Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1872-09-07


the weak and defend the homes and
firesdes of my countrymen and State,
would be urged as an objection to my
being trusted with q civil Office.
Fellow citizens, e ] had been one
at those quasi military ruen who took
a position in the rear, and abused his
power by tyranizing over helpless wo-
men and disarmed citizens, the objec-
ton would be good one. But | made
no war on the defenceless never
disturbed their peace, nor wasted their
property no citizen can raise his hand
and say, | ever sought to Cypress him
When borne down by overwhelming
numbers, we were forced to surrender,
and the war was ended, / accepted the
situation upon the honor of soldier,
and returned TO the pursuits of peace.
! am now farmer, and nothing more.
In my humble way, / have labored
earnestly, from that day to this, for
peace and reconstruction. The great
body of Confederate soldiers, who
shared with me the dangers and hard
ships of that war, have done likewise.
We feel that we have not dishonoured
our mother State, and that she will
not dishonour us for having discharg-
ed patriotic duty; besides it has been
demonstrated that the presence of
Confederate soldier in Congress ex-
cites no sensation, and not made a
cause of objection AS evidence of
this, will only cite you to General
Lewis, of Kentucky Genral Ransom,
- Narfh ffaraltno a..1 .thor I..t.,,
guished soldiers who now occupy seats
in Congress.
The second, and only other objection
that has been urged against me is that
man is wanted who, in the language
of the obiectors-can make Rome
howl" Fellow-citizens, if Tennessee
needs scch man in Congress, the OBJ
lection is grave one, for | have nei-
Their the peculiar talent nor the aspi-
ration to become an agitator or po-
litical gladiator in Congress. Crimi-
nation and recrimination are often the
offspring of reckless hearts impelled
by an overlapping ambition, and sub
serve at best but bad purposes.
In Legislative halls wisdom, moder-
alton, honesty and Justice should bear
sway, and not ambition, envy, hatred,
malice, and all uncharitableness. But
at this juncture of our affairs, above
all others, when the era of peace, re-
cancellation, and of good feeling seems
to be approaching, is it desirable that
Tennessee should be represented in
Congress by any one whose presence
might create discord ? think not. l
do not believe in our present situation,
that my State and other Southern
States can be relieved or benefited in
that way / believe that manly but
quiet policy is best for us. IF | am
elected to represent you, | shall en-
deavor by manly but civil demeanor
to acquire such respect as will enable
me to exert an influence in your be-
half But if, in your judgment, the
demands of the times require an agita-
tor, am frank to say that | would not
answer your purpose. With regard to
national politics, / belong to the great
brotherhood of Conservative men
throughout the country who are com
b:ning to elect reform candidate to
the Presidency in the person Of Horace
Greeley.
Laying aside party politics and part
isan passions and preiudices, and re-
garding him as the representative can
didate of the great ideas of peace,
harmony. reconciliation and arestora-
ton of the Union and Constitution to
the hearts affection of the people
everywhere, | know of no man, either
North or South, who could with more
propriety be pitched upon as such a
representative candidate than Horace
Greeley. As such l accept him cordi-
ally and shall support him honestly,
and earnestly. lie is honest, just and
patriotic His honesty will be safe
guard to our property; his justice to
your equality in the Union aud before
the law; his patriotism to your honor,
welfare and Independence as a nation,
and his philanthropy to the interests
of humanity and civilization every
where. | regard the ensuing Presi-
dental election as one of vast import
ance, involving the.welfare, prosperity
and happiness of the people for years
to come. | shall, therefore, urge those
those who think with me to do every
thing in their power, everywhere. to
promote harmony and unity of action.
Organize and act-organize that you
may act with force and effect United
we we stand, divided we fall, y is an
old saying, never truer than now, and
one ! hope you will ponder well be-
fore the day of election. Allow me to
say in conclusion that | intend to
meet you, my fellow citizens, on all oc-
casions between this and the election,
! wheneVpr | can do so