Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1874-05-30
JOHNSON AND THE COMING ELEC-
TIONS.

]
Weare pleased to see. in the speech
of Andrew johnson, as reported IN
Memphis papers, the proposition, that
the friends of johnson and Cheatham
mite. elect State ticket and thus pre-
pare to carry the State in the next
Presidential election. To this propo-
sition no one can reasonably object, but
as the basis of union is left an open |
question, it is as far removed from salts
factory solution as if the PROPOSE
ton had never been made. Still 1t |
is gratifying to be informed that
the leader of the Independents-the |
head and front of the disorganizers-
is in favor of Cancellation and cOmpro-
mise, and the very encouragement OF
the fact may be the means of effecting
the desired union.
Were the people left to carry into
effect their own unbiased and patriotic
views of sound policy, their first step
would be to retain the State govern
ment in the hands of the Conser-
vative element aud, to do this, they
would see the absolute necessity
for so complete an determination of
Radiealism that it would never be
disturbing element in tennessee poll
ties. For so long as that party is an
enemy in the camp, so long will it be
an element of discord and source of
factiOus and unwisele Legislation. Hold
ing, as it does, the balance of power
Detween the two grand divisions of the
opposition, that power can, and will,
beused to extend and perpetuate Rad
zeal influence, either by obtaining off
ces in closely contested election Dis
tricts, or by placing in power the fac
ton least removed fromitself in policy.
principle and sympathy Such, we feel
assured, would be the policy of the
people, were they not led astray by
those middle-men in politics, who seek
self-aggrandisement, as the middle
men in trade seek pecuniary profits, at
the expense of the producing classes.
If there is to be harmony between
the discordant and widely divergent
elements of opposition, We see no
other basis for it than an honest desire
and an earnest effort, on the part of
the people to rid the State of the car
pet-bag and scallawag influence. This
is a broad platform upon which all can
stand, and is necessary preliminary
TO such harmony in the future, as will
secure wise and effective administra-
ton of State affairs, and bring to i'm
portant measures of State policy, the
essential support of healthy public
opinion. The declaration of Mr.. John
son, that there should BET close union
in order to succeed in the coming cleo
ton. is an admission of the dangerous
and disturing power of Radicalism in
the State, and the proceedings of the
late colored convention in Nashville.
ought to afford proof enough that it Is
of the first importance that the Oppo-
sition become unit for the exterml-
nation of power so dangerous to the
peace and prosperity and honor Of the
State. This being done, differences Of
opinion on important subjects of State
policy. can be satisfactorily adjusted by
an appeal to the ballot box and subse-
duent acquiesence in the decision, I'M
til it is found to be erroneous, wher
the decision will be reversed, and st
on. until honest intelligence, backc'
by experience, will become the perma
nent pilot of the ship of State. Blu
this can not be done whilst Radicallsn
holds the balance Of power whereve
there is a division in the COnscrvatlv,
ranks. 1t will, instinctively, sid
with the plrty mostin error, and thu
endeavor to subvert law and order, a
an ally, whenever and wherever it cal
MT do so as an independent power.
But, il may be asked, what, in th
meantime, will become of the issue
which now divide theoppositiOn? w
answer by asking, which one of then
or all put together-is half as i'm
portant to the present and future as tn
permanent rescue of the State iron
the malignant presence and infuenc
of the Radical party composed, as it is
of alien greed and corruption and ma
tive ignorance and semi barbarism
If this platform is not broad enough t
accommodate all the elements OF OF
position to Radicalism, and if the oh
iect proposed to be accomplished,
not important enough to enlist the CO
operation of every honest patriot, W
see no chance far harmonious unlOr
" men DTOWnlOh bIutdl uCSpos'S'
was pinned down upon US by federa
bayonsts, this was the platform of ever
true man; upon it they all stood to
gether as one man, until the iron hee
was removed from their necks and tn
bayonets changed their bristling att
tude but Brownlow lives unchanged
and his myrmidons, are in our yer
midst. plotting the restoration of hi
corrupt despOtism which the peopl
seem to have forgotten, though sur
rounded by the ruins it created. Tn
cry was then-as it should be now
let us rid ourselves of this curse a
the one great obstacle TO regeneration
and then turn our attention to the dc
liberate and statesman-like adjustmeI
of such measures as may be essenti;
to the cure of existing evils and til
restoration of our violated rights an
PROSTATE business pursuits. Now tn
curse is forgotten, and faction is mad
inviting its return.
WE publish on first page, the addre'
of the Democratic Executive Commit
tee. to the people of the State.
wisely assumes that opposition to Rae