The southern press., 1851-11-15
THE SOUTHERN PRESS.
Gov. Towns and Gov. Cobb.

he following extract, which refers to federal re
atoms. His hint to the people of Georgia
acquiescent" but not contented-is quite sig
pifeant. He urges the necessity of preparation
Tor probable contingencies.
This is his language:
In reference to the several acts of the gene
Fal assembly, for the organization and discipline
Of the militia of the State, so much has been
communicated by my several predecessors and
myself. and 80 little done, that ] 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 a total repeal
pf all laws on the subject that the legislature
nav be disencumbered Of the rubbish crowded
INTO the diges,s, by successive legislatures amend
ng, repeating and revving acts and parts OF acts
bn this subject.
Il is believed, if your legislation was directed
10 tn. 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 ID, 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
a reasonable assurance, that one-ihird OF the
State, capable of bearing arms, would, at all
times, be found attached to volunteer associa-
tions. 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 possible
disturbance, however remote it may appear to
many, of the amicable relations existing with
the States of the confederacy, or 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 State2 This
subject addresses itself with peculiar force to
the legislature ut this time, from the attitude
assumed by the people in convention last De-
cember, that Georgia would and ought to re-
sist, (even as a 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 cake no step
ackwardr" Will the. triumphant majority that
have ratified this sentiment consent that they
should not be provided with arms and NUM-
tons of war, if need be, TO enable them to main
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. If even this was certain, or the proba-
bilities far grea ter than the history of passing
events would Justify us in believing, | submit it
TO the sound judgment of the Legislature, if
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 citl-
zens, and gives warning to the aggressor to be-
ware of the next blow, will be respected; but
an enunciatiou to the world, unacconpanied with
any preparation to sustain it. would rather ac-
ceierate than arrest the spprehended aggression,
which am sure it must be the wish OF all TO
prevent however widely we may differ as TO The
means best calculated to effect that object.
These reflections are submitted with no part.
IAN spirit, with no design to irrtate or TO recall
the past That is the appropriate duty Of the
historian; my duty is TO deal with things g.
they exist to earnestly urge upon your consid'
Grafton 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 10 well nigh ended
Ever tolerant and respectful Of the opinions Of
Others, have never failed on suitable occasions
10 avow my own, on all questions, State or fede
raj of public Government Ii has been my con
slant object, so to exercise my official duties al
TO maintain, perpetuate and advance the honor
the rights liberty, and prosperity os the peopl,
of Georgia to impress upon The public mino
the solemn obligation of observing good faitf
in all things; to diffuse among all classes thu
blessings Of education; to stimulate the people
10 increase industry by developing the vas
resources of the State; to inspire all with I
fresh love Of country, liberty, and equality.
These have been objects Of my unremttinl
soIcitude; and il, on this occasion, ] abstain
from adyerting to some measures connected will
these objects, which have so wildly and deeply
acitated the public mind, growing out Of thu
late action Of Congress, it is not because thu
cpinions have so often expressed, have under
gone n change, or Of desire TO conceal them
but in defence 10 the popular will, and my re
luctance TO throw any possible obstacle, or at
tempt TO do SO, in the way of full and entir'
restoration of fraternal feelings and harmonious
action among the people of the State.
The inaugural of his successor, Mr.. CoBB, i
probably more significant of this dissatisfied con
dition of public feeling. Mr.. CoBB thus defines
his present position, and sb". Of che dominan
marty in Georgia, which elevated him TO tn
pubernatorial chair.
The concluding portion of the extract we hnv'
taken. sounds wonderfully like a threat, and doe
-. ,,oue harmonious cooperation With tn
q national" parties on the part of Mr.. COBB an'
his political friends Of the two old stripe. Tn
North regards all such threats from sub quar-
a.. now AZ mere brutum fulmen-intehed TO
home consumption, and addressed to Bncomb'