As for the restoration of civil power in this State, I apprehend it cannot
be done without leading to the necessity of frequent interference on the
part of the military until the sentiments of the people of Georgia have
undergone a very great change.
This memorandum was read to General Steedman by me and he authorized me
to submit it in this form to the President.
C. SCHURZ.
No. 7.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS,
_Macon, Georgia, August_ 14, 1885.
General: There are no loyal people in Georgia, except the negroes; nor are
there any considerable number who would under any circumstances offer
armed resistance to the national authority. An officer, without arms or
escort, could arrest any man in the State. But, while their submission is
thus complete and universal, it is not a matter of choice, but a stern
necessity which they deplore.
If allowed they will readily reorganize their State government and
administer it upon correct principles, except in matters pertaining to
their former slaves. On this subject they admit the abolition of the
institution, and will so frame their constitution, hoping thereby to
procure their recognition as a State government, when they will at once,
by legislation, reduce the freedmen to a condition worse than slavery. Yet
while they will not recognize the rights of their former slaves
themselves, they will submit to its full recognition by the national
government, which can do just as it pleases and no resistance will be
offered.
Pages:
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153