Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-01-18
Hon. W. Lafayette McCOnnicO and Col.
Addison =. Douglass.

Addison ~ Douglass
The preliminary meeting Of the delegates last
night was on many accounts an unusually interest
ing one But that which gave to it the greatest de-
gree Of interest, was the appearance in cur midst
of the distinguished gentlemen whose names stand
at the head Of this article. Mr. MCCONSICo has been
for the past two years, the Opposition Senator from
the Williamson district In the last Senate he was
deservedly the acknowledged leader Of his party.
Col DOUGLAS, the former Opposition Mayor Of Mem
phis, and two years ago the Opposition candidate
for the Senate in the Shelby district has from his
earliest manhood occupied a distinguished position
in the front rank OF political opponents in this
State.
Mr.. Speaker WHTTHoRNE, in the course Of his re-
marks to the Convention alluded to the fact that in
the recent State election he had for a competitor
one whose clarion voice for several years past had
been the buge-uote to rally to their standard the
Opposition to Democracy in the Opposition strong
hold Of Middle Tennessee In this last canvass the
gentleman to whom he referred had told the people
from every stump that bitterly as he had ever
fought Democracy when the time arrived for him
to act with the Democracy or act with the Black
Republicans, directly or indirectly, he would be
found struggling in the Democratic ranks. He was
pleased to see that competitor present andhe called
upon him TO say whether the time had not arrived
when he must either cast his lot with the Democracy
or aid and comfort the Black Republican party.
After the conclusion of Mr. WHuHoRNE's speech,
r. MCCoNNICo came to the stand amidst the most
Rpturous applause. He said he had made the
hedge and he stood there prepared and determined
% redeem it. Mr.. MCCONNTCO disclaimed any appro-
val Of Democratic policy in relation to general
easures. He was not a Democrat, but recent
events in Congress and out Of Congress had con
WINGED him that the time had arrived for every
Southern An, for every true patriot, North and
South, to disregard former 7rejudices, lay aside
former autipaties, and until Black Republicanism
was sent bowling to its opprobrious den rally under
the Democratic standard. and keep step to the music
of the Constitution and the Union.
Mr. MCCoEyCo' SAID that he should be heralded to
the world in less than twenty-four hours as rene
gade to his party. lie knew that he should receive
from many of his dearest friends but a cold and
formal shake Of the hand. He deeply regretted
that such should be the case but the dearest Of all
things to him was his native South, and there
no ordeal through which he would not pass to main
tain those rights which had been guaranteed to her
by the Constitution framed by our fathers. Mr..
MCCoNNIco spoke at some length, but as we hope to
have the pleasure Of laying before our readers
more correct report of his speech we will not do
him the injustice to attempt further sketch Of it
Col DorGlAs Of Memphis was called out after
the speech of Mr.. glenn, and most eloquently did
he respond. He. too. like NcCoyNIco, had fought
Democracy as long as he was only fighting party,
but when be found that in striking Democracy he
rave a blow to his country, he grounded his arms
and enlisted under the banner Of the only organiza-
tionlNurth or South in which there was any hope
for the constitutional rights of the South and the
preservation of the Union. Black Bepublicanism
could and must be driven to the wall, and the only
party now making war upon them was the Democ-
racy. The Southern Opposition were but attempt
ing to parry the blows aimed by the Democracy at
Black RePubcansm.
We regret exceedingly that time and space do not
permit us to say more Of the truly eloquent. soul
stirring appeals of these gentlemen.
Az ArrEN To THE CHRISTIAN PuBIIc-We find the
following card in the NATIONAL IyrELLrGENcER Of the
18Th inst:
The undersigned, an aged minister of the gospel
being deeply impressed with present critical and
perilous state of the country would most earnestly
request all ministers of the gospel throughout the
length and breadth of the land that they will unite
with hm at or near noon of each day. lthc hour for
Congress 10 meet) and pray to the God of the toun
ders and trainers of this Republic that He would
mcrcitully iuteTpusc his strong arm of power and
save our beloved country from the anarchy and
confusion that now threatens us and that they will
read this card To their congregations and request
them TO do likewise.