Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1880-10-09
A GARD FROM C. H. SLAUGHTER,
ESQ.


EDITOR CHRONICLE :--As / learn
that some of my friends do not I'M
derstand my motives for refusing to
seek the honors of a nomination in
the late democratic convention /
trust that you will through the me-
dunn of your reliable journal per-
NIT me to state my reasons for do
ing so. In the first place | will say,
that various matters connected
with the building of the new court
house and furnishing the same will
need more attention from now I'M
til the completion of the building,
than at any former period. AS one
of the commissioners. and secretary
of the board, felt that | could not
conscientiously neglect duties per-
tanning to this trust, at time when
my services were most needed.
These duties, considered In connec-
ton with those due my private af-
fairs, and the fact of my health not
being good, which would necessa-
rily be to some extent affected by
annoyances attendant upon politi-
cal contest between neighbors and
friends (who instead of being divid-
ed should all work together), in
duced me to believe that / could
not assume additional responsible
ties and give to each proper atten-
ton.
1 am also willing to confess that
I felt some reluctance in assuming
position Of active antagonism to
many warm personal friends, who,
owing to the differences in our
views upon certain questions of
state policy, would not have given
me their support.
Therefore, after finding a number
of personal friends as candidates be-
fore the convention, some of whom
at least, were better able, physically
and otherwise, to make the canvass
under the circumstances, than my
self, I deemed it best for the inter-
est of all concerned to decline seek
ing a nomination, though pressed
by some of my most esteemed
friends to do SO.
Although, for the reasons named,
I thought it best to decline seeking
any public position in the present
political contest, / shall nevertheless
do what / conceive to be my duty
as private in the ranks of the dem
ocratic party at the proper time.
And in conclusion, although it
may be of no interest to any one, l |
will state my position upon one of
the main questions that has caused
such sad division among the peo-
pie of our state.
/ am in favor of an honorable and
equitable settlement, or compro-
mise, of the entire just Indebtedness
of the state, based upon such terms
as will do justice, and strict justice,
if possible, to both the people and
their creditors, and as will be accept
able to all parties Interested /; ever
recognizing the fact that there must
be two parties OF equal authority as
the dictation of terms in
any settlement or compromise that
is made. First-the people, or their
representatives in the legislature,
and second-the bond owners, or
their representatives, outside Of the
/ am opposed to the doctrine of
paying only a small proportion of
the just Indebtedness of the state,
and leaving the entire balance I'M
and whilst i might give
many good reasons for the opinions
[ have upon the subject named, |
do not feel willing to trespass fur
Their upon your valuable space, or
the patience of your readers. The
views that ] have given upon the
state debt question were mine two
years ago, are at present, and will
be in the future, regardless of all
party platforms, or political chang
IS that may take place, and whilst
am convinced in my Town mind that
hey are correct, do not feel that |
nave any just right to think that
,thers are dishonest because they {
rave opinions different from mine, {
md shall not accuse them of being
o. Yours very truly,
G. II. SLAUGHTER. :
st. Bethlehem, Tenn, Oct. 8, 80.