Miscellanies of Georgia, Historical, Biographical, Descriptive, Etc. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874. Excerpt: ... OHAPTEE VII. THF YAZOO FRAUD--SECTION I. The great Yazoo Fraud was conceived earlier thaa the Fine Barren Speculation, hut as it had a much longer gestation, it turned out that the two reached their birth about the same time, and were consequently contemporaneous though not twin villainies; for there never was any actual connection between them either as to facts or persons. It would be impossible for people nowadays to form an adequate idea of the immense and almost wild stir and excitement caused by the Yazoo Fraud in its clay; and it was by no means a short any more than a commonplace day that it had. Not only was it radicated far back in the then Past, but curious explorers will detect its roots and ramifications interwoven with national matters of that period important enough to claim a place in history. And when we come down later and take a view of the great cancerous abomination in its several vicissitudes and more advanced stages, how complicated it is seen to become alike in its facts and in the questions and principles it involves How the huge villainy stands out and strikes us, distent with odious interest and energy at every turn, making its way over all obstacles, discouragements and delays, first through the State Legislature, next through the Cabinet, Courts and Congress of the United States, and in the end, after near twenty years of unholy striving and perseverance, triumphing at last and plunging its felonious hands deep into the National Treasury. That memorable crime which was consummated in the Legislature of Georgia on the 7th of January, 1795, is the one to which I am now referring. The intelligence of it no sooner reached Washington than it caused him great concern, for he instantly saw its enormity and dangerousness, having alre...