Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-04-09
rHRIUDenrNr OF TIE PEOPLE.

1t is universally felt throughout the Coufedes-
acy that to assail our representative in the Leg
i~slature, and ibe members OF the Executive branch
Of the Government, q. this critical period,
with that bitterness Of -l-uperati3n and reckless
disregard of justice ths has TOO commonly char
acterized the squabblii.s Of parties, would al
this moment be more han q violation Of the
grave dignity which ST I'D distinguish the dis
cussion Of the public t-siuess of a great peoples
II would be ungenarou to those VINO hold the
helm Of Affairs, and in Irious 20 the great cause
now submitted to he 5itrament of arms More
than this-tbs conviction is general Thar at this
crisis, not only should public men be free from
the acrimouy of partisan conflict, bat from every
tncture, however moderate. Of mere party differ
ence. Party distinctions are obli,gra5ed; we
are together as one in a grand cause emba-t.iug
for a great object, and cur only differences Of
opinion can be about VIVA are the best and most
efficient means OF aeoomphshing'ths task before
rs. aud freeing ourselves FROM the power and VIM
dictfvsness of 6ur enemies. 50 strong is the
feeling that a courteous and noble confidence is
necessary to be placed n or government, that
some jealous individuals, losing sight Of the
maxim, that in the multitude of councillors
there is wisdom; failing to reflect that in a c0uu-
try where the people are the source Of power,
the people n1st diseuss-aud consequently
appove or disapDrJve--hs actions Of those
who WELD that power derived from them,
set their face against any discussion at al,
and say In eff cr, as the English law says
OF the Sovereign, the Government can do no
wrong
Such zeal IS not according to knowledge.
When the measures of the Executive are sub
mitted TO Congress, It is not the province Of that
body merely % receive and record what is sent
TO them from that source, as the degenerate Sen
ate OF Rom p~assively registered the ediets Of
their despotic Emperors, but to discuss, amend,
reject, or adopt Congress Is the representative
of the people, and its members are employed
and paid to DO tie business Of the people. II
we refuse the exercise of the right Of free, un-
trsmmslIed discussion among the people, It can
not with any share of reason, be retained among
Legislators and senator's VINO are IN the peoples
service. If The tongues Of The people are tied.
and the pens o. she press they support are fst-
tered, the Legislature must necessarily become
dumb. Choke ap the fountain and you stop the
how Of the stream. TINS objection 10 free dis
cussion does not come from the government
itself the members Of IL, naturally, prefer a no-
tics that shows respect, TO a silence that looks
like indifference o. coulempg; it is to Their IN
terest 20 know what tho people aPProve and
what they dislike, before decisive action is taken
it comes from well meaning people, over-zea-
Gus In feeling, and deficient in breadth Of view
and capacity Of foresight So far as these per
sons object to personal imputadons, to mere fault
finding, TO favoiods and q~uib5lng arguments
they are right; these age 40 times for jaaging-
and peurihaes, bit when they object 10 calm
investigation and temperate argument, they are
clearly in the wrong.
The measures our government propose are
entitled d. TO a Tespea1f1l consideration, on account
Of the source rom whence they emaaa5c. They
require sound iuve5dga iou, on account Of the
peculiar crisis in which we exist. An Alpiu,
traveller crossing a chasm, looks wen to tn,
s6undness of his plank Strange to say, thi.
latter reason has been turned right round til,
other way, and il has been represented that
sithough we might discuss and investigate a
other times, We must receive in 81 eut ecouies
cence what. is seat US Ia the moment Of perl
As wei might a man be told 10 be careful of hi
diet when be is well, but TO swallow, withou
scruple, ali that is offered him when sick. It
not an in-discrimiuste acceptance Of all ta
government may propose, that is required OF q
by sagacity, dscorum. and prudence, bu, a
avoidance OF taetoo frequent practice OF attg4bu
ing bad motives, se.liutorsEl, stupidity, viciou
ness. or folly 20 the members of IT, From d
President downward the task Of the members
our government Is a hard one, and their respoi
sibiHty is great, and s0ch imputstious would
false and cut Of place but this does not make
improper for us to investigate their measures
scTnfnize their actions. When q merchant lool
over the accounts OF his cleriz, he does Lot
50 because be considers him a thief Meth