Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-12
EIection Ratnrnr.

Though the returns are as yet incomplete. but
little doubt remains that the call for a convention
has been voted down by overwhelming MAORI
ty.
We have no wish to conceal the fact that we are
deeply grieved and mortified its result We had lit
tie hope of carrying the State for immediate uncondi
tionsl secession nor indeed did we desire it. But
we did hope that by whatever name they might be
called we should have majority elected who would
be unpledged either to unconditional submission or
unconditional secession Who would be governed
not much by their individual preferences one
way or the other as by what under the cireum-
stances might seem best at the time when the con-
yention should of necessity be called upon to act
We have SAID time and again that we had only
the faintest hope that any such concessions would
be made as would satisfy the people of Tennessee
The Convention now in session and the action of
Virginia, consequent upon the action of the Wash
ingtOu conference were continge S, upon which
we thought the action of Tenness might be safely
predicted. If so conservative State IS Virginia
shall decide that there is no longer hope of reason
able adjustment, we think it may be regarded as
certain that North Carolina and Arkansas will coop
crate with her in Immediately withdrawing from
the Union.
event. as few can contemplate without regret, not
to say shame. That ultimate destiny must
be With the Southern Confederacy is. we know, the
only feeling of the great masses of the people of
Tennessee. Our sympathies and our interests alike
dictate such policy. The people of Tennessee
cannot and will not consent to commit act of sui
eide by linking her destiny with States that all men
know would carry perpetual war upon her in
terests, her peace, safety, domestic happiness and
good name, only to crafty the passions and pro
mote the aspirations Of few desperate, ambitious
politicians, who ready now they have been
for these many years to sacrifice their country and
her institutions, to promote their own selfish
schemes.
The people of Tenness &c have been wickedly will
fully deceived. They have been told all would be
safe, that her rights would be secured and that
basis of settlement would soon be assured thai
would be amply satisfactory, and the Union thereby
restored.
If those who gave such assurances were sincere
in such belief why was it that some of them
advised the people to vote down the conven-
ton. Why they unwilling at least that the
Union might meet together anc take such &C
ton the safety Of the State might seem to de-
maud after the action Of the Washington confer |
ence, of Congress itself of Virginia North Caro-
lima and Alabama should be known Why was it
that even Union were not to be trusted even to
express an official opinion for Tennessee under
whatever exigences might then exist: Why was it.
that she could not be allowed the poor privilege Of
discaiming the wholesale charge Of unconditional
submission!
But the fat went forth from Nashville, and the
deed was done. Tennessee, under the lead of men
whom she had supposed her honor safe, has con-
scented to be tied hand and foot thus she makes
her humble submission to her naughty and un-
Welding adversary. Now, indeed, is our cup of hu-
initiation full to the brim.
Should the General Government precipitate war
nv uersisting IN the mad policy of holding the forts
Of southern States as perpetual menace, or of at
tempting to collect revenue from the seeded States
or in any other way asserting its authority therein
Tennessee will then for the first time, occupy the
nosition of a mere taxpayer to support wicked
and relentless war against her own brothers-an
Indifferent spectator of the slaughter OF those who
are fighting her battles, and for her interest her
welfare her women and children as much as theirs.
We turn away in shame from the further contem
,lation of the sickening thought.
Nav God, in his mercy, protect deceived and
betrayed people.