Year: 1866

l-hTSOn HDEOWMlONs


What possible good for the country or
for elnselves-GOverBor BrOwnlow and
the handful Of partisans who cluster
around him--can hope to achieve by de-
taching themselves from the people and
the soil. and OVERRIDING the termagant of
Radicalism to the extent of an almost uni
versal prescription, we are unable to con-
ceive. When he came into Office much was
expected, more was needed, and the road
was clear. He had the best chance man
ever had, not only to make worthy name
and fame, but to confer the blessing OF
peace and order on whole population. 1t
was said, NOW that BrOwnlOw has attain
ed eminence so far above his reasonable as
piratlons, he will lay aside the prejudices
and rancOr of his newspaper, and play the
great part assigned him with becoming
dignity and grace" He might have done
so without the sacrifice of one iOta of his
''loyalty." Instead of increasing the
troubles of the country aud gradually
precipitatng condition of things which
Is so deplorable, he might, by good counsel,
good temper and gOoo discretion, have re-
veTsed the picture and made himself the
Moses of a land of promise. But no; pas
sions are to be gratifed, preiudices wrought
out to their full extent; class to be pitted
against class and section against section,
East Tennessee being considered 1.-THE
State" and every other portion wilder
ness of dislOyalty and deyiltry. The
illiberal and uncharitable construction has
done the work. The Governor, who might
have been sanctiiied as god, is dreaded as
an angel of destruction; his establishment
is detC sted; his Legislature is lOathed.
These harsh sentiments are not confined to
those who were rebels. The most consis-
tent Union men Of the State are the worst
enemies of the existing autocracy. The
leaders and masses who served the rebellion
are silent They are as innocent of dis
turbance since they laid down theirarms as
the babes in the wood. Some are blowing
in the fields; some are practicing in the
courts; some are boring for oil some are
measuring calico and muslin; and all are
at useful employmentS. We defy any one
to dispute this and point out single re-
spectacle exception. Furthermore, this
class OF the population is readiest to do
justice to the negro; and we venture to say
that il it was in power to day, the require
ments of the Government would be more
promptly and more cheerfully carried out
than they can ever be under an administra-
ton which is hostile to the President of
the United States, and desires to see his
policy of reconstruction prove a failure.
If "loyaty" means to love and cherish
those who insult and misuse you, we are
not ''loyal." We cannot adore Brownlow-
despite the neighborly qualities alleged in
his behalf-for we never see any of that
spirit in his public acts. We cannot idolize
Arnell-poet as he iS-for he has very
practical way of making folks hate him.
We cannot ccpectlnconslstency violations
of law, whimsical decisions, petulance,
spleen, and mere sham. People ought not
/ to expect it tof us. But we are grateful to
the Government for its liberal and enlight-
ened spirit. We do mean our oaths of al
legiance in all sincerity. We feel that we
can accept the result as it is and turn it to
good account if we are so allowed. But il
we are forever pecked upon and trod under
foot, no one need be surprised if our pa
tience and temper evaporate at one and the
same time. In this event we do not pro-
pose to resort to violence, for that would be
weak and puerile, and quite idle. But,
greatly as we abhOr the character of the
dog in the manger, we shall be compelled
to play the part; and If we can enjoy the
sweets and blessings of our own home in
peace and quiet it will not be very
pleasant abode for any body else to enjoy.
| We trust the bitterness of the popular
heart-unj Justly tormented by bad men and





point. We have striven honestly to con-
ciliate the contending elements. Our read
ers will bear us witness to constant moder-
alton and kindliness of expression. We
| have on one or two occasions, risking the
| popular displeasure, given Governor
| BrownlOw hearty commentator for well
doing or anticipation of well doing. Cour-
tesy was and is, and always shall be, our
cue of action, and the peaceful settlement
of aggravated differences our end and pur-
pose. In few weeks-on the % OF Feb
ruary-a mass convention is called to assem-
BILE in this city. Let it be fully attended.
Let the most distinguished and leading reb-
els, like the most distinguished and lead
| ing Union men, be selected from every part
of the State. Let the assemblage be
| epresentativC-givinge expression to the
character and virtue of the people-coming
fresh from the body of the masses. Come,
! gentlemen, come. Come from every nook
aud corner. Come from the crevices and
the coves. Let us give the lie direct to the
calumnies asserted against us. Let us say
to the people of the North and to the
world, 1--WE are bona 1ide citizens of this
State. We speak the voice of every COM
| munity. THERE'S no ''disloyalty here. All
is tranquil and peaceful, except the baying
of the dogs which are bounded upon us.
Our desire is to deal justly by all men,
black and white. We are not responsible
| for the legislation of those whose very laws
are designed to defame u.s." Such an ad
dress, bearing the signatures of men known
to be governors of opinion, would carry
weight and conviction everywhere. 1t
will be splendid response to the lying let
tiers, memorials and legislation of the assas-
sins who would poison every current of
| s,,ka