Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-19
GEORGIA.
Extracts from the Inaugural Address of
Gov. JenISins-CaIm views, and Good
Advice,

In the brief survey, appropriate to this
occasion, of the field of operation upon
which we are entering, we are led to consid-
er first our federal relations, and secondly our
home interests. The Constitution of the
United States defines the former, and the
Constitution of the State of Georgia indicates
our duty concerning the latter In these
two great charters of liberty, there is no in
herent cause of conflict. As, according to
Republican theory, all government is but
popular agency, so these instruments con-
strued together present to the mind of the
inquirer, clear, satisfactory division be-
tween the governments they severally in
stitute, of all the powers necessary to the
public exigencies. Yet we are admonished
BY history written in blood, that conflict
has arisen in the past, originating partly in
the too eager advocacy of abstract theories,
partly in the sectional jealousies and antag-
onisms, and enlisting the evil passions Of
humanity, it waxed fercer and fiereer as it
progressed in series of years, and culmi-
mated ia the attempted separation Of some of
the American States from the remainder
Memories of common sufferings and COM
mon triumphs, and anticipation Of an ex-
allied destiny within the reach of united,
a
lost their power over mems minds The
desire for triumph in the strife thus engen-
dered, on both sides, speciously assumed the
guise of patriotism, and inspired men using
a common Shibboleth with mutual aversion
Five years since Reason abandoned, and the
Sword assumed the arbitrament. We open
not that record of violence-would that we
could stamp it with the seal of oblivion
Now the wager Of battle is over, and the
award is against us as parties TO the issue,
our whole people have risen, up, accepted it
as by the will of one man. What valor
failed to achieve, wisdom has promptly re-
nounced, and truth herself has set her signet
to the atteStation of the deed.
In the recent remOdeiing Of their COnstitu-
ton, the people OF Georgia have aoknowl-
edged the Constitution, constitutional laws,
and treaties of the United States, as their
supreme Lau. This means something more
than yielding Of a contest, or an overture
for restoration. 1t means fidelity 10 the SUI
preme law in all future Legislative, executive
and judicial action, and in all future move
ments Of the people en- HdSse. 1t implies a
recognition of duty to, and interest in the
whole country, as well as to and in the State
of Georgia. It il Of course predicsted upon
a reciprocal obligation upon the part Of those
to whom this pledge is renewed. The insti-
tuition of slavery, the fruitful source Of dis
cord in the past, has been efectually eradi-
Gated from our social and political sys tems.
1t can never again disturb the harmony Of
our deliberations, without which the Federal
Union must be curse instead Of a blessing
II the whole people, REFRESHING all prompt
ings of sectional feeling and interest, will
faithfully observe and obey the Federal
Constitution, coming events may Lift the veil
which now covers recent demonstrations Of
Providence, and disclose to their rectifed
vision, in striking contrast, ruin caused by
human folly, and renovation wrought by Di-
vine Wisdom. After weeping that has en-
dured through long night Of civil strife,
joy may come in the morning OF reunion.
Let not our people yield to discourage
ment in view of the tardy progress Of recon-
struction, or Of the suspicion and distrust 80
palpably manifested towards them. Sus-
tanned BY conscious rectitude, let them main
tain with calm and resolute dignity the POI
sition they have taken, and await the re-
suit A tempest of unsurpassed fury has
swept over our land. The elements do not
subside into their normal quiet instantan-
eously with the hull OF the wind, the sleep
Of the lightning aed the hush OF the thunder
The smoke Of a hundred battles does not
vanish in a moment. But the atmosphere
will clear ere long those who cannot now
see how men who fought with such desper-
alton against the United States, can 80 soon
become it, real citizens, viii then look at Us
through rectifed medium Il viii oe-
cur TO them that Yalor and Truth are
twin sisters, born Of maenaniiaity, whose
womb never did, nor ever vii con-
eeive treachery. They will then remember
and appreciate the historical fact that the