Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-03-27
LYNN's LETTER.
An Appeal Presented 10 the
State Democratic Low Tax
Committee.

Nashville World, 81
The following eloquent and urgent
appeal was read before the committee
at its meeting Thursday night, which,
doubtless, had considerable weight in
bringing the members to a conclu-
sion:
MEMPHIS, TENN, March "a, 1882
Gentlemen: Our friends, Messrs. j.
Harvey Mathes, M. Meriwether and
J.. 7. Hillsman, visit your city by spe-
cial appointment and request, in fur
therance of the direct line of action
adopted at our public meeting, held on
the 9TH Of this month. | wish 10 com
mend them to your special favor and
consideration. They are gentlemen of
clear judgment, sound discretion and
large experience, and are thoroughly
advised as to the tone and temper Of
public sentiment here, and the Just
and fair purpose and effect in Shelby
county and the neighboring counties
in West Tennessee, of the adoption of
these resolutions by our meeting in
helping to shape our party policy. We
trust it will please you to receive these
gentlemen as representatives of the
Democracy of Shelby county,
and to do us the honor
to take counsel with them upon
the important questions which
will necessarily come before your COM
mittee. In good counsel there is
great wisdom, aud beyond all question
at this critical juncture In public af-
fairs, the wisest and best counsel and
fullest information should be had be-
fore definite action and fixed policy
is adopted. Whatever tends to har-
monize and unite the Democratic
party is good Tor the people Of Ten
nessee. Therefore, every considera-
tion of policy prompts the best efforts
OF patriotic party men to bring all
the disafected elements into com
pact and solid organization. Behind
these preliminary steps for reorgan-
ization stands the great and all alb
sorbing question: The settlement of
the public debt of Tennessee. The
future peace and prosperity Of the
whole people turns upon the just and
equitable adjustment of this vital
question, and the highest cousidera-
tion demands that the next Legisla-
ture shall put this great question at
rest. | am fully persuaded that any
reasonable and fair settlement of the
debt, made under the auspices
of a Democratic administration of
State affairs, will meet with the
hearty and unqualified Endorsement
and support Of the body and bulk Of
the people, and will be kept in good
faith and stand unassailed and unas-
sailable. How important, then, for the
party to reorganize at once. en- broad,
patriotic grounds, and set itself reso-
lutely about the work of preparing to
meet this great question. The recent
decision OF the Supreme Court opens a
great pathway to power for the Democ-
racy. Let US see to it that the party
is great enough and wise enough to
see its opportunity and lay hold Of its
great advantages. The wise and pa
triotic decision of the Supreme Court
was the one sole escape OF the people
from a great and overshadowing dan.
ger, now, with a grand opportunity
right at our hand, let us forearm
against any such dreaded and
fatal contingency, for our politi-
cal adversaries can even yet find
way to fasten the crushing
burden on the necks of our people. II
our PARTY would secure the mastery of
the great State of Tennessee, let us
deserve it. Let US show the will, the
nerve, the masterful force--to gather
all party resources into a bold, brave
hearted and controlling power, and
with wisdom, and the advantage and
light Of past experience to guide us,
lay hold at once OF the great work.
The Democratic party must now rise
to the dignity Of great practical and
directing force to meet and master the
settlement of the public debt, or pass
out of political authority and life in
the State. Observe then, gentlemen,
how very much may depend upon the
action Of your committee, for Upo1i you
now devolves the important duty of
taking the preliminary steps for har.
monious reorganization of the party,
and preparing for the great and patri-
otic work so near at hand.
My active interest in the injunction
suit which terminated so happily for
the people of Tennessee, as well as my
active participation in our public
meeting here on the 7th inst, suggests
to our visiting committee the pro
priety of this letter from me to your
honorable committee. Asking your
special indulgence for the privilege
take in addressing you, and hoping for
happy issue out of the difficulties
attending the wise solution of our
present embarrassing condition as a
party, | have the honor to be,
Very truly, ETC.,
HENRY j. LYNN.
To Hon. Daniel +. Wallace, Chairman
ETC., etc. Nashville, Tenn
A letter was also presented from
Mr.. E. T. Smith, Chairman Of the Low
Tax Executive Committee of Shelby