The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-06-04

SPEECH OF THE HON. NJ. p. GENTRY,
Delivered before the Whig Stale Conrention
of Nashville, Tennessee, March 90, 1851.


of .NashpiIle, Tennessee, March 20, 1851.
Ma President ANp GESTLEMEN or THE Con- |
vKNrIos: 1t is a grateful task to TO congratu-
late you and the Wings of Tennessee upon the Sc
lection of candidate for Governor which you
have this day made first met the distinguished
citizen whom you have nominated IN this cham
Der, fifteen years ago, as member OF the Iennes-
sec Legislature. was afterwards associated with
him for many years, colleague, IN the Con-
yress OF the United States. Ii was our custom to
travel and from the city of Washington together,
and TO live together at the same house whilst at
tending the SESSIONS Of Congress. know him
thoroughly. II we had been twin brothers, and
had sported away our childhood together, could
not know him better. And although Tennessee ID
rich in noble sons though, like the mother OF the
Gracch, she can proudly point to her chlidreh,
and say with truth, 'these are my Jewels, ye., in
my opinion, she has not within her broad limits
noblcr son than William Is. Campbell. In lnteg-
rity and honor-in fidelity and truth-in courage
and patriotism-in all that constitutes high, no,
bic and manly character, he has no superior.
regard his nomination as tantamount to ms cleo
ton. independent of his late brilliant military
achievements he has a strong hold upon the alice
tons and confidence OF his countryInen, Oh winch
they have given repeated and striking Manifesto
tons AS commander of a volunteer company IN
the Florida campaign, he distinguished himself Tor
courage, patriotism, and military quaiihcauons;
He was, when quite young man, an honored
member of tho Tennessee Legislature, and he has
been honorably distinguished by repeated elections
a seat in the Congress OF the United States-suc-
with his present distinguished opponent, Governor
Trousdaic Since his return from Mexico, the
Legislature of Tennessee unanimously elected hun
to the honorable and responsible office OF circuit
court Judge. These conclusive proofs OF the
high estimate which the people place upon his
talents and patriotism. But from the day that
the newspapers heralded to the world faithful
account Of the battle of Monterey, and told how
robly Campbell, amidst the IRON storm that was
yomitcd forth from the Black Fort, upheld the
fame of Tennessee and with what heroic courage,
hon We
dreds around him, he led that charge OF death
and glory, the people of Tennessee have placed
him first in their affections, and have eagerly de-
erred an opportunity to add a civic wreath to the
crown of military laurels which he then won so
goriously. Your nomination of to-day presents
them that opportunity, and have not the slight
est doubt of his election to the Office OF Governor
by much larger majority than has been known
in the political contests Of Tennessee for many
years past. Confidently assuming that the cleo
ton of candidate for Governor is certainty,
let US turn our attention to object less certain,
and far more important-I mean the election OF a
Wing majority to the next Legislature In re-
spending to your invitation to address you on this
occasion, will not into discussion of those
measures of public policy which have for many
years constituted the subjects OF difference between
the two great political parties into which the coun
trv is divided because in the address which you
have lust adopted the principles and opinions held
and advocated by the Wing party are SO clearly
and lucidly set forth as 10 make that task unne
cessary. Therefore, such grouping Of the politi
cal issues which will be determined by the next
election in Tennessee as in my opinion ought to
inspire every Wing in the State to an appreciation
of The vast Importance of that election, and arouse
him to full exertion of all his energies to achieve
success, and presentation Of the causes which
tend to defeat u.s. with some practical suggestions
as to the means by which those causes may be OBJ
waited, is all that shall attempt in the residue OF
my remarks. o,;,;.., ; q ;. Differentiated
by the next election in TENNESSEE Upon the
next Legislature will devolve the duty of passing
an act re -districting the State, to adapt
the districts for the election OF members OF Con-
gress to the law aPportioning representation under
The census recently taken. II will likewise be its
duty establish districts for the election Of
senators and representatives to the Legislature OF
Tennessee, go as to apporton representation among
the counties of the State suitably TO its present
population. These arrangements will last for ten
years and we know our political adyersaries
ZOO well not to know that, if they obtain power
at the next election, they will be restrained by
no principle of justice from 30 arranging the
Congressional and Legislative districts as to cx-
clude the Wings of the State, in great degree,
from fair participation in its honors. To be de-
fated at the next election is to be defeated for
wears at least. Let this fact address itself TO the
serious consideration Of every Wing in Tennessee,
and have all tie influence upon his conduct which
ought to attach to truth fraught with consequences
so grave and important just and proper pride,
iaudable ambition, and the highest patriotism
unite in demanding that it shall arouse every
true Wing to the exerton of his utmost energies
to prevent such contamination. IL will be the
duty Of the next Legislature to elect United
States Senator 10 succeed the Hon. hopkins L.
Turney, whose term of service expired on the 4th
Of March last. Mr. Bells term Of service will ex
pire on the 4th of March, 1853; and, as the Con-
stituton of the United States makes the Senate a
perpetual body, it is, in my opinion, the duty OF
the States by timely action. to guard against and
prevent all vacancies in that body except such as
are produced by deaths, designations. or impeach
ments. II | right in this opinion, and the next
Legislature should take the same view OF its duty,
il will elect Senators to represent Tennessee III
the Congress of the United States each for six
years. Should we fail to elect to that Legislature
a majority of Wings, it is needless to cay that
thoee two Senators will Re Democrats Are the
Wings of Tennessee willing to thosc public
men in whom they confide. and whom they have
elighted to honor crushed under the iron heel OF
Democracy, As of the sovercgnties which,
united, constitute the Republic, Tennessee wields
in the Senate of the United States equal portion
of all the power of the Republic Shall the voice of
the State be spoken in that high body for against
the political principles and measures Of public policy
for the ascendancy of which the Wings OF Tennessee
have, in sunshine and storm, struggled with per-
severing patriotsms II seems to Inc that they will
answer this question by promptly buckling on their
armor for fight such as was never fought before.
If they true to themselves true to their princi
ples true their country, such certainly will be
their action.
But gentlemen, there s yet greater question than
any which have yet stated, that will be decided by
the next election. That question is-shall Tonnes
see approve condemn the conduct of President
Fillmore. in his administration of the Executive
power of the Government? AS the vote of the State
IN August next shall be for or against his lriends
and supporters, SO will ii be construed approx
ing or condemning his Administration. This is an
issue which ia alLembracing in its character lts
decision by the people involves a judgment upon
the conduct OF the Wings in relation 70 those
cures which all candid men will now admit have
involved the Republic il its present perilous diff
cuities; and also judgment upon their position in
relation the remedies proposed TO cxtricate it
from danger. II connects itself IN its consequences
with the past, Tue present, and the future Should
the decision be against us, repeat that 1t will be
construed as a condemnation OF our past action
it will consign the men of the Wing party OF Ten
to political existence; and II will, for
reasons heretofore stated, determine the political
position Of the State, for ten years at least adj
Nersely to principles and views. Never, in
my opinion, have the people of Tennessee been
called upon to express their Judgment at the bal
lot. box when questions Of such high and cndur-
INN 10 IL