Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1872-02-27
LETTER FROM GEORGIA.
EASTMAN, Georgia.
Feb. 18th. 1872,

Feb. 18th, 1872.
Editor Esprit Of Je6erson" After so
much hustle, excitement aud discussion, quiet
seems, at last, to reign in the political arena
of the Empire State" of the South. 1t is
not that ominous calm which forbade
mishtier storm yet to come, but that which is
the legitimate fruit of wise legislation. and
the administration of the laws by those who
were chosen by the whole people of Georgia.
men who merit and receive their entire con-
fdence.
The history of these United States, from
the Declaration of Independence to the press
ent day, does not present parallel to the dis.
graceful episode enacted in Georgia during
the last eight months. A Governor, so far
forgetting the dignity of his exalted position,
as to plumber the public treasury and then alb
scond with his dishonest gains to escape the
wrath of an outraged public. Pledged to
support the credit of the State-he reck lessly
squandered the public money, and to>day
Georgia bonds are almost drug in the market.
Called to execute the laws-he pardoncd,
without discrimination, men convicted of
crimes which demons in he'll would blush at.
The custodian Of the honor of the people
he has foully betrayed the sacred trust, and
his memory will be desecrated through all
time by those whose confidence he has abused.
the Legislature at their last session, looking
to the happiness and general welfare of the
people. The "School Law" was amended and
some Objectionable features were repealed
Lewis, the radical State School Commissioner
resigned, and Prof Gustavus Orr, of Ogle-
thorpe college. has been appointed in his
stead. Prof. Orr has long been identified
with the educational interests of Georgia, and
his appointment seems to give universal salts.
faction.
The new system will go into operation as
soon as practicable, and, it is to be hoped. will
prove success. There is plenty of energy
here Georgia is one OF the most enterpris-
ing of all the Southern States, but its untold
resources will not be developed until educa-
ton becomes more general. In addition to
the want of knowledge, there are certain laws
in operation here which tend to check rather
than promote progress, in that they cripple
trade and render capitalists distrustful.
The "Homestead Law" provides that every
man may have set apart, free from lew and
sale, realty to the amount of two thousand
dollars, and personal property to the amount
OF one thousand. No law could hardly be en-
acted, better calculated to destroy that conf.
dence between man and man, so essential to
the public interests
1t is said thar opportunities make rogues,
and opportunities for men to act dishonesty
will frequently make them do SO, as I have
seen in many instances No matter how fair
reputation man may have, nor how strict
his business integrity, if he wants to borrow
money he must give the very best security.
| think that the high rates of interest de,
mauded by the banks are one of the evil re-
suits of this perncous law. Not dollar can
be borrowed for less than one and a half to
three per cent month. In some sections
where there is little wealth, it is almost i'm,
possible to glysl bond, as the name of man
who is worth no more than three thousand
dollars is not worth shuck. as security.
There are some rough cases in this mart of
the pine woods. Gum Swamp is about three
miles east of this place; it was noted deserter
rendervouz during the war. Many Intellectual
attempts were made, by the authorities. to
dislodge them, but it was like fighting Indians
in the Everglades. They were finally given
up, and they lived like banditti in the dark
recesses of the swamp, sallying forth only at
night in quest of forage. They would butcher.
without regard to ownership, CATTLE hogs aud
sheep, and with their booty would return again
to their-gloomy haunts. They were always
we'll armed but would trouble no one unless
molested on their thieving expeditions Since
the war these wretches have scattered about
tnroush the country, but many OF them are
still here, and, at times, some of their former
lawlessness breaks out like plague spot
Shooting matches frequently occur and occa
sionally somebody is killed, whiskey, however,
is generally at the bottom. About month
ago two men followed another out of town on
his way home and killed him-as clear case
of deliberate, premeditated murder as ever
occurred, If all reports are true, yet the parties
were never arrested /; they were summoned to
court and they came without any hesitation.
Attidavits pro and con were filed with the
Judge on the strength of which they were
bailed in the sum of six thousand dollars each
The loose manner in which the laws are ex.
ecnted form serious objection to Georgia.
but, it is to be hoped, that reform in this par.
ticularly is not far distant.
Very truly yours, T.