Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1860-11-16


State. 5.O63I The official count will not va
~ this materially.
The Progress OF Events-Vhat shall
tennessee Doe
The special session of the Legislature of
South Carolina has adjourned. after calling
a convention of the people, and providing for
the election of delegates on the 9th, and the
meeting of the Convention on the 18th OF
December. 1t is already announced that no
person can be elected a delegate to that Con-
vention who will not be in favor of dissolv-
ing the connection of South Carolina with
the General Government by the LIST of Janua-
~. 1861. During the discussions of the Ses-
sion, the fullest confidence was expressed
that the States of Georgia, Alabama, Missis-
sipDi and Florida would go with South Caro-
lima out of the Union by the 4lh of March.
1t is certain that the pnblic mind of a MAORI
ty in all those States is aroused to a very
high point of excitement and that the indi-
cations point to an carly and descisive move
ment on their part. 1t is folly for the people
Of Tennessee or any other portion of the
Union to shut their eyes upon these momen-
tOus facts. 1t is worse than absurd t. pre-
tend that the American Union is in no dan
ger We are on the eve, nay, we are in the
very jaws of revolution. The day has gone
for the warnings of its approach. II IS hers !
The preliminary steps are al. eady taken, and
the others will follow with all the certainty
Of fate, if they are not arrested. We have
cOnteLded that revolution now is precipi-
tate, unnecessary, wrong. But that does not
change great fact; and we have to deal
with the fact of revolution. When the ship
on which our lives and fortunes are freighted
is rolling in the hollow Of the tempest's
hand, and its timbers are trembling and
creazing under the smitings of the storm. he
Is not good sailor who folds his arms and
gives himself up to mournful complainings-
His shout Is, Let us right the good ship and
PresGTre her from destruction!
We have, therefore, asked what shall Ten
nessee DO, Shall she fold her arms, as
State, in this momentOus crisis, and raise no
hand. speak no voice to avert the catastro-
phez Shall the people give themselves up to
petty disputes aud chickering's as to the pro-
priety of this policy or that? We trust not.
We believe the voice Of Tennessee is great in
itself. because of the greatness of her peo-
pie; that it is further great because she occu-
pies a geographical attitude in relation to
the questions at issue; and that she would
speak potentially, if she would speak her
true feelings with wisdom and prudence. We
believe see ought to speak. that it is her
solemn and Imperative duty to lift up her
great voice, AID let it resound upon the an
gry pillows that are surging around her. If
it do not calm the elements. and bring back
peace 10 our country, If may, at least. cause
a suspension of the tumult, and give time for
cooling and reflection.
How shall Tennessee speak? We have ca
gerly looked for expressions from our new
papers, as the opponents of public sentiment
on this subject. but have been, in measure.
disappointed. Elsewhere we reprint articles
from two OF our city contemporaries, the
Union and 4msriean aud the EUening Democrat
on the subject of the plan of action proposed,
through this paper, by Gen. Pillow. They
indicate that there should be something done
The latter appears to lay great stress upon
public meeting in this city. whilst the former
gives US 30 particular or definite suggestion.
In our estimation the great demand is for
practical, and anything to be so
must embody the true sentiments of the Poo
PIE of the State. and must be established as
the stand and policy Of the State. We be-
aud therefore have no objection to public
We are, therefore, willing to see
4 public meeting in this city, and in every
town and county in the State. We rely upon
the people, and are willing to trust them.
But all such meetings should rise above par
iy-not yestige of past party rancor should
be permitted TO come into them. 1t was,
that We desired to have fall ex-
preston from our neighbOr, the Union and
4nerican. on this subject.
We believe that it is important, also, that |
he Legislature of the State should be con-.
rened in extra session In the way this peo- i
lie would h,ye a further opportunity of Civ
ng expression to their will and wish, |
through their representatives, who would
ONE together fresh from consultations with
hem In this way alone can their will be
made authoritative and effective. They can
'nly thus take stand, snd inaugurate a
state policy.
We purpOsely refrain from laying down a
oorse OF action which we might desire to see
,arsued, for the reason that We do not wish
a any way to emhaFass the counsels of the
PEOPLE. or to do aught that will excite raneor
md conflict We may suggest generally how
ever, that assurances should be given of our
attachment 10 the Union; of regret that we
ind ourselves in present distraction; that the /
North should be appealed 10 20 modify her IN |
ust demands upon the South; that the South /
,e appealed to TO pause before taking the |
ast fatal step; and that Tennessee will use
very effort in her power to adjust the sec
ienal disputes between the North and the
South on terms that will secure the rights.
he honor and the true interests OF both alike.
We are welded TO nothing in detail. Let
he people and the Legislature meet, like