Proceedings of the Convention of the Equal Rights and Educational Association of Georgia (1866)/Part 3
On motion of Rev H M Turner, of Bibb, the rules of the last Convention were adopted to govern this Convention. Rev Lewis Smith, of Bibb, was appointed Marshall of the Convention; Mr Wiley McClenon and Mr Wm (Clarke, Assistant Marshall: Rev Robert Anderson was chosen Chaplain of the Cenvention.
On motion of H M Turner, of Bibb, voted that a Committee On Address and the Condition of the Colored People in the State be appointed. The following gentlemen were appointed: Rev H M Turner of Bibb, Sherman of Dougherty, McAlister of Morgan, Brooks of Newton, Jas Benifield of Monroe.
The President appointed the following additional Committees:
On Resolutions: Andrew Jackson of Fulton, Gardiner of Hancock, Harris of Warren, and Bacon of Clarke.
On Constitution and Policy of the Association Heath of Warren, Mann of Fulton, Cokine of Cobb, and Travis of Monroe.
A resolution was unanimously passed inviting the members of the Union League to seats on the floor of the Convention. Revs Flagg, Turner, and Purdy were appointed a committee to inform the members of the Union League of the action of the Association. Mr Jno A Rockwell, Superintendent of Free Schools at Macon, under the American Missionary Association, was introduced to the Convention by the President.
The remainder of the day was spent in hearing the reports of the delegates from the different counties giving an account of the condition of the colored people in the counties which they represented.
evening session.
The Convention was called to order at 7 o'clock by the President. Rev Andrew Jackson, of Fulton, from the Committee on Resolutions, reported the following, which, after debate, were adopted:
Resolved, That 'we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.'
Resolved, That in regard to the franchise, we will never cease to protest against all partial legislation, based on color or race, or other adventituous distinctions.
Resolved, That while we protest against all partial legislation, and while we demand equal rights for all citizens, we recommend that for the coming year the members of our Association refrain from public political discussion in the meetings of the Association, and exert their entire influence to establish schools and educate the people.
Resolved, That we advise our friends to hold educational conventions in each of the Congressional Districts of the State during the coming year.
Resolved, That we cordially approve of the noble course pursued by the Loyal Georgian, and the able and fearless manner in which it has advocated our cause, and exposed all men who have sought to deprive us of our rights.
Resolved, That we request our friends to do all in their power to sustain the Loyal Georgian.
Resolved, That whereas General Davis Tillson came into a meeting of the Council of this Association, and denounced our President—Captain J. E. Bryant—as a liar, a scoundrel, a beggar, and a villain, and whereas a vote of thanks was passed by the Council for his speech, not intending thereby to thank him for denouncing our President, but for the valuable information which the speech contained, concerning matters which were of interest to our people, and did not relate to Captain Bryant, and whereas the intention of the members of the Council in passing the resolution has been misunderstood, we direct the Secretary of the Council to expunge the resolution from the records of the Council.
Resolved, That whereas we have received no protection from the civil authorities, we call upon the good citizens of the State to come to our relief, and help us to secure justice for our people.
Resolved, That we request the Loyal Georgian, the New York Tribune, and all other papers friendly to our cause to publish these resolutions.
third day.
President called Convention to order at 9 o'clook, A. M. Prayer by Rev Wm H Harris, of Warren. Minutes read and approved. The following resolution was offered by Mr Mann, of Fulton, and unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we request Rev H M Turner to act as a delegate to represent the colored people of Georgia, at Washington City.
The appointment was accepted by Mr Turner in a few eloquent and appropriate remarks.
On motion of Rev W J White, of Richmond,
Resolved, That we tender to the trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and to the friends of Macon, our warmest thanks for their kindness in placing this church at our disposal, and for their hospitality during the session of our convention.
The Committee on Amendments reported recommending certain amendments, which, after a lengthy debate, were adopted.
(The Constitution as amended is published herewith.)
On motion of Rev Mr Turner, of Bibb,
Resolved, That the President and Secretary prepare, and have the minutes of this Convention published in pamphlet form and distributed to the different counties.
On motion of William J White, of Richmond county,
Resolved, That our delegate to Washington be instructed to present a copy of the proceedings of this Convention to the President of the United States and the Governor of Georgia; to the President of the United States Senate, and of the Senate of Georgia; to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, and of the State of Georgia.
On motion of Holsey, of Hancock county,
Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be hereby tendered to the President of this Association for the impartial and faithful performance of his duties.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be tendered to Rev Wm J White, the Secretary, Robt Johnson, Second Assistant Secretary, for the faithful performance of their duties.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be tendered to Lewis Smith, of Macon, Marshal of the Convention, and to his Assistants, for the polite and gentlemanly manner in which they have performed their duties.
Major G L Eberhart, Superintendent of Schools under the Freedmen's Bureau was elected Superintendent of Schools under this Association.
After prayer by Rev Wm J White, the convention adjourned sine die.
