Washington telegraph., 1853-07-20
For the Washington Telegraph
WASHINGTON. ARKfs. July ID.

WASHINGTON, ARK's, July ID, 1853
Mr.. Ener: notice in your paper Of last week,
very kind and polite suggestion of my name to
the people of this county. for seat in the lower
house Of the Legislature of this State in the place
of Hon. B. p. ] EFT resigned. The appearance OF
this card was surprising to it was fattering.
and to say that it did not make me feel consider
ably elevated, would be giving the lie to the
strongest and most powerful promptings OF the
human heart. There is nothing for which man
strives harder, tolls more laboriously and may
say battles more desperately than for the esteem
and regard of his fellow men. And TO be thought
competent by majority OF the voters of this coun-
ty as well as to be their choice, even that OF
zone humble but devoted citizen.o praises me far
beyond my ambition; and 1t will ever be remem-
bered by me with the most grateful sensibility.
But. if felt inclined to offer for the legislature
there are many circumstances over which have
control. to prevent me from doing So 10 say
nothing OF my great want Of experience In snch
matters my complete inability to serve creditably,
to myself and constituency as legislator and the
neglect of my daily business upon which i am
entirely dependant the constitution OF this State
deprves me Of the privilege Of holding seat ~
the legslature-that is, am still on the Sunny
side'' Of twenty-five years-the age required tor
representative.
In filling the vacancy occasIoned by the resIg-
nation of Hon. b. p. Jett, should select some
able and well deserving man--one who has IN
terests in common with Arkansas, one who knows
vocate the necessity of a good and wholesome
remedy. The legislature lif called) will be the
most important one that ever assembled IN Ar
kansas. Matters OF the greatest moment in
voying not only the present interests of this State
but her destiny for long while to come. will be
discussed and disposed of by that body. They
will meet to chant the iublant anthem Of tins
State or sound her death kne. 1t will be for
them to say whether Arkansas shall remain
chained 10 the rock and writhe under the vuture
gnawings Of despair and degredation- OF take her
stand upon an elevated point and beckon to other
States and countries to follow her in the glorious
march of improvement aud reformation Their
acts and doings will STAMP themselves lndeiibly
upon the features Of this State, and it will not be
merely for the present the next year to pass
Judgment on their services. but for tunes when
they shall cease to be living acting men. The
disposition of the Cairo and Fulton grant of lands
will be the only topic of consequence before them.
This is donation made by the General Govern
ment for the purpose of building a railroad from
Cairo TO Fulton. and constructing branches from
Fort Smith to Little Rock. and from the last
named place to some point on the Mississippi river
this point to be selected by the legislature
Then how weighty is the trust reposcd in them.
and how weighty the responsibility resting on
them Let US hope that they will meet IN a splr-
it Of harmony and concord that well becomes such
a body of men, with the Erm and answering de-
termination to do something for the benefit Of the
Statc-that they Will not permit local jealousies.
dissatisfaction and party chickering's to occupy the
place Of reason and common sense. and hnrl their
poisoned darts at the heart of this State. Ifparty
spirit in its sickeninG ard abomidab- deformty
should make Its appearance. place the iron heel
upon the monster anc crush 1t before its nearious
deeds shall have commenced. Since the legisla-
ture is to pave the way in this great undertaking
or rather to lay the corner stone. how impor-
tant it is. that we should send men there compe-
fant to the charge. Such a man it is duty as
Gift n HeulDStpa1 honor
suifrages, and then let the brunt come. can
have the proud satisfaction OF knowing, that we
took no part in digging own graves or in weav-
Ing our own winding sheet.
With my best wishes for those who would pre-
fer me Of the representatives of this county
and my very sincere and heart felt thanks for the
kind and warm feelings which they entertain
towards me. must decline the honor.
Most respectfully,
a. ii. GARLAND.