Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1859-12-02
Hou, John Bell.

A. S. Mitchell, Esq, the talented editor Of e st.
Louis Evening Ne'es, who spent day or twos our
city last week, wlie on his way from Mcmais-
where he had been In attendance upon the Broad
Convention, after recounting his former visit hch
was when be was quite little fellow, ancom-
mentng upon the visible changes which hadome
over the scenes Nc then witnessed, speaks | the
following complimentary but just style, ofome
of the distinguished citizens of Tennessee-ying
and dead;-Ndsh. Netos.
In the Bmner office I had the good fortrn to
meet, for the first time in my life that noble stes-
man, John Bell the only surviving Roman the
early and better days of the Republic. lason
White, Grundy, Polk, Bell form galaxy thafew
States can equhl none surpass. John Bell one
"still lives in the vigor of hale old age VIII
ripened experience and immaculate public rord,
setting an example Of hearty patriotism and ,vo-
ted public service that must encourage and teer
youbger patriots in the thorny path of duty low
before them.
1t is common nowadays to think that the rae of
public men in this country is rapidly degenerang.
In many States | believe this is true. But il
regards the State of Tennessee | think it inot
true. There has been less corrupting of the &C.
tive franchise in Tennessee, than in any Stie |
know. Men here rely not on monry, but on teir
talents and Just cause, TO secure the verdict a
popular election in their favor. The conscquOce
is, that the highest order of logic and orator is
cultivated, and the most scrupulous honesty of pb-
lie life Observed for in these qualities is there STE
ty for public men, and in no other.
The result is most honorable TO Tennessee; lei
borders are full of the uBst able and capable yong
statesmen. The Opposition members elected toht
ensuing Congress are bright examples of the riag
young statesmen of Tennessee. | have met We
in Nashve-Hon. Robt Hatton and Hon. JasM
Quarles. They are apparently not much over3i
years of age. Mr.. Hatton is slender and tallo
sandy hair and complexion, and Of presence &C
voice very similar, | should think, TO Henry ely
at his age. Mr.. Hatton Is favorite of his patty
and two years ago was their candidate for the ohc,
of Governor. He is, should think, cautious, cn
did and courty in debate-too much So perh9s
for mere partisan success.
Mr.. Quarles who represents the Nashville Ds
trct, is citizen Of GAINESVILLE, has broad sho,l
ders, bold, good brow, and looks and talks like
man of terribly practical turn of mind. He tale
no time study the graces of person and manner, b.
any moment is ''ready for business quick at fgur
relentless in his search for the weak points of an al
versarys cause, and infallible and inexorabie
finding and exposing them. An administration Ill
that of Mr.. Buchanan will dread a man like Jas
Quarles Al guilty man breads the Great Avenge
As for Etheridge, Maynard and Nelson, they are
the enjoymen Of fame already National while Il
rest of the Opposition members of Tennessee who
have not seen, are said to be of the same mob
stamp with the foregoing, their lustrious associat
Indeed hnow they are men of the brightest mar
aud bravest mould, or they could not have wires
ed victory in their recent canvass from the han,
of their Democratic opponents, leading domina
party.
!
thusastic supporters of the Hon. John Bell for Il
next Presidency. 1t is really beautiful to see the
chdHke affection for their veteran leader and the
chValric devotion to his fortunes. One cannot r
sist sympathy in thei- ardent feeling, and tru
that they may I've gratfed in obtaining the first ho
ors nj the Republic for their faithful and much
loved leader.