The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-22
MEREDITH p. GENTRY.
Some Interpretations About Him
Corrected-The South's Friend.

lucal history OF inc country, now running |
through that excellent publication
tains reference made by Mr.. Seward that
is calculated to mislead and do injustice
TO the memory of an honorcd and illustri'
GUS statesman of the south, the late Hon.
Merdeth T.. Gentry, OF Tennessee. 1t
is in connection with the formation oil
Mr.. Lncoln's cabinet after his election
to the presidency had been ascer-
tanned. OF all tho great leaders OF tho
Republican party Of that day none had
broader, more patriotic and statesmanllkc
comprehension OF the situation than MIR.
Seward. While bold and unlaltering
champion OF the Frecsoil party and an un-
compromising opponent OF slavery, no was
eminontly conservative, and sought all
means OF reaching the end in view by |
avoiding conflict OF arms and prcserra- |
ton OF the Union. This Is shown most
wisely in the private letters now Tor the |
first time made public, together, with the |
suggestions intended for Mr. lincoln's in
augural and the development OF the policy |
TO govern his administration.
But 10 the reference concerning MIR.
Gentry. Upon the election Of Mr. Lin
coin the effort was made TO satisfy the
south that her institutions were not TO TO
intericrcd with, and an assurance given
that the policy OF the administration would
be national and conservative, With this
view number Of distinguished southern
States men were suggested Tor positions IN
the Cabinet provided II could be ascer'
tanned disappointment would he accepted:
Among them were the Hon. Randall
Hunt, the great Wing leader oil Louisiana,
the Hon. John A. Gilmcr and the Hon.
Kenneth Rayncr, Of North Carolina, the
Hon. Robert T.. Scott, OF Virginia, ana IN
the letter OF Mr.. Seward referred To, the
name Of the Hon. Mcridcth l.. Gentry was
mentioned. This was when hope still
existed OF continued peace, and that the
Union would survive the attempts
Of fanatics on the one side and fire-catcrs
ON the other 10 work its destruction.
similar policy had been inauguraied by
Washington at the foundation OF his gov
crnment in organizing his cabinet, which
was followed 10y jefferson, and was the
only thing that saved the administration OF
poor Hayes from utter ignominy and con-
tempt II was In the same spirit that MIR.
Seward suggested the name OF Mr.. Gentry
and the eminent southern leaders, not that
their loyalty 10 the south was questioned,
for in all this correspondence and dis
cussion that WIS conceded. No man
in the Republican party had bet
ter occasion 10 know MIR. Gentry than
Mr.. Seward, for when Gen. Scott was nom
mated in 1852 II was mainly through the
influence Of the latter aud over the bold
outspokcn opposition oi the former, Who
had been long in public life and occupied
an eminent position IN national pohucs;
| Ills reputation was national, aud one Of
the most memorable speeches over deliy-
erred In Congress was made by him in the
House on the 18th OF June, 1852, In oppo.
sition 10 Gen. SCOTS nomination, predict
inc his defeat in the event Of being nom
mated with disruption of the Wing party,
which subsequent events proved to be tho
result.
The south never had tucr or more
| loynl champion oi her rights than Mcridcth
| l., Gentry, II, indeed, Hho cycrhad states.
man who more fully compwhonded the
dangers which threatened her institutions
and The nature, magnitude and extent Of
her rights. lie conicndcd with oil the
might anil power Of his cloqucncc for the
maintenance 81 tho nationality Of the
Wing party, and when the last hope had
fed and the northern wing Of the party
Welded 10 the seductive wilcs 81 the
Tree soiers, lac sacrificed place and
power rather than give his adhesion
to a policy he could not approve, aud
with a patriotic adhcrancc 10 principle
worthy spartan, retired 10 his Sabine
farm" 10 "pmy for Rome" Here he ~.
manned In sclisought political exile until
the civil war Of the politicians was inau'
gurated. True 10 the south and her insii'
buttons, lac raised his voice against the
clnmor 81 dcmagogucs and the unwiso de
mands Of intriguing political triclsicrs,
whose highest bchcst Oi patriotism was iDI
n country 10 rule and not nation 10 save
and in the dark hour oil our couniry''
gloom preceding the outburst Of the loni
and bloody civil conflict, he emerged
from his reilmcy az the call Of bis pcopl,
and became a candidate for the State con
ycntion which was 10 act upon
the question the State should occup,
I'm i,s relations 10 the Federal compact
10 this position he was elected 10y th,
united votes Of the people, for the election
which chose nm overwhelming majority u
favor Of the state remaining In the Union
also decided against the wisdom OF the ~
scinblagc oi the convention, aud u va
never convened. Later, after the war hni
been inauguaiel. the united voice oi hi
constituents called him 10 represent then
. in the Confederate Congress which hc die
with Characteristic ability until the sirug
Gle WAS ended. Tho south never had
irter friend, or one more loyal 60 hc
rights, or who more fully compfchcndc'
. her destiny, than did Mcridoth L. Gentry
| a
senator Heasan's nctuc-eme wife.