The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-01-12
CAV. johnson on slavery, Secession
and state Snfcfdo

and state Suicide.
Gov. Johnson, in his EulOgy on Gen.
Jackson, on the night of the sth of J an
uary, took occasion to discuss the poliii-
cal issues Of the day, and il is needless 10
add that he did so with ability, and that
his positions were both correct and ably
maintained. His declaration that insti-
tutiOns must never be allowed to rise
above the Government, which was the
organ of the popular will, was received
with loud applause, and should be made
= political maxim forever. Whenever
any institution based upon capital at
tempts to overthrow the republican bs-
sis upon which our liberties rest, tie tins
has arrived when its abolition is ne
cessity-ao matter what may be its
character, or how long it may have ex-
listed.
The truth of the following, will be
recognized by all:
Before the rebellion, we could discuss
eli institutions, all subjscte, all measures
except slavery. Ga that subject no one
dared speak, or write, or print, except on
the side of the slavery aristocracy.-
Now, thank God, the time has come
when the press is unmuzzled, when ths
press can discuss this and all other subjects.
| The time has come when this institution
is dead-Ehen the chains are broken and
the captive set free. (Applause.) The
institution is dead (spplsuse), and slaves
are not worth quarter of dollar doz-
81 Naughter). Being dead, let US, in
a becoming manner, prepare Tor VIC flu
neral obsequies.
With reference to Estate suicide be
very justly remarks:
Go back 10 the articles of Confederation,
which were designed to secure perpet-
ual union of the States the Constitution
was framed to secure more perfect union.
/ In it provision is made for its own
amendment, for the admission of new
States, for every thing, but secession. No
where is there found provision for letting
q State out. It provides means to repel
invasion and suppress instruction; it
also guarantees to every State in the
Union 8 republican form of gov
eminent, and to protect them from
domestic violence. This Govern
ment of ours was intended to be indie
structible, to be perpetual. Like the
Christian religion, the Constitution is
comprehensive enough for the whole
world. Away with the idea of State
suicide Away with the doctrine of Sc
cession, its twin brother! We are parts
of q great whole, working at present
somewhat inharmoniOusly, but as soon
as the Government puts down the
rebellion, and the machinery be
again put in running order, leav-
| ing out whatever may have be-
fore prevented its running smoothly,
| the State will stand firm. Some of her
institutions may be rubbed out, but the
State stands. She is and will continue
to be, State, whether with or without
slavery, and the Government will go on.
[ admit no such thing as reconstruction :
the idea is as bad as secession. Your
legislature ran away; does that destroy
the State? The Governor ran away
does that destroy the State? They took
with them the bank funds and the school
fund but the State is here yet. The
ordinary civil functions of the State have
been for a time necessarily suspend
ed but the United States is bound to
secure 10 US = representative form of gov
eminent. Does that look like secession
like reconstruction? The president
possesses the necessary power, and must
exercise it, Officers may be appointed
10 administer the law, any thing may
| be done, to secure represent
alive form of government. The rebellion
being put down, the Legislature might
be convened tomorrow. To admit that
8 State can be out of the Union, is virtu-
ally admitting the principle of secession.
Nor can a State be put back 10 terrific
rial condition. 1t is contrary to the ge-
MUS of our Government. The State can
not destroy herself, nor can the United
! States Government destroy State. When
you destroy q State you destroy the
union of the States. Hold fast to your
liberties under the constitution. Destroy
the rebellion, and let slavery go with it.
(Cheers.) Were it possible to destroy q
State, l would almost be willing to see
South Carolina destroyed; but l will
not depart from my theory, from the
truth, and will not have even her destroy
ed. The Union and the Constitution
must be preserved intact.