Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-10-14
cHEArHAM-JoHNsoH.

CHEATHAM-J0HNs0E.
Much has been said since the opening
of the Cheatham-J ohnson campaign to
engender bad feeling, and to revive
prejudiees that we're fast disappearing
among the unpleasant things that sensl-
Bile men like to forget. But aside from
all these issues, there are many who
admit Mr.. Johnson's great ability, and
for arguments sake may concede his
sincerity in most of the leading measures
of his life, but who cannot believe that
his election to Congress at this time
would have the effect of pouring oil on
troubled waters. He would 60 to Con-
gress without, perhaps, friends to be
rewarded, but many enemies to punish,
and scores Of political wounds to
ayenge-as well as old bruises on his
feet-to keep him irritated and in mind
of the fact that he has travelled the rough
road of preferment all the way from
his tailor shop in Greenville to the
White House at Washington, his life has
been passed in strife and heated contests,
amid which he has won all his signal
triumphs. His nature is such that he is
never happy except when dealing heavy
blows to some formidable opponent. In
Congress he would find a field full of
such opponents able to meet his prowess,
and parry, if not successfully return,
thrust for thrust The telegraph wires
would nightly sing the strains of his
aggressive eloquence, and Of the fierce
reioinders of his ancient and natural
enemies, from Ben Butler down to the
commonest pigmy Of Congressman
just up from the South to fill an empty
carpet-bag. The papers would TEEN
with these useless discussions, in which
the participants would be far more con-
cerned personally than the people, whose
interests would be neglected and over
looked.
No man in the State believes that it
is to the interest OF our people to- send
representatives to Congress who would
merely go to make Rome howl, for
when our Rome on the banks of Tiber
creek raises howl the people of
of the South have to suffer for it. We
have heard that fearful howl too often
already for our good, and have no ambi-
ton to initiate the ancient martyrs who
serenely enteredIthe amphitheater and
invoked the wild beasts to tear them to
pieces. If Mr.. johnson alone were to
be the victim, we might cheerfully con-
sent to send him to Congress, where he
desires so ardently to poise his once
powerful lance and rush on the.enemies
Of Andrew johnson, who are therefore,
to him, the enemies of constitutional
liberty. He would go there not only to
fight the administration of the Republi-
can party but to vindicate his own
record, especially that of the last twelve
years, and in doing so, would raise a
storm which could only break over the
defenceless heads of the Southern peo-
pie, who are already blighted with mill
tary rule and proscriptive legislation.
Atthis critical period, when some hope
exists for the return of genuine peace
and liberty all over the land, it would be
a national calamity to send Andrew
johnson TO Congress. The hates are
slowly dying out, and no one should be
permitted to add fuel to the smoldering
embers or light again the torch of civil
strife. Our local and general interests
will be best served by electing to the
national Congress men of broad couser-
vative views, who will go there for the
public good and not to vindicate dead
issues; men who have been quiet since
the war, whatever their former position
Such as these can, by discreet course
have some influence with the party il
power, and do much by gentle words to
ward removing prejudice, securing th'
benefits Of impartial laws and healing
the wounds that sfiiict the nation.
Gen. Cheatham, though plain and IN
educated, is pre-eminently such man.
one who viii make no enemies, but
create many friends He has a clear
head, 4 practical habit Of mind, aud 4
withHl a fine judge Of human nature.
Not brilliant. but solid, not eloquent
but thoughiful firm, but modest and IN