davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
Democratic Mass Meeting in Montgomery
 County.

Pursuant to previous notice, on the 2d day of April, the democracy of Montgomery county assembled at Mount Ida in conven- ton; whereupon the following proceedings were had:
 The meeting being called to order, on motion, John Ledbettcr, esq, was called to the chair and John E. Buchanan ap- pointed secretary. After explaining the object of the meeting; on motion, the chair appointed committee, consisting of the following gentlemen, viz: Ihos. Williams, Isaac Friar, Henry C. Brewer, George Cor don, Allen B. Anderson, F. Mary and G.. Wilmington, to draft resolutions express sive of the sense of the meeting, who re- tired and after short absence, returned and reported the following:
 l. ResoLocd, That the people assembled at Mount Ida, representing the democratic party from each township i'll the county of Montgomery, be consid- cred a democratic mass meeting and are so organ ized.
 9. ReSoIped, That we, the democracy of Mont gomery county, pledge ourselves to adhere to and support the democratic principles, as set forth m the Cincinnati platform, the compromise measures of 1850, the Kansas Nebraska bill and indorsed by the Drcd Scott decision.
 }. Resoioed, That the Hon. L. Bean, of the county of Saline, is first choice for State Sena tor to represent the district composed of tho coun- ties of Montgomery, Hot Spring and Saline in the next legislature.
 1. Resotoed, That impressed withthe highest ap- preciation of the lofty bearing and upright prnci- pes of David A. Woolard, and the fidelity and efficiency with which be has long served us in the capacity of circuit clerk, he is our first, last and only choice for Representative.
 5. Resotped, That we pledge our hearty and zeal. ous support to the nominee of this convention, and that we will support the nominee of the district convention to be held on the day of - 1860, to nominate q democratic candidate for Sena tor
 6. Resoloed, Thatthe chair appoint five delegates to attend the Hot Springs convention, and they arc hereby instructed to cast the vote of this county according to the Sd resolution.
 T. Resoloed, That the proceedings of this meet ing be published in the Arkansas True Democrat and other papers that disposed to copy. The above resolutions having been read on motion, was unanimously adopted, ex cepting the Sd resolution, which wa' adopted with no great unanimity. Whereupon, the chair appointed the fol lowingssgentlemen as delegates to attend the Hot Springs convention: Thomas Will Hams, Jos Lamb, c. Carely, John c. Hen derson and Granville Wilmington.
 On motion, the meeting adjourned sin dse. JOHN LEDBETTER, Chm. JOHN E. BUCHANAN, Sec'y.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
A Few Plain Guestions

A correspondent of the Christian Obser- yer asks of the Evangelist, and other anti slavery editors who are in the habit of de- nounclng slaveholding as 8 sin, a categorical answer to the following inqures
 lst. In the covenant which God made with Abraham and his spiritual children, which is understood to be the Gospel cove nant, was it acrony to provide for the pur- chase of bondmen or slaves? Genesis, chap IT: l2 and l3
 2l. Was 1t wrong for the Angel, when meeting Iagar in the wilderness, fleeing from her mistress, who had treated her badly, to send her back into the state of ser yitudefr from which she had so happily eScap- ed? Gen, 16: 9.
 3a. Was it wrong for Moses, acting un- der a direct commission from God, to au- thorizc the Israelitcs to purchase bondmen or slaves from the hcathen, and leave them as an inheritance to their children forever? Levitt, 25:44, 45, 46.
 4th. Was it scrong for the Savior, when he healed the Centurion's servant, to com mend the faith of the master without re- proving him for the sin of slaveholding?
 5th. Was it aorong for the Apostle Paul to send runaway slave back to his master, Philemon, without a single word of admo- milton about the sin of saveholding?
 9th. Was 1t wrong for the Apostle to speak of masters who held servants under the yoke (of servitude) as faithful and be- loved, and to state as reason wAy their slaves (under the yoke) should render them cheerful obedience? 1 Tim, 6: l, ?, 8
 7th. Was it wrong for the Apostle, in immediate connection with such teaching, to condemn those who teach otherwise as ignorant and proud, doting aboutquestions and strife of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, raiings, evil surmising and perverso dispution? Tim, 6; f, 5, s.
 Sth. Is there anything in the relation of master to his servants to make THAT to be a sin which was not sin ill the days of Paul and Moses?
 9th If slavcholding be sin, have not Paul, and Jesus, and Moses, and the Great God hiniseIf-l speak rcvently-given cx- plict.permission for the existence of this sin, without single word of rebuke?
 10th Is not the Froyal law'-thou shalt love thy neighbor as thysclf-as truly and readily obeyed by the master to his slave as by the employer to those in his service, and is there not as much injustice and oppression exercised over those in scr vitude at the North as there is over the CO., lored population at the South?
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
Abolition Emissaries amongst us-De-
 structlve Fire.
Le,cisJUr1, Ark. April 13

Ae,cas0'trg, Ark., April l3, 1860.
 MR. EDITOR: l write this for the purpose of putting our people if possible on the alert-lt really seems as if lethargy had seized them that could not be thrown off. On Saturday the 7th of April, the demo- crats held township meeting in Lewis burg, and then we learned for the first time the concerted operations of the overland and mail stage employees in oulsmidst.- They had persuaded Dr. Menefee's negroes to revolt, and the project was nearly ripo for execution, when the affair was divulged to him by a trusty old negro woman.- One of the drivers acknowledged the facts as related to Menefee by the negro; and the Doctor suppose in his anger and suprise forgot that the statute of our State would have dealt with him very severely. He told him to leave and he did so.
 A citizen of our town overheard one of these men tell negro that if he would wait until ho made money enough stage driving, he would take him off where a negro is as good as a white man. He was whipped and told to leave, and he did not wait for a second warning. So hearing that there were two others left of the same sort, com. mlttee of citizens was appointed to wait on them and ascertain the facts. We were not disposed to punish innocent men, and having nothing tangible to operate on, we merely read them the ",5a act." In con sequence of these proceedings, these men either in person or by proxy fired by slow matches the gin houses of A. Gordor and T. T. Henry, esq, which also consumed the warehouse of the first named gentleman, situated between the two gins The loss to these gentlemen is very large, besides many others; back country merchants who had large freights stored in the warehouse. Estimated loss $20, GOO, and ne insurance/ We have heard of several other buildings being fired around the ncighborhood; Iut believe the damage was inconsidIable compared with the above These men are still running at large and the public should use due caution against all suspicious char acters lurking in their midst.
 We have determined if we cannot get our mail matter without having it brought by gin burners and negro stealcrs that we will dispense with it entirely.
 VIOLENCE.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
State Democratic Convention.

By the return of the delegates we have ascertained the result of the laborS of this body. The convention remained in session until Thursday, the time having been prn- cipally occupied in organizing and discus sing the proper basis upon which to act There is said to have been much speaking, general sparring, and little work. When properly organized and all the preimnaries disposed of, they proceeded to nominate for Governor. On the second ballot Col Richard IT, Johnson received the nomna- ton, and will be our next Governor with out doubt The administration of Gov ernor Conway has been a safe and malicious one, one of practical value to our State which has been so long under the burden of oppressive debts. It has been charac- terized by strict and watchful care of the monied interests of the State, and will be a monument to his memory in the future Col. Johnson is familiar with the policy of Gov. Conway, and has always admired, and defended 1t against all enemies. and doubtless his aim will be to carry out the views of the present incumbent There may and perhaps will be strong efforts made IO DOHiiSoll, Df HIS elcmlcS, ana those who have been warning against him for years, but there is not glinmerng of hope for them. The die is cast and Johnson will be the next occupant of the gubernatorial chair.
 Electors for the State at large and for the districts were chosen by the convention. They were w. w. Floyd and T. F. Sor- rels; w. w. Leake and G. w. Taylor.- Eight delegates to the Charleston conven- ton, four for the State at large, and four aternates.
 A platform was adopted, but the particu- 1 lars we have not been able to ascertain, not having received the Little Rock papers with full proceedings. We understand the adherents of Hindnlan, many of them, ac- ouiesced in the nomination of Col Johnson and will come to his support. The bitter | feud which has been existing between John; son and Hindman is the source of much di. vision in the democratic ranks, and may yet result in disaster to the party. But demo crats from principle from the love ofthe doc trines which are taught by the pure democ racy, will never suffer themselves 'collared' and led by any man or set of men. Fol those very principles which make them de
 mocratic beget independence of spirit, ant the will to think for themselves. One may ! have preferences of personal character, O
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
State Convention.

The democratic State convention, as per notice given throughout the State, was held at Little Rock during the present week, !, commencing on Monday, the 2d of April, and adjourning on the following Thursday. The State was well represented, and we have seldom witnessed more august as scmblagc.
 Hon. B. c. Harley was elected president of the convention and after the basis of nomination was settled upon, Richard H.. Johnson was nominated on th. second ballot, by large majority, the democratic candidate for Governor. This nomination will doubtless be highly gratifying to the democracy throughout the State. We regard it as decidedly the best that could possibly be made. Mir. Johnson, for a number of years, has been prominently before the people of Arkansas, and doubt less understands the policy of the State as well as any other man in the commonwealth, He has all the qualifications which cntitle him to the support of his fellow citizens; and we belive this will be amply and fully verified at the next August election. He will doubtless be elected by majority which will silence all opposition, and under his administration our State will continue to prosper as it has done under that of our present able Chief Executive, Gov. Con way. No man understands the affairs of the State better than R. II. Johnson, and he has the ability and firmness to carry out thoso measures which experience and his judgment indicates as the true policy of the State.
 Hon. w. w. Floyd and Judge T. F. Sorrells were appointed democratic electors for the State at large; and w. w. Leakc, esq.,, of Camden, and Doctor C w. Taylor, of the northern portion of the State, elec- tors in their respective Congressional dis tricts. Eight delegates, four as delegates proper, and four as alternates, were ap- pointed to represent the State in the Charles ton convention. No positive instructions were given them, but it was suggested by the convention that the delegates use their influence for Hunter, of Na, as the first, Breckenridge, of Ky, as the second, and Lane, of Oregon, as the third, choice of the democracy of this State for the Presidency. -Eldorodo Times.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21

l Ordered, That tho petition of Henry ant c. K. Cheatham, of Arkansas. praying compensation for removing the raft in Rct river. on the files of the Senate, be referred to the committee on claims.
 On motion of Mr. JOHNSON, of Ar kansas, 1t was
 Ordered, That the petition of John 5 and Thomas Johnson, praying the rem- | burscnront of expenses incurred in defend ing defective title to land from the United States, on the files of the Senate, be refer red 10 the committee on claims.
 On motion of Mr. SEBASTIAN, it was
 Ordered, That the petition of Thomas o. and Edward o. Smith, praying compen- sation for supplies furnished to emigrants on the route to California, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the committee on Indian affairs
 Mr. JOHNSON, of Arkansas, from the committee on public lands, to whom was referred memorial of the Legislature of Missouri, praying reduction in the price of government land on the line of the south west branch of the Pacific railroad, asked to be discharged from its further considera- ton; which was agreed to.
 He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred the joint resolution (S. No. l0) relating to the route of the rail- road from Fond du Lac, on Lake Winne- bago, in the State of Wisconsin, to Lake Superior, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report which was ordered to be printed.
 He also, from the same committee, to whom was referred the petition of David H.. Burr, late surveyor general of the Territory of Utah, praying to be allowed the salary appertaining to that office until he was re- lieved of the care and responsibility thereof by the transfer to Gov. Cumming, asked to be discharged from it's further considera- ton, and that it be referred to the court of of claims; which was agreed to.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
The Hindman and Van Wyck Affair.

, The iicrald's Washington correspondent gives the following account of difficulty which occurred on Saturday between Mcssrs. Van Wyck of New fork and llind- man of Arkansas:
 There was almost a street collision this forenoon, about 10 o'clock, between two Congressmen, Mr. Van Wyck of New York and Mir. lIindman of Arkansas, in front of the National Hotel There are various interpretations of tho affair aloat, but the following l obtained from an eye witness MT. Van Wyck was standing up on the front steps of the hotel with Mir. Stuart of New York and Mr. Loveioy of Illinois. Mir. lIindman alighted from carriage, and was passing near the three gentlemen named above to enter the hotel when Mir. Van Wyck saIutcd him with bow, and the words, C how are you, Mr. IIindman." The latter resented the salu- tation with movement of the hand to- ward Mr. Van Wyck, which MT. Stuart interpreted as an intended blow, but Mr. lIindman did not reach Mr. Van Wyck Mr. Stuart stepped between and mildly re- monstrated with Mir. Hindman, and he desisted-remarking to Mr. Stuart that Mir. Van Wyck had made speech in the House of Representatives insulting to every southern gentleman, and he (Mr Hind msn) could not permit Mr. Van Wyck to speak to him. Mir. Van Wyck, not having been struck, made no resistance to Mir. Hlndman. After some little conversation among the friends of the parties, growing out of the affair, they separated. Out of these facts have grown all sorts of rumors of 8 desperate collision, the exchange of blows, and exhibition of deadly weapons, nothing of which happened
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
For the True Democrat.

NIT. EDIroR-From the first issue of the above named paper, to the one now before me, l have watched pretty closely the course pursued by it's tsimported editor. And, surely, It IS not necessary that should hero state what that course has been-it Is known and read of all
 The democracy of Arkansas know full well what he was brought here for, and have full knowledge, also, of the dirty work he has done.
 Ihls editor comes here proclaiming him. self ademocrat, and that he is going to edit and publish democratic paper. Very well-no one doubts his right and privilege to do that. But when his sheet makes it's appearance, what is it? A tire -5rand in the democratic ranks, ,colf in sheep's clothing. For in his very first issue, ho makes an onslaught upon our very excel lent Governor, and thence forward his col ulnns are filled with low slang and vitu- peratlon against those who have fought the battles and won the victories of the demo- cratic hosts of Arkansas, many of them from their boyhood to the present.
 But this Solon came here to teach the veterans of the democratic ranks of Ar kansas what is democracy! But Mir. Edi- tor, why IS 1t that the most rabid know nothlngs in all the land devour this old Liner with so much avidity? Why they swear down here that they live, move and have their very being in this Old Liner.
 Just look for moment at this imported editors course in the different conventions which have recently sat in your city? It IS said that ''straws show which way the wind blows.'
 Is it common, gentlemen, for good and tried democrats to go into a convention, act, or try to act, q conspicuous part in tho proceedings, and then come out and de- nounce said convention and promise to ex- posesthe corruption, rottenness and "ha- grant outrages" therein practiced? No sir, most unhesitatingly no, and this editor only promises these things because the conyen- tions saw fit not to be controlled by him in his nefarious designs against the demo- cratic party. A beautiful idea, indeed for this t0ol to be crying corruption and fla grant outrages, and that Il E will teach us what is democracy, and what is right and what is just!! Q consistency thou art jewel FoRGE HAMMER.
 UushingtOn, Arh., April llth, 1860.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
For the True Democrat.

The Land of my Birth. nave roamed OCT this world-passed hours of
 sweet mirth,
 Tar away from my home and the land of my birth, DUH my fancy would wander-my thoughts ever
 roam,
 To the scene of my childhood, my own happy home. And roam where will, no matter what sphere, I'll think of that land with sigh and tear, When knew of no care, no pain or no sorrow, NO grief of to-day, and no thought of to morrow Though far from that land, l love it the more, It's wrongs and it's sorrows no years I'll deplore, Though it's trampled by yrants the basest on earth, Still love 1t the more, 'tis the land of my birth Blame me not for it-I'll love while live For no land in this world more pleasures can give. Than the land of the Shamrock-the land of my
 birth,
 Brightest gem of the ocean-the faire,t on eorth
 w. J. BOYLE. TitZe Rock AnriI 18th 1S60
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
The MOminea.

We this weeek run up the name of Col
 R. II. Johnson for Governor of this State Knowing that we have been always op- posed to Mir. Johnson, some may ask, why we do this? We answer, simply because he Is the nominee of the democratic party; we support him because a ma jority of the great party to which we belong have said we must do so; we support him because we prefer him to an oppositioniSt. We ex- pect to put our shoulder to the wheel, and battle with what little ability we possess for the success of our ticket. Should Mr. Johnson, in the event of his election, adopt and carry out the policies which have characterized the administration of the present incumbent, we shall be well satisfied, and shall not fail to give him due credit We think that, as 8 Governor, his Excel lency Elias N. Conway, stands unsurpassed in the Union. Honest and firm in the dis charge of his duties, and always democratic, how can patriotic citizen of Arkansas help but admire him? The democratic party is alone able to protect the constitutional rights of the southern people, therefore it is meet that we retain good democrats in office So far as Mr. Johnson's democracy is concerned we are ready to admit that it is without blemish. Let the party unite and stick to the nominees, and success will be certan.- Comden Southern Star.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21

an appreciation of one man over another, but the true interest of his party and the preservation of the principles it advocates, will prompt him to lay aside such consido- rations and stand boldly up for principle No good democrat will suffer himself tied body and soul to man or set of men. If he knows the principles of democracy he will keep an eye on them, as good chris tlan does his God, fearing nor caring for aspirants or wire pullers
 We hope to sec the whole democracy of Arkansas unit in the coming elections, and be recorded in the Presidential contest as the banner State, for the nominee of the Charleston convention.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21
Little Rock, April 18th, 1860.
Democratic Nominee far Eoverpor

The democracy of the State in an as sembled capacity have spoken, and they have pronounced in favor of Col. RICHARD H. JOHNSON. For years he has laborcd in the front ranks of democracy. bearing himself boldly and nobly to the arrows of the enemy of his party. He has never wavered from his duty, nor quailed under the cannonading of the opposite party. He has stood steadfast to the great and eternal principles of democracy, and never departed from the faith. He has for a number of years edited the metropolitan paper with marked ability, and made his paper nucleus around which the demo- cracy of the State rallied
 After he had so faithfully served the democracy of Arkansas, it is but justice that he should in return be honored for such disinterestcd and patriotic service He went into the convention with moro than twice the number of votes of any other of the able and talented candidates He was chosen on tho second ballot, and the people at the August election will sanction the selection. He will make firm, steadfast and energetic executive He will have the Real Estate Bank debt paid, and the credit of the State rcstorcd will, ill due time, recommend the State loaning her bonds for the construction of railroads. This will be proud and hap py day for Arkansas, and even now the star of promise is beginning to dawn. Before two years we expect to see her free from all indebtedness, and earnestly en- gagged in building railroads. We shall welcome such an event with huzzas of joy.-Heiena Vote Book.
Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-04-21

k. II. JoHSsoN NoMrNArED.-From Mr. D. C. Black, who has just returned from Little Rock, we learn that in the State Con- vention at the capitol on the 2d inst, there was much enthusiasm exhibited, and on the second ballot R. II. JOHNSON was no- minatcdfor Governor by more than three fourths vote
 The convention was doubtless one of the most intelligent that has ever assembled in our State; and was attended by more than half of the editors in the State. Gen. A. G. NAYERs addressed tho convention at considerable length, giving the originators of the present disruption in the democratic party particular jesse, and defending our present executive from their onslaughts.
 Considering the manner in which HIND MAN and his ilk, have abused and yiliGed Mr. JOHNSON and his family" the pre- sent action of tho State Convention may be considered repudiation of the HNle de- magQ2ae, and all approval of the course of Mir. JOHNSON. Such at least we take it to be.-POc0hontos AdgeriSer.