Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1869-01-13
The Claim OF Tennessee for Additional
Representation.

! The claim of Tennessee for additional representa-
tion is founded both upon justice and precedent II
is not gratnty that she asks, but for the recogni-
ton of what she believes to bo an intrinsic right
mere outline Of the facts viii present the whole
case,
Emancipation in Tennessee was the voluntary act
of her own loyal people, and not the result of Con-
gresHionanal legislation. Mr.. Lincolns proclama-
ton of January st 1863, declaring the abolition OF
slavery in certain of the insurrectionary States did
not include Tennessee, but, on the contrary, ex-
pressly excepted her from its operations The first
act of reconstruction however, though war still ex-
isted upon her soil, Yves the formal abolition of
slavery by popular vote, on the 22d of February,
1865 This was entirely the spontaneous action of
the loyal people. Their desire was to do away with
great national evil, and place the Stste in hsr-
mOny with the rest of her loyal STATES. legsla-
ture was elected in March 1865 and began in April
its work Of reconstruction. That work was accom-
plished under almost nsuperable difficulties, and
resulted in the investment of all her colored cit
zens with fun civil and pohcal rights. For these
acts loyal people believe that they are entitled
to additional representation, as more than 10000
Of Federal population have been added to our roll
Of citizens as positively as if new territory had been
annexed to the country. For instance, Maine, bor-
dering upon a foreign nation, and annezing slip
of territory with l2o0 600 new population, we would
al readily agree ought TO have additional repre-
entation, Leave of the territory, which is no part
Of representation and Tennessee presents parallel
VI
have this fact recognized BY admitting a represent
alton these new citizens TO the halls Of the nation
81 fr DIRECTIONS. r.
1t may be objected that other Stases under this
theory are entitled to additional representation. If
other States have done like voluntary service to the
eountry--yountarily emancipated their slaves, and
then conferred upon them full civil and political
rghts-in word, have created new citizens within
their own borders and out of weakness have brought
strength to the Republic then they, too should be
recognized. But no State, save Tennessee, within
the broad boundaries Of the Union, can show such
labor performed. Her record in this respect differs
from that of every other State Not only have new
citizens, by her action, been added TO the nation,
but the great cause of Human Rights has received
therefrom new vgor, and the immortal doctrines
Of our fathers new illustration. Adding a man to
the Republic is much but il is more 70 add perma-
nence and glory TO the cause of free government
Also the neWly-enfranchised citizens Of Tennessee
by their heroic devotion TO the country and to lib
efty, have shown themselves in every way worthy
Of citizenship and the admission of their represent
alive TO Congress would impart 10 them the liyeest
satisfaction. The exercise of these newly acknowl
edged rights have brought upon them suffering and
persecution Their ballots, always cast on the side
Of freedom, have often been stained with their own
blood, and handed in ever the murdered corpses Of
their fellows. Yet their unwavering faith in the
Government has given TO their suferngs sublime
heroism.
m g PREoEDENTs
It is no now OF extraordinary thing that Congress
is ssked to do The case Of California is familiar to
MANY Seven other eases of irregular admission
have 6ready occurred in different States SO that it
is no new claim set up for the first time; but as
question of justice and following precedents already
nade do earnestly press their claim upon the re-
presentatiYes Of the American people, More than
60 600 true and faithful men from my own State
have by their ballots, expressed their wishes and
Judgment in this matter; therefore, / leave it for
your respectful consideration and decision.
THos. a. HAMILTON,
Representatives -at-large elect
from the State of Tennessee