Newspaper Page Text
N. S. MORSE.
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The Usury Law. —We noiioe that some of
the State Senators who voted in favor of
extending the legal rate of interest in Georgia
to ten per cent, are already dissatisfied with
the bill—uoo desires to have his vote recorded
against the measure ; ar*>ther wishes to have
the bill reconsidered in order that all law >
restricting the rate of interest may be repealed
Legislators who take the latter position aro
truo.ntatehmen ; are men who are with the
times, and who are willing that that which is
lor the best interest of the State should be done
at once.
If Georgia is tho first Southern Common
wealth to repeal tho usury laws, and throw
open wide the doors for capital from the North
and from Europe to Come here, Eire will reap a
greater benefit from this action than thobe
Slates which delay moving in the matter.
1%; Richmond Dispatch addresses some
suggestions to the law-makers of Virginia
that are equally applicable to our own Legisla
ture Wo copy a portion of tho remarks of ihat
journal. It says :
We wish the members of the Legislature
could see all tho correspondence between mer
chants of this city and capitalists in the prin
cipal Northern cities, and in London and
Liverpool. They would feel that something
ought to he done, and that promptly, to give
the people of Richmond and Virginia the use
of the iaige amouut of money which is offered
them. English capitalists are rerdy to send
over money for investments here, and to loan
to farmers ;so are those of New York. Even
l'hiladt iphia isTepresented in the proffer of
aid. But the usury law keeps them back.
Repeal that, they say, so that wo can obtain a
rate of interest corresponding with that pie
vailing in the princiapal American chits, and
you shall have money to rebuild your city
and revive your agriculture.
Such is the tenor of offers made by respecta
ble moneyed men who are too honorable to
evade the law, or do not choose to incur the
danger of loss from ihe plea of usury. They
control a vast amount of capital; more, indeed,
than wo want; but for these reasons they
are debarred from doing what their interests
and what the sympathies of many of them
strongly incline them to do. Thus we are not
only depiived of their assistance, hut left to
the mercies of those who have less scruples as
to tho law, and also less as to the amount ol
interest they exact for the use of money.
Wo Gust the members of the House of
Representatives, when the subject comes up
before that body, will repeal all usury laws ;
and that the Senate will reconsider its action
and do likewise.
The benefits arising from such a course would
bo at oneo seen by members before their ad
join tnnent. Georgia' would recuperate more
under such wise legislation in a single month,
than she would for years under legislation
* that hampers and confines her to an old beaten
track that experience shows to be detrimental
lo all the enterprises that tend, to make a
Slate great in population and wealth.
Let the experiment be tried. If it works
detrimental to the interests of the State,.usury
laws can very easily be put in force again.
We have facts. Let us look at them for a
moment. In all States where there are no
i'su y laws, the prosperity of the people is
without limit; it commenced al.o when the
use y lairs ot those States were repealed. Iu
Stales wiieie ihose laws exist, there hes been
but little progress made in any lasting im
provements or great enterprises.
No more forcible argument thin this in
favor of repealing all laws relating to the loan
ot money, ought to be demanded by tho3o who
have the future ' destines ot Georgia in their
bands.
Rkoonsthuotion Mads Easy. —We notice that
some ol our cotemporaries are advocating, as
an expedient, the calling ol a convention ot
the States which aro now in a condition of sus
pended animation. It is argued that rehabili
tation is the grand object and chief concern of
ur all. The directions given by President
Johnson have been followed with singular
confidence. 7’bo measures suggested by him
have been adopted with walked unanimity,
b-ve.y pkd ;o of loyalty hes been given by us
aed sfi<l his policy makes very slow pro
giess.
'lbe cause of this is abundantly evident.
Toe radicals alone are to b'ame. They are
( lose, who hare clogged the wheels of Govern
ment, and now, that the South would act in
harmony wi'b her sicler States, for the good of
the whole country, they are doing and saying
every thing they can do and say to irritate and
humb’e ns.
In view of these facts, tho opinion obtains
that a convention like the one proposed could
rot tail to assist very materially in the speedy
attainment of our heart's desire—full and
equal lights in tho Union.
The Memphis Avalanche, discussing this
question, says, that if sssurance be given that
neither tho safety nor the dignity of counsels
shall be disturbed by military interference—
“ we pledge our judgment that tho convention
“ will concede all that can be reasonably de
“ m inded : that each State will readily accept
“ whatever terms it may decide ; and that in
“ sixty days, the Union will be restored at least
“so far as to remit the States to their ordinary
“ civil condition, by a method alike honorable
“ to the South, safe to the Federal authority,
“ iatal to faction, and replete with the noble
auspices ot anew national life.”
Our opinion on this subject is tersely ex
pressed in the words of a northern journal,
when it declares that the loyal people of the
nation shall not require more to be done by us,
than has been.
An. Kan, to Selma, Ala. —Our readers will
be glad to learn that the railroad bridge across
the Cababa river has b;en completed, ahd that
the passage of trains is admitted.
The work on the road near Demopolis, and
on tho bridge across the Tombigbee river is
progressingwery satisfactorily.
These repairs finished, railroad communica
tion will be fully re-established to Selma, Ala.
and thence to Montgomery, and from that
point to tho principal seaboard cuies of the
South.
The Bone ok Contention.— The Supreme
Judges of Georgia have been elected. Next
Friday, it i6 said the Senators will be. The
Georgia Legislature will then ‘'proceed to
business.” Log rolling will sink into inaig.
nificance after all deeiiable offices are
Our City Finances.— ln the lucid aad satis
faetoiy statement of his Honor the Mayor,
which we published a day or two ago, any
one who is not prejudiced can see that the
condition of our finances is by no means so
desperate as some of the papers of our city
have represented to the public. Instead of
being utterly destitute of assetts, as has been
intimated, the May*r declares that the proper
ty of the city if thrown upon the market, even
under the present unfavorable circumstances,
would well nigh cover all its liabilities. No
man and no corporation should be pronounced
insolvent when the bills receivable are com
mensurate with the bills payable.
That the bonds of the city aro selling at a
discount of twenty to twenty-five per cent, is
no evidence either of incipient bankruptcy or
of irjudiefeus management. This deprecia
tion is due, in a great measure, to the scarcity
of money, or rather to the great demand exist
ing for money for commerce and speculation.
The bonds of the best corporations in the
State—those whose solvency is beyond any
reasonable question, and whose accruing in
terest is promptly paid, are selling at.a discount
nearly as large as the bonds of the city. Bat
who ascribes the depression of these securities
to any doubts as to their ultimate redemp
tion. Why then should our city bonds be
questioned merely on account of a temporary
depreciation. The tiuth is, there are no
bonds—so far as security of payment is con
cerned—than those of tho city corporation.
The debt amounts to a mortage upon every
piece of property in the city, and if the real
estate of Augusta is worth a million of dol
lars it must be oonceded that there are assetts
available by the city sufficient to cancel all
of its obligations.
Wo sincerely hope that when any journal
his occasion to allude to this subject again, it
will restrict its statements to the facts of tho
case. If our own papers decry our credit, one
q«nnot expect much aid from strangers.
Capital is one of the most timid and sensitive
things in the world, andjit may be seriously
injuried even by a few careless or ill judged
utterances.
Joint Stock Companies.— We notice that a
large number of bills have been introduced
into our Legislature to grant special charters
to this party and,to that party, for maunfactur
ing and other purposes. In by-gone days
legislation of this kind answered. But we are
now in a moving age, and will bo obliged to
keep moving in order not to bo behind the
times.
In many States general laws have been
passed to iegulato joint stock companies; and
any body ot men who conform to those laws
have a right to start any project not detrimen
tal to the public good, .they may deem best;
These laws have worked well elsewhere, and
we see no good reason why similar laws would
not work well in this State.
Many times men of means see projects out
of which much money could be made and the
public also benefitted, and in which they would
gladly embark if they could do so at once. But
as matters now stand, they are obliged to wait
until the Legislature assembles iu order to get
a special charter. Os course men generally do
not allow thelV capital to remain idle. The
money which would be used for the benefit of
the State, is sent out of it for investment else
where.
Tliub Georgia is made to suffer, simply
because her laws are not co favorable to the
capitalist, as those cf other commonwealths.
We suggest that our Legislature pass a gen
eral Joint Stock corporation law. They will
find such laws upon the Statute Books of nearly
every, if not every prosperous State. If such a
thingjs done, we shall see manufacturing com
panies started in all our large cities. Our
water privileges will be improved, and many
a thriving village will spring up in sections
which are now nothing but barren wastes.
Too Much Legislation’. —We regret to per
ceive that there is a disposition on the part of
oar Legislature to give people too much legis
lation. For instance, we notice that th3 House
has passed a bill to regulate freights and fares
ou railroads. We do not as yet know the pro
visions of the act. The very title of it, how
ever, is suspicious.— “A bill to regulate.”—
Railroad fares to be sure, are high—so is every
thing else. Why not make a law to govern
the prices of things railroad companies have to
purchase in order to carry on their business ?
It our legislators would so do, then there
would be some propriety, in regulating
the fares of railroads. But until such a thing
is done; wo can seejno justice in hampering
railroad companies by unwise, and we think at
present, uncalled for public acts.
Besides here is another matter our legislators
should think of. A our years war has just
ended. During that war four railroads were
deprived of the means of keeping their roads
and. rolling stock in repair. In fact, some of
them might as well have no rolling stock at all
as to have what belongs to them. It is almost
good for notb’Dg,-and the use of it makes
railroad traveling hazardous and even danger
ous.
Now, if our railroads were declaring large
dividends, and were really extortionate in thej?
charges, there would be some ground to pass
laws compelling them to reduce rates. But
as long as they need every cent they can get
and more too, to put their roads in a safe con
dition, any law that would tend to reduce
these receipts is impoiitic to say the least. Let
the railroad companies be encouraged to put
their Lacks in the best possible order, and fix
up their rolling stock in good style—not be
forced to leave both in the bad condition many
of them now are.
A Failure. —The meeting called to Chatta
nooga by the officers of several Southern Rail
roads vua : i
Several gentlemen connected with roads
north of Nashville,, passed through that city
some ago ea route to Chattanooga for
the purpose of participating in the Convention,
but scarcely any response being made by the
Southern roads, they returned whence they
came, sadly disappointed.
A Nashville paper commenting on the
cause of the failure, very sensibly remarks,
that we must have more energy and industry
among us before we can compete with our
enterprising friends farther North as well in
this respect as others.
AUGUSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 8,186(3.
vVe did not, however, intend entering into
an examination of this particular subject, but
rather to remark in a cursory manner,on one
of the prime causes which tend to affect the
working system of to day. Our streets are
thronged with negroes—men, women, and
children, who having nothing to do, and are
unable to find employment It is not because
their services are not wanted, or because of an
indisposition and determination on the part of
the whites not to hire them, that they are thus
situated. Not ,at all. There are certain
public hucksters, who amass enough to sup
port them without engaging in regular work
ing avocations, and those are they, who with
dissembled purpose aird under the mask of
friendship, council vagrants against seeking
werk with the whites, unless the latter grant
them unheai and of privileges, and payexhorbi
tant wages,
The ignorant yield to the teachings of these
mischievious creatures, and the result is that
they can find naught else to do but hang about
the street corners, while otherj, having found
good homes, are induced to leave them.
These are not aggregated exaggerations.
They are solemn truths.
For the good of all, we hope that the freed
mou will cease to heed the dolorous warnings
oC tbeir sable friends whom we might, with
greater propriety, call their enemies. Let
them seek work ; and when found, stand by it.
All that employers expect at the hands of the
hired, is a faithful discharge of duty. This the
negro must learn, if he would live. It is to
this complexion that all of them must come
and the sooner they accept the fact, and act
upon it, the better will it be for them.
A Large Cotton Crop Needed. —For the
welfare of all sections of the United Sta'es,.
the early restoration of the cotton production,
is of the highest importance. We must restore
the equilibrium of our exchange at the earliest
possible moment. The Custom House dued
received on foreign manufactures, already
reach the huge sum of $100,000,000 in gold,
and from such a total, may be easily con
jectuied the vast payments we have to make
annually to Europe. Iu addition to these, we
must provide for the interest on European
capital invested in our sablic securities, our
State and corporation bonds, our railroad
shares, our canals and our manufacturing
establishments. Even the heaps of gold yearly
raked in from California are pot sufficient to
meet this growing demand, and the country
would soon find itself at a loss for the pre
cious metals, did not her exportation of other
products give her ihej means of keeping ex
changes balanced,
Nevada, Colorado, and some other districts
of the far Western domain, are also now yield
ing supplies of gold. But all these are not
enough ..to meet the demand that universal
commerce jnakes. Hence, the continually
increasing necessity why our cultivation of
cotton shou'd be resumed, in order that we
may, in the first place, keep the balance of ex
change in our favor, and pay our debts.
If the people ol the South are left to themr
selves, the amount of cotton laised this year
will be immense. If they were permitted to
work out the labor problem, all things would
easly be arranged ; and arranged in a way
that would result in benefit to both the em
ployer as well as the employee. But as leng
as members of Congress continue to interfere
in matters they know nothing about, just so
long will the great resources of our country
remain undeveloped. Our National Legisla
tors have no more right to dictate about
Southern ..labor, than they have to interfere
with the arrangements made by a Massachu
setts manufacturer and his operatives. This
continued interference by Congress with the
internal affairs of a State will ruin the country
eventually if it is cot stopped.
Mischievous Teachings. —The labor ques
tion,’has excited considerable attention among
our people, and the influence of past associa
tion and customs, tend to spring it upon them
with a greater and more irreconcilable force
than ever.
The bond of slavery loosened, and the bond
men hurled as it were, into anew and strange
ly exhilirating position, it is not to be won
deredj that they were transported with rap
tures of delight, or that they should have
seized hold upon the most absurdly ridiculous
ideas, as to the prospective future. It is not
marvellous, that they should have abandoned
the kitchen, the field, or,the dining room, and,
rushing to the public thoroughfares, -have
given themselves up to the hallucinating in
tiuerces, which miscomprehended freedom
wields. All this jras to be expected. Liber
ty works strangely upon the minds of intelli
gent and educated people; and it possesses a
mysteiious power over the hearts of the un
tutored. As love spangles the horizon of
hope with giided beauties, so does liberty
with her new acquaintances ; and, as in the
cne case these beau ,: es fade in the march of
time, so, it is with the latter. The realties
of both are glorious, but an unseen hand of
ten changes this into that, and “vanity of
vanities’' is the descriptive sentence of all.
Time developes men’s plans—time exhibits in
consistency of opinion, and time lilts the
va’l that shadows the unknown.
What they Work for is Indiana.— The
question of labor has grown to be quite a3
perplexing to certain of the inhabitants of In
dianapolis. as it is to us. Manufacturing es
tablishments are discharging their hands. The
rents are so high that hundreds of men, with
wives and from five to ten children, are houae
less_they being unable to find employment
Laborers express themselves 'as perfectly will
ing to work for their board.
Here is a subject of study for crazy fanatics,
who are so deeply interested in the welfare o
ha “poor freedman.” Lat a practical appli
cation of its truths be made.
Deceased Confederate Prisoners.—lt will
be gratifying to our people to be informed that
Mr. E. S. Jordan of Chicago, has notified the
Mobile Advertiser and Register, that he is
prepared to furnish information relative to
Confederate prisoners who died at Camp
Douglas during the war.
Ail persons wishing to obtain such informa
tion can do so by addressing E. S. Jordan
166 South Clark street, Chicago, 111.
The State of Affairs . —From all quarters
of the South we receive the most cheering news
relative to the honest and untiring endeavors
put forth by all classes of tho people, to re
cover their agricultural and commercial prom
inence. Our people have readily acquiesced
in the condition of affairs as they exist, and
are doing all in their power to accommodate
themselves to the new order of things. Never
before in the history of any nation has the
residents of an entire section shown so manly
a spirit in frankly accepting the decision of a
question long and bravely -.tried by arms.
They have gone to work to repair damages, as
courageously as they diuTto recover lost bat
tle* , %
It is gralifying to notice that our efforts are
appreciated by the President and his suppor
ters at the North. It is encouraging to know
that all that they can do for us, will be done.
This should stimulate us to greater exertions
on our part to manage matters in such a way
that the radicals cannot use any State or
local legislation, as weapons against us in the
Halls of Congress, or as electioneering argu
ments at home.
We are fully convinced if President John
son is supported by the South as he should be,
that he will “whip the fight.’’ He is now our
only hope. If the plans of the radicals can be
defeated, he is the only party who can accom
plish the objecv. Let no stumbling block or
impediment be placed in his way by either
those at home, or there who assemble in Leg
islative Halls.
Sheep versus Dogs.—One of the palpable
Gurses of this section is dogs. Dogs abound
everywhere—many a poor family is not com
plete withoutJrom one to a half dozen—
“mongrel, puppy, whelp and hound,” and
curs of the lowest degree. These animals con
sume our substance, impose upon us an unne
cessary and burdensome tax, and kill our
Bheep. We can bear the burden of the first,
two evils with tolerable composure, but w
cannot maintain our usual placidity of temper
at the last infliction. The propagation of
sheep, especially for their wool, is proving of
the most lucrative character in favored
regions where dogs are not so plenty.—
We are aware the attempt has been made to
raise sheep at the South ; and tho speculation
would certainly have proved in the highest
degree profitable had it not been for the pre
ponderence of dogs in the land, who pitched
into the flocks and killed off the sheep with
amazing and alarming frequency and success.
Legislation* has, we believe, often been tried or
applied for, but without favorable results.
These facts have discouraged the raising of
sheep iu our midst.
This matter can be remedied by efficient and
prompt legislative action. The question is
one ts importance, dog have his
day,” but make that day Us brief as possible,
and after that let him be seen or heard of
“nevermore.” Let the sheep from henoefortb,
have free course, without fear of molestation
from their canine antagonists.
The Cancellation of stamps.— According to
the late decision of the Chief Commissioner of
Internal Revenue, it appears that he will re
cognize the cancellation of stamps which have
upon them date and initials in writing or
plainly imprinted upon them with ink. He
states that stamps are frequently used without
date and initials, some have a cross made upon
them with ink, and some even'in pencil mark,
whilst others are punched through, with no
ink cancellation. He recognizes as legal only
the cancellation with initials and date, either
written or printed. This may seem to be a
hardship, but the act cf CoLg ess makes no
other provision for cancellation. The Com
missioner is empowered to establish other
methods of cancel'auon, but as he has never
yet done so, except by permitting the substi
tution of printed initials and date for writing
the same. It follows that other methods, al -
though they may be equally good foi purposes
cf obliteration are illegal. The matter is
worthy of business men, because agreements,
commercial instruments, receipts, and many
other papers, end for their validity on the
stamps. It is very little trouble to cancel
them properly, and whatever is worth doing at
all, is worth doing well.
The Game to be Played. —Washington let—
er writers are of the opinion that the Recon
struction committee will be in no hurry to pre
sent a report to Congress. It is apparent
from their course that they intend to keep the
subject committed to their care as long un
der their control as they possibly can.
It is conjectured by many, and with good
reason too, that the main objeot and result of
the consultacioos of the committee will be to
prepare a great campaign document for the
next fall elections, by which the positions of
the Republican majority in Coog.eES will’be
sustained before the people in opposition to
the more advanced position of the President.
The radicals thus far have shown such a
hatred to tho Union and the Constitution,"
there is qo telling what trick they will stoop to
to keep in power in order that they may grati
fy their hatreds and spites against the South.
Destitute Widows and Orphans and Dis
abled Soldiers. —The Legislature of Georgia
has passed a resolution requesting the Inferior
Courts of each county to ascertain the number
of destitute widows and orphans and disabled
soldiers iu the several counties ; also to find
out how many ot the above mentioned class
are able in part to take care of themselves;
also the probable ’amount of breadstuffs re*
quired to support all of them until October 1,
1866.
A registry list will be kept at the office of
the Cleik of the Inferior Court in this city
until Saturday, February 12, 1866. All per
sons of the classes named in the resolution,
can call and register themselves if they wish so
to do.
Aspirants.— Milledgeville is said to be full
of Georgia’s distinguished sons — all willing to
serve their country—by occupying fat and
prominent places. All of them have seen
publicrervice, and deserve well at the hands
of the Legislature. But the “five loaves,’’
will not go round this time. Many an aspi
rant will Jpe disappointed this year. Many a
pocket will remain empty, if the owner there
of waits for public pap to fill it.
Probable Modification if not Repeat.of the
Test Oath.— A Washington correspondent
writes that it is possible the test oath, as applied
to attorneys practicing in United States courts,
will be repealed or set aside by decision of the
United States Supreme Court in the Garland
case. The Court was to have pronounced their
decision some day since, but it has been de
ferred. It has been surmised that this decision
will be favorable to the petitioner. The Chief
Justice stated, during the argument of the case,
that the decision in this case would govern all
similar cases. Mr. Stevens has affirmed his
resolution for the repeal of the act of July,
1564, extending the test oath to attorneys,
with a knowledge, perhaps, that the Court de
sires the repsal. The repeal of ,rhis act, on
every decision setting it aside as unccnstitu
tional, will, no doubt, have a tendency in favor
of an early repeal of the test oath required of
membeis of Congress.
Congress and the Negro.- It was generally
supposed that, when the negro was freed, the
discussions in Congress concerning his condi
tion would cease ; but, on the contrary, it is
kept up with more virulence than ever. It is
insisted by the radicals that the negroes are
national wards, whose interests are to be pecu
liarly looked after, and tho consequence is
nearly every bill in Congress has .reference to
the bestowing of some franchise or endowment
upon them.
~ There is one consolation the peopie who are
not insane on the negro question have. If the
freedmen continue to die off as rapidly in
times to come as they have since the close of
the war, in a few years there will be none left
to legislate about. The negro problem will be
solved then forever. That’s certain.
Fixe Machinery. —Yesterday we visited
Cooper’B Machine Works, in this city, and
were shown a very superior and handsomely
finished stationary engine. It was built at Mr.
Cooper’s works, under the supervision of his
gentlemanly foreman, Mr. Mulherin, and is
designed sot use iu a saw mill, now being
built and soon to he put into operation a few
miles from Augusta, by Messrs. Bryan & Thom
as.
We also noticed a beautiful compound
plhner, and a very fine gear cutter, both built
at the same place.
The finish of the machinery is perfect, and
we donbt if it can be surpassed in any shop
even at the North, where the facilities for the
construction of such machines, are so much
greater.
Statistics of Spoons. —One gains a deal of
statistical information and amusement from
the lectures.of Arterau3 Ward. For instance,
he recently informed us, settiug joking aside,
that Brigham Young, the great Mormon Mo
gul, was really worth from fifteen to twenty
millions of dollars, and that the silver service
with which his wives Jset his tables, including
spoons, was worth more than that of any
man in America, excepting, perhaps, that of
Benjamin F. Butler.
Artemus tells a great many truths in his own
quiet, dry' way.
Present Occupation of the Legislature .
Milledgeville letterwriters state that the Leg-,
isiature instead of occupying their afternoons
in working, occupy- them iu canvassing and
electioneering. Who shall have the fat offices
appears to be more of the order of the day
than anything else. Matters as will be seen,
are fa6t resuming their old channels—as t far as
State Legislatures are concerned.
“The welfare of the country’’ is always the
song of politicians. “The loaves and fishes,”
judging from their actions, is their aim.
Washington Rumors in Regard to Mr. Davis.
The following in regard tc Mr. Davis is
furnished by the Washington correspondent of
the Nashville Banner :
The rumors of the rescue of Jefferson Davis
from prison are assuming anew and strange
character. It is now hinted that the authori
ties desire his escape, and that facilities have
been offered him, but that he won’t go. There
is but little room to doubt the awkward em
barrassment attendant upon his confinement
and project trial. Chief Justice Chase does
not hesitate to say that he cannot be convicted
of treason, and Thadeus Stevens declares that
he is nothing more than a foreign leader, about
as much amenable to the laws of the United
States as Maximilian. I have it from the best
authority—fiom authority which you cannot
question—that Mr. Davis feels the most ample
security. He said less than a week ago, “My
defense is complete now, and rests solely upon
law, which will be administered fairly, I know,
and in perfect accordance with civil justice.”
The shameful petticoat story will be put to the
blush when that time arrives. Mr. Davis is at
present in good health, eats heartily, reads a
good deal, and possesses, as he said the other
day, “a good digestion and a good conscience.”
He receives letters from his wife three times a
week, and keeps a journal every day.
A Quaint Indorsement.— Franklin W .Smith,
a Boston contractor, was tried by court-mar
tial and found guilty of pocketing a thousand
or two dollars out of a contract with the Navy
Department for eupplies. The report of the
court martial was sent to President Lincoln
for his examination, who returned it with this
characteristic indorsemeat:
“Whereas Franklin W. Smith had transaction
with the United States Navy Department to a
mi'iion and a quarter of dollars, and had the
chance to steal a quarter of a million; and
wnereas he was charged with stealing SIO,OOO,
aud from the final revision of the testimony it
is only claimed that he stole SIOO, I don’t be
lieve he stole anything at all.
“Therefore the records of the court-martial,
together with the finding and sentence, are
disapproved, declared null and void, and the
defendant is fully discharged.
A. Lincoln-.”
A Gallant Letter —The annexed letter
breathes the true spirit of gallantry and recon
ciliation, and its sentiments will be hailed with
delight by our people :
Heapq'bs D.strict Newbern, i
Nkwbers, N. C., January 13, 1866. j
Mr. George McKnight :
Sir : The Colonel commanding the Dis
trict directs me to inform you, in reply to your
communication of this date, respecting your
proposition for the benefit of the widow of
“Stonewall” Jackson, that the United States
military authorities can never object to a
charitable action. A,’l soldiers owe a tribute
to gallantry and honour. It is to be presumed
that every officer of th's command will esteem
it a privilege to be permitted to engage with
you in the assistance of a lady whose husband
was so respected and so renowned.
I have the honour to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
H. R. Ellis,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
VOL. LXXV.--NEW SERIES VOL. XXV NO. 7.
NEWS SUIMARY.
Dr Robert L. Buck, an eminent physician of
Jackson, Miss., died a few days since. *
A negro beat a widow lady nearly to death
in Chanooga recently.
B N Clement, late Second Assistant Post
master General of the Confederate States, is
dead
The Mobile Ala,, Register has nominated
General Grant as a candidate for President in
1868.
Mr Haffey, who keeps a grocery store in
Memphis, Term , was robbed a few days since
of about six thousand dollars, about sventeen
hundred of which was in gold.
The total population of the United States in
1860. was 31,149,805, viz : whites 26.708,157 ;
slaves, 3,960,865 : free colored, 4f6,562.
An expeditious young lady at Chicago has
been a maid, a wife and a grass widow in tho
short space of five months, she sued for
divorce eight days after manage.
Gen. Hood, has returned to New Orleans
from hie Northern trip.
The'Massachusetts State Debt is $23,000,000.
Hon. D. G. Burnett, Ihe first President of
Texas, has taken to Washington a petition
from the people of that State for the pardon of
Mr. Lavis,
The steamer Trenton, with 1,000 bales of
cotton, was burned on the Washita river, La.,
a few days 6ince.
The University of Virginia is in a bad con
dition. It will* need a donation of $15,000
from the State to keep it up in the shape' it
should be.
Some of the oil stock of Pennsylvania, wells
which sold for ten dollars a share a few months
ago, is now valued at five cents per share.
Gov Hamilton, of Texas, has sent to Gov
Bramlette, of Kentucky, the flag of the Nine
teenth Kentucky Volunteers, captured by the
Confederates, during the Red River campaign.
Three children were burned to death in
Rowan county, N O, a short time ago.
J L Brooks was robbed in Richmond, Jan
24, of $17,000.
The first of a series of meetings to celebrate
the Centenary of Methodism iu America, was
held at Washington, January 25th at St Paul’s
ME Church, Secretary Harlan presided.
James Brennan, has been appointed as cen
tral organizer of the Fenians.
It is feared that the steamer Palestine, of
the Boston and Liverpool line, is lost.
The last representation of the distinguished
Pinckney of South Carolina, Mrs Rebecca
Doyley Pinckney, is dead.
Lt : Gov Jacobs of Ky, is dangerously ill of
congestion of the brain.
Fanny Young, an infant, wa9 killed by the
bites of a rat in Charleston, S C, on Jan 16
Three of the toes of the right foot of the child
had been eaten away by a rat, and the jury
rendered a verdict “that she had come to her
death from the effects thereof.’’
Corinth, Miss, is fast recovering from the
effects of the war.
The mammoth cave is owned by the Crogh
han family of Louisville.
Sail sold at half cent per pound at the Gqy
ernment sale in Richmond recently.
Large numbers of freedmen are returning
from Texas to Louisiana and other
with their former masters.
The Petersburg Rail Road bridge will be
soon completed. *
Three men named Leysaught, Perry and
Crait, were hung at Nashville on tho 2Gth.
They were found guilty ot the murder of Hef
fernan. Ten thousand persons witnessed the
execution.
The Commissioner for the Freedmen’s Bu
reau in North Carolina, reports the negroes as
willing to make contracts.
A youth, fifteen years of age, killed his
father near Raleigh, N. C.,on the 19th. Cause,
drunkeness and ill-treatment to him by the
latter.
Imported rice is now being used in Charles
ton, S. C.
Four children were recently burned to death
at Shakoper, Mich.
Masked balls are becoming very popular
in Philadelphia.
The large white lead factory, Brooklyn
N. J., was burned January 13. Loss $300,000.
Capt- N Smith, of Kansas, has been appoint
ed Minister to Greece.
3he New Jersey Legislature have passed
resolutions endorsing President Johnson.
Ex. Gov Colby of New Hampshire hid his
foot so badly mashed recently in acorn crack
ing mill, that it bad to bo amputated.
Charles Decker is supposed to be the small
est man living. Ha is eighteen years old, and
thirty-six inches high.
Edwin Booth is still playing Hamlet at the
Winter Garden, New York.
Mr. Eugene Maffit, son of.Capt, J N Maffit,
who was arrested at the close of the war, and
incarcerated in Fort Warren has been released.
The New York City Board of Health has
delegated Dr Sajre to go to Albany for the
purpose of urging upon the Legislature the
necessity of taking steps of a sanitary nature
to prevent the appearance of cholera next
spring.
Thirteen men were hung in different parts of
the country on Friday, Jan 12th, and hundreds
are awaiting trial for the same crime.
The Chilian Government is endeavoring to
purchase the ram Dunderberg of Mr Webb.
Efforts are being made to have the Iron
Mountain (Mo) Railroad extended to Mem
phis.
The small pox is playing sad havoc among
the negroes in Louisiana.
Bishop Morris of the M. E, Church North, is
suffering from paralysis of the right arm.
Gov. Parker, of New Jersey concludes his
valedictory message as follows : Not a single
right of the Slate of New Jersey has been yield
ed and not one of her citizens, during my admin
istration, has been deprived of h’S liberty
without dae process of law.
The vote of the New Jersey Legislature on
the Constitutional amendment was lorty-two to
ten.
GenS. Cambell and Wtn. Jackson, of the late
Confederate States A, my, are in Jackson, Tenn,
pnrsniDg the practice of law.
A life of John Morgan is in active prepara
tion by his devoted friend and comrade, Basil
Duke,
Dr. Everett, of New Orleans claims to have
invented anew telegraph requiring no insu
laters, batteries, or poles.
Hon. J. L. Alcorn, Senator elect from Mis
sissippi, has returned home.
The Ohio Senate has adopted a resolution,
protesting against the assumption by tho Na
tional Government of the war debts of the va
rious States.
Ex Governor Charles S. MoreharJ, of Ken
tucky, is in Vicksburg.
Major-General Ransom, late C. S. A,, has
been elected Captain of a military company m
Wilmißgton. N. C.
Benjamin Phinney, a wealthy farmer at Rock
port, 111., was recsqtly poisoned to death with
strychnine, by his fifth wife a pretty girl whom
he married six weeks ago.
General Bushrod R. Johnson has settled
down in Nashville as real estate agent.
A delegation of distillers is at present in
Washington, to procure a reduction of the
whiskey tax.
There are two hundred and ninety-eight miles
of pipes laid in York to distribute Croton
water.
It is said that 90,000 bales of cotton are still
retained in the interior of Alabama, in anticipa
tion of a rise in prices.
Governor Brownlow in a letter to Hon.
Horace Maynard, urges the admission of the
Tennessee delegation.
A company to insure aganst burglars has
been organized in New York,
A marble statue of Andrew Jackson is to be
erected at Naohville. The inscription “The
Union, it must and shall be preserved,’’ is to
be put on it.
Effots are being made to have the heavy
i taxes on printing paper removed.
Ex Gov. Aiken of 6. C, is in Washington.
Narrow Escape of Steamer Fannie Lehr.—
The steamer Fannie Lehr, came near being
destroyed by fire on her last trip from this
place to Savannah. The Savannah Republi
can says:
On Tuesday last, about 5 o’clook in the af
ternoon, when about seventy miles from
Augusta, fire was suddenly discovered aft
among the cotton bales, which was immediately
extinguished, as was supposed. About four
hours after the fire broke out again in the same
quarter, when the pumps and buckets were
manned, and it was thought the flames weft
entirely subdued, after which a strict watch
was set over the cotton. On Wednesday morn
ing, at half past three o’clock, the flames
broke out tor the third time with great fury,
and finding that it was impossible to subdue
them, about 45 bales of burning cotton were
thrown overboard in order to save the balance
of the cargo. On breaking out the ootton,
the fire waß discovered to have originated on
the second tier from the stern, between the
first and second tier from the deck.
To say that great praise is due Capt. Lewis,
aud bis officers and crew, would be almost su
peifluous. The untiring energy displayed by
all on the different occasions was the means of
averting what might have been a serious dis
aster.
Georgia Legislature.
SENATE.
Thursday, January 25.
The resolution fixing the lime of certain
elections was so amended as to briDg on the
election of Judges of the Supreme Court on
Friday, 26th inst., and the election wf United
States Senators on Tuesday next.
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
bill to abolish the penitentiary system of pun
ishment. After a considerable discussion, the
bill was lost by a vote of 19 to 22.
The annexed bills j,were introduced : to in
corporate the Cherokee Mining and Manufac*
turing Company. Capital Stock, $250,000 —
subject to increase to $5,000,000; to incorpo- *
rate the Kennesaw Mining Csmpany. Capital
stock ssoo,ooo—may be increased to $5,000,-
000; to incorporate the Home Insurance Com
pany 'of Atlanta ; to authorize Ordinaries to
issue letters testamentary in certain cases; to
alter section 3188 of the Code; to incorporate
the North Georgia Mining and Manufacturing
Company.
A resolution was introduced declaring that
the change bills of the Western and Atlantic
Railroad shall be received for fare (.and freight
on said road.
A resolution was referred to the Finance
Committee, proposing to mako arrangements
for paying the State’s tax of $500,000 to the
United States.
A resolution in regard to making provision
for the maintenance of old and decrepid color
ed persons, was referred to the Judiciary
Committee.
The bill for the relief of heirs of Mary A.
West, of Stewart county. She had left money
to be laid out in the purchase of negroes.
An amendment was offered to the bill making
it general aud the whole subject was made
the order of the day for Wednesday next.
HOUSE.
Thursday, Janury 25.
A message was received from the Governor,
stating the need of provision by the Legisla
ture for payment of au additional clerk in the
Executive Department. Referred to Commit
tee on Finance.
The message of the Governor, received yes
terday, was taken up and read. The Governor
returns the Bill for the incorporation of the
Fire and Gazelle Hose Company of the city of
Augusta, without approval.
The annexed bills were passed : to change
the time of holding Courts of Ordinary from
2d Monday in January to Ist Monday in July;
to compensate Petit Jurors in Wilccx county;
to allow the Inferior Court of Pulaski county
to levy and collect a tax tp build a Court
House and Jail in said cotinty; to alter and
amend an Act incorporating the town of Daw
son; to authorize the sale of the Exile Camp in
Terrel) county; to regulate the rates of pas
sage and freight on the several railroads of
this State, and to punish for violation of the
same; to alter and amend Section 2102 of Art,
3d, part 'ii of the Code to agree with 1980
Section; to authorize and require the Treasurer
of the State "to make certain advances, and for
other purposes—amended by the Committee
on Finance .to include the officers and clerks.
House concurred iu the Senate’s substitute
for the Resolution of the House bringing on
the election of Supreme Judges and United
States Senators.
a b'll to regulate the distribution of the
Common School fund for the county ot Echols.
Referred to Committee on Public Education.
SENATE.
Friday, January 26.
The Senate meet and repaired to the Legis
lative Hall for the purpose of electing Judges
of the Supreme court.
HOUSE.
Friday, January 26.
A motion to reconsider so much of the
Journal as relates to the fixing of rates of
passage and freight on the several Railroads
of this State, was lost.
The annexed bills were introduced ; to re
peal certain acts ; to amend the 349 th Section
of the Code ; to transfer the management of
the Western and Atlantic Railroad to Commis
sioners elected by the people ; to authorize the
Judges of the Inferior Court to designate the
place of holding their Courts in counties where
the Court Houses have been destroyed ; to au
thorize the Chatham Academy and Free
School to 8 ill their irtei est in certain lands;
to alter and amend the Road laws of this State,
changing the Code of Georgia to our altered
condition socially—all whites to 45 liable to
road duty : blacks from 16 to 60.
The General Assembly went into the election
of Supreme Judges for the Long Term ; Messrs.
Benning, Walker aud Loyn, were balloted
for. On the 3rd ballot Walker was elected.
Upon balloting for the Short Term, Messrs.
Harris, Warner, Schley, Clark and Hill were
voted for. Mr, Harris was elected.
SENATE-
Satujway, January 27.
Bill for relief of Arthur Hutchens, agreed
to.
The bill to punish seduction with death was
laid on the table for the present.
A resolution was offered for the appoint
ment of a joint committee of the two houses
to visit Stone Mountain to see what arrange
ments can be made for the establishment of a
State Penitentiary At that place.
A bill was introduced to define and punish
capital and minor offences, when committed by
persons of color. The bill defines as capital
offences punishable with death : insurrection
or attempting to excite it; poisoning or at
tempting to poison ; rape on white or colored
females ; aßsiult on a white persoa wilb at
tempt to kill: maiming, burglary, arson of any
description; murder of any person ; robbery by
open force. The bill provides to P oll *®* 3 m ’j? or
offences with corporal punishment in the judg
ment of the Court. . . .
The annexed bills were introduced : to pro
vide for the payment of officers presiding at
the polls; to repeal section 2625 of the Lode,
and to substitute another therefor; to incorpo
rate the town of Smithville.
house.
Saturday, January 27.
The bill amending the road laws of the State
was reconsidered.
A bill was introduced to prevent the spread
ing of the small pox in the State.
The bill to alter the salaries of Solicitors
from SSOO to $225 was taken up. After some
discussion the bill was put on its passage, and
the yeas and nays being ordered, there were
Friday, January 26.