Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-30
SENATOR THURMAN.
HIS Views as 20 the Duty OF she De-
From the Lorain Constitution.


From the Lorain Constitution.
Affer the Cincinnati Convention had
done its work and previous to the assem-
bling of the Democratic National Conven-
ton, the name of Senator Thurman was
frequently suggested as candidate for the
Presidency, We addressed note to Mr..
Thurman, inquiring whether the Democrs-
cy were at liberty to use his name in that
connection. The following is bis reply:
WASHINGTON, July Is, 1872.-MY DEAR
SIR: did not answer your kind letter of
of May %, because, for reasons that to me
seemed imperative, l had never written a
word about the use Of my name In connee-
tion with the Presidency. IL was my be-
lief no man coufd be elected President in
opposition to Grant, unless the Democratic
party should speak out decidedly in his fav-
or. That, unless there was spirit enough
and unanimity enough to designate the pol
icy and the man, there would be no chance
of success. And l thought that the
less the interference by public men
the more likely would a safe public
sentiment be formed. Hence
answeredno letters upon the subject, not
that was. without opinions in reference to
our policy, or that l wished to conceal
of straight Democratic ticket and square
fight. But 1. and those who thought as |
did, have been overruled. There is no de-
nying The fact that very large majority Of
our party believed that we could not sue
ceed with straight ticket, and, therefore,
that il was best to go for Greeley and
Brown. Whether in error or not, this was
their opinion, and it found expression at
the Baltimore Convention.
Under these circumstances, what Is our
duty? l do not see how any Democrat,
upon due reflection, can hesitate as to the
answer to give to this question. The re-
election Of Grant, and the continuance in
power Of the Radical majority in Congress,
would indefinitely postpone a return to
constitutional government. The pit
terness Of feeling engendered by the
war, which constitutes the stock in
trade of the Radical leaders, would
be prolonged; the incapac.ty, corruption
and misrule that have brought disgrace
upon The name of the republic, would be
continued; and the worst apprehensions
now entertained might fall short of the re-
slity. Is there Democrat who has not
asserted again and again that change Of
administration Is necessary to the salvation
OF the country? Is there one who has more
confidence in Grant now than he had when
he voted against him in 1868? Has Grant
done anything to beget such confidence or
to lessen our apprehension? Has he not,
ever since he acquired power, turned his
back on his saying, 'tLet as have peace"
that contributed so much TO bring him into
powu? Have nos the harshest and most
unconstitutional measures that his
psrtiSans could devise received his sane
tiOD--n, indeed, they were not sug-
gested by him? Has he not shown an un-
Inistakable prediction for a government of
force, supplemented by a corrupt use of
public patronage? Was the despotism of
party ever so fierce and unrelenting as it
Z has been under his administration? And
Dies not every Democrat feel that any
char &c Of administration must be for the
better-at least that none can be for the
worse? Why then hesitate? Our choice
is confined to Grant and Greeley. We
must support one or the other, or do what
an American citizen should be ashamed to
do-thsow away his franchise by refusing
to vote.
Greeley has always been oppos d 10 us,
but now, in many things, he agrees with us.
Grant was once Democrat, but now he is
totally opposed TO Democracy. Whatever
others may think, prefer consistent op-
pOneIt, governed ty principle, TO a rene
gsde Democrat, turned into 8 bitter and
prosecuting Radical. We do make some
sacrifice Of pride and prejudice in support
ing Greeley, but we do not make sacrifice
of principle. Our principles require us to
defeat Grants reelection, if in our power
to do so. Being unable, in the pres
ent posture of affairs, TO defeat him
with a straight Democrat, common sense
dictates that we should do the next best
thing. defeat him with Greeley. That
Grecley's election would do much TO alay
discord and restore harmony, cannot be
doubted. Peace would then be reality,
ard not a mere name. And that his Admi-
uistr ton would do much to expel the
abuses and corruption that disgrace public
affairs, may,I believe, be safely affirmed.
Entertaining these views, hope TO see him
elected. Yours very truly,
A. G. THURMAN.
j. Y. FAITH, Esq, Eyria, Ohio.