Des Arc citizen., 1860-05-05
EXPLANATORY.


 issue of the 2sth instant, in the report of the proceedings of the county convention at Browsvillc on the 23d, an error, which l wish to correct, in order that my own posi- ton in that convention may be fully under stood. And, while take this opportunity of correcting the report of the proceedings as published, understand me, do not censure either yourself or MT. Douglass; the ex- planation of the omission, which you have given me in private, being entirely satisfacto- ". The error in the published proceedings which speak of, is this: The committee to report basis for the organization of the con vention are represented as reporting the demo- cratic vote for Governor in 1856, and ma iority of that vote in the County as necessary for nomination. The facts are as follows
 The committee consisted of Messrs. Jones. Tucker, Bogard, Horne and myself A ma iority of the committee, to-wft Messrs Jones, Tucker and Bogard, submitted to the convention majority report in substance this: That each township in the County here represented, be entitled to as many votes in the convention as it cast for the democratic candidate for representative two years ago
 and, that majority of the democratic vote oi the County as given in that election, be neces' sary to choice. The minority Of the com mittee, consisting of MT Horne and myself submitted minority report in substance, this That each township represented in the con yention, be entitled to as many votes in con- yention as it cast two years ago for the demo cratic candidate for state senate; and, tna two thirds of the democratic vote of tht County as cast in that election be necessary for choice. The resolution, which tht published proceedings show that the commit tee reported, was not reported by the commit tee. and was not in fact offered, until the mi nority report had been voted down, the ma iority report being adopted, and considerable dissatisfaction at the result was expressed THEN, the motion was made to adopt the democratic vote in the Governors election and require majority of the democratic vote of the whole County as necessary for choice, which motion prevailed, and order being re- stored, the convention proceeded to ballot. And. after number of ballotings resulted in the choice of Col. John c. Davie, who will think, be most triumphantly elected.
 Allow me, also to say. that have the utmost confidence in the democracy of those members of the committee who differed with me, and who submitted the majority report. did not understand them at any time, to deny that the two third rule, was the rule generally adopt ed by the democratic party in convention as- sembled but that they believed, by the adop- tion of the two third rule, we would not be able to make selection at all. MT. Horne and myself believed we COULD make selec- tion under that rue and believing it to be thoroughly democratic and eminently just and right, advocated it. As for myself, l am in favor of adhering strictly to the old land marks of the party. very much fear that there is too much cat democ, acy in our party at the present time and believe that unless we speedily recur to the time honored usages of our party, we are, as party, soon to De swallowed up and lost in Reorganization The late convention at Little Rock, has done much to disorganize the party, and has strucA blow at the former usages of the party; the effect of which, fear will too long be seen and felt, and from which we will not soon recover. J. E. GATEWOoD.
 DEs ARC, April 30. 1860.