Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-08-14
QUE PCLIOY TOWARD TRAITORS.

The necessity Of adopting a rigid and IN
compromising policy toward domestic traitors
in cur midst can not be pressed too frequently
upon the attention Of both the State and the
Confederate authorities. Whenever treason
shall be bold enough to rear ITS head, and by
its condact infract the statutes made and pro-
yidei in reference to it, not a moments hest
fancy should be entertained regaTding the ehar-
acter Of its treatment.
The recent arrest Of THOMAS A. T.. NELSON,
who was a candidate for the LINCOLN Congress
from East Tennessee in the last election, re-
ceiyihg many Illegal votes for that position, is
a case in question. The Government should
make an example of this brawling traitor,
which will serve as a beacon light to others
scarcely less infamous, who are manifesting a
disDositIon to follow in bis footsteps. He is
guilty Of the double crime Of treason against
the Confederate States and against the State OF
Tennessee-ths latter Of which includes "tak-
ing a commission from or andeT the authority OF
the enemies Of the S ate or Confederate States"
and is punishable BY imprisonment in the
penitentiary net less than ten years nor exceed
ing twenty"
As we have before repeatedly urged, the time
FOR l~eniency and Cancellation towards the
JoHNsoKE, the MAYNARDs, the nelson's and
the BRowNLows has pas. They have failed
10 listen to reason, and must in the future be
made to feel the strong arm Of the government.
Their conduct in threateningt to sever the State;
in giving aid and comfort TO the enemy IN
setting the State laws at dehance and boldly
abrogating the State constitution in accept
ing commissions as ofice-holders under the
authority Of the Lincoln government, and 9th
erwise nanifesting their sympathy with the
people who are wagiEg war upon the south
all these crimes, we say, constitute the indict-
Inent upon which they are to be aCraigned fer
trial.
No more favorable occasion wilt ever be
furnished than the present for the Inauguration
Of this new policy. Let The Confederate Gov
eminent proceed with the trial Of NELsoE at
Richmond, and IN CAGE the proof is lot sEfh-
clsnt to support the charge, be can be handed
over 70 tue authorities OF our safe, where there
viii be but little opportunity Of his escape
from proper punishment. a few years in the
"worksbop' at Nashville VIII have a vast ten
tency to humble his political aspirations. and
balance his misguided Judgment. For the first
o6eass the time might be put down at teu
yearS-the lowest tine-Which viii be amply
sufficient FOR practical purposes, as by the end
Of that period the war will be terminated and
peace restored to the balligerent sections. No
one caa demur to thiaprocedure who has been ell
along clsnoring vociferously for The "enfoTce-
raent Of the laws,D as this trsa~son-mongHr
NELSON, and his associate eohspirators, have
been doing. We can give them a dose o. their
own medicine anI see how they Ike it.
a move in inis matter in time will save rs
considerable trouble in the end The arrest
Of the leading traitoFs-the controlling spirits
Of The Grsenyille and Kingston conventions
viii put a qui.sus upon the conspiracy which
is noE on foot aud is EOught 20 be carried to a
successful termination in the secret c~ouusels Of
these clandestiue conciaves.
We again enioin upon the Safe authorities
ths duty Of faithfully c~.foreing the laUs.