Newspaper Page Text
TBE CONSTITUTIONALIST*
"“JAMES GARDNER, JR^.
The Methodist Church Case
Argument op flow. Reverdy Johnson, op
Baltimore. —'In the U. S. Circuit Court at N.
York, on Wednesday, in the great case of the
Methodist Church South against the same
body of the North, for the division of proper
ty, the Hon. Reverdy Johnson commenced
the closing argument for the plaintiff*:
I propose, said he, to consider this case
under four general heads. The first, is the
power of the general conference of 1844 to
adopt the plan of division of the Bth of June
of that year. The second, the construction
of that plan; which, as I shall maintain, is
that the division of the church was made to
depend exclusively on the decision of the con
ferences in the States where slavery exists.
And that the change of tie sixth restrictive
article was made to depend exclusively on the
decision of the conferences, considering the
church at that time as one body. Thir 1, that
by force of the division of the church, if that
division should be made by the decision of the
annual conferences, the property of the church
is to be divided upon equitable principles be
tween the two fragments, without regard to
any change of the sixth restrictive article.
Fourth, that admitting that the general con
ference had not power to authorise the plan
of separation, or if that plan was not carried
out, a state of things still exists, which en
titles the plaintiffs to the prayer of their bill.
These points are all perfectly simple. They
require no depth of learning to determine and
no great ability to argue. And if the deci
sion depended on these considerations alone, I
should feel no solicitude other than the or
dinary considerations of counsel.
But a deeper anxiety oppresses me when I
remember the origin of this dispute. I lose
sight of the dollars and cents which it involves,
and for a moment I forget the immediate
interests of my clients. There are questions
so vitally important to the very existence of
this very estimable denomination of Christians,
so material to the quiet of the public mind,
and possibly to the very existence of the form
of government under which we live, that I
fear the discharge ot my duty will be impeded
by the weight of the responsibility imposed
upon me The heart of the entire nation has
been feverishly palpitating, and is still palpi
tating, for fear that through the very cause
from which this dispute springs, useless by
the good sense and patriotism of the people,
and all the authorities State ard national, it is
prevented, the glory and peace for which we
have become the envy of the world, may be
substituted by wretchedness, civil war and
bloodshed. Nor is it too much to say that
fearful state of the public mind is to be at
tributed, in a great measure, to tne very con
troversy now before us, and I hope that the
decision of this court will lay down su *h prin
ciples as wiil tend to appease public alarm, as
wdff as se tie the particular dispute. It wiii
be my endeavor, so far as my ability may ex*
tend, to assist the court in coming to this hap
py resu't.
What was the M. E. Church of the TJ. S.
in »844? An association of men clnm ns its
origin from the organization in 1784. In 1802,
the powers of the General Conferences which
convened from that time down to 1844, were
delegated and defined. The power to change
must exist somew ere. by the nature, of things,
and It is contended for the plaintiffs it existed
in the General Conference. Mr. Johnson
gave an eloquent account of the origin of Me
thodism in England, an 1 laid particular stiess
upon Mr. Wesley's constant vigilance in pre
▼ nting any conflic between his followers and
the political institutions of his country.
He showed that Wesley's oower was abso
lute over the church, that he delegated this
sovereign power to the General Conferences
of the Methodists organized in this country
(t ie first held in Baltimore, in 1781) by his
request, aft r the declaration of independence
from the Government of Great Britain. From
that time till 18y2, there was no other general
oonven’ion of the church, and then it was
Called in the same way, by the same parties,
and discharg-d the same duties. Ic was then
declared that thereafter the General Cons r
ence should consist ofa<i the traveling preach
ers in full connection at the time of holding
the conference. They also determined the
time and place where it was to oe held—in
1796 at Baltimore. This conference of '96,
then, had all the sovereign authority of the
sovereign power by which it was created.
From 1796 down to 1808 not an indication
is given that the Conference was not clothed
with the entire sovereign power of the church.
At that time the flock had become so numer
ous that it was necessary to leave some of the
shepherds at home, and it was resolved that
the General Coherences thereafter should be
composed of delegates instead of the wnoie
body of preachers.
He argued that the power to create, implied
the power to destroy. The General Confer
ence of 1844 was in the full possession of sov
ereign power, and had ji: diciously exercised it
in authorising the separation of the Church,
when it became apparent that the exisrence
of Methodism in thirteen States of the Union
was so hazarded, that its destruction was con
sidered inevitable unless the change was
made.
In speaking of the absolute power of the
General Conference, he said it was in fact an
aristocracy of preachers. The laity had no
voice, and they had submitted to it for many
years, acting on the maxim,
“For forms of government let fools contest,
That which i 3 best administered is best.”
But they gradually found the government of
t4sir church was not always “best adminis
tered,” and there seamed to be a disposition
to insist upon a participation of the laity in
the conferences ot the church, which would,
he thought, be greatly to its advantage.
[Ttiis was mentioned incidentally, of course,
and seemed to be highly approved by the au
dience, (says the Commercial,) many of whom
were undoubtedly Methodist laymen.]
Mr. Johnson's eloquence attracted nim
bers, and shortly alter he commenced speak
ing, the court room was densely crowded.
The Methodist Church Case.— Argument
of Hon. Reverdy Johnson Continued. —The ar
gument of the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, in the
Methodist Church case, at New York, was
abruptly broken off on Wednesday afternoon,
by Mr. J. becoming suddenly unwell, in con
sequence of the hf at of the room. The court
adjourned until Thursday morning, when he
resumed—
He said that if he had been successful in
his reasoning yesterday, he must have satis
fied the court that the General Conference of
the M. E. Church was invested with sovereign
power, and clothed with ail the authority of a
constituent body.
The proceedings of the Conference of 1844
were a quazi trial of Bishop Andrew, on a
supposed offence. They exercised the power
of a general conrol over the pnbdc and pri
vate conduct of their members. It was said
by the Southern gentlemen that it was the
law of the church that preachers and bishops
might hold slaves, not * nly in those States
where slavery was talerated, but where eman
cipation was actually prohib ted. But the ma
jority, who were determined upon Bishop
Andrews' degradation, mantained the sover
eign authority of the conference tob? absolute
over everything not protected by one of the
fix restrictive articles.
K ■- .
W Among all the leading men in that confer
ence, men of eminent learning and ability,
from the North and South, men to whom the
constitution of that conference was as familiar
as the Bible of their God, not even a doubt
was whispered of the power of the Genera*
Conference to authorise a division of the
Church into two organizations.
The counsel for the defendants had confoun
ded the idea of unity of government with uni
ty of the Church. The Methodists all the
world over are one Church, but their form of
government is made conformable to time, and
circumstances, and countries.
He took up the assertion of Mr. Choate that
the Canada Conference was connected with
that of the United States by a merely tem
porary league, and contended that it was er
roneous. The Canadian Methodists did in
fact constitute a constituent portion of the
M. E. Church of the Uuited States, just as
much as any one of the States iorms an in
tegral part of the Union. The Canada case
was identical with the case at the bar*
If these Northern gentlemen are conscien
tious in their belief that the Southern Metho
dists are secessionists and schismatics, wriy do
they content themselves with keeping back
the money which happens to be in their pos
session—the miserable pittance which they
formerly doled out to the poor, worn out,
superannuated preachers and their wives and
children? Why do they not so into the Courts
of the United States and claim all the meet
ing houses, and cemeteries and other Metho
dist church propeity of vast value in the
South? If they are right in their views these
properties all belong to them. But they do
not do it, because they are impressed with
the conviction that every legal tribunal in the
country would decide against them. The at
tempt was made by Mr. Armstrong and his
associates in the Maysviile case, but the
Kentucky Court of Appeals, than which there
is no Court more respectable for learning and
ability, decided against them,
He quoted the 18th and 19th verses of the
28th enapter of Matthew, and said that the
language of God himself, speaking through
the inspired penman, commanded them to
preach the Gospel to all nations. It was their
duty to conform to the Jaw of the land, and
not war with the domestic institutions of the
country in which they were located. The
Go-pel should be preached to the master and
the slave as well as to freemen.
The agitation of slavery in the quarterly,
the annual and the general conferences, the
judgments in the case of Mr. Harding and
in the case of Bishop Andrew, led to a general
conviction in each of the Southern conferences
that a separation was absolutely necessaiy to
the existence of the Church in their section
of the country. They felt that it neces
sary to divide in order to save.
These agitations hadr iveted the chains of
the slave. The convention which had recent
ly revised the organic law of Maryland, had
been diiven to tne necessity of making it a
part of the constitutional law of that State
that slavery should be perpetual. Emancipa
tion is forever prohibited. And he mention
ed as an extraordinary fact that the R«v. Mr.
Griffin, who had taken such a conspicuous
part in the Conference of 1844 in the agitation
of siavery, had ministered as chaplain to this
body (A slaveholders during the wuoleof their
session.
Mr. Johnson was evidently unwell this
morning, says the Commercial, and did not
speak with rapidity and energy as he did
yesterday. The field covered b/ the points
he has taken is so vast and comprehensive,
that it is exceedingly doubtful whether Tie will
be abie to conclude his argument to-day.—
When we left he had been speaking about 3
hours.
A postcript to a New York letter of Thurs
day evening, says:
The arguments in the Methodist church case
are all ended. The court said it would ne
cessarily be some time before a decision could
b* rendered, and it hoped that the suggestions
thrown out by the counsel on both sides, that
the parties would come to an amicable settle
ment themselves, before a decision was given,
would be attended with success.
(From the 2V. O. Picayune. 29 th inst.')
Later from Mexico.
Arrival of the Steam* hip Alabama
from Vera Cruz —By the arrival this mor
ning ot the steamship Alabama, Capt. R. W.
Foster, from Vera Cruz, whence she sailed on
the 23d inst., we have papers from that plac<-
to that date, and from the city of Mexico to
the 20th.
The Alabama brings, as passengers, Mr.
Trastour, Dr. Kovaieski, and their party from
Tehuantepec. c>he a.so brings S2B 300 in
specie on fieight.
The cutter Duane and schooner Robert
Spedden arrived at Vera Cruz on the mor
ning of the 23d. The Duane sent her messen
ger ashore in a pilot boat, and immediately
proceeded on to Coatzacoalcos.
We learn from one of our correspondents
in the city of Mexico that the Senate has re
fused to sancti m the difications in the
tariff, made by the Chamber of Deputies, by
which modifications the “prohibitions” were
removed.
Th<* Tehuantepec grant to Garay has been
annulled in both Houses, by a large m jority,
and a motien has been made to impeach La
cunza for having negotiated such a treaty.
Our Correspondent represents that the Presi
dent is very much mortified at this result, as
he was sincerely anxious that the treaty
should be ratified.
Ex-President Pedraza died in the city of
Mexico about the 15th inst, He had been
suffering with a long and painful illness.
The Mexican Congress adjourned on the
20th inst.
A private letter from Vera Croz, dated on
the 22d mst. says; “The Sears sailed to-day,
having been allowed to proceded to Coalzaeo
alcos after paying her freight her .”
The same writer says: “I think, from what
well-informed Mexicans tell me, that a revo
lution in this country, is close at hand ”
The Governor of Chihuahua ha? put forth a
lamentable account of the condition of that
State. He says that there is no money in
the treasury, no means to procure any, new
taxes cannot be imposed, and the Indians
threaten renewal of hostilities.
Col. Carrasco, against whom the authori
ties of Chihueahua made so many complaints,
has writt d a letter defending his conduct.
Large quantities of flour have commenced
to arrive at Tampico, from the United S ates.
in consequence of the late edict permitting it
to be introduced.
The Legislature ofÊn has again in
voked the aid of Mexico to put an end to the
Indian war.
Culture of the Tea-Nut-
Greenvillb. S. C., May 19,1851.
To the Editor of the Journal of Commerce.
Sir:—That portion of the public which takes
some interest in the cultivation of the Tea
Plant in this country, may be gratified to
learn that I this morning commenced dressing
the Tea Garden planted here last season. One
bed was planted the sth of June, and a small
number of the nuts germinated 17th Sept, as
has been heretofore noticed. The next plant
ing was on the 26th July; a short bed, about
20 feet in length. I find this morning that
the nuts then planted, have made their ap
pearance in considerable numbers; sometimes
single plants, and sometimes two cr three in a
cluster. They are now in the third leaf, look
ing fresh and healthy. These nuts, together
with the principal planting that followed,
were all planted in the open ground, without
any manure, or any protection; as I regarded
the soil of sufficient strength, and am desirous
of accustoming the plant to its adopted cli
mate, ind to all the vicissitudes to which it
must be sutjeet. The main shipment of Tea
Nuts did not arrive at this plantation from
China and India, until the 31 of August.
Oa the 4th Sept, planting commenced, and
was continued until the 17th of Oct. Small
lots hav* been planted monthly since that
date, experimentally. It will be perceived
that the nuts planted in July and now germi
nating, have been more than nine months in
the ground. None of the nuts planted since
4th Sept, have germinated, and judging from
the time occupied by the last, cannot be ex
pected for some time to come. The heat for
the season, is excessive; (the Thermometer,
for several days, indicating at 3 o’clock 90 to
92 deg. of temperature,) but is not in the
slightest degree oppressive. A salubrious
climate, delightful mountain breezes, and cool
refresing nights, harmonize soul and body,
and give equal pleasure to the recreations of
the study, and the toils of the field.
Your ob’t. servant,
JUNIUS SMITH, L. L. D.
(< Correspondence of the Mobile Tribune .)
New Orleans, May 28ch, 1851.
Much excitement prevails on the subject of
the contemplated procession of Spaniards, on
to-morrow. An effort is making by the
friends of peace to quell the insurrectionary
spirit with any other than good results. The
object of this procession, if we are correctly
informed, is to animadvert and reflect upon
the band of Cuban patriots, who, the other
night, gave “ three cheers ” to the proprietors
of the Delta—the organ and supporter of the
seceding Cubans. They had better abandon
the idea, if they know what is good for them.
The “ Cuban patriots " in New Orleans art*
determined in their course, and will pu
down, at the point of their bayonet, any
indignity that may be offered. Already
they are marshalling privately their forces
—collecting resolute and fearless men “who,
knowing their rights, dare maintain them;”
and, come what may, will stand by the
law and screen from ridicule and unjust
censure their own acts. It seems to me that
there is intelligence enough among the Span
iards to understand better the obligations
which they owe to the city and to the gov
ernment of their adoption. Where is the
Spanish Consul? Is he asleep? Is he insen
sible to the consequences which would surely
result to his countrymen? Does he suppose
for a moment that the warm-blooded and
chivalrous representatives of New Orleans —
Gen. Lewis—Recorder Caldwell—La Saert
and a host of others would fold their arms
and allow the peace to be shamefully violated
and the constitut on ridden over like a play
thing?
Weather and Crops.
Louisiana. —The Piaquemine Sentinel of
the 24th inst. says; ** From what we can
learn, there will be more corn made this yea*
in Louisiana than there was ever done at any
former period.” J
Texas.— The Li Grange Monument of the
21st. says : “ Two weeks of dry weather have
improved the appearance of our crops veiy
much, and as almost every person has a good
stand of com and cotton, we may expect a fair
yMd of both crops. The prospect for a good
crop of corn was never better on the Color
ado at this season.”
The Lavaca Commercial of the 17th, says :
“ We understand by a gentleman just in from*
Richmond, on the Brazos, that the coun rj
has been almost flooded and the cotton crop
uearly killed, but he thinks that many will
replant, and may possibly obtain a good crop
at last. Corn, he says, never looked bettei
on the Brazos, Colorado and theNavidad. L
is very forward and extremely luxuriant. He '
reports the open prmries generally covered
with water.”
The Washington Lone Star of the 17th
pays : “ A short trip to the country has satis
fied us that crops are much better than we an
ticiiated. Corn crops are generally as good
as we have ever see.i them. Forward crops
are silking and will soon be out of danger.—
Cottons on the uplands are doing, well, and
only want a little good weather to make then
excellent. The overflowed bottoms, have all
been replanted, and present good stands. The
tanners ere all in good spirits.”
Indiana.— The Vincennes Gazette states
tha f . m that vicinity preseut appearances indi
cate hat the coming crop of wheat will be
at least an average one. Some fields, it is
sail, were injured by the fr< sts in February,
and in others the fly has done considereble
damage.
The Cotton Crop.— We hear great com
plaints of the ravages of the grss-hopper on
many plantations in the vicinity of Tallahas
see. Some fields have been nearly destroy
ed. Others are taking the sore-shin— a species
of disease almost fatal to the young plant.
From ail we can learn, the prospects of the
present crop have not been so unfavorable for
years past. As we stated last week, the crop
is at least a month behind-hand.— Tallahassee
Floridian , 24 (A inst.
On Saturday last we were favored with soft
and abundant showers of rain,indicating that
the rainy season has set in. We hope that
this salutary change has reached far and wide,
and that the fields of Georgia are ell rejoicing
in its refreshing and fertilizing influence.
Probably such a dry season as this has been
for the last six months, can hardly be recol
lected. We venture to remark that since the
Ist of November last, we have had no rain so
copious, that one might turn up the dry sand
in our streets with the toe of one’s boot im
mediately after it. — Sav. Republican, 2d inst.
Products of thh Savannah Bottoms. —A
specimen of the Oats grown by Messrs. W.
B. Giles & Co., near their mills was handed
us on Saturday morning. It is astonishingly
thrifty considering the dryness of the season.
Toe stocks are some of them 5£ feet high
with a proportionate diameter.— lb,
A Difficulty. —A despatch from Washing
ton, says:
« The U. S. steamer Legare is now ready at
the Washington Navy Yard for the coast sur
vey duty, with a crew oa board, but waiting
for a commander, in consequence of the diffi
culty that has arisen between the superinten
dent, Lieut. Bache, and the Secretary of the
Navy. Lieut. Lee, the former commander of
the Legare, had be*m removed by the Super
intendent, and Lieut. Almy appointed in his
stead. The Secretary of the Navy disapprov
ed of the appointment, and detached Lieut.
Almy from the Survey service. Lieut. Bache
now refuses to re-appoint Lee, and also re
fuses to name anybody but Lieut. Almy for
the post. The Legare, in consequence, has
been detained here for two weeks, and the
matter is not yet settled.”
The Virginia Convention on Thursday re
fused to consider propositions to adjourn in
June to some other place than Richmond, or
to adjourn over until Septemb r. They are
considering the bill of rights, and have declar
ed that “all elections shall be free,” and
twelve men constitute a jury in civil cases.
AUGUSTA WHOLESALE PRICES CURRENT JUNE 4. 1851.
| AKTiIILES. Per. Wholesale. » Duty |
j BAGGING— Gunny, ® 15 !~
Kentucky 00 rd) 00 20 P r * ct *
BALE ROPE Jute., lb 8 ® 9 1
Kentucky 8 ® 8£ j2opr. ct
BACON— Hams 12 ® 1.1
Sides 11® Hi
Shoulders ® 9£ j> 20 pr. ct.
BUTTER— Goshen,prime ft 23 ®25 | *
Country 15 ® 20 23 P r * ct ‘
BEESWAX 18 ®
CANDLES —Spermacetti 40 ® 45 !
Georgia made .... 15 ®lB -0 pr. ct.
Northern “ 144® 16 ; 20 pr. ct
CHEESE —Northern 9 ® 9| L>
OOF FEE —C üba 113® 12 130I 30 P*-
Rio 11 ® Hi 1
Java 14 ® 15 | s.f re6 . i
Lagyura. ® 13 j ( !
Shirtings, brown, yd. 6 (8) 'J
=j “ 7-8 ® 6* j
“ yd. wide .... 8 ® 9 j
3 Sheetings, brown, 5-4. .... 12 ®ls l
bleached, 5-4 ; .... 13 ® 18 i
§ I Checks »;••! 11 ®l6
£[ Bed Tick 10 ® 18
3 | Osnaourgs Boz j.... 10 @ll
3 l Yarn (assorted) |lb 19 ®2O j
FISH— Mackerel, N 0.1... bbl. 12£® 13 ! >
Do. No. 2... .... 11 ® 111 ?20pr ct.
Do. N0.3...8® 8* j >
FLOUR—' Canal, 8 j>
Augu>ta Canal. .... 6 ® > ■*> ct.
Georgia, good sg® 7| *
FEATHERS, live geese., lb ®33 f 2O Dr . ct .
3RAIN— Corn, loose bus. 85 ©9O )
Do. sack ® j
GUNPOWDER— keg 5®525 ) 20 Dr . ct
HIDES —Dry 8® 9 i p
Dry, salted ®lO f2onr ct
IRON- Pig 100 • ® I ° P *
Swedes,assorted, ton ®4J 30 pr. ct.
Hoop 100. 5® 8 30 pr. ct
Sheet ft) loi® 11 \ 2O nr
Nail Rods.... 5® 6 | 2O pr Ctl
LEAD —Bar *.,..100. 6 ® 7
White Lead !•••• 7i® 9 )
LIME — jbbl ® >2opr. ct.
LARD •• lb 11 ®l2 )
MOLASSES— Cuba gal.. 25 ®26
N. Orleans !.... 37 ®4O )on
NAILS —Cut, 4d to 20d... j.... 3 50® 4 OOj ] pr ‘ Cl
EXPORTS OT COTTON TO FOREIGN AND COASTWISE PORTS. COMMENCING IST SfIPTfiMS£3S, 1830
mK ——~ ‘ T SAVANNAH | CHARLESTON. MOBILE. jT~N7 ORLEANS. NEW VORC OTHER POETS.;| TOi AL.
WHITHER EXPORTED. 11! I * ; !
!! - 1851. j 1850. ji 1851.! 1850 || 1851 1850.
Liverpool '112,792/ 86,291; *159,612 112,512 176,504 106,193*
nun \ ! i i i 1
Glasgow and Greenock 7,505 8,814 5,739 2,597 7,472 10,552 12,858! 10,857; 3,580 3,488; ...J h
Cork and a Market 7,637 8,392 2,742: ...j 4,678 j 5,870 185 1 \ •!'
Total to Great Britain 120,297 95,305 I ~172,958 1-23.501 186,718 j 116,745 “457,999! ~296*764' 148.325 111,749 “slSfrb '11",950 1124~207 775,821)
Havre.. 1,236 “IMOO j' 23,295 ~ 28,043 “447399' ~ 39,968 1227685 95,519 j
Bordeaux |i 1,104 963 493 153 !
Marseilles v ; | 694 4,058 3,034 ! 129 1,097 ; I i
Nantz 590 | 2,253 577 902 6301 573; 764 j j
Total to France i 1,826 11,400 25,548 ~28120i ~45~7995 ~397968 , 146 ■ I 65,512 60,C85 MOS .7'. .71. 2837133 ~2407819
itotterudin - j. Ii 4,075 1,776
Kmh!,™ 3 ’ oll 4 > 130 i » 903 9 > 617 9 >764 | 9,227 4,671 ! 7
i «•-»« «», ;
i "**'"! in/IRS *3«'.6t6 : i64 ! "”""j5555 I"//!/!! 515***
Ghent &c ta ’ &C 4,676 I>B4B 1 > 848 I 17,082 10,476; 2,630 2,298 41,260 28,116; j 5,273; 107 1 ! ' 7
nner torts j 8,334 2,746, 3,814 1,248 14,369 12,346 7,847; 4,170; 9,916; 9,879; j
Total to other Foreign Ports.... 4,678 1,848 j 29,241 19,420 , 23,070 9,7 IS ' 105,555 89,836 | 41,895 _ “177098 j 9,9i6j 9879 j “214,355; 147/794
Wnn° rk 104,879 i 88,944 82,837 “21,033 '
la/3 8,930 14,146' 1,806 2,380; 14,587 14,319: , !| 5'9 1,447
>ther Port's* s’uo? .Kl ; 6,219 B’34*i 8 ’ 34 *i J ’ 4 ' 3 3,190! . 2,189 3,602 ! I 1,277 2,686 j .11
Total Coastwise 142,651 155,957 j 121,093 *128,181 j ” 73,342 86,758. 125,816* 190,450 ? . 7117111" 56,835 __64,770j ~519~737; 626,1 S
Grand Total 879,452, ' ’3487870 299,722 ' 329,125 253,184 “817,217 '677,196 1 *111,036 ~106,f05 ! ITjjo^
THE CONSTITUTIONALIS
Augusta, ©eorgia.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE 4-
Southern R.ight« Nomination.
FOR GOVERNOR,
Charles j. McDonald,
OF COBB.
Editorial Correspondence-
Milledgeville, June 2d, 1851.
Curiosity to witness the strange admixture
of Whig and Democratic leaders which the
Convention of State coercing consolidationists
to assemble to day will present, induces me
to remain one day longer. There must be a
rare eating of words and backing square out
of State Rights principles on the part of many
of its members to enable them to occupy the
strong federal positions into which their new
alliances have placed them.
The number of delegates already arrived, is
quite respectable in numbers and talents, and
more may be expected this morning. There
will probably be about as many counties rep*
resented, and as many delegates in attendance,
as were in the Democratic and Southern
Rights Convention last week. About half of
them are at *• The State Rights Hotel,"
kept by Beecher & Brown, always a favorite
house with the Whigs. The misnomer strikes
us very forcibly. The sign ought to be taken
down, for it is natural to suppose that those
delegates stopping there, who once were advo
cates of States Rights would seal a little sensi
tive and rebuked by it. This must especially
be the case with the Democrats, formerly great
sticklers for State Rights, now in full league
with the Federal Whigs of Washington City,
and look upon Daniel Webster as the great
expounder of the Constitution—a double
dyed federalist, whose views had not, a few
years ago, a corporal’s guard of supporters in
the Southern States. Under the new “ Union
at all hazards" creed, the States have exactly
those rights that a majority in Congress may
assign them, and no more. A claim to any
more is to be assented by the citizens of a
State under its sovereign authority only with
halters around their necks, and under the
penalties of treason.
Among the delegates to the Convention is
the Hon. Robert Toombs. It is presumable
that he is freshly posted up by correspondence
with Washington City with Messrs. Fillmore,
Webster and Corwin, and has the proceedings
of the Convention cut and dried in his pocket. ;
I am not informed of any portion of the pro- !
gramme, except the nomination of Howell j
Cobb, wnieh has keen already made at head- |
quarters by the Washington City politicians, |
has been indorsed by the Macon Regency, and !
will be ratified to-day by the delegates in Con
vention.
Rain is much wanted heie, none having
fallen for several weeks. The crops of Com
and Cotton look healthy notwithstanding, but
small and backward. They are in good or
der, and alter a thorough soaking rain, would
grow off finely. The prospect for rain is at
this moment promising. From different
parts of the State I hear the same report
as to the backwardness of the crops. We will
not hear of blooms on Cotton until an unu
sually late period.
The Wheat crop is early in Georgia, par
ticularly in the heavy wheat growing region
of Cherokee. The largest crop that has been
made for many years will be gathered this sea
son. In this part of the State they are now
busy harvesting.
i ARTICLES. Per. Wholesale. Duty. ,
| OlLS —Sperm,W.Strained .... 1 50 ® free
Fall strained 1 30 ® 1 40
Summer do 1 00 ® 1 12
Linseed bbl. 90 ® 1 Ouaopr ct.
Tanners 60 ®
Lard 1 00 ® 1 12
POTATOES. bblj ®
PIPES 62 ® 1 00
PORTER doz. 2 25 ® 3 50
PEPPER ft, 10 ®l2l
PIMENTO. 16 ®
RJlISINS —Malaga,. ">ch box. ® 2 75 )
Muscate.... .... ® | 40 pr. ct.
RlCE— Ordinary 100. 3| ® 4 ’
Fair 4 00 ® 4 50
Good and Prime ®
f Frencn Brandies gal. 150 ® 2 100 pr. cL
Leger Freres 2 75 ® 3
I cd Holland Gin 125 ® 1 50io0pr. cL
| American Gin 38 ® 40
a; Jamaica Rum 150 ® 2 00100 pr. cL
N.E.Rum, hds. & brls 34 ®37 V
1 5 Whiskey,Phil. &. Balt 30 ®33
Do. New Orleans 30 ®33
(Peach Brandy 1 00 ® 1 25 100 pr.ct.
SUGAR-Cuba. Muscovado ft, 6s® 8 v
PR. & St. Croix .... 7® 8£
Havana, white ®
New Orleans 7® 73 r3O pr. ct.
Clarified Brown ....
White .... 9® 9$
Lump 10 ®ll >
SALT— Liverpool sack 1 10 @ 1 15 j 2O P r * ct * i
Loose bus. ® 40
SOAP —American, yellow ft, 5® 6 30 pr. -t.
SHOT— Ail sizes l 62 ® 1 75 20 pr ct.
SE GA R S —Spanish M 20 00®30 00 40 pr. ct
TALLOW— American 9® 10 10 pr ct. I
TOBACCO— Georgia ft ® )
Cavendish 22 ®SO t3opr ct j
TWlNE —Bagging 20 ®25 )
Seine 30 ®SO \ 3O pr> ct * !
TEAS —Pouchong 50 ®75 "J
Gunp’der & Imp. .... 75 ®1 00 I
Hyson 70 ®BO ffree.
Young Hyson 70 ®75 J
WlNES —Madeira........ gal. 2 00 ® 2 25 30pr. ct.
Claret, Mars’lles ‘ask 25 ®6O 40 pr. ct.
Do. Bordeaux doz. 3 00 ® 3 50 40 pr. ct.
Champagne 9 00 ®ls 00 40 pr. ct.
Malaga 50 ®62 40 pr. ct.
“-wrTHirfm iniiiwnwin i
Bg illagnctic SeieQvqjt).
Reported for the Constitutionalist.
LATER FROM CALIFORNIA.
ARRIVAL OF THE NORTH AMERICA.
Baltimore, June 3.
The steamer North America has arrived
from Chagres, with California dates to the Ist
May. She brings four hundred passengera
and SBOO,OOO in gold.
The steamer Falcon had not arrived when
the North America sailed.
Mining operations are represented as being
highly prosperous.
The elections in San Francisco have result
ed in favor of the Whigs.
Rumors are afloat in relation to a secret ex
pedition having for its object an attempt to
take Lower California.
The California Legislature has passed a law
exempting homesteads, and fixing 10 per cent,
as the legal rate of interest. The Legislature
adjourned on the 3rd April.
Business generally throughout California
had much improved, and the future was
cheering.
The steamer Empire City has also arrived..
Charleston, June 3, P. M.
Cotton. —The sales to-day were 500 bales,
at 6£ to 9| cents. Prices full, with a tenden
cy to improvement.
Arrival of the Steamship Alabama.—We
learn by a despatch from the Agents, Messrs.
Padelford, Fay & Co., that the steamship Ala
bama, from New York, arrived at Savannah
at 11 o’clock yesterday morning.
(Telegraphed for the Charleston Courier.')
Columbia, June 2,7 P. M.
Cotton has been inactive, but firm to-day.
The supply was limited; but what was on
sale was in demand at full prices. Twenty
two bales changed hands fr -' m 5£ to B£c.
(Somtmmal,
Augusta Market* June 4-
REMARKS.-—By our regular monthly report,
it will be seen that the Receipts iu Augusta and
Hamburg reach 224.851 bales, against 243.344 last
year, being a falling off of 18,493 bales. The
stock on hand is 54,183, against 57,339 bales last
year, and the Shipments to Savannah and Charles*
! ton, 190 i3B, against 199,824 bales last year.
The Receipts at all the Ports, are 2,197,645, a
! gainst 1,918 930 bales last year, being an inctease
of 278,655 bales. The Stocks on hand at the prin
cipal poits are 474,647, against 522,373 bales last
year, being a decrease of 47 626 bales.
I The S: ipments to Great Britain are 1,124,207,
j against 775,820 during the same period last year,
being an increase of 318,387 bales; to France,
283,133, against 240,819 —increase 42,314; and to
other Foreign Ports 214 355, against 1A'i,749 last
year-—increase 66 561 bales. Total increase in
Shipments to all Foreign Ports, 457,262 bales.
To Coastwise Ports, the Shipments show a fal
ling oft'of 106,379 bales, being 519,737 bales this
year, against 626,176 bales last year.
The total Shipments to all Ports are 2,141,432
bales, against 1,790.549 bales last year, showing an
increase in Shipments of 350,883 bales.
THE CHOPS.—As regards the growing crop,
it is too early to speak with any degree of accu
racy. There is no doubt but a large quantity of
laud has been planted, but whether the yield will
be greater than last year, time alone can devclope.
One thing, however, is very certain, the growing
crop is very backward oa accouut of the cold
spring experienced, and should we have an early
frost the crop planted will fall short of the antici
pation es planters, when the seed was put in tL*
ground.
![ bank note table.
! Augusta Insurance and Banking Company, pa?
Bank of Augusta, “
! Brancii State of Georgia, Augusta,... “
I Bank of Brunswick, “
Georgia Rail Road, “
Mechanics’ Bank,
Bank of St. Mary’s, ......
Bank of Milledgeville,
Bank of the Str.te of Georgia, at Savannah,... .....
Branches of ditto,
Marine and Fire insurance Bank, Savannah,
Branch of ditto, at Macon,
Planters’ Bank, Savannah, ‘
Central Bank of Georgia, “
Central R. R. and Banking Company, Savannah,.... “
' Charleston Banks, **
Bauk of Camden,....
| Bank of Georgetown, “
Commercial, Columbia “
Merchants’, at ‘‘
Bank of Hamburg, “
Alabama Notes, * ® * ui
Tennesee ......2 ® 5 •
NOT BANKABLE.
Merchants’ Bonk of Macon.*
EXCHANGE.
On New Vork, i prera
Philadelphia,.
Boston,
Charleston and Savannah,... par.
Lexington, Kentucky,
Nashville, Tennessee,.
* STOCKS.
{Georgia, 6 per cents * par
I *Nol.taken by our banks, but redeemable atthe Plant
ers’Bank.Savannah atpar.
Savannah Chamber of Commerce.
j ROB’T. HABERSHAM, President.
C. GREEN, Ist Vice President.
EDW’D. PADELFORD, 2nd Vice President
OCTAVUS COHEN, Secretary and Treasurer
—thi Kaeaaaicaa.
COTTON.—Our marketopined oa W dn-sdiy
' last with the Canada’s advices at hand, bringing
an advance in the Liverpool market of a gd.—
These advic s had a favorable effect on our mar
ket, and prices rallied, holders b* ing able to re
alize an advance of $a £ cent on th > prices cur.
rent previous to her arrival. In this condition
our market remained un Thursday, Friday. 3.- tur
. day and Monday,holders offering,their stocks spar
ingly, and buyers anxious to purchase. On Mon,
' day evening the arrival of the YVasbb gton was
5 announced, with still lavorable advices, which
gave holders more confidence, and some ot them
k were asking higher prices. The sales on Tues.
day were, if anything, m favor of sellers. It ig
; difficult to give quotation correctly, but the fol
lowing are about as tear as we can get a them e *
Mid llifisr to Strict Mid ding 7**B4
Good Middling...... B£a
Middling Fair 83 a —•
tair a—
k RECEIPTS OP COTTON.
From lat September, 1850, to laU,i dates received.
1851. 1850.
Savannah, May 20 284J95 295254
Charleston, May 29 34 ,932 332,044
, Mi bile, May 23 419,6i6 -320,251
New-Orteans, May £7 918 204, 765 909
Florida May 18 163,013 .]6l >l3
Texas, May 17. 35, 71 25 732
l Virginia, Mayl 15,025 8 025
( Ntrth (.Carolina, May 17. J 1,859...... 9,468
Total Receipts.... 2,197,6*5 1.918,990
Increase of Receipts this year.... 278,655 ~ r ~
STOCK OF COTTON
Remaininsronkandat the latest dates received.
’ Savannah, May 29 14 833 A42 244
Charleston, May 29 34,799 60,586
Mobile, May 23 104,637 €9 535
New-Orieans, May 27 159,022 131,556
F.orida, May 18 25,940 26,101
, Texas, May 17 4,208 311
Augusta .si Hamburg, June 1 54,183 57 339
Macon, May 1 15,844 15 514
Virginia, May 1 1,590 900
North Carolina, May 17 450 . 435
k New-York, May 27 59, 3L.117,852
Total ...474,647 522,373
474,C47
Decrease in Stocks 47"b26
GROCERIES). — The business during the pas
week, has been limited to filling country orders.
The stocks of our merchants are good for the
season of the year, and every arrival is adding to
1 that on hand. We have but little change to no
tice in the price of any article, and our remarks
oflast week are applicable to this.
DRY GOODS.—-We are pleased to see that
business in this line is on the increase. There is
a good and well assorted stock of seasonable goods
on the market, and most purchasers have been
able to fill the orders at satisfactory prices.
HARDWARE.—The stock of Hardware on
hand is heavy, and being m *tly of direct impor
tation, our merchants are enabled to seil as cheap
and on as good terms as those of Charleston or
New York.
HATS AND SHOES.-The stocks Os both
these articles held in this market, is greater than
for several years past, and purchasers will find it
to their interest to examine the stocks of our
merchants before going fur her.
CORN —We have no change to notice in prices
this week. The stock on hand is fully equal to
the demand, and sales are making from stores, in
small lots, at prices ranging from 85 to 90 cents.
BACON.— There continues a fair demand for
Bacon, and prices still tend upwards. There is a
fair supply of W estern on hand. Western is worth
lOJ, and Tennessee 11 cents the hog round, by
the quantity. Shoulders are worth to 10}Sides
11 o 11|, and Hams 12 to 13 cents.
COFt EL.—Stocx on hand on the decrease, and
prices still declining. We quote Rio 11 a U£c.
LARD.- —Good Lard is scarce, and in demand,
and meets with ready sale at 11 a 11£ cents, ac
cording to quality and quantity.
t LOUR,—The market is well supplied with
Northern and Western, which is selling at $6 to
P er hhl.—fanev brands SB. Augusta Canal
is selling from £64 to #7£ per bbl.
FEATHERS.—There is not much demand for
this article at present, and the stock is on the in
crease. We quote Tennessee at 33 cents per lb,