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

mental to the interests of the State and its people.
We have great work before US let US perform
it like men of sense and reason and high moral
courage Let US strive to put away the prejudices
and passions of the past, and labor for glOrius
and happy future. Let us keep the main end in
view and permit no trivial obstacle TO interpOse
between US and its accomplishment. Let US sink
the PartzaE in the heroic character OF the patriot
To the voters Of the Fourth Congregational
District of Tennessee.
In announcing myself as candidate for the
position of delegate Ia the Provisional Congress,
and soliciting your suffrages in my favor, hold
it to be my duty to make known the general prin-
ciples / shall maintain if elected
The right of the people to determine the character
of their own institutions can only be secured by
the selection Of such representatives as will faith
fully reflect their will in order do this it is their
duty to require of each candidate that he shall de-
clare frankly and candidly his views Ny personal
qualifications and history are known to the great
majority OF you, and wilhcut further or ether rt
ference thereto, may be permitted to state, that
for twelve years, Except a term Of two years.) 1
have represented portion Of the Fourth Congress
sional district in both branches Of the General As
sembly, to their satisfaction as | am assured.
believe that the struggle in which the South is
now engaged is holy and Just one, the last it may
be, that constitutional liberty may ever make. The
spirit of tanaticism IN which the Black Republican
party was born and educated, had even yet before
and well regulated government, but 1 did not des-
pair of the Republic until the Presidents treaehe
ny in regard 10 Fort Sumpter, and his subsequent
proclamation, demonstrated, that all hope Of free
government abided with those Of the South who
claimed the great right exercised By our fathers,
when in 1875 they declared themselves independent
of the usurpations of the British Government. l
warmly supported the preparatory steps taken by
the General Assembly of your State, leading TO the
separation of Tennessee from the old Government,
81 nTA
voted for separation and representation, Believing
that the honor and interests of the State demanded
that this course should be taken. am equally as
decided IN my support and advocacy OF the adoption
Of the permanent constitution of the Confederate
States This is necessary in order that we may be
politically identified with brethren of the South
Nc objection can be made to that instrument 1t is
the old constitution amended in some few particu-
lars. These amendments admitted to be i'm
prOvemens, and now the constitution Of the Coined
crate States stands cOnfessedly the greatest work
that political wisdom has ever produced. There
being no serious objection to any Of its parts, it is
apprehended that opposition to its adoption viii
be offered, save from those who 60 not heartily en-
dOrse the movement IN winch we are engaged Ev-
ery indication from France and England warrants
the belief thata hearty cooperation Of the States
now resisting the Government presided over by
Abraham Lincaln will induce their recognition as an
independent power by those Governments within
very short time. This recognition establishes be-
crate States of America. A Government larger in
extent of territory than any of those of Europa,
save one with thrice the population of the thirteen
colonies at the conclusion Of their war Of independ
ence with resources, never before possessed or
enjoyed by any people, and above and beyond all
this free popular Institutions.
To secure our independence, and successfully es>
tablish this Government, believe 1t IS necessary
that every effort of our sOldery and every resource
of cur people should be called into requisitiOn l
shall favor the most vigorous measures of resis
lance, and, am prepared TO support every PROPOSE
ion that will most efectualy repel the Northern
Invaders of Southern soil If in their madness the
Northern rulers should not grant us peace after we
shall have successfully driven them back, then l
shall favor that policy which viii soonest conquer
it. The South desires peace. She asks only to be
let alone. IL granted then il is the part OF wisdom
that she should cultivate friendly relatO ns with all
other Governments. By liberal commercial trea-
ties, and tariff, with her peculiar resources be-
lieye the South can etsctuay secure peace for her
sons in all coming time, and shall consequently
favor them.
This war has developed q state Of hostility on the
part Of the Northern people towards Us, and de
monstrated that our habits and opinions are ire
conclable; believing this, it is due to you that
reconstruction Of the Government, nor do believe
that Union with the great majority of the Northern
States is desirable.
l have thus Hlainly and frankly giSsu to you, fel
low citizens, my views and only promise you,
that if elected viii faithfully adhere to them. Ii
your choice shall favor anOther's claims, shall
Obedidently respect your voice.
Respectfully, your fellow citizen,
JAMES N. SHED.