The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-05-03


of far greater Importance now than Mt any
former period OF our history, owing to the
general embarrassment Of the people,
which must continue at least during these
troubles, and heavy appropriations that
you VIII have necessarily to make, TO de-
fray the expense of our defences.
II. however, it should he deemed cd.
visable that a convention, representing
the sovereignty Of the people should be
called by tho General Assembly, in pre-.
ference to submitting an ordinance Of in
dependence directly to them, though /
deem the latter measure more expedient.
under the circumstances, | am not pre-
pared 10 say that harmony and unanimity
will not thus be effected. The Senators
and Representatives., coming. ms they do,
| directly from their constituents, are the
best judges of this measure. 1t cannot
be regarded other than a question of de-
tail, inasmuch as very large majority OF
| the people regard Themselves ms being
| forever absolved from all obedience to a
Government that has developed the cold
est and mos tsleliberate purpose to inatl-
gurate n civil and sanguinary war among
them. L
Ideem il proper to remark in this con-
nection that the Constitution of the Con.
federate States while il retains all that is
valuable of the Constitution of the former
United States, is an improvement in many
essential points upon that instrument. MS
conceded by those even who were I'M
friendly TO the mode and manner in
which it originated. 81
The only additional matter TO which l
shall call your attention-nnd first In i'm
portnnce-is the necessity of such legisla-
., Al.
ing Immediately. will not insult your
intelligence or question your patriotism
so Tar as to resort to argument to prove
the necessity of this measure, but content
myself by recommending the passage Of
law regulating the raising and thorough
organization OF an efficient volunteer force
for Immediate service in any emergency
which may arise, and thorough and
perfect organization of the militia so that
in case Of necessity the whole force of the
State be speedily brought into action.
In my message to your extra session in
January last. laid before you the report
of the Keeper of Public Arms, showing
the number, character, and condition Of
the arms OF the State, to which | refer
you FOR information on that subject
Since that report was made, have order
ed and received at the arsenal fourteen
hundred rifle muskets. lfupon this sub
ject further or more accurate information
is desired, it shall be laid before you by
the report of the proper officer. ~
1t requires no argument from me to
PROV me aosoiute necessity OF an iih.
iheuia.e appropriation OF sum suuiciemf
" .'c'ousn'y arm an" equip such MN.
:"f. ,oroe US .ne o'a'e may prooaoiy neoa
~ .ne P'osPec'i'c oiinc"'teS Wh'ch lie
1870 U.s. III "''a'.,oh to"hicn respect
iuliy recommen" tnat you appropriate
a sum suilcient TO provision ano MAINTAIN
such force as Is intended for the heid ana
an ample contingent military fund, to be
subject to the order and disbursement OF
a Military Board, under such restrictions
as YOU may see proper to impose
The establishment OF Military Board,
to consist OF at least three persons, and
invested with power to make all neediul
rules and regulations for organization and
ma'ntainance, regard as indispensably
necessary to perfect military organiza-
ton and equipment in the State, and
the TACT that the Legislature cannot fore
see and provide for the various contingent
expenses, necessarily incidental to state
OF war, justifies and makes necessary the
contingent military fund referred to. 7
| trust. gentlemen, that | have not so
FAR mistaken your intelligence and patri-
otism, as to render it necessary that ]
should invoke you in the name of all that
Is sacred and dear to us as a people-even
the sancttS o, our domestic hreslde-to
iorget past diiierehces' ana whatever may
!eha IN me ieasl 10 distract your counseis
III the present hioinehtous crisis IN winch
we nave oe' n involved oy Inc unprovokGd
anu yrannicai nsnrpatlon OF people
VINO, forgetting me lessons OF their'athers,
nave o'ei,h!o"h me ia'rest Government
upon earth' IN me mere wantonness OF an
uhh"lurai sec'lonai Pfe)uaice amounting
70 sectional hate ana disregard OF
nose great priheiP'es OF justice ana