The Van Buren press., 1871-06-06
Bugoiogist's Letter.

so doing have gained much Information lhat
in fact is unknown to the public, and which
will shed much light on the acts OF prominent
members of that body, il not figure in the
future politics of this state. We find. that
after the first election for United States Sena-
tor and the ousting of Thornburg, IL was re-
solved by the friends of the State Govern
ment to remove from Office those in official
position unfriendly 10 that party, by impeach-
ment. And that after the ousting the Hot
Spring delegation, the Impeachment OF Gov
CLAYTON and Chief Justice Mcclure by the
House of Representatives, ii was resolved by
the Brindletail faction, ostenslbly headed by
Fulton, smith, Padgct II Co, but III fact
headed by Brooks, Hodges Co., to clean
out the House. The ball to open by
throwing out Howard Whitemore, Chamber
lain and Godd, and put ia Hodges. Butter,
Green and CAN'T this proposition being
made to Judge Neal he took The same under
adyiscment. and quietly declined. About the
same time it was agreed by the same parties
to oust Espy and Morgan, and put in two
democrats, this Mr.. Neal also declined upon
the ground that Mr.. Espy being associate
Justice did not render him ineligible TO seat
in that body and the charges against Morgan
not well taken. The case of Thorubur9 be-
Ing quoted as a PRECEDENT for throwing out
without cause, but Nh Neal had shown and
declared that the action Of the majority in
that ease " as not only wrong and unjust but
dishonest. and he declined to 90 back on that
proposition. That the testimony in the Clark
= unity case for some reasons not known was
rtly turned over to ME. Ecal ana partly to
Mr. smith; and that the whole case might be
examined together the testimony was all
turned over to Mr.. Smith for his inspectlon'
where it has remained ever since. whether
q. - Hoo
ty frauds would have jeoperdzed the seats OF
the Columbia delegation, yet remains mys-
terry.
Just as the clearing out process was to com
meuce and the parties with their papers pre-
pared were rising for that purpose Mr., Neal
obtained the floor and introduced that MEM
orable resolution known as "NealS armls-
ticc,n for which he has been so much traduc-
ed by certain press of the State. but which in
fact saved the State from ruin and disgrace.
if not from bloodshed. He stating at the time
that this incessant turmoil and strife should
cease or the people of the State should know
who were responsible for the total disregard
of their rights and interests by that body
ever since il organizations.
Soon after lnls. Mr.. Neal organized a SeH
constituted committees composed OF two mem
berS from each Of the factions in the House,
and one democrat and one republican from
the Senate, who met for the purpose OF hay
inu a friendly talk to the end that the
members should have more cofidence in each
other: 20 establish more friendly relations
with themselves, and agree upon some whole
some and necessary legislation If possible.
The meeting had the desired elect. and rs tie
discussion turned on legislation, MI lIadley
(who was a member of that committccl ask
ed Mr.. Neal what legislation he desired.
Neal replied that in fact there Wele but lew
laws that they required and III Which he was
taking special interest. The first was a
change in the present registration and clcc-
ton law Second, reduction Of the taxes.
which would include Il curb on the various
County Courts Of the State Third. the en-
franrhsement of the di,entranchised. Fourth
abolition OF sGrplus offices, and especially the
Circuit Supcrcntendents of public schools.
Mr. Hadley suggested that the subject;
should be treated one at time, ana desired
Mr.. Neal to state what change he desired
made in the registration law. Mr.. Neal stat
ed that he was not particular as TO the ma
chincrv and details of the bill but that there
were three propositions he most earnestly de.
sired should be enacted. lst, that all citi-
zens now registered shall not be required I,
re-register. that the people, irrespective OF
party. were tired of being sworn to have the
privilege of voting. 2d, that every either
of the State who was entitled to register nrN
be guaranteed that right with none to hinder
Sd, that the ballot hoS be protected agans
violence and fraud, Then stated that tht
conservative members of that body was no
in a condition to dictate terms but to accept
what might be rendered. it honorable to them.
selves, therefore what will you give:
Mr. Hadley took the matter under advise
ment, to consult his friends with proms,
that he would on the next night submit bill
such Us his friends could be induced to sup
port. The next night came the bill was reN(
and discussed. and Mr. Neal stated that th,
bill was not such one as he desired, but i
that was the best and most liberal he COulC
get; it being II great improvement on tn,
law then in force he would accept and vot,
for It After the provisions Of the bill wcrt
made known to the conservative members
tucy expressed a determination to support i
without amendment and introduce supple
mcnts so aS TO place themselves right on the
record; but Immediately after il had been in
troduccd in the Senate by Mr.. lladley the bill
was violently attacked by the Gazette, with
out knowing any thing of its contents. The
attacks Of the Gazette turned the demOcrati,
members against the bill without knowing
any thing Of its provisions; many of whom
denounced it rs damnablc, but when asked il
they had read the bill would say No, but
don't YOU see what the gazette says about it,
AnG ali finally yoteG against IL, This act as
It passed and became n law. provides: lst
that the registration of 1870 remain and be.
come the permanent basis of future regiStra.
ton: those who were already registered, not
having to re-register ID. it requires thu
County Clerks to turn over certified copies OF
the Registration Books TO the several Asses
Sors (who are now rCgi>trars) that he may
know who have been registered. Sd, IL re-
quirns the Registrar % register all who ma \
ma lst, a ppiip1 ihu aud tuln tba puIil
upon testimony brought before him he find,
them not entitled under the constitution
lth, it gives any citizen who may be refused
registration his immediate remedy by writ o
maudanus TO iu.oycc his right before tn,
Judge In vacation. with sufficient time to act
5th, the registration eases in August before
the election in November giving time TO ro
drese grievances, and prevents the regstra
becoming a part of political canvass. 9Th
there is no revision; this prevents striking
oil after registration, so II n person is rclus
ed registration he knows it, and the cause
which must be legal cause. It. provides iuI
the rtissuing of certificates when lost. 9Th
it establishes two polls at the same precinct
one for State and County officers, aud th,
other for Federal officers. And while W,
doubt the policy of this. it is but carrying
out the old time honoted doctrn" of mont
interference in state elections by Federal al
thorities" Now. when We take into consid'
Grafton the fact that it was necessary to past
this bill in order to get rid of the infamous
law then IN force, and when we further con
slider that every man registered by the pro
visions of this bill will be SO much addituna
strength to the conservative vote of the state
Every man now di,lranchlSed in Arkansas
being so by reason of his being a conserva
tive, we are at a loss TO see what excuse th,
conservative members can give for their nc
tiun in the premises. Yours.