Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-13
The Resolve of the Kentucky House of
Representatives.


At the last session of the Kentucky Legislature
resolutions were passed declaring the neutrality of
Kentucky, in the conflict of arms now existing be-
tween the Government of the United States and that
of the Confederate States that is, that Kentucky
would take no part in the contest, nor willingly per
nit either of the belligerents to march troops upen
or across her territory. This was notice to the
world and to the parties concerned, that they were
required by the authorities and people of Kentucky
to refrain from any act which could justly provoke
hostities on her soil. If it was meant to enforce
this neutrality both parties alike, with fairness
impartality and equality, it was the right of Ken
lucky to assume this position and the authorities
Tennessee and of the Confederate States distinctly
avowed their readiness to observe and respect it.
On the ether hand, if il was not so intended, but
was adopted hypocrihcally and treacherously to
deceive the Confederate States and allow the des-
BOT LINCOLN to cover Kentucky soil with his mer-
cenaries, and from that cover to invade Tennessee
and desolate her fields, then it deliberate act
of perfdy and treachsry, unworthy of chivalrOus
people, and that can only be hkened to savage Gun
ming and duplicity. Itis positively certain notwlth
standing the declared neutrality of Kentucky, that
LINCOLN has covered Kentucky soil with his encamp
ments has taken virtual possession OF her ralroaus
and has transported into Kentucky, and, through
her territory, into Tennessee, large numbers Oh
arms. and large quantities of munitions OF war;
This has been tolerated for weeks although against
the protests of large party of the Kentucky PEG
nile and against the circumstances OF her Governor
The last act of hostility and violation Of her neutral
position was the attempt to take military possession
of the town of Columbus, which is situated at the
terminus of railroad that runs through three OF
the Confederate States to the city of Mobile, on the
Cult
There is no doubt, in the mind of any sane man,
that the object of this last movement was to estab~
lish basis for military operations upon the State
of Tennessee and her Southern neighbOrs. The en-
emy had actually arrived on the Missouri shore, Op
posite to Columbus, and were preparing
to move across the river. The pretense then
that the occupation of Columbus, at this crit
zeal moment, by General Polk, to break up
the base of his enemy's military operations Is
violation of Kentucky neutrality, is base su6ter-
fuge, worthy only of hypOcrite, who Is attempting
to destroy you by deceit and stealth. The move
ment of Gen Polk upon Columbus is, in fact, de-
fence of Kentucky neutrality against the hostile de
signs of LNCoLN's General; and, at the same time,
it is an effective check upon the LINCOLN forces, in
their invasion of Tennessee. General Polk dis
tincty proposes to withdraw his forces, under
reciprocal guaranty Of both beligerents that they
will not occupy Kentucky soil. If Kentucky
means neutrality she will accept this fair prepos
ton 1t affords her an opportunity to demand Its
observance by LINCOLN. If she means to falslfy her
own faith and to render herself notorious for du-
plcity and treachery, she will reject the PROPOSE
ton and ratfy the resolve of the House Of Repre-
sentatves by which the Confederate troops are Or
dered to evacuate the State, while LNCoIN's sworn
followers are permitted to desecrate her soil and
build up harbor, from which to precipitate the
storm of war upon her ancient ally and neighbOr,
Tennessee
We know that the LINCOLN party of Kentucky
have resolved on the latter course. But we can
not believe that Kentucky has surrendered her
escutcheon into the hazds of the worst usurper
and despots that ever cursed the world.