Quitman Banner

April 24, 1868

Owing to the unavoidable absence of the editor and principal compostion it will be impossible to issue our regular edition next week. The following week we will be all right.

Owing to the damage done the A. & G. Railroad, by the recent heavy rains, we have been almost entirely deprived of mail facilities during the present week, which will account for the meager amount of news in today's Banner.

We are under obligations to Mrs. Warnock for a mess of Irish Potatoes, grown in her garden in Quitman, the present season. They are the first we have seen of the growing crop.

Rev. Joseph S. Baker is desirous of procuring the services of several active, intelligent and trustworthy agents, to engage in ta lucrative and pleasant employment. See advertisement.

The Election
The four days' election in this place passed off quietly, and without the least disturbance, notwithstanding the contest so far aws some of the county offices were concerned, was a warm and exciting one. The people generally, however, had amade up their minds as to the character of ballot they intended to cst, and it was "love's labor lost" to endeavor to persuade them from their determined purpose. We are also happy to announce that the election was conducted with fairness and impartiality--and we do not believe a solitary man can be found who has the least complaint to (illegible) against the managers.

We have delayed the issue of our paper beyond the usual hour, to enable us to furnish the official report of the entire ballot, which will be found, in full, in another column.

We regret very much that the State and District Democratic ???????????---Gordon and Fitch---did not receive a majority of the votes cast in this county; but have strong hopes that they have carried the State by a decisive majority.

The County officers elect, are gentlemen fully competent to discharge the duties of their respective offices, and the most of them are old and honored citizens of the county, fully identified in interest and feeling. We may, at a future day, furnish a brief statement of the past history and character of the successful candidates.

Vox Populi Supremus Lex.

The agony is over--the verdict recorded. The people have spoken--and to their judgement we bow with becoming meekness. The issue presented (although viewed by many as a trivial matter,) was the most important that ever has, or ever will be, presented to Georgians. It involved the future prosperity of the Commonwealth, and the wela or woe of every citizen thereof. Relying upon the wise discretion and sound judgment of the masses, we hope, yea, believe, they have spoken wisely. In a few hours the telegraph will proclaim the tidings, whether the people have ratified or rejected the proposed Constitution; whether they have selected as their Chief Magistrate, an honored man of the soil, or one who has saught our (illegible) for mercenary and politcal motives. We trust the verdict has been in favor of the formost; the pure, upright, and conscientious gentleman, and dashing brillant soldier, Gen. John B. Gordon. If the mantle of success, however, has fallen upon the latter, as we have already stated, we yield to the republican maxim; Vox populi supremus lex.

The Quitman Banner. For the fearless and honest expression of opinion, in public and private, the editor of the Banner has, during the present wee, been requested to discontinue the visits of his journal to a few subscribers. On the other hand, we are happy to announce, that for every one thus withdrawing their patronage, two new subscribers have taken their place. Thus satisfactorily demonstrating that procription for the independent expression of opinion, don't pay--it almost invariably results to the advantage to the proscribed. (remainder illegible)