Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1882-09-02


whole subject by settlement fairly
in accord with the just expectations
/ of mankind. We cannot hide our
selves away from the observation,
nor be shielded from the just criti-
cisms of the world, nor can we hope
/ TO satisfy large class of our own
citizens by any policy of contisca-
ton of other mems rights. The
National Democracy, which for fif-
teen years past has maintained a
noble struggle against the centrali-
| izing tendencies of Republicanism,
appeals to us in earnest tones to aid
them in the great conflict they beg
within easy reach, if we will but do
what every fair-minded man VIII
say is fairly just. Does not every
body know that there is not single
man, prominent in the councils of
the nation, who will dare to come
among us and advise or speak in
accord with the views of those who
profess to eXpOund the opinions OF
the supposed majority? Would
Thurman or Bayard or Lamar,
would Hancock, our late candidate
for the Presidency, or Tilden, who
was so shamefully counted out, say
to the people of Tennessee, it is
right or polite for you to readjust
the settlement already made? Do
not our readers know that to them
it would be suicidal effort, and to
the Democracy of the Union, fatal?
Why then persist in such folly?
We beg our people to pause and
consider where they are and what
will be the consequences of their
action. What is proposed and the
effect upon the fortunes of the State,
of the success of a policy having no
justification in morals or statesman
ship.
We speak earnestly, because we
are in earnest. We wish to secure
great triumph for Democracy, and
because Democratic ideas, if hon
estly and faithfully carried into the
administration of affairs, will bring
in the future, as it has done in the |
past, prosperity, growth progress
and honor to the State.
But we ask you to stop moment |
and think, can this success be as
sured if Tennesseans shall array |
themselves side by side with the
readjusters of Virginia? Do you |
not remember that little more than
tWelve-month has passed since |
the lamented Hill, in the Senate of |
the United States, unearthed the |
foul conspiracy of Malone and his
followers with the Republicans, to
bring disgrace upon the fair name
of the "mOther of States and states
men" Have you forgotten the
eloquence of Vest; the sturdy good
sense Of Beck the matchleSs APP
peals of Lamar; the patriotic fervOr
of Bayard in the great debate, when |
they spoke for the honor OF old Vir-
ginia, and in words that will live
in the memory of this generation
AT least, denounced the unhely al
lance made for the purpose of de-
grading Virginia to the level of re-
Commonwealth?
Can we. now afford to place the
Democracy of Tennessee on level
with the ReadjusterS of Virginia
Can we afford to bring and vOlun-
tarily upon our own heads the de-
poured out by the best
and nOblest men of Ameriaca upon
the shrinking and ignDble forms of
Malone and Riddleberger Re
mem Der, it was because they were
because for the sake of |
Office, they sought to place Nir-
ginia's name upon the roll of States |
that confiscate other peoples prop
erty, and deny their just obiiga-
tons, that they were arraigned and
held up to the scorn of intelligent
public opinion.
We ask our readers to look abroad
and see where the greatest prosper
ity is to be found. Is it among D..
States and people who stand by
their contracts and maintain public
credit, or is it among those, who ..
from any cause, disavow the obi
cations they have solemnly assumed
and are neglectful of uphOlding pub
ic faith and public credit? Then look
10 our own country first; go over
he States name by name. Look
abroad. Take up the map of Eu-
'ope and America, which are the
oremost nations? Which are the {
oremost people The government
If our country. is n happy, and to
Is should be, Il proud example of
light conduct and honest dealings
With public debt. Fifteen years
IgO its Indebtedness exceeded 81
90, 0OO, 900, to-day ii is less than ST.
100, 900, 600 1t then paid an inter
st account of $3.50, 00O, ; 900, much of
he debt at rate of 40 per annum,
o-tlay its interest account is less il
han SCI, OO0, 900, and the Treasury O
is funding $780, q
90, 900 ut 3 per cent. Contrast this II
With the policy and action of Ten -
lessee. Twelve years ago our debt, l.
ess what the railroad companies II
forwards paid, did not exceed $;
IG, OO0, 900, to-day it is SIS, 200, 900, u
nd every day increasing inamOunt. 81
me-hdDof the total is interest, funded II
nd lOiftUtGed. Will the debt ever 81
e diminished? that depends. upon
he people. Our creditors have