Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-03-31
The Duties before us.

Its doubtless the wish of every true pa
triet to know and perform fearlessly the du
ties which the present extraordinary condition
of poIItical affairs devolves upon him. The
seceded States have fed from a shadow-they
have taken a revolutionary step on an ap-
prehension. National policy is prudently
dictated by just regard to coming events,
but revolutions, by which governments are
overturned and new ones instituted, proceed
on realities. But. however erroneous we may
deem the inception and progress OF the move
ment which has resulted in the partial es-
tablishment of Southern COnfederacy, we
cannot close our eyes to the facts which have
been evolved by that procedure. If persisted
in and sustained by the free consent of the
people in that region, it must result in
permanent separation of the Union. We
have often expressed the opinion that such
division would sooner or later result in war.
However amicably the separation might be
made in the outset, or wherever the line
might be drawn, we have thought that before
many years war would probably arise, which
would be prolonged and of most disastrous
character. Whether this impression be cor
rect or not, war is but one of the many evils
which would burden the energies and re-
sources of the people, from which we have
been exempt. These we will not now stop
TO consider in detail We need but contem-
plate the condition of the people and career
of rival governments on the continent OF
Europe to comprehend something OF what
would await us in such a contingency. But
there are thousand other considerations why
we should spare no pains to adjust the differ
ences which have produced the present state
of things, and as soon as possible to bring all
the States again under one government, upon
principles of justice and equality, ensuring
lasting unity.
How is this to be done? Can it be done
at all? If so, what is the most practicable
mode of accomplishing it? These questions
are now perplexing the most sagacious minds
of the country. 1t may be that this para
mount object of patriotic desire cannot be
compassed. If it cannot, then Tennessee and
the rest must consider where their duty and
interest lead them. But We are far from
despairing We do not mean to give up the
ship SO long as there is plank of hope to
stand upon. In the present state of things
we can see neither necessity nor excuse for
separate State secession, or, more properly,
revolution, on the part of Tennessee. We
look first to a restoration of the Union to its
original harmony and integrity, on the prin-
ciples we have SO often avOwed. We have
looked upon the propositions of the Peace
Conference as sufficient to do this. The Ian
guage of the first section might give some
ground for argument and quibbling, but its
true Interpretation is inevitable. We have,
in the absence of other propositions more
prominent, urged their adoption as a basis of
settlement-not however, as an nhiHl1tuns.
The extremists, North and South, are dissat-
fsfied with them. We could not fail to an
tieipate As much. There is great difficulty in
presenting any plan to which the extreme
sections will agree. As desirable as this is,
we must not forfeit the hope of an adj
justment in efforts absolutely vain We
want something just and fair and effec-
tive in itself, and on which the Substantial
masses can unite. If Mr.. CRITTENDES'S pro-
positions have any better prospect of reach
ing this end, We would rejoice to see them
adopted. 1t is also urged in certain quarters
that the amendments, on the subject of sla-
very, adopted by the Confederate States"
be incorporated in the Federal Constitution.
If the Northern States could be induced to
accept this, we should rejoice to see the Union
IL,
What we most desire is, to bring. upon any
practicable plan, all the States again under
one common government, afOrding perfect |
security to all, putting an end to the I'M
natural strife and elimination between breth-
rem, and the two great systems OF free and
slave labor, and restoring peace and frater-
nifty to the American people.
We think nothing less than the PROPOSE
ton of the Peace Conference will satisfy the
South. But should the Border States Con,
yention meet as proposed. it can take it, and
the Crittenden, and the Confederate States"
amendments into consideration; and failing |
to agree on either, may strike upon some plan |
reaching the main object and having better |
prospect of success than either. II so, it will |
be SO much gained to the country.
Should the efforts of the true friends of the |
Union take this direction, CongFeEs-at its
extra session. of which we have little doubt
should submit the propositions agreed upon |
for ratification or rejection to the people of |
the States. At all events, Congress should !
submit some plan, and thus give the people |
a chance to speak for themselves. This |
should be done at the earliest practicable |
moment. as it is demanded by all our great |
national interests. Let it embrace that plan |
which the developments of public opinion |
imply would restore peace and unity to the
country. We believe this course is demanded |
of Congress by the people-let that body not |
interpose its own opinions to obstruct free |
expression of the popular will. Let US have |
a legal sanction to the embodiment of pub
lie sentiment, and we have great confidence |
in the restoration of the Union Of all the |
States, sith safety, equality and prosperity |
to all.
In this view of our duties and the proper
course of procedure, we have not considered
the expediency Of National Convention.
It is roundabout way. full of difficulties,
delays and uncertainties, on account of which
it has never been resorted to, though the
Constitution, We believe, has been amended
three times.
Hon. JOHN c. BRECKENRIDGE made speech
In the q. S. Senate on the 26th inst, in