001




PROSPECTUS OF THE TRUE GEORGIAN.

Atlanta, Ga
.,
May
12, 1870.
GOVERNOR SAMUEL BARD,

Dear Sir
:—Permit us, friends and Georgians, to say to you that you are about to leave the State, at a time when she needs the help of every attached citizen.
For journalism you have shown peculiar capacity. Bringing into life, at a critical period in our history, the Atlanta New Era, as its late editor, you skilfully steered between those whose Republicanism was never broad enough to embrace anything beyond themselves, and that class of Democrats who could not imagine such a being as an honest, patriotic Republican. It was a role difficult to play, but you acted it well.
That fight is not yet over. You must not abandon the field. Start forthwith a daily journal in this city, and help to save our noble State from those who have conspired to ruin it.
Should you go to Idaho, our best wishes attend you; but in the enterprise we allude to, we pledge our friendly assistance. Let us hear from you.
Very respectfully, your friends,


THOMAS P. SAFFOLD,


JOSHUA HILL,


A. AUSTELL,


A. G. FOSTER, and others.


Yielding to the solicitations of friends, as set forth in the above and other letters, and in whose judgment and patriotism I have full confidence, and to the promptings of duty to Georgia, the State of my adoption, in her hour of severe trial, I have resigned the high official position to which I was nominated by the President, and confirmed by the Senate. And notwithstanding it opened to me an inviting field for honorable action, with a prospect of future promotion, I have determined to resume my profession as a journalist, and my place as a private citizen, to link my destiny indissolubly with the people of Georgia.
No people were ever more unjustly and cruelly misrepresented by those they had honored with high official stations; nor worse subjected to a selfishness that threatens to engulf them in bankruptcy, ruin, and disgrace.
Violations of law, such as occur almost daily in other States, and having no political significance whatever, are seized upon here, distorted, and rudely dragged into the political arena, accompanied with groundless statements, to impress the minds of those in authority at Washington with the belief that the spirit of rebellion is still rampant in Georgia; and that it is essential to the peace of the State, and the safety of loyal citizens, and the preservation of a State Republican party, that the present State officials should be clothed with absolute powers, and continued in office two years beyond the term for which they were elected. These scandalous misrepresentations have had the effect intended by their authors upon many intelligent minds, not well informed as to the true condition of affairs in this State, and therefore ignorant of the wicked motives originating these stories, and giving them circulation.
In a state of profound peace and quiet, with nothing to justify extraordinary expenditures, the taxes of the people of Georgia are more than doubled, and the expenses of the Legislative and Executive Departments of the State government are frightfully increased.
The state debt, which after the repudiation of the war debt, was little more than nominal, threatens soon to become a startling sum; while the entire property and labor of the State is being pledged for the extinguishment of a public burden, created by incompetent and morally imbecile officials, who, for personal ends, are ready to entail poverty upon a people whose interests it is their duty to guard and protect.
The State Railroad, which, under former administrations, was an unfailing source of large and constant revenge, though its gross receipts have greatly increased, has almost ceased to contribute to the State treasury. The road, meanwhile, suffers for want of necessary repairs, and is actually looked upon as unsafe and dangerous. This culpable neglect may create or strengthen an argument in favor of its sale. Such a disposition of this great public work would be apt to benefit the agents or officials to whom the sale might be entrusted.
To enable me to enter the field, entirely untrammelled, as the uncompromising opponent of this systematized outrage and wrong, I have cast aside official position, and have determined to establish, in the city of Atlanta, “
The True Georgian
,” as the advocate of the rights and interests of the whole people of the State.
The “
True Georgian
” stands upon a firm basis, backed by all the capital necessary, in connection with a just cause, to insure success. It will neither ask for, nor accept patronage from the present State government. It will expose and condemn, without fear or favor, all official corruption, and every act at war with the best interest of the State.
One great object of the Editor and Manager of “
The True Georgian
,” will be to unite, upon a common platform, the patriotic, the wise, and the good of all parties, races, classes, and denominations, for the deliverance of the State from the thraldom imposed by a corrupt administration; to rescue the treasury, and preserve the public credit.
For the accomplishment of these great purposes I invoke for “
The True Georgian
” an extensive circulation and liberal patronage, and respectfully invite the friendly sympathy and support of all who desire a just and economical administration of the State government.
Disregarding past differences, let all good citizens meet on common ground; let them see to it, that the laws are faithfully and impartially executed, without regard to race or color, and unfalteringly rebuke official corruption, intolerance, lawlessness, and crime, of every character and description.
As no Presidential election is pending, and no great measure of National policy is now before the people, and regarding with solicited the peculiar position of the State, its peace and prosperity imperilled by those whose duty it was to watch over and preserve them, I consider the present not a fit time to distract the popular mind with the discussion of National politics. When necessary, National affairs shall receive their proper share of attention.
In conclusion, I need only remark that as Universal Suffrage has been prescribed by the National Government, and accepted by the whole people of the South, Universal Amnesty should naturally follow, as the wisest and best measure for the promotion of harmony, and the hearty reunion of all sections in one common brotherhood. “
The True Georgian
,” will earnestly advocate this great measure, as one of justice, magnanimity, and wise statesmanship.
With this announcement of my motives and aims, I again embark in the profession of Journalism, resolved to devote my best energies to the welfare and happiness of the people of Georgia, and of the whole country.

Terms Of Subscription—Invariably In Advance.

Daily, per annum,
$10 00


“ six months,
5 00


“ three months “
2 50


“ one “
1 00


Weekly, per annum,
2 00


“ six months,
1 00


N. B.—We send this Prospectus to our friends throughout the State and Country, with the hope that they will earnestly interest themselves in this important enterprise, which has for its object the good of all the people of Georgia; and that they will forward us a list of subscribers as soon after the receipt of this as possible.
The first number of “
The True Georgian
” will be issued on or about the first of July, 1870. No effort will be spared to issue the paper at an earlier day if possible.
Our brethren of the Daily and Weekly Press throughout the country, will do us a great kindness by placing
The True Georgian
upon their Exchange List, and forwarding their newspapers immediately.
All letters should be addressed to
SAMUEL BARD,
Atlanta, Ga.


Atlanta, Ga., May 25th
, 1870.