Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-06-09

10 1t is not our object now to discuss the
merits or dement's of our banking system, or
of any banking system; but to ascertain and
show the status of sham democracy in Tennes-
see upon the currency question.
No one will deny that the idea Of an exclu-
sivcly metallic currency has reheme,,fly exer-
cised the leaders of our sham democracy very
lately; and we take It for granted that their
candidate for Governor is hurd-a hard
money man--tEat his election will be a tri-
umph of the hards and that they may proper
ly'regard such result as entirely favorable
to their cherished hope of being able to strike
down all the banks in Tennessee.
We are utterly asst onished that bank demo-
Gratis will be msled by Gov. HARRIs's eva
sion and lodges upon this question; and we
are not less astonished at these evasions and
dCdges. knowing. as we do. that Gov. HNRRIS
claims for himself independence of thought
If we correctly understand his position on the
stump il is humiliatng one for an indepen-
dent citizen and high public fuActionary to
occupy. We understand that in all. or nearly
all, the discussions between Col. NETHERLAND
and Gov. HARRIS, two direct and specific
charges have been made against him. lst
fhat he participated in the democratic meet
ing held in Nashville at the Capitol, on the
23r1 of September last, for the purpose of
comparing views on the subject of the cur
rcncy. and that he cOncurred in the proceed
ings of that mceting;- secondly, that he
is a hard money man-is really for a purely
metallic currency.
Gov. HARRIS every day hears his competi-
tor say charge, sir that you participa-
ted in that meeting. aud concurred in its
proceedings Did you? charge that you
are a hard money man. Are you? Answer
these questions, Governor. II You are not a
hard rooney man. say so; and l win retract
all have said
Here is the issue presented directly. What
ought Gov. HARRIS to do? Is it not his duty
to the people to answer. Il did, or Il did
not, yes or "no?7 But what does he do.
Why he says. Every body understands my
position but Col. NETHERLAND aud he don't
want to understand it. If we must have
banks, let us throw around them more re-
strictions," &c. e..
Now, this kind of evasion might go far,
and be- regarded as sort of cunning that
would not be so very reprehensible, If came
from some fellow who was making his first
run for the Legislature. and was rather hard
up; but il is wholly inexcusable. and down
tight insult to the common intelligence of The
people of a great State, when coming from a
y
Governor--a candidlte for Governor. Yes,
ar NO" j. the answer-the people Of Ten
.eSsee are entitled to direct and uneqniyo-
( Il answer. Gov. HARRIS's pride, his regard
I lr his many warm personal friends, of all
l,arties, who have hitherto looked upon him
as a candid politician. ought TO stimulate him
ta a prompt answer. What consolation will
his election be to himself, should he be elect
ed. knowing that large portion Of his par
~ were deceived, or did not understand his
POSITION upon that question. Does the Gov
rnor desirs to get the votes Of the people by
Permitting them to misunderstood his posi-
.ion! II not. then let him speak out.
Is Cav HAMS hard money mani Yes
pr "no.'i Governor. Answer and then ex-
ilala; bat an answer the p ople must have.
How will GOV. HARRis feel IT, after hisre-
eleesion--should he be re-elecled--his politi-
cal friend. from different parts Of the State,
one by one, call 20 see him. and privately
ask him how be stands upon the question OF
bard monry-say 20 him---Sow, Governor
we did not b.liese you hard money man.
Col NErnkRIA ID said yon we're, bat y did not