Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-01-11
Opposition Convention.

Opposition Convention.
Upon this subject the Memphis Eagle and
EHutirer has the following reflections:
For several reasons, We deem the move
ment unwise and impOlit'c. In the first
placo. we desire to see a party arise upon
broad. national and conservative principles
opposing the Southern sectional phase of the
Democracy on the one side. and the Northern
scc'ionaliem of the Republicans on the other
On srch platform the large body Of old
Whigs who have hitherto stood alOof from all
parties could and would mite with us body
and soul The strictly partisan convention
contemplated, would not only not invite the
co dncration of those Wings. Int would cause
them to MAINTAIN their present attitude OF
neutrality.
Secondly. we do not deem the principles.
aims and objects of the opposition sufficiently
we'll defined and distinctly enumerated to
secure the unity Of action absolutely neces-
sarv to success At present. it cannot he de-
nicd that we stand in a comparatively mega
five position-that simply of opposition
That will never answer for the purpose of
action. and is not sufficient to unite the
masses in our support. We must put forth
our purposes-cmblaZon our principles on
our banncrs-enunciate distinctly ana une-
ouivocally the aims we have in view, and the
administered in the event of success. That
done the peOple would know where we stand,
and be prepared to take action. Then all
those who approved the principles avowed
could meet in their primary capacity and act
adviscdly, When this is done and the peo-
pie know what we propose to do. I VIII DE
time 10 nominate a candidate. Whether
convention will he necessary for that purpose
is another question"
The Athens Post in copying the above.
says:
.sWe agree with the Eagle and Enquirer
We can't see either the policy or good sense
in holding an AHlricGn Convention, unless
our friends have forgotten the result or the
two last contests in this State. We expect
to oppose the present democratic party until
it shows evidences of determination 10
abandon its destructive policy and sincere
repentance for the past, but 1t is not very
pleasant to enter into contest after contest
with defeat staring Won in the face at the
outset Of each engagement No man can
fight we'll if he feels certain that he is 10 ne
licked, and such will he our fate again II we
are to have another Know Nothing Conven-
ton and nomination"
We understand this to be substantially
proposition that the opposition to the sham
democracy of Tennessee shall frain from
meeting in convention, or making any noml-
nation for Governor in the approaching state
canvass. For our own part we must express
our dissent, toto carlo, from this and every
such proposition. The slightest reflection
sbouId convince our contemporaries, not
only Of the impolicy but the absolute destruc-
tion which would attend such a course We
have ever claimed to be party OF well
defined. principles, and yet the remarks OF
our Memphis contemporary would Indicate
that II. at least is not satisfied what those
nrinciples are: while our friend at Athens
nroposes that we fold our arms in sleep,
because, forsooth, it is not encouraged by
the results of the past. We put the question
TO the Americans and Wings OF Tennessee
to all those who are sincere in their PROBES
sion of poIitical faith, and are honestly and
conscientiousy opposed to the principles and
practices of modern democracy. II they are
really reduced to this humiliating alternative
either that they have no principles. or that,
having them, dare not assert and put torth
an effirt to maintain them! If such he the
fact. then our condition is deplorable indeed.
We would ask our contemporaries what
answer we can send to the other States OF
this Union, when the sentinels of conserva-
tism and nationality are accosting MS with
"what of the night ?" In a national struggle,
what can we claim in behalf of ourselves or
Of the Rcpublic! Shall we strike our colors,
stack our arms, and yield to the sham Demo-
cracy on the one hand or to sham Rtpnhi-
canism on the other, We have no atiirma-
tive TO give. II is the answer neither OF
patriotism nor Of discretion.
What shall our opposition candidates for
Congress and for the State Legislature, reply
10 the taunts of the "ferce," and nll-swaying
democracy. when they pluck the language OF
disporagemant from our own mouths. to huri
It back into our own faces in derision and
scorn? Are we TO yield our existence as
marty. as men, as citizens, and be counted
nothing in the great struggles that are so ra-
pidly degenerating into contests for plumber
and threatening to sap the very vitals of the
Union? Are we in fact and substance, In
object and principle miserable faction Of
Of piratical place-hunters; and because some
OF us cannot see prospect of immediatAsalc-
cess. are we TO admit the imputation aud take
the place of ahject servility'
There are seventy thousand men in Ten
nessec. who wiltrespond in a loud and indign-
ant negative 20 all such suggestions, OF we
have been cruelty and wholly deceived In the
men who have stood up in the heat aud de-
feat OF the past. We invoke our contempor-
aries to consider of what they speak, and by
all means turn from policy which will he
disastrous 10 the state, and possibly ruinous,
in its ultimate effects. 20 the country.