Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1866-04-04
For the Knoxville Wing.
Estate OF East Tennessee"
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, March Esd,

STATE OIL East IenneSStc.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, March 23d 1866.
Editor Rrorr;Ue Wing in travelling over por-
tions of this division of the State, notice subject
being agitated which seems to me to promise the
only solution of the many troubles and difficulties
which new beset US. That subject is the division of
the State and the erection of separate government
for East Tennessee. While have heard good
reason urged against such measure, think there
are very many substantial reasons in It's favor The
political action of the different sections of the State
in the late rebellion has been such TO create, or
perhaps properly to increase and Intensity,
feeling of hostility already existing, which must
last through years It Is unreasonable to expect that
the passions excited by the late conflict will be
Gained down, and pass away so that the people of
the whole State will act in harmony, before many
generations shall have passed away. The loyal peo-
pie of the State are under the necessity of either
passing an act through the Legislature disfranchis-
ing rebels, or passing very soon under the dominion
aad sway of party actuated not by friendly feel
ngs but by spirit of the most intense and bitter
hostility 1t is true that every side we hear the
oudest protestatons of loyalty from those lately en-
gagged in overthrowing the Government; but how
docs their conduct conform to their professions? Is
it not true that in many portions of the State mil
tary ferce is necessary to protect loyal men? Is it
not true that in the streets of Capital officers of
the Government daily insulted, and the most
bitter hostility continually manifested? We have
the testimony of no less distinguished officer than
! Mai. Gen. Thomas who certainly has abundant OPP
portunites of knowing that the disloyal sentiment
is as rampant as ever in Middle and West Tennes-
see; that they have not even given up the hope Of
yerestorng the fortunes of the defunct Confederacy
1t sad and humiliating fact that in those divis-
ions of the State mans devotion to the flag of his
country is made the the measure Of his condemna-
tion and whenever the State passes into the control
Of the lately disloyal clement East Tennessee can
expect no fsvors.
There are considerations, however, Of greater I'M
portance and weight, founded on the natural re-
sources and character Of the different division. of
the State. While there is sympathy Of senti-
ment between the East and the West, there is also
none Of interest. The people OF Middle and West
Tennessee are emphstically al agricultural people,
while they OF East Tennessee ought to be man
ufacturing people While cotton is their chief pro-
duct ours ought 10 be the manufactured article
iron, lead, copper, zinc, brass, marble-and incud
ing articles consumed by agricultural commune
ty. There is no reascn why East Tennessee should
not rival and outssriP the most favored and pros
porous Of her Northern sisters. With climate I'M
surpassed by none in the world-with a soil suffi-
cent to support community five times as large as
it is with water-power in almost every civil dis
trict sufficient TO turn all the spindles of Lowell
or Lawrence with immense forests Of the finest
timber, and with its hills and mountains filled with
the richest quantities of all varieties of the
eral what could prevent the State of East Tennes-
see from taking position second to none as man
ufacturing State \ separate State Government
would give a new life and impetus to all branches
of industry. Capital and industry, labor and SKILL
would flow in upon US like river, and there is
every reason TO believe that our population would
be doubled within ten years. Daily is the question
asked by earnest, intelligent, enterprisng men at
the North, " What assurances of protection of life
and property can you give What assurances that
in a few years we shall not pass under the dominion
of rebels ?" A division of the State would quiet
all fears and apprehensions of that kind, and ro-
move one great obstacle to the rapid development
of our country Our Senators and Representatives
would be at once admitted to Congress, and prompt
provision made for the payment of the Just claims
of our loyal citizens.
It is urged by some that territory would be
too small; but it would be one-half larger than
: Maryland, New Hampshire or Vermont, two-thirds
larger than New jersey twice as large Massachu-
setts three times large Connecticut times
as large as Delaware and eleven times as large as
Rhode Island.
It is also urged that taxation would be greatly in
creased This would not be necessarily. II would
not be necessary to expend large sum for public
. buildings until as State should become able tC
do So All considerations of that kind it seems t.
me, would be vastly outweighed by the increased
wealth Of the State Manufactures would spring
up on every side-the vast mineral resources now
hidden under the ground would be brought to the
highland through all our beautiful valleys would
be heard the steady hum Of industry-while the
sound Of the hammer and anvil, mingling with the
shrill whistle of the steam engine, and the Joyful
ringing of the school bell, would be echoed from
hilltop to hilltop in grand chorus Of happnes:
and joy.
Why, then should we not step forward TO con-
summation 60 ardently 10 be wished for? Why will
not some Of our leading men take hold Of the mat
ter and call convention of the counties of East
j Tennessee, to be assembled here at no distant day
to take the matter into consideration, and petition
the Legislature to pass enrolling act with proper
provisions for the division Of the public debt and
the distribution Of the public funds. Then before
another session Of Congress and perhaps before th
present session closes, could be prepared 10 asl
o from Congress admission as the free and indie
e rap6art State Of Fast TennesseP
II OCCASIONAL.