Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1869-08-26


In our leader of this issue our readers
will discover that we have taken ground
in favor of legally removing the ~restric-
tons imposed by the Franchise Law. In
this we do not wish to be understood as
endorsing or approving the late action OF
the commissioners of Registration, in is
suing certificates to persons, plainly not
entitled to them, under the law as it now
stands. The plan We would recommend.
is to remove the disabilities by changing
the Constitution or repeating the law Gre
ating them.
In adopting his course we do not cX-
pcct to escape entirely the disapprobation
of some of those who may differ from us.
No man, now a-days, who does not join
in a wild, undiscriminating support of the
measures and dogmas of a dominant par
ty, can hope to escape detraction and
abuse. Every device is employed to mis-
represent, and every effort is made to mis-
understand the purposes of those who
dare to oppose a party measure, however
fraught with disaster M destructive it
may be tO the best interests of the cOun-
try. The vocabulary of political slang is
exhausted to find terms of rcproach and
inEamy with which to stigmatize men.
whose motives have in their favor all the
ordinary presumtions of purity and whose
arguments and opinions are at least enti-
til to n respectful hearing. This pro-
cess, which has been going on for many
months with violence uneXamplcd, even
among n people, whose political discus
sions are never marked by too much tenn
perancc, shall not deter us from expressing
our opinions freely about public affairs.
While so doing, it shall be with no spirit
of controversy or disrespect for the opin-
ions of those differing with us. The ques-
tions that are now agitating the State, are
beyond the grasp of any mind to compre-
bend, in their influence and results. We
see them from different stand-points, and
we reach conflicting conclusions; none but
the ignorant, the bigoted, or the design
ing, will make these differences of Opin-
ion occasions for reproach or contumely.
The times demand outspokcn discussions
and when we see good and earnest men,
under the influence of some absorbing
sentiment, overlooking the great princi-
! DAN' VI SCpt 6ONNt VIZ
law under foot, and setting aside or disrc-
garding every thing that stands in the
way, or is likely to prevent the accom-
plishment ofthcir purposes, we are warn
ed that none of lis can claim to be above
the influence of passion or of prcjudices.
While we do not agree upon the one hand
with those who advocate perpetual dis
reimbursement, or with those upon the
other extreme who would place the bal
lot in the hands of every one, without re-
gard to II law, thus opening the way
to future litigation, asperity and strife,
we shall demand for them, what we ask
for ourselves and those who c0rfowr, with
with us,in the views we present, a fair dis
passionate and respectful hearing. We
shall ut all times, in discussing any pub
lie measure, endeavor to appeal to the
reason and not the passions or prcjudices
of our readers. Trusting thai the time is
not far distant, when reason will have de-
throncd prejudice, and wisdom displaced
passion, and that following it will be an
era of peace, happiness and prosperity in
tennessee