Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-08-09
The Convention and Its Work.


ment it inaugurated, the Character
and ability of its members, and the
remarkable harmony which pervad-
ed its proceedings, combined to give
It's actions an importance that could
not be lightly estimated. Hence,
leading Journals throaghout the
country have discussed the move
ment with evident interest, and in
some localities with iiI-disguised
apprehension. The cry of failure,
which the Memphis Appeal raised
with indecent haste on the adjourn
ment of the Convention, has recoi-
eel on that paper, aud its character
for fairness and reliability seriously
damaged. Like the boy who whist
lei as he passed through the grave
yard, the appeal has shouted failure
most Justify and is daily devotiHg
from one to three columns of its
space to prove an assertion which,
in its secret heart, it regrets having
made. The Louisville Courier
Journal has also hurled a column
leader at the Convention and its
work, in spirit of nnfalrness and
ill-humOred criticism which bellies
its assertion that "there is nothing
in the movement" Also, the Nash
vile and Knoxville papers, backed
by the Country Press of their local
tiles, have opened their batteries
upon It; all of which goes Ia demon
strate that there is life in the move
ment, and grave apprehensions en-
tertained by its opponents, of its
ultimate success. With more fair
ness and ability the papers Of st.
Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Mobile,
New Orleans, and other leading
Western and Southern cities, have
presented the movement and dis
cussed the action of the Convention.
In fact there is scarcely paper of
theifrst class in the whole country
but what has discussed the Conven-
tion and the merits of the New
State Question. Hence the cry of
failure so indastriously shouted by
its enemies must fail to produce the
desired effect, because the common
est minds know that a "failure" is
never so generally and persistently
fought by its enemies.
The Convention was the offspring
Of public sentiment, The assembled
will of the people and the voice of
great popular aspiration. On short
notice its members assembled here
as the accredited delegates of ttoezty
seUea Counties, all animated by one
desire and inspired by one hope
The attendance was large and influ-
entail, beyond the most sanguine
of its friends in this
City, land the proceedings had, char
by harmony, single
ness of purpose, a conservatism in
debate, and a dignity. of manner
never equaled in any deliberative
body of modern times, whether re-
Iigious or POLITICAL These facts of
themselves are significant, and give
IA importance tothe movement that |
It is folly as we'll as unwise, to dis
parage. The executive Committee, |
10 W hom the New State interests |
were committed, are strong, earn
est, representative men, who fully |
the responsibility Of their |
position; who have weighed well |
The chances of success or failure,
Ind who will not be intimidated by
he silly pooh! pooling of any one |
'r a dozen newspapers. 1t will be !
zen that the Chairman has already /
.alled the Committee TO meet in
Memphis on Monday next, for con-
This meeting will be an
one, and in all prObabili-
y will determine upon a line of /
policy which viii give definite shape |
o the New State movement. The |
and the friends general
Y of this enterprise, have ample
eason for confidence. West Ten
lessee. West Kentucky aud North
Mississippi occupy isolated posi-
ions with regard to their respective
states, aud are treated more as de-
Than equals. This has I
zen borne long enough, aud the
PEOPLE of these divisions de-
naBd the severance OF ties that
ave been and can only be unprofit-
be- We have demonstrated in
,ther issues of this paper, that West
tennessee could assume her pro rata
f&he State debt, and all the re-
possibilities Incident to her posi-
ion in the New State without in
reasing the present rate oftaxation.
indeed, close calculation will show
hat in the New State her taxes
Tould be lighter than now, even at
hevsry beginning. We have proved /
hat the New State would be more
omegenioHs in interest, all its parts
1ore equal in wealth; that it has
1ore agricultural wealth to the
quare mile than any State in the
Jnion; more railroads than any
tate in the South, and that the
,eOpie are moro united, socially aud
Thus interest, the laws
Il nature and common destiny
uggests the New State; for every
.rguinent' applicable to West Ten
Iessee, applies with equal or greater
orce TO both West Kentucky and
FORTH Mississippi. The arguments
presented by US have
lever been met or attempted to be
net by the enemies of the move
nent. Spread-eagleism, Fourth of
July bombast and Sophomorean
lOnsense are the only arguments
'et produced by its opponents with
n the limits of the proposed State.
such assaults can do the movement
10 harm, and we assure those who
indulge them, that they alarm no.
Jody.
We say to the friends ofthe New
State everywhere, be active, tenn
)erate and firm. We must be wor-
nv IF Sueraea IN n Abfor-n 4. that oil