The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1867-05-23
THE CAMPAIGN.
speech of Col. John Baxter, Of
Knoxville, at Cleveland, Tenn.,
Oh Monday, May 6, 1867.
The Indictment and Arraignment of
Brownlowism Before the Pcople--A
Thorough and Withering Exposure.


Brownlowism Before the Pcople--A
Thorough and Withering Exposure.
FELLow.C CITIZENS The social and
political revolution through which we
have just passed, imposes upon each
and all ofus corresponding duties and
responsibilities; and among the gravest
and most important OF these are, pru,
dcnce, patriotism, and an honest pur-
pose to do our whole duty in the excr-
else Of our political rights. Especially
is this true Of us as Tennesseeans; for
it is here, and particularly in this di-
vision ofthc State, that the passions,
prejudices, and ..ma.evolence cngendcr-
ed by the late rebellion have taken deep
est hold, and are doing more to sap the
foundations Of society. Tleso evils
are rapidly drifting us to absolute and
positive ruin. and if not arrested will
disorganze our State government,
break down everything like legal pro
lection to persons and property, dry
up the fountains ofindustry, education
and progress. and render Tennessee an
unfit habitation loran upright, law low
ing and intelligent people.
THE EVIL AND THE REMEDY
For these evils, present and prospect
i've, and TO us of most alarming pro-
portions, there is but one remedy, and
that remedy is with the people of the
State. 1t is for them to apply the cor
rective; 10 one else can do it. Public
discussion, in connection with the Press
may do something towards awakening
a proper appreciation of the situation,
and in this way stimulate organized and
effective action; but il will all be of no
avail, unless you, the people, enter in
to the contest in earnest, and with an
unconquerable determination to pre-
serve your republican form Of govern.
ment, which has been already well nigh
overthrown, and to insure an honest,
enlightened and just administration Of
public affairs.
Let lis, therefore, in the spirit of hon
est inquiry, take counsel together 10.
day, put on the vhole armor oimanhood
of American citizenship, and go forth
with manly resolve to restore our he
loved State to her wonted prosperity,
and to that constitutional equality to
which she is entitled under the FEEDER.
al Constitution; by rescuing the gov
ernment from the hands ofthe despca-
BILE faction which now controls it and
by placing her destiny in the hands of
men who have capacity to understand
her wants, and hearts large enough to
rise above faction and unworthy party
influences, and to administer the GOV
ernment upon broad and substantial
principles of justice and equality
Nothing short of this can save us from
the irretrievable ruin now staring lis il
the face.
The urgent necessity for promp
and vigorous action on your par
will best appear from retrospect o
events for the past few years. Our Stat,
government which had been disorgan
Izcd by the rebellion, was reconstruct
ell at period Of great public danger
under the influence of fierce passion
with strong feelings of resentment to-
wards that portion Of the people who
had adhered to the rebellion and il
the presence, by the permission, and tc
some extent under the direction of the
military power which then held posses.
sion of the State. The time, the pre-
vailing temper of the then dominant
party, as well as all the surroundings,
were unpropitious to a wise perfor.
nance of sich an important duty. Men
of thoughtful temperaments, Of modcr
ate and liberal views, of cool and wei
balanced minds, capable of acting wise
ly, prudently and justly, under all cir
cumstances, and in the midst Of fierce
conflict Of passion, had but little in
fluence in shaping the policy of tha
eventful day. But civil government
wasa necessity, and being formed
though in an irregular way, and witt
some Objectionable features, its crea
ton was, nevertheless, hailed by tn,
people generally with hearty manifesto
tions of satisfaction. They cared moi
who governed. provided he governed
well. But in this lies their present well
grounded complaints. The men hasti.
ly elevated to positions Of power and