Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1872-06-09
DEmOoRATro ExBcUTzvE COMMIT

N. OF shelby.
j.. ID. PORTER, of Henry.
june 5, iss2 BENZ. J. LEA.
cOEOxEL d. X. MRAE-s HErrER.
In this mornings APPEAL win be
found a very able letter from the pen 81
our distinguished fellow-citizen Colonel
Duncan K. McRae, defining his posi-
ton as a candidate for Congress, while
discussing the political situation. Ii is
one OF the most gratifying traits Of
American politics that IN the hour o.
peril to cur national welfare, the really
great minds of the country become ami
mated by almost superhuman genius,
and, rising with the emergencies Of the
occasion, proclaim the great truths ne
eessary to enliehten the understanding
or awaken the attention of the Anieri-
can people in terms so truthful, forcible
and eloquent. that every patriotic heart
is reached, every true national mind
convinced, and every right-thinking
man aroused to a sense Of duty. In this
light do we regard the letter of Colonel
McRae. Born and bred in the deepest
feeling of antagOnism 70 Horace Gree
ley, and differing from him widely on
past issues, he has the sagacity to PER-
eeive, and the patriotism to aeknowl-
edge, that Greeley's election TO the Pres
idency would give peace to the country,
AMI crush out corruption and despotism.
Let every man who honestly wishes to
solve his mental doubts as 70 his duty
in the present hour, turn to the letter OF
Colunel McRae, and he VII find an
answer to every argument, an exposure
Of every sophistTy, an overwhelming
overthrow Of every subterfuge and de-
nial Of the Radicals, from whose
hearts the canker of sectional hate
has eaten every spark of national genu-
inc patriotic American feeling, and who
have been, by a wild and wicked fanati-
cism, wrought up 10 a pitch Of frenzy
which renders them eager and anxious
to perpetrate the most terrible and de-
~structive Of political crimes-the great
crime Of perpebuating hate, discord and
despotism.
Colonel McRae's aIlusion to Horace
Greeley's being a mechanic, n printer
boy and i~ourneymaR printer, is most fe-
licitous. Colonel McRae does not over
estimate the effect which the election Of
such a man would haveupon the young
men Of the country. It would be equiva-
lent to saying to them: Take heart
that the poorest and humblest young
man may occupy the proudest station OF
the country, if he is only true t him.
self, true TO integrity, sober, honest and
Industrious. The election of Greeley
would inspire young men TO cultivate a
worthy ambition, to improve their
minds, and so to be worthy Of the fu-
tlne. 1t would afford an example that
would be worth to those that are to
follow us more than the teachings Of
schools, or the empty, hollow profes-
sions about ~rewarding honest merit.
As we have heretofore said, the
APPEAL viii not become the advo-
cate Of any particular individual
for Congress. Having spoken Of
others whose names have been recon-
mended, we have no hesitancy in saying
that for intellectual ability, Colonel Ne
Rae has no superior in this district; and
should he be selected as the standard
bearer for Congress, he would make al
brilliant canvass, win a national fame
in Congress and make an able and efi-l
cient representative. IntellectuaIy,
Colonel McRae is in many respects a
great man. His mind is broad, cOmpre-
hensive in its sweep, rapid in its opera
ton, and intuitive in its perceptions.
His judgement is free and independent,
rarely warped either by favor or afFec-
ton, and always discriminating amid
perplexiti@, with wonderful accuracy.
Hence, be is 8 wise and safe counsellor
His language is ornate; his style is terse
and beautiful. In conversation he is
veluSle and tra~nseen3antly e~Ntertain-
ing. In debate be is fond Of meta
physics; but while hair-splitting, he
knows the strong points in his case,
dwells upon the leading ideas, and
makes them nevOlve upon their Own
axles until every spot Of their surface is
bathed I'm the sunlight Of logic. His
powers Of a~mplifeation are amazing
As an orator he is cool and collec-
ted, eloquent and earnest, but his
voice lacks compass. Sometimes
cyBicism seems % lend edge to his wit
and bitterness to his sarcasm. But stiH
he is knoWnt to be kind in his nature and
generous to p~rofigacy; deeply sympa-
thetic, and that be never turns from the
needy without dropping a tear or giving
a dOllar-the n he bestows generously,
the other he rarely has to give; for while
be has an immense practice, he des-
pises the grovelling pursuit, the mean
vocation Of boarding money. Should
Colonel McRae be nominated and
elected to Congress, be viii couple the
possession with the power Of sustaining
it repGtably. Unambitions Of the silly
vanity Of simply being a member Of
Congress, and known as such, be will
aim 10 give 70 il the character and dig
nifty due the high and important posi-
ton. !,