The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-09-08
WHO shall control the Restoration
OF Tennesseel

Who shall control the RESTORATION
OF TENNESSEE
10 lie Edit0r Of tie Nashville Union:
Tho rebel army having been driven out
Of Tennessee, the question Of recognizing
the State Government naturally comes
up. That contamination is one 'most de-
youtly to bo wished" II is most desira-
bic in every point Of Wow. But are we
prepared TO resume the functions of civil
government! 1t is time we are all pretty
sick of military rule, and Of the devasta-
tions OF military conflicts. Two years
and six months ago we were prosperous
as commonwealth, and happy as a peo-
PIE. In an ill-fatcd hour we tore down
the national emblem under which our
fathers had conquered every foe, and
which had been the token Of every earth
ly blessing TO us, aud hoisted in it's stead
the standard Of revolt against the best
and wisest government God in his mercy
over gave any people. For this we lost
the blessings Of civil government. Every
interest, national, social and moral, has
been destroyed. Sorrow, devastation
and ruin reigns everywhere in the homes
alike Of the rich and poor All hat has
been lost can never be restored. Links
in almost every home circle have been
broken that never can be replaced. Seats
have been vacated around almost every
flre-side that never can be filled again
Wounds have been made in almost every
heart, which earth has no balm 10 heal.
No people, perhaps, were ever 30 sudd My
dashed from such height Of prosperity
TO such depth of adversely. Aud why?
Because no people, perhaps, ever commit
ted such crime as we did when we re-
belled against the government of Wash
ington and his compatriois. If our pun
ishment has been great, it has not equal
ed our crime. Wohave sianea as no other
people ever did, and therefore deserve to
suffer as no other people ever did. As
our sin was without excuse, SO has our
punishment been most deserved. We do
not deserve the blessing of civil govern
ment which would relieve us from many
of the evils we now suffer.
It is in accordance with the fitness of
things. that crimes should not be for
given till they are heartily repented Of.
And it is equally true in fact and theory
that no one ever rppentq of his sins of
whatever kind, until he is truly convicted
of them. But it is asked, have not the
people Of Tennessee repented of the
awful crime of rebellion?
Have they not nearly unanimously
come forward and in the most solemn
manner taken the oath of allegiance TO
the United States Government?
| answer that, l have administered
the oath thus TO several thousands and
] have yet TO see one active, Intelligent,
conscious REBEL or rebel sympathizer
NAN saw NNAuNuCu tuAN nc was luhu-
enced by IA honest conviction that he
had done wrong and by an honest pur-
pose 70 reform and do so no more. Such
show that they are influenced by the
sulloaness Of despair, or the baser
motives OF fear or intorest. If there was
hope Of success they would BIO as active
rebels as ever In their hearts they are
as bitter as over. Like the distinguished
Columbia orator Of last year they con
slider the rebellion played out" for the
time and tor that reason, they pretend to
desert it, and not because they consider
il wrong Theae tits true do not con-
stitute large majority OF the people,
but they constitute the class that has
heretofore influenced and directed pub
lie affairs, and they still possess large
influence Until that influence is brok-
ca aud destroyed they will still control
the victims they have ruined. If these
statements be correct-and who can
deny them--wo are no more prepared to
resume civil government than we deserve
its blessing. But / will resume this
subject. dec go'sNte, when