Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-11-01
THE cAPPET-BAa CRY.


We have heretofore had occasion to refer
to the difficulty between Col. Prosser and
ex-Gov. Brown, at Nashville. One feature
of the case not yet alluded to is worthy of
special attention. Mr.. Brown is q promi-
nent citizen of Tennessee. Though not
possessing, in very large degree either
the respect or admiration of the people
now, his declarations are nevertheless en-
titled to weight because of his former po-
sition. In his card replying to Col. Pros
ser's article, he said he The Col. P.) be-
longs to a school of earpet-baggers aud
skunks left here by the war, who have no
sympathy with our State or people--who
live by agitation and slandering the South
ern people," &c. The words we quote are
very common to class of little-souled,
narrow-minded creatures who never had q
heart big enough to reach beyond the
boundaries of State. They are unbecom-
ing gentleman and fit only for a dema-
gogue. t |
Colonel Prosser has lived for eight or
nine years in Tennessee, owns considera-
bic property, pays taxes, and is, in every
respect reputable and worthy citizen.
If he is carpet-bagger and skunk, /" we
do not see why the same epithet may not
he used of every adopted citizen of the
State. If Governor Brown supposes such
disgraceful language Injuries any one as
much as himself, he is mistaken. The fact
is Just as Mr.. Prosser states 1.-THE fought
for the privilege of GUing in Tennessee and
he has the right to do so. We say further
that Colonel Prosser has Just as much claim
to a home and the fullest rights of citizen
ship in Tennessee as Governor Brown has.
Being born in this State does not give any
peculiar rights. What is Tennessee. 1t
is but small portion of this great country.
A Tennesseean is not known in Europe
as Tennesseean. Being citizen of
Tennessee gives him no rights or respect
abroad? He must then be an american
to win for himself protection and respect
full consideration. A geographical divis-
ion and local laws and legislation gives to
the State limit but it is, after all, a d.
vision only of America, and an American
citizen born in New York has just as much
right to live in Tennessee as Gov. Brown
has. What then, did Mr.. Brown mean by
thus characterizing Mr.. Prosser? Was It
to array against him mean prejudices
Had his selfish and unmanly course so
lowered him in his own estimation that he
found it necessary to appeal to popular
passions in order to bring Col. Prosser in
public estimation to his own level?
We know nothing. of Ex-Governor
Brown personally, but deal with him as
we know him publicly, and as he volun-
tarily placed himself before the public in
this controversy. In these circumstances
he appears in a very unenviable light and
is a fit subject for the comments we have
made. The spirit he and his friends have
displayed in this matter is very different
from what we expected from a man of his
position and pretentions. 1t is high time
that such sentiments as those we have
commented on should be considered just
what we have pronounced them. When
honorable men have the courage and man
illness to SO treat them they will cease to
be published even by the pretended chiv-
airy and first families of the State.