State Normal School - Crystal / Levana Yearbook (Athens, GA)

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CRYSTAL sn QQ 'Ne the old seal of 1799, and yet all the codes since 1866 describe as the great seal of the State the old seal of 1799, which was used up to 1361. It would appear that, with the downfall of the Confederacy, the seal of 1799 was re-adopted with- out enactment. It is certain at all events that the present seal is the old seal of 1799 and that it has been used ever since 1872.7 He further adds that although the Confederate Seal was in 1866 adopted for use in the office of the Secretary of State, and is still in use in that office, it is not the great seal of the State which is used for authentication of legislative acts, deeds, and commissions. In 1914, it was necessary to recast the seal, because the old one was well-worn through long service. At this time the original date, 1799, was permanently changed to 1776. There was an interesting incident in connection with the great seal at the time of Sherman's invasion of Georgia. Colonel Barnett, Secretary of State, conscious of his responsibility for the seal, determined to save it at all hazards. Because he wished someone else to know its hiding place, he carried it home to the patriotic Mrs. Barnett, who, placing it in a tin box, buried it under her house. Upon his early arrival at Milledgeville, at that time capital of the State, Sherman' had Colonel Barnett arrested, and commanded him to give up the seal. Stoutly refus- ing, Colonel Barnett was put into prison. Because of his brave spirit and daunt- less bearing, he was never forced to devulge his secret. Later, when the reins of government were again in the hands of Georgians, the great seal was restored .to the people, as Governor Jenkins said, unever desecrated by the grasp of a military usurperis hand? The story of the great seals of Georgia is not complete without some statement of the development of the people whose ideals these seals represent. Each seal marks a distinct period of the natural progress of a sturdy race, implanted in a new world full of possibilities. This development falls under three heads: material, mental, and moral. ' Material progress is shown from the beginning. After the discovery by the colonists that the silk industry was not so profitable as it had seemed it would be, agriculture rapidly came into the foreground. The necessity for markets for the material produced brought about trade and commerce with foreign countries. Finally an idea which has not even yet attained its highest development came into play: that of manufacturing the raw material with which Georgia so abounds, into Hnished products. In this way was abolished the old system of selling material, later to be bought again in finished form at a much higher rate, and was inaugurated a tremendous manufacturing industry. On an early seal were placed buildings to represent homes, schools, and churches. Here, we may say, Georgia formally began the training of her sons for citizenship. From this first ideal in education has come her state system of schools, inclusive of common and high schools, and the University with its branches of agricultural, technological, and normal and industrial schools. Although the war of 1861 greatly hindered her progress in education, Georgia has done much for both of her races since that time, and it is to be hoped that she will make much effort along that line in the future. Finally, that philanthropic sympathy which gave Georgia her being has con- tinued in spirit throughout the years, and is expressed in the deeds of her children. The fervent wish of her every true citizen is that she may grow in wisdom, justice, and moderation, and that her sons may always be able to say with pride, 4'This is my own, my native land. -MARY HARRIS, '22,

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