Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-07-16
from tie Chattanooga kdrert
CAPT. JAMES WILLIAMS


The recent canvass for President presented some
remarkable features. 1t was ushered in lust as the
old Wing party passed from the political stage
The genuine Wings, who had been the advocates of
principle and not the blind followers of party ami
mostly, run without party orgaizatiOn. The great
mass of their former political associates had gone
over to Know Nothingism; not because of its beau
ties virtues, but mainly because it was opposition
to Democracy. But the Wing party had its spirits
who could forget old party differences disregarded
former prejudces, and who, regardless of all but
principle were willing to join that party which was
fighting for the Constitution pure and unimpaired
Those who refused to join the new party held the
balance of power in Tennessee, and the question
with them was whether they would follow their old
friends in the advocacy of new doctrines that did
not command their aPprobatinn, or go with the de-
mocracy and give the victory to the endangered
Constitution of a troubled country. The sublimity
Of their position is pictured best by the beautiful
Language fthe distinguished gentleman whose name
heads this article:
" There has been a time in the past when the
Wing party by the magnitude of its proportions
the brilliancY of its struggles and the greatness of
its leaders, has presented to the world more impos
ing spectacle but never before has there occurred
an emergency when, by a single patriotic and spon-
taneOus effort, its still faithful supporters could ac-
comphsh SO much Tor Its own permanent glory and
for the welfare and happiness of the Republic.
The old Wing party. as organized body, no
longer exists it has persisted at the hands of those
in whom it most trusted it has fallen by the treach
cry of pretended friends; but let not its EpITAPH
be written until it may be recorded that in the
great struggle between the NATION and the sectional
and sectarian FACTIONS which menaced its integrity
the last expiring efforts of its dsbanded but still
patriotic adherents were directed to the preservation
Of the UNION, without concessions and the CoNsTI-
TUITION, without mutilation."
They went with the Democracy and Tennessee
gave her vote for Mr.. Buchanan. Preeminent
among the old line Wings of Tennessee stood JAMES
WILLIAMS. The "RefectioRS and SuggestiOns of an
old Clay Wig" produced deep and lasting i'm
preston not only in this but in other States Those
articles were just what the times demanded. They
were published before public opinion was formed;
passed every where into the hands of the voter and
their weight in the canvass cannot be estimated
The publication, whether viewed with reference to
the argument or style, will compare favoraby with
any political pamphlet ever issued from the press
it will long survive the crisis that gave it birth
and when in the future cast about us for recol-
lections of the great political battle of 1885, no
feature of the contest will more readily challenge
our admiration or command our gratitude than the
proud position assumed by the Old Clay Wings, as
shown by g Reflections and Suggestions" As a de-
batter before the people, he had no superior. After
his speech on g Bargain and Intrigue we heard no
more of the charge against Mr.. Buchanan. He
spoke not at prominent points to make reputation
but he went away among his old friends in the
mountains and valies, wherever and whenever he
could be gone-he fought for the success of great
and vital principle, and not for reputation.
In view of all these facts it was not strange that
the Democracy should present the name of Capt
Williams to the President for first class mission
they did so, and no name ever went up from Ten
Ressee more cordially more universally recon-
mended Capt Williams withdrew his name, and
while we do not know what the President would |
have done, we do not believe nor cannot believe,
that he would have disregarded the wishes Of the
democracy aud have passed by the name of James |
Williams. We certain that no appointment could |
have been made in Tennessee that would have given
more satisfaction at home or have reflected more |
credit on the nation abroad.