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OLD SERIES, VOL. LXXV.- Ctjniiiirli' k ifutmfl HENRY MOORE, A. R. WRIGHT, “COMMERCIAL STAGNATION.” “ Work i.s a bridle.’’ This was the senten tious advice of an astute Minister to Louis Philipp.:, “cUizen Kin'/,” upon his accession to the turbulent throno of France. The calm but ascetically austere Premier had surveyed the condition of the Realm. He saw that stagna tion in-'mui-t all tbo various industrial pur miits of life, prevailed os the legitimate result of social and political revolution. He had gauged carefully the turbulence of passion. To allay excitement—to establish confidence —was to ensure trauquility ; and with it a subsidence Ml all the mud thrown to the surface by agita tion. This was the end desired. The means proposed was, work —occupation. Tbo demauds of the huge war through which we have passed have caused the people of the United Htat sto feel and know something of that which goes to make up what is called European civilization. This is especially true in commerce. So long as war was waged, the requirements of Government were the first to he satisfied, llie call was upon all that sus tains and develops trade—money, credit, the products of manufactures, and the productions of the soil, as well as military skill and mus cle. It was imperative ; but it tempted by fabulous profits. It imposed restraints, but it opened up new nv< nuea and exacted increased simply—literally absorbing all resources in both sections. Prudent merchants could not embark in their accustomed operations with out cautiously estimating the wants of Govern incut and the tendency of political events; while timid ones were doubtless altogether deterred from uction. The field, there fore, was chiefly the field of speculation. With the return of peace much of this papiiir away ; and although many burthens re main, the great law of supply and demand begins once more to assert its rightful su premacy. The Government, no longer having use lor hundreds of articles of prime necessity, not only ceases to stimulate production, but, perhaps, throws an accumulated surplus .upon the market. Trade, free from political complica tiou, is forced to beck legitimate chauuels. Operating slowly and cautiously at first, and per haps restricted by adventitious causes, a certain degree ot stagnation ensues, accom panied by a certain decline in prices. To this, in tho South, must bo superaddod the results ol tho final issue and the deplorable destruc tion which attends the march of hostile armies, But bus tho South so great reason to oom plaiu now of commercial stagnation? Con trast the situation of Georgia with her con dition not twelve months ugo. Then, all was gloom and despondency. There was hut little feeling of security for either person or property. Bo far from expecting that “the wheels of trade would revolve on glowing axles, and the whole financial machine move on with invincible momentum,” the general appre hension was that remorseless confiscation and official inquisition would sweep the last vestige of that which had escaped the nide grip in tho fortunes of war. H >pe had vanished. Military orders were inexorable laws. But few felt that justice could bo obtained from subaltern or chief, or that irrcfragible testimony would ex ert the slightest influence in the Bureaus at Washington. There was no currency ; wealthy corporations bud to issue bills of credit ; an 1 many, very many, of respectable possessions wore dependent on iriendiy offices for bare subsistence. “ But time, the corrector where onr judg ment err,’’ has removed moat of these grave apprehension?; and executive action, In afford ing relief from grievous wrougs, has dons much to restore coutilunco and tranquility. Cotton wout forward ; and it became a matter of wonder that so much money could be found In the country. It cannot be d.-nlod, that in the transition from a state ot war to tin# conditions of peace perturbations have occurred ; that confi dence is not yet. restored ; that there still exists some feeling of distrust; that there is a restless anxiety, caused l>y a reckless and unscrupulous otfort to withhold Constitutional rights, which retards progress in recovery from prostration. But wo cannot share with a city contemporary the anticipation of being overwhelmed “by the red right arm of commercial ruin,” and en gulphed in a lower depth. Violent exertions ol rancour end in weariness, and reaction is the consequence of political excess; and he who controls, as the Executive Head, is singu larly gifted with a straight-forward judgment, cool sagacity, and inexorable common sense.— Far better, theu, seize a hope ot milder radi ance than that which inspired dark and bloody days: “Along with the cymbal s fitfoll clash, And the growl of the sullen drum. Far better apply the lesson from the Old World—“ UorfciS « bridlt”— aud rejoice that “There is I>J* in the Old Land yet.’’ THE FINANCES OF THE STATE. From the Macon Telegraph wo condense the following statement of our financial condition : The principal legislative appropriations were $200,000 for relief of the families of de ceased and destitute Confederate soldiers; S2O <IOO to buy artificial limbs for soldiers maim ed in the war; aud $24,000 to rebuild the Penitentiary. The estimated expenses for the pus nt year will amouai to $1,081,000. The public debt uow due is $234,500 —back in terest dm- ss96,ooo—total $1,911,500. This anuniut does not include expenses for repairs and rolling stock for the State Road, and the Federal 1..»J tax To meet these expenses, the Governor is author!* >d to issue Stale Ronds to the amount required, and with the taxable property still left us, the State Road yielded a nett income of $75,000 per month. We are justified iu the expectation that these bonds will command, at no distant day, a veiy baud o*ie premium— oven though the iucoaio from the road be devoted, for some time to come, in liquidating the expenses sot repairs and equip ments. Mr. M. C. Bruce m*H his death iu Vicks burg, Miss., on the 2Stb, by jumping out of a fourth story window, RADICAL RAPACITY. Among the remaikable men once adorniDg the annals of Ameiican statesmanship, there was one from the North—from Massachusetts —who shone conspicuously in an august Sen ate; which now, alas! can claim no worthy successor, and whose prestige and dignity have become a schoolboy's tale. Many formidable and alarming changes in the structure and faith ol Republican institutions have outraged the principles of the founders, since Daniil Wsbstbk, with god like brow, sonorous speech and deep searching eyes, graced the Senate chamber ‘‘iike a Roman Senator when Rome su. vlved.” However this grand and granite man, as Mr, Brbckinuidos was wont to call him', may have opposed secession cn broad and catholic grounds, his masculine intellect grasped in advance the designs of Abolition ism and its kindred fanaticisms, and the ven erable seer presaged what he beheld afar in the lurid woes of their domination. Tho “even ing of life gave him mystical lore,” and, allu ding to the very party which now rides rough shod over everything held sacred in the Past, and everything honorable in the Future, he a aid: “If these fanatics and abolitionists ever get power into tbuir hands, they will override the Constitution, ret the Supremo Court at defiance, change and make laws to suit themselves ; finally, they will bankrupt tho country and deluge it with blood.” How comprehensive the prophecy—how few the words! Is not every sentence fulfilled, or about to be ? Take their own admissions on the plea of “military necessity,” the rights of the conqueror,” the “interest of tho North,” and a ghastly array of Constitutional infrac tions can bo easily evoked, but, from their number, are not so easily remembered. How Is it with tho Supreme Court? Since the day that John Mzrktman enterea “Mc- Fieury’s dungeon walls” to the present hour, when Chief Justice Chase prowls forth on a canvassing tour for the next Presidency, or sits aud smirks on his miscegenating platform, as he vents his venom on our noble Chief Magistrate, Andrew Johnson, the Supreme Court has been defied periodically. The chairs of a Jat, a Mahshall and a Taxxy—ir reproachable high priests of Law—are regard ed more as political machines than sanctuary thrones of unimpeachable justice. It is boot less to speak to a reading community in speci fication of the eggrtssive steps of fanaticism in “changing laws and making them to suit themselves.” Every day has its peculiar record of arbitrary legislation and the despotic mo tives which lead to the expulsion (for it is nothing el3e) of Stockton, in the Senate, and Vorhkes in the House, speak for themselves and speak for the decline of a people who are passive under anything. For the sake of Union, ths land has been deluged in blood; these Radicals, for tho saka of disunion, would de luge it in blood again rather than relax their hold. An apprehension of bankruptcy hangs iike a thunder-cloud ready to burst in And so, lu spite of carnage, In spite of fiuancial ruin, in spite of Union, in spite of every patriotic impulse, ouce so loudly feigned, the fell spirit of Radicalism is impenetrable to appeals of magnanimity or pacification, and the more imminent the crisis the more vindic tive it becomes. It has the obduracy of the alligator and the blind frenzy of the sword-fish. Argument, entreaty, concession, menace, ad monition—all are vain. If it live, wo to us and to our children ! THE PRESIDENT’S PROCLAMATION. The telegraph has annouuced that tho Presi dent has Issued a proclamation declaring the insurrection which existed in the States of Georgia, North Carolina. Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Fiorida at an end, and hereafter to be so regarded. It is impossible, without reading the Proclamation itself, to estimate the impor tance of the act. We assume that it is in accor dance with the policy ot President Johnson as developed in his uniform utterances on the sub ject and with tho plans uud purposes of his predecessor. It brings to a realiza tion that we are about to enjoy once more our old status of citizenship in the government— that the sacred right of habeas corpus is to be restored, and that the blessings of peace and functions of civil law are to shed their genial influences over the land. The effects of this act of the President are already felt in the ap preciation of stocks and bonds, and in an in creasing sense of hopeful confidence in busi ness circles. Not the least important advantage which may be expected to flow from a restoration of the immunities conferred in the Proclamation, will be its tendency to check the schemes of emigration to Mexico and Brazil, entertained by many who have grown restive under the late order of things. It will give an impetus to enterprise, and what is most needed, restore the confidence of capital, which is ever timid under disturbances of th/civil law. We need not attempt to portray the effect this wise and timely executive action may produce in Washington (not national) politics. That it will be regarded anew affront to radi calism, is very probable—but wo cannot doubt that it will meet the cordial approval of all just conservative minds throughout the coun try. It is the sublime injunction of one hav ing authority, who, rising above the waves of passion, and storm of prejudice, says to the angry elements—“peace—be still.” The omission of South Carolina and Texas from the Proclamation is unexplained—but we asiumo it to result from a want of com form-, ity on their part, to the plan of restoration, in some of its details. We feel assured that their omission from the full fruition of Executive clemency, is based on prudential considera tions, the saga.ity of which will be apparent in the future development of the Executive policy. Since the above was written, tbo telegraph has given us a synopsis of the Proclamation, front which we lind no occasion to modify the casual reflections above presented. Charles F. Windsor, the New York default ing bank clerk, whose flight to Europe is not forgotten, has been discharged from the Eng lish bankruptcy court, where a suit had been Drought against him to recover the amount taken from the bank, on account of the non appearanc-o of the opposing party. The debt amounted *o £26,941. AUGUSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 11, 1866. ARE THE NEGROES FREE 1 This question, we have been again and again told, was settled by the force of arms, and despite the wishes or interests of the Southern people. By Proclamation of the President of the United States—by military orders of Gens. Grant, and Sheiman, and, lastly, by an amend* meat of the Constitution of the United States, the black people of the State of Georgia and other Southern States have been declared to be released from bondage, aud clothed with the rights, privileges and immunities ot a tree peo* pie. We, of the South, have been compelled, as a condition precedent to the recognition of our own existence as a people or State, to declare, in our organic law, what had already been es tablished by military power : that our former slaves were free and entirely independent of ths control, direction or management of their former masters. Indeed, even to question this freedom of the black race was considered and held, in many instances, as an evidence of treason and disloyally, and subjected those who indulged in such traitorous doubts to the penalties of fine and imprisonment. Our peo ple, with a degree of patience aud forbearance which challenges the admiration of the civil ized world, accepted the “situation” as a re sult of the wager of battle, and submitted to the monstrous wrong with the dignity of men conscious of their rights but powerless to sus tain them. Everywhere throughout this broad land, the white people—the controlling race, heretofore accustomed to direct and control the African, the inferior race—have given strong and un mistakable evidences of their good faith in submitting to tho laws, as they are, (however opposed to their enactment,) aud in according to the negroes all the civil rights which may, in safety, be conferred upon them. In no instance has it como to our knowledge that any efforts have been made by the people to control their action against their will. By a law cf the State their status, as free men, has been recognized, and the right to sue and be sued, to plead and be impleaded, to held and convey property, to make contracts, to marry, to inherit and to will property, to testify in the Courts, and to do all other things necessary for their protection as freemen, have been con ferred upon them. Protection, by law, has been given to the same extent as to white peo ple, in the enjoyment of person and property, and they ara liable to the same extent for infractions of tho law; tried by the same Courts, under the same code, before the same juries, and subjected to the same punishment as whites are. This wo have done, and not grudgingly. We recognize his right, under the Law, to work when ho pleases, with whom he pleases, how he pleases, and where he pleases. We leave him to regulate and settle the value Os his labor, or services, as he may see fit; only requiring that, like the white man, when he mikes a contract, or takes upon himse'f an ob ligation, that, accoding to tho terms of that contract or obligation, ho shall fulfil it. The Legislature ha3 prescribed no fixed prices for labor, or services. This is a matter which, by all civilized nations, is left to be regulated by the laws of supply and demand. We have not attempted to interfere, in the slightest degree, with the right of the nagro to select his own home. We have not asserted the right to mould and shape his contracts. We have not interfered with his right of loco motion . Wa hav not denied to him the right of trial by j ury and the writ of Habeas Corpus. All these things have been accorded to the negro by the people of the State, and still the question presses—is hbfrse ? Are the prevailing regulations of the Freed men’s Bureau consistent with the theories of the peculiar champions for justice and equality to the negro ? Are they even as liberal and just as the State enactments to which we have referred ? We refer not to the Bureau in any censorious spirit; but to illustrate the point in hand that, after all, it is not the actual freedom of the neqm which is sought for in the mischiev ous agitation ot the subject which continues. Where i3 there any State law, or prevailing custom, which interferes with the volition of the negro so radically as that which arrests him at the point of the bayonet— as has been habitually done about all our cities—tears him from his family and old associations, and makes a contract to send him to some distant field of labor ; perhaps to the malarious districts of the West, where he is put under one not of his owu choosing, and possibly one who is ignor ant of the negros’capacity for business. In view of this interference with the civil rights conferred by the State on freedmen, may we not, with propriety, reitsiate the question— are they free ? It is proposed to dam up the Kaw river at Lawrence, Kansas. The flow of water is 70,000 barrels per minute, affording, with a six foot dim, about 5,000 horse-power, and capable of running 300 runs af stone. It is estimated that a dam, substantially and permanently con structed, would cost not to exceed $30,000 and that the rents, with the amount of machin ery which might reasonably be expected, would return the whole amount iu a very few years, aud afterwards yield a small fortune to the owners every year. Largo amounts o f machinery are being put up in Lawreuce this Spring, including two woolen factories, three manufactories of farming utensils, extensive railroad car and repair shops, and machinery or other purposes, the operation of which would be greatly facilitated by the construc tion of tills dam. A gigantic aquarium is to be among the wonders of the Universal Exhibition at Paris. The front alone is to measure 100 feet; every sort of fish is to be collected therein for the amusement of the public, and even sharks, cod> and porpoises are to exhibit their pecular habits and customs iu grottoes caves, which are to be excavated in the floors of the building and filled with sea water. The election of Mazziui to represent Messina in the Italian Parliament has produced a great stir in political circles in Florence. A popu lar meeting on the subject has been anouncea, and the Government is using all the means in its power to prevent the confirmation of the election. CROP PROSPECTS. In the commercial column tc-day will be found extracts from the circular of Neii Bros, from trio Flew York Herald on “movement in cof.cn,” and on ''’hat is termed “improving crop prospects.’' Neii Bros, are regarded by our merchants as “Bears” in the cottou market. The only data that could be obtained at present set esti mating the coming crop, are tuc number of acres under cultivation and the number ot hands at work. The official report shows that the army contains more thau sixty thousand men, that lormerly wero employed in South ern agriculture—Geueral -Howard estimates that about eight hundred thousand of the "colored society” have perished by reason of war and its consequences. An average de rived from one hundred and Sixty eight let ters from Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to prominent Houses in this city makes the number of blacks at work at one third of tho number in 18G0 ; and whites double a probable estimate for the same year. The hazards of bad seed, and the now system of labor aa well as the scarcity of currency among planters to restore the outfit of plantations, have all to be taken into con sideration this year. It i3 entirely too soon to form an estimate of any value. "The difficulty iu gettiagiuformatiou.cn the subject, from tire ordinary cotton authori ses of the South which looks well for a pros pect”—arises simply from the. want of mail facilities, reaching out from the great mail routes. “ The difficulty which “ would not ex ist if very vOnfavo ruble report could be consci entiously sent,’’ arises simply from lack of re liable information which could “be consci entiously seal.” The interchange which arises from emigration on the same parallels of lati tude, certainly dees not as yet disclose “ glow ing accounts.” Although they do show a manly endeavor to make the best of circum stances, they show, also, that the scale of effort is very largely diminished from what it was before the war, with a great many impedi ments to success not anticipated. Extract from a very reliable letter from Acworth,Ga., dated April 2 j: “The prospect of planters for the present year will be near an average, as we in this vicinity have been in the habit of raising mostly by white labor.” Extract from a letter from a large and re sponsible plantar of Morgan county, Ga ; "The season is very backward and the freed men are in no hurry, and it is impossible to hurry them. lam trying to d® something, but the prospect is by no means flattering.’’ Repeal of the Catholic Tf’t Oath. —-The British Government has at last determined to relieve the Irish people of one of their most fruitful causes of complaint, by abolishing the Roman Catholic test oath. That oath prac tically debarred every conscientious Catholic from holding any position of honor or trust under ihe British Government. It not only required a Catholic to swear allegiance to the Protestant dynasty, but it likewise compelled him to recognize the Church of England as the true exponent of the Christian religion. At the session of Parliament preceding the pres ent one, an effort was made by the Progressive party to have the obnoxious oath abolished, but the movement was defeated by (he party representing the wishes of the Government.— Upon a test vote in the House of Commons, on the Bth ult., only five members cut of nearly seven hundred dissented to the abolishment of the oath. The proposition now is to establish a form ol oath that shall have no sectarian features about it. Emigrants Coning —According to the Cork Examiner, upwards of 40,000 persons left Ire land during the first week in March, bound for America via Queenstown. It is estimated that two-thirds of the num ber were of the middle aud farming classes. Passengers are now awaitiug in Queenstown to go away by steamers. A Havre letter says the number of emigrants from Germany ar riving at Harve to take ship for America has lately increased in an extraordinary degreo. A Harve j onrnal says there are not less than 10,000 emigrants now lodging in the quarters of Sist Franc alone, awaiting vessels to take them out. A Bremen letter says emigration to North America is assuming the greatest propor tions. Up to the end cf May ten thousand persons have already engaged to leave via Hamburg and Bremen. These are nearly all Northmen and Protes - tants. Tug Canadian Convso eratiox . —The move ments in favor of a great confederation of all the Canadian Provinces ate making decided progress. In New Brunswick the people have declared for the schemg by repeated acts, both in ap’d out of the Legislature, and the Ministry, which is opposed to it, can scarcely get any support. Iu a recent address to the Ministry, a paragraph opposing confederation was re placed by another favoring it, by a large ma jority, only three votes being recorded in the negative. The feeling in favor of the new confederation has acquired strength since the expiration of the reciprocity treaty on the 17th alt., and the Feman movement. The pressure of external danger and the necessity of a more intimate union between the provinces are strong inducements for the formation of a con federated government. The Chicago Tribune, of a late date says ; a very interesting and impressive ceremony took place in that city a few days ago, in the West Side Jewish Synagogue, formerly the Tabernacle Baptist Church. A young lady, an American, professed her belief in the doctrines of the Jewish Cfcnrch, and was admitted to the fellowship of the church after having made a full confession of faith. The Rabbi, Rev. Dr. Feisentkal delivered a very impressive sermon on the occasion. The building was crowded to the utmost, very many of those present being personal friends of the young lady in queston- It is undirstood that the Jews not only do not seek for proselytes, but they rather dis courage any not of their faith becoming mem bers of their church. Hence such occasions as I the above are very rare. J Measures are on foot looking the improve-* meat of the Cemetery at Dawson. STATE ITEMS. The Columbus Sua has it from very good authority that arrangements are now matur ing for a renewal of tho old travel and freight route between Savannah, Coiumbus and other points Westwards. By thejl9th cf,this month (April) a sufficient force of coaches and freight wagons will be ou the gap in the Central Rail road to carry the travel and freight’that may offer, which will be moved with energy until the gap shall disappear, which, will be early in May. Tne bridge over tho Oconee will be com pleted by the JOth: This is the obstacle that prevents the arrangement from going into op eration before that date. It is also talked of running two passenger trains a day between Columbus and Savannah. Arrangements aro making to expedite freights from the Muscogee to the Opelika Depots. The steamer Vance passed Savannah on the Ist, bound for Augusta from Charleston. The annual election for county officers, wa3 held in Mclntosh, on tne 21st of March. Mrs. Mary L. Edgeworth, of Fort Valley, has just finished a work, entitled, '►The South ern Gardener and receipt Book.” The First Baptist Church of Atlanta has de cided to build anew home of worship in that city; The Macon Telegraph of the Isl says a frost was had in that city last Friday morning. It cut down tender vegetables that were exposed, but did no material damage to the fruit. If this is the last, there is fine prospect for crops of all sorts. Small pox has mads its appearanos at Dal ton. Tableaux and concerts are being given at Dalton, for the purpose of raising tunds with which to erect a Presbyterian church, in that town. The citizens of Thomasville gave a supper and concert, with the object of famishing the Methodist Parsonage iu that place. Georgia had 105,000 soldiers in the field, not including the militia, a portion of whom fought in the trenches at Atlanta. Twenty four thou sand of those poor fallows fill soldiers’ graves. Os the nine Justices of the United States Supreme Court, but one Judge Wayne of Ga., is from the Southern States. A man named Fuller ot Jones county, was arrested in Macon on the 31@t charged with forging the name of Job E. Taylor, an influen tial citizen of Monroe county. The order pre sented was for $75, on Wm. Singleton, of the firm of Singleton, Hunt & Cos., but tho bung ling manner in which tho fraud was attempted excited suspicious and erased the detection of the forger. A shocking and most brutal outrage, says the Macon Telegraph of the Ist was perpetrat ed on the person of a quiet unoffending female, on Cherry street, about 11 o’clock yesterday. For some imaginary offense against law and order, a police officer, without warning, drew his repeater, and fired three shots into her body, killing her instantly. The citizens of Cuthbert are organizing a Cotton Mill Company, and the Reporter says the success of the enterprise is beyond a doubt. , The “American Union Commission” of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are inaugurating a noble system of free schools in Atlanta. The school is intended for the sole benefit of the poor white children, whose parents are unable to pay tuition. Mr. Adams, the sgeut, has already commenced operations. He has named Rev, Mr. Haygood, F. M. Richardson, N. E. Gardner, J. G. W. Mills and Doctor Massey, all citizens of Atlanta, as trustees. Mr. Adams comes empowered to have erected, at the ex pense of tho Christian Commission which sands him, neat buildings for school purposes, aud will furnish all necessary books for child ren. SOUTH WESTERN INTELLIGENCE. FROM LOUISIANA. The True Delta newspaper has failed. The weather is charming. Plantation work advanced. The spring crop promises splendid ly. Upper Red river booming. Spring, forward. More land ploughed and planted this season than ever before. The freedmen are working well. Plantation prospects are excellent, The plantings are large and the crops forward. Alexandria, March 18-The city is being rebuilt. Plantation prospects are very good. § The crops of North Louisiana, where the freedmen were not disturbed by the war, will be equal to any past year. Where freedmen are demoralized the crops will be small. Baton Rough, March 20. The river is rising, and there are fears of an extensive flood. FROM TEXAS. Austin, March 28. A resolution was passed to send delegates to Washington. Messrs. Porter, Hancock, Lane and Henderson were elected. The election was fixed for the fourth Monday in June. The next Legislature meets on the first Mon day in August. Brownlow Gives up the President.— ln a recent letter of Brownlow to a Pennsylvania Congressman, he writes: When 1 put the President in nomination at Baltimore for the Vice Presidency, I felt that he had so thoroughly committed himself to the Union cause, and had been so badly treated by the rebels, it was impossible lor him ever to get round to them again, but 1 give him up a3 lost to the Union party, and as the mau who is bast to head the Rebels and Democrats. Revival of Learning. —The Nashville Dis patch learns that over one thousand volumes, belonging to the East Tennessee University have been saved, and an effort Is being male to collect those that are scattered through the city of Kaoxviiie, and remarks : “It appears that many of the most valuable sets in the library are one or more volumes short. It is well that this step has been taken, and we hope it may prove successful, and that large additions of new books may be made to the library. There will probably be more use for them hereafter than ever before.” FROM SOUTH AMERICA, DRAWN BATTLE BETWEEN THE ARGENTINE AND PARAGUAYAN ARMIES. Rio, March 29. A battle was fought between the Argentine and Paraguayans armies without decisive re sults. Heavy loss on both sides. NEW SERIES, VOL. XX 16. LEI’TER FROM MADISON. Restoration of the Chronicle and Sentinel— I Tie Crops—The Is ew Labor Systena—General Progress—The City of Madison —its railroad connections— apathy and despondency to te shaken off. Madison, Ga., March 31, 1866. Messrs. Editors: The friends of the “Old Chronicle and Seati. nel” aro looking forward with bright hopes to the day when it shall again exert its influence and wield Us ancient power for the good of our people. 113 enemies aro already analysing the merits of its claims for favor, and scrutinizing the past record of its present representatives. The course of its late proprietor had almost consigned it to a tomb of oblivion ; beyond the reach of a resurrection. The energy and will with which you have commenced the duty im posed upon you by the present condition of the South, is characteristic of much of the same spirit which actuates our whole people. The old and weak may succumb to the circumstan ces surrounding us, but stalwart manhood rises superior to the difficulties and dangers of the hour; does his duty to his God and country, and trusts for his reward in his final success.— Wo welcome every enterprise that leads a help ing hand to regain our former prestige and greatness, develop tho resources of the country, and restore harmony and peace to the nation. You shall not only have the well wishes and admiration of the peo pie of tins section of tho State, but their help and unqualified co-ope ration in the noble work of restoring our ruined fortunes. Ouv farmers are busily engaged in planting their crops. The season is cold, and vegeta - tion stayed by the chil’ing bretze3 of winter; but nature seems ready to burst forth in all her loveiy Spring-time beauty and gladness, at the first “wind of her mellow horn.” The wheat and fruit which we feared wero serious ly injured by the late freeze, have in many places been but little damaged. We are still auxioui as to our success. The present labor system is untried, but in many instances seems a failure. The long, tedious days of the hot summer are to come—the con stant, unremitting toil of cultivating the crop to be borne—the sedulous task to be accom plished of holding the freedmen to their duty and obligations, and the many incidental caus es that may arise to disturb the proper man agement of the farm, lead us frequently to con clude, that, with our best efforts, we shall fail to realize our honest expectations. The farm ers are trying to do their duty fully, fairly, and honestly ; and, if they do fail, they can only attribute it to causes over which they have no control. They know it 5s to tho in terest of the whole country, for the welfare of every branch of business, an interest upon which the prosperity of the professions, the tradesmen, mechanics, and the great educa tional demands of the present time are all cen tered. Our towns are to be rebuilt and improved.— We are looking forward when wc shall have the means to repair our old, dilapidated churches and acadamies ; when we shall refit our court houses and jails ; when we shall re-> cover, paint and adorn our own houses. These, with a thousand other necessaries of life, to say nothing of beifig able to cancel our old debts, and meeting the responsibilities of private life, demand the utmost vigilance, Industry aud perseverencs of our farmers. We feßl the responsibility. The last Legislature, you are aware, has made Madison a City. The citizens of the place should select one of their best men for Mayor; a man of character, prudence, and in telligence ; dignify the office at the start. The Aldermen should be men who can counsel and advise him, and aid in the prosperity and good government of the place. We have the locality and elements for an inland commercial centre. The nearest route from Brunswick to Cairo is directly through the city of Madison. The attention of capitalists has already been called to thiß fact, and a movement is being made to finally open up a channel of trade directly from one of these points to the other. The building of twenty miles of railroad would give us direct communication with the capital of the State, Macon, and Southv/estern Georgia. With energy, prudence and perseverance, in a few years we could become one of the most prosperous, pleasant and thriving cities in the State. I hope our people will notsleep over their best interests, and be contented in living in a little, “one-horse lown our merchants carrying on a picayune trade—bartering with freedmen for sedge brooms, shuck collars, sweet potatoes and ground-peas. It is a source of deep regret that our best citizens are not more alive to the duties that devolve upon us. The apathy and indifference of men of influence to the interests of society is a source of comsummafce evil. The poor people are neglected ; the.sick and distressed aro un provided for ; the Church is deserted, and often, too, by those who, heretofore, have made the loudest professions of charity and religion. Awake to the duty, my countrymen, you owe to your God and your fellow men! 1 hope Gen. Wright will practice cn the Whitworth guns when he alludes to the this subject, and, by his vigorous cannonade, stir the stupid sentinels that have retired within such a strong aud impregnable fortress as seif-indulgence and public indifference. Gentlemen, wishing you success in your labors and the speedy restoration of our coun try to happiness and prosperity, I am truly yours, Frank Vivian. Madison, Ga., April Ist. “ Comb Over and Help us ! ’ —The follow ing letter from Thad. Steven3 to Senator Scovel, was read to the New Jersey Senate, by the latter gentleman, during the delivery of a recent speech : “Washington, March 29, 1806. Hon. Jas. M. Scovel, &2., Ac. : Dear Sir : By all means hurry up your election. Give us no Conservative ; a Radi cai like yourself or nothin <. A Copperhead no is better than a iwadd'er. [Signed] THADDEUS STEVENS,” The prominent candidates for the position are John P. Stockton, (Democrat), A. G. Catrel, (Republican), and probably Scovel himself. The old Stark mansion, of M anchester, N. H., built by the Revolutionary General in 1850 was some weeks ago fired by some vandal in cendiary, and was Durned to the ground. When General Grant ahave3 Llmsß]f, the fact is telegraphed to the New York Tribune. T HE GEORGIA TAX ACT. I The following is tin .u, ,r\i i nl: , parsed at the late session of the GcAs-mbly, aud approved by the Governor : An Act to levy and collect a oufr the support if the Gi i'truhitn':/or the year iB6O, and for other pvrpcses. Sec. 1 Tii: v < l uKy Jo enact, That his Exc-L- ney in ■- .v rncr. with the as sistance of the Gomptrvll r General, so a-mu ns tho value of taxable >. . rty in ascertained from the oonsolidu* 1 urn from all the counties thereof, shah it- •vsb end levy such a pei c t exabie proper ty as will produce, in : . r ,;v io.u of the Governor, th« urn of aid fifty thousand do!.a s, exoi ;aive cf specific taxes. Sec. 2. In additi'-n t» theuti va’orem taxon real and personal pr. k i.y 11 . ,ni I iu the Code and assessed in tbo preceding section, the following specific tr.-c: shall be levied end Collected : 1. A tax of one dollar upon each aud every male inhabitant of tT.I« State on the first day of April, between tl. f tw sip one and sixty years When fl. .ci. at. id unpaid by any person who ir prop . ly, and is in the employment..; : r . a laborer, it shall ba the duty cl the lax Collector to serve a written notice to ti employer, specifying the amount of tux due by the lunp'oyee, which notice shall operate as a garnishment upon the employer, and ffiall .v ze and Kn ’ nun to pay said tax from any w j■ s, efft ci; >r money la hi® handß due to i and execution sh ut ’ iu Acs cases ibr taxes .iu, : 2. Upon every practitioner of Law, Physic and Denistry ten dollars. 3. Upon every D.ij-ucrroan, Auibrotype, Photographic, and similar An .. t 1 dollars. 4. Upon every person carrying on the bu siness of Auctioneer, twenty five dollars. 5. Upon every k* ; rota ••>. < r billiard table, kept for public play, twenty-five dol lars for each tube 6. Upon every keeper of a bagatello table, for public play, ton dc-'iars tor a > table. 7. Upon every keeper of a ten pin alley, or alley of like kind, for public play, ten dollars> 8. Uponevei stand or place for at le or play, with or without an exercise or amusement only, and not prohibit- and by law, ten dollars. 9. Upon every keeper or owner of a public race track, fifty dot hire. 10. Upon every circus company for each exhibition, twenty-fir and liars, 11. Upon every agent of, or person enga ged in any gift, lottery, or enterprise ot like character, in any county of this State, '.he sum of one thousand dollars; It shall >e tl duty of tho Tax Collector, immedi openmg cf an office by a: ypi <in for the pur* pose of selling tickets in eny such ’otti-r r or or enterprise, or of selling or offering such tickets for sale in any u... . r, t, levy and collect tho sai l tax from any prop orty of said person to be found. 12. There shall be levied a specific tax of twenty cents per gallon cn brandy, gin. whis key, or rum, whoth -r joroiga or domestic, which is sold by any v.. v nin th • Mate by wholesale or retail, except by distillers and manufacturers iu this Slate, and the amount Bold shall bo given iq under oath. Quarter ly returns on oath ehu'l be made ou the first days of April, July, October and January, in each year, by ail persons within tho. county, who sell liquor eilL rbp .h aA-i <c . ;1, of: the amount sold during the quarter pre ceding. Said returns shall bo made to the Tax Collector of tho county, v, 1 shall de mand and,collect the tax <Te, v.-i a, T turn is made. It-shall be the duty of th Tax C> - lector to require ail persons selling sa’d li quors to make their returns and pay the (ax thereon, and if any.person shall fail or refuse to make his re t to pay said tax he shall be assessed by tho Collector a specific tax of one thousand dollars, and the Collector shall proof execution, as in other cases of 1 ixe i duo aud unpaid. See 3. The spiritous liqu rs Fpccitiily taxed in the preceding snot ion t a-II i-o exempted from the ad valorem tax. Sec. 4 The oath to ba admlnislare l to all persons making returns of their taxable pro perty shall be in tin- wing, to wit: “You da solemnly ■ you will truo answers give, to ail lav. and qu; Tons which 1 may put to you, tone ig th return you are about to mak return of all your t.xai property, so help you God.” Aud it shall be tho duty of the officer taking said oath, touching all of hia taxable property or las specific taxe-, as uhit.cn " er General shall publish a li it Os all q to be propounded t>> i x Sec. 5. The tax assessed unde 1 tis a shall be collected in United! -.id the value of the property ou ■ fir. <• ,y April next in such currency, shall be tl eba ■ of tho taxes. Bee. 6. And be it in: ih or < uaefod, -at all laws heretofore p; voting a tax upon income be,. >A the t, mo < icreby repealed. Sec. 7. And be it fur . nothing in this [shall be so con strued as to repeal or affect Beet ion 729 of the revised Code of ( property from taxot. . Sec. 8. Ail ting against I are hereby repealed. A CARD FROM” VEN. TILL-ON. We take pleasure i!: ■ n: to our columns the folic illsoD, correcting a fah cent of his report e earning the freedmen on the ■ : Bureau R. F. & A. Lands, 1 Office Act. Assist.-Coswismohbr, r Statu of Georgia .) Augusta, Ga., March 31st, 1860. Editor of Dally Ct ■ v Dear Sir—Returning from an extended visit to the Sea l«!ande of u has been called to the following extract from an article co] * • •• iust., from the C carl r e ;, . “The Asa - men’s 8ut,..; ~ 1 .. the Bureau that ‘L. Bureau is commendable, 'i --/on. ler Governm . thought of by them. There it ... dice against . tempts have bee established by the co: :• 0.-o . ■■■•>; ists a hatred deep ah;c-, bottom of tL.-.Sr he-Vii,, . ..., t ; wmi-a against cur Govu: ... i. teach their children. T a : f>. .:<> ten thousand ways; neiti ‘ c > . conceal it from us. 11. r?pr .nt-. mat it i impossible for a: y > •• 1 and patient to .or, .; l’~- w.- ••• t:>- freedmen of this drtnet. is- y a's > ex-..b; an anxiety and watchfulness unparaLleh and in their efforts not to be on:.v : - ters.’ In the ope missioner the withdrawal cf the pr >tecwon to the freed people, who are euergetio and obedient, woa suffering upon :.ho loyai > ■ a they.” I wish to E'ate u contain word/; or pari _ '" 1 ,‘ r/ me with reference 0 iC ' . guage, and totally f »lseas to lb conveys, 1 that is : with reference to o - ■ j ' er referred to, or an .oo nta tiou. Yours respect; . >. Davis Ttllsos, Brig, Gen. Vole. A, A. Ccst