The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1866-07-13
Message Of Gov. Brownlow to the
Legislature.
STATE OF TENNESSEE,
ExHcUrIvE DEPARTMEST,

TeSehtdhUeF' Having convened you 10 extra
ordinary session, il is made my duty by the
Constitution TO state to you the purposes for
which you have been convened The main
purpose, and that which constitutes the pres
ent an extraordinary occasion, is briefly, but
directly stated in my proclamation Of the
18th of June, calling you together. To that
paper | respectfully refer you.
Under the fifth article OF the Constitution
Of the United States Congress has proposed
as an amendment 10 that instt ument a four
teenth article, which has becn duly certified
and communicated TO this Department, by
the Secretary OF State Of the Uuited States.
Copies Of said proposed amendment, with
the authenticAtiug certificate, and letter of
inclosure Of the Secretary Of State, are here
with transmitted for your condition, and
invoke your action as promptly as is consis-
tent with the gravity and Importance of the
subject.
beg to bear in mind, in your delibera-
tons, that while the most Of you have been
at all times, personally and individually, 10y
nj to the United States, as n whole you repre-
rent a State, the most Of whose people went
into the rebellion, raised one hundred and
6fty-four regiments, aud sent them into the
field to fight against the National Govern
ment levied war against the United States
for four years and were finally conquered
and reduced to the condition Of inhabitants
Of n s%ubjugated province, wholly nj the mer-
cy Of the conqueror. By the laws of nations
and the laws of war, the General Government
has ar undoubted right to prescribe terms Of
settlement TO the State of Tennessee, These
terms have been prescribed, and are now pre-
sented for Your acceptance or rejection |
bave every assurance that when they are ac-
cepted Senators and Representatives will be
admitted to their seats in Congress, and the
State at once reclad with her lost rights.
Are these terms reasonable -? For my own
part they seem to me to he but the decree of
political justice and equity made necessary
by the result Of the rebellion.
By the first section, equal protection in the
enjoyment Of life, liberty, and property, is
guaranteed to all citizens. Practically this
affects mainly the negro who having been
emancipated by the rebellion, and having lost
that protection which the interest of the mas
ter gave him, became by the very laws OF ma
ture entitled to the civil rights of the citizen,
and to the means of enforcing those rights.
To deny this to him would be to place his
life, property and labor in the power Of ev-
cry uniriendly local authority, or evil die
posed person, and would be an instance of
barbarlsm unworthy OF age. twill also pre-
vent unjust discrimination by one State
against the citizens of other States.
By the second section, classes who are dis
franchised without crime, are not to be coun-
ted in ascertaining the basis of Federal rep
reservation. This, too, may be regarded as
one Of the results Of the rebellion a change
made necessary by our changed condition.
We have now among us a class of ireemen
TO whom we deny the ballot and all other po-
litical rights. Have we a right to count
them against the enfranchised citizens of
other States? If so, then will three of our
citizens (rebels though they bel equal in the
political balance to four citizens Of any
Northern State, however patriotic and one
citizen of South Carolina or Mississippi will
balance two citizens or Union soldiers who
may reside north or the Ohio. Certainly the
South is rot in Il condition to claim so great
a political advantage In the national adjust
ment now proposed, unless, indeed, there be
merit in rebellion.
The third section is Intended tn prevent
that class of rebel leaders from holding office,
who by violating their official oaths, added
one great offense 10 another. II is meant rs
a safeguard against another rebellion, by
keeping out of power those who brought on
and are mainly responsible for that through
which we have just passed. These men in
law and justice forfeited their lives and prop
erty, but a benign and merciful Government
intliCts no other punishment or disability
upon thcm than such aS necessary to pre-.
vent them from repeating their crime. No
loyal citizen will object to this section.
The fourth section declares the validity Of
our national debt, and That debts incurred or
losses sustained IN aid )i rebellion are void.
This is simply a declara ion OF the honorable
intentions OF the uatiun and will be endorsed
by every American citizeI who is worthy OF
the title. II also refuses compensation for
slaves lost or emancipated by the war. As
our slaves were lost by he rebellious con-
Duct Of our own people, we should not ex-
Ject TO Sax the nation TO ply for them.
This brief analysis Of the proposed amend
Bent exhibits a ~magnanini.y on the part of
the American people through their Represen-
tativss IN Congress which challenges our adj
miralicn. Viewed rs tenns Of final adjust
ment between the conquerOr and conquered,
their mlldness and freedom from all penalty
is without n parallel in tie history Of
nations.
| congratulate your good fortune in having
the opportunity in being the hono'ed agents
in restoring the ship Of state TO her ancient
mooriugs, soon again to set sail u 1on her
voyage Of prosperity and glory. But little
over a year ago yon assembled in the capitol
and took charge OF the State. She was
PROSTATE, bleeding, and helpless. The courts
were no where held with safety, aud justice
was administered only within n few fortified
posts. County governments we're broken up
and peace officers made no efforts to perform
their duties, aud anarchy with all It's horrors
reigned supreme. Without n treasury or rev.
enue laws the credit Of the State was destroy
ed, and our grand system Of railroads was in
ruins while guerrillaS prowled without re-
straint over the State. You have placed our
great State upon its feet. Under your judi
cious legislation the treasury has been able
to meet the heaviest demands. The credit
OF the State is rapidly rising to its max
ium height. Your railroads are nearly all in
running order, paying the interest upon their
loans, while all ysur courts are open, ard
Justice is administered In every part OF tho
STATE. Il Is now your proud privilege to
restore the noble old Commonwealth to her