The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-05-08
un...n ~ Nn. Cave johnson Before
ans Ter, Sxsee Legfslature.

Speech Of l. Nh: Cave Jchnson Before
the Ten, SSsee Legislature.
The Tennessee scnate, by vote of
twelve to seven, rel, sea 10 permit
the Hon. Cave Johnso." e take his
seat. He did not vote for 4 ''"p!o".
It will be recollected that Mr.. 'onn-
son was Folks Postmaster Gene. M.
He was permitted to address the Sc
nate in his own behalf. His eminent
ability, high character and national
reputation, coupled with his venera-
ble appearance, caused him to be lis
tened to with great attention.
He said he was thankful for the
opportunity afforded him of present
ing the claims of his constituents,
who numbered 1000 people. If his
personal interests only were involved
i'll this question, he would not say
one word. The sanctity of the Con-
stitution and it's security were in
volyed in this question. That Consti-
tuition on which our liberty depends
the foundation on which this Govern
ment rests.
Shall white people be kept in the
Have they no rights here? 1t was
said that he had not voted at certain
elections. He had the right to hold
Office even if he had not the right to
vote or had not voted. The Consti-
tuition fixes the qualifications re-
quired; and beyond it's requirements
you cannot go. Even if he was a
man of bad character, this body can
not say that he shall not be admitted
to seat if he was elected according
to the Constitution.
If Q man is a traitor, it is an alb
surdity to say that the Senate can
exclude him. If this doctrine can
be carried out, our liberties are gone.
Report said that he consented to the
rebellion. Where is the proof? He
did not consent, but acquiesced in it.
When President Lincoln called for
Tennessee to fight the South and to
invade our own country, he went with
the South
We did not intend to fight with the
people of Alabama 1t was thought
best to form military league with
the Southern Confcderacv, and he
agreed to it as the best thing we
could do. The Federal troops were
on their way to our borders, and we
resolved to sustain our State and it's
dignity.
Our troops acted gloriously, and
added fresh glory to the already
bright and dazzling reputation Of the
State. On no battlefield did their
cheeks blanch with fear. They fought
like honorable and true soldiers, and
he felt proud Of them and their con-
duct
What do Senators propose to do?
Will they set aside the Constitution
which is the work of Washington,
Jefferson and Madison? Let them
remember that, although they are in
the ascendancy now, the wheel of for
tune is constantly revolving To-day
You are on top, and perhaps to-mor-
row you will descend to the bottom.
Beware how you establish a prece-
dent to ruin yourselves If one man
is excluded because he did not vote
for Governor Brownlow, another Le-
Slslaturc may fix different standard
OF admission. We did not vote for
Andrew Johnson ut the last election,
because we feared his association
with Abolitionists was dangerous; but
afterward, when we found out that
he was for the Constitution and the
rights of the people, we went for him
zealously.
He was sorry to see resolution
offered i'll this body, advising neu-
trality between the President and
Congress, because every man in the
South should now sustain the Presi
dent. While he is doing his best for
us. he could not occupy a neutral po-
sition.
He regretted, also, to hear our gal
liant boys, who fought in the Southern
army, ut the call of their State, cen
sured on this floor. They joined the
army to fight for Trnnessee-not for
the Confederacy nor the United
States. They enlisted at the call of
the State, and at the command of the
Legislature. How dare any Senator
condemn those noble young men for
obeying the command of their own
| State
CARGO OF SLAvEs.-By a recent ar
rival from Havana we learn that a
cargo of slaves had just been landed