Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I, Part 10

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1294

USA > Georgia > Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I > Part 10

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THE ERA OF RECONSTRUCTION.

If the era of reconstruction which followed the tragic drama of civil war lacked the fierce elenient of bloodshed, it was none the less painful and protracted. It was a gloomy period through which the people of the south were compelled to pass, and there was no appeal and no alternative but submission. In June, 1865, the president of the United States, in the exercise of his declared authority, appointed James Johnson, of Columbus, governor of the state. He entered upon the dis- charge of his duties at once, and issued a call for a convention to meet early in October.

The convention promptly assembled, and Herschel V. Johnson, a favorite son of Georgia, was elected chairman. Among the resolutions that were passed by the convention was one repealing the ordinance of secession. Slave ownership was abolished, in accordance with the terms of surrender, and a new state constitution was adopted. An election for governor was held in November, and Hon. Charles J. Jenkins was elected to that office without opposition.

It was beginning to look as if Georgia had escaped the dreadful evils of recon- struction, and that sinooth sailing would be enjoyed by the ship of state. For several months this happy delusion continued, only to form a bold and bitter contrast to the reign of terror that followed. The legislature assembled in Decem- ber, 1865. Gov. Johnson, in a message to the legislature, stated that he would continue to hold the office until the election of Gov. Jenkins was duly recognized by the United States. This was merely a matter of form, and on Dec. 14 Gov. Jenkins was formally inaugurated amid great enthusiasm and rejoicing.

Gov. Jenkins, who was destined to play a romantic part in the events of the next few years, was a native of South Carolina, and was born in January, 1805. He began the practice of law in Sandersville, Ga., but afterward moved to Augusta.

CIVIL HISTORY.

He had filled many positions of trust, and had been the attorney-general of the state. As a man of integrity and patriotism he was beloved by all the people of the state, and their confidence was not unwisely imposed. Among the acts passed by the state legislature was the ratification of the thirteenth amendment of the Federal constitution forbidding slavery. Alexander H. Stephens and Herschel V. Johnson were elected to represent Georgia in the United States senate, but they were not allowed to take their seats in that body on account of the issues of reconstruction. It was just at this time that President Johnson had his controversy with congress in regard to the representation of the southern states-a controversy that entailed much suffering, and that patriotism, on the part of the chief executive of the nation, might easily have avoided. The republican members of congress objected to the seating of new congressmen until their respective states had ratified the fourteenth amendment, relating to the negro citizenship. All the southern states, except Tennessee, refused to ratify this amendment. It was distasteful to them for their late negro slaves to thus become their political equals. It was enough for congress to declare their freedom; to give them the elective franchise was too much. Georgia and the other southern states were thereupon declared by congress to be in a state of rebellion. This declaration Georgia stubbornly resisted, stating that she intended to protect the negro, but holding that the right of suffrage should not be too hastily conferred upon him before he had shown his ability to exercise it. The people of Georgia were greatly incensed by the attitude of congress, and a special committee was appointed, one of its members being ex-Gov. Joseph E. Brown, to repair to Washington in behalf of a more thorough understanding of the situation. This committee failed to accomplish anything, as congress was not disposed to alter its demands. Gov. Brown thereupon issued a letter to the people in which he urged them, at the expense of their personal inconvenience, to calmly submit to the terms of reconstruction in the hope of a final and complete revolution. In the light of subsequent happenings the wisdom and patriotism of Gov. Brown's letter is clearly seen, but the warm-blooded passions of the south were too easily inflamed to admit of calmness under insult, and they failed to see the wisdom of Gov. Brown's advice.

Gov. Jenkins himself repaired to Washington for the purpose of testing the constitutionality of the amendment, and failing to secure satisfaction he advised the people of the state to persevere in their refusal to acquiesce in the demands of congress. The views of Gov. Jenkins were warmly espoused by the eloquence of Benjamin H. Hill, who delivered the greatest speeches of his life during this frightful era of gloom and despondency. In order to force upon the state the adoption of the measures proposed by congress, Georgia was again placed under military rule, and Gen. John Pope was put in command.

A convention of the democratic party was held in December, 1867, and Benja- min H. Hill was elected chairman. The convention declared in favor of non- resistance to congress, but boldly protested against the military administration of Gen. Pope. Resolutions were passed denouncing the measures of reconstruction as harsh and unwise.

Gen. Pope next called a convention to meet during the same month. All the counties were not represented, and the body was largely composed of negroes. The convention remained in session until March 1. In the meantime Gen. Meade succeeded Gen. Pope in command of the state. The convention being in need of funds demanded $40,000 from the state treasury to meet its expenses. This the treasurer refused to pay without an order from the governor. Gen. Meade there- upon addressed a request to Gov. Jenkins asking him to draw the order. Gov. Jenkins refused to comply with his request and was thereupon removed from office.

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

Gen. Ruger was detailed to act in his stead, and all the state officials who had served under Gov. Jenkins were likewise dismissed.

GOV. JENKINS GOES INTO EXILE, TAKING WITH HIM THE GREAT SEAL.

Being deposed from his high office as governor of the state, Gov. Jenkins took with him the great seal of the commonwealth and $400,000 of the state's money and departed for Washington city. He filed a bill of complaint in the supreme court of the United States against the seizure of the state government by certain military officials, and passing through New York he deposited the $400,000 in one of the banks of that city. He then departed into exile, still retaining the great seal in his possession.

The convention that was called by Gen. Meade, being still in session, ordered an election for governor to be held in April, 1868. Rufus B. Bullock was the candidate of the republican party, and Gen. John B. Gordon the nominee of the democratic party. The new constitution was submitted to a vote of the people during this election and ratified. A large number of the best people in the state being denied the privilege of voting, the republican candidate was elected by a small majority. A society known as the Union League was organized about this time to promote the interests of the republican party in the state. Contemporane- ously the celebrated Ku Klux organization sprung into existence, and many acts of violence were committed by this band. It was designed, according to the declaration of its leading members, to protect the wives and daughters of Georgia from black republicanism. Gov. Brown became very unpopular by consenting to prosecute several members of the Ku Klux organization in Columbus for the killing of a man by the name of Ashburn. It was denounced as an act of disloyalty to the cause of southern patriotism.

Benjamin Conley was chosen president of the senate that convened in July, 1868, and R. L. McWhorter, by the small majority of only one vote, was elected speaker of the house. Gov. Bullock was inaugurated and the fourteenth amendment was ratified. Gen. Meade thereupon declared military rule in Georgia at an end. The unseating of twenty-five negro members, in spite of the protest of Gov. Bullock, called forth great indignation on the part of the republicans. A colored convention was held in Macon, and violent speeches were made condemning the action of the legislature. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of Charles Sumner, who demanded that Georgia be put for a third time under military rule. A resolution was adopted by congress to this effect, but it was never put into operation. The supreme court in June, 1869, decided that, under the constitutional amendment, the negroes were entitled to their seats, and this put an end to the controversy. A delegation was appointed by the republican executive committee to urge congress to put the state again under military rule. Gov. Bullock also repaired to Washington for the purpose of securing the passage of a bill author- izing the governor to convene the legislature, and providing for the oath of amnesty, the seating of the colored members of the legislature, and the ratification of the fifteenth amendment.

For a third time Georgia was placed under military rule, and Gen. Alfred Terry was appointed commander for the district. The first session of the legisla- ture under this new regime was held amid great confusion. Thirty-one negro members were seated, and twenty-four democrats expelled. The attention of congress was called to the manner in which the legislature was organized, and the state authorities were severely criticised by the judiciary committee of congress designated to inquire into the organization. A bill was introduced providing for

CIVIL HISTORY.

a new election, and also for the re-admission of Georgia into the Union. The bill admitting the state into the sisterhood of American republics was signed by President Grant in July, 1870. Under the provision of the new act Gov. Bullock was re-elected in the following November.

Gov. Joseph E. Brown, who had been appointed by Gov. Bullock chief justice of the state, resigned that office in 1870 to accept the presidency of the Western & Atlantic railroad that had been leased from the state for twenty years. It may be stated in this connection that Gov. Brown, by reason of his peculiar views in regard to reconstruction, was obliged to affiliate with the republicans. In adopting this course he was severely criticised by his former friends and political allies. He acted, however, from patriotic motives, believing it better to suffer patiently than to oppose the measures of reconstruction that were put upon the state by the Federal authority. The fact that Gov. Brown was afterward received into full democratic confidence is the highest evidence of his patriotism and devotion to the state. The population of Georgia at this time in spite of the decimating effect of the war was 1, 184,109. The taxable property of the state had greatly decreased in value, but was slowly beginning to rise again. The manufacturing industries had been greatly stimulated, and the cultivation of cotton was resumed with renewed vigor. In spite of the bitter ordeal of reconstruction there were lacking none of the visible signs of growth and prosperity, and Georgia needed only a home government of her own selection to make her once more strong and powerful.

During the month of October, 1871, Gov. Bullock, who had been re-elected to the office of governor the year preceding, formally resigned his position. He left the state immediately, turning over the executive chair to Benjamin Conley, the president of the senate. The state was surprised by the sudden departure, and the feeling was shared, in a great measure, by the whole country. It was known that Gov. Bullock had found it anything but pleasant to govern a state that entertained no love for the republican party, and that, furthermore, a misunder- standing had taken place between him and the state treasurer in regard to advancing a large sum of money to H. I. Kimball for fitting up the old opera house building for a state capitol, when Kimball was under an express obligation to put it in proper condition. No effort was made to apprehend the fugitive governor, and he was allowed to remain unmolested until the fall of 1872. A legislative commit- tee, appointed to investigate the cause of his departure, reported that he was in default to the state in the sum of $60,000, and thereupon a requisition for his arrest was made to the governor of New York. He was not found, however, and in 1876 returned to Georgia, and was shortly afterward given a trial and acquitted.

Gov. Bullock had hardly left the state, after his resignation, when the legisla- ture convened. James M. Smith was elected speaker of the house of representa- tives and L. N. Trammell president of the senate. Benjamin Conley assumed the executive chair and was permitted to retain it by the legislature. An election, however, was called for the following December and James M. Smith was declared the choice of the people without opposition. Thomas M. Norwood was elected to the United States senate by the legislature that met in the fall of 1871.

Gov. Smith had been a gallant officer in the Confederate army and had served on the floor of the Confederate congress, after being disqualified by a wound from serving in the field. The governor found it a difficult matter to correct the evils that had crept into the state government by reason of the republican administration, but he addressed himself to the undertaking with patriotism and ability. His mes- sage to the legislature suggested a number of reforms, many of which were sub- stantially adopted by that body and enacted into laws. It was evident before a great while that the state was beginning to show marked signs of increasing pros- perity.

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

The rebound from depression to buoyancy and hopefulness was instantaneous. Freed from the despoiling rule and the strangling grip of those who felt no real interest in her prosperity, and the government restored to her intelligent native and long-time adopted citizenship, Georgia soon regained her old-time progressive spirit, new political life was infused, manufactures, mining and railway construc- tion was fostered, and improvement was manifest along all the lines of material development and commerce.

RESTITUTION OF THE GREAT SEAL.

It was now time for that patriotic old Roman, Gov. Chas. J. Jenkins, to emerge from his retirement and restore the great seal of the state that had been carried with him into exile. He had been informed of the changes that were taking place in the state, and as soon as Georgia's sovereignty was recognized he appeared upon the scene and made a formal restitution of the seal that he had faithfully guarded, saying, as he returned it, that he was thankful it had never been desecrated by the grasp of a military usurper's hand. A resolution of grateful thanks was voted to Gov. Jenkins in behalf of the people of Georgia, and the governor of the state was instructed to have a facsimile of the great seal made and presented to Gov. Jenkins and to bear the inscription: "Presented to Chas. J. Jenkins by the state of Georgia," together with the motto: "In aruduis fidelis."

In the presidential election of 1872 the vote of Georgia was cast for Horace Greeley, the democratic candidate, who was defeated by Gen. U. S. Grant. An appropriation for the common schools of the state was made this year by the legis- lature, setting aside the poll tax and all revenues derived from liquors, shows and exhibitions, in addition to one-half the rental of the Western & Atlantic railroad, making a total of $250,000 appropriated to the common school system. It was necessary to increase this appropriation, but this amount, meager as it was, served to awaken the popular heart of the state, and to create a sentiment in favor of a better educational system. In May, 1872, the Georgia state college of agriculture and mechanical arts was organized at Athens, Ga., under the control of the uni- versity.

Gen. John B. Gordon, who had served with such distinction in the Confederate army, was elected to the United States senate in 1873. He was one of the most picturesque men in the Union, and his election to the senate was hailed with popular rejoicing. The office of state geologist was created during the year 1874 and Dr. Geo. Little was appointed to fill this position. The department of agriculture was also created this year and Dr. Thomas P. Janes was called to its head.

The resignation of Judge Mckay and Judge Trippe from the supreme bench in 1875 resulted in the appointment of Judge James Jackson and Judge Logan E. Bleckley to fill their vacancies. Dr. Gustavus J. Orr was also appointed by Gov. Smith to fill the position of state school commissioner.

The governor was authorized to lease the convicts of the state for a term not exceeding five years. His limit was afterward fixed for a term not to exceed twenty years. A provision was further made for the proper care and treatment of the prisoners. It was made the duty of the principal keeper of the penitentiary and of the state physician to visit each camp in the state monthly, and to submit a written report of their condition.

GOV. COLQUITT'S ADMINISTRATION.

In the summer of 1876 the state democratic convention met in Atlanta and Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt, who had distinguished himself in the war between the

CIVIL HISTORY.

states, was the unanimous choice of that body for governor. His nomination was followed by his triumphant election in the fall, defeating his opponent by a popular majority of 80,000 votes. The vote of the state was cast for Tilden and Hendricks in the presidential election.

Gov. Colquitt was duly inaugurated on Jan. 12, 1877, and entered upon a term of four years, this term of service having been fixed prior to the administration of Gov. Smith. Gov. Colquitt was the son of Walter T. Colquitt, the distinguished statesman and orator. He was a native of Walton county, and was born in 1824. He graduated at Princeton college, after which he entered the practice of law, but soon gave up that profession to engage in agricultural pursuits. He served in the Mexican war, subsequently entered congress, became a distinguished general ill the Confederate army, and had been the president of the state agricultural society. In his able message to the legislature Gov. Colquitt recommended economy in the use of public funds, and a more accurate return of taxable property. The legislature decided to call for a constitutional convention to revise the work of the one that had met in 1868.

The convention met in the summer of 1877 and ex-Gov. Chas. J. Jenkins was made the chairman. Gen. Robt. Toombs was the leading spirit on the floor of the convention. It remained in session for several weeks and a number of changes were adopted. The governor's term of office was reduced from four to two years; the selection of judges and solicitors was referred to the people instead of the exec- utive; biennial sessions, instead of yearly ones, were agreed upon and the homestead was reduced. The regulation of freight and passenger tariff was put under the control of legislation, and the fraudulent bonds of the state were re- pudiated. These proposed changes were submitted to a vote of the people, together with the choice of a state capitol. Atlanta had been the seat of legislation since 1868, but the removal of the state capitol from Milledgeville to that city was not considered as permanent. In order to get the capitol, however, Atlanta made a liberal offer. In the election that followed the new constitution was ratified and Atlanta was made the seat of government. The change was exceedingly dis- tasteful to Milledgeville, as the capitol had been located in that town for more than half a century.

The state recovered from the United States government in 1878 the sum of $152,000, an amount of money that Georgia had paid into the United States treasury in excess of what was right for repairing the Western & Atlantic railroad after the war. A number of Indian claims were also collected and these, in addition to an increase in the state's revenue, served to reduce the bonded debt considerably. Severe criticism was heaped upon the governor for endorsing the bonds of the Northeastern railroad. It was made to prevent the sale of the road in accordance with the state's agreement. Gov. Colquitt was found to be in the right, as the law of 1874 that repealed the instructions as to endorsing railroad bonds, distinctly ex- cepted the bonds of the Northeastern railroad.

But the administration of Gov. Colquitt was further fretted and disturbed by charges of irregularity in the several state departments. A thorough investigation resulted in proceedings of impeachment against the comptroller-general and the state treasurer. Chief Justice Hiram Warner presided. The comptroller was im- peached, but the treasurer was acquitted. The legislature of 1879 passed an act creating a board of railroad commissioners to carry out the provisions of the con- stitution with reference to railroad tariff. Under this act Gov. Colquitt appointed ex-Gov. James M. Smith, Campbell Wallace and Samuel Barnett.

In 1880, Gen. Gordon, having resigned his seat in the United States senate, Gov. Colquitt appointed Joseph E. Brown to succeed him. This created general

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA

dissatisfaction on account of Gov. Brown's unpopularity, and charges of a ring were preferred in many of the newspapers of the state and became the stock of the anti- Colquitt men in the succeeding campaign.

RE-ELECTION OF GOV. COLQUITT.

It was not the intention of Gov. Colquitt to seek a re-election, but such were the criticisms that were made against him that he found it necessary to seek from the people an endorsement of his administration.

The convention that met in August, 1880, to nominate a governor was one of the most eventful that ever assembled in the history of the state. Col. L. N. Tram- mell was elected chairman and the two-thirds rule was adopted, making it necessary for the successful candidate to receive two-thirds of the votes of the convention. Several days were spent in fruitless balloting, the Colquitt men being in the ma- jority, but unable to secure the requisite majority. Finally the convention adjourned, recommending Gov. Colquitt to the people of Georgia as the choice of the majority of the convention. The name of Hon. Thos. M. Norwood of Savannah ivas presented as the preference of the minority.

In the fall election Gov. Colquitt received a popular majority of 55,000. The state house officers elected were N. C. Barnett, secretary of state; W. A. Wright, comptroller-general; Clifford Anderson, attorney-general, and D. N. Speer, treas- urer.

The legislature that met in November confirmed the appointment of Joseph E. Brown, by electing him to represent the state for a full term of six years in the senate. Gen. Gordon, who had resigned that high office, engaged in private pur- suits. The finances of the state were in good condition, and the ravages of war fast disappearing. A large sum of money was collected from the railroads in default of taxes, and this was put into the state treasury. At this session of the legislature Judge James Jackson was made the chief justice of the state. He was one of the most distinguished men in Georgia, having served the state in the legis- lature, in the halls of congress and upon the bench.

The assassination of President Garfield by Chas. Guiteau in July, 1881, produced general sorrow throughout the state.

A petition was sent to congress by the legislature of 1881 asking for an appro- priation in behalf of the ignorant children of the state. The petition stated that by reason of negro emancipation it was necessary for the state to provide for their education, and it was impossible to do this without help. Nothing was im- mediately accomplished by this petition, but it received the warm support of Senator Brown, and resulted in a wholesome and beneficial agitation. In the state Commissioner Orr was making the best use of the state's limited allowance to further the interests of the common-school system. Among the signs of recupera- tion that indicated the rapid growth of the state were the establishment of numerous manufacturing industries, applications for railroad charters and the general development of the mining and agricultural resources of the state. This spirit of enterprise was stimulated by the international cotton exposition held in Atlanta in the fall of 1881. It was in the nature of a revelation to those who had no idea of the infinite resources of the piedmont region. If the first term of Gov. Colquitt's administration was one of violent dissensions, the second one was characterized by profound peace and tranquillity.

The close of Gov. Colquitt's second term of office was saddened by the death of Senator Benj. H. Hill, which occurred in August, 1882. Senator Hill was one of the ablest men that Georgia ever produced, and as an orator he had no superior

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Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I, Part 10

Author: Publication date: 1859 Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association Number of Pages: 1294

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1294