Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-05-18
Napoleon Planter and Col. Ferguson.

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 MR EDIToR-A copy of the Napoleon Plan- ter of date 18th April, accidentally falling un- der my notice I discovered communication over the signature of "A Democrat" prrporting to hail from Crockett's Bluff, Arkansas coun- tv, Arkansas, in regard to the State senatorial election; in which the writer takes ground in favor of A. H. Ferguson, esq, and while doing So, gives vent to much bitterness and sIander toward the Johnson " family.' am fully sa- tisfed, MT. Editor, that to strip the anonymous spondent of the Planter and bring him be- fore the public would not only change his local habitation and his name, but show to the world one who in a greedy hunt after office," would not scruple to throw discord into the democra- tic party but clandestinely attempt to disorgan- ize it. The convention system has long been the practice of the democratic party, and, in point of policy is correct, as 1t settles conflict ing claims among the different aspirants for political station, and is a voucher to all the world and the rest of mankind" that the nomi- nee s honest and capable, and proper expo nent of democratic principles. Those who op- pose conventions generally have no party strength. The lame gallant is always an inve- terate opponent of dancing.
 have no doubt, MT. Editor, the communi- cation of "A Democrat" has excited much as- tonshment among Col. Fergusons ne;ghbors. The Colonels political antecedents, and his pre- sent position are such, as to excite a smile among the knowing ones," and all feel at a loss to determine whether "A Democrat" is "poking fun" at the Colonel, or endeavoring to magnify an outside popularity that does not ex- ist where he is best known. The idea of Fer guson being ' a man who has always occupied a position above faction" is exceedingly rich Above faction,' indeed! Those, sir who have seen the original know how to appreciate tie dog,gUe Col. Ferguson has boxed every point of the political compass, and paid court to every leader of faction; he has set upon the fence and bowed right and left to secure his election-he has been Johnson man to John sons friends and anti iJ ohnson to Johnson's en- emies Whilom the fulsome adulator of Gov Conway, and if report be true within the past three months an applicant 10 his excellency for an office for his own son. What change has come over the spirit of Ferguson's dream?- WbithiE the memory of the oldest inhabi- tant' he was the advocate of conventons.- What is the matter now? We do not wish to do Ferguson injustice, yet sir from the article ill the Planter" we m ust presume (the cores ponden. hang as he does, from Ferguson's home,) to reflect Colonel Fergusor's opinion in regard to conventions.
 Let me ask has Ferguson ever expressed any intention to become candidate? Has he not upon all occasions diSayowed any such iuten- tons? Then, sir, who wished to rule Fereu- son out? An answer to these questions by A Democrat" might have saved him some trouble. "The masses are for Col. Ferguson" !" says "A Democrat" How has this been ascer- taned not certainly through a convention, the only legitimate mode of ascertaiuiu5 the seuti- ments and wishes of the masses prior to au cleo ton. But, sir, this is all bother The position Of Colonel Ferguson, IS placed by his friend, A Democrat" clearly shows that he did not expect a nomination from democratic con- venton and thinking it foregone conclusion, that another would be selected desired in ad- vance to place himself in antagonism to the choice of the convention, thereby giving his d.s- organizing friends all opportunity to bring his name forward in opposition to the regular nom- nee of the democratic party
 A Democrat says "they are calling on him daily, both old line whigs, democrats, and know nothiugs to consent to become a candi.. date for State Senator" It requires, MT. Edi- tor, more than ordinary credulity to believe all ths, yet as Ferguson was coon in 40 dark lanternite in '56, and democrat of and on oc casionally, perhaps it may be true. The know nothngs l am sure must owe him debt of gratitude for past services they are anxious to pay off and possibly they desire to do so in this way. The witty IN" of Farway. in late letter to the Gazette and Democrat, says Fer guson will be candidate, but presume will count on the support of his quandom associates, those 'darklantern gentry whom he discovered after months close watching to be very dirty fellows"
 It is, however, unnecessary to pursue this sub ject further, as tho game is not worth the can- dle." The programme of opposition has been made UP. The democracy are prepared for the contest, and with that "brag horse." the Hon. Thos. Fletcher as our standard bearer for State senator, ready to meet any issue in whatever form or shape it may be presented
 AN OLD GUARD.