Southern shield., 1850-11-30
The Whig Party Of Arkansas.

The Whlg Party 0G Arkansas To the Whg Members of the Legislature, as humble members of the great party to which you belong, we would respectfully offer suggestions for your con sideration. To discard all National questions and come down position in the State of Arkansas, is what we desire to do
 Our well being, perhaps very existence as a party depends to great extent your action during this session of the Legislature The present condition the Democratic party is such to induce the belief that the vast preemnence they have always enjoyed Tn this State can be overthrown by concerted and well directed effort The prominent all at daggers points, and the masses arrayed in hostility scarcely less violent than that of their leaders In the struggle between the factions for the spells, they each desrous of Whig cooperation and support Each de- sres to place its foot upon the neck ofits enemy In measuring strength first one faction predominatcs and then the other Neither appears able to maintain su- premacy unassisted by the Wings.
 It is to this then, that wish direct your ton. What part is it seemly<ha should play in the drama? Shall we maintain integrity intact, Ol shall we become instruments in the hands of om enemes2 Shall disbanG, and forever renounce the glorious name of Whig?-a name inseparably connect ed with the glory of the Repubic-and become the dupes and tools of faction? Or shall we preserve ou 1 ind6pendence-our name-and principles? Per | hapS entire auditory, with accord will answer that We welded to principles, and they must be preserved. The question then arises how shall this be done? We answer, by standing aloof from the petty bickerings and sectional iealousies of opponents and by preserving eye intent alone upon the recude of our cause and the maintenance of our principles.
 A few years ago we healed breach in the democratic ranks, which bid fair widen until it should rend the party to atoms, by l-advised contest for member | of the National Councils Have we learned prudence from the past? Or will continue an unwse course by urholy alliance with faction-by sinking our National name in the fgment of a section? What have to gain by elevating Johnson and depressing Bor- land; by sustaining Borland at the expense of John son, Why IS either branch of the democratic party different from the rest of mankind, and why should we hold them otherwise than 'enemies in war, in peace, fends?" What interest have identified with either the one or the other What benefit actual or promised have received the hands of either? Will either one or the other of them promise us a community of offices? Do they both hold as prescribed and clean animals? If either of them have ever bestowed anything upon the Whig party that has not been won the point of the bayone have yet learn what it s So long as We play second fiddle their feasts, so long will we welcome guests. But when we claim a
 
 place at the first table the house will suddenly become too hot to hold us So long they reap advantages from votes long will they be willing to repay us with soft words and deferred promises. But when we claim fulGlment of the promise the naturazed citi- zen is converted into an alien enemy.
 Is this picture exaggerated! Let each man recur to | the past and answer.
 There are but two courses to pursue One to merge ourselves in the democratic party, and abandon the principles for which have contended for years. Or stand aloof from all family jars and quarres. We cannot be steward abroad and master at home For Eastern Arkansas we dare For Phillips coun- ty, we dare answer. The man who desires to fight under the enemy's flag had better at pronounce | himselfa convert to their principles.
 It is probable that battle, and a one, will be fought at the Capitol this winter. Each faction will appeal to the Wings for assistance In such an event. 1t well becomes the Whg members calmly to investigate the they should pursue They sufficient in point of numbers and talent command the respect their opponents. Can they maintain this if they be- come only tools, but dupes? Here, in Phillips county, has been battle ground hard contested w hat Is there inspirit for another campaign if the result of vaor is be frtered away at Little Rock And does not the same reasoning apply to other portions of the State.
 We then beg of the Whig members to hold themselves aloof from all proposals for alliance and they must ultimately reap abundant advantages from such a course
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 The steamer Gayoso burnt at Memphis a few days. The "Couness' has taken her place in the mai line
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 7-aP The Circuit Court is still in session. The trial 4
 terminated last Saturday night resulted in his con viction and the penitentary for five years
 In the Bell the Jury had not agreed upon yer dict when our paper was put to press