Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-04-29
THE NEXT GOVERNOR.
Sketch Of Hon. Emerson Etheridt

Mr.. Etheridge is, we believe, native
Of North Carolina, though his whole lite,
from youth, has been spent in this State,
and in that section where he now resides.
He first entered public life as a member
ofthe Legislaturel in ls45, defeating the
candidate Of the opposing party in the
face Of an overwhelming majority. He
even then gave evidence of the force of
character and talent which has since
matured him into one of the doxterous
and powerful political disputants that has
ever appeared upon the hustings in this
country. In 1854 he was elected to
Congress, and held the position for two
terms, during which time he achieved a
national reputation as one of the most
thoroughly informed public men of the
time, as a .skilllul, courageous and elo-
quent debater. He was one Of the few
members who always commanded the
attention of the House, and left that great
theater the acknowledged master of every
weapon in the forensic armory, argument,
invective wit and satire. In 1857 he was
defeated in a contest with Hon. j. d. c.
Atkins an able, popular gentleman, a
result in great degree attributable to
the over confidence of his friends. But,
two years afterwards, he defeated the
same opponent in the most memorable
contest ever waged in this State, char
acterized, however, by knightly
courtesy on both sides equal to its ability
and fierceaess.
1t was during this term Of service that
the political troubles of the country cul-
minated in the civil war Mr.. Ether
idge's previous public career had been
one of steadfast opposition to both of the
mischievous sectionalisms whose col
lision had produced that calamity. His
conviction of duty led him to espouss
the cause of the government, and with
his accustomed boldness he took that
position, and throughout the struggle
maintained it with energy and fidelity.
He was made Clerk Of the House of
Representatives in 1861, and in Washing
ton city gave his whole personal and po-
ltical influence to the support of the war
for the Union. He never, however, in a
single act, or for a moment, forgot con.
servatism, or sunk the character Of the
earnest patriot into that of fanatic or
Radical He went to war to preserve
and uphold the Constitution and the
Government, and not to destroy and
overthrow them in a wild crusade against
the rights and liberties of the people. This
is the position he occupies to-day before
the people of Tennessee, as the unani.
mously chosen candidate of the Conser-
vative masses. His clear intelligence de-
tected the first manifestations of the de-
moniac Radicalism now rampant in the
country, even before the close of the war,
and it did not elude his we'll directed blows
He has struck at it in every guise and
shape that it has assumed since; and
now in the bold and terrific despotism it
has declared he confronts it as the ac-
credited leader of the people of Tennes-
see.
We are assured that Mr.. Etheridge
will promptly enter upon a thorough
canvass Of the State, and continue in
the held until August. The feeble
health of his competitor, of course for
bids any prospect of discussion between
them, much to the regret of the Conserv-
atives. In his career, however, it is
probable that he will be met by some
one, but his friends have no fear that
their cause will suffer in his hands; for
they account him the peer of any in or
out of the State; and do not doubt, that
if properly sustained, he will prove him
self a powerful instrumentality in the
redemption of the State, and the restora-
ton of the lost freedom of her people.
-NashriIe Union and Dispatch, lin.