The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-01-10
What Should Ternnsa
Present Crisis

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all ssgacious and honest men vii
and reflect seriously upon The
path fof them 10 pursue. The nj
January, the beginningof New
a miles stone, as Is were, in the
journey Of our political existence a. !
Commonwealth, and il will mark
for wisdom or folly, our history among
remote generations.
On the 22d Of last September, Presi
dent LINCOLN issued a proclamation,
announcing that, as a military measure,
be. would, on the frst Of Januaey 1868,
proclaim all the slaves free III those States
which should then be in rebellion. The
rebels raved at this stern ediet, which
al men Of Judgment and patriot-
ism must sec is to be considered
only. as iCar measure, and not
10 be discussed as constitutional
question at all. II it were consti
tutional, and hindered the suppression of
the rebellion, II was certainly an unwise
and improper measure; while, on the con-
trary, if IL even controyened the letter of
the Constitution, but saved the nation, il
was most clearly right, proper, and states-
manlike. But we did not set out to dis
cuss the policy of the Emancipation
Proclamation this is forign to our pur-
peso. We wished 10 urge upon cur eiti-
zens the immense Importance Of using
wisely the opportunity given them by
the President, Of snatching something
from the wreck Of ciyiLRarfare. Not
withstanding the aspersions of certain
Union men, and the fierce yitupera-
ton of Secessionists, the President
has shown most friendly DISPOSE
ton 20 Tennessee AZ the request Of
prominent loyaIists Of this State, he has
expressly exempted her from the Eman-
cipation Proclamation which he has full
minated against the Cotton States, under
the belief, The hope, and the ardent wish
that she would return 10 her allegiance
to the Federal Union, aud send Senators
and representatives 20 its Councils as
before. He has shown himself to be
truly the friend and well-wisher Of Ten
nessee, not only willing but eager TO do
anything that would induce her to cut
loose from wicked and ruinous rebel
lion. Would to Heaven that many of
her own public men were half as true to
her interests, and loved her as sincerely
and honestly as the President does.
There would be no more human slaugh-
ter in her borders.
Well, the President comes to tennessee
and invites her to return, and for her
sake he suspends the proclamation of
emancipation to her slaves although
nineteen tweniieihs of these slaves are
the property of rebels. Now those who
have been disloyal have chance to
make peace with the Government, and
save their slaves from the effects of the
Proclamation. This chance will not oc-
cur again, and il we desire to prOftby
this exemption, II is absolutely necessary
that we seize it instantly. Let all ofour
people lorsake at once this rebel
lion, which is ss hopeless as il is
wicked. Loyalty shows itself in
positive, decided action. We must
go forward and participate in the
Government by sending Representatives
to Congress, by choosing Legislature,
and by elecling q S. Senators. Here is
an opportunity offered 10 you, and not
only offered, bat pressed upon you, with
words of urgent entroaty We cannot
nationally expec. that this indulgence
will be extended 10 us forever il we fold
our arms idly, or look on in sullen silence.
Let us beware how we mistake the gen.
erosity Of the lion. for cowardice, as the
mistake will be fatal 10 ourselves only.
Let us meet the Federal Government half
way il comes with the olive branch and
the Constitution, as well as the sword.
The Administration Is so reluctant TO
touch any domestic system of any of the
States, even when that system is strong
proof Of the rebellion, that il now delays,
from lis kindly feelings to the people Of
this State, to execute measure Of mill
tary policy, which il threatened several
monibS since. its sole purpose and de-
sire, as evinced clearly, in our own case,
is to win the revolted States back to the
Union, BY all possible measures. The
late Proclamation clearly refutes the
accusation that It's author is fanatic or
if he is a fanatic il is not against slavery,
but for the Union, since his chief pur-
pose is plainly its restoration. Shall We
cooperate with him, in our State capa-
city, or by obstinacy, and folly, draw
down upon our heads the deserved pun
ishment which Is meted out 10 others
Rebel Prisoners.