Chronicle & sentinel. (Augusta, Ga.) 1864-1866, April 25, 1866, Image 1

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OLD SERIES, VOL. LXXV.- Clpnirle k fi'utind. HENRY MOORE, A. R. W RIGHT, ~ A NEW PARTY. Kcveral of our Northern exchanges are urg ing the formation of anew political organiza tion, which may embrace all the true, conser vative men independent of their former politi cal a eociat'ons. The necessity for this new party is urged from the fact, that there are a great numbor'of the moderate or conservative Republicans—men who under the influence of the highly excited state of public sentiment, occasioned by the progress and conduct of the late war—were driven from their old associates and identified themselves with what was then thought by them to bo the only true Union party. This class of moderate Republicans was recruited in about equal numbers lrom the old Democratic and Wh g I'arließ. Their dopatturo liom their old party organizations breuirht upon them the bitter reproaches, and subjected them to the obloquy and scorn of their old political friends. This feeling of bitter ness has been carefully nursed and fostered by the Radicals, with the view of keeping the breach open so wide a3 to prevent the possi bility of any luture reuuion. Angry and vin dictive feelings have been indulged iu on both sides, and floods of abuse have been poured upon the heads of the recusants, both Demo crats and Whigs, This has, on the o.her hand, been retortud witli great violence, and the in dications are, it is said, unmistakable, that those jarring and angry elements can never be re-united under their old organizations. Asa vital, distinctive, and national organi zation, the old Whig Party has long since ceased to exist. The individuals of which it was composed, have generally fallen into the ranks for the time being of one or other of the great parties at the North. There has never been auy fusion of this Party, with either the Democrats or Republicans. The individual whigs have voted for the last four or five years with that party, whose line of pol icy was nearest to the line of their eym pathies and feeling. The great, overpower ing and intense ieeling for the Union taught and enforced by their great founder and head, Henry Clay, and which received the life-long advocacy and devotion of Daniel Webster, inclined a largo majority of the Whigs to tho ranks of tho Republicans, who embluzenod ou their banner no itsues but love for, and protection and preservation of, the Union. With this neu> party tho old Whigs had no cause lor jealousy or distrust on account of past party conflicts. The Democratic party had been their life-long enemy. It had de feated tho idol of their hearts for the Presi dency; it l ad, through a loug course of years, controlled the destiny and patronage of the Government ; it had again and again over thrown their moat cherished principles and kept their chosen leaders from ull participation in the administration of tho Laws. It is not surprising that tho rank and file of the old Wing party should at this day be averse to co operating with an organization to wards which they have become strongly em bittered by the recollections ol tho past. Wo admit that in a matter of principle, mere feeling should not be permitted to control our action. liut it should also bo borne in mind that men often are influenced in their conduct by their feelings, who believe their motives are those of highest principle. We do not all see and leel alike. Hence wo should always be wiiliug to accord to others the inliucnco of motives as pure as our own. The old lino Whigs will hardly abandon an organization which is iu power, and which pro fesses to agree with them iu their great idea love lor the Union—and seek entrance into tho fold of their ancient adversary without a most pressing .iuu universal necessity. We believe that necessity is present and ur gent. We do not perceive how they cau, with any degree of consistency or sell-respect, con tinue their alliance with tbe Radicals. We think that they, aud all other loveis of the Union, aro compelled, by the course of the Radicals towards the President and the Union, to dissolve, at ouce, their connection with them. This much, we feel satisfied from the tone of our Northern exchauges, they are wil ling to do. They protest, however, agaiust beiug compelled to enter tho ranks of their aucieut enemy, aud become, as it were, merely subsidiary to the great Democratic Party. Then again, there are a largo number ol those who have been pleased to style them selves War Democrats, who, on account of the violeut denunciations heaped upon them by their late Democratic associates, cauuot, they say, with any degree of decency or self-respect, return to their old ranks. These men have been, rnauy of them, driven into the arms of the Radicals by the extreme course of their old ftieuds. They detest the plans aud the policy of the Radicals to prevent the reconstruction of the Uuiou, aud heartily endorse tho mild and conciliatory course of the President. The views of the President, upou the consiitutioual rights of the States, aro iu acconiauce with their iife-loug principles. The efforts of the Administration to restore the Uuiou meet their hearty approval, aud they are willing to enlist uuder his banner for the restoration of the L’nioa of their fathers. But they have not yet been able to divest themselves of the preju dices which might naturally be supposeddo tx ist between them aud the old organization to which they formerly belonged. These men will never be able to overcome the obstacles which prevent their reunion with the Demo cratic party. Haviug no separate organization themselves, like the Whigs, they will be forced to continue their alliance with the Republi cans. Like the Whigs, also, they are willing to forget and forgive past injuries and past differ ences, and meet upou a common ground for the defence of the Constitution and the perpe tuity of tho Union. The only obstacle whioh prevents a coalition of all the friends of the country upon a com mon platform is found at present iu the Demo cratic organisation of the North. All efforts, as yet made, to induce them to strike hands with tho true Union people—except upou the terras of submission to tbeir pswer and organi- zation—have, as yet, failed. We can very we'l appreciate, as we do most highly respect, the feeling which makes men cling with tenaci ty to an organization or even a name, through which they have been enabled to control the policy of the Government, and engraft their pecuiiar ideas upon the laws of the country for nearly a half century. The Democrats may well be proud of their name a.s well as their history. Ibe annals of Constitutional Govern ment shew no such example of a party, which, through a long series of years, has been able to retain its power, and secure to i*s partizaos the posts of honor and of distinction. They claim, with just pride, that the principles of their party have been endorsed by the majority of the people, have been stamped upon the legislation of the country, and approved by the lights of experience. Without detracting one iota from all that can be said in their far or, we submit, that, at the present time, hardly a single qnestfbn'ia hr issue involving the application or operation of their ancient principles. The one great, para mount, issue now presenteu to the American people is the proper and speedy restoration of the States of the Union to their constitutional rights and privileges. All others sink into deep insignificance as compared to this. We believe that the mass of the Dem ocratic Party of tho North and West, are as true to the Constitution aud the Union as the Pres ident himself. That they are anxious for the speedy restoration of the Southern States to tbeir former stalus, no one can doubt. That they are determined to wage war to the hilt with the Radicals on thia great Constitutional question, is plain and palpable. It is also, in our opinion, equally cliar, that without the aid of those who are now called Conservative Re- publicans, they are destined to meet with dis aster and defeat. It will require the united and vigorous action of all the friends of the country, to sustain the President and destroy the Radicals. Os course, we of tho South can do but little to aid our friends. We have no parties here. We are compelled to beinactive, though deeply interested spectators of tho con flict. Our prayers aud our hopes are with the Conservative men of the North aud West, and it is of no importance to us by wliat Dame they organize for the contest. But organization they ust have if they would succeed. As to the name and character of that organization we hope to offer a few thoughts in a future issue. D. D. The Philadelphia Piessof the 9th inst., has a letter purporting to be from Savannah, dated the 2d, which caniesto the radicals th a pleasing intelligence that “ a fearful ebango has been wrought” in that “treasonable communi'y within six months. ” According to tho state ment of this veracious writor, “ virulent rebels who then trembled for the safety of their nocks now stand erect and defiant, ” “ praising An drew J cannon, and vowing eternal revenge on all nigger worshippers as soon as abolition bay onets aro withdrawn.” We are at a loss to conceive the amount of infamy required to pen and publish such unblushing falsehoods. Wo know that there is not a more peaceable, quiet, orderly, and law-abiding community in the United States than the people of Savannah.— That they are true to the constitution, and the laws we have not the slightest doubt. That they are anxious to be restored to their former relations with the United States ; we are equal ly well satisfied. That they could have been so imprudent as to use the language which is imputed to them, even if they are not honest in their desire for a restoration of the Union, we do not believe. The whole course of tho people since the occupation of their city by the Federal army in December, 1864, gives the lie to the statements of this most veracious letter writer. But what will be thought of the statement that “tho rebol legislature has recently adjourn ed after passing several unjust and obnoxious laws, oue of which disfranchises every Union mau for two years.’’ This is a delicious mor sel for the hungry Radicals, and we can well imagine how the Sumners and Forneys will roll it under their tongues. What a of honest indignation it will arouse at the North against Southern rebels. What conclusive proof does it afford that the white people of the South can not yet be safely trusted, with the rights of citizenship, and the administration of the law. Union men will be pointed to this outrage as an evidence that the course of the Radicals is justified by the action of our people. What can we say to appease them ? How can we justify such infamous legislation ? Can there be no justification, no paliation offered lor this iniquity ? None whatever, except that the legislature passed no such law, and this letter writer must have known it at the time he penned his falsehood. Another extract from this libellous and un truthful letter, and we have done: “At a recent election held iu this city, by order of Governor Johnson, for the purpose of choosiug three persons to represent this county at the State Convention, which is shortly to assemble in Augusta, the rebel spirit was wall shown. The Uuiou candidates were overwhelmingly defeat ed," Ac. Will the Radicals believe It when we assure them that no such election was ever held in Savannah; that no Convention has been ordered by the Governor to assemble at Augusta, or any other place ; that Charles J. Jenkins is Governor of the State; that Pro visional Governor, Jas, Johnson has not, in any manner, attempted to exercise the functions of Governor of the State since he turned over the Great Seal to Governor Jenkins, in December last, and that no general election has taken place iu the State since the elections last fall for Governor, members of Congress and mem bers of the State Legislature ? This statement is strictly and literally true, yet we have no idea that it will receive cre dence from the Radical press and people of the North. Will not some of the better informed Conservative press correct these infamous slanders aud untruths ? The Northern people are daily prejudiced and poisoned against the South by the circulation of such letters as the one under review. It is not to be very greatly wondered at that the masses are still embitter ed against us. The object of D. D. Forney & Cos., is. by the constant circulation of such false hoods, to keep the public mind incensed against us. Unfortunately, for the cause of truth and justice, there is no convenient medi- AUGUSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORfING, APRIL 25, 1860. am through which the Southern mind can be laid bare to the people of tho North, and their honesty and good faith made apparent. We must trust to the Conservative press of the North to assist us in this matter. TAXATION, UNITE?STAIRS BONDS, AND BANKS. We dip the following extract from a late number of Thompson’s Bank Note Reporter • “The Supreme Court at Washington has decided that tho stocks or shares of National Banks are liable to local taxation to the same extent as State institutions ; that is, if the capital of a back is invested in United States Securities, the shares of such bank are not taxable. If a portion of the capital is so in vested, then only a portion of the shares is taxable. By this decision, at least nine tenths of the National Bank shares of the country will be out of the reach of State, city, e*uaty and town, taxation ; -tbit having in a former suit decided that even State Bank capital is exempt to the extent that such capital is invested in United States Se curities. In this connection, it is interesting to know what the acts of Congress declare to be United States securities. Iu section lof the act of June 30, 1864, is this sentence : ‘And all bonds, Treasury notes, and other obligations of the United States, shali be exempt from taxation by cr under States or municipal authority.’ Therefore, if capital is invested in these se curities, whether the investment be in a di rect for m—such as holding the bond of the Government, or in an indirect form—such as holding tho shares of a bank, the capital of which is invested in the obligations of the Government, such capital is, by all the decis ions of the United States Supreme Court ex empt from taxation. It is admitted that any interest-bearing obligations of the United State3 not past due, is an exempt obligation.’’ Florida. —The Attorney General of Flovida has aduresssed a communication to the Gov ernor, in which he declares the act of the Leg islature prohibiting the freedmea from keeping or bearing arms, except by special license, to be unconstitutional. Os the inducements to emigrants and the agricultural prospects of the State, the follow ing paragraph reports : Since the termination of hostilities, Florida has had a large accession to her population. The current of emigration still moves on. Her fertile soil and gonial climate-—her forests of valuable timbers and boundless pastures— her orange groves—her innumerable lakes, swarming with a thousand species of fish—are inducements to those who desire to exchange worn-out plantations for a fresh alluvial soil. The Confederate soldier has returned to his wonted avocation with alacrity. Her citizens generally seem to be actuated with that degree of enterprise which denotes [a ielurn of pros perity at an early day in the future. The email farms that dot her forests are being renovated and newly improved. The long cotton to which her soil is peculiarly adapted, will constitute the bulk of her crop tfifTpresent year, and, in fineness of staple, ciosely ap proximate that which is produced on our sea Island plantations. One hand will cultivate on her lands, wiih ease, ten acres in 'cotton aud five in corn. An crop on the pine lands is a balß of long cotton, weighing three hundred and fifty pounds, to three acres, and twelve bushe sos corn per acre of land. The hammock lands yield more. Is it Cholera ?—A young lady named Nellie Palmer, daughter of J. J. Palmer, Esq., the present public printer, died last week in Rich- Ynond from what some of the physicians de clared to be a genuine attack of Asiatic cholera. New York dispatches report the death of Mrs. Mary Heiis, a German lady, of the same dread ed disease. Dr. John Beach made an external examination of the lady, and from the appear ance of the remains and the symptoms, express ed his opinion that death was the result of epidemic Asiatic cholera. A verdict to that effect wa3 rendered by the jury.' Notwithstanding this verdict there are con* dieting official opinions regarding the case. E. B. Dalton, Sanitary Superintendent of the Board of Health, claims that the case was not cholera. However, the reports are creating much ex citement throughout the city. There is so much reason to expect the advent of this dreaded disease to our shores, that these cases assume a special interest. They admon ish all persons to preserve those regular and cleanly habits, which are the surest safeguards against the disease. They especially admonish the authorities of all our cities to enforce the strictest sanitary regulations. The Cordova Colony.— The Mexican Times of the 10th March announces the arrival of three vessels at Vera Cruz, from different United States ports, with 104 emigrants, men, women and children, nearly all of whom will settle in the Cordova colony. Ot this'number, 17 are from Louisiana, 13 from Kentucky, 23 from Alabama, 16 from Texas, 5 from Missis sippi, and the remainder from other States. Nine are from New York. Among the Louisi anians are Henry Huston, son of the late General Felix Huston, Burnns Magruder and John Davis. Two clergymen are among the emigrants. It is stated that they went by way of Havana, and that many more are expected be fore the first ot June. Biiow.nlow ,Stilt. on the Rampage.—Gov. (God save tho mark) Brownlow has sent a special message to the General Assembly of Tennessee, full of his characteristic bitterness against all wbo participated with the South in the late war. He urges the passage of a law disfranchising all save citizens of undoubted loyalty : recommends the issue of bonds to pay all losses sustained by loyal citizens ; and al ludes to the fact that all save two of the mem bers wbo resigned to prevent the passage of the franchise law have been re-elected, ana urges this as evidence that treason is still rife iu the State. It is altogether a document worthy of its infamous author. Gen. Grant Supports the President. —A cor respondent writes to the Chicago Times, from Washington City, that General Grant sides with the President; that, although he is more reticent how thau ever, l, he has said enough within two weeks to convince all who heard him that he is the fast and firm friend and ad viser of the President, and that his only com olaint on this score is, that the President has not gone far enough." This news will add yet further to the a {fiction of the Radicals. INSIDE VIEWS OF POIRTICS AT WASHINGTON. The Rule or Ruta Faction—'The ProspeetXD? ta? Sowi—3io chance of Pi.e'r, ir*£ the Radicals—The Preside: t v-Ws Cold &3 he 5s Jlcr.eft—Ard W3 in or out of the Union ?-*jpother Revolution at hand—’St h mss to Denote the Pr auteiri.— I 'The Civil Rights bi:’—'What President Johnson wi'l do gbont it., &q , Ac., Ac. [FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT ] f Washington, Thursday April? 12. Day by day the resolve of the Radicals be comes plainer to thejmbllc view. Bs*r the present, their party organization is the control!.- ing majority of the North ; and their purpose to exclude the South from any shares,in the government, as long as they can do so, by fair means or foul, is fixed and unchangeable The Southern people may as well open tlieir eyes at once to the true condition of affairs, Tho charges of disloyalty and of a covert design to renew the war, so constantly brought against the South by the Radical press and politicians, are but a sham and a .pretext. Nona fGe so wei)TsM»ri* Vi as the very ••. Reconstruction Committee’’ whose business it is ii> concoct them. The South may well save itself tho humiliation of any conces sion to the party ruled by Thaddens Stevens.— That party does not moan to be appeased, in any event. Its leadeis know and feel that the admission of tho Southern Representatives into Congress would be the death-blow to their own power ; and, as they are dishonest and unscru pulous to the last degree, the South will never be represented, if they can prevent it. The Il lustrious Georgian, Mr. Stephens, who was hero last week, saw at a glance tho state o i things in our political world ; and, if be chooses, he can toil your people what they have to expect at the hands of the Revolutionary Cabal that rules supreme in both branches of Congress. If President was as hold as he is honest and sincere, in his effort to restore the Union as it was, he might be more than a match for his enemies. But he is sadly fettered by the party shackles of those who elected him to the Vice Presidency, as a tub to the Democratic whale, and who now sneers at him as “the Ac - cidental President.” He evidently hesitates to cut loose, altogether from the Republican par ty, although a majority of that party are now in the ranks of tho Radicals who so bitterly hate and revile him. If he would but use the axe of executive patronage with which the Constitution arms him, he might strike terror amongst his foes, who, almost to a man, are venal and moral cowards. As it is, so moder ate and mild is the course of the President, that ‘{he very government clerks, whose places de pend solely upon his pleasure, are amongst the most loud-mouthed of his opponents herea bouts. The wretched and unprincipled hang ers-on of the Administration, who are ever ready to join the winning side, evidently imag ine that thQ.recklees and audacious treason of the congressional majorities will eventually prevail against the steady, earnest, and concil iatory patriotism of Andrew Johnson. Tho President, I .may mention, since my last letter, has ceased to make tho staid .and" coL-ervative old Intelligencer his mouthpiece, and has form' ally selected as his “organ” here, the Republi can. The forbearing policy of the President caused Senator Saulsbury to exclaim, the other day : “ How can we sustain a President who seems to lack the nerve to sustain himself ?” As to the prospects of “the S.ate3 lately in rebellion,” if a just and consistent course on the part of the Executive can save it, the cause of the South is safe. But if the Radicals can work their will, galling indeed aud enduriug will bo the political bondage to which tho South is doomed. Stevens and his gang do not hesitate to proclaim their programme. The South is to bo regarded as in the Union for the purpose of bearing every burden which the irresponsible junto here can heap upon it; in the Union, so that its State tines and it3 State laws, its commerce and manufactures, its agri culture and its social organization shall be at the mercy of the Rump Congress; in the Union, so as to allow tho perpetuation of mar tial law in ail the region lying between the Potomac and the Rio Grande ; while, as to representation—as to any share in the benefits of legis'ation—as to any right of auy character whatsoever, the South is out of the Union— mere conquered territory, now aud (if the Radicals can so arrange it) forever. This is the doctrine boldly announced throe days ago by a leading Radical on the floor of the House of Representatives, and assented to by his en tire party. Truly, a pleasant prospect for us of the South I But this state of things cannot long continue. Either the Radicals will be hurled from power by a popular revolution at the polls, or else they will push their tieasonable schemes to the point of again involving the country in civil war. The impeachment and deposition of the President is a project daily canvassed amongst the politicians of the extreme Radical stripe nay, they do not hesitate to hint at such a course in their serenade speeches and some times even upon the floors of Congress. They are now actively casting about for a pretext to raise a popular hue and cry against the Exe cutive ; and yet they can find no charge more specious than that of delaying the trial of Jefferson Davis. On that point, however, the President’s skirts are clear ; for the delay is due solely to the whim of the new Radical Chief Justice, Chase. The scenes which attended the passage of the Civil Rights bill over the President’s veto, in both Houses of Congress, baffle all descrip tion. The .galleries were densely thronged on the occasion, chiefly with negroes, and for several minutes after the announcement of the result of tho vote, there was the wildest and the most indecent uproar of applause that ever disgraced the legislative chambers of the country; Had this applause proceeded from white men, the people in the gaileries would have been arrested cn masse. But as the cla quers on the occasion were chiefly blacks, the outrage passed without even so much as a rebuke. Some cariosity is expressed as to the course President Johnson will take in regard to the execution of the law thus enacted in spite of his veto. There is no abundance of for his guidance ; this being but the second occasion in the whole history of the country, on which Congress has chosen to ex ercise its constitutional privilege of over-riding the Executive veto. But the President is too shrewd a manager, even if he were not too cotsciencious a man, to shrink from or evade his plain duty to execute a law constitutionally enacted, whatever bis own opinion of its merits may be ; and,. I learned this morning from one of his personal friends that he ex presses his full intention to carry out the pro visions of the law in good fajth, and to give it a fair trial. We are all agog here just now about the cholera. The g-eat scourge which has arrived in such state at Halifax is - also said to have appeared at Richmond. Thus attacked on both flanks, the position of Washington, Phila delphia and New York is anything but a pleasant one. Butter Nut. unm MEETING OF THE RICHMOND BAR. The Bar of Richmond County assembled in the Court Room on the 16th inst., for the pur pose of paying a tribute of respect to the mem ory of the iate Col. Henry H. Cdmmino, when the Hon. William T. Gould was called to the 'Chair, and Claiborne Snead requested to act as Secretary. On motion of the Hon. William Gibson, a Committee of six, to wit: Messrs. Wm. Gibson, E. Starnes, H. V, Johnson, A. R. Wright, J. C. Snead, and 11. V/. Hilliard, were appointed by the Chair to draft resolutions suitable to the occasion. The meeting then adjourned, subject to the call of tho Chairman. The meeting re-assembled on the 18th, when the Committee, through their Chairman, the Hon. E. Starnes, submitted the following report, which was unanimously adopted Once more has death broken the ranks of our brotherhood ! With stern and unrelenting mien, the Destroyer has again stepped into our circle, and this time has claimed for his own that venerable form which, in common with so many of our feiiow-citizens, we have long cherished with love and admiration. Though the blow was not all unexpected ; though some of us had cause to know that, age and disease were sapping the strength of that once elastic form—that the noble intellect, the ener getic will ot our brother was yielding to the wasting energies of anxiety aud decay ; that his own consciousness seemed to be repeating to itself those awful words of the suffering spirit, “Mysoul draweth nigh unto the grave;” that unless some sure and vigorous aid to fail ing nature were speedily applied, that great heart would soon cease its painful throbbing— yet now that the blow has descended, oh! how l>ard, how very hard it is to realize the painful truth, that he with whom we have been so long associated has passed away forever ! That the brave heart, so" tender and true in its do» mestic relations, so kindly and strongly pul sating in*sympathy with the cares, the trials and the sorrows of bis many friends ; that generous hand, ever “open as day to meeting charity,” lie still and coid in death! That he whom we, his professional brethren, have so long honored and desired to emulate, “has gone down to tbe grgge and will come up no more !” It is no wonder, therefore, that we are as it were para'ized by this dispensation of Provi dence, and feet keenly that no form of words, no rubric of ceremonies, can minister to the spirits which suffer from tho below, and no language express the degree of our respect for the deceased, or-s.v.row for his memory. Feeble however, as our tribute may be, weax as our effort to honor him and commemorate his virtues may prove, yet such tribute is due to ourselves and to his memory. Be it there fore Resolved, That during the whole of his professional career, the Bar of Richmond coun ty have regarded and admired their brother Henry H. Gumming, as an example and model of courtesy, truth, virtue, honor, learning, sound judgment aud brilliant intelligence. » Resolved, That wo mourn for his loss with intensity of grief, the attempt to describe which seemeth almost to make of language a mockery. Resolved, That the sorrow which oppresses us is shared by the people of this whole com munity, among whom his life of usefulness and ot honor has been spent, and so many of whom have been the subjects of his kindness, the Bharers of his sympathies, the recipients of his bounties. Res'olved, That we tender to his family our sincerest sympathy, and that we will iu honor of bis memory wear the usual badge of mourning during the session of this court. On motion it was resolved that tho Judge of the Superior Court, now in session, be request ed to cause to be spread tbe above preamble and resolutions upon the minutes of the Court, and that copies be furnished to the city papers for publication, and to the friends of the de ceased. The meeting then adjourned. Wm. T. GOULD, Chairman, Claiborne Snead, Secretary. At the opening of Court the above resolu tions were read, and a motion was made by Judge Gould that they be entered' upon the minutes of the Court. He accompanied the motion with a brief tribute to the memory of the deceased, a report of which wo regret our inability to obtain. Judge Starnes seconded the motion of Judge Gould. His remarks, and those of Messrs Hilliard, Wm. R. McLaws, Esq., and His Honor Judge Reese, follow in their order : REMARKS OF E. STARNES ESQ. May it please the Court: It is perhaps proper, that I should second this motion, and it seems to be expected of me. I will do so ; but I cannot trust myseif to dwell long upon this subject. From my boyhood I have been indebted to our dead brother for acts of courtesy, and kindness, and friendship. During a long peiiod in our lives, I have lived in habits of confidential, of almost affectionate intercourse with him. When I have been bowed with grief over my own sorrows, he has come to my side, and has given me all that was in his power to extend—the offer of his silent sympa thy. I thank God, that in later years when cares and sorrows had gathered about him, it was in my power to reciprocate somewhat of hie much kindness to me. You wiil readily see in these things sir, suf fieient reasons why I may feel unable to talk ot him as hia exalted merits deserve, and why my emotions may now force me to content myself with the tribute of silent grief. REMARKS OF MS. HILLIARD, May it please yeur Honor : Yielding to the suggestion of gentlemen of tbe Bar in whose judgement I have great con fidence, and obeying a story impulse within my own breast. I come to pay a tribute to the memory oi the distinguished citizen who has just ceased to live. Coming to this Bar too recently to observe how he acquitted h,mself in the discussions of the forum, I found that he enjoyed here an enviable reputation. His habits, his traits and his inclinations had in duced him to relinquish any active participation in the business of the Courts, before I had the honor of practising here. But I found that he eLjoyed an enviable reputation tor ability and learning, and I learned that he was dis tinguished for that courtesy which contributes so much to dignify professional pursuits, and to soften the asperities that this arena some times might witness in the absence of a proper consideration for others. I had known Col. Gumming by reputation long before I met him, and the personal intercourse that I enjoyed with him after I had the honor of his acquian NEW SERIES, VOL. XXV NO. 18. tance, only served to heighten tbe exalted estimate which I fad previously formed of him. It is conceded that he was an able man. But sir. I observed in him that which is of higher value than tbe most splendid intellectual en dowments. He exhibited character. There was in his bearing something impressive unostentatious. There was an unmistakable dignity in his deportment; A high self respect manifested itself not only in his fine, intellec tual, manly lace, but in that marked courtesy which he extended to thoa; with whom he held -intercourse. For it is quite certain that self respect prompts one to concede to others the consideration that be claims,for himself. In alt that constitutes a true man, Colonel Cumming was pre-eminent. I have said that character transcends intellect. So it does all the conventional advantages which we may attain in life. These may be won without merit, and worn without dignity. Fame itself may be due to eccentricity, or to accident, But character is iu the interior man, shining through his whole being. It constitutes the man. Col. Camming was eminent as a citizen. He shed the light of a noble nature about the walks of private life. The influence of such a man is always felt. He belonged to that class of eminent men who at one time adorned this Bar—men who were distinguished not only for Utilities and learning, but for the high cour tesy which sheas such a grace upon life, I cannot speak of tho members of this Bar in their presence, as I should feel at liberty to speak elsewhere. Tut I may say what it af fords me voty great pleasure to say, that they give proof, by their own courteous and digni fied professional bearing, that they have in herited these high qualities, and have been long accustomed to their exercise. We shall no longer meet the distinguished citizen, whose memory we honor to-day, in the walks of thi3 life, lie has gono down to the grave. Marblo will soon adorn the spot where ho sleeps. The hands of those that loved him will drop flowers upon his tomb. All that can be done to per-, petuatehis memory wiilbe done. But tho good that such a man does ought not to be buried with him. He should live in our hearts. We could have better spared him in other times. In these days of public anxiety, when society is just recovering from the shock that it received in the great political convulsion which so lately shook this continent, we need his presence. His intellect, his courage, his experience, his weight of character, would havo been of great value to us at this time. But he sleeps in tbe dust. We must yield him to the tomb. We can only recall his vir tues, and honor his memory. REMARKS OF WILLIAM E. MCLAWS, ESQUIRE. May it Please the Court: Having studied my profession under the lamented deceased, I claim the privilege of paying a tribute to his nunnery—the Court and my brethren will pardon me for a very few remarks. It has been remarked that no individual dies but that his place can be supplied from tho ranks of the living. But I would ask who is there to fill the void created by the death of Col. Cumming ? Where will you fiud such disinterestedness, such usefulness, such energy and spirit, such patriotism, such nobility of soul? Nowhere ‘l am sure within the range of our acquaintance. Years ago, I heard it remarked by one, then a prominent member of this Bar —now the first citizen of Georgia, first in position, first in intellect and great purity of character, and I may add the fiist in our esteem and confi dence, when speaking of Colonel Henry Comming, that “he was the most perfect cha.uoter he cverTEfamw,” and when wa reflect over hia past life and criticise his career, do we not readily appreciate the truth of tho re mark and acknowledge tbe correctness of his judgment, Aud may I be permitted to express the hope that this distinguished citizen will favor us with his conceptions of the character ot his beloved friend aad companion, iu order that wo may hold it up as a model for immita tion, for ourselves, our children and posterity. Wiih Col. Cumming “the post of honor was a private station,’’ he always refused office, preferring the more independent and self-re liant positiou of a private cilizen. To private station he gave ornament, dignity, and worth, and as such he was certainly more distin guished as a man and all that belonged to true humanity, than most of those who were elevated by office aud adorned with its trap pings. Hs was emphatically the great private citizen of this city and State ; he Dlaced himself far above the suspicion of deceit, corruption, hypocrisy and all the vices which belong to tho mere politician of America, His position led him to cultivate all tbe manly virtues, truth, sincerity, honor and all those qualities which would have created re - spect, amongst any peopls—there was no un worthy motive in anything he did—uo man bad ever cause to doubt his friendship—this made him the soul of honor and chivalry. He would always espouse the cause of the persecuted end oppressed, I care not who they were, aud he was always the friend of law and order, and when he thought they were endan gered—regardless of self, he would throw himself into the breach Asa citizen, we all turned to him in the hour of emergency—knowing him to be a faithful sentinel, ever on the alert. He was always the upholder of virtue and morality ; and when all the land-marks of principle and morality seemed to be removed, and ail things looked dark, ho stiil preserved his erect and noble position. Asa lawyer, he gave a dignity and moral tone to the Richmond Bar, which distinguished it for generosity, courtesy and maaly bearing throughout the State ; aud he always frowned with indignation upon all that was mean aud grovelling, in both precept and practice. No member ot this Bar would dare utter an un worthy sentiment or be guilty of any ignoble practice when Col. Cumming was present, such was our respect and admiration for the man. Asa patriot, he ciung to the fortunes of his beloved State ; and when the word came that “we must fight,” he sent five noble sons—all that he had—to fight our battles ; and, old grey haired man as he was, he shouldered his musket, was always among the most prompt and constant at his post and in the discharge of his duties as a soUlier, and wo all knowhow he would have conducted himself had he been led to meet the enemy. Like all noble spirits, he was always true to his own people; and that people will iong mourn that son who was always true to them. Col. Cumming never lived for himself, but for his family, the community, his country. But his sensitive and noble spirit could not brook the sad changes which appeared every where aiound him. Had he been less noble aud less sensitive, he would have been longer with us: “But now is the marble column broke, The Beacon light dissolved in smoke; The Trumpet’s silver voice is still, The Warder silent on the hill.” Travel where we may, mingle where we may —amongst the greatest and best of all lands— we shall never look upon his like again, for he was indeed the highest type of man. We feel that his pure and noble spirit hath winged its flight “To those bright realms Where Seraphs gather immortality From Life’s fair tree.’’ REMARKS OF HIS HONOR JUDGE REESE. Gentlemen of the Bar: The resolutions submitted to the Court, through your Committee, I entirely approve. While it is true that you, the companions and friends of Col. Henry Cumming, and the peo ple of the city for whom he has done so much and so well, have peculiar reason to lament his decease, the people of Georgia have great cause to lament their loss in hig death. “Jen- kins, Cumming and Miller,” are household words lrom she mountains to the seaboard of our State, and whenever noble examples are brought forward to encourage the youth of our country to lives of truthfulness, honor and fidelity, tho names of these illustrious men are amoDgst the first in tho catalogue. Descended from a father whose reputation is still high as an honest banker, an incorruptible and true hearted man, no one evor doubted that the mantle of the father had fallen on his sons. While I had not the honor and pleasure, gentle men, of a personal acquaintance with tho dis tinguished person whose memory we have met to honor, I have often seen him on your streets, and admired his nob!,; bearing ; I have often heard of his splendid qualities as a citi zen, and in common with you, felt proud that such a man lived in our day to be known and appreciated by the men of this generation. While we are losing, and have lost so many valuable lives, let us console ourselves with the reflection that so much nobility and gentle uosß as wore embodied in the mau cauuot be forgotten.s Let the resolution be entered on the Minutes of the Court. ORDINANCES PASSED BY THE TEXAS CONVENTION. The Galveston Nows-contains the following ordinances passed by the State Convention: AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE WAR DEBT V OID, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Be it ordained by tho People of the State of Texas, in Convention assembled, That all debts created by tho State of Texas in aid of the late war, directly or indirectly, are hereby declared jtull, and the Legislature shall havo no authority, and they are hereby forbidden to ratify the same, or to assume or provide for the payment of the same or any part thereof. Sec. 2. Be it ordained, That the Legisla ture of this State shall have no and are hereby forbidden to assume or make any provision for the payment of any portion of the debts contracted or incurred, directly or indirectly, by the Confederate States, or by its agents, or by its authority. Sec. 3. Be it further ordained, That the Legislature of this State shall have no authori ty aud are hereby iorbidden to assume or make any provision for the payment of auy portion of the debts contracted cr incurred, or war rants issued by tki3 State, from the 27th day of. January, 1801, until the sth day of August, ■ 1865, except warrants issued in payment of services rendered, or liabilities incurred before the said 28th day of January, A, D., 1861. An ordinance relative to tub direct tax LEVIED UPON THE STATE OF TEXAS BY THE UNI TED STATES. Whereas, By an act of Corigress, of August the 6th, 1861, there was levied upon the sev eral States of tho United States, tho sum of twenty millions of dollars, which sum was ap portioned by said act among the several States, as therein provided. And whereas, The sum apportioned to th 9 State ot Texas is three hundred and fifty-five thousand, one hundred aud six and two-third dollars, which sum is to be collected iu tho manner provided iu said act, and in the act of June 9th, 1861, «■ And whereas, It is provided,by said act of Congress that the States may assume tbe pay* meat of said tax upon certain conditions : Now, therefore, the people of the State of Texas, by their Delegates in Convention as* sembled, do ordain and declare as follows : 1. The State of Texas hereby assumes the payment, to the Government of the United States, of shch sum as may be necessary to discharge said tax levied "upon the State of Texas, under the rules?"fegiiiations, limitations restrictions and allowances, in said act pro vided. 2. The Comptroller of Public Accounts is hereby created a Commissioner, whose duty it shall be to confer with the proper authori ties at Washington city, upon all matters con nected with said direct tax. 3. That the powers of said Commissioner shall extend to the negotiation of all matters relative to said tax. 4. Baid Commissioner shall have power to cancel on behalf of the State of Texas, in pay ment of said tax, any indebtedness due by the Government of the United States to the State of Texas, on account of advances which may have been made by the State for objects of frontier protection, or account of any bonds that the State may hold against the United States, for indemnity, or otherwise, and to any other character of indebtedness, what ever, that may exist from the Government of the United States to the State of Texas.— Further, that said Commissioner shall report to the first Legislature which shall assemble in this State, alter the adoption of the ordi nance. 5. That the sum of one thousand dollars bo and the same is hereby appropriated, out of the funds of the Treasury of the State, or so much of the same as shall bo actually ne cessary to defray the expenses of the said Commissioner, in carry into effect this ordi nance. This loth day of March, 1866. THE NEW CONSTITUTION OF 11IS30URI. St. Louis, April 12. r -In the Circuit Court, Judge Reber presiding, the case of Jno. D. S. Dryden vs. Thomas C. Fletcher, Governor of Missouri, the Judge of the Supreme Court and others, came up for trial. Mr. Dryden, it will be remembered, was one of the Judges of the defunct Supreme Court, whose position was declared vacant by the Constitutional Conven tion of 1865, and who failing to comply with the ordinance vacating his office, was.removed therefrom by force. JETe now claims damages to the amount of several thousand dollars, on the ground of »n warranted arrest and aggra vated assrult. Considerable time was consumed in empan neling a jury on Monday. There were fifty three challenges in all. It was difficult to find any one who had not formed some sort of opinion on the merits of the case. Two of the jurors, however, stated that they had never heard of anything in regard to it. Yesterday the counsel for the plaintiff offered in evidence the commission of Mr. Dryden as a Judge. Objections were made as to its admissability, on the ground that fundamental law of the fjtate vacated the commission on the Ist day of May, 1865, and as it was dated several months previous, it was irrelevant. The pomr was argued at length by Mr. Morrill for plaintiff, and Mr. Drake for the defense. Judge Reber decided that the commission of Gov. Gamble to the plaintiff was not competent evidence, holding that the ordinance of the Constitutional Convention which removed Messrs. Ray and Dryden was valid,;and was a proper amend ment of the Constitution under the act calling the Convention. The Judge also held that Judge Dryden had no legal title to the office of Judge of the Supreme Court on the day he was removed by force; and that he could not re cover in an action for his ejectment from that office. This decision sustains the new Consti tution throughout, and the legality of the action of the Convention; and that the Judge# had no vested rights to their seats, but coule be removed at any time by the act of -the peo ple. Steamer Burned.— The steamboat Financier bound from Pittsburg to New Orleans, war burned on Friday night at I’enington, twenty miles below Pittsburg. Ten lives lost; Emanuei Rotschild, wife and six children, of Texas, wife and daughter of Capt Darrogh, Thos. JJollen pantryman, deck hand and fireman; others of the crew severely but not seriously injured.— Fire occasioned by explosion of a petroleum lamp in the hands of Mrs. Darrogh. The losses by the late steamboat conflagra tion at St. Louis amounted to Dearly $500,000. I Insurance 8400,000.