The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-12


From the message Of Gov. Towns transmit
tod to the Legislature on the Sd instant, we take
the following extract. which refers TO federal re
lations. His hint to the people of Georgia
scquiesoent" but not oontented--is quite sig
nifcant. lie urges the necessity of preparation
for probable contingencies.
This is his language:
In reference to the several acts of the gene
raj assembly, for the organization and discipline
Of the militia of the State, 80 much has beef
communicated by my several predecessors ant
myself, and so little done, that l reluctantly
bring the subject to your notice. Our present
militia system Is one of the few in which any
change might be regarded an improvement, and
none seems more demanded than total repeal
Of all laws on the subject, that the Legislature
may be disencumbered of the rubbish crowded
into the digests by successive legislatures amend
ing repeating and reviying acts and parts OF acts
on this subject.
1t is believed, if your legislation was directed
TO the organization of volunteer companies, and
the adoption Of plan for ascertaining, with ac-
curacy, the effective force of the State, each
year, of all persons above the age of 49, and
under as years, much more would be accom-
plished than is done under the present system.
The inducement to organize volunteer com
panies, may be made sufficiently great to afford
q reasonable assurance, that One-third OF the
State, capable of bearing arms, would, at all
times be found attached to volunteer associa-
tons. The effect of this policy would be, to
have always ready, an effective force, somewhat
trained, at least, in the use of arms, for any
emergency.
Under the present plan, the only reliable force
to meet any crisis, however great are the volun-
teer companies now organized. A commend
able spirit to form volunteer associations has
manifested itself in manv sections Of the State,
within the last four years, but their ardor has
been checked, from my inability to furnish arms
and equipments This regard as great mis-
fortune. To the strong arm and stout heart of
the citizen soldier, must we look for protection
in peace and in war; and in view of a possible
disturbance, however remote it may appear to
many, of the amicable relations existing with
the States of the confederacy. or a disturbance
more strictly local and domestic in its character,
does it not devolve upon the legislature to pro.
vide arms and munitions to equip at least one,
third of the militia force of the State? This
subject addresses itself with peculiar force to
the Legislature at this time, from the attitude
assumed by the people in convention last De
cember, that Georgia would and ought to re-
sist, (even as last resort,) to disruption of
every tie which binds her to the Union, any ac
ton Of Congress upon the subject of slavery in
the District Of Columbia, or in places subject to
the jurisdiction of Congress, incompatible with
the safety, the rights and the honor of the slave
holding States" Will Georgia " take no step
backwardW Will the triumphant majority that
have ratified this sentiment consent that they
should not be provided with arms and NUM-
of ha 10 Ia han, IN,
tain this patriotic sentiment? or will this wise
and precautionary measure be postponed, under
the persuasion that the necessity contemplated
by the resolutions of the convention, will never
arise. II even this was certain, or the proba-
bilities far greater than the history Of passing
events would justify us in believing, submit il
to the sound Judgment of the legislature il
the adoption of the measures here recommend.
ed, of arming the people, would not do more to
prevent usurpation Of power by Congress, in
this respect, than the adoption of the resolu-
tons themselves The State that arms its citi-
zens, and gives warning to the aggressor to be-
ware of the next blow, will be respected but
an enunciatiou to the world, unacsompanied with
any preparation to sustain it, would rather ac-
CELEBRATE than arrest the apprehended aggression,
which am sure it must be the wish of all to
prevent, however widely we may differ as to the
These reflections are submitted with no parti-
spirit, with no design to irritate or TO recall
the past. That is the appropriate duty of the
historian my duty is to deal with things as
they exist, to earnestly urge upon your consid-
GRAFTON v hatever, In my judgment, will conduce
to the safety, honor, and happiness of the State,
irrespective of every consideration but the pub
lie veal
Having brought to the attention of the legis-
ture such measures as, in my judgment, should
engage its attention, my duty is well nigh ended
Ever tolerant and respectful of the opinions of
others, have never allied on suitable occasions
to avow my own, on all questions State or fede-
raj, Of public concerDment Ii has been my con-
slant object so to exercise my official duties as
to maintain, perpetuate and advance the honor,
the rights, liberty, and prosperity os the people
OF Georgia; TO impress upon the public mind
the solemn obligation Of observing good faith
10 all things; to diffuse among all classes the
blessings of education; to stimulate the people
to increase industry, by developing the vast
resources OF the State; TO inspire all with a
fresh love of country, liberty, and equality.
These have been objects of my unremittinQ
solicitude; and If, on this occasion, abstain
from adverting TO some measures connected with
these objects, which have 80 wildly and deeply
sgiated the public mind, growing out Of the
late action of Congress, 1t is not because the
opinions have so often expressed, have under.
gone change, or of desire to conceal them,
but in defence to the popular WILL and my re-
luctnce to throw any possible obstacle, or at
tempt to do 80, in the way of full and entire
restoration of froternal feelings and harmonious
action among the people of the State.
The inaugural of his successor, Mr.. CoBB, is
probably more significant of this dissatisfied con.
dition of public feeling Mr.. Cons thus define.
his present position, and that of the dominan,
party in Georgia, which elevated him to the
gubernatorial chair
The concluding portion of the extract we have
taken, sounds wonderfully like threat and does
not argue harmonious cooperation with the
" national" parties on the part of Mr. Com and
his political friends Of the two old stripes. The
North regards all such threats from such quar-
ters now as mere brutum fulmen-intended for
home consumption, and addressed to Buncombe