USA > Georgia > The Confederate records of the State of Georgia, Vol 4 > Part 23
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2. That any three of said commissioners may act, and may in their discretion fill vacancies in their own body occasioned by the non-acceptance or resignation of any member of it, and that this resolution be com- municated by the Secretary to each commissioner.
3. That the General Assembly be requested to make provision for their compensation.
Signed Nov. Sth, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
416
CONFEDERATE RECORDS
RESOLUTION.
To allow the Secretary of this Convention the sum of two hundred dollars for certain labor therein specified.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Convention be allowed the sum of two hundred dollars for making out and arranging the index for the Journal and bringing up the unfinished business of the Convention, and cor- recting a proof-sheet of the same, and forwarding to each delegate to this Convention and to each Ordinary and each clerk of Superior and Inferior courts of each county of this State, a copy of said Journal.
Signed Nov. Sth, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION.
Appointing Orme & Son Public Printers.
Redding of Harris, moved that Orme & Son be ap- pointed printers of the Convention by acclamation. Adopted.
Signed Nov. 3d, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
RESOLUTION.
To substitute as a rule of this Convention in lieu of existing rules on the subject.
Resolved, That the following be adopted as a rule of this Convention, in lieu of the existing rule on the sub- ject-
The yeas and nays of members of this Convention on any question shall be entered on the Journal, at the desire of one-fifth of the members present, and not of a less number.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary. -
RESOLUTION.
To add another to the rules of the Convention.
The Constitution that may be adopted by this Con- vention, and all ordinances and resolutions passed, shall be signed by the President and Secretary of the Conven- tion, which shall be a sufficient authentication thereof. No ordinance already passed upon one reading, shall lack validity for that reason.
Signed Nov. 6th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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CONFEDERATE RECORDS
RESOLUTION.
Authorizing the Committee of Seven, appointed to take into consideration the subject of the cotton hitherto belonging to this State, to send for persons and pa- pers.
Resolved, That the special Committee of Seven, ap- pointed to take into consideration the subject of the cot- ton hitherto belonging to this State, while in session, shall have power to send for persons and papers.
Signed Nov. 6th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest:
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
REPORT
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And Resolutions of Committee of Sixteen.
The Committee of Sixteen recommend the adoption of the following resolutions.
Resolved, That the repealing ordinance, the Consti- tution, and all other ordinances adopted by this Con- vention, when signed by the President and countersigned by the Secretary, be presented to His Excellency the Provisional Governor, with a request that he cause the same to be sealed with the great seal of the State, adopted by this .Convention, filed in the office of the Secretary of State, and by him recorded in a book suitable to the per- manent preservation of the same.
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
2d, Resolved, That a second copy of the said repeal- ing ordinance and of the Constitution, signed and coun- tersigned and sealed as aforesaid be placed in the hands of His Excellency the Governor, as well as a second copy of any other ordinance designated by him, for the pur- pose of being transmitted to His Excellency the Presi- dent of the United States, signed, countersigned as afore- said, of the address to the President, adopted by the Convention.
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3rd, Resolved, That the Journal of this Convention be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State, and that thirteen hundred copies thereof be printed and dis- tributed as follows: One copy to each member of the Convention, one to each member of the next General Assembly; one to each Judge of the Supreme and Supe- rior Courts, and one to the Ordinary, the Clerks of the Superior and Inferior Courts of each county; and that to said copy of the Journal so printed there be added an appendix containing the Constitution, ordinances and resolutions adopted by this Convention, together with an index.
4th, Resolved, That Messrs. DeGraffenried of Bald- win, Blount of Jones, and Cochran of Wilkinson, be a committee to bring up the unfinished business of the Convention.
Signed Nov. 8th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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420
CONFEDERATE RECORDS
RESOLUTION.
To authorize the Provisional Governor to draw his war- rant for the payment of Mr. Orme & Son, for the printing of this Convention.
Resolved, That His Excellency the Provisional Gov- ernor be authorized and requested to draw his warrant upon any funds in the Treasury, or which may come into the Treasury, for the payment of Mr. Orme & Son for the printing of this Convention.
Signed Nov. 8th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION
To refer second article of the Constitution to committee of sixteen, with instructions to report a plan of re- duction.
Resolved, That the second article of the Constitution be recommitted to the Committee of 16, and that the plan of reduction before the Convention, and all others which may be suggested, shall be referred to said com- mittee, with instructions to report a plan of reduction.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
RESOLUTION.
For Auditing Committee to have 300 blanks printed.
Resolved, That the Auditing Committee be authorized to have 300 blanks printed for the use of said committee. Signed Nov. 6th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION
Requesting Provisional Governor to communicate facts to this Convention.
Resolved, That His Excellency, the Provisional Gov- ernor, be requested to communicate to the Convention at any time, any facts in his possession that he may deem of public interest.
Signed Nov. 2d, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
422
· CONFEDERATE RECORDS
AN ADDRESS
To the President of the United States from the commit- tee of five.
To His Excellency ANDREW JOHNSON,
President United States:
The people of Georgia, through her delegates in Con- vention assembled, respectfully and earnestly invoke the exercise of the Executive clemency in behalf of those of our fellow citizens embraced within the exceptions to the late Amnesty Proclamation, who may as yet remain un- pardoned.
Including, as the vast roll of her disfranchised citi- zens does, many of her finest intellect and purest pa- triots, and involving much of her available wealth, the Convention of our State respectfully recommend these men to your magnanimous clemency as our needed co- adjutors in the mighty task of reorganization, and as worthy subjects of your most generous kindness.
The Convention pledges their future fidelity to the Government of the United States. The very tenacity of their devotion to the South in the late struggle, the very heroism and magnitude of their efforts in an unsuccess- ful cause, and the very chivalry of their characters, as evinced in the trying vicissitudes of a gigantic war, will be your last guarantee of the virtue of their resignation to the result, and of the sincerity of their allegiance to a government which disarms them by its magnanimity, enchains their gratitude by their kindness, and punishes them only with its clement pardon.
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
Believe us, sir, there is no looking back. The State of Georgia is prepared to do her whole duty in and to the Government, and she now asks for the restitution to her control and use of her entire citizens, for whose in- tegrity and loyalty she gives you her most solemn pledge in order that they may assist her to work out from her travail and desolation the high destiny she still trusts is in store for her and them, under a government that has just emerged unharmed from the most desperate con- vulsion of the world's history and whose tremendous power will be infinitely strengthened by its immeasur- able benignity.
Signed Nov. Sth, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
A RESOLUTION
Authorizing the President of the Convention to appoint a committee of five to be styled the Committee on Journals.
Resolved, That the President of this Convention ap- point a committee of five, to be styled the Committee on the Journal, whose duty shall be to examine and approve the daily Journal of this Convention before its submis- sion to the Public Printer for publication.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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CONFEDERATE RECORDS
A RESOLUTION
Tendering Hon. William M. Burnell a seat on the floor.
Resolved, That the Hon. William M. Burnell, an old and highly respectable citizen of Virginia, now present, be invited to a seat on this floor.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary. .
A RESOLUTION
Asking the President of the United States to pardon Josiah Tattnall.
Resolved by the people of Georgia in Convention as- sembled, That we, the members of this Convention, in behalf of the whole people of Georgia, do invoke the kind consideration of His Excellency Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, in behalf of Josiah Tatt- nall, a citizen of the State of Georgia, who has done his country good service, and earnestly pray that His Ex- celleney will remove the disabilities under which he now labors, and grant to him a full pardon, with the restora- tion of the small property which be held at the time of his resignation from the navy of the United States.
Resolved, That the foregoing, signed by the President of this Convention and attested by the Secretary, be for-
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
warded to His Excelleney the President of the United States.
Signed Nov. 3d, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the President of this Convention to convene the same under certain contingencies, &c.
Whereas, a contingency may arise which will make it necessary for the assembling of this Convention, or the election of new members to a Convention, and to prevent the agitation and excitement that might ensue from another election.
Be it therefore resolved, That this Convention ad- journ today at 12 m., and stand adjourned subject to the call of the President of the same, should a contingency arise in regard to our Federal relations, or other cause, which, in his judgment, will make it necessary for the Convention to be again convened; provided, said call be made within six months; if not made within that time, then this Convention to stand adjourned sine die; and ·provided further, that in the event of the death, resigna- tion, or other disability of any member of this Conven- tion, the vacancy shall be filled by election under procla- mation of the Governor.
2d, Resolved, That in the event of the removal, death, or resignation, or inability of the President of this Con-
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426
CONFEDERATE RECORDS
vention, then the same authority vested in him by the foregoing resolution, be, and the same is, hereby vested in the Governor or officer acting as Governor of the State.
Signed Nov. 8th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTIONS
On the death of Hon. Benj. H. Rice, delegate elect from the county of Quitman. -
The melancholy announcement having been made to the Convention of the death of Benj. H. Rice, Esq., a member of this Convention from the county of Quitman, who departed this life on the 26th instant:
Resolved, That the members of this Convention la- ment the death and sympathize with his family on the great bereavement which they have suffered, and that as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, this Convention do now adjourn.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the Journal of the Convention.
Signed Nov. 6th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary. ..
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427
JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
RESOLUTION
In regard to the death of the Hon. Hines Holt.
Resolved 1. That the members of the Convention deeply lament the death of their associate in this body, the Hon. Hines Holt, a delegate from the county of Mus- cogee; and tender to his bereaved family their heartfelt condolence.
Resolved 2. That as a mark of respect for his mem- ory and sorrow for his death, the members will wear the usual badge of mourning on the left arm for the space of thirty days.
Resolved 3. That a committee of four members of this Convention be appointed by the President to super- intend the arrangements touching the remains of the de- ceased, and to attend them from this city to his late home in Muscogee county.
Resolved 4. That the members of the Convention will, in a body, attend the remains of the deceased from his late lodgings in this city to the Railroad depot.
Resolved 5. That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the Secretary of the Convention to the family of the deceased.
Signed Nov. 6th 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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428
CONFEDERATE RECORDS
RESOLUTION
Adopting the rules of Convention of 1861 for the gov- ernment of the Convention.
Resolved, That the rules of the Convention of 1861 be adopted for the government of the deliberations of this Convention, and that 500 copies be printed for the use of the delegates.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing State Treasurer to make advances to mem- bers of Convention.
Resolved, That the State Treasurer be instructed to make advances of mileage and per diem pay to delegates of the Convention, according to the mileage and per diem allowed to members of the General Assembly by the Code of this State.
Signed Nov. 3d, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest:
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
A RESOLUTION
For the relief of the tax payers of the State of Georgia.
Whereas, by the misfortunes and results of the late war, the people of the State of Georgia have, in a great measure, been left moneyless, and many of them without any reasonable prospect, at an early day, of making money, and many, too, holders of large real estates, such as lands which are, from the embarrassed condition of the people, dormant, and likely to remain so for some time to come; to the owners of which it would be a great sacrifice to force a sale of such property at this time to meet the tax demands of the State and general govern- ment; therefore,
Resolved, That this Convention most respectfully rec- ommend for the consideration of the ensuing Legislature and urges upon them the passage of some bill based upon the credit of this State, that will as far as practicable relieve the people of an immediate, direct, burdensome tax, booth from the State and general government, until the pecuniary condition of the country will better enable the people to otherwise meet these demands.
Signed Nov. 8th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President. ·
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary. -,
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CONFEDERATE RECORDS
RESOLUTION
And memorial to the President in behalf of Jefferson Davis and others.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Oct. 30th, 1865.
To His Excellency ANDREW JOHNSON,
President of the United States :
The Delegates of the State of Georgia, in Convention assembled, do earnestly invoke the executive clemency in behalf of Jefferson Davis and Alexander H. Stephens, and of James A. Seddon of Virginia; A. Y. McGrath of South Carolina; - Allison and David L. Yulee of Florida, and W. H. Mercer of Georgia, now confined as prisoners in Fort Pulaski, and of all other prisoners similarly circumstanced.
Your Excellency has been pleased to restore Mr. Stephens to his liberty. He returns to the grateful peo- ple of his State as a solemn pledge of the magnanimity which rules the public councils; and his great name and influence will be potent to revive the amity of the past, and to fructify the wise and generous policy which Your Excellency has inaugurated. Emboldened by this ex- ample, impelled by the purity of our motives, and stimu- lated by the prayers of a numerous people, we appeal for clemency in behalf of the distinguished persons we have named.
Restore them to liberty and to the embrace of their families, translate them from captivity to the light of freedom and of hope; and the gratitude of the prisoners
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
will be mingled with the joyful acclamations which shall ascend to Heaven from the hearts of the people.
Jefferson Davis was elevated to his high position by our suffrages, and in response to our wishes; we im- posed upon him a responsibility which he did not seek.
Originally opposed to the sectional policy to which public opinion with irresistible power, finally drove him, he became the exponent of our principles and the leader of our cause. He simply responded to the united voice of his section.
If then he is guilty, so are we. We were the princi- pals, he was our agent. Let not the retribution of a mighty nation be visited upon his head, while we, who urged him to his destiny, are suffered to escape.
The liberal clemency of the Government has been ex- tended over us; we breathe the air and experience the blessings of freedom; we therefore ask that the leader, who, in response to the democratic instincts of his na- ture, the principles of his party, and the solicitations of his section, became the head and front of our offending, shall not be bruised for our iniquities or punished for our transgressions.
Mr. Davis was not the leader of a feeble and tempo- rary insurrection; he was the representative of great ideas and the exponent of principles which stirred and consolidated a numerous and intelligent people. This people was not his dupe. They pursued the course which they adopted of their own free will; and he did not draw them on, but followed after them. It is for these reas- ons that we invoke the executive clemency in his behalf. His frame is feeble, his health is delicate; all broken by
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CONFEDERATE RECORDS
the storms of State, he languishes out in captivity a vi- carious punishment for the acts of his people.
Resolved, That the foregoing memorial, signed by the President and attested by the Secretary of the Conven- tion, be transmitted to the President of the United States.
Signed Nov. 1st, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION
Authorizing the Governor to appoint three Commission- ers for the State, to enquire into the finances of the State, &c.
1. Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be recommended to appoint a Commission of three compe- tent persons to whom shall be assigned the duty of mak- ing a thorough examination and investigation of the financial operations of the State, from the first January, 1861, to the present time, and report the result of such investigation to the next Legislature.
2. That the Commissioners so appointed shall, be- fore entering on the discharge of their duties, be sworn faithfully to discharge the duties of said Commission, and be authorized to administer oaths, send for per- sons and papers, and have power to compel attendance of witnesses, and to require all financial agents of the State to make such reports of their receipts and dis-
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
bursements as may be necessary for the Commissioners to arrive at all the facts necessary to a proper discharge of their duty.
3. That the Governor be authorized to pay such Commissioners as he may appoint, a fair and reason- able compensation for their services.
Be it further resolved, That the Provisional Governor be requested to take from Mr. Henry Brigham an as- signment of all his interest in the sixteen hundred and fifty (1650) bales cotton purchased by said Henry Brig- ham from A. Wilbur, agent for the State and on receiv- ing such assignment that he pay Mr. Brigham any ex- pense he may have incurred in and about said cotton ; provided, the same do not exceed two hundred dollars (200) and also deliver up the notes of said Brigham, given for said cotton.
Be it further resolved, That the Governor and our members in the Senate and Congress of the United States be respectfully urged to press the claim of this State for this cotton, and all other cotton belonging to this State, and taken possession of by the United States authorities.
Signed Nov. 8th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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434
CONFEDERATE RECORDS
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RESOLUTION
Requiring one thousand copies of Constitution and all Ordinances and Resolutions of a public character, to be printed for the use of the members of the Con- vention.
Resolved, That as soon as the Convention have passed the Constitution of the State, one thousand copies of the same be printed for the use of the members of the Con- vention; also, one thousand copies of all Ordinances and Resolutions of a public character, which have been or shall be passed, up to the final adjournment of the Con- vention.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
RESOLUTION :
In relation to drawing for seats.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Convention be instructed to prepare separate tickets of each county in this State, preparatory for drawing for seats, and that said drawing take place at once.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest:
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary. ;
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JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
A RESOLUTION
To provide for the payment of Ordinaries and Clerks of the Courts of this State for certain services ren- dered by said officers.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, it is incumbent on the General Assembly soon to meet, to make early and just compensation to the Ordinaries and Clerks of the Courts of the several counties, for services rendered in administering to citizens the amnesty oath prescribed in the President's Proclamation, as directed by His Excellency, Gov. James Johnson, and that they be and are respectfully requested so to do.
Signed Nov. 8th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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RESOLUTION
Tendering seats to Ex-Gov. Joseph E. Brown and others.
Resolved, That Ex .- Gov. Joseph E. Brown, the Hon. B. H. Hill, the Hon. R. P. Trippe, Hon. H. V. M. Miller. and Brig .- Gen. A. R. Wright, be tendered seats in this Hall.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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436
CONFEDERATE RECORDS
A RESOLUTION
That Committee of 16 take into consideration the neces- . ' sity of organizing temporary organizations of mi- litia in each county.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed of one from each Judicial District, who are hereby instructed to take into consideration the necessity of providing for the tem- porary organization of one or more militia companies in each county in the State, and report to this Convention by ordinance or otherwise.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
A RESOLUTION
Authorizing the President of the Convention to appoint enrolling and auditing committee.
Resolved, That the President of this Convention be authorized to appoint two standing committees, to con- sist of five delegates each, to be known as the Committee on Enrollment and the Auditing Committee.
Signed Nov. 7th, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
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J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
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437
JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION OF 1865
RESOLUTION
Authorizing Secretary to appoint three Assistants and that they be sworn.
Resolved, That in accordance with the rules of this Convention, requiring the Assistant Secretary and En- grossing and Enrolling Clerks to be sworn; the Secretary be authorized to appoint such Assistant and Clerks, and that they be sworn accordingly.
Signed Nov. 3d, 1865.
HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON, President.
Attest :
J. D. WADDELL, Secretary.
A RESOLUTION -
Respecting economy and condemning the multiplication of unnecessary officers.
Whereas, Economy in the public expenditure is an element of strength in Republican Governments,
Resolved, That the multiplication of unnecessary offi- cers is condemned by the people of Georgia.
Resolved, That this Convention respectfully, but earn- estly recommends to the General Assembly, whose duty it shall be to fix by law, the salaries of Executive, Legis- lative and Judiciary officers, that said salaries ought not
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