Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-08-10
TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE.


NASHVILLE, August DIN the House,
Mr.. Taylor's resolution, that we don't
think this the proper time to take into
consideration the question of the elective
franchise" was, after lively discussion,
adopted by vote of "a against IA.
NASHVILLE, August Gin the Senate,
speaker Senter presented the following
message from the Governor
GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATURE
submit to you the inclosed memorial
from Maury county at the request of the
committee appointed to lay it before me.
(Signed) W. G. BRowHLow.
We, a portion of the people of Maury
county, Tennessee, have this day peace
ably met together to advise and consult
as to the means Of relieving the political
and social evils that vex and disturb the
peace of society. As candid men we are
compelled to admit that the credit Of the
State has not only been seriously
impaired, prosperity retarded and indus
try paralyzed, but that, in some local..
ties at least, disorder. discomfort and
lawlessness prevail where peace, order
and quiet should reign; and that every
where the public mind is filled with
apprehension and alarm for the future.
This existing state of facts none can
deny, whatever may be our difference of
opinion as to the causes that have pro-
6uced these effects, or who are charge
able for the same, or what may be the
true remedy for the evils of which we
complain.
Whatever false statements TO the con-
trary may have been heralded forth BY
the political partisans and interested
mercenaries through venal press, in
Justice to truth, no less than to our
selves, we must be permitted to state
that that no rebel element, or influence,
or spirit, hostile to the authority Of the
Federal government, either secret or
open, expressed or understood, exists in
eur com munity, but all acknowledge and
weld prompt and cheerful obedience 10
its authority and commands. Slavery
and secession, by the late war, were
buried in common grave; and none
seek to disturb their ashes, and their
sleep will be eternal. We, therefore,
denouuce as utterly false any and all
statements, by wbomsoever made, that
this people are disloyal in feeling or
sentiment, or will favor any disobedience
or resistance to the lawful authority Of
the United States The Constitution Of
of our forefsthers we revere as sacred,
and regard gil as enemies who violate
its principles and disobey its commands.
As now organized, the negroes cousti-
tute the ruling power and influence in
the State. Conscious of their strength,
they are everywhere manifesting de-
eided hostility, not only to their former
masters and those Of Southern birth, but
also TO the Northern men among US, who
perhaps, fought for their emancipation,
and within twelve months were hailed as
their deliverers and political saviors,
thus making certain that tendency to q
war of races which statesmen and
patriots Of all parties predicted, and
which all good men must forever de-
plore.
When we reflect that our citizens we're
born freemen, we're reared under free in
stitutions, were ardently attached 10 con-
stitutional liberty and devoted TO q re-
publican form of government; when
those who represent the wealth, the in
telligepce and virtue Of the State, and
have to bear the burden Of taxation, are
denied a voice in the government, and
their fortunes and their liberties, lives
aud honor of themselves, their wives and
| children, placed under the control and
at the mercy of an ignorant race, exas'
uerated against them, is il to be won
dered at that our race Of white men should
feel that they had been treated with crue
injustice, and punished beyond all rsa-
sonable measured Yet all these evil
and expressions have been borne by th'
freemen Of Tennessee With degree o
patient submission and uncomplaininl
silence that Is, 10 the rehectiug and IN
prejudiced portion Of mankind, q marve
and mystery.
Feeling keenly. as We do, the grievou
wrongs that have been done us, we d
not now counsel, aud have never 90 done
resistance to the law, or q resort 70 reFo
lutionary means, bat new, as ever, advis
submission 70 the Laws and constitute
authorities, and appesl 70 the Consiitu
, ton. 70 the Judiciary and the sense {
justice Of those in authority, for redres
and relief
We proclaim our devotion 70 law an
order, and are ready and wiling 70 do =
things that may become honorable me