Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-07

Gen. Jackson told him he was on that
subject now and was endeavoring to ex-
| press his views.
Gov. Foote Interrupted him in other re-
marks, wishing to know if he referred to
him as one of the lawyers controlling the
convention or trying to break the meeting
up; if he meant him he wanted to know it,
as he was in the habit of resentlDg such
personal remarks on the spot.
Gen. jackson said be did not seek to in
suit any one; when he wished to be perso-
nal, he never sought an occasion like this,
etc. He did say that lawyers had no bust
ness to attempt the meetings. dissolution
or failure. If Mr.. Wade, whose sweet
tongue lulled to sleep when listened,
thought, as he said that the farmers were
powerful class, he did not see why he OBJ
jected TO them meeting or assembling or to
being represented in the Legislature. He
wanted this meeting Invested of the char
acter too often attending conventions for
political purposes-he wanted harmony,
etc.
Mr.. Wade arose and explained that his
motives were pure-he merely wanted to
advise them not to array themselves against
the interests of all other classes; he was
there to warn them of the reefs and quick
sands. He thought that Gen. Jackson's
insinuation about him having a syren voice
that would lead them astray was a refec-
ton upon, if not an insult TO the farmers
of Tennessee. If he had such an influence
he certainly had never been aware of his
power, and he thanked the gentleman very
much for naming his capacity. He was
present there to express his views and had
come By invitation oft gentleman.
Col. Claiborne said, while the time of the
meeting had been much occupied in per
sOnal explanations, he was of Gen. Jack
sons opinion in thinking that Mr.. Wade
had one of the sweetest voices he had ever
listened to, and would charm bird Off q
bush. Mr.. Wade had only truck patch,
and yet took up an hour speaking. He had
one hundred acres, and yet he had not
spoken fifteen minutes.
Justice Ewing made remarks, which were
interrupted by Mr.. Merritt, who asked him
what farmer was. The definition being
given, MI Merritt said he only wanted to
know if he was a farmer. He now felt
satisfied that he was "a full 1edged far
mer." Mr.. Merritt was invited to take a
seat.
Mr.. Wade said he begged to be excused,
inasmuch as he did not come within the
gentleman's (Ewing's) definition of a far
mer, for having made his remarks, which
he now withdrew.
Col. Claiborne told him that was impos-
sible.
Gov. Foote said Mr.. Wade could not af-
ford to part with his ideas; they were too
valuable.
Mr.. Ewing proceeded with his remarks,
reverting to the dog law which is much
mooted in the County Courts of this State,
and spoke at some length. He respected
and valued lawyers very much, but he val
ued farmers more. If this meeting was to
be made convention, he objected to it.
Gen. Jackson moved that this meeting
adjourn to Saturday, two weeks from this
day, at which time the farmers of this
county are requested to meet with us en-
nlGSSe, whena committee will be appointed
by the chairman of this meeting, whose du-
ty it shall be to present the names of suita-
bic gentlemen to represent the agricultural
classes in the two branches of the next
Legislature.
Mr.. Merritt made quite lengthy address
showing that conventions were fair in the
DRY, but foul in practice, the reformation
and perfection of which rested in the hands
of the farmers. 1t were ridiculous for the
chairman TO appoint these committees; each
district should appoint The committees.
Gov. Foote offered the following amend
ment to Gen. Jackson's resolution:
"That the voting people Of all our popu-
lation be invited to attend for the purposes
of fraternal consultation and ultimate har-
monious action, proper in this way to avoid
undue rivalry and conflict of classes"
This amendment called forth fiery dis
cussiJn.
Gen. Jackson said, with due respect, he
could not accept the amendment, because
this was to be farmers meeting, and not
for the purpose of arraiging this class
against anybody.
Clay Roberts next addressed the meet
ing, and offered the following resolution:
Resolved, that this meeting adjourn until
next Saturday, July 20, 1872. at which time
the agricutu, lists of the county are request
ed to meet with us en- n1dSSe, when COM
mittee will lie appointed by the chairman of
this meeting whose duty it shall be to pre-
sent the names of suitable gentlemen to
represent the county of Davidson in the
two branches of the next General Assem-
bly,"
Mr.. Roberts then proceeded with his re-
marks. Several propositions looking to the
interest of the farming class and the county
general =, had been made, but there had
been some persons present who endeaYored
to defeat these, aud opposed them. This
was 10 give the appointment to some politi-
cal executive committee. He saw present
the Chairman Of the Democratic Executive
Committee. He thought the measures pro-
posed in the resolutions should be consuln-
mated, and the appointments made. If we
did not do it it would be done by others,
and he saw no reason for waiting for the
Democrats or Republicans to do it.
Gov. Foote now proceeded to make quite
an excited speech, saying he thought that
the idea of nominating any one at present
would prove detrimental. H. illustrated
his reasons and objections by examples
from ancient history. He thought that if
the farmers met and nominated any candi-
date, without consulting other classes, it
would seem as if they were arraying them
selves against the people. This exclusive
action on the part of any one class had a
potent tendency to create civil contentious
audshloOdV war which nearly DESTROYED the