Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-11-10
goltieal.
ARKANSAS.

REORGANIZATION in the State-Statement
of Hon. E. w. CAN'T.
To the editor of the Chronicle.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Oct 81, 1S65.-The
reorganization in Arkansas has progressed
quietly, and is success. In thefall of 1868
the first meetings were held looking to a
State Convention. In February, 1864, q
convention was held 1t adopted State
constitution abolishing slavery, repudiating
the Confederate debt, aud nullifying all the
acts done by the Confederate authorities, ex-
cept marriage certificates, acknowledgment
of deeds, and few other minor things. 1t
proceeded to organize provisional govern
ment by the appointment of Hon. Isaac
Murphy, Governor, empowering him to or
der an election for permanent government,
and requiring him to submit to the people
the constitution for approval or rejection.
The election was so ordered, and perma-
nent government established, with his Ex-
cellency, Isaac Murphy, as Governor. The
constitution as amended was adopted by
vote, in round numbers, of twelve thousand
for and two hundred against it. The vote
cast was near one-haf the estimated voting
population of the State, q little less than
One-fourth of the vote of 1860, and but q
lew nut4AG4 l1r0t Al NV O1AphAf W eAA~ ~ANAA~
vote cast for secession In 1861.
This organization was of the people and
spontaneous. 1t has been enormously sup
posed that the Executive or the military
originated or controlled it. know person
ally to the contrary. Advocating, in the fall
of 1868 and the winter of 1864, the holding
of a convention and the amendment of our
Constitution abolishing slavery, for reasons
stated In various speeches and letters, had
an opportunity to know much that was done.
AS the then commander of the department,
a brave and accomplished soldier, opposed
our views on this point, it Wasdeemed expe-
dent by the friends of the measure that L
should 90 to Washington and see what intiu
ences could be brought to bear upon Gen
eral Steele to induce him to favor our plans,
he expressing his entire willingness to do
what the President desired in the premises.
Before leaving, there was a general under
derstanding that if the Convention were
full it should proceed to work and do what
was necessary. If not full, it should order
an election for Convention to be held at
some future designated day.
Before reaching Washington was over
taken BY prominent citizen of the State,
who, leaving after did, assured nae that the
Convention would not be held. Arriving at
Washington, we visited Mr. Lincoln together
and he submitted to us his plan of reorgani-
zation, whereby an election was ordered for
the 2Sth March, 1864. In the meantime,
adyices reached me from home, informing
me of the meeting and action of the Conyen.
ton, among which was its order for an cleo
ton ON the l4th of March. / called at once
on President Lincoln, made full explanation
and urged the consolidation of the two plans.
He cheerfuly complied, and wrote by me a
letter to General Steele to that effect. SO
the election was holden on the day and IN
the manner prescribed by the Convention,
and met the full approval Of President Lin
coin.
The new State government was thus in
augurated. Since thenit has gained strength
steadily Weak at first and without dollar
to commence with, its indefatigable officers,
aided by the well timed and prudent counsels
and assistance of General Reynolds, have
succeeded in administering It's affairs until
the opposing Confederate authorities, from
Governor down, acknowledge its supremacy
aud uuti every county in the State is as
thoroughly organized as before the war
We have fortunately had few dissensions
in our midst, and if the people are not dis
turbed by disappointed and ambitious office
seekers. aDprehend little in the future. The
utmost quiet prevails in our midst. A eiti-
zen Of any portion Of the United States can
travel unattended throughout our entire Dor
ders. Courts are being held in all the coun
ties. Estates are being adninIstered and