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X. S. MORSE.
k- y.Ui %
cpurnn.
With ca. - mind’s eye we look down through
tLo long vista ol years, upon the scene that
rendered sacred Bethlehem of Judea,when the
birth of Christ was heralded by f*u Angel to
tua KL‘ plicrdß who k'pt watch oyer the fl eke
by night; whoa the wise men of East,
guided by the Tone Star ot glory, wended their
way to the manner that they might worship
Him, iu view ot whose birth, a multitude of
the Lea7enly host sped through the air, shout
ing : “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth, peace, good wiU toward *rer,”
In and ’ h long since how our heart pul
sated wivo re*! joy, when tbo Cbriiark) hoji
-lagwJWcUdo we remember hang- j
big our tiny stocking near the ohimnoy place,
and how we ravelled all the night iong in
*w<-t dreams, the heroes of which were Santa
Chius and liie gi f ts ;as well ae how we arose,
at cirly dawn • to dad that little stocking filled
v.i'h Christmas gifts.
To dear little children, Christmas Eve and
Christmas day form the happiest time of all the
year. It has always been so ; It will always
be so. ~
Tbo feast of Christ’s birth was, according to
many criticr, not celebrated in the fl r st centu
ries of lire Christ! iu Church, as it was their
customary to celebrate the death rather than
the birth of remarkable persons.
The,first Chr sTnas feast took place in the
Fourth ry, and iu the Fifth, the Western
f'hureh or lerod its continued observance on
the day, distinguished among the Romans, as
the time of the udvent, into this world, of Sol
December 25th. From a heathenish uaage
prt’.e iced at the feist ot the latter, was da
i iv. I the custom of giving presents on Christ_
liiai Ev*, wlrioh now constitutes one of the
bright, .-,t epochs (if such we may call it) in the
lives ot parents and children. For the pleasure
of our dear little friends, we rejoice that peace
sure els its white wings over us this Christm is.
and that fiunilies, which were separated lai-}
year, by reason of the anscence of husband
an I . i mi in the army, are to -day united
Ah.o ! alas ! we are sad, when we think that
other laudly circlos are broken. Tire fuellings
ol many a mother aro contained in the words
of those little verses :
Percy and M wide are fast asleep,
Fa t a !e p In the little bed,
Were l gut here by tho fire, and weep,
Wuh J i hough ts of my loved ones that are
d<ad.
And so. with this sorrow newly stirred,
I sit by the tire, and sadly weep,
O’er hopes <-xtingui bed, and j ys deferred,
While Percy and Maude are last asleep.
While wo weep with those who weep, wo
congratulate the living that it is as well with
us as it ia. And, tendering to our readers oue
and all, a merry, merry Christmas, wo would
fain t xpre; s the heps -that the evils of the
past may n-iver visit ns again, but that its
blessings, with new ones, may over beautify
with their brilliance, ou: pathway through
li;e, and that, when our work is accomplished
in thid world, we may ba permltte! to look
forever upon the face ot thu Child of Bktu-
I.KU 1. K.
A Talk About Cottjn. —Recent articles in
LWoipool papers have, to some extent, re-
Btor.ii the confidence of those who are holding
cotton out of the maiket. Those articles that
daring the lust eight months of the present
year, 1805, the imports of cotton, instead of
having iueieas and, us a couseqttenco of the con
clusion of the American war, had actually de
creased, bsing on’y 4,5(54,040 hundred weight
in 18(55 while they woie 4,070,000 hundred
weights in 1804. While this decrease was ope
rating thi re was an increase in the exports of
raw cotton from 1 5215,010 hundred weights in
the first eight months of 1804, to 1,680,994
hundred weights dining the corresponding
period of 1805. During the 1 satno months of
those two years there was also an increase in
exports of yarn and piece goods, and a consl
deruble amount ol i nor ease in the consumption
of cotton manufactures. The opening of the
ports iu the S mthern States failed to produce
a su'oug ttT 'ct upon the BritUli imports up to
the end of September, when they were 202,-
772 hales against 159 209 biles during the cor
responding nine months of 1864, an irete ;se of
about 40,000 bales—scarcely a week’s supply.
There wus a falling off during the nine
months of the present year from India and
China, which two countries supplied 1,1151,306
bales in IN>4, and only 919,656 bales iu 1865.
These statements presout the case thus : The
lucre vse of icceipts of Cottou from the United
States in cousequ»nce of the cessation of war
is less than was expected, and the receipts
fiom India and Chiua have seriously decreased,
while the exports of raw cotton, yam and
piece goods, and the home demand for manu
faotured goods have considerably increased.
(rises these statements were compiled, th 9
Britisli imports from the United States have in
creased ; but have they increased, and can
they iuciease, up to the limit required by the
case, as presented above, especially when the
very uio iorate prospects for raising a crop next
year are taken into account ? This is the view
taken l>y those •: ho arc boldiug their cotton
back from the market. These who disapprove
that policy say that one third of tho year be
fore the new ciop btgius to come in, is gone
by, and that the amount of cotton now on
hand, and fast coining to muket, is too largo
to ad mil of an important rise before the ntw
crop niiki i it appearance
Gov. Jon son lif-i.uvt.l).—The Secretary of
State o-is addressed a letter to Gov. J-nkius '
of Georgia, tiansmitt'ng a copy of a comnnmi
catiou addressed to the late Provl-ioual Gov
ernor of that State, reiiveing him of that trust
an 1 tendering to oo operation of the United
Slat s government whenever found neceesary
to the prosperity o f the state ot Georgia.
Thb Work Goi.vu on —\Ve learu that Col
A. P Butler’s command ot mounted militia,
were ei jag. and Saturday in Tlambnrg in taking
posse.-si ni f all weapons found in the hands
of the negroes. This is a good work, we are
glad to it goiu- on.
Ridcctio <r . ruop> ihe War Depart
ment has ordered the reduction of wbite troops
in the S'ates of Georgia, Alabama and Missis
sippi to seven thousand men.
Fanaticism.—Of all. human icGrmities. or
rather vices, there is none productive of more
expensive mischief to society than fanaticism,
and, certainly, no people under tho sun have
suff-rtd so much from its pernicious and pesti
lential influence, as those of our own America.
It’s still small voice was flrst heard in the
blatant oratorials of country politicians in some
of cur Northern States ; and by degrees, yet
with persistent effort, it continued to advance,
until its ch’ef apostles were delivered cf the
“Higher Law doctrine” in the Senate of the
United States.
Fanaticism soon found zealous advocates in
the narrow minded and selfish. Its breathings
were of such an injurious nature, that, like a
corrosive, ** up the cord cf unity with,
which ot. i r'firt Inrun ■*'' 11 *-'rtfs
“gWWepublic.
“For the advancement of the faith, all means J
are lawful,” as their motto, like the fi-nds j
from which Tan#o borrowed the phrale, North
ern fanatics, marched forth and initiated tho
war, which deluged the land with blood ; and
which, with its dark wings, shit cut the
sun-iight of prosperity that was just beginning
to shed its r are brilliance, over the whole coun
try.
Now, that that sad scourge has been stayed,
the p opla of the Softth, showing a perfect
willingness to acquiesce in the now order of
tilings, Lave found in President Jo! neon a true
friend One who stands up like a mighty rork
defying the mad waves of fanaticism, which
would lain wash away some vestige of national
honor, and obliterate even fraternal feeling.
The fanatics in our National Halls of Legis
lation, appear not yet to be satisfied with (be
ruin they bavo brought upon the laud. They
wish to still further distract the country with
their schemes ol self-acrgrandlzement. To de
feat their projects, should be the aim of rfv -ry
true patriot. The best wav to accomp’ish
this, is to stand by the President, and uphold
the measures ha recommends.
Right and Paoruß.—We understand that
Gen. Tiileon, the head the Freerlruea’s
Bureau in Georgia, is compelling tho freedm- n
in this State to make contracts. We are glad
to announce that he has takeu this position
He will be upheld iu it by every person in the
South, and by every person in the Noith who
fully undersl inds the true position of affairs iu
this section of the Union.
Events have proved one thing very con
clusively. A great majority of the freedin; n
will not work unless And the
sooner they are forced to earn their bread by
he sweat of their b'ow, thß sooner ass firs wil 1
will resume their customary channels.
We presume Northern radicals ami pulpit
stump speakers will hold up their hands in holy
horror at the idea of the “freedmon’s being
Compelled to work.” But we hope that officials
iu this section who are determined that justice
shall be dona the planter as well as the laborer,
will pay no attention to the blantant vaporings
of these negro worshippers, whose whole sym
pathy for the colored man consists in using
him Bimplv as a means to get political power.
One thing is certain. The freed men cf the
South has either got to work, steal, or starve
Work most of them will not, uDless forced to.
Steal miuy of them wi’l rather than work for
a living, llow much better then is it for both
them and the communities in which they live,
that the course we spi ko of above is pursued.
When they are at work they are not law break
ers, and they are of use to themsolves and the
world As idlers, they are an absolute nuis
ance, vicious law-breakers, ot no use to them
selves or any one else.
Tub True Ring —The tenor of the deed3 of
some of the members of the House of Repre
sentatives at Washington shows that the South
has good gffid Btrong friends iu the National
Halls of Legislation. A member from Wisconsin
a few days since, intioduceda resolution the es
feet that the States recently in arms against the
General Government should each and every
one of them, resume their appropriate and con*
stifutional positions and functions in the Union
without delay ; and to this end, and layiug
aside all party feeling, and personal or other
animosity, waiving all minor differences, and
seeking earnestly to maintain and preserve
the Union of our Fathers, wo will cordially sus
tain and support the Presideut in any and all
constitutional efforts and policy of restoration,
believing that thereby the political, commer
cial, financial and genet al prosperity of the
whole country will bo most substantially and
permanently subserved.
Tuis resolution has the right tone. It shows
that there are some members of the National
Legislature, who seo the great importance of
having all difficulties settled in some way at
once, and who are willing to do all in thei*
power to settle them.
The Next Cotton Chop —Nearly every pa
per we glauce at, both North and South, talks
of the necessity of having a groat cotton crop
the coming year. Every one who knows any
thing of tho real necessities cf the countiy.
knows the necessity of such a result. It wou’d
benefit, beyond calculation, the South. It
would benfit the whole nation. It would fill
the coffers ot the people, and assist materially
the return to spece payment Bat, say some,
the existing state of matters will prevent such
a wished for event to happen. Trae, but then
measures can be adopted that, in a short time,
will change the aspect of affdra at once. The
plan is a simple one. and can be carriedout.
There are probably to day two millions o
colored laborers within the cotton producing
region, who understand full well the cotton
culture. They are better for that wo’k than
any hands that can be imported. The only
thing uow necessary to be done is to contrive
some means toinduee or compel them to work.
W. trust the measures now being tried to ef
fect that purpose will be successful.
Charleston and Savannah Railroad —The
terry ot tbis company at Charleston terminus
ot tne Toad is now in operation. Stages run
regulaily cv.r that portion ot the rosd not
yet repaired
Tun Cossrrrrn«K»L Amlnpscbnt.—The Sec
retary of State officially declares the Consti
: tutional smeßdment. which has been ratified
by three fourths of the Slates, valid to ail
intents and purposes as part of the Constitu
tion of the United States.
AUGUSTA, GA„ WEDNESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 3, 1866.
Tna Sou incus Conobewmen.—Many North
ern papers claim that the South “hurled de
fiance in tQri face of the Federal Government,
by tl< citing Confederate soldiers to the U. S.
Corgress.” Now this position is an untenable
one. It is totally wronar. It is a position, ta
ken by the enemies of the South in order to do
her it jury. She did cot e!ec‘ her soldiers to
Congress in order “to dely the Federal Govern
ment.’ ’
Had the authorities at Washington indicated
the men they desired the South to send to the
National Halls of Legislation, they would have
undcutedly been elected. As it was no par
ticular class was pointed out. The South was
left free to act as =he pleased. She elected her
s oi.djers betuyiae Hie jjsritaAAte&al?’ to -d*
■{fltfOrJana bee ruse she thought they would
an ike goal, honest, loyai members of ths Na
tional Congress. It is a proverbial fact,
that most of ihose Southerners who fought the
hard Est, as soon as the new order of things
was established, were the fiist to accept them
with a will, aud have been among the most law
abid.ng citizens. •
Asa general thing it is ' len of this stamp
who have been elected to Congress. Such men
are needed there. They will work for the in
terest of the whole nation, and not be sectional
agitators like many from the North.
Before the Northern presi and demagogues
condemn tho members elect from th3 South,
they should wait until they are admitted so
Congress ; and then judge them by their works.
That would not only be a fair course to pursue,-
but an honorable one also. A body of men
who have renewed their fealty to the Govern
ment ought not to be persecuted for de°ds done
in the past, but should be allowed to show
their future intentions by the policy tbey
,adop*. No one should be condemned without
a hearing. If a man has erred, and repents
thereof, at least a fair chance should be given
to permit him to show that he is sincere in the
new course he has marked out. That was the doc
trine advocated by Kentucky’s great statesman,
Henry Clay, in his day. It should be the doc
trista o i this day .also. If carried out now,
many a chasm between the South and the
Nonh would be bridged many a hard place
made smooth and easy to get over.
The assertion that the “South hurled de
fiance iu tho face of the Federal Government
by electing her soldiers to Congress,” ia a base,
unfounded assertion and is one of the under
handed plans adopted by unprincipled agita
tors to keep up a sectional excitement.
From Burke County —We underhand that
many of the uegroes iu Burke county refuse to
make contracts for the coming year. They
say that they are “going to Augusta to get a
living.” Not much of a living will they get
iu tins place, we can assure them. There are
more colored laborers here now, than there b
work for. And we shall, hail with pleasure
}*(* <loj* c» % fji'i ittvv Will
our streets of the countless idlers which infest
th*:m—waiting for an opportunity to lay vio
lent hands on something to support them in
their laziness.
We are informed that General Tilson went
to Barkq county on Friday night to eradi
cate from the heads of tte freedmen in that
section, the foolish ideas they have that they
need not work ; and also urge them to
make contracts.
Tbo negroes thoughout the State should not
only bo compelled to make contracts, but
should be punished severely if they do not
keep them. This thing has got to bo done.
A i early beginning will save much trouble in
future. ..
T t;: Arrest of OuM.modjuk Sehmes. —The
clie. • s ugaiust Commodore Semmea of the
Ai U ana, are on the ground that after the en
gagt meat bad taken place between that vessel
and the U. 8. steamer Kears ige. off tho coast
of France, the Commodore hoisted a white flag
on the former, and under tho cover thereof
made his escape, thereby avoiding being made
p'iscaer; and subsequently engaged in hostil
ities against tho United States, without being
ex .h inged. This it is claimed, “violated the
us .g 3 of war.’’
Ge amodore Semtues protests against his ar
rest. He states that he was an official in Gen.
John, don’s command at the time it wassur*
re and. rod ut Greensboro’, N. C., and as 6ttch is
unite l to all the privileges guaranteed by
lion. J tension at that time; the principal one
otwlicn was “that tho officers and men ccm
“prising the army of General Johnston should
“re. tun to then homes and there remain un
‘•moksted by the United States authorities, so
“inag as they observed the obligation they had
''‘entered into, and obeyed the laws enforced
where they resided ’’
Tin: Cash of Virginia.— During the war',
Representatives f rom the State of Virginia
ware permitted by the Northern radicals to oc
cupy seats ia bosh the U. S. Senate and
House. This was allowed when a portion of
tihuState was arrayed ia arms against the Fed
eral Gov. rament. Now, after the authority of
tbe laws and Constitution has been restored
over every mob oi her territory, and has been
for eight months, the radicals want the Rep
resentatives from Virginia ejected from both
House?. There is not much consistency in
such a course, to say the least. It shows that
some of the Northern leaders instead of carry
ing cut the Constitution and laws of the
United States,are disposed to set both aside for
the purpose of carrying out party schemes.
FsrkdmrCs Convention. —We notice by cur
exchanges that the fieedmen ace to have a con
vention in thi* place, and in that place. Now,
we lor k ur.on all such things as these, as mere
foolishness. ' And the white men who put such
nonsensical ideas into freedmen’s heads are
their worst enemies. Conventu ns ara expen
sive. And the freedmen of the South instead
of ho’diag them and endeavoring to get priv
ileges which tbey have not and which will
never be grsnted them, had much better
keep at work, save their money, and be satis
fied with the rights tb*y abeady have.
Paved.— We notice that one of the editors
j of the Macon Journal sived "his bacon” from
be ng molested by robbers the other night by
being ’ fleet of foot.” Might as well strive to
get sunbeams out of a cucumber as to think
: of finding anything in a newspaper mans
I pocket woith stealing.
As Important Ordsr.-A very important
order has just been issued by Gen. Tiilson, of
the Freedmen’e Bureau In .t this officer r an
nounces. what policy he intends to pursue in
regard to tho freed men of the State of Georgia.
Ha also announces the wages to be paid. He
gives to fr a ed people who are so situated that
they can support themselves and families
without work, the privilege to make contracts
or not, as they please. He also gives to those
who have got to work the privilege of choosing
their own master. But there is another ground
he takes, which we trust will be carried out to
the letter. He announces to the treed people
who have no visible means of support, that un
less they make eontjacta bafoieJ»Bt-«ay
■ 186#;' tE# cWeero .au‘i age nfs of the Bureau
will make contracts for them; and what is of
great importance with those with whom the
eontracfj is made, will compel tho freedmen
to carry out any bargain which may be ar
ranged for thorn.
General Tiilson gives good reason for pur
suing lhis course. He truly states that “it is
imperatively necessa-y that contracts be made
to ensure a supply oi food and escape starva
tion the coming year,” and that it is also neces
sary “that ccatiaets be made in time to pre
pare for raising crops the ensuing season.”
Another good thing is contained in this
order. Ail persons are forbidden to tamper
with the colored laborers, or entice thorn
away from their employers, before the expi
ration of their contracts, “either by offering
them higher wages or other inducements
and the officers and agents ot the Bureau are
instructed to punish a by tine or otherwise any
person convicted of such an offence.
The order concludes with the annexed sensi
ble remarks :
The public interest requires that labor be
made reliable and profitable, aud so long as
the freed laborer is well paid and kindly treat
ed, this Bureau will not tolerate any interfer
ence with the lights aud interest of em
ployers.
It affords us much gratification to perceive
that Gen. Tiilson has taken firm ground in this
matter. It wiii also be gratifying to the peo
ple of Georgia, as well as to everybody wh»
feels any Interest iu the welfare of the freed
man and the prosperity of our country. We
suppose many of the Northern radicals will
take at the order ; but their fault-find
ings should be accepted for just what they are
worth—just nothing at ali. They have shown
by their rcceot course that all their loud pro
fessions iu by-gene years for the poor negroes
was mere hyprccritical ranting, made for ef
fect. lh“y have also proved by (heir late
acts that they cared for neither the .country or
the white or blacks in it ; that all thev wanted
was political power, and were not fastidious
or scrupulous in regard to tho means they
adopted to obtain it.
It this country is ever rid of tho blighting
curse ot selfish, radical nniitui— **
rta of a cancerous sore that is continually
gnawing at its vitals.
Intolerance. —When Mr. Vsllandigham
was a candidate for the Governorship of Ohio,
he was ardently supported by a member of the
United Presbvteriaa Church, named Houston.
The course of this gentleman did not please
his saintly brethren of the radical Republican
stripe. They accordingly brought rgn
against, and suspended him from the church.
The spirit of intolerance exhibited by this
act, is in keeping with some of the deeds per
petrated in the dark ages. It is this kind of
intolerant spirit that brought all our woes
upon us. It is this spirit which is now being
exhibited by radicals in both Houses of Con
gress, and which will cause the nation much
trouble iu future unless crushed out now.
If President Johnsoa’s policy is successfully
carried out, it will be well with us and for us.
But if the radicals carry the day, we may ex
pect difficulties ahead. Let no lover of his
country, either South or North, throw any
obstacles or hindrances in the way of the Pres
ident or bis conservative supporters in Con
gress.
«T» Jilt"
Conditions of Freedmkn’s Affair in Geor
au.- According to the New York Times,
when Gen. Tiison took command ot the Freed
men’s Bureau of Georgia, there were nearly
sixty thousand indolent blacks being
kept and supported by tho Federal cotumis
sion He issued au order, the enforcement of
which set matters right at -once. Throughout
the whole State General Tiison has but a little
over a thousand paupers, and most of these
are sick in hospitals. According to the Times,
e says 1 that he is proud that all able bodied
negroes shall be made to work.” If the Gen
eral snececds in doing this, he will be looked
upon as a public b'oefactor. He has got a
herculean task to perform. Wo think be will
succesd.
The Right Wat.— Ail vagrant negroes found
in Columbus, are put at work in the chain
gang at qncr fleadreds of idle vagrants in
our city should be put to woik the same way
One reason why the cost of living is so nigh,
is because we have iu our midst thousands cf
idle vagrants who are mere consumers—and
produce nothing but crime and lawless deeds.
A radical change is needed in this matter.—
Clean the city of the vagrants, say we.
Virginia. —The Governor of Virginia in his
message says the State owe! $41,000,000 and
has $22,000,000 of available assets. The in
terest due on January I, is over $0,000,000.
He recommends a tax upon the oyster business,
and the sate of the State interest in railways,
which might reduc ; the debt by $15,000,00*3.
The repeal of usury laws is recommended, and
the message closes with an exhortation to
support the Union in the payment of taxes
and every other way.
The Small Pox .—We learn that the small
pox among the freedmea in Clark county, is
abating. Over two thousand have been vac
cinated in that part ot the State with good
success. A small pox hospital for this class
has alao been established by the authorities.—
Much good, U is said, has resulted p therefrom.
Gold Eagles —a new doeign for gold eagles
has been mile. We hope each designs may
become plentiful in this section. It is one of
the good designs which we think would injure
iie feelings of no one either to assist in carry
ag oat, or to carry anywhere.
Mm ary CoMMhsioj; D cisioss.— Frottf the
report of the proceedings of (he Military Com
mission lately convened in this ci>y, we copy
the ann xcd in regard to the case of “
VY. Olive, of Augusta, Ga
111 Before a Military Commission which
convened at Augusta, Georgia. December 9,
1*63, pursuant t > Sp»c : al Oiders No 86 of
fNovemUer 20. 1865, fu m 11 .ac’quarters Dec-art
ment of Georgia, aud cf which Colonel R.
Root; 136th Regiment U. 8 O. Infantry, is
President, were airaigned and tried :
Ist. Thomas W. Gave, a citizen ot Augusta,
Ga.’
Charge—Murder.
Specification Ist In this that tho said
Thomas W. Olive, did willfully and malicious
ly aud with malice uforctficivsht, sK>.>t find
klli one Train Simmons, a private soldier ot
Company “ A. ” one hundred end thirty-pixh
(136th) United Stales Colored Troops.
This ac Augusta, Georgia, on or about the
seventh day of December, 1865.
Sptcfieatioa 2ud Ia this that the said
Thomas W. Olive, did without sufficient cause,
unlawfully, willfully and maliciously, and
with malice aforethought, shoot aud kill one
I ram Simmons, a private soldier of Company
“A,’’one hulicked »ml thirty-sixth (136th) Uni
tea States Colored Troops.
This at Angus a, Geo: gin, on or about tho
seventh day of December, 1865.
Specification 31. In this, thatjj the said
Thomas VV. Olivo, did, unlawfully aud willfully
shoot and kid one Tram Simmons, a private
soldier of Company “A,” one hundred and
thirfy-6ixlh (136 in) United States Colored
iro ps.
This at Augusta, Georgia, on or about the
seventh day ol December, 1865.
Fma—“Not Guilty.”
FINDINGS.
Os the lot Specification—“ Not Guilty.”
Os the 2ud Specification—“ Not Guilty ”
Os the 3d Specification—“ Not Guilty.”
Ot the Charge —“Not Guilty.”
The proceedings and findings of the Military
Corumn-Biou • ia me case of Thomas VV. Oave,
citizia,- are disapproved—because the record of
ttie findings dUcletes the vote of each member
—thereby violating their e~'.u as members ot
the Comtuissk u.
Thomas VV. Olive will be released from con
finement.
A resident of Washington, VY Ikes coua!y>
Mr Nicholas Wiley, was a so tried by the same
Commission ou the charge of “barbarous and
cruel treatment” of a freedwoman.
The main specification slates that he caused
her to be held by two Iroedmea, and beat her.
He then had her taken to a carriage heuso, and
whipped her again on her naked body, and had
her hair cut off. This, the specification says,
“in violation of existing orders.”
To these charges Mr. Wiley plead guilty, and
the Court found him guilty, and sentenced him
to be lined two hundred and fifty dollars.
The proceedings and findings of the Com
mission have been approved by Gen. Brannan,
and Mr. Wiiey ordered to stand committed,
until the amount of the fine is turned over to
the proper disbursing officer of the Freedman’s
Bureau.
SsnsibleAdyic*!.— ihev v
needman's meeting at Memphis. The crowd
was addreseed by two officers of the Freed
men’s Bureau at that place. Tho speakers ad
vised their hearers, by all means, to at once
make contracts for the coming year, that they
might have happy and comfortable homes, and
warned them against those designing persons
who would wish them to do otherwise. At the
completion of the addresses, ths freedmen,
so a man, almost expressed their willingness
and even anxiety to have their contracts made
out at'once.
We would urge upon the freedmen in thi 8
section to follow ths same plan. Lot every
freedman in Georgia select wnom he will have
for his master the coming year, and make a
contract with him immediately.
Importatio i of Cattle. —ln Congress, Mr.
Wentworth’s bill has been passed. It provides
that the importation of cattle shall be pro
hibited. The Secretary of tho Treasury is to
make such regulations as will give thi3 law
full aud immediate effect, and to send the
copies thereof to the p.oper officers in this
country and foreign ports. When the Presi
dent shall have given thirty day’s notice, by
proclamation, that no further danger is appre
hended, this law sha'l be of no force, and cat
tle will be imported in the same way as here
tofore.
This measure was deemed necessary in order
to prevent the cattle plague from being
brought to this country.
Through to Savannah is Ore Day. —The
Augusta & Savannah Railroad is now so near
being completed that passengers can now go be
tween the two places in ono day. Tho trains
leave Augusta at six AM, and arrive in Sa
vannah at 10 P M Passengers now have to
ride only twenty two miles on coaches. This
aTt of the read wc are informed will soon be
completed.
A Powerful Aid.— The New York Times,
recently appeals to be disposed to assist the
President to .carry out his- reconstruction
policy. The Times, ueder the management of
such men ao Raymond and Thu rlow Weed can
assist greatly in (he work. We hope that the
Times will pursue the policy it iias lately
adopted. Much good will result—cannot help
resulting therefrom.
The Rice Crop. —lt is said that the rice crop
on the coast will, thi3 vear, amount to little or
nothing. The Savannah xivpr, where formerly
800,000 bushels were raised, there are tbis
year 10,000. On tbe Altamaha, where Goi>,ooo
were raised, this year GOOD &c Matters are
much more unsettled on the rice plantations
than in any other section of South Carolina or
Georgia.
Damager op thk Road.—The late storm was
very severe ap the country. We are informed
that some of the supporters of the Georgia
Railroad bridge over the Oconee have been
swept away ; passengers cross it on a hand
car. Itig algo stated that a portion of thebridge
over th“ Yellow river has been swept away
The truth of tbe latter report we cannot vouch
for.
—OCfr
A Shooting Ass air. —la Columbia county.
I on Christmas dav, a dispute arose between Mr
J- Lamkin and another party nam»d Black
burn. Tbe latter drew a pistol and fired. The
ball grazed the body of Mr. L., doing him bnt
little injury. His son, however, came np and
fired at Mr, L,, wounding him in the arm.
VOL. LXXV.—-NEW SERIES VOL. XXV NO. 2.
Augusta in’ the Closing Days of 1865.
Public spirited o'tin in's invariably rejoice in
the prosrersfy of (be place of their r.bcde ; and
there is no duty more incumbent upon them
than that of furthering its advancement by the
exercise of groat liberality, which Seldom fails
to induce profitable trade.
Augusta, by reason of her geographical posi
tion, occupies a very enviable place; and poss
esses superior facilities for being made a real
emporium cf trade. But of what advantage is
the locality, or what good her possessions, un
less they he improved and exercised ?
Surrounded by rural aistricts, rich in the
choice productions of the soil, tne flocks, and
the herds—the cit’zms are nevertheless, often
deprived of there things, so far as abundance is
concerned, through the inability of farmers to
’■each the city ; because, during the time of
greatest leisure, the roads leading hither are
woefully broken and much to be avoided.
It would indeed ba profitable to tho city, if
our people would unite as one man. and by an
expenditure, which, bearing equally upou all
would pi ove light, ha vs tho roads repaired.
We feel assured ihar.il' this were done, our
people would f-need'y \vitnes3 tho cancelling o>
the costs, by the great aud lucrative change
wrought in business.
indomitable energy never loses its reward.
Instances of the truthfulness of this assertion
is found ia every day life.
See tho fruit men are reaping, who toiled
on earnestly and undismayed through the hot
days of Jaiy and August, when the Savannah
was almost a sand bed.
Tne arrival and departure of steamers, al
most every hour, the bustle on the river bank,
where thousands cf pounds of merchandize are
discharged and received, exhibit tho reward
given to public spirited citizens.
We take the activity that eulivens Augusta
in these the latter days ol the year, as very
auspicious. With careful management, the
womb of the Now Year can he made to give
birth to what will prove to be anew and
more glorious prosperity, than that which has
ever crov.neii the labors of our citizens.
This is a progressive age. and those who do
not partake cfilsjiature have outlived their
lives.
A Most Audacious Robbery* —On Friday
night a party of thieves entered tho yard of
Mr. Edward Gal labor on the corner of Broad
and Marbury streets, and deliberately tore
away, with chisels and other implements, the
chimney place immediately adj rcent to the
street, thus affording them an easy and sure
entrance into the store,
This done they possessed themselves of num
berless packages of handkerchiefs, cases of la
dies’ and gentlemen’s shoes; lots of calicoes and
worsted, and an iron safe containing, as Mr.
G. informed us, several thousand dollars in
gOf.'Bira S ” ' “
To assist them, the thieves brought into re
quisition a truck and wagon, or cart, by means
of which tbey have thus far made secure their
booty.
How this bold theft wa3 accomplished, so
near tbc street, without detection, is to our
mind incomprehensible.
The truck was found on the river, and the
wagon was tracked a short distance from the
store, then lost. The police, however, are on
the alert, and are making diligent, and, we
hope it may prove, successful search for the
robbers.
This is by far the most audacious robbery
that has ever been committed iu our city for
seme time. Surely something ought to be done
to put a stop to the rapid • increase of crime,
which is fast becoming a part and parcel of
every day’s events.
Murder and Robbery —A horrid murder oc
curred at Butler’s creek, about six miles from
this city, on the Savannah road, on Monday
night. How it happened is thus far a mystery.
The young man kilted was the son of A. W.
Carmichael, of this city. He was keeping a
store at the place mentioned. The first known
of the affair was the finding of his dead body
in the store on Tuesday morning by his father.
There were two builet holes in it. The body
was lying behind the counter, almost naked.—
Whether youug Carmichael was first shot and
then stripped; or whether awakened dur
ing the night he arose to sec what was the
matter, is a thing which no one as yet certainly
knows, except those who committed the deed. It
is thought,however,that he was called up about
midnight, as h colored man who watches at a
mill near by. hoard a pistol fired about that
hour. So maDy noises of that kind had oc
curred during the evening that he paid no
further attention to it. Nearly all the goods
in the store were taken. From a wagon track
it is thought that those who committed the
deed, went from this city and returned to it.
Crime is daily on the increase in our midst.
Some measures ought to be adopted to stop it.
—mss* BUM -
Robber y and Attemp to Kill.— On Saturday
evening about six o’clock some parties forced
an entrance into the residence of M P. Sto
val, on.Telfair sireot. Leaving a guard on the
oulsiile, they coolly Ut the gas aud commenced
operations About fcalf past six, two colored
boys who stay on the premises went into the
yard ; seeing a person come out of the house
one of them supposed it was Mr. M., aud ad
! dressed him. Instead of replying the party
| ran ucroes the premises, and threw something
over the fence. One of the boys then exclaim -
ed, “It is a robber—lot’s catch him.’’ Up
on turning to give cha-e, he was fired at from
behind a tree. Tho ball struck him on the
sleeve, doing no damage except to the gar*
ment. The robbers succeeded in making their
escape—carrying with ttcnr a lot of silver
ware, some clothing, and several other articles
! A loaded r fie, which they left behind, was
found in the yard in the morning.
NTT.- *
More Store Breaking. — ihe store of Boaes
& Brown, on the corner of Broad and Oamp
| bell streets, was broken into Monday night.
! Toe rogue3 effected aa entrance by the side
j door—boring through some sheet iron plmt
; Ipgs. After being on inside; a few miau teß ; a
• private watc .man interfered with their
arrangements somewhat, by firing P ai
! them. They dropped a considerable quantity
■ of their booty, but succeeded in c3tryiDg off
about five hundred dollars worth ot goods
Their exit was decidedly more rapid than their
i entrance.
Sef.veu him Right.—A few days since we
fp ke of a man named Bradley, who was ar
rested in Savannah, for using seditious lan
guage From what we can learn, he was just
fiom the North, and had commenced delivers
iug speeches calculated to st ; r up dissension
and discontent among the freedmen. We have
trouble enough, without having them added to
by fanatics who come here especially for that
purpose. The Military Court before whom
Mr. Bradley was tried, it appears, was of this
opinio l also; and, therefore, sentenced him to
one year’s confinement iu Fort Pulaski. We
trust thja example will servo as a warning to
others of the same class and prevent them frem
coming here to create" discord and dissension in
our midst. Tho great aim of all should be to
help solve the labor problem at (ho South; not
to so act or advise, as to rer.der it moro difficult
to work out.
A Enoch Down Rciibbkkt.—As Mr Mimms,
was ou his way from the Waynesboro Depot to
Broad street, on Saturday evening, about six
o’clock, he was knocked down by some party
approaching him from the rear. The blow was
a severe one, and rendered Mr M senseless for
atimo On recovering he found that his pockets
had been ritiid Fortunately for him, he
had left both liis watch and his purse at hia
room
The rascals which iufoit our city are growing
bolder every day.
The Billiard Matou.— The announced bil
liard match at the International Billiard Saloon
came off on Saturday night, between Mr. Her
rick of Lexington Ky . and Mr. Howard, of
New York. Mr. Howard came off ihe victor
beating his'opponent, Mr. Herrick, tin points
in the game of five hundred.
Another match was afterwards made up be
tween .the same parties, of two hundred and
fifty points, whin 1 ' was won by Mr. Herrick*
leading Mr. Howard seven points.
An Error CoaitEOrED.— A few days'sined in
speaking ot disarming the negroes, we spoke
of it as being Gen. Brannan’s policy. In this
we were in error, aud spoke unadtisoly. Gen.
Brannan has announced no policy. We were
led into error by hearing that negroes had
been disarmed. Wq have sines been informed
that no respect was shown to color, and that
tho disarming extended to whites as well aB
negroes, who were inclined to disturb tho peace;
Another New Steamer. — Ihe steamer Harry
Carroll, Captain Merwin, has arrived in Sa
vannah from Baltimore. She itf•'intended to
run ou the river between the and
this city.
The ’Harry Carroll is anew boat, built at
Newbern, N. C., for the government, and waa
purchased a short time since by private
.parties. She is a g<x><V steamer, of light draft,
and well calculated for the trade.
A Munificent) Donation.— We understand
that a gentleman of our neighboring State,
doing business in this city, took it into his
head, on Christmas day, to divide the hand
some sum of two thousand dollars between the
oastors of the. St. John’s and St. James’ Method
ist, and the Greene Btreet and Kollock street
Baptist churches—giving five hundred dollars
to each.
Thieves Caught. —Oa Friday, December 15,
the stables of Mr. G. W. Greiner, of this city,
were entered and three valuable mules stolen
therefrom, They • were arrested a few days
since at No. four-and a-half on Central Rail
road. They are both negroes—named Adam
Bryan and Joseph Jenkins—and are both in
jail, in Savannah.
HIM-
Stock Thieving. —We learn that several case
of this kind of thieving have occurred recently
in Edgefield District, S. C. On Christmas
night, a Mr. Horn, of Kaolin, had a Eorrel
mare stolen from his lot, and on the same
night Mr. Page, in Hamburg, had some stock
stolen from him.
The Murder Cask —We learn that some par*
ties who are supposed to be implicated in the
murder cf Edgar Carmichael, have been ar
rested. We trust that the guilty parties have
been caught aud that the punishment they so
richly deserve, may be meted out to them.
Gratuitous Vaccination for Frfebmen. —We
learn that provision has been made to have
all the freedmon in the city, or who come in
during tho holidays, vaccinated gratuitously
at the office ot Captain Campbell, Sub A-sist
ant Commissioner for Augusta, by a medical
officer of the Bureau.
■Wa--4BBWa——
A Man Shot.— A difficulty, concerning a
piece of land, arose about nine miles west of
this city on Christmas day, between two per
sons named Connor and Malone. Before it
ended the latter was shot. He waa brought
to this city on a litter Tuesday morning. He
i3 seriously if not taially wounded.
Dead from his Wounds. —Dr. Malone, who
was shot by Mr. Connor, near this city on
Christmas*day, died from his wounds on Tues
day night. As the matter is one which has
“passed into the hands of the law,” we will
not give the various rumors a float in regard to it.
Neoro Shot. — We learn that a negro was
shot and badly wounded at the Bath Mills
on Tuesday, by a soldier who had him in cus
tody. The negro was arrested for mule steal
ing, and became unruly in tbo hands of the
guard. t |[
Another Shootiso Affair.— Billeton Mad
dox of this county, was shot, on the 4 Washingion
road, by parties unknown, near this city, on
Monday, ai.d severely but not dangerously
wounded.
More Violence.—We are informed Wm.
Lambkin, of Columbia county, was painfully,
if not seriously, wounded on Christmas day, at
hi3 residence, by some unknown parties.
Mule Stealing. —Tbis kind of theft is quite
prevalent in Edgefield District. Several men,
charged with the offence, have been committed
to jail within the last week or two.
The State Road. —The heavy rains in Upper
Georgia have done much damage to the State
Road. The bridge over the Chattahoochee
and also the one over the Oostanaula have
been washed away