Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-10-19
THE LEGISLATURE.

4 q
A Card from Col g. ". Blackburn
To the Voters of MAury, Lewis, Hickman, and
DoLuMBIA, Team, Oct. ~, 1870
FELLOW CITIzRss: Having consented to
become candidate for the State Senate,
from the Senatorial District composed of
the counties of Msury, Lewis, Hickman
and Dickson, and being unable to appear
before you personally, because of the
shortness of the time that interYenes be-
tween now and the 9Th proximo, the day
of election, L avail myself of the privilege
of addressing to you this circular, liz
which 1 shall frankly Get forth,
or ayow, my political principles,
etc. For, our Government 4 having
vested its Supreme Power in
the hands of the People-it being essen
TALLY "the government of the people,
By the people and for the peo-
pte"-it becomes not only a priVi-
Iege, but it is the duty of the people,
themselves being Judge-to choose for
themselves, from among Themselves,
their public servants. These propositions
being true, the necessity of properly
understanding the political principles of
the applicant for Office, and bis ability to
discharge the duties of the same, and of
being satisfied with regard to the honesty
and integrity of his character is apparent.
The foregoing being-in my opinion
fundamental truths, proceed to state:
First, that did not, either seek or desire
the nomination, but having been solicited
by many of my fellow-citizens from the
counties composing the district to become
candidate; and finally, having been
nominated by Republican Convention
held in this place on the 18th inst, ac-
cepted the nomination. Second, That,
in politics, was, long before the war,
during the war, and now am, essentially
and m'aeqotioOcaLky, Republican, and
Union man-always-u cOnditiOnaILy
Have been from my earliest childhood
opposed to slavery.
1t is proper to state here, that the war
was neither the creator nor modifer of
my political principles, but that they were
formed during the years of peace, when
the cable-tow of moral agency was ex-
tended to us all; in those days when it
was said, "Choose ye this day whom you
will serve"
My political principles are essentially
my own. They are the impressions made
on my mind and my soul, by reading the
soul-stirring sayings of the Fathers of the
RepubIic-by studying the Bible, Way.
lands and Paley's Moral Science, Shak- |
speare and other books written in the
interest of truth and humanity. They |
are to me 'tixed facts l believe they |
are right, as Baron DeKalb did, when he |
thanked God that he died the death of a
soldier, ''fighting for the Rights of Man."
and as Marion did when he told the |
British officer that in order to secure them
to humanity he was willing to fight the |
battle of freedom without pay and with |
nothing to eat but roasted potatoes.
The Republican party is the only Ma
tional party that ever existed in this
country, the distinctive principles of |
which proposed to give to Nan his po-
litical rights and it certainly is, in my
opinion, the only National political party
now in the United States deserving the
confidence and support of the American
people. But l must close this address.
F6ILoa0- Citizens, While thus addressing
you as candidate for the State Senate,
permit me to assure you that am fully
aware of the responsibilities that will rest
upon me if elected; also that, if elected,
shall address myself to the duties
deyclVing on me, as l did during
The two years that l served
he State as Engrossing Clerk
Of the House of Representatives, and the
.hree years, one month and twelve days
hat served the State in the capacity of
of the Treasury. / never
studied political principles with any other
aim than that of preparing myself to do
my whole duty to my country, and never
one that did not religiously
believe to be necessary to the permanent
and happiness of the people /;
md l am prepared to say that my expe-
fence in public life has not taught me
hat my political principles disqualifies
ne from working in the interest of the
OhOle people on the Temple of Freedom.
Your fellow-citizen,
Il