Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-09-07
Gov. Foote In Richnond.

Gov. Foote sddressed,a large sudissce forshours,
in Richmond, on Thursday Of last week. II was
an eloquent and mastery defence Of Douglas, and
equally powerful castiga,on Of the Breckinridge-
Yancey Disunonists, whom he showed to 10 mere
faction having the most wicked and hellish designs
against this Gcsersassnt While he svowed this
preference for Douglas, he distinctly set forth that
those who charge BSLL and EyERrir. with unsound-
ness are either knaves or fools.
The Richmond Wing thus relates tho particulars
Of scene that occurred at the opening Of the speech:
lie said that before he entered upon the discuss
ion Of issues connected with the Presidential contest
he deemed Il cxpedent to pay his respects to mat
ter to which his attention had an hour or two since
been attracted He understood that n some one of
the city newspapers, (he dad not know which, for
he had not himself seen it, a notice had appeared
that there would be controversy here to ght boz
tween one Of the editors Of the RichnoAd Enquirer
Mr.. o. Jennings Wise, and himself He had not
been consulted on this subject, nor hsd his friends
as he was informed previous 70 the publication of
the notice referred to- and he further learned that
his political friends here had at once assumed the
position that no such controversy that thus ncer
enormously promised should occur Hesaid that he
felt not tho least embarrassment in the world about
the affair. lie had not yet had the honor of even
being introduced to the gentleman ia question ;tho'
he did not doubt his merits and Qualifications. or
bis familiar acquaintance with the questions arising
for consideration bis capacity for discussing them
with ability, and eloquence, and In rnaaner alike
interesting and instructive 20 those now assembled
de begged leave to decline the honor of the meet
ing proposed, for reasons quite satisfactory to him
self and which he did not at all doubt would be
equally satisfactory to Others. He had the other
day thrown down the gauntlet 70 his former asso-
cistes in the Senate, Mr.. Mason and Mr. Hunter,
either OF whom he should be willing 20 meet in pos
ltical controversy whensoever be should learn that
such conflict was desired by them. There was
another worthy and accomplished debater In Vr-
glnia, gentleman for whom he had long cherished
asncere and hearty regard, the Hon. Henry A. Wise
late Governor of the Commonwealth. He had ho-
ped that the gentleman might yet become satisfied
that 1t was bis duty as patriot to unite with the
National Democracy in support of Douglas and john
SON. lie should greatly prefer TO cooperate with
him in the support of what he could not but deem
the UNION cause OF the country, TO meeting him up-
on the arena Of controversial strife as supporter
Of Breckenridge and Lane.
But after what had now SO unexpectedly occur
red he felt bound to say that should il be tho wish
Of the renowned father of the co-editor Of the En-.
qurer to meet him in friendly and courteous debate
he should not shrink from the encounter; though he
felt most sensiby his inferiority as public speeker
to the distinguished gentleman named IN such a
cause, he said feel quite confident that even any
luulfluuai OF my moderate and limited powors-
would be likely to prove triumphant over Demos.
themes himself could be raised from the dead and
re-imbued with his wondrous oratorcal faculties.
am under promise to return TO Virginia again during
the Presidential contest and shall, ii my health
hold out, canvass, in regular manner, rony of the
populous counties, when, under suitable crcumstan-
ces, shall ever be found willing to accommodate
controversial customers. For the present, / shall
only say to the youthful editor OF the Enquirer,
that have son at Nashville, of my own name,
who is quite as creditably informed In the politics
OF the day who has had some little experience in
public speaking, and who | am confident would be
quite willing to meet him in discussion whenever
be can learn that such q wish is entertained.
lin the course of these remarks various interrup-
tons occurred-much excitement was manifest
Mr.. Wise who was in the gallery rose to speak, but
the noise of the crowd drowned his voice, when
Gov. Foote, in the manner stated in our issue of
yesterday, ntcrposed and bcsought the audience 10
hear him; when Mr.. Wise explained his position as
heretofore published declaring his willingness to
meet the son OF Gov. Footc, but said he could not
be expected TO go to Tennessee for the purpose
The Gov. then suggested that If Mr.. Wise desired it,
his son should meet him in Virginia. This iermin-
ated the scene.)