Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1872-02-03
THE SOUTH AND THE VICE PRESIDENCY.

THE SOUTH AND THE VICE PRESIDENCY.
In selecting suitable candidates for i'm
portant official positions we have never
believed it best to allow the question of To-
cality to outweigh the primary considera-
tons of ability and fitness for the place.
we, therefore felt satisfied when the Chi
cagO Convention, in 1868, ignored geo.
graphical claims and selected Grant and
Colfax, both Western men, for our stand
ard bearers. There were good reasons then
existing for departure from the time
honored practice of dividing between diff
ferent sections of the country the honor of
the first and second office within the gift
Of the people. We do not think the same
reasons now exist. We believe Republic
cans generally feel SO, for very general
discussion of the claims of some of our pro-
minent leaders to the Vice Presidency is
in progress.
=
satisfaction and been an acceptable presid-
ing officer to the Senate, as was to have
been expected. But owing to his health
and his private interests, he has signiied
desire to retire to private life. Mindful,
however, of his obligations to his friends,
he has said that if it seems desirable or ne
cessary, in order to harmonic conflicting
interests, that he should serve a second
term, he would do SO. Under present cir
Uumstances, we think his preference should
be respected, and as no exigency is likely
tooverrule his wish to retire. we may con-
slider his not a probable name to go
before the General Convention. New
England will be divided III the Conven-
ton between Senator Wilson, of Massa-
chusetts, and Speaker Blaine. Ohio will
doubtless present the name of eX-Gover-
nor Dennison, a most worthy and capable
man for the place. Other names from
other States will no doubt be brought for
ward. But as far It's we have noticed, the
only Southern name seriously proposed
for the Vice Presidency, is that of General
John NJ. Harlan, of Kentucky. His bold
and brilliant canvass for Governor last
year, certainly entities him to recognition.
But he is yet young and lacks that ex-
perience as legislator i'll Congress to give
him superior claims for the position under
consideration.
We desire to invite attention at this time
to the claims of q distinguished Tennes-
seean, whose name may be presented to
the Philadelphia Convention as tit sue
Uessor to Schuyler Colfax. We refer to
the name of Hon. Horace Maynard, for
many years and still a member in Congress
from this district of Tennessee. He has
for fourteen years been a prominent men,
Der of the lower House of Congress. His
long experience in that body haSmade him
thoroughly familiar with the history of our
legislation, with parliamentary rules and
with the details of legislative proceedings.
His professional experience as a lawyer
and as Judge frequently called by APP
peintment to sit in special causes, have
given him the sound judgment, wise dis
elimination and full knowledge of the
subjects and necessities for legislation so
essential to the presiding officer of a legis-
tive body. HIS unsullied private life, his
scholarly requirements, his unquestioned
integrity and his frmunyieldingadherence
to his political convictions, give him the
confidence OF the people. During the war
his never-failing devotion to the cause of
the government gives him peculiar claims
to the confidence of the friends of the
Union, and guarantees his unwavering IL
deity to the principles asserted and fully
maintained in our triumph over rebellion.
Measured by the.standard of prolonged, eff
ficient and faithful service in behalf of
Republican principles, Mr.. Maynard has