Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1876-04-01
JACKSON.
SATURDAY ........

- STATE CoNvENTIOSs.-Our readers were
informed last week, by special telegram,
that the State Executive Committee, of
the Democratic party, had called two con
yentions TO meet at Nashville, and for
distinct purposes. The first convention,
which is 10 meet on the 3lst Of May next,
VIII appoint delegates to the St. Louis
convention, and the second convention
HAS been called 10 nominate "A candidate
for Governor and Presidential electors,
on the 9th Of August. This result was
reached after patient investigation Of
the political outlook, and through a free
Interchange Of opinion on the part of the
members Of the committee. 1t was not
deemed wise that Tennessee should meet
In convention and enunciate a platform
of principles, before the st. Louis con-
vention had spoken. Such precipitate
action might put her people in conflict
witli the national democracy, and thus
make her a guerilla in the fight, acting
Independent Of the regular organization.
Besides, the Presidential canvass, if won
At all, must be won by northern demo-
Gratis on northern soil. The South in any
event is secure to the democracy, and
will almost vote her whole electoral col
fege for the ST. Louis nominee. The con-
test North win be close and bitter, and
our friends there must be allowed to
shape the issues so as to win, and in the
matterof platform, which Is, at best
only a string Of "glittering generalities,"
We must Weld to their wishes and defer
to their demands.
Unless we can carry some of the North
err States the contest on our part would
be idle, and the campaign would engen
der fruitlcss turmoil for no good whatev-
err Our delegates then are likely to so
10 st. Louis uninstructed, and prepared
TO cooperate in a spirit Of concession and
harmony, with democrats from all sec
lions, and Of every grade and hue Of po-
liticaI sentiment.
The State Convention, to nominate a
candidate for Governor, was wisely post
poned, we think, until August. An ear
~ canvass is not to be desired, for sever
al reasons Now is the time for the peo-
pie to work-to plant and cultivate their
crops, and they ought not TO be drawn
from them by the hubbub and tomfoole-
ry of the hustings. Our political regen
Grafton will come through fertile fields
and abundant harvests, rather than thro'
the theories and tricks of politicians
Again it was deemed best put the State
canvass beyond the local elections, and
not cntangle it with issues that do rot
properly belong to it, and to let it be made
upon its merits, and the shorter the bet
ter Long canvasses were once popular,
and necessary iATennesSeo--papers were
scarce, and channels for the transmission
of intelligence had not permeatcd every
section of the State. The public mind
was worked up slowly, and could only be
reached through the medium oil stump
orators. Happily such state of affairs
has given away, and there is no necessity
for long and heated race for Governor.
Gov. Porter could make a half dozen
speeches, and through the press reach eY-
cry voter in the State. The Press has
displaced the orator, and men read the is
sues of the day around their own fire
sides, and solve affairs of State under
their own vine and fig tree, and this ere
ates a stability in politics creditable to the
masses, and may eventuate in increased
permanency to our institutions. The
expense of two conventions was discuss
ed, butlit was argued that two sets of del
egates could be appointed by the county
conventions; and thus it would fall light
~ upon all, and give too to every aspir-
ing patriot chance to serve his country,
and to air his opinions, if the public good
should require it. Under the circumstan-
ces it seems the majority of the commit
tee decided properly, but there are many
good reasons which could be advanced in
favor of an early convention, as best for
the State and the party we trust, how
ever, there will DC cheerful acquiescence
inregard to the action of the committee,
and that both conventions will be swelled
by the presence of our truest representa-
tive men.