The Van Buren press., 1870-08-16
The November Campaign.

The interest in the election to be held on
the first Tuesday after. the first Monday in
November next, is rapidly becoming intensi-
fed. We find in the ranks Of the Republican
party, not only in this County or this State,
but throughout the Union, decided elemen:
of true progrcss. In the name of progress
many iniquities have been perpctrated, and
many burdens laid upon the tax x-paying
masses. In the name Of PROCESS many hun
gry, ofiice-seeking strangers have been fed at
the public crib by being chosen to MI official
positions. created solely for the benefit of
these political vagabonds, and not for the
good Of the people. The element above allud-
cd to, now see the gulf Of destruction gaping
hideously before them, and feel that the only
way to avoid the threatened danger, is by
throwing these useless ollice-holders, like so
many Jonahs, overheard; thereby greatly re-
ducing taxation, and amcliorating the condi-
tion of the people. "A policy ofdoubtful wis
dom, was adopted by the Republican party,
after the late war, which was that of practical
disfranchisement. This was heralded forth
to the world, as temporary cxpedent, in
tend only for the purpose of preventing the
leaders of the rebellion from taking part in
reconstruction, lest they should impede the
glorious work to be accomplished by the
"loll" alone, and to stand forever as mon
ument Of the political wisdom and sagacity
of the leaders of the Republican party. The
work Of reconstruction has been accomplish
ed, and whether wisdom or folly will be at
tributcd 10 1t, Is for posterity, or at least the
future. AS germain to this work, lin the
opinion Of its authors,) amendments to the
Federal Constitution must be adopted. This
has been done-whether fairly or unfairly, Is
now q matter Of indifference. The South
felt little interest In this matter, as any fu-
ture repeal or change must come from some
other quarter. This progressive element, in
the Republican party, see now the policy of
removing from the disfranchiscd, the disabi-
tiles imposed as a temporary measure. While
this element Is composed of the most decent
and sensible portion Of the Republican party,
we are sorry to be compelled to admit that so
TAR as numbers are concerned it Is vastly in
the minority. we must believe that this lib
eral element in the Republican party, are sim
cere In their desire to reform the abuses now
existing because it Is not composed of the
"oqts.' as is usually the case In a split In the
party In power, but many of the " ms" are
numbered in its ranks. President GRANT may
bejustly deemed the leader of this new party,
as he has taken the bold step Of appointing
man to one Of the most important places in
his Cabinet who was in the service of the
Confederate Government. Mr.. AKERMAN has
been made the chief adviser of the President,
and the movement is made more significant
BY the fact that he was confirmed by the same
body that contributed largely to the accom-
pllshment of the work of reconstruction, and
the imposition Of political disabilities upon
the prominent men Of the South. This act of
the PRESIDENT concurred in by the Senate, de-
clarcs In language not to be misunderstood.
that this policy of prescription has accom-
plished its mission. and new policy must
now be adopted. That this new policy will
command the respect Of the civilized world,
cannot, for a moment be doubted. The igno-
rant and bgoted portion Of the Republican
party, fail utterly to see the coming change,
and refuse to ride upon this wave of reform:
they will, of course, be overwhelmed by IL.
The duty Of the Democracy in the premises
cannot be mistaken. Having this policy fas-
tened upon us, 1t Is our duty to make the best
use of we can. Moderate taxation has al
ways been one Of the principles of ofDcmocracy,
and we can aid these Liberal Republicans in
this reform, and at the same time be guilty of
no desertion Of our time -honored prnci-
pies. So far Us our State Is concerned In the
coming campaign, there are no other princ-
pies Of the Democratic party involved in it,
except the question of the removal of politi-
cal disabilities. The Democracy should ad-
vocate this not because 1t affects the members
Of the Democratic party only, with few eX-
ceptions, but because 1t Is antagonistic to the
fundamental principle Of Democracy that
all Governments derive their just powers
from the consent Of the Qorerped. The Demo-
cratic party being only assistants In the great
work undertaken, by the Liberal Republicans
In our State. should, of course, wait for them
70 take the initiative. Let candidates be ten
dcred us by the Liberal Republicans, and from
the character Of the men offered, we can easi-
ly ascertain whether they really mean reform
or are only using 1t as hobby, upon which
to ride certain men into Office. If honest,
trustworthy men are put forward as candi-
datcs-men who are fully identified In inter-
est with our State,-wc may then contlde in
their professions. Let the Democratic party
be patient, and, by all means, let us not Grip
pie the efforts OF those who would relieve the
people, by any hasty or unadvised action on
our part.
~ The City Council OF Fort Smith,
have ordered an election on the 18th Of
September to vote on the proposition, to
lend the aid Of the city 10 the extent Of
100000 to the Little Rock and Fort
Smith Railroad Company. The County