Weekly Clarksville chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 185?-1857, 1857-05-08

closes state Of things that every true
American must deplore, as the harbinger
IF defeat in this district. The causes
which have led to the widespread dissat-
isfaction, now manifesting iiself here, and
elsewhere, are too we'll understood TO de-
mand explanation at our hands; but, in
vindication of those who require another
Convention to settle the candidacy for Con-
gress, We are constrained to admit that
those causes seem amply sufficient to au
thorize the discomfort which threatens
certain defeat, unless some means be de-
vised for the restoration Of harmony. In
the Conventions, hitherto held here, the
rule has been to give one vote to each civil
District, in each county, and the counties,
in appointing delegates to the late Con-
vention, proceeded upon the supposition
that the same rule would still be observed.
But when each county had acted, it be-
came apparent that the majority was against
the candidates presented by Davidson
Then, as an aftcr-thought, and three or
four days before the meeting of the Con-
vention, the Nashville papers startled the
District by promulgating new basis of
representation, which, with trihing divi-
sion in either of the other counties, would
inevitably, give Davidson absolute rule
over the whole district Whether this was
the intention of the sudden innovation, it
is not for US to say; but it at once aroused
the spirit of rebellion, and the pertinacity
with which Davidson insisted upon the
new basis of representation, confirmed ma
ny in the belief that such was the inten-
ton, and that unless that county had its
way, there would be no Convention. This
state of things led to the withdrawal of
the two most prominent aspirants, and the
nomination Of Maj. Henry, as a compro-
mise.
Unfortunately, however, Maj Henry,
on his return home, declined the nomina-
ton; and before the public mind had set
tied down upon any plan of action, under
the embarrassing circumstances, Gen. FOL
licoffer announced himself as a candidate.
Then the dissatisfaction, which had grown
out of the action Of the Davidson delega-
ton, became dcmonstrative and fxed.-
Then it was argued that, if Gen. Zolli-
Golfers claims were paramount to those OF
all others, and he was the undoubted choice
of the whole District, he would have been
permitted to take the track without the
Intervention Of Convention. But the
fact that Convention was necessary to
settle rival claims, proved, conclusively
that a nomination, in due form, could alone
secure harmony in the District, and that
Gen. Zollicoffer's announcement was un-
authorized by any demonstration of popu,
lar favor-such as would justify the course
he has adopted. 1t is asserted, too, that
had the Convention gone into a NORMA
ton, previous to the compromise upon Maj
Henry, Gen. Zollcoffer would not have
been the nominee; and under this state OF
case, it is commended that he should moi
have declared himself candidate, but
have awaited the action of the District.
Having taken no part in the contest
likely to result so disastrously to the Amer
lean party in this District, we simply state
the facts, as they have been stated to us
and how far they authorize the feeling o.
discomfort consequent upon them, eacf
one must be his own Judge. AS faithful
chronicler of passing events, we lay The
facts before the party, who have the power
if they have the will, to bring order out o
chaos, and to harmonic its now discor
dant elements. Could all agree, for tn,
sake of harmony, to recognize Gen. Zolli
Golfer as the American candidate, the diff
ficulty would be settled. and victor
await US in August; but there are mum
bers who prefer defeat to such victory
Will Convention cure the evil2 Tha
depends upon circumstances, now veile,
from the keenest vision And it is argue,
that as defeat seems inevitable, it 10 bette
that it should come, secundc's drtela, as pa
T tients die under the hands of the doctor,
J What, then, is to he done? IF Con
yention be called, and Gen. Zollicoifer ad
here to his announcement, he must be tn
nominee, or have an American opponent
In the latter event, defeat is certain; ant
we fear, it is not less certain in view of tn
former, because there are very many VIII
will be driven from his support by the be
) lief that a spirit of dictation has enger
dered the whole difficulty which embarra,