Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-03-14

tain:
2. That We derive much qualification
from the belief which We now cherish that
a better understanding than formerly eX-
listed ia now being established among the
various classes of our people, and that we
trust that the period is not now distant
when all former dissensions and preiudices
shall have passed away, and that nothing
will in the future occur to disturb our
social concord or renew civil strife;
3. That we deem it the duty of all
classes of our citizens to use their utmost
efforts for the suppression of violence OF
any kind, for preventing disturbances of
The peace. and for guaranteeing to all
within our limits the most effectual secu.
rity of person and property, whether such
person shall be permanent resident or a
mere sojourner among US.
Ex-Goy. Foote then addressed the as
ssmbly as follows:
GOV. FOOTE'S SPEECH.
Ia accordance with the order of arrange
ments agreed Oh, shall now have the
honor of addressing a few words to the
worthy citizens in attendance. shall be
very brief, and in few minutes cheerfully
give way to others who will entertain and
edify you far more than it is in my power
to do.
We have met in a spirit of peace, and |
shall therefore utter not a sentence calcu-
lated to disturb the quiet and good order
of this assemblage. We have met in
spirit OF amity and true brotherhood, and
God forbid that | should let loose the Fa.
ries of Discord among you. We have met
in a spirit of elevated patriotism, far
above the tnmultuous roar of party strife,
and the dust and smoke of faction, and |
trust that | shall give expression to no
sentiment which Washington, if now liv-
ing, might not approve and the men of
wiser and more virtuous age than the
present carry into practical exercise. We
have met for the purpose of sage and salu
tary action, and shall take care not to
occupy your time in wUrdy and profiless
defamation.
1t has been long my opinion that ii is
better to be in harmony with our fellow
beings than to be in conflict with them;
that it is better TO take kindly counsel
with our friends end fellow citizens, and TO
cooperate with them in all good and
useful undertaking., than TO be perpetually
conflicting with them for petty objects not
at all worthy of the efforts which some men
are constantly making in order to obtain
them. | am sure that the repose and hap
piness of every community are far better
than contention and reciprocal violence.
No one here will suppose, as | hope, that
the welfare of our whole country is not far
more TO be desired than the ascendanoy of
any party or faction which can be named,
or the advancement of any individual, or
classes of individuals of which such party
or faction may be composed and that
man who truly loves his country may we'll,
under certain circumstances, deem it his
duty, for time, at least, TO forget party
and faction, and elevate himself to the dig
nifty of supporting principle, in despite of
the monitions OF either. Though this be
what certain shallow and selfish party
zealots call fckleness and inconcoustancy,
yet very sure am | that such course is
alike sanctioned by virtue and by wisdom
Did / not really Confde in the honesty,
patriotism, aud capacity of General Grant
did / not regard him as having made
most iudicious selection of his cabinet
councillors did / not recognize him az
having already, since he was elected to the
vs. u
the perfect uprightnes5 of his intentions, of
his freedom from from passion and preju-
dice, as we'll as his determination to exer-
else in his high Office an afectionste and
providing care over all the great interests
Of his country, and to meet out impartial
Justice to all classes of our country
men, of all races and compilations, |
should not be here 10 tender to him and
Il = IL
earnest support, however little 10 point
of fact that support may be worth. Let
others indulge if they choose, in unjust
and uucharitable ratings and accusations;
in precipitate and unfoundtd suggestions
as to his motives of action in ridiCule of
his daily words and acts which, at least if
not being keen-edged or Fungent, il in
tended to be as much so as II is in the
power Of unkind and discoUrteous words
to be, have myself not the least thought
Of taking part in such ungenerous and inn
polite warfare. This is my native land,
and | love il with all the devotion that my
heart is capable of feeling. The Govern
ment of the United States is the govern
ment established in part by nay own an
eestors, and whilst look to it confidently |
for protection, feel that ] also owe to il a |
true allegiance and support. Gen. Grant |
has been CoGstitntionally elected to |
the presidential Office, and IL COM
menciDg his official career, with no pre-
ViOu5 civil experience, amidst such diff |
fculties and endorsements as have never |
before surrounded any President and | |
should regard myself as one of the greatest |
of criminals were / to endeaVOr to throw /
any unnecessary impediments in his way. |
In this State, where all, with few excep- |
tions here and there, are in favor of the |
universal equality before the law Of all |
men and all classes Of men of the univer-
sal forgiveness and Oblivion of past wrongs !
or imagined wrongs; where all good men,
| trust, are alike opposed to the revival of
past QUESTIONS of controversial strife, | do |
confidently expect that no considerable
portion of our people will be disposed to
renew the perilous agitations of the past
and 10 attempt TO build up party strength
at The expense of the country's peace and
happiness; thus probably mourning once
more the fearful hazards TO which We have
already bee, - recently exposed, and
those multipiiei LOCrJrs from which the
goodness Of Gci las 50 maryell0usly res.
0uel us.
Let me say 10 those, II there ne any, VINO |
fear that this movement may result in the
disruption Of present party lice and III the
formation of new ones, that nothing of the
kind is either sought or desired, 50 far as
| know, by any one connected with it. If
there be those who choose TO repeat
against me the silly and oft-reiterated
charge of vacillation and regeneration,
have to say to them, that | have never as
PRED to any consistency save that which is
evidenced by the support Of principle; that
| have not the smallest regard for worn
ont party names, or for party applications
hostile TO tie repose of the country
and that ! shall always dare to
lave recourse TO such instrumentalities as
,eem to me to be needed for the accomplish
nent Of any fair and patriotic purpose,
Without the least consultation with selfish