Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-12-15

| speculation and discussion. Let me re-
mark at once, and most candidly, that as
between the various distinguished persons
aspiring to the Senatorship from this State,
have no personal preference arising from
selfish or interested motives. With several
OF the gentlemen have the honor of a per-
sonal acquaintance. The time was when /
had deep political prejudice, if not en-
nifty, to the distinguished individual whose
name am now about to present, as, in my
humble judgment, the man above all others
TO represent US in the United States Senate.
But that time has passed. L need scarcely
say that this change in my feelings and
sentiments towards ex-President Andrew
johnson was caused by his noble, selfsac-
r1hcing, patriotic and heroic conduct while
acting as President.
Two years ago it was in the power of the
Legislature to make him our Senator. The
people OF Tennessee desired and expected
it. So did the whole Southland indeed,
the Democracy of the entire Union. Why
was it not done? Was it from sheer cow
ardice-fearful of offending Grant and his
Congressional henchmen? Or was his de-
feat caused by the treaehery Of a few Rep
reseDtatives at Nashville, who had an eye
TO the main chance-that is, of lining their
pockets with greenbacks-otherwise,
brides? 1t was one or the other, beyond
doubt.
But the time has occurred once more,
and the opportunity for rendering justice
to Andrew johnson, the great tribune OF
the people, will, it is believed, be seized by
the Legislature elect. The gentlemen
composing the present body are, doubtless,
above the average ability, and are also men
of courage, honesty and firmness, who will
endeaYor to act, in matters of this nature,
IN accordance with the wishes of the peo-
pie. That Mr.. johnson is the fayorite of
large majority of the people, have not the
least doubt. They wish to send him to
the Senate as stunning rebuke 20 the vile
Radical, Jacobinical pack who composed
the infamous Rump Congress, and who
made the effort to impeach, disgrace and
destroy him. They wish to place him in
where he will be, as to rank, upon
an equal footing with those who
bounded him to destruction, and
where he will have the privilege, his tongue
unfettered, of hurting back upon their
wicked heads the just indignation of an
outraged and insulted people. They would |
send him to the Senate because, in this
time of trial and almost of national bank |
rlptcy-in this time of boundless extraya- |
gance and administrative licentiousness in |
every branch of the public service, Andrew |
johnson is pre-eminently the man for the |
times. Economy and frugality have ever |
been his watchwords throughout all his /
long public career. We want Senate and /
a House that will at once lOp off every I'M
necessary expense-that will place the ap-
for carrying on the Govern
ment at the very lowest estimate possible, /
and abolish at once every unnecessary Of
fee. Who can better meet the demands of
the people in these respects than Mr.. John
son? Defeat him, and you will rejoice the
hearts of every Radical in the nation.
There are able and worthy men among
the many whose names have been men
toned for the Senatorship. would not if
could, detract from their merits; but they |
are younger men and can afford to wait.
Such is not the case with Andrew johnson.
He is growing old, but still in the full vigor
Of massive intellect, and the dextrous
Of his wonderful powers. No
nan can be found who is so thoroughly en-
rapport with the people; so fully aequaint-
I'd with the necessities of the country, and
30 fertile in resources for the amelioration
IF its condition.
His conduct while acting as President of
he United States will ever live IN the CRATE
ful remembrance of his countrymen-
of the South. And now that the
lime has arrived when the State of Tennes-
zee, (at least,) can offer proper, a mer-
ted, and grateful recognition of his heroic
1evotion-when she can, in a most EN-
1hatic manner, endorse his noble and in
repid stand for the Constitution and the
Teat vital principle of State rights, let us
lot neglect it. Let no paltry subterfnges
If ''expediency," no petty local jealousies,
lor craven fears of the 'powers" at Wash
ngtOn turn us from our duty.
In conclusion, permit me to add for the
Of those who may read this,
hat it is written in the interest of my fell
am a laboring man, having no political
SEPARATIONS whatever. am not an office
holder nor ofice-seeker. l wish to see my
country peaceful and Irresponsible gov
honestly differed by honest
men, and the utmost economy used in ev-
ny department of the State and General
but myself and many thous-
Inds over this way, would be much pleased
o see "Old Andy" in the United States
senate. Thine, most sincerely,
NIB.
Gibson Co., W. Tenn, Nov. 2S, 1874.