Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-11-14
iTElTPUlS APPEAL
TUESDAY, a.: NOVEMBER IA, 1889
J.{J. VERTREEs AND THE LATE & n
E5T6e recent canvass in Tennessee was con-

JgJ. VERTREEs MD THE LATECAN-
Es..---yzz VAsS.i
EEsThe recent canvass in Tennessee was con-
Quoted with great energy, ability and adroit-
ness, by tine true and reliable Democrats.
The Joint call for a State convention by the
two Executive Committees, representing the
two wings of the Democratic party, was op-
posed by the indictments, who had already
sown the seeds of discord. But party 10y
atty and party wisdom triumphed, and
the State Convention met under the most
favorable auspices. In rapid succession
county conventions were held, and the peo-
pie, in tones Of thunder, expressed their
want OF confidence in the last Legislature
and their opposition 10 the sixty-and--ix
settlement. Shelby county sounded the key
note to the canvass, as it was the first to rec
ommend the joint call for a State convention,
and the FIRST TO propose settlement of the
State debt at ifty-and-Ihree. The State con-
vention was held, and it was a convention OF
the people IN the interest of the people. 1t was
emphatically a representative convention.
The honest yeomanry, who tickle the soil
with the pillow, were there in full force
and at their own expense. After twenty
four hours mature deliberation and
careful comparison of various opinions.
the Committee on Resolutions report
ed a platform which has been pro-
nounced model of political wisdom 1t was
adopted word for word, except the change of
the figure four for three as to The amount of
interest to be paid on the State debt. The
platform met the living issue Of the can
vass in way that at once captured the COM
mon sense of the State. 1t was re-
garded. as an acceptable compromise,
and as just between the creditors and
the people, whose equities were urged with
great force. The platform bridged over the
fissure that had divided the party Good
sense and good feeling pervsded the entire
convention. The best elements of the party
predominated. Every hour the convention
was in session increased the spirit of hsr-
mony. The mutineers were powerless for
mischief. The candidate for governor was
nominated by the convention with fairness
and unanimity that conquered dissent in
spired universal confidence and awakened
unbounded enthusiasm. Gen. Bate was in
stantly recognized as the man for the occa-
sion. The old enemy of the party, as well
as those within who meditated treason,
hattered themselves into the belief that
there would be a protracted quarrel
and continuance of old divisions, were az
much chsgrined at the result as the people
were rejoiced. With a satisfactory platform
and an available candidate, the next gr at
and important duty was the selection of
State Executive Committee. This duty de.
volved upon Col. Josiah Patterson, the presi-
dent of the convention, and his able and
powerful speech, replete with wise adj
vice and ringing utterances, and his adj
mirable department as presiding officer,
assured the convention that he would
be equal 10 the responsibilities devolv-
ing upon him. And the result fully
shows that this confidence was not misplaced,
for the character of the men selected by
Col. Patterson is another tribute 10
his political sagacity and his unerr-
ing estimate OF the men needed
TO conduct vigorous and successful canvass.
The intimate friend OF ]. J. Vertrees, Col
Patterson had ample opportunities for
sounding him in all his hight and length
aud breadth and depth. and knowing his
answering loyalty to party, his execu-
tive ability, his strategic talent and cour-
ageous nerve in battling for the right, Mr..
Vertrees was made chairman of the COM
mittee. And never did a man perform his
duties more faithfully and satisfactorily.
Mr.. Vertrees often had the counsel Of he
other members of the committee, but he was
forced generally to act on his own judg-
meni, and did not make mistake during
the canvass. He has shown an ability an
organizer of high order. His correspondence
with the opposition shows that he Is a man Of
brilliant parts, eminently gifted for the
place assigned him. A better selection could
not nave been made. No man could have
been chosen who could have done more to
promote harmony and rouse the rank and
file to vigorous action. Mr.. Vertrees can
not be too heartily commended for his Elf
cheney and jealous devotion to the party
of the probe. leaving his private affairs
to take care of themselves, he spent four
months at the Democratic headquarters,
working with unselfsh zeal for the success
of the party, of which he has made hims IF
a favorite and shining light for years
to come. Wise, capable and cour-
ageous, he is an honor TO his |
state. In the grand essentials OF noble |
manhood he is an ideal, and has won the |
love aud admiration OF a grateful people. |
Mr.. Vertrees, in his arduous duties, was ably |
sustained by Committeeman John I. Hills |
man, of this city, who was made secretary |
of the committee. Mr.. Hillsman deserves
the thanks of the party for the zeal and
fidelity with which he labored. His SER
vices are held in the highest appreciation. |
In recountipg the names of those who
contributed TO the success of the ticket, that
OF Mr.. Hillsman will appear high on the
list, as he visited every section OF the
State, and labored day and night for the
cause. We congratulate the committee on
the brilliant victory that has crowned
their labors. The Democratic party
Of Tennessee has emerged from the
defeats and divisions of the sad
laundering past, invigorated, inspired and
stronger than ever. We will have no for
midaDle opposition in the future for many
years. This confidence on the part Of the
people imposes grave responsibilities. We
must be generous to the vauquished, and
show by moderation, honesty, justice and
that we are worthy of the victory
We have won. All the omens are propiii-
ous. The recent elections pre6gure Demo-
cratic triumph in 1884, and it is hoped that
Democrats everywhere will appreciate the
situation and prove themselves equal to their
THE ELECTION AND THE TARIFF.
There was strong pressure upon Congress
1t its last session to take up actively the