Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-02-12
TIrE CONSERVATIVES MEETING.


To-day at . O'Clock, at the City Hal,
Exchange Building, the citizens Of Mem
phis have BEEN called upon to assemble
to consult fer the general good, and in
augurate asystem Of organization which
will enable them 10 resist the encTOach-
msnts OF despotism, assert ard protect a
white mans government, and avert,
through co operation with Ike o~rganizs-
tons in every county in the State, the
impendiug dangers that threaten TO
destroy every vestige Of human rights
aud political freedom. Il is deemed an
appropriate time for action, determined,
energetic action, because it il proper to
do well at ali times. The political pow
ers Of our State have been wrested from
the people to whom they belong. They
are exercised by those who are uniaithful
TO everything except their own selfish
desires ard grovelling ambition. The
pretended Constitution which the Radi-
cal Legislature assumes the power to
change at will, is lot such an instrument
as to claim respect, because il is not Re
publican in form or spirit, and deprives
OF their franchise q large portion Of the
intelligence and virtue Of the State.
The movement which is to be lnsugu-
rated to-day, and which it is hoped will
not he permitted to ~lRnguish, much less
expire, VIII, if properly responded to,
exercise a most beneficial influence upon
the popular mind. It ia intended that
the people shall be thoroughly reused,
not to excitement, but to q proper appre-
citation Of the condition Of the country,
and 70 the firm resolve that nothing
shall be emitted which energy and per-
severance can accomplish to bring back
our State TO its original purity and ele-
waited position, and restore happiness and
content 10 its citizens, who have been 90
Tuthlessly trampled upon in the name
Of law sHdgOvernment. Wisdom should
govern the counsels OF the meeting
calm, considerate reflection predominant.
II is not to be the act Of the moment
TO push forward individual claims TO pO-
litical hOners, but to take e. step from
which there shall be no receding, whose
progress shall be onward and upward
until the civil revolution shall be com
plete and Tennessee her place
among the free white States OF the Union,
her people untrammeled by noxious re-
strletions, and entitled to all the rights
and privileges which were recognized
under her former Constitutions.
Those who have given the subject ma
ture reflection will, or should be present
and gend their earnest attention to the
movement. It may not be that a plan
will be proposed st tnis meeting, but
some proposition may be suggested,
which after being fully ma.ured will be
suitable for general scquiescence and
adoption.
The selection Of proper persons 70 I'LL
the positions is important to the success
fuI operation Of this movement, which is
TO be in strict accordance with constitu-
tionsl right, and by no means Of an
offensive character, unless it may be
deemed offensive by those who are hos
tile to any Constitution whose provis-
ions may not be construed for their own
personal and political advancement, and
10 the exclusion Of all who may be CON
sidered as standing in their way, or sus.
pected OF unwilliDgnesa TO bow to their
supremacy. We IS q people are
not free. We are beset with Leagues,
secret, subtle, dark and designing
in their schemes and Vaccinations. A
and subservient race are seduceI
into these conventicles, and saturated
with promises that are never 10 be re.
deemed, are bound by mysterious oaths
aud obligations to the performance Of
whatever may be enjOintd by the rules
10 which they are sworn. Corruption
through the land until the very
air seems etid, as though the once broad
and smiling fields and palace built cities
were one vast charnel house. 1t is the
Of this poisonous, pestilentisl
ysnor at which we aim-the restoration
II a heaIthful, invigo -ating atmosphere.
and patriotism and honor and
honesty must sgain be elevated to the
high places, and vice and vulgRrity and
,besenity be bsnished to a humber
where they may tester out their
miserable existence amid their wi rot
The object is Of the highest value, and
Is attainment not beyond the reach Of
determined purpose and vlrtuous en-
Ienvor. The blrtbright which was once
,urs must be re-asserted. The atrocity
4 Redicalism must be exposed. Itmnst
e shown that those who claim to be re-
pectAble, though they herd with the
lie, are not respectable. There must be
parleying with them. Ercelsior"
be the motto and the watchword,
nd no rest no relaxation be entertained
mil the Geld is won.