The Arkansas banner., 1843-09-30

I mouon Without moral worth or honesty of 1 purpose, to claim the merit of free people,: such men have ever been a curse to the coun- ] try, and an incubus to that party to which 1 they attach themselves, and the sooner that l the lines of demarcation are drawn. wide and i deep, between them and the democratic party of this State, the better will 1t be for the suc- cess of the principles which that party advo- cate, and the perpetuity of our democratic instutions.
 But what are the ostensible objections which are urged against holding State Con- yention for the purposes which have men, toned. We are told that it is dictation; that 1t is wrestling the elective franchise from the hands of the whole people, when by the Con- stitution, and right, 1t should remain invio- late, and placing it in the hands of the few Now, is there the slightest shade of truth connected with these assertions: Is there the slightest foundation in point in these ob- jectlons? Is 1t dictation-and by whom ?- Is it the people dictating to themselves Is 1t dictation, when party, all entertaining the same political opinions, and principles, agree to select the most appropriate instru- ment to carry out their principles and opin- ions? Is 1t dictation for community to { consult together for the purpose of procuring concert of action Ill the great and important contest in which they are abont to engage 7 If this Is dictation, l, as an humble individual, would most cheerlully yield my submission
 But IS IL taking the issue from the people? or rather is 1t not preparing definite issue for them to adiudicate and decide, when they shall come to that cofrector of all evils, the balIot boz 2 Is it not organizing and mar shalling the democratic forces, preparatory to entering the field, to battle and strike for their country's good'
 As well might you censure and denounee an army, if our soil was polluted by the foot steps of hostile foe, for selecting their most able and well tried companion in arms for their commander, to lead them on to battle. Why not, in the language of those who urge their obiestions, say, let every man be his own leader-his own commander-each man fighting and warning according to the dictates of his own feelings and judgment. The re- suit is obvious; disorder and confusion would follow, and defeat would be the inevitable result Like causes produce like efects- Let some three or four democrats-in obedi- ence' to7tEe wishes of their private friends without regard to the common good-come before the people of this State for the same office, all protesting 10 support the demo- cratic cause, if you please, and the result is told. Our political enemies, united, will ri- umph and we will be left in that situation, which, of all others, is the most to be depre- eated-living in a State, governed by men whose every principle IS at war with our own views of the interest of the country This Is an evil which every true democrat concurs in praying may be averted. How can it be effected2 The answer is at hand Let the watch-word be principles, not men," Let every democrats private predilectons for men, be sacrificed upon the altar of his coun- try's good And let the whole democratic party, to a man, unite as a band of brothers and patriots, and with a simultaneous move ment, 20 forth to meet the common enemy Let them rally around the standard of their country's interest, and contend, as it becomes men, and patriots, contending for their coun- try's safety, regardless of whose name may be inscribed upon their banner, so that he is competent, and true to the great cardinal principles of democracy. Let but our souls be animated with this spirit, and triumph is sure, and the last expiring moan of extirpa.e whiggery will be waited from tie State by the first wind that sweeps over her bosom, after the first Monday in October, 1844- But without this union, all is lost; and we may console ourselves with the reflection, that all of our political misfortunes IS the re- suit of seltishness, and a devotion to men, instead of principles.
 But Is 1t asked how this union is 10 be ef- fected? .I would say, let the democracy in each county throughout the State, at some suitable time and place, during this fall, hold meetings; giving, i'll every instance, due mo- tice to all, that they may have the opportu- nity of attending, if disposed so to do. Se- lect their delegates to attend State Conven- ton, taking the representation in the Legisla- ture of the State, as the ratio of representa- ton in the convention. And l would sug- gest for the consideration of the democratic party, that the State Convention be holden at the City of Little Rock, beginning on the Sth day of January next; and when they shall have met to make their selections, let them be made with view alone to the prin- ciples of the individuals selected, procuring as great amount of talent, virtue, and patriot- ism, as practicable. When this shall have been done, with a spirit of pure devotion to their country, and disinterestedness of feel ing, then leave the residue to the people, and all will be well.
 Would there be anything in a convention of this character which would sayor of dic- tation or wrestling the election out of the hands of tie many, andplacing it in the hands of the few
 Remember, too, that when the selections are made by the convention, that the elee- ton is not over. Then comes the contest in which every man has his vote. Each and every individual has the privilege and right of voting, and being heard when selecting delegates. All can vote, as is their right, at the polls. Now, where is the ground for these objections
 There are none who object, but those who have no sympathy with the interest of the Jap, oovatio ,,art,T Nnno onnosp if but thoeo