Des Arc citizen., 1859-03-04


 personal observation, though not extending so far back as that of grey-haired vet erans among us, is yet, hke theirs, of such a character as to forbid all reliance on fusions and coalitions. In nature, wa ter and oil will not mix. In politics, there must be absolute concurrence Tn principle to ensure success. The attempt to blend conflicting elements in one mass will sure- ly lead to dissensions, to schisms and final fly to defeat.
 well remember how it was in Missis- sippi, prior to and pending the controver- sy about the so called compromise meas ures" of 1850. In October, 1919, au immense no.partv' convention was held at Jackson. By preconcert and to pro mote harmony. there was an equal divi- sion of officers and committeeman be- tween the Wings and Democrats the once hostile colors of the two parties were lovingly entwined togetherthe organi- cations of both were laid aside--a grand " Southern Rights Parry was formed, irrespective of previous lssues--and, un- der that name, both the old parties pledged themselves to resist the admission of Cali fornia, with her fraudulent " squatter sov- ereign" constitution. "at all hazards and 10 the last extremiiy.' The expected wrong was consummated; by force and by fraud, California was thrust into the Union, and her golden gates were shut forever on the South and her institutions. The hot blood of the Mississippi Democ- racy boiled at the outrage. Words of de- nuncialion fell thick and fast from their lips.
 Meanwhile, the prudential second thought" quickened the apprehension oi the body of the Whig allies. They saw, afar off, chance 10 retrieve their political fortunes, outside of the !" Southern Rights investment, aud, with keen foresight, set their house in order for the enterprise. In view of that, when Democrat would express his sentiments of resentment in their hearing, they would sanctimoniously draw back from him, looking strangely and muttering about ' utras" and 'shoI- spurs" Finally, with one accord and most voci(erous melody, they began sing ing that syren song composed by the old FederaIists, set to music by Clay and taught by the mountebank, Foote be ginning and ending with the words |" Union! Glorious Union v s @e
 The sequel you know Itis matter of history. The deceptive i" Union" cry was successful Democracy were beaten down--the heroic Quitman was driven from the field--the gallant Jeff. Davis was overhrown--Thompson, Fratherslon and McW lie were sIaughlered--and for two long years, the State was given over to Whig domination and misrule. Such were the consequences of the .sSouthern Rights" fusion of lS49. Since then, the Democracy of Mississippi have not been at all favorable to a repetition of the ex- pertinent. Their bitter experience would have proved poor teacher, indeed, they had been.
 It is sef-evident that party actuated by principle can derive neither honor nor advantage, nor accomplish any real good. by coaIescing with men hostile to it's creed. Whenever il repeals or suspends it's old principles and that must be done 10 form a coalition--w whenever it nullifes it's an cient usages whether this be done under the fancied pressure of new issues, or for the disreputable purpose of individual ag- grandizement--ine every such case, it does but SOW the wind to reap the whirlwind.
 Looking 10 the sectional contest of 1860, and to all other contingencies, my fixed and unchangeable conviction is, that the Democracy of each State Arkansas among the should stand by tEeir sep arate organizations, meeting in exclusive party conventions as formerly, giving testimony of fidelity by always re-aairm- ing the old faith and practice, mo o-nina. ting staunch and tried State-rights-mer to office and supporting those nominee: against all opposition. If persons who dc not approve our principles and policy arc afterwards inclined to vote with us, 1t i' right for them to do so, and we ought no 10 repel them, but they have no rign and no business in our conventions, where our nominations are made. Every jus man will admit the correctness of thls DO
 slion. Small demagogues may stigma tize it as '' ultrasm.' and stupid conserv tives may style it intolerant" and ra
 dical," but wherever there is honest frank
 ness among the opposition, or genuine Democracy in our own party, 1t will Dc fully endorsed. The reason of it pro. claims itself, State Rights principles are vested with life only less than eternal Whether this government continues day orendures ten thousand years, they vii
 be as fresh and vigorous at it's dissolution as when it was founded Under the ex Iisting Union, or under new Southern Confederacy, they will be as useful ant
 as necessary after 1860 as they have beer I before. Without them, the people of ih'
 States would be left unshielded and de lfenceless against that ravenous Centralisu
 which always lies in wait to devour con stiluent rights, and which as plainly de
 velops itself in the place-clutching an' homage craving lust of petty olgarchle
 in the States themselves, as in the usurp
 ing tendencies of the federal system
 Who will preach State Rights doctrines
 who will champion and enforce them,-
 by whom will they be administered,-i inc doors of the only party that inculcate