Year: 1868

I lated by this bill would be Rs appropriate
on an occasion OF this kind as il would be
feasible, were 1t not that the measure, il
carried out is total subversion of the
Constitution.


A measure which gives the Governor
power to declare martial law, to raise,
equip and putinto actual service an army
without limit; to collect for the support
of that army any amount of money he
may want, and to take it from the gene
raj Treasury or to force its collection from
such portions of the people as he may
Dame-with an unlimited number of Sc
cret detectives paid largo sums of money
to report our citizens, IS one of the
amendments to this bill contemplates,
together with the power which had pre-
viOusly been given the Governor, of
saying who shall vote-withOut any ex-
sggeTation OF language is total subver-
sion of cur written Costitutlon and the
establishment In its stesd OF that form of
Government knswn as absolute mon
drchy, and which Is practically a mill
tary government or government of
force.


Judging from the past as we'll as from
the dninluS OF those who are pushing
this measure through, it cannot be doubt
ed that the power is TO be exercised, and
not merely held in terrorism over the
people.


The committee to whom was referred,
by a former meeting, the important mat
ter OF preparing this protest, have in
vain tried to discover some palliating
circumstances for the Introduction of this
measure. The committee would gladly,
if they could, rest the measure upon the
excitement or alarm Of the members of
the Legislature, but they are compelled
to say they find no prevailing cause
nothing to palliate the Introduction Of
such an unwsrrantable proceeding.


There have been few acts of violence,
and few cases of certain parties taking
the law in their own hands, to infiict
punishment upon persons who have COM
mitted known horrible cutTage5. This is
attributable mainly TO the uncertainty
in Tennessee of punishment after coz
viction. These acts of YiOlencs and sum-
mary punishment have been in no way
connected with politics or political mat
ters, but Ia every instance they have
grown cut of personal matters, shocking
crimes committed by some fiend or des-
peTadO. 1t is due, however, to say that
these acts of violence and summary
punishments have been no more FREE
qusHt than in other communities, both
North and South, where there are like
cauess.


This measure, therefore, having no
palliation, and being go terrible in it's
and so certain to disturb
the peaceful relations of the State, and
an entire overthrow OF the written Con-
we would be willing slaves if
we offered no remOnsirance while 1t is
being publicly fastened upon us.


We therefore, in the interest of peace,
which is as dear as life, before the whole
country, soiemnly protest against the
change of the form of our Government
by legislative body.


In the name of the aged and infirm,
the women and children, do we solemnly
protest against this inhuman measure.


In the name of the wise and true men
who made our State Constitution, do we
protest against this summary
disposition of that sacred instrument.


In the name of that noble body of pa
triOts, all of whom have long since an |
swered at the great Judgment for guar
a Republican form of Govern !
nent, do we NEST solemnly protest |
against this open disgrace of q sacred |
pledge.


In the name of the pledge which each |
of the Legislature made upon
entering upon duty, that be would do
nothing to lesson or abridge the rights of |
he people, do we most sOlemnly protest
against measure which takes away all
lur rights.


In the name of our holy religion, which
caches good faith as well as obedience
o the powers that be, and the protection
# the innocent as well as peace, do we
most sOlemnly protest against this un-
disturbance of our sacred
eace.


JAMES WHITWORTH,