The Van Buren press., 1868-04-17
The Pretended Legislature.

The so-called" Legislature are In guam
diary. Some think they are going too fast and
others think not fast enough. They have
adopted the l4th article of the Constitution
and are now waiting for old Thad to tell them
to 20 ahead and elect Senators. On this sub
iect the following article from the Little Rock
Gosstte OF the sth, will show what progress Is
making:
ABoUT THE CAPIroL--From all an outsider
can gather, the race for United States Sena-
tors is an all absorbing topic inside the radi-
cal ring. The chief competitors are Rice,
Brooks, johnson and Mcdonald. The former
is entered for the long term. Months ago,
when the balance were dreaming, this willy
man, with a foresight worthy of the consul
mate trickster that he Is. shOnldered the prize
and bore it so far away that those who would
steal it back again find it rater impractcable.
In these days, theving has become Il trade
with degrees of advancement and rewards OF
merit worthy of the noblest profession. lie
who to-day stealthily demands your purse. or
breaks into your house, is made honorable to-
morrow by destroying you, or taking house,
farm and all. Indeed, it is pretty well dem
onstrated that those who have thoroughly
learned the trade from first principles up, are
the best men and they who would steal the
State and destroy two hundred thousand fits
people, are the great men of the times. Nor
does it matter, to return to the subject that
Rice Is notoriously sinister and unreliable. A
thief is as good rs an honest man-better, be-
cause he does his pant with more nerve, and
If carefully watched his stealings may be made
TO go for the benefit of all concerned.
johnson brings no positive strength, and i
n A pnastinn Rrnnl al A
lied TO the "23,0O0," and. under christian
mantle and negro chaplain's prestige. com
mands some strength. But his ugly face and
pharasaical way of thanking God that he is
better than other men," has awakened 4
deep prejudice against him among aspiring
ones--at least it affords data for effective op-
position, and the decision made long ago tha,
he must 20 by the board will be confirmed
He must take paper for his share, and risk it.
payment at maturity.
For the short term the keen. shrewd mon
eyed man. who has footed the bills for thi,
radical conSumatOn, stands ahead. Money i,
an effective power, and goes Numbering along
on an undertaking course regardless of ob.
stacles. The gentlemanly, conservative G!
Mcdonald, will live to be a radical Senator
We believe We are not mistaken.
On Monday the constitutional amendment
was rushed through the Senate. doubtless fol
the purpose of making up the following tele-
gram: ... ..
Mr.. THADDEUs STEvENs-Dear Sir: Arkan.
sas gone for the constitution by 1000 major.
ity. Her loyal Legislature now in session
with qa.ornms present i'm each House 1ht
constitutional amendment adopted Can W,
come in! .I........... ....... ..,
(Signed.) Rice, Kinds, Weeks, Mcdonald
Gray, (negro.) of Helena.
1t matters little whether Arkansas goes in
or not. If not. we are all right; and if sh,
does so now with her nine sisters up goes the
republican party and down goes the recon.
struction farce.