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A Family Journal for the Dissemination of General Intelligence, Miscellany, Agricultural, Commercial, Political and Religious Information
[PROPRIETORS
piSERIES.}
MACON, GA., FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1868.
{VOL. Ill,—SO. 8
gso&gia. telegraph
CBLISHING HOUSE.
REID * CO., Proprietors.
«*• *
ji sSEED, | editors.
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10 (10
Ter#* o f subscription :
v .„ir Ti i.tr.iUPH—yearly.
l*p 4ll r TttniB*ni-ye*riy.—
• Oil PRINTING.
• w to execute every description
^‘‘IsD BOOK WORK, and wo guarantco satis-
loall favor a»-
sxcovraoemkkt.
friends throughout the country have
" kJ ( 0 r the evidence they have,since
Lining of the year, given us of their
of our efforts in upholding tlio
OunR No. 49.—General Pope said to a
: .-im, when he issued the above famous
rf, “that he issued it to break down tho
i-irrative press of his District.” Do
tStcoostruction Acts countenance, on the
ref*commander, an injury to citizens
L-tijtocwry out a partisan purpose ? Theso
a do not provide for damaging the inter-
oof*]] the citizens of the country by in-
risgkg*' advertisements in papers having
circulation in the counties where proper-
to \* told or tho estates interested are to
*tod,te putting it in the power of dis-
irpmcntatives of estates to cheat and
::>: l widow* and orphans. If General
akin strict constructionist of these acts
Cmjwj, how long wili be let this unjus
order remain unrevoked t
(Georgia Negro-Radical Convention
THIRTEENTH DAT’S PROCEEDINGS.
-from the Atlanta Intelligencer.1
Atlanta, Ga., January 8, 1868.
Convention met pursuant to adjournment
President Parrott iu the chair. Prayer by
Sir. Prettyman, Chaplain.
The roll was called and a quorum was
found present. About 103 delegates
swered to their names, as follows:
Messrs. Adkins, Akerman, Alexander, Ash-
burn, Bedford, Ball, Bell, of Oglethorpe;
Bell, of Banks; Bowden, of Monroe; Bowers,
Bigbee, Bowden, of Campbell; Blount, Brown,
Burnett, Campbell, Catching, Cassey, Clift,
Christian, of Newton; Chatters, Claiborne,
Chambers, Cooper, Cobb, of Houston; Cos-
tin, Conley, Crawford, Crayton, Crumley,
Dinkins, Dunning, Ellington, Flynn, Foster,
of Paulding; Gilbert, Goodwin, Goves,
Gouldiug, Griffin, Guilford, Harris, of New
ton; Harrison, of Hnncock; Higbee, Higden,
Hotchkiss, Houston, Holcomb, Harland,
Hooks, Hudson, Hutcheson, Jackson, Joiner,
Jordan, Key, Knox, Lee, Linder, Lumpkin,
Madden, Maul, Martin, of Carroll; Martin, of
Habersham; McIIan, McCoy, McWhorter,
Moore of Columbia; Noble, Palmer, Parrott,
Prince, Reynolds, Rice, Richardson, Rozar,
Robertson, Saffold, Saulter, Shields, Seeley,
Slierman, Smith, of Charlton; Speer, Shu
mate, Supple, Stone, Strickland, Trammell,
Traywick, Turner, Walton, Wallace, Wad
dell, Welch, Whitaker, Whitehead, of Burke;
Whitely, Williams, Woodcy, Wooden, YeateS.
The call of the roll for the introduction of
new matter was proceeded with, when the
following resolutions and ordinances were
offered and read tho first time,.to-wit:
By Mr. Bell, of Banks—
A resolution relative to incorporating in
the Constitution a clause requiring the Gen
eral Assembly to foster works of internal im
provement.
By Sir. Blount—
An ordinance to dcclarc illegal, null and
juefour people, in tho renewal of their
Options, and also sending us new names,
fertile present management of tho Tele
dth commenced, extending through the
years of gloom and darkness, the
1 has been devoted to the maintenance
principles dear to every Southron,
Ation to onr degradation, because we
Ld in a cause we considered right. This
(tjncct to continue, find promise to furnish
un tikn 88 B°° li 8 P a P CT 83 tllcy can f et
l.pjrjxtion. Renew your efforts in our be-
, f_i(crc*se our circulation by a few words
rocr neighbors, and thereby enable us to
the paper from time to time. When
Sid the right to advocato the cause of our
Lj. then our connection with tho press
IVae who do not wish a doily can, for $4,
\ U i.!..,; v Tr.t.Ki.iiAfH an T oid all notes, bonds. and executions fertile
n*ae paper, of fifty-six columns, full | purchase of slaves; and further, to make null
• -mating and miscellaneous news and and void all laws of the State of Georgia
h . made while in a state of rebellion against the
*1 wattcr, for one year. United States, by which money lias been
raised for tlic purpose of carrying on and sus
taining the late warngninst the United States,
and all notes, ' |
“T» Gkorgia Citizen.—We have rc-
- . 111 copy of this paper, published
l ‘ 0B ’ every Thursday, by Henry A.
'■ J >iip.(l find r a large and handsome
* u ‘l of choice matter, and having
“^'he ring of true Ctal. It is a paper
■ : (rue intereM? of the
ha Tost Response.—A low day3 ago
u for facts as to registration and votes
i the several counties to show ground for
•pica of fraud. We have a letter from a
ainu of veracity and reliability, who
o* that in the district composed of
**. Schley and Sumter counties, it is gen-
pjknown, only two white men voted. Yet,
t iemtippeani to have been in the dis-
E'4, and the number of negroes regis-
rfwai8S07, At the same time, the vote fell
it of the cumber of negroes registered in
* a county 150, and in Schley county 67.
'Sarnter, tho vote wa« in excess of the
d« r of negroes registered 184.
?*Ri'*d the report of the Democratic Ban-
*>a Washington on the 8th inst. It is to
•ad among our telegrams. The Presi-
** are happy to see, still adheres to bis
»nd presents the Radicals in their
iar **( ter as disorganize!* and upholders
“olidated despotism.
ietino Carr.—It will be a satisfaction
public to know that the otherwise cx-
^t and well managed Macon and TVcst-
dU'.lroad is to have sleeping cars on its
skuuina for the benefitoftravellers. This
' M ‘ a * of the best in the entire country
■' ■7 icapect, and, under its present able
‘•igmt-nt, is in a flourishing condition.—
*Me conductors, cotirteous officers and
.ecara, make it one of tho pleasantest
lotr.tw'l on in the entire country, ar.d
^"ith pleasure this new evidence oi
Md enterprise, coupled with ndo-
-itioa to increase the comfort of trav-
**J South
as maintained by the Con-
Aaod we sincerely hope that it will
‘htartysupporL
Atlant a Era professes to know
. •/ a *k 8r ntngemcnts for supplying the
* !, ««l»with funds hate Iren completed,
, h : May the Dillitcs to this?”—
(a** 4 * We •hsll know it when we see it;
C ** hope that obody in Georgia
^deto tuffer by tho way iu which
'**1U raised.
* re requested to urge a general
^ e of the committee named below,
'^pointed for a meeting in Daw—
be presented of impor
ts * 8 beg of our friends that, if they
Conservatism dear to them
*.^ drcD i they consider favorably
^ticif 1011 * will be made to them
CVl, I.LD IN TKnUKI.L COUNTY.
Su! be Executive Committee oi Ti
, » w vsv.Miaiaaai lie i
requested to inec
ts * ::j ti,u
J. E. Loixe-s, Suc’y
named gentle
t the
rd.iy iu
(.men compose
■I. E. Lbylc. *. 3
bonds, bills and contracts
founded tbereon.
A resolution of welcome to General Meade,
and an invitation to himself and staff to seats
upon the floor of the Convention.
An ordinance to declare illegal, null and
void all notes, bonds, executions, and con
tracts for services or hire as substitutes in the
Confederate army.
An ordinance to declare null and void cer
tain ordinances and resolutions heretofore
passed by the people of the State of Georgia
in Convention.
Mr. Bowcrsoffered an ordinance in relation
to the qualification of civil officers in the
State.
Mr.-Burnett offered an ordinance for the
relief of the people of the State of Georgia.
Mr. Clift offered an ordinance declaring
the relations of the people of Georgia to tlie
government of the United States.
Mr. Bryant—A resolution to instruct the
President to appoint a committee of seven
on'corporations, and a similar committee on
n s .lotions.
Mr. Conley—An ordinance for the relief of
tlio people of Georgia.
Mr. Davis—A resolution to prevent the
sale of spirituous liquors on days of election,
Mr. Asbburn—Resolutions nsking National
aid for material purposes, and recommend
ing the railway system, and a recognition of
the principels as set forth by the National
Railway League.
Mr. Higby—An ordinance to establish
honest< "is
Mr. Holcombe—A resolution to inquire
into the authority by which members of this
Convention hold their sents.
Mr. Hotchkiss—A resolution to appoint
Committee of five to wait upon Gen. Meade
and inform him of the reassembling of the
Convention, and tendering to him and his
staff seats in the ball; and to inform him
that the Convention will be pleased to re
ceivc any communication which he-may de
sire to mnkei
Mr. Hotchkiss gave notice of a motion to
amend the 21st rule by adding a Committee
on Miscellaneous Matter.
Mr. Maddox—An ordinance for the relief
of persons bolding change bills issued by the
Western & Atlantic Railroad.
Mr. Richardson—An ordinance for the re
lief of the people, and to protect them ngain«
fraud practiced upon them by lotteries.
Mr. Trannncll rose to a point of order,
which was sustained by the President, when
the lottery resolution was ruled out of order.
Mr. Strickland—A n-M>lution requesting
the continuance of the Freedman’s Bureau
Mr. Trammell—A resolution to amend tho
order of the day by adding after the fifth or
der the following: “Ctli—Resolutions for a
second reading nnd for final action.”
H. M. Turner, negro—A resolution to stay
the collection of tnxc
Mr. Wallace—A substitute for a resolution
offered by Mr. Dunning relative to the re
inoval ot the Capitol. The President decided
that a substitute could only be offered when
the original measure is taken up for final
action, anil that the foregoing is out of order.
On motion of Mr. Blount, the rules were
suspended, and the following resolution ot
fend by him was taken up:
Resolved, That a committee of three be
appointed to wait upon Gen. Meade, nnd in
vite him to visit this Convention at pleasure.
That this Convention do welcome him in be
half of the peaple of Georgia, as command
ing General of the Third Military District
-Mr. Bedford offered the following, which
was introduced by Mr. Hotchkiss, ns a sub
stitute for the foregoing, which was accepted
by Mr. Blount
Resolved, That a committee of five be ap
pointed to wait upon Gen. Meade, tlio Com
mnndcr of this District, and inform him that
the Convention has reassembled according to
adjournment, and tender to him and stall the
privilege of scats in this Hall, und will be
pleased to receive any communication he may
de-ire to make.
Mr. Akerman offered tlic following ns a
substitute for the original and substitute:
Resolved, That Major General Meade, and
his staff, bo invited to scats on the floor of
this Convention.
R, solved, That a committee of five be ap
pointed by the President to present the fore
going resolution to General Meads, and to
make it known to him that the Convention
welcomes him to this Military District, ami
| will take pleasure in co-operating with him
I (to tin- extent of their power) in executing
; the Reconstruction Act-> of Congress,—
i Adopted.
I On motion of Mr. Miller the rides were
I suspended; when he proposed to iur.cn 1 the
I rules of order by striking out the words
on the ratification of tho Constitution of
Georgia, was read the second time, and, on
motion of Mr. Bryant, laid on the table until
to-day.
An ordinance in relation to vacating the
civil offices of the State or Territory of Geor
gia, and for other purposes, which, on tlie
l7tb day of December, was taken up for a
second reading and ruled out of order
by the President, came up again by mistake
for a second reading, and being read, was on
motion made the special order of to-day.
Mr. Trammell called the attention ot the
Convention to the previous disposition of
said ordinance, and moved the reconsidera
tion of the action of this day thereon, in or-
derthat the j ournals might bo consistent.—
The motion did not prevail.
The following ordinances were read the
second time and referred, on motion, to the
Committee on Bill of Rights, to wit: An or
dinance by Mr. Murphy, to allow each head
of a family in Georgia a homestead ; An or
dinance by Sir. Stanford, intended as a sub
stitute for the ordinances, in relation to
homesteads; An ordinance by Mr. Smith, of
Coweta, on the subject of homesteads ; An
ordinance on tlie same subject, by G. W.
Chatters (negro); An ordinance by Mr. Dews,
on the same subject.
The ordinance of Aaron Alpeoria Bradley
(negro) in relation to the qualification of
voters in tlio State, and to secure homesteads
to certain persons, was read the second time,
and on motion of Mr. Richardson referred to
the Committee on Finance.
Ordinances for the relief of tho people ot
Georgia, offered by Messrs. Speer, Sherman
aud Blodgett, were read the second time and
referred to the Committee on Relief.
An ordinance by Mr. Crawford for the re
lief of creditors in this State, was read the
second time, and referred to tlic Committee
on Relief.
An ordinance to fix the salaries of officers
ot the State was ruled out of order.
An ordinance to change the Senatorial Dis
tricts and reduce the number of Senators mid
Representatives in tlie General Assembly of
Georgia, was read the second time and refer
red to the Committee on the Legislative De
partment.
An ordinance to dissolve the Inferior
Courts of Georgia; and an ordinance for the
relief of certain debtors, were read and refer
red to Committee on tho Judiciary.
The following ordinance was ruled out of
order by the President:
To give the General Assembly the power to
fix the rates of charges of Railroads.
Several unimportant ordinances were read
the second time and either ruled out of order
or referred to the appropriate committees,
when the Convention adjourned.
and pursued his line of argument until C. II
Prince, of New England, again, declared him
out of order, but the Chair decided that such
was not the case—that Mr. Holcombe was in
legitimate discussion of tho subject. The
denunciations of the measure by Mr. H. were
bold and manly. He charged that it was a
nicely contacted scheme to get hold of tic
State Treasury and of the State Road; it was
spoils—tho “flesh pots”—that originated the
ordinance, and it was his uuwavpring pur
pose to offer all the resistance in his power to
a transaction so disgraceful. Thi3 Conven
tion should protect the whole people—the
proposed measures would have the opposite
effect. (Applause in the lobby, when the
Chair stated that such demonstrations would
not be permitted.]
W. F. Bowers, of Hart, offered to read
substitute, which wa3 at once ruled out of
order. At this instant, and in the midst of
considerable excitement, “the question”—
that ot sustaining the decision ol the Chair
as to G. W. Ashburn’s ordinance being out
of order—was vociferously called for, as if to
cry down the “distinguished gentleman from
Muscogee,” who had arisen in all his majesty,
and in stentorian tones was replying to the
remarks of Mr. Holcombe. [Confusion.]
The vote on “the question” being taken,
the yeas and nays are as follows:
Yeas—Akerman, Angier, Bell, of Banks;
Bowden, of Campbell; Bowden, of Monroe;
Bigbee, Blount, Burnett, Caldwell, Cooper,
Cobb, of Madison; Cole, Crawford, Cotting,
Davis, Dunning, Dunnegan, Fields, Flynn,
Fort, Foster, of Morgan; Foster, of Paulding;
Gibson, Goodwin, Gove, Griffin, Harland,
Harris, of Newton; Harrison, ofCarrolI; Hig-
James L. Dunning offered a resolution to should betaken up at once. He would not
the eflect that tire Governor of Georgia and I conceal his purpose. It was vitally impor
the Treasurer, Inuring disregarded the order tant to remove without delay all obstacles to
of this Convention, endorsed by Gen. Pope,! reconstruction, and the passage of his resolu
te furnish money from the Treasury ol the . tion would ultimately accomplish that end.
State for the pay of the per diem, of members : The rules were suspended, when an effort
nnd other expenses, it is unwise to make was made to lay the resolution upon tlie table,
other negotiations until thependingquestion J. E. Bryant opposed it. Ifwd was the
as to tehere tlio power lies shall bedetermined.! time to act. He wanted a disloyal State gov-
neferred to Finance Committee. • • ernment removed and a loyal one put in its
A resolution by 3. T. W. Minor to relieve i stead. Congress could and would give this
certain citizens of Georgia of their disabilities. 1 Convention the powerif asked to do so. lie
Air. Parrott (out ot the Chair) offered a i wanted officials who would obey the iustruc-
resolution requesting Congress to repeal the . tions of this Convention—this representative
Test Oath. It set forth that the Test Oath is ^ body of the sovereign people of Georgia,
not conducive to the harmony apd peace of j John Harris, of Newton, wanted to state
the United States. _ j bis position. Several votes cast by him re
Dr. N.. L. Angier, Disbursing Officer of the cently had created the impression that he
Convention, made a report that he had had j was opposed to the removal of certain State
an interview with General Meade with re- i officials. Such was not the case, and he de-
gard to the per diem of members, and other ; sired now to place it upon record that he was
expenses ot the Convention; that he was | in favor of at once removing all officials who
clearly of the opinion that the money should j are obstructing tlie reconstruction laws,
come out of the Treasury of Georgia, and I J. L. Dunning stated that it was a singular
that lie would at an early day take steps to I coincidence that he now had in hisjiossession
remove all obstacles now in the way. This j letters from three distinguished members of
information was received with loud applause 1 Congress, all of them asking “what does the
by the Convention. ! Convention want” to enable it to go on in the
A motion for adjournment then prevailed. ! good work of restoring Georgia to the Uuion.
i If any further legislation was necessary—or
FIFTEENTH DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. j any more power wanted—it should be
Atlanta, Ga., January 10, 1868. ! promptly given for the nsking. Mr. Dun-
Convention met at 10 o’clock, the Presi- ; nia S favored the resolution of G. TV. Ash-
dent in the chair. Prayer by the ChaplaiD, burn > and hoped tlie Convention would pass
and journal of the previous day read and - lf > hereby asking Congress for the power
confirmed • | now wanted, and wliicn lias been generously
J.-L. Dunning offered a resolution to the proffered by several members. ^
effect that, as Gen. Meade had sirrnified bis ! J.H. Caldwell said the country was* groan
signified - his i, . . I.. . ,
, ^ intention to visit the hall of this Convention I ing in agon^'-treason was rampant m the
don, Hotchkiss,Houston, Holcombe, Hooks, to _ day n committee of three be appointed to j land > and we must suppress it—we must act,
Howe, Hudson, Hutcheson Jordan Kee, receive and conduct him to a seat on the ? ud act at once * The resolution was an em-
King, Knox, Lee, Linder, Maddox, Martin. r ; gbt of tbe chair. The rules weresuspended I mently proper one. This great country mu3t
for the adoption of this resolution, and tho t be swelled 1Irom the hands that are pulling
selection of said committee, which consisted rt down to destruction, and-
of J. L. Dunning, O. H. Walton, and A. W.
Holcombe.
The Secretary then proceeded to call tlie
FOURTEENTH DAY’S PROCEEDINGS.
Atlanta, January 9,1868.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, President Parrott in the chair. Prayer
by the Chaplain, and journal of the previous
day read.
The first business that occupied the body
was the reconsideration of some unimportant
matters of yesterday’s proceedings.
Tbo committee appointed to wait upon
Gen. Meade madp a report through tlieir
chairman. The interview was a pleasant one
in every respect, aud the committee were im
pressed with the belief that the commanding
General of this district would give satisfac
tion in the discharge of the difficult and del
icate duties he had been called upon to dis-
clnrge.
L.N. Trammell sukiiidtrri a report from
the Committee on Privileges and Elections,
which was adopted.
Report ot' the Committee on Relief was
presented, which was laid upon the table
until tbc Minority should make their report,
notice being given that the same would be
done to-day.
Leaves of absence were granted to dele
gates Edwards and Daley.
Report of the Committee on tlie Executive
was presented, after the reading of which the
rules were suspended to consider a motion to
print 500 copies, and to mnke it the special
order for Monday next. This elicited some
debate, in which I{. H. Whitely, A. T. Aker
man, T. P. Saffold, C. D. Davis,* C. C. Rich
ardson and J. L. Dunniug participated, when
the latter clause of the motion was laid upon
tlic tabic.
An effort was made to take np the ordi
nance of G. W. Asbburn, submitted some time
ago, to vacate all civil offices of the State.—
The Chair ruled tbc ordinance out of order,
when the “distinguished gentleman from
Muscogee” appealed irom the decision of the
Clmir, whereupon an animated discussion
took place between A. T. Akerman, J. E.
Blount, and others, when G. W. Asbburn
withdrew his appeal.
The roll was then called for the introduc
tion ol new matter, when Joseph Adkins of
fered an ordinance for the relief of the people
of Georgia.
G. W. Asbburn (with his pet scheme a lit
tie changed in order to again put it forward
under tlic head of new matter) offered an
ordinance declaring vacant all the civil
offices of the Slate of Georgia, and a resolu
tion attached thereto that said vacancies be
filled by the Convention,
Mr. Trammell rose to a point of order, and
declared that this was a resuscitation of the
ordinance which previous action had dis
posed of.
G. W. Asbburn replied that it was new
matter.
Mr. Trammell dissented, and insisted that
it was an “underground railway” process by
which G. W. Ashburn was endeavoring to
keep liis scheme before the Convention.
G. W. Ashburn replied that it was new
matter, and claimed its reading.
Tlie Clmir decided that the ordinance was
out of order, when G. W. Ashburn appealed
from the decision of the Chair.
Arguments pro and con then ensued be-
ween Turner (negro), Ashburn, Bullock, and
others, regarding the powers of the Chair to
make decisions, the niceties of parliamentary
usugc, etc.
II. M. Turner (negro) hoped the Chair
would not decide the ordinance cut of order.
The Convcntibn had the right to vacate the
civil offices in Georgia, nnd to fill them with
loyal men [sensationJ, and tlie question may
a well be now met fairly and squarely.
Bryant, Conley and Bullock were all upon
r floor at the same time. Bryant wanted
jc question laid over for the present.
T. P. Saffold said he was out of order, but
Bryant thought differently, and continued
itil G. TV. Ashburn interrupted him by
ailing for the question on his appeal.
Bryant would not be interrupted—he was
in order.
Mr. nolcombc regretted ttie disposition
manifested by certain gentlemyi for the
of Carroll; Martin, of Calhoun; Martin, of
Habersham; McCoy, Miller, McWhorter,
Moore, of White; Potts, Rice, Robertson,
Saffold, Saulter, Smith, of Coweta; Smith, of
Thomas; Speer, Shropshire, Shumate, Tram
mel, Traywick, Wilbur, Wbitelv, Woody,
Wooten, Waddell—68
Nays—Adkins, Alexander, negro, Anderson
negro, Ashburn, Bentley, negro, Beaird, ne
gro, Bedford, Baldwin, Bell, ot Oglethorpe,
Bowers, Bryant, Brown, Bracewell, Bryson,
Bollock, Campbell, negro, Catching, Cassey,
negro, Clift, Chatters, negro, Claiborne,
negro, Chambers, Cobb, of Houston, Costin,
negro, Conley, Crane, CraytOD, negro, Crum
ley, negro, Dinkins, negro, Etiington, Gilbert,
Goulding, negro, Guilford, negro, Harrison,
of Hancock, Higbee, Hopkins, Jackson, ne
gro, Joiner, negro, Jones, negro, Lumpkin,
negro, Madden, Maul, Matthews, McHan, Mi
nor, Moore, ofColumbia, Noble, negro, Pal
mer, negro, Pope, Prince, Reynolds, Richard-
sod, Rozar, Sikes, negro. Shields, Seeley, Sher
man, Smith, of Charlton, Stewart, negro,
Supple, Stone, negro, Strickland, negro. Tur
ner, negro, Walton, Wallace, negro, Welch,
Whitaker, negro, Whitehead, of Burke, ne
gro, Williams, negro, Ycates—70.
Thus flic Convention overruled the deci
sion of the President, who then decided that
G. W. Ashburn’s ordinance was a matter of a
legislative character. From this decison B.
Conley appealed, when J. E. Bryant moved
that the whole matter be laid upon the table.
R. H. Wiiitely obtained the floor, and op
posed its further consideration.
J. E. Blount also opposed its further dis
cussion.
C. C. Richardson, of Maine, wanted to ask
J. E. Blount a question, but the latter would
not permit the interference.
Thomas Gilbert and G. W. Ashburn, to
gether, were able by a combined effort to in-
terrujJt J, E, Blount, when B. Conley con
cluded to withdraw bis appeal from the de
cision of tbo Chair.
G. W. Asltburn then withdrew his ordi
nance, and quiet was restored to tho Conven
tion.
The reader will observe from the yeas and
nays that the Convention is nearly evenly di
vided upon the question of vacating the civil
offices of the State.
The call of the roll being resumed for the
introduction of new business, G. W. Ash-
burn presented a resolution far the election
of a Printer to the Convention. Also, au
ordinance for tho relief of tho people of
Georgia.
Mr. Bell, of B inks, introduced a resolution
that no new matter oft the subject of relief
be introduced after to-day.
Mr. Bullock asked for a suspension of the
rules to introduce a resolution,* upon which
he desired immediate action, as tho Congress
of tlio United States was now in session. The
resolution appoiuts a committee of seven to
memorialize Congress, setting forth the names
of Georgians who have prominently aided in
reconstruction, and are consequently entitled
to Conuression.il clemency, aud to ask that
the political disabilities of all such be rej
moved. Unanimously adopted.
This was amended by a resolution creating
sub-committees, whose business it should be
come to furnish names as above to- the main
committee.
The call of tho roll for new business was
resumed.
Mr. Bigbee offered a resolution in regard to
the Bill of Rights.
G. W. Chatters (negro) offered an ordinance
that negroes shall enjoy all tho privileges of
white persons at hotels, railway trains, board
ing houses, etc. The Clnir ruled this out of
order as matter of a legislative character.
B. Conley offered a resolution as follows:
Resolved, That the Committee on Finance
be directed to report an ordinance confirm
ing all acts passed by tlie Legislature acting
under authority of the Constitution of 1865,
creating and issuing bonds for the purpose of
paying the indebtedness of the State, and for
other jiurposes,) without hereby recognizing
the authority of sii 1 Legislature, or the
validity of said Convention. Referred to
Finance Committee.
C. H. Hopkius sent in a communication
that hecou.'d borrow f40,000 for the use of
the Convention, and that lie could have it
ready in ten dajs.
TV. C. Lee offered art-solution for the relief
of the debtors of Georgia ; also for the relief
of tax payers.
E. I. Higbee—A resolution on the elective
franchise question.
J. A. Jackson (negro) offered an ordinance
with the following caption: “Instruction for
the Govmcnt of Millishia for the State of
Gorgie.”
Mr. Martin, of Habersham, presented a
the Legislature
Here the Chair announced that Gen. Meade
and.his.staff were in waiting at the door,
when the “spread-eagle orator” subsided,
Gen. Meade’s Speed! to tlie Convention.
roll for tho introduction of new business, 8 ? d . tbe committee wont out to conduct the
when J. R. Parrott (out of the Chair) asked • distinguished visitor id.
for a suspension of the rules that he might ! Convention arose™ masse as General
introduce a resolution or ordinance to pre-1 ^ cade > accompanied by Colonel Emory Col.
vent sheriffs from the levy and sale of pro- ^eade, Captain McKtbben, General Dunn
perty. Ho stated that said officers, in open | ® c T a Sa T s , on > ai > d .Colonel Meline, entered
defiance of the previous action of this body, ' tbe J la V P oa beiog escorted to the nght
were exposing at public outcry tlic property i Chair, General. Meade was cormally
of a helpless people, and continuedAt some ! welcomed by the President, and formally in-
lcogth in the support of his measure. Per- j troduced to the Convention,
mission was granted, and Mr. Parrott’s ordi- ! The remarks of Gen. Meade were alter-
nance was read t nately applauded by the Convention and
II. V. M. Miller opposed its passage on the those in . the lobb y* At its - conclusion, the
score of hasty legislation. It was an impor
tant matter, and should be well considered.
He wanted it referred to the Judiciary Com
mittee.
J. L. Dunning also opposed hasty and in
considerate action on a subject of so much
importance.
T. J. Speer was opposed to it, but he would
move that 200 copies of it be printed, and
that it be made a special matter for to-mor
row.
J. R. Parrott urged its adoption
sheriffs had treated with contempt the au
Convention took a recess of fifteen minutes,
to enable tlie members to pay their respects
to him, when each and all were in turn intro
duced by the President.
The Convention was called to order, when
J. H. Caldwell resumed his speech upon G.
TV. Ashburn’s resolution. He said the coun-
try was in an “agony of suspense” to be freed
from the thraldom of disloyalty. Every loyal
heart in tho State would pulsate with joy at
the passage of such a resolution. The re-
Thc P orler cannot follow J. H. Caldwell in his
_ | sublime flights. He reared, plunged and
thority of this Convention, and were Seizing j P awcd b ° ground He pulled the Amen-
and selling the property of the people. He ! cag e all around and wrapped nmse f up
wanted a Stop put to it. The ordinance made | in . tbe stara . and Stri P e8 > and thnb e<: the
it a penal offence on the part of sheriffs to ' w lole a-semblage.
disobey, and such action would ba™ the do- i , Q ‘- W * Ashburn rose in support of his res-
sired effect. If they understood that a fine 1 c lutlOD > but was to J- f 1 *
i Trammell, who m turn was called to order by
or dismissal from oilicc would follow further < • * n vxr » v» •»
disobedience of this Convention’s instruc- tl' e ^
tions, there would be an end to sheriffs’ op- ' °PPOs?d to delay ini the matter. Gov.
tion 5 ! 1 • Jenkins was m the way of this Convention,
m, *" . ,.. , t and must be removed. A passage of this
Thomas Gilbert urged its adoption. resolution would doubtless secure an end so
P. B. Bedford said the people wanted re-
sf-the sheriffs were standing at their door i Q ; D > D ^| g> Qf Walton> wanted tQ say
something. Tho Military Bill was the death
warrant of civil government in this State,
aud we must not permit any interference from
it. We eftnnot dally with the enemy—re
move him I He was ready to vote upon the
resolution—the power that it would secure
was wanted at once. Gov. Jenkins was de
nounced iu hitter terms as a hair-brained
lief— the sheriffs were standing at their door
—this Convention should restrain them. He
hoped the ordinance would pass, and regret
ted that earlier action had not been taken.—
much distress may have been averted.
Aaron Alpeoria Bradley, negro, desired to
say something on the subject. He was in fa
vor of tho ordinance, but doubted if its sim
ple passage would avail anything. He had
talked with able lawyers in the State on the , Ktici and it was the duty of this Con-
subject. Tbe destred end might be reached , £ cntion ^ removc allsuch obstacles. He re
in ano ner way, etc. spected Gov. Jenkin3 for bis private worth,
Upon motion, the ordinance was made the ( b'ut fidelity to the people we represent de-
special order for Monday next „ I mauds that the track should be cleared of
J. R. Parrott offered a resolution that all j bi and letus do it at once . Tbe civil gov _
the committees on the Constitution have 200
* rit- l • tx ernment ot ueorgia must go down or tins
topics of their reports printed. Thw would , Convention must | 0 down. b This is inevl-
liaye the effect of systematizing all the matter ; We C:ma % t make terms with our
go ten up by them and a general facilitating e His knifc is at our threat-we can-
of business would be tue result. The resolu- ;
.• , j -l lu j a c ... i not temporize—away with all such,
tion also made it the duty of the committees rT ^ 1 _ r , , , .. r „
to report at as early a day ^.practicable. [Here Gen. Meade left the hall, followed by
J. E. Bryant fancied that he could sec in ’ * bose wboaccompamccl him.]
the resolution a purpose to “gag” members 1 G. W. Ashburn attempted to speak, but
of this Convention. He wanted it laid upon was ruled out of order. Likewise J. H. Cald-
tlic table. I well.
H. K. McCny wanted the resolution amen- L. N. Trammell opposed the resolution iu
ded nnd— a speech of some length, during the delivery
C. C. Richardson rose to a point of order, of which several attempts were made to inter-
but H. K. McCay was permitted to continue. ! rupt him. He boldly charged that the Ash-
Tlu re was room for improvement, etc. 1 burn resolution was an effort on the part.of
J. It. Parrott desired specially to urge tlie the Convention to wrest from Gen. Meade the
passage of his resolution, Itdid not propose ! power and authority given to District Cotn-
to “gag” any man. There would be ample j manders by the Military Bill, and usurp it
time and opportunity to discuss the reports themselves. Such was unquestionably the
of tbe committees. ' j purpose, else why ask Congress to clothe the
J. H. Caldwell could see nonnecessity for ; Convention with equal power. He said it
such a resolution. It would cut off a full
and free discussion of the reports of said
committees, and he was opposed to that.—
The gentleman spoke at considerable length.
It was a complete “dysentery of words and
constirpation of ideas.” He killed a vast
amount of time, aud it was suggested that
lie evidently thought himself in a clerical po
sition at a protracted camp meeting.
C. D. Davis thought too much time had
been wasted in tbc discussion, and indulged
in some sensible sqggcstions in favor of the
resolution. He thought such a measure
would facilitate business.
The resolution was postponed.
G. TV. Ashburn offered an ordinance on the
subject of personal rights—a long, windy
document—consuming about one quire of
foolscap. This was laid on the tabic, and 500 a State of the Union,
copies of it ordered to be printed.
A. T. Akerman, Chairman of the Commit
tee on the Judiciary, presented the Majority
Report of that Committee, which was laid
upon the table, and 500 copies ordered to be
printed.
K. IL TVhiteley desired to make known
his dissent, being a member of the commit
tee, from tlie report made by A. T. Akerman,
and read a Minority Report, which took tho
same direction as the other.
J. R, Hudson asked to have read to the
was a gross insult to that distinguished sol
dier, tor a want of confidence in him was
plainly implied, and ho challenged a refuta
tion of the charge. He was opposed to the
resolution ofG. TV". Ashburn, and had a sub
stitute to offer, and such was its character
that the true status of the Convention would
be fixed. There was no dodging it—he would
make the issue very plain. Mr. Trammell
then read his substitute as follows:
Resolved, That our confidence in the firm
ness, ability, and fidelity of Major General
George G. Meade is full and complete; that
we hereby express our opinion that he comes
among us to execute the laws of the United
States; that his powers are ample and com
plete, and that he has the will to effect the
restoration of the State to it.: full relations as
Gen. Meade’s speech, as reported in the
Era, is as follows:
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Con
vention : I appear before you to-day in com
pliance with the courteous resolutions you
have been pleased to pass, inviting me to a
scat upon your floor. I came here princi
pally for the purpose of returning to you in
person my thanks for tlie kindness and cour
tesy indicated by your resolutions. At tho
same time, it appears to me that this is a
suitable occasion for me to state to you, and
through you to tho people of Georgia, Ala
bama and Florida, certain points in regard
to what I conceive to he my duty in the po
sition assigned to me by the Government of
the United States. Ism assigned to the po
sition I now occupy, under a law of Con
gress, by direction of the President of the
United States and the Secretary of War. My
duty is to execute a law which has been
passed by the Congress of the United States.
As a soldier, I conceive that I have no right
to question the validity of the act from which
I derive my powers; nor can I permit it to
be questioned by those under my command.
There is a proper course to be pursued in
testing the validity of all acts, but I am not
the agent for that purpose.
The question arises, what are my duties
under this law ? In the words of the law, it
“to protect all persons in their rights of
person and property; to suppress insurrection,
disorder and violence, and to punish or cause
to be punished, all disturbers of the public
peace and criminals,” and when this cannot
be done through the proper functions of the
civil officers, then the law makes it my duty
to assist these officers and afford the proper
protection, and this duty shall be faithfully
and honestly, performed. [Applause.]
Furthermore, tho law requires that au op
portunity shall be given to the people of
Georgia, Alabama and Florida, to say wheth
er they will accept the Constitutions which,
the Conventions of their respective States
may frame. My duty is to see that “all the •
registered and qualified electors in the State
have an opportunity to vote freely, and with
out restraint, fear or influence of fraud,” so as
to enable them to state whether they will or
will not accept the terms offered. Now, that
duty I shall to the best of my ability endeavor
to execute. [Applause.]
Your duty, gentlemen, which you are
called upon to perform, is to frame a Con
stitution and civil government for the peo
ple of Georgia, and, if accepted by the peo
ple of Georgia, then to be submitted to tho
Congress of the United .States. I trust that
as Military Commander, we shall co-operate
as far as may be necessary. I do not see,
however, that there is much co-operation
necessary. Your duty is specific, and mine i3
similar. I do not consider that your ordi
nances, within the limits of the acts necessary
for the discharge of the duties prescribed by
Congress, are to be enforced by me pending
the adoption of the Constitution; but I con
ceive the powers with which I am invested
are sufficient to authorize my adoption of any
of your acts as my acts, in case in my judg
ment the well being of the people impera
tively require SUCtt action uu mjf pan; nul,
among such measures, I have under con
sideration the relief laws as prepared by yon.
In conclusion, I beg you will pardon so
much reference to myself and actions. But
coming among you as I do, a stranger, never
having been in your State before except pass
ing through as a traveller, it has occurred to
me that this plain expression of my views as
to my duties and determination to conscien
tiously discharge the same, would serve, per
haps, to remove some of the obstacles that
might otherwise be placed in my way. I
trust, gentlemen, you will proceed to frame a
Constitution and frame a civil government
whipli shall be acceptable to the qualified
voters of Georgia. It is not my duty to dic
tate, to recommend or to advise—but I feel
justified in counselling moderation, and earn
estly hoping that wisdom, calmness and rea
son will govern your proceedings, again I
thank you most sincerely for your courtesy.
As to the length he intends going iu the
matter of relief,The following order for the
State of Alabama sufficiently indicates:
HEADq'ns, Tiiiiid Miijtart District, )
(Dcp’t Georgia, Florida and Alabama, >
Atlanta, Ga., January 10, 1SC8. )
General Orders, No. 6.
I. Whereas, The Constitutional Conven
tion of the Slate ot Alabama, recently .in ses
sion at Montgomery, in that State, adopted
the following ordinance:
* t, j .Ttaa, l.'m j I “Committee of the Whole” and inserting n
IUp 4B s"V Mi,al-,’ j. V' !>«•» thereof the words“Standing Com-
j V, b ; 'ViUiau.s, a. i). Whaley, initios.”
' WS F. Oiti.on, E:i O. Mr. McCoy offered as a substitute “Be
°*> 3. Denton, J. U. Vanover.
'
‘ b lde ias t .ken the Brum-
fortnorly oceu-
^G totn
street
Pope.
ports of Standing Committees," tbe
j to be inserted as a distinct order. This was
I accepted ka 1 passed. Another unimportant
I niBUiduient to the rules ot order was po-oae-
I An ordinance to secure impartial suffrage
resolution requesting the Legislature to in
quire into the expediency of selling the West- j Convention a letter from one of his constitu
rn & Atlantic Railroad,
The rules were suspended to consider :
resolution stopping all Sheriff’s sales of prop
erty, and authorizing the priuting of
copies of the'same, to be sent to all the SJier
iff's of the State. This was adopted.
TV. H. Rozar presented an ordinance that
and was dealing some sledge hammer ; all people, of the South lately in rebellion b.A
blows upon the fraud and corruption he j forfeited all rights aud immunities guar:::,
uld plainly sec in O. W. Ashburn’s mens- ■ teed by the Constitution, and that ail c. u-
o, wLuu he was called to order by C. II. ' tracts made during the existence of that iv-
* rince, of New England. ’ j hellion aie forever null and void.
Mr. l\irrott, (temporarily out ol the chair,) H. M. Turner, negro, offered a resolution
thought the ordinance was out of order, and ; that absent members ol tbe Convention ; hall
hoped the Convention would so decide. i not receive pay. This was withdrawn.
Mr. Holcombe made an effort to resume his ! Leaves ot aDser.ce were granted to W. TV.
remarks, but failed. Dews aud L. H. Robert*-.
II. ,\L Turner, negro, thought the Conven- I A Committee on Corporations was ap r
tion was “getting into a ridiculous con- j pointed.
dition ” [Laughter.] i H. Walton offered an ordinance for $!>«
Mr. Holcombe again obtained tlie fioor, relief of purchasers of slaves.
jits, whose grievances appeared tobenumer-
mis, from the said letter. He was a Union
man during the war—had been compelled to
take Confederate money—was now poor, and
wanted the Convention to give relief to per
sons in his situation.
J. TV. T. Catching offered an ordinance for
the n-’m f of tho debtors of Georgia.
G. TV. Ashburn offered a resolution that the
C invention be clothed with the same power
as that of the Military District Commander,
and the Congress of the United States be po-
ti' i by this body to grant that power.
G. TV. A-hbum also asked to hive read to
tbe Convention a private letter from John
Sherman, member of C'ongreas.
G. Wit Athburn then ai-ked for a suspen
sion of the rubs that his resolution might
pe taken up.
K. IL Whitely opposed it.
G. W. Ashburn ind.-tecl that hi3 resolution
Mr. Trammell continued to hold the fioor
in support of his substitute, and he intended
to force the Convention to cither vote it
down, lay it on the table, or “shirk it” by
calling for the “previous question.” It was
h : s firm purpose to compel them to define
their true position. If his substitute was
voted down, tabled, or evaded in any way,
then Gen. Meade would at onco under
stand that the Convention would not trus;
him. If his substitute was accepted, then it
would be plain to every mind that their con
fidence in General Meade was ‘Tull aud com
plete,” and ht-nce no necessity fdf Congress
to give the Convention equal power with him.
Efforts were made Ly Aaron Alpeoria Brad
ley. negro, J. E. Bryant, C. C. Richardson, C.
Id'. Prince, and P. B. Bedford to interrupt
Mr. Trammell, but the Chair permitted him
to retain the floor in advocacy of his substi
tute until the hour lor adjournment had ar
rived. Mr. Trammell i-; entitled to tin- floor
at the opening tills morning, and will doubt
less press his measure to a solution.
Adjourned to 10 o’clock to day.
J-g/“The Cheyenne Indians have only killed
three men since the treaty, and that wa3
simply to try their new guns. They imitate
Napoleon in a small way.
f-AV” The Dublin Nation says that, “.the
ballot is., a -great thing, but the natural man
craves also beefsteak and potatoes.”
AN ORDINANCE TO STAY COLLECTION OF
DEBTS.
“Be it ordained by the people of Alabama
in Convention assembled, That when any
writ of execution, venditioni exponas, or other
legal process, requiring the sale of property,
shall be, or'has been issued from any court of
this State, it is made the duty of the officer
to whom delivered for collection, to return
the said writ or other process to the proper
court, with his endorsement thereon, ‘Re
turned by operation of Law,’ dated and
signed by him. This ordinance to remain in
full force until the first day of January, 1869:
Provided, This ordinance shall not apply to
judgments in favor of laborers and mechanics
for services rendered since July 21,1SG5.”
And whereas, the passage of this ordinance
which was intended to afford relief to debt
ors in that State has, on the contrary, caused
increased distress to them by occasioning
very numerous attempts to evade its provis
ions by forcing sales under execution in tho
interval between the time of its passage and
of its taking effect; and, whereas, such sales,
in tlie present unsettled condition of affairs
in the State of Alabama, and in consequence
of tho low price of cotton, result in such sac-
rificeS of property as are ruinous to debtors
aud Oi but little" benefit to creditors; and,
whereas, the people of that State have no
method of enforcing tlieir will, as expressed
in s ii.i ordinances until after the ratification
of lit • Constitution framed by said Conven-
tioa, which has been submitted to them for
their ratification or lejectiou on the 4th of
February next.
II. Therefore, by virtue of the plenary
powers invested by the reconstruction acts of
Oongres- in the Commanding General of the
Third Military District, and for the tempora-
ry relief tlie’peoplo of the State of Alabama ;
* It is ordered: That said ordinance shall
from’this date bo deemed to have taken effect
in said St ite, and shall continue in full force
and validity until the result of said election
on tha ratification of said constitution shall
have In en ash-, i mined und publisiud lrotn
the;.-Headquarters; the force of this order
then to cease should said constitution be re
jected. But should said constitution be
adopted by the people, this order shall con
tinue ir. force until such constitution shall
have been submitted to Congress for exam?
ination and approval as provided for in said
reconstruction act?, nnd until Congress shall
have approved or rejected said Constitution.
111. It is further directed that this order
be respected and obeyed by tbe several civil
officers, judicial ifiid otherwise in the State
of Alabama.
By order of Major-General Meade.
R. C. Drum, A. A. G.