Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-30
FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DIS.
TRICT.
- BIT. l.. CarutheFs, Jr., WithdraWs
His ~ easOHs TherefOr-He will not
Oppose the Usage Of His Party.

N ". La N8EuahcfSs SE.s WttuOraWh
His ~ easOHs TherefOr-He viii not
Oppose the Usage Of His Party.
To the voters of the Fifth Congressional District
of Tennessee: I-a
Some weeks ago l announced myself a
candidate for Congress in the following
terms ta--s- -
To the Editor of the Union and American:
you are authorized to announce my
name as candidate for Congress Of this,
the fifth district of Tennessee. With 10
disposition TO occupy an equiVocal position
as to national or State politics, unhes-
itatingly announce myself in favor of the
election Of Greeley and Brown for Presi-
dent and Vice President, Internationally
upon the platform adopted by the late Gin
cinnaCi Convention. Neither do hesitate,
viewing the political situation as it now ex-
lists in our section of the Union, to affirm
my.Opposition to the caucus or convention
system. Cordially indorsing the spirit and
principles enunciaied in Mr.. Greeley's letter
of acceptance, propose, if elected, in the
same spirit, to represent to the best of my
ability, not the interest of party, but the
great business interest of the whole people
Of this Congressional district"
/ now have to say that have had the
qualification Of most fattering encourage
menr, for which | Ghall ever feel grateful.
But L have also found that many promi-
nent friends in the party TO which | belong
and with whose fortunes / am identified,
differ with me in regard TO the convention
system which they consider necessary to
patty success. 1t is now manifest that the
leaders, or those who assume to be such,
intend 70 carry ont that system in the pres
ent case. 1t might seem TO be presump-
tious in one so young and inexperienced as
myself TO set up my judgment and opinions
against those of so many wise and patriot
ic friends both personal and political. The
failure in so many instances to reflect the
will Of the people, and the succ SIS of I'M
scrupulOus managers, has so often shocked
me that | assumed the position against con-
ventions set forth in my card. All must ad-
init that County or District Conventions
more often defeat than promote the will of
the people, and that inscriptions or unac-
Ceptabie men have been forcei upon the |
people and elevated to unmerited hopors. |
l did not intend 10 say, aOr do hold, that |
occasions may not arise when convention 8 |
should be resOrted to as a choice of evils. |
But think such cases very rare and none |
such exists in this district. With these stu |
cere opinions | could not honestly agree to
be governed by its decision, and would be |
reluctant 10 encounter its dictates.
Some good friends also took exception to |
the announcement in my card that / was |
Internationally for Mr.. Greeley" They |
seemed to regard it as defiance of the &C |
tion Of the Democratic party, unbecoming |
one 50 young as myself, when nothing was |
further from my intentions. Much use has |
been made of this by those desiring my de- |
e ir,,ri Ia ba o,nf 9th
piraatS. cannot honestly avow any change |
Of my opinions on these subjects, and feel /
ing unwilling to make my first political |
canp..-. disadvantages, or to throw
myself in autagonism to the determined |
policy OF party and the feelings and opinions
Of many Of my best friends on these ques-
tious, have concluded 10 withdraw from
the c.uySSs aud leave it to the people to Sc
! c, IL auy manner they think best the per-
son they desire TO represent them in the
high trust to which aspired. As proud as
l would feel TO represent such people in
this important crisis in the Congress of the
United s ates, l would not force myself on
them in any manner they might not ap-
prove; nor would L, if i'll my power, attain
even so great an honor by the sacrifice of
any principle of mine or the approved usage
of my pAr1y. 20 -
Ia tins grand eff 1T now being made by
patriots of all parties to restore constitu-
ticnal liberty 10 our people, will not dis
guise the fact that my young ambition
prompted me to seek position in which l
could perform me humble part in the glO-
rious achievement. 1t will, however, still
be my privilege to do battle in the ranks TO
the extent of my strength until the shouts
OF victory shall GLADDEN. the hearts of all
lovers Of constitutional Government.
The patriot chief who leads us will, l
DOUBT nos, be founo worthy of the immoI-
tai hOnors which await him. Once more
thanking the many friends who have SO
generously cheered me on in this my first
movement for Office, and hoping that the
reasons for my course will meet their ap-
probation, l again announce that am no
longer a candidate for Congress.
r. l.. CARIJTBFRS JR