Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-11-08
DIR DEmocaArrC CoxaREssMEN.

OUR DEMOCRATIC COEGRESSMEN.
We have drawn upon The Memphis Ap-
peal and KnOxriile Press and Herald for
some interesting points concerning the an
tecedents of the nine Democrats elected to
the Fony-f0pTth Congress from tennessee,
The people are naturally anxious TO know
all about the men who viii represent them
in the first Democratic House Of Repre-
sentatives since lsJs--sixteen years ago.
William Mcfarland, who succeeds R. R.
Butler in tae First District, is about fly
three years old. lie was interested in a
tannery and kept store in connection
with il for several years previous to 1861.
During the war, he studied law and en-
tered upon the practice ofthat profession as
soon as the courts were re-opened, meeting
with eminent success from the outset. He
was an earnest Unionist. No man ever
espoused a cause with more earnestness;
but, when the war was over, be used as
much zeal to restore good feeling. As a
lawyer, he was ever ready TO defend the
prosecuted, and did much to stay the tide
of passion which swept over the country.
At one time he was appointed special
Judge for the Second Judicial District by
Gov. Senter,
In the canvass Just closed, Mr.. McFar-
land did not seek the candidacy Of his
party. He was selected as the best man to
meet the willy s:Red Fox of johnson" be
fore the people, and The wisdom of his
nomination is shown by The brilliant vic
tory which he achieved.
Gen. G. G.. DibhrelI, Of the Third Dis
trict, is about forty years Of age. Before
the war he served in the State Legislature,
and proved most useful member. At the
commencement of the war he entered the
Confederate army, and was promoted TO
the command of a brigade. As soldier,
Gen. Dihhrell was brave and fearless, and
did his duty well. He is a gentleman OF
fine education and enlarged views. He re-
sides at Sparta, Smith county, and is suct
cessfully engaged in farming.
Col. John w. Head, VINO has bsen elected
in the Fourth Congressional District, re-
sides at Gallatin, Sumner county, is about
fifty five years of age, is lawyer, and has
always been a staunch Democrat. Previ
Gus to the vM, lie was elected Attorney
General and Reporter for the Stale, the
duties of which Office he continued TO dis
charge with marked ability and diligence
until succeeded by Judge Sneed, now Of
the Supreme OaaFt OF this State. During
the war he was Colonel Of Confederate
regiment. he resumed the practice Of law
at the close of hostilities, and had taken
but little part in politics until the recent
canvass.
Hon. John NJ. Bright, reelected for the
second time from the Fifth District, was
born at Fayetteville, Lincoln county, Jan.
20, 1877. In 1881, he graduated in the old
Nashville University, under the Presidency
Of DR.. Philip Lindsey. After studying
law twelve months with Col. James Full
ton, at Fayetteville, he entered the Law
Department of Pennsylvania University,
Kentucky, and graduated in 1S41. In the
fall of 1S4l, he obtained license to prae-
tiee law, and soon rose to high position
al the bar. Gen. Bright has always been
a Democrat, and, as volunteer elector for
Polk, in 1871, made his first public debate,
bic opponent being Maj. GustayusA. Henry,
of GAINESVILLE. In 1871 and 1913, lie
served one term in the State Legislature,
and to his efforts was due the action Of the
General Assembly in establishing the pres
ent State Lunatic Asylum. In 1913, he
made q canvass for Cass and Butler In the
Presidential contest. Though urged by
friends TO go before the Demo
cratic Conventions in 1913, 1851 and
1858, lie refused to do so, and
Mr.. Bright at first declined to become a
candidate for the Forty second Congress;
but convention was called, and he was
nominated against his previous refusal to
run. He was elected, made brilliant rep
utation, and was reelected in 1872. An
accomplished scholar and eloquent orator,
his speeches on the leading questions ofthe
time have elected favorable comment from
even his sturdiest political opponents: Per-
haps there are few men in public life whose
sagaeity in matters of finance has greater
influence with the judicious minds of the
country.
Hon. John F. House, of the Sixth Dis
trict, is about forty-two years of age. Soon
after being graduated in the law depart
ment of Cumberland University, Lebanon,
he removed to GAINESVILLE, where he has
since resided, and confined himself to the
practice of his profession. Before the war,
Col. House was elected on the Wing ticket
to the Legislature. When the war be-
tween the States commenced, Mr.. House
cast his fortunes with those of the South,
and proceeding to Richmond, his ability
and Judgment in matters of law and ques-
tons of State commended him TO the al
tention of the Confederate government.
At the close of the war he returned home
and devoted himself to his profession, in
which he had rapidly risen to front place.
he was a member of the Tennessee Con-
stitutional Convention of 1870, and proved
not only an active, but valuable member,
whose views upon more than one subject
of importance, then pending before that
intelligent body, were regardedas judicious
and wise. As lawyer and an orator, he
has no superior in the State.
Gen. w. c. Whitthorne, of the Seventh
District, resides at Columbia, Maury coun-
ty, and is about fifty years of age. He has
seen a great deal Of political life, having
been first elected to the Tennessee Legis-
lature in 1919, and was at different periods
a member of the General Assembly until |
1861. During part of this time, he was
speaker of both houses, and as presiding |
officer was distinguished for his clearnessy
readiness and promptness in dispOsing of
business. In 1860 he was a Democratic |
elector for the State at large. When not |
in the Legislature he engaged in the prac-
tice of law, proving himself a thorough |