Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-02-08
From the Arkansian, Jan. 9. The next Governor.

We are continually receiving letters from various portions of the State on the above subject; some intended for publication and others designed only for our private inspec- tion.
 These letters express preferences for diff ferent men; they strongly recommend sum- | dry old and we'll tried and true democrats for the most important office within the | gift ot the people of Arkansas. Some of these names we have mentioned in this pa- per. Hon. Thomas Fletcher has many warm and enthusiastic friends who are ad- vocating his claims to this office; in a foi- mer number we pre- sented our readers with few facts in the political history of this gentleman, and indorsed him as in every respect worthy of the position; possessing talent, firmness, integrity and clean record, he is fully competent 10 fill this trust with honor to himself and benefit to the State; his chances are perhaps better for the nom- nation than those of any who have yet ap- peared upon the field.
 Last week, we mentioned in connection with this office, the aame of Hon. ohn S. Roane, Ex-Governor of the State. We learned from private sources that he was a candidate; his record while Governor, and his poli'y y, energy and capability we allu- ded to at some length.
 Dr. Hill of Perry county is decided fla vorite with many strong and leading demo- crats, and his friends will no doubt in due time place him fairly before the public.- Dr. Hill was member of the last legisla- ture, and while in that capacity deported himself as man talent and fathiulness; he IS a fine speaker, and is said to be the best stumper in the State; he is a retiring gentleman, and has never attempted to push himself into any political station, but has always been ready at the call of his fel- 1ow-citizens, to serve them with credit to himself and entire satisfaction to his con- stituents. We have no doubt if nomina. ted he would carry the State with enthusi- asm, and would prove himself in the office of Governor, just and able. It will afford us great pleasure to present more fully the history and record of Dr. Hill to our read CTS; our columns are open to any advocate of his. as we'll as to those who desire to present in such manner the claims of their respective choices. We not only assure our readers that the columns of the Arkan- sian are open to this purpose but solicit correspondence on this matter, that the people may knoaU the man who is destined to govern them.
 It would be dangerous indeed to select man for this position, whose political and moral status was unknown by the body of the democratic party; he might prove himself worthy of the trust and he might not. So let the claims ofevery aspirant be fully and candidly discussed let their mer- its and demerits, their ability and integrity be plainly canvassed before the people, so that they may be able to judge right, and make that selection which will best enure to their welfare
 We invite attention to the letter of Farmer" in this issue; it is written by a gentleman of prominence and character as . man of judgment and sound democrat: his statements may be relied upon; from them we learn that the contest for guber- material honors is most likely to be, be- tween Hon. Thomas Fletcher and Col. Rich II. Johnson of the True Democrat
 The letter referred to gave us the first in- formation we have received of Mr. John son being before the people as a candidate We have heard him spoken of as a man whose untiring services in behalf of the party, whose bold, manly and successful defense of democratic principles, when at tackled by the combined forces of the oppo- sition, enttle him to the gratitude and hon. ors of his party; but we did not know that any active steps had been taken by his nu- merous friends to secure for him the nomi- nation for Governor There is no man in the State who Is more cordially hated by the disorganizers, no man who has with stood the mad waves of political demagog. ism more successfully than he, and no man who has more signally vanquished the foes of the democratic party of the State, and more triumphantly vindicated himself from the slimy attacks of his enemies. It would be superhuous for us to enlarge upon the character and ability of Mr. Johnson, his works are before the people of the State; they compose his record.
 While we do not intend to devote our pen to the advancement of any one mans interest, either for the Governorship or Congress, we intend from time to time to give our readers any information in relation to the various candidates, which we think will enable the people to make a prudent and good selection