The true Democrat., 1855-09-25
Democratic Meeting in Dallas
 County.


 September. 1855 in pursuance to the published cali to that effect, for the purpose of discussing the great policaI questions of the day, and or ganiZing a democratic association the following proceedings were had.
 Hon. BASIL C. HARLEY was, on motion called to the chair, and explained the object of the meeting in few pertinent and effective re- marks, and PRESLEY WATTS appointed secre- tary.
 Letters were read from Senator Johnson and exGovemor Roane which were well received. These distinguished democrats had been espe- cially invited to deliver addresses on this occa sion, and much regret was manifested that they were prevented from being plesent-the former by private engagements and the latter by sick ness. The public expectation that they would be among the orators of the day, had swelled the audience to one of the largest assemblies ever convened in the county for political pur- poses. It was pleasing to observe 50 many of the fair ladies of the county in attendance to enliven and adorn the occasion by their pre- sence.
 The meeting was then addressed, at length, by Col. F. W. Compton of Princeton, who was frequently and warmly applauded during the progress of his speech. He boldly and fear lessly investigated the principles of the self styled American party and the inevitable ten dency and dangerous consequences of their doc- trines. For an hour and half he entertained his audience with one of the most logical, for cible and powerful addresses which have been heard in this region; and triumphantly vindicat- ed the claim put forward in his behalf by his friends to high place among the political speak CTS of the State
 He was succeeded on the stand by Robert H. Dedman, esq. who made lengthy, able and effective speech which was vOciferousy cheered by his hearers. In response to an enthusiastic call of meeting, Sanl. G. Smith, esq, de- hvered short but eloquent and happy address, and was frequently applaudod during the course of his remarks.
 The following resolutions offered by Hon. B. C. Harley, were adopted
 l. Resolved, That the democratic citizens of Dallas county, III general meeting here assem- bled, re-affim thelr devotion to the Constitu- tio, of the United States, and the fundamental lrucil les of American liberty, and that it is with juy and eXultation that we behold the de- mocratc party in it's organization throughout the Onion, maintaining with fidelity the doc trnes of its illustrious founder (1hmaas Jefer- so'',) and true the principles of the civil and rel -qous rights Of the people.
 2 Reso'Ued, That it is with great apprehen- signs for the safety oi the Union that we see the lnoa0 nothing party of the north, united in common effort with the direst abolitionism to abolish slavery in the district of Columbia, and in the territories, the repeal of the fugitive slave law, the repeal of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, and refusal to admit any more slave States.
 3 ResolUed, That therefore we are unuttera- ply opposed to the know nothing party, arro- gantly calling itself the American party-ts precepts-its orsanizations-its principles and ef fytfjo o1 h dangerous to free institutions, and destitute oi sound morals and true religion.
 4 ResoIued, That standing by the consttu- ton and the great principles of civil and reli- gious liberty we recognize aH as true patriots, who, discarding past political differences, unite with Us in crushing that relentless prescription and ruthless tanatcism which is now putting in imminent peril our free institutions.
 5. Resolued, That we hereby re- affirm our faith ful adherence to tho national democratic plat form of l844, 184S and 1852, and our approval o the Kansas and Nebraska law enacted by tnC late Congress of the United States.
 6. ReSolved, Thatthe administration of Frank lin Pierce by adhering to the constuton of tho United States, thereby maintaining the deares rights of the southern States is entitled to the thanks and hearty support of every friend O. the Union.
 liCNSNNNN democratic association, and the following con stituton was unanimously adopted, and signeC by alFthe democrats present.
 Tie Constituti on Of the Democratic Asso. citation of Dallas County, Adopted tnt 10th day of September, 4. ID. 1855.
 ARTICLE l.
 SEC. list. This organization shall be called THE DEMOCRATIC ASSOCIATION OF DALLAS COUNTY ARKANSAS
 Z. The objects of this association are to sup pQrtthe principles of the democratic party, as pro claimed ln the resolutions adopted by the ma. tonal convention of 1852, and to secure and maintain inylolate, the full. perfect and free exercise, by every crizen of the United States, of all the rights and privileges, civil and reli- gioos, guarantied to him by the constitution of the United States, and the laws of the land
 3. All persons entitled to the right of suf frage and approving the general objects and purposes of this association, may become mem bers thereof.
 ARTICLE II.
 SEC lst. The officers of this association shall consist of President, two Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Cores spending Secretary a Treasurer, Committee of Finance, and an Executive Committee to be composed of five members each
 2 2 It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all the meetings of this association and 70 issue calls for special meetings thereof whenever and wherever requested by the exe- cutive committee.
 5. The first vice president, and in his alb. sence the second vice president shall. in the alb. se ce Of the president, act as president.
 4 The recording secretary shall keep mi nuteS of the proceedings of this asso ,iation and perform such other duties as may be assigned him.
 5. The corresponding secretary shall con. duct the correspondence of the association.
 6. The treasurer shall receive and disburst all the funds of this association.
 '. The finance committee shall provide { plan, and collect money to defray the expenses ot the association, and pay the same to thu treasurer.
 $. The executive committee shall provide places of meetings of the association, and per- form such other duties as may from time te time be assigned them.
 9. All accounts against the association sha be submitted to finance committee, and on the order be paid by the treasurer.
 ARTICLE III.
 SEC. lst. This constitution may be amended oy vote of two thirds of the members present at quorum meeting.
 2 z This association may from time to time adopt such bylaws as shall be necessary fol the government thereof.
 3 Nine members shall compose quorum F. w. Compton, Jas. M Lea, John c. Green Ira ira W. McCraw, E. B. Wesson, Noah Tricc ". l. M. Holmes, Amos Rowland Wm Over man, w. R. Cornell, Elijah Brown, F. iioImes' John Brumly, John B. Phillips, John A; A. Jones, John L. Walsh, T. s. Williams Aiason 1, Lea, S. G. Smith, George Wills on, Ed mower, Isaac Holmes, c. S. Jones, Thos. J need Teed' Lewelen Jacobs P. Woods, James B 1hrasher, Wm. F. Smith, and 50 others.
 ooi; Wm. T. M. Holmes, was chosen Presi. dent, Maj. Geo. w. Taylor and Dr.. James M Lea, Vice Presidenst Presley Watts. Secretary