Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1871-07-05
TENNESSEE POLITICS.


There is a popularity about Tennessee
politics, which, in our opinion, does not
manifest itself so forcibly and so striking
ly in any other State. The contests in
former days between Whiggery and DEM
ocracy were vigorous, and well calculated
to develop points of difference sharply,
and in n way to form well developed di-
Viding lines between members of the two
existing parties. There are few men who
witnessed the contests between Neil S.
Brown and Aaron V. Brown; or between
the former and Mr.. Trousdale, or between
Andrew johnson and the Eagle Orator,
Gustavus A. Henry, or who heard Polk
upon one hand or James G.. Jones upon
the other, that will ever forget them.
Those were times when men took pro-
found interest in State politics. The diff
ference was so distnct-so striking that n
man could almost distinguish Wing from
Democrat by his personal appearance.
There was not much utilization, politically
speaking, between the parties then, and
the man who would betray his party al
most forfeited the respect of the opposite
party also. 1t was more matter of honor
then, we think, than now. These well
developed differences continued very sus-
ceptible, until the commencement of the
war. In the first onset the old Line
Wings, almost to man, were for standing
by the flag. They said, don't give up
the ship" But the waves of secession
rolled madly on, and the first shock of
war causeds UGH an upheaval, that reckon
ing was necessary to see where the cold
ship" stood, and where men stood. 1t
was found that the shock had thrown
these two different and distinct elements
together, and, by what appeared to many
to be the force of circumstances, the old
Wings were supporting secession schemes
with as much apparent zeal as the origi-
nal, incorporating Democrats.
When the war was over, and the rebel
lion had been suppressed, these Wings
were the first to accept the situation, and
while the old hard-shell Democracy were
sullen, morose, swearing they never would
accept the situation, the Old Line Wings
were always ready to accept that which
seemed for the best. So it seems, though
they were thrown together and acted to-
gether during the war. the points of differ
ence are yet perceptible. And, where the
Democracy have come into power, as they
have done in most of the Southern States, |
the old Wings have been kept in the back |
ground. 1t is true that John G. Brown !
was their choice for Governor, but he
would not have been, If they had not been
thoroughly convinced that he had the i'm
side track, and they could not help them
selves. Whenever policy dictates that |
they should hold fellowship with the
Wings, they do, but not otherwise. Dor
sey B. Thomas would do very well as |
for Congress, or could be elected |
to the State Senate, when it was very APP |
,arent that a a.-aight Democrat could not |
be- elected and when there was no chance
for any but Republican; ~. ""e.s ...e', !
had things all their own way, he could |
stay at home, or serve as member of |
State Executive Committee, as sort of |
blind, while positions Of profit are reserved |
for others who hive always been true to
the faith. so it will continue to be.
Battle feyton, Dorsey B. Thomas, Neil
). Brown, John Baxter, A. A. Kyle, and |
Others of that class, may always find plen-
ty of work in the ranks as privates, but |
they need not look for any of the spoils.
The old lines will be rigidly kent up, and
if man seeks position in the Democratic
party, he must be prepared to show that
he has kept the faith" Old Line Wings |
will lind no congeniality in the ranks of !,
Democracy, and this circumstance may at |
some future time mark new era in Ten |
nessee politics.