Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-06-22
WHAT DOES IrrEACH

WHAT DOES Er TEACH?
There seems to be some confu-
sion as to what the present canvass
in Tennessee involves and portends,
both among the Radicals and their
opponents; and consequently both
are likely to fall into error both OF
opinion and action. Those who |
have not considered the attitude
eomprehensiveIy, have failed to en-
brace its scope and tenor. |
Under the first franchise law, the
most liberal of all, the large |
mass of the people were admitted
to the ballot. Under the second all
young men coming of age received
certificates. Under the last the re-
strictions were so stringent, and the
powers of the Executive SO en-
larged, that the whole system OF
voting was changed, and a large
proportion of those having certifi-
Gates under previous laws, were dis
franchised.
Thus the matter remained until
the recent decision of the Supreme
Court. That decree re -enfranchlsed
the mass of the people OF, the
State, by declaring that all who
have received suffrage GER
tifcates possess the right to VOTE
Notwithstanding any subsequent
acts of the Legislature, or of the
Governor under them,
Next we have, no nomination,
but two Radical candidates for
Governor. These are separated up
on a vital principle. Stokes opposes
Acknowledgement, and the decision
of the Supreme Court. Though he
does not say the latter, he IS IN
favor of adapting the policy of Com
gress to the State, and regulating
the removal Of disabilities by the
Legislature, everybody being dis
abIcd who cannot take the franchise
oath. It is understood that he
would apply the congressional
policy 10 the Supreme Court WHICH
could be recognized or deprived u
jurisdiction at the pleasure Oh "
despotic legislative majority. 'oeH
ter, while adherlng 10 'ne hAui04'
platform, takes the f"e rcP"o''c"N
ground OF suffrage lor all justly GU
titled, and that registration shall
not be manipulated IN the INTEREST
of office seekers. This IS Ihe pres
ent aspect OF The canvass.
In this state of things there
are few Radical sup
porters of Senter, who
affected to believe they are entltled
TO the entire representation IN the
Legislature. On the contrary there
are a few conservatives who are so
impatient in their exuberant views
of the situation that they want
nobody but themselves In Official
station Herein they are both
wrong. This is really and substan-
TALLY q grand fusion of the people
against tyrannical injustice. The
prime question is acknowledgements.
That question settled, the rest, If we
we are truly capable Of self govern
ment, will follow necessarily. None
who oppose enfranchisement can be
trusted in this momentOus contest.
No one who Eavors it for the sake
of office can be trusted. Whoever
is for it upon principle, who is
known and relied upon as man Of
principle, who is known to the pco-
pie as a man of intelligence and
true under all circumstances, and is
eIEoibIe under the law, is worthy of
popular support. None other is
The situation of public affairs is
too grave TO allow a Radical,
destitute of ability and honesty, to
mount the hobby of universal suf-
frage," and ride into place; or, to
H.. r. !. 4oIo