Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-10-13
rmn eovEnson.s MEssAtn.

written State paper. Its tene
is unexceptionable. Indeed, in
these respects, it is superior to
many such productions, both from
Governors Of our own and other
States, wehaye in time, been called
upon to read and review and there
have been Presidential messages,
not its equal in perspicuity or pat-
riotic spirit. 4
The opening allusion to the his
tory Of the events which have led
to the condition of the State under
which the new administration as
sSmes charge Of affairs, and TO tho
duties and responsibilities which
are presented, is very appropriate
and breathes, the spirit of concilia-0
ton, and gives earnest Of a desire
to counsel and co operate with the
law makers for the public good,
unmixed with less worthy eonsid'.
erations.
Fifty enough, tho first subject
specifically alluded TO, is the elec-
tiUe franchise; and in regard to
this, it holdsno equivocal language.
Stating, as we'll as might be, the
reasons why political privileges
were withheld from any portion of
the people previously enjoying them,
it proceeds directly to recommend
the most efficacious means, direct
or indirect, in the competency OF
the General Assembly, for their
entire removal. From this, we I'M
derstand, and it is clearly the means
ing, that that body should at once
repeal all restrictive and proscrip-
tive laws, or provide for a Consti-
tutonal Convention to be prompts
ly assembled, that may go to the
root of the evil.
The next topic is the Fifteenth
amendment proposed to the Federal
Constitution. 1t recommends the
ratification. The argument adj
duced in favor of this course, is the
sh ongest it is susceptible of, and is
put ingeniously, courteously and
respectfully. 1t fails to convince
US, however; for, waving discus
sion of the merits of manhood suf-
frage, there is an insuperable and
overwhelming objection to all such
propositions, in that they surrender
a right reserved to the several
States, which is essensial to the pre-,
servation of the federative charac
ter of the government. In our
| judgment the present one is unnec-
essary and injurious in itself, and
certainly would form another prece-
dent for innovations Of q kind
which have already gone much too
far.
The other important matter ad-
Verted to in the message, is that OF
Finances and Railroads; and rs
the paper properly remarks, they
hold to each other the relation of
cause and effect, and are, there
fore, to be considered together.
1t holds high the standard of the
public credit, and earnestly urges,
upon the basis of confidence in the
honest intentions Of the people,
that no measure shall be taken
which would look towards or lead
TO a possibility of reputation OF
any part, great or small, Of the
States pecuniary liabilities. 1t for
bears to make special recommends
tions of financial plans, or the dc
tails Of general railroad
policy, reserving them until the
presentation of the Comptroller :
report, when a more minute and
thorough review may be had OF
the condition. 1t does allude, howr
ever, to the provisions Of the Om~
nibus act Of December Z, 1867,
and the condition in that law which
allows the Governor, Secretary OF
State and Comptroller as a board
to sell the railroads failing to meet
the interest on the State bonds
loaned or granted to aid their cons
struction, and intimates that such
a step may be necessary, and may
become proper, as means to place
the State credit on that financial
footing to which it is entitled, and
which it is a high duty most
speedily to attain if possible.
Brief reference is made to the
condition of the Penitentiary, and
early action is recommended to
relieve it.
The charitable institutions Of the
State are recommended to the ia
vorable and liberal action Of the
General Assembly, while they are
represented as being successfully
and satisfactorily conducted.
1t recommends, also, legislation
promotive of immigration to the
State; and following this SUCCESS
ton, pleads in behalf of measures
to perfect and adapt the free school
system to tho condition Of the
treasury and the wants and necessi-
ties of the people, as an inducement
to settlers, and as a duty to the
rising generation.
The Message concludes with an
assurance of regard for the body 10
which it is addressed; an appeal
for exertion in behalf of the public