Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1872-09-08
Communicated
To the People of Knox County,

When yielded 10 the solicitation OF partla
friends and permitted my name to be used as
candidate to represent you in the next Leglsla
ture, some weeks ago, the political horlzoI
was clear and the great ocean of the public
mind seemed settled in its peaceful repose.
! fattered myself that the time had again come
when friends and neighbors might once more
meet in a common brotherhood, and, discarding
all feelings of past differences and animosltles,
calmly consider those questions of local, State
and county character, upon which so much de-
| pended the Immediate progress and prosperity
of our people, But in this pleasing anticipation
l found that | was mistaken.
The recent party conventions held IN differ
ent sections of the county ard State, the char
acter of the candidates selected, the spirit of
those already Independently in the field,
the murmurings and discomfort, the crimina-
tions and recriminations on all Sides indicate
but too clearly that the life and activity of that
evil spirit, which l had hoped was banished
from the land and gone forever In my opinion
the elements are gathering for one of the most
bitter and terrific political storms that ever swept
over the State; a storm that will Danish from
the public mind all thought of local affairs, and
leave the public advocatOr of any given meas
ures, however important, alone and unheeded.
l am to old now, and never had any disposition
to mingle in so more than useless a strife. In
fact, in the coming convulsions and rapid dis
integration of all parties now going on, L know
not in the providence of God, where l may be
landed.
The Radical Republican party seem determ-
ined to force an unconditional endorsement Of
the most o6ouS men and measures, of the most
odious and despotic Congress that ever controll-
ed the destines of free people, and turn deaf
ear alike to the voice of moderation, justice and
mercy.
The Original Secession ReJclS-as if forgetful
of all the melancholy lessons of the past and
seemingly Indifferent to all the deplorable GER
tainties of the future-are banding together as
one man, and, anxious for the strife are pre-
pairing to flaunt their red banner of defiance in
the face of their powerful and overwhelming
antagonist.
Tfe Old Line Wigs and Conservative Union
men, that small but still glorious little band,
will soon find themselves where they weIe few
years ago. scattered and leaderess, struggling
amid the contending waves, clinging. firmly,
indeed, but almost hopelessly to the shattered
wreck of the old ark, (Which contains all that is
left of a pure and unselfsh patriotism and
ready to be picked up on either shore by which
they may chance to drift in their ruddcrlesS
course
No American citizen can contemplate the i'm
mediate future of his country without concern,
and no Christian patriot without emotions Of
sadness and of sorrow.
Under these circumstances then, / feel it due
to the situation, due to those generous friends
who have promised me their support, and due
to all the antecedents of my Conservative life,
that should at once retire from the field for
which l am not qualified, and leave it to other
and more daring spirits who have raised the
whirlwind' to direct the Storm
As do so before single competitor has ap-
peared to dispute my claims to your favor, my
motives cannot be questioned.
In conclusion | feel it due to candor TO say
that the reelection of General Grant to the
Presidency is, in my opinion as certain as any
event in the future can be, and however unwel-
come this suggestion may be to many Of you, it
is nevertheless a fact which may It's we'll be con-
sidered, and for one ! am not sure but that il
may lead to a more certain and speedy restora-
tiOn of that peace and concord which is so earn
estly prayed for by every true lover Of our com
mon country. Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient servant
j. j. CRAIG.