Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-07-05
THE AVALANCHE AND THE DEW0c-
RACY.

1t is respectfully suggested that the
Avalanche, under its present auspices, Is
an Indifferent exponent of the principles,
objects and intentions of the Democratic
party, and fair and candid representa-
ton from it of the proposed action OF
that party in the selection of eminent
iurists for seats on the Supreme Bench
is not to be expected The leading arti-
Gle in Sunday issue amply illustrates
this. We annex the opening portion OF
the article, and ask any frank, intelligent
gentleman ie it should not suffuse the
face of the writer with the blush of
shame2
The Judicisl Convention to be held at
Nashville TO nominate candidates for
Judges of the Supreme Court is now rep
resented to be exclusively partisan
convention, under the auspices OF pro-
scriptiye secession Democrats. con-
yention, as contemplated by resolutions
of meetings held in Upton, Fayette and
other counties, irrespective of parties,
and which the people desire, does not
suit the genius of an ex-secession leader
whose path 10 promotion of himself or
friends is sought to be made by the ex-
hausted machinery ofpast political labors
and tricks. There is not lawyer OF
eminent ability in the State who would
descend TO secure party nomination for
Judge of the Supreme Court.
The writer Of that paragraph well knew
that he was not representing the proposed
convention fairly 1t cannot be that he
is so blinded by his present party aftilia-
tons as not to perceive that he was wan
dering from the direct path of truth, and
supplying what his past associations
must have assured him could not be, in
stead of the probable result of the delib-
erations of the assemblage composed of
men who seek only the general welfare
and to accomplish that, wish to exclude
radicalsm from the Bench, where IT
could not prove otherwise than danger
Gus. If it be the purpose Of the Ava
lanche, and its course maniiests such
disposition, TO create differences OF
opinion among the people, who shonld
he united, that one or more Radicals may
succeed. or whole Bench Of Radicals
NAV be elected, it could not be more
earnestly directed. To place the matter
in the mildest form, the entire Rad
zeal or semi-Radcal editor, which
ever it may be, does not desire
that true, honest, patriotic judi
ciary shall be chosen; for that would
bring stability to our institutions and es-
tablish peace and harmony. among our
people, a condition of things by no
means coveted By the Radicals or by
those who expect to profit by theF sue
cess. If II will do that paper and its con-
ductors any good they may save them
selves any more trouble in such idle
speculations as have been by them indus
triously circulated, as the Democratic
Convention at Nashville will nominate
no second or third-rate man, on account
of his war record, or partisan proclivities,
but men eminently endowed by character
and ability for the station, and incapa-
BILE of misconstruing constitutions or
laws TO suit the convenience Of party
drill. Why does not this discontinued
anti-Democrat inform his readers as to
his choice2 Can he point to Radical
who should be 20 invested with judicial
authority? If not. then whence
the anxiety end solieitude that
the political organization which is
believed to be the superior in mum
bers, shall not select men of its own
organization, of unquestioned integrity,
of practical knowledge, of legal attain
ments and character above reproach? 1t
is an easy matter for those to whom the
path of rectitude is not plain, or is too
direct for their tortuous meanderings, to
suggest difficulties that their wishes con-
jure up, but we think there is too much
good sense in the people TO be deluded
by their sophistries, or deceived by their
pretended unselfshneSs. They set out
10 disorganize and distract. If practicable,
and prevent a union Of the Democratic
Conservative elements. Is it possible
they can sncceed9 win they be heark-
ened to, whose only aim is gain, and that
by propitiating Radicalism by attempt
ing TO SOW discord in Democratic ranks
in which they had once been sheltered
and from which they have only Of iata
seceded9 They may be incendiaries, but
they certainly are not seraeiOus and can
did. Their pretended soiieitade for the
public Welfare is rank hypocrisy.
A CASE IN POINT.
When there arc several aspirants for