Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-05-25
what are the Issues In this Canvass!

We find it difficult to ascertain from the Opposi-
tion papers and speakers what thereal issues in
this canvass We learn from the GAINESVILLE ChTOni-
Gle that in the recent debate between the candidates
for Congress at that place, Gen. QUARIEs declared
that the slavery question was not an issue in this
canvass. The Opposition paper at Trenton reports
Col NETHRRLASD to have said in the discussion at
that place that Gov HARRIS had made ''sOme little
charges against him extending from 1851 back to
1885," These charges embrace the policy Of our
Revenue laws, the Exemption laws, the subject of
Appropriations, and the question Of Interpretations
"There nothing pertinent in item to the issues
Of the present canvass" said Col. NETHERLASD.
Thus it appears, according to high Opposition
authority, that every thing practical and essential
to the people in this is sought to lie passed
over as immateiial and unworthy Of discussion. AT
time in the history Of the government was Aboli~
Iitionism more powerful and determined in its war
fare upon the institutions Of the South than at the
present At time have they ever presented 50
formidable array in struggle for the administra
ton Of the government. To deny propositions so
sef-evident would be the height of absurdity. And
yet Opposition candidates for Congress scout the
slavery question as not an issue in their canvass
At no time in the history of the State has the
subject of appropriations by the Legislature been
of practical vital interest to the people. At
no time have the abuses Of Interpretations and the
evils incident to the reckless granting Of charters
been more generally felt, more loudly complain
ed of than for the last two years. At no time has
the policy Of the Exemption laws become more prsc
toal in the person Of candidate than at this time,
when Col NETHERLAED, their lifelong opponent, is
before the people And yet Col. NETHERLAED, who
If elected would have to shape his official action to
all these questions, refuses to discuss them as not
being pertinent to the canvass.
He may think So in view of the fact that he oe-
oupies an indefensbls position on each and all of
these questions; but the unfortunate and humble
man, from whom he would take the last hoe, the
last plough, and the last horse; and the hsrd-wOrk
ing mechanic, from whom he would take the last
set of tools, will think very differently the day
Of election.
He may think SO, but the lsboring producing
people upon whose shoulders he would lay the chief
burdens of government in the collection of revenue,
by exempting capital from taxation, will think very
differently on the day of election.
II these not vital issues in the canvass, pray
tell US what arei VIII they instance the doctrines
of the Kuow-NOthing party, of which Col NEITHER
LAND was e jealous member during its brief career?
We were told then by the same organs and speakers
the same who installed BURTON s. Co., into places
Of public truSt-that the vital matters before the
people were to escheW the wild hunt after Office,
and TO put none but Americans on guard; to break
down the power of the Pope in this country by pros
scribng Catholics and check the heavy tide of for
eign criminals and paupers who were landing on
our shores. AS many bad men are seeking office
now as sought it then. The Pope has much
power in Tennessee now as he had then. There
81 many criminals and paupers landing upon our
shores now then. According to the logic of these
same papers and speakers then, why may not these
be the vital issues noWY
proper answer to this question naturally sug
gests another: Are these same leaders any
honest now than theni We hardly think their hiss
tory for the last few years has improved their poll
teal morals. They were endesvOring to secure
power by means of cheat then, and they are play
ing ct the same game now.