The National Republican. (Augusta, Ga.) 1867-1868, January 26, 1868, Image 2

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The National Republican., January 26, 1868, Image 2

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Newspaper Page Text1867-there woe disbursed bvtheold Amount due end left unpaid but paid by the new Board-... 14,384.00 Total *286,333.41 For the same time e^ b ’.“:w«4i.!4 Lees the amount paid on old ac count. 14,384.06 Showing balance in favor of new Council of 94,8/6 These are the figures as they appear upon the record* of the Collector <fc Treasurer of tho city, and they show unmistakably that this large amount has been saved to the city by the new policy inaugurated. YVe apprehend that the people of Augusta will not pause to complain at the Council for discoutinuiug unnecessary offices,and making the fewer number do the greater work, it the results show so favorably for the finan cial condition of the city as the report of the Treasurer exhibits. And who is this Treasurer? One of the oldest, most intelli gent, and respectable citizens of Augusta— Dr. I. P. Garvin; for several years Pro fessor in the Medical College of Georgia— a man loved by all tor his modest demeanor and spotless integrity, and withal a life-long Democrat, whose genuineness will not be questioned by even General Wright. Fore seeing the crushing force of the figures upon all this twaddle about extravagance, these gentlemen, in their summing up, ns they call it, go on to state that the old Board had some items of expense to meet, which the present Board have not had. But,take all the figures they parade, add them together, and give full credit as askqd, and then what appears? Why, that even then there is a saving in favor of the pres ent Council of $27,933.95. Now add to this the fact that the salaries in the aggre gate of officers elected by the new Board, as compared with that of officers elected by the old Board of last year, show a saving of $4,471.69 per mouth, and you have the astonishing result of a saving fur the year, on this head alone, of $53,660.28. In this connection it is due to the truth of the history of our City finances, to make the following statements, which we chal lenge the denial of: 1. At the time the old Board went out there was not more than $lO in the Treas ury, and $125,000 ioating debt of the City. 2. We not only paid the $14,384.05 of the debt of old Board, but also accepted pay ment of taxes in city coupous, and thus deprived ourselves of the cash incomes from taxes to defray the city expenses, and, at the same time, have been steadily reducing the public debt of the City—never having bor rowed a dollar or sold a bond. 3. That not our immediate predecessors, but the Council of 1865, with Hon. K. H. May at their head, borrowed SOO,OOO, and hypothecated all the City stock in the Georgia Railroad as collateral security for its payment, and borrowed beside the sum of $30,000 from the National Bank of Augusta. This money was appropriated to repairs of damages done by the freshet of 1865, and our immediate predecessors therefore had nothing to do with it—nor is it a proper credit in their favor as against us, as every man must see. 4. That the old Board reduced the tax on gross sales one half, thus crippling our means for realizing funds for city use. As evidence of the temper and spirit which animated this whole movement, we direct your attention to the charge made that we had extended our own terms of office,and the fact that they have had to abandon this charge! What think you of gentlemen signing their names to, and their being parties in making a charge of this kind, without first informing themselves as to its truth ? Is such a course either fair or manly ? In justice to ourselves, we can truthfully say that not one of the Councilmen sought the position he now occupies under the military appointment; and nothing but a sense of duty,and a willingness to bear our share of trouble in these troublous times, could induce us to hold on to a position so thankless and profitless, and which brings down upon us so much vituperation and abuse. Conscious, however, of the integrity of our motives, and unintimidated by the senseless clamor raised against us, we shall move forward in the faithful discharge of duty, resting assured that ere long the sober, second thought of this intelligent and high-toned community will do us jus tice, and do justice also to some of our accusers, whose motives will then be better understood and more duly and thoroughly appreciated. Our defence is now before you and Gen. Meade, to whom you will refer it. If we have failed to satisfy those who cart see nothing good in any one who dares to differ with them politically on the question of Reconstruction, we feel confident that you; at least, will give our defence a fair and impartial consideration, and render a deci sion in consonance with what you believe to be the justicp of the case ; and with that we shall rest coutented. Foster Blodgett, Mayor C. A. Ephraim Tweedv. M. C. R. B. Bullock, M. C. B. Conley, M. C. W. P. Rhodes, M. C. Samuel Levy, M. C. Thos. N. Philpot, M. C. Otis G. Lynch, M. C. THE PETITION. Augusta, Ga., Jan. , 1868. Major General George G. Meade, Command ing Third Military District. General : The undersigned, citizens and tax payers of the city of Augusta, beg leave to represent that by the charter of the city, the municipal government thereof is vested in a Mayor and three Councilman from each of the four Wards of the city. These officers are by law elected by the registered Tax Payers, on the 2d Monday in April, each year, and hold their officers for the term of one year, and until their successors are duly duly qualified. The last election for Mayor and Councilmen wag held on the 2d Monday in April, 1866, and resulted in the election of the following gentlemen : Mayor—Hon. John Foster. For Council, Wurd No. I— A. P. liobert son, John U. Meyer, Jas. T. Bothwell. Ward No. 2—Joshua K. Evans, John Pbinizy, jr., Ephraim Tweedy. Ward No. 3—Wm.A. Ramsey, Alexander Philip, George R. Crump. Ward No. 4—Charles Estes, Michael O’Dowd, James Gargan. These gentlemen were duly qualified, and entered upon the discharge of the duties of tbeir offices, and were in office by virtue of said election, and according to the law, up to the day of their removal by Maj. Gen. Pope, Commanding District No. 3. This Board of Councilmen were forbidden by the District Commander from holding the reg ular election, according to law, for tbeir successors—and were by him removed from their offices on the 3d day of May, 1867 — and the following Board appointed by military orders: Mayor— Foster Blodgett. Countilmen— James B. Bishop, Henry T. Peay, Thos. N. Pbilpot, Ephraim Tweedy, Joseph B. Reynolds, Samuel Levy, Benj. F. Conley, Jacob B. Platt, Wro. H. Tult, R. B. Bullock, Otis G. Lynch, David L. Roatli. Four of the Councilmen, to wit: Dr. Win. H. Tutt, Joseph B.Reynolds, Jacob B. Platt, and Henry T. Peay, have since resigned, and only one of their vacancies lias been filled—and two of the Councilmen, to wit: James B. Bishop and David L. lloalh, have died—leaving on said board only soven Your memorialist would further represent that the city is largely in debt, and tho taxable property, under the moet economical administration of its government, greatly hardened to meet the expenses and interest on tho oorporation debt. We further respectfully represent, that the ordinances of the city, when the Board apitointed by Major General Pope were installed into office, fixed the salary of the- Mayor at two thousand dollars, and the Clerk of Connell at one thousand dollars— which sums we believe are liberal for the service required. But the said appointed Mayor and Councilmen, soon after their induction into office, held a secret meeting of Council, and contrary to law, excluded therefrom the Chief of Police and tho Clerk —and in said secret meeting passed an ordinance extending their own term of office from one to four years—and increas ing the salary ot Mayor, as fixed by law, from two to five thousand dollars per annum. This increase of salary was not called for by any extra service or labor to be performed, but solely, as we believe, to benefit the appointed incumbent. We further represent that the Mayor appointed by Major General Pope is the Postmaster of the city, and as such re ceives a sum of about four thousand dol lars, and wo believe the duties of theso two offices ought not and cannot be efficiently performed by one man. We further represent that the present Board have extravagantly and wastefully squandered the means of the city in con tracting with a city printer at three times the rates the same printer had contracted for with the former Council. And we have reason to believe that the present Mayor and more than one of the Councilmen are part owners of the printing house to whom the contract was given. YVe further represent that they have discharged many worthy men from the police and other offices, without cause, aud have appointed others only because they would subserve their own interest. That they have reduced the tolls over the bridge owned by the city to nearly one half, there by causing a large decrease in the receipts absolutely necessary at this time to meet the interest on the bonds of the city. YVe might enumerate other specific acts of m&l-administration of the present Mayor and Council, but we forbear. YVe cannot close without stating, however, that the present Mayor is under bonds to appear before the United States Court at Savannah in April next, to answer to an indictment found by the last Grand Jury, charging him with peijury. And we believe, under the circumstances, he ought not to be per mitted to manage the affairs of the city. For the above causes, and believing that the hoard of a corporation should be di rectly responsible to the people whose finan cial affairs they are to manage, we beg that you will remove the Mayor and Councilmen appointed by your predecessor —and permit the old Board to resume their offices until such time as an election can ho bad by the people. And the undersigned will ever pray, etc. M J Bolan Ker Boyce II H D’Antignac Isham Thompson John Jenkins W'A Beall J P Burnside I Simon J J Joseph Geo YV McLaughlin Emil R Leishncr YV Blanchard W T Richards Isaac Smith John A Houston II Rossignol J Jefferson Thomas J Mosher H M Coulin Geo A Oates M Hyams D S Wright M M Hitt YV B Cheesborough YV E Cheesborough YVm Craig L L Antony John T KiDg YV E Evans Thos Sweeney J F McGraw John Byrne John Morrison II L Sponsler Jas Hulbert John D Williams Iverson C Melville John McGarrahan J M Quinn DHallahan YY T H Barrett John B Carter John C Galvan Hill & YVallace Pollard, Cox &Cos E A Lindsay E F Farmer J McElrath YV O’Brien T R Y'aughn Bryson & Graham, by Jas Stewart Thos Gallaher Jas O'Donohoo E J O’Connor N K Butler B Mendheim A G Howard J A Bell J Kersh T YY’ Cumming YV C Jones G YV Bouchillon E O’Donnell Jas Burke Dr H II Gumming N D Grow S H Crump Geo Adam R D Glover J S Guiren A F Pendleton Peter Sheron J W Taylor F McDounough J Jennings W E Rogers J E Smith Mike Haley H L Meredith P Costello A P Robertson F H Jordan John M Judge Jas T Gardiner S D Heard D H McMurphy W II Anthony Jos Judkins M C Hull W J Goodrich J C Roberts Henry Cranston John L Stockton W P Bottom Wm H Jones John Setz W F Rudler S J Carey Geo E W Nelson Jas A Dortic Jos L Glover T M Hopkins W M W Smythe McPherson Wright Gus A Volger Huneker J A Van Winkle Geo S Hookey J T Mayuo A T Gray D H Vaughn A G Hall John Kenny A Poullaine C B Martin John G Coffin Wm Doolittle G II Hope J D A Murphy J N Freeman P Kirkland M F Nelson Robt Walton Jr A J Smith A Bateman W»Wood John Maher Dennis Welch Jas Golden W V Keener J H Lowry E R Schneider Peter Kreits Robt II May A R Goodyear W H Doughty Geo A Bailie Augustus Pitcher M S Keen L A Milligan E L Ford S C Foreman VV S Roberts S D Roberts S il Smalley 8 D Linton R J Bowers P II Mulhcrin Henry Kennedy Pat Kelly Austin Mullarky Jas A Mullarky Chas M Harris J R Couturier W II Tutt Sam Quinn John Quinn Jr Jas Walker David G Walker John Taylor Ephraim Jones Hardy Todd Benj J Ford Harry C Cooper Newton Loveitt W G Long John Whitemore Thos Howell Hoyden Harbuck J Thompson M M Benjamin J G Pournelle W II Goodrich R W Maher Martin Sherman John Gormlcy Thos Leckie AII Jones, pr Ed E E Jones Wm Byrnes A M Robert Dennis Hogan C A Williams Thos Battle Thos Richards <fc Son Schofield, WA Cos Chas Baker Phil Malone Jerry Sheehan P Doris & Bro 8 G Story Jno D Ramey Ramey, Story A Tim- E R Derry & Cos berlako J R Smith J E Buehler, late Col N M Mulhcrin 17th Ind Vols Thos Armstrong J M McCarthy P S Verdery, M D I Youngblood T II Fills W J Rutherford E W Brown J C Griffin Peter McArdle Mike Ward Tim Shannahan Juo McGill Jno Cashin C A Kraus D 8 Bucherner D Collins Jno McAddam M G McKinue W J Mealing Jas H Stovall W W Barron A E Blaylock W E McCoy A T Dortic T W Henry Polk May J 0 Ferritt Geo H Jones J J Bacon Thos Wilson W L Bryant J W Bacon N M Warren Jon J Cohen 4c Son W 8 Jonee F A Whitlock E H Rogers Dennie Lyon* P J Cash L L Seago Leroy H Wilkins Wm Raney A Wright Wm Wheeler E E Smith M K Pournelle F Wright P»t Shanahan John C Steyens YV Stevens Jas D Baker Silas O’Neil David Hunt YV G Hunt Chas Myers Abraham Doolittle J M Dosoher Thos YVheeler W P Johnson Francis Johnson David Jones Alex T Duvall John Harper Owen Conley Con O’Connor John Shnnnahan Mike Mahor J F Patterson Mike Feehan Wm Harley Jas Oldham T D Tanner Thos Kelly Geo Biggar J Hardeman J H Davie Elias Thomas E Haley Peter B Boman John Armonds YV T Fenley Geo Blythe W YV Frost T W Prevail M Rico, jr J II Milton Henry Rodgers W C Ross S H Rowland Pat Sullivan M Bicaner F Sherman T M Buckley W P Mosely John N Ray J J Farr John Clearey YV S Hurbert M Lettis W Hargo T Roach M Donlon J Nichols B Kelly E Descombe T Lasoiter J Cartin M Stevens Scot Coffin John R Coffin F A Pouller J F Phillips J K Wimberly YVm Charnell YVm Baker G A Brandon M Mahoney Wiley Fulghum P Hampton Thos Carlan Larry Cosgrove YVm Richards F A YVinsbach Jas Ilefferman Geo McCarty A C Young M S Belding Jno S Cook M M Maddrey H A Markoy YVm Hardeman Robt E Trader L B Thompson A Graham Jno R Lee J A Dale H N Reed J C Navey P J Cochrane Seth Phillips F McCabe B P Lockwood YY’m G Lockwood Jos B Raney Jno F Keene Thos Sumner Jas McGarrahan W T Cone Henry Tice J as Bee J H Doris G W Simmons Patk McKenna M McDonnell Jno Parr Thos Showman Jno McCarthy Tho* O’Conner Jno Shields Miller P Mulhenn Geo Cooper YV Meadowcroft Thos Gasen J 'V Davis Jos McGlancey YVm Phillip A F Butler A P Lambeth C M Cheesborough R Huylly Ben George O H Htiltford W C Griffin YV J Belding Jas More R Gray ser L More W Barrow Wm Barrow, Jr M Prescott H Craft Newton Belding P Otis P B Marsh Jno YV L Stovall YVm Redding Jno G Syms Amos C Hindcrman YVm YVells David Mosely Jim Bryant David Saxton Henry Dale Jas Bagget Jno G Tucker Thos S Trader Simon C YVells Jno Phinizy H II Steiner J M Newby A R Wright Josh W Butt W T Butt P Welch Chas G Goodrich Jno M Clarke M J Jones Julius G Tucker Jno Graham E J Durban A B Roberts Michael Walsh Wm Bennett Pat Powers Wm Raney J C Hanlon Jerry Schully YVm McGrath Jno Mullane P McCarthy P McCluliffe Jno Vaughn Dennis Owen3 A H Maher A E M Howard C Foley R YY’allace Jas YV Heffernan Tim Collins E S Berry Miles Faughnan Lawrence YValton Andrew McAndrew Jno Butler Martin YY’helan M Pournelle Jas Mills E A Ileagie Geo F Hall Thos Dwyer C N Winn H M Nicholas J Thompson Quarles Z Marx Jno McKinne YV J Harter T E Lovell John McAuliffe Edward Kenney E B Purcell J G Cook J H Gurkin YV W Walker P Shehan Thos Shehan Jerry Lyons Tim Lyons Samuel H Rowland M C O'Conner P Carroll A J Davis J V Pelt YVm Rhoder John J Davis ERumley Wm A Tanner Jno Conley YV B Cates Samuel S Corbin J M Neblett Henry S Jordan. N B Moore STATEMENT OF MAYOR BLODGETT. Augusta, Ga., January 23, 1868. Captain Sanderson and Captain McKibbin, Commissioners: Gentlemen— Several charges, contained in the affidavits filed against the Board of Councilmen, are personal to myself, which I wish, briefly, to notice. One of the charges is, that 'I have used, for my own private purposes, wood belonging to the city. This charge is false. It is true that I bought fifty cords of wood from the parties named, and ordered them to send five cords to my house, which was done, and 1 called on the City Treasurer and paid thirty dollars for the five cords which were deliv ered at my residence. Another charge is, that I gave Col. J. E, Bryant and Thomas P. Beard passes on railroads, on city business. I furnish the affidavits ol the parties that such is the fact, they were on business tor the city. lAfent’s pass was for two dollars and fifty Beard’s was for one dollar and fitty ceiiw ; making a grand total of four dollars— a very.small amount. I am charged with allowing convicts to roam over the city. I will state that the same charge was presented to the Grand Jury of Richmond county, last week, and that I appeared before said Jury and made a statement, which, I believe, was satisfac tory. I did permit two prisoners to go with Mr. Hood, who was in charge of said pris oners, to point out some stolen goods, aad for the purpose of pointing out some escaped convicts. These prisoners were allowed to go out of jail, under the circumstances named above, because I believed it would result beneficially to the citizens. I know it has so resulted. 1 would ask of our mer chants if their stores and houses are now broken open and robbed as heretofore—and why not ? Because those thieves and robbers who formerly committed those depredations have boon apprehended and are now in confinement, and chiefly by using such pris oners as Rafe Knight. I am churged with passing disreputable persons over the railroads. Now, I leave it to your judgment, where so many poor females are making application for transpor tation, requesting to be allowed transporta tion to a place where they huro friends, while, as they represent, they cau not live here, is it reasonable to expect that I could distinguish the reputable from the disrepu table? Besides, was it not much better, if possible, to send away the latter, rather than let them remain lq injure the youth of our city ? The only case that now occurs to my memory, where I issued a pass to a person of known bad character woa when I believed It to be an act of charity to her, and which would inure to the benefit of both the city and herself. 1 had also heard that her numerous relative* in this city and vicinity regarded her pretence here with mortinca tion, and would be gratified at her departure. I was under tbs impression that, while dis charging my duties as an officer, I was also doing an act that would be favorably re ceived by her relatives, and, at the same time, be detriments! to none. • If I erred in this matter, it certainly was from no desire to do any one harm, bat for the purpose of benefittiug all. I am also charged with having threatened to remove offices who refused to vote for myself or the Convention. This charge is false, and I refer to the enclosed affidavits to prove its falsity. With respect to the allegations relative to the indictment Against me in tho United States Court, I have simply to say that before the proper tribunal I believe my complete vindication will be clearly established. Very respectfully, yours, Foster Blodgett. State of Georgia— City of Augusta. Before me, John C. Snead, Judge ol the City Court of Augusta, Foster Blodgett, who hath made and signed the foregoing state ment of two pages and one-third ; and being duly sworn, he oeposes and says, that the facts and statements contained therein are true, to the best of his knowledge aud belief. Foster Blodgett. Sworn to and subscribed before me, the 24th day of January, 1868. Jno. C. Snead, Judge City Court of Augusta. LETTER FROM MR. TWEEDY. ~ Augusta, Jan. 24th, 1868. Gentlemen of the Commission : Impelled by a sense of duty, I submit to you this, my individual statement. It is known to you that I was a member of the old Board as well its of the present one. I feel that justice to my colleagues in the f resent city government demands that I should say what follows. Asa member of the old Board, when it was supposed that I was to be appointed to remain in the Council, I was urged by largo numbers of our most respectable citizens, among them the lion. It. H. May, to accept the position and continue at my post. From this cause, and a sincere desire to serve this commu nity to the best of my ability, I continued a Councilman. This action was approved, as far as I could learn, by all my old friends, including Hon. Jas. T. Gardiner, Ex-Mayor. Latterly, since political pas sion and excitement have reached their lamentable height many of these same good citizens have intimated to me that they thought I ought to resign. This I could not do unless I was satisfied that my associ ates in the Council were really guilty of mal administration of the city government. This I have never felt or believed. On the contrary, it is my sincere conviction that they have acted, individually and col lectively, as a Council Board, under the high sense of obligation assumed by by them, and have exhibited a spirit of economy and a financial skill and ability far in advance of that exhibited by the old Board. This statement is made simply from a sense of justice, and because my conviction of duty in the premises de mands it, and in no spirit of fault finding toward the members of tho old Board, for whom I enteriain high respect, and with whom I had agreeable official intercourse. Yet they will bear me out in this statement, that I frequently inveighed against the needless expenditure of the city monies by the then Council, particularly on the sub ject of the large body of policemen em ployed,' to wit: one hundred and twenty, or more. I ant fully satisfied that when the day of Solitical excitement has passed, the present bard, of which I am a member, taking my share of responsibility, will have full justice done both to their motives and their official conduct. Respectfully, Ephraim Tweedy. Rowers of the Council. [Copy.] AN ACT To authorize the City Council of Augusta to change, alter, equalize, or create new YVards in said City, and to change the mode and manner of the elections of Mayor and Councilmen of Augusta ; and also to change and increase the fees and salaries of any of the Officers in said City, and the terms and times of their election. Sec. 1. The General Assembly of the State of Georgia do enact. That the City Council of Augusta shall have power at any time to create, change, alter, and equalize the YVards in said City, and to provide the mode, manner, and time of elections of Mayor and Members of the City Council thereof; also, to change or increase the salaries and fees of any of the officers of said City, elected or to be elected by said City Council, nt their discretion, and to fix by Ordinance the terms and times of said officer’s elaetion. Approved 28th February, 1866. A true copy. Attest: Jas. N. Ells, C. C. Abolishing Certain Offices. I Copy-] AN ORDINANCE To abolish the offices of Assistant Collector and Treasurer, Captain of Police, Ser geants of Police, Bell Towermen, Small Pox Hospital Physician, Small Pox Hospital Steward, City Physicians, and Deputy Clerk of the Lower Market. Whereas, The financial condition of the City of Augusta renders it a measure of the highest public policy that every object of expenditure, not absolutely necessary for carrying on the City Government and protecting the people, should be dispensed with by the City Council, and whereas further taxation upon the people would bo onerous and oppressive, Therefore, Sec. I. Be it ordained by the City Council of Augusta, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That nil sections of the Genernl Ordinance, and all Ordinances of the City of Augusta, which provide for the election or appoint ment of Assistant Collector and Treasurer, Captain of Police, Sergeant of Police, Bell Towermen, Small Pox Hospital Physician, Small Pox Hospital Steward, City Physi cians and Deputy Clerk of the Lower Mar ket be, and the same are hereby, repealed, and that said offices are hereby abolished. Sec. 11. And be it further Ordained, by the authority aforesaid, that all Ordinances and parts of Ordinances militating against this Ordinance bo, and the same nro here by, repealed. Done in Council, this 18th day of May, A. D. 1867. A true copy. Attost: Jas. N. Ells. Lombard's Removal. STATEMENT OK JOS. U. REYNOLDS. State op Georgia — City of Augusta. Personally appeared before me, Joseph B. Reynolds, who being duly sworn, says that he wag a member of the City Council of Augusta, appointed by Gen. Pope; that before he resigned from said Counoil, he recommended Richard Lombard as a fit and proper person to take oharge of the yard of the Council in which tho lumber and tools of the department of tho Water Works were kept. He further swenrs that said Lombard is a matt of good character and of industrious habits, and well fitted for the place; that he bos, on several oc casions, both while be was a member of said Council and since, visited said yard, and always foond Richard Lombard faith fully attending to bis dnties, and in his proper place. Joseph B. Reynolds, Sworn to before me, this January 23d 1868, William Doyle, [l s.] Notary Public for Richmond C. AFFIDAVIT OF JNO. W. WALKER. State or Georgia —City of Augusta. Personally appeared John W- Walker, who swears that ne knows Richard Lombard, the person alluded to >n the affidavit of John Morrison ; that deponent worked with said Lombard for three months jnst passed ; that, daring that time, said Lombard has worked faithfully and efficiently, for the citv of Augusta. He further swears that Richard Lombard is an industrious man, of steady habits and good character. John W. Walker. Sworn to before me, and subscribed, this January 23d, 1868. William Doyi.e, [L. 5.,1 Notary Public for R. C. AFFIDAVIT OF R. LOMBARD. State of Georgia— City of Augusta. Personally appeared before me Richard Lombard, who swears that he has read the affidavit of John Morrison, late Superin tendent of Streets and Drains, made on the 18th instant, before L. D. Lallerstedt, in relation to himself. That such affidavit is false so far as it relates to his refusing to work and his worthlessness. That he has fully and faithfully performed lus duty since he has been employed by the City. That said Morrison tried to discharge him, not from any complaint, but simply be cause he was unfriendly to deponent. Richard Lombard. Sworn to and subscribed before me, this January 23d, 1868. William Doyle, [l.s.] Notatory Public for Richmond Threats of Removal. BTATEMINT OF OFFICERS. State of Georgia— City of Augusta. Personally appeared Benjamin F. Johnson and Charles Evans, who, being duly sworn, say that during the year 1867 they were Lieutenants of Police of the city of Augusta, elected by Council in January, 1867 ; that their duties required their attendance at the City Hall in said city ; that they never heard the Mayor say that he would discharge any man who refused to vote for him or the Convention; that it comes within their knowledge that a number of Policemen, including the Chief of Police, did not vote at said election, and they further swear that no Policemen or the Chief wa3 discharged for failing to vote, but that each and every one of the officers served out their terms for which they were elected, whether they voted at the election or not. That some.who did vote were defeated at the annual election as well as some who did not vote. They further swear that the Hon. Foste” Blodgett has performed the duties ot Mayor of said city impartially, and as they believe, for the best interests of the city. B. F. Johnson. Charles Evans. Sworn to before me this, January 22d, 1868. A. Deas, J. I. C R. C. affidavit of folicemen. State of Gborgia— City of Augusta. Personally appeared beldre me the under signed, who, being duly sworn, depose and swear that they were Policemen of the city of Augusta during the year 1867 ; that they were often at the City Hall in said city at the - time and before the late election for delegates to the Conventio l; that they never heard the Mayor say, or any other person say for him, that those in office who refused to vole would be discharged. They further swear that it comes within their knowledge that a number of the Policemen and other employees of Counc’l did not vote at said election, but that no officer was removed on that account, but were allowed to serve out the year. If the Mayor had promulgated orders that those who refused to vote would be discharged, we should certainly have known it. They further swear that at the annual election, persons who voted at said election, as well as some who did not, failed to be elected. They farther swear that Hon. Foster Blodgett is an efficient officer, and does his duty, they believe, for the best interest of the city, A YV Ivey John Powers M Madden Patrick Hughes YY’m Gassett P M Pope YVm Deween J T Easterling * YVm H Lee* YV II Wheeler Dominick Conlon Owen O’Do'iolio Richard Hays Thos Reariden Cornelius Sullivan Dan iel Buckley Jerry Casey YV Edney * Jno Hogan E O’Shocknessy Daniel Kelly D McCook YV L Bender YV Bridwell * B F Frazer YV E Averet* John YVelch Chapley Smalley L F Radford W J Leverman T YVaters Reuben Elbert Samuel S Jones J T Butler YY'm J YVatson Thos W Shackelford David L Hopkins A Fletcher P B Hall Jacob Higgs H H Clapp J YV Jeanes R B Atkinson Peter Pardue G P YVeigle R North G M Bolder J J Price R D Bridges M J Deween J Clark YVm Y r ale Jas Shackelford * J King Thos Howard YV H Shackelford R Duval J YV Ramsay G A llamlet YV F Ruffin * John Feagan John Kavanagh Mathias Hefller YVm II Harben II G Harris Patrick Rice Jno P Nagle E M Jeanes John McArdlc Thos Mahoney John Bresnihan Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 23d day of January, 1868. YVm. Gibson, J. S. C. • Tho seven signatures marked * are by those who were not Policemen in 1867, but who testify to the remainder. AFFIDAVIT OF O. SMALLEY. State of Georgia— Richmond County. Personally came Chapley Smelly, who being duly sworn, deposeth and says: That a portion of an affidavit sworn to by one John McKinne, late lot inspeotor of the city of Augusta, before Wm. V. Ker, Justice of the Peace, stating "that he was notified during the past Fall, that unless he voted at the election recently held for members of a State Convention, that he would bo discharged from liis office, that this notice was given to him by one Chapley Smalley, then and now on the police force of said city,’’ to whioh statement this de ponent objeots, as varying from what he did say, as follows : "Do you expeot that Blodgett would votefor you, if you do not vote for him?” And the said statement was made by me, of my* own free will, unauthorized by Mr. Blodgett or any other person whatever. And further, that Mc- Kinne, in the above conversation, stated that he had not registered and could not voto; and deponent further states, that as far as my knowledge extends, I am not aware, nor do I know of auy person haviug been discharged for not voting. C. Smalley. Sworn to and sqbscrihcd before tue, this 23d January, 1868. William Doyle, [l.s.] Notatory Public for Riohmond C. Donations to former Mayor. I Extract.] Proceedings or Council, 1 Regular Meeting > March 16, 1863. j On motion of Mr. Carter, the Mayor vacated his chair and retired. Mr. Heard was called to the chair by the Mayor before leaving his seat. Mr. Carter thereupon offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the Collector and Treas urer be instructed io issue his check for Five Hundred Dollars, in favor of his Honor, the Mayor, as a compensation for the many extrn and arduous duties, that the exigencies of the times have necessarily thrown upon him for the past year. Unanimously adopted. A true extract from the minutes- Attest: . Jas. N. Ells, C. C. [Extract.] Proceedings of Council, | April 1, 1864. j “ Mr. Dugas, thereupon, offered the following Preamble and Resolution, which were on motion unanimously adopted. Whereas, in consideration of the depre ciated currency, as well ns of the arduous duties of his Honor, the Mayor, during the past year, be it Resolved, That the Clerk of Council be and he is hereby instructed to present His Honor, Robt. H. May, his check upon the City Treasurer for Three Thou sand Dollars.” . _ • A true extract from the Minutes. Attest : James N. Ells.'C. C. The Mayoralty. [Copy.] LETTER OF RESIGNATION OF HON. JAMES T. GARDINER, AS MAYOR OF THE CITY. Gentlemen of the City Council: The experience which I have had as Mayor satisfies me that he who holds the position, and desires to do justice to it, can spare no time to attend to mercantile pur suits. In other words , he should devote his entire lime and attention to the discharge of the duties of the office. Ihe interests in volved are many and varied; and to look after and protecl these properly there should he one judicious and ever watchful head. My circumstances are such, that I cannot, without making sacrifices which would seri ously embarrass me, and which, I feel con fident, my fellow-citizens would not require of me, continue to hold the office. I feel that a due regard to those dependant upon me requires that I should retire from it, and thus give place to some one who has the time and the ability to discharge its duties properly and acceptably to the community. For these principal and, as I believe, important reasons, I respectfully tender you this my resignation as Mayor of the City of Augusta. For the confidence reposed in me by my fel'ow-citizens ; for the aid and encouragement extended to me by them in the discharge of my arduous and responsible duties; and for the uniform courtesy and kindly bearing extended to me, by you, gentlemen of the City Conncil, as yonr Presiding Officer, I feel most deeply grateful. In conclusion, allow me to assure you that nothing but a high sense of duty to my family and to the community, could induce me to sever my official connection with you, each one whom I am proud and happy to esteem as my personal friend ; and that yon have individually and collectively my best wishes for your happiness, prosperity, and official success. Very Respectfully, James T. Gardiner. Augusta, Ga., August 8, 1866. A true copy. Attest: James N. Ells, C. C. Increase of Mayor’s Salary. (Extract.) Proceedings of Council, 1 Executive Session, > Tuesday, July 23d, 1867. In Executive Session, held this day, it was Resolved that the Mayor be requested to give his personal attention to the gener al affairs of the City and her interests ; and when not otherwise engaged for tho City, to be at his office in the City Hall, from 10 am., to 1 p. m., and that his salary be made at the rate of Five Thou sand dollars per annum, from and after May 3d, 1867. Passed unanimously. (Signed) Ephraim Tweedy, Sec’y pro tern. Present: Hie Honor Foster Blodgett. Messrs. Peay, Philpot, Levy, Reynolds, Bollock. Lynch and Roath. July 2 Id, 1867. A true extract from the Minutes. Attest: James N. Ells, C. C. Small Fox Hospital, STATEMENT OF DR. SWINNEY. Georgia —Richmond County, Personally appeared before the under signed Dr. Mark E. Swinney, who, being sworn, says that he was Surgeon in charge of the City Hospital, of the City ot Augusta, under the old Council, and still holds that position. In addition to this office, there was heretofore, lour City Physicians—one in charge of each Ward, and a Small Pox Physician to attend Small Pox Hospital ami all the Small Pox cases, and the charity practice arising from this disease. When the Mayor and Council now in office were appointed, they abolished the City Small Pox Hospital, also the office of Surgeon, Steward, and Nurse to the Small Pox Hos pital. A few days. afterward the Mayor requested deponent to visit said Small Pox Hospital and make report upon its condition and number of patients. No patients were found. A large lot of furniture, including bedding and other necessaries for Hospital purposes was found. The former Nurse and Steward were then in charge, but stated they would leave the next morning in pursuance of an ordinance of Council. Deponent requested the Steward to remain and take charge of the furniture, etc., until he heard further from deponent, which he agreed to do. Deponent then reported to the Mayor what he had done, and deponent was in structed by the Mayor to have him remain there and take charge, said Steward having been recommended as a suitable person for that purpose, and in that capacity alone is he remaining there. The Nurse was dis charged, but being sick at the time was allowed to stay there until she was able to get out nud procure her a home. This was some two or three weeks. Sometime in the month of June the Mayor informed deponent that lie had received notice of a Small Pox case in the city, and requested deponent to visit it, and it a case required Hospital treatment to send it to the Hospital, and take charge of it until recovery. This case, and some other cases occurring in the months of July and August, were sent there under the same instructions, and attended by deponent until discharged. There has been no further keeping of the Hospital than this, and respondent never has consid ered himselt the Physician of the Small Pox Hospital any further than as herein stated for particular cases to which his care was directed as stated. In consideration of the Small Pox cases occurring in the city, and the jail practice, which this deponent has also under his charge, and did not have under his appointment while acting under the old Council, his salary has been in creased to $33.33 per month. About 250 case* in jail have beeu under deponent’s professional care and treatment since it has been placed under deponent’s charge. M. E. Swinney. Sworn to and subscribed before me Ibis, January 22d, 1868. Jas. S. Hooe, Not. Rep. R, C. STATEMENT OF FAI DCVOHZKTT Georgia, Richmond County. Personally appeared before m e Dougherty, who being duly sworn That since the repeal of the creating Small Pox Surgeon, and aS Pox Hospital Steward and N UWe jTJJ not considered myself Steward ofth e B*s Pox Hospital, nor have I acted as sae k as a Watchman. That after the repJis the ordinance, I had made my merits to leave the Hospital. Dr. called at the Small Pox HospitsiTS stated that Mayor Blodgett instructed S to examine the Hospital and of its condition. I stated to him that iK made my arrangements and would la the next day. Dr. 8. insisted that IJ2S not leave until he could see the that he, Di r - 8., would see me for my services. I remained «!? Swiuney’s reqnest. Some ten day a wards, the Mayor called at the p Hospital. He told me to remain, and 5 take charge of the property of the Himjw until further orders from him. I forth* state that there has been no necessity &T Nurse since that repeal of the ordinal,' that one Richard Stewart also been retained as Assistant (iJS there being two houses to guard, and ft! are over one hundred yards apart Tt white woman who assisted in nursing J! cooking was sick at the time Dr. Swai called, and, at Dr. Swinney'g request fiT Mayor instructed that she should rentfii until her recovery. I further stated there is a large amount of property in l two houses, that could be easily remord thereby requiring a Guard at each bow If not guarded, the property woulHi stolen and destroyed in a short time. Patrick Docghimt Augusta, Ga., Jan. 23,1868. Personally appeared before me Pstfia Dougherty, who swears that the aben affidavit is true, to the best of his bowled* and belief. ™ Sworn to and subscribed bsfors me fin January 23, 1868. Foster Blodgett, Notaiy Public for Richmond Cou .ty, Gi Wood. ckrtificatx of j. t. fattersox. Augusta, Jan. 23,1858, I hereby certify that it appears from fit books of the Collector and Treasurer of fit city, that Mr. Blodgett, Mayor, has paid into the treasury thirty dollars for wood. J. T. Patteksoi. AFFIDAVIT OF T. WATERS. State of Georgia —City of Augusta. Personally appeared before me Tbornta YVaters, who being duly sworn, says; Tk Mr. Foster Blodgett stated to him in tig presence of Mr. Howarton and Mr. Conwsi that he had bought of them fifty cords of wood at six dollars per cord, delivered-that five cords of said wood were to be delirmf at his house, and the remainder at the Com House. He further swears that he went on to the Railroad with Mr. Howarton, what the wood then was, and that he sent the first ten dray loads (five cords) to the homed Mr. Blodgett. That there was no conced rnent whatever in this matter. That tk order of Mr. Biodgett was given in the pra ence of a number of gentlemen, and that both Howarton and Conway were presa! at the time said order was given. T. YY’Alias. Sworn to and subscribed before me, thu January 23,1868. YY’m. R. McLiia, County Judge KC. 1 AFFIDAVIT OF SHACKELFORD AND FARDEL State of Georgia— City (J Augusta. Personally appeared betore me, Thotnu YV. Shackelford and Peter Pardue, wk being duly sworn, sav: That they were tk distributors of wood for the city of Au gusta during the months of January, Feb ruary, and March, 1867; that it was custo mary to allow the officers of Council to receive wood from the Court House yard it the same price which was paid for it bj Council; that they delivered wood upon such terms to a number of said officers, and that their action was approved by the then Mayor of the city, Hon. John Foster. Thos. W. Shackeltoed- P: Pardue. Sworn to and subscribed before mt this 23d day of January, 1868. William Dotle, [L. S.] Not. Public for Rd. Cos. Mr. Bullock’s Course on Tolls. STATEMENT OF ALDERMEN. We, each of us, were present at the meet ing of Council when the petition ol Mis Craig, President of the Bath Paper “A that the wasron of that Company be relieved from toll, was presented. That we he»m Mr. Bullock earnestly urge favorable actios upon the petition. That Council declinedto grant the petition for the reason that tie paper mill was located on the railroad, that the traffic of the mill was conducted by rail, and therefore crossed the bridge without toll. That, upon this result being m nounced, Mr. Bullock moved that the ordi nance taking toll off the Kaolin wagon be reconsidered—that he was unwilling to »a in one case and not in both. That Coooeil refused to so reconsider because the re&soM given in the petition ot Dr. Sehaub, Geoenl Agent of the Kaolin Company—viz., that the ware all came into the city in wagons, and paid a tax on its sales, and that the bridge toll, therefore, became a double to on one article—were valid, and that such tot should not be collected. Foster Blodgett, Mayor C. A. Thos. N. Piiilpot, M. C. B. Conley, M. C. Ephraim Tweedy, M. C. Otis G. Lynch, M. C. W. P. Rhodes, M. C. Sam’i. Levy, M. C. (Extract.) _ , PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL, I Called Misuse. [ Tuesday, October 22, 1567, 71 o’clock, P-«J * » * * * * • Mr Bullock moved to remove the Biidp tolls on the Bath Paper Mills’ wagons. Mr. Levy moved to include the L*f® Beer wagons. Mr. Bullock accepted tM amendment. The motion was then lost, by a riiwj vote—3 Ayes to 5 Noes. . Mr. Bnllock then moved to remove tM toll on tho Bath Paper Mills' wagons. Mr. Levy renewed his amendment. Lo* l ’ by a rising vote of 3 Ayes to 5 Noes. Mr. Conley moved to amend by allowjf tho wagons to pass over at onc-balt t* present rates. . . .... Mr. Levy moved to amend by inclnaißf tho Lager Beer wagons. Lost. Tho voto was then on Mr. Conley l amendment. Lost. ~ The vote was then on Mr. Bn Hoc* motion. Lost. Tho reason of voting against this motio was that tho Mills are near the Railro*’ and transportation can be had by rail wi“ - out toll. A true extract from tho Minutes. Attest: Jas. N. Ells, C. C- Passes. STATEMENT OF BRYANT AND BEARD- Georgia, Richmond Cos., I City of Augusta, Jan. 19, 1867. j Before mo, William Doyle, personally »F peared J. E. Bryant, who being duly J*or» deposeth, aad saiih that on th# 18th u*T » October, 1867, he received a pass from H® l, 'Foster Blodgett, Mayor of tho City of A* gusto, to pais to Millen and return, on ™