Augusta, Georgia - History (part 10 of 17)

It does not appear that the committee recommended by this report to digest and report a plan of free schools took any action, but at the next session of the Legislature a bill was introduced "to establish a board of visitors to the poor schools, and to require teachers in the sever.1l districts to report the number of poor children and teach the same," which was voted down. At the same session, that of 1827, the committee to whom was referred the reports of the county academies, report that the returns "present a condition creditable to the patrons of those institutions and flattering to the future reputation of the State." In this bright picture, however, the committee find one dark spot, "they have been unable to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion to what extent and proficiency classical education has been taught in these institutions." Starting with the proposition that "this branch of literature is so necessary in all systems of juvenile instruction, that few persons in modern days have obtained intellectual eminence whose minds have not received this training," the committee enter on a curious and elaborate argument to show that the intellectual future of Georgia depends on a better attention to classical learning in the academies of the State. After a long and labored disquisition on the utility of the classics as a means of mental training, the committee declare it "a source of melancholy regret that so little care should be bestowed by the patrons of our academies on this important part of juvenile education."

In 1828 the clerk of the Court of Ordinary was made sole trustee of the poor school fund and manager of the poor schools. The justices of the peace were required to report to him "a list of all children in their respective districts, together with their names, ages, and sexes, whose extreme indigence entitle them to a participation in the poor school fund." The same act required that duplicate reports of the attendance at, and expenses of both poor schools and academies should be transmitted to the governor and the Scuatus Academicus,

Of the educational system of the State at this date we have a very full and interesting account, thanks to a faithful compliance with the law by the officials of that date. It appears that the appropriation for the support of academies for 1828 was $14,307.44; and for poor schools. $7,425.58. It further appears that there were in operation eighty academies in seventy- five counties, with a total attendance of 1,479 male, and 973 female scholars. Some 304, not dis- tinguished by sex, were reported, making total 2,756, but twenty- seven academies failed to report the number of scholars. If the same average obtained as in those reporting, there must have been at least 4,300 scholars attending the county academies in 1828. Some of the academies seem to haxe had a good attendance: the one in Greene county showing 119 scholars; that in Wilkes, 103; the Sparta Female Academy, 151. Richmond Academy has but fifty three; three report less than twenty, and one has only one scholar, a little miss. It further appears that at this time the university, pursuant to its charter, sought to exercise a supervisory control over all the academies receiving support from the State, and that the Senatus Academiciis adopted the following resolution, which under the charter, had the force and effect of a statute, viz.:

" In order to introduce uniformity into the academies connected with the University of Georgia, the SenaUis Academiciis prescribe to each the following course of studies and authors to be used preparatory to admission to college, viz.: Murray's English Grammar; arithmetic, to the end of the cube root; Ruddiman's Rudiments; Corderius, fifty colloquies at least ; Erasmus, at least one-half; Cornelius Nepos to Atticus; Caesar's Commentaries, six books; Cicero's Orations, at least nine to be read; Virgil, the Bucolics, Georgics, and six books of the ^neid ; Mair's or Clarke's introduction to making Latin ; Wettenhali's Greek Grammar; the Greek Testament, at least through John and the Acts ; Graeca Minora, to the end of the Dialogues. The above are essential to qualify the student to enter the Freshman class. In addition to these, the following are necessary for admission into the Sophomore class : Xenophon, four books; the whole of Horace ; Homer, one book ; Algebra, through simple equations; geography, thoroughly, and a knowledge of the maps essential."

The necessity of some standard appears by the report of studies pursued in the various academies, where all sorts of courses were pursued, as geology, botany, astronomy, and even theology. Some of the teachers, to be on the safe side, report " all branches."

The poor school report is a sad affair. But thirty one counties, out of seventy-six have poor schools in operation, with 1.624 male and 1,471 female scholars, making, with 120 not distinguished by sex, a total of 3,215. In one county no one can be found who will act as superintendent of poor schools ; in another the old and new trustees are litigating over the fund ; in divers others the teachers are not paid.

The Senate committee on public education and free schools reports "that the present free school system of Georgia is miserably defective, your committee have had but too mortifying testimony in the returns of the several counties submitted to their inspection during the present session; the fund set apart for free schools, though entirely inadequate to effect the important ^/^.y/V/- eratwn of furnishing the means for a plain axmX substantial education to every family in the State under a more regular and economical administration, has, it is feared, been dissipated with comparatively little benefit." They recommend the employment of a competent person to digest and arrange a system of free schools for consideration of the next General Assembly.

At the next session in 1830 Governor Gilmer informs the Legislature in his message that the academy system is not advancing the cause of education, and says that " the appropriations for academical purposes which have been made for some years past, do not seem to have effected any public benefit at all equal to the expenditure." The poor schools seem to have improved considerably, being in operation in fifty-eight counties, with an attendance of about five thousand. The poor school fund for this year was $29,998. 15 ; the academical fund $19,296.01.

In 1836 the Legislature appropriated one-third of the surplus revenue of the United States, then about to be distributed among the States, as a permanent free school and educational fund, and authorized the appointment of a joint committee of five "to digest a plan of common school education, best adapted to the genius, habits of life and of thought of the people of Georgia," with power to appoint a sub-committee of two, " to visit different parts of the United States, and particularly the New England States, and institute a correspondence with such persons as they may think proper, either in the United States or Europe, or both, for the purpose of getting information of the different systems of common school education."

At the next session, in 1837, Governor Schley in his message to the Legislature, said: "The great cause of education deserves your fostering care. About $40,000 are now annually distributed to the counties, and constitute what are denominated 'the Academical and Poor School Funds.' This system is believed to be radically defective. There should be no such designation as 'academic' and 'poor school,' because they are invidious and insulting. Poverty, though a great inconvenience, is no criir.e, and it is highly improper, while you offer to aid the cause of education, to say to a portion of the people ' you are poor.' Thousands of freemen who though indigent, are honest, patriotic, and valuable citizens, will refuse your bounty, and despise the hand which offers it, because it is accompanied with insult. These funds should be consolidated under the title of ' Educational Fund,' and applied to the use of primary schools, teaching only the rudiments of English education."

At the same session the joint committee to prepare a system of common schools made its report. This was ordered to be printed with the acts of that year, which was not done, but from "an act to establish a general system of education by common schools," approved December 26, 1837, their conclusions seem to have been reduced to law. This statute provides that the academic and poor school funds should be consolidated as a general fund for common schools ; that there should annually be elected a board of five commis- sioners in each county, who should lay the county off into school districts, to correspond as nearly as possible to the militia districts, and have general charge of the matter of education therein ; that they should make annual report to the governor of the school population in the county; and should receive and disburse the county's quota of the educational fund. The State fund was to be distributed according to the number of free white persons between the ages of five and fifteen in each county ; and no part of said fund was to be used for any other purpose than in payment of teachers, and purchase of books and stationery for children whose parents were unable to provide the same. The system was to be primarily for the benefit of scholars between the ages of five and fifteen, but no person between fifteen and twenty-one was to be debarred.

In 1839 there were signs of a disposition to return to the system in vogue prior to this act. In that year John McPherson Berrien, William W. Holt, and A. H. Chappell, commissioners, appointed under authority of a Legislative resolution to inquire into the whole subject of the State finances, with a view to sustaining the " great interests of public education and internal improvement," made an exhaustive and valuable report. Of the academies they say, "the county academies have been heretofore liberally endowed, and, may, in the opinion of the undersigned be safely left hereafter to the management of their own trustees, without further appropriation than a distribution of the present academic fund, in such proportions as may be just. For this intermediary class of schools this provision is deemed adequate, as experience has proved that they are capable of self support, and that those of a private foundation are ordinarily most successful."

They next consider the common or poor schools, which they say they consider more important than either the university or the academies. They say that "hitherto the State has not only been without any system of common schools, but has actually neglected to provide adequate means for their support, should a system be devised suitable to our condition It is true this matter has not been entirely neglected, but the inadequacy of the provision has in effect rendered all our efforts in this way inefficient." They state that the treasury reports show that for the five preceding years, the annual average poor school fund has been but $17,418; and the academical fund $19,352, and that the total ^'^G.y'jo is not more than half enough for poor schools alone. They find that there were then about 75,000 male citizens of Georgia over twentyone and under sixty years of age, and recommend that a poll tax of $1 be imposed, to be devoted exclusively to poor schools. They further report that they called upon the treasurer for information as to the disbursements since 181 5, or for a quarter of a century past, for academies and common schools, and give the answer received, which we here tabulate. The records appear not to extend back of 1823.

In the next year, 1840, tlie system of common schools as established by act of 1837, was abolished, the poor school system was revived, and the common school fund was made a poor school fund. Five commissioners were directed to be appointed in each county by the justices of the Inferior Court to disburse the fund for the benefit of children " between the ages of six and fifteen years, whose indigence, in tiie opinion of tlie justices, entitle them to a participation in the poor school fund." Such children might be taught in the academies, in which event the teacher was entitled to receive poor school rates for their tuition. The educational system then stood as before, to wit: academies for pay, and poor schools for indigent, pupils.

In 1842 Governor McDonald informed the Legislature that " the efforts heretofore made to confer the benefits of education upon all through the instrumentality of common and poor schools, have not been attended with the success that was hoped for," adding that "so small is the sum now subject to distribution, that if it were equally divided among the children entitled to it under the law, and it should be distributed in no other manner, it would not be sufficient to purchase the books and stationery necessary for their use. At the last apportionment, the sum of seventy cents only was assigned to each child, and there must be even a further reduction at the next." It was the opinion of his excellency that the State should support and educate, at some central point, a select number of poor pupils who should bind themselves in return to teach gratuitously for a certain period in the counties whence they came, those counties to board and clothe them while so doing, a plan which went no further than the executive recommendation.

In 1843 was passed "an act to provide for the education of the poor," which empowered the justices of the Inferior Court to levy a tax for that purpose when recommended by the grand jury. In addition to this resource 1733 shares of the capital stock of the Bank of the State of Georgia, 890 shares of

Bank of Augusta stock, and all the net assets of the Central Bank were set aside as a permanent educational fund, the interest whereof was to go to the support of poor schools. The justices of the Inferior Court were to have the general matter of poor schools in charge, and to provide for poor children between the ages of eight and sixteen whose parents were unable to educate them. By a subsequent act the school age was changed to from six to sixteen.

For a quarter of a century from this date the old system of academies and poor schools remained substantially as the acts of 1840 and 1843 left it, but some vigorous efforts were made to improve the poor school fund.

By act of 1852 the dividends on 1833 shares of State Bank stock, 890 shares of Bank of Augusta stock, and 186 shares of Georgia Railroad and Banking Company stock, all belonging to the State, were set apart " as a permanent fund for the education of the poor." This fund was to be increased by as many additional shares of the stock of either of said banks as could be purchased with the unexpended appropriation of $30,000 for the State convention of 1850, and the net assets of the Central Bank. This fund was to be apportioned among such counties as should by the first of December in each year certify to the State Treasury the number of children between the ages of eight and sixteen years therein, as were unable "from the poverty of themselves or parents, to procure a plain English education without public assistance."

In 1858 this fund was supplemented by the sum of $100,000 annually from the revenue of the Western and Atlantic, or State, railroad, and any annual unexpended balance in the treasury after defraying all expenses of the State government. It was also provided that as fast as the then existing State debt should be paid off six per cent, educational bonds should be issued, the interest to go to same fund. At that time tlie State debt was $2,627,000, so that an ultimate addition of $157,620 was contemplated The same act changed the school age to from eight to eighteen.

In 1859 the school age was changed to from six to eighteen, and it was provided that the elementary branches should alone be taught, the same being defined as spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic, though English grammar and geography might be pursued if the cost was not thereby increased.

The necessity of increased appropriations had become so manifest as to force the above stated action. The number of scholars was rapidly increasing, and the fund became ridiculously small. In 1848 there were 23,106 poor children, and the fund was $19,278.15. In 1853 there were 38,000 children, and but $23,000 wherewith to educate them, or sixty cents apiece. The effect of the measures of 1852 and 1858 we will trace hereafter; suffice it here to say that the number of poor schools and poor scholars increased.

The academies also seemed to prosper. We have seen that in 1828 there were some eighty in operation, and each year th ^ general assembly incorpo- rated new ones. Some ninety- seven had been organized u[) to 1832, and from that time the number rapidly increased. From 1832 to 1850 one hundred and seventy-two were incorporated, and from 1 850 to i860 forty-nine more. The Hst of their names is curious reading, bibhcal, classical, patriotic, Indian, local, and nondescript cognomens abounding. Among them we may mention Leonicera, Byron, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Washington, Wellington, La- Fayette, Cicero, Ebenezer, Sugar Maple, Pond Town, Hickory Flat, Liberty Plains. Vineland, Warrior, Bethel, Ikickeye, Mount Carmel, Mount Bethel, Mount Enon, Mount Horeb, Mount Gilead. Mount Zion, Hebron, Goshen, Zebulon, Buena Vista, Keg Creek, Rum Creek, Traveler's Rest, Malmaison, Villanovv, Toweliga, Etowah, Attapulgas, Phidelta, Halloca, Rehoboth, Rehobothville. Pond Town, Sardis, Snake Creek, liudisco, and Philomathia Academies. One is called Columbia, and not to be outdone, another is incorporated as Columbiana Academy; another is originally incorporated as the Farmer's Academy, and then, with an affectation of elegance, procures the General Assembly to re-baptise it as the Planter's Academy. Still another is the Constitutional Hall Academy, and one is Dried Indian Mountain Academy !

The fact is, that with the exception of the well endowed Richmond Academy in Augusta, and possibly some few others, these academies were little more than " the old field school," so well remembered by the elder generation. Probably a fair account of them as they existed for many years in most parts of the State, may be found in Judge Longstreet's sketch, " The Turn Out," in Georgia Scenes. The story turns upon a school-boy custom of taking possession of the school- house, and barring or turning the teacher out until he agreed to give them a holiday. It was Easter, and the urchins, having boiled and colored in all tlie hues of the rainbow an immense number of eggs, were anxious for a day or so in which to " peck," them, that is, knock point against point, the boy whose egg broke in the encounter forfeiting the same to his antagonist. The teacher was generally quite willing to grant the holiday, but, for form's sake, and not to displease his patrons, would make a stout preliminary resistance. On this occasion, the boys had strongly entrenched themselves, and our author thus describes the academy they had converted into a citadel : " It was a simple log-pen, about twenty feet square, with a doorway cut out of the logs, to which was fitted a rude door, made of clapboards, and swung on wooden hinges. The roof was covered with clapboards, also, and retained in their places by heavy logs placed on them. The chimney was built of logs diminishing in size from the ground to the top, and overspread inside and out with red clay mortar." Over the door of this seat of learning was a board bearing the word " academy." Our author then depicts the arrival of the enemy before the fortress. Though previously apprised of what was going on, the pedagogue gave signs of great astonishment and indignation, when he advanced to the door, and was assailed by a whole platoon of sticks from the

" Open the door of the Academy,'' (he would allow no one to call it a schoolhouse.) " Open the door of the academy this instant," said he, " or I'll break it down."

A terrific encounter ensues, but the pedagogue is repulsed. Then he seeks to work on the fears of the garrison by hunting up their stores of eggs, hidden in stumps and other recesses about, but the boys are proof against the menace. He then batters down the door ; the boys swarm all over him, and peace is finally made by conceding the holyday.

In i860 the laws of Georgia were ordered to be digested into a code. The commissioners appointed to perform this work took upon themselves a considerable power of legislation, justifying the same upon their interpretation of the authority confided in them as meaning that they were " not only to condense and arrange the verbose and somewhat chaotic mass of the statutes of Georgia, but also to interweave therewith those great leading principles of jurisprudence necessary to fill out and make perfect the body of our laws, of which the statutes constitute but disjointed parts." Acting under this very liberal construction, they did considerable "interweaving" in the matter of education, as on other topics committed to their care, and, in fact presented a general educational code, which, while retaining the main features of the old system, contained a number of new principles. The Legislature subsequently adopting the code as a whole, what is therein written may be taken as embodying the educational system of the State at the time of such adoption, and until some ten years later a new one was devised. The substance of the codified system is as follows :

The university was shorn of its supervisory power over the academies and poor schools, and the academies and poor schools were kept distinct as they had been before. Tlie justices of the Inferior Courts in the several counties were vested with power, upon the application in writing, of any body of citizens not less than three nor more than thirteen, to incorporate them as an academy, institute, or school, the powers granted to be distinctly specified, recorded on the minutes of the court, and published three times in some public gazette. The justices were also given authority to appoint trustees for any county academy, whether incorporated or not, and to any number by them deemed expedient, and to fill vacancies therein. The authority of the trustees, unless specially restricted by statute, was to elect teachers, fix their salaries and terms of office, prescribe the course of studies, manage the finances, and adopt such rules and regulations for the government of their respective institutions, as they might see fit.

The poor schools, or common schools, as they were now called, were to be supported out of the educational fund of the State, which fund was made up as follows : First, the dividends upon the stock owned by the State in the Bank of the State of Georgia, the Bank of Augusta, and tlie Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. At this time the State owned 1833 shares of the stock of the Bank of the State of Georgia, 890 shares of Bank of Augusta stock; and 186 shares of Georgia Railroad stock ; second, one hundred thousand dollars annually from the net earnings of the Western and Atlantic, or State, Railroad, in addition to this, as fast as any of the then existing State debt was paid out of the earnings of that road, the treasurer was to issue six per cent, education bonds to that amount, the interest thereof to go to the educational fund ; third, any undrawn balances of the $100,000; fourth, any balance in treasury after defraying all expenses of the State government; and fifth, any donations by will, deed, or otherwise, for educational purposes.

This fund was pro- rated among the several counties as follows : by the third Monday in November of each year, the ordinary was to report to the governor "the whole number of children in his county, as ascertained from the tax receiver's digest, his own knowledge, and the knowledge of the grand jury," it being provided that the ordinary should submit the list as made up by him from his own knowledge and the tax books to the grand jury, to be corrected by them, if necessary. On receiving these reports, the governor was to prorate the fund among the counties reporting, any county not reporting at the appointed time to lose its share in the fund, and draw his warrant in favor of the treasurer of the county school board. The educational fund of the county was thus made up :

4. Money arising from fines and forfeiture, after deducting charges thereon, and amounts recovered on qui tarn actions, where half or all was to go to the State or county.

The justices of the Inferior Court had authority to levy such tax for educational purposes, as the grand jury of the county might recommend. Should there be no such recommendation, the justices were empowered to levy a tax of not exceeding twenty-five per cent, on the rate of the State tax.

The county educational board consisted of the justices of the Inferior Court, the ordinary, and one citizen selected by the judge of the Superior Court; and had power "to disburse the school fund in their respective counties in the manner that, in their judgment, will best promote the cause of general education under the law"; to examine all teachers who participate in the school funds upon the elementary branches, and also upon English grammar and geography, if the teacher applying shall desire, and to give said teacher the proper certificates of their qualification; to publish annually the school system adopted, rates of tuition, receipts and expenditures, itemized ; and to meet at least once a month.

It was not compulsory upon the board to establish common schools, but it was to do so when the educational fund of the county and the state of the population warranted the same in their judgement.

All children between the ages of six and eighteen were entitled to attend the common schools, '" but children of parents who are unable to educate them, children discarded by their parents, and indigent orphan children, must first be provided for."

These special beneficiaries were to be ascertained as follows : Each parent was, in making his tax returns, to state, under oath, the number of his children, or children under his charge, between the ages of six and eighteen ; the ordinary was to select from the tax books the names of those who, from poverty of parent, or otherwise, had not the means of education, adding any unreturned cases to his knowledge ; and the grand jury was to add any such cases in their knowledge. Moreover, any citizen might report to the board of education the names of any poor children omitted from the list.

The course of instruction was to be only the elementary branches, the law stating that "by the term elementary branches is meant spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic," but in no event was the expense to exceed sixteen dollars per scholar per annum. By special permission scholars might study English grammar and geography, or any other study, always provided the above cost was not exceeded.

After the act of 1858, assisting that of 1852, had provided a fairly competent fund for the poor schools, the returns of the number of children of school age show a marked increase. Probably the county authorities had been for years derelict in this respect because deeming the report a mere idle form. The returns for 1854 showed 42,467 poor children, and the fund that year was but $23,388, or not quite 53 cents per htad. In 1858 the fund was $29,569, and the largest amount going to any one county was $761 ; two receiving only $42. In 1859 the educational fund paid out was $150,163; the number of children between eight and eighteen, as ascertained by a State census that year taken, was 129,440. It must be understood, however, that this is the sum total of all the children, not the indigent only. For i860 the number of children between six and eighteen years of age was 159,341, and the eilucational fund disbursed to the counties was $150,000.

The outbreak of the war prevented this system from having a fair trial, but there is reason to think that, between the academies and the poor schools, education was made pretty general. It will be seen, however, from the review which has been given, that, up to 1858, the county academies were the main educational resource, and that children whose parents were unable to send them to the academy were dependent for instruction on the poor schools. How meaner that resource was has been shown. Riclimond county shared in the general famine. Its report for 1828 was as follows : "Richmond county, number of scholars, male 22, female 17, total 39. No report of funds received or expended ; several school bills presented, but for want of funds could not be liquidated." For 1830 the report was: "Number of children returned between the ages of three and twenty is 177, males 94, females 83, of whom 104 are attending school ; amount received $636.75, disbursed $283.78." What sort of school must have been kept for 104 children on $283.78?

For 1 83 I the poor schools o( Richmond received $343 30 from the State. In 1 83 I there were 135 poor scholars, and the fund was $451. In this year the trustee, George A. B. Walker, recommended the abolition of the system in that count}'. From the table heretofore given it will be seen that, for a number of years following this date, the total poor school fund was about a constant quantity, from which we may infer that th(;re was no improvement in Richmond.

This state of affairs animated some notable benefactions to the cause of free education by citizens of Augusta in bygone years. Prominent among them is the bequest of John W. Houghton, which still perpetuates his memor}' in the Houghton Institute, a flourishing seminary. Mr. Houghton was a native of Massachusetts, who settled in Augusta some si\t\' odd years ago. Shortly after his arrival he opened a store on Lower Broad street, and engaged in the shoe and leather trade. After years of close economy and strict attention to business he accumulated a fortune, and at his death left a sufficient amount for the erection of a brick building and the endowment of a school that should bear his name and " be free to all the children of Augusta."

By a provision in his will the city council was made the custodian of this fund. In 1851 a large lot on Greene street, between Lincoln and Elbert, was selected as the site upon which to erect the new school-house, and during the following year a massive structure, well ventilated and comfortably furnished, was appropriately dedicated. Two teachers were elected by the city council - one for the male department, the other for the fen)ale - and the school opened under favorable auspices. For many years the number of pupils upon its rolls was rather limited, and the grade scarcely any liigher than that of an intermediate school of the present day. After the war a new impetus was given under the leadership of Hon. M. V. Calvin, then principal of the institute, which caused many to patronize the school.

In October, 1872, Mr. J. Cuthbert Shecut, a graduate of South Carolina University, was elected principal of the institute. He immediately reorganized the school, and adopted the graded system of classes and departments, with results most beneficial to the pupils and most satisfactory to the community. This system, with many improvements, stood the test of years, and is still in successful operation at the institute.

The institute is divided into two schools, male and female, under the supervision of one head - the principal. Each school consists of four departments, viz.: Primary, intermediate, grammar and iiigh school. In each of the primarydepartments there are three grades or divisions - the higher departments being divided into two grades. Each grade is again subdivided into classes, in accordance with the rank of the department, and over the entire department a competent teacher presides.

In the primary and intermediate departments, the elementary branches are taught in regular graduation. In the grammar departments the pupil is taught the higher branches in the English language, and begins the study of Latin. In this grade the attention of the learner is directed to an analysis of the objects of his study. The high school is the scientific grade. In this department the student completes the following course of study : Rhetoric, English synonyms, Latin, French, algebra, geometry, physical geography, physics, astronomy, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. The topics which the different studies present are illustrated by means of apparatus.

At the close of each scholastic year examinations, oral and written, are held in the institute hall. Cards of promotion are given to all pupils who successfully pass their examination, and diplomas of graduation are presented to the successful competitors of the high school department.

Thousands of young men and young women have received their education at the old Houghton. So popular has it become that the committee in charge have already decided to enlarge the building. From an humble origin the Houghton has become "a bright and shining light," and an inestimable blessing to the community.

The institute is under the charge and control of the city council. The teachers are one male principal and such number of male and female assistants as council may determine, all elected annually, and receiving salaries fixed by council.

The Augusta Free School is a venerable institution founded before 182 1, and still in useful operation. In that year Rev. William T. Brantley, Rev. William Moderwell, Augustus Moore, William J. Hobby, Ralph Ketchum, Samuel Hale, Hugh Nesbit, Joel Catlin, Abiel Camfield, Robert Raymond Reid, Carlos Tracy, John Campbell, and Thomas McDowell were incorporated as "The Augusta Free School Society." Mr. Richard Tubman and others were generous benefactors of this school. Mr. Thomas Snowden, one of the most successful instructors ever known in Augusta, was for a long time principal, and at one time Hon. Martin V. Calvin occupied the same position. The school is now used for primary instruction, and is not incorporated with the general public school system.

Of the Richmond Academy we have elsewhere in this work spoken at length, and need here only say that this is the oldest incorporated institution of learning in Georgia - with two exceptions, in Virginia, the oldest in the Southern States. The College of Charleston, next in order of time, is less venerable by several years. Both were founded under the same impulse, and to meet the same social exigencies, - the education of the youth of the State at home.

No school of learning has been more intimately connected with all the interests of the community in which it has been established. By its charter its trustees were ex-officio commissioners of the town ; and, indeed, the general supervision of the interests of the town continued until the incorporation of the city in 1798. From 1780 to 1786, while Savannah (the seat of State government) was occupied by the enemy, Augusta was declared the temporary capital of the State, and there being no public buildings in Augusta suitable for the purpose, those of the academy were used as the State House, and the State and Federal Courts were held there. The academy then occupied its old site on Bay street, just below the residence of Josiah Sibley, esq. There, in 1 79 1, President Washington attended the commencement exercises of the academy and the ball given to his honor by the citizens. The board of trustees have most faithfully and continuously carried forward the trust confided to them - to establish "a seminary of learnin<j; for the education of our youth."

The course of study includes besides the Latin. Greek, French, German and English languages, a thorough mathematical course from arithmetic to calculus, a popular course of natural philosophy, theoretical and analytical chemistry, astronomy, geology, and also a course of physiology and hygiene. The present building was erected in 1802 at a cost of some $20,000. The school was opened in 1785, a Mr. William Rogers, of Maryland, being appointed "master of the academj'," with a salary of ^200, and the use of the master's house and garden. He had the assistance of one tutor and was required to teach the Latin, Greek, and English languages and the common practical branches of mathematics. The highest rate of tuition was ten dollars per quarter. The academy remained in successful operation till 1864, when it was converted into a hospital by the Confedcr.ite government. For a couple of years after the close of the war it was used by the United States troops as a barracks, but on January i, 1868, was reopened and has since been in successful operation. Its business affairs appear to have been carefully managed during its century of existence. In 1845 '^ ^^'^^ reported as having buildings, library and apparatus worth some $30,000, annuity from real estate of $16,- 000, and some $12,000 in bank stock At present its income is sufficient to defray all expenses and add about $1,000 annually to the endowment fund.

In 181 5 the trustees of the Richmond Academy were authorized "to estab lish a seminary of learning on the Sand Hills, near Augusta, to be held and considered as a branch of the Richmond Academy, and to be governed by such rules and regulations as govern the said institution." The Sand Hills, subse- quentlySummerville, Academy, was founded under this authority, and remained a part of the Richmond Academy until 1866, when it became a separate institution. It may here be added, as a fact Httle known, that in 1854 an effort was made to change the name Richmond Academy to that of the Tubman College. In that year the Legislature passed an act to empower the trustees of the academy of Richmond county to change the name of that institution to the Tubman College, and authorizing them under that name to have all necessary corporate powers and to use the property then held or owned by them for the academy. The then trustees of the academy were made trustees of the college, and empowered to add other trustees, so that the total number should not exceed fifteen, and all laws relative to the academy were made applicable to the college. The proposed change was not made.

The Constitution of Georgia framed in 1 861, by the same convention which adopted the Ordinance of Secession, contained the following provision : "The General Assembly shall have power to appropriate money for the promotion of learning and science, and to provide for the education of the people." - Art. II., sec. 5, part 4.

The constitution adopted in 1865 had this clause: "The General Assembly shall have power to appropriate money for the promotion of learning and science, and to provide for the education of the people, and shall provide for the early resumption of the regular exercises of the University of Georgia, by the adequate endowment of the same." - Art. II., sec. 5, part 3.

Thanks to the industry of Peterson Thweatt, comptroller-general during the war, and one of the best officers ever holding this position, we have a pretty clear account of educational matters from i860 to 1865, and here tabulate the statistics of the comptroller's reports :

In 1865 the State road was destroyed ; by that time, also, the banks were suspended, and the only source of educational revenue left was the interest on education bonds, $23,355. Even this fund existed only on paper.

Well might Governor Jenkins, on the restoration of peace, inform the Legislature that among the other disasters of the war the sources of supply to the educational interests had been dried up. Before passing to i\\G post bellinn period we may here give some synopsis of the legislation and policy of the State in respect to the education of the colored race. The inhibition on the education of the slaves or free negroes dates from colonial days. In the year 177^* the Provincial Assembly passed an act, or rather a code of laws, relative to the colored population of the colony, and in this among a multitude of regulations, appears the following clause: "And whereas the having slaves taught to write, or suffering them to be employed in writing may be attended with great inconvenience: Be it therefore enacted that all and every person and persons whatsoever, who shall hereafter teach, or cause any slave or slaves to be taught to write or read writing, or shall use or employ any slave as a scribe in any manner of writing whatsoever, every such person and persons shall for every such offense, forfeit the sum of twenty pounds sterling." In 1829 it was enacted that "If any slave, negro or free person of color, or any white person, shall teach any other slave, negro, or free person of color to read or write either written or printed characters, the said free person of color or slave shall be punished by fine and whipping, or fine or whipping, at the discretion of the court ; and if a white person so offend, he, she, or they shall be punished with a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, and imprisonment in the common jail at the discretion of the court before whom said offender is tried."

In the same year, 1829, it was also enacted that "if any slave, negro, mestizo, or free person of color, or any other person, shall circulate, bring, or cause to be circulated or brought into this State, or aid or assist in any manner, or be instrumental in aiding or assisting in the circulation or bringing into this State, or in any manner concerned in any written or printed pamphlet, paper, or circular, for the purpose of exciting to insurrection, conspiracy, or resistance among the slaves, negroes or free persons of color of this State, against their owners or the citizens of this State, the said person or persons offending against this act shall be punished with death."

In 1833 the penal laws of the State were codified, and in this code the foregoing provisions, as also one against the employment of colored persons in printing-offices, were incorporated as follows: "If any persion shall teach any slave, negro, or free person of color, to read or write either written or printed characters, or shall procure, suffer, or permit a slave, negro, or person of color to transact business for him in writing, such person so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be punished by fine or imprisonment in the common jail of the county, or both, at the discretion of the court.

"If any person, owning or having in his possession and under his control any printing press or types in this State, shall use or employ, or permit to be used or employed, any slave or free person of color in the setting up of types, or other labor about the office, requiring in said slave or free person of color a knowledge of reading or writing, such person so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars.

"If any person shall bring, introduce, or circulate, or cause to be brought, introduced or circulated, or aid, or assist, or be in any manner instrumental in bringing, introducing, or circulating within this State, any printed or written paper, pamphlet, or circular for the purpose of exciting insurrection, revolt, conspiracy, or resistance on the part of the slaves, negroes, or free persons of color in this State, against the citizens of this State, or any part of them, such person so offending shall be guilty of a high misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be punished with death."

In 1 84 1 it was enacted that "if any shopkeeper, storekeeper, or any other person or persons whatsoever, shall sell to. barter, or in anywise furnish, or allow to be furnished by any person in his, her, or their employment, any slave, negro, or free person of color, any printed or written book, pamphlet, or other written or printed publication, writing paper, ink, or other articles of stationery for his, her, or their use, without written or verbal permission from the owner, guardian, or other person authorized, such person or persons so offending shall, upon conviction thereof, pay a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars, for the first offense, and upon conviction of a second offense, be subject to a fine and imprisonment in the common jail of the county at the discretion of the court, not to exceed sixty days imprisonment and five hundred dollars fine."

In 1867, while not as yet fully rehabilitated, the State was reconstructed. The constitution adopted by the convention which met in Atlanta in 1868 provided for a poll tax of one dollar annually on each poll to be used for educational purposes exclusively. It further provided that the General Assembly at its first session after the adoption of the constitution should "provide a thorough system of general education, to be forever free to all children of the State, the expense of which shall be provided for by taxation or otherwise"; and that "the poll tax allowed by this constitution, any educational fund now belonging to this State - except the endowment of and debt due to the State University - or that may hereafter be obtained in any way, a special tax on shows and exhibitions, and on the sale of spirituous and malt liquors - which the general assembly is hereby authorized to assess - and the proceeds from the commutation for militia service, are hereby set apart and devoted to the support of common schools. And if the provision herein made shall at any time prove insufficient, the general assembly shall have power to levy such general tax upon the property of the State as may be necessary for the support of said school system. And there shall be established as soon as practicable, one or more common schools in each school district in this State." The constitution also provided that there should be a State school commissioner. In 1870 an act was passed to establish a system of public instruction, the main features of which were as follows: there was to be a State board of education, consisting of the governor, the attorney-general, the secretary of State, the comptrollergeneral, and the State school commissioner; there was also to be a county board of education made up of one member from each militia district, and one from each town or city ward, to be elected by the people and hold two years. The State educational fund was to be apportioned to the counties in proportion to the number of persons between six and twenty-one years of age therein; the county boards were to institute schools and apportion and disburse the county's quota of the fund. The course of instruction was to be orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic, Engh'sh grammar, and geography. Provision was made for evening and ambulatory schools.

Up to 1872 the public schools in Augusta were conducted under this act; but in that year a local law was passed which regulates public instruction in the city and county, one school board having entire charge thereof The details of this system are as follows :

The board of education consists of thirty-seven members - three from each of the five city wards, five country districts, two incorporated villages and the ordinary of the county, c.v-ojficio. Members must be freeholders and residents of the county. The term of ofiice is three years, and an election occurs every November to fill the vacancies on the board, the term of one-third of the members expiring annually. The board meets regularly on the second Saturday of each month, and the president is chosen from among its members. The secretary, who is also the county school commissioner, is chosen annually at the meeting in January.

The schools in each district and village in the county are under the entire control of the local trustees. The teachers are chosen by them, the length of the term is regulated by them, and all matters pertaining to the schools are referred to them, under regulations of the board of education. In the city the schools are under the charge of the conference board of city trustees, which consists of all the members from the five wards.

The finances of the board are under the control of the finance committee, which meets on Friday before the regular meeting of the board of education. They audit all accounts, examine all the books, and present the monthly expenses of all the schools to the board at each regular meeting. They are not authorized, however, to audit any account that is not approved by a majority of the local trustees of the ward or district wherein the expenditure is to be made, except the high school accounts, which are approved by the secretary.

The school fund at the disposal of the board is annually divided, according to the school population, among the city wards, the five county districts and the two villages, after reserving a fund for the general expenses of the board and for the high schools. By this means each set of local trustees can see the amount at their disposal, and can regulate their schools accordingly. They can have few or many teachers, a long or short term, build and repair, just as they please and as their funds permit. Each district, village and the city wards run a separate set of schools, and yet the whole system is controlled by one board of education, and the actions of the various local trustees are under the supervision of suitable committees from the general board.

whole. He is required to visit all schools, to examine and instruct the teachers, keep a record of the financial operations of the board, and in every way to promote the general interest of education in the county.

The Tubman High School is for young ladies. Pupils are admitted to the school upon payment of a tuition fee of seven and a half dollars per term, in advance, which is fifteen dollars for a school year. The principal examines all applicants for seats, unless they bring promotion cards from the grammar schools. The course of study is well chosen, and all pupils desiring promotion or graduation are subject to rigid examination at the close of each term. The young lady in the graduating class who receives the highest mark during the year is entitled to the Davidson medal. She is also entitled to a scholarship in the Wesleyan Female College, of Macon, Ga. The young lady who receives the second highest mark is entitled to a scholarship at Lucy Cobb Institute. A scholarship for general excellence is also offered by the Millersburg College, in Kentucky. Regular diplomas are given to the graduating classes at the annual commencement exhibitions in June.

The Colored High School is conducted in every regard as the Tubman High School, except that a fee of five dollars a term, in advance, or ten dollars for a school year, is demanded of the pupils.

In the selection of teachers to fill the public schools everything being equal, preference is given to the graduates from the high schools of the county.

The teachers in the high schools are chosen by the entire board of education. Those in the city schools are chosen by the conference board of city trustees, which consists of the members from the five wards. Those in the country districts are chosen by the local trustees of the district in which the school is situated. No person can be considered as an applicant for any public school, nor entitled to election as such, unless possessed of a certificate of qualification signed by the president and secretary.

The method of securing the certificate of qualification is as follows: The applicant must write an application for examination as teacher, have it endorsed as to good moral character by at least two persons of good standing, address it to the board of education, and place it in the hands of the secretary.

The secretary reads the application to the board at the next regular meeting, and they order the examination to be held. At any convenient season the secretary examines the applicant upon reading, spelling, writing, geography, history, grammar and arithmetic, and upon other branches of study desired. The result of the examination is reported to the next meeting of the board, and according to the degree of proficiency in the studies the secretary recommends a certificate of the first, second and third grade to be granted, which is accordingly done. If the applicant is possessed of a diploma, this wmII entitle him, without examination, to a certificate of the first grade, though the application must be made as above. A certificate of the third grade entitles a teacher to teach in the primary school only; of the second grade to teach in the intermediate school, and of the first grade to teach a grammar or high school. The first grade certificate is good for three years, the second grade for two years, and the third grade for one year.

No child under six or over eighteen years of age is allowed to enter the public school system. Pupils are required to attend the school that is nearest to them, and in case of the districts in the country no pupil is allowed to attend a school that is in another district from the one in which he lives, except by mutual consent of the local trustees of both districts.

If the patrons of any school become dissatisfied with the teacher, and do not desire to send their children, their remedy is not in sending them to other schools, but in presenting a written petition to the local trustees requesting the teacher to be displaced and some other one put instead, and support their petition by proof of incompetency.

First. Pupils are admitted to the schools according to the priority of their application. Due regard is paid to the application of those pupils who reside in the ward in which the school is situated. In so far as possible, pupils are required to attend the schools in the wards of their residence.

Second. Pupils holding promotion cards from any public school teacher are entitled to highest preference above pupils who hold no cards. Of these pupils those who are promoted in the same building are first enrolled. In all cases where pupils are not promoted they are allowed to retain their seats under their former teacher.

Third. The rolls of all the schools are to be made up on the day that the school opens. Seats are not reserved for absent pupils. After a pupil has taken his seat he is required as soon as possible to provide himself with the necessary books, and failure to do this will vacate his position. So long as the pupil is studious and obedient, and attends to the laws of the school, he may retain his place, but the strictest regulations are enforced concerning the suspension and expulsion of pupils who neither study nor behave. Corporal punishment is allowed to be inflicted on boys only. There are no expenses connected with the schools, except that of janitors' fees, which amount to about seventy-five cents a year for each pupil.

At the end of each term - that is in February and in June - pupils are required to pass an examination, written or oral, of what they have been taught during the previous months. The questions are generally prepared by the superintendent, in conjunction with the teachers, and are exhaustive under each topic After the pupils have been e.xamined, each one is marked according to his answers in each study. From this his general average is formed, and from the general averages the average of the school can be found. All these marks and averages are put down in the appropriate reports and filed in the office of the superintendent. Thus the examinations are made matter of record from year to year.

The schools are divided into primary, intermediate, grammar and high schools. The primary comprises three classes; the intermediate and grammar grades, two classes each ; and the hi^h schools, three classes ; each class corresponding to one year.

The scholastic year begins on the Monday nearest the middle of September, and closes on. the last school day in June. The daily sessions are from 9 A. M. to 2 P. M. Sixty schools are now in operation, seventeen in the city, eight white, and nine colored ; and forty three in the country, twenty-five white and eighteen colored, with a total enrollment of 6, 121 pupils, white 3,390, colored 2.731. The whites are divided as follows: boys, 1,446, girls, 1,944; the colored: boys, 1,237, girls, 1,494 There are 105 teachers employed, their salaaries ranging from $35 to $50 per month in the white schools, and from $20 to $40 in the colored. The fund for 1888 was $43,687.61. Prior to the institution of this system Hon. John S. Davidson was president of the local board. Under the system the first president was John T. Shewmake, who was succeeded by George R. Sibley, and he in turn by Mr. Davidson, who has been the presiding officer for the last ten years. The superintendents have been Martin V. Calvin, A. H. McLaws, Benjamin Neely, and Lawton B. Evans. The Richmond county school system claims to show by its records that it educates at less cost per capita than any system in the South. We here subjoin a tabular statement of the number of teachers employed.

The fund is made up of the county's proportion of the State educational fund, the poll tax collected in the county, the tuition fees as above stated, and the special school tax levied by the School Board. For the period above

The establishment of the public school system has done away with private educational establishments in Augusta with the exception of a business college conducted by Professor Osborne, and three Ca'holic institutions, namely: St. Patrick's Commercial Institute, conducted by a religious fraternity, and St. Mary's Academy, established in 1853, and the Sacred Heart Academy, established in 1876, both founded and conducted by "The Sisters of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy."

Banks And Banking

Two Eras. 18 10 to 1865, and 1865 to Date - The Old Bank of Augusta - Its Incorporators - Voting on a Sliding Scale - Old Bank Rules - Death to Counterfeit its Notes - Germs of Bank Examinations - The Old Bank's Good Showings - A Surplus Fund a Novelty - Balance Sheet of 1835 - List of Stockholders - Other Old Banks - First Savings Bank in 1827 - Its expenses I4. 55 per annum - The Old Augusta Savings Institution - Augusta Insurance and Banking Company Almost Ruined by the Fire of 1829 - President Bennoch's Tart Report to the Governor - Report of 1833 - List of Stockholders - Merchants' and Planters' Bank - Its Failure in 1833 - Legislative Report Thereon - The Mechanics' Bank - Report for 1833 - List of Stockholders - The Union Bank - The City Bank - The Georgia Railroad given Banking Franchise - Its Capital Stock and Dividends, from 1836 to 1847 - Its Banking Business, from 1847 to 1864 - Discounts, Deposits, and Circulation for Same Period - Early Banking - Banking at Will - Prohibition of Change Bills - Suppression of Private Banking - Severe Penalties - No Notes Under Five Dollars - Forfeiture of Charter on Suspension of Specie Payments - Free Banking Law of 1838 - Analagous to National Bank Act - Land and Negroes a Basis of Issue - Panic of 1837 - Panic of 1857 - '' The War of the Banks" - Banking Capital in 1835, in 1838, in i860 - Dividends, 1829 to 1838 - Great Prosperity Just Before the War - Increase of $133,000,000 in Two Years - Wealth of Richmond County in i860 - Outside of Slaves $20,- oc)0,ocx) - War-Bonds, Specie Suspension - The Banks Exhaust Themselves Helping the Confederacy - Banking During the War - Demise of the Old Banks - Banks Since the War - National Bank - National Exchange Bank - The State Banks - Renewal of Banking Franchise to the Georgia Railroad - Dividends, from 1836 to 1861, Under First Franchise - Dividends, 1861 to 1 88 1 - The Commercial Bank - The Augusta Savings Institution - Planters Loan and Savings Bank - Banks Chartered Since the War, but Not Organized - City Loan Association and Savings Bank - Mechanics' Savings Bank - City Loan and Savings Bank - Manufacturers' Bank - Citizens' Bank - City Bank - Savings Bank of Augusta - Name Changed to Bank of Augusta - Its Failure.

THE history of banking in Augusta begins in 18 10, when the old Bank of Augusta was incorporated, and may be considered in two epochs; namely before, and since 1865. Prior to the war the system of State Banks prevailed since the war the National bank and State systems have both obtained. Up to 1838 there was no uniform banking law in Georgia, but in that year a general act providing for the incorporation of banking institutions was passed. In 1837, and again in 1857, financial panics, prevalent thruui^hout the country, exerted their full influence in Augusta. At the outbreak of the war the banks of Augusta risked their all on the success of the Southern Confederacy, and at the end of the struggle went down in the common ruin. With the rehabilita tion of the State, banking revived, and, as has been stated, both National banks and State banks now carry on business in the city. The details of the history thus tersely outlined, let us now proceed to give.

In 1810 there was passed "An act to incorporate the Bank of Augusta." From the language of this statute it appears that, for some time prior, there had been a bank in the city, the preamble of the act reading: "Whereas Thomas Gumming, president, and John Howard, Richard Tubman. John Mc- Kinne, James Gardner, Hugh Nesbit, David Reid. John Moore, John Campbell, John Willson, Anderson Watkins, John Carmichael, and Ferdinand Phinizy, directors of the said bank, have petitioned the Legislature that they, the said president and directors, and others, the stockholders of the said bank, may be incorporated under the name of the Bank of Augusta." The act then proceeds to incorporate petitioners by the name and style of " The president, directors, and company of the Bank of Augusta." and to declare that, by that name, they " shall be, and are hereby made, able and capa' Ic in l.iw to have, purchase, receive, possess, enjoy, and retain to them and t'ucir successors lands, rents, tenements, hereditaments, goods, chattels, and effects of what kind, nature, or quality whatsoever, and the same to sell, grant, demise, alien, or dispose of, to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended in courts of record, or any other place whatsoever ; and also to make, have, and use a common seal, and the same to break, alter and renew at their pleasure, and also to ordain, establish, and put in execution such by-laws, ordinances, and regulations as shall seem necessary and convenient for the government of the said corporation, not being contrary to the laws, or to the constitution of this State, or of the United States, or repugnant to the fundamental rules of this corporation ; and, generally, to do and execute all and singular such acts, matters, and things which to them it shall or may appertain to do ; subject, nevertheless, to the rules, regulations, restrictions, limitations, and provisions hereinafter prescribed and declared."

The charter was to expire on May i, 1830, and thirteen directors were to be chosen annually on the first Monday in December. The method of selection was quite curious. The number of votes to which each stockholder was to be entitled in the election of directors was fixed on a sliding scale, as follows : " For one share, and not more than two shares, one vote ; for every two shares above two, and not exceeding ten, one vote; for every four shares above ten, and not exceeding tliirty, one vote; for every six shares above thirty, and not exceeding sixty, one vote ; for every eight shares above sixty, and not exceeding one hundred, one vote; and for every ten shares above one hundred, one vote ; but no person, corporation, copartnership, or body pohtic, shall be entitled to more than thirty votes, and no share or shares shall confer a right of suffrage which shall not have been holden three calendar months previous to the day of election, and unless it be holden by the person in whose name it appears, absolutely and bona fide in his own right, or in that of his wife, and for his or her sole use and benefit, or as executor or administrator, or guardian, or in the right and use of some copartnership, corporation, or society, of which he or she may be a member, and not in trust for, or to the use of, any other person; any stockholder, being absent, may authorize, by power of attorney under seal, any other stockholder to vote for him, her, or them."

Two weeks before the election of directors a full list of stockholders was to be made out and opened to the inspection of any stockholder desiring to see the same, " to the end that public information may be given to the parties concerned of their co-proprietors and stockholders ; and to prevent a division of shares, in order to obtain to the person or persons so dividing them an undue influence, the managers of elections for directors shall administer to every stockholder offering to vote the following oath: 'You, A. B., do swear (or afifirm) that the stock you now represent, is bona fide your property, and that you are a citizen of the United States, and that no other person or persons is or are concerned therein ;' and to any person voting by proxy for a minor, or in right of or in trust for any other person entitled to vote, the following oath : ' You, A. B., do swear (or affirm) that the stock of C. D., whom you now represent, is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, the property of the said C. D., and that he is a citizen of the United States, and that no other person or persons is or are concerned therein ; ' and any stockholder refusing to take such oath or affirmation shall not be allowed to vote at any such election."

At their first meeting the directors were to elect a president out of their number, and any vacancies in the board were to be filled by the other members.

The following fundamental rules for the government of the bank were then enacted: ist. The capital stock was to be $300,000. in $100 shares, $50,000 whereof was to be reserved until January i, 1812, for the State, should it see fit to subscribe ; in which event the governor, treasurer, and comptroller general were to have the right to select two of the directors.

2d. By a majority vote of the stockholders, the stock was increaseable up to $600,000, one-sixth of any increase to be reserved for the State, and, if not taken by the next session of the Legislature after such increase, to be thrown open to the public, the State, if subscribing, to appoint another director.

be eligible as a director, and no director of any other bank shall at the same time be a director of this bank ; any director ceasing to be a stockholder t(.i lose his seat at the board.

5th. The cashier was to give bond in sucli sum as the directors might require, and he, the president, and all other officers of the board, were to take the following oath : 'I, A. B., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of president or cashier, or other officer (as the case may be), of the board of the Bank of Augusta,' which oath was to be subscribed and entered on the minutes.

6th. Seven directors were to form a quorum, of whom the president was always to be one, except in case of sickness or necessary absence, when the board was to elect one of its members in his place.

7th. The board by a majority vote could call a general meeting of stockholders at any time, giving thirty days' notice in some newspaper in Augusta, Washington, Wilkes county, Milledgeville, and Savannah, and specifying therein the object of the meeting.

lOth. Bills obligatory and of credit, under the seal of the corporation, were assignable by endorsement; the bank bills or notes were to be signed by the president, countersigned by the principal cashier or treasurer, and negotiable by delivery.

1 2th. The bank was only to hold such lands, tenements, and hereditaments as were necessary for its accommodation in the transaction of its business, or had been mortgaged thereto, or conveyed it, or to some other in trust, to secure loans, or bought at judicial sales upon judgments in favor of the bank, or loans, and the directors were empowered to sell all property the bank might thus acquire.

13th. The bank was not directly or indirectly to be concerned in commerce or insurance, or in the importation or exportation of goods, or the purchase or sale thereof, except where pledged to it as security.

14th. All bills, bonds, notes, and contracts of the bank were to be signt d by the president, and countersigned by the cashier, or else to be not binding.

15th. The total indebtedness of the bank, by bill, bond, note or othtrAise was never to exceed three tunes the amount of its capital. In case of this limit being exceeded the directors under whose administration the excess had taken place were individually liable ; but any director might relieve himself b\' dis- senting from the act or resolution authorizing such over-issue, having said dissent entered on the minutes at the time, and forthwith giving notice of the fact at a general meeting of stockholders, which any dissenting director might call. Tlie hank was also liable for the over issue.

17th. No dividend was to be at the expense of the capital stock; and, if such were declared, the directors present at the declaring thereof were to be individually liable to the bank for the amount of the infringement, but any director might relieve himself by forthwith dissenting in writing on the minutes of the board.

1 8th. The directors were to keep regular minutes; vote by yeas and nays at the demand of any two directors; and produce the minutes before each general meeting of stockholders

19th. The charter was to endure till May i, 1830, but two- thirds of the capital stock might surrender the same prior thereto, on giving twelve months' notice in the newspapers of Augusta, Savannah, and Milledgeville.

When an increase of stock had been voted, no person could subscribe for more than ten shares, until after the expiration of three months from date of increase.

Lastly, the charter contained this terrific denunciation: "That any person or persons who shall print, sign, or pass, or be concerned in the printing, signing, or passing any counterfeit note or notes, bill or bills, of the Bank of Augusta, knowing them to be such, or who shall alter, or be concerned in the alterin"' of any genuine note or notes, bill or bills of the said bank, and shall be convicted thereof, shall sufTer death."

We have been thus particular in giving the details of the charter of the Bank of Augusta because it is in some sort the model on which subsequent charters were framed, and is in itself, in spite of some archaic features, a work evincing much financial ability. It is said that the curious provision as to the voting power of stock in elections for directors was borrowed from an old Scotch bank ; but, however this may be, the cautious restrictions and limitations thrown about the manner of the selection of directors, and the responsibility placed on those officials, evince experience and ability in the framers of the act.

It will be seen that the original charter was to expire on May i, 1830; but, in 1826, it was extended to May i, 1850; and in 1845 again extended to May I, 1870. This latter period it never reached, going down in the storms of war, but its long, useful and honorable history we may here trace.

In 1 8 20 the presidents of the Bank of the State of Georgia, the Bank of Darien, the Planters' Bank, and the Bank of Augusta were required to annually report to the governor a minute statement of the standing and management of their respective institutions for the twelve months immediately preceding the first Monday in October, "showing particularly the amount of specie in their vaults; the amount of debts due them, the amount of issues, and the amount of bills in circulation; the amount of deposits, and the highest amount due and owing by each of said banks."

In 1823 Governor Clark in his annual message recommended that each bank in which the State owned stock be required to make semi-annual statements to the executive ; " the whole of their proceedings, giving the names of their debtors and the amount due by each, to be laid before the Legislature at their annual sessions." His excellency seems to have been no friend to banks; farther on in his message informing the Legislature that "the opinion even noM almost universally prevails that the pecuniary embarrassment of the citizens is greater in proportion as you approach the vicinity of a bank;" also, that "the time may arrive when those monied 'institutions' will throw the weight of their powerful but subtle influence into the scale of an aspiring faction, hostile to the true interests of the country, thus sapping the foundation of the representative system, by corrupting the purity of the elective franchise."

So much of the message as related to the banks was referred to a joint committee on banks, which reported that the reports made were not specific enough, and should exhibit " the amount of specie in their vaults and owned by said banks, the amount of issues in circulation, the amount of discounted paper due and running to maturity, designating the amount in suit, the amount considered bad and the amount considered doubtful (with an exhibit of the names of the parties, makers and endorsers on such bad paper), and at what time such loans were made; a schedule and description of all real and personal property owned by said banks, and from whom purchased, the particular circumstances which induced the purchase of such property, its real value at the time of purchase, and its real value at time of report; " which exhibits were ordered to be made. At this time it is quite clear the Legislature was groping its way toward a system of bank examination.

In 1824 a special committee of four, of which Judge William W. Holt, of Augusta, then a member of the house of representatives, was one, was appointed to inquire into the condition of the several banks in which the State was a stockholder, and report to the next session. The text of this report we do not find, but it must have been favorable to the banks as the joint committee on banks says that on inspection of the exhibits made by the Bank of Augusta, and the other banks in which the State had stock, the report of the special committee is fully sustained, that "their condition is sound and all their affairs faithfully and ably conducted."

In [829 the committee on banks report " that they find the affairs of the Bank of Augusta have been managed with great prudence and discretion, and fully merits the continuance of the public confidence."

that clay. The joint committee on banks reporting; on the annual statement of the bank of Augusta says: "That on a careful examination of the exhibits, they find such evidence of the abihty with which the affairs of this bank have been conducted, and of its sound and stable condition, as fully to retain the high credit of the institution. The committee find on examination of the statement that the issues of the bank have been kept within the bounds of moderation, amounting to a sum less than double the amount of specie actually in the banks of the vault; that out of a sum of $890,575.38 of paper discounted, and due and running to maturity, only $10,000 is considered bad, and $16,000 doubtful. These facts speak highly in favor of the persons exercising the direction of the institution, and entitle them to the approbation of the Legislature and the community. The surplus fund over and above the regular dividend amounts to the sum of $104,948.94, which is held for the purpose of reimbursing the stockholders in the event of loss by bad debts or other accidents. This plan of holding a large surplus fund to meet such exigencies, where the regular dividends, equal to legal interest, are paid, is highly to be commended, and your committee therefore respectfuJly submit the following resolution :

^'Resolved, That the abilty and fidelity with which the affairs of the Bank of Augusta have been conducted merit the approbation of the Legislature, and entitle the bank to the fullest confidence of the public": which was adopted.

In 1 83 1 the legislative committee reported as to this bank as follows: "That, on a careful and minute examination of the exhibits they find such evidence of the ability with which the affairs of the bank have been conducted, and of its sound and stable condition, that notwithstanding the great depreciation in the real estate belonging to the institution of about $29,000, and in doubtful and bad debts to the amount of $24,000, yet your committee are of opinion that this bank is in a prosperous and flourishing condition, and that the ability and fidelity with which its affairs have been managed, meets the approbation of your committee, and as such is entitled to the entire confidence of the Legislature and of the people of Georgia."

In 1832 the legis'ative report is very complimentary. It s.iys that on consideration of the statement of Thomas Gumming, president of the bank, it finds the institution "in a very sound and flourishing condition ; but your committee cannot refrain from giving the directors extra credit for the very able and satisfactory mnnner in which the affairs of the bank have been conducted and kept for the last twelve months. It seems the directors of the institution require the officers to keep and make to the board a full monthly return of all its operations, which enables a person at a single glance to ascertain the exact condition of the bank at any month during the year, which is much plainer and more satisfactory to your committee than any bank reports w hich have heretofore been made, which gives evidence of the distinguished ability and prudence with which it is managed, so as to entitle it to the renewed confidence of our fellow- citizens."

The report of the condition of the Bank of Augusta in 1835, as shown by its statement of April 8, 1835, ''s of interest as giving a view of banking in the city at that early day. Mr. John Moore was then president, and A. Picquet. bookkeeper, and the report shows as follows :

By the original act of incorporation the capital stock was fixed, as lias been stated, at $300,000; but in 1826 the Legislature in extending the charter to 1 850 authorized an increase of capital to $600,000, which will account for above total.

In 1 842 the Bank of Augusta was authorized on the sale of any real or personal property held by it, to take payment in cash or in its own stock as it might prefer; also to take in pa\mcnt its shares Inpothecated for loans; also to reduce the number of its directors to twelve, five to be a quorum, the State to have two and the stockholders tert directors.

In 1845, the charter was extended to May 1, 1870, and the total amount of its indebtedness was required never to exceed double the amount of its capital, the original charter allowing three times. It was further provided that the individual property of stockholders should be bound for the ultimate redemption of the bank bill.^ in proportion to the number of shares held, and that all transfers of stock six months prior to a failure of the bank should be void, and the private property of the transferring stockholder be liable as if no such transfer had been made. In 1847 this personal liability clause was repealed, and the old rule 15 of the charter restored, making the directors individually liable for over-issues, unless dissenting, as therein stated. The fur-

The other ante bcllinn banks of Augusta were the Augusta Savings Bank incorporated in 1827; the Augusta Insiu-ance and Banking Company, also incorporated in 1827; the Merchants and Planters Bank also in 1827 ; the Mechanics' Bank, in 1830; the Union Bank, originally incorporated in 1836 as the Bank of Brunswick ; the Peoples Savings Bank of Augusta, in 1851; the City Bank, in 1854; and the Augusta Savings Bank, in 1855. At the outbreak of the war there were in operation, the Bank of Augusta; the Augusta Insurance and Banking Company; the Mechanics' Bank; the Union Bank; and the City Bank of Augusta. The Georgia Railroad and Banking Company, incorporated in 1833 and a railroad company with bank adjunct, was also in operation at this time.

"The Augusta Savings Bank was incorporated in 1827. The incorporators were John Campbell, Thomas Cumming, Samuel Hale, Isaac Henry, Timothy Edwards, Edward F. Campbell, James Eraser, William W. Montgomery, Joseph Wheeler, Anderson Watkins, Asaph Waterman, Augustus Moore, Henry Cumming, John Howard. William H. Turpin, John Course, Richard Tubman, John Phinizy, George Twigg.s, John Moore, and James Harper; and were to constitute "the Board of Appointment," which board was annually to choose a president and other officers of the board and seven managers, which managers, were to elect from its own membership, a president of the bank, and were to appoint a secretary, treasurer, and other officers for the institution. No president or manager was to receive any compensation for his services. Deposits of not less than two dollars were to be received, and two weeks' notice required before withdrawal. Dividends were to be paid in June and December, "to be calculated only from the first day of January, April, July and October in each year, and not having relation to ihc time of deposits provided deposits shall be made at any intermediate period between those dates, nor shall interest be allowed for fractional parts of a month." No manager or officer was to be allowed to borrow from the bank, nor was it to accept their endorsement or any security by them. In reporting on this institution, in 1832, the Legislative committee sa}^ : "This differs from ordinary banks; its object is essentially charitable and, with its benevolence it afTords to the improvident practical lessons on economy; it holds out no invitation to the capitalist or office hunter. The management of this institution reflects honor on its philanthropic directors; and, in confirmation of the disinterestedness with which it has been managed, it is shown that its expenses, from the commencement of its operations to the present time, nearly three years, amount to only $22.74." The charter of this bank was perpetual, but it does not appear to have done business for any considerable length of time, as we find that, in 1852, Henry H. Cumming, Robert H. Gardner, jr., George Crump, Gary F.

Parish, George M. Norton, J. II. Mann, Cliristopher C. Taliaferro, Robert F. Foe, Henry Moore, James Harper, John Foster, George Jackson, James Miller, Artemas Gould, and John M. Adams were incorporated as " The People's Savings Bank, in the city of Augusta," with all the powers and privileges ot the original bank, the charter whereof was granted them.

In 1856, the Legislature, after a preamble which states that "there exists a class of persons who, from their position and want of experience, are incapable of investing and accumulating their small incomes and earnings, and it is desirable to encourage economical and provident habits in all classes, and more especially in the young, the laboring, and the dependent," incorporates Charles J. Jenkins, James Gardner, jr., A. A. Beall, J. B. Walker, W. A. Walton, Benjamin Conley, I. P. Garvin, T. W. Chichester, M. P. Stovall, D. H. Wilcox, E. B. Ward, W, W. Alexander, H. H. Hickman, and James Miller as "The Augusta Savings Institution." The capital stock was $30,000, increasable to $100,000, which stock was to be "a fund pledged for the security of deposits." "There shall be not less than twelve or more than fifteen stockholders, each stockholder shall have absolutely and invariably an equal interest in the institution." The institution could i;sue certificates of deposit, but not notes or bills as a circulating medium.

"The Augusta Insurance and Banking Company" was incorporated in 1827, the incorporators being Peter Bennoch, James Harper. John Bones, Charles Labuzan, Anderson Watkins, Edward J. Harden, W. W. Montgomery, Samuel Hale, and Abraham M. Woolsey. The capital stock was not to exceed $500,- 000, in shares of $100 each. For the first twenty days after the opening of the books of subscription none but citizens of Georgia could subscribe, and no citizen for more than one hundred shares; after the expiration of that time, any citizen, or body corporate, of the State could subscribe, without limit. The company was authorized " to insure property and effects of every nature and description, against losses by fire and water, and all other accidents, dangers, and casualties for which insurance companies are usually established, or to buy or sell life annuities." Losses were made payable in six months after the happening thereof. If the claimant was compelled to institute suit, the trial was to be at the first term, and if the company failed to satisfy the judgment in ten days after rendition thereof, the charter was forfeitable. The company was authorized to issue bills to the amount of its capital stock, when such issue was authorized by a vote of three- fifths of the stock. By amendatory act of 1831, the issue of bills might be doubL- the amount of the capital stock. The charter was granted for thirty )-eirs, or up to December 26, 1857.

The Augusta Insurance and Banking Company had scarcely gotten under way when it was almost blotted out of exislcncc by the great fire which desolated Augusta in April, 1829. This conflagration reduced the greater part of the city lying south of Monument street to ashes, and the losses inflicted a staggering blow on the new company. In 1830 the bank committee reported " that notwithstanding the institution has experienced immense losses, at various times, by tliat destructive element, fire, in that city, yet its exhibit shows us an improved condition compared with the same peiiod of last >ear, and we think it has the ability from its present condition to redeem the amount it has in circulation, and will be able, in time, to fulfill its obligations to the citizens generally."

In 1 83 I the committee reports *' that the promptitude with which it has settled its late uncommon losses entitles it to the highest praise." In 1832 it is reported "in a sound and flourishing eondition."

In 1833 the president of this company, Mr. Peter Bennoch, made a report to the governor which is a curious and interesting document in more than one respect. The year before the Legislature had passed an act requiring the various banks of the State to make certain detailed reports to the executive office annually, under penalty of not having their bills received at the State treasury. Like much of the legislation then, and we might as well add, since, this statute was rather cloudy in expression, and Mr. Bennoch in his report very freely airs the ill opinion he entertained of it. He says " the unintelligible ambiguities of the law in question have put at defiance a common sense construction of its provisions;" and again, "the presumption seems natural that, during the conception and maturity of the law, the respective departments of the government must have been under the influence of some extraordinary impressions in rcgird to banking operations," He adJs : " Your E.xcellcncy will perceive in submitting the return now made, on the part of the directors and officers of this institution, an earnest desire to comply with the letter and spirit of the law; should they have failed, you will please to impute it, not to intention, but to that dimness of legal vision which would enable the judge, only, to reconcile and harmonize what, to ordinary minds, must be hid in impenetrable obscurity." Having thus relieved his mind, Mr. Bennock submits his report, saying: " it will doubtless afford to the stockholders a gratification almost unexpected to contrast the present with the condition of the office three years since. Then its stock, from extraordinary losses, sold at half the amount paid in ; now it would command thirty per cent, premium." The statement shows as follows :

In 1852 the charter of the Augusta Insurance and Banking Company was extended to January i, 1878; and for a number of years after this extension the company as we will see further on, continued to flourish.