Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-10-09

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believe they viii 80 chsoffully repay 10
loyal sufferers among our people, man
of whom we're deprived OF their propert.
by the national forces, while they them
selves were absent fighting for the IA
lional cause. But you, gentlemen, cal
afford present relief, relying upon th
geaeral government hereafter to as
sumo and pay these just and meritoriou
Claims.
recommend that proper officers b
appointed to ascertain and audit thos
claims, aud that the bonds Of the State
of the denomination from FIFTY to on'
hundred dollars, be issued in payment
| am aware that this proposition vii
meet with fierce opposition from those
who would give preference TO the mil
lions OF debt contracted by the usurpet
State Government, or by rebel quarter
masters. / am also aware that objec'
ton will come from better class upon
the ground Of so considerable an increase
of the State debt; but if the American
people are just, they will assume the
amount long before it falls due, and,
upon principle, treat the suffering loyal
lists Of Tennessee, as they have treated
the loyalists Of other States.
Let such law be well guarded in
every respect, and il Congress does not
at once assume the liability, and
! promptly meet the same, then we have
elected eight able aud loyal men to
Congress to look after our interest to
very little purpose.
Legislation is strongly recommended
to protect the negroes in their rights as
renters and laborers.
OF the militia he says;
The State militia, which has been rep
resented by venal press and designing
politicians as swarraing in every high
way like the locusts of Egypt, and every
where overawing the quiet people, and
committing innumerabe acts OF vio-
lence, numbered, all told, seventeen
hundred men-half of whom were mus
tered into the service but few weeks
before the election. This force, repre-
scented by the enemies of the State gov
eminent to have cost millions of money,
has cost the State little the rise of the
tenth part of one million. Clothing, ra-
tons, etc, were purchased on the most
favorable terms, and strict economy was
observed throughout As soon as the
election was over and the country quiz
eted, | directed General Joseph
A. Cooper, chief in command, and
prudent, firm and experienced officer
to pay off and muster out of the service
all but FIVE companies. Most of these
companies were ordered to the western
division of the State, in several counties
of which the conduct of disloyal men is
bad and calls for correction. The small
force now in service is under command |
of Major Robinson, prudent, brave and
reliable officer. / am anxious to rid the
State ofthis item of expense, and will do |
so as soon as the rebellious portion OF
Middle and West Tennessee will permit |
me to disband these troops. i will not |
close my remarks upon this subject
without assuring your body that the |
records of this, and all other branches of
the service, are open to inspection, and
free and full investigation is invited.
He recommends amendment of the
school law.
He advises the immediate repeal of
the offer of $4,000 reward for the arrest
and return Of Ex-Governor Harris.
He promises retrenchment in his own
department of the government, and
winds up with the following flourish:
Confding in the intelligence and pa
triotism which induced your constituents
to send you here as lawmakers, | assure
you of my earnest desire to cooperate
with you in all measures you may inau-
gurate for the common good Coming
here with the heavy msjorities you ara
honored with, your action may mark
your session as the epoch Ia our history
when genuine Progress asserted its sway
in Tennessee. Honored in her past his
tory, and her present claims fully re-
spouded to, we shall wipe out the foul
stain of rebellion, and we may look for
ward to the future of Tennessee with the
utmost confidence, II will be our
highest honor 10 have jealousy guarded
tao fame Of our State, advanced her
prosperity, and developed her vsst
resources. Destiny and events, God
and history, have assigned 10 Tennessee
an important position in the great work
of restoring the Union. Let us act we'll
our part, and, under Providence, per-
form the great but agreeable work Of
fraternity, and love, cad loyalty toward
the race of man,