The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1860-11-02
From the Marion American.
Letter from Hon. Jere Clemens

HUNTSVILLE, oct. llth, looO.
Dear Sir: 1t is too soon as yet to form
an opinion as to what effect the news from
Pennsylvania will have Upon our pros
poets. II ought to increase our strength,
and think 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 conclusion that all their
professions of desire to see the South
united, are hollow and false. 1t is in
their 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 accomplish
ed; and in the second, the Douglas men
will never support him, even if we were
willing to do so. The South can be united
upon Mr.. Bell. Let them, therefore come
to us if they really desire an union of the
South and have not been using that cry
simply for electioneering purposes.
know very well that some of the lead
ers of the Southern Rights party will al
lcge that they are not satisfied with some
of Mr.. Bells votes, and say that they
doubt his soundness upon the slavery
question. | think probable that some OF
them actually believe the absurd accusa-
ton, for know that men under high
excitement may work themselves up to a
belief in anything. But even these men,
il they are capable of one moments dis
passionate reflection, must see that they
have everything to gain, and nothing to
lose, by supporting Mr.. Bell. III belong
ed to the Southern Rights party. and be-
lieved that revolution, or secession, was
the only remedy for wrongs and oppres-
sions, existing or impending, ! should
vote for John Bell because revolution,
to be successful must be attempted by an
united people. We do not believe rs they
do-that may be our misfortune-but it
certainly renders their success impossible
They must begin the work by satisfying
us that they have right and justice on
their side; they must discard every APP.
pearance of bullying; they must manifest
some willingness to allow us to try peace
ful remedies, which we believe will prove
eflicacious. 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 this way alone, it is possible
to unite the South. The Union men of
Alabama are not so mean spirited as to be
difre1 into rebellion. That is delusion
which, if it be INDUCED, must have ater-
rible ending. Threats will accomplish no
good; they may inllame and excite, but
they will intimidate no one whose CO.
operation is worth having. Argument
now will be of little avail to change opin-
ons which are so firmly fixed. The best,
as it ought to be the easiest and most
agreeable mode of bringing about an
united public sentiment, is, to give our
measures fair trial. For eight years
past, the Democracy have had undis-
puted control of the Federal and State
Governments. They have conlessedly
failed to place our rights and interests
upon secure and satisfactory basis
Why not let us try? If they gain moth
ing else, they remove from our minds all
suspicion of their sincerity, and in the
last resort secure our jealous assistance.
If they do not deem that assistance worth
the sacrifice, they must abide the conse-
auences. do not know what they will
be, and would not paint them if | did. -
desire to keep as far Off from making
threats as | am from trembling when
they are made by others.
Yours, truly, .