Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1865-05-03
sa- In the Senatorial branch of the Tennessee

Bels~ In the Senatorial branch of the Tennessee
Legislature the following debate was recently had
Senate bill NO u introduced by Mr.. Peart was
taken up, and put on its second reading This bill
is to repeal sections 3S0s and 30S9 of the Code Of the
State the first of which reads as follows "a negro,
mulatto or person of mixed blood, descended from
negro or Indian ancestors, to the third generation
inclusive, though ancestor of each generation may
have been white person, either bond free, is in
capable of being citizen in any case, except for or
against each other The author of this bill en-
deavored to urge the State TO take action at once
when spirited debate ensued, in which Senator
Butler, of Johnson opposed it. as premature step
towards regulating the status of the negro
The gentleman said, that coming from u district
with fewer slaves than any in the State-a district
that has sent more soldiers TO the Union army than
any other in the State--a district which has never
been questioned for its loyalty and devotion to the
United States Government he felt it his duty know
ing he did, the sentiments of his constituency to
oppose its passage. ] had hoped that we would pass
through thesesson without touching that subject but
since it has come up, we must meet it, and dispose
Of il in such a manner as in our best judgment will
be for the interest Of the State IL the last four
years great revolution has taken place in public
sentiment in this State on the slavery question. The
negro has been made free, not gradually but, as it
were, in the twinkling Of an eye, 1t has been a
great shock to the people, and it is not wise pru-
dent TO progress rapidly In liking the status Of
the negro. Is the black man prepared to exercise
the duties conferred upon him by that bill2 Is it
justice to the white man? Is it for the best inter-
ests Of the negro? These are questions that should
be carefully weighed by Senators upon taking this
great leap in elevating the negro This bill pro-
poses to make witnesses of the negro against white
men, and that is not the most Objectionable feature
il makes them qualified voters and the repeal of
lt,,,a -, bn Fa1a ,,.,1 l.
the iurists and courts of the State
Mr.. Peart asked leave to make a remark which
was granted by the speaker. lie did not understand
the bill to confer the elective franchise on the ne
gro and he maintained that il did not invest him
with that right.
Mr.. Butler contipued-We have done enough for
the negro for the present Let us watt and see what
he will do for himself. Let US see whether il is Il
curse or blessing we have bestowed upon him.
Tennessee is not prepared for this great stride in ell
evating the negro. She does not expect it of this
Legislature The men of the mountain district who
have left their families and periled their lives for
the Union will be shocked by this hasty legislation,
which sets up the lives of white men TO be sworn
away.by negroes. They will ma approve it. and
knowing their honest sentiments regarding this sub
jcct, feel il my duty, in justice TO my constituency
to record my vote against the passage of the bill.
Mr.. Senter thought il would be the best policy TO
refer the bill to the appropriate committee Weare
just recognizing the State and it was premature
subject to introduce at this early day. He thought
it would be better both for the friends and enemies
of the BILL TO refer II 70 the Committee on. Freed
men.
Mr.. Trimble proposed to refer II TO the Committee
on the judiciary, and desired 10 make few re-
marks on the subject He did not think the Sena-
tor from johnson Mr. Butler) fully comprchcndej
the effect Of the bill II certainly did not confer the
right Of voting on the negro and the only question
involved was that of bearing testimony against
white mon. II was only doing simple justice 70 the