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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