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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