Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-06-07

agree 70 deal with the same elements Of dscoFd ior
they existed then as now as our fathers dealt with
them, we shah but a very few years longer be even
nOminally brethren Of one family. The suggestion
that the Union can be maintained by the numerical
preponderance and military proves Of one section
eXeried to coerce the other into submission, is IN
my Judgement as sefcontradictory as i IS danger
Gus. Il comes loaded with the death-smell from
fields wet with brothers blood. If the vital pflnci-
pie of all Republican government IS the consent
Of the governed" much more does union Of CO.
equal sovereign States require its basis, the har
mOny Of Its members, and their voluntary co-opera-
ton in its organic functions.
Believing for these reasons, that healing counsels
must be listened to, if we are much longer 70 re-
main one people, regard the late National Union
Convention as a movement in the right direction. 4
could wish that it had been earlier assembled Win
less exclusive reference to official nominations snq
with more comprehensive representation, II posi-
bic, Of the conflicting opinions, OF the country On
general principles and in ordinary times. I admit
that third parties Objectionable, but 10 the exist
ing state Of affairs if there Is to be any escape from
the present i-omened conflict, 1t would seem that q
commencement must be made with such meeting
as that Of the 9th and 10th at Baltimore. 1t was
fair opiniOn Of the conservative opinion Of the
country. and the calmness gravity and good feeling
with which its proceedings We're conducted cannot
be too highly praised.
In adopting as its platform the Constitution with
ont note CT comment, the Convention, it seems TO
course was thought Of in the earlier days Of the Re
public Electoneering platforms are almost with
out exception eguiYOcal ard delusive. 1t Is OBJ
iected that men differ as to the meaning of the fun
damental Laws but they differ not less 70 any gloss
OF commentary. The Constitution, in its fair and
natural Interpretation, is the only basis on which
good citizens every part Of the country can now
unite and any attempt to go further viii usually
have no other effect than to cause those who agree
on great political principles to differ on metayhysi-
cal subletes or to bring together, by artful con-
structed phrases and fern selfish motives those
who have nothing else IN common.
The candidate fer the Presidency presented by the
Union party is every way worthy Of confidence and
support. 1 speak from personal knowledge and long
association with him in public service. His distin-
guished talent large experience in affairs proved
integrity and sterling patriotism furnish the ampest
pledge for and honest and efficient administration Of
the Government at home and abroad. A citizen Of
the South an loyal to her constitutional rights his
impartial and cOnciliatOry course as q public man
affords a ground on which he can be supported in
either section of the country without derelctiOn Of
principle and by men Of all parties without pain
fol sacrifice Of former preferences.
Deeply regretting that the Convention has not putt
in my power to pay an equally cordial and emphatic
tribute TO worthy candidate for the Vice Pres
ldeEcy, but feeling it a duty to give the desired
proof Of sympathy with their patriotic efforts to
restore the happy days Of brOtherly concord be-
tween the different sections Of our beloved country.
/ remain, dear sir sincerely yours,
EDWARD EVERETT.