Year: 1874

0 His views ON National Affairs Clearl
and Forcibly Stated.
/ To the General Assemblyof Tennessee
Since the late election / have re
ceived assurances sufficient to induc
, me to become a candidate for the Sen
. ate of the United States, to success
: the Hon. VIM. G.. Brownlow-assur
ances of such a character as to reliey
from any imputation of indelicay il
the present communication, if they d,
not, indeed, demand some declaration


of my views.


In olden times, when there was {
corps Of tried public servants Away,


under the very eye Of the people, such
, a publication would have been unne.


cessary. Those whose names were


mentioned in connection with such Of


fees were men of we'll known political
; views and history. They had acquired


wisdom and fame by long years OF pub
lie service. The experience of recent
years, however, has deprived the pub
lie men of the South of the opportu-
nifty of placing themselves before the
public and acquiring reputation and
a history. For the past fifteen years
unfriendly legislation, embracing po-
litIcal disability clauses and test oaths,
has closed the avenues of high politi-
cal place to the men who might have
made a name and history by life of
useful labors. The public mind. par
alyzed by the perilous times, harrassed
by sorrows and despairing of relief
from the national councils, has paid
little attention to national politics.


An era of hope, however, has dawn
ed. New questions are springing up
to take the place Of sectional issues.
The Democratic party has acquired
| position of new importance aud new
responsibilities And upon the thres-
hold of supreme power have a renew
ed interest, and its policy, its princi-
piles, demands our careful considera-
ton.


Hence, some declaration of his views
upon national principles, questions and
policies, is imperatively demanded of
one whose name is connected with q
trust so high and honorable. / have
no desire to be misunderstood, or to
be entrusted with duties. even involy-
ing such lofty honors, except upon a
fair and candid avowal of my views
a declaration which cannot be taken
at this time as an obtrusion Of q
private ambition to the detriment of
any public interest.


Regarding the organization of par
ties as the only available means of ac-
complishing the object Of their promo
ton, the triumphof principles, [ have
always held, and now hold, my person
al advancement in subordination to the
principles of my party and the good of
my country.


The Office is one of high trust and
responsibility, and he who seeks it
should be conscious of higher sane
ton than the mere desire of his friends,
or of himself, for purely personal ad-
vancement. Should my candidacy,
even in the slightest degree, affect the
harmony or jeOpardize the efficiency of
the Democratic party, i trust you will
consider me as requesting those who
favor my election to fcrego any claim
which, in their partial judgment, may
be supposed to have.


No man can judge ofhis own fitness,
or, without degree ofegotism shocking
to every feeling of delicacy, assert his
own qualifications. 1t is a matter he
must leave to the too partial tribunal
of his friends and the decision Of
those who are impartial or unfriendIy.


Conscious of sincere desire to pro-
mote the public good, L feel that in the
just and impartial Judgment Of those
to whom the constitution of our faith
ers has confded the power of election,
is the remedy for the evils likely to re-
suit from the oyer-estimate of friends
and the underestimate Of those who
may by zeal tor Others, or differences
of opinion, be placed in an attitude
of Temporary hostility. From that tri-
bunal there is no appeal, and the peo-
ple and the aspirant may safely trust
to its decision.


It is due to you, as well as to myself,
to enter into some brief discussion Of
my political views, presenting a sum-
mary of my opinions as to principles
and policy, so that you will be at no
.uss to classify me as to my present
party principles and affiliations and my
future party action.


With the past we have little to do.
If, in the words of Mr.. Greeley, "a
great, enduring party" could not be
founded upon the hate and wrath ne
cessarily engendered by a great civil
war" much less can We expect to base,
upon crimi1ation and bitter memories,
an enduring government, replete with
the blessings of peace and good will to
men. If, had men been guilty ofcrimes
against liberty, invading even sacred
private rights, il is but the dictate ola
selfish prudence to forget while q
Christian charity commands forgive
ness, we can afford, with the chivalric
magnanimity of viotors, to leave them
in the humble walks of private life,
turning over their crimes to their con-
science and Higher Tribunal.


1t is true that, to govern well in the
present and provide for the future, we
must study the record Of past errors
in legislation and the desolating effects
of unbridled power. On calm refec-
ton on the past alone can we End light
to guide us In the effort to preserve our
government, to restore and maintain
the liberties Of the people, the supre-
macy of law and constitutional guar
antee. In all else-save that we must
all. of whatever view or section, cher
L IL orI ravaro AZ Ec-~
ism of the honored dead--we should
draw the vail of an eternal oblivion
over all the dreary past, and enter the
future with bounding hope and loyal
effort to secure liberty, peace and ma
terlal prosperity.


The recent elections have plaesSthe
Democratic party ina position Of the
highest responsibility. demand the
most careful policy. A victory long
delayed may be lost By unwise acts
and incorporate utterances. Every
step should be cautiously taken, but
boldly and with determined stride.
The people will follow no timId or un-
certain leadership. They demand full
recognition and q serious acceptance OF
the responsibilities they have laid
upon the Democratic party. The fact
that we hold as yet but one of the cit
adels OF power, will excuse us from
the duty of legislation. The people
will demand, however, that the party
into whose hands they are about to
confde the supreme power, shall make
a clear and well defined enunciation of
policy and such a discreet use of pow
er, already acquired, as will be to them
an earnest of future liberality, dis
| crat;on and conservatism They de-