Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-12-26
FROM ARKANSAS.
A Speech by General Sherman-Frank
Advice TO the People.

convention of delegates from all the counties in
Arkansas met at Little Rock on the 18th, to take
into consideration the political affairs of the State
Major General Sherman, who was visiting that de-
partment. was invited to attend. lie was received
by Dr. T. L. Gibson, the President. who, in his ad-
dress, made complaints on behalf of the citizens Of
Arkansas, the principal one being the test oath
adopted by the existing State authorities and asked
the General to aid them TO full realization of their
| civil rights without delay.
General Sherman responded as follows
Geqtfenen;-f are fully informed Of the reasons
why am here which is by special invitation of
| your committee. | am a military man and as such
1t is not expected or desired that shall engage in
any poll tieal discussion, give you any advice po-
hiucaily. we military men dislike to mingle in po-
iitlcai movements. We are sworn to obey the Con
stituton and laws; in this country the laws govern
have not stopped to inquire by what authority
you come together nor do care for citizens of any
nelghborhood county, State have right to meet
together and consult TO the best mode of promo
ting the interests Of the community; but be you
represent the sentiments OF the people. think you
ought to be very careful that you reflect the opinion
% the ne g yh2e sehgS people 3 Of Arkansa know the
would willingly or Intentionally represent himself to
be what he is not. But understand you are citizens
you have right TO be here to discuss matters of
interest to yourselves; to consider your grievances if
for redress, and believe they will do you Justice
But you have more important work. It il not po-
litcal: Your State needs attention in other direc-
tons. come mere from distance, and tell you
find YOU behind all other parts of the country Give
your immediate attention to those things which will
make your state inviting to the stranger to and
settle among you. You have not fifty miles of good
roads IN Arkansas, Improve thesei make travelling
more easy from point to point. You are behind your
sister StaeS because you nave not adopted any sys
TEN OF internal Improvement developed any of
your vast resources You are welcomed hook into
the Unlon @hlch is to-day stronger than ever, and
the United States now more highly honored abroad
than heretofore and beloved at home. But you think
you have not all the rights you entitled to, yet
you have more rights and privileges under existing
circumstances than you would have in any civilized
country except America.
Had you done as you did in this land under the
bloody tag OF 6Teat Britain or the color of France
many many OF you would not be here, and you would not
sembled and talk over political questions and rights
Is not the meeting of this convention the best evi
dence that you have good deal of liberty? AS to
the measure OF your rights | cannot inform you
What is right and wrong do not profess to know
and do not think you know, but we can all under
stand what IS law. Inquire as to what IS awfu-hat
Is PLAIN and simple. Act lawfully and you will do
right. There are large numbers of lawyers within
FL. Ccnfcss &c the laws This is all we as military
men. can sanction. Law is our guide.
priety Of every citizen hepios his peisbbors Se Tbe
country poor and you can all do something toward
building 1t up and restoring 1t to prosperity Guilt
every possible improvement; get youriocai and coun-
ty affairs in good shape. Such work will he far more
important and beneficial than whether you shall vote
this year or next or not until two three years
hence: There need be hurry about this political
organization: blde your time help build up the cOun-
try, and never mind about voting for the present l
believe all will work out right in a few years What
you want IN this state is wOrk-elbow grease" You
nave minerals and other resources develop those and
let the matter of voting alone for awhile.
with one million Of acres OF good SOIL fine rivers
yet your population is thinner than in South Carolina
that you have been taught to call uncivilized and
barbarous. You are partially responsible for this
improve your roads, and do all you can to make your
State attractive to the immigrant. You are behind
IN all this Now go to work earnestly these dre,-
tons and then invite immigration. Fully as favored
as Missouri in climate and resources you can invite
people hither, and many will come and settle among
you. ! think am not overstating when I say that
from ntty to eighty thousand persons will have come
INTO Missouri within The year. who will pay into the
treasury from five to hfty dollars each and taxes
with proper efforts, Arkansas receive large ad
dltI0n to her population and tax-payng citizens.
with reference to any particular thing which
brings you together l have nothing to say Yet if
you need advice concerning your interests as mill
taTy men we cannot give any, but as one gentleman
to another we can. General Reynolds will as il is
his duty and will be equally his pleasure cheerfulv
confer with any of you and render you all the aid he
can.
But you think you are oppressed by the State Gov
eminent. The lact that YOU are here to-day talk
concerning it shows plainly that you are not suffer
ing any severe oppression from it,
Ou want peac-: the nation wants peBee we all
desire peace and l know will have il. Whether
you want 1t not you shall have it, for we have the
power to enforce it. Loud cheers.