Newspaper Page Text
N. S. MORSE.
Hgrsattk and Utoihul.
An Exciting Ajiusbment.—A novel and ex
citing amusement has been inangurated at the
North during the late cold weather—a regat
ta on the Ice. A short time since a race came
cff on the Hudson river, near Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., which was participated in by a num
ber of boats, one of which boro off the prize,
having accomplished the distance—four miles
aud return—in ten minutes, which was
thought to be remarkably good time. Anoth
er regatta, however, canic off a few days since,
at the same place, in which still better time
was made ; eight miles of the distance having
been run by ono of the boats in seven minutes,
more tbnn a mile a minute. This speed may
seem increditble to those who bavo never seen
the movement of the ice boats and who are
not familiar with their construction, but there
is no reason why they should not run with the
velocity of the wind.
The ice-hoatis a very simple cratt. It is a
triangular platform, one angle forming the
how, and the two other the stern. At
each angle a skate iron is inserted and made
fast, on which it glides when in motion. At
the middle of the stern another similar iron is
placed resting on the ice as do the others, but
this ono moves upon a pivot which passes up
through the platform to which the tiller is at
tached, and this forms the rudder. This fourth
iron projects below the boat a little further
than the others, so that tho boat does not rest
on all fours at any time, but is thrown a little
to one sido or the other, according to the wind.
This also enables the rudder to guide the boat.
A mast carrying a large sail is erected near
the forward angle of tho boat, &Dd as a toun
terpoiso to this the seat for tho massengers is
placed quite at the stern, running from one
angle across to the other. There is scarcely
any friction upon the ice, as in the case of a
skater, and with a fair wind and a smooth sur
face the boat flies literally upon the wings of
the wind. When the wind is fair there is, of
course, uo unpleasant sensation produced upon
the lungs by a speed of sixty miles an hour,
inasmuch as it is a dead calm to those who are
on the boat. It is somewhat different with a
side or a head wind. The most remarkable
feature of these boats is that It is more easy to
beat against the wind than in a boat upon the
water, and they run much eloßer to the wind
than an ordinary boat, making no leeway, the
irons upon which they glide keeping them
steady in their courso. Where there is an ex
tensive sheet of ice without flaws sailing on
these boats is an exciting amusement, and
even whore there are holes in the Ice, if they
are not too extensive, the boat with a stiff
bioize will skip them very readily.
Cannibii.ism in Afbica —Tory little Is heard
of late respecting the continuance of the slave
trade on the Western coast of Africa. The
uewspapors had an allusion to an abandoned
slaver somewhere off the coast of Cuba, leaving
it to be inferred that a cargo had recently
been landed there. Nevertheless, it is proba s
bly true that the traffic in African negroes is
very limited, compared with what was done in
former vears ; a fact due, perhaps, mainly to
the better understanding which exists between
Great Brittain tfiid the United States in regard
to the right of search and kindred subjects,
and in part to the bolter enforcement of pro
hibitory laws by the Government of Spain. It
m’ght be supposed the wars perpetually
waged among the native African tribes would
have ceased before now, tbo instigating cause
—according to frequent representations—hav
ing been removod when the slave barracoons
or receptacles for prisoners of war, were
broken up on the coast. But of this we are
just advised to tha contrary. Late dates from
Sierra Leone, refer to brutal wars in progress
between two powerful chiefs. Many factories
had been plundered and burnt. At Calabar a
groat “play” had been held, after which all
the prisoners were killed and eaten. The
bodies were divided according to the number
taken by each man's canoe.
Here is afield for philanthropists and reform
ers. Nowhere iu the world do we hear of
atrocities surpassing those committed almost
under the guns of our African squadron.
We would Infer from this that the vic
torious chieftains are determined to dispose of*
thoir crptives in someway. Formeiy he lat
ter used to be transported to good homes and
become in a erasure civilized and made of use
to the world. Now, they are slaughtered by
the wholesale. It would not take long for any
one except a blinded fanatic to decide which
course would benefit the nogro the most.
Thu Streets —lt is not simply to have some
thing about which to write, that we refer so
often to the condition of the streets. Indeed,
al.usion to them has been so frequently neces
sitated of late, that we would refrain from
further mention of the subject, were it not that
our conception of duty commands a contrary
ccurse.
The very inclement weather that has pre
vailed during the past few months, has kept the
thoroughfares in terrible bad order. This was
and is unavoidable. The weather, however,
cannot make pardonable the permitting of car
casses of dogs and horstw to bo in the streets
from three to four days; nor yet does it furnish
excuse for the non-remoral, during the same
length of time, of heaps of trash which give to
the strcetsja peculiarly striking air of unclean
liness.
Certain it is, that either the scavengers
failed to-do their duty, or the people are guilty
of violating the ordinances of the city by
throwing! rubbish Into tha streets after the
hour appointed.
We earnestly hope for the reputation, to say
nothing of the health of the city, that such oc
currences as these will not be .permitted.—
Lot the hours bo pnblicly announced in the
inte r lmof which the*yards shall be swept and
the refuse be cast out. This done, let the law
be strictly enforced.
The health of the city mast bs preserved and
n'l that tends to cassate disense should be
strictly gnarded egrtsst.
Ax Aftrat, in which five colored persons
were wounded, cams off on Brffi* Row. on
Tuesday. One of the injured parti** le no* ex
pest*d to live.
An Arrant on John’s Island —The Charles
ton Courier contains a graphic description of
cn affair cn John’s Island, near that city. It
appears that cn Friday the 26th of January, a
party of four Pennsylvania gentlemen, on a
visit te Charleston, for the purpose of buying
land, &c., accompanied by two citizens, ob
tained General Sickles’ consent to visit all
the Islands adjacent to the city. Saturday
morning, they made the lower end of John’s
Island, at the junction of the Stone with the
Kiawah river, and there landed. Finding ft
impossible, however, to reach the plantation
that day, they re-embarked, and determined to
wait until the morrow. In the. interim, they
discovered a party of negroes, plying a boat in
tho river, and, questioniugjthese as to the pro*
priety of landing for the night, were advised
by them not to do so, lest they should be
shot.
On Sunday they again landed and set out
for the settlement, but on nearing the houses,
tho people thereabouts were observed to be
considerably excited. They continued their
way, and had just crossed an intervening
marsb,and reached the field "constituting the
main land, when they were met by a party of
armed freedmen, who ordered them to halt.
The leader of the negroes then demanded to
know their business.
During the interview the vagabonds from
the neighborhood gathered around the party
of whites, who seeing the utter futility of an
attempt to proceed, signified a willingness to
return to their steamer. To do this the ne
groes persistently refused to grant them per
mission. In fact, they were threatened with
instant death, if they attempted to return.
la the midst of a violent altercation of
words and several attempts at violence, the
captors decided to take their prisoners to the
commissary of the Island, a sergeant of the 35 th
U. S. C. T. The distance to his quarters was
twelve miles. The whites proposed to the
negroes to go with them on board the steamer,
and thus spare the long walk. This the latter
relused to do. Permission was granted, how
ever, to send word to the captain of the Mary
Frances to steam round to the place they were
going to.
On the route the prisoners were insulted and
threatend by an ever increasing crowd of
negroes, all of whom were armed, the men
with guns and the women with pitchforks,
hoes, rakes &c~cursing, yelling, and |breath
ing ont the most severe and summary punish
ment upon th 9 captured for daring to come on
the Island.
At lust two negroes—named Sam Flood and
George Roberts—met the crowd, and succeeded
in quioting it to a certain degree. An effort
was mado to induce Fiona to let thorn take the
whites into the woods, it- is .supposed for the
the purpose of killing them. This petition he
constantly refused.
Ere they had reached the commissary’s
quarters the Captain of the steamer had sent
him word regarding the affair, aud in response
to the Captain’s request, the sergeant started
immediately to meet the crowd. He rebuked
the negroes for their conduct, and ordered the
immediate release of the prisoners.
When the party were met by Flood and
Roberts, they exhibited thewritten permission
giyen them by Gen. Sickles, but the negroes
treated the documents contemptuously, ,saying
the Island was their’s ; that the whites should
not visit it ; and that they would treat Sickles
or any one else, just as they were treating
those whom they had arrested.
Occurrences of this kind are semi-barba -
rous, and measures should at once be taken
put a stop to them. This affair 'furnishes an
idea as to whither negroes will drift if left to
themselves. Why, in a few years, in those
Islands, they will be farther removed from
civilization thau the most untutored African
that roams the woods of hie native country.
Thb Usury Laws. —The citizens of Richmond,
Ya , held a meeting recently, at which they
discussed the expediency of making more lib
eral the laws affecting interest.
The resolutions adopted propose to leave
six per oent. to stand as the legal interest
where there is no oontract, providing for a
higher rate, and, in esses of contract, to leave
the amount to the agreement of the parties
without the prescription of a maximum. They
argue, briefly, but forcibly, the absolute de
pendence of every industrial pursuit upon .the
influx of capital, and the utter impossibility
of inducing capitalists to come among them
without securing to it such profits as it will
command, in communities where more liberal
laws govern.
The Legislature has been memorialized on
the snbjsct, and it is thought that sound sense
will insure Its success.
The people of Georgia are deeply interested
in the usury question, and a general desire
prevails that our legislators at Milledgevilie,
should give attention to the subject, and, by
repealing certain laws controlling monetary
circles, seek to advance the interests of the
State. Capital is what is now most needed,
but it will never flow to ns, unless reasonable
enactments are made, snch as are spoken of
in the resolutions above referred to.
A EbatttiFll. Thought. —There is power in
language,*irnd there is that in it too, which can
comfort the troubled spirit, cheer the despon
dent, rebnke the evil-minded, commend the
just, excite to emulation, and dampen even
youthful order.
An idea of its adaptability to the description
of every scene in life, is afforded in the thought
of a distinguished writer, whose life had past
its meridian, when he thus eloquently discours
es on the flight of time: '
‘■Forty years onco.seemed a long weary pil
grimage to make. It now seems but a step;
and yet along the way are broken shrines,
where a thousand hope* wasted ia*o ashes;
footprints sacred under their drifting dust,
freer, mounds where (Tans 5e fresh with the
watering of tears, shadows even which we
would not forget. We will gamer the eweshta*
of thort year*, witk efeastewed steps, and
hose pntfc tm toward the t-taklief, where the
wsloß •*« fHH, *..i tha etwaa »ev?r baa*.”
Niue ha*de*fi thousand barrel* of ult wot#
mad* tn the Bag****. Utobtfan, TaHsV. In 'BS.
A large end vatitoM* part of the old Sta»e
Library es Laalstaas hat bees ease-1 front the
general Uawmeben sad wreck at Bah* Rung#
ties >bertdaa 1* winning guidm optatona cf
the people of New tsrieaawby «ad
liberality.
AUGUSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 15, 1866.
Another Heavy Loss bt an; Express Com
pany.—The Express Companies in the North
have recently met with very heavy losses. It
was but a week or two ago that the Adams Ex
press Company lost-, by robbery of ore of its
cars, over a half million of dollars, the greater
portion of which was fortunately recovered by
the energy and vigilance of its officers. The
New York Herald records another very heavy
ois—or eof tho cars of the United States Ex.
press C< Mpany taking fire while the train was
in motion. The carj was entirely consumed,
and the lois was over five hundred thousand
dollars ! The particularsJiaiJß hjz..
the Herald :
“Heavy Loss op an Express Company.— The
United States Express Company met with a
very heavy loss on Tuesday night, on the Erie
Railroad. The Company’s Express freight
car, attached to the night express train on the
Erie Railroad, took fire when the train was
between Lackawaxen and Shoiola, and was
entirely consumed. Two safes, which were in
the car, and which containei a largo amount
of money, were also destroyed with their con
tents. The total loss will amount to about
five hundred thousand dollars. The origin of
the fire is unknown, but is supposed to have
been from combustible matter among the
freight. We are informed by Mr. Thayer, the
General Manager of the Company, that the
Express Company are prepared to make good
the losses of those to whom -the freight was
consigned on the presentation of the claimsijit
their office in this city.’’
1 Here are two losses, of over half a mill on
dollars each, occurring in the space of two
weeks. These accidents cannot be prevented ;
they will occur, however vigilaut and efficient
may be the management of the companies,
and they show tho groat risks and responsibili
ties necessarily incurred by Express Compa
nies and their stockholders. We cite these
instances to 'illustrate the views heretofore
expressed by this paper, viz : That to carry
on the business of public carriers over the
railroads of tho country, with a hundred risks
of accident, robbery, &c.,
cash capital. What would have been the re
suit in those two instances if the Companies
had not have had, the means to adjust their
losses ?
The public understand the matter of risk far
better than we do, and it is clear as a mathe
matical problem that shippers will- send their
goods by that particular mode of conveyance
which is best able by its capital to meet its
liabilities in the ovent of the loss of the goods
shipped. When the company is not able to
meet its losses, they must fall upon Its stock
holders, aud in tha event ot a loss occurring
over thof ash capital paid in, the stockholders
would be held individually liable for the full
amount. This is a heavy responsibility, and
the losses that are so frequently occurring on
the different lines [of railroad .in the country
show that stockholders, as well as the com
pany, run a risk that is anything but comfor
.-table to tho pocket nerve.
Labor Conquers all Things. —Speaking of
learning a trade, someone ha3 very sensibly*
declared to be wise the law of the ancient Jews,
that obliged tbo sons of even their wealthiest
citizens to serve an apprenticeship to some use
ful occupation, so that in case of reverse of
fortune they might have something to “fall
back upon.” The same law still exists in
Turkey, where every man, even the Saltan him -
self, is compelled to learn a trade. How fortu
nate would it be now, hadit been a law in this
country. “Would that I had a trade,” is the
cry of thousands of returned soldiers North
and South, who find themselves ruined in
pocket, with no Immediate prospect of gaining
a livelihood. It should teach parents that
whatever else they may give their soy, they
should give them a good trade.
One of onr exchanges most truthfully remarks
that a popular idea among our people is, that
all of their sons should adopt clerkships, or
the business of book-keeping, as a means of
obtaining subsistence, and every effort is made
to give them an education that will fit them
for that particular vocation.
So far as the education of youths in the
science of keeping proper accounts is concern
ed. the idea is good ; for every young man
should have a sufficient knowledge of the are
to be able to manage his own books. To
make book-keepers and clerks of all our boys
is, however, a sad mistake. Better place them
in a work shop, mill or # |foundry, where they
can learn independent {trades, which at all
times will secure employment for them, and
the pecuniary compensation for which will be
at least as much, if not more, than that arising
from the business of accountants.
We earnestly advise all parents to have their
sons taught trades, no matter what, so It be an
industrious pursuit. Do this and In the future
we shall be spared the pain of seeing so many
stout, able-bodied young men out of employ
ment, and seeking situations whefe the pen on.
ly can be used, or where sprightliness and
politeness are the requisites.
Tub Secret or Labor.— lu their present
reduced circumstances, and with their con
sciousness of the utter unreliability of the
Freedmen to keep in good faith con
tracts made, our people do not feel
authorized to pay negro laborers wageß, far in
advance of those for which white ones may
be secured. They offer, for the most part t
liberal inducements, but these are spumed by
the blacks, for the reason mentioned by us in
an article on white labor, a few days ago.
Some of our people have not, learned to un
derstand how certain parties can promise freed
men heavy wages, and at the same .time come
out of the engagement, at the end of the year,
with their purses full.
But it is said that there are those who do un
derstand the management of the ropes, and
their plan is something after this order i •
They contract to pay their employees the
highest rates forjwhlch the schedule of the Bu
reau calls. The negroes go to work ! The em
ployer purchases a stock offccoods, consisting of
weariDg apparel and eatables : with these he
opens a store on his plantation ; the fraadmen
are Invited to tea e there : account* are open
ed with ewch individual or hevd of flaw it TANARUS,
and guff wed to run on to the ead of iba yaar,
so that tbe profit* on thf •*!*• being Rwgt, the
pries of htre it redaewi flar belw* the rate*,
generally effbred, and all htwdtpwfcrtly satis
fled.
Tbs gfffv of St. Lord# ktf #1 Catbelle
Cburchea. 15 Luthera*. IS Method!*, 11 Praft
bytertao, t SawNvf. 8 Spbwopal 1 Cbftrtiac, I
V oogreeatiooM, 1 UnUwrta*. find 1 Unis am
’tat. The feratf* p | nl—s* la in cxtoi of tbft
nMH*.
Bring Back the Stolen Church Plate
Reverend C. C. Pinckney, of Charleston, S. C.,
makes the following public appeal for the res
oration of the plate of his Church that was
stolen at tdc time of the sacking and burning
of Columbia, February, 1866:
‘Charleston, January 4, 1865.
“Among the calamities which have befallen
many of our churches in tbs past year, is the
entire or partial loss of our church plate. My
own Church (Grace Church) had a fall and
handsome communion service, which was sent
to Columbia for safety. It was lost in the
6»cking of that city by Sherman’s army on the
18’.h, of February last. «*•«, pom ta u n ion p late
Anno, and that cf Trinity Church Columbia,
was all stolen, or destroyed in the fire on that
occasion.
“It has occurred to me that you might do
something to aid us in the recovery of some
at least, of these eacred vessels, endeared to us
by use and by so many religious associations.
Teey have probably been offered for sale in
the larger cities of the North. They may have
fallen into the hands of some who are willing
to restore them on just terms, to their rightful
owners. Each piece of plate of my church
was distinctly marked ‘Grape Church’ Charles
ton.” The other® were I presume, in a like
manner engraved with the names of their
churches.
“The record-book of St. Michael’s Church
more than one hundred years old, was carried
off. It was seen in the hands of parties going,
North from Charleston. It is a very valuable
book. The members of the church will be
under obligations to you, if you assist them to
reoover it.
Yours, respectfully,
C. C. Pinckney.*’
CUIiREgFOHDE'ICB-
Milledgkvili.e, January 29,1868.
Hon. A. H. STEPHENS,
Esteemed Sir :—We have read with deep re
gret your letter to the Legislature, w;th-hold
ing the use of your name in connection with
the Senatorial canvass ; but while we grant to
you the right of refusing a candidacy for a
seat in the U. S. Senate, yet at the same time
we claim to hive also the right to bestow upon
you this trust, involving as it does, important
considerations.
We feel, sir, that a vast majoritv of the
people of the State are looking to you as the
man for the crisis. As the Representatives of
that constitutency, desirous to carry out this
manifest demonstration of the public will, we
now ask, will you serve if elected ?
H R Casey, Wm Gibson, Claborne Snead,
James Russell, Jesse A Glenn, J O Gartrell,
Benß Moore, P H Bedford, O L Smith, George
S Owens, JAW Johnson, P J Strozior, R A
Thornton.
Miu.ErOß7it.LE, January 29,1866.
Messrs. H. R. Casey, Wm. Gibson, and others :
Tho «right claimed by you in your note to
me, t>f this date. I do wish to bo understood ae
at all calling in question.
In reply to your interrogatory I can only 957
that I can not imagine any probable case in
which I would refuse to serve, to the beet of
my ability, the people of Georgfc ia any posi
tion which might be assigned to me by them
or their Representatives, whethor assigned
with, or without my consent.
Yours, truly,
Alexander H. Stcthbnb,
NEWS SUMMARY.
The small pox has broken out extensively
among the negro population in Cincinnati.
Chicago has the largest candy manufactory
West of New York. It makea three tons of
confectionery every day.
The election for Governor of Delaware comes
off this fall. Governor Saulsbury cannot be
re-elected under tho provisions of tha State
Constitution, and the Democrats will probably
nominate Joseph Comegys, of Dover. Samuel
M. Harrington, of Wilmington, a distinguished
and radical Republican, will be his opponent
if he consents to become a candidate.
There are one hundred and twenty students
in attendance at the University of Mississippi.
Twenty steamships are now plying between
New Orleans and Texas.
There wero twenty-two deaths from small
pox in Mobile during week ending January
27. *
The match trade for the coming year, it is
estimated, will amount to $900,000, half of
which is Government tax.
Joseph Parker, of Stoneham, Maine, is 90
years old, and has 105 grand children and
great-grandchildren.
A man was chased by a catamount in Bris
tol,"Vt, lately., which so frightened him that
his hair turned white.
Miss Rosa Murry died in a fortune teller’s
chair in Brooklyn, the other day. Tha mys
teries of the future were revealed to her with
out the idle gossiping of the soothsayer.
The trial of John Cooper for the brutal mur-‘
der of Ms sister at Conner’s Creek recently, is
in progress at Detroit, Mich.
A young lad by the name of Warren killed
a schoolmate at Mt. Clemens, Michigan, by
hurling an inkstand at his head.
Catlin, the bank robber, is now closely con
fined in the jail at Rockport, Indiana. He
will be tried in the course of a few days for
stealing $15,000.
A couple who had been married only eight
days were divorced in Chicago last week on
the ground of incompatibility of+emper. The
wife was less than sixteen years old.
The New York, Petroleum fraud case, is at
an end. The defendant has been fully acquit
ted.
Henry Coarts, alias Carr, et al, charged with
the robbery ot the Lorenzo county Bank, Ohio,
was arrested in Charleston, January 29. The
amount • stolen was sixty thousand dollars.
Three men were concerned in it. Two were
arrested in New York. Thirty three thousand
dollars has been recovered.
Gen. Cass, ia said to be seriously ill.
Tho Hunter gallery of pictures In New York,
sold for $31,000.
The Charleston, S. C. College, of whioh Mr.
Middleton is President, has resumed exercises.
There were upwards of 40,000 soldiers in the
Confederate army, from Arkansas.
Brigham Young, told speaker Colfax, while
the latter was in Utah, that he might possibly
receive a revelation abolishing polygamy.
The Adam Express roVoera are being tried
in New York.
Religious meetings of great interest are in
progress at Louisville, Ky.
Seventeen negroes were arrested at Nash
ville on the 31st ult, in the act of playing
“seven up.”
The order forbidding the wearing of Confed
erate uniforms and buttons has been revived
in Richmond.
A brutal fight iu which a dozen men partici
pated,-took place on the 28tr, January at Sul
phur SpriDgs, 111.
An artificial cave has been discovered In
Lookout Mountain, and explored for a distance
of 175 feet. Various Indian relics were dis
covered.
At tho Methodist centennary collection In
tha Centra! M. E. Church of Detroit, January
21vt, the lam of $15,300 we# retted.
It he# been decided the* * woman who is
revniar v ord .ined and i-jtltad ee mioietsi In
H*«**chn*etts can legally unite a oewpie in
marriage.
Letter* from Kingston Jaastfra. era in tha
ieto dtetarbsnce the nrfroe* killed thirteen
reread : white the fJovcrawwt la inert efcrt
m honged two thousand os# tore fire* mi
fcrty nmroes.
the ©rend Jury of L«f*yet*e eowrtf. tea
tMhy. have found ‘-a tra* hill’ ’ t|*wi Gee.
A J. Smith, U. S. A., tor btastaf the Court
beam and other public building* ia Mftp ttl
ot Oxford, tn the summer rs
[From Macon Telegrapn ]
SPEECH OF HOW. JOSHUA HILL
DELIVERED AT MILLEDGEVII.LE, JANUARY 29 1866.
Gentlemen of the Legislature .
, of the State of Georgia :
It is to you that I propose, in the remarks
that lam abcut to make, to address myself
particularly. There are crises in the lives of
men, as well as of nations, that demand ex
traordinary action. In my humble career
through life, 1 have not been exempt lrom
the changes that are common to all. I find
myself.now about to enter upon one that is to
be perchance for me, the most important po
litically, it may be personally, that hss ever oc
curred to me; and if it were truo that its ef
fects and conseauenceagvere limited to myself
alone, it would oe a matter of small moment.
Such, I apprehend, will not be the result.
'lbore are very few men who may, with pro
priety, attempt to interest others in a history
of themselves. But for an occasion that ap
proaches, it would be extreme anogaoce ia
me. Whatever foibles of character J may
possess, whatever degree of vanity, (I believe
all will acquit me at least) of a desire to ob
trude my private life, aud I may add my po
litical life also, on the attention of others.
It is well known that I aspire to be a United
States Senator. This has not only been known
to the people of Georgia, but by means of the
Press to the people of the whole couutry. I
was more than forty years of age before.l con*
sen ted to enter the arena of active political
Hie. Up to that day nothing could persuade
me to embark upon such a sea. I bad resisted
the importuni ies of friends successfully. An
occasion came under high party excitemen
where from no agency of mine, but with vny 1
known disapproval.l was unanimously nominat-.
ed by a party Convention for a seat in Congress,
I resisted for a considerable time "tho persua
sions of friends, but at last yielded and have
lived to repeat that I had not adhered to my
original purpose. I was elected and took my
seat. It was in those days of excitement, of
bitterness and vituperation, when the sections
arrayed against each other, men sought to gain
the favor of their constituents by the reviling
of each other. One of my earliest declarations
on the floor of Congress was a fixed determina
tion. t)n no account, to eDgage in the discussion
of the slavery question. To this I faithfully
adhered even against the remonstrance of
friends, because of my conviction of duty to my
country, and respect to my own judgement.
It was a question with which the national
councils had no right to interfere. I derided
in my speeches to the people (he poor, ephe
meral reputation, won in such inglorious con
tests, comparing them.,in their dangers to those
who ciaim the merit of gallantry in such bat
tles, to the petty contests of ignorant litigants
in the Justices Courts.
I will not fatigue you with a recital of the
details of my political life. Against all the
remonstrances I could utter, contrary to all
tho entreaties that I could interpose, the peo
ple of Geoigia, perhaps I should eay.the load
ers of the people, madiy rushed the State into
the vortex of revolution. I was in my seat at
Washington. I have been blamed for con
tinuing in it. I have never taken the partus to
speak of the injustice done me in supposing
that I would pocket a cent more of the public
money than <lld my associates. I now say ; that
I disdained to do it. 1 remember that one of
the papers of this State stigmatized me for the
respect shown me by an overwhelming majori
ty of the llouso, including the Speaker and its
prominent members, who met me with much
feeling upon my ".retirement from the hall.
They tendered me the floor for a week if I de
sired it, to expose what had been done in
Georgia. I declined thß proffered jhonor.
True, I remaineo at Washington, but not as a
member of Congress. 1 returned to Georgia,
and found the State in a blaze of revolution.
I was not disappointed in finding myself tire
object of obloquy, if not of scorn. In the
midst of all this I maintained my own opin
ions irrespective of the clamors of leaders and
multitudes, and never sought, during the
frightful contest that ensued, to be heard in
any assembly of men. From the day I left
Congress until I entered this hall for the pur
pose of restoring the ancient relations between
the State and the Government, I took no part
in any public meeting • and, had the strife con
tinued yeats longer, it was my fixed determin
ation to abstain Irdtn participation in discussion
For this, and for my uniform and sincere
conduct on all occasions, I obtained a lodg
ment in the national heart, and men of na
tional feeling have refused to forget me. It
is from no feeling of vanity that I declare it
is a source of proud consolation to me that
this feeling is so widely entertained and so
forcibly expressed by the masses of the loyal
men throughout the Union.
I recount innumerable instances of
confidence and regard shown mo, in’ kiDdness
solicited for others, by the Government and
ite officers aud agents, both civil and military.
For these things I have obtained neither fee
nor expected reward. I could not exact
money from any one for my iufluence with the
Government, especially when accompanied
with my pledge lor the sincerity and fidelity
cf an applicant for its favors. For this would
be to sell that which is above price.
Upon the overthrow of tho Confederacy
when its civil officers were fleeing as wretched
fugitives, and when its war-worn, barcioot, dis
pirited soldiery were seeking their once happy
homes, it occurred to men that I, in that
rude hour of adversity, might, in behalf of the
citizens of Georgia, successfully appeal to the
Prdsident for clemency. I was approached by
letters from gentlemen of the highest position,
who importuned me to forget the unpleasant
past, and, magnanimously forgiving those
who had reviled me, to repair to Washington
on ihis mission of mercy. Surrounded with
the wreck of a shattered* fortune BLd a dis
tressed household, I accepted the trust. Here
let me not fail to return my grateful thanks to
those i*h°> for the sake of the people, contrib
uted to defray my expenses. I exerted—with
whatever of success I must leave others to
judge—my powers to obtain an amelioration of
the policy of the Government towaids this
people. I represented them as contrite, heart
broken, and ready to embrace the require
menls of the Government. If, in my anxiety
to benefit them, I overstepped the bounds of
propriety, you at least will scarcely censure
me.
Subsequent events may, I fear, have con
vinced ihe Government that I was too sanguine,
and that, in their hearts, the great mass were
not so kindiy affected to the Union as I sought
to make it appear. While thus engaged, I
contributed to the enlargement of officers in
prison, and obtained pardon for some who had
offended the laws. In that day it did not oc
cur to me that I was despised for the influence
that I was thus enabled to exercise. A brave,
generous man, and former friend and acquain
tance of 'mine, was placed in command of the
department of Georgia. To him I applied
how often I cannot undertake to say—for act*
of kindness of every variety of character to
poor, distressed men and friendless femiile*. I
never applied iu vain. His heart, as tender a*
it Is brave, always melted at appeals to his hu
manity. I was careful cot to claim at his
hands what I thought was unjust, and thus
abns* the high confidence he rep,need in mv.
Tki# tafluenoa wav not limited to him alone,
bnt intended to all his commanding officer*,
ted to the officer* ot the Government general
ly Hers let me inquire whst It wv* that gave
as tht* power to do f I answer, nothing
but the conviction, on the mind* of all, that
IM base true to tbs Government throughout
the frightful scene* ot conflict.
Ten wilt ail bear me wltne* that I have not
twperteftad you for your vot*a~for that, if
for noth’ eg vies, you will give me credit. In
4e*#rmintcg a choice for Senator* I have a
right to ineisi that you do no hart to tha State,
i by electing a mao, who from any oasae eaanot
•awe you rs elected. I have no right to «*(•
VOL. LXXV.—-NEW SERIES VOL. XXV NO. 8.
upon you, nor will I, my ability tor epresent
the State, but I may, and should present my
availability. If any of you imagine that it is a
matter of trifling imp? rtaace, what position,
civil or an individual has occupied in
the defunct Government of the Confederacy,
let me tell you, that you labor under a pro
found mistake. Whoever regards lightly the
test oat’u, acd believes it immaterial whether
one can take it or not, is laboring under a
delusion. The admission of members into the
present Congress, will depend mainly upon the
ability ot the member elect to take the oath
required of him—conscientiously. The history
of eSch member will be inquired into; a rigid
scrutiny will be observed as to his antecedents.
And no matter what may bathe personal merits
of a man, hi3 political career and character
alone will be consulted. This stern rule may
iiritate and wound your pride, but should not,
if indeed you are tho loyal men you profess to
be. If you really feel a reluctance to elect a
man who can take this oath, then is it because
you disapprove his loyalty, and it sustained in
this sentiment by your constituents, they nor
you are not entitled to representation in the
ouncils of the nation. If it be matter of reproach
to be able to take this severe oath ,then denounce
me, for I can take it. lam sorry to say that
I know so few who are in my situation. Do
you not wish that all cou>d take its -
The State of South Carolina has selected
for a Senator a man distinguished for his love
of the Union since the days of nullification,
and another not indeatified with the revolu
tion. If South Carolina can act so wisely how
much is to be expected of Georgia ?
You all, profess to love the .President and
to sustain his policy. If I may be allowed to
compare great things to small, let mo inquire
how it is that you can forgive Andrew John
son for making war upon the Confederacy,
and exerting himself to crush it, and yet
complain of me for my peaceiul opposition to
your revolution. His children fought you
while mine fought for you. Are you quite
certain that your love for thß President is
heartfelt and sincere ?
If you would give evidence of your attach
ment, consult his wishes. The President is a
man of wisdom, and. readily distinguishes be
tween mere lip service and genuine devotion.
You will not be able to deceive him:
Rumor hath it that lam to be defeated, nay
crushed, annihilated, by some unßeen hand ;
some intangible adversary. If it be your pur
pose to bring me into contempt, you had bet
ter resort to blanks. But let me tell you gen
tlemen, you cannot drive me from my purpose
—you cannot weaken my convictions of what
is due to iny character, my seif respect, and
above all my devotion to the Government I
love. lam prepared-for the sacrifice—let the
suspended sword fall. Thank heaven, I am
inured to greater evils than your displeasure,
i have suffered much for my opinions. I can
endure more.
Understand me, Ido not complain, aud I
will not complain, for I shall have no right to
do so, if iu the election you should prefer to me
some other cit ; z nos similiar sentiments, on
account of superior moral-worth or talent—but
when, forgetting the helpless condition of our
peopie, dependent upon the favor of the Gov
ernment for what ol liberty they now enjoy—
you shall madiy and revengefully choose a
man over me picminaaily identified id either a
civil or military capacity with the rebel
government, I will denounce the folly sad in
fatuation of the act.
It is generally understood that yqu will
make choice of a distinguished geuQeman,
prominent lor his public services and acknowl
edged talents, and, regardless of nis earnest
remonstrances as set <orth in the letter I wiil
read you, force upon him, objecting and re
luctant as he mey bo—this high trust. If you
are really his friends, you wiil better
serve him by foregoing the use of
his name. I care not if a man be consider
ed as pure as an angel, under such circum
stances he cannot escape a suspicion cf en
couraging the act. My attitude may bias my
judgment, but I wiil stake my reputation that
evil comes of the deed But the fiat has gono
forth, and it is irrevocable. *
Some profess to believe, that there-is little,
difference as to the status of men, and that all
will be regarded alike. Is it nothihg that
such as I, condemning the revolution, and ab
staining from its cemmoneement to its close,
from participating in any public meeting,
from casting a voto for any officer of the pro
tended new government, and Romany act vol
untarily at war with my obligations to my
country—is*Riere, in your judgment, no differ
ence between such a man, and one who took
office UDder an organization hostile and at war
with the Government to which his allegiance
was due ? If you determine there is not,
the Beuate of the United States will reverse
your judgment. Remember -that It is of far
less consequence wbat may be the standing of
your favorite in Georgia, than what is the
estimate of the Senate in regard to him. That
body, and not the people of Georgia, must
pass upon his eligibility.
I have heard that I am censured for having
made a speech on the occasion of raising a
national flag at the military headquarters in
Augusta. I diu make the speech—at the so
licitation of General Steedman, a brave and
generous man and my personal friend, to whom
I am indebted to many kindnesses to others,
granted as favors to me. What should I have
dons—refused the act of courtesy ? Let me
be frank and declare to you that I never look
ed upon the flag of my country,;nor listened to
the strains of our national airs, without feel
ing my cheeks glow, aud my pulse quicken.
I sought to promote, on the occasion referred
to, a spirit of kindness and good feeling be
tween citizens and soldiers. It was a time of
considerable excitement, and my efforts failed
to please either party, which convinces me that
I was on tho right line.
My object has been to convince you of my
general concurrence of opinion with the Pres
ident, and distinctly to impress you with a
fixed conviction of my loyalty to tha Govern
ment. If my principles commend me to your
suffrage, I shall rtjoice; it they do not, they
shall not be the leas my sentiments.
Here Mr. Hill was asked by a gentleman to
state his position in regard to Mr. Davis. Mr.
Hill said :
I am censured for objecting to the late Con
vention, as a Convention, memorializing the
President for the pardon of Jefferson Davis,
Alexander H Stephens and others. I did ob
ject to such action on the part of the Conven
tion, insisting that it was not the appropiiate
business of such a body called for _ the great
purpose of restoring the State to its former
relations with the Goveinment of the United
States, and would have no effect on the mind
or action of the President, who would neces
sarially be governed mainly b 7 motives of
public policy. I maintain now the correctness
of my position, and claim that time has al
ready justified my course. _ _ #
I have sought to be explicit and frank. I
have ceucealed from you no sentiment of
mine. I invite you now to propose any que*-
tion to me that suggests itvclf. I wisn bo
man to be In donbt as to my opinions —for my
reputation for candor is more to me than the
result* of to-morrow's election. That may
conclude my political career. Certain H le, If
defeated, as I afitldpate. 1 cannot on any ac
count be used dTtcrwsrds.
Gentlemen, you have heard me with much
patience and dose attention ; for this, I thank
you. Whatever any be your action, I trael it
esay redound to the welfare of the psopfe and
the beet Interests of the State,
IIP -am
Several extremely curious experiment* hnte
b a en made in Parr* on the effect* of nwtonic
add (as extract of the flower* of wmte.fnft.)
Madame de Bolvsy, form 'll* the Gonaw*a
GaleeioH, ha* placed la the hand* olM.de
Lamartine the letter* that paaaad between her
ud Byron, with note* of her remintftcvtMft of
tb# auther ot Ottld* Harold.
Georgia Legislature
SENATE
Thursday, February 1.
The annexed bills were introduced, to author
izo the Inferior Court of Camden county to
regulate and prescribe the rates of ferryage In
said county; to amend tho laws regulating the
administration of the estate® of decreased par
sons in certain cases therein mentionad; a
message vr« receiver! from his excellency,
transmitting the report of the Superintendaot
of the Western and Atlantic Railroad; one
hundred copies were ordered printed.
The homestead bill was thou taken up, dis
cussed at length, amenAd and passed. Tha
provisions of the bill as passed are the same as
those contained in tho original bill of Mr.
Stroaier, excepting that the value of the home
must not exceed *25,00. If worth more, the
same to be Bold and the debtor to receive
$25,00 from the proceeds—the balance to go to
the creditor. If the homestead ocmtained
water or steam machinery, it should be ex
empted, provided the same was not worth
more’than $25,00. The bill does not proelude
the payment of taxes.
HOUSE.
Thursday, February I:
The motion to reconsider day bill was lost.
The bill for altering the time to hold certain
elections was reconsidered.
The motion to reconeider tha action of the
House in regard to anew judicial district was
lest.
A bill was Introduced a bill to prevent per
sons from enticing away laborers from tnelt
employers.
Mr. Pottle, Introduced a resolution to have
printed 260 copies ot the list of member* of
the House with their Post-offices. Agreed to.
A message was received from his Exoelleney
on the subject of the Western and Atlantia
Railroad. The same was taken np and read,
and referred to the Committee on Tinanoa
with instruction* to report a bill to earry out
the recommendations of the Governor.
The annexed bills were passed : to alter na
tlons -4596 and 4597 of the Code ; to allow
Artemicill A E Jones, of Bibb county, to re
ceive and receipt for proparty as though sha
were a femme sole ; to Incorporate tho town of
Weston, Webster county ; to change the line
of Upson and Crawford counties; to lttg alise
the marriage of first cousins.
Bill to authorize Inferior Court of Habersham
county to buy and collect tax for the benefit of
crippled soldiers and widows and orphans of
deceased soldiers. Lad on the table.
Bill to alter section 2827 of the Code in re
lation to tho oath of grand jurors. Lost .
senate.
Friday, February t.
The Judiciary Committee reported a bill to
organize a County Court in eaoh of the coun
ties of the State—the court provided far in
the Freedmen’s code.
The annexed bills were passed : to legalise
certain returns to the Houston Superior Court;
to require non residents to have their lands
registered in the counties in which said land
lies; to authorize John G. Park to build a grist
mill on the reserved land Stats at In
dian Springs—gives a twenty year*’ lease; to
inerensotbe salary of the Superintendent of th«
Western, and Atlantic Railroad. Makes
salary $5,000.
A resolution to have printed in pamphlet
form tha rules of the Senate, and alphabetical
list of members of the Senate, was passed.
* HOUSE.
Tumbat, Fcbuaiy 2.
A qaotion to reconsider so much of tho action
of the House ou yesterday as rejected a bill to
determine the value of nominal or Confederate
prices was lost.
The annexed bills were Introduced : to
make valid certain acts of the Inforior Oourt
of Polk county ; for the relief of Leslie Mark
ham, Thomas Hollis and David Dyer, of Mor
gan county ;to provide foT the payment of
certain executive and judiolal officers—tha
bill applies to Governor, Comptroller-General
Secretary of State, Solicitors, Ac ; to author
iz3 the Governor to issue boo>la of the State
for oertain purposes ;in relation to the cor
poration of the town of Brunswick, and
provide lor the election of Mayor and other
city officers ; to incorporate the Brunswick
Improvement Company ; to amend the char
ter of the Brunswick and Florida Railroad
Company, and to change the name of tha
same to the Brunswick and Albany Railroad
Company ; to regulate and protect the me
chanical Interests of the State ; to discharge
persons accused of crimes oommitted during
the late war, when snch persons can show, to
the satisfaction of the Court, that they bad
witnesses whose evidence would acquit them ;
to define tho liabilities ot railroad and Ex pro*
Companies in certain .cases ; to exempt from
taxation, the present year, those countrtea
overrun by the enemy ; to Incorporate the
Great Southern Insurance Company.
The annexed bills were passed ; for. the
relief of persons on recognisances ; to extend
the civil jurisdiction ot the city Courts of Au
gusta ; to change the time for drawing jurors
for Superior Courts ; to authored and em
power Judges of the Superior Course to hold
special terms for the trial of criminals ; to al
ter paragraph 1232, chaper 2, of the Code ; for
the relief of tho Muscogee Building aryl Loan
Association, and the Columbus Building and
Loan Association ; to authorise the Inferiar
Court of Lumpkin county to levy a tax to
build a jail and oourt house ; to Incorporate
the town or Wrightsville, Johnson county ; to
reduce the Sheriff’s bond of Forsyth County ;
to empower the Justices of Forsyth oounty to
levy an extra tax to pay for atteattoa on caaa
of Small Fox ; to legalize the action of John
C. Wells, while acting as Ordinary under com
mission from the Provisional Governor ; to
change the time of holding Inferior Ooarti
from 2nd Monday in £mu*ry to let Monday In
January ; to incorporate the Georgia and Ala
bama Railroad Company.
The annexed bills were tabled to compensate
Ordinaries for administering the Amnesty oath;
to incorporate the Gate City Gas Company.
The bill to fix the terms of Judges of enpa
or Courts and to fix their sa.artoe. Lcat It
proposed 10 years and $3,500 salary.
The use of the Hall was granted Rev. Dr.
Tucker, ot Atlanta, to make an address on tha
subject of relief for indigent widows and or
phans of deceased soldiers.
.SENATE.
Saturday, February 8.
A memorial form the Mayor and Olty Coun
cil of Americas In reference to small pox In
that city, we* referred.
The annexed bills were Introduced : pro
viding tor furnishing each maimed soldier in
the late Confederate cause, that needed it,
with an artificial arm or leg, a* the State’s ex
pense ; to alter the law afiowing married
women to deepoait money in *svic*s’ bank ;
a memorial from the dtiaen* of Jeffcreon coun
ty, asking that *vid county bs relieved from
the payment of State tax ihe present yaae.
was referred to the committee on fiuancs.
The annexed bill* wets Introdnced : to In
corporate the BAImv!!!* Mining and Maonfko
turing Company ot Union county; to al ow the
Inferior Court of Forty l h county to retain the
State tax for lbs 6 aud lfi67, for tba purpose of
building a court bone* and jail In eaio couaty;
to alter taction 53J0 of tbe Ooda, in relation to
ball; to prescribe the mod* by which private
corporation* may ba chartered; to pr**criba
and regulate the relattoe of parent and child
among pereoo* o! ootor; to preaertbeand regu
late the relation of hurbani and wife Btnotig
r,*r*oa» of color —-ft praaoribee that where r
pettoa fcM been living with ra-rre than one
fcnvbaad or wife, ft choice stall be made of one
«*iU> whom marriage *b*>l ba celebrated.
Tha annexed bill* were pa mad : to lnoerpo-
Mto the Savannab'Navigwtlcn ftoapwny; to in
ccrporat* the Savananb Lft# A«cdat!on; to