Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-23


for the high and distinguished honor which your
committee has done me in recommending me as
the presiding officer of this Convention. thank
you for your unanimous ratification of their re-
commentator, and express my embarrassment
in assuming the responsible duty ef presiding over
a body so high, respectable, and may say. patri-
otto citizens of the State of Tennessee. with so
many grey-haired men and statesmen of the past
around me who would better perform the duty in
cumbent on the presiding officer of so large body
without experiencein presiding over large assem-
bles.
can only assume the duties you have imposed
on me- and with your corporation hope TO dis
charge them satisfactorily. We have assembled
here in the Capitol of the State of Tennessee, a.
the loyal representatives OF the masses of the
State TO renew our allegiance and TO build up a
party which shall stand BY the Constitution of the
country as il is-the union of the States lap
plausei and the enforcement of the laws. We
have met as citizCn again TO renew our ale
glance to our comn.0n country, and 10 testify TO
the patriotism ~ tne ln, ~ sl ana ans
President of these United States cheers to say TO
those who would oppose the interests of the
country, either 9y arms or N the still more N re
the Constitution of our country. Many whom we
were accustomed TO meet in large assemblies IN
former times are not seen here to-day, and while
we mourn their absence, we would not forget that
our duty is with the living. We would let the
dead past bury its dead, and look forward TO the
advancement of our country IN the scale OF
nations. We would cooperate together as band
Of brothers for the advancement Of our country,
that she may take the place to which she is enti-
tied among the family of nations.
We have met to-day, my countrymen, under
the call Of many patriotic gentlemen TO announce
10 our fellow citizens of the United States and TO
the world, that are loyal to our country and to
our Government. Applause We have met tc
denounce as a SANDER upon the people, that they
desire again to plunge US into revolution and war
1 denounce a SANDER the assertion. that there
are no law abiding ln, the state among thosS
lately in rebellion. CHEERS. In my circuit
have met nothing else than corporation with
me in re-establishing what the unfortunate civil
divisions Of the country have well nigh pulled
down.
While we mourn the sad devastations of the
war, while we mourn the divisions which separ-
ated us from our people, we would forget the past
and build upon its ruins a government which shall
command the admiration aud respect of all men
everywhere.
| tell you, my countrymen. a. told those peo-
pie when first went among them, that the starry
flag Of our country will wave in triumph.
THAT star-dowered emblem
Can never be furled;
It, blossoms of life are the
Hope Of the world" tCheers.l
In saying. my countrymcn, that We are for the
Constitution of our country as il is, am and must
be understood as including in it the amendment
adopted in the way pointed out by the Consti q
United States Of America; and as citizen under
il | will observe and obey il. Cheers.l
With these remarks. my fellow citizens as TO the
that you would assist me in the discharge OF the
high duties which you have imposed upon me. |
assume the delicate responsibility which your
kindness has conferred. Thank you.
On motion the following committee was
appointed by the chair for the purpose of
preparing resolutions for the consideration
of this meeting
Colonel John Baxter. of Knox; archibald Biz
Sal ri nfM AZ q :
ley: William b. Campbell. of Wilson; ID. Il.
Thomas. os Benton; Dr. Joseph b. Travis, Of
ss snys S "a Shells s Samuel Walker S
and William u. Lewis. of Davidson.
Representative Poston moved to send all
resolutions to the Committee on Resolutions,
without amendment and without debate,
which was carried.
While the Committee on Resolutions were out.
Mr. Mar in of Shelby. spoke in vindication Of the
President and his policy. declaring that the re-
turned Confedcratcs were true in their professions
Of loyalty. and that there are trEitors in Massa.
chusetts as well as elsewhere. Mr.. Martin paid a
just tribute to the rmness. integrity and patriot
ism Of Andrew johnson. and was warmly
applaaded.
Judge swayne, of Memphis, offered the
following, which was referred: =
Resolped That Il is the general and hearty desire
Of the people Of Tennessee. especially now. 70
eschew quarrels petty ry Alries. frivolous
jealousies. and selt-seeking cabals. and, in the
spirit Of enlarged patriotism 70 seek the peace.
happiness, and prosperity OF our common state
aud country; 10 raise no questions and revive
none; 10 shake hands and forget the past to live
in the Union n we lived before; and restore, by
industry and concord, the losses Of the war; that
the level Of mutual respect, admitted integrity
equality, and patriotism. under the authority OF
the Constitution and laws. State and Federal.
amended or 10 be amended. and recognizing. and
rendering implicit obedience, now aud hereafter
10 al In authority State snd Federal. and paying
unto them suitable honor rs such, they earnestly
desire consultation and harmony VITA all classes
OF our citizens. those in Office and out. and
especially, that the conflicting elements existing
may Be composea. for che common good and pub
lie tranquility and fhey ,hercf0re. invite those
whose policy we believe 90 % fcgnded IN mistaken
apprehension Of the patriotism. horror, fidelity
and loyalty Of the people. 90 carefully 'consider
tho matter an5w, and allow all men. devoted q
the State and Federal Governments TO be at
peace with them. and 20 be az peace with such.
and We hereby tender to them the hearty CO.