Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-04-02
ADDRESS OF THE GENERAL ASSEM-
BLY, TOT HE PEOPLE OF LOUISE.

ANA.
The recent action of Congress in the
passage of the measures commonly known
as the military reconstruction BILL" and
the supplemental bill," precipitates
upon the people the consideration Of most
momentous questions, affecting not merely
their present and future welfare, but in
volying the very political existence of the
State, and it seems evident that active
steps will at once be taken for the reorgan-
ization of our State government in ac-
cordance with the principles of those mea-
sures, and that general elections will be
speedily held for that purpose.
In this emergency it becomes absolutely
necessary for the people 10 determine
forthwith which line of conduct is most
proper for them to pursue.
Your Representatives in the General As
sembly have not failed to give this ques-
tion the most anxious and earnest deliber-
alton.
The subject matter is placed beyond the
pale of our legislative action by power
over which we have no control, but we feel
it our duty TO give our constituents the re-
suits of our sober and serious reflection,
TO advise them as to the course we think
they should adopt under the circumstances.
Whatever may be our opinions of the
Justice, magnanimity or constitutionalty
of these Congressional measures they are
imposed upon us by an authority which
we have clearly no power to resist, and we
therefore solemnly believe it becomes our
duty not only to abstain from fruitless and
fsctious opposition, but 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 or
| ganize thoroughly aud take an active part
| in all elections, under whatever authority
I they may be held.
Avoid all semblance Of opposition to
the free and fair suffrage of every man
having the right to vote under the authori-
| ty of Congress.
Let their be no collisions or conflicts Of
any kind.
Avoid dissensions among ysurselves
Bring forward as candidates citizens in
whose wisdom, discretion and courage YOU
can place implicit confidence, and whose
! qualifications shall conform, as tar as prac-
/ ticsble, 70 the requirements of Congress
Suppress, as far as possible, the consid-
Grafton Of all questions which may lead to
J division Of opinion among you.
Look % the character of the men whom
! Won select.
De not seek to bind them 10 advance 10
any particular course Of policy, the wis
dom and proPriety of which must at last
be determined by the logic Of events, y
bat leave them free and untrammeIled to
act as their judgments may dictate, for the
| interest and honor Of the State.
Let moderation and temperance guide
Won In counsel and conduct.
Restrain and control the ebullitions o
inconsiderate rash and turbulent men, who
may precipitate collisions from whiel
nothing but injury TO the State and people
can possibly result.
Use all fair aud legitimate means within
your power 50 TO influence and direct th'
suffrage as to elect trustworthy men 4
Office, and thereby TO prevent the power o
the State falling into unworthy hands, bn
at the same time secure that your ehole
shall be respected, and that the men 3