The Van Buren press., 1867-04-12
Tho" Union" Convention Of April Second.


Tho" Union" Convention Of April Second.
We feel some diflidencc in approaching
this subject, because we are impressed
with the importance Of the high and
solemn duties that devolye upon us as
Journalist, to guarl, watch and defend
the interests of the people. In order to
discharge this trust with fidelity, it now,
becomes necessary for us to caution the
people against the evils Of the men who
propose to monopoize the offices, to
constitute themselves the guardians of the
treasury, to assume the gubernatorial
chair, the judicial ermine, and the die
tators'iip Of opinion, The convention
lately assembled at Little Rock seems to
have been controlled by a violence of
temper that is entirely unworthy of
christian and enlightened people. A
miserable spirit of fyindictiveness was dis,
played by fellow, name Ham, who
claims, without objection, to be one of
the" mud slls of society,"" in his violent
opposition TO the resolution of Mr. Red
rhond. which anunciated principles Of
peace, good will and amity. This reso-
lation was promptly voted down. a
proposition was made to petition Gen.
Ord, to suspend the operation Of the
"amnesty law passed by the general as
sembly, at its late session-this was
promptly agreed to. To say nothing Of
the lamentable ignorance ofthc body who
propose to suspend law that takes effect
upon its approval Instant, and has al
ready completed its operation; the spirit
which dictated the action manifests moth
ing like a desire to bring peace and good
fellowship to the country--not much de
sire for :. Union" in such sentiments. The
abusive and unjust attack upon the Prcsi-
dent of the United States and actions of
the Legislatures too palpably ridiculous
and founded upon such falsehoods Of
statements, that we do not propose to de
lay the reader by vindication of them.
Time can best settle these questions. In
all the action of the convention the Con
sttution Of the United States is entirely
ignored. Every law and all the State
Constitutions according to this Conven.
ton, must be in accordance with the
Military Bill and other acts of Congress,
behey in accordance with the Consttu-
ton of the United States or not. This
is the sum of the action (save committee
appointments) of this great convention.
That the people Of Arkansas may see
what these men propose to do, we pub
lsh !. the Platform and Resolutions
adopted. We would like to give the
whole proceedings, but our room will
not admit of it,
Mr.. Montgomery, from committee on plat
form and resolutions, reported declaration of
principles.
The people the State of Arkansas. willing
to associate together for the purpose of CO.
operating with the National Union Republi-
can party of the nation in securing and main
tanning equal, legal and political rights to all
citizens of the Republic. and restore the State
TO its political relations in the Union.
Now. here in the State Convention assem-
bled do proclaim and declare the following
dechration of principles on which they have
unanimously agreed;
I. That we will ever support and defend the
Constitution of the United States, and the
Union of the States Hereunder, as the sacred
palladium of our rights and liberties. That the
Union of the States under the Constitution
constitute n National Republic, and not a mere
league of Independent States, and that the
Constitution OF the United States and the
laws made in pursuance thereof are the Su-
prcmt laws Of the land anything in the con-
stitlition or laws ofany State to the contrary
Notwithstanding.
2. That we arraign the unprincpled and
corrupt denagogncs, who. for so many years
held every Office and eXerciseda a despotic con-
troll over its legislation as the sole authors Of
the present deplorabe condition of the State
and its people. To convict them of the folly
and crime OF having brought upon the people
Of the State their present woes, let facts be
stated. 'u'
/. They appropriated to their own use, and
squandcrcd the grants of money and lands.
made to the State by the National Govern
ment for educational purposes, and then re-
fused to provide free school or make any
sufiicient provision for the education of the
youth OF the State a. tn
ii. They. in like manner. appropriated to
their own, use, and otherwise squandcred the
swamp laiid grant, and all other grants of
lands. made by the National Government to
the State for Internal improyement and other
purposes; and refusing to make any provision
therefore the State is left to this day without
acompleted Railroad. or other work Of inter-
nal improvement within her borders.
Ill. They issued the bonds Of the State as q
pretended basis for banking capital. and
having negotiated the bonds and appropriately
tile proceeds 20 their own use the State Is left
to pay their bonds, with years Of accumulated
interest amounting in the aggregate TO mill
ions ofdollars. at. ,.u irI
". In time OF profound peace, and when
the people Oft the State were enjoying degree