The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1868-07-24
Franchise Restrictions---Thc Leg
islature.

IS1ttulSs
A Democratic Convention assembled
at Trenton, West Tennessee, on the 18th,
and appointed HARDIN j. TURNER, of
Iauderdale county, as Elector for the
District. Among the resolutions pass
ed was one reciting that "inasmuch as
President Johnson had issued an am
nesty proclamation recently, etc, and
in view of the condition of things sur
rounding us, therefore, that commit
tee be appointed to prepare and for
ward to the Legislature of the state OF
Tennessee, soon to convene III extra
session, O memorial for this district, ask
ing for repeal of any franchise rcstric-
tons now resting upon the white peo-
pie of our State
We have heard that move of SINH
lar character has been proposed in Rhea
county, though, if our information is
not erroneous. the proposition i'll the
last case, to memorabilia the LegiSla-
ture and urge the removal of political
disabilities, emanates from the radicals.
We regard the step as the most sensi-
Bile that could be suggested, and as bet
ter calculated than any and all others
to do away with discord and bitterness.
The war has been over more than
three wears. The rebels laid down their
arms. returned to their homes, in many
instances despoiled and dcsolate, and as
a general thing have been attending to
their respective avocations and acting
in good faith with the terms of surren-
der. They are adding by their energy
and labor largely to the productive in
dustry of the State. They contribute
in the shape of taxes proporuonate
share to the support of the government
Indeed, in some sections more than
proportionate share. The present state
of things political cannot endure much
longer There is abundant evidence
that the party which has had control Of
the State government ever since its re-
organization has within itself the ele.
meuts of early dissolution, and that it
cannot hope to preserve its intactness
much beyond the November election.
So that not only sense of justice, and
decent respect for the opinions OF
mankind. would seem to dictate the i'm
mediate removal of all political disa-
bilities from the late rebels and their
svmpathisers, but policy itself suggests
such course as the wisest and best that
could be adopted by the radical party.
There has been ample time for the
passions and prejudices Of men to cool
down and disappear. And who would
try to keep them alive, to rekindle the
expiring embers of hatred and revenge,
at this late houre Who would throw
even single straw in the way Of re-
turn to perfect harmony and peace,
has something else in view other than
the interest and honor of the State and
the common prosperity and happiness
of its people.
Again: The removal of the franchise
restrictions under consideration would
not only do much to restore harmony
and good will among the people al
home, but would produce confidence
abroad, enhance the credit of the State
and cause its Bonds, now tending down
ward, to rapidly appreciate in value.
And the Governor, too. Why should
not the Governor favor the repeal of the
franchise restrictions In a few months
he will lay aside his present official
robes to enter another arena, and il
would be graceful termination Of hi;
administration, relieving it Of much Of
the odium that now attaches to it. Al
our time of life we would net flattel
Neptune for his trident nor Jove for hi:
power to thunder, but we think the best
thing the Governor could do for the So
eial, civil and material interests of the
State, for his party, and himself, would
be to urge his Legislature to take the
step indicated. 1t would bring at once
results which years Of turmoil, and
strife, and oppressive legislation, will
never reach nor accomplish.
AT any rate, we hope the proposition
suggested by the Convention at Tren
ton will be taken up and acted upon il
every Congressional District county
town, and hamlet in the State. And il
giving expression to this hope we don
want to be met with the cry from gu
Big Brothers of other localities, tina
at will do no good" We know it cal
do no harm; and if made general in tn
State, may result in good. Wherein AM
how, we presume almost any one cal
see after moments thought.
Since the foregoing remarks wer
hastily thrown together and put in type
we have received intelligence Of move
ments on the subject being inaugurate
in different portions of the State, of til
progress of which we will keep on
readers duly advised.
RVa The President has signed the ia
Rt1l avuCnsic of n will ba tound |