The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-09-01
CHLUMBIA, Tenn, Aug. 6, ISL.

CHLCMBIA, Tenn, Aug. 6, ISL.
II. c. c. GfQrch, Esq: =
DEAR SIIazI have examined with
care the printed copy of the platform on
which the friends of Chief Justice Chase
propose to presenS his name to the Ma
tional Democratic Convention for nomi-
nation 10 the Presidency. You are
aware that since the people of Tennes-
see called me TO the position which l
now occupy as Chief Justice of the State,
/ have deemed it my duty to abstain
from all political movements and to de-
vote my whole time to my official trust.
The Judgment, therefore, whichN shall
express as to the Chase platform aud its
acceptability to the Southern Dem8cra-
cy will rest much more upon my geher-
al view as to the Southern character and
Southern sentiment than upon any
knowledge on these subjects acquired
within the last twelve months.
regard the principles and policy laid
down in the resolutions on which YOU
ask my opinion as eminently sound and
orthodox, and those only on the success
of which we can hope to prevent our
Government from becoming confirms
ed central despotism. Relying upon
my knowledge of Southern character
and sentiment, haye no doubt that the
great body of the Southern people would
cordially support Chief Justice Chase or
any honest statesman standing upon
this platform.
lido not think that the Southern DEM
ocrats have any decided preference as to
the persons to he nominated for Presi
dent and Nice-president. They look to
the Convention for the selection of two
honest statesmen, with the adoption of
a sound Democratic platform, and on
such ticket there will be substantial
unanimity. 1 think L can safely add
that Chief Justice Chase, by his firms
ness. independence and ability in the
discharge of his official duties, has Sc
cured the decided confidence of the
Southern Democracy.
But, if am not much mistaken in the
Southern sentiment, it IS the general
impression that the selection of candi-
dates ought to be made by the Northern
Democrats, and that the Southern DEM
ocrats would neither suggest or advocate
any preference for the nominations to
be made. This course is indicated as
wise On the part ofthe Southern Demo-
Gratis, because 0:the conviction that there
exists in the Northern rlind a jealous
suspicion of Southern statesmen, which
would render it imprudent in them to
take any prominent part i'll indicating
or selecting candidates.
For the same reason think the South
ern Democrats are preparing 10 acqui-
eSce generally in the nomination of
both candidates from the Northern
States Indeed, it would not be easy 10
find in the Southern States a statesman
fitted for either position whose connec-
ton or sympathy with the late war
would not cause his nomination to be-
Of In 70 l,o I'll
ct. give i to you as my judgment
that the southern Democrats in gener-
al deem it their duty in tho present
state of political affairs to wait in silence
the action of their Northern friends.
having full confidence that they will
adopt such a platform and make such
nominations as will command the cor
dial support and cooperation OF the
Southern Democracy.
Very Respectfully,
A. Q. 7. NICHOLSON.