The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-03-05

Sherman. At one time he ) rear
Montgomery at another within 40
miles of Mobile and yet another--re-
treating 10 yieksburg They win learn
his destination N duo time-tO their
sorrow.
Independen. EOtIng.---The Trae Test.
We presume that few VIII disagree
with US, when we state that all our
troubles are to be attributed to the cor
rupt macbinatious Of politicians, who
looked only to their own interest, and
who were prepared to sacrifice that Of
the public, whenever The two conAicted.
We're it necessary to prove this, we could
bring testimony which would be over
whelming;' but tho proposition viii
scarcely be disputed, and it IS useless TO
consume space in establishing position,
which, If not selfevident, is at least uni
versally admitted
But how did these men, themselves at
once contemplate in numbers. and
social standing, accomplish so much ?
How did they succeed in oyerturning
the very foundations Of society, and
precipitating the people Of eleven States
into rebellion II was through a pro
cess well known to the political world
it was through forestaling the independ-
ont action Of the mass Of voters, by
means Of political conventions, which
were controlled by politicians, and in
which the people were ignored. IRE
sponsible oaucuses, held by irTesponsi-
bic persona, for llegitimate endss--and
al ends are illegitimate which are not
for the public good-haye been the real
fountains, whence we2re now imbibing
bitter drafts.
After a regeneration which has
cost US much blood, Is it polite
now again 70 encourage q system
which viii lead 10 more anarehy-more
blood? There il no truer truism--if
thatexpression be admissible-tlIan that
hike causes produce ike effects; and
II tho intelligence and patriotism Of
the country do not prove themselves
superior to the dictations Of King eau
Gus, we must ever expect 10 see the
public interest subordinated 70 that
Of a few designing individuals; and the
measure Of the subordination viii be
in precisely the same proportion with
the demands Of politicians
An election comes off today twill
be the first, Of any Importance, since
the occupation Of the city by the ma
tional troops; and it is essential that
the people should, in taking the first
step, take it in the right direction;
should act and vote independently
There are several candidates for each
of the principal Offices and among
these there are MANI good men and
while We would not dictate, if we could,
the.action Of any man, weyet feel war
ranted in throwing ont some sugges-
tons to the people as TO what should
govern them IN making their choice.
The first and paramount considera-
tion is, as to the loyalty Of the party.
No man should receive 4 vote who is
not unequivocally for the Union, the
Constitution, and the enforcement Of
the laws no one should be trusted who
talks Of negotiation with traitors in arms;
none should receive consideration
who viii not fully and unequivocally
sustain the war until the rebellion is
suppressed.
To elect one who is not in sympathy
with the government, at this time, to
any important Office, VIII be indeed
calamity. There are many methods by
which they might give aid and comfort
TO their friends in the South-to the
rebels in arms ways in which they
could bring on a conflict Of jurisdiction
between the civil and military author
titles, and thereby encourage treason.
We therefore urge Union voters 10 be-
ware Of the men whom they support;
70 ascertain who are, and who are not,
good, and true men, before casting their
ballots
After that, inquire as 70 their qualiG-
cations for Office If they are compe-
tent and loyal, and faithful to the inter
ests Of the people, let nothing more be
asked Listen 70 no dictation from
cAucusos If any ticket presented by
one Of these irresponsible bodies is Of
fered you, examine the LIST Of candi-
dAtes; and if men are found who
ere the superiors of their rivals, support
them, even though backed by suoh
corrupt political machine the caudi-
dates may not be responsible for the
action Of selfconstituted friends. But
do not let the cry Of regular nomina-
tion" influence you in the least, in your
choice You are a free man, and may,
if ven viii, act az free man and if
you would preserve your liberties, you
must 50 act
Wehave sn abiding faith in the people
In their intelligence, their discriuina-
tion, and their determination hence
forth to take matters in their own
hands, and TO leave mere politicians in
the back ground Whenever this is
done, the country viii be safe-but not
till then
The Louisiana Election.
The latest intelligence from New Or
leans is to the effect that about 10000
votes, or one fourth as many as were
ever cast in tho State, were gwen for