Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-02-27
To the Union Men of East Tennessee.

II was said on another and different OCCASION
Come let tS reason together So it is proposed to
ask every Union man TO give reason its full scope
laying aside all prejudice, and thus ondeavor to
rive at what is the best, safest and most prudent
course TO pursue Is It TO the interest of the Union
men Of Tennessee TO cast their fortunes with those
who were lately arrayed in arms against the Gov
eminent of the United States, now banded together
Gnder the enticing but deltlsiUe name of CoNsER-
yATIvEs7" Or is il their interest TO adhere TO the
old unconditional Union party, branded in Con-
sentative phrase Radicals The proper answer to
these two plain questions in your own mind, candid
reader, will determine your future political destiny
The writer has long since made up his opinion in
the premises. In the first place who compose these
two parties On the side Of the Conservatives, we
find as LEADERS such editors, stump speakers, and
those who prepare their party programmes and par
~ tactics, under which the common people are 10
be disciplined and prepared for party uses the Ue7y
identical 0he, 1851, lead of into -e5eLlio,
aud plunged the coi5ty into ,ca, blood-shed and al
most rub'l In the ranks of this party we End that
portion OF the rebel army who declare they have
never been whipped.
And as nothing shall be stated here that facts and
reasons do not fully sustain il is proper to say that
there are exceptions TO both the propositions laid
down. These exceptions, however, are very rare,
the principal OF them being the case Of Andrew
johnson rs leader, and the few Union men who
are dissatisfied the question Of slavery. The
term s1arery is used because, when you dispose Of
that institution, there is nehng left of the negro
question upon which 50 much has been said Il is
des!rc to traffic in human flesh that creates opposi-
tiOs 20 the true Union party, and causes certain
classes 10 adhere to the enemies of national peace
and progress. WHIST has been said, has been more
IN reference to the status OF parties in East Tennes-
see than elsewhere. When we leok oct upon the
broad field Of national controversy, the same COM
o'0Allons present themselves with tho addition of
-. NOf'hsrn Copperheads allying their fortunes
'D '"ose ier whom they showed so much sympa-
'ny curing the lete contest Of arms.
Anhki II you can, gentle res.ler. when the leaders
Na''Vs organization, composed as Il is
OF men whose principles ara ~ -. -
VV''ph coat did not either aenounce
-, 3 ~ OF the side Of rebellion. This i
- - '"e component parts Of the so.
OO''''- 'A'''e party Then Of whom and what
-. s,ea' t''PuOieah Union party composed
n saes-AN- viii most favors
with the elements Of its opposition W. Ga
statesmen and leaders in its ranks the me,
prominent in suPpressing the rebellion .ns -
tanning the dignity Of the American A.. IT,
masses Of the party those who perilel tbei- ,
IN defence Of tn, r country and who gave thai, go.
70 ale upon the battle-ields Of the Reppblic ,b.,
~e,lon and Union might live forever. and who
'0l Their means 10 fll the ranks Of tho .rn,y
shell o. rebellion and eriQe without ~ ,ao' Iua
Ing ,.,sns' the question again asked and every
Union man requested to ponder !, vi "a1 s1eiy
party does REAseS incline you 70 ri,s -, v ~na'
Ahee' Upon one sids you see VOC, s, ~, Aiies
sworn enemies who for four year. go s0.' S"'
cooked mnskct at your breast 5snandln ne
and the destruction CT your copatry
They still assert their superiority over Won ana
olainor for your blood Wbeu one Of your numb.,
falls by the hand Of an assass il ia proclaimed by
them a. righteous retribution Cor having been
Union man.
When The flag under which you fought is nhfurled
81 the tomb 81 one Of your gallant comrades In arms