The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1852-10-15
For tie Athens Post.
HENRY AND NICHOLSON AT BENTON,
Benton, Ten, Oct. 9th, 1852.

charged the Democracy with having deserted
their Platform, in which they declared their
opposition to Internal Improvements by the
General Government, and a distribution OF
the proceeds of the sales of the public lands
amongst the States, and since that time a
Democratic Congress has passed both those
bills. Mr.. Nicholson in his reply passed over
that charge in silence.
Maj. Henry reviewed Mr.. Pierce's speeches
on the slavery question, and showed clearly
and conclusively that he holds Freesoil senti-
ments, and is so regarded by the northern
Freesoilers. This portion OF Maj. Henry's
speech was unanswered and unanswerable. =
The Major then reviewed Mr. Pieree's politi-
cal acts, and showed that he had voted against
Internal improvement bills, Harbor bills, and
bills for establishing Light Houses, which
had been approved by Gen. Jackson while
President. On this charge Mr.. Nicholson
was again silent. Maj. Henry also charged
that Pierce had voted against compensating
,ne "Indan Fighters" while nearly all the
prominent men of both parties had voted for
the BILL
Maj Henry then reviewed the life of Gen.
Scott, proved beyond all dispute that he was
sound on the Compromise, and had used his
utmost influence to secure its passage, and
that he was not only the greatest military
chicftain in the world, but that he is also an
able statesman, having lived cotemporary
with, and been intimately related to the Ad-
ministration of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe,
John Quincy Adams, Jackson, Van Buren,
Harrison, Tyler, Polk, Taylor and Fillmore.
He also alluded to the fact that Madison had
offered Gen. Scott place in his Cabinet
that Monroe had sent him on delicate and
important mission to Europe that General
Jackson sent him to South Carolina to settle
the Notification difficulty-that Van Buren
sent him to Canada and New Brunswick to
adjust those difficulties, and be it remembered
by those who charge that he is not states
man, that in the above named missions he
went without an army, and in each case the
difficulties were adjusted by him without re-
sort to arms, and | verify believe that if Mr.
Polk had sent Scott on II mission to Mexico
prior to the commencement of hostilltles,
that he would have adjusted that difficulty
without firing gun.
omitted to mention in the proper connec-
ton, that Maj. Henry charged that the Demo-
cracy of Tennessee had opposed the Com
promise in 40 and 81, by supporting Trous-
dale for Governor, and Mr.. Nicholson in his
reply attempted to show that more northern
Democrats than Wings voted for the Com
promise on its irat passage. should liketo
know how that could excuse or justify the
Democracy of Tennessee for opposing the
If Mr.. Nicholson was Elector
for all the northern States, there might be
some propriety in making that kind of an ar
but under the circumstances, 1t was
perfectly ridiculous. In '49 and '5l, the De-
Of Tennessee supported an anti-Com-
promise candidate for Governor, and IN '52
they are throwing up their caps and shouting
for the Compromised
Mr.. Nicholson in his opening speech attrl,
buted our present prosperity, greatness and
power to the administration of James X. Polk.
When the fact is, Polk precipitated the Uni
ted States into war with Mexico, which cost
us millions of blood and treasure, and sac
rifced the lives of thousands of our best
and most patriotic citizens. And the result
of that war was the acquisition OF all the
Mexican territory, out of which grew the late
agitation of the slavery question, and MIR.
Nicholson himself declared in another portion
of his speech, that "the Union could not
stand another such shock as that produced by
the recent agitation and excitement on the
question of slavery" If an unjust war with
a neighboring nation, and almost cdr amongst
ourselves entities man to fame and honor,
then the administration of James X. Polk IS
distinguished. From such
honor and distinction may Providence deli
yer all future Presidents!
Another remark of Mr.. Nicholson's attrac-
ted my attention. In commenting on the OBJ
scurity of their candidate, he stated that "the
Democratic party would throw lustre around
the name of PIERCE" That may be possible,
but they should be careful to let the rays Of
"lustre" fall slowly and lightly upon him
"just as he can bear it"-tor fear that they
entirely "eclipse" their little man franklin
Pierce, for they should remember that when
the sun shines the stars are invisible! am
proud to know that the Wings have candi-
date whose name is known to all the world,
and whose fame is so brilliant, that no sect
or party can "throw lustre around the name
of Winfield Scott"
Mai. Henry is fine looking man, preposs-
ing in his manners-is in fine health and high
spirits, and seems to feel that he is engaged
in good cause, and that triumphant ylcto-
nv awaits him. On the other hand, MIR. Mich
olson seems to be in feeble health, looks
rather gloomy and Respondent, and seems to
feel that his cause is bad, and that certain de-
feat awaits him and his party in November
next.
In conclusion, wish to proponnd few
questions to the Democrats Of Polk who
heard Mr.. Nicholson's speech, as he is regard
ed as the "big gun of Democracy" and can
tell all that Pierce has ever done for hscoun-
try. What civil or political act of Mr. Pierees
life did Mr.. Nicholson point you to, that
would entitle him to rank as n statesman by
the side of such men as Clay, Webster, Cass,
or Buchanan! What act of his military life,
what "deed of noble daring" did he name
that marks Franklin Pierce as q military
chiefhin by the side of such men rs Taylor,
Harrison, Scott, Jackson or Houston! What
act of his life, either civil, military, diploma
tic, political or ecclesiastical, did Mr.. Nichol-
son call your attention to, that would entitle
him to your gratitude, confidence and support
for the Presidency! When Mr.. Nicholson
concluded, did you not say to yourselves,