and 1834, pam. 299, recommend a recharter. Pam. of 1835, p. 323, sustains this with others. Marine and Fire Insurance Bank. Resolutions expressive of its good management, and the confidence of the Legislature, vol. iv. 114, 132. Pam. of 1831, p. 281; of 1832, p. 299; of 1833, p. 352; of 1834, p. 300; and of 1835, pam. 323. Central Bank. Report of Committee adopted by the Legislature, Dec. 19, 1829, vol. iv. 137, approves the conduct of the directors-recommends that a sum be set apart for the discount of bills of exchange, to enable the bank to keep funds in Savannah, Augusta, &c., so as to prevent runs for specie. Had in circulation $263,409, and its means of redemption amounted to $392,829. In 1831, (pam. 280) its circulation was $111,996, to meet which it had $80,656 of specie, $50,805 of United States bills, and $108,653 of bills of Georgia banks; in all, $240,114. The resolution proposes to raise the salary of the cashier to $2,000; and to appoint agents to hunt up and make collections from debtors to the State for fractions, &c. whose residence had become unknown. In 1832, the general conduct of the officers approved much in the terms of the preceding year. The Bank had advanced to the Treasury $92,880 to carry on the Cherokee surveys; a nearly equal amount would be needed to help out the appropriations of the current session; and from this deduction of about $180,000 from its means, they fear there can be no loans as usual to the counties the ensuing Spring. Circulation, $96,704. In Bank, $81,959 of specie; $49,280 of U. S. Bank notes; and $91,480 of Georgia bank notes. They recommend the appointment of another officer of the bank; and that the mutilated notes be burned. See pam. of 1832. p. 257. There is in 1833, no resolution relating to this bank except a direction, (pam. 388) that certain notes for rent of Indian improvements be given up to the makers who could not obtain possession of the places they rented. The resolution of 1834 (pam. 275) expresses the usual approbation of the management of the institution. Bills in circulation, $226,246. Means of redemption, $256,361. That is to say, specie, $132,134; and bills of U. S. and local banks, $124,227. They regret the want of punctuality in some of the debtors; more than $200,000 of the discounted paper then lying unattended to. To enable the bank to make its usual distribution of loans, and to compel punctuality in future, the directors are authorized to sue on any paper lying over three months, unless satisfactory reasons for the neglect is given to the directors. A Resolution of the same year, (pam. 326) approves the conduct of the board in relation to the proposed renewal of the Darien Bank charter, and to the increase of the Augusta Bank stock. By the committee's report of 1835 (pam. 300) the affairs of the Bank had been managed with ability and fidelity. It states in a table among other items, the circulation to be $172,700. On hand, in specie, $104,145; and in notes of the U. S. and Georgia banks, $65,463. They again notice a large amount of discounted paper lying over and unattended to, but abstain from any specific recommendation, leaving the subject to the discretion and judgment of the directors. They propose to increase the salaries of the officers, and to appoint an assistant book-keeper. Noticing that, during the year, the bank had advanced to the State $42,800, they propose in the appropriation bill to authorize the direction to charge the capital stock of the Bank with that amount, and also such further sums as may be necessary, which they are directed to advance for the treasury in future. inserted in the appropriation bill accordingly. Pam. of 1835. p. 18. The report of 1836 states the amount of discounted notes at Lying over unpaid Which was $1,103,111 The committee consider it in strictness not illegal, but doubt the policy of allowing more than the sum of $2,500 as limited for loans, to be drawn on bills of exchange by any one person. They state, however, that the practice of such loans, has, as they are informed, existed from an early date, and have been made out of monies lying idle in the bank. The Legislature required the directors to put in suit all notes not paid or renewed. Pam. of 1836, p. 6 of Res. The Augusta Savings Bank, has never been reported on except in 1831, pam. 282. Noticing its charitable object and useful tendency, the legislature speak in high commendation of its management and progress; and what is more to the purpose than any vague formal encomiums, we have the fact, that its expenses from the commencement of its operations in 1827 to that time, amounted to only twentytwo dollars and seventy-four cents! Insurance Bank of Columbus. "Appears sound and ready at any moment to meet any demands that can be justly brought against it." Report of committee, adopted Dec. 21, 1832, pam. 297. Judiciously conducted, 1835, pam. 323. Mechanics' Bank. Prudent and cautious-keeping its issues within proper limits, Dec. 21, 1832, pam. 299. Solvent and deserving of confidence, 1833, pam. 352; and 1835, pam. 323. Farmers' Bank of Chattahoochee. Included in both the foregoing resolutions. But the resolution of 1834 (Pam. 276) directed a joint committee, having power to send for persons and papers, to proceed in the course of the ensuing recess, after reasonable notice to the officers of the bank, to examine into its management and condition, and report the facts to the governor; directing him, if he should think the charter forfeited, to order a scire facias sued out to annul it, pam. of 1834, p. 276. Bank of Macon. On a careful examination of its exhibit in 1829, it appeared to the Legislature that the bank was in a sound state, and that the directors were entitled to the public confidence for the ability with which they had managed its affairs, vol. iv. 132. In 1831, about the usual terms of the annual encomium, pam. 254. In 1831, we find a cautious, measured, and rather dubious approval, pam. 284; and in pain. of 1832, p. 279, is the detailed report of the joint committee appointed to investigate its conduct, its failure, and its actual condition. Act of that session declaring its charter forfeited, and appointing a receiver, ib. 28. Commercial Bank of Macon. In 1832, prudently managed, but had omitted to show their amount of specie. In every other particular had complied with the resolution of 1823, pam. 299. In 1833, deemed, with several other banks named, to be solvent and deserving the confidence of the people, pam. of 1833, p. 352. Conducted with fidelity and entitled to the continued confidence of the community, pam of 1834, 341. Judiciously conducted and perfectly sound, pam. of 1835, p. 323. Bank of Hawkinsville. By report adopted Dec. 1832, the return was strictly conformable to law, and manifested a prudent and cautious management, pam. 299. That of the following year (pam. of 1833, p. 353) expresses the continued approbation of the government; as also do those of 1834, pam. 341; and 1835, 323. All the Banks. The standing committee to whom have been referred the several returns of the Banks of Georgia, have had the same under review, and beg leave to report: That there are eleven banks now in safe and successful operation, exclusive of the financial or Central Bank, for State purposes alone, and the Farmers' Bank of Chattahoochee-the latter bank not now in operation. Your committee have reason to believe that the said eleven banks, viz. the Planters' Bank of Savannah, the Bank of the State of Georgia, the Marine and Fire Insurance Bank of Savannah, the Bank of Darien, the Bank of Augusta, the Insurance and Banking Company of Augusta, the Mechanics' Bank of Augusta, the Hawkinsville Bank, the Bank of Columbus, the Insurance Bank of Columbus, and the Commercial Bank of Macon, are all judiciously conducted; are all in a perfectly sound state, and deserve the confidence of the public. To show in the aggregate the highly favorable state of our inonied institutions, it is only necessary to compare our banking capital with the bills in circulation and the specie in the vaults. It appears that the whole amount of banking capital for commercial purposes is $4,571,000. Bills in circulation since the fifth of October last, $3,942,000— $629,000 less than the capital stock paid in: that the specie in the vaults is $2,111,000, a little less than half the capital, and something more than half the amount of the bills in circulation. Since the exclusion by law of bank bills under five dollars, we find an abundance of specie in circulation, and your committee think it may equal the amount in the vaults. Taking this for granted, the result would be, that there is in the State about $300,000 in gold and silver over and above the circulating bills. This view of the subject places our monied institutions on high ground, and speaks loudly in their behalf. Your committee would not be invidious in drawing comparisons between the aforesaid institutions, but they may say, that the Planters' Bank of Savannah has strong claims on the favor of the State when she asks for a renewal of her charter, and your committee confidently recommend that her prayer be granted. In a perspective view of the whole subject of our banking operations, including those concerned with the railroads now under consideration, together with the proposed Milledgeville Bank, and comparing them with our annual exports, the following statement is presented: It will be observed that your committee have not confined themselves to fractional numbers, believing that a more general view would be satisfactory. (After concurrence of both houses) assented to by the governor, Dec. 24th, 1835, pam. 323. BASTARDY. Proceedings mother. father. An Act respecting Bastardy, and other immoralities.-Approved Dec. 16, 1793. Vol. I. 42. 1. Sec. I. Any justice of the peace, in any county within this against the State, who of his own knowledge, or on information to him on oath, made of any free white woman having a bastard child, or being pregnant with one, which it is probable will become chargeable to the county, he may thereupon cause a warrant, under his hand and seal, directed to the sheriff, or any constable of said county, where the case may arise, and oblige the offender to be brought before him to give security to the inferior court of the county, in the sum of £150, for the support and education of such child or children till the age of fourteen years, or to discover on oath the father of such bastard child; which Against the being done, the said justice shall issue his warrant, in like manner, to bring before him the person sworn to be the father of such child or children, so born or to be born, who, on refusing to give security for the maintenance and education of such child or children, until they arrive at the age of fourteen years, and also the expense of lying-in with such child or children, boarding, nursing, and maintenance, while the mother of such child is confined by reason thereof, that then it may and shall be lawful for the said justice to bind over such delinquent in a sufficient recognizance, to be and appear before the next superior court, which may be held in said county; and it shall be the duty of the attorney or solicitor general to prefer a bill of indictment, to be laid before the grand jury, to answer to such complaint as may be then and there alleged against him touching the premises.* Women to be committed, who fail to this act. 2. Sec. II. In case the woman, who shall have been delivered, or is likely to be delivered, when brought before a justice, refuses to discomply with cover on oath the father of such child or children, so born, or to be born, or give such security to appear before the next superior court, to be held in and for the said county, and to give such security as may be then and there required of her by the said court, for the maintenance and education, as aforesaid, of the said child or children, that then it shall be lawful for the justice to commit her, in manner and form aforesaid, as pointed out by this act; and in case of her refusing to make known to the said court the father of such child, or give secu * See Penal Laws, Sec. 257. rity as aforesaid, that then it may and shall be lawful for the said court to imprison her, not exceeding three months. And whereas it is highly injurious in civilized society, that men or women should live in adultery or fornication together; bind over the fornication. 3. Sec. III. Be it enacted, &c. That from and after the passing Justices shall of this act, any man or woman who shall live together in like manner, parties for it shall be the duty of any of the neighboring justices if within their adultery and knowledge, or upon information to them on oath that such man and woman do live in adultery or fornication, he shall thereupon cause the said man and woman to be brought before them, or either of them, whose duty it shall be to bind them over to appear at the next superior court, and the attorney or solicitor general shall then and there prefer a bill of indictment against both the man and woman. [As to the penalty, see code. Penal laws, 236.] An Act supplementary to the foregoing.-Approved Nov. 26, 1802. offer excul patory evi Provided nevertheless, that nothing herein contained shall be so con- But they may strued as to bar either party when charged as aforesaid, from offering exculpatory testimony to the magistrate, in the first instance of the dence. charge exhibited; who may exercise his discretionary power, after due inquiry being had, either to discharge or recognize both or either of the parties charged as aforesaid, in conformity to the intent and meaning of this act; any thing to the contrary notwithstanding.* An Act to carry into effect the first section of an act, entitled “An of bastard to be recov 4. Sec. I. From and immediately after the passage of this act, it Bonds for the shall be the duty of the inferior courts, in the several counties of this maintenance State, when any child or children have, or shall become chargeable to children, how the county, where bonds are taken, and to be hereafter taken, in con- ered and apformity to an act, passed the 16th day of December, 1793, as above propriated. recited, for the maintenance of bastard children, to institute an action on all bonds so taken, and to be hereafter taken, in manner aforesaid, and prosecute the same to judgment; and it shall be lawful for them to recover the full amount of said bond or bonds, which judgment or judgments shall remain open, and be subject to be appropriated by the courts aforesaid, from time to time, as the situation and exigencies of the said bastard child or children may require. where such 5. Sec. II. It shall be the duty of the justice or justices of the How and peace, before whom the aforesaid bond shall be taken, to return such bonds are to bond to the clerk of the inferior court of the county, in which such be returned. female shall reside, within thirty days after the same is taken. [Respecting murder of infants, evidence, &c., see penal laws, Sec. 67, 68, 69.] * The rest of this act superseded by the code. See Penal Laws, Sec. 236. 142 have a bill of lading, BOATS AND CREWS. An Act for the better regulation of Boats and Boats' Crews,* navigating the Savannah river from the city of Augusta to the head waters of said river.-Approved Dec. 4, 1815. Vol. III. 112. Whereas the inhabitants of this State, residing on or near Savannah river, complain of serious injuries inflicted on their rights and property, by boats' crews navigating the waters aforesaid; for remedy whereof, Each boat to 1. Sec. I. Be it enacted, &c. That from and after the first day of January next, it shall be the duty of all owners or agents of boats employed in the navigation of the aforesaid waters, to grant to each and every boat respectively, previous to its departure from the landing or wharf, a certificate or bill of lading, showing its destination, contents, the name of its patroon and consignee; which certificate or bill of lading shall, at all times, be subject to the examination of any free white person or persons requiring the same. which shall be always subject to examination. Penalty for not giving such bill of 2. Sec. II. If any owner or agent, as aforesaid, shall neglect or refuse to furnish the certificate or bill of lading, required by this act, lading, or for or the patroon, upon application, or being required by any free white not producing it when person as aforesaid, shall refuse to exhibit his certificate or bill of required, lading as aforesaid, the owner of such boat or boats shall, for every such refusal or neglect, be liable to indictment in the superior courts of this State; and on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay the sum of fifty dollars, one half thereof to the use of the informer, and the other half to the use of the county, where such conviction shall take place. 50 dollars. Owners of 3. Sec. III. Owners of boats, navigating the waters aforesaid, shall boats liable, be liable, and compelled to pay for all pillages and thefts committed by their respective crews, on conviction of the offender or offenders. for all thefts, &c. Boats' hands, being slaves, not to carry their own to market, An Act to prevent Boat-owners or Patroons from permitting boat hands, or other negroes, from trafficking in corn, or other produce, or from carrying the same to market, on board of the boats accustomed to navigate the river Savannah, between Augusta and Savannah.-Approved Dec. 13, 1816. Vol. III. 113. Whereas the practice of permitting negroes on board of the boats navigating the river Savannah, to carry corn, cotton, or other produce to market, as their own property, has been found, by fatal experience, to be an encouragement of theft; and whereas it is right and proper, that such encouragement should not any longer be held out to this description of persons; for remedy whereof, 4. Sec. I. Be it enacted, &c. That, from and after the passing of this act, it shall not be lawful for any owner or patroon of a boat, to produce of suffer or permit any boat hand, or negro, being a slave, to put on board their boat, whereof he is owner or patroon, any corn, cotton, peas, or other articles of produce, as the property of such boat hand, or negro, for the purpose of carrying the same to Savannah, or elsewhere, to market, or for sale; nor shall such owner or patroon suffer the boat hands, or other negroes, being slaves as aforesaid, on board of their nor trade with each other. *No person of color allowed to be patroon of a boat between Savannah and Augusta. Vol. II. 332. |