classic and
famous halls of the Franklin University.
Incidentally, we were rejoiced to know that
the University itself was in a full tide of
prosperity and it made our hearts exnit
that Georgia, in this respect, had so greatly
the advantage of licr more forlorn sister
Slates of the South. Always prolific of
notable sons, her University may well be
our pride., and how much must that
pride be exalted when we reflect that, how
ever disastrously the foemau has dealt with
us, he lias had to spare at least this vener
able seat of learning, and, sparing it, what
bright dreams may we not venture upon
when considering that its present is in the
master-hands of such a man as Dr. Lips
comb and its future in the keeping of the
flower of Georgia’s youth.
During our drive around and through
the town, we were pleased to witness, and,
in one instance, inspect the well-known
“ prize acres” of Dr. Hamilton, Mr. E.
Bancroft and others. The unusual drouth
of this season proved a serious discourage
ment to the commendable efforts of the
experimentalist; but, what Mr. Bancroft,
for instance, calls a failure, thousands ot
the old-time farmers would hail as a prodi
gious success. Judging from what had
been accomplished in the way ol cotton,
under extraordinary disadvantages, we
could easily understand what was possible
when Jupiter Plumus becomes propitious.
When we surprised Mr. Bancroft, lie was
eagerly engaged in superintending his pet
place, while a brawny workman from
Copenhagen was harrowing a barley patch.
Mr. B. is evidently an enthusiast about
agriculture and he deserves more praise for
conquering the reluctant glebe of Clarke
county than red-handed vanquishers of
cities. Heaven speed him and his coadju
tors say we ! They are the pioneers of a
new epoch in our section, and, though thev
admit that their system lias run somewhat
to excess in fertilizing, it must be allowed
by the candid that it bids fair to strike the'
golden mean at last.
As the time appointed for the meeting of
the Convention had drawn nigh, we made
haste to reach the Town Hall, and paused
no move on the way after leaving Mr. Ban
croft.
We congratulate the Athenians upon
the early completion of their new Town
Hall —the enterprise of Judge L. J. Dupree
—for the Old Hall is unworthy of so civil
ized aud refined a community. It is half
market house and half Town Hall—a dis
mal and woe-begone edltlce, sadly and
qncerly enough dedicated to an alliance of
beef and brains. At one end of the Hall,
dusty and decayed, are the skeleton re
mains and tawdry paraphernalia ot some
strolling player’s impromptu stage and
scenery. Perhaps the theatric folks left
these remains as a monument to the morals
of Athens ; for, if one is to judge by the in
cessant ringing of bells and the perpetual
round of prayer-meetings, and the zest with
which old aud young attend all religious
gatherings, we should say that Athens was
an unfavorable objective-point for th<?
greater number of itinerant showmen
who anuually perambulate the Southern
land. Indeed we rather approve of thdr
disinclination to patronize many of the
mimic plagues periodically infesting the
country ; but, if .we mistake uot, somebody
whispered to us that the circus was not
altogether a horror even to numbers of
good Athenians.
Elsewhere we publish a pretty full and
accurate account of the proceedings of the
Railroad Convention. Little move, there
fore, need lie added in this connection.
We may say, however, that it was one of
the most respectable, orderly and talented
gatherings we have ever seen, and, if some
of the members seemed unduly anxious per
haps to shield Alliens at the expense of a
premature committal of the Georgia
Railroad, this anxiety was uifqnestionably
well meant, aud is almost always a con
comitant of similar assemblages the world
over. The prevailing sentiment manifested
was in favor of speeding the object of the
Convention, and trusting the Georgia Rail
road management under all ordinary cir
cumstances, believing that whatever was
determined upon would be for the prospec
tive benefit of Athens, Northeast Geor
gia, Augusta and the State.
During the interregnum, consequent
upon the first motion of adjournment, a
very lively discussion sprang up between
Gen. A. R. Wright and Judge King; so
lively, indeed, that a re-couvocation of the
meeting was insisted upon. Gen. Wrigiit
argued that an adjournment had taken
place without any worthy results. Allud
ing to his advocacy of the project two
years ago, he said it had met with no re
sponse, and lie feared that little or nothing
would lie done now. He thought waiting
upon Hercules a vain •business, and if the
Athenians were depending upon the Geor
gia. Railroad, they might find themselves
left in the lurch.
Judge King retorted that the General
might talk as an outsider’s oracle, but his
impatience would have the effect of causing
much disorder. He insisted that the Geor
gia Railroad was not in any condition, two
years ago, to assist any enterprise of the
magnitude of that now under discussion.
It owed $2,'000,000, and had a large floating
debt at that time. Besides, its bauk inter
est was seriously impaired and the road
itself sadly in need of attention. Things,
however, had changed since then. Just
so soon as was practicable, he had se-
cured the necessary legislation in order
to build, if possible, this Clayton Road ;
but there were other matters to con
sider. General Wright, among other
things, had declared that the Air Line
Road was in a weak condition financially,
and if the Georgia Road began work on the
Clayton extension, the Air Line Road
would eollapSe. He did not believe this.
His information led him to the conviction
that the Air Line Road would be pushed
through anyhow. Again ; he • was per
suaded that the Rabun Gap Road was not
so much of a fixed fiict as many persons
supposed. Difficulties had arisen in rais
ing capital, and a number of counties in
South Carolina had resolved to repudiate
the bonds endorsing the Blue Ridge Road.
It might not lie huiltin llveor ten years.-He
thought it impossible to stop the Air Line
and felt that much uncertainty existed about
the Blue Ridge route. He had been accused
of “sleeping over the matter.” He would say
to all who indulged this opinion that he
had not slept much during eight or ten
years past. Such subjects as these bad
kept him awake; but he was uot to be
driven into any impetuous schemes. He
thought Gen. Wright might build a Pa
cific Railroad, if writing editorials could
do it. It, was all very well to talk of Her
cules ; but Hercules was tired of being
leaned upon. The people of Northeast
Georgia had made many appeals to Athens,
but Athens had always been deaf and
apathetic. The Air Line Road was a hot
coal on her back; hence this present ap
peal. He thought his friend, the General,
in railroad matters something of an out
sider, and know-nolhiug.
Gen. Weight responded with great good
nature that, if he had accomplished noth
ing else, he had done a good day’s work in
stirring up Hercules. He said further, that
Georgia Railroad bonds were worth 108,
aud ought lo be worth 120. They were
much sought for, aud always in demand.
The Clayton route could be built by the
Georgia Road by issuing more stock and
selling, it at 108. It was Judge King’s
duty to build it. He repeated, that the
Air Line Road would never be built, if the
Georgia Railroad would begin the work
promptly. The Air Line Road had but
$70,000 assets and it. required some $330,-
000 to build the first twenty miles. It was
a bugbear gotten up for the purpose ol
frightening the Georgia Railroad manage
ment. It was a jol) engineered by Yankee
harpies who were after the State fund. They
wished to build it only for its bonus. He
did not want the Georgia Railroad Com
pany to build the Athens and Clayton
route, if it would injure them ; but, iu the
crippled condition of the Air Line Road,
he doubted this and still warned the people
of Athens and Northeast Georgia to beware
of calling upon Hercules, but rather go to
work themselves and build their road,
without immediate reference to anybody
else. When they did this, Hercules might
help them ; otherwise not.
We have presented this informal discus
sion in outline, endeavoring, as far as
possible, to give the essential substance
of the remarks of both disputants. Os
course, we have not the space and we may
also lack the art to convey the skill, vigor
and humor of the one, and the fervor, in
tensity and quiet sarcasm of the other.—
Both were eloquent and impressive; both
gave and took blows with ample and equal
address ; and both demonstrated themselves
masters of intellectual fence.
It was at the close of Gen. Wright’s re
marks that a vociferous call was made for
the reassembling of the Convention, and
the curious reader is referred to the regular
proceedings, in another column, for the
Anal issue of the difference. Everything
terminated pleasantly, happily and, we
believe, fruitfully. We feel assured that
the work will be done at the proper time
aud that the Georgia Railroad Company
ardently assisted by those who live along
the line of the new route, will consummate
successfully this important enterprise.
We feel that it would be invidious to
particularize where so much kindness was
tendered us. Had the power of infinite
übiquity been given us, we might have par
taken of a hundred entertainments. We
close, therefore, with a thousand thanks to
the many noble gentlemen who desired to
lavish upon us their generous hospitality.
They are worthy of being sharers iu any
good fortune that may befall their town,
and we hope to join them, something like a
year lienee, iu a grand railway excursion
to Clayton, and beyond.
The Abbeville (S. C.) Banner, of Septem
ber 29, announces its own demise. The
Banner has been sold to the proprietors of
the Press, and that paper will hereafter ap
pear under the name of the Abbeville Press
and Banner. Mr. W. W. Farrow, late
editor of the Banner, presents his valedic
tory.
Proceedings of a Railroad Convention
held at Athens. October 2,1869.
The Convention met according to notice,
and, on motion of Dr. R. M. Smith, organ
ized by calling Hon. John Billups to the
Chair.
James R. Randall, Esq., of Richmond, i
and Major Lam ir Cobb, of Clarke, were
requested to act as Secretaries.
Upon taking the Chair, Col. Billups, in a
few happy remarks, introduced the objects
of the meeting, and urged that prompt and
earnest efforts be made to make it a success.
On motion of Col. W. L. Mitchell, of
Clarke, a committee of seven were appoint
ed to prepare business for the Convention.
Tlie Chair appointed the following gen
tlemen to serve on the committee:
W. L. Mitchell, of Clarke.
John P. King, of Richmond.
A. R. Wright,ot Richmond.
F. Phinizy, of Clarke.
L. J. Dupree, of Clarke.
llqpry Long, of Jackson.
E. E. Jones, of Morgan.
After a brief private consultation, the
committee returned to the hall and sub
mitted the following resolutions:
1. Resolved , That we hail with the liveliest
interest the extension of the Georgia Rail
road, as now proposed, from Athens to
Rabun Gap, and consider it in every point
of view more desirable that said extension
be a constituent part of tlic Georgia Rail
road, -and under the control and manage
ment of the President and Directors of
that corporation, than to he an independent
and separate company, even if we had the
capital to do so, because it can be con
structed with more economy aud at less
outlay of capital; aud when constructed
it can be operated more efficiently and
more profitably, both for the stockholders
aud the people.
2. Resolved, That it is the interest and
duty of the people along the Hue of the ex
tension to grant the right of way freely
and without charge, and iu every way in
their power afford all the facilities they can
in building and operating the road.
3- Resolved, That we recommend the' In
tendant and Wardens of the town of
Athens to call a meeting of the citizens to
consider tlic propriety of pledging lor this
enterprise the sum of— dollars, arid the
property holders of the town to subscribe
liberally for stock and urgethesauie course
upon the citizens of Clark, Jackson, Madi
son, Franklin, Banks, Hall, White?.Haber
sham and Rabun especially, and gener
ally upon all Northeast Georgia and the
counties below Athens on the line of the
Georgia Railroad.
4. Resolved, That while we thus pledge
ourselves, and recommend the people to do
likewise, we must, in a large degree, look
to the Georgia Railroad arid Banking Com
pany and tlie city of Augusta and her peo
ple to furnish the means for this important
enterprise, assured that when once this
steam connection with the great cities of
the West and its teeming populations is
put iu operation, they and we, one and all,
will enjoy advantages even surpassing
those of the rapidly expanding city of At
lanta.
5. Resolved, That committees be appoint
ed by tlie Chair, after our adjournment and
at his leisure, in all the counties above
named in the third resolution, to co-ope
rate with the President and Directors of
the Georgia Railroad and Banking Com
pany in carrying out such plans and policy
as said President and Directors may adopt
touching tlie right of way, the subscrip
tion of-slock, and all other matters and
;things needful and proper in the premises.
In presenting these resolutions, Colonel
Mitchell explained that this was not the
proper time to' enter into details; that
those who furnished the money ought to
have control of the road, and, since the
Georgia Railroad Company wgmld probably
contribute most to the advancement of the
project, they should have the administra
tion of its affairs. They desired, however,
an expression of sentiments from the people
of Athens and Northeast Georgia. He
thought he could stale, iu advance, that if
the Georgia Railroad Company undertook
the matter, Athens and Northeast Georgia
would not lie tardy in helping the enter
prise to a consummation, lie briefly, but
graphically, sketched the great advantages
to come from the Clayton Road, and be
lieved that it would prove, if pushed to
completion, a safe and profitable invest
ment for all concerned. In conclusion, lie
moved the adoption of the report.
Pending this motion, Judge Hillyer made
certain suggestions relative to a change in
the technical wording of ope clause of the
resolutions, which amendment was con
ceded by Colonel Mitchell.
S. P. Thurmond, Esq., of Clarke, agreed
to tlie resolutions, as a mass, but desired to
know the starting point of the projected
road; and, in order to have that matter
settled, he offered tlie following amend
ment ;
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meet
ing that the contemplated extension of the
Georgia Railroad shall be started within
the corporate limits of the town of Athens;
and that, any subscription of the town of
Athens be upon that condition.
This gave rise to considerable debate,
which was participated in bv Col. Mitclie.il,
Judge Hijlyer, Gen. A. R. Wright, Major
Stanley and Col. B- C. Yilncey,
Col. Yancey said he would agree with
Mr. Thurmond fully at the proper time, but
did not consider the present occasion a
proper one, and so moved that the resolu
tion be laid, on the table. This was a ques
tion for the citizens Os Athens to decide and
and for them alone. It was not properly
referable to the present Convention. Ills
remarks were forcible and pointed in eluci
dation of his proposition.
The vote being taken Mr. '1 hurmond’s
resolution was tabled by an overwhelming
majority. *
Col. Mitchell called for- his motion to
adopt the resolutions of the committee.
Being put to the vote, the. motion prevailed,
and " the resolutions were unanimously
adopted.
On motion of Col. Mitchell, the Secretary
was instructed to furnish copies of the
resolutions to the President and Directors
of the Georgia Railroad, the City Council
of Augusta and Town Council of .Athens.
On motion of Col. Yancey, Judge John
P. King was requested to address the Con
vention.
Judge King said—He was not in the
habit of public speaking, but begged leave to
enter a protest against much of the discus
sion concerning the Georgia Railroad as
premature and irrelevant. The resolutions
of the committee were of a general charac
ter. He approved of their general object,
but would not commit the Georgia Railroad
and Banking Company to anything. The
interests he represented were heavy and he
did not know the sentiments of the stock
holders, but an opportunity of consultation
would soon present itself. Athens was not
pledged, nobody was pledged by the reso
lutions.
The first question at issue was how to
build the road. Athens would subscribe on
certain conditions to be exacted from the
Georgia Railroad Company. This would be
putting the company iu a false position.
He did not know that Athens would be
ever asked to subscribe. He thought the
first appeal, if any, would be to individuals.
No matter where the rotld would start from
it would prove of advantage to Athens
under any circumstances. In a question of
such magnitude serious consideration ws
demanded. He believed that the Georgia
Railroad Company were always ready to
start the road whenever satisfied of the con
tingencies and had a reasonable certainty
of the completion of the route. No little
blame was resting on Athens for not hav
ing built this very road fifteen years ago.
Every move on the part of Northeast Geor
gia was received with coldness by the peo
ple of Athens. He could excuse this some
what, because it was following old tradi
tions and walking in the footsteps of more
pretentious places. The Clayton Road was
important to Athens because if the Air
Line Road runs above it would take much
of the trade away. The advantages of the
Clayton route were great. If completed it
would furnish Athens with cheap provi
sions and other necessaries at rates lower
than are now procured from Atlanta.
He himself favored the route. Its advan
tages would seem to outweigh its disadvan
tages. Its profits would more than meet
losses if built for cash on reasonable terms.
He didn’t know where the Air Line Road
was going to cross. That was a matter to be
considered. It might necessitate consider
able competition. Therefore It was neces
sary to stop and consider before making
any pledges. He was not here to solicit or
to beg. He had high respect for Athens
and believed in her future increase, but de
clined to pledge the Georgia Railroad Com
pany under existing circumstances.
The enterprise was a good onaHLl if it
could be built without detriment flHjleorgia !
Railroad would no doubt to do
it. He said, it was a mistake tJßupposc
tnat Augusta and the GeorgiaSSailroad
were lull of money. Augusta was not
rich. Richmond county, which IBKt before
the war .the hugest moneyed Capita of any
other county in the State had w>n very
much prostrated. Stockjobbers Prevailed
to a certain extent, but genuine capitalists
were scarce. The city of
tended its credit as far as jmssible. Little
conhl be expected from it. Thejphorgia
Railroad’s credit was good, but it|was not
equal to the expectations of many people
He thought it likely that the Georgia Rail
road would either assist other corporations
to build the Clayton Road or build it them
selves if not discouraged ; but thtw would
not do it if it.did not pay.
At the conclusion of Judge Kfcig’s ad
dress, of which we have given bufa scant
outline, on motion the Convention then
adjourned. f
| Following tlie adjournment of|he Con
vention an informal discussion arose be
tween Gen. Wright on the one 'lido aud
Judge King on the other. This dfflcussion
was conducted with so much sgifcc and
pungency that a reconvocation of«fe meet
ing was called for and approved.] §T
Upon the President’s resumabon of
the Chair,
Col. Wm. L. Mitchell rose and 4gd that
great difficulty would exist in the
Georgia Railroad into a prematnrejjieclara
tion of position. He knew thajF Judge
King was as anxious as any orip to do
every tiling justified by circumstances, lie
wanted an independent charter; had drawn
up one, and had it passed by the Legisla
ture. The Governor of the State" had
thought it inconsistent that two barters
should be granted for the sauu*under
taking; but there was wisdom in tv*o char
ters—the object was to .-elect the liefc.
lie suggested that a point had been
readied to make this meeting elfitient.—
The resolutions of the committee will put
the counties, the municipalities and Geor
gia Railroad in communication; H e
thought the Georgia Railroad wool 1 be
glad to co-operate after substantial pledges
had come in from those on the line df the
road and individual subscription. He pre
ferred that the extension should li; made
by the Georgia Railroad; hut the Georgia
Railroad Company would be dema ided to
relinquish their right if they decl ned to
build tlie road.
Judge King wanted both charters, in
order to take every chance, including State
aid. Gen. Wright imputed to hinjfet.he ex
pression that the road could be bqgt with
out money. lie' had not intended po be so
understood. He said, on the contiSry, that
the road should be built for cashfirealized
from the stock of the Georgia Rajlroad.—
By an increase of stock, money Amid be
advanced.
Captain Pope Barrow, of Oaethorpe,
stated that Judge King had
whether the Blue Ridge Railroad ■ouftl be
built in five or ten years. [This Jjatement
of Judge King’s was made during the
informal meeting]. llis information led
him to believe otherwise. The Rac llidge
Railroad was under contract
men who hail obligated com
plete the road iu two years,or lifHfc a vast,
sum of mqney. They hayt takfSthe road
at a valuation of $8,000,000, andjad a lien
upon it. At the time their towthe con
tract, an old debt of $30O;0C0 w| hanging
over tlie road. So certain were they of
completing their project, thattheßni vapeed
the $300,000 to retire the bouH. He in
vestigated tiiese facts. In ailditmn to the
forfeit, tlie western end of the rand was in
Tennessee, which State had jparmiteed
SIO,OOO a mile after the compietfti of each
ten miles. More than seveivflnilcs had
already been finished. Tile JBbntraclors
Were backed by thp Pennsyliaultt UVuiral
Railroad Company. This" great Corpora
tion made the necessary advices, and
were determined to push it tlßugli. Tie
felt assured that that portion, aftast, from
Knoxville to Rabun Ga]> —tH. essential
points in this di-cussion—- wotßd be built
within the space of two yeapswThe Ijlue
Ridge Road have control ofjMie negro
Legislature of South Carolina,Bid would
contest the approach of the Airline Road,
if it did not come to terms.
Judge King was evidently much Impress
ed with this new and rather startling infor
mation and warmly thanked Mr. Barrow
for imparting it. He characterized it as
most valuable and important. He was
glad to possess it.
Mr. M. C. Fulton, of Clark, said the reso
lutions were appropriate as preliminaries
but must be backed by action. Ho was de
sirous of ascertaining if the Georgia Rail
road was going to do anything, and in
order to practically elicit information on
this point, he moved that a committee be
appointed to confer with the Georgia llail
mad Directory at their next indCting.
Pending this motion, Judge King desired
to rebut the charge of supinenessfwhich had
been made against the Georgia Railroad and
himself. Tlie Georgia Railroad had got all
the necessary legislation, ami had at llieir
own expense employed engineers to sur
vey tlie entire route between Athens and
Clayton. The report of the engineers was
still forthcoming and upon it would greatly
depend tlic action to be taken. This report
was promised at an early day and when fur
nished it would permit a decision to be ar
rived at in the premises.
Kfr. Fiji ton’s motion to appoint a com
mittee to confer with the Georgia Railroad
Company was put to the house and carried.
The Chair appointed the following gentle
men : M. O. Fulton, Chairman.
Y. L. G. Harris,
Jno. 11. Newton,
B 0. Yancey,
I). C. Barrow.
On motion of Dr. R. M. Smith, tlic meet
ing adjourned sine die.
Horiurle Murder. —From residents of
Decatur, we glean the following particu
lars of a horrible murder perpetrated by
unknown parties iu the quiet village of
Decatur on Friday night. Liza, a negro
woman, who was formerly the faithful ser
vant of Ami Williams, Esq.,'and who was
held in high esteem by all the people of De
catur, was found in her bed, murdered by
some party unknown, who had evidently
entered the house for the purpose of rob
bery. Lewis, her husband, who was treas
urer of the African Church, had gone to
the church for the purpose of putting it in
order that it could be ready on to-day. He
was known to have in his possession, as
treasurer of the church, some money. The
drawers and trunks were overhauled by the
murderer, but fortunately, as the money
was in the bed, he failed to get it. No
clue has been found as' to the perpetrator
of the outrage, but the citizens feel indig
nant at it. Suspicion rests upon some idle
negroes as connected with It, whose object
was plunder, and who hesitated not to slay
a faithful and honest old negro woman.
f Atlanta Constitution.
Frost—The Tobacco Choi* in Kentucky
Affected. —The frost at Paducah, on the
28th ult., has done great damage to the
tobacco crop in all the Kentucky purchase.
About half of the crop, being still green,
has been damaged in Graves, McCraken,
Ballard, Christian, Galloway, Marshall,
Logan and other counties. Parties are
buying tor an expected rise, and others
who own from one to four hundred hogs
heads in the East, have telegraphed not to
put them on the market. Cotton along the
Tennessee river and on low grounds has
also been in some places badly damaged.
Criminal Arrested —Some of our
friends arrested a Mr. C. C. Reese, at
Loacliapoka, on last Wednesday evening,
who had committed one or two murders
and fled from Georgia. Gov. Bullock, in
answer to a telegram, iuformed the parties
that a reward of one thousand dollars was
offered for Reese. He was carried up on
the night train in chains. There were two
suspicious persons in company with Reese.
[ Opelika Recorder, 2ith ult.
A man by the name of Zeke Eads, in
Green county, Kentucky, is strangely de
formed. He is without ears, and never had
any. He gathers sounds through the me
dium of his mouth, and can hear anything
said In an ordinary conversation. Equally
as strange, his hair is black, with white
spots nearly as large as the palm of a man’s
hand interspersed through it. He is about
forty-five years of age, and the happy pos
sessor of thirteen living children.
The Richmond Enquirer says it is not
true that “ all’s well that ends well,” as
proved by Bout-well, Gres-well, and the
dynasty of Wells in Virginia.
[From tha Tiibuno.
The Poetry of Gold.
% .
ISRAEL FKEYEYKK’S BID FOK GOLD.
FIUDAY, SKI’TKMUEi: 24.
Z'Minil.v! j.hel’pricf went flashing through
Wall slrcG, Willinn, Bioad street, New !
All lIn: specie iu all the land
Held in one ring by a giant hand—
For liiillious more it was icady to pay.
And throttle the Street on hangman's clay.
L|> from the Gold Pit’s uether hell,
VVUile. ihe innocent fountain rosanud lell.
Loud and higher the bidding rose,
And the bulls, triuinphant v faced their foes.
It seemed as if Satan himself were in it,
Lilting it —one per cent, a minute—
Through the bellowing broker, there amid,
Who made the terrible, final bid !
High overall, and ever higher.
Was heard the voice of Israel JlYeycr—
A doleful knell in the stnrm-swcjit mart—
“ Five millions more! and for any part
I’ll give One Hundred and Sixty !”
Israel Freycr—the Government .Tew—
Good as the best—soaked through and through
With credit gaired in the year he sold
Our Treasury’s precious hoard of gold ;
Now through liis thankless mouth rings out
The leaguers’ last and crudest shout!
Pity the shorts? Not they, indeed,
While a single rival’s left to bleed !
Down come dealers in silks and hides.
Crowding the Gold Room’s rounded sides,
Jostling, trampling each other's feet,
Uttering groans in the outer street.
Watching, witli upturned faces puic—
The scurrying index murk its lain—
Hearing the bid of Israel Freycr—
That ominous voice, would it never tire?—
“Five millions more .’—for any part
(If it breaks your firm, if it. cracks your heart,)
I’ll give One Hundred and Sixty !”
One Hundred and Sixty ! Can’t Ire true !
What will the hears-at forty do?
How will Ihc merchants pay their dues ?
How will tlie country stand the news?
What’ll the hanks—but listen ! hold !
In screwing upwards the price of gold
To that dangerous, last, particular peg,
They had killed their Goose with the Golden
Egg?
Just there the metal came pouring oil!,
All ways at once, like a water spout,
Or a rushing, gushing, yellow flood,
That drenched the bulls wherever they stood!
Small need to open the Washington maij;
Tneir eoftVr-dam3 were burst with the strain !
It came by runners, it. came by wire,
To answer the bid of Israel Freycr,
It poured in millions from every side.
And almost strangled him as he cried—
“ I’ll give One Hundred and Sixty !”
Like Vulcan after Jupiter’s kick,
Or the aphristieal Rocket’s stick,
Down, down, down, the premium fell
Faster than this rude rhyme can tell;
Thirty per cent, the index slid.
Yet Freycr still kept making his bid—
“ One Hundred and Sixty for apy part. 1”
—The sudden rum had erased his heart,
Shattered his senses, cracked Ids brain,
And left him crying again and again
Still making his hid at the market’s top,
(Like the Dutchman's leg that could never
stop)
‘•One Hundred and Sixty—Five Millions more!”
Till they dragged him, howling, off the floor.
The very last words that seller and buyer
Heard from the mouth of Israel Freycr—
A cry to remember as long as they live—
Were, “I’ll take Five Millions more ! J’ll give—
I’ll give One Hundred and Sixty !”
Suppose (to avoid the appearance of evil)
There’s such a thing as a Personal Devil,
H would seem that His Liighne;* heie got hold,
For once, of a bellowing Bull in Gold!
Whethcr bull or bear, it wouldn’t much matter
Should Israel Fr-yer keep up his clatter
On earth or under it—(as, they say,
He is doomed)—till the general Judgment Day,
When the Clerk, as he cites him to answer for’t,
Shall bid him leap silence in that Court!
But it matters most, as it seems to me,
That my Countrymen, great and strong and
free,
So marvel at fellows who seem to win,
That, it even a Clown can Only begin
By stealing a railroad, and use its purse
For cornering stocks and gold, or—worse
For buying a Judge and a Legislature,
"'lid sinking still lower poor human nature,
The gaping public, Whatever befall.
Will swallow him, tandem, harlots and all !
While our rich men drivel and stand amazed
At the dust and pother his gang have raised,
And make us remember a nursery tale
Os the fonr-and-lwe.ul.y who (eared one snail.
What’s bred in the hone will breed, yon know,
Clowns and their trainers, iiigh and low,
Will cut sneh capers, long as they dare,
While honest Poverty says its prayer.
But. toil me what prayer or fast can save
Some hoary candidate for the grave,
Tile market’s wrinkled Giant Despair,
Muttering, brooding, scheming tli re
Founding a college or building a Church
Lest Heaven should leave him in the lurch ;
Better come, out in ihe rival way.
Issue your scrip in open day,
And pour your wealth in the grimy list
Os some gross-mouthed, gambling pugilist;
Pass thinkers, workers, artists by,
Your pot-honse fag from bis counters bring,
And make him into a Railway King !
Between such Gentiles and such Jews
Little enough one finds to choose ;
Either the other will buy and-use,
Eit the meat, and throw him the bone,
And leave him to stand the brunt alone.
Let the tempest, come, that’s gathering near,
And give ns a better atmosphere !
Edmund C. Stedman.
No. 48 Bkoad St., Sept. 25, 1809.
General Items.
Mr. George Peabody sailed in the Scotia,
on the 30th, for Europe.
Corn is scarce, and worth $1 50 per
bushel, in Montgomery, Ala.
The Minnesota Democrats have nomi
nated George 8: Otis for Governor, and J.
A. Wisvvell for Lieutenant Governor.
Dr. Burnet, of Georgetown, (Ala.) acci
dentally shot a negro girl in his parlor, kill
ing her almost instantly.
At A. T. Stewart’s store, in New York,
twenty $3,000 shawls have been sold this
season, and one worth $5,700.
A far-sighted New York tobacconist lias
set up as a sign the effigy of a female in
Bloomer costume.
“ Do you call this a trunk V” growled a
dejected porter. “It only needs a light
ning rod to be mistaken for a boarding
house.”
Ilertzog, the famous race mare, died in
Cincinnati, on the 34th ult., of lung fever.
His owner refused $15,000 for him within
the week.
An editor alluding to the demand for fe
male suffrage, female doctors and female
clergymen, remarks that another want pre
sents itself—that of female women.
A Yankee company, at Shelburne Falls,
Mass., have sent the President au elegant
set of cutlery, consisting of a set of sixty
two pieces, done up in a case composed of
two American woods—butternut and bird’s
eye maple—with scarlet velvet inside.
It is expected that at the coming meeting
of the Directors of the Louisville and Nash
ville Railroad Company, as the trade of
the road is rapidly growing beyond its
present capacity, an order will be issued to
lay an additional track.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad has
agreed to pass back free all members of the
Louisville Commercial Convention having
the President’s certificate of having come
over that road. The Cleveland and Colum
bus Road has taken similar action.
The Tupelo (Miss.) Spectator of the 24th
ult., announces the death of Dr. Wm. Cal
houn, who was taked suddenly ill while
visiting a patient, and died almost imme
diately" He was a cousin of John C. Cal
houn,'and not utilike him in personal ap
pearance.
The San Francisco grapes which reach
New York are flllel with wine instead of
juice, which phenomenon is the effect ot
six days’ jolting.
A “domestic infidelity” case has been
decided in the Sandwich Islands. The false
wife had her ears cut off, and the gay de
ceiver lost his lingers in the same way by
the executioner.
Frantz, of the Brandon (Miss.) Republican,
rather quizzically replies to a Northern
Radical paper, which complains of his be
ing too severe on Ames. Frantz says:
“ Ames is our Governor; G l ” lut gave him
to us, and we have the right to wallop him
when he wouldn’t do right.
“ Things have come to n very pretty pass,
When a naan can’t wallop his own jackass.?-’
A Texas editor goes Cora contemporary
thus: “The miserable, cowardly, white
livered wretch \yhp has sent us an anony
mous note, making charges which we
know to be false as the gangrened heart
from which they emanated, if he will un
cover liis hyena countenance to us, we will
spit upon it for him.”
BY TELEGRAPH.
I -peciul Dispatch to the Oonsti'utionalist.
ft'ew York Closing Stock Quotations.
REPORTED BY HOYT & GARDNER.
New York, October 4—P. M.
The following are the closing quotations
this day:
Adams Express 55%
New York Central 171)
Erie 33
Hudson River ,162
Reading 94%
MiMiigan Central, .120
Cleveland & Pittsburg 92%
Chicago and Northwestern 71%
Chicago and Northwestern, pref. 84%
Milwaukee and St. Paul 68
Milwaukee and St. Paul, pref. 82
Lake Shore y 84%
Toledo, Wabash & Western 58%
New Jersey Central 99
Pittsburg & Fort Wayne 84%
Ohio & Mississippi 27
Haiti bal & St. Joseph 109
Jlanibal and St. Joseph, pref 109
Tennessee, old 64
Tennessee, new 51%
Georgia 7’5... 89
North Carolina, old. 50
Alabama B’s 90%
Alabama s’s., 83
Missouri 6’s 86%
Pacific Mail 74
Western Union Telegraph 36
Stocks strong. * Money easy. Gold mat
ters still unsettled.
[Associated Press Dispatches.
WASHINGTON.
Washington, October 4.—Noon—The
Northern train due at day light arrived at
9 o’clock.
The Supreme Court assembled; no quo
rum; adjourned till to-morrow. The order
of business will lie the argument of cases
[lending at the close of the former term ;
next, those for which no days were assign
ed ; then the regular docket.
Washington, October 4—P. M.—The re
venue from the Southern Slates is already
fifty per cent, greater than last year.
Bout,well speaks at Philadelphia to
night.
Amos Kendall is gradually sinking. His
mind is perfectly clear.
The President appointed Sam’l Brown,
Jr., Assessor of the fourth Tennessee Dis
trict,’ vice Time.
Virginia has paid $1,840,000 tax on
manufactured tobacco between March and
September.
The Northern train due at five o'clock
wili not arrive till midnight.
NORTH CAROLINA.
Wilmington, October 4. —The privateer
Hornet, alias Cuba, appeared off Smithville
Saturday evening, flying Cuban colors. It
has been ascertained that site has 200 men
and 30 officers aboard, the majority of the
latter ex Confederates. Her armament con
sists of eight heavy guns. Yesterday she
anchored inside of the bar and sent the en
gineer and purser to the city to secure a
supply of coal —that taken aboard off New
York not being adaptol to quick move
ments. Suspicions bdlflpsoon aroused, the
officers, after engaging a supply of coal, re
turned to the vessel without making ar
rangements to get the coal aboard. They
left tins city last night, about 12 o’clock,
for Smith ville, thirty-live miles below the
city, in a small row boat. Collector of
Customs- Rutnley chartered the steam lug
Alpha tins morning at four o’clock, and
having placed in the hands of the Deputy
United States Marshal a warrant issued by
the United States Commissioner, placed
him aboard with part of the Customs force,
with orders to detain the privateer until
further orders. Col. Frank, commanding
the United States troops at- the post of
Smitliville, expected to co-operate with the
Deputy Marshal and force, if necessary.
Tlie Alpha has not yet returned. Further
intelligence will be telegraphed immedi
ately ou her arrival. The officers who
visited the ciiy are very bold and confident,
insisting that there is no process by which
the privateer can be legally n«t,aiued. The
event creates much excitement ancl com
ment.
LATISR.
The Cuba was seized by the Deputy
United States Marshal at Smithville at 12,
m., to-day, and brought up to the city and
anchored % mile below the city this eve
niigr A number of Iter officers are now in
the city, and are positive in their declara
tions that there is no pretext under which
she can lie detained by t.he authorities any
longer than necessary to have an investiga
tion of the'armaineut and crew. The Cuba
is a formidable vessel, and is represented to
have great speed. Hite is short of coal and
provisions now, and her machinery is con
siderably damaged. The following is a
complete list of Iter officers:
Commodore Edward Higgins, Comrrpan
der; Thos. L. Dornin, Lieut, Commander;
David A. Telfair, Navigating Officer and
Lieuts. C. W. Read and Lieut. Dr. Fred J.
McNulty, Surgeon; Enrique Valiente, Fay
master; Prentiss Ingraham, Captain of
Marines and Private Secretary to tlie
Commodore; Dr. E. W. Dnboise, Assist
ant Surgeon; D. I). Munro, First Lieut.
Assistant of Marines; Nicholas Ksling,
Master; U. Sommers, Ensign; Henry K.
Cooke, Ensign; A. M. Mason, Ensign ;R. N.
Gibson, Ensign ; Win. D. Phillips Midship
man ; Antonio Munez, Midshipman; Louis
French, Chief Engineer, Robert Graham
Ist Assistant Enginer; John Lynch, Ist As
sistant Engineer; Win. II- Robinson, Ist
Assistant Engineer; James Dawson, 2d As
sistant Engineer; Stepna Kearney, 2d As
sistant Engineer; Joaquin Aguiar, 2d As
islant Engineer; John Mullay, Paymast
er’s Clerk ; W. J. Faherty, Master’s Mate.
VIRGINIA.
Richmond, October 3.— About fifty mem
bers of the Legislature have arrived. Very
few, if any, are committed to candidates
for Senators, and all seem to be waiting
for a caucus to determine matters. The
names chiefly mentioned by the Walker
men to-night for Senators, are Franklin
Stearns, General Robert Williams, and
Lieutenant Governor John F. Lewis. A
caucus of Walker men will be held tq-moj
row night to nominate for officers of legis
lature. Stephanias Turner and John B.
Crenshaw are spoken of for Speaker of the
House. Senatorial election will not take
place until the end of the week.
Heavy storm here all day.
Fortress Monroe, October 4.—A heavy
northeaster prevailed last night.
NEW YORK.
New York, October 4. —Heavy gale.
Torrents of rain at daylight. Tide very
high.
Dover Pi-ains, October 4. —The Ilarlem
Railroad track above Willerton, is all
washed away. The bridges at Copake and
Ghent are gone.
Port Jarvis, October 4.—The storm was
very severe. The river is twenty feet high
er than on Friday. The wires are inter
rupted, and there are no reports beyond
Deposit.
GEORGIA.
Savannah, October 4.—The Morning
News 'lias reports from Florida of the ar
rival of the steamship Alabama' at FeVnan
dina on Friday night, lYOin'New York, witli
four hundred men, including sixty officers,
for the Cuban expedition now rendezvous
ing outlie Gulf coast. The men were im
mediately put aboard the cars and sent to
Cedar Keys, where steamers await them.
Two hundred men arrived at BahUvitt,
Fla., from Savannah, on Saturday night,
supposed to be a portion of tl*e command
now organizing in Middle Georgia.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Philadelphia, October 4.—The Schuyl
kill river has risen If) feet. Much proper
ty has been destroyed.
Gray’s Ferry bridge, on the Baltimore
and Philadelphia Railroad, is gone. Water
still rising,
The Shifter Eose Company were attack
ed to-day. The police are said to have led
the attack. Several were hurt.
MARYLAND.
Baltimore, October 4. —The loss by the
flood last night is nearly $350,000.
LOUISIANA.
New Orleans, October 3. —The work of
excavating for the New Orleans Ship Island
Canal commenced yesterday, about a mile
abo/e Carrollton. Mr. Brott, the Presi
dent, dug the first dirt, and delivered a
brief address, Speeches were made Ity
Governor Wannotfth, Lieutenant Governor
Dunn, and others. A contract has been
made with the Dredging Company lo exca
vate the canal from the Mississippi river
o Chef Mcntcur.
FOREIGN.
Madrid, October 4. —lnsurrectionary
movements arc maintained at different
points. Republican volunteer forces have
collected in the cities of Madrid, Barce
lona, and elsewhere, for the purpose of res
cuing prisoners.
Telegraph lines have been cut and the
train carrying Government dispatches
stopped.
There is ranch alarm at Bejar, where the
populace are much excited and unruly.
Republican Deputies to the Cortes have
organized counter revolutionary Demo
cratic bauds in Ileresoa and Martasdo.—
The bands were defeated ut Martasdo.
Serious events may occur at any mo
ment; but Madrid, for the moment, re
mains quiet.
Vienna, October 4. —The Presse publishes
Paris advices that Napoleon hopes to an
nounce, at tlie meeting of the Senate and
Corps Legislatif, a general and simulta
neous disarmament of European powers.
. London, October 4.—A person at the
King’s Hospital has been identified as
either Kelly or Deary, one of the Fenians
rescued at Manchester. Tlie police tire
guarding the prison to prevent another
rescue.
MARINE NEWS.
New York, October 3.—Arrived : Coast
ers Clyde, Hatteras and Sherman.
New York, October 4.—Arrived: City
of Brooklyn.
Savannah, October 4.—Arrived: Bark
Geo. Durkee, from Darien; steamship En
chantress, from New York ; schooner Sax
on, from New York.
Wilmington, October 4.—-Arrived;
Steamer Rebecca Clyde, from New York.
Charleston, October 4.—Arrived :
Steamer Minnetonka, from New York;
A. P. Oranmer, from New York ; T.
T. Tasker, Althea and J. S. Clarke, from
Philadelphia.
Sailed: Steamer Key West, for New
York; bark R. B. Walker, for Savannah ;
schrs. E. M. Baxter and Mary Collins, for
Wilmington, N. C., and Joseph Long, lor
Jacksonville.
MARKETS.
London, October 4—Noon.—Consols,
93%. Bonds, 84%
Liverpool, October 4—Noon.—Cotton
steady; uplands, 12% ; Orleans, 12%.
iMer. —Cotton firmer; sales, 10,000 hales.
New York, October 4— Noon.—Stocks
steady. Money easy at 6(37. Sterling—
long, 8% ; short, 8%. ’62’s,
19%; Tenncssees, ex coupon, 64; new, 51 % ;
Virginias, ex coupon, 53; new, 52% ;
Lonisianas, old, 65 ; new, 65 ; Levees, 05 ;
B’s, 82% ; Alabama B’s, 90% ; s’s, 03 ; Geor
gia 6’s, 82% ; 7’s, 89 ; North Garolinas, old,
50 ; new, 43.
New York, October 4—P. M.—Govern
ments heavy; ’62’s, 19%; Southerns iregu
lar. Money easy at 7; some business at 6.
Sterling improved; 8%(39. Gold quiet
and steady at 128%. Stocks closed steady.
New York, October 4—Noon.—Flour
dull and declining. Wheat dull and nomi
nally unchanged. Corn dull and declining.
Pork nominal; mess, S3O 25. Hard heavy;
barrels, 18(318% lor steam. Cotton firm ;
middling, 27%. Spirits Turpentine linn at
44%. Rosin quiet at $2 25(32 30 for strain
ed. Freights quiet.
New York, October 4—P. M.—Cotton
firmer and closing quiet; sales, 2,800 bales
at 28. Flour heavy and lower; superfine
State, $5 55(35 80; common to fair extra
Southern, $0 25(30 70. Wheat l@2c. low
er ; red Western, $1 42(31 44; Illinois,
$1 28@1 35. Corn heavy at 2(38c. lower;
mixed Western, 98@$1 10.
Baltimore, October 4.—Cotton a shade
better, but not quotably higher. Flour
dull and lower; Howard street superfine,
sG@<> 25. Wheat dull at $1 40(31 45. Corn
white, $1 00(31 10; yellow, $1 05*31 08;
mixed Western, sl. Oats dull at 58060.
Rye, $1 10@t 20. Pork, $33. Bacon
firm; shoulders, 17%(317% Liml, HR*
19%. Whisky linn at $1 22(31 22%. Vir
ginias, old, 45; coupons, old, 49 ; new, 51
bid.
Cincinnati, October 4.—Whisky, $1 17.
Pork unchanged. Lard unsettled at 16%.
Bacon held firmly ; shoulders, 16%; sides,
20; demand light,.
Louisville, October 4. —arm.
Mess Pork, $32. Bacon—shoulders, 1< ;
clear sides, 20%. Whisky, $1 15.
Wilmington, October 4.—Spirits Tur
pentine firm at 41. Rosin quiet at $1 75(3
3 75 for No. 2 and No. 1. Crude Turpen
tine unchanged. Tar steady at $2 80.
Cotton steady at 24%@25f0r low middling.
Mobile, October 4.—Cotton—fair de
mand; closed firm; sales, 700 bales; lit id
pling, 24%®24%; receipts, 1,639; exports,
194 bales.
New Orleans, October 4.—Cotton firmer;
sales, 3,550 bales ; middling, 24%®25 ; re
ceipts, 7,580. Flour dull at $5 75(36. Corn
firmer ; white, $1 12. Oats, 59060 Bran,
$1 20. Pork, $33 75. Bacon firm, 17%®
21, 21% ; hams, 25(325%. Lard firm, 1!)@
21%. Sugar, 12%@1i%. Molasses—rc
boifed, 02%®75. Whisky, $1 27%. Coffee
quietand unchanged. Freights improving;
Liverpool, 11-16 penny ; Havre, 1% cents ;
New York, 1 cent. Gold, 131. Sterling,
30%@30% ; New York, % discount.
Charleston, October 4.—Cotton firmer,
advanced %@% ; sales. 425 bales ; mid
dling, 25%@25% ; receipts, 1,010.
Savannah, October 4.—Cotton—market
dull; middling, 25%; sales, 250; receipts,
2,080 bales.
Augusta Daily Market.
Ofkicis Daij.y Constitutionalist, )
Monday, October 4—P. M. )
FINANCIAL—
GOLD—DuII. Buying at 13Q and selling
at 133.
SlLVEß—Nominal. Buying at 135 aud sell
ing at 130.
STOCKS—Georgia Railroad Slock, 105. Au
gusta Factory Stock, 157
COTTON.—The market opened this morn
.ing wilh a brisk demand at 35c. for New York
middling. Owing to unfavorable noon dis
patches from New Yoilc, our market closed
weak and unsetlled, with prices nominally nil
changed. Sales of the day, 459 bales, and re
ceipts, 672 bales.
BACON—Firm with an advancing tendency.
We- quote O. Sides, 32X; C. R. Sides, 32 ;
B. B. Sides, 21 J-a ; Shoulders, 19 ; Hams, 21
; Dry Sait Shoulders, 18; Dry Salt
(I R. Sides, 21^.
CORN—Small supply. We quote choice
white, -$1 60@l 65 from depot.
WHEAT—We quote choice white, $1 TO®
1 80; amber, $1 60® l 70 ; red, $1 60.
FLOUR—City Mills, old, s6@9; new, $7 50®
@10; at retail, $1 $ barrel higher. Couu
try, s6®9, according to quality.
CORN MEAL ~sl 60 at wholesale, and $1 65
at retail.
OATS—B5@$l.
PEAS—No supply. Selling at ft 50 lor
seed.
The Savannah Advertiser relates : A gen
tleman in Louisville recently gave Ills hope
ful iS on SI,BOO to come South and start him
self in 1)1] si ness. He came to our highly
moral ancl virtuous city, ami we learn that
a dav or two since lie wrote to the “ old
man ” for enough money to take him home,
saying, “Been banking father; it strikes
me they call it faro banking.
The receipts of cotton at Columbus, as
reported by the Sim, during the past month,
amounted to 7,310 bales, ail Increase; in
comparison with September, 1868, of 3,513
bales.
Sixty-six deaths are reported for Atlanta
during the month ot Septenjbef.
The Columbus Sun, in reviewing the Sep
tember trade operations of that city, says
that in groceries and provisions more have
been effected than during any September
since the war. The sales of bagging and
rope have quadrupled those of last year.
Trade in all departments has been unusu
ally good for the season.
CITY ITEMS.
Macon and Augusta Railroad Con
vention.—The stockholders of the Macon
and Augusta Railroad Company convened
in the City Hull yesterday at 12, m.
President Conley being absent, on motion
of Mr. S. D. Heard, Hon. John P. King was
called to the Chair.
Dr. J. A. 8. Milligan, Secretary of the
Board, acted as Secretary of ihc meeting.
Judge King, on taking the Chair, stated
that a letter had been received from Presi
dent Conley, stating that it was impossible
for him to be present at the meetiug, as he
had been under the impression that the day
of meetiug had been fixed for the 15th in
stead of the 4th instant.
The Secretary was then directed to call
the list of stockholders, upon which it was
found that 8,422 shares were represented.
1 he Chair thereupon announced a quorum
present? and tlie meeting organized for
business.
The reports of Chief Engineer Ilazlehurst
and of the Secretary and Treasurer, Dr.
Milligan, were read and adopted.
We regret that the press upon our
columns this morning prevents the publi
cation of these reports, and will endeavor
to present them in a future edition.
The minutes of the last meeting were
read and confirmed.
On motion of Mr. Heard, it was decided
that the Convention should go into an elec
tion for a Board of Directors.
The Chair appointed Messrs. Henry
Moore, Geo. E. Obear and Wm. Shear a
committee to conduct the election.
The Convention proceeded to ballot, and
while committee was engaged in counting
the votes, Mr. Obear presented the follow
ing resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Directors be requested
to have the charter of this company amend
ed at the next meetiug of tlie General
Assembly, so as to provide for the annual
meeting of the stockholders on the first
Wednesday of October, instead of the first
Monday; and also to provide that the
offices of the Company shall Ik; kept in the
city of Augusta; and to have such other
amendments made as they may deem neces
sary for the interest of the Company.
Tlie votes having been counted, the com
mittee announced the following result:
Board of Directors. —ll. F. Russell, Win,
E. Jackson, Geo. S. Obear, John P. King,
W. J. Magratli, B. B. DeGraffenreid, Geo.
H. Ilazlehurst, Henry Moore, A. J. Lane,
James T. Gardiner, S. D. Heard, W. H.
Ross.
On motion, the Convention adjourned.
At a meetiug of the Board of Directors,
held after the adjournment of the Conven
tion, Mr. George n. Ilazlehurst was elect
ed President, and Dr. J. A. S. Milligan re
elected Secretary and Treasurer.
The New President oe the Macon
Augusta Railroad Company. —We
congratulate the stockholders of the Ma
con and Augusta Railroad upon the wis
dom displayed by the new Board of Direc
tors in the choice of Mr. George 11. Ilazle
hnrst as President of this corporation.—
Bringing to the position large practical ex
perience in railroad matters, and possess
ing tact, talent and energy fully adapted to
the management of the road iu the most
economical and successful manner, we do
not think, under the circumstances which
have so long operated to the disadvantage
of this road, that a better selection could
have been made. We accept it as an
earnest that the road will now be pushed
to completion with all possible dispatch,
and that the interests of the stockholders
will be carefully guarded by a gentleman
fully accomplished in those qualifications
essential to a successful and honest admin
istration of.the affairs of the road. Aided,
as Mr. Hailehurpt is, by an able Board of
Directors, we now feel that the road and
its interests are in safe hands. Let it so
continue.
Increasing the Infantry. —Whilst our
"iii..« of Macon aud Atlanta have
been somewhat convulsed with \jx nmn -en
listments, which have fallen into the hands
of wily Government officials, and perished
iu their incipiency,a little corps of infantry
has quietly been “ mustered In ” by a num
ber of gentlemen connected with the Con
stitutionalist office, within the past five
months, which has as yet failed to attract
attention to its formidable calibre in deter
mining the future of Georgia in her rela
tions to the General Government. That
may smack of treason, but it is none the
less true, and the time has come to “blow”
on it. Within the past five months, Jive
gentlemen connected with this office have
each been blessed with a laughing, crow
ing, hearty babe of the boy patent—begin
ning with our heavy editor and ending
with “ye local.” We submit this proposi
tion without further argument, simply
challenging our confreres of the State press
to an exhibit approximating the develop
ments instanced. No girls allowed to be
counted.
River News.— The steamer Katie, Capt.
Gibson, reached fyer wharf, from Savan
nah yesterday, at 1, p. m. In addition to
a cargo of general freight from Savannah,
she brought about sixty bales of cotton,
collected from Johnson’s, Steel creek, Lit
tle Hell, Griffin’s, Hancock’s and Point
Comfort Landings on the river. It would
seem that the planters along the river ap
preciate the value of Augusta as a cotton
market, and are turning their produce in
this direction. We congratulate them on
their wise determination, aud ltope to see
every steamer arriving at this port laden
witli the staple shipped by our frieuds
of Georgia and Carolina from the various
landings along the river. A few more fine
rains will place the river in good boating
condition, which wo believe will inure
largely to the advantage of Augusta, as
as well as to the planters along its line who
trade at this point.
The steamer Katie will leave for Savan
nah at 11 o’clock this morning. Merchants
having freight to ship will govern them
selves accordingly. dH*
A Man Badly Beaten.— Yesterday
afternoon, IJis Honor Mayor Russell gave
an order for the removal of a white man
named Miller, known as a fisherman and
butcher around the Market, from a box car
at the crossing of the Columbia and Au
gusta Road on the public road, near Ham
burg, who had been reported to him as a
resident of the city, and as being danger
ously ill. He was brought over late in the
afternoon aud carried to the City Hospital,
exhibiting, as we learn, unmistakable evi
dences of having been badly beat by some
unknown parties. His head and face were
bruised and swollen to the most frightful
extent, and his life was despaired of.
Borders Enlarged.— Our vigorous and
progressive cotcmporarics of the Atlanta
Constitution have considerably increased the ~
dimensions of their paper. We admire j
their pluck, aud congratulate them upov J
the apparent reward which is blessing 1
their efforts to deserve publiQ patronage, -i
IMS.