The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1866-05-18
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE,
MemOrAIlzing the Tennessee LegIsIR.
sure in favor of the formation or the
State of East Tennessee

The idea of the separate political existence
Of East Tennessee is not recent one. Many
years ago, before our late political troubles,
portion of our people warmly cherished
such a scheme. The great chain Of the Cum
berland Mountains divides anG cuts us of
from the other divisions Of the State Our
boundaries are everywhere else ont he noun
tain tops. Our people are remote from the
Capital Of the State. Those living in the ex-
trene Eastern end, to reach it, are compelled
to travel over three hundred miles, and some
of them near four hundred. There is a diff
ference in soil, climate and productions be-
tween the two sections, and a more marked
difference between the people in tastes, habits
and thoughts. In the elections of February
and June, 1861, the difference in political
sentiment and attachment was so distinct as
make us in fact two people. That difference
somewhat modified it may be, still exists,
and will continue for generation or longer.
in view Of this difference, and with the view
of aiding the general Government, the Con-
Vention which assembled at Greeneville, on
the 18th day of June, 1861, which was large
ly represented by our ablest, purest and best
men, and by the delegates from every couu-
ty, with remarkable unanmity, after a five
days session, declared in favor ofsnew State,
and asked the Legislature, then in session,
to give its assent thereto. Again, in March,
1854, that Convention was reassembled with
the avowed object Of again pressing the mat
ter, but unfortunately other topics of more
exciting interest were introduced and ab-
sorbed the attention of the members, and the
primary object of the meeting was lost sight
Of
To-day the reasons for separation, which
existed five years ago, still exist, and some OF
them with increased force. There Is not,
and cannot be, any harmony or community
Of sentiment and feeling between the people
Of the two sections. The difference is wide
irreconcilable and radical. A majority, In
deed almost all the people west of the mour-
tains were rebels In the late civil strife with
equal unanimity ou' people were loyal to .he
Union. They hated US for our alledged
treachery to the South while our people
had much to complain Of for their treachery
to the Union, and for their conduct 10 send
ing troops among us to subjugate US. They
constitute the majority In the State. To es-
cape their rule, the loyal people Of the State,
as they think, are compelled for Sslf protection
to exclude them, or the greater part Of them
from Office and the ballot-box. This Is be-
getting inceased Evaporation and ill-will.
After the next regular election, in spite Of
and in disregard Of any franchise law, which
may be passed, the probabilities are they
will control the State. How they will eIer-
else their power cannot be known In ad-
vance, but II may be well for Union men to
remember their reign from 1861 up TO 1868,
and take warning from The past. They may,
and probably will, indemnify and pay by tax
alton, the millions OF dollars Of loss sustain
ed by rebels during the war, and may at
tempt 10 make, at least partial compensation,
10 them for their ninety-fve millions ofslages.
To avoid this state Of strife and bitterness
we believe aseparation best We desire q
peaeeable and harmonious community. We
desire 10 part 10 peace, TO live In peace, with
power 10 direct our own energies as we may
see At, and with the liberty, in event Of
another rebellion at any future time,
spriHEing out Of the ashes Of the past
oas, Of ldhsring 10 the government
Of our fathers, instead Of fbeing dragged into
false and reasonable position BY the 40
ton Of others, and being forced to suffer all
The consequences resulting therefrom. Let
Us then separate, and leave each other free,
with homogeneous population with and lib
srsl laws, TO pursue the path which duty and
honor may point out
The objection, that We are not able 10 bear
,hs burdens and sIpsnIeI Of 81 indspsndsni