The Van Buren press., 1867-08-02
Gen. Hindman's Position.

a report having gained currency that
Gen. I. {. Hindman had made speech
in which he endorsed the policy and prin-
ciples of the radical party, he denies the
charge in letter to the editors of the
Little Rock Gazette, bearing date Helena,
June 80, 1867. He says:
Thero never wa, tho eli shtcst fountla-
ton for this rumor, unless in the circum
stance that | attended recent no party
meeting in this place, and afterwards pre-
sented its resolutions to mass meeting
of whites and negroes, urging the former
to register and vote, and the latter to
shun all radical men and doctrines. A
summary OF my remarks on that occasion
was printed in the Helena Clarion, and
and no one who heard me or saw that
publication, could, by any possibility,
have failed to comprehend my position,
which was broadly and distinctly defined.
Perhaps, as "thrift follows fawning,"
it might benefit me in some respects to
barter consistency and honor for a place
in the radical ranks. In that case, the
disabilities that are now illegally enforced
against me might readily be removed, q
full and free pardon extended, and the
avenue to political distinction reopened
before me. But cannot pay such a price
for such rewards, and the men who think
me so poor creature have not known
my real character and are not able to ap-
preciatc it.
Yet, Notwithstanding the foregoing
conclusions, | believe it to be a most
olemn duty ofevery friend of the south
who is permitted to do 50, to register
and vote for a convention, and for good
and true men as delegates, who will &C
quiesce in the military bills of congress,
not because those bills are constitutional,
just, or wise, but because the power that
forces them on us is greater than we can
resist, and utter and permanent ruin may
overwhclm us in further contest against
It, Such reason rs this controlled Lee
and Johnston when they surrendered to
Grant and Sherman, and, as there was no
disgrace to them, so there can be none
to us, in succumbing to an invinciblc ne.
ccssitv.
At all events, waving the differences
OF opinion that may naturally exist as to
the propriety of voting, | would, if the
opportunity were mine, appeal in the
most earnest manner to all Arkansians to
secure their registration certificates with.
out delay, and preserve them as carefully
as the brave soldier saves his last round
or ammunition. Those certificates are
the basis of suffrage now, if not for years.
Holding them, we may refuse to vote
when we like; but if we do not hold
them, we will be powerless to help our
best friends, although our worst enemies
may thereby be elected. Suppose that a
governor and congressman are TO be
chosen. On one side radical ticket is
presented, howling for confiscation and
the blood OF rebels, and stirring up the
negroes to a ferocious war of races. On
the other side, the candidates are fair
minded conservative men, abiding the re.
suits OF the war in good faith, maintain
ing the union and the la ws in all honesty
OF heart, and bent on doing everything
that will cxtinguish bitter memories and
restore prosperity to the whole country,
The first OF these tickets will DESTROY ns
the last will give us equality before the
law. Yet so many Of us have refused To
register that our friends are beaten IN Che
state or district for the lack of n few