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The Greorgia, "Weekly Telegraph..
K..-^DAY. JANPARY 1VW
■ —As Ills been
^reonc.w TREASURY.
U s r^enw the funds of Gaotgia bare
\d£ '* Ti f ro m tbe 8Ute. Wo n«n
..,■5'of it; for the Atlanta Con
, B0 right to appropriate one
even temporarily, nor do we
* ■ mine within tho scopo of Gen.
& .'‘j-des to aid them in doing so.
v/‘ ’ t j llt Gov. Jenkins not only stole
I <Ln the Convention in that respect,
, j legally) forestalled the collec-
W 1 '’' ^ w pay tiie expenses of the Con-
*‘ f * 1 fa our wind this argues not only
11 to test the constitutionality ot
. ruction Acts, bnt a strong confi-
I,h,ir being set aside as unconstitu-
York Herald’s special tclo-
I tieesb
™ Atlanta, of the Oth, says that Gov,
determined, if his removal is
J***\ ,i, a t he will sue out a writ quo
f' F ;‘V the United States Court. This
r wi,crMweexpectmi him to take, and
«t hepo ^ C '
January 11—A movement will
in tbc Convention on the
,y j «tne-ro delegates and certain recently
- I Northern men to seats, on tho ground
.^oy are not qualified citizens of Gcor-
; The shove dispatch is from a Nashville
It seems to bo a pertinent ioquinr
I? whether negroes are entitled to sit in tbe
Convention. • If the position of delegate in
l Convention bo an office in Georgia, and
Z Reconstruction Acts only give negroes
J “fill ol suit,ago ..a not tio ri„M to hdd
bold b, Governor Brown In 1,»
“„honThundtJtat,tbrnll.=Jtail boro
w*bc declared out of tttoir oenta il tbo ques-
lion is rast. m
IST It 5s with feelings of regret that we
have to announce to the many fnnds of S. S.
Stafford, Esq., of Blakely, Ga., that we learn
„f bis death, at his home in that village, on
fcWhlnst. He was-a lawyer of reputa-
*3 in Soutwfstcrn Georgia, and very highly
germed as a gentleman by all those who
b, e w him. Ilis health has been bad for some
toe past. When in our office a few weeks
he told us his intention was to remove to
Rome shout this time. But the “ways of
Providence are mysterious,” and we know
jot when death is to come. Requieteat in
?*■
juntos is Office Aoain.—Well, it
items that Grant retiring, the arch partisan
h« again walked into the war office, taken
hii seat and drawn $3000! How long he
till stay there and what he will do, remains
to t*c seen. Tiie President evidently hns his
but up, and means to maintain his position,
iibe scorns to recognize Stanton in nny way,
ud, ns bead of the army, threatens Grant
himself with charges of insubordination.—
After* are coming to a crisis, evidently; and
te do not wonder that public feeling m lever
ish ia the Federal City. The New York
Tunothinks Stanton will stay ia office long
tnootjb oaly to manifest his right to it, re-
lijsjcg immediately. But wo doubt this.
Be deems himself the barrier to oppose Mr.
Johnson, and will remain in office for that
pwpoie.- But how if the President fails to
wogniie him as Secretary of Wan£: Wc
shall sec what we shall see.
Lne Titaw.—Is it not like tho blessed
Puritans to be petitioning Congress for an
ipnropriation to buy and ship provisions to
the suffering poor of Sweden ?
Supreme Court ok the United States.
The five Judges supposed to be ol tho opin
ion tbit the Reconstruction acts are uncon
stitutional arc Nelson, Clifford, Grier, Miller
ind Field; to the contrary, Chase, Davis and
6*»jne.
Weix Done Kon Stanbery.—Tbe follow-
ing is R verbatim extract from the speech
made by Attorney-General Stanberry, at the
banquet on tho 8th inst. in Washington City:
Gentlemen: I have been at the bar for
newly half a century, and have been a con
stant student not only of the Common
law, but of our own Constitutional law, nnd I
do not hesitate to say that the whole of these
R-.'construction Acts Wf Congress, from begin-
ning to end, first, second and third in the
toiw, arc unconstitutional nnd void. These
sre times when to l»s silent is to bo unfaithful.
These are times when men must speak 1 out. I
will not attempt to school myselt into reti
cence upon these great questions, and I could
not if I would i
Our readers can now understand why Stau-
bery declined to argue in favor of the Gov
ernment, in tbo case .of ez-parte McCord I e,
A«t Friday, before the Supreme Court.
Land in North Carolina.—Land is sell
ing ia Wake at ruinous prices. One track
wnsnold on Friday for $107, for which $900
*M offered before the war. A fine farm was
•old on Saturday for $750, which wns worth
*4,000. . f t - : j
EtT*Swaynt-’s successor, in Alabama, is
Brevet Brig. Gen. Hayden. It is understood
'hit Gen. Ilajden will remain in command
*uly temporarily, and will bo relieved by Col.
khepperd, who has been stationed in Mobile,
“d who is now on a visit to Washington.
Vert Personal.—Wc regret to nncounco
totha good people of Baldwin county, that
4helr dintinghished representative, tbe Hon-
Jtahle C. C. Richardson, Skowhegan, .Maine,
had bis character fully explained to him last
tinning, at the National Hotel, by a gentle
man of this city, whom he insulted yesterday
*0 the lobby of tho Convention. Tho lion,
gentleman bore the well merited oral castjga-
j on ia true Puritanic style, and with inimi-
khl# mng froid turned to a map of the Uni-
>ed States, hanging upon the hotel wall, in
t-ircb of bia dear native Maine. The Hon.
gentleman will not send any more insultin.
•oteste gentlemen in the lobby immediately 1
[.Atlanta Intelligencer, 14th.
Base Ball in tiie Family.—An exchange
Wu of a man who became so inlntuated wit
g»tne of base ball, that he in-ists on rim
ing the “home” machine on the base ball
His children, being quite numerous,
^assigned their respective positions, and the
J^vant ordered to take the “first base.” Ills
5%whose word “none dare dispute,” is styled
,'‘. m Pire,” and himself tho “batsman,” liis duty
^■'ng to flog the children. When the young-
RCbild cries,he designates this a “foul bawl,”
*?d orders tho scrvntit to stop it. A few cve-
“J?g* tinea ho met the hired girl in company
her “fe!W taking a walk. He told her
“make a “short stoi )" on such proceedings,
r) a . warnbg her against being “caughfrout”
told, her to “make the home base” as
Wtksspomtole,
It i- reported that a majority of tbe
_ ' f the Indian Pence Commission
jy.Wcommcnd to Congress that tbe lurlinn
shall not
• i
(Jowgia Negro-Radical Conven!!*!!
SIXTEENTH DAY'S PKOCEFDIN03.
/.■ *m llf AfMnfri InitUioSnterd
Atlanta, Ga., January 11, 18C3.
Convention met pttr.-uant to adjrurmm nt
resident Parrott in the chair. Prayer bv
turned over to tbe War
•; ut but be made a separate Bureau,
from any’of the departments, and
. 8 J,, crned by a commissioner to be anpoint-
CUb J the President.
President Parrott in tbc chair. Prayer by
Mr. Pretty man, Chaplain. Journal ofprevious
day read and confirmed.
L. Jf. Trammell, being entitled to the floor,
resumed his eliscussion in opposition to the
Ash burn resolution, nnd in support of his
substitute thcrelor. [The reporter will here
reproduce Ashburn's re-olution in order to
give tho reader a clear idea of the matte
under discussion. ] It is ns follows:
Resolved, That wc, the Representatives of
the people of Georgia, in Convention assem
bled, respectfully represent to tho Congress
of tbc United States, that it is essential to
the successful execution of tbe Reconstruc
tion laws that the provisional government of
the S'ate should bo executed by such persons
only-tts are made eligible by tho following
clause of the 6th section of tho “Act to pro
vide for a more efficient government of the
Rebel States,” viz: “And no person Eball be
eligible to any office under any such provis
ional government who would bo disqualified
from holding office under the provisions of
the 3d article of said Constitutional amend
ment,” said section 3d of said Constitutional
amendment being: No person shell be eligi
ble “who, having previously taken an oath as
a member of Congress, or as an officer of the
United States, or as a member of any State
Legislature, judicial officer of any State, to
support the Constitution of the United States,
shall have engaged in insurrection or rebel
lion against tho same, or given nid or com
fort to the enemy”; nnd we, therefore, respect
fully recommend that this Convention be
clothed with an operative authority, tho same
as delegated to the District Commander in
section 2d of the supplemental reconstruction
act, passed July 19,1867; and that we fur
thcr petition Congress to at once nmend the
reconstruction act, so that all persons who
have aided reconstruction under the said law,
and are so endorsed by this Convention, shall
be eligible to office in tho provisional gov
ernment.
Resolved, That the Secretary be, and ho is
hereby instructed to transmit nt ouco a copy
of this resolution to the Speaker of the
House of Represent* iveeand to tho Presi
dent ot the S into.
Also, the substitute of L. N. Trammell,
which is ns follows
K ’ I. That nt>r eotil'i hive in the firm
ness, ability nnd 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 nnd com -
plete, nnd that he has tbe will to effect the
restoration of the State to its full relations ns
a State of tho Union.
The remarks of Mr. Trammell were to the
effect that the purpose of A-hburn’s resolu
tion wns to crush out the Inst vestige of civil
government now remaining in Georgia, and
he hoped to save tho State from a day so
dark, and would therefore urge upon the
Convention the adoption of bis substitute.—
If there was no intention to wrest from Gen.
Meade the power lie enjoys, and if there was
no want of confidence in the ability of that
officer to forward in a proper manner tbc
matter of reconstruction, here was nn oppor
tunity to so express themselves. The issue
was n plain one, but it would not bo met.—
The true purpose was plain to the whole
country. There were vulture beaks scenting
the “flesh pots,” and tho question of spoils
would be brought to an easy solution if the
civil government of Georgia could be swept
out of existence.
Here Mr. Trammel was requested to yield
the floor in-Order to have a reading of the
As'iburn resolution, when Mr. Trammel gave
way to Dr. H. V. M. Miller, who desired to
remark upon it, and did so at considerable
length. His line of argument was able and
conclusive, and his opposition to a scheme so
me ndacious was open nnd manly. It was the
legitimate business of this Convention to
make a Constitution for Georgia, but he had
observed, from day to day, no matter what
sort of a beginning was made in tho raorn-
inir. that before two o’clock (tho hour for ad
journment) arrived, tbo Convention would
veer around, and a dash would be made at
t! e Treasury, or some effort looking to the
spoils of office rear its hydrabead. (Ap
plause in tho lobby.) ‘Thnt wns a poor way
tei make a Constitution.
He alluded to the letter of John Sherman,
M. C., read on the previous day, and criti-
c.sed it sentence by sentence. It seemed that
some one in tbe Convention had intimated
to that gentleman that there were fears about
rconstruction. How afraid ? Not of per
sonal violence, certainly, for there was law,
civil and military, to protect every man. The
Convention was assuredly in peaceful assem
blage, and nothing within the limits ot the
State to make it afraid. Its duty was plain
nnd specific—the military bill clearly stated
what was to be done. Then why had Mr.
Sherman been informed that fears wero en
tertained about reconstruction ? And wbnt
more power did the Convention want that
Mr. Sherman should send nnd request it be
asked for? [The speaker pursued this nt
some length, but want of space will not nl-
low us to follow him.]
He thought tho Ashbnrn resolution was
discourteous to Gen. Meade. In fact, it im
plied a want of confidence in, apd amounted
to little else than a direct insult to, that dis
tinguished soldier. He could not vote. for
the resolution b'ecause it would lie saying to
Conarress, to the country, and to Gen. Meade
himself, that ho had no confidence in him.—
He was not prepared to say that the General
would not faithfully perform his duties, for
he had not been tried. Ho believed, and
hoped, thnt he would. In regard to the dis
placement of civil officers, (the only purpose
of the resolution) Dr. Miller said that such a
step was not necessary to the completion of
the work this body had been created to do.—
There were in the State about 6000 civil offi
ces, and, should Congress bo stupid enough
to grant tho power asked, it was utterly im
practicable for this Convention to fill that
number of places with loyal men
take until the next flood to do it.
From tho difficulty experienced in ofliccr-
,„g this body at tho outset, ho was safe in
asserting that there would be wrangling for
at, least a week, in many instances, in finding
a suitable per, on to fill a bailiff’s office, not to
mention others of moro importance and more
pay. Thus it would operate, and the idea of
this Convention taking charge of the six
thousand civil offices in the State wa? too ab
surdly ridiculous to be entertained for a mo
ment ! The state of affairs in this once proud
old Commonwealth under such a pretty reign
of power would indeed be amusing. (Ap
plause in the lobby, when J. E. Bryan_t asked
that the lobby be clcured. Chair said such
would be done if it wa3 not stopped.) Think
of the aspirants, continued the speaker, whose
claims would at onco be urged for the Gub
ernatorial Chair. Auy man who happened
to be within the borders of the State would
be eligible. It did not matter under tho reso
lution, if ho had only resided hero twelve
hours. A gentleman from Timbuctoo, Kam-
scliatka, or the chief of the Arapalioo Indians,
if he should chance to get the inside track,
would step into the chair of tho Slate Execu
tive. Even the leader of the Savannah delc-
• miion (Aaron Alpeoria) might bo placed in
the position. He could not find language to
depict proposition so immeasurably ridicu
lous! (Repeated applause in the lobby.)
G. W. Ashburn arose to inquire if civil of
ficers were not required to take nn oath ?
And if, had those now in position taken that
oath? Iftbey bad not, were‘they legal of
ficers ? All who had, or could take it, were
eligible and might remain, perhaps. The
resolution said nothing about removals, and
he did not see why the gentleman from
It would
Ful-
Tlitv differed from the multitude now clam
oring for dlsplaci meat, for they could swear
to anything—could take any oath. (Asli-
hura in constant interruption, aided by sev
eral negro delegates.) The absurdity he con
tinually heard about there being no law in
Georgia was all wrong. We bad the laws
Georgia always bad—provisional though
they bo. Everything done was legal, for the
very Military bill which created this body
made it so. Overthrow the present civil
government of Georgia, and this body be
comes a body en per mane nee. It must re
main in session to wield the Legislative and
Judiciary of the State.
Ashburn said that this Convention would
remain in session until Georgia was resfored
to the Union.
“Precisely,” replied Dr. Miller. “I am
obliged to the gentleman for his candor. I
atn well aware that it is not the purpose of
this Convention to adjonrn. If the people of
Georgia reject the Constitution, here you will
remain in perpetuity to grind the already
down-trodden people, nnd to further wrong
and outrage them. Snell a programme is
monstrous, violative of every principle of
civil liberty, and can ouly end in anarchy !
Your Constitution is mere clerical labor until
tho people of the State shall give it vitality.
The Military bill imposes that task upon
them. The people were indifferent about the
Convention, and henca the small vote upon
the question. They know that it was left
them to condemn or approve its action, and
he thanked God that General Meade told this
Convention yesterday that the people should
have a fair chance to decide the question at
the ballot box.
The power sought by tbe resolution would
he free to tax without limit, control and ruin
this onco great State. (Constantly inter
rupted by Ashburn.) It was an effort of per
sons now in accidental position to usurp
power. (Interrupted by half a dozen negro
delegates.) We stand hero as tbc represen
tatives of the property of Georgia, and it be
comes us to use care, how we usurp rights, or
interfere with that property and people. The
form of government sought to be set up by
the resolution is worse than the mind of man
ever before conceived. It is a species of
Jacobinism of which the people of Georgia
should be warned in time. The people
should know that this Convention, instead of
confining itself to its legitimate business of
making a Constitution, seeks to wield
power not belonging to it, and a power that
will ruin them. (Dunning and Ashbnrn both
rose to a question. It was boldly charged
outside that this Convention does not pnv
poso to make a Constitution that tbe people
can accept. If tho people should reject, ihe
Convention would not care, for the power
would be in its hands. He did not charge
that such was its inteutiun, hut was com
celled to admit that the proposed measure
ooked that way, and he desired to lilt his
voice against it, and be would to God that be
could make it resound in the halls of Con-
i ^ress, [The reporter regrets that he can give
but an imperfect report of Dr. Miller’s able
and manly speech.]
A. T. Akermau followed. He desired to
approve ranch that the gentleman had said.
It was evidently the purpose of the Conven
tion to get possession of ail the offices in the
State. Thcro were v in his opinion, but two
persons who had the power to remove civil
officers—Meade and Grant. He thought some
officers should be removed, and would be,
but he wns opposed to the Ashburn resolu
tion. Sir. Akcrman’s remarks were extended
to some length, but want of space will not
permit us to follow him. He concluded by
offering au amendment to the Ashburn reso
lution, in the event it should pass, to the ef
fect that no man in this Convention will
accept a civil office.
J. E. Bryant made a rambling speech in
defence of the measure, during the d> livery
of which Mr. Waddell asked him if he would
accept the Akerinan amendment This ques
tion ho evaded at tbc time, but being subse
quently pressed to an answer, paid that so far
as lie was individually concerned be would.
Mr. Trammell inquired if he would accept
the Military Bill as it is, and close the whole
argument Bryant dodged again, and prom
ised to answer after a while. He thought the
government set up in 1865, should be abated.
It wns troublesome. He wanted to know if
this was a legal body—if this Convention or
the disloyal government cf the State is to
have the power. It is a vital question, and
should be decided. Let us remove the men
now in office, put our friends in their stead,
and a vast difference would be made in votes
in the ratification election. General Sheridan
was the man for him—he had the nerve to
act
He had heard that Genera! Rousseau would
be sent to command this District, and his
course would provo similar to that of Han
cock. He would not favor tbe resolution if
ho had any assurance that General Meade
would remain here, but down would come
General Rousseau to ride rough-shod over
the loyal pooplc of Georgia. Therefore, let
ns act now while wchave the power—itis ne
cessary to our salvation. He wanted the Con
stitution ratified, and it would l>e done if tiie
proper measures were tuken. The proposed
measure would have that tffect, and so we
must adopt it. It is the opinion of very dis
tinguished men that this Convention should
be paid out of the State Treasury, yet an or
der to that end has been treated with con
tempt. Here in an obstruction to our opera •
tions, and wesLoukl not hesitate to reinovcit.
We are charged with en effort to get our
hands into the Treasury. Well, is it not bet
ter that those hands should be loyal than dis
loyal! Of course. lie would admit that the
po iver which tho resolution asks for should
not be granted save under extraordinary cir
cumstances. ar.d such now surround us. The
emergency 13 an extraordinary otic. It must
be met. Ho favored a postponement of the.
question until Monday. As the gentleman
was taking his seat, Mr. Waddell iiressed his
question js to the Military bill, when Bryant
answerer- that ue would, with some altera
tions or amendments, or changes.
Here J. E. Blount arose and demanded the
floor to know if J. E. Bryant meant to be
personal in some allusion in his speech, the
nature of which this reporter did not catch
at the time.
J. E. Bryant disclaimed such purpose.
J. E. Blount said hereafter- any allusion
whatever of the gentleman to him would be
construed into a personality.
J. E. Bryant said lie boarded at the Na
tional Hotel.
Mr. Whitely moved that further discussion
of the subject bo dispensed with, and that
the Clerk be requested to read a substitute
he would offer lor Mr. Ashburn’s resolution,
when the Clerk read aa follows:
Whereas, The Reconstruction Acts recog
nize the existence of a government within tho
limits of Georgia—subject to the military
commander of tho district, and the para
mount authority of Congress—under which
certain officials hold office; and ^
Whereas, The term for which said officials
wero elected as set forth in the laws allowed
to operate within said limits has expired, and
said officials bold only by reason ot a failure
to provide their successors; and
Whereas, A great many of said officials are
hostile to, and are using their influence
against tbo restoration of Georgia to the
Union, and by so doing arc not only serious
ly retarding the work of reconstruction, but
also materially affecting the prosperity of the
State: Therefore,
Rcsblvcd, That the Convention do hereby
request the legislative department of the
government of the United States to authorize
this body to declare vacant tlio chief execu
tive offices of the State, and to fill the same,
as well as to provide for the romo\al 1 through
the chief executive officer of tho State thus
elected, of all persons who are hostile to re
construct inn. and the filling of such vacancies
abetted the late war against the United States
holding office there ia; Provided, such per
sons honestly regret tbe past, and are carni
ly attracted to, and are determined to labor
for, 'the return of the States on the basis of
the Reconstruction Acts.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing
preamble and resolutions be forwarded by
the President of the Convention to the Presi
dent of the United States, the President of
tho Senate and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
Mr. Whitely moved that this be adopted
as n substitute for all previous resolutions
and amendments on the subject of civil gov
ernment and civil officers, and that the whole
matter be laid over to Monday.
C. C. Richardson was satisfied with Asb-
bnrn’s resolution, and moved the “previous
question,” upon which the yeas and nays
were taken as follows Yeas 6; nays 128.
Mr. Whitely then moved to lay the resolu
tion and substitute on the table. Carried! •
Mr. Waddell moved that 200 copies of
the n bo printed. Carried.
J. E. Bryant moved to make them the
special order for Monday. Carried.
Mr. McCoy offered tho following resolution,
which was adopted after a suspension of the
rules:
Resolved, That the Secretary bo directed
to furnish to Major General Meade a copy of
the temporary ordinance passed by this Con
vention for the temporary relief oi the peo
ple against further sales of property under
legal process, and a copy of the preamble and
resolutions passed on yesterday, requesting
him to cause it to be enforced until further
action of this Convention.
Leaves of absence were granted to several
members, when tho Convention adjourned to
Monday.
construction, and the lilli
by said executive. ' ...
Resolved, That the Convention, in jususts
to the friends of restoration under the Re
. position
t)Hih>; and while the resolution did not say
is much, a man with one idea could s-.c that
no one of them could retain their places un-
lcr the resolution. They were men of
Uonor, and would not petjurc themselves.
SEVENTEENTH DAY’S PROCEEDINGS.
Atlanta, Ga., January 13, 1868.
Convention met, President Parrott in the
chair. Prayer by tho Chaplain. Journal of
Saturday last rend and confirmed.
[The President retires from tho chair, and
B. Conley, ot Richmond, in temporary occu
pancy.]
J. E. Bryant moved that the rules be sus
pended for the purpose of changing the
hours of assembling and adjourning this Con
vention. Carried.
H. K. McCoy, Chairman of the Committee
on Legislative Department, sent in a report,
which was read by tho Clerk.
The Military order of Gen. Meade, rernov
the Governor of Georgia, and the Treasurer,
was sent to tho Clerk's desk and directed to
bo read. Tho announcement was received
with prolonged and stormy applause by tho
Convention.
C. C. Richardson presented a minority re
port from the Committee on the Legislative
Department.
J. E. Bryant then introduced his resolution
changing the Lours for assembling and ad
journmenL The resolution proposed 10
o’clock, a. m., nnd 1 o’clock, p. m., as suitable
hours for assembling; and 3 o’clock and —
o’clock for adjournment. The purpose of
this resolution was to provide for an after
noon session, which could be prolonged to
such hour in tbe afternoon or night as might
bo deemed proper. The mover of the reso
lution did not want a specific hour for ad
journing the latter session. As the rules now
stood, important debate was often cut off by
tbe arrival of the fixed hour for adjournment
A. T. Akerman favored the resolution, but
would amend it by having it to take effect on
Thursday next
Considerable debate ensued on the subject,
which was participated in by C. C. Richard
son, J. E. Bryant, J. L. Dunning, B. P. Bed
ford, J. R. Parrott, N. L. Angier, Aaron Al
peoria Bradley and S. W. Beaird.'the two lat
ter being negroes.
B. P. Bedford opposed the resolution.—
He did not wish to increase tho hours of la
bor. They were now sufficient for the intel
lect of this body. If members labored
faithfully from 10 to 2 o’clock they would be
tired. They would go to dinner at 2 o’clock,
eat heavily, and return to this hall full, in a
good humor, and easy-natured! The result
would be lazy and indifferent legislation, and
the better part of next day would be con
8umcd in reconsidering tbc previous after
noon’s work.
J. E. Bryant was not afraid of eating too
much dinner, and he did not agree with the
gentleman that the intellect ot this assemblage
was incapable of further pressure. It was
capable of doiug more work, and since it
had been chargcil thnt there was a disposi
tion to delay legistration, he would refute
such charges by increasing the labor.
R. H. Whitely wa9 opposed to the move,
fie agrfced with Mr. Bedford. He knew there
was more work done—quietly done in tbe
interregnum of adjournment—than was done
while the Convention wns in session. The
members wanted time to confer with each
other—to discuss this or that measure—and
to make up their minds as to the best course
to pursue when the body should as3cmblo,
and measures come up for consideration and
action. He should oppose the resolution.
The members wero already sufficiently taxed.
He did not wish to see the imperfect legisla
tion that would result from such a move..,
J. E. Bryant'insisted upon his resolution,
R. H. Bullock favored the move in a few
remarks, when a vote was taken and the res
elution was lost.
C. D. Davis offered a resolution relating to
the time occupied in discussions. The reso
lution fixed the period of fifteen minutes as
long enough for any mau to speak at a time.
A. T. Akerntan approved this in remarks
of some length.
G. Wi Ashbnrn wanted plenty of time for
discussion. Wc have just emerged from a
revolution of arms, nud are now passing
through a revolution of ideas. It was pre
posterous ! The idea of confining a gentle
man to fifteen minutes when he should essay
to discuss the great questions of this day and
generation. .
N. L. Angier moved to adjourn, since it
was apparent that no.business would bedoue
to-day. Already had the better part of the
morning been consumed in doing literally
nothing!
J. E. Bryant was opposed to C. D. Davis’
resolution, for he wanted nn abundance of
time for disenssion.
C. D. Davis urged the matter, but the ques
tion being called for, his resolution was lost.
J. E. Bryant moved that the Ashburn reso
lution and substitutes—they having been
mndo a special matter for to day—be taken
up. Motion carried.
G. W. Ashburn rose in support of Ills reso
lution. He had hoped that it would not
meet with auy opposition in this body—but
was mistaken. It had been bitterly attacked
on Saturday last by gentlemen on this floor,
and it was incumbent upon him to reply to
the charges of the gentleman lrom Fulton
(H. V. M. Miller.) and Messrs. Akerman nud
TrammelII He hurled back lrom whence
they came the assertions that his resolution
contemplated a raid upon the State Treasury.
Such was not its purpose. Reconstruction
was the end aimed at, and thnt could never
be until the present State officials were re
moved, for they were obstacles to it. He
would reiterate his cuarge that present offi
cials were now using their power, and funds
of the State, too, that reconstruction might
be defeated, and to forward the recommenda
tions of the late Macon Convention of “so-
called” Conservatives. Let loyal men get
in those positions, and the same effective
means shall bo used to restore Georgia to her
once pround station in the Union of our
fathers.
He further charged thnt the present civil
government was in co-operation with An
drew Johnson and his kind of reconstruc
tion. Governor Jenkins had been respected
for his private worth and purity of character,
but liis day had cr.d. J. llu was in favor of
removing every officer in the Stato who w i:
in the way of reconstruction if it took until
July next to do it. He wanted to get pos
session of the enemy’s strougholda at Savan
nah, Macon, Atlanta and Columbus. The
condition of affairs in the latter place could
hands, and would there remain. The enemy
cannot be vanquished until rooted from his
fortified positions. Let us do this and turn
1)13 own guns upon him. Tlio gentleman from
Fulton had charged that it was ‘‘impractica
ble" to till the positions thus vacated. '1 id-
was a mistake. There would bo no difficulty
whatever. Every county in tbe State had a
representative upon this floor, aud he was
-atisfied that there wns moral courage and
worth enough in this body to fill them all,
and fill them properly. The speech of G.
W. Ashburu was a lengthy one—was a writ
ten one. and read from the manuscript
J. H. Caldwell rose in support of the
Whitely substitute, and read from tbc manu
script his entire speech. His rcmnrks were
mainly directed at Dr. Miller. He went over
about the same ground as that of G. W. Ash
burn, save that lie frankly admitted that he,
and his side of the house, would not vote for
Mr. Trammell’s laudatory resolution of Gen.
Meade, notwithstanding he had as much re
spect for that soldier as any man, and so did
the Convention, but it was in bad taste for
the conquered to extol tho conqueror.
When J. H. Caldwell concluded, it was
moved by G. W. Ashburn that the whole
matter bo laid on the table. Carried.
A. T. Akerman presented the Minority re
port of the Committee on Relief, which was
read by the Clerk, and ordered to be printed*
C. C. Richardson offered a resolution that
the Committee on Printing be empowered to
employ three stenographic reporters for the
Convention.
" A. T. Akerman moved as a substitute that
three stenographic reporters be employed,
aud that one of the city papers be engaged
to publish the full proceedings of the Con
vention as made by said reporters, and that
each member be supplied with ten copies of
the paper daily. He would urge this for the
reason that contempt had been thrown upon
this Convention by tho caricature reports
which had been sent abroad, and it was full
time that the action of this body, its busi
ness, its deliberations, and all that pertained
to it, were truthfully represented.
J. E. Blount opposed tbe proposition. It
would add $1000 per day to tho expenses of
this Convention. Tho people of Georgia
would no doubt bo glad to have the infor
mation, but would they' be willing to foot
the bill ?
The resolution was discussed at some
length by several members, when so much of
it as authorized the employment of three
competent stenographic reporters was adopt
ed, and that part relating to the selection of
a city paper to publish, and the furnishing of
ten copies to each member, was referred to
the Committee on Printing.
H. M. Turner, negro, said tho question of
Relief would come up in a few days, and a
vote upon it (Bradley, negro, rose to a point of
order, but was silenced,) would be taken. He
wanted to know if this was a territory, and
if so, can wo pass bills of relief? He wanted
to offer a resolution, and did so to the effect
that if Georgia sustains territorial relations to
the United States this Convention cannot
pass hills of relief. This was laid on the ta
bic and 300 copies ordered to be printed.
Convention adjourned.
several unsuccessful efforts to gain a hearing,
said, with some indignation, that the vote
had not been taken by which they could tell
whether there was a sufficient number of votc3
to justify lltc call.
The ayes and nays were then taken, when
The question of the preamble and resolu
tions was then brought back and acted upon,
when they were adopted without division:
D. G. Cutting read a resolution requesting
the Commanding General to investigate all
proceedings connected with the late elections,
(lie previous quf-uion was sustained, the vote • which was unanimously, or nearly fo, ob-
stending— ayes 74, nayes 70. i jeeted to, and the question was withdrawn.
The question of the suspending of the rules J. E. Bryant, from the standing Committee
fpr the purpose of taking up the previous ’ on Franchise, reported the chapter on the
question was then taken up and a division ' Elective;Franchise. It contained a provision
called for, which was carried, the vote being—I for universal suffrage, except such as were
ayes 80, nays GO. . disqualified by article 14 oi tne proposed
H. M. Turner, negro, wanted to give his! amendment to the United btntes Constitution
reasons for asking to be excused from voting, and by tho laws of Congress. It also pro-
which was not listened to, and as A. Alpeoria ! vided “for registration. After some tkscus-
Bradley, negro, moved that ho be excused sion the report was laid on the table, and 500
for tlio entire session, said Turner withdrew ■ copies ordered to be printed for the useo?the
his request and voted “no” amici a general ■ members of tbc Convention,
outburst of laughter. ! J- R* Parrot moved that the rules be su^-
Some confusion here took place with re-1 pended for the purpose of taking tip the re
gard to the question which was" or ought to ' port from the Committee on Relict, and ot
be before the House, and several members making it aspeeial order lb# to-morrow,
were on their feet, amongst them prominently JEL M. Turner, negro, read a resolution to
stood A. Alpeoria Bradley, negro, who, : the effect that no business should be traus-
with a martyr-like resignation, sat dowuj ucted by the Convention until- the Coastitu-
finding it utterly imposiiblc to get in a word. ^ tion was framed.
The Chair hero decided that the call was I A motion to suspend the rules was objected
lost, it not having been carried by a two- j to ar.d the resolution laid over,
thirds vote, in accordance with Rulo 23 of | After some further discussion, the Conven-
tho Convention.
J. D. Waddell said that the rule was to
begin on or** day where they left off the day
before. <
L. N. Trammell followed in the samo veiD,
saying that it they went back every day to
tion adjourned.
Tiie New Reconstruction IJ51I.
The following is the text of the new Recon
struction bill that was to have been acted
the beginning of “the alphabet it would not upon on the 14th instant:
EIGHTEENTH DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.
Atlanta, January 14, 1807.
I The Convention opened this day with
prayer—W. Shropshire in the chair.
■ While tbe Journal was being read Mr. Bed
ford offered a resolution to the effect that its
reading, which was so tedious, be dispensed
with, which was put to tbc vote and lost.
A PROVISIONAL CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
G. W. Ashburn offered a resolution to the
effect that tiie Congress of the United States
be requested by the Convention to extend to
it powers by which it might establish a pro
visional civil government in the State; also
legislative powers on the question of Relief.
He demanded immediate action on this all
important subject, because there had been
several measures of relief proposed for con
sideration, none of which had met the appro
bation ot all parties, and lie trusted the one
which he then offered would be deemed suf
ficiently satisfactory.
J. R. Parrott said that he had neglected to
draw attention to the question, but as it had
now come before the Convention for consid
eration he deemed it a duty he owed to the
Republican party to which he belonged, to tbe
State of Georgia, and to himself, to stato bis
views nuiy Uuil fcirly nrith.reference to it.—
He deemed it bis duty as a Republican to
preserve his honor and the honor of his State.
It should not be understood that it wa^ for
tho sake of affording relief the question was
brought forward. No person should be de
ceived on that point. When the voice of
Georgia spoke that was sufficient. The voice
of Georgia had spoken and the matter was
placed in their hands. It rested with them
to deal with the proposition, and it was not
necessary for them to call upon the Congress
of the United States to give them power or
liberty to do so.
Mr. Ashburn rose to a question of order.—
The position was not his. He did not look
upon it in the light of the resolution, but be
found so many were of tbe opinion that the
Convention bad not tbe power of itself with
out receiving it from Congress, that lie, for
the sake of delaying further time on the sub
ject, offered the resolution in order that some
action might he taken on the subject.
Mr. Parrott looked upon it as a virtual ad
mission on the part of the resolution,
whether he (Mr. Ashburn) held it doubtful or
hot, to tho Congress of the United Stntes and
to the people of Georgia, that the Conven
tion possessed no legislative authority. If
such an admission went before the country,
he wanted to know where would go their
actiou on that bill, which, in all probability,
Congress would have taken action on iff a
few days—in regard to the Provisional Gov
ernments of the States. They occupied one
of two stand-points in that Convention.—
They were citlier working against or aiding
the great Republican party of the nation to
maintain its honor and the power and integ
rity of the Union. If the Republican party
failed—if its banners were trailed in the
dust—down North, down they went also in
the South, down went their Constitution,
down went the privileges which the Consti
tution guaranteed to them. It was all lo3t—
lost beyond redemption. Mr. Parrott con
tinued at some length. He implored ot them,
for the sake of the Constitution of the coun
try, not to suspend the rules. Let Congress
alone! Let the Commanding General alone,
and all will be well! If they were so anx
ious for relief, all they had to do was to come
up to the work, act upon it, present it to
Congress, ask it to ratify it, which it would
do, and all would go well.
J. E. Bryant was surprised that any person
should object to the resolution. He was in
favor of it because he believed it essential to
the vital interests of the State, and he trusted
that action would be taken on it without
delay. Thcro was a rumor on the streets
yesterday-that the President had sent an or
der to Gen. Meade ordering him to reinstate
Governor Jenkins, which, though not true,
would not by any means bo surprising, since
they had reason to know that the President
would not hesitate for a moment to do such
a thing. That rumor could alone have origi
nated with parties opposed to the Command
ing General, and to everything done by tho
Congress of the United States, and lie was
surprised that auy person who belonged to
the Republican party should offer any objec
tion to the measure.
R. H. Whitely misted the gentleman from
Richmond would withdraw tbe previous
question.
Crit'3 wc-rc then made for tho ayes an^l
pays.
Dr. Miller said there was but one question
Ircfore the Homo. 'There were not a molti-
ilicity of questions, and he thought that at
his stage of the proceedings of tho Conveu-
comc to the Ts or tho W’s for nn indefinite
period, and the rule was to take up the un
finished business, where they left off the pre
vious day.
Benjamin Conley moved that tho unfinished
business be taken up each day at the place
where they had stopped the preceding day,
which was carried.
C. C. Martin presented the following :
AN ORDINANCE ON FRANCHISE AND OTHER
MATTERS THEREIN CONTAINED.
1. Be it enacted by the people of Georgia
in Convention assembled, That no person
shall be entitled to vote at an election in this
State or hold an office of profit cr honor in
the same, unless he can read the Bible and
the Constitution of tbis State; provided,
that no free person of color shall be eligible
to any offico in this Stato.
2. Intermarriage between white persons
and persons of color is hereby prohibited,
aud persons violating this ordinance, as well
as the minister or officer performing the cere
mony of marriage, shall be punished by con
finement in separate apartments in the peni
tentiary for not less than ten nor more than
twenty years, or be banished to Africa or Li
beria on their own expense, at the option of
the parties. ’
The above resolution created a general out
burst of indignation ancl many members
waxed exceedingly wratliy. Several attempts
were made while it was being read to prevent
it being proceeded with, but to no purpose.
Still the felonious ordinance went on, and
even the blushes of A. Alpeoria, negro, had
no effect ia squelching the foul missile from
the hall.
After a great and prolonged excitement tho
document was declared out of order under the
rule and was dismissed, two or three negroes
moving thnt tho gentleman be sent to Liberia
himself.
R. H. Whitely presented, in behalf of H. K.
McCoy, an ordinance providing for taxing
debts twenty-five per cent, per annum on
their value.' Laid over under the rule.
Romulus Moore, negro, presented an ordi
nance regulating the relations of debtor and
creditor.
S. F. Salter introduced a resolution for the
payment of 'the members of the Convention.
It “ provides that an order be given on the
State Treasury for the sum of §60,000, and tho
Disbursing Officer be directed to proceed to
Milledgevillc to obtain the money and receipt
for the same. It also provided that each
member should receive his per diem and
mileage up to the 20th of January, 1868.—
Laid over.
Several other ordinances and resolutions
were read and laid over.
VOTE OK THANKS TO GENERAL HANCOCK.
Mr. Waddell offered a resolution to the ef
fect that all persons, from the highest to the
humblest citizen of the land, who paid due
allegiance to the Constitution of the United
States were entitled to the respect of the
Convention, ana mat as axoj u . a——x tc-:.,
field S. Hancock, commander of the Fifth
Military District, had shown himself to be
such a man, and was thereforcentitled to tbe
thanks of the Convention for his conduct as
commander of the Fifth Military District
The people of Louisiana were happy in hav
ing such a man as General Hancock among
them.
Mr. Akerman objected to the resolution—
it might be that General Hancock was a very
good officer, and he had lo doubt that he
was; but he knew that while a man might
be very competent to dispense military law,
be might at the same time not be competent
to dispense civil law. He did not of himself
know enough on these matters to be able to
decide whether General Hancock was right
or not in his conduct in Louisiana, but there
was one thing they all knew, and that was
that tho conduct of General Hancock was
now being criticised very keenly throughout
the North, and he would like to know more
of him than he did before ho would sanction
such a resolution. The resolution, after some
further discussion, was put to the vote and
lost—ayes 13, nays 123.
Sir. Whitely offered a resolution to tbe ef
fect that henceforth all matters or petitions
pertaining to relief should be handed to the
Chairman of the Relief Committee, nnd not
introduced in the Convention.
A. Alpeoria Bradley, negro, in liis usual
angry manner, objected to the resolution.—
He did not see how any gentleman could
dare to gag the Convention, and he would
not stand it himself. He would have, after a
while perhaps, to introduce a resolution
praying for relief for one hundred colored
persons who wero illegally confined in
the Savannah jail. It was an alarmiDg fact,
that while only eight white persons were de
tained there, there were one hundred colored
persons there accused of murder. Those of
fences occurred at the time Sherman passed
through here, and he eould not see how they
were to be tried. They could not be - tried
by the Confederate law, aud as it was war
times they could not he tried by any law, and
they should be released.
Mr. Gilbert said this was not a court fox
the trial of prisoners.
A. Alpeoria Bradley, negro, would not ad
mit of any argument on this matter, and
could not be prevented from makin
statement.
The matter was referred to the Chair for
decision, and it was decided that though the
gentleman was taking a very wide range he
was not out of order.
A. Alpeoria Bradley, negro, then proceeded
ia a most terrific manner to object to the
resolution and afterward sat down.
The rules were suspended after some
further discussion and the resolution was
laid over.
\V\ Shropshire, from the Committee on
Finance, presented the follc-wiug:
Your Committee beg leave to report tbnt
pretermitting nny opinion as to tho vuiidlty
of the Constitution of 1865, or the aera of
the General Assembly that existed under and
by virtue of ii ? authority, we beg leave to
recommend tbe adoption of tho following
resolution:
Resolved, That in the opinion of the Con
vention it is unwise and inexpedient to di-
re-ef iy or indirectly intern re with the legis
lation of the General. Assembly authorizing
the issue of bonds for the purpose oi paying
the indebtedness of the State.
Be it enacted, etc., Thnt in Virgin .fl, North.
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, .Florida and
Arkansas the civil State governments in said
States respectively shall not be recognized aa
valid or legal State governments, either liy
the Executive or Judicial power or authority
of the United States.
Section 2. Be it further enacted, That for
1867, and the several acts supplementary
thereto, the General of the Army of tbo
United States is hereby authorized and re
quired to enjoin by special .orders upon all
officers in command within the severed mili
tary departments within said Stntes the per
formance of the acts authorized by said sev
eral laws above recited, and to remove by
his order from command any or all of.said
commanders and detail other officers o:<said
army not below the rank of Colonel to per
form all duties and exercise all the powers
authorized by said several acts, to tha-end
that tho people of said several States may
speedily reorganize civil governments, re
publican in form, in said several States, and
be restored to political power in the Union.
Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, That tho
General of the army is authorized to remove
any or all civil officers now acting under the
several provisional governments within said
several disorganized States, and appoint
others to discharge the duties pertaining to-
their respective offices, and may do any or all
acts which by said several laws above men
tioned arc authorized to be done by tbo-seve-
ral commanders of military departments-
within said States; and so much ot said acts
or any act' as authorizes the President-to de
tail military commanders to said military de
partments, or to remove any officers which
may be detailed as herein provided, is hereby-
repealed.
See. 4. Be it further enacted, That iirshall
be unlawful for the President of the United.
States to order any part of tbe army i umavy
of the United States to assist by fesne of
arms the authority of either ot said pro
visional governments in said disorganized
States, to oppose or obstruct the authority of
the United States as provided in this act and
the acts to which this is supplementary.
Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That any ia-
terfcrence by any person with intend to pro-
vent by force the execution of the orders, ef
the General of the Army, made in pursuaxec
of this act and the acts aforesaid,. slialL bo
held to be a high misdemeanor, and the y*rty
guilty thereof shall, upou.conviction^b& Iued
not exceeding $5,000 and imprisoned not ex
ceeding two years.
Sec. 6. Be" it further enacted', That so
much of all acts and parts of acts as. conflict
or are inconsistent with the prorif-ioas of this
act are hereby repealed.
The vote in the committee oo- tU^biH was i
Yeas—Messrs. Boutwell, BiugbMB, Faras-
woren, nuuuA,A, r» „«/>- Pum
Nays—Messrs. Stevens, of Ppu. Brooks nnct
Beck.
Mr. Stevens, it is stated, va-vt. decidedly op
posed to the bill, and- during the consulta
tion wanted some provision adopted' by
which the Congressional ncprereutaticia of
the Southern States woidd be increase! to
the extent of ten, ou a wider basis than; that
which now prevails.
Ilaly--Tts Relation; Towards Frestc.
The Manchester (Eagland) Examiner of tllQt.
26th of December, saysr
The vote of the Italian deputies, on Satur
day, December 20, caused a great sensathn
in French political circles. The Avenir Na
tional says that it mast be regarded ae jho
rupture of the alliance between Italy.and
France, aud signili«3 that the people ot Italy
are determined to go to Rome in spitorof M.
Ronher’s veto. The iron clad Mediterranean
fleet of France is-to be increased froua.six.to
ten frigates.
The Paris Debals of September f.S'.Jiasdbe
subjoined: While deploring tbe new political
crisis in which Italy is at the prefi ot jnosuent
entering, the question may be asked whether
the Cabinet which is retiring h;.s not'viag to
reproach itself, and whether it Iias not to a
certain point been, wanting in prudence and
tact. To ask the Italian Parliament to in
flict a public and official l> lairnon tho authors
of an attempt based on the-.national feeling
was imprudent, but to m nke that demand on
the morrow of the impas iioned discussions
in the Fre nch Senate and.Legislative Body,
in which Italy bad teen created with sugh
little consideration, and the echo of which
had reached Florence, ’.##,s to not make, any
allowance for tlio very Batumi irritation of
the.moment; it was to >cisb for tho impossible
and to expose the Ministry to an almoist in
evitable cheek.
Tbe Paris Patric, .alluding to the sum Or of
the measures being ia contemplation with
respect to sending the French, troops to
Rome, says We believe that tho. serious po
sition in which the government at Florence
is at present placed lies Id no degree been
rendered more critical by the resolutions of
the Cabinet of tho Tuileries, and that tbe
his I’ reneb Government awaits, without modify
ing tho attitude it assumed in consequence
of the events, in October last, the issue o£tho
crisis to which Italy is just now subjected,
and which more than ever claims tho-ffid of
the. conservative elements still possessed by
that country.
Uf?"" Last Winter, when Bishop- was
making his anuual visitation u ,ine. Churches
of his diocese, he came lo . A little boy
overheard some ladies returning, from church
make certain complimentary remarks abotft
the Bishop. Ouc though* ^him very hand-
s nue; another that his appearance was an
gelic. Knowing teat the Bishop was to bo
nt liis father’s nou-e after service, the boy
went home, and after being some time with
h)3 mother, asked where the Birhop was.
Mother answered, “With papa, in the other,
room.” The lit*!;: man opened the door,
peeped into tVc other room, and beheld the
paternal and the Bishop enjoying their weeds.
After Btarir- a little, ho returned to mamma
and the ladies, and asked what “angelic”
meat.'. On being told, he said : “Ms, do all
in the parlc
tion it was out of order to call for the pre
vious question.
J. D. Wr.ddell thought it was simply a
piece of noujuii.re to talk about the previous
question when tin re was but one question
before the Conventmu.
The Chair decided that the call for tbs
.ting disabilities, that they may be eligible
t° fid the vacancies thus createil. Ufor a "few days. Certainly it ''previous question was in order,-provided j
Resolved, T1 -ttheConvent , ondof V ,her Deenj ^ ^ u ^ ^ dm ^ he it H e was ’ there was a one fifth vote in favor cf it. U
HsTo'adrfKtTall^persons who hive Sdcd or I pleased to know that Augusta was in loyal Aaron Alpeoria Bradley, pegro, wUo made • 3
| _ dm avgela sit in the parlors, with their feet
q'hc rules in this ease were suspended and j ceuk<;a up on the tab!.?, and smoke cigars? 1 ’
the resolution taken up for action. <-« > - . —
B. Conley moved the adoption of the reso- j A German Settlement Near Coi vmuia,
lutiou. S.C.—A colony of Germans, numbering about
.Mr. Bedford thought they ought to be care- i oue hundred, have settled oo the Middleton
ful how they acted iu the matter they may • place, in ltfoliland District, between Waterce
have lo pn> li’.e debts ine.irrcd by the state River and Colonel's Creek. They have gone
for w ar purposes
After some discussion, a motion wa-made
to lay the resolution on the Ihble and have
00 copies printed: which was lost..
to work with a vim—breaking up the ground,
erecting substantial dwellings, besides various
out-houses, etc. The settlement or village,
WO learn, is te be called Germantown,