The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1880-08-19
The Duty Of the People.

10 the AIIlZEN.
The Gubernatorial Convention, in
which was conferred so much inter
est to the people of Tennessee, has
been held, and the result is before
us. 1t was largely attended, the
people were fully represented, and
by delegates who reflected every
phase of opinion in reference to the
state debt. Perhaps no conven-
ton in Tennessee ever before was
called to consider so difficult
question, or one which, to the
same extent, involved the honor
and credit of the state, the prosper
ity of the people, or the integrity of
the democratic party. The dele
gates were, in the main, animated
by one honest purpose TO heal the
divisions in the party on this cues
ton, and by far the largest portion
of them were ready to yield every
thing, save honor, and the sound
principles of constitutional govern
ment to secure this end. 1t is to be
sincerely regretted that the people
should differ upon an issue involv-
ing the fair name OF our state ut so
critical a period in the history of
the democratic party, but it should
be a source of satisfaction that so
few delegates, out of the whole
number, withdrew from the conven-
ton, and we trust that the sober
second thought of the masses will
prevent this division from proving
disastrous to the best interests of
the state.
Whilst we may regard the presi-
dental ticket as safe in Tennessee,
tnere are still very dire evils that
IaIght result from a fatal division of
the party, whilst there can possibly
be no compromising good to the
people or state. Our democratic
majority in the lower house of con
gress is SO very small, that the loss
OF TWO or three members of that
body from our state, would annihil-
ate the majority upon which we de-
pend to support a democratic ad-
ministration. Such q loss would
continue for an indefinite time the
situation which we now deplore,
ard Tor which we should be largely
respor sible. But more disastrous
to our home interests might be the
election, through our own folly, of
radical governor and legislature,
which would have the power to adj
just the state debt upon a radical
basis, and by making the coupons
receivable for taxes, TO fasten 1t
upon US for all time. Will the peo-
Pile OF Tennessee, through an un-
wise division upon an unwise divis-
ion upon an issue which could not
possibly settle anything. but our
ignominy, permit such calamity to
befal them?
The state-credit party favors the
settlement of the state debt upon
the best terms that can be obtained
This involves no dishonor and pre-
serves the credit of the state and
our self respect. We can find no
safer guide in our extremity than
in the principles of che state credit
platform; we can pursue no safer
or wiser policy than that which it
embodies. The result is with the
people; upon their intelligent judg-
ment must rest the decision. Let
them not be led by ambitious dema-
gogues on either side, but think.
investigate and weigh well the facts
upon which their action is based.
The principles of right and justice
which guide individuals in the
tran actions of life, should guide
states, and we should apply them in
deciding the question of our state
Indebtedness. If il is valid--and
this question rests upon accessible
faets-no honest man can hesitate
in his course; if doubtful, submit it
to intelligent arbitration for settle
ment.
Let us calmly, dispassionately
make up our judgment, and then
act according to our honest cOBvic-
ftions; not in the spirit of high or
low tax, but in the spirit of justice
TO cur state creditors, and TO our
own best interests, generously con-
ceding to those who differ with us,
add who are no more regulators at
heart than we are, the same honest
purpose we claim for ourselves; for
in an honest difference of opinion
there is o crime. We know the
people desire TO do right and to
promote the best interests Of the
state, and are anxiously DESTROYS
tor truth to guide them in the path
OF duty. Let them seek it with an
earnest purpose to follow whittier
soever it may lead, and Tennessee
will stand forth justified in the eyes
Of her sister states on the first
Tuesday in November, and be
worthy of the just pride of her PEG
pie. CIvITAs.