Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-01-21
From Georgia.

From Georgia.
ATLANTA, Jan. II p. II.
The Ron. J. Fl. Caldwell, Republican member
of the House of Representatives, member OF
the National Republican Executive Committee
and Chairman OF, sub-divisiOn Of the
Committee OF The Southern States, has written
long letter to Hon. j. A. Bingham, member of
Congess from Ohio, giving full! account Of the
real causes of the difficulty in organizing the
Georgia Legislature. The following is a synop
sig OF the letter: ''The question which divides
and distracts the Republicans of the House ie
not political question-not race or color. nor
question involving the rights of any class of per-
sons such, but one involving the cOnscionces
of honest men to work for the interest Of the
Statel against corrupt faction, composed OF
few Individuals seeking to intersect themselves in
positions which will enable them to deplote the
Treasury aud ruin the credit of the State. For
the accomplishment OF these purposes various
devices were resorted tC. Before members were
removed on Monday, they were attempting to or
ganize to intimidate certain members from TAX
ing the oath. Among other things, Col. Farrow
Attorney General, at the request of Gov. Bullock
had given a written opinion on the scope of the
oath prescribed by the last reconstruction act'
which carried no more weight of authority than
OF the difficulties which arose in the House,
grew out of the attempt of the CLERK pro tenn. to
enforce the reading Of Farrow's opinion as au-
tn Oritative construction of the oath. The read
ing forced through in the most arbitrary,
violent and disorderly manner, notwithstanding
the remonstrances Of leading Republican mem-
bers. Another difficulty grew out of the appoint
ment of the Governor of of his employees OF
the State Road, A. L. Harris, Clerk
pro tenn. to organize the House. This
was deemed by some Republicans O most
arbitrary step. The only au thority to act was
Congress, which gives the Governor the power
to summon members by proclamation to appear
on a certain day. This had been done, and at
the time appointed the Representatives ap-
peared in their Hall. The Governors power
over organic alton ceased when he had issued his
proclamation, and any attempt on his part to
intiInidate members present from taking the
oath prescribed was in violation Of section OF
the act. Some of the members had been
prevented by the publication of Farrow's opinion
from taking the oath who could have done so
very conscientiously, but unwilling to place
themselves in apparent conflict with the ex-
pressed opinion of the authorities or incur what
had been threatened against them if they should
qualify-a harrsssing criminal prosecution. One
member, in particular, refused to take the
oath because he did not wish to place himself
in opposition to the opinion of the Attorney Gen.
eral and the Governor of the State, yet had been
q staunch Union man all through the war, abso-
lutely refusing to take any part in the rebellion,
but denouncing it all the time until the cOnscript
law was passed, when he took refuge in some
small Office from the direct physical force with
which he was menaced by the conscript officer.
This man is now deprived of his seat by undue
at yVbi he /.
mates have made to keep members from taking
the oath, and that in violation of section of tee
act. The late act of Congress expressly pro-
vides that when the members are convened, the
General Assembly shall proceed to perfect its or
ganization. The act does not specify the officer
who shall preside over the organization OF either
house, but each member is sworn to support the
Constitution OF the State, and in addition thereto
to take subscribe and file in the office Of the
Secretary of State the oaths prescribed in the act
The Constitution which members are
sworn to support adopts Irwins Code
The said State Code sections pre-
scribe the manner in which the General AS
semby shall be organized. The appointment O
Harris as Clerk pro tenn, in violation OF the
Code well the act Of Congress-. Before
Harris proceeded to call the roll, q member rosC
and read two sections of the Code relating to the
| hear him entertain the motion. Mr. Scott
asked to be allowed to protest against the
manner of proceeding. Harris told him he
could not. When the first member was
sworn, another member cent Il protest
against taking his seat. Harris permitted the
protest to be received and read. While Farrow'e
opinion was being read, Bryant objected and die
I puted HRrris' right to preside. Harris ord cred
the sergent- at arms to arrest Bryant. This
brought on difficulty in the House, and several
pistols were drawn by the sergent-at-arms and
others against Bryant. The latter called Cald
we'll to the CHAIR and to organize the House &C.
cording to the provisions of the code. Accompa
MED by Bryant, Caldwell approached the Speak.
ers desk, but was resisted and threatened by tht
sergent-at-arms, and Harris declined to act as
Speaker pro tenn. Bryant was then chosen pro
tena.. and put a motion to adjourn, which was
| carried, but many members remained.
A committee waited upon General Terry tc
inquire if the manner OF proceeding met with
his approval. He expresses his disapproval o.
Farrows opinion, and the protests against
members taking their seats. Harris refused to
hear the report Of the committee At the re-
quest of General Terry, members consented tc
let Harris proceed with the organization, since
no member objected to anything he had done.--
|
present when counties were called Some were
| detained home by providential causes. but pre-.
sented themselves before roll call was completed
The object Of these arbitrary proceedings is tc
force out OF their seats certain members, per
| sons cs slight wrong who feel that they can COZ.
scientiously take the oath. Harris under the
Governors instructions adjourns the HoueC
whenever he pleases without melton from mem
bers. Yesterday he adjourned till Monday. The
object was to inquire by Military Commission
into all alleged ineligib ility. Certain members
who had taken the oath see provision of tht
| law for any such members as qualifys Il
organize the body. If the House per
mits the proceedings Of the 18th Article will b,
ratified by a clear Republican majority in boil
Houses.
Removal of Political Dlsa bfIIties
A correspondent says it is stated that al
soon as the Reconstruction Committee dis
poses of the reconstruction measures be