Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1860-11-01

Letter from Hon. Jere Clemens.
HuSTsyu.LE. Oct. Its, 1850.
Dear Sir ! 1t is too soon as yet to form an
opinion as to what effect the news from
Pennsylvania will have upon our prospects
1t ought to increase orr strength. and I
think it will. 1t proves, beyond the shadow
of doubt. that Breckenridge has no chance,
and if his supporters persist in running him.
at the South, they will force us to the conclu-
sion that all their professions of desire to
see the South united. are hollow and false.
II is intbeir power now to give us an earnest
of their sincerity They cannot unite the
South upon Breckenridge; because in the
first place, nothing would be accomplished:
and in the second, the Douglas men will new
er support him, even if We are willing to do
so. The South can BE united upon Mr.. Bell.
Let them, therefore come 10 US if they really
desire a union OF the South and have not
been using that cry simply fer electioneering
purposes.
/ know very we'll that some of the leaders
of the Southern Rights party will aliege that
they are not satisfied with some OF Mr. Bells
votes, and say that they doubt his soupdness
upon the slavery question. think it probable
that some OF them actually believe the alb
surd accusation, for know that men under
high excitement may work themselves up to
a belief in anything. But even these men. If
ate reflection. must see that they have eve,y-
thing to gain, and nothing to lose, by SUP
porting Mr.. Bell. If l belonged to the
Southern Rights party. and believed that
revolution, or secession, was the only remedy
for wrongs and expressions. existing or i'm
pending, l should vote for John Bell;
because revolution, TO be successful.
must be attempted by an united people
We do not believe as they do-thaf may
ho mis-
their success impossible. They must begin
the work by satisfying us that they have
right and justice on their side; they must
discard every appearance of bullying; they
must manifest some willingness to allow US
to try peaceful remedies. which we believe
will prove eficacious. If we succeed, they
ought to rejoice; if we fail, they will have
right to demand our cooperation in the more
energetic measures they propose. In this
way, and in this way alone il is possible to
unite the South. The Union men of Ala
bama are not so mean spirited as to be dyiUeR
into rebellion. That is delusion which, if
it be INDUCED, must have a terrible ending.
Threats will accomplish no good; they may
inflame and excite, but they will intimidate
no one whose cooperation is worth having.
Argument now will be of little ay all 10 change
opinions which are so firmly fixed. The best
as 1t ought to be the easiest and most agree
able mode of bringing about an united pub
lie sentiment, Is, to give our measures u fair
trial. For eight years past, the Democracy
have had undisputed control of the Federal
and State Governments. They have confess
sediy failed to place our rights and interests
upon secure and satisfactory basis. Why
not let us try? Ii they gain nothing else
they remove from our minds all suspicion of
their sincerity, aud in the last resort secure
our Jealous assistance. If they do not deem
that assistance worth the sacrifice thew mnst
abide the consequences. L do not know what
they will be. and would not paint them if
did, | desire to keep as far off from making
threats as L am from trembling when they
are made by others.
Yours. truly,
JERE. CLEMENS.
To Chm Cor. Com. Marion B. & E. Club.