Arkansas intelligencer. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1842-1859, 1843-12-16
For the Arkansas Intclligencor.
No. II.

ted. in the selections which have been made by
that Convention, (f indeed It can he dignified
with tho name of Conven,ion.)
II seems TINT we re to have enc or two at least,
of The family forced upon us. There is one who
has been identified with that Office holding, and
Office seeking clique. who has acted nobly. Much
had been written, md more spoken, about Col. R.
w. Johnson's desires for office, but the anxious
minds of the Wings, and the doubling minds of the
Democrats, have been put at rest by this gentle.
mar, in manner which has won for him a place
in the affections of every Individual in this State,
who looks upon the Democratic doctrine as the
true principles of freemen. Such devotion TO prn-
ciplcs will win for himself the respect of his one
mics, and the love and admiration of his friends.
The course pursued BY Col. johnson, will be
long remembered by the Democracy of Arkansas;
and for the welfare Of my country, would that
] were enabled TO record like virtues in others,
who were similarly situated.
! stated that the announcement of the selections
mado by the Convention, were received by the
Democrats of this section, with other than feelings
of joy, and satisfaction. They feel that their
wishes have been disregarded, and wantonly out
ragged. For myself, am Democrat, because
nm of the conviction that the principles which me
Democratic party profess and advocate, are Inc
only principles which can be nenlaIncd; ana Inc
constitution of our country, and our political instl'
tutDnS, be preserved SaCIou, ttlu
am one of those who look upon men in po-
liticuI point of view, in no other light than
full, and necessary Instruments, to carry out and
sustain correct principles.
| was one of those who believed that Conven.
ton was highly necessary, to adjust the confic-
ling cnims of individuals, and dscordant inter-
ests of the different sections Of the State, and
moro particularly, in order 10 avert, if possible,
the very evil which has been attempted to b. fas
tened upon the party, by nominating one Of that
family which has become so VIGOROUSLY unpopu
lar throughout this State. believe that the only
way this object could be effected, was by Con-
vention. For knowing as do, that this Junto
had seized upon the press, which was procured BY
the party, for the purpose Of disseminating their
principles, and prostltuted il TO the foul purpose
Of hosting themselves into Office, believed that
nothing but tho voice of the people could cause
them to remain in the walks Of private life, where
ulone they were intended to be kept by nature,
or if not, why were they turned out in this life,
so scantily supplied with good sense?
We are told, that the Convention which we de-
sired has been holden, md we are called upon to
rally to the support of the nominees. Are we I'M
der obligations to respond to this call! This is the
questions; | contend that we are not; that corsls-
lcncy does not make the Observation-Disclosures the
Cow was not such one contem-
Democratic cause does not call upon US to sustain
the nominees, because the individuals who have
succeeded in getting themselves nominated TO the
most responsible offices within the gift of the peo-
pie of this State, are wholly devoid of every quail
ifcation, to answer the ends for which they were
selected.
But here let us examine the objections which ]
have raised, and see whether they feasible,
and capable Of being sustained by reasons and
facts.
In the first place, what was the character of tho
Convention which was proposed, and sanctioned
by the party? Was not each county to be repre-
sented, in proportion to to her population, assum
ing the same ratio that was fixed by the last Le-
gislature for elecling Representatives to the LIE.
gislature OF this State! This will not be denied.
Then there was seventy five delegates elected to
this Convention. How many had arrived at the
place of meeting, at the time the Convention was
organized? But thrty-two; less than one half.
There is fory-s counties in this State, each en-
titled 10 representation. There was but fourteen
whose voices could be heard through their dele
gates. Less than one third of the whole number;
and seven out of that number, are Wing counties,
were represented, in the last Legislature by Wing
members, and have uniformly given wing major.
tiles. Yet these individuals take it upon them
solves to organize for business. Now Il ask did
ever q delibcrative body, before the one in cues
ton, proceed to organize and transact business,
with small fraction over one thld of the men,
bers Of that body in attendance? Never pro-
sumo. 1t may be objected that Conventions Of
this character not governed by the same strict
rules which govern parliamentary assemblies.
Grant this, and does it render the position of the
members Of the Convention more enviabe? What
will they do with the resolution, proposed by. Gen.
Mitchell of Arkansas county, and adopted by the
Convention, TO wit; 'on motion of General Mitch
ell, so many of the rules ofthe House Of Reprcsen-
tatives OF this State, Us arc applicable to para-
mentary proceedings, were adopted as the rules
Of this Convention"
What members then, is, by tho rules ofthe
House of Representatives, required to be present,
TO authorize that body to dobusinessl Would it be
commended that fourteen counties out Of forty-sx,
being represented by thirty-two members, out of
seventy-fve, would be sufficient? Admit that the
Convention had the power TO adopt this resolution
and by its adoption, do they not thereby at once
unnihiIate the Convention itself. Taking this
view Of the matter, | am Of the opinion that the
whole Convention will be looked upon by all par
ties as the greatest ornament of the age.
would not say that all who attended that Con-
vent'on plant instruments in the hands of the
great wire workers Of the party; for well know,
that the Delegates from Old Crawford. are too
pure to be thus used. "They are not only yirtu-
ON hut nh Apd; he,