Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-01-12


Upon the Inauguration of Hon. Jacob d.
Cox, as the Governor Of Ohio, on the Sth
inst, he delivered an address before the Le-
gislature of that State, which for sober
thought and sound reasoning, in many of
Its parts, challenges our admiration. 1t is
not 20 be expected that any Northern states
man would think precisely, at this moment,
as Southern statesman would think, on the
important questions which have been
brought before the American people for the
past four years. period much moro favor
able TO the culture of passion than of cold
and careful reason. Yesterday we present
ed letter from John Bell, who wss the de-
signated representative of Southern Union
ism till the actual conflict of arms. From
that period he regarded transpiring events
from Southern standpoint. The success
full conclusion Of the struggle in favor of the
Union, has brought his mind back to prac-
teal view Of the means of restoration OF I'M
terrupted anity, involving the welfare and
prosperity of the whole people ofthe United
States. On the other hand, the Governor Of
Ohio, gentleman who threw himself into
the actual strife of battle, and who acted
conspicuous part in the preservation of the
Union, Lays down the sword and takes up
the baton of civil administration. 1t affords
us pleasure to give the following views from
his inaugural address, eyincing calm rehec-
ton and a returning sober sense Of duty and
justice, in the present grave emergency of
public affairs. He says: Aele9
Now we have put CT the harness of war; the
grand army which saved the republic is disband-
ed; its veterans have been quietly absorbed into
intently studying the problem of changing
Union restored by force into one whose perma-
hence shall be guaranteed by mutual good wild and
common interests and be based upon universal
freedom and genuine republicanism.
81 do not regard this a proper time to discuss
specific measures which are before our Federal
Legislature and authorities, but all our public
acts in our State organizations. rs well as in our
National capacity. must be more or less modified
by circumstances shaped by the great war in which
we have been engaged. and it seems necessary,
public duty. that we should look with special care
at any dangerous tendencies the war may have
developed and recall the general principles which
should guide our actions as servants Of the people,
sThe war wss not waged by US, who remained
faithful to the Government, to subyert any OF the
principles of human liberty upon which that Gov
eminent was based, but TO confirm and establish
them" Ei ea. u r ast
1T is in the excitement ola great struggle that
the institutions of country are in the most danger
of a change. and perhaps no nation has ever passed
through such a convulsi0n as ours and then
turned to the principles Of government and exact
e &c runa nh had Eba
maxim that revolutions do not go backward has
seemed to have even wider and deeper signif-
canoe than has been popularly given to 4. The
vulsions Of monarchica! governments tend toward
the development Of popular liberty has, in repub-
lics often led TO despotism of classes or fac
utter disruption. 4 victorious majority flushed
with Its triumph finds 1t easy to forget the rights
of minorities; and 1t remains for us to prove whe-
Their, in our day. the old cry Of Woe to the con-
quered' may be silenced by truly republican de-
termination to administer the Government for the
real advantage of all--of the defeated rebels as
wsll as of the loyal victors.
We are apt indeed 10 listen with patience to
any limitation Of our control over those who
subject to us. The pleasures of rulership and the
joy which is felt in the exercise of power have 81
ways appealed with peculiar force TO the frailties
of human nature, and professed republicans have
been as subject to their temptations Us other men.
In time like this most of us feel the necessity of
checking our impulses and passions challenging
the motives and the consistency Of our actions
and of fastening our attention. by effort Of will,
rights i which have been axioins to US during the
period Of the growth of our institutions, and of
conflicts between us and powerful foreign powers.
However unwelcome the task Of selfexamination,
we owe it to ourselves to make it thorough and
searching. The ancient conqueror was accom-
panied by slave in his triamphal car, who re-
minded him OF his Humanity and weakness; we
must act as our own prompters to moderation and
justice, and remind ourselves Of the rules which
should control our action, and Of the dangerous
tendencies Of our own nature. W . peed no slim
rent of popular impulse and feeling ouch things
will take care of themselves, but no duty can be
more important than that of stopping occasionally
TO weigh well what seems to cross our desires or
to question the direction of our progress. ls
I'VE have the right and are in duty bound 20
insist upon sufficient guarantee for the future safe
ty of the. Union; but those guarantees must be
such as shall not be inconsistent with q republi-
can government for those who give as well as for
those who receive such security. il
Conquest does not rightfully give unlimited
sway over the persons and property OF the con-
quered and their rights may be diminished no
further than is necessary for the public safety. u
"Ifitwere proven that it would be impossible
for us TO live safely, as sharers of common gov
eminent, with the people of any State or com
sent TO separation. but could not justify us in
holding them rs subjects:
Representation is not privilege conferred up
on majorties, but it is most efficient for good when
i approaches most nearly to giving voice in the
Legislature to all minorities in proportion to their
number.
1T is better and safer that minority. however
hostile TO in principle should be represented
as to- be openly heard and answered, than that it
should have the advantage Of winning sympathy
and gaining partisans by making issue upon the
question of the right eff representation instead of
upon the falsity.of its obnoxious principles.
Military government is in its very essence a
despotism, and any long continuance Of it after
the cessation of armed resistance is contrary to.
and a confession of, the failure of republicanism.
These and many similar general maxims Of
government are the intellectual diet upon which
every living American has been bred, and of
which we have been such earnest .p-opagandists
that no one of us can deny them without mourning
the contempt Of the civilized world. They are
mere distractions, il IL true but we need to bear
them in mind none the less carefully for that. All
rules are distractions, whether they be the for
mula for solving the problems Of government or
work, and we reckon ourselves TO have made good
progress in proportion 20 the faithfulness with
which we have adhered to them"
Such language from such source will
command the attention of patriotic men
everywhere, and viii be hailed as a noble
and manly step towards restoration of the
ancient fraternity which characterized the !
people of the United States, and out of |
which has grown their prosperity and power.
Ohio is the leading State of the West, and
If her people will rally to the support of
heir Governor, and he will go forward in
The pathway thus marked out, soon we may
expect TO see the West and South reaching
a perfect understanding politically, CONNER
,ially and socially. The great valley of the
and its tributaries will become
one in sentiment as nature has made them
,ne in interest. toe
THEN AND Now.--The Memphis Appeal
nus comments upon the altered appearance
IF portion of the population of that CITY