Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-02-20
Hon. II. P. Murphy.

We publish below the speech delivered in the
Legislature by Hon. Fl. P. Murphy, Representa-
tive OF johnson county, in explanation of his vote
in favor Of colored suffrage. Mr.. Murphy is pru-
dent and wise legislator and as true patriot as
lives in the State:
Mr. SPEAKER: Early after taking my seat upon
this floor as member of the present House of Rep
resentatlves took occasion to give my views upon
what considered the best policy Of our govern
men as to the future disposition of persons of the
African race, who unfortunately live among us. l
then expressed myself partial 10 the plan of colo
niEaton, and since that time have seen no reason
to change my views ssill believe that the white
and black races never can DO socially sts.s1 aud
Legitimate consequence they cannot live together
in the same community in peace, happiness and
prosperity. The greatest good of both races de-
mands that they should be separated.
As the best means of bringing about such sep
aration, have entertained the view that it would
be best to confer as few political rights upon the
colcred man as possible. Other counsels, however
have prevailed. The Constitutional Union party.
both of the State and the nation, have thought
proper to pursue different policy. In our State
one political right after another has been extended
to the negro until he wants little else than the
privilege of the elective franchise to make him DO
liticaly equal TO the white In the District of
Columbia, exclusively under its control and gov
ernment loyal Congress has enfranchsed him
are too few in number to the success eff our
peculiar views at present. and colonization must
be voluntary, many years may elapse before we
will be able to witness its success 1t will take
time to convince the colored man of its importance
crisis in the affairs of State is upon us which
must be met without delay The exigeney Of the
occasion demands prompt action. The armed enc
mics OF the Union whom we have again to conquer
at the ballot box. The same government they sought
to destroy they now seek to govern. Proclaiming
to the world they have surrendered their arms but
not their principles they seek TO subject those who
bore the standard of the Union and fought the war
to successful termination to their vindictivs do
mination. They greatly outnumber us in the State
and if permitted the elective franchise are able to
overcome us at the polls. We have used every le-
gal and constitutional means in our power to dis
franchise them. A franchise law has been passed
and every possible guard thrown around it that hu
man ingenuity could invent to avoid evasion; but
all in vain. They have in many instances evaded
it and in others set it at open defiance. The time
for our State elections for Governor, members of
Congress, and members Of the Legislature, is sp-
preaching. Our State Government and our delega-
ton TO Congress are in imminent peril of falling
into the hands Of our enemies. No greater calsm-
ity could possibly befall US. What loyal man does
not deprecate itP What sacrifice would he not
make TO avoid it2
Twelve months ago majority Of constituents
were opposed to colored suffrage and as their rep
ment since that time, there has been considerable
change of sentiment, but whether majority of
those represent have experienced that change have
no certain information In the present state of the
case therefore, nothing but great political neces-
sity could induce me TO vote for the measure pro
posed.
In East Tennessee the consequences of rebel rule
would be fearful and disastrous but not much so
as in Middle and West Tennessee. There the deg
relation Of the loyalists would be complete-their
persecution would be intolerabie. Sef-expstriaten
would afford them the only means of relief They
call upon US for assistance and should we turn a
deaf ear 70 their csll7
ana not ignorant of the fact that colored suf-
frAge one Of the cardinal doctrines of the great
Unconstitutional Union Party of the nation. 1t con-
stitutes one OF the main planks in the platform of
that party. Upon that platform / have hitherto
stood and upon 1t expect to stand in the future.
Upon this platform the contest Of the next Sum
mer's campaign will be fought. j would like to
add plank to this platform, favoring colonization,
but in this majority OF my party are against me.
have not sufficient material out of which to con-
struct platform for new party and ! must array
myself either the side Of the rebel Conservative
party, or on thesside Of the party that fought
battles and saved the Union. l do not hesitate TO
take the latter. A neutral non-ccmmittal position
to NE is an unenviable one.
Our distinguished Governor has been and con.in-
ues 20 Be pilot 10 guide amid the storms and
bresken which bcset our ship Of State We are
won't 10 receive his instructions and give heed to his
warning voice. IN his message 10 Us, delivered
few days since, he says: with the leysl men Of
the Stats allowed 10 vote the Government thereof
will remain In loyal hands-without their votes,
the State will pass into iisoyal hands, and reign
Of terror not so easily described as realized viii be
the result therefore acQuesce in the necessity
that impels" rns to the act trusting Tint may be
justified BY patriotic and reasonable constituency.
/ vote in the affirmative.
The announcement Of the vote was greeted with
thunderK of applause from the foor OF the House
and the negroes in the galleries