Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1860-09-29
Discussion at yVaynesboro,.
w.YxEsBoRo'. Sept. 26, 1860

| WAYSEsBoR0', sept 70, 1861.
| EDIToRs OF PATRIoT:-There was a very
rich discussion in the Court House last night
| between Mr.. Skefingt0n, of Lexington. and
| Davis, OF Lawrenceburg, both lawyers O!
very decided ability. In one hour and a
| quarter Mr. Skeffington showed, in the most
conclusive manner that the only hope of the
country was in tn, election of Sei+ and Ever
EFT. And while he did this, be portrayed, in
its trnc character, the present administration
its broken pledges, its bad faith TO friends,
lis corrupt expenditure of the public treas
urc, &c. Mr., Skeffin eton has always been a
Democrat, and is familiar with the doctrines
and nsages of the party, having, in 1856, adj
yOcnted. with great ability, The claims of
Buchanan. Then, he says. popular sovereign
~ Was the scatehseOrd. and the true test OF
party fealty in Tennessee and elsewhere.
That the letters oi acceptance of Buchanan
and Breckenridge in 1856, was everywhere
construed TO contain that doctrine, and that
the Douglas party is now the only represen-
tative of the true faith. His review of the
causes which led to the rupture of the Demo
y,
earnestness and power and must have con-
WINGED every unparalleled mind that Execn-
tive malignity 10 S. A. Douglas and desire
of Southern firc-eaters TO break up this gov
ernment, were the true causes OF the rupture
and that the protective plank is a shan pretext
10 accomplish this neiarious end.
He characterized, in becoming terms, those
speakers and presses that indulge in indis-
criminate abuse of Bell and Everett, and his
eulogy of those great men would give The
speaker character Cor eloquence, style and
candor before any audience in America. The
speech throughout was able. eloquent and
dignited, and | sincerely wish it could be re-
peated in every county in Tennessee.
Mr. Davis. although man of ability, did
not answer one point made 10y Mr.. Skeffing-
ton, and for no other reason than the utter
impossibility OF making a defense to a cause
SO palpable. He contented himself with
praising Breckenridge, and going into exta-
cics over glorious old 10. Lane, the Marion
of the Mexican war. From the tone and
manner OF the speaker, as well as his appa-
rent familiarity with Scripture he could win
more souls in another branch, of his varied
occupations. But To his credit he il said. he
did not abuse Bell, but conceded that he was
Il great aud good man, u statesman and a
patriot, and the only objection urged TO him
was, that he had never shed any blood for
his country, and was not Democrat. Davis
ought TO have thought of that while support
ing Buchanan.
Skeffington's rejoinder was even better, if
possible, than his leading speech. In wit,
humor, elegance of style and manner il was
equal to any effort ever Witnessed. He de-
molished every point of Davis speech in If
teen minutes, and made that clerical gentle
man wish he was ut home supporting the
Union ticket, if bis couutenance is any index
to his heart. Indeed, so discomftted was he,
that he could not rejoin.
Everybody is loud in praise of the effort of
Mr.. Skeffington, and be is destined to make
his mark, not only in this canvass, bat in the
future history of this country, for be is man
of the first order of genius. and thoroughly
informed on all the great questions at issue
before the country.
Every Indication is cheering here for o
complete route Of the hosts of Yanceyitss.
H.