The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1866-05-06

The East Tennessee Convention.
The daily Knoxville Comhercial of
the 4th inst, brings us the first day s
/ proceedings of the East Tennessee
Convention, which met in that city on
the Sd. Delegates were in attend
ance from the counties of Meigs, Sc
vier, Blount, Washington, Jefferson,
Claiborne, Union, Roane, McMinn,
Hamilton, Anderson, Hawkins, Knox,
Greene, and Bradley. Carter was un-
represented, though, we suspect, her
delegates appeared the next day.
Hon. Samuel Rodgers was chosen
President; Messrs. w. S. Adams, P.
Dickinson, and Z. T. Hall, Vice Presi-
dents; Messrs. H. A. Macon, NJ. S.
Phillips, NJ L. Patterson, David Nelson,
and Z. GTisham, Secretaries.
SPEECH OF THE CHAIRMAN.
Judge Rodgers, on taking the chair. altar
returning thanks said the Constitution of
| the United States vOuchsafed the right of
the people TO assemble together in a peace
able manner for the purpose of seeking
redress Of grievances. The Convention was
/ called for consultation upon this allen
| crossing topic, and be hoped that GOODNESS
and reason may characterize the proceed
| ings. He said:
This movement is not new one, for in
the year 1861, Convention assemb ed at
Nashville, and another at Greenville, both
Of which were unanimous in supporting
| this unOWnnupnt IL Of
voiving party feelings then, but one of ex-
expedlency. Our dissimilarity comparing
East Tennessee with the other sectionsl Of
interests were there urged as reasons for the
movement, and, to-day, those same reasons
exist even to q greater extent than then.
The Legislature Of to-day is at an I'M
happy issue in regard 10 the Franchise
question, aud upon this question they can
never agree; harmony cannot exist unless
the two elements are separated. Our present
relations are such, that we cannot reason
alb y hope for the advantage OF an influx of
capital, for the reason of the uncertainty Of
the state Of political affairs. One party to-
day, the other tomorrow, are the alternate
rulers, and under such circumstances, there
is not definite protection for capital.
"Further, while the people OF Middle and
West Tennessee are identical in interest,
and our interests are entirely the opposite,
there must always be a conflict Of opinion
without unanimity, we can never be pros
porous. In support of this proposition, it
is only necessary to refer you to the history
of Macchusett's prosperity. Her whole
prosperity is owing to the unanimity Of her
people, which unanimity is the result of
identity Of interest.
"Let no man confound this movement
with the idea Of secession, for in this, we
are exercising a privilege granted by the
Constitution of the United States, and it is
founded in principles of law and expediency,
while that Of secession, is the ignoring Of
all law. If it be secession, il is the act of
going from a rebel to n Union Government.
Upon the question of an increase Of taxes,
it IS only necessary to say, that if it be not
proven 10 you, that this movement will not
involve an addition TO your taxes, vote
against it.
"The success Of this movement would in
sure to US representation in Congress, for
no question Of the loyalty of East Tennessee
can be raised. IL is known throughout the
whole length and breadth of the land, that
East Tennessee is a spot where mems souls
have been tried, as never were they tried
elsewhere. We shall not, then, require a
Franchise bill. I am willing to trust the
loyalty Of East TenDesseans."