The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1853-05-13
Athens. Friday, May IL, 1853.
CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS.


We today place the name Of T. Nxo,
VAN DYKE, Esq. at the head Of our columns al
the Wing Candidate for Congress in thu
Third Congressional District. In making
the announcement it is proper we should re
mark, that this position is not of Mr.. Var
Dykes own seeking, but is the result of 6
yielding of his own wishes and inclinatons
to the solicitations of prominent and inHu.
entail Wings in different parts of the District
1t is known to our friends generally that q
Convention was held at this place on the 9Th
day of April, which nominated, with great
unanimity, DR.. Jas. w. Gillespie, of Rheu
county, under the impression that he would
accept. DIR. Gillespie was notified Of his
nomination, but declined the race, influenced
by considerations of high character,
and which he could not in justice to himself
and others disregard. Previous to the as
sembling Of the Convention the names of
other gentlemen were mentioned in connec.
ton with the canvass, all Of whom were
well qualified for the place. A considerable
time has now elapsed since it was known
that DR. Gillespie could not accept, the gen.
tlemen alluded to were promptly apprised Of
the fact, and as neither of them has re-
sponded favorably, we are therefore justified
in presuming against their acceptance
Nothing was farther from Mr.. Van Dykes
intentions than race for Congress, up to the
time of DR.. Gillespie's declinature. His pres
ent extensive and increasing practice at the
Bar would seem to indicate different course;
but, as before remarked, within the last few
weeks urgent solicitations from various parts
of the District have induced his compliance.
This willingness to disregard his personal
and pecuniary interests for the public good, is
another fact that well accords with his ante
cedents. He was one of the earliest and
most efficient advocates of internal improve
ments in East Tennessee, and has spent more
time and money for the interests of this dis
trict than any man in it. His influence has
been cxerted and felt, at home and abroad,
in behalf of our own improvements, when
ever opportunity offered His policy is not,
and never has been, of the restricted order,
but liberal and national. No man is better
acquainted with the wants and resources of
this part of the country, because it has been
his study-an absorbing topic for twenty
wears. 1t is well known to the older citizens
qat he identified himself with internal i'm
covenants ever since he has lived in
ennessee. Notwithstanding his ardent de-
votion to such objects, we hardly suppose
he would appropriate so much time from
lucrative profession were it not for the
very encouraging prospect of securing to
him position in our government that justly
moves the ambition of the first order of tai
ents, and where he could labor with more eff
fciency to promote these and other great
public interests. Mr.. Van Dykes abilities as a
debater are well known in this district for he
has been thoroughly tried at the bar, on the
stump, and in every way that tries mans
brain. Our cause will be safe and triumph
ant in his hands, and the interests of the
country will be well secured by his election.
For these reasons he shall have support
from this paper, ardent, faithful and I'M
swerving-just such as distinguished merit
and ability deserve.
The democratic candidate has published
list of appointments, commencing at Nor
Canton, Blount county, next Monday, the
18th inst, and extending through the coun-
ties of Blount, Monroe, McMinn, and Polk.
The time is short, but we presume Mr. Van
Smith at Morganton, and accompany him
through his list of appointments.