Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-07-04
The Aueust ELECTION.

The cid machinery of party having worn out, or
been superseded by the free voice of the people,
the citizens in various counties of the State with
out recognizing past party distinctions have held
public meetings, and, so far as we have observed,
have unanimously expressed the wish that the
present distinguished incumbent of the Executive
Office Of Tennessee, IsHAM G. HARRIS should consent
to serve them for one more term It has not hither
to been a custom for the Governor of the State to
seek or consent to second reelection though, by
the Constitution citizen is eligible for three terms
out of four. There has been no exception to this
rule, excepting in the case of Gov. VIZ. CARROLL,
whe held the Office, we believe, for six years in
succession 1t is believed, however, that this Gus
tom has arisen out of Discrimination in the incum-
bents to serve longer in the Executive chair, and
not from any jealousy, by the people, of an abuse
of power, by too long tenure of office. 1t is
within our personal knowledge that the present
Executive is anxious to be released from the letters
of Office, and that consent, on his part to serve a
third term viii involve heavy sacrifices of feeling
and of interest. All who know his often reiterated
expressions on the subject, to all who have ap-
proacked him, will bear testimony to the sincerity
and earnestness with which he deprecates a re-
election But in the present position of affairs when
Tennessee, as q member of the Confederate States,
is engaged IN war of defence, for her rights lib
critics, and independent existence when her militia
~ and financial resources, which have been organ
lied and have received direction under his hand,
are familiar perhaps to no other man IN the State
and when it viii require some time for new in
eumbent to sufficiently inform himself of their con-
dition, the popular sentiment unmstakably de-
of him m auain Ia fba sacrifice of HE
time and talents and to permit himself to be voted
for once more for the responsible position which he
has so ably, satisfactorily and worthily filed. In
obedience to that sentiment, whose embodiment has
found expression in the public press in the record
of all the public meetings that have been held we
this morning place the name Of Gov. HARRIS at the
head of our columns the candidate, we are sure,
of en- overwhelming majority of the people of Ter
Dessee for the Chief Executive Office Of the State.
Ia doing so, we have not asked the con-
sent of Gov. HARRIS. But we have felt
certain, that while he is not willing to regard him
self as g candidate by his own act. he will not de-
cline position which, for such overwhelming rea>
sons, it is deemed essential for him to occupy. It
is proper that his countrymen should understand,
in the outset, that for obvious reasons he cannot,
in the present perilous condition of the country,
abandon his post and undertake canvass. Nor do
his feow-eitizens desire any political electioneer
ing now. There are higher and more manly du>
ties for every patriot to perform. And especially
IS it desirable that those who placed at posts of
responsibility should stand at the helm and
direct the movements of the vessel of
State over the storm-waves that surround her.
There never was a time in our history when it was
l., Al,
and animate the counsels of our countrymsn. A
generous confidence should inspire the hearts Of
the people in those who are selected to lead
them. While they shonld not fail to point out
and condemn any fatal Encouragement or miscon-
duct in Office, they should at the same time, re
move far from them hypercritical factous and idle
complaints and animadversions Our public serv-
ants have q hard and responsible career before
them. When they manifest a spirit of patriotism
and eYince energy, determination and capacity,
they should be cheered instead of discouraged by
the voice of their countrymen, in tho presence of
q boasting and insolent foe.
We are aware that this encouraging unanimity is
not to be expected, even at period fraught with
the highest interests of the State. Many honestly
and sincerely, others from factous and selfish mo-
tIyes. differ from a policy of the highest wisdom.
But this partial dscord is inevitable where free
dom unfolds Its sacred banner. 1t is the privilege
of free citizen to think and act as inconsistency
IS he NAV choose or as wise as he can.
There were Hooks to disturb the revolutionary
ora There were GATES and CoNwAYs to throw
instructions in the pathway of the Revolutionary
leaders. And there were differences honestly en-
tertsined also, to mar the unity Of council In tte
Gays of 76. These must be met win resOluuoh
gn5 with a sincere desire to make them harmless
We know there are some who have other prefer
ences. They have right to entertain them. But
when the voice of the people is heard in distinct
uttersnces, on the LIST of August, they viii bow To
its edict, if they be patriots. If they be faenOus
demagogues, they viii continue their occupation q
sgtatiOn