Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-11-01


The address very caYalierly sets aside this
Dndy and its candidate-"he Mr.. Greeley
was the nominee of fen boiling Republi
Cans and the Democratic party; Republicans
who had no higher sentiment nor principle
than is expressed in the words anybody to
0edt Grant, because they and their great
cieaefs OF it have not been able to hire or in
Huence the President" How little the au-
thor ofthis understood, or was capable of
understanding, Of The men who met in Gin
clnnati. They belong to a type of ciViliza-
ton who do not worship beings ia their
own form, nor acknowledge the authority
OF CHEFS, great or small. When he COM
prehends what an American freeman is,
and how he can act, there will be no more
mention made Of "greGt Chiefs" nor of
'shtre" and "iattuence." II is but natural
that men who admit such powers, should
apply their own measure to all others.
ms is an error which time and pro
gress in higher moral life will correct.
Our standard of worth and excellence
changes as we advance in intelligence and
virtue, and few years will disrobe the au-
thor OF the clouds that obscure his vision
INTO the character and generous purposes
OF the gentlemen he has so sadly miscon-
ceived.
We have not claimed perfection for the
cincinnati convention; still il was in strik-
ing contrast with the swarms of official val
lures that met at Philadelphia, and at the
word OF command put in nomination Pres
ldent Grant. Waving the official character
OF the body, it was at best the expression of
aa Old organization that had, It's origin in
sectional conflicts and hatreds extending
over three quarters of a century, and final
~ eliminating in sanguinary civil war,
with victory for one side and defeat for the
other. To perpetuate the power acquired
by victory, and to hold ii over the defeated
section is their sentiment and purpose.
The men Of Cincinnati, throwing aside
the long list OF sins, wrongs and heart
burnings of the past, propose a year of re-
lease, and from it to go forward in harmony
for the preservation of the government and
the advancement of the mutual interests
and happiness of all sections and races in
the Republic. Their action was protest
against a government of sectional will and
force, and an exhortation to return TO the
government of voluntary consent establish
ed by the fathers of the Republic.
The men of Philadelphia have had control
OF the government for twelve years. A part
Of this period is written in blood, the rest in
arbitrary enactments contrary to the genius
of our Institutions, suspicious, injustice and
malignant antagonisms without hopeful
promise. Such were the parents that
brought forth the organization, the air which
it breathed, lis present life and strength.
To expect reconciliation from it is out of
the question. 1t may give that order and
peace which the sword and the halter
bring. The men Of Cincinnati propose in
sincerity to sheAthe the sword and conide
in reason and justice to secure the recon-
Citation they desire.
The address, after recounting with pain
full minuteness the sins of the DemocI scy
from its cradle to this good hour, proposes
very archly to put emily between Mr..
Greeley and these incOrrigible sinners.
Greeley has cosrsely and regularly abused
the Democratic party, says the address.
Greeley has supported all the ultra measures
OF the Grant party, and why support him?
The problem is one Of easy solution. Mr..
Greeley, like all members of an
organization, was led in the paths
of hatred farther than he
desired, hoping for reform until he was
led to the brink of ruin when he and many
others said "check to the king" Then Mr..
Greeley and his companions resolved to fol-
low the PRINCIPLES that had illuminated his
eventful life. They came substantially to
the platform of Mr.. Jefferson; it had been
to them all fountain of living waters.
The Democrats rejoiced over the parent of
their childhood's faith. propose to recount
again the living sentiments of this Illus
trious light of modern ages.
Equal and exact justice to all men, of
whatever state or persuasion, religious or
political; peace, commerce and holest
friendship with all nations; the support of
the State Governments in oil their rights as
the most competent for our domestic con-
Germs and The surest bulwarks against anti
| republican tendencies; the preservation of
| the General Governmental its e1hele c0nSti-
| t,ttiOnGl rigOr, as the sheet-anchOr of our
| peace at home and safety abroad; A JEAL-
| Gus CARE OF THE RIGHT OF ELECTION BY
THE PEOPLE "a mild and safe correction
of abuses which ara Topped by the sword
of the revolution when peaceable remedies
are unprovided; absolute acquiesceDce in
the decisions Of the majOrity-the vital
principle of republics, from which there is
no appeal but to force, the vital princi-
pie and immediate parent of despotism;
lUeH disciplined miiitiG-our best reliance
in peace and for the first moments Of war,
till regulars may relieve them; the suprem-
acy of the civil over the military authority;
economy in public expense, that labor may
be lightly burdened; the hon
est payment Of our debts and sacred
preservation of the public faith, encourage
ment of agriculture and Of commerce as its
handmade; the diffusion of information and
the arraignment of all abuses at the bar of
public reason; freedom of religion; freedom
Of the press; freedom Of person under the
protection Of the hdbeds corpus, and tried by
jries impartidlly selected. These princi-
pies form the bright constellation which has
gone before US, and guided our steps
through an age of revolution and reforma-
ton. The wisdom of our sages and the
blood of our heroes have been devoted to
their attainment"
The true Republicans rendered a union
to all who would unite by voluntary con-
sent. All the true Democrats hailed with
joy the suspicious moment that promised
exemption from the alarming tendencies.
The Grant Republicans were ready to re-
ceiVe such as would place their necks I'M
der the yoke. One party rendered union
by consent; the other demanded submits
sion to will. The consummation is far too
honorable and the purpose too noble to be
disturbed by all the furies united. We may
learn from the conduct of our opponents
but will not be disposed to follow their ad-
vice or be directed by their enmity. The
generous and patriotic will everywhere re-
ioice to see those who have fingered too
long in their expired faith, come forth from
the twilight of The past to the living light of
this age.
There are many questions ofpolicy as we'll
as those pertaining to the nature of free
government that should be discussed,
but whilst morality so pestilential per-
vades the whole executive department and
is rapidly extending through every avenue
of the government, there is no hope of a
reformation of national policy.
The times are sadly out of joint, aud the
country feels the decline Of public virtue
and stern integrity. The dearest interests
ofthe people are confded to the most in
competent and unworthy. The national
dignity is battered for the service of the
vilest political msnipulators. That respect
for honor, integrity, and high culture, that
once secured the service of the first men of
the Republic has lost its influence. That
economy, industry and genius demanded
in the production of wealth are no longer
required to protect and foster these inter
ests by legislation. The highest official
nY.ah n~4