Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1868-08-07
THE TRUE SPIRIT-A RADICAL OR.
GAN ON THE CRISIS

The Memphis Bulletin, one of the
Radical organs in Shelby county, calls
upon the Republicans of that county to
sign the petition to the Legislature which
the Democrats are circulating in favor OF
the northumberland Of the white men
of Tennessee That paper says
'Let us show them (the "Rebels') and
the whole world that we are as magnani-
nous in peace as bold in war. Let US
compel them to acknowledge that we know
how to be merciful. Let us not hang them
first and try them afterwards. Let us put
them on their good behaviOr-and then, if
they dare attempt violence, let US crush
them without mercy. Sign the petition p
In another article the Bulletin says
Republicans we can afford to be gen
erous. &c nest pas Ia rictOire gli fat le
bOnheur des MOBILES cGurS : c est le combat
Day by day the more rational of our oppo-
nents are placing themselves squarely upon
record, acknowledging the full force of
their defeat, resigning the Issues of the war,
pledging themselves to abide by and sup
port the laws and the Constitution. Such
influential organs as the Richmond WHO
and the NASHVILLE UNION AND DISPATCH
are compelling the Democrats to reflect,
and are plainly pointing out the inevitable
consequences, the ruin, the shame, the utter
failure, which will ensue if they do not re-
pudiate the leadership of hot-headed revo-
lutionists and destructionists. 1t il our
duty TO strengthen the hands of all law
abiding men. There is not the slightest
danger in 30 doing. 1t is not well to for
get that we have behind us mighty
people, a power that will never desert us
in the hour Of danger"
This is a very different spirit from that
manifested by the Radicals in the House
of Representatives 1t is the spirit that
will bring about peace in the State
The Bulletin ontreats the Legislature
to send no militia to Shelby county. Un~
der the head of 'Let us Reason Together
lie who will not Reason is Bigot he
who cannot is a Fool and he who dares
not is a Slave-Neither Necessary nor
Expedient," the Bulletin makes this ap.
peal to the Legislature
Gentlemen of the Legislature! the Re
publIcans know you and trust you. We
know that you are true men, loyal to the
republic and faithful to your constituents.
We believe that you will act with pru-
dence and caution; that YOU will not be
governed by considerations of tlmidity
that you will not I've led by unwise counsel.
We trust you, and therefore do not presume
TO advise you, or TO dictate 10 you what
course You shall pursue You will do Just
right .......
But IL Is in 10 wise derogating from
your high privilege, or restricting your
perfect independence OF consultation and
sctiou, If the true and steadfast Republi-
cans OF Shelby county say TO You coniiden-
tally: We want no militia in Shelby
county. We are neither ashamed nor
afraid to show our faces and our principles
by day or 10y night. We do not fear to
meet our enemies al the ballot-box in peace.
And II they again dare TO appeal from the
hallot-box 10 the sword, we are neither
ashamed nor afraid 10 meet them again in
war. To put ourselves behind needless
breastworls, 10 march to the polls between
rows of glistening bayonets, Is to admit |
that we are afraid Of crushed and power
less foe-to assume that We are cOwards
Gentlemen Of the Legislature We have |
not shrunk from the heat and burden ofthe |
day in the evening We desire TO be at |
peace. We wish 10 see our country safe |
from faction and our countrymen, in the |
words Of Tacitus, protected by ihe divinity |
they adore, supported by the earth which |
they cultivate, at peace with themselves,
enjoying the sweets Of life, without dread
ing or desiring dissolution" II these
scorners of Gods cause, and scotiers at
Gods servants, from whose midnight as
semblies muflied mutterings Of renewed
murder well out upon the anxious air Of a
peaceful Heaven, dare to profer US the
knife, we are ready. They shall have war
We will have peace. Equal 10 their issue,
i the bloody alternative is thrust in our !