Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-07-06

the Union. The original ones passed into
| the Uuinn before casting off British Colonial
dependence, aud new ones came in from a
condition OF dependency. even Texas. dnring
l;ber temporary Independence, was never de-
signated az State. The word sovereign
| State Is not in the Constitution, or as is be:
! lieved in any State Constitution.
| Here follows an elaborate argument against
| the right or secession, questioning whether
| the people of every State, except South Car
| oliaa. were not in favor of the Union. He
says the contrary is not demonstrated; our
adversaries have adopted some declarations
of Independence. in which .sail men are
equal" is onittrd.
Their Constitutions. instead of eve. the
people," has ''we. tue Deputies of the Sover-
eign aud Independent States" Why ignore
the rights of men aud the authority of the
people? This is essentially peoples con-
| test: and | am happy to believe that plain,
common people understand aud appreciate
this. 1t is note worthy that while in the
Nations trial officers have resigned. no com
mon soldier or sailor has deserted the flag.
1t remains to be demonstrated that those
who IN fairly carry an election can also re-
press rebellion; that ballots are the right
fal aud peaceful successors of bullets; and
that when ballots have fairly and constitu-
tionaliy decided, there can be no successful
appeal back to bullets, no appeal except
elections Such will be the lessons of peace;
teaching men that what they cannot take by
an election they cannot take by war.
Lest there should be uneasiness as TO the
course of the Government towards Southern
States after the suppression of the rebellion,
ii is proper TO say that it will be guided by
the Constitution and laws. The Executive
desires to administer the G )vernmeut as adj
miustered by the Observation-Disclosures. 10y
al citizens anywhere have right to claim
this. 1t is not perceived that there il any
coercion, sub ugation or conquefi ng in these
terms. The Constitution guarantees each
State Representative form of Government,
If State withdraws, it may change the form :.
To prevent going out is indispensable to the
maintaining of the guarantee. With the
deepest regret the Executive employed tue
war power for the defense of the Government,
but it was forced upon him.
He could not but perform his duty or sur
render the Government. No compromise in
this case could cure; not that compromises
are not often proper, but no popular gov
ernment can long survive marked precedent
that those who carry al election eau only
save the country by giving up the main point
upon which the people gave the election
The people themselves and not their servants
can reverse the decision. As private citi-
Zen the Executive could not consent that our
institutions perish much less betray so sacred
trust AS the Tree people nave connded 10
him. He had no moral right to shrink nor
count the chances of his own life in what
might follow. In full view of the great re-
sponsibility he has done what he deemed his
duty. You now, according to your own
judgment. do yours. He hopes yonr views
and actions will SO accord with his as to as
sure faithful citizens who have been disturbed
in their rights speedy restoration. Having
thus chosen our course with a pure motive
and purpose let us renew the trust and go for
ward without fear and with manly hearts.