Newspaper Page Text
QPjroiutle anD
WEDNESDAY
UOTERNOR .Ml Til’s MEHSAOE.
We publish this morning the fall text
of the l##t message ef his Excellency
Governor James M. Smith, ss read in
the General Assembly of Georgia, yes
terday. It is an able and comprehen
sive document.
The message shows that the amount
received into the State Treasury dnrin?
the last fiscal year was 82,332,933 38,
and the disbursements 82,280,435 26,
leaving a balance in the Treasury, Jan
nary Ist, 1877, of .8564,283 33. The
public debt, including the bonds matur
ing the present year, amounts to
$8 447,500. The Governor calls the at
tention of the Legislature to the report
of the Board of Trustees of the North
Georgia College, at Dahlonega, and re
commends that the snms asked for by
the Trustees be appropriated. He states
that the report of the State School
Commissioner presents a most
gratifying exhibit of the opera
tions of the Department ef Education
daring the past year, and shows that
from small beginnings Georgia’s system
of popular instruction, notwithstanding
all obstacles, has already attained a de
gree of usefulness most creditable to the
State. The system of common schools
although organized at an earlier day, did
not really go into affect until 1873. At
the close of the year 1871, there existed
a school debt in various counties of the
State amounting to more than $300,000.
This debt was due to school officers and
teachers for services rendered by them
to that date. The school fund, which
amounted October 1, 1871, to $827,-
083 09, has been, in violation of the
Constitution of the State, diverted from
its lawful object, and appropriated to
the payment of legislative and other ex
penses of the government. While teach
ers and school offioers clamored for their
pay, there was nothing to the credit of
the school fund in the Treasury. Almost
nniversal distrust of the system itself
prevailed, and it was feared that it had
reoeivsd a fatal blow in the vefy first
years of its existence.
This distrust, happily, under Demo
cratic government was soon dissipated.
The sohool debt was paid off, and the
•yatem gradually perfected, until now
every county in the State has its public
schools. Whites and blacks have shared
in its benefits. Since Gov. Smith’s in
duction into office, $1,271,638 have been
raised for the support of the school sys
tem. To this amount may be added
about $150,000, raised by annual local
city and county appropriations.
The aggregate number of conviots at
the close of last year was 1,108, of whom
114 were white nnd 994 were colored.
Daring the year 404 were received, 77
discharged, 18pardoned, 44 escaped and
58 died. The oonvicts were distributed
among seven lessees and were employed
during the year in mining, agriculture
and on publio works.
The oost of the Lunatic Asylum, con
taining 605 patients, was $88,816 65.
The cost of maintaining each patient
was 40 1-5 cents per diem, or $146 30
per annum. The co tin 1871 was 70
cents per diem, or $255 86 per annum.
Tbe Academy for the blind contains 67
pupils.
The Governor calls the attention of
the General Assembly to the great im
portance of direct trade and immigra
tion. The benefits to aocrue to the
State, he says, from the regular and sys
tematic introduction of trained labor
ers, are too manifest to require argu
ment. He earnestly commends the sub
ject to the favorable consideration of
the Legislature and suggests that it ac
cept the bid of Mr. J. 8. Gabtmhr, of
New York city, who propose# to
establish a line of ocean steamers be
tween Savannah and Liverpool in the
interest of immigration and direct
trade, the Legislature to secure to him
SBO,OOO in gold annually, in considera
tion of which he will run between the
places mentioned a first-class steamer
eaoh month or oftener if the trade
should warrant, and will oarry immi
grants for about one-half of the usual
fare between European porta and New
York.
The Gpvernor refers with national
pride to the excellent credit of the
State. State securities rated at thirty
per cent, disoonnt when ho entered
office are now above par. The entire
floating debt, amounting to more than
one and a quarter millions,has been paid;
the State has been relieved of a fraud
ulently contracted debt of $6,500,000,
while there has been no addition to
ihe bonded debt of the State contracted
on her own aocount.
The message will amply repay per
usal, and will show to the reader what
the Empire State of the South can ac
complish under a government of her
own selection. Governor Smith has
guided the ship of state with wisdom
and foresight, and goes ont of office
with the best wishes of the people.
In common, wa presume, with other
papers in the State, the Chbonicle and
Sentinel received an advance copy of
the message Wednesday, with compli
meuta of the Governor, bnt as it bore
toross its face the words, “Not to be
published until read in the General As
sembly,” we considered that it would
be not only a manifest discourtesy to
• the Governor, but a palpable breaoh of
good faith to publish it before it was ac
tually read in the Legislature.
Governor Robinson, of New York, is
opposed to the taxation of Ohuroh prop
erty-
Yandsrbilt is not going to escape the
(lie of most rich men, in having his es
tate fought over after his death. It is
•nnouneed that unless his ohief lergatee,
William H. Vandkbbilt, voluntarily
•hare# his prize with his less fortunate
brethren, a contest will ensne.
Non-oombustiblk railroad cars have
long been used for freight, and thus
proven to be practicable. In view of
the late disaster at Ashtabula, in which
Are did more destruction than gravita
tion, the soggeetion that iron be used
altogether for passenger cars is not un
worthy of consideration.
Wb publish this morning a eommuni
from a “New York Democrat”
upon Soath Carolina politics. It is
drawn forth by the article from a “Til
sun Democrat" in yesterday’s Chbonicle
and Skntinsl, and contains another bit
of the unwritten history of the reoent
campaign in South Carolina. We com
mand it to the attention of our readers.
Two ytwrs ago Whkbuer believed in
the investigation of Louisiana return
ing boards; now lie thinks they are
sacred and their decisions final. Up to
the present time the Republican party
has asserted that the war obliterated
every vestige of States rights. Mow
they are great sticklers for that sover
eignty. Ou which side soever they turn
their monuments confront them.
Mb. Chaffbk, of Colorado, has intro
duced a bill into the United States Sen
ate to prevent the use of stoves for heat
ing passenger ears. This action is prob
ably brought about by the recent Ashta
bula disaster, but the question is, what
jrill be substituted in|the place %f stoves
if a orohibition is put upon the use of
the latter ? The traveling public will
hardly be satisfied with unheated oars
in Winter.
Tra ceremony of proclaiming Queen
Victoria Empress oi India, • t T De^ hl ’
January 1, was, according to English
reports, very impressive. Lottos
presided, and eighty ruling Pnnee* of
HindosUn participated in the ceremo
nies. Thirteen thousand troops were
present, and every circumstance and in
cident of Eastern pomp and splendor
contributed to make the event the
grandest spectacle ever witnessed in
British India, which is saying a great
GOVERNOR COI4JUITT.
General A. H. Coujoirr was yester
day inaugurated Governor of the
State of Georgia for the next four year#.
The very large majority which Governor
Colquitt received shows that be is - a
favorite of the people and possesses
their esteem and confidence. We feer
assured that he will make an able and
conscientious Executive and at the eud
of hia term will be able to point with
pride to hi# administration. He is
thoroughly identified with the State and
has her best interest# w hernia i*
coming years he will work as he has in
the past, for her advancement, and be
able to contribute materially to her
prosperity.
The Governor’s inaugural address,
which will be found in our special dis
patches from Atlanta, is an able docu
ment. He states that he bnt speaks the
deep felt sentiment and echoes the public
voice when be say# we stand in immova
ble sympathy with the elected exponent
of constitutional liberty, retrenchment
and reform. In the grand popular ma
jorities in Georgia in the Gubernatorial
and Presidential elections is to be read
the overwhelming interest that Georgians
feel in the great issues now convulsing
the country, and also the fact
that the colored people have recognized
that onr own home-folks are their best
friends and hence have fraternized and
acted with ns politically. A large num
ber voted with us and swelled the
Gubernatorial and Presidential majori
ties beyond all precedent. The advance
ment of the race has been and will con
tinue to be our special trust and solemn
dnty. One of two things will be neces
sary in the future, he says, increased
taxation or retrenchment. The former
should be avoided and be strongly advo
cates the latter. He believes that this
course will be productive of much good
and carry its lesson into every house
hold in the State.
dirsct trade and immigration.
In bis message to the General Assem
bly, Governor Smith refers, with the
earnestness becoming the gravity of the
subject, to direct trade and immigra
tion, and suggests that the Legisla
ture take immediate action in regard to
it. This is a matter in which every
Georgian is directly interested. None
can to afford to treat it with ludiffer
ence. With a large area of unemployed
territory, with vast undeveloped agri
cultural, mineral and manufacturing re
sources, Georgia needs an increase of
earnest laborers who will turn all these
matters to account. What we need is
skilled labor or men with email capital.
There are thousands of fertile sores in
Georgia which oan be purchased for a
comparatively small amount and on
easy terms. Cotton, the cereal# and
the grape can be raised with profit to
the producer. If the proper spirit is
evinced, and the tide of immigration
once turned this way, we are convinced
that the plains and hills of Georgia will
be as much sought after in a few years
as the prairies of the West. We have
published lately,several interesting com
munications on this subject, showing
that anew interest IS being awakened in
the matter. Governor Smith strikes the
key note to the situation, and hiarecom
mendation is a good omen forthefnture.
EDUCATION IN GEORGIA.
To the blatant Radicals, and es
pecially those in Georgia, who have
been charging that Democratic govern
ments pay no attention to publio educa
tion, we refer that portion of Governor
Smith’s message which relates to this
subject as a practical and convincing
refutation of all suoh charges. When
Gov. Smith took charge of the State
government in 1871, the oommon sohool
system was in a lamentable oondition.
Funds raised for popular instruction
had been diverted into other channels
by Bollock and bis coadjutors, teach
ers were unpaid and nearly all the
schools closed. With the advent of
Democratic administration all this was
changed. The teaohers were paid, the
sohool system perfected and schools
established in every county in the
State. A large sum is annually rgised
for the support of this department and
the blacks, although paying but a very
small per centage of this amount,
enjoy its benefits equally with the
whites, who pay the taxes. In Rich
mond county, which has a separate sys
tem of its own, $21,000 is raised by
taxation yearly for the support of pub
lic schools. In every district children
of both races enjoy the benefits of edu
cation free of charge. Oolored children
are taught by teachers of their own
race, who reoeive good salaries. In no
part of the Union are better facilities
offered for obtaining a good educa
tion, These are wholesome truths
which caPBOt be denied. For the
reverse of tb# picture we point
to South Carolina, wlier# the Republi
can party has had full sway since the
war. Practically there ia no suoh thing
as a publio sohool system in the State.
Children, white and colored, have to de
pend solely upon private schools, and,
as a natural consequence, only a very
small proportion of the youth of the
State are able to go to acfeopl at all.
There is no money in the Treasury to
tun any branch of the government,
much less the educational department.
The taxes, heavy and oppressive as they
have been, bare been used for the pri
vate purposes of the grasping, irre
sponsible crew who have oppressed the
State for so many years. The trustees
of the Peabody fund have plainly set
forth the blighting influence of Repub
lican government in the South, upon
the cause of edwetion, in their reoent
report. _
WHAT WOULD FOLLOW TILDES'® IN
AUGURATION.
The Memphis Appeal, in considering
what is moat likely to start the country
again upon a career of prosperity, says.
The overthrow of the fraud bv whfeih it ie
proposed to elect Hayes. and the inauguration
of Tildkn as President of the United States,
will bo the signal for the general restoration of
confidence with which will come peace and
prosperity. Idle capital will eeek legitimate
channels’ idle workmen will find work: bu-i
--ness will resume an activity unknown; sec
tional strifes, which the Bsdioaia have foster
ed, will be forgotten in a general era of na
tional harmony, mid the country will bound
forward with renewed impetus. Such will ba
the result of the overthrow of the conspira
tors. Iu every pert of the country we hear the
same unvarying cry that business is virtually
paraljz and ; times are hard, and constantly
groeing harder; money is scarce and con
stantly growing scarcer. There never were as
many' persons out of employment as now;
never as much financial embarrassment among
ail classes; never as much uncertainty and
distrust in every department of commercial
and industrial enterprise. This unfortunate
condition of affairs ie pertly attributable to
other eausee besides the pohtiasl situation;
but were it not for that situation and the
doubt and danger which accompany R, there
would be e cheering prospect of brighter and
better days- To suppose that the peaceful in
auguration of a President who ie no President
will be a panacea for all our ills ia supremely
ridtcujoM*, The remedy will aggravate in
stead of cure the disease. Instead of pouring
oil upon the troubled patera, it will be oil
poured into an already flereely burning Are.
We firmlv behave that if Tamm obtains the
which he has been eieoted the nation
will speedily enjoy the peace and prosperity it
so sadly needs s pad we just sa firmly believe
that if Hates obtains the office to Which he
was not elected, national pease and proeperity
will be postponed indefinitely, if not forever.
Those of ns who have been complain
ing about the prolonged oold wither in
this section *eU twsole ourselves
with the idea that we are better off than
in some other portions of the
Union. At Louisville a day or two
ainee the thetmomaSer sagjatared 27 de
grees below sera. Water pipes hunted
in every direction, and the dtinens were
rednoed to the necessity (4 drinking
melted snow water. Our dispatches tell
us that at Watertown, Mew York, the
mercury feH fifty degrees in ten hours,
and at 10 o’clock yesterday morning,
registered 30 degi*e§ MjUw jero. In
comparison with that sort of tiling we
have been having torrid weather all
the Winter in Augusta,
. THE LEGISLATURE.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE BEAD.
Coautin# the Fete far Gevereer—CeUeßt’e
MeJerfcy—The InauaratUa Te-Dar—
Comptroller Geldsmkhte he iMTeMttested
-The Heero to Have a Chaplain.
[Special Dispatch to the Chronieleasjd Sentinel]
Atlanta, January 11.— Both Houses
met in joint session at noon, to witness
the counting of the vote for Governor,
which resulted as follows : Total vote
cast, 144,839; of which God. 4- P- Qil
auitt received 111,297; and Jonathan
majority of 77,853. The inauguration
of Governor Colquitt will take place at
noon, to-morrow. The annual message
of hia Excellency, Governor Smith wis
read, as follows : >
To the General Assembly :
I have the honor to communicate to the
General Assembly each information as is
deemed proper, in reference to the condition
of (be Commonwealth, and to suggest for
their consideration the measures thought ne
cessary and expedient.
The cash balance in the Treasury January 1.
1876, as shown by th 6 Treasurer’s report of
that date was #511,785 21. The amount re
ceived into the Treasury during the last fiscal
year as will appear by reference to the reports
of the Comptroller-General and of the Treas
urer, herewith submitted #2,332 938 38.
The diaburuemenU during the Uet fiscal year
smnnntAMl to #2,280,435 26. The objects for
which these disbursements were made are par
ticularly stated in the accompanying reports.
The baunce remaining in the Treasury Janu
ary 1, 1877, was #564,283 33.
The public debt as shown by said reports,
including the bonds maturing the present year
amount to $8,447,£00. This statement does
not include the bonds of the Maoon and Bruns
wick Bailroad Company, and of the North and
South Bailroad Company, endorsed by the
State and for the payment of which the liabil
ity of the State is recognized. The snms ne
cessary to meet the annual interest upon these
bonds should be included in the appropriation
made for .the payment of the accruing interest
on the publio debt.
Id accordance with the provisions of tbQ *ct
approved February 24, 1876, five huodred and
forty-two 7 per oent bends of the State of
#I,OOO each were executed, for the purpose of
funding the accrued interest upon bonds of
the Macon and Brunswick Bailroad Company,
and of the North and South Bailroad Company
for which the State was liable. The disposition
made of these bonds and of the proceeds aris
ing from the sale thereof, is fully shown in
the accompanying annnsl and special reports
of t >e Treasurer.
The attention of the General Assembly is
respectfully called to the estimates of the
proDable receipts and disbursements At the
Treasury during the present fiscal yeaff I also
commend to your consideration the several
amendments of the law suggests# by the
Comptroller-General.
State University.
For particular information in regard to the
condition of the State University of the Col
lege of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts,
and of the branch of the latter established at
Dahlonega, the General Assembly is respect
fully referred to the accompanying reports. The
reoeipts for the last collegiate year, from all
sources, including #6,000 of the special appro
priation by the Legislature for the pnrohase of
apparatus, amounted to #41,820 99, and the
expenditures for the same period were
#B9 449 63. I would invite special attention to
thu report of the Board of Trustees of the North
Georgia Agricultural College, looated at Dab
lonega. 'J his institution was attended by over
three hundred students daring the past year.
Fifty of these, in the latter part of year be
came teachers end instructors of over four
thousand children in the oommon schools of
the Mate. From all the information I have
received, this college is performing its whole
duty to the public %s *u institution of learn ng.
and I respectfully recommend that the sums
asked foi its benefit by the Board of Trustees
be appropriated.
Common Schools.
The attention of the General Assembly is
specially invited to the accompanying report
of the State Sohool Commissioner, and to tne
suggestions and recommendations therein set
forth. The reports presents a most gratifying
exhibit of the operations of the Department
of Education during the past year, and shows
that from email beginnings onr system of
popnlar instruction, notwithstanding all ob
stacles, has already attained a degree
of usefulness most creditable to the
State. Financial embarrassments arising from
a misappropriation of its lawful resources, the
impoverished condition of our people, and, I
regret to add. some difference of opinion as to
the wisdom of any system of eduoation at the
publip expense, have been the chief difficulties
with which we have had to contend. I am
pleased to be able to state, however, i hat these
obstacles are fast disappearing, and that our
Boheol system bids fair to be planted, at an
early day, on a foundation so firm and enduring
that no frm of opposition can disturb it.
4 brief resume of the history of potular ed
ucation since spy entry on tbe duties of the
Executive office, may not be out of place in
this, my last annual communication to the
General Assembly. Qur system of common
schools, although organized at an earlier day,
did not really go into effect until the year
1873. We had a Common School Commissioner,
and a tax for the support of sohools had been
levied and collected. Schools had been put
into operation ip some of the oountiee and
teaohere employed; but, at the olose of the
year 1871, there existed a school debt in vari
ous counties of the State amounting to more
thau #300,000. This debt was due to school
officers and teachers, for services rendered by
them to that date. The sohool fund, which
amounted October Ist, 1871, to #327,083 09,
had been, in violation of the Constitution of
the State, diverted from its lawful object, and
appropriated to the payment of legislative and
other expenses ef the government While
teachers and school officers clamored fer their
pay, there was nothing to the credit of the
school fund in the Treasury. Almost universal
distrust of ihe system itself prevailed, and it
was feared that it haid received a fatal blow in
the very first years of its existence.
From the lack of mesne to pay the teachers,
no schools were taught in the rear 1872, and
the Commissioner devoted his attention to
systematizing the work under the law passed
iu August of that year. Not only the accumu
lated debts had to be paid, but it was also
neoessary to raise funds to revive and ie
establiah schools. The Legislature of 1872
provided that a tax should be levied to raise
money to pay the claims of teachers and
sohool officials. Under the operation of this
law, #174,000 was raised and paid to claimants,
and by other legislation, since adopted, these
local (tebts have been almost entirely extin
guished. In this year 1878, sohools were again
put in operation, and have increased in num
ber until every county of the State has its
school organization. Means for the support
of schools are regularly and punctually sup
plied, and no well-founded claim upon the
sohool fpnd, in any oopnty in the State, re
mains unsatisfied’
while these facte are meet gratifyipg, the
increased interest and confidence ip the sys
tem arc forcibly exhibited by the following
figures, taken from the Commissioner's report:
School attendance in 1871 was, whites. 42 914
“ “ “ colored.. 6,664
Total 49.578
The attendance ip 1878 was, whites..... 63.922
M ‘f II I‘ colored. , 19.755
Total.. 83.671
Attendance in 1874 was, whites 63,167
“ “ “ colored 42,374
T0ta1.... W 5.541
Attendance iu 1875 was, whites 105,990
“ i* i* c010red........ 50.359
Total 156,394
Attendance in 1876 was, white* 121,418
“ “ colored 67.987
Total 179,405
Increase of attendance over that of 1875, 23,011
The aiponnt of mopey raised foj the support
of the tphool system, my induction to
office, is as follows:
Amount raised under Act of W 72. for
payment of school debts of 1871. .# 174,000
Amount apportioned for support of
schools in 1873..250,000
Amount apportioned for support of
schools in 1874 235,000
Amount apportioned and paid for
support of schools in 1875... 281,319
Amount apportioned aiffi paid for
support of schools in 1876 291,319
Total : #1,271,638
It ie feat due to certain communities in this
State to add tfe#t, with 4 public spirit most
praiseworthy, the above sufej has been ’supple
mented by annual local city and foupfy appro
priations, to the amount of between #l*o,ooo
and #156.000. 7 , . .
In thit connection, 1 take pleasure in bear
ing testimony to the ability and fidelity with
which the present Commissioner ha# discharg
ed the various ana diSjcult duties of his office.
To him, in a grea f measure, belongs the credit
of having achieved success for the system in
the face of grave obstacles. By public die
ouseions, both oral and written, and by faith
fu ness aad untiring energy in the discharge
of hie official duties, fee has done much towards
removing popnlar prejudice against the sys
tem, and to place its merits in a light to bo
readilv comprehended by the public mind.
We have only to go forward as we have com
menced, ip order tp perfect our system of
education, and to pI#CC Qeotgia in a position
of proud pre-eminence among her sister
States. Defects existing in the system should
be carefully remedied by legislation, and by a
judicious administration of details.
I respectfully commend to the favorable
consideration of the General Assembly, the
suggestion—m re than once urged by the
State School Commisaioner—that tbe donation
annually midp M> tfee Atlanta University be
withdrawn from thatoblect. and be devoted to
the establishment of Sbmal Schools tor the
education of oolored teachers, Aigumen is
not needed to demonstrate that by this change
useful learning would be more widely diffused
among the colored people, and, consequently,
i greater amount of good accomplished.
Hiere are otfesr valuable and timely recom
mendations in the report that should claim
Tour attention. I earnestly commend our
School system, ae a whole, to the fostering care
of the representatives of the people-
Conualssiener ef Agriculture and State
GrotegWt .
I invite the careful attention of the General
Aasemblv to the reports of the Commissioner
“do* **• Geologist,
herewith transmitted.
In 1874.1 had the honor of recommending
♦n the Legislature the establishment of a De
partmJjntofAgricultui-e. In February of that
L,n Act was passed in aooordance with
said nri-r—and the department wag
prsetieri operation.
The experience of mWjo yearn has demon
strated that it ia on* of V*e most valuable ad
juncts of the State government. The detec
tion and prevention of fraud ui the minufac
mm of fertilizers has already saved to the
’ ssi is™*;
7Z n The collection end dissemination of in
££at£££p£*lng.be of
fKmeoonomy barsetoitedan activeinterest
SSS.'
loi to, SSsstb
methods <5 husbandry. aM m the WUltjglipV
ti<m of our industrial resources.
Sw Liginlature of I#7*. which organized
tse ssaS-rofi
Mata Geologist, and for a geologic*! survey of
Ue'S#a‘#' w work fias fejsen proeecutad vif
oroualv ani intelligently. There have fcepn
slrssdT st the SSPitl more than ten
thousand specimens of mineral rppka, fossils,
plants and woods, appropriately arranged aad
labeled according to counties. A general geo
logical map of the State ha * been prepared,
showing the formations which contain the va-
Fiona minerals useful in the arts and valuable
for commerce- The characteristic soils have
been collected from all the counties visited and
the vegetation peculiar to each noted.
One effect of the survey already observed is
tbe attration of foreign oapital to the State,
and its employment in remunerative work in
the long abandoned mines of the gold regon.
The disebvery of immense beds of marl in the
southern and western portions of the Sta e is
another interesting and highly important re
sult of the survey. Hie value of the informa
tion already obtained, and yet to be acquired,
from the labors in this department, can
hardly be over-estimated. We have never
fully appreciated, because we have not
understood, the great value of our in
heritance. The comparative analyses of
the virgin soils of the State, shew a va iety
and fertility unsurpassed by any legion of the
earth. Geurgtahas water power sufficient to
drivb the looms knd spindles of the world, and
a mineral wealth whose extent is almost be
yond computation. "
But these, as well as other inviting fields of
enterprise, will probably remain neglected, if
not upturned by scientific investigation.
When the “ Mineralogical, Geological and
Physical sutvey” of the State shall have been
completed, and the grand results officially pro
mulgated. a powerful impetus will be given to
the development of onr material resources,
and anew era of prosperity and progress will
dawn upon Georgia.
Aftoroey-Ueaeral’s Report.
Hie accompanying report cf the Attorney-
General shows the oondition of the official bu
sinee in his charge, and tbe disposition made
of the public money collected by him during
the past year, This report —containing as it
does a particular statement of the action taken
in all the cases in the hands of the Attorney-
General daring the period mentioned —is an
exceedingly important one, and I specially in
vite the attention of the General Assembly to
ite contents. Some of the cases determined
during the year were of great interest, both
on aocount of the questions decided and the
amounts of money involved. By the decision
of the Supreme Court of the United States in
the Bailroad Tax cases, ths power of the Leg
islature to impose an ad valorem tax upon .the
property of certain railroad companies has
been settled adversely to the State.
During the year certain criminal prosecu
tions, commenced in the State Courts against
Federal soldiers for alleged vioiations of law,
were, by virtue of a statute of the United
Statee, transferred to the Federal Circuit Court
for trial. There is no provision of law for the
prosecution of ench caees in that Court, and
the Attorney-General calls attention to the
propriety of remedying the defeot by legisla
tion. He also suggests that the law be amend
ed so as to enable the Comptroller General to
traverse the correctness of tax returns made
by railroad companies.
During ]#st year suits were brought in the
Courts of Tennessee against ths Western and
Atlantic Bailroad, for the recovery of certain
claims growing out of what is usually known as
tbe "Tennessee Car Company contract,” The
aggregate amount of these claims is large,
and the Attorney-General, un -’ er instructions,
retained Messrs. Cook, Van Dyke Sc Cook, to
represent the State in the o&Ußes. These at
torneys have entered the proper defense, and
as far as possible have taken steps to protect
the Treasury agaiDßt these fraudulent claims.
Befere passing from the report of the At
torney-General, it is not out of place to certify
to the faithfulness and efficiency with whicti
he has performed his public duties.
Penitentiary.
I herewith transmit the report of the Prin
cipal Keeper of the Penitentiary for the year
just closed. Jt contains a fall and satisfactory
account of the opeiations of that institution
during the period indicated. The number of
convicts at the close of the year 1875 was 926,
of whom 91 were white and 835 were colored.
In these figures are included 1 white and 30
oolored female conviota.
Tbe aggregate number of convicts at the
olose of last year was 1,108, of whom 114 were
white and 994 were colored. The number of
conviots received during the year was 404; the
number of discharges, 77; the number pardon
ed, 18; the number of escapes, 44; and tbe
number of deaths, 58. .
Ths conviots were distributed among seven
lessees; and were employed during the year in,
mining, agriculture and on publio works. The
number of escapes and of deaths is worthy of
attention. It is believed that the sanitary
measures and the general care of the lessees
were equal to those of former years, when the
mortality was much less and that the unusual
number of deathe is to be ascribed to the ex
ceptional beat of the Bummer months (quite a
number having died of sun-stroke) and to the
diseased oonditien of many of the convicts
when received into the Penitentiary. It is
hoped that the change soon to be inaugurated
under the act passed at the last session, wMI
produce a practical and permanent reform of
all the evils existing in the present system.
In April last I published an advertisement
inviting bids fowthe Penitentiary convicts un
der the provisions of the act approved Feb
ruary 25, 1876. In response to the" advertise
ment bids were received and esnsidered, and
the convicts were let, under the previsions of
the ’ act, to three companies, designated as
Penitentiary Companies No. 1, No. 2 and No.
3. By the terms of their several contracis
these companies agreed to take the whole of
the convicts for a period of twenty yeare. to
commence after the expiration of the then
existing leases, for the s -m of #500,000, to he
paid in twenty equal annual installments of
$25,000. The company designated as Peni
tentiary Company No. 1 contracts to take
three hundred able-bodied long term men, to
be kept up to that number so long as there
shall be so many in the Penitentiary. These
convicts are to be employed in mining, as is
provided by the statute referred to. The
Companies Nos. 2 and 3 severally contract to
take, each, one-half of the number of con
victs remaining, and to keep and employ them
as the law authorizing the lease requires.
Each company has given bond and security for
the faithful performance of its contract, and
for the management, control and safe-keep
ing of the conviots committed to its care. It
is further stipulated in the contract,that in all
cases where oonvicts under existing lea>os
shall be thrown upon the hands of the State,
the lessees under the new contracts shall
take possession of the same, and shall hold,
manage and control thorn according to the
provisions of their several contracts and
bonds until the first day of April, 1879, when
the term of the twenty-year leases will com
mence to run.
These companies are composed of citizens of
Georgia of high character, and in the con
tracts entered into with them the State pos
sesses a guarantee that her criminals, while
receiving humane treatment, will also oeaHo,
in a great degree, to he a burden to her
honest and law-abiding people.
Sinoe these several contraois were made, it
has been found neoessary to establish a per
manent State Prison for eaoh of the com
panies. That af Penitentiary Company No.
1 has heeu located at the .mines of the Dade
Coal Company, in the county of Dade ; that of
No. 2 at a point five miles west of tbe city of
Albany, in the c-unty of Dougherty ; and
that of No. 3 near Skull Shoals, in the county
of Greene.
Ths Penitentiary question has thus been
disposed of for a period of twenty years from
and after the first day of April, 1879 ; and
while the solution reached has not in all re
spects been entirely satisfactory, it is, never
theless, in my judgment, tfee very best oue
whica, under the circumstances, could have
been made.
Lunatic Asylum.
The report of the Trustees of the Lunatic
Asylum shows the operations of that institu
tion during the past year. The number at
Satients at the date of the report was six hun.
red and five, and the cost of their mainten
ance. including salaries of officers, for the
year, was $88,816 65. The cost of maintain
ing each patient was 40 1-5 cent-i per diem, or
$146 30 per annum. The cost in 1871 was 70
cents per diem, or $255 86 per annum for eaoh
patient, showing a reduction of nearly fifty
per oent. in’ tbe oost of maintenance. It is
believed that there is bnt little room foi im
provement in the administration of the affairs
of the Asylum. The expenses have been re
duced to the lowest point consistent with effi
cient management, and with the benevolent
aims of the institution.
The Trust- es suggest that, by changes of
the interior construction of the buildiugs, an
addition of seventy-eight rooms, affording ac
commodation to nearly or quite oue
hundred patients, oan bes cured at
a cost not exceeding $12,500. The
Trustees also suggest ttyat fwo addi
tional brick buildings Off the premises could
be erected for the accommodation of ope nun
dred and twenty-five patients, at a cost of less
than $30,000. They also express the opinion
that it will not be necessary for some years to
come to make provision for more than one
hundred additional patiepts. Jn this opinion
I fully copcpr. .
-The General Assembly, at the fast session,
appropriated $20,000 for the purpose qf con
structing water vprfes at tbe Asylpm- lam
gratified to b# able to state tfeat these works
have been completed, and that an abundant
supply of pure spring water is now furnished
to the buildings.
On the night of the 15th December, 1876, a
fire occurred at the Asylum, which destroyed
the workshop and contents and the laundry
house, with its valuable machinery and much
clothing. The lose is a serious one to the in
stitution, and regard to economy and conven
ience requires that it should be repaired with
the least possible delay. More thau $10,090 ef
the appropriation for the fesylutn authorized
last vear has not been drawh, the saving tf
which is due to careful economy in the inter
nal management of the institution.
I recommend that the appropriation asked
for by the trustees (#9,000) be made for the
purpose of replacing the buildings destroyed,
and refitting them with the requisite ma
chines.
the trustees submit estimates for the main
tenance of the Asylum for the present year, to
which I respectfully invite your attention. I
also recommentj t-iiaf investigation of the
claim of Meaere. Eakea IfcEelfrpeh against
the Asylum, referred to in the report, be
made, and tfeat a sum sufficient to pay the
amount found due them be appropriated.
Deaf and Dumb Asylum.
Accompanying this communication will be
found the annnal report of the trustees and
officers'bf the institution for the education of
the deaf and dumb. According to the report,
the affairs of the institution are in a satisfac
tory oondition, and there is no immediate ne
cessity for furtpej.’ legislation on itefeehalf.
Under a joint resolution Of the General As
sembly, approved February 26,1876, a board of
visitors, consisting of three citizens of the
State was appointed to visit this institution,
and investigate any irregularities or deficien
cies exist'ng in its government. This Board
was further required to report to the Govern
or and the General Assembly, at its next ses
sion,' "whatf reforms and reoommenditions are
necessary and proper fof the better manage
ment and successful operation of tfee institu
tion.” A majority •and a minority report have
been submitted by tfee Board, whiefe ar# here
with transmitted for tfes information of the
General Assembly. These reports differ in re
lation to the best system of government for
the institution, but rot in rsfsrenoe to the
management of ite affairs under the existing
svstem The high character and intelligence
of the members of the Board entitle their
opinions to the careful consideration of tho
General Assembly.
Cror*i* Academy fer the Blind.
Hie oondition of tfee Georgia Academy for
the blind is satisfactory,* aa appears from the
report of the board of trustees. The Academy
flftv-seven pupils, and their progress
during the past year was highly encouraging.
The sum of #4.651 38 was expended during the
vear in repairing and re-fumishmg the mam
building, am} ufetectiag and fitting feP 4 Sub
stantial and commodious workahop on the
irronnds of the Academy. Provision has been
made for A considerable addition to the num
ber of pupils, and, also, for their better in
struction in the useful arte.
jfablic Printer.
On the th of March last, the resignation of
B. JL Alston, as Public SteteTrintef was ac
cepted. On the Bth day of the aaaM month,
Henry G. Wright, of the county of Richmond,
was appointed to fiU
ofrformeifebol. by reason of Hie fact# re fer
redtofthe execution of ths public printing hss
been somewhat delayed. Among the subjects
which will require the attention of the Gener
al Assembly, at the present session, is the elec
tim of State Printer,to fill ihe unexpired term
of said office
Macon and Brnnswick Railroad.
Avery full report by tbe State’s Board of
Directors, is transmitted therewith. The op
erations of the road for# the past year, as
therein set forth, may be briefly stated as fol
lows :
Earnings for year ending Novem
ber SO, 1876 #317,829 18
Expense account to same date 307.054 78
Net earnings $10,744 40
To the item of earnings it is legiti
mate to add a balance due from
other roads, as per agreement for
division of business and reve
nues, amounting to $47,701 32
Making total aet earnings $58’,445 72
Of the $47,701 32 due from other roads, as
above, there has been paid, as per supplement
al report, the sum of $28,097 62, leaving stiU
a balance against them of $29,703 70, which
every effort is beiDg made to collect.
The policy of the State being to dispose of
the road at the earliest day practicable, the ef
forts of the Directors have been rather to the
improvement of its condition than the produc
tion of revenues Much has been accomplish
ed in this wsy, and the Board have advertised
for sealed proposals of purchase or base to
be received up to the 23d day of January,
instant. Should an acceptable bid be made,
the road will be sold or leased ; if not, there
will be ample tine fer the General Assembly
to take such action with regard to it as in its
wisdom may Beem most expedient. The va
rious recommendations of the Directors are
submitted for a Ike consideration.
North and Neath Railroad.
The report ol tbe Receiver of this work
shows that it is Ismg operated at an expense
to tbe State, its receipts being less than its ex
penditures. and vith little prospect of improve
ment iu this regard. The yearly account is
thus stated:
Expense account $9,013 95
Earnings 8,681 63
Excess of expense over earnings... 332 32
The shortness ef the road, and the unfavor
able character of the country which it tra
verses, preclude all idea of conducting it with
profit to the State. The Receiver presents an
alternative—eithar to extend the road at the
State’s expense to a point beyond the moun
tains. twelve miles distant from the p esent
terminus, (much of the grading being air, ady
dene), or else to sell the property for what it
will bring. The whole matter is submitted for
your decision without re:ommeßdation. I may
remark, howe’er, that I have seen no reason
to change my opinion that the State will con
sult its best interest by riddiug itself of all
ownership in, and responsibility for, such pro
perty, even at a tolerable loss.
Memphis Branch Railroad.
As stated in my message of January, 1875,
the Memphis Branch Railroad, having com
plied with all the conditions of an Act entitled
"An Act to extend the aid and loan the credit
of the State of Georgia to the Memphis Branch
Bailroad Company.” Ac,, approved Ootober 22,
1870, and having made formal application for
such aid, an Executive order was issued May
12, 1874, providing for the State’s endorsement
of the bonds of said company to the amount
of thirty-four thousand dollars ($34,000), the
Bame being one-half tho estimated value of a
section of said road then completed and equip
ped.
In the month of May. 1876, being first satis
fied by competent testimony that the interest
which accrued and became due on the bonds
of the company thus endorsed by the State, on
the first days of January and July of the year
1875, was not paid bv the company when the
same matured and become payable, by virtue
of authority conferred by said Act of October
22, 1874, I seized and took possession of stud
road, with all its property, and placed the same
in the hands of Robert T. Fouche, as agent, to
hold and manage it for the benefit of the State.
A copy of this order will be found among the
accompanying documents, and this action is re
ported in order that the Legislature may take
such further steps for the protection of the in
terest of the State, as affected by said endorse
ment, as to it may seem best.
Direct Trade and Immigration.
From the foundation of the Government
down to a very recent period, the tide of emi
gration from the Old World, upon reaching
our Bhores, was, by skillful management, di
rected almost exclusively to the Northern and
Northwestern States of the Union. Notene
m the hundred of the millions who have sought
homes on the great North Amerioan continent,
has found his way to the State of Georgia. I
am glad to say that we now have it in our
power to bring about a change in this respect,
and to divert to our ports at least a portion of
the large numbers of immigrants who still
continue to seek work and homes in the New
World. As the great advantages which we
possess become known abroad, much interest
is created among immigrants, and their a gents
and shippers; and. as a consequence, frequent
applications have been addressed to the Gov
ernor. and other State officials, for informa
tion as to our climate, soil, and other cognate
subjeots For this gratifying change, and the
prospects whioh it holds out, we are indebted,
primarily, to the salubrity of our unrivalled
climate, and, secondarily, to the admirable
work of our Geological and Agricultural De
partments. These departments were organized
in 1874, and yet their labors ate already at
tracting increasing attention to the mineral
and agricultural wealth of the State, both m
this country and in Europe, and especially
among immigrants.
In this connection, I beg leave to respect
fully invite the attention of the General As
sembly to the accompanying letter of Mr. J.
8. Gartner, of New York city. It will be seen
that he proposes to establish a line of ocean
‘steamers between Savannah, in this State, and
Liverpool, England, in the interest of Immi
gration and Direct Trade. His proposition,
briefly stated, is as follows : That the Legisla
ture shall secure to him, by au act, the sum of
$60,000, gold, per anuum. for three years, in
semi-annual payments : That, in consideration
of this Bubsidy. he will contract to run be
tween Savannah and Liverpool, stopping at
Queenstown aa occasion may require, a first
class steamer each month—or oftener if the
trade should warrant—adapted to the #ervioe
and fitted for first-class, as well as for steerage
passengers. That he will carry steerage pass
engers, or immigrants, for three pounds and
ten shillin s each, which is about one-half
the usual fare between European porta and
New York; and that he will commence
the service as soon as the subsidy is seoured,
and the details for running the line are com
pleted.
Under our present Federal revenue laws,
foreign goods oan be imported "in bond” to
interior Southern and Western cities, and the
establishment of a direct Hue of ocean steam
ers from Europe would thus enable the rail
roads of Georgia to compete with the truuk
lines of the more Northern States. In ad
dition to this advantage, would be the benefit
conferred on one of our own sea ports, in tiie
increased business brought to it, and the secur
ing of a direct export by steamship, instead of
by the circuitous and more expensive route
through Northern ports. Such a line would
also give a great impetus to immigration, aud
to the sale and settlement of the large tracts
of uncultivated land ip the State. This, of
itself, would secure to our people the speedy
return of the cost of establishing direot steam
communication with tbe Old World.
Such an enterprise would probably be atten
ded with loss to the owners of the line in toe
beginning, and hence a subsidy is required
until tfee undrtaking oan be started and plaoed
beyond contingency. Similar grants of money,
I believe, are usual in other States where it
has been found desirable to encourage immi
gration.
The benefits to accrue to the State from the
regular and systematic introduction of trained
laborers, are too manifest to require argument.
If we estimate the value to the State of eaoh
able-bodied man brought into it at SI,OOO, and
allow that eaoh immigrant brings with him
SIOO in cash, it will be seen that ihfe annual
arrival of one thousand immigrants would add
to our working and actual capital $1,100,000
per annum. In ten years the addition to our
wealth, upon a reasonable estimate, would be
from $10,000,000 to $15,01)0,000, supposing
there was no increase of the number of an
nual arrivals. These immigrants would re
quire homes and work for themselves apd
families, and these we can supply upon reason
able terms. Tbe territory of tfee State em
braces about SfJ,OQO 'square qiiles, or 37,120.000
acres of laiid, of wfiiph it is estimated tfeat
about 7,000,000 of acres only are in cultiva
tion, leaving, say, 30,000,000 acres idle
and unproductive. It is to the interest
of every cit.zen of the State, proprietors
and others, that these vast tracts of laud
s quid fee broqgfet info cultivation, and the
sooner this is done the better fop all.
if to the afeovp estimated yalfee to the Stjte
of every immigrant if ho arriye upon ofer sfeorcs
we add tfee increased value of our jands and
other property resulting from hjs settlement
in our borders, some idea may be formed of
the vast value cf tho farms in Georgia in 1870,
as shown by the last census, was, in round
numbers, $94,000,000. The estimated value of
the farms at the same time in Illinois, a com
paratively new State, was $920,000,000, or ten
times as much as tfee value of those in thu
State. This great disparity does not arise
from the fact ihat the products of the lands in
Illinois are ten times as valuable as are those
of the lands in Georgia, but principally from
the large immigration and settlement of skill
ed laborers, and th® consequent larger area in
cultivation in the former State. It is not as
- liming anything fo bay that what immigration
has dene for Illinois and Other States', it will
do fop Georgia also, if we wiU but adept
the nepessaiy measures tp ayail ourselves of
its fepnefitg.
Qur colored laborers arp usually removing,
in considerablp numbers, beyond the Missis
sippi, and those who remain behind yyili proba
bly, not one in a hundred, eyer become land
owners; while of the hardy, industrious white
immigrants W ht > Sfi e !f Wflrfe mq n g fts. n#iriy
all would invest their first earnings in the pur
chase of homes for themselves and families.
I therefore earnestly commend the subject
lo the favoratle esnsideration of the General
Assembly, aod suggest that the offer submit
ted by Mr. Gartner be accepted, the necessary
appropriation made, and the Governor author
ized to close the contract at the earliest day
practicable.
Report of Secretary of State.
Tfee attention of the General Assembly is re
speqtfnlly invited ti the acoompanying report
of the Secretary of State, and to the several
suggestions therein made.
Upon the petition of the Municipal Authori
ties and of the Belief Association of the city
of Brunswick, au Executive order Was Issued
November 6. 1876, silt pending the collection of
the’Stitte tax in the county of Glynn, until the
neit meetiiig of the’ General Assembly. The
petition represented that, by reason qf thp ter
rible epidemic through wfeiefe the city of
Brunswick was then passing, and the embar
rassed condition of the tax payers oaused
thereby, the enforoed oollection of the Btate
tax at that time would work great hardship to
the people of the county. Under the circum
stances, I thought the request a proper one,
and the petition was accordingly granted
Paragraph 16, sectien 2, of the Act to levy a
tax for the support of the government for the
year 1876, ia in the following words :
"Upon all dealers in patent and intoxicating
bitten, brandy, fruit, or other articles of like
character, the sum of twenty-five dollars
for each place of business where such articles
are sold.”
In the early part of last year, petitions were
received from the druggists of Atlanta, Macon,
Savannah and Columbus, asking a tus. enaion
of the collection of said t x until tfee next
meeting of tfee General Assembly. Tbe peti
tioners represented that they were already
taxed as druggists by the Federal Government
in the sum of $25, and that besides a tax on
sales, they paid to the State a specific tax of
$25 for the privilege of vending drags, medi
cines, Ac. They contended that the paragraph
refer ed to was admitted into the Tax Act of
1876 through inadvertent#, fit without due
consideration; and asked that the opportunity
for reaisi'on might be given to the Legisla
tore. **
(The petition was grouted by an Executive
order ie-ued June 8,1876-
By a Joint Resolution of the General Assem
bly. approved February 26,1876: the Governed
organization of the State, to revue that p#r
tion of the Code whioh relates to ‘The Volun
k’lhe members of said Board were appointed
daring the past Summer, and, I presume, th 6
result of their deliberations will be placed be
fore the General Assembly, at the present
session, as said resolut:ou requites
At the last session of the General Assembly
three several acta proposing amendments of
the Constitution of this State, were passed,
and reoeived Executive approval. In order
XI at said amendments should take effect, it is
neoesaarv that the acts proposing them should
be passed by “two successive Legislatures.”
If the present General Assembly should con
cur with its predecessor in regard to the merit
of said amendments, it will therefore be ne
cessary that the action above indicated be
taken 'at the present session.
By an act of the last General Assembly, the
Governor was direct and to require from the
captain, or other officer, of such companies as
were called out by reason of the insurrection
ary movements in Washington and adjoining
counties, a particular and sworn statement of
the number of meu and horses employed in
Buch service, the time for which they were so
employed, Ac., and to report the same to the
next General Assembly for their action. In
obedience to the requirement of said aet, I
transmit herewith such evidence of the ser
vice referred to as has been received; and I
earnestly recommend that the amount due
therefor be ascertained, and that the sam ade
quate for the payment thereof be appropri
ated.
Condition of the State.
In surrendering the high trust confided to
me by the people. I may be pardoned for re
ferring in brief terms to some of the results
which have been accomplished since my acces
sion to office.
The public credit, as indicated by the daily
quotations at the centres of trade and com
merce, is equal to that of any State in the
Union. Our public securities, rated at the
time I entered the Executive office at thirty
per cent discount, are now above par. I found
a recognized floating debt of more than one
and a quarter million of dollars. The whole
of this, amounting In exact figures to $1,277,-
788 25, or to an average sum of over $250,000
per annum, has been entirely paid. The State
has been relieved of a fraudulently contracted
debt of $6,500,000, while there has been no
addition to the amount of the bonded debt of
the State contracted on her own account. Any
apparent increase of our public debt is the re
sult of liabilities oreated by railroad charters
granted under former administrations. These
results have been accomplished without a ma
terial addition to the public burdens.
Throughout the State the stream of justioe
has moved with a smooth and steady flow.
The law has been impartially administered,
and not a breath of suspicion has soiled the
ermine. Life, liberty and property have been
faithfully guarded, and not a single human
being, of any color or condition, can justly
complain of oppression. The great and mani
fest improvement of our condition—social,
educational and industrial—is due to the home
bred common sense, the desire for progress
and the love of justice, which characterize the
people of Georgia. I allude to it in no spirit
of personal boasting, and claim no greater
credit than should be accorded to the hum
blest citizen who discharges his duty in his ap
propriate vocation. I gratefully acknowledge
that the re:orms referred to in this communi
cation, cou'd not have been effected without
the active support of patriotio citizens and the
oordial co-operation of the representatives of
the people.
Federal Relations.
Before closing this, my last annual com
munication to the General Assembly, I cannot
forbear a brief reference to the grave circum
stances which now surround us and seem to
tbi eaten the existence of the liberties of the
people.
On a given day, over eight millions of free
men, representing nearly forty-five millions of
people, came forth from their abiding places
and quietly proceeded to the ballot box for the
purpose of cho .siDg the r rulers for the next
four years. This grave proceeding was char
acterized by the utmost good < rder, notwith
standing the presence, in many places, of
the military forces of the Government, sent
thither to overawe the weak and ignorant,
and to secure the election of particular
candidates. The law pointed ont the me de ef
selecting the President and Vice-President of
the United States. The question as to who
should fill theße high offices had been referred
to the ballot box. The true result of that ref
erence no candid mind can doubt. The elec
tion was held in pursuance of the laws of the
United States and of the several States. It
was peaceable and orderly, and free from in
timidation and violence. And yet immediately
after the election we find a few adventurers,
acting under the direction of ambitious leaders
at the Federal capital and backed by the mili
tary forces of the Government, attempting by
fraud aud chicane, to set aside the eminent
statesmen chosen by the people, and to force
into places persons whom the people after a
fair trial, had refused to elect.
The question arises here: Shall the candi
dates fairly and legally elected by the people
be placed in office, or shall persons rejeoted at
the ballot box be elevated to power ? Shall
law and order prevail, or shall fraud and vio
lence have the mastery ? Shall the people of
the United States choose their own rulers, pr
shall political cheats and, swindlers be per
mitted to perform that viial office for them ?
We ha.ve appealed to the ballot box; shall the
result of t Ilia apoeal stand, or shall it be set
aside by force and fraud ? If the latter, then
our free institutions are already at an end, and
constitutional liberty on the American conti
nent has received its final blow.
The right of the people to choose their own
rulers is the corner stone of a free Democratic
Republic ; and when they voluntarily abdicate
this invaluab'e privilege, or allow it to be
wrenched from them, they have already ob
tained their own consent to become slaves.
No more sacred cause can engage the patriotic
efforts of a nation than the firm maintenance
of the fundamental right in all free govern
ments to sav who shall rule over it TbiH
right, the people of Georgia, and. I trust, of
every other .State in our Federal Union, will
never willingly abandon. No division of the
dirty spoils of office, no promise of personal
advancement, no engagement to withhold the
iron hand of power, can ever* compensate the
people for the surrender of a right at once so
dear to themselves, and so vital to the very
existence of constitutional liberty.
The people of the United States are thus
brought faoe to face with a most momentous
responsibili y. What shall be done ? What
shall we do ? The motto of our noble Btate
furnishes the safe guide for our own action in
this solemn emergency: “Wisdom, Justice,
Moderation.” It is not for us to lead, or even
to suggest, but to follow. It is the plain duty
of Congress by adhering to law and establish
ed prpoedent, to give effect to the clearly and
legally expressed will of the people. But if
Congress should unhappily fail to do this, then
it is believed that the proper determination of
the grave questions now confronting us can,
in the last resort, be safely left to the sober
judgment of the right minded people in the
Northern Slates. If it cannot, then we are
powerless, and they as well as our ourselves
w 11 have lost the inestimable right of free
men—the right of self-government. When
they shall have decided what is proper to be
done for the preservation of this right, it is
assuming but little to say that the people of
Geor ia will be found ready to co-operate with
thim, and to do their whole duty under any
and all circumstances.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, I beg to express my profound
gratitude to the people of Georgia for the
honor they have conferred upon me, and for
the uniform support they have f ooordod my
efforts to serve them. Deeply interested in
all that conoerns the welfare of my native
State, it is to me a matter of sincere gratula
tion that her Chief Executive authority is
soon to devolve upon the eminent citizen who
has been called to succeed me by a popular
majority unexampled in the annals of the
State. ' James M. Smith.
Major. R. J. Moses, of Muscogee, in
troduced a resolution to appoint a com
mittee to investigate certain charges
against Comptroller Goldsmith. The
lesolution was adopted. On yesterday,
a resolution appointing a Chaplain of
the House was tabled. To-day it was
taken up and passed. W.
The following addresses were deliver
ed by President fester apd Speaker
Bacon, upop their election to their re
speptiye positions, Wednesday ;
President Lester’s Address.
President Lester spoke as follows :
I thank you for this compliment, aud
the least I can do will be to try to de
serve it. Recognizing, as I do, that the
whole duty qf a presiding officer is
nothing more and nothing less than to
so direct thp buaipess of the body within
the rules prescribed for its government}
that the true expression of its will may
bo declared, there oan be no excuse for
a failure to discharge the duties of his
station properly, unless it arise from a
misconception of the rules aud their
proper application. That I shall be
free from errors in this respect is more
than reasonably can be hoped for. And
I feel the weight of this responsibility,
the more knowing that mistakes often
lead to consequences which puake them
little less thati crimes. I shall, there
fore, bespeak your indulgence to'palliate
my short-comings, and shall rely upon
your co-operation ip my efforts to dis
charge my duty to yftu and to i the Estate.
Thq subjects SIP lively to com
mand your attention, many of tjaetn may
be exciting and serious, Aod in the
midst of heated discussion we are apt
to give way to feeling. Henoe, I would
urge upon all a thorough knowledge of j
the rulee of the Senate and the princi-!
pies of parliamentary practice, so that
discussion and debate may be kept
within dne bounds.
We assemble at- $ when it is
doubtful whetker'we can congratulate
oni&elvfia upon tbe prospeot of pros
perity and peace. The State of Geor
gia, it is tine, through much tribulation
has so far favored as to be permit
ted to resume her station in the sister
hood of sovereign States. The tramp
of soldiers sent to throttle the liberty of
her citizens has become a part of the
history of the past; and so far this is
cause of congratulation. But an event
is about to transpire in the history of
this country to which every citixea is
now looking with anxiety, and many
with alarm, for the safety of American
institutions. The events that are to
transpire in the National Congress on
the 14th of February may tell of consti
tutional liberty preserved and perpetua
ted, or they may foretell of a despotism,
pare and simple, to arise npon the rains
of a constitutional republic. Reveren
cing as our people do the Constitution,
and disposed as they are to conserva
tism, it cannot be expected that their
representatives should be indifferent
spectators of the scenes that are trans
piring. Whatever may be said of a
Georgian’s proclivity to secession—a
matter so muoh misunderstood by oar
brethren bn the other side of the line—
he would be the last mao to yield hie
devotion to the forma and essence of the
constitutional Government of the Doited
States. Henoe, whosoever shall attempt
to exercise authority and power over the
people or the States without the sanc
tion of constitutional powers is a usurp
er, and as snch need not expect to find
favor in the eyes of Georgia.
It occurs that there is to b a contest
between two citizens ol tbe Republic
over thb succession to tbe chief magis
tracy of the country. They hold widely
different views upon many questions of
national concern, and each is backed by
powerful political parties. One or the
other is entitled to exercise the fano
tions of tbis high office. The people
of the States have passed upon this
question in the only constitutional way.
But neither can assume these functions
unless he be the choice of the people
expressed in the ronstitutional manner.
Bnt either should assume it if he be the
actual choice so expressed. This is his
title to his office, and he has nothing
further to do after the vote or the elec
toral college is publicly opened before
the two Houses of Congress, exoept to
take upon himself the oath of office and
assume bis duties.
Should the two Houses of Congress
agree in tbis matter the whole oountry
would unquestionably aocept the result,
whatever it might be. But should they
not so agree, and the House should faij
to elect, where is the power or right to
determine this question ? It must be
somewhere. There must be a President.
Where else can it be bat in the States,
whose duty it is made to make the
selection, and each must decide for it
self whom its constitutional duty re
quires it to recognize and obey as Presi
dent.
It is to be hoped that so grave a duty
as this will not devolve upon the State
of Georgia, but that a satisfactory solu
tion of the difficulty may be reaohed be
forehand. Bnt should it oome to this I
believe you will not bo wauting in that
wisdom, that moderation, that patriot
ism, that, courage, by which ybur ances
tors illustrated the State, and which so
befits the high office of Senator, to dare
to do your duty under the Constitution
aud the laws as you conceive it without
regard to the hazard. 1 believe that
our people aud you aB their representa
tives, will so exercise those virtues of
patriotism, that when the history of this
era shall be made up it will be written
that in the hour of peril the people of
Georgia bad sufficient of intelligence to
discern the duties of loyalty to their
constitutional government, and sufficient
of patriotism and courage to maintain
them.
Upon taking the Chair, Speaker Ba
con delivered a chaste and eloquent ad
dress, which was greeted with applause.
He spoke as follows:
Speaker Bacon's Address.
Gentlemen of the House of Hepresen
taties: I most sincerely thank you for
the distinguished honor you have done
me. In accepting the position to which
you have assigned me, I am impressed
by the fact that we have assembled at
a time of unusual solemnity aud re
sponsibility. It is true that we are ever
prone to magnify the perils of the pres
ent and to forget the dangers of the
past. Bnt it is not due solely to such
disposition that the conviction is found
iu every thoughtful mind that we stand
in the immediate presence of a most
momentous crisis in our history. The
rapidly occurring events of the past two
months, the startling announcement of
bold revolutionary i ’eas by men high
in power and influence, the subver
sion of civil' governments by the mili
tary arm of the central power, the exist
ence of conflicting governments in two
States, and the possibility if not
the probability, that within a short
time there may be two officers, each
claiming to be the legal executive of
the Federal Government, the concen
tration of troops at the Federal capital,
and the unblushing avowal of the inten
tion to maintain the asceudancy of a
political party in defiance of law, and if
need be by the use of arbitrary military
force, at present the most serious men
ance to the stability of our government
and the preservation of republican in
stitutions. Custodians and guardians
as are this people of the great constitu
tional rights secured by our race in the
struggles of five huudred years, the
possibilities of the next sixty days are
truly appalling.
The only safe foundation upon which
a republic oan rest is the politioal vir
tue of Ihe people ; and the oomplete
exposition of that virtue oan only be
found in a general leverence for and
obedience to law. And whenever the
general sentiment of the mass of the
people can sustain and justify a great
usurpation, based upon a plain viola
tion of law, although no immediate dis
aster may follow, unless the future shall
belie the past, it is the evidence of the
fatal disease which will surely be fol
lowed by decay aud political death.
Acquiescence iu the foul wrong will but
postpone the fatal day. [Applause.]
But if the public virtue is sufficient.,
and asserts its power, in tones which
must be heard and words that cannot
be misunderstood, these dangers will
disappear as the night flees before the
coming sun. This is a matter which is
justly exciting the deepest and most
wide spread solicitude, and men of
every class and occupation are anxious
ly enquiring of each other, shall the
Republic live, aud shall the great prin
ciples be perpetuated, for the preserva
tion of which the Government was
organized ? Or will there be a change,
and if so will it take the shape of a des
potism or the more horrible shape of
anarchy ? The gravity of these ques
tions cannot be overestimated. We are
not directly charged with their solution,
but their existence imposes increased
responsibilities upon us. Iu our com
plex system of government, we, as
State legislators, are the most immedi
ate representatives of the people. State
governments are peculiarly charged
with the preservation of those rights
which most closely affect the person
and property of the citizen; and viola
tions of -private right by the general
government, have ulways been accom
plished by striking down the well-es
tablished prerogatives of a State gov
ernment, interposed as a shield for the
protection of its citizens. While we are
peaceably assembled here, it is difficult
to realize, but true that in two States ar
mies are marshalled to exclude the le
gally elected representative of the peo
ple from their legislative halls, and with
in the Capitals of each there sits, fenced
in by bayonets, a mockery upon repre
sentative government, the thin disguise
of Republican form, by which the cen
tral power despotically rules a people
with a military force.
We two have been subjected to the
trying ordeal. In days not long past,
the tramp of the Federal soldier has
echoed through the corriders of this Cap
itol, and then, under his arbitrary bid
ding, twenty-one legal members were
ejected from this hall. But Georgians
now happily control their own affairs.
Under the rule of aliens, dis
orders, strife and lawlessness dis
graced the State ; but now
law, order, peaee and oontentment reign
throughout her borders. For six years
we have had undisputed and unrestrict
ed control of our State government, and
the finger cannot be put upon any act
passed daring that time that did not
operate equally upon every class of the
community. Her burdens have been
laid uniformly upon all, and her boun
ties have been dispensed without dis
crimination and with an equal hand to
every class aud every race. Georgia is
too strong not to be generous, too chival
rous not to be just. [Applause.]
At this time, while danger threatens
without, harmony is essential within.
And while we pledge in no uncertain
voice our loyalty to constitutional law,
State and Federal, let us see to it that
no word spoken and no act done shall
destroy that harmony or give aid to the
enemies of law S)nd Ptoaf> e and in the
preseqf a 8 i n Hi® past) let us show to all
our people, of every' class, that their
liberties, and their persons, and their
property are never so, safe as when con
fided to tpe fidelity and the honor of ty t e
true sons qf Qeorgis,
A fattittlc Proilucttau From Our New Got
ersur—flia Magnificent Majority and the
Lessens Deduced—Georgia’s Public Spirit
—Tbe Colored Bace Fraternizing—Local
Self-Government—-Retrenchment and Re
form at Home—Their Financial avid Atwal
Effects—Lightening Taxation.
i [ Special Dispatch to Ihfi Oh,rcmicle anti Senliwl.)
Senate.
5 Atlanta, January 12.—Mr. McLeod,
of the Sixteenth District, introduced a
bill for a Constitutional Convention,
basing the representation according to
Senatorial Districts.
The Senate resolution providing for
the election of State House officers tor
morrow, was tabled.
Governor Celuuiit** Ingugwratiae.
At noon the Senate entered the House
to participate in the inaugural of Gov.
Colquitt. Soon after, Gov. Smith en
tered with Gov. Colquitt, followed by
Judge James Jackson, ex-Gov. J. E.
Brown, ex-Jndge Lochrane, ex-Judge
Trippe, Senator Norwood, Robert
Toombs, ex-Judge W. Sohley, Judges
Wm. Gibson and J. W. H- Underwood,
and Dr. H. V. M. Miller. Upon enter
ing the Governors were greeted with
applause.
Gov. Colquitt then delivered la
augural address, as follows }
Gentlemen dt tike Senate and House of
Jgepreseniativea :
In accordance with the Constitution
and laws of the State I appear before
yon to take the oath of office as Gov
ernor of Georgia for the next fous years.
No edict of an autocrat convenes ns in
this ball to-day, No coercion, whether
it gorneu from a master or the exigencies
ofmotion or the peril of State has
forced ns to assemble for this ceremony,
but self-marshalled, we ara here to wit
ness a peaceful change of pnblio admin
istration, the dutiful %ftd drifted sur
render o.f poVfejp by <?ne public servant
end the assumption of official responsi
bility by another. The custom of my
predecessors as well as my deep sense of
gratitude to tfc® people, demand from
me a |qw words expressive of that grati
i tude, and indicating in general terms
the policy which the times seem to de
mand. The unprecedented majority
which called me here overwhelms me
with thankfulness. Language fails me
in an attempt to give it adequate ex
pression. It shall be my effort to prove
the depth of my gratitude by complete
devotion to public interests committed
to me and by an unremitting care that
neither the honor nor tbe welfare of this
beloved Commonwealth shall suffer by
the confidence you have reposed in me
as a servant of the State. The Execu
tive government of a free, great aud
prosperous Commonwealth like Geor
gia, with its million and a quarter of
intelligent inhabitants, affords for the
exercise of patriotio statesmanship a
sphere of honorable public service as ex
alted aud comprehensive as the ambition
of any man could desire. Diffident of my
abilitjrSM distrusting my own capacity
for this high and hoy service, while I
solicit your counsels and co-operation I
shall reverently invoke the aid of Divine
Providence to enable me to fulfill the
solemn obligations which I am now to
assume.
The allusion to the large majority by
which I was elected, tbe largest ever
before giveu in t|je State on any similar
occasion, has been made, not in aDy
vain spirit of personal triumph, but to
deduce from the magnitude of that ma
jority two important publio lessons : It
exhibited the intense and universal in
terest felt by the masses of onr people
in the State in securing, at the ballot
box, the victory of those who are con
tending for liberty and the rights of the
citizen aud limitations of the constitu
tion. Never before in Georgia has
there been a more profound conception
of the true principles of constitutional
government, a more widespread sensi
bility to the dangers threatening our
free institutions, or a more ardent and
conscieutious sympathy with the friends
of the constitutional Union. This noble
devotion of our people t.o a true repub
lic of liberty and law has pervaded all
sections of the State and animated all
classes of our people. It has given
such an expression of sincere con
fidence in the legitimate methods of
lawful eleetion as leltves uo doubt
of our fidelity to our constitutional con
victions and constitutional modes of
giving them utterance apd effect. In
the grand popular majority of the recent
Gubernatorial election is to be read the
overwhelming interest that Georgians
feel in the great issues now convulsing
the oountry, and their determined pur
poses to keep in alignment with the pa
triotic millions of our Northern friends,
who are seeking by the peaceful instru
mentality of lawful suffrage to re-estab
lish good government under the undis
puted supremacy of the Federal Consti
tution. I but speak my own deep felt
sentiment and echo the publio voice of
Georgia when Isay that iu all the com
plications of national politics, now so
replete with feverish interest, we stand
in immovable sympathy with the elected
exponent of constitutional liberty, re
trenchment and reform. We will adhere
to him and his 00-laborers with tbo
fidelity due to the champion of a
righteous cause iu every patriotio
endeavor they may make to secure the
honest and unmistakable will of a large
majority of the Amerioan people consti
tutionally- expressed at the polls.
I refer with especial pleasure to the
second lesson of our gratifying and un
precedented majority in the Gubernato
rial contest repeated no less decisively
in the Presidential election iu our State.
As the benefits of local self-government
have been experienced, and the baleful
influence of malicious interference has
been withdrawn, the colored people have
recognized that our own home folks are
their true friends, and hence have fra
ternized and acted with us politically.
Large numbers voted with us and swelled
the Gubernatorial and Presidential ma
jorities beyond all precedent. They have
witnessed in all their material interests
the effects of good home government ad
ministered, by the people wedded with
them to the same soil, and whose inter
ests are all interwoven with their own.
Of no rights has the humblest of them
been deprived. Tbe advancement _of
the raoe in knowledge and civilization
has been and shall continue to be
our speoial trust and solemn duty,
hence the cordial relations so
natural and so necessary, both
to them and to the whites are being
rapidly and permanently established
and quiet and peace and sympathy be
tween the races pervade the entire
State. The people of this entire cobm
try have but to look and they canuojt
fail to see how the more powerful race,
when left to its own sense of right aud
policy, will treat the colored citizen,
and how, when thus free to act, the
races feel to each other a*mutual in
terest, pursue a common cause and en
joy reciprocal prosperity. How wise
were our fathers when they rested the
Constitution upon the solid pillars of
local self government of the StatA
Georgia, gentlemen, is the home of all
Georgians of every race, color and con
dition. Her local government is the
government of us all. One future, for
weal or woo, awaits us and our families.
The nobler feeling of our nature, as
well as the hard common sense of self
interest of all, demand a united politi
cal action.
But to pass to other matters of dp
domestic policy, whence all Geor
gians have common and vital inter
est. Not only were constitutional
and political liberty the talismanjc
words of power in the late great contest,
but “retrenchment aud ieorm” shone
conspicuously on all the banners that
heralded the victory of the friends of
constitutional liberty at the polls. The
eyes of all Americans look with confi
dence to the great reformer just elected
President to reform the National Admin
istration. Let us, gentlemen, look at
home, and whilst my own immediate
predecessor and your individual prede
cessors have not been unmindful of
their duty, let ns remember that tpe
times have changed, and values of all
kinds have sunk aud arestill sinking. We
must further retrench, wo must reform
yet more. It is our imperative duty to
lighten the public burdens. Twenty
years ago the taxable property in Geor
gia was over five hundred millions of
dollars—to-day it ia only two ffqndrjed
aud fifty millions; then taxation was On
ly a half million, toifiay it is a million
and a quarter; with less than half the
property, we have nearly three times the
taxation. With property thus depre
ciated and continuing to depre6iatc,| as
it has done for the laat two or three
years, it is elear that our revenues will
diminish in the proportion, and our in
oome will not meet our obligations.
These obligations, gentlemen are saerpd.
The interest on our debt now about
eleven millions, mast and Will be pud,
and onr oredit at qny and every sacrifice
mast l)o maintained. The current, Ex
penses qf the State government mu.st.be
promptly met. Our charitable institutions
must be kept up. In this exigency we are
driven to the alternatives, retrenchment
or increased taxation. The latter must
be avoided if passible, and I invite yenr
earnest attention to the former, I now
engage that in all the methods whjiok
your experience and wisdom may devise
for saving the people from an increased
burden, I will most cordially co-operate
with you. Let vs not wait for grand
occasions or for instances of prodigious
waste in which to begin onr reforming
economy. If we cannot save large
sums let us see to it that the small
est leaks which are wasting publio
treasure, if there be such, shall
be stopped- 111 such an industrial
dearth and financial pressure as w.e are
now experiencing, a system embracing
small economies is not to be despised or
neglected. Rigidly honest expenditure
in the public administration of the State
policy is demanded, But besides this,
a moral effect wfil be produced jy it
which Will be of incalculable benefit.
While we give the whole financial world
the fullest gurah.tec of out solvency by
snob policy, W at the same time place
before every household in the State an
example worthy of imitation. We re
buke, by this example, the wasteful and .
ostentations expenditure among our
people, which assuredly wrecks the
substance and prosperity o! home,
as destroys the more impos
ing structure called the public
credit. Counties and municipalities of
the State will oateh the inspiration, and
we will again see the day when offi
cial probity will be the universal rule
and taxation never draw another dollar
from the producer’s pocket to be waited
or misappropriated. Our work is be
fore ns, gentlemen, and a grand achieve
ment is within onr grasp. That work is
the restoration, of the vast heritage
which sad fortune has sorely wasted and
damaged. It is to evoke ten thousand
splendid resources now utilized, it is to
maintain the proudest and no West tra
ditions, and honor unsullied, the statns
of a worthy and respectable |a con
stituency as exists, and its position by
the side (J the* most advanced of Com
monwealths. This labor, vast as it is,
exacts no impossible thing at onr hands.
With the biessiDg of Heaven and the
agencies of clear heads and pare hearts,
it may be accomplished
Again solemnly invoking Divine aid
upqn out efforts to serve our beloved
State, I now take the oath of office.
The President of the Senate then de
clared General A. H. Colquitt Governor
of Georgia for the next font years. W.
Also tbh same new way ! Anew prin
ciple, for the cure of Catarrh, sores in
the nose and Throat—Dr. J. H. Mc-
Lean’s Catarrh Snuff. It soothes and
heals. Trial boxes 5U cents, by mail.
Dr. J. H. McLean, 314 Chestnut street,
St. Louis, Mo, w
An electoral, proposition from the Sen
ate favors tbe submission of all Congress
ional disagreements to a final commit
tee of Senators, Representatives and
Supreme Court Judges,
HAMPTON_AND TILDEN.
WHAT THn GOVBKNOR HAYS.
He Had No Agency Whatever in Mackey’s
Visit to Ohio— Took strong Ground
Against tbe Withdrawal of the Tilden
Electors.
[News and Courier.\
Columbia, January II.—I called upon
Governor Hampton to-day aud showed
him the attack upon him in an Augusta
paper by a person Niguing himself “ A
Tilden Democrat.” The Governor re
marked : “ The writer has fallen into
many grave errors. I had no agency
whatever in Judge Mackey’s visit to
Ohio and he bore no proposition. No
message oame from me. He says so
himself. A proposition was made to
withdraw our electors, and the Dem
ocratic Executive Committee know that
I took strong ground against it. A sub
sequent proposition was made on the
same subject, and this I also declined.
Judge Cooke spoke for Tilden and voted
for him. Judge Mackey Bpoke with me
at but two places, aud he will doubtless
say bow he voted in the Presidential
election. Whether the oaovasa was a
mistake or not is not for me to say ; but
Ido say that I supported Tilden thor
oughly aud heartily throughout. The
Democratic electors can speak on tbis
point, and especially can GeD, Mo-
Gowan, who is referred to, aud who
will, I hope, answer for himself. The
“ leaf of history” has been so seoret
that no ouo in the State knows any
thing about it, and it is as utterly un
reliable as history as it is secret.
[Journal of Commerce.]
Columbia, January 11.—Governor
Hamptou, iu conversation to-day, took
occasiou to refer to an article in the
Augusta Chronicle and Sentinel,
charging him with a lack of fealty to
Tilden, and stating that be was in favor
of giving over the Tilden electors of this
State. The Governor denies having en
tertained any such idea, and says he
would only have oountonanoed such ar
rangement at the -request of Northern
Democrats. He used his influence to
prevent any such aetion by the party in
the State.
In additiou, he stated that a proposi
tion was made by the Republicans after
election for him publicly to acknowl
edge Hayes’ electors in this State, the
proposition being accompanied by a
promise that, should he do so, the
troops would be withdrawn aud he
recognized as Governor, aud that he
positively refused to opened. ,
Governor Hampton further says, if
he thought that his withdrawal now or
at any time would have insured Tilden’s
inauguration, he would not have hesi
tated a moment, bnt would promptly
withdraw.
CONSTANTINOPLE.
Constantinople as we call the ancient'
oity of Constantine, and latest seat of
the Turkish power, is not a single oity,
but an agglomeration of several cities,
utterly unlike eaoli other in appearance,
construction, and inhabitants, is
composed of Stamboul and Scutari on
the Asiatic side, which are truly Turk
ish, aud Pera, Galata and Tophane,
which are European, every nationality,
and every language under the sun find
ing its representatives among that ex
ceedingly mixed and miscellaneous pop
ulation. The natural loveliness of the
scenery througli which you approach
the Turkish capital by water, and the
almost magie beauty of the Golden
Horn, Seraglio Point, and the Bospho
rus, with the oookle-shell oaiques swiftly
cleaving thtouih the waters, with their
picturesque boatmen—all these, though
described, never weary the eye or fancy,
and language eannot exaggerate their
attractions.. With the charm of novelty
superadded they are bituply enchanting.
But the charms ceases when the voyager
steps ashore, whether on the European
side at Pera or Tophane, or on the
Asiatic at Stamboul or Scutari. The
sights, souuds, and smells which greet
the several senses, and the shabby,
squalid appearance of place aud people
on nearer view, dispel the illusion lent
by distance and by an atmosphere and
sky more than Italian in their purity
and clearness, added to the charms of
an architecture most imposing from
afar off, but losing much on nearer views
as do the costumes and their wearers.
Lauding at Pera, for example, whoso
steep break-i.eok streets scarcely admit of
other than pedestrian ascent or descent,
you see the powerful Turkish “hamals”
or porters, with burdens strapped to
their broad shoulders by a band passing
around their foreheads, which four-leg
ged beasts of burden would stagger
under, toiling before you up the steep
hills—which are miscalled streets —lead-
ing the way with your luggage to the
far-famed hostelry of Misscri, the Drago
men of “Eothen.” Through these streets
dodging other bearers of burdens, you
wend your way, encountering in transit
more odors (and not “of the attargnl’a
perfume”) than even Cologne oan boast
of in Coleridge’s verse; and witness as
you proceed how flesh oan be falsified,
in the outward Orientalizing of the
hybrid European Levantines who throng
those narrow ways. As before observed,
Pera Galata, aud Tophane are the
European quarters of Coustantinople,
and are as like as three peas. As little
that is complimentary either to those
places or their population can conscien
tiously be said, probably the less said
the better.— Frazer's Magazine.
SAD SCENE IN AN ENGLISH COURT.
At a recent sitting of the Liverpool
assizes John Callaghan, a lad seventeen
years of age, was found guilty stab
bing to death Henry JobD Pennington.
The occurrence took place at Manches
ter ou the 18th day of November, under
the following circumstances: The pris
oner was with two'men in a publio
house, when a dispute arose, which re
sulted, ia all three being turned oat.
They weut into the street iu a violent
rage, and in a moment or two were seen
armed with open knives. A crowd col
lected, a general disturbance arose, and
the evidence for the prosecution showed
that Pennington, who had interferred to
protect a relative from the violence of
the mob, was stabbed by the prisoner in
the side. He was removed to the in
firmary, where he died from the effects
of his injuries. A man named Bailey
was also stabbed in the elbow by the
j prisoner. For the defense witnesses
‘ were called, and stated that the deceased
was stabbed by a man named Garity, a
companion of the prisoner, who had ab
sconded. Mr. Charley, M. P,, who de
fended the prisoner, urged that there
was no evidence against him, except
the statement made by the de
ceased, aud the probabilities were that
the man who inflioted the fatal wound
was Garity. The jury found the pris
oner guilty, with a recommendation to
mercy on account of his youth. On
being asked the usual question, the
prisoner, weeping bitterly, cried out :
“Oh ! Judge, have mercy I God forgive
all that have sworn my life away I” His
Lordship, addressing the prisoner, ex
pressed his entire concurrence with the
verdict. He would take care that the
reoommendation of the jury would be
forwarded to the proper quarter, but he
felt bound to entreat the prisoner not to
anticipate that any step would be taken
on his behalf. It was not usual, simply
beoause a person waa young, to make
an exception in his favor, and, iu bio
case, there was no circumstance, except
his extreme youth, which was likely to
have weight with the authorities. His
Lordship then passed sentence of death
in the usual form. During the passing
of the sentence tears ran down the pris
oner’s cheeks, and, as the Judge con
cluded, be exclaimed : “God in Heaven,
have mercy on me! I am inuccentl
Oh ! Jesus, have mercy !”
THE SOUND FOB WAIT.
The Uayieldluf Porte Will Rrkag Me Confer
ence to nn ITnsacceesful Termination—Rua
#a Tired ot Belns Baabenld and Call* for
“Wall.”
London, January 13.—A1l correspond
ents of London * papers consider the
failure of tbe conference probable as the
attitude of Turkey is unyielding.
St. Pbtebsbubg, January 13.—The
Galas says it is believed the Porte is
simply playing with the oonferenoe.—
Farther concessions by the powers will
only increase Turkish arroganoe, Rus
sia’s self-respect demands that negotia
tions be prolonged no farther, but en
ergetic measures, such as General Igna
tieff recalled, be adopted, as the more
determined is Russia's attitude, the
sooner peace will be secured.
Tbe Czar has written to the Grand
Dnke Nicholas, Minister of War and
various generals, thanking them for tbe
successful exertions to promptly mobil
ize and concentrate the army.
A DRAMATIC STAB.
Mtsa Anderooa Claves a Brilliant Engage
ment, and Threaten* to Came South—Kx
pocta an Ovation, Ac.
Washington, January 13.—Miss Mary
Anderson closed to-night a very suc
cessful engagement at the National
Theatre in this city of fifteen oonsecu-.
tive performances, during whioh she
acted Juliet six times with notable sno
oess. On Monday night she appears at
the Academy of Music, Charleston, 8.
C., and will visit other Southern cities
with a company under the management
of John T. Ford. The trip promises to
be plays, and sucoess a companion tour
of Edwin Booths’ of last season.
Tired by the long delay Fort Valley,
too, hod a grand torchlight Thursday
night.