Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-04-03
Loyalty In Georgia.
DALTON, Ga, March %, l8


In accordance With previous notice, a respect
ful portion Of the citizens of Whitfield and ada
cent counties Irrespective of or color met at
the court house in the city of Dalton for the pur-
pose of taking into consideration the propriety OF
recognizing State in accordance with the terms
proposed by Congress.
On motion of DR.. L. p. Gudger, Robert Batey,
Esq, was called to the chair, and Isaac A. whitten,
requested to act as Secretary The meeting was
then opened with prayer by the Rev. james C.
Mitchell. The chair then explained the object of
the meeting in a few appropriate remarks.
On motion Of DR.. L. P. Gudger, the chair APP
pointed committee of five to draft Preamble and
Resolutions for the action of the meeting, viz Dr.
L. ?. Gudger, John Hill, Augustus Phinisie Rev
James G. Mitchell and Sanders Morris.
J. L. Dunning, Esq, of Atlanta, and General J.
A. Cooper, of Knoxville, Tenn, were introduced to
the audience who in the order of their respective
names, addressed the meeting in a most handsome
and telling manner, which filed the bosom Of every
true patriot with Joy and admiration, who frequent
ly give evidence of the same by bursts of applause
during the speaking.
After the speaking the committee on preamble
read and unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, The present rebel State organization
in Georgia is declared by the Congress of the Uni
ted States to be illegal and inadequate for the pro-
lection of the government and the true loyal Union
citizens Of these rebellious States.
And, whereas Congress, the true law-making
power has enacted bill looking TO the reconstruc-
tion of the rebeous State by true loyal Union men
only. Therefore, be it
Re:olred That we of our own good will and
choice, do cheerfuy accept and endorse the Militia
ry BILL known the Sherman bill, as basis of
reconstruction of State, and that pledge our
selves to meet all its requirements. That we recog-
nize in Congress the proper authority to prescribe
the terms under which our people may again resume
their full and proper functions State in the
Union.
Resolved That we will do all in our power to
carry out and sustain the action of Congress in all
measures pertaining to reconstruction irrespective
of President Johnsons Policy and veoes, as in our
judgment is perfect failure and has proved itself
detrimental to the true interests of the Southern
people.
Resolped, That we are in favor of no one as del
egate to frame Constitution for the State of Geor-
gia who was not at all times truly loyal to the Gov
ernment of the United States and opposed to Pres
idents Johnsons Policy We, therefore place our |
reliance in God, the wisdom of Congress- and the |
sincerity of our people to reconstruct and reesab
lish wholesome permanent loyal State Govern |
Resolved That we perfectly willing TO receive
in our ranks the honest laboring masses who were
overawed into rebellion by conscript on threats |
snd intimidation, and will labor with them to re-
store misrued and ruined country to its wonted
discarding all guerrillas and corrupt
leaders, through whose influence the country has |
been impoverished, and many of our best men slain
and their families brought to degradation and
ruin.
Resolved, That we will cheerfully cooperate with
The commander of the Third Military District who
ever he may be, and will at all times, render him
all theassstance in power, to aid him in the dis
charge of his official duties in our State
Re3oLUed That upon the reorganization Of our
State Government, we recommend that general
gstem of education, Irrespective of color)
DO insugurated by our State Legislature SO far as
our financial condition will permit.
ResoLUed, That we invite all those that love the
lag of our country to cooperate with
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be for
Rarded to the editors of the Opinion, Loyal Geor-
yisn and Knoxville WHIe, for publication, and
,opy be furnished the General Commanding the
Third Military District, of which Georgia is
,art.
On motion Of J. L. Compton, the thanks of the
Meeting unn animously rendered to the speakers
or their patriotic addresses.
On motion, the meeting adjourned sine die.
RoBT. BATEY, Chairman.
ISAAC A. WRITTEN, Secretary.