Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-05-28

The MAYoRALTY.-At present AID. Samuel
T. Morgan is the only announced candidate for
the office of Mayor, at the election one month
from tomorrow. It is understood that Mr.
Park, the present Mayor, will offer himself for
reelection. We lave heard ths names of 9TH
ers as intending to become candidates-all
parties who have tried the experiment before,
and some of whom have as much chance Of
winning as they have of falling heir to building
lots in the moon. We earnestly hope this use
less display of candidates will not be made this
election. Experience has shown that the scrub
race system does not work well. II enables any
one or two wards tha. viii attach themselves to
particular candidate to carry the election their
own way, by which means a minority, and not
the majority, are represented in the principal
Office within the gift Of the people. This is a
peculiar time, and unusual events are ahead Of
US, and petty personal ambition sh uld for once
give way to devotion to the interests and char
acter of the city. If candidate ca I be found
who is able to represent the city in any contin-
gency with dignity, frmness and prudence, let
him be elected without factious opposition
that furthers the objects of maneuverers only,
and is injurious to the true interests of the city
DESC hARGED AS we anticipated, Mr.. Merri-
man, jeweler of this city, was yesterday dis
charged from the custody in which he has been
detained for two or three days. Much pleasure
is expressed at his liberation; for such a quiet
and retired manner of living, personal virtues,
and unostentstious but extensive benevolence as
his, are not ordinarily the qualities of traitors
and conspiTators. Mr.. Merriman's arrest was
the consequence of the arrest of Mr.. Smith at
Grand Junction, he having with him some busi,
ness relations. The following copy of the state
ment made by the military examiner, and report
ed to headquarters, win make the matter under.
stood:
W J. Smith states that he was arrested at
Grand Junction on the 23d inst that there is no
charge against him, except that when asked 10
read and express his OPT ion about Buffers pro-
clamation IN New Orleans he denourced il in
as strong language as he could express, but at
the same time gave it as his opinion that il was
inprudent in the ladies Of New Orleans to draw
their dresses aside and turn up their noses at
Federal officers they passed them on the street;
that he thought the proper way for them to show
their contempt was to pass them in silence, and
not invite them to their houses; that he stated,
that he thought it proper for US to treat the Fed
erals in New Dreams as we would wish to be
treated in Cincinnati
l have also examined Mr. Smiths letter book
as far back as March and February, 1861, and
find letters written to his friends in England,
Illinois and Mississippi. in which he expresses
great love for the United States, but, at the same
time, denouncing the aggression Of the North
upon the South, and expressing himself strongly
in favor of the secession in the event OF such
actions on the part of tie North as have since
taken place
Irecommend that Mr. Smith be at once re-
leased and permitted TO go home to his business.
Since writing the foregoing, have care
fully examined the letters written TO Mr.. J. E.
Merriman and ]. L Chadwick I do not find
ANYTHING in them 10 convict Smith of any greater
otfense than great desire to save their property,
make the best invt stments they could TO have,
after this wreck of matter and crush of worlds,
as much left as possible Of the comforts of this
life. A religious spirit also pervades the whole
correspondence, so that it is palpable that the
parties, while preparing for the present. have not
lost sight of the future existence. do not think
the Confederate States would be benefited by
srresting or imprisoning such men for such of
fenses as are proved in this case by the cores
pondence.
rSigned1 b. B. WADDELL,
Assistant Inspector General.
CoRNTH, Miss.