The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-01-12

full and able representation from the
various -ections Of the State; that in
view Of the vital necessity Of an early
reorganization Of the State government,
his Convention should mature, at the
earliest possible time, the requisite fes-
lures Of amendment, and refer them
70 the people at the ballot box for ap-
prevail or rejection.
Dr.. Bowen offered the following reso-
luton, which was unanimously adopted
under suspension of the rules
Resolged indnimously, That the thanks
Of every loyal man, woman and child
Of the State is due to Gen. George h.
Thomas for Withdrawing the guards
from the houses of rebel sympathizers
in the State Cheers
Mr. D. P. Gass, Of Sewer, offered a
resolution, as follows
Resolved, That all persons who voted
for. separation in 1861. or voluntarily
core arms against the Government,
ought to be disfranchised for ninety
nine years, unless the Legislature finds
it TO the interest of the State TO rein
state them but in no case shall they
be reinstated in less than ten years.
Referred to the Committee on Bust
ness.
Mr.. Lewis Tillman, Of Bedford, in de
fault Of any regular business, was
called upon for a speech. Heremarked,
that next to his duty to God, he con-
sidered his duty was to his country. BE
had therefore carefully studied poll
tics, though no politician, in order TO
cast an intelligent vote. He never be
longed to what is called the democratic
party, but he was for the greatest good
to the greatest number He opposed
the resolution offered by Mr. Gass. We
should induce the rebels to come
back-not the leaders, who should be
crushed-but the masses We were
trying to detach them from their lead
ers Not to do 80, would be to tell
them you'll be damned if you do, and
you'll be damned if you don't"
This meeting was to'put our State in
the Union, and again make it assume
a loyal position. We must work in har-
mony with the efforts of the general
government. To effect this, we must
act in a liberal spirit We are required
to forgive our brethren. lie was not for
electing rebels to Office; indeed such as
repented would not expect it; but lei
them return, and if they behaved them
selves, let them be protected and for
given, but let them keep private sta
ton.
Wehaye been four years in civil war
The prospect is more bright but we
have great work to do, we must re-es-
tsblish the State government on the ba
sis Of universal freedom-freedom TO the
white and the black man. He would
the masses of the rebels; in
ducs them to repentif they will; but if
not, crush them. He believed there
we're no practical Union men except such
as were abOHaoniststs /.
Mr. Carper was opposed to forgiving
rebels; he was opposed to pardoning,
or forgiying any one; he repudiated the
whole doct. IN Let men not trsnsgrel 5
and they would need nothing OF
the kind An ounce of preventive
is worth more than pound Of cure.
Let every transgressor be punished. |
Rebels were coming back and saying |
" we failed to destroy the government
therefore we are discouraged, and con
clude to be good citizens, and want an
Office They have no rights under the
vernmentexcept to be hanged Rope
and lead were the only medicine which
should beapplied 10 their case.
At this point, the Business Committee
appeared in the Convention, and an
their readiness to report
Gen Milligan, chairman of the com
mittee, stated that the committee were
agreed as to the general features ofthe
report but there were differences of
opinion as TO minor subjects; The denial |
of the right of suffrage TO certain par
ties, and also as to how amendments to
The Constitution should be effected
Mr. Bingham then read the majority |
report, as follows
The first Article and the first Section |
ofthe Declaration of Rights in the Con
stitution of the State of Tennessee, de |
clares That all power is inherent in |
the people, and ali governments are
founded ON their authority, and insti- |
tuted for their peace, safety and hap |
piness: and for the advancement of |
these ends they have at all times an in
alienabie and indefeasible right to alter, |
reform on abolish the government in |
such manner as they may think |
proper" Therefore, a portion of the |
Of the State of Tennessee |
and of the United States of Amer |
lea. in convention assembled, DO |
nropound the following alterations
and amendments TO the constitution, |
which, when ratified by the sovereign |
loyal people, shall be and constitute 8 |
part Of the permanent Constitution Of |
the State ofTennessse.
PROPOSED ALTERATIoEsE AND AMENDMENTS !
ARTICLE |