The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1865-06-04

ufls. on TBlrsdqy, Moy g. 1860, on the
Ezsetivs Franchise, the Question being
ne Adogh0a Of House Bill No: I5o, lthe
Ninoritv ReDort) IN Lien Of House Bill
No. 1877, (the Majority ReOoTt)
INTRODUCTORY
Mr.. SPEAKER-I am free to confess, SIR,
that l share largely in that feeling of
responsibility of the magnitude and
Importance Of the question under con-
expressed by honorable gen
tlemen on this floor. The question un-
der consideration is the great measure
of this General Assembly. 1t Is COM
paratively a new question IN politics,
and one Of extreme delicacy. Our de-
termination Will have weight upon the
veal or woe of the State. The ques-
ton rises even to National Importance;
such is the delicate character OF our
institutions. We cannot be over careful
of right, so vast are our interests.
''No pent up Utica contracts our powers
The whole boundless continent is ours.
But / am strengthened by the truth
of the cause that L advocate. No work
ing of the brave and true, no matter
how humble, seen or unseen, can per-
ish. | speak to-day, out of an anxious
and solicitous heart, for the great IN
terests of my State and country these
are my only ends.
In the discussion of this question,
shall first briefly explain the bill Of the
minority, and then consider some Of the
objections offered to it by the honora-
bic gentleman from Bedford, Mr.. Coop
err In the second place / propose &c
examine constitutional grounds OF
the subject, and in the third place, the
matter in a practical light, as one OF
self preservation TO the State.
The bill Of the minority ought to be
entitled "a bill for the future welfare
of the people" The two bills (the mi
uority or the majority stand apart
like the poles. The minority bill pro
vides,
lst. For all known friends of the Gov
ernment
ID. For the youth Of the State who
have not been in armed rebellion.
Sd. For all Tennessee soldiers who
are or have been serving in the United
States army.
4th. For voters in all elections under
the new regime.
9th. For loyal emigration.
All other classes are to be excluded
for five years. m
Nov, Mr.. Speaker, this is the lib
erality that members have heard SC
much denounced, called Vlndlcuve
despotic, and the embodiment OF lndl
vidual hatred. We are even called
by the member Of Bedford, Pharisees-
more righteous than our brethren. No
sir. the Publican, if you please, whe
believes that there IS a God, that lie
has laws, and that they mast be obeyed
The honorable member from Bed
ford, (Ir. Cooper } comes into the fight
ike a Mamaluke horseman, sweeping
down the wind, spear in rest 1t wa
beautiful sight But, sir, he wa;
throwing himself upon a compact
souare-a square of the " old guard
Al the battle of the Pyramids, those
Arabian hOrsemen rushed upon the vet
Grams Of Napoleon, firing at not more
than arms length into their very faces
The heroes kept their places unmoved
and their bayonets fixed. We OF the
minority cannot make so gallant q
fight; but, sir, what Is better for oui
cause, we can Stcnd, and zoe intend 4
stg5di The speech Of the gentleman
from Bedford, Mr.. "copper" was al
elaborate argument to make "the worse
appear the better reason" 1t was 81
exquisite specimen Of that hair-split
ting logic that can
"Sever and divide
a hair twiXt north and northwest side" ="
1 viii give you q sample. For in
stance: