The true Democrat., 1857-04-21
Reform-State Affairs-Duty of
 the Democratic Party"

the Democratic Party"
 On our first page will be found an article from the Fort Smith Herald on the above sub ject to which we call the attention of the demo- cratic party in Arkansas.
 l If the author of that article is correct in his assumptions, that the short-sighted and mi serabe policy pursued by those having direc- tion of State affairs'' has placed Arkansas in "low degraded conditionin in the family of States" Is he correct in assigning the causes for this ef- | feet? Has 1t been the management of State affairs or the bad laws or the malfeasance of State officers that has produced this state of affairs? Or would it not be more rational, and more in accordance with the facts to attribute such effects to the bad execution of our laws? Could not the assertion be better sustained on this ground? Let us see.
 The masses of the people in Arkansas are of the democratic party. As in every other State, they are honest, upright and intelligent. | They select their own rulers without hindrance or moestation. In the late election they were the clique which sustained the present able and efficient State administration by an overwhelm- ing majority. The same clique elected large majority of the present legislature. That le- gislature has worked one session faithfully and earnestly for the good of their constituents It | errors. What legislative assembly does not? Their acts are on the statute book, and will com pare favorably with those of any other State in the Union.
 | Then where is the fault? If the laws as they exist are executed, have we not certain assurance that our State will prosper? And are our laws not executed? Do we not prosper? Let the aspect of affairs throughout the State answer these questions.
 | But we deny this charge of mismanagement, and we deny that Arkansas does occupy a |" low degraded" position in the family of States" She has representation in the na- tional councils equal to that of any other State in the Union. Her State officers are entirely competent and faithful. Her democracy are sound and we'll satisfied as far as We can learn with her present position and rulers. They, like their brethren elsewhere, do not acknowl- edge to be controlled by any clique or faction. The laws under which we are governed are good. It is only necessary to execute them, and this we believe is done, as general thing, as we'll as in our sister States.
 Then we conceive, and would suggest that our cotemporary has fallen into an error in asking reform in the party of the State when he should only endeavor to keep the party well organized, and see that they keep pace with l and if there has been errors committed hereto fore they will be amended in future If there is any need of reform let us of the press be- gin at home. Let our columns tell the people what Is necessary by asking, and receiving sug- gestions for improvement in our laws. Keep them posted as to when and where and how their conventions are to meet and strive to see | that those conventions shall be uncontrolled save by the will of the majority. If we see designing men endeavorlng to influence such conventions put them on their guard. The masses of our party will always act fairly, and for the best interest of the State and the people, when their action is untrammeled, and not ioreStallcd. If the press will guard against those evils, their duty will be better performed than to cry out for reform, and thus bring about Reorganization.
 Our cotemporary has suggested change in the laws of the State regulating salaries which we heartily endorse. Iti5 probably conceded fact, that those salaries are too low If the press of the State had spoken out on this sub- ect long since, would the amendment not have been made? It is delicate subject for legis- ature to touch. Without an expression of pub lie sentiment through the press, they do right Tn being slow to act upon it. When that ex- 1 presslon IS given we believe the desired change will be made.
 Progress in the State affairs and not reform is our idea. The State is filling up fast with the best population from the older States As the population increases, the interests of the State and her people advances The demand Is for more legislation, and that legislation must be equal to the wants of more people. All the aitalrS Of the State must keep up with her progress Let the democratic party do this, l 1 tbalr in, Arlya r,,lG Il as it has ever been in other and older States | Helend DeU0crut