Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1866-12-27
THE CONGRESsIoNAL RANOUET.

In our notice of the banquet given
to our Congressional guests on Monday
evening, we were pressed fer time and
space, and made several important omis-
sions. We failed to notice the presence
Of Gen. Bushrod r johnson and Of Gen
b. f. Cheatham The latter, in response
TO a general call, excused himself from a
speech, but proposed toast-"The
Union"
At the conclusion of the brief, but very
happy speech, of Senator Lane, of Indi-
ana, ex-Goy Neill 5. Brown was loudly
called for, and responded substantially as
follows:
He was gratiiied to see our Congressional
guests, and greet them around this festive
board He did not know of any language
for an occasion like this except that which
meant full, warm, generous hospitality
such as the Southern people were capable
Of and were wont 10 extend. Our guests
were members Of the National Legislature
they had high and solemn responsibilities
to perform. II was with them to recon-
Btruct the fabric of the Union, and start il
anew upon a career Of prosperity. They
were the guardians of the government-the
sentinels on the watch-tower. He was glad
that 20 large and influential a delegation
had come among us upon this social tour.
No man could welcome them more thanhe.
He believed they were men disposed to in
yestigate for themselves, and do only right
in the premises. The people of the States
lately in revolt invited scrutiny into their
motives and conduct. Il would stand any
fair and reasonable lest. The citizens of
Nashville, of all shades Of political feeling,
gave our guests warm welcome, and were
present tonight 10 give an exhibition of
their feeling He would greet them with
open hands TO the capital Of Tennessee.
Tennesseeans were identified with the past
glories of the Republic. A common ban
ner had waved ever us and our guests in
times past, beyond the reach of memory Of
any present. Il now foated there, despite
Of differences ofopinion that had made
dreadful episode in our history as a united
people, The Southern people recognized
this fact, and had made up their minds in
all soberness and sincerity TO live under /
il for veal or woe. The way 10 arrive at |
the truth was to look at things as they |
really were. He was glad that our dis |
tinguished friends had come 10 see. When |
they have completed their tour; and |
after they had mingled with our
people in the manner that he knew /
they would be received, he would |
trust 20 their sound intelligence and TO /
their better nature, 10 say whether we were |
not &c 10 live on terms Of equality with /
them in the government He did not be-
NNsaHN r..
who did not regret the unfortunate differ
ences that had produced the war. Ifthere
was one such anywhere he had no svm- /
pathy with him. He did not believe this
people sympathized with any such senti-
ments.
As our friends 60 on their way they will /
see a country that once knew prosperity.
They will be received kindly, but they will
see all the signs Of 4 suffering condition.
They will see on every hand evidences Of
the need Of reconstruction. They will see |
occasion for men occupying their positions |
TO assume a high-stand-point, and act the
part Of statesmanship and Inagnanimity.
The war was over. Many of our young men
were dead. Many Of our elders had sunk
under the trying experience Of the past
fvsyears. All now desired peace, in the full
meaning of the word They wanted har-
mony. They longed for the old govern
ment They wanted the Union, the con-
stitution and the enforcement Of the laws.
They desired Union in the original sense
a Union that would outlive the arimosities
Of the past--the obstacles of the present,
and that would survive forever.
When Gen O. o. Hos ard, represent
ing the United States army, had concluded
his remarks, which were reported in our
issue Of Thursday, Gen. George Nancy,
Of the late Confederate army, being
called upon, responded thus
/ am glad to see, and cordially welcome
our distinguished guests. / believe a
portion Of the people Of the South have
taken this opportunity and method Of en-
deavoring 10 indicate their feelings with
respeci TO the government they represent.
in the hope and belief that social intercourse
and gust and fair information Of their real
feelings would favor and promote political
and national harmony and reunion.
Abiding to the war, he said
The present was not the boar to discuss
this particular part Of the past Il would
be marvellous, indeed, if SO soon after the
termination Of this gigantic struggle, these
coniending Tor exactly opposite ends and
objects could view matters alike. The peo-
pie Of the South know themselves anxious
far restoration as parts Of this gov
ernment, but they had only 10 consult
their own hearts for this knowledge.
The people Of the North Justly had
the right 70 await for this same con-
Viction in such proofs as would naturally
carry conviction. II would be unreasona-
bic for as 20 expect others 10 know our
own hearts rs We know them ourselves. II
L be true that the people Of the South :
iesire in earnestnesa TO be, in all respects
IN duties and obligations, as in benefits and
lTiTileges-parts Of this mighty govern
nsnt land believe to ny hearts bottom ! :