Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1874-02-05
THE COMING CONTEST.

The people of Tennessee have had one
year of quiet and reposo from the excite,
ment and turmoil Of political warfare
which always precedeS a general election.
One year in which to pursue the ordina-
ny avocations Of life undistui bed. One
year in which to observe the course of
public affairs and to note the conduct of
those to whom they have been entrusted.
But the time for the regular biennial
elections is fast approaching and the peo-
pie will soon be required to pass upon the
manner in which each officer has cxecu>
ted his trust. Each one will be expected
to give an account Of his stewardship and
upon the result Of the investigation which
the people ought, to and will make, must
rest his hopes of reelection and advances
ment in the future.
1t is the business of newspapers to
chronicle public events and to note the
actions of public mon, and to convey to
the public in a truthful and non parti-
zan spirit the real facts, accompanied by
such suggestions and arguments as reason
and common sense may dictate. The
newspaper that fails to do this is false to
its trust and unworthy the confidence and
support of its patrons. The mass of the
people are honest and do not wish to de-
ceive themselves or others by false reas>
oning or by a system of sophistry, which
starting out from a wrong standpoint
is inevitably destined to reach a wrong
conclusion. AS a rule they seek truth
and will be satisfied with nothing else.
The duty of conducting a political
campaign is one of the most unpleasant
and least satisfactory of any that de-
wolves upon the manager of a newspaper.
AS a rule professional politicians are
both selfish and upgrateful, not unfre-
quently requiring more at tho hands of
an editor than he can with honor and de-
cency perform. No newspaper can COM
ply with the demands of politicians and
at the same time remain true to the PEG.
pie to whom it looks for support.
In the past we have endeavored SO far
as possible to devote ourselves exclusively
to thu people and their interests; adj
vocating principles and measures, moi
men, only so far as the election of the
one would SECURE the establishment o.
the other. We have often supported
men who we're not our perso nal choice,
simply because they represented princi
plos congenial to our own. The commins
contest bids fair to become one Of more
than usual interest, and excitement. AL
ready the aspirants for the different office
are organizing their forces and pluminl
themselves Tor the conflict. Among the
number are many good and true men anc
many Others who for the present shall re-
ceive at our hands the only boon we Cal
grant: That Of silence both as to theil
history and claims to public confidence
Whether we shall allude to it at all du'
ring the. coming campaign will depont
upon the course they pursue towards u
or those whose claims we shall see propcl
to advocate. The men whom we hav,
opposed in the past have never had caust
to'complain Of unfair treatment on on
part, and many Of them are still
our warmest personal friends, but in thu
present instance We have noticed an un'
usual amount Of sensitivcnoss on the par
Of SOME individuals OF the slightest him
us to our future course toward some aspi'
rants, Among the number we notice
several correspondents to other Journals
(of whose motives mere hereafter) have
taken occasion TO c~riticise cur course in f,
way that shows, to say the least, more
temper than Judgment, and moro regarc
for their own selfish interests than. foI
truth.
To such we have to say: We have n;
quarrel with any Individual who wishes {,
become a candidate for Office. We shall
treat all with fairness and candor and en-
gage in no personal controversy except il
self defence, when il necessary t. dis
prove o falsehood it should become expe
dent to show that the author is not wor
Thy Of credeuce. we shall not hesitate y
do 50.
We shall endeavor to conduct the can
vass in a deoent, respectful ana candi
manner toward oil asgirants avoiding al
kinds Of hlsekguardism and persona