The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-07-27
law and Plunder in Georgia.

statement before the Ku. Kux committee pre-
sented f.cts and figures against Coy. Bullock,
Disayowing political or partisan views, he said
the Governor had violated the plain letter OF
the law in many instances, including the is
suing of new State bonds, his efforts to con-
ceal the amount, and his disposition of them
The witness said he knew nothing Of the Ku-
Klux except from rumor and the newspapers
reports never having to his knoyledge
seen one He thought lawlessness had exhib-
tied itself in some sections Of Georgia, Us 1t
did at times in every State, and probably al.
ways would. He could not say how FIR it had
been political, but believed it was such in
some sections, and that there had been both
white and back making use Of the disguise
for private gain and personal revenge, and
BOYS for mischief He regarded it as wop-
der that the people are as quiet and as peace
able as they are, with the corruptions and tho
terrible plunderngs, and over three hundred
pardons by the Governor, large portion for
murder, in some cases before trial. There is
no such thing as a general disturbance, and
never has been. Many negroes and some
ness, and this has caused disturbance in some.
localities IF individual accounts are true,
there is a terrible condition of affairs in GER
tain neishborhoods. He thought, however.
the pictures are overdrawn, as they have been
proved to be in most cases, and in some en-
tirely false. injured and interested parties
are apt to give extravagant accounts, and with
unprincipled men this was cheap and con-
vcnient way Of making political capital, and
inducing large rewards for nade-up sham
cases. Hc thought thesState court sufficient
to restrain lawlessness if The Governor would
cease his wholesale pafdoning. 5'oassete 9aE
The rights of the negro were safer in the
hands of upright, intelligent white jurors, than
in those of negro jurors, in the present condi-
ton of that race. There was with some per-
sons a strong prejudice, and even hatred
against the negro, mostly because Of the polit-
ical rights conferred upon him, but ia large
portion of the wisest and most substantial
mer, especially if they are politicians and
| have no objection to holding office, are rather
pleased that those rights have been conferred
to the extent of voting, as it, makes offices,
and they will control tho. negro, and through
| him gain political and representative strength
| for the South The South generally admits
| the legal binding force of the reconstruction,
| until changed 'legitimately, Unchanged at all.
claiming the right Of appeal or a Judicial neg
| ative. ....,- ~ az, --
Edward c. Anderson, ex mayor Of Savan-
nah, was also examined. He said the condi-
ton of Georgia atthe present time was law-a-
hiding aud peaceful; that Savannah was the
most peaceful city in the country. On be-.
ing asked whether the people Of the State are
loyal, he replied that he regarded loyalty az
| devotion to the maintenance of law, and in this
the people were essentially loyal. They wero
not hostile to the government, but were opposed
to the administration, illustrated in the officers
sent there to represent it. He did not know
Of the existence Of the Ku-Klux organization.
A general amnesty bill would be beneficial in
every respect The sentiment toward North
ern men is kindly in the extreme, The pes
pie wanted Northen men to settle among them.
Many are already there, and all corners from
that section are received in a most friendly
spirit. 400 sa ga .iy5H b5Gisgai9L 4 .&l07