Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-10-26
ARKANSAS POLITICS.
What tIle Radical Darkies Of
Pine Bluff Demand or
the Country.

The African world moves, Cuffy is
determined to obtain his rights" or
"die a'tryin', sho'." A mass meeting Of
dsrkies who felt that they had been over
slaughed in recent convention Of their
brethren, was held ON Saturday week
in Pine Bluff A few white darkies also
mixed in, and the result was "declara'
ton of principles" II was printed and
e friend has handed us copy, which we
print below. II will be seen that our
colored brethren are down on the Union
League, but can be induced to take
forty acres" Here is the declaration
Of the people:
At mass meeting Of the people of
Jefferson county, held on Saturday,
October II, 1867, wherein all the town
ships we're represented, TO nominate
delegates TO the Little Rock State con-
vention, for the formation Of new
Constitution, il was unanimously
Resolued, That as the convention
which was held at he Courthouse on
Saturday, October 3, one week previous
to this meeting, was net the expression
of the will Of a majority Of the Radical
Union men there present, much less
those of the county, as we were denied
the right of speech; the convention
packed and votes given by proxy; men
nominated that were not the choice of
the people; and, above all, that our
rights of representation, AS regards TO
color, had no respect shown it whatever.
As we are entitled TO three ont of four OF
the candidates, and was willing to COM
promise on two of our own choice, but
they would allow us but one, and he
| selected by our enc mics and under their
control Therefore we, the people, do
hereby nominate, and will give all our
aid and support, and do pledge our
selves and recommend our friends to
vote for the following named, as they
are OF our own choice and selection.
OUR PRINCIPLES.
lst. That all persons, without distinc-
ton of color, race or previous condition,
are entitled to equal civil, political and
religious rights before the law that is,
the RICH: to buy and sell property, the
right to sue and be sued in any and all
courts of justice, the right to vote and
the right to hold Office.
I'd. That clause shall be inserted in
the Constitution, that provisions shall be
made to supply and support good
school, to be taught by competent per-
sons in every school district In the State,
at least five months in each and every
year, for the education Of all children,
both black and white, free of charge to
parents or guardians.
Sd. That we adhere to andwill support
the acts of Congress- and are in favor of
reconstruction on the Congressional
plans.
FARM FOR EVERYBODY.
4th. That we are in favor of Con-
gress dividing up all unappropriated
lands, and giving each individual or
head of family home free of charge.
We warn our friends to shun and keen
clear of the Union League, as its princl-
pies have been perverted. Resolutions
nave been passed in the League de-
nouncing as traitors and rebels, all that
will not support the ticket as nominated
by the packed Convention, and threat
ening them with fines and prosecution
for perjury. If you are willing that
few men forming themselves into a
clique shall rule the countrywide that
ticket
But, if you want to be free AID in
telligent people, able to control your
own affairs, dispose of your own offices,
etc. Vote this ticket, it being of your
own making, and your interest to do.
DE-. GEO. S. LIGHT,
BEN. MCGUIRE,
A. A. SHAW,
Z. WEBSTER.