Newspaper Page Text
Bill to legalize certain acts of Notaries
Public. Passed.
A message was received from Ilis Excel- j
lency Gov. Jenkins, in relation to the I
boundary line between Georgia and Florida. j
Mr Wilcox: A bill to extend the pro-j
visions of an Act approved March 4th, |
1856, to protect the citizens of Wilcox,
Richmond, Berrien and Clinch counties !
from the injurious consequences of camp- ■
hunting, to Irwin county.
Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Tuesday, November 13,
The House reconsidered the bill passed j
yesterday for the benefit of 11. S. Harris — I
reconsidered lor purposes of amend- j
jnent.
liIEES on THEIR PASSAGE.
To amend the charter of Ellaville. ,
Passed
_To re; • _sih section of the charter of
the (' i ia and Augusta Railroad. 1
Passed, and transmitted forthwith to the j
Senate.
To provide for a college tor the benefit ■
of Agriculture and the Mechanical Arts
under Land Scrip Act of Congress. —
Passed.
BILES INTRODUCED.
Mr. Moses: For the relief of the people !
■ of Georgia—(extends provisions of the
stay law. i Also, to define the liability of j
debtors in certain cases.
g|Mr. Humphreys: To make rapes
punishable with death—assault with in
tent to commit rape to be punished with
eoufim ne-nt in the Penitentiary from one :
to twenty years. _ j
Mr. Gartrell: To point out a mode of
changing places of holding Justices Courts.
Mr. Gross : For relief of administrators
of James Young, deceased, of Bulloch
county.
Also, to incorporate Rylvania.
Mr. Worn hie : To give Rtate aid to
complete the Tbomaston Railroad to
Barnesville.
Mr. Weaver: To prevent railroad and
steamboats feifn running ou the Sabbath.
Mr. Johnson: To amend act organiz
ing the comity court,
Mr. Maddox : To point out mode of
’ " '* Yld'-rin'-ri ' •bints
>Vlk r.l iM 'auufitetunug Company
,i ,v x ih< Ht**e atpijptfpiv ot «4j.
• porjiC-j
--ii. i .«tiu
1 JyilWV C^prfy
(in,. » n‘ rtknve w the
■>■ ■ biry *r.- between
this State and Florida was read and refer
red to Committee on State of the Repub
lic.
The Planters Convention of Georgia has
drawn quite a nuAiberof-the most intelligent
planters of the State to this point and the
Convention meets in the Hall of the House
this afternoon. , ...
The House this morning passed, as will
he seen above, the bill repealing the per
sonal liability clause in the charter of the
Augusta and Columbia Railroad Company.
It was ordered to be at once transmitted
to the Senate. This w ill insure the pas
sage of the bill by Thursday or Friday of
this we< k. It is truly gratifying to find
the Legislature acting in this prompt and
liberal manner, towards an enterprise of
such great importance to the interests of
Augusta. Your city will, it is hoped, re
cord a large vote in favor of subscription
at your election on Monday next, and thus
convince the State that she is still actuated
by that active enterprising spirit, which
characterized her people in times past.
Atlanta. Macon, and other places are
fully alive to the commercial wants of
the age, and are pushing forward the
works of internal improvements connect
ed with their immediate interests with
commendable zeal and energy. Au
gusta must and we trust will prove no
laggard in this rase of commercial rivalry.
Upon this vote of her people, on Monday
, next, much of her future prosperity must
necessarily depend. 11' the vote is in favor
of subscription it will complete a great
link in the chain of public travel, and will
open up a rich' country in South Carolina
to her merchants. The repeal of tlie per
sonal liability clause rules over all objections
which could reasonably be urged against
subscription, and doubtless it will have
this effect. The active and energeotic ef
forts of the Richmond members succeeded
in passing this bill without any opposition
whatever. Messrs. Barnes and Snead are
always wide awake when the interests of
Augusta are at stake. L. C.
SENATE.
The Senate met at 10 o’clock A. M.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Brooks.
Mr. Gresham introduced a bill for the
relief of Benson Roberts.
The < Governor sent in a message, convey
ing a communication from the merchants
of MiHedSeville, asking of the State the
purchase of a fire engine for the city. The
Govei nor recommends that the request bo
complied • " itb iht V' Urn to much
atstak ii tin tty.
HU.:,.- ON THIRD REAPING.
Bill V !' .v i ,
nrro r >■* i-
Rill *tt ufhe •< O Clerk ».•
Superb liid ( f the Inli
in KUm ::
Bill. u.. o.i - :i ,t • , N
saw M - . uy. i
Bill to incorporate the Lumpkin Manu
facturing Company. Fussed.
The bill to modify the County Court act
was ma le the order for to-morrow.
Mr. F.zzard introduced a bill to render
valid certain acts of Inferior Courts done
after the passage oi the act creating County
Courts.
Mr. Butler: A hill to repeal the act in
relation to carrying deadly concealed weap- !
ons.
The House resolution appointing a joint !
committee to make arrangements for the j
observance of the fast day on the 22d in
stant, at the erpitol, was concurred in, and !
Messrs. J. A. \V. Johnson and Butler were j
appointed the committee on the part of the j
Senate.
HOUSE BILLS ON THIRD READING.
The bill to strike out from the act for i
the relief of indigent maimed soldiers the j
word ‘'indigent,” was passed.
Bill to prevent the obstruction of Spring
Creek by tisli traps, in Early, Miller and
Decatur counties, l’assed.
Bill to amend the charter of the South
ern Mutual Insurance Company. Passed.
Bill to incorporate the town of Mar
shallville. in Macon county. Passed.
The Committee to whom was referred the
moi.'H'rial cf S. C. Elam, Esq., reported a
resolution recommending that as soon as
the Big. st ot the Laws of Georgia should
be prepared by said Elam, and submitted
to the Geneva! Assembly, it would be the
duty of that budy to appoint a committee
to examine and report on said Digest.
The resolution to donate to counties cer
tain books, was adopted.
At the hour of 12 o’clock A. M., the
Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr. Bennett, ot' Brooks: To regulate
building offish-traps in the Withl&coochee
River.
Mr Morrow, ot’ Columbia : To exempt
from jury duty persons actually engaged in
attending to grist mills.
Also : To prevent sueing till Ist of Janu
ary. 1868.
Mr. Boynton, of Clayton: To legalize a
lottery for the benefit of the Clayton High
School.
Mr. Watkins: To prevent darning up
Ocloekneo River.
Mr. Willingham: To increase juror's
fees in Decatur county WO per cotit.
Mr. Cowell: To compeiiNiti) jurors in
iVcatur county.
Mr. Maddox : To legalize acts of Fulton
Building and Loan Association, and ot
Stonewall Building and Loan Association.
On motion of Mr. Hill, a resolution was
agreed to appointing a committee to ar
range for divine services in the hall of the
House on fast day, --d fnst.
Mr. Dart introduced a bill to make a feme
sols of Mrs. Shea.
Mr. Swann : To provide free transpor
tation to soldiers on their way to got arti
ficial limbs.
Mr. Martin: To appropriate money to
pay Dr. Johnson for attending small pox
patients in Gwinnett county.
Mr. Howard, of Lumpkin: To incor
porate Chestatee Blooming au l Mining
Company.
Mr. Lawson, of Putnam: To amend
oss.id Section of the Code.
Also regulating the publication of cita
tions.
Mr. Gross, of Semen ; Resolution ten
dering the use of the Hali to Mr. Jackson
to deliver an address on relief. Agreed to.
Mr. Spear, of Sumpter : For- relief
ot N. K. Bass.
Mr. Ridley, of Troup : To grant cer
tain privileges to James Clark, of Troup
county.
Mr. Hughes, of Union : For the. relief
ot tiie people ofthis State.
Mi. liuuiph. of Wayne: To amend
1 sooth i -aragraph of the Code.
Mr. Starr, ot White : To amend an Act i
* >r t lie rcaet ot AdmuiistnUors, Executors
tjuaruians, aVc.
Mr. Adams, of Clarke : To amend the
Act organizing the County Court
Mr. Finch, of Coweta : To h _\ ots
of T. Kirby, Administrator ol J. Bolian am
Mr. Williams, of Brvau : To allow Rev !
W. B. MeC ami to practice medicine and
charge tor the same.
Mr. Gartrell, of Cobb : To amend the
.Vet relieving soldiers of the late Coated
erate army for acts done under orders of
superior officers.
Mt Barnes, of Richmond : To pay
last quarters salary of W. W. Holt, de
ceased.
Mr. Swearingen : A resolution to print
the report of the Committee on Constitu
tional Amendment, Indefinitely post
poned.
BILLS ON THEILt PASSAGE.
To amend certiorari laws. Passed.
To amend 3253d section of the Code.
Passed.
To prevent persons from inducing labor
ers to leave the service of another. Passed.
P’o allow parole evidence in certain cases. !
Laid on the table for the present.
NEW MATTER.
Mr. Barnes, of Richmond: A hill to
regulate the issue of new bonds in lieu of
lost and stolen ones.
BILLS ON PASSAGE.
To consolidate Jacksonville and other
Railroad companies. Passed.
To authorize Camden county to levy $2
tax on all dogs over three and $1 on all
guns, pistols, rifles, and muskets owned by
anv one per-on over two. Passed.
To incorporate Raccoon Gold Mining
• Company. Passed.
, To amend Penal Code of Georgia. Pass-,
i ed.
I To authorize Inferior Court of Decatur ;
i countv, to pay Superintendents and Clerks ■
jof elections. Passed.
| To require State Treasurer to make ad
vancCs to the officers and members of the
i General Assembly. Passed.
To amend the Charter of Mount \ ernon
Academy. Passed.
T. i amend section 3555 of the Code. Lost,
j For the relief of R. T. Bridges, John
San-on and Jos. Glenn. Passed.
To change line between Dougherty and
Worth. Passed.
To encourage Sheep raising. Punishes
persons who hunt without permission on
farms, where there are sheep. ( Bill of
Mr. JB. Jones, of Burke.) Passed.
To incorporate Hawkinsville Manufac
; taring Company. Passed.
To make advance to State Printer. Pass
; ed.
| Adjourned.
I enclose you a complete t report of the
proceedings of the Planters Association of
the State of Georgia, which assembled here
! yesterday. The association will doubtless
I be in session for some days, and I will try
j and furnish you with a daily abstract ol
their proceedings.
| But little was done at their first session,
| other than to make preliminary arrange
ments for a permanent organization.
: I also enclose you a memorial from
Messrs. Houghton it Cos., late State Prin
ters. It seems these gentlemen, after the
surrender of the Confederate armies, re
ived in pay fur their services the State
-.. hi hin thought to have
, ■ ■ If is
, h;,-! Atittid; Without doubt
■*- p , .. -os »,v0 -.3 ere tiw ot the
• '••<». r;.' Ass* ably.
, », :« section in the repudiation
: finance. under wl eh these gentlemen,
if'b del ro” were a individual, -nd not
the State, would be allowed to plead the
l equity of their claim. As they cannot do
so in this case, they think the General As
! sembly should relieve them.
Mr. Dutcher, of your city, will, by re
i quest of many members of the Legislature,
| in a lew days repeat his lecture, which was
so highly spoken of by the Augusta Press,
on the “ Wits of Georgia.”
SENATE.
Thursday, November 15.
The Senate met at 10 o’clock A. M.
Prayer by Rev. Mr. Brook .
Mr. Daley introduced a bill to make it a
misdemeanor for a father willfully to aban
don his child.
j Also, a bill to allow the jailor of Tatnall
county, to charge fifty per cent additional
on his jail fees.
Mr. Daley: A bill to prevent bathing on
Sabbath day, near roads leading to places
of public worship.
Mr. Gresham: A hill to repeal an act
amending sections 3984 and 3985 of the
code.
Mr. J. A. W. Johnson : A bill to allow
suits at law to be brought against Railroad
and Express Companies in any county in
which such companies may have offices or
agents.
Also, a hill to amend the let in relation
to suits for notes &c„, so as to allow copies
of such notes or drafts to he sworn to.
Mr. England : A bill to abolish imprison
ment for debt in this State.
Mr. Quillian, submitted the report of
the Committee on the Deaf and Dumb,
which without being read was ordered to
be printed.
Mr. G. it. Smith: A bill to allow or
phans the benefit of dower.
Mr. Strickland: A hill to require costs
on suit-' at law to he paid in advance.
Mr. Parris: A resolution to request liis
Excellency to communicate to the next
General Assembly the amount of land now
owned by the State and the price? at which
said land may lie sold.
Mr. J. A. \Y. Johnson: A bill to donate
to the Orphan’s Home the Okefenokee
Swamp.
31 r. Moore: A hill to change the name
of the Planter’s Convention to that of the
Agricultural and Manufacturing Company
ot Georgia.
On motion of Mr. Kenan, Generals Gor
don and Wayne were invited to seats on
the floor.
The hi'l to modify and alter the County
I Court Act. the special order w >< tak- a up.
. and liter considerable discussion was post
poned till Saturday
Mr. O. I- Smith, introduced a bill to
cu.mm sej.ot education in
HOUSE.
Thursday, November 15.
A r on the floor of the Ilall was
!. ml John t.0r.1 ...
i lie soeeiai order ot the day, to wit: To
extend the aid of the State to the Macon
and Brunswick Railroad was read a third
time. The report of the Agricultural Com
} inittee, which was unanimously in favor of
the passage of the hill, was agreed to, and
the yeas and nays were called on the
passage of the bill, when Dr. Ridley ad
dressed the House.
He was opposed to the precedent. The
bill was unconstitutional. Laws must be
j general. If we endorse the bonds of this
! road, it is special legislation. This act
i conflicts with private rights. Georgia is
!in no condition to lend her credit. She is
now carrying on the civil establishment
! on borrowed capital, for the payment of
which the W. & A. R. R. is pledged. This
l is the only basis of our credit. Taxation of
| our impoverished people cannotbe thought
j of, while they are crying on all hands for
J relief. He intended to vote in such a
1 manner as to keep the credit of the State
i inviolate and inviolable. The passage of
this measure will ruin the credit of the
State.
lie had heard, twenty-eight years ago,
the same arguments as to the capacities,
\ - e., of the harbor of Brunswick ; it was
said the building of this road would make
Brunswick the New York of the South. If
Brunswick is such a port us represented,
why is not capital from the North enlisted
in this enterprise? If Georgia endorses
these bonds, and the road is built, it is not
contemplated that the road will ever pay
the bonds, but that the State shall ulti
mately take possession of and sell the road
to Northern capitalists. If Northern capi
t dists are to own this road, let them bring
their capital here and build it. The wives
and children of our deceased soldiers are
calling on us for food, raiment and shelter.
We say we have not the money. We have
not appropriated anything for the educa
tion of the masses, and the great argument
against it is “we are not able.” Endorse
ments are very dangerous to individuals
and States. He would rather, if we had
the money, build the road and own it—
rather than lend our credit. Our bonds
now are worth only fifty cents in the dollar
in gold. He would not jeopardize the
credit of the State by endorsing the bonds
of (in v railroad. Will we, with the expe
rience and example of North Carolina and
Tennessee before us, plunge into this wild
scheme? The bonds of these States are
worth to-day sixty-five cents in the dollar,
not iu gold, but currency ,
31 r. Hardeman (.in favor) said he felt he
should be at fault—false to the interests of
the people, whom he represented, false to
the interests of the whole people, false to
the prosperity, honor, and glory of the
State—ijtd he forego the opportunity of
speaking in favor"of this project. The
State Road, you say, has given you your
credit, enables you now to feed and clothe,
your poor. Croakers were found iu the
day ot building the State Road, who used
the same argument against it. This was
State Aid. Was there ever a more childish,
ichii.isu ;l argument offered to sensible
men. than that this act is unconstitutional. I
If this road be a public necessity, will the i
State bo safe in aiding it? Never
was there a stronger appeal for aid. ;
It brings the best ot assets, and asks j
not for direct aid. but merely for an cn- I
dorse meat. The lands iu Cherokee Geor
gia. prior to buiiding the W. & A.
Railroad, were not worth $1 per acre—an
iucrease in value of the lands of seven mil- !
lions of dollar.- in a few of the counties ■
through which the State Road runs—and
may not we expect a like increase in the
value of the land; through which the Ma
con Brunswick ' r dl run - At
lanta, the .reit wonder, is wb.'tli 1u0 , r0 ., t ?
the State of Geot gic than it cost tj build
the whole road. Bui id the 3laeon A ,
Brunswick Railroad, and at turn an in
crease of SI per acre, there will be an in
crease of taxable property of $5,000,000. 1
Added to this, the increase of population
will be immense. It is to the interest of
the people to have as aian.\ outlet* to the
sea as possible. Competition is .the life of
trade and ofcommerce.
He believed the building of this read
would inure to the benefit of Savanuah— ’
as ;ou build up Brunswick, you advance 1
SavaiKvd; —competition and railroad rival
ry will iutuc to the benefit of the people.
It is to the inter-.*; of the people for the
btate to open up markets—as you cheapen
transportation you benefit the people, and
thereby enable them to grow richer.
He looked pt it not alone hi a pecuniary
view—he looked at it in a political and com
view. Population is what we want,
-tutu we sit down supinely aadseeour
population dwindling away and our politi
es.. importance becoming every day less and
less . Open up your lands, invite irn- ,
migrants, and identify him with your peo
ple. Georgia needs muscle, needs capital
and energy—with these Georgia will throw
off her shackles and again rise in power
and importance. V\ ith a proper develop
ment of her agricultural, manufacturing
and mineral resources, she will ere long be j
the greatest State this side of the Potomac.
Let us meet and welcome the im
migrant and indoctrinate him in
our ideas of political economy—and not
leave our.-ei'-e- to be dragged at the tri
umphal car of Northern hate and radical
fanaticism.
He argued at some length’ to show the ;
immense amount and value of th security
offered to the State by the Road seeking
aid by this bill —and closed with an earnest
and ferven* appeal to the members from
Cherokee. Georgia.
Mr. Ridley rejoined—reviewing Mr.
H.’s arguments, and enlarging his former
| propositions. j
Air. Moses followed in favor of the bill,
and Mr. Harrison, of Chatham in opposi-■
tion to it.
The call for the previous question was
attempted to be thwarted by a motion to
adjourn.
The yeas and nays were then called, and
resulted in yeas 95 ; nays 54.
j I have given a short synopsis of one
speech for and one against the bill and
would have been pleased to have given all
the speakers a hearing, but fear that even
what I have written will be overtasking
' your columns. L. C.
Friday, November IC, 1800.
SENATE.
The Senate met at 10 o’clock A. M.
Prayer by the Rev. Air. Butler, of the
, Senate.
The President appointed Messrs. Moore
and Redding a Committee, under a resolu
tion adopted. to report on the Digest pre
! pared by S. C. Elam, Esq.
Air. Butler moved to reconsider his
resolution fixing a day for the election of a
I'nited States Senator. The motion pre
vailed.
Bill to increase 100 percent, the fees of
I the Jailor of Bald win county. Passed.
Bill to amend the charter of the Great
Southern Insurance Cos., Py the repeal of
the personal liability clause. Passed.
A resolution, by Air. Kenan, was adopt
ed that the door-keeper should not inter
rupt a speaker by the announcement of a
message.
Bill to change the line of Twiggs and
Wilkinson counties Passed
~ Bill to incorporate the Memorial As
ioeiation of IU w. Passed.
Biil ;o lacilitece the sa»c or *.ea ! estate
G« orel i, and cucourago isuuigKtttete
Ph t to provide for 'he raising of money
by 1 littery P-. - dt- ui a of indigent
t-hildr u and -/rphans of ■ Mie Passed.
Bid to add the county ot Lowndes to the
Brunswick Judicial Cjrcuit. Lost.^
Bill for the pardon of Wise, of Butts
county. Lost.
Biil to regulate camp-hunting in Irwin
county. Passed
Bill to repeal that portion of the law
which allows persons charged with crime to
i he committed in the county where arrested.
: Passed.
The Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Friday, November 10.
Air. Dußose moved to reconsider the
bill passed yesterday to aid in the construc
tion of the Macon & Brunswick Railroad.
Mr. I James spoke in favor of the motion,
which, on a call of the ayes and nays, was
I lost by a vote of yeas 56, nays 87.
Gen. Waddy Thompson will deliver a
lecture on the great men of the nation to
night, the use of the hall being tendered to
him for the purpose. A seat was tendered
him on the floor.
Two hundred copies of the report of the
committee on Public Education was ordered
printed.
A memorial from the Planters’ Conven
tion was presented. Referred.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. McLendon: To authorize the Justi
ces of the Inferior Courts to prescribe fees
of jailors for dieting prisoners.
Air. Spear, of Sumpter: To amend the
charter of Americus.
Air. Aloses: To pay Memorial Associa
tion certain moneys tor burying Confeder
ate dead at llesaca and other places.
Air. Dixon: To change the time of hold
ing the Superior Court in ATacon county.
Also, to change the lino between Sump
ter and Macon.
Air. Humphreys: To compel persons to
give in and pay tax for freedmen in their
employ.
Air. Baynes: For relief of securities.
Mr. Alorris: To allow Dr. D. O. Osborne
to practice medicine arid charge for the
same;
Air. Thomas : To amend the charter of
the Memphis Rail Branch Railroad and
Steamboat Company.
Air. Roundtree: To change the line be
tween Johnson and Emanuel counties.
Air. Willingham: For the relief of W. J.
Williams.
Mr. Green: To allow executors, adminis
trators, &c., from other States in certain
cases to act as such in this State.
Mr. Gurtrcli: Fm- the relief of odi :
widows and orphans, and wounded soldi. :>.
Mr. Weaver-. To amend the charter of
: Cotton Hill Academy.
Mr Mai-'k .nu,a; To repeal PAJ-.-il. .-•<
Ltion of the Code.
Mr. Glenn: For the relief •> he people.
Air. Lawson T>> regulate th-.-; ••-.t!
of sheriff - salts.
\ , i t a .sOiVido regulations) juf certain
legal proceedings.
Mr. Ridley: To provide for Public
Schools.
Air. Aloses: To appropriate money to
pay for burial of Confederate dead.
Baker: To amend the charter of
Valdosta.
Also, for the relief of George Downing.
KILLS ON TIIEIR PASSAGE.
To incorporate the Alerehants’ and Plan
ters’ Bank of Augusta. Postponed for the
present.
To locate academy for the Deaf and
Dumb. Postponed.
For the relief of John Hudson. Lost.
Adjourned. L. C.
The Steamer Harriet Lane—Her History.
A Havana letter says the steamer Harriet
Lane is expected to reach Neyv York in a
couple of weeks. Her history is curious
and interesting.
After being captured by the Confeder
ates at Galveston, she was sold to Air.
House, of Houston, who loaded her with
cotton, and she succeeded in reaching Ha
vana, where she has remained ever since.
Air. House transferred the vessel to a Air.
Hurty, at present a clerk in his employ,
who in turn executed an unconditional and
irrevocable power of attorney to Captain
Scott, who claims the vessel, he having
executed a bond for SIOO,OOO.
Air. House, who has been pardoned by
the President, turns over all claims he may
have on the Harriet Lane to the United
States, and United States naval officers are
expected to arrive at Havana to take
charge of her, unless Capt. Scott institutes
suit on behalf of himself and the parties for
whom he is acting, among whom General
Alagruder presents a little claim of over
$6,000.
There will be no further delay in the
matter. The amount realized from the
i sales of cotton brought by the Hamid Lane,
. together with the sum of $25,000 received
from the English insurance companies, be
ng the amount paid for damages to the
ship by fire while lying in the harbor of
Havana. The writer says that he was in
vited jointly by the Confederate agents and
Air. House in the purchase of the steamer
Pelican, which will be placed in the hands
' of Alessrs. Alorales k Cos., of Havana, and
by them consigned to a New Y ork firm,
who will sell the steamer, the proceeds to
be divided by the United States and Air.
House.
These are the remnant3 of the late Con
federacy in Cuba. Only half a dozen of
cx-Confederaios remaining in Havana are
eug-aaed in commercial or mercantile pur
suits.
Air Lines.
Ihe Charleston Xncs does not think
much of an air line road from Augusta to
Columbia, and expresses great concern for
the “unfortunate holders of stocs in the
enterprise.' ’ We do not blame our Charles
ton cotemporary forthrowmgcold water on
the enterprise, because it will, unquestiona
bly, divert to Augusta and other points
considerable business which has heretofore
cone to Charleston. So much for the milk
in that coeoanut. At the same time we
-hare its sympathy for the “unfortunate
stockholders enough to desire the comple
tion w’ the road. Os course they, and Au
eusta, and afi _ neerned. are unfortunate, i
so long as the road i* ..y omplete. Tu-,.-
Xt ics says an old gentleman on**—?rked
that “ait lines are very good things, hut
we eaunoi ..iy <ys ugve them. If we can
not lavp an air Euc, jv - oS the ug
ly elbows wli** cow mar out railroad !
communication, and iimep; . •>*■“
gusta vote right to-morrow—tee i rill Jo it.
\ Mechanical Horse.—The last nor- •
pity in the way of locomotion is to be
among: the many wonders ol the great
Paris exhibition. It consists ol a mechan
ical horse, which trots, gallops or wa.ks.
as may suit the pleasure Cl the rider, lie
even prances, after the most approved
style, and neighs when the soun.i is ugree
abl# to its possessor.
Dr. George Edward Lynch Cotton, Bish
op of Calcutta, was recently drowned in >
the Ganges, while landing from a steam
boat.
(fhromcle S-
WKILYESMY MORATYG, NOVEMBER^.,
Augusta and Columbia Railroad.
The act of the Legislature, approved
February 15, 1856, which coalers the I
power upon the City Council of Augusta '
“to subscribe for, hold and dispose of,
j stock in any railroad company in or out of *
: this .State, leading to or connected with j
roads leading to Augusta, provides that
j no subscription shall be made in any case,
without the previous concurrence of a !
' majority of the legal voters of said city.”
This is, in our judgment, a wise provision.
Protecting the rights of all, it does not ;
permit the selfishness of individual interest
to override the welfare or the community.
Presenting an effectual bar to official cor- !
ruption. it furnishes a sufficient check to
ivhemes for partizan aggrandisement in an :
appeal to the people, thereby making the
centre of individual interest the centre ol
political influence. It demands that the
merits o f the enterprise proposed shall lie
' examined by the legal representatives of
the city, hut debars action in the premises, ]
without the previous concurrence of a ma
| jority of those legally interested ; and this
| can only be obtained upon conviction, after
■ a deliberate and candid discussion. Cer
j tainly there can be no ‘ ‘ clap-trap' ’ in the
j law.
I The Alayor and common council of our
j city have had under consideration, the ex
pediency of aiding in the completion of the
Columbia and Augusta Railroad, this aid
I having been made necessary by the fortunes
1«f war. Each avenue for trade opened,
; conduces to the prosperity of the city; eve
ry machine shop erected encourages the
; skilled mechanic, and forms anew school
■r the apprentice; towns and cities
i Railroau centre* \ -n an. the competing
• aad di-frihuting poim-s. "orm the centres of'
i t SoEe and m.-.enfuelures. The Coiinc. - re
; aveitiiineJ mat a very large number of
our vv,, citizens—ilium 1 and worn out
by that toolish restrictive policy, which en
deavors to dam up the current of the pres
ent single channel of trade, are stirring to
widen the field and give increased facilities
for the energy and enterprise of our mer
chants, mechanics, and manufacturers.
They have learned that more than a third
of the capital stock of this Railroad Com
pany has been paid by our people. They
now submit, in compliance with law, for
decision, by the people, whether or not
they shall have authority to aid this enter-
prise in the sum of one hundred thousand j
dollars! Surely there can be no “clap
trap ’ in such -proceedings.
The question, as submitted by Council
for decision by ballot, if decided in the
affirmative, is not mandatory but permis
sive. It will not compel Council to sub
scribe, but grants it the authority to do so
under proper and legal conditions. If the
legal voters of the city decide that Council
shall have authority to make the subscrip
tion for the amount, and upon the terms
specified, this does not prevent Council
from imposing additional conditions, and
doing all that may be requisite for the
safety and security of tjie investment, or
they may, upon further investigation, find
it expedient to withhold the subscription
altogether. But a decision in the affirm
ative, by giving Council the power to make
the subscription, is the initiatory step for
negotiating with all parties in interest , and
settling upon fair and equitable terms the
connection of the roads now in existence, as
well as those which may hereafter be built.
It is a well known fact that the city of Lou
isville, and the Louisville & Nashville Rail
road, are building and will complete a
Railroad to Knoxville. The time is
not far distant when it will be for the
interest of the city of Augusta to unite with
individuals and corporations in building
a Knoxville and Augusta Railroad, fol
lowing the valley of the Savannah river to
Clayton in Rabun county. It is a fact
better known by railroad men and people
than by our owr. people that the
'trh-tive policy of the city of Augu-ria,
1 and a selfish policy in Charleston —which
: prevents inu, -.ni-cado being extended
•he wffflrvPs and int ■ free A&ransVf.
tl rough tb< city of Augusta—has dime
cry i.- -ii Augusta as a ihor
oughl-u--' - ng trade, transporta
tion and travel to other sections. This
diversion increases year by year. It is es
sential, therefore, to remove all impedi
ments and hindrances as speedily as pos
sible,
It is objected that the city is already
burthened with debt —and that city taxes
are already too onerous. To increase this
debt a-nd this taxation is, it is maintained,
ruinous folly. This argument is more
specious than solid. An increase of taxa
tion for such purposes as will not only
bring increased means for paying taxes,
but give the tax payers a profit besides, is
a benefit, not a burthen. It is only that
taxation, the revenues from which are
consumed by expenses or waste that can
become onerous. A merchant never cares
about an increase of rent while liis
trade increases ; nor docs the me
chanic care for an increase of his
taxes when itbrings an increase in a demand
for hit, labor, and corresponding remuner
ation. If the completion of this Road will
add but one hundred thousand dollars to
the trade of Augusta, it will do more than
pay the interest on the sum proposed to be
subscribed. Now, we feel quite sure that
this road under proper management, will
do far more than this; because its influence
will reach Wilmington oil the one hand and
Charlotte, N. C., on the other—a vast
area of rich territory.
Wo hope then, our citizens will go en
masse to the polls and give Council the au
thority asked for, and thereby initiate that
policy which is iu accordance with the
spirit of the age, and which will bring
prosperity, so surely as it has done
throughout the North and West.
We say nothing about the conditions of
the subscription, but we propose to do so
at the proper time.
Cold in the Treasury.
Alluding to the fact, as stated by a
Vi ashington dispatch, that there were
$100,000,000 of gold in the Treasury on
the Ist inst., a New York paper says that
we have in the Treasury alone, indepen
dent of the specie in the banks and in pri
vate hands $30,000,000 more in gold than
the Bank or England holds—the ordinary
reserve ot that bank being £14,000,000 or
$70,000,000. All the circulation us bank
notes—all the exchange business —the cred
it of the government, and all the paper
representatives of value are based upon
this. We are, therefore, better able to
pay specie for our current paper obligations
than England or any other great nation in
Europe. It does not follow that it would
be wise policy to enter hastily upon the re
sumption of specie payments. Such a
sudden snap upon the string of public and
private credits would be very fatal to the
business interests of the country —placing
us, in a large measure at the mercy of
foreign capitalists, who hold, or could con
trol enough of our liabilities to speedily
consume our stake of treasure. In this
connection it is stated that $34,000,000 of
gold now being let out to pay the interest
on th* Five Twenty bonds and this amount
j thrown into circulation is telling upon the
i prico ot gold, an l lessening the gap which
[ divides our currency from a gold value.
A Coneession. —Gov. Brownlow says,
in his message, that there are large num-
I bers of negroes and Federal soldiers in the
penitentiary, convicted of crime by Rebel
jurors, Viho ought to be pardoned. He
thinks they did net st et justice, because
they are negroes or soldiers.' it is a little
swange that in the passion which rages in
the F.ai.'L dii'ricts of East Tennessee, |
trhere the juries metn-. have been Union j
men. that no Confederates - *"••-•** l?on '
rioted. Indeed a 'Tecscsco® paper int-rms
us that it does not know a (Wederatc sob
clier who has been even indicted for one or
the crimes which have made the ru;e oi
BrownlawLui in that Stateinfamous. This
shows who the good citizens are. Ihe best
evidence of tLa isw-abiding and peaceable
character of the late Confederates in Ten
nessee, is that they tolerate the whelps vao
now control the civil affairs of the State.
The Stamp oil Deeds.
Calhoun, Gordon county. On., 1
N . -ml -i- -. ; ■ .
Editors Chronicle d' -S atinel:
flit is reported here that all lands sold and j
deeded after some time in 1- -2. must have
the deeds stamped before the Ist of Janua
ry, 1847, otherwise tiio deed < will be null
and void, and that the do as may oe
stamped in presence of ihe Clerk oi the
Court. Which Court?
You will confer a great favor on this
community bv publishing fil'd particulars
about the matter, as many persons will be
effected by it. Many persons bought lauds
■or Confederate money, at from five to ten
times their prcst-i. - or former value. Will
the deeds have ,o be stamped according; to
the amount stated in them or according to
their value in pro.-ont currency ? We sup
pose vouhave facilities for getting the de
sired information.
Very truly yours,
E. Humphreys. !
Iu reply to the above inquiries, wA; are
officially informed that the stamp on deeds
for property purchased with Confederate
money, must be according to the standard
* of national currency, not cold, on the day
or month in which the deed was given.
For the convenience of those interested,
we here present a statement of the value* 1
of Confederate money in national currency
every month from September, 1862, until
the close of ihe war, kindly furnished us
from the office of the Assessor of Internal
Revenue in this city.
To reduce the Confederate Treasury notes
to their equal value in lawful money of the
United States, divide the amount cf Con
federate notes by the numbers given for
the mouth and year :
month. 1862. 1863. I >64. ]>6s.
January, 2.00 13.50 26.90
February, ’ 2.19 13.79 25.20
Alarch, 2.93 14.57 34.90
April, ! ."..23 12.33
May, | 3.87 10.65
June, 4.85- 8.12
July, " 6.89 7.79
August, 10.53 8.85
Sep omh'w. 2’9 9.71 10.56
October !. • 9.u7 12. St)
2. 9 ■ • 12. V.
, December, _ H.oO U.. 20
A circa r if.
linu in M.rj 1 -a -t vv •• th • .. 6
; executed and delivered prior to OetoK.a
U 862—41)0 late when the Rc-enu
Act took .12 .-i- -are not chaiAcabie with
! stamp dutbs, though they may haye been
recorded afterwards.
The Drorisions referring to the penalty
of failure h affix the proper stamps subse
quent to October, 1862, are met in Geor
gia by th>- following clause of the act of
July 13, 1860, which applies to all deeds
executed before district were ap
pointed :
And provided further, That in all cases
where the party has not allixed the stamp
| required by law upon any instrument
made, signed, or issued, at a time when
] and at 4 place where no collection district
I was established, it shall be lawful for him
I or them, or any party having an Interest
| therein, to affix the proper stamp thereto,
■ or iftheoriginal lie lost, to a copy thereof;
j and th« instrument or copy to which the
proper stamp has been thus affixed prior
Ito .the first day of January one
thouKud eight hundred and sixty
seven, 'and the record thereof, shall
lie as talid. to all intents and purpos
es, as ;fstamped by the collector in the
manner,-lerein before provided; but no right
acquirefoin good faith before the stamping
of such instrument or copy thereof, and the
recording thereof as herein provided, if
such roord be required by law, shall in
any mainer be affected by sueli stamping
as aforesaid.
The alove we believe conveys the infor
mation desired by our correspondent. It
may be proper to add, in this connection,.
the following regulations in reference to
the stanr; i act, and the penalties for its
violation, which we find in a circular is
sued by Commissioner Rollins in Alarch
last. These penalties, it will be seen from
the above extract from the act of J uly lust,
do not apply to instruments executed when
and where there were no Revenue offices
established:
If any instrument subject to stamp duty
was issued after October I, 1862, and prior
to August 1, 1801, unstamped, or insuffi
ciently stamped, the appropriate stamp
may be aflixfed in the presence of the
Court, Register, or Recorder, before whom
the deed was executed.
Any instrument issued since August 1,
1864, unstamped or Insufficiently, stamped,
may be stamped by the Collector upon
payment for the proper stamp, and of a
penalty of fifty dollars; and where the
amount of the stamp duty exceeds fifty
dollars, on payment also of interest on said
duty at the rate of six percent, from the
day oil which the stamp should have been
' • if - nt is presented to the Cl
- -tvi-r.ii.-iu-.ii- month-from
' it-> issue, t%; Oplteetor i“ authorized to re
mit tie ;■ r.- .li- provided it. shsU! appear t >
bis siitSsla-'.i!<n>H-.i-r itui v-nisslA '*• ■■ any
it was by rites'.;' of accident, mistake, in
-i t ioo, i.'i r it- necessity, j
out willful and. ■ gu io evade or delay tlm
payment of s- . . up duty.
. isented with
in twelve calendar months, the penalty and
interest must bo paid to the Collector be
forehe can render it valid by ulUxing the
appropriate stamp, without regard to the
cause of the omission to stamp it at the
time of its issue. The Commissioner has
no power to remit this penalty.
Deputy Collectors, unless acting as Col
lectors, have no authority to utlix stamps
or remit penalties.
Southerners AI owed to Vote in the
Sorthcrn States.
A novel and interesting question relating
to the exercise, of suffrage in the Northern
States, has just been adjudicated in the
Supreme Court at Brooklyn, New York.
A Air. Wheeler, an ex-Confederatc sur
geon, who located in New York city since
•the war, attempted to vote at a recent
election in that city, but his ballot
was rejected on the ground that he was
disfranchised by reason of having borne
arms against the Government of the Uni
ted States. The decision rendered in the
Court by Judge Gilbert affirms the right
of Air. Wheeler to vote, and distinctly
pronounces that lie has not been disfran
chised. This decision discloses the singu
lar fact that the men it is proposed to dis
franchise in the South can, by removing to
a Northern State and remaining the re
quired time, exercise the right of suffrage.
In the South they are “rebels,” and un
worthy to be trusted with suffrage ; Ijiit if
they go North they are good patriots and
proper voters. Judge Gilbert, in his de
cision. says:
“The inclination in my mind is very
strong towards his disfranchisement, but I
cannot find any authority to do so. The
fact of his having been a rebel, the war
being over, and he being no longer in arms
against the Government, so far as I can
discover,has deprived him of no right or
immunity whatever. It has only subjected
him to punishment for treason.”
W e do not know the political opinions
of Judge Gilbert, but it is fair to presume
from the phraseology of the above extract,
that lie is-a Republican, if not a Radical.
In thus deciding according to law, and dis
carding partisan considerations and influ
ences, he has set a good example to Con
gress, which at its last session moved .in
precisely an opposite direction, regardless
of the Constitution as expounded bv
the Supreme Court of New Yorjc.
The Associated Press.
The Charleston A'ews, in referring to the
affairs of the Associated Press, says it
hardly knows whether Air. Craig or the
Associated Press is furnishing the tele
graphic news.
We have been under the impression that
Air. Craig was merely acting as agent
for the Associated Press, and that hi.-
ceasing to be the agent in New York, in
no •way changes the relations of the South
ern Press to the Association, until such
change is effected by the action of the
Executive Committee or Directors. We
understand that Air. Walsh, the Agent of
the Associated Press Soutk, continues to
act for the Association, and will furnish
the dispatches as heretofore, under their
direction and control. Air. Craig’s rela
tion to the Association appears not to
have been fully understood at first; and
others, as well the Hews, were in some
doubt about the effect of hi3 resignation
of dismissal. We are assured that the
efficiency of the Association will be in no
way impaired by the appointment of hi -
successor. If it is found, however, that
Air. Craig- offers better facilities to the
press than are afforded by the Association,
they will avail themselves of 1 his new
organization.
We agree with the Lews, in thinking
that if ail the Southern dailies would
unite ia a meeting, sav to be called by
our friend Clark, of the Moodc nldvertis-r.
President of the Southern Press Associa
tion, good remedies might be made, and
oqt {ss*>• placed upon a more indepen
dent and' sKVagtrt.ec ? basis than .they ;
now occupy.
At last accounts Juarez was at Chihua
hua with his ministers and eight hundred !
troops. He is as dead broke as the Impe
rialists. Juarez is living on forced loan,
and confiscations, and waiting lor a loan,
said to be promised him by the United
States. Liberal Generals and lawyers
favor Ortega.
INDSTINCT print.
THE RAILROAD TO 10LI MBI A. [
Me have manifested a deejf interest in
the sub-ofiption of sriOq.OGO to tbo stock {
of this railroad company, because we be- J
lieve that its. early completion will be of i
the highest importance to the interest of
oar eii} - . W e ducm it proper to review |
some of the a Ivaiffagt-s which must result,
from the completion of this road. The
great through travel North and South will ;
not submit to the awkward angles and eir
cuitous curves which now mark the rail
road routes between Richmond and New
Orleans. Time is money, and millions will
be saved by straightening the great popular
thoroughiare between the Mississippi and
the Potomac. It will be done —if we fail .
to do our part of it by the early com pie- !
tion of the Columbia Bead, and the Road
to Macon, other* lines will be pushed
through, and we shall lose tlie through
travel, the through mails, and all the at
tendant advantages.
Norfolk is stretching cut her arms for
the trade of the West, and strong induce
ments are held out to attract the business
of Tennessee, North Alabama, and Jfyrth
Georgia over the Tennessee line to Nor
folk.
The existing roads propose to compete
with the Tennessee line, and the comple
tion of the road to Columbia would save
60 miles in distance, and render such com
petition easier and more effective.
The road to Columbia passes through a
healthy and -desirable farming country'
whose productiveness will bo greatly en
hanced by this outlet to market. This
country will trade chiefly with Augusta.
The proposed location of the work-shops
of the road, or of a portion of them, in this
city, will furnish employment for hundreds
of mechanics —and.numerous lucrative po
sitions in comleet: n with the road will be
open or those dc airing such situations.
1 will g«ve Augusta a<- *s to the woeu
•• a- 1 ’ v dfeiiohi. uvd efoy.j / -he pried"
f that commodity!!—thus directly lessening
the current, ev; .-uses of every family in the
It will open communication with the sa
lubrious hills bf Edgefield, where our peo
ple may establish market farms, or erect
suburban residences —thus saving high
rents and securing a home in one of the
healthiest belts of country in the world.
It will enhance all the interests of the
city; and therefore all interested in the
growth and progress of the city are directly
concerned in the completion of the road.
Forming a part of a great through cen
tral line, it cannot fail to be paying stock ;
and, therefore, instead of increasing the
liabilities of the city, will, besides adding
to its business, become a valued and profit
able investment.
SPECIAL MESSAGE,
From liis Excellency, tlie Governor, to the
General Assembly.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, )
Milledgeville, 12th Nov., 1860. j
Senators and Representatives :
I transmit to you herewith, the report of
the Commissioners appointed under a reso
lution adopted at your last session, “to
examine and report upon the propriety of
removing the present Penitentiary, and
locating it elsewhere, or of establishing an
additional one.”
I am constrained to say, that I do not
concur in some of the views presented by
them, though it is not without distrust of
the correctness of my own opinion, that 1
venture to differ from gentlemen of such
unquestionable ability.
First. In the event of the establishment
of a Penitentiary at some other locality,
which 1 think altogether expedient, Ido
not approve the proposition to abandon the
present one altogether. If this bo done,
there will doubtless be an almost total sa
crifice of the investment in the grounds
and buildings now appropriated to that ob
ject. For that purpose, it is very valuable
property; for any other, it would bo near
ly valueless. It should not, at this time,
be regarded as in a dilapidated condition.
At a_ trifling expense, the only portion of*
the improvements which now wears the
aspect of a ruin, could be put in thorough
- repair. If.it be retained and used as here
. tofore, the cost of building anew one else
where will be very much lessened. Agreeing
with the Commissioners in the opinion that
white and colored convicts should be kept
and ..- .i S< paiatelv, I sug.r-4 tin.r
f his .ii.jvvi be mam thoroughly a.
tained > ' * -'taro pri a--, at, oil
s. re, Guv, .lies, ihe quarrying if grau’t* .
nub;* )h wttemfe- s*y thrciML ’
•c -.»•••!•-.eii.ie i iii the report, might be ad
t sn-..-u.-eoiisly don -b\ • ■i convicts, in
other mploym* nt might ’\- or -c.utt-h.
Again, i must dissent from the propriety
of dispensing altogether with employment
in tbo mechanic arts in this institution. I
yield to no one in appreciation of those
arts, or in respect for those who worthily
pursue them, but I do not perceive that
they will be degraded by having their
liandicrait taught to or practiced by con
victs. Similarity of occupation does not
by any means, necessitate social intercourse,
or imply social equality.
If mechanical pursuits are degraded by
the engagement in them of discharged
convicts, so must any and all other pur
suits ; arid the question then arises, what
are such persons to do ? Docs the master
carpenter or master mason who employs a
discharged convict, and who daily super
intends and controls his labor, sink to his
level? If so, then the planter who may
employ him to till his lands or tend his
Hocks and herds, would do likewise. The
same reasoning might be applied to any
other branch of industry, and the same
policy extended would lead to no employ
ment during the term of imprisonment,
and no adaptation to employment of any
kind when it shall have ended. Better far
at once imprison them for life, or even
take away that file, than so to shape your
legislation as to discourage their future en
gagement in respectable employment.
It is urged with great force, that our
mineral resources require development,
and the suggestion is, that convict labor be
employed for that purpose ; but if the rea
soning of tlie report in regard to (he me
chanic arts be applied to this branch of in
dustry it would seem that tlie adoption ofthe
policy recommended would at once render
infamous the business of mining and quar
rying, which are admitted to be important
and worthy of encouragement.
If a Penitentiary were established else
where, adapted to the safe keeping and
comfortable accommodation of persons of
color, and with a view to the quarrying and
dressing of mineral substances, it will be
very easy, should future experience render
it advisable, to enlarge the new and aban
don the old establishment. Then, too, the
times may he more propitious to the sale
of the latter. For the present, I recom
mend the retention and continued use of
it. upon tiie plan heretofore pursued. If
it be asked, why select the mechanic arts
for their instruction and employment, the
answer is ready, it is, that they are emi
nently fitted to be prosecuted within a
small area, which may bo easily and se
curely walled in.
Ia irree with the Commissioners, that
there are subjects of punishment extremely
vicious and obdurate, to whom solitary
confinement without labor, and complete
isolation, would be more terrible and more
efficacious. In such eases, it would also
secure the great desideratum of preventing
their evil influence upon others. These
cas... are probably rare, but the wise and
humane exercise of discretion % your
Judges, would probably avoid its too fre
quent infliction. Without enlarging fur
tiler, I think you will find in the report
useful suggestions, the adoption of which
wop id improve the system.
I also transmit herewith, copies of the
reports ofthe Trustees ofthe Academy for
the Bond, and of Messrs. Washington Poe,
James Jackson, and James T. Ni/bet, ap
pointed under a resolution adopted at your
test session to examine and report upon a
digest of the Reports of the Supreme Court
prepared by A. O. Bacon, Esq.
I call the attention ot the General As
sembly to the Wilts, accounts, vouchers
and Confederate Treasury Notes, returned
t°„ this Department by Colonel Jared I.
A hitakc-r. Commissary General of the
gtate durin'/ the late war. It will be seen
r fy reference to the report of Messrs. Saf
f'i'J. Lochrane and Jordan, appointed by
tue Convention of 1865, a committee to in*
vestij/ate the financial affairs of the State,
that Colonel hitaker’s books and accounts
were rigidly examined by them, and found
to be clear and correct. Indeed, the ex
h;‘ it made by him elicited their decided i
commendation, which I doubt not was well
merited. During your recess, Colonel
\* hitaker sent to this Department sundry
boxc-s, said to contain those books, papers
itnd Confederate Treasury Notes. The
financial committee recommended that the
nooks and papers be filed away. I pre
sume, from your past action, it will be
your pleasure to order the Treasury Notes
There arc- returned by Colonel
*> uitaker, as now in Atlanta under his
control, certain articles of property belong-
J.r.= - tottia which should L-e sold.— i
...
W.-k, a secretary, a table, two huge iron ,
•sues, a trunk, etc. There is also a balance
due for office rent and other incidental ex
- T submit thd entire matter for ,
y our a iin'm and recoin menu that provision
W made for the safe of this property and
payment of properly authenticated 'de
mands tor rent, etc. Colonel Whitaker is
euth.ed to have this whole business closed
and to a final .acquittance and discharge.
Charles J. Jenkins.
REMOVAL OF THE PENITENTIARY. ;
REPORT OF Til IDA LMMISSIONGRS.
Milledgeville, Nov. 2. IM)6. •!
To ISs Excellency, (dairies J. Jenkins,
Governor , Jv. .-
SIR: In discharge of our duty as com
missioners “to examine and report upon
the propriety of mm vine the present
•* emcentiary and locating it elsewhere, or !
of establishing an additional one,” we.
submit the following report:
Itp discussing tiie question of a proper :
location for a Penitentiary, we propose :
first to present succinctly the considera
tions which, in our judgment, should eon- j
troi the decision. We wjjl then subject the 1
points which have been indicated as suita- .
ble locations to the practic and test of these i
, considerations.
Ist.. The almost universal practice of in
i strutting convicts in the various mechani
cal trades has irroused a deep feeling with
; that portion of the people in every section
of the country. In our own State, we
know that it exists to a very great extent,
I though it lias not been mr untested in any
; very marked demonstration. The idea that
| every man convicted of an infamous offence
j is to be instructed in the me .‘hnnical
i trades is offensive to the just pride of that
worthy and estimable portion of our-com
munity. They feel that the uaturcl effect
i is to degrade -their vocation, by turning out
• from the wails of the Penitentiary the
worst characters as rivals and a seriates in
; their business. We are free to say, that
the appeal which comes from our mechan
ics against this practice is, in our judgment,
j well founded, and should be responded to
i in our legislation to the utmost extent com
patible with the public interest. If the
objection had any force heretofore, it is far
more deserving of consideration now, when
; our Penitentiary has the prospect of being
I filled .to overflowing with the very worst
portion of the negro population. We can
j not expect our respectable citizens to put
: their sous at a trade, when the State is ed
ucating the most iiifaiuotfs characters in
the same trade, to compete and associate
with them in the pursuit of their daily oc
.-upation. It is time therefore, that this
> in.ft, hould i-i- s ore seriously considered
: than it ha.» bm fo-ietofo: -, uuJ it would
|be well for own Bt-au-, v.-ben called up
• on to provide a: w a Penitentiary. system
; to show it- appro Stior: of the t: -V ideal
pursuits by inaugurating a radical change
m the s\ stem. If the practice cannot bo
wholly abandoned, winch we would prefer,
there can at least be such a reform as
would greatly relieve the difficulty, and
open the way for its final extinction.
2d. In providing a Penitentiary system
for the new order of things, we consider it
I not only important, but vital, that the
; white and the negro convicts should be
! kept separate and apart from each other,
i Whilst the same punishment should be in
j flicted on both for the same offence—and
! in this respect we would recommend no
! change—yet, we would present and urge
! upon the Legislature, under no circumstan
| ces, to recognize social equality between the
| two races —not even with felons. Let the
i murderer and the thief be punished alike
] without reference to color, but let their as
| sociation be alone with those of their own
race and color. To carry out t lis recom
mendation, it .is not necessary to have two
Penitentiaries: it is only necessary that
there should be such arrangements and
divisions as will keep the two classes sepa
rate from each other. The fact that both
are under the same management and con
trol would insure a similarity and uniform
ity in treatment, which is objectionable;
for we do not propose to discriminate in
punishment between the two races: our
only purpose is, to repudiate the idea of
social equality in any shape or form, or un
der any circumstances.
3d. The nextdivision is, ofthe two sexes.
This is so manifestly proper and necessary
that we offer no argument in support of
the recommendation.
4th. Another division of equal importance
grows out. ofthe different, character of offen
ces for which persons are subjected to Pen
itentiary imprisonment. All convicts of
the same color, convicted of infamous
offences, with the exceptions herein made,
may properly be kept and worked together;
but there is no reason or justice in putting
men convicted of offences not infamous in
association with this degraded class. We
know of no good that can result from such
association, whilst the bad effect upon the
latter class is too manifest to be overlooked.
If you cannot make men better by sending
them to the Penitentiary, at least avoid
making them worse
sth. To the extent that it is practicable,
the young should be separated from the old
offenders. The theory of the Penitentiary
system contemplates reform as one of tlie
great objects to be accomplished. We do
not stop to inquire how far this desirable
object has been accomplished in the past
history of these institutions,* but are satis
fied that the'work of reform will pregross
l.verj slowly with the young convicts, who i
j have been tempted in their youth into the
[path ot tin transgressor, by ibjceting j
Ivlin :Ti> hardened criminals whdotoWiF our ’
Penitentiaries. An effort should be made
t<- reclaim these youthful offenders; but no
effort will avail unless they can be kept
separate and apart during their confine
ment from the class to which we have re
ferred.
6th. It appears, from the report made
to us by the officers of the Penitentiary,
that, on the 21st day of May, ISOS, there
were four convicts in the Penitentiary, and
that, on the 12th day of September, 1866,
the number had increased to one hundred
and seventy-seven. From the proportion
of negro convicts, it is very manifest that
the new order of things will result in a far
greater _ number of convicts being sent to
the "Penitentiary hereafter than have ever
been there before. To provide for this in
crease, it becomes necessary to enlarge the
accommodations very considerably beyond
the capacity of the present one located at
Milledgeville, which makes it necessary to
consider the question of expense and outlay
required for this purpose.
7th. Another—and, in our opinion, very
important—consideration connected with
the location of a Penitentiary has reference
to a development of the resources of the
State —mineral and others. If this insti
tution —an incubus, .at best, upon the
State —can be made' useful in developing
its great resources as v;a believe them to
exist, it would commend it more to the
favor ofthe people than any consideration
that can bo advanced from its past history,
or any promise it- may hold out in the
future from its ordinary operations. When
we come to discuss the question directly,
we propose to present some views in this
connection not unworthy of the considera
tion of the Legislature.
Bth. The expense of making the im
provements rendered necessary by the
existing state of things, as vveii as the ex
pense of keeping it up, are considerations
which should not be overlooked. We
state frankly, however, as our well-settled
opinion, that tlie policy of making the
Penitentiary a paying, or even a seif-sus
taining institution, should be held subordi
nate to tbe other considerations which we
have presented in this report. Better, by
far, that tlie whole expense ol' maintaining
the institution should fall upon the Trea
sury than that we should disregard the
more important interests to which we have
referred ; and it is in this view of the sub
ject we shall discuss the relative claims of
different localities.
Tiie first question for our consideration
involves the propriety of having more than
one Penitentiary. After considering all
the reasons which have occurred to our
minds, as well as such as have been sug
gested by others, we are of opinion, and so
recommend, that there should be but one.
Many of the reasons upon which this
opinion is founded will be found in other
portions of this report, and need not be
specially set forth at this point. Let it
suffice to say, that the objects proposed to
be effected by having two, it will be seen,
can be accomplished with one. Asa mat
ter of economy, one set of officers can
superintend the whole system, though
divided, as we recommend elsewhere, into
separate apartments. Similarity of treat
ment and uniformity in mode of punish
ment will be more certainly insured, which
we deem important.
We proceed to apply the tests which we
have briefly enumerated to tbo localities
which have been indicated as proper
places for locating the Penitentiary. The
fact that the present Penitentiary is located
at Milledgeville naturally suggests that
point as the one fir.-t to be considered. —
With some the idea seems to exist that the
capital of (he State is the proper place for
the locati the 1
that it affords an opportunity, during the
session of tlie Legislature, for a more
minute examination into its condition and j
operatipn. we see no reason for such an
opinion ; 'and as experience has shown that j
: : ml rs rarel.-. if ever, to any extent a van
themselves of the opportunity, we dismiss
the reason as without any real foundation.
Like all other public institution?, it must
be l it to such examination and inspection
a* may be provided for through commit
tees of tbe Legislature and officers of the j
Executive. The fact that the Penitentiary j
is now located at Milledgeville, and lias ac- j
c- nnmodations for a limited number of con |
viets, presents theoniy consideration which |
has occurred to our minds in favor ofothat j
location. If the present accommodations j
would answer the growing wants cf - the i
State, we should _ perhaps hesitate to !
recommend an additional expenditure of '
the public money to erect another Peniten- j
tiury at a time when the financial coudi !
tion ofthe State would seem to call for the j
greatest economy. But the limited ca
p, .i v ' if the present Penitentiary, and its I
utter uniurmbKaios* »«nr «*./ ot!-- • kind of ■
labor except tlie mechanical trades, render 1
a change not only right and proper, but (
almost indispensable. It only i;equires one
to look at tlie reasons and considerations
which we have presented as practical to t.>
in the selection ’of a proper location, to
sec that Milledgeville possesses none Os
them.
To retain the Penitentiary there, L to
decide that convicts should be kept at work
at tli - trades which have been usually
taught there. To this the objections here
tofore presented arc insuperable, but, even
if this were not so, the number of convicts
that may to reasonably looked for would
render their present employment in the
present Penitentiary impracticable. The
time has arrived whan the question must
be met, decided and acted upon for a
more permanent and suitable location of a
Penitentiary. In the event.of a change ,
trom Milledgeville, public opinion, with
unusual unanimity, has indicated the
Stone Mountain as a proper location. After i
a full and impartial examination of all the |
points suggested, and giving to tie reasons
in favor of other points which have been
urged upon our consideration their fuil j
weight, we have concluded to recommend
this locality as in our opinion the most
suitable and proper one that can be select
ed. We present briefly tlie reasons upon
which our opinion is formed :
Ist. The materials for constructing the
necessary walls and buildings are here fur
nished in the inexhaustible stone quarries
of this vicinity.
2d. The convicts can be made to do most
of the work, thus greatly reducing the ex
pense which must otherwise be incurred in
preparing a Penitentiary upon the expen
sive scale which the necessities of the State
call for, and which must in some short pe
| riod of time be provided.
3d. These quarries will furnish work
; for the convicts for all time to come, and
. they will thus be withdrawn from all other
mechanical trades —a result most desirable
in every point of view. The great body
of the convicts would be kept busy at the
mere manual or rough work, reducing
those engaged in the finishing department
as well as those engaged in making and re
pairing the necessary tools to a very limit
ed number, or dispeps ng with convict la
bor entirely in these respects, except with
sueh convicts as are there for other than
infamous crimes. Mechanics might be
employed for these purposes. In this just
response to tliecompluintsof ourmechanics i
i on this subject, already discussed, our j
! State would find ample compensation for ,
the loss jf inx- -. ■ln an ’ t i- d-'ffi u!t
to estimate the extent to which these quar |
ries might be wor ed uuder'the proposed
. plan - the pr.t, • of si;--, : so much 1
! reduced as greatly to increase its consump
i tion The forUti being satisfied worn very |
'low prices, and the railroads furnishing ,
I transportation during the portion of dm
year, when not engaged in v-u.iiug
produce of the country to market and
transporting the return cargoes, would af
ford to our cities and towns on - the line of
railroad the opportunity of using stone for
building and other purposes at reasonable,
and, indeed, tempting prices, the central
location at the Stone Mountain being pe
culiarly lit and appropriate in this respect.
We do not refer at length to tiie various
purposes for which stone may be used,
leaving results in this regard to the de
velopments which time and occasion may.
produce. The field of operation would be
sufficiently extensive tor all practical pur
porses if confined to buildings, fences,
macadamizing streets, roads, etc., The
great advantage of this location ovcrLitlio
nia, and ail otherstone quarries in the State,
arises not only from its inexhaustible char
acter, but from the fact that the stone is of
a superior quality 7, more easily and eco
nomically Worked than any other. This is
owing to the peculiar quality ofthe stone,
well known to and appreciated by the prac
tical stone mason.
4th. This section of country through
which the Western & Alantic Railroad runs
is known to be abundant in mineral and
other resources, to the development of
which we propose to make the Penitentiary,
located at Stone Mountain, a valuable
auxiliary. This road is owned by tlie
State, therefore subject to its absolute con
trol, and operations upon it can be .carried
on at comparatively small expense. A
convict train, with cars constructed for the
purpose, could be run upon the road for
the purpose of working the couvicts for
limited periods at different points, confin
ing them during the night on the train and
working them during the day along tl e
line ofthe road, in the iron, copper, mar
ble and slate mines which abound there.
The single development of the lime to be
found in that country would compensate
the State for the enterprise. Lime might
be manufactured in such abundance and at
such low price as would justify its use as a
fertilizer to an extent never before contem
plated in our State, the benefits of which
cannot be -now estimated. In this con
nection, we desire to call attention to the
slate quarries, located near Vanwert,
Polk county, embracing a know area of
ninety acres.
A company w 7 as organized during the
war to work (hose quarries, and from the
success which attended their effort we are
impressed with the idea that they have
before them a fair prospect of ultimate sue- !
cess.- We are induced to make this spe- j
cial reference to this enterprise, by the fact
we learn from some of the parties of tb<
desire to arrant *- for lh employment of •
cot iv id la I -j,- in;!!; ii,, a ..v • A r,'i
Th-‘ great difi.f tit - fhry ha’ * , vi
ed since the el- i ofthe war grows at of
the expense of labor, which, iu'lk judg
ment, could be remedied by thi euq.l ■;>
ment of dm cheap convict iaboi under the
control of the State. •
We propose in this report simply to in
dicate, not to enlarge upon these points,
feeling that our duty is performed when
we bring these matters to the attention of
the Legislature, whose experience and wis
dom will readily enable them to appreciate
the suggestion.
sth. The location at tlie Stone Moun
tain is convenient to the section of country
from which provisions arc to be had, and
the railroad owned by the State penetrating
that section will enable the State to trans
post these provisions to the Penitentiary
at very small cost.
Whilst we have indicated the Stone
Mountain as the proper location for the
Penitentiary, and given our reasons at
some length for that opinion, we deem it
our duty fairly to place before the Legis
lature such considerations as point to a
different location, and which in our judg
ment are worthy of attention. It cannot be
questioned that a location on the line of
the Western & Atlantic Railroad would
possess decided advantages over any oilier
location in many respects :
Ist. The. fact that; this road is owned
by the State, subject alone to its control,
would furnish a strong reason in favor of
such selection. All questions of transpor
tation to and from the Penitentiary would
be free from contest or embarrassment,
which would not be the case when the
State had to deal with a private corpora
tion. The control of charges and move
ments of freight would ensure prompt de
livery and shipments to and from the
Penitentiary at a cost of transportation to
be fixed by the State, and, in the deter
mining of which, the State would be desir
ous of looking, not merely to the question
of revenue to the road, but to ail the vari
ed interests involved in the development
of its resources. At this point it is not
out of place to suggest that, in the event of
a location upon any other road, it would
be right and proper for il;o State to take
the precaution of providing in advance
against troubles of this character.
2d. Such location would, to some c-x
tent, increase both the travel and freight
upon the road, thus increasing tlie revenue
which the Stats derives from this source.
3d. Supplies, and indeed all other ar
ticles needed at the Penitentiary, would be
transported free of cost. This is particu
larly the cas ■in referent<: to provisions, a
the location would be in tiie immediate
vicinity from which the supplies would be
drawn, and that, too, at the lowest prices.
4th. It is worthy of serious considera
tion, how far convict labor can be employ
ed in doing the work on the road, for |
which large sums are now paid out annu
ally to hired labor. We are not prepared
to estimate the advantages in this re-pect,
but with a central location along the line of
the road, we incline to the opinion that it
might be made an item of considerable
saving to the State.
stn. The advantages of such location,
in view ofthe proposed policy of using
convict labor for tbe development of the
mineral and other resources of that s-.-tion.
are manifest. The proximitj ofthe Peni
tentiary to the localities where these re
sources are to bo examined and worked,
would be an important item in the Success
of the enterprise.
Being impressed with these considera
tions in favor of a location on the line of
the State Road, wo have examined the
points which seemed to possess the great
est advantages.
Ist. There is the Etowah Iron Works, 1
which is now offered for sale : it is a large !
and extensive property, embracing twelve
or fifteen thousand acres of land, well tim
bered, and with great mineral resources, j
and, as we are informed, can be.purchased 1
at a reasonable price. Ofthe water pow
er. it is only necessary to say, it is without
limit.
2d. At Crawford's Station, on “Two
Itun ’’ Creek, a very eligible site can be
had immediately on the railroad, with
abundant supply of good water lor ail pur
poses. An efficient lime kiln is in success
ful operation very near, and good limestone
very abundant. The tract of land upon
which the location could be made is well
timbered, and presenting in every re j ect
very decided advantages. The nece-.sny
stone for building purposes could be had
at this locality.
3d. A site at Howard's place, near
Kingston, possesses ail the advantages to
be derived from its central jxwitior- and
immediate location on the line of the road, j
Its principal value, in our judgment, is de
rived from the lime quarry, which is of the
best kind, and abundant. There are. how- j
e ver, besides, a stone quarry, from which
building mating! could be had lor the srec*
t ion of the necessary buildings; but this |
quarry doss not compqrc wuj» the • ue at
.Stone Mountain for general use. If it di< 1,
there would be no question cl the propriety I
of this location. '.I jiere is alto a marine
quarry, of which we cannot speak very j
confidently, though we were well impress
ed with the specimens exhibited to lie i
Next to the lime quarry, we regard the'
hydraulic time and pure «ment store
irtstumii:.!* it* ju-eat aim;
Jd®* tht:: ■ - -m-m.it-.-i to ns in rc
\ -■■■mi. : mu a 1 Pat they
I'* the highest value. 'J he water
advantage would answer for the ordinary
requirements ofthe Penitentiary, but do
not equal tuose at Crawford’s Ration or
q, her poim s. I here would be no difficulty
■ 1 —y
In the examination we have made ofthe
various localities alluded to in this report,
SCve have not omitted to inquire intoWhe
pnees at which they could be purchased.
M e deem it unadvisable, however
farther on that point than to express the
opinion that any of them can be had on
reasonable terms leaving it with those who
may be entrusted with the ultimate loca
tion, to agree upon the terms of sale. We
are aware that the resolution of the Legis
lature, under which our appointment was
made, provides that we should ascertain
upon what terms the location that we re
commend could be purchased; still we
think it best to leave that matter for the
action and decision of others, as already
suggested, with the single remark, that it
i can be obtained.on reasonable terms. .
Iho tneory of a Penitentiary contem
! plates two principal objects to bo accom
! plished—the reform and the punishment
jof the criminal. If the history of these in
stitutions lias furnished any satisfactory
1 results in the work of reform, we are not
| advised of them. From the best lights
j within our reach, we regard the system in
j Mils respect an unqualified failure : stub,
; certainly, has been the ease with our Peni
tentiary. \\ ith the changes and improve
ments suggested in this report, the' hope
may be indulged, that hereafter the coll
ects may be turned out no worse men
than when they were received, which can
not be sail to have been the case in the
past. This will be some progress in the
right direction, and it’ anything better
comes of it, we can be thankful for it-
The punishment of criminals is at last the
important consideration, looking to the
protection and good of society. In this view
of tiie 7 -f, v- .hint tho i- groat
room for improvement iu our Peniten
tiary system. Labor in the Puiiiro-nuary
qs a.relief, and net n t-uiushmoni, ,ml we
>!iAG bot unit it wouiii lx* good to
provide tot a -nove e:w- tided svDi tu v’fo J
ary confinement for th- 8,1, 0
inf»’> ' - - Tiiis w-.ulJ J
the leiorii a ten we nave so earnestly re
commende ■ on tlie subject ofthe mechani
cal trades, as it would reduce the number
of those for whom employin-. nt should be
provided, at the same time it would do
what is now not done, furnish in soli'ary
confinement punishment adequate to the
offense ofliardened and infamous charac
ters.
It is impracticable to have a proper
Penitentiary system when the main object
in the eye ofthe Legislature is the expense
to be avoided and the profits to lie realized
j from it. If the system is to be kept up,
I of which wo express no opinion, the Leg
; islature and people must make up their
; minds to regard the question of expense as
secondary and subordinate to other and
more important considerations, in the
successful accomplishment of the objects
to which those other considerations look,
we will find ample compensation for the
expense which must nesessarily be incur
red in making the Penitentiary what it
ought to be, a place for the punishment of
crime, and relieving it from what it ought
not to be, and eye-sore to our worthy and
respectable mechanics.
It the views presented in this report
meet the approval ofthe Legislature, and
it is determined to erect a Penitentiary up
on the basis we have indicated, we would
recommend that an appropriation of not
less than one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars be made for that purpose. This
would prevent unnecessary delay in the
final location, and would enable the Com
missioners to he appointed to make the
purchase and enter at once upon tiie erec
tion of the necessary buildings and other
■improvements.
Weave, very respectfully, yours, etc.,
(Signed) Howell Cork,
Mark A. Cooper,
John 11. Fitten.
Letter from John Morrissey.
John Morrissey has the commendable
virtue of not wearying the public with much
speaking or much writing. Here is a letter
froTn him, written just before the late elec
tion which is interesting as a clue to his
personal history, and must have been u
trump card in the Congressional game:
Anson House, Spring Street, )
New York, Nov. 3, IsGO. J
To the Editors ofthe Herald: —My atten
tion has bacn called to an editorial article
in the Herald or to-day, in which it is stated
that I have been indicted for ‘‘burglary,
ithei ffe’i
It is a duty not only to myself but to the
mu '■ •' the fiftli Congressional district
for iiur--.' aziitf ‘t I .’-u -info' , 1
h"jiJ sin,,-, ifn- tUc:-. n w• . ifir,
but si-men years of .: : .Tamt a
were engaged in au ;*lteiv»itiuu v.v,!. a. r . v
ty ct‘ young men. and in that nitorcation
there was a door of a house Kicked open.
It was charged that I was one of those
who kicked open the door and struck one
of the opposing party. An affidavit was
made by one ol the men engaged in the
quarrel that I had broken open the door
and struck him. I was indicted for bur
glary and assault-and battery. The indict
ment for burglarly was never tried. The
district attorney regarded the charge as
too frivolous to he prosecuted, and sum
marly dismissed it. I was tried for the as
sault and battery and found guilty.
Before entering upon my canvass for the
position to which 1 aspire, 1 referred to
my past life, which, until wit hin |the last
eight years was one of adventure, in conse
quence.cf the poverty of my parents and
the few advantages l had in my early
youth. I commenced to labor for my own
livlihood and to a;-ist in the support of
inj lather and mother at the early age of
ten years. At that time most imys are
under the influence of domestic discipline,
and have the advantage of regular educa
tional training. Is it, therefore, strange
that I should have committed errors in my
early life ? There are few boys that have
not been guilty ol’ trifling assault and
battery. If I had had influential parents
and friends I would have been permitted,
probably, to have escaped with a repri
mand ; but having no one to say one kind
word for me—a poor, rough boy, working
in a foundry—l suffered the slight penalty
due to my boyish foil}-.
During my whole life no man can say
that I have ever wronged him, defrauded
him of a dollar, or even broken my given
word; l have had during the last eight
years business relations and connections
with many ofthebest men of this city, and
not one of them will say I am other than
a man of my word and of strict integrity :
1 have endeavored by my conduct to atone
for the mistakes of my youth. A'though
successful iii accumulating a competence, I
have never forgotten (hat I was once poor.
I have never turned a poor man from my
door, or deserted a friend in his need.
There has been much criticism in the news
papers in reference to my being a candi
date for Congress. It is natural that I
-hould meet with great opposition. A
man who has passed ' hrongh such varied
and strange .scenes of life, as I have must
expect to make bitter enemies and warm
friends, and jealousies and hostilities are
inseparable from political contests. But,
Vlr. jvhtor, 1 will state to you my motives
in being a candidate for Congress.
I have one boy, who is now twelve
years of age, who will have the bene*
fit of the best education this country
:an_ afford, and will have better oppor
tunities than 1 had, at his age, to start
upon an honorable career. [ foci it a duty
that I owe to him, toy only child, to make
my record as clear ami honorabic as possi
ble, that my manhood may atone for the
follies and errors of my youth, and leave
oohind me memories of which my son in
ifter years may be proud, and that will
■a>t no shadow upon his path through life..
I respectfully solicit, as an act of justice,
that this reply be publi shed your paper.
John Morrisey.
Co.vG.-frEXCV.—MassacliUßt-tts is last
establishing some claim to consistency in
her professions of regard for the negro.
She lias elected not only two negroes to
her State Legislature—to the seats once
filled by sueh men as John Quincy Adams,
Daniel Wei is ter, Caleb Cushing and Ed
ward Everett, but the “down trodden and
oppressed” race are figuring for an Alder
man, a Councilman and a School-Conmiit
tee-Man from one of the wards at her ap
proaching municipal election. Ihe radical,
ward committees are said to be alarmed at
tbe impudent demands of their black
brethren, and evidently fear a reaction in
the popular sentiment of the white folks.
The women are also reducing their theo-
ries of equality to practice—a fair daughter
of “ the Hub” having recently taken to
her bosom a negro formerly well known in
Savannah. It remains lor the future to
determine to what extent civilization is
promoted by these innovations,
The Times reiterates that the sole object
! of the mission of Gen. Sherman is to aid
| (gen. Castlenau, sent out by the Emperor of
J France to superintend the evacuation, by
1 acting as the representative govern
! ment, posset sed of authority to discuss tiie
quest: -n at issue, and to speak for Ameri
can interest".
The steamer Ccntralia, was seized at
Littlo Hock, Arkansas, by the Collector o
theSocerad-District of that Slate, for vio<
lotion of amended internal revenue law
relative to the removal of cotton from tho
collection districts before the payment of
tho tax. This is the first seizure of the
l»md tkai has been made.