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Show 312 Early Western Travels \ V6L 26 great names! they shall live enshrined in the heart of Liberty long after those of many a railer are as if they had never been. And happy, happy would it be for the fair heritage bequeathed by them, were not the present generation degenerate sons of noble sires. At Jacksonville I tarried only a few days; but during that short period I met with a few things of tramontane origin, strange enough to my Yankee notions. It was the season approaching the annual election of representatives for the state and national councils, and on one of the days to which I have alluded the political candidates of various creeds addressed the people; that is - for the benefit of the uninitiated be it stated - each one made manifest what great things he had done for the people in times past, and promised to do greater things, should the dear people, in die overflowing of their kindness, be pleased to let their choice fall upon him. This is a custom of universal prevalence in the Southern and Western states, and much is urged in its support; yet, sure it is, in no way could a Northern candidate more utterly defeat his election than by attempting to pursue the same. The charge of self- electioneering is, indeed, a powerful engine often employed by political partisans. The candidates, upon the occasion of which I am speaking, were six or seven in number: and though I was not permitted to listen to the eloquence of all, some of these harangues are said to have been powerful productions, especially that of Mr. S. The day [ 59] was exceedingly sultry, and Mr. W., candidate for the state Senate, was on the stump, in shape of a huge meat- block at one corner of the market- house, when I entered. 1* He was a broad-faced, farmer- like personage, with features imbrowned m Flagg is probably referring to WilHam Weatherford, who served in the state senate ( 1834- 38) from Morgan County.- ED. |