The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-06-23
DON'T WANT TO DIsBAND.
The Georgia Artillery to Appeal to
the Governor.

the Governor.
The oolored people are up in arms over
the proposed disbandment of the Georgia
Artillery Of this city. which has been recon-
mended by the military advisory board,
because the state is not able to equip the
company, which has fifty-two men and only
two pieces Of artillery. Capt. John G.
Simmons will go to Atlanta tonight to
intercede with Gov. Gordon tomorrow,
and prevent, if possible, the carrying out Of
the recommendation.
The members of the company say that it
has been organized for thirteen years and
the only thing the state has ever given 1t
Is the captains commission.
The members of the colored military and
their friends met in mass-meeting at
Chatham Light Infantry armory yesterday
afternoon, TO the number of 500, to take
action in the matter. l.. A. Washington
was called to the chair and Sol G. Johnson
was elected secretary. Quite a number Of
speeches were made on behalf of the artil-
lery company, and, while general regret
was expressed at the turn affairs have taken,
the speakers were conservative in their
remorks. The outcome of the meeting was
the following petition, which was adopted
and extensively signeds sd
To His ErceIleilcy John B. Gordon, Governor
of Georgia, and COmnander-ia-Chiefo of the
Arniy and Nary of the State thereof:
We, your petitioners, citizens of the state and
part OF the volunteer soldiery thereof, view
with profound regret the action of the state
military advisory board at its meeting, held on
June Is, at Camp Richmond, near Augusta, in
It's recommending the disbanding of the Georgia
Artillery OF Savannah.
The men who compose this company, to-
gether with those who compose the colored
troops of the state, are inspired by the noble
spirit characteristic of true American citizens
maintenance az axuc NJ ha NJ "a
and country, and to cultivate among our people
a military spirit that will enable them to attain
the Oroper knowledge and discipline of the sol.
der, thereby rendering them good defenders of
their country and better citizens of the state.
The Georgia Artillery was organized in 1877,
and has equipped and maintained itself up to
S1,100, without any aid from the state, and as it
is the only colored artillery company In the
United States, we look upon 1t with great pride,
and feel much honored that We as Georgians
enjoy that honor.
Whereas, the advisory board gave as its only
reason for recommending disbandment that the
state is unable to complete its equipment, and
as the company has partly equipped itself and
VIII, IL allowed the opportunity, complete its
equipment, therefore We ASK your exceflency to
stay the recommendation of the board and per-
mt the company to remain on the roll OF the
state, with tie privilege of maintaining itself.
We feel and know that the majority Of Geor-
gians are proud Of the fact that they have in
their borders the only colored artillery company
III tne union.
Capt Simmons has secured quite a num-
Der of letters from prominent citizens of
Savannah addressed to Gov. Gordon asking
that the recommendation of the board be
suspended, and other letters will be solicited
to-day.
The members of the company say that if
the petition is granted they will make an
earnest effort to add two more pieces of can
non and complete the equipment of the bat
terry, and the enthusiastic meeting yesterday
shows that they are in deep earnest.