The Arkansas banner., 1843-12-02
TO THE READERS OF THE ARKANSAS
 BANNER

TO THE READERS OF THE ARKANSAS
 BANNER
 As stated in the foregoing address, the Central Committee acting for the Democratic party of the State, have committed to my hands the management of this paper. With the present number, I enter upon the discharge of m, duties.
 Being newcomer into the State, and stranger to large majority of those with whom am now placed in regular and close communion, deem it proper and necessary to say something of myself and of the manner in which shall execute the trust rcposed in me.
 After an interval of nearly four years, again en- rol my name in the Editorial corps. This time, not altogether volunteer; yetcertanly not an uaciliag soldier, in the ranks of those who armed with that small but effective weapon-the ..grey goose quill, wage war, offensive and defensive, in behalf of De- MocRacY, which hold to he identical with free in- sttutons ns-eonstitutional Eberty-tbe good Of mg country. And in doing so while contest with none the palm of ability, will yield to none in zeal for our glorious cause:-slorioasi because il contends for all that may ennohle human nature, and has so often won victory from the hosts of power. The experience l have had, although limited in extent and duration, renders me trust both aware and mindful of the responsibilities and duties now un- dertake. The field upon which saw the service alluded to, was, perhaps, neither so extensive nor important as the one upon which have now enter- ed; yet it's responsibilities and duties were similar in kind and involved contests equally warm and ex- citing. onthat feld-Tennessee in i93e--an hum- ble ensign under the gallant POLK. bore my ssBan- ner of the Constitution in the thiekest of the fight and never ceased sto cry aloud and spare not until the enemy was ours Howmuch, if any portion, of that glorious result, attributable to my humble efforts, is not given me- nor solicitous, to know satisfied with the consciousness of having done my duty, then to the utmost of my ability, as am req dy and resolved to do it, now, on the new field to which have been called.
 As already intmated, this paper is designed to be the organ of the Democratic Party of this State and in my hands 1t shall be so, faithfully and as efficient ly as can make it. It is in the interest of no par hcular individual, faction nor clique of individuals. in or out of office; and cannot be made so, while conducted by me. It has been established for the high and patriotic purpose of advocating and defend ing the principles and measures of the whole Demo- cratic party, free from sectional bias, or indivdua influence For this purpose, and with this under standing, have undertaken to conduct it have no knowledge nor suspicion that any one would have it otherwise; but even if such were the case, as am satisfied il is not there exists neither the means nor the power-any where, to change its character or perver its tendency while my name remains at the head of its columns Such paper for such purpose, certainly needed at the Capital of this Sta.e. It is established. And while should have been pleased to see 1t in the hands of older and better soder,' yet am none the less proud or be- ing deemed worthy to be called from my home-in another Stata and from amid more quiet pursuits to preside over its destines; but shall be- thus, stimu- lated to double diligence and exertion in iustifica- ton of the confidence reposed in me, to render it what it was intended, and what it ought, to be-the fair, open, and jealous exponent advocate, and de- fender the universal principles and wise measures of the Democracy. Lest any one should think these ii sItitos private CT public opinion, will add that they are made in re- ference to imputatons which have been volunteered against this paper, even before it's establishment and ever since, that it to be, and has been the pro perty, and instrument of faction clique to sus- tain the interests of particular individuals and fami- lies. Cognizant of the views and objects of the Con- yenten of Democrats who originated the project of establishing the paper having examined all the num- bers of 1t yet issued, and knowing the terms upon which have assumed its management I am satis- fled that those imputaons however honest their au- thors may be, have been altogether unfair, ungene- roas, and unjust For myself, feel that am by no means obnoxious to them. Coming into the State, as do personally stranger to almost every person in it, whether prominent or obscure, am certainly free from those influences of enmity, friendship, or fafnflv ,rh;oh obor,f ,;a might impute to others I am member of the great Democratic family; and, as such my duty re- qulres, and my principles feelings and interests iln- pei' me To serve the Democratic Party .shele without undue regard to the particular interests of particular individuals. Thus ailording the surest guaranty that my promises fairly made. and will be faithfully performed. have no apprehension therefore, that any sensible honorable man will in future, venture such imputations against this paper.
 The foregoing remarks. however, are not intended to intimate closure of my columns against any re- patable member of our party, whoever he may be, who, when assailed, may wish to defend himseif- By no meaps. The paper shall ever be open to such and, whenever required, my own pen shall be yielded to maintain the right. And in supporting men for office, I shall, where have such guides, concur in the choice of our County, State, and Ma fional Conventions when left to my own private judgment, shall subject the aspirant to the time honored Republican test, which, Lam sure, will ob tain in the Conventons-"Is Is he honest is he capa- ble, is he faithful to the Constitution !"
 For farther account of the principles upon which this paper will be conducted, and specification of