Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1872-02-07
THE SOUTH AND TIE VICE PRESIDENCY

portant official positions we have never
believed it best to allow the question of To-
cality to outweigh the primary considera-
tions of ability and fitness for the place.
We, therefore, felt satisfied when the Chi
cago Convention, in 1868, ignored geo.
graphical claims and selected Grant and
ColfaX, both Western men, for our stand
ard bearers. There were good reasons then
existing for n departure from the time
honored practice of dividing between diff
ferent sections of the country the honor of
the first and second Office within the gift
of the people. We do not hlink the same
reasons now exist. We believe Republic
cans generally feel so, for a very general
discussion of the claims of some of our pro-
minent leaders to the Vice Presidency is
in progress,
Vice President Colfax has given general
satisfaction and been an acceptable presid-
ing officer to the Senate, as was to have
been expected. But owing to his health
and his private interests, he has signified
des ire to retire TO private life Mindful,
however, of his obligations to his friends,
he has said that if it seems desirable or ne
cessary in order to harmonic conflicting
interests, that he should serve a second
term, he would do so. Under present cir
cumstances, We think his preference should
to ov erTule his wish to retire, we may con-
slider his not a probable name to go
before the General Convention. New
England will be divided in the Conven-
ton between Senator Wilson, of Massa-
chusetts, and Speaker Blaine. Ohio will
doubtless present the name of eX-Gover-
nor Dennison, a most worthy and capable
man for the place. Other names from
other States will no doubt be brought for
ward. But as far as we have noticed, the
only Southern name seriously proposed
for the Vice Presidency is that Of General
John NJ. Harlan, of kentucky. His bold
and brilliant canvass for Governor last
year, certainly entities him to recognition.
But he Is yet young and lacks that eX-
pericnce as legislator in Congress to give
him superior claims for the position under
nsideration.
We desire to invite attention at this time
to the claims of a distinguished Tenncs-
seean, whose name may be presented to
the Philadelphia Convention as fit sue
cessor to Schuyler ColfaX. We refer to
the name of Hon. Horace Maynard, for
many years and still member in Congress
from this district of Tennessee. He has
for fourteen years been prominent men,
Der of the lower House of Congress, His
long experience in that body has made him
thoroughly familiar with the history Of our
legislation, with parliamentary rules and
with the details of legislative proceedings.
His professional experience as lawyer
and q, Judge frequently called by ap-
pointment to sit in special causes, have
given him the sound judgment, wise dis
elimination and full knowledge of the
subjects and necessities for legislation 50
essential to the presiding officer of legis-
tive body. HIS unsullied private life, his
scholarly requirements, his unquestioned
integrity and his firm unyielding adherence
to his political convictions, give him the
confidence of the people. During the war
his never-failing devotion TO the cause Of
the government gives him peculiar claims
to the confidence of the friends of the
Union, and guarantees his unwavering fl
deity 10 the principles asserted and fully
maintained in our triumph over rebellion.
Measured by the.standard of prolonged, eff
fcient and faithful service in behalf of
Republican principles, Mr.. Maynard has
claims inferior to but very few men now
in public life. HIS efficient aid in the
brilliant canvass Of last year that wrested
from the opposition, the Golden State on
the Pacific coast, in triumph that was as
complete as it was unexpected. is some
evidence Of his power and influence be-
II h Il