Arkansas true Democrat., 1859-06-22
The Spirit of the Arkansas Press.

cellent leader on the duty Of the democratic party to sustain the President At the close of every administration, the opposi- tion become more violently abusive. Four years hence, the same men and journals now so loud in detraction will be ready to compare another administration with that of the glorious old statesman, James Buch anan.s
 The Pocahontas Advertiser tells some stories of "the meanest man." Here is one of them:
 ''Several years since, man by the name of Minor was hung in Lawrence county. He was in debted to our mean subject to the extent of FIVE CENTS! which, in his creditors eyes looked as big as wagon body. On the day that Minor to be executed, his creditor applied to the jail to be admitted, but refused. He therefore stationed himself on the road and as the melancholy cortege passed by, he called out: Oh, Minor. that little there is between us!' Yes, ,' said Minor, how much?' Five cents.' 'Well,' was the re- ply, aint got nary red now, but Ill pay you when we meet again"
 The South Arkansas Democrat has capital article, which we annex, entitled
 Capital Punishment.
 The recent trial of the negro Alfred, for the crime of murder suggests the subject of capital pun ishment to the writer. We have no commonplace plaitudes to offer on this theme, and only mention it to note few pecuarties in the people of the west, in regard to carrying into effect the criminal code. One peculiarty, is the readiness with which they resort to lynch-law. By the first blast of in dignaton they are frequently hurried forward to talIy hnar md without trial, but let their passions subside, and the case must be very aggravated in which they will sanction capital punishment. Reason would seem to dictate different course. Hardy pioneer habits would be expected to beget infeXible ideas of justice, and a sternness in the administration of the law unknown in the older States, while at the same time, the criminal code would be expected to be more strict in order to meet the requirements of a lawiess population. Such should be the case.- One good result would follow-desperadoes would then be certain of stern justice, where now they frequently trust to the positive dislike which per sons manifest for executing the law, as well as to the laxity of the law itself True the penitentiary is often brought in requisition but penitentiaries in the west are somewhat like the jails-liable to tricks of witchcratt and not unfrequently open to some mysterious sesame
 Another thought subjects itself-were the crim- inal laws more strictly executed, would have fewer abortive indictments for carrying concealed weapons, for where the court voluntarily relin- pushes the punitive power or carries it out mad equatey, every individual feels authorized to be- come his own protector, and, too frequently, his own avenger. It was to prevent this that law first established and inst in proportion to its inef tciency will be the essness of individuals.
 We hope the day is not far distant when the majesty of the law will be acknowledged, and juries will regard it not only serious responsibility to take the life of fellowman, but likewise a seri- tI,a justice, and to jeopardise the lives of good and worthy citizens by fallacous ideas of right and CT roneous notions of what is charitable and merci- ful.''
 The following, from the Van Buren In teligencer, shows that there is rivalry in theatricals in that quarter If Mrs. Pal mer played '' Our Nan" they had a good character well rendered.:
 "PALMER's PAVILION THEATRE.-We see by the bills that this new institution will be in full operation with good company of actors. To-mor- row night will be performed in the pavilion on the bank of the river, in this city the Imaginable farce of the Yankee Duellist, and to conclude with the play of Our Man."
 We clip the following from that paper:
 C No WONDER Hrs AFRAID.-Brigham ' oung keeps shut up, from tear-it requires the opening of over twenty doOrs exclusive of grates, to reach his sleeping apartments. Whether all this barring of gates and locking of doors is to keep the Gen tiles out the soldiers out, his harem associates out, is not mentionedby our informant. Probably, however, he is afraid oi them all.'
 The Arkansas Baptist is now perma- nent institution. Its circulation is from l,600 to 1,S00 and increasing The editor comments our action in refusing to pub- fish another comic sermon. Such things when told for the humor Tn them, without any attempt to ridicule religion, will be popular and the members of the church can afford to smile at them. A liberal man can tell joke at his own expense. But, where the humor is overshadowed by the apparent desire to scof, or where 1t con sists merely in caricaturing certain forms or doctrines, it ceases to please.
 The Pocahontas Advertiser is increasing in circulation. The editors can conduct a paper but one of them can't drivea buggy. We submit this point to Dr. Mcclure
 The Fort Smith Herald thinks it pro- per to
 'Give the Scamp a Notice.
 A man by the name of Vincent formerly of Wal dron, Scott county, Ark, left on Wednesday morn ing in the Memphis stage with his wles sister, leaving his wife and children to shift for them selves. He is tall sandy headed carpenter"
 The Batesville Democratic Sentinel ex- amines the position or positions of the edi- tor of the Balance and gives scathing re- view. The opposition in the south are at tempting to ride two horses at once. They want to join the black republicans yet are afraid of being absorbed. They are willing to share the booty but dread being accused of the crime.
 The Brownsville Echo notices the arri- val of new flour in that town. That paper says that. the locomotive of the Memphis and Little Rock railroad will soon be put ling and snorting among that people.
 The Camden Herald is trying its 'pren- tice hand on making sarcastic or witty pa ragraphs by comments on sentences from other papers. Nothing is easier to those whose tastes that way incline. See here: |" Many man has licked the hand that smote him.''
 0. Herold..
 This was according to the law of retalia- tion for 1t was lick for lick,
 That is meant for wit and here is one in tended for sarcasm.
 Tine Ouachita Herald, speaking of the democratic masses, says:
 '.This habit of obedience has been continued so long that it has become second nature and nothing short of some great public calamity will ever over turn it, and open the eyes of the people to true sense of their ensaved conditon.'
 As that paper has failed to open the eyes of the people, it may be considered as falling short of d great public calamity, be- ing only Mle one.
 In an article upon the Virginia election that paper says:
 eff Martin Van Buren had been the nominee instead of Letcher, it would have made no differ o..o .ba .o.-,,l+ ,ro,jd ,ava hnan tho Sorna