Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1858-11-21

what there was some unfairuess in its proceedings
frequirss rgidlavs TO prevent frauds in elections;
conventions being held without any law to govern
them afford a fine opportunity for the display Of
unfaiFness. Yet these evils are not so great as
those resulting from contest between Democrats.
A contest before convention lie almost fatal to I
the interest Of the party as ct the election. My |
proposition is that there shall be no asprants. Let
the party meet, consult, and agree on plan for 9
convention that they regard as approaching near
as possible 10 fairness In the nominating oonven-
tion there being no aspirants, the harmony Of the
party viii mot likely be disturbed The entire
county, or district as the case may be- be culled
over, and the man selected that viii, in the judg
ment Of the convention make the best canvass and
the best legislator Ia this way We have the entire
party from which to select whilst it is usual for US
to makea selection from the few who are pressing
their claims for Office And oftentimes men are
elected who would be far in the rear we're allhe
members of The party equally before the public,
they would be by this plan.
| know that this position will not meet the appro-
val of those who are expecting to be candidates,
because with many Of them it would spoil their
stock in trade 1t would settle some in private life.
If those who are in the habit Of pressing themselves
on the public can avoid it. such course never will
be adopted. look to the bone and sinew of the
party to move in this matter, Let it be understood
that no aspirsnt will be eOuntenanced; that every
man Who declares himself in advance Of conven-
ton viii be regarded as disorganzer, and we will
be troubled with but few of them. Then commence
/ Init
act as though the entire result depended an his own
exertions. Havea understanding about when and
where you will meet, and let nothing tbwsrt your
efforts in getting your party properly to work. and
the work properly done.
Under the auspices Of Democracy this govern
ment continues to prosper. If the Democratic par
ty continues in power the government will last for
ever Whoever labors for the Democratic party
labors to sustain the best government in the world
He who has served the party long and zealousy has
done nothing more than his duty, and has no claim
whatever on the party. Then do not let any one
force himself into Office pretended claims to par
ty favor who does not possess the capacity to make
good legislator. There are not offices for al-but
few can be observation-disclosures it is better to
abandon the support Of men On account of personal
considerations, and make such selection will &C
SommOdate the public, without regard to the wishes
J of aspirants.
, In the proposed conventions the opinions Of the
, men who are proposed to be nominated can be OBJ
tanned on She subject of currency" and on all
! other questions of Importance to the people.
It is very important that the Democracy of this
State, in the pending elections, shall make bold
and fearless canvass. To do this, perfect harmony
should be preserved in the ranks of the party Some
NAV be lued into the belief that Know Nottingham
having seen its best days. there will be no fOrmi-
dable opposition But reeoect that since the early
history of the government the Democratic party has
r always had ticket in the field, and always had
practically the same competitor, though fighting
under various names and for different principles ct
different times. Many in midst have set out to
oppose Democracy, and without even inquiriug
further than to know on which side Democracy is,
they array themselves against us. The leaders Of
the opposition ready to join any ism to aid in
1 putting down the Democratic party As evidence
Of this will point to the Nashville Banner Of the
18th ult; In an editorial speaking of Northern
Democrats, the following sentence occurs: 'sWG
have no confidence in them, and we cannot suppose
L any probable ease in which we would prefer the
success OF Northern Democrats TO the success Of
Z Republicans" without q single exception a ma
iority of the Northern Democrats in Congress have
voted with the South when the question of slavery
has been concerned. Republicans would go steI
sitter step in their inirusons the South until hey
bring ruin on u.s. Yet the leaders Of the opposition
y in this State cannot suppose q probable case tina
would cause them to favor the Of Democrat
: over Republicans. Democrats, take warning, snC
: prepare to meet these Northern sympsthissrs. /
any thing will urge you to action this will. Tn,
indications are sufficient to satisfy yOu of the char
e acter of the future contests in this State.
: will suggest the first of January next as being
e proper time for the preliminary conventions to b
e held to agree on terms, appoint delegates etc. L
it is delayed beyond that time, in many of the
= ties and districts, land particularly where there il
; clear Democratic majority there will be severa
aspirants Then it will be too late to avoid muol
> of the evil.
i 1t is now time the Democracy all over the STATE
we're thinking about this matter, and consulting
with each other.
3 This is my reason for opening the question. II
0 doing so 1 am Influenced by no sinister motive.
have no interest in it except desire to see the De
mocracy, in August next, entirely annihilate tn,
{ sem. Republican Know Eothings. c.