Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-08-21
The Canvass in the Fifth District.

FRANKLIN August IL, 1860
Nh. BURcH-DEAR SIR To-day was proud day
for that portion of the gallant Democracy of old
Williamson who convened here to listen to the de-
bate between Messrs.- Golliday,and Bate-a period
long to be cherished in memory's sacred page, on
account of the able, overwhelming and triumphant
vindication OF their party and principles by the
gifted, chivalrous and eloquent Bate.
At an early hour the masses began TO assemble
and by eleven O'Clock our capacious and magnificent
court house was literally filed by the honest yeo-
manry from every part of the country, anxiousy
seeking in these tempestuous and perous times the
truth and nothing but the truth.
Mr.. GOlliday, the Bell Douglas Eector, opened the
debate. He is fluent speaker, but not argumenta-
tive or logical His principal fort is in telling
anecdote 1t will be necessary, in order that our
friends may know the position assumed by each gen
tieman, to give brief summary of their speeches
Mr.. G. began by referring to the present condition
of the country, and futley endeavored to show that
the Democracy is responsible for the rise Of the
Black Republican party. Here will add that Mr..
G. announced that he, in certain contingencies,
would be in favor of resistance. Aye, Mr.. G., when
would you commence that resistance-when your
house is on fire. or your babe murdered, or would
you before that lamentable period?
Mr.. G. should know that there are very few dis
unonists per Sc and that he by making the announce
ment that he would resist the inauguration Of the
Garrisonian policy, is almost as bad disunonlst as
those he so bitterly denounces.
Mr.. G. was anxious to show the inconsistencies of
the Democratic party. He charged it with being in
favor of Squatter Sovereignty, in lS48. Well. Mr.
g., grant that they were is not this progressive
ageG But were they? No, no. Popular Sovereign
ty is not Squatter Sovereignty. And did they not
agree to stand by the bred Scott decision? Mr.. G..
failed to show anything pertaining to disunion in the
lives Of Breckenridge and Lane; he failed to show
anything of that description in the platform He
dared not attack it. He dared not define his candi-
dates position the territorial policy In fine his
effort was sophomore spread eagle, just suited to
an Ignorer.
Gen Bates speech was one of the happiest efforts
ever listened to; stirring thrilling and eloquent,
but logical. carrying conviction to every unbiased
mind that the principles of our party are the prin-
ciples upon which this Government must be admin
istered. Declaring unequivocally for the equal
ity of the States, he laid it down as an axiom
attic fact that all citizens had the right to take
any and every species of property to the com
mon Territory and there be protected in his rights
wherever it is requisite. and deed his competitor
to take issue with him. fear the General will find
some difficulty in getting Mr.. Golllday to take issue
with him on that point He (Gen. Bate may pour
hot Goals on the telrapin's back, but predict he
will not dare to show his head.
He proved from the record that the Democracy
of Tennessee-as expressed in resolutions adopted
by their members In the Legislature of l850-were
in favor of the identical principle incorporated in
the majority platform. John Bell was shown I'D in
his true character and the silly idea that the Breck
inridge party was disunion party, was shown to
be utterly without foundation.
Every position Golliday assumed was met and
he (G.) completely routed. The Opposition showed
it by their woe-begOne countenances and the De-
mocracy made it known by the liveliest manifesto
ton Of enthusiasm. Would to Heaven that every
man could have heard the able vindieation of our
principles, and the eloquent appeals he made to the
patriotism and intelligence of the masses. Just
such speeches the gallant Bate made here to-day
should be made if possible, in every precinct in the
Government. If so, our principles would be adopted
by unparalleled enthusiasm. He will chastjse Col
liday good, for his temerlty really pity the poor
fellow for he is clever and genial but it cannot be
helped-he has got himself into the scrape, and he
must submit. Believe me, our glorious ticket will
make q gain here. l feel confident of that Enter
tain no fears of our gallant champion; he will whip
his competitor at every point. Three times three,
Williamson sends greeting for Breckenridge and
Lane, the Constitution and the Union. OBSERVER