Clarksville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1865-1867, 1867-04-05
LOUISIANA
An Address from the General Assem-
big to the People Of the state.
Sound Views on Reconstructlon,

The recent action Of Congress In the pas.
sage of the measures commonly known as
the !" Military Reconstruction Fill and the
Supplemental Bill" precipita,es upon the
people the consideration Of most momentous
questions, affecting not merely their present
and future welfare, but involving the very
political existence Of he State.
1t seems evident that active steps will be-
at once taken for the reorganization of our
State government in accordance with the
principles of those measures, and thai gem
eral elections will DO speedily held for that
purpose.
In this emergency II becomes absolutely
necessary for the people to determine forth
with what line of conduct Is most proper
for them to pursue.
Your representatives in the General
Assembly have not failed TO give this cues.
lion the most anxious and earnest delibera-
ton.
The subject matter ia placed beyond the
pale Of our legislative action, by a power
over which we have no control; but we feel
II our duty to give our constituents the re-
suits of our sober and serious reflection,
and to advise them as to the course we
think they should adopt under the circum.
stances
Whatever may he our opinions of the JUS
tice, magnanimity or constitutionality oil
these congressional measures, they are
imposed upon us by an authority which we
have clearly no power to resist and we there
fore solemnly believe it becomes or duty,
not only to abstain from fruitless and fac.
tious opposition, bat to exert all our power
and Influence so as to direct events as that
the least harm may come TO the State from
their execution.
We, therefore, exhort the people to organ
lie thoroughly and take an active part In al
elections, under whatever authority they may
be held. Avoid all semblance of opposition
to the free and fair suffrage Of every mar
having the right to vote under the authority
of Congress.
Let there be no collisions or conflicts o.
any kind.
Avoid discussions among yourselves.
! Bring forward, as candidates, citizens ir
whose wisdom, discretion and courage yor
can place implicit confidence, and who's,
qualifications shall conform, as far as posi-
BILE, the consideration Of all question!
which may lead to division of opinion
among you.
Look to the characters of the men whom
you elect.
Do not seek to bind them in advance by
any particular course Of policy, the wisdom
and propriety of which must at last be de-
termined by the "logic Of events" but leave
them free and untrammeled to act as theil
judgments may dictate, for the interest ant
honor of the State.
L r L.. Il
in counsel and conduct. Restrain and con.
troll the ebulilions OF inconsiderate, rash ant
turbulent men, who may precpitate c1llis
ions from which nothing but injury to thu
State and people can possibly result.
Use all fair and legitimate means within
your power so to influence and direct I'll,
suffrage so as to elect trustworthy men Il
Office, and thereby TO prevent the power o
the State from fallinging into unworthy
hands; but at the same time secure tina
your choice shall be resps eted, and thst tn,
men so chosen shall be clothed with autho.i
ty which none can question.
/ In following out the course of actor
here indicated, you will be called on TO ex-
erc'se spirit Of of extreme tolerance anC
forbearance; but we believe it to be the on :
ly course consistent with our present condi-
ton and the safety of the State, and you
win not hesitate at any sacrifice necessary tt
that end.
In conclusion, we would say that W,
place an abiding confidence In the people
and believe that by the exercise of wis.
dom, prudence and patriotism, they will
so conduct the State through the ordea
as TO command the respect of both friend
and foes. .
| Chairman Senate Committee.
L. NJ. MUTT,
Chairman House Committee.