Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-02-08

have. at all times. an inaliensble and inde-
feasible right to alter. reform, or abolish the
government in such manner as they may
tinted for the common benefit, the doctrine of
non-resistance against arbitrary power and
oppression. Is absurd, slavish, and destruc-
tive Of the good and happiness of mankind"
The questions involving these great funda-
mental ideas of American liberty and equali-
ty which yon are to pass upon tomorrow.
are presented in the following form:-
/. Are you 10 favor of State Couven-
ton?
2 Are you for going out of the Union by
or before the Alb OF March: Or, for the per
petuation of the government on the basis of
the Federal Constitution?
After much reflection, the writer of this
believes that Convention should be called,
| upon the terms prescribed in the Act of As
| .embly ordering the election. Looking to
| the whole country and all the painful events
| that have transpired in both sections, and
the present uncer.ios<y which overhangs the
future, we think the people of Tennessee
should bold themselves in the position of the
greatest SAFETY 10 themselves. and occupy an
attitude in which they could have the great
est and most saluiary control of events ef-
fecting the destiny of the government. A
Convention, il is clear to our mind, is the
best instrumentality fol- this end, If il pro-
perly and correctly reflects the popular will
of the State. Our information is, that should
the people see proper to vote such Conven-
ton. it will be composed of the flower OF the
intellect Of the State, and will be conserva-
tive and in all respects safe. In such body,
emanating directly from the people. we have
the greatest confidence. If, however. it
should b. different. the law requires that
any action they may taxi affecting the pre-
sent relations If Tennessee towards the other
State or the Federal Government, shall be
referred 10 the people for their ratification
or rejrction-whieh. in any important con-
tingency. would give the people the power to
reverse or approve their decision.
On the second proposition, We have no
hesitancy in saying that the people should
vote for tie friends of the Union, if they have
equal basis OF The Constitution. 1t has moth
ing to expect from it's avowed enemies. We
understand the Uuion candidates N this coun
ty and throughout the State to stand on the
grounds that we have set forth above. They
are neither unconditional UDionists nor I'M
conditional revolutionists- They occupy
what we conceive to be the true position of
right and Justice. and will assert both to all
sections and at all hazards
We cannot close this article without ex-
pressing cur entire disapprobaiion of the
turn this brief canvass has taken Its ten
dency has been to engender faneiful an,agon-
isms and mischievous alienation where moth
ing but concord and unanimity should exist.
The most absurd rumors have been propa-
gated by telegraph and otherwise to excite
the people and to blind their judgment by
appealing to their passions. We invoke,
you, reader, to give no heed to any partial
statement you may hear to-day OF tomorrow,
T specting the controversy now pending,
which does not bear intrinsic evidence of its
truth-whencesoeye it may come.
Go, tomorrow, quietly, dispassionately,
with all the powers of yonr reason in full
action, and your conscience fully awake to
your responsibility, and perform your duty
as free aud enlightened American citizens,
regardless of the the buzz which may wait
up0n your ears Vote for Convention or
not as your Judgment may dictate, and so
also vote for the friends or the enemies OF
your county.