Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-01-11

The Legislature of this State met In extra
ordinary session last Monday. 1t was called
together, partly, on a supposed necessity
that the State should take some definite ac-
etion on the present national emergency. 1t
has taken no such action as get Resolutions
declaratory Of various and diverse sentiments
have been submitted, and referred to q COM
rnittee, having in charge our Federal rela-
tions. One point has been reached, and that
il that State Convention representing The
people by delegates elected by them to act
on our relations with the other States, and
Thus declare the position of Tennessee, is de-
manded. 1t has received with rel pect, and
heard with attention the Commissioners from
the States of Alabams and Mississippi, who
both ur ged immediate and unconditional Sc
ceseion of all the slaveholding States from
the Union, as the only hope of safety for the
"peculiar institution" But we have made
no progress in defining our position ''for
once and for alL.n We are in that delightful
state of consideration and perplexity just
preceding The final decision. The Senate
appears to be strongly for tie Union, while
the House is divided into many shades of
opinion. filing all the grades from the pres
ent absolute submission to immediate and
unconditional secession. The Committee,
We trust will report shortly, and then we
shall have gener al showing Of hands. Our
Southern sisters and our Northern associates
may not wait long to hear the result.
In the meantime we venture to say that the
IL Of fha fo cd to "a
That all political power is inherent in the
people of Republican Government. and all
free governments are founded on their eu-
thority and instituted for their peace. safety
and happiness For the advancement OF
those ends, they have at all times, an I'M
alienable and indefeasible right to alter, re-
form or abolish the government in suob
manner as they may think proper: That
they regard the propositions submitted By
Hon. JOIN J. CRTTTENDEs in the Senate of
the United States at the present Session, to
amend the Federal Constitution, just and
fair basis for the adjustment of the difficulties
that now endanger the country; and If they
or their equivalent shall be finally rejected |
by the Northern people, they, the people of |
Tennessee, will feel called upon to take
measures to preserve their rights and their |
honor in such form and to such extent, under |
the right of revolution, as shall be efectnal |
for the present maintenance and future Sc
curiy of both. While Tennessee appreciates /
the blessings of the Union, she equally re-
cognizes the necessity of self-pFeserVation.
In the event that mischief-makers, North |
and South, shall succeed in PraciptGting a
war before exhausting all other means Of re- |
dress, and the total disruption Of the Union |
"a contingency not far remote in our es-
timation-we trust that Tennessee viii take |
care that no ernancipating armies from the |
North and no foraging armies from The |
South will be permitted to enter upon and
desolate her soil and consume her substance. |
If she has any citizens who want 70 join the |
one or the other, let them go, but We want |
no desolated fields and debanched fre-sides |
here. When the two have established their
respective governments. we will decide which |
We shall join.