New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-17
THE HON. JOHN BELL SPEAKS Al
KNOXVILLE.
ppCI ARTS HIMSELF A REBEL, AND RISKS THE
CONSEQUENCES.
T,on n. Knogrut Rfc,ter, juno u

From II. KnoyrNs Rosiser. June ~.
The Hon. John Bell, according TO previous an
pouncemeut addressed the people of Knox County
Yesterday There was large audience many ladies
occupying seats within the bar; but very few Of the
Union men, whom the distinguished gentleman had
invited particularly 70 hear him, present Ofthe
Southern Rights crowd present, however, very many
were the former political adhernts and friends Of Mr..
Bell. We reached the Court. House a few minutes
after Mr. Bell commenced his speech, and not orly
listened aeively, but took notes OF 1t, and present
the following a. a fair synopsis of ii
Mr.. BELLS SPEECH.
Mr. Bell stated that lie did not intend 10 take any
new position. II was true that after the Lust Pres-
Dental election he had yndieated Lincoln. lie knew
that Lincoln entertained ultra Abolition views. but
still he believed he could do no harm, because be could
not move an inch without his cabinet and the Senate
could have check mated him. Had not the Southern
States Seeded at the end Of Lincon's term the Re-
publican party would have been shattered TO pieces.
Last February, when one or two states had seed
ed the question was, shal Tennessee 90 out of the
Union alsol Mr.. Bchhad said no. lie had expressed
his belief that Lincoln was trasuced-hat he did not
favor the idea Of negro equality lie was present Ut
Lincoln Inauguration, and worked hard for ten days
and nights TO preserve the Union He had come home
and represented Lincoln for peace Lincoln had pro-
fessed peace, and Mr.. Bell had warned the AdmiDis-
tration se,ntt coercion. He bad told them that II
voution in the Border Slater. They might collect the
revenue and blockade Southern PORTS, II II were ne
cessary but If they invaded state there would be
war. His advice was that, II peaceable means failed
it was better TO let the Cotton States go was better
TO lose them than 20 lose them and the Border States
alec, by attempting coercion. The Seeded States
nsrer could be su6dued. Applause.
lie believed Mr. Lincoln had intended to adopt this
peaceful policy-he bad intended to do night lie had
determined to evacuate Fort Sumter. But an infant
military power was beginning to bud in the North.
Dominant men in the North who were anxious to win
power and place by their prowess on the battle held
by letter and telegraph he'd assailed Iincon-elling
him that 10 evacuate Sumter would be the destructon
OF the Republican party-tha. all bis friends would
forfake him. Lincoln yielded. He attempted to no
enforce Fort Sumter. Mr.. Bell exposed the trieksry
Of the movement against Fort Sumter. =
Then came Lineons Proclamation OF the 18th OF
April calling for $4,000 volunteers. Notwithstanding
the professions OF that proclamation, Mr. Bell saw that
II indicated the invasion Of the Border States II
meant anything else, why did II not say cot There
were hints in that proclamation that were calculated
to fire the Northern heart with military ardor II did
have that effect. The military fire spread in tie North
Conservative men went under. Gushing. Dickinson,
and such Democrats were compelled TO yield to tue
despotism of this military spirit, and were now amoog
the most violent Of the enemies Of the South Butter
now in command OF the forces at Hampton Virginia,
was Of this class Major Gen. Patterson Of Phiia-
dephia another. He was an East Tenneseeean by
birth and at first mobbed in Philadelphia Tor h
Southern sentiments, but was now the leader OF the
Pennsylvania forces against Harpers Ferry. Patter
con had succumbed 70 the military despo'irm at the
North. Nothing in the history Of the world eqaaled
that military despotism. We are accused OF having
miliiary despotism in the South, but compare 1t with
ts despotsm at the North, and there would be found
to be great difference.
Lincoln had In his proclamation disayowed bis inten
ton TO invade Southern States, but he has invaded
them and the Southern States should all mako com.
mon cuse in resistance that invason Lincoln hac
called not only for $1,000 but 100000 troops do
might call marching these troops through the Bor
der States TO suppress armed combinations In the south
sm States "subjugation," but what el,s would
the citizens would humate sll-woud humiliste th'
| Union men as well as the Secessonists.
Il 10 true ths, The iayadiag Generals issue procama