Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-04-24
TO TEE PEOPLE OF THE srH CONGRESSIONAL

DISTRICT
FgLLow-OITIzESs: am again before you as
candidate for Congress. Having but few days
ago Withdrawn from that position, in the hope of
contributing to the harmonious nomination Of
candidate by the American party, beg to offer
word in explanation of my present position Learn
ing, on my return from Washington, that the names
of two of my most esteemed and talented political
friends would be presented, with mine, before
the nominating Convention, which bad already
been called at GAINESVILLE resolved cheerfuly
to abide the cisiou of that body. and warmly
to support its nominee, whoever he might be.
When the delegates assembled on the 18th inst,
unfortunately it was discovered that honest but
radical difference Of opinion existed as to the proper
bases Of representation in the Convention. Appre-
heusive that an attempt to press decision of the
questions which bad arisen, might seriously leopard
the harmony and unity of the American party, we,
whose names had been cqnvassed mutually agreed
to avert the possibility of such result by at
wi hdrawng names from before the nominating
Convention. We trusted that some other name,
commanding the hearty and united support Of all
our political friends, would, by general concurrence,
be presented to the public, under such favorable
circumstances as to ensure undoubted success.
Accordingly, after our names had been formally
withdrawn, bad the pleasure to witness the
bestowal of the nomination, as with one voice,
and accompanied with the most heart-stirring en-
thusiasm, upon that distinguished citizen of Mont
gomery, county Maj. GUsrAvUs A. HESRY, of whose
I'LL;
lem aud sagacity as statesman, Tennessee hes had
so much reason to be justly proud. / am sure that
this nomination would have commanded the united
and enthusiastic support of political friends
and of none more heartily than mys II and the
worthy and talented gentlemen with whom had
stood 10 honorable rivalry before the Convention.
But, unfortunately, Maj. Henry, for satisfactory
reasons which he has ASST med to the public, has
declined the nominations and the American party
has again been left without a candidate for Con-
gress.
In asking for reelection, have not been un-
mindful Of the honor which has been done me of
representing district embracing many gentlemen
who possess much claim, to say the least, as
do to the suffrtges of the people. Proper respect
or the just sentiment of rotation in Office has caused
me to hesitate to place my name again before my
friends. But have as often been reminded ofthat
other just sentiment, that Offices are created for the
public good, and not for individual advantage, and
have felt earnestly that there are measures OF leg
slaton, both of general character, and of great
local interest to thi dsrrc ct, which the experience
already acquired will enable me, more readily than
new member, TO secure the passage OF at the
next Congress- / have at all times, in respect to
nominations for office, deferred implicitly to the will
of majority Of my political friends In this in
stance. second appeal to a Convention would
inevitably be attended with the same difficulties, in
determining the prop basis of repr esentation that
prevented on the l4th inst, selection between the
then rival candidates for the nomination 1t has
been usage, general throughout the country,
when representative in Congress has not fort tied
the conf lence good opinion of his constituents
for his party to give him. if he desires it, the field
for at least one reelection, without contest with
his own political friends before a nominating Con-
venton. That compliment never having been ac-
corded to me, l do not complaint have no
right to complainant l confess it would be
gratifying to realize that district and party
which ! have served with so much fl,lty,
bad determined not to withhold a compliment so
generally accorded else where 1t is not for me to
dwell upon memories of long and ardent services
with and for those who now compose the great body
of the American purity in this district; upon the
part took two years ago in unfurling the Ameri-
can standard 10 the South, and since, in defending
it at the National Capitol. / know that buts small
share Of credit ia due my efforts in carrying this
district at the last election by the largest American
majority given by any district in the State, when,
at the time the districts were laid Off it had small
Ter Wing majority than any Wing district 10 the
State. Each of many powerful men contributed
largely to give me the honor Of that majority to
whom l render heart felt acknowledgements, and
| hope to make a more substantial return. l nov
take position candidate for Congress, and under
! the difficulties which beset a Convention nomins-
ton, do not see that can pursue any more pro-
per couse than frankly announce it, trusting that
my political friends will for this term, yield me the
track as the sole American candidate.
Very Respectfully,
! +. K.Z0LLICOFFER
For Memphis.