Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-05-08
PUBLIC LEDGER.
THE KEW PARTY FIAsOO.

With all due respect to the handful oil
delegates who composed the Colyar
convention, it seems to have been want
ing in enthusiasm and fixed purposes
as much as in numbers. About thirty
men we're present and it seems that
some desired their names left out OF the
papers. The meeting had been called
for months and the fact was well known
all over the State. Andrew johnson had
been in Nashville several days and 1t
was supposed there would be consider
able gathering if not unity OF counsels'
But the meeting was so SHINY attended
that Andrew johnson declined to speak
until after adjournment. Mr.. Colyar,
Who called the meeting, evinced more
than usual discretion and conservatism.
He made some very sensible suggestions
and advised conciliatory measures. One
or two of the lesser lights seeking
uotoriety, delivered themselves OF
inflammatory speeches, denouncing
everybody and everything supposed
to be unpopular just now IN
the feryid manner of an unmistakable
demagogue. After much wrangling a
set of resolutions were adopted, intended
as a sort of platform for future use. The
main feature was hostility to the present
State Government. 1t must be borne IN
mind that these delegates we're all
self.elected, and represented only them
selves. They had been called together
by Mr.. Colyar in very temperate adj
dress, merely for conference, and yet a
few restless spirits in the crowd, who
have nothing to lose and all to gain, I'M
dertook to set up party movement
One of the speakers, using borrowed
language, said, The question is whether
we shall be absorbed or absolved." Of
course he preferred to absorb all the old
parties in the State, or so much thereofas
might be found digestible and necessary.
Right here we are forcibly reminded of
the three famous tailors in Tooley
street, London, who issued an address
beginning, with ave, the people of
England" etc. Even the small number
present found it difficult to agree, and
some Of the most turbulent and imprac-
ticable ones had to be made officers Of
the meeting TO prevent them from doing
all the talking. Mr.. Colyar is a man of
brain, and must have felt mortified at
the failure Of the conference. The fact
will now begin to dawn on the minds of
the gentlemen that there is no room for
factions or third parties in this State.
The masses of the Democrats and Con-
servatives were divided unfortunately
in a recent contest, but the excitement
has passed away and the people are not
disposed again to register their own de-
feat when victory is within reach by the
exercise Of prudence and common sense.
1t was a little family difficulty, which is
in fair way of adjustment, and when
the breach is healed over the bonds Of
union will be more closely eemented
than ever, for the people see that further
division means to turn the State over
into the hands Of the Radicals for at
least ten years to come. We see that
Colonel Thomas Boyers, editor Of the
Gallatin Examiner, who was warm
supporter of Mr.. johnson and attended
the COlyar meeting in good faith, has
since come out in a strong letter repudi
ating its action in toto. he says he is
for State convention and thorough or
ganization, and closes by saying:
"The emergencies of the hour demand
a sinking of personal views and an I'M
broken front in our ranks if we would
preserve our ascendancy in Tennessee"