USA > Tennessee > History of Tennessee from the earliest time to the present : together with an historical and a biographical sketch of from twenty-five to thirty counties of east Tennessee, V.2 > Part 40
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*See Chapter XI.
488
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
An unsuccessful attempt had been made, however, to induce Congress to declare the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1870 void, and to "roconstruet" Tennesseo upon the same plan as the other Southern States. A long investigation into the political condition of the State was conducted by Congress, but it resulted in nothing detrimental to the now State government. The investigation was based upon the following statements made by members of Congress from Tennessee:
FORTY FIRST CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON, D. C., February 15, 1870. Chairman Reconstruction Committee.
HON. B. F. BUTLER,
As representatives from the State of Tennessee in the Forty first Congress, in behalf of ourselves and our constituents, we submit the following propositions, and earnestly press their immedi ate consideration upon your committee :
1. We submit that the power now controlling the State of Tennessee is wholly illegal and revolutionary, brought about by fraud and violence in contravention of the constitu- tion of the State as reorganized by Congress.
2. That the present State government of Tennessee is wanting in the great and es- sential requisite of good government, without which peace and happiness are impossible, to wit, the proper protection of the property and the lives of its citizens.
3. The State government of Tennessee, as now constituted and revolutionized, has never had any recognition by the Government of the United States, and we ask that ( on- gress take immediate steps to provide for us s government, Republican in form, that will conduce to the happiness of and welfare of all its people. .
4. We ask that you supplement this work with an act for the enforcement of the third section of the fourteenth amendinent to the Constitution of the United States.
Signed, SAMUEL M. ARNELL. W. B. STOKES. W. F. PROSSER. HORACE MAYNARD.
During the latter part of 1871 the new political movement, which re- sulted in the nomination of Horace Greeley for the presidency, began to manifest itself. On October 7, 1871, a reunion and reform association was organized at Nashville by several of the leading men of the State, among whom were Emerson Etheridge, A. S. Colyar, E. H. East, H. S. Foote, Frank T. Ried and John Ruhm. An address was issued to the people of the State, setting forth the principles and objects of the associ- ation, which included the restoration of fraternal feelings between the North and the South. the maintenance of law and order, the establish- ment of an efficient system of education, a general amnesty, opposition to repudiation, reduction of taxation by the General Government and civil service reform. Early in the following year the Liberal Republican movement reached the State, and in March, 1872. the leaders of the reform association issued an address to the Republicans of Tennessee, urging the appointment of delegates to the Cincinnati Convention, to be held the 1st of May. Conservative members of both of the old parties who were op- posed to President Grant and his administration, joined in the movement, and a full delegation was appointed. In the convention, Mr. Greeley was
LEWIS TILLMAN. W. J. SMITH.
780
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
not the first choice of the Tennessee delegates, and it was only in the sixth and last ballot that he received their vote. The campaign which followed was one of the most memorable in the history of the State, abounding in anomalous situations and combinations. The Democratic State Convention assembled at Nasbvillo on May 9, in which delegates from seventy-three counties were present. Benjamin J. Lea, of Hay- wood County, was chosen chairman. The convention expressed itself as opposed to an independent Democratic ticket, and favored supporting the Cincinnati nominees. Delegates to the Baltimore convention were ap- pointed, and an electoral ticket was partially completed. Gen. Brown was renominated for governor by acclamation.
The Republicans held two State conventions during the year. The first assembled on the 15th of Msy, and appointed delegates to the National Convention, with instructions to support Grant and Maynard for the presidency and vice-presidency, respectively. No candidate for gov. ernor was nominated, it being deemed at that time, the best policy tu make no contest. On the 4th of September, however, a second conven- tion was held, and A. A. Freeman, of Haywood County, was nomi- nated for that offlec. On September 1, Col. A. S. Colvar announced himself as an Independent candidate for governor, but a month later withdrew from the canvass.
As important as were the other contests during the campaign, public interest centered in the canvass for congressman for the State at large. The Democratic Convention to nominate a candidate for that office assem- bled August 21, 1852. The candidates for the nomination were Androw Johnson and Gen. B. F. Cheatham. Before a ballot was taken Johnson's supporters withdrew, and the remaining delegates declared Gen. Cheat- ham the nominee. Mr. Johnson immediately announced himself as the people's candidate, and received enthusiastic support from the working men. Previous to this time the Republicans had despaired of electing a candidato, and none had been nominated. This division in the ranks of their opponents rendered success almost certain, and at the convention on September 4 Horace Maynard was declared tho nominee for congressman for the State at large. A thorough canvass of the State was made by the three candidates, a portion of the time being given to joint debate. Tho result of the election was as follows: Maynard, 80,825, Cheatham 65,- 188, and Johnson 37,900. The vote for both Grant and Freeman was larger than had been anticipated, but they were defeated by a majority of about 12,000. The Legislature elected was as follows: Senators -- Dem- ocrats, 14; Republicans 7, and Independent, 4: representatives -- Dem- ocrats, 40; Republicans, 25, and Independent, 7.
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
The most important legislation accomplished by this General Assem- bly was the passage of the funding act and the establishment of a system of public schools. The two years witnessed but little agitation in politi- cal circles. There was a general return to the old organizations, result- ing in a considerable strengthening of the Democratic party, which en- tered the next campaign well organized, and acting with remarkable una- nimity. The Democratic State Convention, to which all " anti-radicals " were invited, assembled at Nashville August 19, 1574, and organized with G. A. Henry, of Montgomery County, as president. Twelve candi- dates were placed before the convention, and on the fourteenth ballot James D. Porter, of Henry County, received the nomination. The part of the platform adopted relating to State issues declared in favor of pro- tection to honest labor, cquality of assessment for taxation, opposition to monopolies, the abolishment of unnecessary offices and a reduction of sal- aries, rigid economy in the State administration, opposition to any policy looking to the raising of a greater revenue than was necessary to carry on the State government and meet all its honest obligations, and opposi- tion to any increase of taxation. Mr. Porter, the nominee of the con- vention, a successful lawyer, was a member of the lower house of the General Assembly in 1859-60, and served during the war as assistant od- jutant-general on the staff of Gen. Cheatham.
The Republican Convention met at Chattanooga September 16. 1574, and nominated Horaco Maynard for governor. Resolutions were adopted opposing the funding and assessment acts, indorsing public schools, and denouncing Gov. Brown's administration as incompetent and unwise. Dur- ing the campaign the civil rights bill, which was then before Congress, was one of the leading questions discussed, and did much to defeat the Republicans. The Democratic victory was one of the most complete ever gained by a party in the State. Gov. Porter's majority reached over 45,000. The Legislature was almost unanimously Democratic. there being only two Republicans in the Senate and six in the House. Nine out of the ten congressmen elected were also Democrats.
One of the first duties of the Thirty-ninth General Assembly, which convened on the first Monday in January, 1875, was the election of a United States Senator to succeed William G. Brownlow. Several candi- dates were presented, prominent among whom were Andrew Johnson. Gov. Brown and Gon. William B. Bate. Fifty-five ballots were taken. resulting in the election of Mr. Johnson, he receiving fifty-two ont of ninety-seven votes cast. On the forty-fourth ballot Gen. Bate received forty-eight of the ninety-six votes cast.
The campaign of 1576 found the political situation changed but little
791
HISTOPY OF TENNESSEE.
from what it had been two years before. The Democratic State Conven- tion to appoint delegates to the National Convention met at Nashville on May 31, 1876. John H. Crozier, of Knoxville, was elected chairman. Resolutions were adopted. advocating civil service reform, the repeal of the resumption act of 1875, the repeal of the national banking system, and opposition to a further contraction of the currency and to a protec- tive tariff. The convention also expressed a preference for Thomas A. Hendricks for President.
At a convention held in August, presided over by James D. Richard- son, of Rutherford County, Gov. Porter was unanimously nominated and William B. Bate and Isham G. Harris were chosen electors for the State at large. The' platform adopted outlined the same financial policy as that of two years before. As the nomination of Mr. Harris for elector at large was distasteful to many members of the party, he withdrew, and E. A. James, of Hamilton County, was substituted in his place. Soon after the Democratic Convention Dorsey B. Thomas announced himself as an Independent candidate for governor, stating that on National issues he was in harmony with the Democratic party, but opposed to its policy with regard to the State debt. While opposing repudiation, he favored a decreased taxation until the people should become better able to bear the burden imposed upon them by the debt.
The Republican party also held two conventions, the first on May 17, to appoint delegates to the National Convention, and the second on the 24th of August, to nominate electors for the State at large, H. S. Foote and A. H. Pettibone being the nominees. No candidate for gov- ernor was nominated. The platform advocated opposition to " the uujust tax laws," and to the convict-lease system, and denounced the Democratic party for levying a high tax and then failing to provide for the payment of the interest on the State debt. It also demanded the repeal of what was known as the " dog law," a law passed by the preceding Legislature, levying a tax upon dogs.
During the campaign two other candidates for governor, Gen. George Maney and W. F. Yardley, a colored lawyer of Knoxville, announced themselves. Both advocated the principles of the Republican party. Ou November 6, just before the election, Gen. Maney withdrew, and the greater part of his support was transferred to Mr. Thomas.
The election again resulted in a great victory for the Democratic can- ยท didates. Gov. Porter received a majority of about 50,000 over Mr. Thomas, while Maney and Yardley received about 10.000 and 2,000 votes, respectively. The State Legislature remained nearly Democratic.
In January, 1877, two United States Senators were elected, one to suc-
792
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
ceed Henry Cooper and the other to fill out the unexpired term of An- drew Johnson. To the long term Isham G. Harris was elected on the first ballot. To the short term the contest lay between William B. Bate. James E. Bailey and D. M. Key, who then occupied the seat by appoint- ment from the Governor. On the seventy-third ballot Mr. Bailey, of Montgomery County, was elected, having received fifty-five of the one hundred votes cast.
During this session of the General Assembly the holders of a large part of the State bonds offered to compromise by accepting a settlement of the debt on a basis of 60 cents on the dollar. The Legislature. Low- ever, adjourned withont taking action upon the proposition, and an extra session was called for that purpose, to begin on December 5, 1877. The session continued nearly a month, but no settlement was effected.
In the campaign of the following year the " State debt" question was again the leading issue, and threatened to break up the existing par- ties. The Democratic Convention met on August 15, 1878, and contin- ued in session for three days. Several candidates for the nomination for governor were presented, prominent among whom were John M. Flem- ing. of Knoxville; John H. Savage, of MeMinnville; A. S. Colyar, of Nashville, and John V. Wright, of Maury County. After taking twenty- one ballots without a choice, a compromise candidate in the person of A. S. Marks, of Franklin County, was presented, and on the next ballot he received the nomination. Mr. Marks had been a life-long Democrat, was originally opposed to secession, served in the Confederate Army, losing a leg at Murfreesboro, and at the time of his nomination was chancellor of his distriet. As the party was much divided upon the financial policy, no opinion was expressed upon the subject, but it was proposed to sub- mit the question to a popular vote.
The Republican Convention assembled at Nashville on the 22d of August. Forty-nine counties were represented, and H. S. Foote was chosen chairman. The committee on resolutions reported a platform embodying much the same principles as had been expressed before. It was proposed to pay "all the liabilities of the State according to the terms of the obligation, except so far as the creditors may voluntarily concede more favorable terms." Emerson Etheridge was nominated for governor, but declined the nomination, and three weeks later the execu- tive committee substituted E. M. Wight, of Chattanooga.
The first convention of the National Greenback party, ever held in the State, assembled at Nashville on August 29, 1875, and nominated E. H. Fast for governor by acclamation. Ouly twenty-one counties were represented. An attempt to organize the party had been made two years
798
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
before, but the movement at that time received little support. Early in the canvass Judge East withdrew, and was succeeded by Lewis B. Fill- man, St., of Bedford County. About ten days later he also withdrew, and Col. R. M. Edwards, of Cleveland, was substituted. While Mr. EQ- wards received a vote of over 15,000, his candidacy did not materially affect the result as between the Democratic and Republican candidates, and Mr. Marks, with a largo majority of the Democratic Legislative can- didates, was elected.
In accordance with the pledges made during the campaign, the Forty. first General Assembly passed an act for the settlement of the State debt on the basis of 50 cents on the dollar and four per cent interest, upon condition of its ratification by the people at an election to be held in August, 1979. The proposition was thoroughly discussed by able speak- ers throughout the Stato, but it failed of ratification. The causes of the failure were numerous. The creditors had not signified their will- ingness to abide by the settlement proposed and under these circum- stances, many considered that to ratify it would be an attempt to force the bond holders to accept their terms and in a souse would be a partial repudiation; others contended for a still greater reduction in the debt.
Thus at the opening of the campaign iu 1880 the settlement of the State debt still remained the chief issue and seriously disturbed the har- mony of the Democratic party. The two factions in that party known as "State credit" and "low tax" had become more determined, and it was evident that the question could be no longer compromised. Two conventions were held. The first, which met on the 8th of June, to appoint delegates to the National Convention, ignored State issues, but the Gubernatorial convention, which assembled at Nashville on August 10, was compelled to frame a platform; and while the adoption of the pol- icy of either faction would cause a disruption of the party, it was felt that to assume an equivocal or uncertain position would be equally fatal. The committee on resolutions presented its reports. The majority re- port contained the following: "We recognize the disposition on the part of the creditors of the State, in view of the great losses entailed by the war, in the great depression of business, and in the general shrinkage of values, to make a liberal reduction in both the principal and interest of our bonded indebtedness, and we declare that we favor a prompt settle- ment by the Legislature with our creditors upon the best terms that can be agreed upon as the result of negotiation." The first minority report presented a resolution similar to the one adopted by the convention in 1878. The second minority report favored the adoption of a plan of settlement, leaving it to be acted upon by the succeeding Legislature,
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
thus giving opportunity for the people indirectly to ratify or reset it. After some discussion the majority report was adopted. Immediately about 150 delegates, headed by D. L. Snodgrass, withdrew from the con- vention. The proceedings however were continued, and John V. Wright, of Maury County, was nominated for governor. The secceding delegates met the following day and nominated S. F. Wilson, of Summer County. The portion of tho platform presented. referring to the State debt, favored the repudiation of all that portion of the alleged indebtednoss incurred in aid of railroads and all the bonds issued for interest aceru- ing during the war. It was also declared that no settlement shoukl be made that had not first been submitted to the people.
The Republican Convention was held on the 5th of May. Alvin Hawkins, of Carroll County, was nominated for governor, and delegates were appointed to the Chicago Convention. The resolutions adopted two years before were, in substance, reaffirmed. The National Greenback party again nominated Col. R. M. Edwards for governor.
The division in the Democratic party resulted in the election of Hawkins and a large number of Republican members of tho Legislature, the Senate standing, Republicans, ten; Democrats, fifteen; the House. Republicans, thirty-seven; Democrats, thirty-eight. The Hancock and English electors, however, were elected by a considerable majority, as both factions of the party supported them.
One of the first duties of the Forty-second General Assembly. after its organization in January, 1881, was the election of a United States Senator, to succeed James E. Bailey. A number of nominations were made, but during the early part of the contest Senator Bailey and Gen. William B. Bate received the majority of the Democratic votes, while the Republicans supported Horace Maynard. After twenty-nine ballots had been taken, without an election, Howell E. Jackson, of Madison County, was nominated, and, receiving the support of a large number of Repub- licans, was elected in the next ballot by a vote of seventy-two to twenty- three for Maynard.
The Forty-second General Assembly also made two attempts at effect- ing a permanent settlement of the State's indebtedness. On April 6, 1881, what was known as the " 100-3 act" was passed, and this having been declared unconstitutional, on May 19, 1882, during an extra session, the "CO-6" act was substituted .* This much vexed question, however, like the ghost of Banquo, would not down, and it was again the leading issue in the campaign of 1882. The Democratic Convention assembled on the 21st of June. The schism which had been produced in the party
+See Chapter XI.
795
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
two years before had been so far healed as to permit delegates from both factions to assemble together, and there was a general disposition to com- promiso differences. The committee on resolutions presented two reports. The majority report, which was finally adopted, advocated substantially the same plan as was embodied in the act of 1993. This was considered by the most prononneed " State credit" men as a victory for the " low tax" faction, and they withdrew from the convention. Their number was small, in comparison with the entire convention, and the proceedings were continued without interruption, Gen. William B. Bate receiving the nomination for governor. The "State credit" or "sky blue " faction, which had withdrawn, among whom were John W. Childress, the chair- man of the Democratic Executive Committee, James E. Bailey, Gen. W. H. Jackson, and several other prominent members of the party, met and decided to call a convention, to meet on the 11th of July, at which time Joseph H. Fussell was nominated for governor. A platform was adopt- ed, which contained the two following planks:
Resolved, That we re-affirm the Democratic platform of 1880 on the subject of the State debt, and approve the 60-3-1-5-6, settlement, passed in accordance therewith.
Resolced, That we favor the establishment of a railroad commission, to regulate freights and tariff so as to prevent unjust discrimination, with such powers as sball pro- tect the rights of both the people and the railroads.
The Republican Convention met at Nashville on April 27, and re- nominated Gov. Hawkins, but no principles which had not been advo- cated before were presented. At the election in November, Beasley received less than 10,000 votes, and Fussell about one-half of that num- ber, while Bate's majority over Hawkins reached 30.000. The Forty- third General Assembly, the number of members having been increased in 1881, was composed as follows: The Senate -- Republicans, 8; Demo- crats 25; House --- Republicans, 20; Democrats, 71; Greenbackers, 2, This General Assembly, while it adopted a plan of settlement definitively disposing of the State debt question, introduced another element of discord. The railroad commission, which was demanded by the "Stats credit " faction, was established, and for various reasons proved highly unpopular.
The campaign of 1SS4 was opened by the Republican Convention, which was held on April 17. Delegates were appointed to the National Convention, and Judge Frank T. Ried, of Davidson County, was unan- imously nominated for governor. The administration of the Democratie party, both in the Nation and the State, was denounced, and especially was the railroad commission condemned. The Democratic Convention assembled at Nashville on the 13th of June, and nominated Gov. Bate for re-election by acclamation. The railroad commission was approved,
796
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
and the debt settlement was declared to be final. A long debate on the tariff plank took place, and resulted in the adoption of a resolution to support the platform of the National Convention.
On May 22, 1884, a prohibition convention was held in Nashville, which was largely attended by delegates from all points of the State. Judge Robert Cantrell was chosen chairman. Resolutions were adopted favoring a constitutional amendment prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, to be submitted to a vote of the people. The nomination of a separate ticket, however, was discountenanced. During the campaign the railroad commission was made one of the leading issues, and did much to reduce the Democratic majority, especially upon the State ticket. The majority for Gov. Bate reached about 7,000, while that of the Cleveland and Hendricks electors was about 9,000. The next General Assembly repealed the law creating the railroad commission. Gov. Bate refused his signature, but it passed over his veto. At the same session the following proposed constitutional amendment to be passed upon by the next Legislature, was adopted:
No person shall manufacture for sale, or sell, or keep for sale as a beverage, auy in- toxicating liquors whatsoever, including ale, wine or beer. The General Assembly shall by law prescribe regulations for the enforcement of the prohibition herein contained. and shall thereby provide suitable penalties for the violation of the provisions thereof.
The Republican Gubernatorial Convention of 1886, met at Nashville on the 16th of June, and nominated Alfred A. Taylor, for governor. A platform was adopted, declaring in favor of National aid to education and a protective tariff, and condemning the existing convict lease-system. The following resolution concerning the proposed prohibitory constitutional amendment was adopted:
That the people have the undoubted right to alter, amend, or abolish their constitu- tion or form of government none will dispute; Therefore be it
Resolved, That the Republican party of the State of Tennessee recognize the right of the people to have the submission amendment voted upon at the ballot box.
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