The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1868-12-18

Universal Suffrage.

Now, that the great Presidential campaign
Of SO, with its fierce and bitter aorimonics
is over, and all questions that we've involved
in it permanently decided, another most i'm
pOrtant issue has been sprung in the political
world. 1t is nothing more nor less than uni
verssl Acknowledgement. From present iudi-
cations, the friends Of this measure will en-
aeavUr to enforce it upon the incoming ad-
ministratiOu. In Tennessee it will be the
cardinal point Of difference between parties
aud party platforms in the canvass next
summer
We have ever been strongly opposed to the
extension Of political power, to those who
ouIrageOusly abused it. Political disabilities
are a just and at the same time a lenient pun
isbment for the extreme wickedness Of their
rebellion. Up to this day, they have made
NO amehCs, as a class, for their mad and ru-
mons folly, manifested no repentance, and
gave no assurance Of good and loyal citizen
ship in the failure. Without the least con-
c%essiOn, WitbOuta single pledge OF guaranty,
Withsst a single hope and prospect of q
change Of sentiment and designs on the part
Of the rebels, but on the contrary, with ey-
eSy evidence Of a still deep, bitter and malig-
nant M-ieeling towards the Government and
loyal people, their restoration is tsnociously
and impatiently urged. To enfranchiso such
a mass of dissatisfied, uurepentaut, vicioas,
unrsclaimed and irreclaimable ]truitors will
be a most imprudent ard dangerous expert
ment to undertake. It viii open the way 10
the disruption and annihilation OF the Re-
publican party and the total destruction Of
that noble and free government in our State,
which our loyal people erected on the ruins
Of the Harris dynasty, and who proudly
claim it as one 0f the glorious results OF the
victory Of the National arms. It will he a re-
nunciation Of sentiment, q d%esertiou VI prin-
ciples and a fAlsiication Of record, disgrace
hl and trNitorous. 1t will be johnson. an
treachery, Implicitly ana yillainy re-enac;ed.
u will be nothing less than a complete and
sweeping endorsement ofthe course and con-
duct Of that vile arch-traitor, who has
brought the American people into reproaeb
ny his accidental incumbency as their Chief
dagistsats. \ will be self abdicatiou in ia
for Of a vile and unprinciplsd set Of sroun-
Jrels, who were ns7er appalled, by any snor-
nifty, and, who, ia the plenttude Of their
cheraltss usarPatioas Of power, most wan
touly riOted on the property, abertie5 and
lives Of the loyal men Of our State. Fore
warned is forearmed. Loya! wen, watch
those men, who are advocating this measure.
They are engaged in an attempt, allied with
CoPperheuds and bought up with rebel
money to make your State a scene OF contin-
ual broil-a waste bowling vildernes.-a
grim, blank, sai drear desola,ion. They want
Otdsv, vith that they are coatent. Let no
sueh men be trusted.
We believe and We prophecy that should !
this sash aud iaiqnitious proposition become
. hW oil the horrors of war ass immedlatelg
upon us. Can IL be, Tor 40 instant, supposed
tha, loyal meu will ever be willing to see
sueha meniuse pass into legislation 2 his
planting magazine in their midst, and pia.
oiag a 1och 10 the hands ola mailman, With
bis own option to apply the same to is de-
ttroying contents. Slch a measure will re-
new the iends II war, sud convert our s,sos
Rom Sbafoa 10 Shelby into a perfect Pan-
dsnoniuan % passion, violence snd anre-
rsreipabls lsElsgnsss. The bays sad en-
dnrinE l~oTsis's Of Tennessee can not look
With the lsas, degree Of federation aud allow.
ans' upoa ouch a teath-laisnsd scheme
lhsy VIII rrprobats n and its udvScatss VIII
sink in,s ne lgaonin7 sud dsrifioa thsy
meth y