Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-02-29

combination of gifts and graces which
qualified me in any pre-eminent degree
for that honorable and responsible posi-
ton. But the Radical press had declared
and reiterated the declaration thous-
and times-that the Rebel element when
once in power would utterly ignore and
repudiate Conservative Union men as an
integral part of their political organiza-
tion. Regarded my position as rather
fortunate, inasmuch as it furnished the OPP
portunity of putting to practical test and
refutation the truth of the assertion. 1
stood, if my recollection serves me, but
for single ballot and, anxious to save the
party from an imputation so damaging to
professedly conservative organization, 1
withdrew and nominated Col Warren, of
McNairy-a gentleman, confessedly, the
best qualified member of the body for the
position intelligent, affable, of pure char
acter and of Legislative experience. In
view of this fact. and in consideration of
the additional fact that in this election
alone had the Conservative Union mem
bers signifed desire or disposition to
share in the distribution of offices, thought
and still think he should have been elected
Speaker of the Senate. But the antece-
dents and principles of Col Warren were
discovered to bealike distasteful-we were
lacking in that sort of Iecord which COM
mends one to the graces of the ma jority-
or, to use the expressive and elegant Ian
guage of distinguished Senator, we were
found with ''sPoTs" on our backs The
matter had been predetermined and ar
ranged, as was evidenced by the fact that
General Vaughn pulled his manuscript
address from his pocket and read it after
he had been conducted to the Chair. As
a personal contest the affair is destitute of
interest or importance but as a political
demonstration, the only light in which it
can properly be regarded, 10 is fttu Of
significance. Had L then been, as | sub
became, better acquainted with
the policy-the animus and programme of
the party-I should not have suffered my
name to stand even for a single ballot:
Nay | should have felt compelled to de-
cline the honor had it been rendered for,
as will be observed the subjoined roster"
the presence of Mr.. Warren, Mr.. Hughes,
myself or any one of like antecedents in
the Speakers Chair would have seriously
disturbed the harmony of the political
chrystallization otherwise so perfect:
The Governor full bench consisting
of six Judges of the Supreme Courts At
General and Reporter; Secretary
of State; Treasurer Comptroller Super
intendent Penitentiary Superintendent
Capital; Public Printersf; Speaker of
House; Speaker of Senate; Clerk of
House Clerk of Senate; Doorkeeper of
House Doorkeeper of Senate, and even
the colored porters, all of one faith and
order all, and particularly the last men-
toned functuaries, .'wool-dyed.' These
remarks are not made in derogation of the
gentlemen filling the offices designated /; /
for many of them are my esteemed friends |
and are faithful and efficient officers.
Some minor Offices, here and there in
the State, are occupied by men of Union
but they are comparatively |
few and insigni6cant-mere ''table scraps |
-crusts, crumbs and bones.
THE criterion of merit with this class of
men is the extent and importance of the
services rendered by the candidate to the
ate Confederacy and, per contra, the
badge of inferiority is placed upon all men
who were the friends of the Government
Turing the war, regardless of their sacri-
ices and efforts in behalf of peace,
popular rights, and universal suffrage, |
luce that period. n
Asking no apologies of those who differ
ID with me in the past. was poorly quail
fed to give any in my own behalf. Re-
ognizing no disparagement of others i'll
nv esteem because of their antecedents, |
ubmit. with the worst imaginable grace,
O the manifestation of such feelings on
he part of others. '--
Thus ends the story but / would be
Untrue to my late constituents as we'll as
myself if l failed, on this occasion, to de-
lare, clearly and emphatically. that l im-
ute no such feelings of bitterness, pro-
criptive and implaeable hate to them.
hey too correctly appreciate the services
f that class of men who are repudiated
nd prescribed by the majority in the pres
MT Legislature to endorse the sentiments
r conduct of the latter We have at
aimed to that degree of conservatism and
in East Tennessee that there
emain in the minds of our people, COM
aratively, few evidences Of the dreadful
asst. Their charity is "pure, gentle and
asily; entreated. They offer garlands of
mdrarth and tender memories for all
Love and tears for the Blue +
Tears and love for the Gray'h
We cannot consent that this happy con-.
1tion of things besdisturbed nor that the
lie passions, prejudices and hate, incident
} the war, shall be renewed and intensi-
ed. -aI g.L
As your Senator acted with conscien-
ous regard to what L conceived 10 be
our rights, your interests and your duties;
nd my record will be found in the Jour
al of the body of which | was member.
Thanking you profoundly for the very
honor conferred upon me, {
beg leave to say that advocate no new ]
rinciples occupy no new attitude OF re-
ltion but, having resisted the proscrip- :
we spirit evince1 by the Radicals. L
lould be un,rIe to myself, and
" conduct inconsistent with the historyIt
my efforts in your behalf. if failed tof 4
ssist and denounee.the same proscriptIye j
1irit on the part of the Democratic party. /
With the most sincere wishes for your in
ividual welfare, aud for the general peace I
hd prosperity of our country, | have the !
onor to be, ..s- II
Your Obed't. Servant.
w. r. SEWER.
. The Conservative Union element of the Dem a
ratio Party had one represen tatiye on the Su- ,
RENE Bench tn the person of Hon; =; a. Il. NeL- I