Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-04-24
THE BUREAU COURTS IN GEORGIA.
Governors Proclamation-An Important step in
the right dirncfinn
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
MfliodCeville Anril II


Public attention has doubtless been given
to Circular No. 4, issued on the 5th inst, by
Brigadier General Davis Tillson, A. A. Com
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and abandoned
Lands-and approved by Breyet Major
General J. NJ. Brannon, Commanding De
partment Of Georgia-and to General Orders
No. II Of Brevet Major General Brannon
Of the same date.
BY these orders a large jurisdiction in
civil and criminal cases, whereto freedmen
alone or freedmen and white persons may
be parties, heretofore denied 10 State Courts,
is yielded TO them. As will appear in the
sequel, this does not amount to positive ard
final withdrawal Of military authority. 1t
is unquestionably a highly satisfactory adj
vance in the process of restoration TO our
former political status, which may be fol-
lowed by further advance in the same d.
rection, or by retrograde movement, as cir
cumstances may indicate. 1t has beer Undue
ed mainly by the legislation Of the General
Assembly relative to the status of the freed
men. 1t will not be lost and may be speed
lily pushed further, if the Judiciary, in
courts of inquiry and courts of -ccord-
the Bench and the Jury Box, give effect to
the letter and the spirit Of the laws by them
enacted
In the full assurance that my fellow-citi-
zens, official and unofficial, who may De
called upon to participate in the admins
tration Of justice will hold the scales in per-
feet equilibrium, as between individuals and
classes, | congratulate the people of Georgia
upon this earnest of coming restoration to
interior self-gOvernment. In our condition,
neither conscious rectitude Of intention, nor
noisy and unbecoming professions of it will
avail aught. Practical demonstrations,
which incredulity itself cannot gainsay and
nothing less, will work our redemption.
1t is of great importance that none mis-
take the effect of the Presidents recent
Peace Proclamation, and of the orders
above referred to. Our condition is certain
w anomalous, and mischevious errors might
result from theoretical speculation upon
those documents. / therefore state as the
result Of official intercourse and of careful
examination Of previous orders and circu-
lars, which are only modified, not with
drawn
lst That the agents in the several coun-
ties Of the Freedmen's Bureau, still have iu
risdiction in all cases between freedmen
and others, when the sum involved does not
exceed fifty dollars exclusive of interest.
They may also take cognizance of and try
all ofienses committed by freed people or
against them, provided the punishment does
not exceed fine of fifty dollars or thirty
days imprisonment at hard labor" They
are also still charged with the duty of exam
lining and approving labor contracts, and of
assisting and protecting freedmen requiring
such aid. Trials by strictly military COM
missions, are dispensed with, except where
the accused is soldier, or the oflense
charged is against the Federal Government.
I'd. have high authority for saying that
" the Presidents proclamation does not re-
move martial law or operate in any way
upon the Freedmen's Bureau, in the exercise
of its legitimate jurisdiction :" though " it is
not deemed expedient TO resort to military
tribunals in any case where justice can be at
tanned through the medium of civil author
ity."
Ny impression is, that in case of military
arrest by orders from Headquarters Depart
ment of Georgia, interference of State
Judges, by habeas corpus, will not be per-
mitted. Such orders, | believe, will be
rarely, if ever, issued, and | trust, conflict
will be avoided.
Whilst, therefore, by thus communicating
reliable information, | seek to guard the
people against erroneous impressions regard
ing the extent TO which the Federal military
authority is relaxed, respectfully call upon
the civil authorities 10 assume and exercise,
in perfect fairness and justice, the jurisdic-
ton clearly restored TO them. Calmly and
patiently pursuing our own ascending course,
let our acts illustrate our title to fuller con-
dence and higher rights. Faithful obser-
vance Of the Federal Constitution and i'm
partial administration of law, will best vim
distinctly expressed, but cautiously accredi-
ted. CHARLES J. JENKINS,
(,pvarppr