Year: 1872




trict of Tennessee:


MURFREEsBoRo, TENN, July "a, 1872
On the 10th day of June, in pursuance OF
the solicitations and influences then referred
to, became candidate TO represent the
people Of the Fourth Congressional District
of Tennessee, in the next Congress of the
United States. The present honorable rep
resentative is also a candidate for re-elec-
ton, and our respective claims present an
issue, for the decision of our eountrymen
aud friends, which l am assured is exten-
siyely regretted throughout the constituent
cy of the district. Being identified
with the same political organization, l
did not, on becoming a candidate, antici-
pate any material injury to that party, by a
contest between us for the position in ques-
ton. But the canvass has demonstrated
that if both continue on the field, it viii re-
suit in such divisions and descriptions in the
ranks of the Democracy as will not only
interrupt its harmony, but greatly impair its
power and efficiency at time when, in
connection with all other conservative
forces in the district, it should present its
utmost strength and unity in the advocacy
and support of their liberal and constitu-
tional policy, against the alarming and
dangerous theories and pratices Cf
the party now seeking the
further management and control of tie
Washington Government. This is a date
full of interest and duty to the people of
Tennessee, and demands of the patriot of
all namesthe cheerful surrender of his pro-
motion, if be may thereby in the humblest
degree, aid genuine conservatism in once
again achieving its sovereignty over the af-
fairs and destiny of The nation. This OBJ
ject of tie Democratic party, and its plin-
ciples as lately avowed, are infinitely more
important than the accommodation of any
individual ambition, and should rank all
mere personal aspirations. At a crisis OF
such moment, therefore, am unwilling to be
the author of any embarrassment among
our people, or party TO any strife, which,
without reference 10 personal consequences,
must result in the established discord of the
district, and detriment to the country. 1t
is not necessary for any pun pose of this card,
to review the grounds on which the claims
of my honorable competitor or myself have
been presented to the attention of the dis
trict. 1t is sufficient to say that for the rea-
sons above indicated, / hereby Withdraw my
announcement, and decline to be any longer
candidate before the people, or the nomi-

mating con vention Of the district, which has
been called


l would have been much better satisfied
If circumstances had allowed an opportu-
nifty for a fuller consultation with NV
friends, but in order to avoid the conse-
quences apprehended from continued can
vass it has been necessary to act with
promptness in the premises. trust, there
fore, that they will appreciate my motives,
and approve of the conclusion to which |
have arrived. .-r


A large number Of my fellow-ei.izens
have supported my aspirations with zeal
and fidelity, which always distinguishes the
friendship of chivalrous and liberal peo-
pie. Deriving from this source a most
grateful and entire satisfaction. the chief of
pleasures on my part in the future will be
to cherish the recollections of such partiali-
ty, and to return to them whatever humble
equivalent may. have the honor to be,
very respectfully, Jos. b. PALMER.