Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-10-17

W sla.e,AsiAi ~ 1000, also IS 10 the posltlon
OF Gen. Cheath4m upon that question in
that canvass, and as to the position Of the
Democratic party of Tennessee at that
time upon that subject. We infer from the
letter that The impression has been made
upon our correspondent that Gen. Cheat
ham did not concur with Gov. johnson on
the Know-Notbing question, and that for
the war made by Coz. johnson on Know
Nothingism, he alone is entitled to the
credit; that the Democracy of the State
had no part nor lot in making up the issues
of that canvass. We will state the facts as
collaied from our files:
On the LIST of February, 1855, the Demo-
cratic State Central Committee, of which
Col. Jno. Z. Howard, of Wilson, chairman,
and Gen. W. A. Quarles, Of Montgomery,
Andrew Ewing, G. C. Torbett, Hugh Me-
Crea, of Davidson, and others were mem
bers, issued call in which they said, sin
accordance with the ancient usage of the
party and in obedience TO the wishes Of .
majority of the Democracy Of the State, the
undersigned hereby cali Convention to
be held in The city of Nashville on Tuesday,
the 27th of March, 1856, for the purpose of
nominating a Democratic candidate for
Governor and effecting the necessary organ
izaiion for the canvass" Under this call
the Democratic State Convention met in
this city on the 9th of March, 1856. Col.
Jno. K. Howard was called temporarily
TO the chair; Gen. Daniel
S. Donelson, of Sumner, one
Of Tie most gallan: of The Confederate
dead, was made the permanent President
Of the Convention. A committee of five
was appointed ''to prepare resolutions ex-
pressive of the opinions of the Democracy
Of Tennessee" That committee consisted
Of John K. Howard, of Wilson, Frank c.
Huntington, of Msury, VIM. A. Quarles,
of Montgomery, E. G. Eastman, Of David
son, and NJ. d. Cardwell, of. Weakley. Tie
committee through their Chairman, Col.
Howard, one of the, most distinguished Of
Tennessee's sons, who lost his life in the
Confederate cause, reported platform of
resolutions, which was unanimously and
with enthusiasm" adopted by The conven-
ton. From that platform we publish the
following:
The Representatives CT the Democratic
party of Tennessee in convention assem-
bied, faithful to the ussges Of their party,
adheFing with steadfast faith TO the great
principles, the successful enforcement of
which have made the country powerful
and prosperous at home, and honored and
respected abroad, do
Resolve that the American Democracy
place their trust in The intelligence, patriot
ism and the discriminating justice of the
American people; and that We regard this
as g distinctive feature of our political
creed, which we are proud to maintain be-
fore the world as the great moral element
in form of government springing from
and upheld by the popular will, and We
contrast it with the creed and practice of
Federalism, under whatever name or form,
which seeks to palsy the will of the eonstit-
uent, aud which conceives no imposture
NOO A1OHoblOuo
Resolved, That the Democratic party
has never hesitated or feared 10 make an
open and candid declaration of its creed
and principles; that We regard all secret po-
litical clubs as at war with the genius and
spirit of our Republican Institutions; that
the secret oath-bound political club COM
monty called the Know Nothing-in it's
attempts to abridge the rights of conscience
int Ha oe.laafir-a Of
men for Office, is violatiVe Of the Constitu-
ton and dangerous to the>pu6lic liberty;
that il is but weak invention Of the enc
mics of the Democratic party, and that we
will fight this secret enemy with the same
energy and ardor which in times past have
enabled US to defeat and drive from the
field open and uLdisguised foes.
Resolved, That the Democratic party re-
affirm those noble truths which are stated
in our declaration of rights: that all men
have natural add indefeasable right to
worship Almighty God according to the
dictates of their own conscience, that no
man can Of light be compelled to at
tend, erect or support any
place of worship or TO
maintain any minister against his con-
sent; that no human authority can in any
case whatever control or interfere with the
rights of conscience, and that 10 preference
shall ever be given by law to any religious
establishment or mode of worship; that no
religious test shall ever be required as a
qualification TO any office or public trust
under the State.
Resolved, That Congress has the power
under the Constitution TO establish a uni
form rule Of naturalization, but it has no
power or authority under that instrument
to prescribe the qualification Of voters or to
restrain the immigration Of foreigners; that
these powers are reserved 10 the States,
and can alone be exercised by them, and
the doctrine which assumes this authority
for the Federal government is Of dangerous
tendency, and is in direct violation of the
sovereignty of the States.
Resolved, That the Democratic party re-
cognize as one Of its cardinals, the right
and capacity Of the people to determine the
nature and character of their own iGstitu-
lions in the formation of their State Con-
situations; that this great principle was
clearly established By the Compromise
measures of 1850, and WAS carried into
practice by the passage Of the bill creating
Territorial Governments for Kansas and
Nebraska. .....- .-..s....
Upon this platform Gov. johnson was
nominated by the convention as the Dem
ocrstic candidate for Governor, and reso-
lutions were passed for the appointment Of
q State Central Committee and for the ap-
pointment of sub committees inthe several
counties and civil districts of the State, and
IN favor of District Conventions TO nomi-
nate candidates for Congress.
As to Gen. Cheatham's position, all here
in Nashville know that during that fearful
contest he was to Gov. johnson bosom
friend, strong right arm, bulwark of de-
fence.
These are the simple facts of history.
SECESSION.