The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-22
POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.


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The Political situation In Arkanras-The
Secretary of the Democratic Central Com-
nsittec OverhnuIs Senator Clayton.
LITTLE OK. Ark, May 10, 1871.
To TUE EDITOR OF THE HERALD
Some weeks ago you published under imposing
and sensational headings the speech OF Senator
Clayton or Arkansas, delivered at Washington city
Just previous to the adjournment or Congress on the
occasion OF q serenade given to the Senator by the
"Soldiers and Sailors OF the District"
The impression sought TO be made Dy that speech
is that Ku Klux organization exists In Arkansas,
that 1t numbers 80 900 members, is under the aus
pieces and control of the democratic party and that
II has for its object the assassination OF Union men,
and That II Is guilty or all sorts OF crimes and out
RACES. The Senator Gays, AZ reported by
you that "if One-half alone Of tine 0utrages
that nave been perpetrated there lin Arkansas
known the Ia abiding citizens OF the nation
such cry OF Indignation would go up through the
land rs would bring blush VI shame even to the
cheeks OF the Northern democracy, and public
opinion would compel them to cease their mis-
cradle efforts to palliate and excuse the commission
of the most horrld crimes and garing outrages that
ever disgraced humanity"
Now, sir to dispr0ve the foul calumny uttered
against people Dy one who should take pride IN
maintaining their good name before the world, pro-
pose to "appeal from Philip drunk to Philip SOBER"
The above utterances were made by Powell clayton
In the city of Washn yton, when, to secure the will
ing and good graces OF The radical party he was
willing to debasehs manhood by slandering and ca
Illuminating the people whom he affects to represent
in the United States Senate for the corrupt purpose
aud with the selfish hope OF securing the nOmna-
uon the Vice Presidency the radical ticket for
1872.
Now, sir. contrast the foregoing with the following
utterances made by that same Powell Clayton just
three months ago, when he was Governor OF Arkan-
sas and fishing for an election to the United States
Senate quote as follows from his "Bennia Mes
sage, delivered to the General Assembly of Arkansas
you that do not mlsrepresent him l forward
you herewith the officially printed copy OF his said
"You assemble here under very propitious circum.
stances The past year has been one OF great pros
The Ses Nc The
ton has been largely increased &c, :. II, the
&c. Nc" Our STATE credit has been established
&c. Our relations with the federal govern;
order peace and security reign throughout our bor
ders. Under The benign influence Of our free inst-
feuds rapidly dying out ola anlmoslties are being
forgotten and old prejuulces eradlcated" tPp. 8, ~
M audn% 10 tne subject Of removing nSe p
disabltes:-.l have always regarded disfranchise-
ment y IN Its and have
healthier condition would Justify It's removal. More
than year ago October, 1862 took occasion lin
sch upon this question. then foreshadowed the
course that should pursue, provided the
anairs in the state should continue and
give evidence OF permanency. The time
Strengthened the convictions then expressed, and
am now most happy to say that the present en-
couragng condition OF affairs throughout the State
la m
pledge | then made" That pledge Was that he
would recommend to the Legislature bill to repeal
Now, Mr.. Editor, as one who is willing to do
aIlicted, downtrodden States OF the South, VINO
have SO few champions and defenders at the North,
Governor OF Arkansas made at the capital OF his
state In January 1871, compare with the utterances
Inc natlonai Capita, in April Of the same Year,
Now, SIR, ought not this plain statement OF facts
convince the intelligent candil fair.minded people
OF the North that there is confidence whatever to
be placed In the statements and declarations OF the
miserable sarpet,bag radicals who affect to speak
for the South and In the interests and behalf OF the
Southern peopleP Does not this Powell Clayton,
though occupying the high position Of seat in the
United STATES Senate, convict himself not only OF
mendacity. but OF the df possible) more dshonor-
able act OF slanderlnR. defaming and calumniating
present in the national Congressy Can YOU can
any honorable, high minded Northern man.
act than that OF the naons
OF State defaming the character OF State ami peo
pie he represents BY false and slander0us state
ments, charges and lnuen0oes? How are the South
ern States 10 be fairly represented before the nation
and the world when they are thus represented ~ |
men who resort even TO bold-faced lying to mis- |
represent and maign themS
Sir. say on my individual authority and dare |
and defy any man TO deny 1t, that there never has
been Ku Klux outrage OF any kind committed in |
this state at any time that could by any possibility |
OF means be fastened upon any organized associa-
ton OF men, or In any manner attributed to the |
connivance Of the democratic party. /
say, furthermore, and defy contradiction OF that
assertion, that since the Presidential campaign oil
1865 there has not been the slightest disturbance
or even barroom fracas anywhere In this
state that could by any possibility OF
political feelings considerations The condition
OF this State Is now, and has been since the elec
lions OF 1868, one Of profound and uninterrupted
peace, quiet and good order, and this ready
and prepared to maintain and prove before any tri
bunal The only wrongs and outrages that have
been perpetrated those OF radical frauds in the
late State elections, which, though unparalleled in
the history OF any people. have been patiently ana
quietly submitted 10 by the democrats and conserva
tives aud which are now being investq ated In the
federal courts OF the State. Sir, in justice to our
poor afflicted state and oppressed and downtrodden
people, grooming under TIT iron heel OF radical
despotlsm and oppression, and for the sake OF
justice and truth hope you Will publish this feeble
vlndicauon OF the people OF Arkansas against the
unjust and sanderOus attacks OF radical Senator
Powell Clayton. Yours, respectfully,
THOMAS @. PEEK,
Secretary of the Democratic and Conservative State
Central Committee OF Arkansas.