Proceedings of the Convention of the Equal Rights and Educational Association of Georgia (1866)/Part 4
The following are the resolutions adopted by the Convention:
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 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 adventitious 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 affluence 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—Capt 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 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 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 whereas the colored people of this State are daily receiving the most unjust treatment on the cars, having to pay as much as white passengers while they are consigned to the most filthy cars, often cursed and driven about; their wives and daughters insulted, blackguarded and smoked to sickness; therefore we bitterly protest against such conduct, it being outrageous and inhuman and we declare that we will not much longer submit to it.
Resolved, That whereas a large majority of the Bureau Agents are Southern men who will not take notice of outrages perpetrated upon our people, we most respectfully request the United States Government to give us Northern Agents or allow colored men to hold these offices.
Resolved, That we bitterly protest against the colored people of Georgia, being levied upon for poll tax until they are given the right to vote, but they are willing to pay all other taxes when no more is exacted than is required of white men.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be tendered to Rev Wm J White, the Secretary, Robt Johnson, Second Assistant Secretary, and to the Marshal, Lewis Smith, and his Assistants.
Resolved, That we request the Loyal Georgian, the New York Tribune and all other papers friendly to our, cause to publish these resolutions.