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Twenty isoples of Hie Paper one year, 40 on
A 4* All HrtbBCiitjtlopA Miiet In* pniil invnrlubly In ad-
Vance. No (ltHcrlrntniiflon In favor of unvlioily.
flrJ-Thn Paper will be Hopped, 111 all liiHinnccn, nt Iho
time paid for, nt»l**H'u’bsi'riptlou* mo provloimly ronawod.
*«r AddfeS* all order* to
JONES k WILLINGHAM.
Attorneys.
W. O. TUGGLE,
A T T O It N E Y A T L A W ,
LnGrniiffr : Georgia*
ALUVRT hT COX, ~
A T T O It NEY A T I. A W ,
LaOrangc, Georgia.
'ITrilT.L practice In all thn Courts of the TnllApoosa
VV Circuits. march l'J
J. K. 1UOI.K. o. w. MARRY,
TOOLE «fc MAnnY,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
I. a Grange, Georgia,
W ILL pmctieo in the Superior Courts of thn enmities
of Troup, Heard, Carroll, Coweta, Meriwether and
Harris. Also, In the Supreme Court of Georgia, and In
the United States District Court at Atlanta.
fii/* OFFICE—IviiHt Si.lc of the Public Square. oelliMf
B. 0. FK1UIEM., I N. J. HAMMOND, I i-. w. HAMMOND,
LnOrangn. Qa. | Atlanta, (la. | LaUrange, Go.
FERRELL, HAMMOM) «Si HIlO.,
AlTOTVNI-YfiJ AT r.AW,
Tit. Grange,. Georgia,
’©arofUl attention.
N. J. HAMMOND still remains a member of the Hrm of
•A. W. Nainuaond k Son, of AtlautA, except as to 'Troup
<l()c
rang*
VOLUME XXV.!
LA O RANGE, OA., FRIDAY MORNING, MARCH 26, 1860.
(NUMBER 13.
Groceries.
II. S. WIMDISII. A. D. ABRAHAMS
WIMBISH & CO.,
MERCHANTS mid THA I )TCRH,
w
Dentistry.
II. 11. ALFltKD,
snr.OEON DENTIST,
ta Grn.igo Gcorgln.
■work done
executed i
charges.
orriCK—Northwest eornor Public Square,
in Thornton’s Kook Building.
January Hth, 1809.
•i. T. DODAIWSm
SURGEON DENTIST,
HAVING located nt LaGrange. rospcctfullv
endera his professional services to the citizens
>f the place mid surnmndlng
> give
r apply to Col. Hugh Buchanan. Col. W. F.
Wright, Dr. Calhoun, Dr. Wellborn. Ncwnun, Ga.; and Dr.
Stanley and Dr. Wiinblsh. LaGrange. Ga.
Gfllce up stairs over Pullen k Cox’s old stand, Northwest
corner of Public Squuro. Juu8
Miscelhi neons.
H AVING associated in the praetlco of Medicine In its
various branches, respectfully offer their services
to the citizens of LaGrangc and surrounding country.
During the day they can bo found at the Drug Store of
H rad field k pitman, and at night, at their respective resi
dences. Dr. Iiaugh may he fouud at thn residemm lately
iruipied by Dr. J. A. Lung. H. D. LITTLE,
March 0, l-StlD.—1'2« f
J. A. BAUGH.
1:
NOTICE THIS!
uauee of the satuo
lug aiul Work Done Promptly f
UNITED MTA/TISH HOTEL,
Atlanta, Onoraia.
SASSEKN «fc MANN, Proprietors.
_J. F. W. BRYSON AND ISAAC N. SCOTT, Clorks.
FRANCIS A. FROST,
RANK ER,
(Offloe West Sido Squoro, next door to Wiso k Douglass,)
Lr Grange Georgia.
.notion given to Collodion
. f. OWKU. J.
OWEN & BARNARD,
COTTO N W A 11 K HO 1 r
La Grange <
the lilieral pa
rpilANKlTL
I Inst year,
FA 11MKK3 tha
Jb K. Depot, ai
wed <
TTON SHIPPERS AND
vo ro-opened our old Stand, near the
give prompt and personal nttoution
with us. We also havo a NIGHT-
stablisliment. sepll-tf
WATCHMAN
MEDICAL NOTICE I
D lt. K. A. T. K1DLF.Y. having assoclatod with himself.
his son. Dr. CHARLES H. lUDLEY. a recent gmdu-
atn of tha Now Orleans School of Medicine, would offer
their services in the various brunches of the Medical Pro
fession, to the citizens ot laiUrauge and surrounding
extei
A residence of thirty yoars in LaGrangi
sivo practice during tl»ut time, by the senior membo
the tlrin, is » HUllleiont guarauteo to the people that
cither fro
and faithfully attended to.
air office one door North of Pulh
ad three doors South of the Post offlei
uutrv, will bo promptly
k Cox’s old stand,
CL AG HORN, HERRING & CO.,
COTTON COMMISSION MERCHANTS,
No. 7 Warren Iilock,
Angustn, Georgia ;
Corner Tendvio Range and Accommodation Wharf,
CharlcstoN, South Carolina;
130 Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
II1F.KAL CASH ADVANCES made at all times <
>id ad-
sepll-tf
ATLANTA MARBLE WORK !
WM. GRAY, Prop’r, S. B. OAT31 AN, Ag’t,
dealer*in
American und Foreign Marble,
MONUMENTS, TOMBS, VAULTS, HEADSTONES, TABLETS,
Mantles, Statuary, Urns and Vases,
A ND all descriptions of FINISHED MARBLE OF THE
BEST WORKMANSHIP AND LOWEST PRICES.
DESIGNS FURNISHED, for those purchasing of us,
fret of eharfff-J
/tij-MODIiLING, in clay or plaster, and othov ornamental
work*.
All orders faithfully executed and promptly filled.
JW-OFFICK AND YARD—Opposite Georgia R. R. Depot,
Atlanta, Go. netld-tf
ALEXANDER ERGENZINGER,
(Hunter Street, near Whitehall,)
Atlanta, Georgia,
’llTOULD respoctfully inform his old friends in LaGran-o
Yt and surrouudiug country that he In proparod to till
•11 orders for
FURNITURE, UPHOLSTERING,
MATTRARSES AND BEDDINO,
DECORATIONS,
WINDOW CURTAINS,
k o., Ac,, Ac.
STOVES, TirSTW^VTJTC, &C.
J. F. SLAUGHTER,
DEALS* IW
HEATING AND COOKING STOVES,
PLAIN, JAPANNED, PRESSED AND PLANISHED
r JD JL m. -mmr s«B«e.
LA GRANGE, GEORGIA.
ALL KINDS OF JOB WORK,
In my lino of business, dono to order.
I BUY THE BEST COOKING 8TOVES THAT ARE
BUILT, and I can and do
•Sell Them n« Cheaply a« They ean be Par*
ekaicd anywhere In Georgia!
GROCERIES. HARDWARE, PROVISIONS,
HEAVY BOOTS AND SHOES,
BUGGY AND WAGON MATERIALS,
STOVES, AC., AC.
CHOICE RIO, LAGIJAYRA and JAVA COFFEES,
STOVES—(Warranted to give satisfaction,)
GUNNY and BLANKETBAOGINGf(44 tolCin. to2\ lb*.,)
GllEEN LEAF ROPE and ARROW TIES,
AXLES, HUBS, RIMS and SPOKES, (buggy and wagon)
BUGGY TRIMMINGS, (every kind,)
GUNS, PISTOLS, CARTRIDGES and CAPS,
PLANTATION and MECHANIC’S, TOOLS, (every kind,)
LOCKS, BUTTS and SCREWS, (great variety,)
BUGGY and WAGON HARNESS,
CALF SKINS, SOLE, UPPER and HARNESS LEATHER,
IRON and STEEL. (Sweden and Rofined-all *izo*,)
SUPERIOR CnEWINO and SMOKING TOBACCO,
BACON, LAUD and FLOUR, (superior quality,) ,
COTTON YARNS. OSNABURGS, STRIPES A SHIRTINGS,
NO. 1 SHORE and BAY MACKEREL and WHITE FISH,
line, on tho most ror.son-
WIMDISII A CO.
rrUTTRTY Barrels Early
1 tons, both Very eui
oeived by
TVcxv Oi-Iouuh
Choice article, for sale by
rUST received by
O'
WIMBISH A CO.
Molaimm.
WIMBLSH k OO.
Orleans Sugar
WIMBISH A CO.
Honey.
Drugs ami Medicines.
WARE’S DRUG STORE.
JU8T RECF.IVKD AND FOR SALE
BY
AUGUSTUS C, WARE,
D It U CJ O I S T and A V O T H E C ARY,
La Orange, Georgia.
Drake'* Plantation Ritters,
J UST received aud for imlo by
A. C. WARE.
Old Carolina lilttcr*,
J UST received and for saloby
A. C. WARE.
lIOMtCttlT’M 111 lie
Pearl Starch.
P EARL STARCH, Just rocelvod and fornalo by
A. C. WA1
Rnjocs,
B ODER'S BEST, juat received and for Bale by
A. 0. WA1
LUE, Just received and for Hole by
Clover Seed !
I 71RESH and GENUINE, for nalc by
WIMBISH A CO.
Family Flour!
I IARESn and of superior quality, ju»t received and for j
' Halo by WIMBISH A CO.
Liverpool Salt.
O NE CAR LOAD Just received aud for aulo hr
uovO WIMBISH A CO.
Guano! Gnuno!! Guano!!!
'\\' r Earo Agents for Obor’a (KittlewcdpH) MANIPULATED
> t GUANOS, certain and reliable ieatilizt*rn lor cotton.
Will also furniah guitniuc PERUVIAN GUANO, BONE
DUST amt LAND PLASTER, oil at Baltimore prices, with I
freight added, fllvo um your order* early tin
huvo them filled in time. Will send yo
r Mel
trung now suclu*. at £22 p
rdert
l furnish >
WIMBISH A CO.
Unlit Mont.
■ CASH, nt vory short
nail commission.
WIMBISH A CO.
W £ ;S!
d»*cl8
*>00 D i UHI1 WniTK C0UN ’ c
TONS A. A. GUANO Just roc
CHARLES HANDY,
(HCCCESSOU TO W. C. YANCF.Y,)
COMMISSION M12UC;iI-cV?CT #
CHOICE GROCERIES AND PLANTATION SUPPLIES,
(At Pullen A Cox’s Old Stand,)
La Gruugo, Cieorgia.
C1IAS. IIANDY.
CHARLES HANDY.
CHARLES HANDY.
W A
G 1
CHARLES HANDY.
EVANS & RAGLAND,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
GROOERS AND COMMISSION MERCHANTS,
(East Sido Public Square,)
La Grange, Georgia.
L ARGE supply BAGGING aud ROPE just received by
EVANS k RAGLAND.
V Large supply fine aHaortod LIQUORS at
EVANS A RAGLAND.
I F you want heavy BOOTS and SHOES call on
EVANS A RAGLAND.
S HOT-GUNS, PISTOLS and CAPS on hand and for nale
by "
T HOSE who chow at
Huperior lot of all grades TOBACCO at
EVANS A RAGLAND.
EVANS A RAGLAND.
T HE fluent Rio COFFEE for sale by
EVANS A RAGLAND.
O UGARS, A, B and C, can bo had at
& EVANS A RAGLAND.
■J~^0 you i
■yf 0LASSE8 and SURUP c
VnR EVAN8 A RAGLAlJ
•rvRIED BEEF (finest quillty) at
17 EVANS A RAOLAND.
Gr
Yca«t Poxvdcr*.
■\T EAST POWDERS Just received und for salo bv
L A. C. WARE.
Rosadall*.
R OSADALIH, just received ami for sale by
A. C. WARE.
Darby’s Fluid.
D ARBY’S FLUID, just received und for salo by
A. <J. WARE.
Ayres’ Cherry Pretorn 1.
t VUES’ CHERRY PECTORAL, Just received and for
A sale by A. 0. WARE.
Hasson's Syrup of Tar.
H ASSON'S SYRUP OF TAR, Just received nml for salo
by A. Cl. WARE.
Worden’* Violet Ink,
TTtOR architect* and book-keepers, Just received and for
JL sale by A. 0. WARE.
Carbolie Soap.
1 7*011 killing fleas, Ac., Just received and for sale bv
A. C. WARE.
Congress Water. ^
C 10NGRESS WATER, just rocelvod and for sale bv
t A. C. WARE.
Dcnlson’w Condition Powder*,
F OR horses and cattle, just rocoivcd and for sale bv
A. C. WARE.
Costar’s Hat Exterminator.
C tOSTAR’8 RAT EXTERMINATOR, just received and
/fur sale by A. O. WARE.
Singer’s machine Oil.
CJINGER’8 MACHINE OIL, just received und lor sale by
O A. C. WARE.
Large Lot Hair Dyes,
J UST rocoivcd aud for sale by
A. C. WARE.
Putty Kntvos.
P UTTY KNIVES, Just received and for sale by
A. C. WARE,
ISnglUh Soda.
O NE BARREL BEST ENGLISH SODA, for rooking, just
received by A. C. WARE.
White Lead.
BOO Pounds Putty,
JUST received and for sale by
Landredtli'x Garden Seed,
T D8T received and for sale by
A. C.
m9 EtJSC?MCKVK1I
FOR SALE
ur
BRADFIELD & PITMAN,
DUUGOISTS AND APOTHECARIES,
La Grange, Gcorgiu.
HAIR BRUSHES.
Dozen assorted HAIR BRUSHES, just rocoivcd and
i for sale by BRADFIELD k PITMAN.
DRESSING COMBS.
Dozon DRESSING and FINE COMBS, of every do-
hi ription, ju«t rocoivcd and for sale by
BRADFIELD A PITMAN.
10
AXLE O Li EASE.
G Dozen boxoe AXI.E GREASE, for wagons, carriages,
Ac., Just reo*4vodund for mile by
BRADFIELD k PITMAN.
WL LDER’S SARSAPARILLA.
k) Dozen botUes E. Wilder’s SAKS A BARILLA aud POT-
w ASH, just received aud for huIo by
BRADFIELD k PITMAN.
GRAFTON PAINT.
i.)AA Pounds GRAFfON PAINT, for pailings and out
£ \ "V/ buildings, vory clump aud deslruble for such
work, for nolo by BRADFIELD k PITMAN.
VIOLIN STRINGS.
8 Dozon VIOLIN STRINGS, just received by
BRADFIELD A: PITMAN.
TOILET SOAPS.
Dozen asHOi tod TOILET SOAPS, of every varietj
aud price, for salo by
BRADFIELD A PITMAN.
30
KEUOSTNE LAMPS.
Dozen KEROSINE LAMPS just received by
20
BRADFIELD k PITMAN.
BABBITT S POTASH.
Dozen BABBITT’S POTASH, for *ulo by
BRADFIELD k PITMAN.
At Hogans-villo, Georcin.
JfclVEH, PHILLIPS & CO.
IV
Pure and Fi*e*h Drug* and Hedicines,
Chemicals, from the bent manufucturers,
Paints, Oils und Dye KtufYs,
Window Glass and Patty,
Soda, Spices und Pepper,
Kei oxinc Oil, best quality,
Rock Potash and Turpentine,
Toilet Articles and Perfumery, of superior
GurdUffi^edi,—crop of 1808, and
Everything Usually Kept in a First-Class
Drug Store,
at as low pricosas the Bamo quality of goods can be bought
In this Beetiouof country.
aS"PRESOBIPTIONS accurately flllod, day and night,
by Dr. Molvei*. feljl9-asqs-3in*
j. noiir.RTtj. I j. a. dibanek, I w. a. iiiciiabdhom,
Marietta, 0ft. | Marietta, Ga. | Louisville, Ky.
T11E GflOlieiA MARBLE WORKS
4 RE now Ttidpftrod to fl
J\. to furnt®^'
> fill all ordors for MARBLE, and
Moniimftnta, Slabs, Tombs,
finished in the hast style, and at LOWER PRICES than
tho sumo work din be doue with Northern Marble. Our
Marble is equal to t$o BEST AMERICAN.
For any inform a tldhor designs address
DRGIA MARBLE WORKS,
b or Jasper, Pickens co., Ga.
W. U. Agent •* I^range. aepl-t/
LETTER FRO31 TEXAS.
Bonham, Texas, March 4th, I860.
Ukaii Willingham:—You nro nwnro that our
“ Mnnagcrio,” at Atifilin, hnw at laBt, after two
HOHsionn pftHHod in tho offort, and tlio oxpondituro
of over $200,600, forcod from tho juithoh of our
people, framed Homothing they rail a ConHtitu-
tion, which will, perlmpH, meet the demandn of
tho worthy (?) CoRgrosn at WaHhin^ton. Thin
vory able (?) instrumont was created under groat
tribulation.
You will bear in mind that there wero three
parties, in tho convention—tho conservative or
moderate radical or republican; the extreme
radical or “ah nilio” party; and tho diviKioniate.
The first was for a constitution that would com
ply with tho requirements of tho reconstruction
laws of Congress, as nearly as practicable, with
out being too obnoxious to the poople. The
second was for annulling all laws passed since
I860, and to declare all judicial proceedings,
since that time, null nml void, and of no effect,
and to eroato a constitution excessively proscrip
tive and onerous. Tho last parly was for a di
vision of tho State into three or more States.
The last two parties were very annoying to tho
convention, aud arc tho cause of the great length
6f time and amount of money consumed. A
ood part of the. time was talcou up in fighting
and violent atmC*- Tho last days were very in
teresting to the vulgar—Bow ft l members making
handsome displays of pugilistic skill, find tmJ
expulsion ot members, Ac. The President of
tho convention, in tho great confusion, dismissed
the same, loft his seat, passed out through the
rabble with his six-shooter in his hand, eursiug
everything connected with the body. The Tres-
i leut (Davis) was ono of the most turbulent men
in tho convention. He and Morgan C. Hamil
ton were tho leaders of the extremists. Tho
President failed; in truth, would not adjourn tho
convention in form, nor sign tho proceedings of
tho same, but left everything in confusion.—
Gcu. Canby had the Secretary arrested, and ap
pointed three members of the convention to ar
range the proceedings of that body, ns they
should appear upon the record—alter which, the
General took charge of tho proceedings entire.
When Jack Hamilton called upon the Secretary
for the proceedings, ho refused to deliver them,
whereupon, Hamilton informed him that he
would cut his ears off in an instant. Scared
Secretary made profest and delivery instanter.—
Can Georgia beat this ?
I suppose Congress will not allow our mem
bers to sit, although the Constitution should be
adopted by us, aud accepted by them, unless
they are of tho “ trooly loil,” keeping in reserve
tho informal manner of closing the convention,
and objecting to tho whole as illegal should we
send a Democrat or two to the Senate or House.
I make this comment, as I see that they object
to the counting of the return from Georgia, be
cause it was not made exactly to time. Hence,
I look for some exception to tho proceedings in
this State upon reconstruction.
Wo find many exceptionable features in the
Constitution which is to bo submitted to a vote j
of the people, on the first Monday in July, 18G0. 1
bat we will have to adopt it as tho best we can
do. We have sufiered too great a burden of tax j
alreudy; and rather lhau risk another conven
tion with the tax that must follow, we will try to
make out with tho one to be presented. It is
not as objectionable as the Constitution of Geor
gia, in my opinion. The great objectionable
feature is universal mauliood sufirage, after the
first election, which said election shall be by tho
registered voters. Negro suffrage is a. foregone
conclusion—a fixed fact—and, therefore, it is j
folly to “ kick against tho pricks." We are not
pleased with the judiciary part of the Constitu
tion, but will be allowed to make a change after
eight years if wo seo fit. “Let us havo peace."
“When shall our troubles have an end, oh 1
when." Mr. Grant goes into office to-day; and
if his administration is to be as dark and gloomy
as is the day, wo aro to be pitied.
Now, a remark to my friends who may havo it
in their heads to emigrate to tho West. Come
to Northern ToxaR. I have been hero nearly
two years, and I have soon enough of the coun
try to give a fair expression or correct opinion
as regards the advantages of this section. I
never enjoyed better health, and never saw the
country with which I was so well pleased, saving
the valleys of Virginin and Cumberland of Penn
sylvania. There are features hero that I like
better than in those sections mentioned. Any
thing that can be raised in tho South can bo
successfully raised here; and in the majority of
Southern products, we excel the world. Produco
more corn to the acre upon an average than any
State in tho Union. Cotton can bo, aud is, pro
duced one bale to tho acre. This is averago
cropping. Ono man raised, near hero, six bales
(heavy) from five acres—realized after paying
gin toll. Those statements may appear exag
gerated, but they are facts, nevertheless. Wheat
has been a failure for the last two years, owing
to the grasshoppers. Fruit grows abundautly.
A Mr. Dugan, fourteen miles West of here, real
ized $04 cash, (specie,) the product of one apple
tree. Wo have fine fruits of nearly every variety.
Vegetables, of every description, grow succcss-
cessfully hero. This county will realize $100,-
000 by estimate from the sales of Bois’ D’arc
Seed, a growth peculiarly indigenous to this
country.
It is no trouble for a man to make a living in
this country, if he will but uso a little energy—I
mean a handsome living. A mau can make un
ordinary Jiving without much offort. Aloney is
more plentiful than when I came here. This is
tho result of tho success of our cotton crop, to
gether with other crops, and the immense num
ber of cattle sold the past year. There are unde-
finable fascinations about tho country; and every
ono who has ever lived hero any length of time
can testify to these facts. I really do not think
that I could be induced to leave this State per
manently. I have a friend who has recently n -
turned from California, after a stay of fifteen years
there—most of his time spent in San Francisco—
and does not advise any one to go there—especial
ly men of families. He says it is no place for la
dies. A young man can do very well if ho is
disposed to work. This friend was in San Fran
cisco during the earthquake of last fall. Texas
is free from earthquakes and epidemics. This
is a country for enterprising meu.
I will give you a more detailed account, in my
next letter, of the advantages of this country for
farmers, mcohanics, und men of all hoporablo
callings; our prrspoets for railroads, itc.
All of our Troup county meu hero are doing
well. I meet with some of thorn quite frequent
ly. Yours, Ac., C. D. G.
CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN GEORGIA<
Lctfor from G(
Bullock.
Southern Cotton Factories.—From every
part of Georgia we are pleased to hear that the
people are waking up to the importance of man
ufacturing our own cotton. This is the spirit —
Every surplus dollar of capital in tho South
should be invested in manufactories. If the
people at the North can make immense fortunes
by manufacturing cotton brought from Goorgia,
surely wo can moke more when both the cotton
and mako of the goods are close by us. There
is no doubt that cotton factories at the South is
the most profitable investment for capital that
can be found in the United Statos and men of
means will soon find it out.
But the people of the South should not miss
this splendid chance of making money —they,
too, should take partin it. We hope in ten
years the cotton of Georgia will be mostly man
ufactured in Goorgia.—FMernl Union,
Tho following communication has boon ad
dressed by Governor Bullock, of Georgia to the
chairman and members of tho Reconstruction
Commilttee, in reply to a communication from
Hon. Mr. Tift, Representative from tho same
Stute, recently published in tho Inttlliijencrr, of
this oily:
Executive Department, )
Atlanta, Ga., Feb 26, 1809. f
To the Hnnnrn)jlc Chairman ami Members of the
licconrfruction Committee of the House of Hcjire-
8ontatiic.s, Washitujlon, D. C.
Gentlemen—My attention lms been called to
a communication from the lion. Nelson Tift to
your Committee published in tho Natioml In-
tclUr/cnrci) of.the 22nd iust.
Tho statements of that gentleman aro of such
a churacter as would seem to demand a response
from myself, not only on personal grounds, but
as a representative of the body politic in this
State.
That communication sets forth that “Govern
or It. B. Bullock, holding his commission and
performing the functions of Govcuuor under the
constitution and laws of Georgia, comes bol'orc
Congress and this committee und nsks that the
civil governmont of the State shall be destroyed
and a military or provisional Government estab
lished."
That this statement is not founded in fact must be
well known to every member of your committee
who was present nt the time of iny examination
by your honorablo chairman, and who r mem
bers my replies to the interrogatories then put.
I would respectfully invite vour attention to
the following quotation from the published testi
mony of your committee on tho Georgia case:
** 'Wstion by the chairman: Have you any
BngBCKtioll to rank.. ! n ,Ue committee nft tft r’^t
should bo done with reference 1° Georgia by the
United States Government
“Answer: My recommendation is indicated in
the communication which I made to Congress.
It is, to carry out the laws literally, and to ad
mit to tho Legislature only those who could tike
tho oath required by the law. By these means
tlie colored mombers who were expelled will be
reinstated, and from that the Legislature can go
on and adopt legally the fundamental conditions
required to make Georgia a State."
The Hon. Mr. Till states that I have asked
that “the civil government of tho State shall be
destroyed and niiliturv or Provisional govern
ment established." Is there anything in th s
answer of mine which asks that the civil govern
ment of the State shall be destroyed and milita
ry or provisional Government established ? Is
there any suggestion in my communication to
Congress on the openiug ol the session which in
dicates such a desire upon my part ?
My only obieet was, and is, to secure the es
tablishment of a loyal, civil government in this
State. The government which would have been
estu libbed by a litoral execution of the recon
struction nets was such a one as Congress in
tended, and such an one as the loyal people had
a right to expect; but, by the admission of the
political friends of the Hon. Mr. Tilt—men who
laid exercised all their power and influence to de
feat and destroy tho policy of Congress and the
power of loyal men —into our legislative halls,
the legislative branch of the government which
was being established 1ms been entirely subvert
ed, and these enemies of the Government, thirst
ing for power, not being satisfied with the simple
working majority of members of their political
faith, Bought, aud, so far as their works may be
permitted to stand, accomplished the almost to
tal overthow of loyal element in the law-making
power, by expelling a large number of members
who wore friendly to the Xntioiml Government,
and who had supported its policy, and seating,
in their place, men who sympathized with their
own treasonable designs.
The Hon. Mr. Tift states, “ the laws of Con
gress for tho reconstruction aud admission of
Georgia have been fully complied with in every
single particular." 11 this statement can be true
it must be admitted that the laws of Congress,
instead of accomplishing reconstruction, have
effectually secured the destruction of the hopes,
expectations and prayers of the loyal men who
have suffered ostracism, outrages aud, in many
instances, death, in their efforts to uphold and
niaiuthiu the Congressional policy—believing
that therefrom they would secure for themselves,
their children and their fellow-citizens the bene
fits of good government.
In arguing that all the members of tho Legis
lature were eligible to their seats, the Hon. Mr.
Tift presents the following as evidence:
“On the other side we have the legal testimo
ny of members themselves, and of the ropectivo
legislative bodies of which they are members,
that not one in either House is ineligible under
tho fourteenth amendment."
Is it reasonable to suppose that a body of men,
the majority of whom subscribe to the political
faith of a party, cl' which the Hon. Mr. Tilt is a
leader, which denounced the reconstruction acts
of Congres.s as unconstitutional, revolutionary
and void, and the provisions of the fourteenth
amendment as inoperative, would do othorwi.se
than vote themselves legal members?
The honorable Mr. Tift further says: “It is
worthy of remark that, upon this question of eli
gibility, of the two hundred and seventeen mem
bers of the Legislature, and including the color
ed men who were then members, there were only
two dissenting voices—Mr. Adkins, who believed
thut two Senators were ineligible, and Mr. Hig-
bee, who believed that four, who had not been
relieved by Congress, were ineligible under tho
fourteenth "amendment to the Constitution.
It is also “ worthy of remark," and is a matter
of fact, that only in the Senate, a body composed
of forty-four members, was there any evidence
(taken intho case of several members examined)
presented to myself for revision. In tho House,
composed of ono hundred and seventy-five mem
bers, the committee having charge of the inquiries
to eligibility, simply made a report based upon
the vote of the House, that idl persons had been
found eligible, and did not present any evidence
taken by them to support this position, while I
was at that time credibly informed, and still be
lieve, that the evidence taken by that committee
developed the fact thsifc-not less than thirty-one
members of thellous^had held office aud taken
an official oath to suppor tlio Constitution of the
United States, aud afterward gave “aid and com
fort” to the enemies of the United States.
It iH also “worthy of remark" that the resolu
tion adopted by the House declaring all sitting
members eligible at that time covered all tho
colored men who wore subsequently expelled.
The Hon. Mr. Tift further states: “ Without
any proper evidence to the contrary, it is to be
presumed that tho members of the Legislature
have faithfully performed^tlieir duties; nml that
there aro none now holding their seats in viola
tion of the Constitution. Were there “no prop
er evidence to tho contrary," this presumption
might be permitted; but it becomes violent in
view of the action of that Legislature; their ab
solute failure to perform the duties required by
the Constitution, aud their revolutionary action
in expelling many loyal members.
The Hon. Mr. Tift attempt* to argue, in justi
fication of the expression of these loyal members,
that “ neither the reconstruction acts, nor the
civil rights bill, nor the fourteenth amendment
to the Constitution require any State to provide
that colored citizens shall bo eligible to office."
The State Constitution distinctly provides that
“all citizens of the United States who have re
sided six months in this State, excepting idiots,
insane persons, and those who have been con
victed of felony, shall bo eligible to hold office;"
and, by an ordinance of the Convention which
framed the Constitution, it is provided that “ at
the first sossion of the General Assembly, all
citizens of the United States then resident in
Georgia, with the exceptions above stated,
should be eligiblo to membership. If colored
men resident at that time in Georgia were not
citizens of tlio United States, tho position of tho
Hon. Mr. Tift might be tenable; but that they
were citizens of the United States, neither he
nor any other sane man will deny.
The Hon. Mr. Tift refers to a resolution adopt
ed by t he members of the Legislature, proposing
to submit the question of the eligibility of color
ed citizens to hold office under the Constitution
and laws of tho Stat •, to the Courts. This res
olution is as follows:
“ Resolved, by the Senate and House of Represen
tatives of the Slate of Georgia in General Assembly
convened, That a" case involving the right of
colorod men to hold office shall, as soon as the
Ramo cam be properly brought before the Su
preme Court of the State, be heard and deter
mined by said Court, and we believe that the
poople of the State, will, as they have heretofore
always done, in good faith abide the decision of
tho highest judicial tribunal of the State when
ever so declared."
This resolution is os well known to the Hon Mr.
Tift, was adopted by the Legislature without
any intention, on their part, to abide by such
decision, (if it should be in the affirmative,) so
far as their own membership is concerned. It
is a fact notoriously public that a very conside
rable division of his political party occurred
upon the adoption of this resolution, both
wings, however, of that party declaring their in
tention not to abido by such derision, maintain
ing (lint their action, ho fur as their own mcin-
bership was effected, was final and ndaltorable,
and one from which they would never Hocodo.
As there wuh nothing in tho resolution tend
ing in any measure to bring about a settlement
of the rnattor at issue, I declined to approve it,
and it i« now on the table of the 1Iouho of ltop-
reHentativoH wailing further action.
Tlio Hon. Mr. Tift, roferring to the printed
report of your committee, in controverting tho
evidence tending to show the evils which havo
resulted from the improper organization und
action of the Legislature, suys:
• • • • “ (Ju the other hand, commenc
ing at pago 140 of the printed testimony, the
otficiul ana sworn teKtiraony of nearly ono hun
dred judges of courts, mayors of cities, and
others, chiefly Republicans, covering all parts
of the State, is so uniform and consistent as to
carry conviction ol ita truth to every unpreju
diced mind."
Tho Hon. Mr. Tift is well aware that there
are but nineteen judges in the Stato of Georgia,
throo of whom are of tho supreme bench, and
sixteen of the superior courts; and of these
nineteen judges, only six huve replied to his in
terrogatories; und of these six bpt two huvo
ever claimed to be Republicans.
Not one of the Mayors of cities to whom be
refers is a Republican, and all of them, with ono
exception, were elected either before the close
of tho rebellion or during the existence of tho
governments established by President Johnson,
and are still in office. Tho same may be said
of the Ordinaries, with not exceeding four excep
tions, aud one of those lour uuswftred adversely
to tlio views of tho situation as entertained by
the Hon. Mr. Tift, while auother, Lewis Jack-
son, (colored) as I am reliably informed, denies,
on oath, ever having made any rejAy whatever to
the interrogatory of Mr. Tiff, und announces
tho communication appearing in the report of
the Roconbtrifotiuu Committee, as coming from
himt/;lf to tho Hon. Mr. Tift, to beu forgery.
It would not im*»o );pcn surprising if man?
more of tho judgcR and important office-holders
should have replied to the interrogatories of the
Hon. Mr. Tift, lmd they boon able to convince
themselves that the remarkublo statement con
tained in his circular was trne. 1 allude to the
misrepresentation contained in the following
extract:
“Certain parties from Georgia, and among
her present Governor, with the avowed purpose
of inducing Congress to destroy the present or
ganized government of that State, and remand
her people to military rule, or to the dictator
ship of a Provisional Governor, with the army
and navy of the United States to enforce his
edicts, are representing here the imperative ne
cessity of a cliunge in the Government of Geor
gia, otc."
The Hon. Mr. Tift asks in conclusion, “ Will
Congress make a precedent in the ease of Geor
gia which in the future may be used by largo
party majorities iu times of great politcul excite
ment, to suspend or practically destroy the gov
ernment of any State which shall staud iu tho
way of their policy or purposes?" It is hoped
that Congress will make a precedent in the case
of Georgia, which in future may be used by un
repentant rebels as a warning that the lnws of
Congress enacted for the purpose of establishing
loyal governments in the South, und securing
n free aud lair expression of political sentiment
in any State, may not be ruthlessly and with
impunity trampled upon and crushed “in time
of great* political excitement," as has already
been done here.
I11 the works of the lion. Mr. Tift, I, too, *‘in
the name of tlio good people of the State and
for the sake of the common interests, harmoni
ous Union, and perpetual peace ot our common
country, aslc that Congress will stand by the
laws" which have been enacted, aud to see to it
that they be literally executed.
RUFUS B. BULLOCK.
Reply to tlie Letter of Governor 13ullock.
To the Honorable Chairman and Members of Recon
struction Committee:
Gentlemen: I have read the letter of Govern
or Bullock, of Georgia, to your committee in re
ply to my statement, whicn was laid on the ta
ble of the House, and ordered to bo printed, on
the 3d instant
I am gratified to learn from Governor Bullock’s
letter that he now, in effect, denies that he de
sired that “the civil government of the State
shall ever be destroyed, and military or provis
ional government established" in Georgia.
But if this be trne, he has been so unfortunate
the use of language as to deeeivo not only my
self, but all others with whom I have conversed
upon the subject.
In the nnswers which he quotes from his tes
timony before the Reconstruction Committee
he virtually statos that the Legislature has not
adopted tho “ fundamental conditions required
to make Georgia a State," and he refers to a
communication which he made to Congress.—
That communication •• ill be found on pago 117
of tho printed testimony, in which he styles him
self Provisional Governor, and states distinctly
that the Government of Georgia is provisional.
He says: “Having, as Provisional Governor elect
under the reconstruction acts, been authorized
to convene the Provisional Legislature
of Georgia; and having • • • been appoint
ed Provisional Governor of Georgia by Major
General George G. Meade, * * * I deem it
my official duty to ropreseut to your honorable
body that the laws under which the State of
Georgia was to have been admitted to represen
tation in Congress have not been fully executed."
* • * “ Xho Government of the State lias
therefore been, and must continue to bo, provis
ional U’ til tho conditions required by tuo act
which became a law 2* f i, 1868, shall have been
complied with by a Legislature organized in
accordance with the reconstruction acts pre
viously adopted."
The* testimony of Governor Bullock which
follows the question and answer quoted in his
letter is as follows—p. 2, printed testimony:
By the Chairman:
Q By that you mean that tho commanding
general should re-assemble the Legislature us it
was elected ? A. Yes. sir.
Q. And then to have the test oath adminis
tered? A. Yes, sir; to have the law executed.
By Mr. Brooks:
Q. What effect would that havo upon existing
laws, upou money appropriations, the judiciary
of the State, and general legislation? A. The
same effect as the act of Congress had which de
clared the government of 1865 a together ille
gal ^
Again, on pace 5, printed testimony: -
By Mr. Beumau:
Q Wl*it 13 your vi w ns to whether the four
teenth amendment has been adopted by the
Legislature of Georgia? A. I do not think it
has been legally adopted; my view is that there
has not yet been any legal organization of tho
Legislature in Georgia, authorized to do any leg
islative act, from the fact that the original pro
visional body was not correctly organized.
I have quoted these extracts from Governor
Bullock’s testimony, aud communication to Con
gress to show the reasons which I had to charge
him in my “circular" “with the avowed pur
pose of inducing Congress to destroy the present
organized government of that State, und remand
her pe:ple to military rule, or the dictatorship
of a provisional governor;" and in my “ state
ment” to your committee, that he “asks that
the civil government of tho Stato be destroyed,
and military or provisional government bo es
tablished."
What does Governor Bullock mean in liis com
munication to Congress, in which he styles him
self “ provisional governor;” insists that the re
construction acts “ have not yet been executed;"
states that “tho Government of the State has,
therefore, been, aud must continue to be, pro
visional uutil” certain conditions aro complied
with; and calls on Congress to interfere? What
does ho mean when, in answer to Mr. Brooks,
us to the “effect” of tho policy which he was
thus urging upon Congress, he said: “The same
effect as tho act of Congress had which declared
tho government of 1865 altogether illegal” * *
Again, in answer to Mr. Beaman: * * “My
view is that there has not been yet any logal or
ganization of the Legislature in Georgia." • •
The government of Georgia is now, and has
been ever since July, 1868, operating as a legally
organized civil govormnent. Governor Bullock’s
language conveys tho idea that ho believe that
government to bo illogal, and all its acts void;
tliat the government to be illegal, and all its
acts void; that the government of Georgia is
still provisional, and that he desires Congress to
enforce his views.
Military or provisional government necessarily
involves the destruction of the present civil gov
ernment The difference between military and
provisional governments, is that a provisional
governor is the creature and instrument of mili
tary power; their edicts supercede civil law, and
are enforoed by the army and navy.
But Governor Bullocks now asku, with the pa
thos of injured innocence, “ la there anything
in this answer of mine which asks that the civil
government of the State shall be destroyed, and
military or provisional government established?
Is there any suggestion in my communication to
Congress on the opening of tho session which
indicates such desire on my part? My only ob
ject was and is to eocure the ostablishraont of a
loyal civil government iu this Btate.”
If Governor Bullock means by this language
that lie Is opposed to tho destruction of the civil
govcrimiotli of the State, and tho establish
ment of provisional or military government
—that ho did not intend to make any such
suggestion to Congress—that there is 110 such
desire on his part, and that ho dcRircs simply to
socuro to good civil government, by the consti
tutional and legitimate means which would ba
applicable to all other States iu tho Union, then,
whilst I congratulate him and the co utry upou
this revelation, I must express my regret that
the language heretofore UBod bj* him has lint on
ly failed to convey his present ideas, but haa
been th cuuse of grout anxiety and alarm to
the people of Georgia, and the friends of pcaoft
and a restored Union everywhere.
I now pass a brief examination of argument*
of Governor Bullock.
1st. He does not deny my statement that th*
laws of Congress for the reconstruction aud ad
mission of Goorgia have b*on complied with,
but says, in substance, if this bo true, the ob
jects of Congress have not been attained.
It the object of Congress was to establish con
stitutional government in Georgia, which should
bo so administered as to protect the rights of
person and property, and bring peace and pros
perity to the country, the testimony which I
Lave heretofore presented shows tlrnt they hav®
succeoded in their object, with a single exception;
I mean the pestiferous swarm of disapppointed
leaches and office-seekers, who iruiko merchan
dise of thoir “ loyalty," to tho disgust of all tru*
Republicans, ana who are determined that ther*
shall be 110 peaco in Goorgia until they aro pro*
rided for at the public expense.
2d. In answer to my statement, that “wo hav*
the legal testimony of tho member; therns lvea,
and the respective legislative bodies of which
they arc members, that not one in either Ilousa
is ineligible under tlio fourteenth amendment,’*
Governor Bullock says: “Is it reasonable, to
suppose that a body of men, the majority of
whom subsCribo to the political faith of a party
of which Hon. Mr. Tift is a leader. * * •
would do otherwise than vote themcrivos legal
members.
If this means anything, it means that th*
body of men composing the two Housea of th*
Georgia Legislature, 317 in all, with the excep
tion of two members who dissented, perjured
themselres in declaring that none were ineligible
under tho fourteenth amendment, and that this
is u reasonable supposition, because tho majority
of them were Democrats !
It would be painful to comment on this dec
laration as I think it deserves, us I leave it with
the single remark that it is more important for
Governors of States to bo charitable gontl*men
than violent partisans.
3d. Governor Bullock complains that th*
House of Representatives did not submit to him
the evidence upon which tlio members were de
clared eligible under the fourteenth amendment.
The reason, doubtless, was, because neither law
nor propriety xunde it necessary, or gave him
any voice in the decision of the question. Gen
eral Meade demanded the investigation, and
both ho and General Grant were satisfied. Gov
ernor Bullock’s action on that subject since that
time has been an officious intermeddling in »
mutter which he liad no rightful authority, and
over which he had no official control.
The question then under consideration, relat
ing to qualifications under the fourteenth amend
ment, did not affect the colored men who
were subsequently declared ineligible on other
grounds.
4th. Governor Bullock, in speaking of th*
Legislature, charges “their absolute failure to
perform the duties required by the constitution,
and their revolutiouai^ action in expelling many
loyal members." By what right or authority
does the Executive of Georgia impugn the mo
tives and denounce the action of the Legislature
to the Reconstruction Committee of Congress?
He is in uo way responsible for their action,
and is expressly prohibited by tho constitution
from exercising uny power properly attached to
the legislative or‘judicial departments of th*
Government.
5th. Governor Bullock misquotes the consti
tution to show that colored men are eligible to
the Legislature in Georgia. He says; “The
Stato constitution distinctly provides that all
citizens ol' the United States who have resided
six mouths in this State, excepting idiots, insane
persons, and those who havo been convicted of
felonies, shall be eligible to hold office.” * *
Governor Bullock was a member of the con
vention which framed the constitution, and is
not ignorant of its provisions. I am, therefore,
compelled to believe that the above fabrication
was intended lor deception. The fact is, ther*
is uo such clause or declaration in tho constitu
tion of Georgia.
I suppose the following to be the article and
ction ol the constitution of Georgia which
Governor Bullock intended to pervert:
“ Article 1—Sec. 6. The General Assembly
may provide from time to time for the registra
tion of all electors; but the following classes of
persons shall not be permitted to register, vote,
or hold office:
First Those who shall have been convicted of
treason, embezzlement of public funds, mal
feasance in office, crime punishable by law’ with
imprisonment in the penitentiary, or bribery.
“Second. Idiots or insane persons.”
Thore is no part of the constitution which de
clares who "shall be eligible to hold office.”—
The striking out, by the aid of Governor Bul
lock’s vote in convention, from the original draft
of the constitution, the clause which made a
right to the elective franchise a qualification for
holding office, left the constitution silent on
that subject, and has been the cause of doubt
and difficulty.
6th. Governor Bullock quotes the resolution
passed by the Legislature, pledging the peopl*
of Georgia to abide by the decision of the Su
preme Court, when made, on the question of
eligibility of colored men to office; and he give*
us a reason for not approving it, his opinion, in
substance, that the Legislature did not intend
to abide by such decision, and that there was
nothing iu tho resolution tending to bring about
a settlement of the question.
I disagree entirely with Governor Bullock. I
believe that the preamble and resolution ex
presses truly the motives and purposes of tha
Legislature who passed them, and they could
not properly go further or do more under tho
circumstances. Tho Legislature cannot refer
tho question of the eligibility of members to
their body to the Supreme Court, because it is a
question confided by the constitution to th*
Legislature, and the court hasuo jurisdiction.—
But when a case comes before the Supreme
Court in the usual way, their decision will b*
an authoritative exposition of what the consti
tution really means and is on this subject, and
will settle the whole question, because after that
time all persons, iu the Legislature or out of it,
who take the oath to support the constitution,
must accept that meaning.
7th. Of those who sent answers to my circu
lar, two are judges of the Supreme Court, four
judges of tho (Superior Court, the Stato Treas
urer, sixty-eight judges oTthe Court of Ordinary
in as many counties, eleven mayors of cities,
six clerks of Superior Courts, nine sworn state
ments, one United (StateB assessor, and others—
making one hundred and eight persons, on*
hundred and seven of whom agree in all essen
tial particulars in opposition to the policy advo
cated by Governor Bullock, and in denial of th*
statements made to Congress, which wero in
tended to show that liis policy was necessary.—
I stated my opinion that these witnesses of th*
truth wertixhiefly Republicans. Governor Bul
lock thinks I am mistaken. I may be bo. I
know’ that they represent all shades of political
opinion—extremo Republicans, moderate Re
publicans, reconstructionists, original Union
men, aud Democrats; but what is more impor
tant is, that without the possibility of precon
cert they are iu general agreement to the facta,
aud their veracity is unimpeaclied.
Governor Bullock says: “Lewis Jaokson,
(colored,) as I am roliably informed, donies, on
oath, ever haring made any reply whatever to
the interrogations of Hon. Mr. Tift, and pro
nounces the communUktion appealing in th*
report of the Reconstruction Committee as com
ing from himself to the Hon. Mr. Tift, a forgery."
My circular was directed to the judge of the
Court of Ordinary, of McIntosh county, as to all
other counties. I did not know who occupied
the place. I received through tho mails Mr.
Jackson's answer, which is published on pago
217 of the testimony on “the condition of
affairs iu Georgia." The manuscript is in th*
hands of the committee, and I have the envelop*
in which it was received. I shall adopt means
to ascertain tho truth on this subject The tes
timony purporting to co.. e from Mr. Jackson
agrees in substance with that of the mayor of
Darien, Ga., Hon. S. W. Wilson, printed on
page 189 of the Georgia testimony.
In closing this review of Governor Bullook'*
letter, I confess with sorrow the humiliation I
feel in the necessity which mokes it my duty, a*
a Representative, to defend tho people and State
of Georgia against the slanders and machina
tions of her Governor. Whatever may have
been the motives which dictated his course, in
stead of acting as the guardian and defender of
her rights, her honor, and her internal, a* duty
and manhood required, he has bfton foremost
among her detainers, and th* chief enemy of
her peace and prosperity.
The order and comparative prosperity which
now exist in Georgia are due to the wisdom,
moderation, and forbearance of hat peopl*.—
They believe that truth and justice will yet pi*-
voil, andtheir right* as a State in the Union bf
"JSSSteT"- MK>*vn.