The Arkansas banner., 1847-10-25
To the Democracy of Arkansas,

consented to become candidate for the office of GOVERNOR of the ssaae subject to the ac.ien cf the Democratic Convention to be held in January mcxt, deem is not improper to address yoa- through pub lie medium, ip referenec to several subjects which sccm to be regarded as of some consequence iacoa. nection with the selection of the demecFalie eaael- date for that office,
 Aside from the personal ambition which any man may well feel to be elNvated to the highest of. flee of the State, by the voluntary safage ef free and enlightened peopts, have beea induced to de- clare myself candBaate 6rst. from she flatieriaF assurance of many partial friends, that owing ie, considerations satisfactory to themselves. would be able to contribute naore ta thorough nni0n of were spoken of as candiaates--an object to be de- sired above all others. Serona from an assurance by Gov. Drew that he would not consent, tn any event, 10 become candidate for re-eieeiozl. For had Gov. Drew declared to desire b be ra-es- eeted, notwithstanding the urgent solicit Ftion of nay friends, above referred ta, should not have consented for my name to go before the convention for nomination. Because, as general rule. where officer has been faithful to the public ice, and desires to be continued in tho trust for reasonable time, should not be inclined to be instrumental in his removal. Before yielding therefore. ta the
  Gov. Drew, that he did noi wish to 5e rr-elected. Since have announced my willingness to become a candidate, and taken steps from which could not consistently recede is seems that he has changed his purpose, and swilling aecrpta nomination. but having placed my in the hands of my friends, am not disposed to withdraw it. These re- marks are made not wiih the view of attaching blame to Gov. Drew, for he is but exercising mon right, hu; for the purpose af showing that have not placed mysgf in opposition 10 his coathu- ance in office of his freuas have charge3. Should tine convention think proper tn nominate Gov. Drew, will most cheerfully acauicsce, and yield to him cordial support. On the contrary shoaid the convention conclude that my noWina- ton will be more satisfactory to the entire party, and better calculated tD heal divisions among our selves Gas my friends haye and yet me shall consider myself, under the circumstances. doing no injustice to him to accept the nomination. For the success or defeat of any one individual is of small consequence to the harmony of our party.
 Spreading over aconsilerabie exteut of territory, as Arkanras does, and embracing a variety of cli- mate. soil ae., there necessarily exists diversity oi sect onal interests and t it S quite natural that the people ef every section should desire the ad- vSnceIntnt of their peculiar interests, far aS it may be affected in the administration of the Staie Government This has raised the question ofI0eality in reference 10 aspirants for offiee No section. however, could desire, or expect. an administra- ton partial 10 themselves, and to the detrimeni of other sections tht contrary the chief magistrate. as well aS t4e legislative department of the-Stdtr Government should eadeaver to advance the pros periv eI tae people at iarge and in doing this to promote the pecHar interests Is far possible. of each section without detrimsnt to another. This being the case, il is of no consequence where the candidate for Governor may reside. Should be hoRored by nomination.. and election, 10 the otiic of Governor, shall not consider myself the exclu- sive representative of any section, but of the whole State. and she peculiar interest of every tiOn far consistent with the good of the whole, will he faithfully regarded.
 It is not deemed necessary. al this time, to enter iato particular exposition of my political opinions on national or local subjects Having been resi- dent of the State for Hefe than twenty years, and having been honored with public stations, where it w1s Recessary to declare my opinions. presume my party politics well known. ft is only necessary 10 say that l a Democrat, and have been long and faithfully. trust, an adherent ef the gIeat principles embraced in that tern de- fined and taught by the illastrious fathers of oar political faith Shsuld receive the nomination for Governor. shall expect, during the canvass, to miHgle freely with my fellow citizens and make known 10 them. fully, my views ia reference to lo- cal poiiey--in regard Co the principles upon which the State Government should he administered in order to relieve people from tue barthen of pab lie debt. guard them against unnecessary and op- pressive taxation, and advance our young and grow ing State to high rank in the confederacv of re- puallGS. iHu Nhis IutBCFilUfr. contribute to the maintenance Of the great truths of party creed, should opponents make il necessary by draw ing them in question. as iar SIS in my power.
 It has been urged objection 10 my Homina- ton that am peor-that have 3'eoi fas aezas of sssiGiaivg ths Gi Hity of Inc o5ice"
 One oi the great reforms effected, designed, by out fathers in the glorious revolution which re- suited ia the establishment of popaiar forms of gov eri.men. was to abolish forever. all artificial dis tinctioBs, hereditary emolmeuls and inonopoe. aud fix sovereignty n the bands of the people where the God of nature placed t 10 be delegated by them o those most capable of exercising 1t for the public good II is warning, therefore, upoa the spirit of oar institutions, and departing from their republican simplicity to make wealth :itr4@= fsiiice Sach test would exclnde from public stations large majority oi the people, without regard tO personal qualifications. 1be ffameFs oi or constitution made uo provision Tor property qualification, and surely ihe people wili require noae. II ''SagpOriiag Me dignity of office" means to discharge is duties with ability, fidelity, and % observe personal de meanor ia keeping with high public tfsst, leave | 10 sFe conyentiop, and inc people, to Jutge of ithess for the station. But if Il is meant that the Governor of repub ;csn people should live like an eastern Nabob, or British AobemaB aud make an ostentatious display of wealth iB enier to support the dignity 9f Ge ogce.' then freely confess my inability. and anwi ngness 10 support such digniiy nor do believe the people of Arkansas desire such a Supporting of digaiig Shoaid 1 be made GOyei-
 
 majority ot fellow c,tLsas, and would extend 10 my friends such hospitality would be expected from one who does not aspire to be cassea among those who feel themselves peculiarly ff 10 support tte (so called) dignity gfo6iee hold wealth 10 be- neither qualification CT disqualification for office
 In refefsnce to the excitement that s now un- happily, and improperly, in my opinion, prevailing with portion os oar party, in regard to he appoint meat oi Register of tie Land Office sf Baiesville although t has notthe slightest connection wii the selection oi candidate for Governor; yet eeetn il proper, for inc satisfaction Uf ot my friends wAa have taken part ia the natter, to make single statement.
 Believing that the President had removed Col Miller from that office. under a misappFehehsion oi facts, deemed II bat act of justice to Col Miller 10 lend my Baase to aid n pToeasiug his restoration; and or the further purpose Of enabling the President 10 put himself rigtt before the try, by correcting error which he had falieu into nadef misunderstanding of facts This did, however, through ho unkihdpess ioward Ms. Neil.