Year: 1860

peryades; at such time, and under such crcuin-
stances TO be supposed worthy and competent for
high and so responsible position testiies TO the
measure Of yoar reliance In my prudence, hrmnesi
and ability, should attain to that high Office, tocou-
pose this internal strife. i
No higher honor you confer upon me than
this expression of your opinion Of my ability and OF
my patriotic impulses. You have manifested the
very highest confidence, and felow-citizens, can
only promise shouldyou not be disappointed inyouF
expectations Of the result Of what you have Gone
IL should be the choice ofthe conservative Union
men of these United States and should reach that
high position-I express to you that pllmy energies
ali my time, all the advantages Of my past experi-
ence shall be exerted with full intent to realize your
hopes TO the extent of which am able TO do. To
save the Union under the present circumstances-to
prevent civil war-to prevent the crumbling Of the
most glorious cdi6ce of civil and political liberty
ever erected in the tide of time. This is what would
be expected of any man that shall attain that high
station. shall enter upon the discharge Of sucn
duties with trembling in apprehension OF being
able to compose the elements Of discord which
abound throughout the country quiet them, con-
ciliate them by wise measures into harmony to en-
ter upon the discharge of such duties might well
cause any man to tremble. Whatever / could dc,
then need not assure you, toustiy your confidence
in me, will do.


My whole record for twenty-eight years is before
the country. My course upon every important poll
tical question which has arisen on either the do
nestle or the foreign policy Of the country is before
you and Is generally known. can only say that
the sentiments of the doctrines which have been
adopted by you, and approved by you, and approx
ed in this formal meeting, meet my hearty concur
renee and approval. [Cheers.l agree with you
upon every one of chem, and on any reflection or
attention could give, would alter none Of them
materially.


And will close what have to say by congrati-
ating the country that at least far as the State
of Tennessee is concerned doubling patriot in the
Union need feel any apprehension If the question
to devolve upon it, and the fate Of the question
depend upon the WILL patriotism and determination
ofthe people, they would maintain the Union at all
hazards. Whatever wrongs they may suffer from
people of other sections they will repel them within
the Union and never desert the fortunes of the Re-
public-the destiny of this great country, by seek
ing separate confederacy-seeking shelter from
evils which would be multiplied ten fold under
separation of the States. congratulate the conser-
vative and Union-loving men everywhere upon
the harmony and unanimity with which the patri-
otc Opposition of Tennessee are disposed to act upon
this question. Not a dissenting voice that / have
heard has been raised by any individual of this large
intelligent and respectable body, representing the
State. Not single dissenting opinion have heard
Of being expressed TO any of the measures which
have been adopted, sentiment expressed. Gentle
men, where in the whole history of politics is there
an example of like harmony and unity of feeling
upon questions SO great harmony cannot be found
in the annals of the country. / remember none
There may have been some, but II is rare in con-
vention to find expression ofsentiments which seem
at first presentation TO meet the approval of every
individual in the assembly. This is an auspicous
commencement Of the Opposition. The people Of the
State of Tennessee or large portion of them, are
determined TO crush out the weak of those who
have less respect and love for the Union than they
themselves have. 1t is not only auspicious but it
may be regarded in some degree rs an augury of
the result. II may reach and inspire large por-
ton of the people of this Stute and in the end IL
may result in the nomination, If not Of myself Of
some strong, determined patriot who holds the like
principles with ourselves. And have no doubt
your impulses and feelings win be to wage vigor-
Gus opposition to any party, the candidate of any
party; who docs not concur with you in the senti-
ments as TO the inestimabe value of the Union and
that You would give your enthusiastic and energetic
support to other good men as well as myself


With these remarks gentlemen, hope you will
not expect me TO go into the discussion notice of
all those principles which have been discussed to-
day. and which are well known and understood in
the country. Under other circumstances, | might
feel il my duty to continue my remarks, and re-
view consecutivey the condition of the country
and the cause which brought the existing evils upon
us; but it is not my place think, now. and am
you win see the proprety ofmy abstaining from
any such discussion.


Gentlemen, take my respectful adieu, from the
occupancy of this stand, at least.


Mr.. BELL then retired amidst thunders of ap-
plause.