Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-07-23
The DISCUSSION ON YESTERDAY-A GREAT
DEMOCRATIC. TRIUMPH.

The candidates for Governor addressed the citi-
gems Of Davidson yesterday according to appoint
ment. To say that Gen. Harris tTiamphsd over his
competitor would convey but faint idea of the con-
trast which the two speakers presented The able,
clear, and comprehensive argument of Gen. Harris
overwhelmed and crushed his competitor upon every
issue between them. We do not say this in any
Boosting spirit. We but express the earnest con-
viction Of erey Democrat and the telltale counte-
nance of every Know Nothing whose reason was
equal to his party prejudice. The line Of argument
they pursued here was about the same that has gen.
orally Characterised their speeches elsewhere, and
which has SO frequently been given through our pa
per- Il is needless therefore, TO make special refe
renee TO the questions discussed and the positions
respectively assumed.
There can be no question that the effect of this
discussion was decidedly to the advantage Of the
Democracy. We infer So not only from the success
with which Gen. Harris vindicated his principles
and exposed his opponents, but from the evidence
given by the large audience present. During the
entire time of his opening speech he succeeded in
commanding an earnest and respectful attention
We Lave never known Democratic speaker SO well
received and listened to by Nashville audience,
composed, they generally are, Of large msjori-
ty of the opposition. They not only listened, but
there evident indications Of satisfaction upon
the part of many who have heretofore voted against
us. But few publ, men deport themselves with
such easy dignity and true manliness Of character,
as Gen Harris Even where he fails to convince,
he invariably wins the highest respect from his
hearers 1t was so on yesterday. For such an ad
vocate aud representative of their principles the
Democracy should feel proud to battle. His cleo.
ton to the high Office of Governor would honor the
position as much as the position would honor the
man.
We do no injustice to Col. Hatton in character
hing his speech fiat failure. We are satisfied
that it was so regarded even by his own discrimi-
mating party friends. He did not SO much as argue
bad cause with that ability that men of talent
often do We have no doubt but one-half of the
Know Nothing candidates for the Legislature are
advocating the same questions with equal success,
and some with far greater evidences of talent. His
thoughts we're without vigor or ingenuity-his Ian
guage common plaee-his illustrations Indifferent
and his attempts at humor of the most beggarly
character. The young gentleman who has trav-
e,ed with him and written letters for the canvass,
has, in our Judgment, performed his part of the
labor with far greater than the Col himself
The Democracy of Davidson have reason to be
encouraged by the indications of yesterday. Let
them work from this time out and that their full
strength is polled on the day of election If they
will but do So they will have much occasion to re-
joiCe when the day has passed and glorious vic
tory has been achieved