Arkansas true Democrat., 1859-11-09
The Danger and the Remedy

eforehend to many of the black republi- an leaders, is beyond the shadow of doubt
 ,ven Seward was consulted and though he
 efused to become party to the overt act,
 was so far criminal participator as to
 eep the secrets of the conspirators. He
 new, before he left our shores for Europe,
 nat this scheme was on foot and instead of emaining here, warning the proper author ties and using his influence to prevent the
 utbreak, he conveniently absents himself
 that he may hereafter prove an alibi
 from more than one source we find the ,lot or plots so extended as to cover several joints at the south. Harper's Ferry in Va, the neighborhood of the Mammouth Gave in Ky, and some point on the Arkan- as river, are places named in the docu- nents found on the conspirators, or that nave been elsewhere brought to light. Some surprise has been manifested at the rators selecting these localities. Kentucky md Virginia being border States, the escape nto Ohio, or Pennsylvania was easy. It is true that Arkansas has Missouri on the north and the slave-holding Indian Terri
 tory on the west, but she is fast becoming a border State. So insecure is slave prop erty in Missouri that in some counties scarce slave remains. During the past week, gentleman from Missouri told us that he knew of sixty-three slave-holding families in his State, who were moving or preparing to move to Arkansas.
 Kansas nearly corners with Arkansas, while the Indian country is overrun with abolition emissaries and spies. So far we have been comparatively free from these gentry, but within a few weeks their presence among us has been made manifest. The Camden papers tell us of the attempt of an underground railroad agent to steal negro, in Ouachita county, and of his being shot In an attempt to escape. Another agent was arrested and is now in the Hemp stead county jail. The Arkansas Traveller tells of another negro thief named Franklin, from Illinois, who stole four negroes from Dr. Ellis and that the thief and negroes were on their way to the north, when they were pursued and arrested The Fayette- vile Arkansian tells us of the discovery of plot among the negroes in Washington county to effect a stampede and reach Kansas, in which white men are implicated The newspapers of the State contain every week, advertisements from the owners of runaway negroes. The fact may as well be admitted at once. The underground railroad has terminus in Arkansas Un- less decisive steps are taken, negro property in north and west Arkansas will become as insecure as it is in Missouri. School teachers, peddlers and others are sent here to act as agents, and, if possible, to foment inSurrections The black republicans have selected Arkansas as portion of the ground on which the conflict is to take place. The Harper's Ferry affair shows that the slaves will not join the invaders, and that but little danger is to be beapprehended from them, but there are always few vicious men among them, who, led on by whites, might be induced to commit outrages Our peo- pie should be vigilant An outbreak in this State would find us lily prepared to meet it. The militia should be organized at once and the formation of independent volunteer companies encouraged. The lat ter are excellent safeguards. In the excite ment attending such affairs, there is always want of concert of action and of a leader. The military company forms rallying point where men meet and are at once enrolled for service. We suggest to the people of Bentonville. Fayetteville, Van Buren, Fort Smith and other towns, the inn portance of forming military companies and seeing that they are provided with arms to be kept in some secure place. The militia of this State should at once be officered and placed in situation to act readily.
 In making these suggestions, we do not wish to be considered as alarmists There may be no immediate danger, but if the ir- repressible conflict is to be carried out we may as well be prepared. Now, when there is peace let us prepare for war.
 We said once before and we repeat it, that it is folly to suppose fanaticism will subside. All history teaches differently Reason is offered in vain. When it rears its head in our midst it must be crushed promptly and decisively. Encourage home teachers, discourage Yankee pedders and book-agents, form independent volunteer military companies, organize the militia and if such fanatics as Brown attempt to make a demonstration in this State. give them a prompt reception and a short thrift.