Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1868-01-18
Honso or Representnlires.

House of Representatives.
FRIDAY, Jan. IL, 186S.-The House met
pursuant to adjournment, and was called to
order by the Speaker.
Mr.. Mckinley presented a eommunica-
tion from ]. w. Lawless, inclosing pre-
aGable and resolutions adopted at a mass
meeting of citizens of Tennessee held at the
Capitol, in the city of Nashville, on the 9Th
of January, 1858, which were read to the
House.
Mr.. Mckinley offered the following pre-
amble and resolutions
Whereas, 1t is the duty of the governs
ment of the United States to protect its
citizens, native born or naturalized, in all
parts of the world, against wrong, oppres-
sion, or other infringements of their rights,
privileges or immunities established by
the comfy of nations and international
law; and
Whereas, The doctrine of self-expatrias
tion is peculiarly American, based upon
republican principles, and, therefore, not
recognized by the monarchies of the Old
World; and
Whereas, Said doctrine has been vindi-
Gated by the power and might of this young
republic in other days, under perhaps less
aggravating circumstances than those now
existing and calling loudly for its interpo-
sition therefore, be it
Resolved by the General Assembly Of
the State of Tennessee, That the doctrines
of self-expatriation and naturalized citi-
zenship being peculiar characteristics of the
Amrican republic, known and recognized
throughout the world as the United States
of America, should and must be enforced,
if our republic intends to maintain her
past glory and her present high position
among the nations of the earth.
Be it further resolved, That the Execu-
tive of the United States, the Secretary Of
State, foreign ministers and others, whose
duty 1t is to see that citizens of the United
States in foreign countries shall enjoy all
their rights and privileges, in SO far as
they respectively fall short of proper dis
charge of their duty in this respect, are in
the higneat degree culpable, and unworthy
of the great trusts that have 30 cOnfdingly
been placed in their hands by the Ameri-
can people.
Be it further resolved, That as it was the
pride and glory of the Romans, in the
palmiest days Of their republic, to know
anu leel litdt the e1CldMdtlOu. L AN u
Roman citizen challenged respect and
guaranteed ample protection in all parts of
the world, the United States of America
should so far emulate her noble example as
to have the expression, 81 am an Ameri-
can citizen" challenge like respect and
guarantee a like protection throughout the
civilized world.
Be it further resolved, That our Senators
in Congress be and they are hereby in
structed, and our Representatives requested,
10 use their influence to have such laws
enacted, and such measures inaugurated as
shall guarantee all the rights, privileges
and immunties of any and every citizen of
the United States, native or foreign born,
travelling abroad, and that certified copies
of these resolutions be transmitted to each
ofour said Senator'S and Representatives by
the Secretary of State.
Under a suspension of the rules, the
resolutions were adopted without Opposi-
tion.
The remainder Of the day was occupied
in the passage of bills and resolutions,
generally local in their character.