Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-05-12
me CANVASS
PErfRsnrRn Nav 10 1871.

PETERSBURG, May 10, 1856.
Aessrs Eaitofs:-No candidates for Governor
have spoken at this place since AZ and the people
OF the surrounding section do not often hear the as
prans for this Office from the fact that they are
isolated from the neghboring county seats; but
they keep themselves posted up, and are thorough
iy informed on every subject that exci,es and af.
iects the interest of the country.
The appointment of Col. GENTRY, and a desire to
hear discussion of the grea. and momenteous prin
cpes which are now being controversial conspired
to draw ont vast assembly of the sovereigns Of
the counties OF Lincoln Bedford and Marshall
The incognita tenants of the subterranean holes
came with confidence in their leader to vindicate
andincuicate know nothingsm; the democrat and the
patriot came to witness the triumph of civil and re-
hglous liberty. This was achieved by Gov. JeHN-
son to the full measure of their satisfaction.
Col. GENTRY tookthe lead. Circumstances had
denied him the pleasure of making. the acquaint.
ance Of many of lis neighbors; adverted to his Of
hcial career; told how and when he was elected
captain, and of his election to other positions; and
submitted the question to the people whether his
claims to responsibility and their confidence were
good. He then said the Executive Chair of Ten
nessee was a high and distinguished position, and
if elevated to it he would fill it to the best of his
abilities; attacked his competitors management of
the Penitentiary and his views in regard thereto,
and charged him with pardoning hog-thieves and
murderer. Next in order, came his course in 80,
and the manner in which he became candidate for
the office of Governor of Tennessee; and Col. G.
then said he had been called on by correspondents
OF the press and the press in every part of the
State. Gov. j. was Gow arraigned for no. telling
the people what he had done as Executive of the
Commonwealth; he would not talk about the great
subjects in which the country was interested, ag
riculture, education, and internal Improvements
The canvass with Maj. HENRY was brought up,
and long and strenuously did the Colonel dwell 10
prove that his opponents positions then, and his
positions now, were inconsistent. This was trick
to divert the Governors attention from the points
at issue, but it did not succeed At last know.
nothingism merited his consideration. In all parts
of the crowd, the ravens were seen to raise their
feathers in anticipation Of route of their enemies
and glorious triumph for their Teaman, but the
walls were unscaled. Instead of poignant argu-
ment. sweeping and blasting eloqUence, startling
and fiery as shooting meteor, there came recital
of such miserable csItas fills know nothing papers
| That deep earnestness, that immense energy and
| power, which are his wont, were entirely lacking.
| Where were the reasons that established princi-
Piles, sanctioned by experience and time, should be
! changed, and foreigners denied admission at the
doors of the Republic? Our fathers called them
to assist in bringing it into existence; but the
country has grown great and powerful, and we did
| not need theml Foreigners had done so far no
Injury but they were increasing at the rate of half
million year, and the apprehensions of the pat
| riot were aroused Such were some of the argu-
ments of Col GENTRY in support of know-noth-
ingism. Disappointment among the Jesuits was
| evident. l never saw men more confused. With
| an attack of the amendments proposed by Gov.
j. to the Constitution, and tErust at his inaugural
address, he concluded.
| Gov JOHNSON mounted the stand, and after a
| a few ,premnaries, be commenced one of the
most complete regular, and systematic sh1ckings
| l ever saw. His adversary excoriated cap-a-
! pie-not place was left untouched-every point
was met and answered. took copious notes, but
time, space and engagements forbid that l should
even attempt a synopsis of the arguments Of the
Tailor Statesrnan. The most graphic pen could not
do it the feebest justice. The showing of Col G. s
inconsistency circuitous course and record on the
slavery question was most d.verting and felictous
and elected the most tremedous cheers. But Gov
Us greatest height was in vindication of civil and
religious liberty. This holy and inestimable cause
inspired the great orator, and he stood at the top
of his power. His eloquence was lofty, sublime,
and overwhelming A multitude was never more
| electrified. The unwary who had been hoodwinked
were brought back to the fold; and even many of
the dark spirits, unable to resist their convictions,
shouted JoHSsoN in tempests of enthusiasm.
Tuesday, the 9Th inst, was prond day for the
| democracy at Petersburg They will stand firm in
this region and on the 2 of August next, their
drops will mingle with and swell the waves of
Freedom. NJ R. C.