Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-11-14
New Middleton. Tenn, Nov. Q. 1866.
MEMORIAL OF GERMAN CITIZENS.

AT meeting of German citizens of Davidson
county held at the City Hall on Friday, the 9th Of
November, 1866, +. KLOOTZ, presiding, the follow
ing preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted;
: WHEREAs. We. a large portion of the German
citizens of Davidson comfy, IN mass meeting as
sembled, have seen with profound satisfaction,
that portion of the message Of his Excellency.
Governor WIN. G. BRowNLow, relating to lmmi-
grafton and,
: WHEREAS, We see from the Governors sugges-
tons that it is the will and wish OF our State Gov
eminent TO do all in its power to promote and en-
courage foreign immigration into the rich fields
and beautiful mountains of Tennessee, and,
WHEREAS, We are law abiding citizens of Ten
nessee, anxious to promote the prosperity of our
adopted State, deem i our duty to make such
the desire of our State Government; therefore be
it
Reso1ued, That we submit to the Legislature of
the State Of Tennessee the following
tits the custom of the Germans in their homes
across the ocean, at least the labOring class of
them, that they, while being under the necessity
of having to work hard during the week, in order
to make their living, hold it their holy right to
consider the Sabbath as day Of divine worship
and recreation. No power in the world is strong
enough to convince the German that 1t Is IS
in social and orderly gatherings. Wherever
the German settles he wishes to be
free man in the true sense of the word.
He does not contemplate forcing his views on the
celebration Of the Sabbath upon any of his fell
low-citizens, but does most SOlemnly claim
the right to follow his own CONVICTIONS of
propriety in a matter like this. While the free
German is possessed with the broadcast views Of
tolerance in religious matters, he also claims that
his felOw-eitizens be tolerant with his ideas and
views The German will settle wherever assn
RANGES are given him that he is welcome, and as
an instance we would mention free Missouri,
which is thickly settled with German citizens.
We love Tennessee, our adopted State; and we
cherish great hope for its future, and wishing as
we do to give our fell0w-eOuntrymen across the
ocean, DESTROYS Of cmgrating, a proof how well
they will do to direct their attention to Tennessee,
nc would therefore most respectfully recon-
mend, as one Of the ways 10 encO1rage Immlgra-
ton into our State to amend the present statute
Of our State. so as to allow orderly and quiet
places of amusements, and summer and winter
gardens kept open on Sunday afternoons to re-
ceive visitors and sell malt beer and wine to or
derry and quiet people.
Resolucd, That we further suggest, as another
very efficient way 10 invite foreigners into our
State, would be to extend the right Of suffrage TO
such aliens not naturalized citizens Of the United
States. as have resided more than one year IN the
United States and more than six months in the
State Of Tennessee. In this connection, we would
mention that a similar law is in existence in Mis-
souri, and Indiana.
Res olred, That while we recomnend this altera-
ton Of the statute il is our honest conviction that
such measure would work benehciaiiy, and do
no harm whatever.
Resolred, That a Committee Of three be APP
pointed TO present a COPY Of these resolutions 10
His Excellency, Governor WM. g. BRowSLoW,
and one to the Speaker Of each branch Of the
Ne have the honor of submitting the above.
praying the speedy action of the Legislature on
JoHy RUHUN.
+. kLnOZ,
A. s. JOURDON,
Committee.
Hon. WV. HEIsKELL Speaker House Of Rep