Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-06-22
PUBLIC LEDGER.
THE SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
The anomalous condition of politics in
our State makes it exceedingly difficult
to define the position of parties, which
have heretofore controlled and directed
affairs. Asis the case in the upheaval of
political earthquakes, every one is re-
uuired to assume new relations; and
while some will take positions consistent
with those formerly occupied, others
again are found antipodal to the views
once held and at variance with COM
mon sense. 1t is not surprising that
few will presume to lead when
the State has fallen into chaos; but the
course taken by these selt-constituted
leaders will determine their capacity for
such leadership. The Banner, of Nash
vile, which is regarded as the central
Conservative organ Of the State, has
concluded to lead off on the new issue Of
the day, and in doing so finds itself alone
and with none to approve of its course,
save orr deluded friend Of the Memphis
appeal We cannot appreciate the
policy of these journals in attempting
10 surrender the Conservative party
into the hands of our Radical opponents;
and such advice has in no part OF the
State been adopted, but everywhere con-
veutions are being held and Conservative
candidates for the Legislature placed in
the field subject to the election in August.
The folly of surendering at the time
when victory is lowering over to perch
upon our banner, cannot but be apparent
to the most obtuse of all politicians.
What we are to gain by leaving every
thing to a Republican Legislature we
cannot see, unless it be contin-
uatien, for six years more of serv-
'vitude, waiting for the slow means to
be adopted when the DISTINGUISHING
chains shall be removed from our limbs.
The great issue Of the canvass, and one
of more importance than il has hereto
fore been the duty of our people to con-
slider, is that Of enfranchsement, which,
since all parties have agreed to, there yet
remains an impediment in the way for its
immediate contamination.
II Governor Senter and the other can
didate for the gubernatorial office, Col
ouel Stokes, are both in favor of enfran-
chising the taxpayers Of the State, will
either of these gentlemen OBJECT now to
pledge themselves to the people to use
every means to have the disqualifying
laws removed, and that at once2 It'll
true, the Governor Of our State has no
power save as defined in the Constitu-
ton, but be may, when it is the clearly
defined will and wish of the people,
assume to act for them in doing what
ever is required for peaceable solution
of all our difficulties. II those who are
aspirants for Office will come out on this
platform of convention or no convention,
the masses can then express very dis
tinct idea of what they would prefer. We
want the vote taken on this ques-
ton now, not to elect members of
the Convention, but to ascertain what
is the wish Of the people Of Tennes-
see on this subject, which can in q
dignifed and correct manner be easily
ascertained. The people should not be
persuaded into the idea that after the
Governor is elected be can then call
Convention, according to the law de6n-
ing his prerogatives; yet if this sovereign
source of ell power has indicated what
should be done, then the Governor and
Legislature, mere agents, should not hesi-
tate to at once do their bidding The
people, when they have spoken, must be
obeyed, for their voice is as the voice Of
God commanding what shall be done and
what shall not. Every officer in the State
who holds his Office from the people must
subscribe to their dictation, regardless of
teehnicalities in the law, or what would
be considered as consistent with the Con-
stitution. Was not the present charter
of our State spoken into existence by the
people2 Then cannot they, at any time,
say when it shall be abolished, aud adopt
such an one as may be republican in
form7 Without doubt all these rights
are inherent with the people, and no OBJ
lection previous to the war would have
been made to any action on their part.
1t now rests with the Radical party TO
consent to the country again returning to
republication, or by their course to per-
petuate the present despotism. We sin
cerely hope tina, they may be governed
by reason and justice, and not BY the die
tstes of party sel6shness.
MAJOR III. TOWNSEND ANNOUNCES
HIMSELF As A CANDIDATE R0R