The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-02-01
Union Meeting at Lebanon-Hon.
Andrew Ewing.
From The Nashville Banner. y
Ipn.ya~ Tar Oi 1871

LEBANON, Jan. "a, 1851.
Messrs. Editors The people of Wilson
county assembled here en- mosss To-day,
to hear the exciting questions of the day
discussed. Although the notice was very
short and the day inclement, yet large
numbers Of the people came up from the
hills and valleys, evincing the deep in
terest every where pervading the popular
mind.
The first speech was made by Hon.
Andrew Ewing. have heard Mr.. Ewing
on many occasions, and unhesitatingly
pronounce this the ablest effort | have
ever heard him make. The theme SEEM
ed to inspire him, and to call forth the
deepest energies of his mind and heart.
He spoke with fervor, eloquence and pow
err, and was listened to with the profound.
est attention. Deeply impressed him
self with the awful momentousness of
the crisis, he did not fail to communicate
to his eager listeners, the deep feelings
which pervaded his mind.
Mr. Ewngs position met with the cor.
dial approval of nne-tenths of the whole
audience. The only portion of the COM
munity at all dissatisfied were the ultra
secessionsts. The speech was eminnetly
conservative and patriotic throughout
No friend Of the Union could fail to re-
spond cordially to every sentiment ex-
pressed. Planting himself upon the
Crittenden propositions as an ultimatum,
Mr.. Ewing urged that we should take no
hasty action, but make our demands
known to the people of the North, and
wait and see whether they are complied
with. If our demands are conceded and
our rights are guaranteed, then we should
remain in the Union until the thunder
horn of Gabriel blows; but if no compro-
mise can be effected, if no settlement of
the difficulties between the North and
the South can be made, then nothing is
left us but to dissolve our connection
with people with whom it is shown to
be impossible for us to live in peace
But before resorting to this desperate and
perilous measure, we should wait patient
ly and endure long ard much. We
should give the people of the North
ample time TO retrace their steps, and re-
peal their hostile measures. We should
not endeavor to drive them into hasty
concessions and i'll considered compro-
misses. Concessions and compromises
thus made will be of no value, because
not maturely considered and deliberately
agreed to. White men cannot be driven
like slaves or beasts of burden. They
must be allowed time to act. In the mean
time, having made our demands known
and laid them before the North in %
calm and respectful manner, we should
quietly await their action thereon. He
believed that in this way the Union can
and will be preserved, and human liberty
secured to us and to generations yet un-
born. If, however, we shall after all our
efforts fail to get proper guarantees from
our brethren of the North; if we cannot
live with them in peace and concord,
then all will be ready to sever our con-
nection with them, and act together as a
united people. This course was far bet
ter in Mr.. Ewing's opinion, than to aban-
don the Union at once and without an
effort. II we shall at last be forced to
go, it is important that we should go
unitedly and as one man. Deplorable as
secession would be in its best aspect, it
would be ten-fold more deplorable if we
should be dscordant and divided our
selves.
The speech produced profound i'm
preston. The appeal to the secessionists
to avoid hasty action and heated mea-
sures, could not have failed to cause the
maddest spirit among them to pause and
reflect.
Mr.. Collier followed Mr.. Ewing, but l
was not able to hear his speech. 1t was
understood when left that Col. Peyton
would also address the meeting. | feel
confident that the meeting did much
good to the Union cause.
Yours, &c.
CoxsTITrTIoNAI ITSInN