Year: 1872




The calling of State Convention and the
postponement of its action to so late date
as the 2lst of the present month, has exhil-
Grated the wisdom of our State Executive
Committee. 1t has given time not only for
consideration, but for such general express
sion of popular sentiment that there can be
no doubts as to tho will and wishes of the
people; and their well tried and much es-
teemed fellow citizen, Gen. Cheatham is
evidently their choice. This has been
manifested by the cheerfulhess with which
gentlemen of highest merit, spoken of in
the same conneXiOn by their respective
friends, have gracefully declined in his be-
half; and by the cordial manner in which
the Western portion of the State has defer
red her claims to the candidacy, and secon-
ded his nomination. In view of these facts,
and as we are seeking to inaugurate an
era of good feeling between Conservative
men of all parties throughout the country.
l desire to suggest the wisdom and ig ood
policy of recognizing in advance of the con-
Vention the decision Of the popular heart,
in order that we may have when il assem-
bles such harmonious action as will most
forcibly express our determination to act
with singular unity in all things until the
great national struggle is through with.
No one has ever questioned the strong hold
that Gen. Cheatham rightfully has upon the
hearts of Tennessee from East to West.
His name is identified with every part of the
history of Tennessee. Born upon her soil,
of ancestry that cut the cane, drove back
the sayages and introduced the blessings of
civil government, he inherited that manly,
patriotic, earnest, honest character that so
adorned and distinguished the men of that
time. In every relation of life his acquaint-
ances, irrespective of party differ
ences, now and always have accord
ed to him the character Of a
noble man-true to his country, true to
bis people, true to his convictions. a man
of honesty of purpose and simplicity of
haracter-generous IN his nature and lib
eral in his opinions-of excellent judgment
but Of modest demeanor, a working man
whether on the farm or in the army. As a
soldier he has served both his government
and bis State. In every position he has
held he has had the highest respect Of his
associates. In Mexico he won the lifelong
confidence of the late Cows. Trousdale and
Campbell. In our recent civil war he chal-
lenged the highest admiration of rank and
file, and was an especial favorite with Gen.
10 Johnston while in command fthe Army
of Tennessee.


All this is fully accorded Gen. Cheat
ham, even by those who have favored the
nomination of another person, their only
objection being based on the ground that
he is not political gladiator and would not
be prominent in Congressional deates. l
would not depreCiate the value of oratory,
and am frank to admit that Gen. Cheat
ham does not posses it, having been raised
a practical farmer; but deny that the want
of it necessarily disqualifies any man from
making an efficient Congressman. Some of
the ablest men who ever served the country
in that department, left no speeches on re-
cord. Where are the speeches of ThOs.
Jefferson, of Andrew Jackson and of Nat
Macon, to say nothing Of the many useful
but less noted men of more modern date.
Indeed, with oratOry as with physic, it is
seriously questioned if it has not
done society more harm than good.
Congressional speeches have been
the curse Of our country for twenty
years past. But there never was time
when the South had less use for oratorical
members in Congress. What we want is a
good stock of common sense, unselfshness,
honesty of purpose and energy Of character.
The personal influence which one will &C
quire, possessing these traits of character,
will be much more useful in a member of
Congress from Tennessee, than graces of
oratOry or ability to excite party passion OF
feeling.


The South needs at this time truly repre-
SentdtiUe men-not men to excite passion
and engender discord-but men who per-
senate her honor, are in accord with her
people, sympathize with all of her misfor-
tunes, and viii labor with an eye single to
advance her good. Such man is Frank
Cheatham, the true friend, the good soldier,
the honest farmer and the Christian gentle
man. DVvIDSON