The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-15
Addres. OF Juae. ,rerrI,ve,l,er.


The Hon. James A. Merriwcther, after return
ing his thanks to the House Of Representatives Of
the State OF Georgia for tho honor done him in
electing him its Speaker, proceeded to say
''It is pleasing theme to contemplate the future
destiny OF our State. To one who has witnessed
her rapid transition within few years, the reality
seems more the illusion OF the magician 8 ART than
the result of tual development. What was Georgia
twenty years ago, and what IL she to-day! Then,
stripped OF commerce, manufactures scarcely
known, the mechanical arts pcrishlng, not foot
OF railroad within her limits, cities deca yng, agri-
culture languishing, and labor sthed because of
the isolation of its employment, an i'll organized
Judiciary denied protection TO right because Of the
uncertainty of its continuance few county
academies, and State college OF fitful existence,
marked the era Of education, while our State,
closing the first century of lis existence, numbered
but half million OF souls within its limits
"Now what has twenty years done for Georgia?
Her commerce boldly striding on-manufactories
In every variety rising up everywhere-the me
chanical arts challenging the rivalry OF older
States-labor diversified and rewarded-agricul-
ture improved, and yet improving-a well-organ-
lied judiciary giving stability 10 laws-one thou
sand miles OF railroad completed and completing,
tapping the tributaries of the Mississippi, and run
ming III near approach to those OF the gulI-cltles
fourishing, and some boasting their thousands OF
inhabitants, whose sites twenty years since were
the pastures of the bounding deer-educatlon
spreading all over the State while nine collegiate
institutions dispense their blessings to more than
twelve hundred scholars annually
Twenty years ago was fret honored with
seat ON this floor; have witnessed the day of her
gloom, and behold now the bright sunshine of her
prosperity.
..When look upon all this, it is with vanity
that care not TO conceal-with spirit of exulta-
ton for the past, al of joyous hope for the flu
ture that can excaiYh, his is my oicn, my natoe
land.
''And TO what do we all this evidence of
prosperity and happincss II ia the full fruition Of
our own free and happy Government.
''But shall Georgia stop in her onward march
Shall she play the laggard in the future because Of
her successes in the past? No, let her triumphs
strengthen her energies. Go on. She holds the
key to the commerce of the great West. Open
new channels ofinternal communication-cheapen
tories in all their varietes-encourage especially
wealth and national strength. And last, though
never least by well-drected system of public ed
ucation let it be the boast of every Georgian that
not son or daughter lives upon her coil who can
not speak and write their native tongue
Georgia has great destiny TO fulfil. Great in
her physical rcsources-great in moral action
with climate surprising in saubrity and health
the most favored of the Atlantic States her rapid
advancement is but the prestige of her future
glory.
''She now bears meelly the sectional distinction
of the Empire State of the South. Her energies
have won her this proud position, and just pub
lie has accorded her her due. Develop her mighty
resources-stimulate her mighty energies-speed
her on in her course, and the day is not distant
when che will claim, and deserve to receive, the
more honored and more national distinction of the
Empire State of this glorious Union"