Newspaper Page Text
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Wwklil fenmintt.
ATLANTA, MAY 8, 1856.
We clip the following from an ex
change :
“Gov. Johnson of Georgia, and family are
in Washington, and have at Willard’s.”
Meagher’s “Irish News.”
From the Washington Union we take the
following: , .
“A Successful Newspaper.—Meagher s
Irish News is said to have attained a solid cir
culation of over twenty thousand copies.
We are glad of it, and wish it were one
hundred thousand instead of twenty.
Government Funds.
On the 21st ultimo., there were in the Unit
ed States Treasury, twenty-four millions, eight
hundred and eighty-five thousand, seventy-three
dollars, and ninety-one cents.
Were this amount of gold, as in days past
and gone, deposited in one or more banks of
the Union, what an amount of paper money
would now be afloat! Probably one hundred
millions more than there is now, and yet, in
reality, this would not add a dollar to the
real wealth of the country.
President Pierce’s Withdrawal.
The Washington Sentinel, avowedly hostile
to Mr. Pierce, and his nomination by the Con
vention soon to meet at Cincinnati, says, (on
the 3rd instant.) “We have just heard a ru
mor, weZZ authenticated, that Franklin Pierce
will decline the use of his name before the Cin
cinnati Convention, and that the announcement
would be made public within sixty hours."
May be so, but we do not think that our
good President will send relief so soon to our
talented cotemporary at Washington. If such
an announcement is made it will be, we opine
to the Convention when it assembles. In the
mean time, however, those of us who look to
the nomination of another “Kichmond,” will
hardly bo caught napping, or rather reposing
upon the “well authenticated rumors." We
shall watch as well as pray.
Old Line Whigs of Virginia.
A few days ago we adverted to the position
which the old-line-anti-Know-Nothing-whigs of
Georgia would firmly maintain in the coming
Presidential contest. We were satisfied the»,
as we are now, that what we said of the whigs
in our State—we mean, of course, the old line
anti-Know Nothing whigs—we might have
said of all Southern whigs who acted as they
did in the last campaign. We are nevertheless
pleased to see, and to present to the reader,
evidence of this, which we take from the Alex
andria Sentinel.
“ A day or two since, we were in conversation
with one of the most prominent old-line Whigs
of the Northern Neck of Virginia—a whig
par excellence— a delegate from that quarter of
the State in the last National Whig Conven
tion, and who stood by Mr. Fillmore until his
nomination for the presidency became a ques
tion of impossibility—who tells us that whilst
he cultivates for Mr. Fillmore individually the
highest respect, he cannot sustain t he nomina
tion of the Philadelphia Convention.
“ Unembarrassed now by party allegiance,
he is prepared to act with that party which
shall indicate most conservatism, devotion to
the Union, and determination to insist upon or
concede all the constitutional rights of the
South, with the power to make good their re
solves.
“ That party, of all living parties, is indispu
tably the great democratic organization of the
country.”
Such are the views and feelings which will
govern the old line whigs of Virginia, and we
may add, of the South. Neither AZillard Fill
more nor any other man, can divert them from
the patriotic stand which they are determined
to take and to maintain, as indicated in the
foregoing extract.
Resolutions of the City Conned on the
Death of Gen. Mims.
We publish below the resolutions adopted by
our City Council on the death of our late val
ued fellow-citizen, Gen. John F. Mims.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, I
City of Atlanta, May Ist 1856. \
At a meeting of Council, convened this day,
Hon. 'l'. L. Thomas, Mayor pro tem., announced
that the Hon. Jxo. F. Mims,ex-Mayor of the
City, departed this life, at Crawfordville, yes
terday morning, and that his remains had been
brought home for interment.
On motion, a Committee, consisting of Al -
dermen Hanleiter, Strong and Kile, were ap
pointed to draft resolutions expressive of the
feelings of Council. After consultation, the
..following Preamble and Resolutions, were re
porteTby the Chairman of the Committe, and
unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It lias pleased Providence to re
move frnm the theatre of his usefulness, and
the companionship of family and friends, our
much esteemed fellow-eitizen. Hon. John F.
Mims, ex-Mayor of the City of Atlanta : there
fore,
Resolved, By the Mayor and Council of said
City, in extra session convened.
First—That in the death of Hou. John F.
Alims, Atlanta has lost one of her earliest, firm
est and most steadfast friends.
Second —That the Mayor and Council will
manifest their appreciation ct our late friend's
character and services, while living, by attend
ing his funeral in a body.
Third —That our citizens be requested to |
ck si' their several places of business, from 3 to j
6 o'clock this afternoon (during the perform- '
mice of the Funeral ceremonies.) and that the ,
Atlanta Fire Company, as an organized body ;
and our fellow-citizens generally, be and they I
are hereby cordially invited to unite with us in I
paying this last rite to the mortal remains of I
our deceased friend.
Fourth—That the Mayor appoint a Com
mittee of three from this body to conduct the
Funeral Ceremonies.
Fifth—That we most respectfully tender our
heart-felt condolence to the- Widow and Chil
dren of the deceased, in their sore bereavement.
Sixth—That the foregoing Preamble and
Resolutions, certified by the Clerk, be printed
in Circular form for immediate distribution
among the citizens; that the same be published
in the journals of the city, and a copy, under
seal of the City be furnished to ’ the family of
the deceased.
A true extract from the Minutes.
H. C. HOLCOMBE. Clerk.
Hon. S. A. Douglass.
The following tribute to this eminent states
man and patriot, we extract from the -‘Joliet
Signal” an influential paper published in the
State of Illinois.
Hon. S. A. Douglass and the
Presidency.
The Chicago Times very truly remarks that
the Democratic papers of this State, without
a single exception, are in favor of the nomina
tion of Senator Douglas for the Presidency.
The State Convention meets on the Ist of
May, and delegates in favor of Senator Doug
las will without doubt be chosen to repre
sent the State in the Cincinnatti Convention.—
And judging from the expression of the Dem
ocratic press of the South and the great North
west, it would seem that he is the choice of the
graet body of the Democratic party in those
of the Union.
Looking over the catalogue of eminent men
who have been prominently named in connec
tion with the Presideny in 1856, we find no
one who, to our minds, possesses all the ele
ments for a standard bearer in this new era of
the political world, with new measures, new
combinations, new political events and great
changes upon the political chess-board seem to
have placed in the front rank as a leader S. A.
Douglas of our own State.
In expressing our mutual preference, we can
not avoid alluding to the past history of this
remarkable man. A simple narrative of his
chequered life would convince the most skepti
cal, that he is one of those strangely yet rarely
formed men, destined for some great purpose.
Such instances of early distinction and powers
of mind are so unfrequent that when they do
occur they mark the man as the master spirit
of the age in which he lives.
A little over twenty years ago, the man who
is now a prominent candidate tor the Presiden
cy, the eloquent orator and the rival and dan
gerous adversary if not superior of Clayton,
Seward and Crittenden in the Senate Cham
ber, was a poor, neglected, unfriended, laborer,
driving the jack-plane—an indentured appreu
tice. The rapid rise of Douglas from the
condition of an apprentice boy, destitute and
friendless, to his present position, excites the
liveliest enthusiasm. The force of his talents
and his indomitable energy designed him for a
leader of the Democratic party.
In the most trying periods of our political
history, Senator Douglass has never deemed it
necessary to waver in the least. As striking
instances of his moral courage, we will cite his
fearless vindication of the justice of the fugi
tive slave Jaw, and his exposure and denuncia
tion of intolerance, bigotry and Know Noth
ingism. And who is not acquainted with the
history of the Kansas Nebraska hill? As
chairman of the Senate Committee on Terri
tories, he embodied the daring thought which
had been struggling in his breast for years, and
the great national pacific principle of non
intervention—or as more generally defined, of
popular sovereignty—become a law of the
land. The passage of the popular sovereignty
bill raised a whirlwind of furious excitement
amongst the fanatics and others who did not
comprehend the principle. Indeed, it seemed
at one time that the mighty avalanche of fa
naticism would overwhelm him, but calm, dei
termined, i t solved, as great ;nen always are n
moments of peril, Douglas has stood up befo a
the American people in defence of his darling
measure, until he has bearded the lion in hi s
den. Already the change of public opinion i s
visible every where, and the prestige of Doug
as’ success seems to us almost certain
ack Republicanism and the Costa Ric
ans.
Black Republicanism rejoices over the aid
tendered the Costa Ricans by Great Britain
over every disaster attending Walker's com
mand ; and, at his successes, is as indignant as
any “ gentleman of color ” should be when he
is told he is a “ nigger.’’ Whence, it may well
be asked, springs this deep-rooted hatred of
Walker, and this strong sympathy for Mora
the barbarian, and his ferocious hordes, on the
part of Black Republicanism ? How is it that
this black party shout with joy over the sup
posed slaughter of Americans, and the massa
cre, without regard to sex, of those who sym
pathize with them ? Is there a “ method ” in
this “ madness?” if so, it cannot long escape
their Argus eyed opponents at the North ; for
no amount of British gold, or British influence
will poroma the virtue of a feather's weight
when the contest is, Costa Rica and Great
Britain on the one side ; and Walker, the Uni
ted States, and Republican Institutions on the
other.
A glance at the career of Walker in Nica
ragua will satisfy any reasonable man that his
is the good cause. It was upon the direct and
urgent appeal of President Rivas and the De
mocratic party of that State, that he, with a
few gallant men. scarcely numbering fifty, went
there. After great privation and bloodshed they
succeeded in earning a claim to Nicaraguan
gratitude, and in establishing a government
there with a Democratic Constitution. To
those oppressed people, this was indeed a meas
ure of deliverance and lil>erty. Equal rights
and just laws were established. Property was
made safe to its possessor. And life was pro
tected. With all this, a native of the countrv |
was placed in the Presidential chair, who pos-1
sessed talent, courage, and whose views were I
of an enlightened and progressive character.— ;
Walker himself became a citizen of the country, ;
and was appointed to the command he now i
holds. To commerce and industry and agricul
ture a stimuious was given, that at once car
ried an immigration frosi all countries, tha
promised well for the future. The New York I
Daily News, to which we are indebted for some I
of the above views, in alluding to this state oL
things in Nicaragua, says :
“Printing presses were started, roads made,
wharves built, and every act accomplished that
could bear witness to a new and prosperous
state of things. No effort was omitted to con
ciliate the adjacent States. Embassadors were
sent with humane and liberal offers. But insti
gated by a fiendish diplomacy which, for centu
ries, has tracked its course around the globe
with human tears and human gore, the wealthy
and powerful State of Costa Rica proclaims
a war of extermination against the Democrats
—not against the Servile party of Nicaragua,
the party of oppression, but against Rivas and
his adherents who form the Liberal party.—
Among these Walker and his band are singled
out to receive no quarter 1 The first fight was
lost through the treachery and cowardice of a
commandmg officer—and to the Black “Re
publican” papers of New York this betrayal
and massacre are a source of jubilee. Walkert
retrieves the tarnished honor of his arms in an
almost unparalleled display of heroism, bat- :
tling with less than six hundred men for seven
teen and a half hours against a force now known
to have numbered three thousand five hundred,
ere the fray was over, intrenched in a close
built town. In forty-eight hours he had
marched, on foot, from Granada to Rivas, a '
distance of fifty-five miles—making thirty-five I
miles the first day, and twenty on the second.— I
His men are worn dow n and exhauted by the
heat of the climate and this terrible exertion ;'
yet early in the morning he enters the city at a I
wherever he meets the enemy drives j
them before him. In this action the Nicaragua [
Democrats fight like lions by his side, but Brit
ish and French Minie rifles thin their ranks,
and their brave Colonel falls, in evidence of the
sincerity of his party and the spirit of the Nic
araguan freemen to defend themselves against
invasion and tyranny.”
But the organ of “ Freedom ’ ’ is nevertheless
down upon Walker, and in favor of the Costa
Ricans. British influence and British gold are
at work to help their candidate for the Presi
dency, and Black Republicanism will turn over
to Great Britain all that she desires in Central !
America. This is doubtless the programme,,
but can it be carried out ? That is the qv.es- I
tion '
The Question Promptly Answered!
It is said of Dr. Franklin, when he respre
resented the U. States at the Court of France
that the candor which he displayed in his inter
course there, official and otherwise, was the
cause of much speculation among the intrigu
ants of the Court, who, in the main, were dis
posed to attribute our Minister’s frankness to
motives which even they could not detect or ac
count for; while, with others, less skilled in the
art of diplomacy, the open, undisguised de
meanor of the Philospher and Statesman, was i
the subject of applause and admiration. We
were forcibly reminded of this, while reading
the report of a debate that very recently took
place in the Senate of the U. States, on a res
olution submitted by Mr. Weller,'calling on the
President for any correspondence, not hereto
fore communicated, with our Minister to Nic
aragua. in regard to the recognition of the
Nicaraguan Government.
Mr. Seward stated that some two or three
week's ago, he submitted a similar resolution,
which was adopted, but as yet had not been
responded to, probably for good reasons. He
therefore thought it best to let the matter rest
for a few days.
To this Mr. Weiler replied, he was not aware
of that fact, or he would not have offered the
resolution.
Mr. Butler also remarked that we ought to
be careful and not involve ourselves in war
with any nation though the acts of intermeddling
adventurers.
Now ail this is very good. It is right that
the President should have time to respond to
the resolutions of the Senate. It is right too
that “we should not involve ourselves in war
with any nation through the acts of intermed
dling adventurers.’’ But we ask, with due re
spect to all concerned, was that the way to
meet the question presented by the introduc
tion of Mr. Waller’s resolution, andjhis remarks
tuercon ? Was that the way to meet it, at a
time when the whole country was in a state of
the highest excitement; when the savage deeds
enacted by the barbarian Mora, in the massacre
of women and children, had just reached the
ears of the people ; and when the news of the
murder of our own citizens by just such anoth
er race as the Costa Ricans, had just reached
our shores'. In this, there may be fine diplo
macy and management. But much higher do
we estimate the stand taken by another Sena
tor, on the same occasion. He was like Frank
lin at the Court of France. He spoke right
out. There was no mistaking his position.—
And. in our opinion, he spoke the sentiments of
three fourths of the American People. Here
is what he said, and every word of it is truth.
“Mr. Douglas believed that the Clayton-Bul
wcr treaty was being violated every day by
Great Britain, and thought something ought to
be done about it. He regarded the present
government of Nicaragua as a legitimate gov
ernment, as much so as other existing govern
ments in Central America. It was the* firm
est and ’most staple government they had
had since throwing off the Spanish yoke; and
so far as he knew justice was more impartially
administered, and the rights of man and of
property were more sacredly guarded and pro
tected tinder the existing government than un
der any previous one.
Nor was it any objection to his mind that
an American by birth was in command of thel
Nicaraguan army. Nicaragua had as much!
right to become an asylnm for emigrants from I
this country as we had to receive European em- i
igrants.
She hail as much right to naturalize Walker I
and give him military command as we had to do ;
the same by Gen. Shields Further, Nicaragua I
had as much right tojsend an American by birth 1
as Minister to this country as we have to seud i
a man of foreign birth to represent us at the |
Court of Spain Italy or Holland. He believ- j
ed that we ought to enforce our neutrality laws I
but not to go one hair’s breadth beyond the j
line of strict duty.”,.
This is the way in which the “Little Giant,”
of Illinois met the question. No dodging, no
shuffling, he comes up to the mark, and manful
ly maintains the right. We admire his
and do not hesitate to say that it will exercise
more influence for good, then ad the old fogy
diplomacy that can be brought to bear upon it,
for one simple reason, and that is. the people
wtll act when their rulers sleep !
Bring Back Home, Sweet Home. Anew.
BY MARCUS A. BELL.
Fond mem'ry, bring me back the days
When all was bright and clear;
When basking in youth’s sunny rays
I knew not sorrows care.
O ! halcyon time that fleeted by
On wings of light and joy!
No cloud arose to dim my sky
When I was but a boy !
The murm’ring rill that danced along
The flower-scented dell,
To my young heart then woke a song
No language now can tell.
The shady grove around my home,
So lovely and so fair,
In artless glee I oft did roam,
Unknown to sorrows tear!
The Garden, flushed with smiling flowers
Reflecting crimson skies,
Was pictured ’midst the golden hours
Os Adam’s Paradise!
Methought that there the god of love
Had breathed his spirit round,
And hung the shining stars above
To light the holy ground.
O ! fond deception to my heart, —
The spell was sure divine!
The bloom thereof wilt ne’er depart
From mem’ry’s sacred shrine !
A cheerful, balmy, fragrant breeze
Played gently ’rnong the flowers—
Rose trembling ’midst the waving trees 1
And charmed the blissful hours.
( The morning sky, all lovely, beamed
With hope’s serenest light,
And smiled so sweetly that it seemed
Heav’n rising on the sight.
And ev'ning’s milder, calmer ray
Lit up the glowing west,
As night serenely closed the day
To give the spirit rest!
I dreamed of joys of future days,
Encircling pleasure’s bowl
Like flowers wreathed by minstrel lays
And twined around the soul.
While glory's tinsel gleamed afar
From manhood’s golden day,
As pride went forth from star to star
For immortality!
My father and my mother dear
So fondly nursed each pride.
Each rising hope dispelled the tear
That durst my fate betide.
I
Two sisters and my brothers all
In bonds oflove were bound, —
And home was dearer than “ ths Hall
Op Spells” the “spirit” found.
And friendship’s kindling smile lit up
The Paradise divine.
As pleasure tilled the sparkling cup
Os joy with cheerful wine.
O ! could I fly on angel wing
The scene again to view,
How swift I’d speed away and bring
Back home, sweet home, anew!
Atlanta, April 29th, 1856.
A CARD.
TO THE PUBLIC.
Much as I regret it, I am compelled to bring
my name before the public in vindication of
character. It is all the capital I have aud it
has been assailed; a strong money influence is
now and has been operating to destroy my re
putation, and even banish me from the State of
my adoption; this compels me to appear before
the public through the press.
I “He who steals my purse steals trash,
I But he who filches from me my good name,
Takes that which not enriches him
And makes me poor, indeed.”
To come to the point at once, on Wednesday'
last while walking in the streets of Palmetto,'
I was hailed at a distance by Charles B. Talia-;
ferro. I immediately turned and advanced to
wards ; him when we met I sainted him as!
usual. He came forward in a very excited ■
manner and asked me if I had made use of cer- ;
tain slanderous remarks concerning a certain i
widow lady residing in that place (mentioning
her name,) I politely told him I had non. He
then said he had understood so, and believed '
he could prove it, that he had called me with
the intention of thrashing me, at the same time
brandishing a large stick around my head. I
told him he had been misinformed, and de
mended his author. I also said I would face
any man that had said I had made such re
marks aud give him the lie. He then said he
believed I was lying about it, that he had in
tended to beat me nearly to death—had a
great mind to do it then, and should if he could
prove the report true; and that I was a scound
rel abolitionist. I then said, “it is a dammed
lie. sir.” He immediately made at me with his
heavy stick or rather club, and I retreated
' drew a repeater and fired, but missed him : I
I retreated again and he rushed forward. I then
tired again and missed him again. He threw
I the club at me about the time I tired, it just
. missed my head. By this time some of his
■ friends rushed forward using violent language
and laying hold ol rocks and whatever missies
were within reach. He seized a chair and
came towards me, I was all the while retreat
ing. I called to him several times to stop, but
he kept on and his crowd were throwing rocks
and clubs at me. I fired again and missed
him; I fiunally surrendered to the town Mar
shal; when 1 first drew the pistol, he hit me u
severe blow with the stick, upon my hand.
which disabled it. After I surrendered and
was in the custody of the Marshal and niy pis
tol taken from me, the brave and chivalrous
. Charles B. Taliaferro, rushed toward me with
a large bowic knife in his band and said he
would kill me. We were both taken before
tec Town Authorities. He was fined five dol
lars and I twenty-five. In the mean while a
large mob had collected with the brave Sir
Charles as their leader. Some around with
clubs, some with bowie knives and some other'
wise. Through their leader as spokesman they
made the following magnanimous proposition-
He said their intention beat me nearly
to death, but that, they would give me ‘ one
more chance,” if I would promise to leave the
State in three days, I would be allowed to
escape. This was the alternative that an unarm
■ ed'man with.one hand powerless, was offered by
a mob of twenty or thirty headed by the brave
the noble, the wealthy Charles Talliaferro, of
Coweta. I relunctantly made the promise.—
The Council kindly granted me a guard of two
I officers to escort me to my buggy, I was follow-
I ed by a portion of the mob who were continu-
I ally insulting me. I came home and immediate-
Ily wrote back, that 1 was again prepared to
i defend myself and expect to spend the remainder
of my days in Georgia, &c. I have been thus
explicit in describing the affair, knowing that
all kinds of tales would be told. I am
able to prove the above version is substantial
ly correct. I know that money and influence
will be freely used to justify my assailants, and
to overcome me. It remains for the People to
; say whether dollars shall trample justice under
| foot. Whether in Georgia, one man because
he is rich shall be suffered to raise a mob to
crush to the earth and banish a poor man
whose only crime is that he was bom in the
north. lam willing to abide the decision of
. the public.
. As to the charges made by Mr. T. I know
Ihe has n powerful weapon with which to
i vindicate himself. To be the champion of a
lone widow lady, every true man would leave
his own fireside even at midnight if necessary.
I need not say that any gentleman acquainted
with the lady referred to, would most zealously
protect hej from the foul attack of slander’s
tonguey J, as soon as any man, would go for
ward to'vindicate her fair fame, and never have
I uttered a word, or had a thought derogatory
to ter character in any respect whatever. To
Jmow her is to respect, I have partaken of her
No man admired her deceased
■busbandjiiorc than myself. Charles Taliafer
ro would give the best servant he has to be able
j to prove by one respectable witness, the charge
I against me, but even his money will not buy
that one witness. As to the charge that I was
]“ a scoundrel abolitionist,” let those who have
known me best for the last four years, testify.
! And here let me express my heartfelt thanks
! to the citizens of Fairburn for their prompt
; action in regard to the matter. For at once
lon hearing the facts they called a meeting in
my absence, and by resolutions, a copy of which
have been tendered me, most nobly vindicated
my character, and cause in the affair. Such
kindness on their part will never be forgotten
by me ; I am with them now’ and always in all
[.emergencies. But 1 came from the North’
and the great (?) Charles Taliaferro, says 1 am
an abolitionist. Well, whenever that charge
comes, no matter from whom, I shall give it the
lie ; no mutter what the consequences may be.
My parents have four children, they are all
[permanently located in the South,obtain their
and support from the Southern peo
. pie, and reap the full benefit of Southern insti
tutions. I came to Georgia a boy, cast my
first vote here some three years since, nevea
. voted anywhere else but here, and now forsooth
because I was born in the North, the magnan
imous Charles Taliaferro, with cudgel in hand,
must brand me “ scoundrel abolitionist" and
back up the charge with his money and influ
ence. I was born in the North and dearly do
I love the soil that gave me birth. There live
my aged parents loiteriqg on the brink of the
grave. Shall the evening of their life be cloud
ed by the far distant rumor that their son has
turned traitor to the people among whom he
lives? from whom he draws his support? No,
Heaven forbid. My blood may mingle with
the soil of Georgia, but Georgia’s sons shall
know that lam no traitor. Mr. T prides
himself upon his ancestry, I too claim to be as
I good blood as he. If he will examine the re
| cords of the country he will find that my ances*
i tors were patriots of the glorious revolutionary
days. My rights then came as fairly as his.
and’let me tell him they are as dear to me as
' his are to him and that I shall stand by them
to the last, mob or no mob. Mr. Taliaferro is
; wealthy and surrounded by influent ial kindred
: yet he is, after, all nothing more than a man.—
I am poor, and only f»ur years ago found a
home in Georgia among strangers. Yet the
constitution and laws of Georgia, yes and I
I trust public sentiment too, grant to me equal
rights with hirq. A word or two to his crowd
and lam done. You of the crowd who hung
' upon the skirts of Cnarles Taliaferro because
he is rich, are beneath even the contempt of an
honest man. You that are connected by th c
ties of blood I can more easily excuse but the
best that can be said of all who took an active
part in the affair is, they acted the part of cow
ards.
I will not close without informing the public
iof the reason for my having a pistol with me.
I had anticipated an attack from J. W. White,
who had in a public speech, made insinuations
concerning a certain Yankee living in Fairburn,
and supposed to have reference to me; hearing
■of that ard knowing that be had been staying
l in Palmetto. I thought it prudent on going
there to take with me some weapon of defence.
Hoping that what 1 have written in vindication
of my reputation, will be sufficient to set me
right before the community. I close, believing,
right will prevail against money.
Respectfully,
F. S. FITCH.
Fairburn, Georgia, May 3d, IBsfi.
A public meeting of the citizens of Fair
burn was held on Thursday evening last, when
Andrew Smith was called to the Chair, and
Simeon Zellars requested to act as Secretary.
After the object of the meeting was explained
by Wm. Danforth, the following committee
was appointed to report business for the action
of the meeting. Wm. Danforth, Mathew Read
Nathan Camp, John W. Brantly, Z. B Bla
lock, Hugh AfcKonn, committee.
After a short absence, the committee made
the following report:
Whereas, we learn that our fellow-citizen
F. S. Fitch, was assailed on Wednesday last
in Palmetto, and charged with being a scound'
rel aboiitionist, we the citizens of Fairburn
in justice to him, the public and ourselves feel
called upon to repel such charge. It is there
fore,
Resolved, Ist. That having known Mr.
Fitch, since his residence at this place, and
many of us since he first came to State, about
four years since. We have no hesitation in
pronouncing the charge false. And further,
that we believe him to be true to the South
and her institutions.
Resolved, 2d. That we cannot but condemn
the course pursued by some of the citizens of
Palmetto and that vicinity, headed by Charles
B. Talliaferro, in clubing together and by
threats against his safety, and even his life, ex
tort from him a promise to leave the State.
Resolved, 3rd. That while we would unite
with the citizens of Palmetto or any other place
to drive an abolitionist from out midst, yet,
whenever a mob conspire together to punish
an innocent citizen.justiceandhumani ty impels
us to go to his rescue.
Resolved, 4th. That we deem the remarks
of G. W. White, in a public speech concerning
a certain yankee residing here, if intended for
Mr. Fitch, wholly unfounded and uncall
ed for.
Resolved. sth. That the Georgia Banner
and Atlanta Examiner, be requested to publish
the proceedings of this meeting in their Weekly
issues.
On motion, the above Resolutions were
unanimously adopted. The meeting then
adjourned.
ANDREW SMITH, Chairman.
Simeon Zellars, Secretary.
[From the New Orleans Picayune.]
The Panama Outrage.
Facts by one of the Sufferers.
We have had the pleasure of an interview
with Mrs. P. M. Scoffy, formerly of this city,
and now a resident of San Francisco, who came
passenger in the Cortes, from that city, on the
20th ult., on her way to this place, on a visit
to her friends and relatives. She was an eye
witness of the outrageous proceedings of the
rioters at Panama on the 15th inst., and suf
fered severely from them.
Accompanied by her four little girls, the
eldest only eight years of age, the youngest an
infant, she took passage for San Juan de Ni
caragua, in the Cortes, on the 20th of March,
leaving her husband, a merchant of standing in
San Francisco, and who went from New Or
leans in 1849 as one of the early pioneers in the
settlement of that city. On account of an ap
prehension that the steamer would be seized
if it went to San Juan, the Captain proceeded
with her to Panama, where arriving, Mrs.
Scoffy went to the Ocean Hotel to pass the
night, and take the Philadelphia the next mor
ning for Havana, there to meet the Granada,
on its wuy to New Orleans.
That afternoon the steamer Illinois, from
New York, bringing a great number of pass
engers for. San Francisco, had arrived at Pan
ama, but ■’ the passengers were detained, the
steamer Tobago not being able to leave until
the evening. Every place was crowded, and
there were many persons in the streets, as well
as in the hotels, eating-houses, &c.
Mrs. Scoffy says she was setting at the win
dow of the Ocean Hotel, looking out upon the
street, and saw a man, who was afterwards as
certainedjto be one of the passengers of the
New York, appearently purchas
ing fruit of a native, who was gesticulating
violently, and evidently using harsh language,
though she could not hear what he said. The
American had no arms of anykind that she
srw in his hands, nor did he strike or offer to
strike the, fruit seller, who, however, it seemd
to her, threw something at him in anger. In
a moment angery shouts were raised, and, as if
by preconcerted signal, the whole space in front
of the hotel began to swarm with the excited
population of the place, rushing, with arms in
Hieir hapds, indiscriminately upon the passen
gers. These mostly endeavored to shelter
themselves from the fury of the mob by re
treating to the hotels, and the storehouse and
depot of the railroad. Thither they were pur
sued, and their places of retreat were attacked
by the ruffians, keeping up an incessant fire
with muskets and pistols, while those who were
overtaken in the streets were shot or cut
down.
The women and children who were in the
Ocean Hotel were taken into an upper room,
and an attempt was made to guard them from
danger. But the rioters, though told that there
was none there but women and children, kept
up a continued fire at the windows and doors
of this part of the house. All this time there
were attempts made to fire the hotel, and Mrs.
Scoffy, who understands the Spanish language,
heard frequept cries of “ tear it down!” At
length, it was thought prudent to remove them
from their perilous position to the depot, and,
if possible, to get them on board the steamer
at the wharf. Mrs. Scoffy left the room, hold
ing her youngest child in her arms, and leading
two others, while one of the passengers took up
the fourth in his arms. They were met at the
door by one of the rioters, armed with a knife,
who told the man to put down that child, that
he had been firing upon the natives, and must
die. Mrs. Scoffy remonstrated, and besought
the wretch not to injure the guardian of her
child : whereupon a man, who seemed to exer
cise some influence over the rest, peremptorily
•ordered the ruffian to let the man go, saying
that he was the lady’s servant, and the party
proceeded without further molestation. Mrs.
Scoffy, with her family, and others of the pas
sengers for Havana, got on board the Taboga,
which put out from the wharf, and they were
placed on board the Philadelphia in safety.
During the fusilade upon the hotel, while the
women and children, with not a few men be
sides, were cowering below the level of the
windows to avoid the shots, Mrs. Scoliy says
that there were cries raised that thc police
were arriving. This for a moment gave them
some hope, and she raised herself and snatched
a look from one of the windows. What was
her surprise to see these keepers of the peace
drawn up in line, and engaged in firing upon
the house.'
All these lads our informant avers she is
ready, and if it will be of any service to the
cause of justice, is desirous to verify upon her
oath. J lor account in general agrees with the
others that we have already published, as to
these infamous and outrageous transactions.
In the general seizure and plunder of the
baggage of the unfortunate sojourners for that
short space of time in Panama, Mrs. Scoffy
suffered to the extent of every thing she pos -
sessed. 1 ler three trunks, (the checks for which
she showed us,) her carpet bags and baskets,
all shared the general fate ; and she and her
children arrived at Havana without a change
of clothing.
Her account of the brutal treatment of its
ill-fated victims by the mob, shows that it was
actuated by the most savage and barbarous
malignity. The dead bodies of those who were
shot down were insulted, their passage tickets,
in some instances, being twisted into a roll,
and stuck into the wounds made by the bullets.
We forbear, at this time, making such com
ments upon this outrage as the narrative we
have been giving.from the lips ol an eye-wit
ness abundantly suggests. We can only say
that it strengthens us greatly in the view we
have already intimated that it is a clear case
for the prompt and decided action of our Gov
ernment.
Ma ssre or Americans at Pan
ama.
Additional pakeiculas.
The correspondent of the New Yqrig^Ute
bune gives a full accont of the
twenty-five Americans on thc Isthmus. H
says—
On the afternoon of that day the passengers
per steamer Illinois, arrived at the railroad de
pot at Panama, on their way to the steamer J.
L. Stephens, but owing to the low tide, they
were detained on shore. A portion of the pas
sengers by the Cortes, from San Francisco were
also stopping at the several hotels in the vicinity
of the depot. There could not have been less
than 1000 or 1200 Americans congregated
about the railroad terminus. About sunset a
difliclty o.cured between one of the Illinois
passengers and one of the negros, which was
freely joined by friends on both sides, and a
general row now comenced. Pistols, bowie
knives, swords, muskets, clubs and rocks
were freely used, and with dt?it<(jf cffeaU. .The
Americans were generally unarmed
a few small revolvers, and, consequetly, after a
short struggb, had to yield the ground. The
natives were reinforced by large numbers.—
They now made an attack upon the different
hotels, and drove all the inmates out, many of
whom sought saftey, as they supposed, in the
depot buildings.
About this time the Police (God save the
term!) was called in requisition; but instead of
attempting to restore order, it is positively
known that a portion of them joined thc ne
groes and made the assault upon the depot.
The police and negroes fired upon the crowd,
and drove evciy man, woman and child from
thc building, who. in their frieght, ran in every
direction—some to the boats, and others to the
thick bush and wooes, where they remained
during the night, and with the expectation of
being murdered when daylight appeared. A
large number were fortunate enough to get
on board of the small steamer, and were
were conveyed to the J. L. Stephens. After
the natives had accomplished tlieir work of
death, and dispersed all from the ground, they
commenced plundering the baggage" and de
stroying everything to be found in the hotels.
The passengers, in their sudden flight, left ami
lost everything. After plundering all to be
found in thc hotels, the black mob attacked
depot building which contained a large amcQnt
of luggage and treasure, all of which the i fis
cals obtained. They then commenced to tear
up the rail road track, and to pull down the
telegraph poles, and destroyed both railroad and
telegraph offices. They were aware that the
Express goods would be brought over from
Aspinwall that night, and had laid their plans
to seize them. They tore up the track in the
vicinity of the depot, in order, that the engine
might run off; but through the exertion of Mr.
Williams, a counductor on the road, the ex
press train was stopped by his signals before
reaching the fatal point, and the lives of those
on board and the goods were saved, and the
train put back to Aspinwrll, where it remained
at the time the Philadelphia sailed.
I have no means of knowing the number kill
ed and wounded. There were twenty five
Americans found dead immediately around the
g dcpot in the morning, most of whom were pas
sengers from Ihe Cortes, but this number is
probably not half that were murdered. Os the
umber of natives killed but little could be as
certained; but few, comparatively, 1 think,
were slain.
During the night some scattering Americans
were picked up from time to time by the
police, and escorted to thc gates of the city,
but with the requisition of from 85 to 820
each for so doing, and several instances they
were robbed of money, watches and other effects
found upon their persons, and their lives
threatened in case of resistance.
Soon after the commencement of hostilities
the Governor of Panama and the American
Consul were on the ground, but their exertions
to quiet the riot proved ineffectual. It is re
ported by sorge of our passengers that thc
Governor in the first instance, tried to restore
order, but afterwards encouraged the murder
and plunder. My slight acquaintance with
Governor Deas forbids me giving any evi
dence to the latter report.
The Spanish portion of the inhabitants of
Panama were much frightened. Every house
and place of business was instantly barred, and
but few ventured out upon the balconies dur
ing the night. The hotels in the city were
closed and guarded until morning.
Os the amount of money and other effects
lost by passengers, I can give but an imperfect
idea. It is supposed by many that not less
than 8100,000 would cover thc amount.
It is stated that only one lady and two
children were killed. Michael Bertern, of
Vermont, who was killed, was robbed of 82,-
000.
Among the wounded not mentioned yesterday
were Joseph M. Parker, Bangor, Me., cut with
a machine on thc head—skull fractured, and a
stab in Zoins; A. W. Sclover, Providence, R. I.
shot through the lungs with a musket ball,
A. Lante, Swane Strong, Me., shot in thc
shoulder with a musket ball, which passed
down into the kidneys; Patrick J. O’Neil, San
Francisco, gun shot through the body, and a
gash on the head with a machine; Nathan
Preble,Hancock county, Ohio, cutin the face
very badly with a machine.
My-New Jersey papers say the prospect is
there will be a heavy crop of wheat in that
ate.