Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-04-11
Our Common Danxer.


most direful calamity that ever befel nation is
now at our very doors. We know not how it may
be averted Indeed, we fear that is longer posi-
ble But how best to meet it and overcome it is the
question for the present moment. 1t is one which
challenges the best efforts of our wisest states
men. 1t is one which demands imperativelya gener-
Gus sacrifice of all selfish considerations One which
requires the positive abnegation of every attempt
to monopolize the honors of superior sagacity or
patriotism far relates TO the past 1t is not to
be doubted that in the main each of the great parties
of the South has been actusted by patriotic consd
eratons, notwithstanding the widely different views
which they have entertained as to the means by
which the common danger to which we have been
exposed should have been met. There is neither
profit nor honor at time like the present in con-
timing this discussion any longer.
Whether through the fault of the one party or
the other, our common enemy has triumphed, and
to-day holds the reigns of power. In the exercise
of that power conflict is about to arise in which
is involved, consequences which we shall not at
tempt to depict for to US it is everything Of earthly
interest or honor. 1t matters not how it. has been
brought about 1t cannot avail to discuss the
rightfulness or wrongfulness of the resistance Of
the seeded States. We are in the midst of revo-
luton bloodless as yet SO far know, but with
such aspect as warrants the most painful fears Ms
30 what even day may bring forth. How shall we
meet its
In general sense, the questions easily an
swered Let the South the ,ohoIe SOut be united But
howi That is the question Upon what principle
or basis of action? We might answer, let all at
once follow our lead; let all withdraw from further
political alliance with the Northern States and join
the Confederate States. But however clearly we
may be convinced Of the propriety of such policy,
we have no right TO demand such condition from
those who have and may still differ with US. Be
sides, such thing is absolutely iulprGcticGble as
means of meeting the immediate dangers by which
we are beset
Agan it might be demanded on the other side, that
the seeded States should lay down their arms and
sub.hit themselves to the laws of the government,
until the people shall have had time for the sober
second thought
Whether such council may not have been wisest
at one time, we shall not now consider. But if it
was rejected when it might without dishonor have
been accepted it idle to hope that it would be
accepted now when to do so, would stamp them
with the eternal brand of cowardce AID forever
fix upon them and us the despotism of central,
sponsibe sectional majority, and waged for our
destruction. 1t would be unconditional surren-
der, an SYNONYMOUS surrender, which we are sure
no honest hearted SOutherner of whatever party,
would either make or listen to.
In our sympathies and purposes we are one. Can
we not abjure party platforms and stand together
shoulder to shoulder upon some common
ground in defence of the great, vital fun
fundamental principle Of fathers, 'that the
sent of the government is the only legitimate source
of human government" Can we not by the moral
influence of united South in the distinct and I'M
mistakable enunciation of determination to stand
by our Southern brethren in the maintenance of
this great principle at all hazards and to the last
extremity awaken the minds of the Administration
to proper sense of duty. However much we may
have differed in the past there were still certain
great points upon which we were all agreed. We
all said "tlere must be no coercion" 1t is this
gument that constitutes our hope While the voice
of Tennessee, by the most overwhelming majority,
pronounced against immediate secession it was,
so far as we had the means of knowing,
even more overwhelming against coercion.
Tennessee, by her vote, demanded compromise,
Cancellation, She demanded an appeal from the
passion of the moment, to the umpire of reason.
She refused every appeal to her love of the South
SO her SeOUe, and trusted generally to that frater
nal feeling by which she hoped still to preserve q
brotherhood with undivided Union. Her adj
Sances have been spurned. She asked for bread
and she is given a stone. She asked for peace and
she offered the alternative of tame submission or
war. What answer will she make! 1t is not for
the minority to dictate the basis of our united &C
tio1. Let The majority lead off, only lei be oohere dan
GER tie rights the interest," and the honor Of the South
eaiEs and zoe aOH foloO. What questions of differ
ence we may have upon merely collateral issues
we will discuss when peace shall once more smile
upon her beloved country, and we are no longer
threatened by the dangers of fratricldal war. Let
our action be prompt, bold and resode. There is no
time for hesitation. Whatever we do must be done
quickly. The highest prudence does not always
consist in delay. Upon decisive movement, at the
right moment sometimes hangs the fate of nation
Our destiny may be bound up in all time to come
upon our present decision or indecison.