Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

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.