Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-02

tht Lckibiututcs Dut thoy nv tSufo'e~
to say they find no prevailing cause.
nothing to palliate the introduction OF
such an unwarrantable proceeding.
There have been q few acts Of yio-
lence, and few cases OF certain parties
taking the law in their own hands 10 in
hict punishment upon persons who have
committed known horrible outrages.
This is attributable mainly to the uncer-
tainty 10 Tennessee Of punishment after
conviction. These acts Of violence and
summary punishment have been in no
way connected with politics or political
matters, but in every instance they have
grown out of personal matters, shocking
crimes committed by some fiend or des-
perado. II is due, however, to say that
these acts Of violence and summary
punishment have been no more frequent
than iu other communities both North
aud South where there are like causes.
This measure, therefore, having no pal
liation, and being so terrible in its conse'
quences, and SO certain TO disturb the
peaceful relations OF the State, and an
entire overthrow of the written constitu-
ton, we would be willing slaves if we
offered no remonstrance while 1t is being
publicly fastened upon u.s.
: We, therefore, in the interest Of peace,
which is as dear as life, before the whole
country, solemnly protest against the
change Of the form Of our government by
a legislative body.
In the name of the aged and infrm,
the women and children, do we solemnly
protest against this inhunan measure.
In the name Of the wise and true men
who made our State constitution, do we
solemnly protest against this summary
disposition OF that sacred instrument b
In the name of that noble body of pa
triots, all Of whom have long since an-
swered at thc great judgment for guarsn.
teeing O republican, form of government,
do we most solemnIy protest against this
open disgrace Of so sacred pledge.
In the name Of the pledge which each
member Of the Legislature made upon
entering upon duty, that he would do
nothing to lessen or abridge the rights Of
the people. do we most solemnly protest
against measure which takes away all
our rights. .giUyoaWs .
In the name of our holy religion, which
teaches good faith as well as obedience
to the powers that be, and the protection
of the innocent as well as peace, do we
most solemnly protest against this un-
christian disturbance of eur sacred peace.
JAMES WHITwoRrH,
Chairman of Committee.
After reading the above protest, Judge
Whitwerth offered the following resolu-
tons:
Resolred, That it is the sense of this
meeting, that the members of the Legis-
lature who have stood ou. against this
measure, and who are still working to
defeat it and preserve the peace Of So
ciety and the constitution of the State,
without distinction of party, have our
heartfelt sympathy, and are entitled to
the gratitude of the whole people.
Resolced, That the Chairman of this
meeting cause these proceedings to be
presented to the Legislature in such a
manner as he may see fit Q.
The protest and resolutions were then
adopted.
Judge Whitworth then proceeded to
give the reasons calling for the above
protest, which were enforced with elo-
quent effect He was followed by ex-
Gov. Brown, Mr.. Nicholas Hobson, Col
Colyar, and other speakers.
At the conclusion Of Col. Colyar's
speech, Judge Guild was called out and
delivered most elaborate address on
the situation. He fully indorsed the
protest and resolutions and every word
which had been uttered by Judge Whit
worth, Governor Brown and Colonel
Colyar. The people ia Tennessee had,
within the past three years, endured
more wrongs and expressions than any
other gallant people had submitted to
since the creation of the earth. A people
ever had been more quiet and submis.
;ive under such outrages. We had had
enough of war, and wanted no more OF it.
He referred to tie disfranchisemeut of |
more than 100000 of our best citizens,
% the woful effects that would be pro-
luced by calling out the militia, the
downward tendency of the State credit,
he excessive and oppressive taxation,
he creation of the stupendous State
lebt of $4,000, 900, lover $4,000, ,090-
aD. BASNER within the past three years,
he contempt with which petitions had
,een received by the House Of Repre-
eutatives, the utter unconstitutionality
# the Militia bill, and to the present
organization of negroes in the surround
ng States to serve in Tennessee under
hat bill if passed, which was for no
'ther purpose than for carrying out the
lection. The meeting then adjourned.