Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-08-28
ruE sENAFoRIAL QUESTION.

II q now universally known that the Democrats
rfll have majority Of twenty votes on joint oauOt
a the next Legislature, and it seems generally de-
r.d and intended that two Senators shall be CHOSEN
A. .unplv the vacancy that now exists, and the one
rA,cb viii occur before the sssemblage Of another
Isosslatu-e This Is an important event in our his
- and its dissemination will exercise serious
sp6usuce on the interests of country and party
Sor the next seven or eight years. If proper men
are selected for these Offices, we have reasonable
guaranty that the future viii not be disastrous, and
the present asceDdency of our party VIII De secured
aud rr.served Should we fail in our selection to
engage the services Of true to tho principles OF
ths nsrtv and to the interests Of the country, we
aon acarcev escspe the odium Of the result and it
v;,I % far 10 weaken the bonds Of our Union
Wsbave heard the names of many leading Demo-
rsts nautioned in connection with these Offices, and
thsrs Is scarcely one seriously thought of to whose
nomination or election we would nterpose the slight
ct objection They are good and true men, long
t.ied under the FIRE of adversely, and severely
trained in the principles of Democracy. We have,
IN common with others, our private predictions,
and If we were member of the Legislature might
actively indicate this preference; but occupying our
present position is not our wish or intention to IN
tarfsre between Democrats, for all of whom we en-
terrain the kindest feelings and to each of whom the
party is much indebted for its present success.
Tsere are one or two suggestions, however, that
we deem material to the general interests OF our
party and which, as faithful sentines on the watch
taver we cannot withhold from the consideration OF
oar friends Under the theory of our Constitution
the actual vote for Senators is entrusted to the mem
bers Of the Legislature and in practice much is and
ought to be trusted to their judgment and discretion
e. for instance on their assemblage and conference
It should be found impracticable to concentrate
majority in favor Of two individuals without sacri-
ace of opinion, for the sake Of harmony, then
their constituents WILL and ought to be, satisfied
that their representatives should honestly decide
what was the best alternative, and their intentions
sh Ould be judged with kindness and liberality.
We wish, however, to indicate, that We hold to
the great leading doctrine that the people are the
fountains of Office and power; that it is their inter-
est and wishes that ought to be represented in ap-
pontments or elections, well as in measures OF
policy, and therefore it is the duty Of each member
Of the Legislature carefully to ascertain before he
repairs to the capital, who would be most acceptable
-
If possible to carry out their wishes in his selection
of candidate 1t must always be remembered that
Q representative, in the true sense of the term,
ought to be reflection of the judgment and will Of
those by whom he is entrusted with authority, and
that in true he ought never to embody
his own interest partially at the expense OF the
people. 1t is great element in the success of re-
publican institutions that we should have men In
nee whom the people desire, and between candi-
dates Of equal honesty and ability the preference
should always be given to those in whose favor the
masses are united.
Our opponents in the Legislature will be watch
ng with great eagerness to embarass the action Of
the Democrats to stave Off if possible, the election
of one or both Senator'S andif this is found impossi
ble then to widen breaches between friends encour
age hostilities between opposing candidates, by
holding out promises of support to the weaker
party.
The Democratic members ought in our opinion to
discountenance any abuse Of prominent Democrats By
the friends of each other and try to make the contest
rs friendly as possible that the successful cand
dates may leave no sting in the bOsOms of those who
are defeated except that engendered by honorable
rivalry.
We offer these suggestions with the destfeelings
to all the candidates for Senator and our best wish
Is that the persons finally elected may be those
most acceptable to party, and most beneficial to
our country.