New-York tribune., 1868-01-21
NEW-YORK DAILY TRIBUNE TUESDAY, JANUARY 81. 1868

by the Constitution and seeking to convince me that
this ordinance comes within the exception 10 tne PrOo
tion. Now, look at in the light OF the % biG
have quoted, prescribing how, and how only IL snal pe
altered and amended That clouse is conservative OF @ e
Constitution Itself The Convention Nhcn Passeu s s
ordinance. and which is assembled expressly 20 MAKE
Constitution for Georgia IS not caheo ahnsa,ora as
put under the ban of the Constitution now
existing Yet you say ordinance made by hls IN tne
money II be right in defining the term tdu. as used used
in the prohibiting clause have only TO add nda va. aSe
such appropriation. The Convention which TINS ordl
OF the United states one of the agents of that Congress
yourself being anoher for the purpose Of carrying into
effect certain purpose You cOnstrue those acts as CIV
ing authority TO the Convention appropriate money
out OF the treasury OF Georgia. Do you hold General
that the Congress OF the United States could directly
by its own simple act. appropriate money from
the treasury Of Georgai II you do, you will confer
great favor by designating be article section and clause
Constitution of the United States whence only its
powers Gomez eonierIng that power II you 90 not SO
Congress confer upon its agents larger powers than
are possessed by tsei Should you say that you not
permitted to consider these Reconstruction acts without
reference their eOnsutonaty their justice, or
their expedency that you here to execute them
look at them from different standpoint have said
have to support the Constitutions OF Georgia and
that in declining to obey the behes OF the Convention
and TO comply with your courteous request, but pay
dutful homage TO both Constitutions.
Secondly have considered the subject with reierence
Nothing Which in the remotest degree authorizes the con
structon that they intended saddle the Treasury OF
very Clear that they intended that cost up to the
sembng Of the Convention TO come out OF the Federal
that the Convention shall provide for their compen-
saton and other expenses by evying tax upon the peo
pie for that express purpose But you may say this
too slow the Convention possibly await the col
lection Of the taxthere is nobody else that can and VIII
advance them, and, therefore, you must. But
the Congress have not so said 10 is very
old and very safe rule Of rSel Gons.ruosion Tr',nn
having expressly specified how the expense Of the whole
scheme from beginning TO end shall be provided for IL
fairly be argued that they intended any other pro-
visions Nothing but most latltudnary construction
could justify the inference that this legislation imposes
burden upon the state Treasury Think you General 1t
would become the Governor OF of these States
qured by law to dsburse certain sums Tor designated
objects and scanty supplied with means Ior the
TO adopt such rule OF construction, and in lit or gen
eroy at the expense Of justice and of duty TO volunteer
large contribution to cause with Whch ne hau no
official connection VIII you do me the favor, General
in imagination. to place yourself IN the position
of one Of these unfortunates, and ask yourself
the question, trouid do soF IL may be that
the Congress has not adequately provided for this Con-
ventlOn, which brought INTO being put tha ~ queS
ton between the parent and the child Even II 1t be So
incline 10 think that no blame attaches 10 you or me- IA
connection with this point VIII say iureHer, Snnoe %
perceive in these multiplied Reconstruction acts, the
They have graciousy consented TO leave me
in the performance OF the humble functions lntrused TO
by the Constitution and laws OF the state, upon the
condition that do not "hinder delay prerent or o6str
the due and proper administration OF those acts But
you perceive this imposes only Mcguire duty Believe
General In my official position, compliance with yoIr
request would involve tremendous activity, nay, even
thirdly That have considered this question with re-
ference the resources aud the existing liabilities OF the
Treasury Georgia Into these although toleraby IA
milar with them before have carefully looked since
my firm conviction. that If and meet the ex.
penses Of this Convention, shall BE- unable to pay the
civil list. the principal OF the public debt near maturity
the interest the remainder and other necessary charges
II your thoughts 10 the proposed
have only TO say it will come too late.
Hoping these for my course will be as sat
sfactOry you they conclusive with me, nave
the honor TO be- very respectfully your oDedient
CHARLES j. JENKINS, Governor OF Georgia
HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DIsTRIcT,)
GEORGIA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA,
| Charles J. Jenkins. MGlledgeriiIe. Ga:
SIR: have received with profound regret your com
nuncatiou of the 10Th inst In which you decline to ac-
cede 10 the request made In mine Of the 9TH inst As l
but consider your action as failure 10 cooperate
with me M executing the laws known as the Reconstruc-
ton laws OF Congress, aud as am further advised you
have declined 10 pay the salary OF NJ $. Bgby Solicitor
General OF the Taapoosa Circuit on the ground that
Commander OF the Third Military District, you
cannot recognize the validity OF his appointment am
to the execution OF the Reconstruction laws ana
have no alternative but you from your Office
as you will see have done by the inclosed order do
not deem myself called upon TO the arguments OF
your letter The issue is very plain between US
require the acknowledge validity OF the Recon-
strucon laws and you plainly deny them as having any
binding force actions. Both OF us are acting from
conscientious OF duty, but the issue Is plain and
direct that all hope Of harmonious cooperation must be
| abandoned
with feelings Of high personal respect and with sincere
regret for the feel myself compelled to take,
remain most respectfully yG9r oeedient servant
| HDQRs. THIRD MILITARY DIST. Georgia Alabama, }
and Florida. Atlanta, Ga, Jan. IL, 1865
SIR Your refusal to obey the instructions OF Brevet
MaiorGen Pope, commanding Third Military District, is
reconstructiOn laws OF Congress, and therefore,
compelled to remove you from office yOu will see
have done by the enclosed order. Very respectfully,
GEO. G. MEADE. MajorGen Commanding.