Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-12-22
THE UNITED STATES sEEAToRsmR-
GEN. W. B. BATE.

GEN. W. B. BATE.
We have expressed s candid AID
hearty preference for ex-GOvernOr IsAa=
G. Harris for the United States Senate
based upon the worth and fitness sna
ability Of the man and high eonsiaera'
tons Of public interest He is oar neigh
Dor aud friend, tue only svOwed candi-
date Of our section, and We have adTO-
Gated his claims with an esrnestness not
to be mistaken for az empty compli-
ment. In doing this, however, we
have not prejudiced or ~prejudged
tie claims of Others, and es-
pecially of our gallant and distin-
gaishsl friend and old brigade and divis-
ion commander, General W.. B. Bate.
Aside ftom this cordial AMI personal re-
lation he is admittedly one of the ablest
and foremost menin the State, and since
the war he has bsen the unhinching sd-
vocate Of the rights of the people, and a
pure constitutional government, aud has
been recognized by all as a leader, al.
though holding and seeking no official po-
sition until two years ago when he became
a~candidate for the Uaited States Senate
That memorable contest is yet fresh in
the public mind. General Bate led the
vote the greater part Of the time, and on
one ballot received 40 votes, only requir
ing one more to elect. On account Of
complications arising at this stage he
withdrew his name and was not voted
for again. His gallant aud candid bear
ing on tia. occasion made new friends
on every hand, and in every county in
the State. 1t is well remembered and
will have its weight 10 the coming cleo
ton. As to the long or short term, be
is in the hands OF his friends. aud il Is
possible that question viii be sstlsi II
n Democratic caucns, and thas avoid
any uussemly contest between mutual
friends. 0ne Of the Senators vii almost
certainly be chosen from Middle Ten
nessee, and the other che We hope, from
this cad Of the State. General Bate has
taken an sciVs part in politics when be
could serve the people, but with such
honesty Of purpose and fairness as to
command the admiration aud respect Of
political opponents. In the late Presi
dental canvass be was one Of the Demo
cratic electors at large, and performed
distinguished service for the party. Be.
ing a member Of the National Democratic
Executive Committee and engaged in
correspondence with the leading men OIL
the committee and the party be has moi
given much time to the Senatorial ques.
tiou. His visit to Memphis at this time
is rather a recreation from arduous du.
ties. We see that eight or ten papa-i Of
the State advocate him warmly + 2
Nashville Banner, of the 10Th, cay eii-
torially:
General Bates career 10 public life il
too well known to need elaboration here
and we need only emphasize the facl
that it covers a record of which any mar
might be proud. His brilliant electoral
canvass in the late Presidential cam
paign will notsoon be forgotten by those
who listened to bis earnest and impas.
stoned words.
1t mag be said Of General Bate that,
in whatever position he has figured, be
has been successful. This fact indicate.
true merit, and is TIE highest praise tina
can be awarded. In bis vocabulary ther,
is no such word as fail. Ia the coutesI
for the high Office of Senator be IS no
presented by any clique OF ring Jealous
of any other faithful Democrat, and de
sirous to detract from any other aspi
rant, however eminent, ia order to pro
cure bis e~xaltation. Dem 1cret by 10
stihct and on principle, he has served th,
party with answering fidelity, believing
il to BE- the party Of the constitution, snt
he places his aspirations 10 its conf
dence unreservedly in ito hands.
Speaking Of the popularity aud th0
elaitns Of General Bate, the Banne
publishes the following letter from on.
of his enthusiastic admirers:
FRASKCIS, TESS.. December 10, 1875.
To the Editor Of che Banner:
O'5 Williamson is not behind in hsy
ing a choice for the United States Sens
torship. A large msjority Of the peopl
in the county favor the election Of Gen
William B Bate for the long term. Nj
johnson was the choice Of Williamson
in the last election, and the people r.
member we'll the course pursued by tha
old veteran 10 his eaEdidacy against Nj
Johnson. Unlike most Of his opponent
he did not fail to approach Mr.. JOhusO
after the election agony wa over, an
extend the right hand Of fellowship an
coBgratulAtioD, which was hearth
grAspsd By his late opponent with a
Il thank you" which rang out from th
very bottom Of his heart.
General Bate has endeared himself
the people Of Tennessee in times tbs
tried meu's souls, and later still by cal
ing up the csHss Of honesty and reform
proclaiming the glad tidiugs throughor
the borders at this grand old common
wealth. We are for Bate Grst, last an
all the time. B.