Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-03-13
Burniua OF Ootrou md Tobacco.

From the Richmond Dispstehl
The meeting of planters, for the purpose Of
discussing the question of burning the present
crop Of cotton and tobacco, took place on Thurs
day night last in the African church Notyith-
standing but little prominence had been given
to the notice OF this meeting it was well attend
ed, and at an early hour the house was filed
The meeting was called TO order byT. c. Green.
of North Carolina, and was first addressed by
DR.. c. X. Marshall, OF Mississippi, who stated
Its object and the Importance Of the subiectthe
came TO discuss. A series of resolutions were
presented and adopted, after which Dr. Mar
shall delivered a stirring and patriotic speech,
which frequently drew forth applause from the
audience.
The feeling Of the meeting was decidedly in
favor of the destruction of the entire crop be-
fore any portion of it should fall into tie hands
OF the enemy, even if no guarantees are given
for future compensation. Speeches were also
made by Gov. Moore, Of Kentucky, and by
Hon. H. S. FoOte, The following are the reso-
lutions adopted
WHEREAS, The government of United States
have made an unProvoked, fragrant and wicked
war on the government and people Of the Con-
federnte States, and have conducted that war on
principles hitherto unknown among civilized
nations and whereas, we feel that our only
safety against 80 ruthless and unreleuting foe
is to be found in the courage, patriotism aud
sef-sacrifcing spirit Of our people; and whereas
the tyTsnts and despots of the North have openly
| proclaimed their purpose TO desolste our homes
and appropriate our property to their own use
/ and have IN various instances, carried the inta
nous threat into practical execution by plumber
| ing our people of cotton tobacco, rice, and
| other property and whereas, ire when applied
| by heroic hands, is more formidable than the
sword, therefore it is by this meeting
! BesOi5cd, That, as a means of uatiOus. safety
I dictated alike by military necessity and true
/ patriotism, we deem it the imperative duty OF
/ this government to adopt measures for the pUr
/ chase Of the entire crops Of cotton and tobacco
| now Oh hand, with the purpose of st once pre-
venting the appropriation of them by the iuvad
| crs OF our soil and country, aud making fan
and equitable compensation for the same to ther
/ owners, by such arrangements as shall snabI,
/ the government to meet the debt incurred there
/ by without involving tue public treasury in a"y
serious liability on account Of the said purchase
/ Certificates of government liability 20 be glveI
/ for the entire property.
| R,s0irod, That as the owner of these grea
/ staples, the government would hold in is hand
| the power of removing so great a temptation
! from the path of the Federal army nov making
/ its RAIDS into our country, and robbing our ci.i
! zens under the aYOwed pledges ofsuppiyiug, by
I
| able articles of demand, which must necessarily
! be done, if these pledges are redeemed, by tn,
total bankruptcy Of our planting interests on tn,
one hand, and the utter subjugaGon and euslave
ment Of the people of the South on the other.
| Bes0irsa, That, possessed of these products
/ it would become 5he solemn duty Of the govern
meut 10 take immediate action through commits
siouers appointed for that purpose, or otherwise
to take an account of such portions Of said crops
as are at exposed places hrst furnishing th,
/ owners thereof with certificates OF the smoun
and value of their crops as evidences of debt bJ
/ the government therefor and consign tine pro
! perty to the devOuriug flames
/ ResgiDai, That n case the owners of sajl
staples decline to accept the terms offered by ia,
| government, tax of - cents per pound should
| be assessed and collected from such crops, su,
| if finally lost or sacrificed, as measure Of pub
| lie safety thereafter, such owners should not b
! allowed any compensation for the same.
! RcS0lged, That where other articles Of pro
| duce or stock are exposed to the raids Of th
| enemy, they should be removed, if practicable
and if not practicable, an inventory Of then
should be taken, with an estimate of their value
! by military authority Or a government agent, OF
/ in the absence OF either, by competent citizens
and certified TO by them, and said property forth
with destroyed and the parties thus deprived o
! their property sherld be indemuGei by th.
government