Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-07
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| elusive action aud want of fraternal Co
operation and friendly consultation. They
should have people from all the classes,
trades and professions to join in the meet
| ing. They should do nothing N a corner,
but openly and in daylight, else true men
would stay away and have nothing to do
with them. Their actions would turn the
meeting into an agricultural conelaYe.
What right has any man to get up and say
here is your representative? The gentle
man has no right to dictate to me. Whom
| did he consult? His own immortal intel
lect, his own sublime faculty-he has erect
ed himself into an oracle to dictate the
names Of nominees. To accept these
nominations would have dishonored this
meeting. Has he forgotten that he is in
populous country? There are a great
many people in this county who have a right
to say something about the men who shall
represent them. So help me God, will
not submit to any such dictation from any
man.
By this time Gov. Foote was very much
excited.
Gen. Jackson arose and said, The farm
ers had met to consult with each
other as to their interests and he had pro-
posed the names Of these gentlemen through
a desire to have able, fair and bo0est
representative for the farmers who were
not aITayed against any one or class. Gov.
Foote had become very much excited about
this; but he cannot put paddock on my
mouth. / respect your age and gray hairs,
but remember you have stirred up the
wrong man when you attempt to curb my
mouth"
Gov. Foote.-'I desire no fuss, but will
defend my rights against the youngest
man."
Gen. Jackson.-'1 disclaim any desire to
array class against class, and L hope the
gentlemen of the press shall so report me-"
We came here to meet and consult con-
corning what pertains to our vital interest,
in the same way that lawyers, physicians,
mechanics and other classes do. Why
should not farmers do this as well as other
people? We seek to promote the farmers
interest only so far as it is consistent with
the good of the country, and not incompati-
BILE with that of other classes"
Gov. FOote interrupted Gen. jackson
again, saying that this was well enough for
farmers TO meet in this way when local in
terests were to be considered; legislation
was of public interest, embracing IN its ma
bAIlC lLIC IIClColS VI SAeaoo VI HOSHAO
and section of the country, and when any
class tried to monopolize this interest it
would prove disastrous.
Gen. Jackson proceeded with his remarks
saying he wanted a legislation not for far
mers exclusively, but liberal and for the
good of all. He wanted men nominated
to represent the interest of every one and
not the farmers alone, none of whom de-
So . ,tati IN no oyalncinn of
others. For this reason he had proposed
the names of these gentlemen whom he be-
lieved honest and faithful and would
represent all and every class fairly and inn
partially. He INDICATED the farmers from
the imputations of Gov. Foote, and said
they only desired to have partial represen-
tation, and that not TO be detrimental 10 any
class. The meeting was for the reasons
stated above, and not to array one class or
their class against any one. More than this
he discla inIed; this they should be allowed
to do.
Col. Claiborne said he regretted the dis
cussion had taken place. The farmers had
been assembled here, not as general meet
ing of the peop,e,to whom the address was not
made, the invitation being only to farmers,
to consult their own interests so as to meet
dGu SGlGGb ouSu luSA1 may Ii pau quiz
them. We don't desire all the repre-
sentatiOn or a candidate for every office,
in the General Assembly. He expressed
the same views as Gen. jackson, sayin5 the
objects of the meeting and the motives of
its members were misrepresented and
Wronged when it was said they endeavored
to array farmers against any other class.
He was as willing as Mr.. Foote, Wade, or
others, to do his people favor, but he want
ed his people, the farmers, represented in
part, not altogether. We are farmers; we
have right to meet, not as an empty |
threat nor an idle remark. One man, at
least, here regrets that such ridicule has |
been cast upon our honest efforts. We will |
not be gagged nor receive the advice Of any |
BODY. IL is a misconceptions; the people |
will think we are rioiculed and caricatured. |
[ appreciate and admire the lofty |
and beautiful compliment paid the |
farming class by Gov. Foote, which |
believe are his sentiments; but |
if we are misunderstood we will be laughed |
at. MIR. Merritt was mistaken when he |
thought this Convention, which he says IN |
theory is so fair but which in practice is
most heliish. We hate this painted, striped
Devil too much-this is no Convention but |
a meeting Of farmers to consult about their
interests, not to array themselves against
any one. He would not go as delegate
to a Convention, and would not receive the
gift Of one.
He had no objection for others TO come
to the meeting, but he wanted only farmers
invited. The districts could say whom
they wanted; send the names to the meet
ing and let them be ballotted. 1t was the
east st and farest way to secure the repre-
sentation for the farmers, who desired only
a partial representation, and not to conflict
with the Interests of other people nor TO
array themselves Sg linst any class.
Col. Claiborne's speech was full v'ndi-
cation of the charges brought against the
farmers to the effect that they wished to act
in opposition to public interest. He show
ed that the farmers sought the good Of the |
people and wished harmony and dignity to
characterize their efforts as honesty and
purity did their motives.
Gen. jackson withdrew his resolution.
Gov. Foote'S amendment was tabled and /
Mr.. Merritt offered the following resOlu-
ton:
ssThat the farmers of Davidson county |
are requested to meet in convention at the !
courthouse il Nashville, Saturday, July 20,
and take into consideration whether they |
,,.;sI nominate candidates for the Legislature