The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-04-29
MIR. BAxTER's STATEMENT.

MIR. BAXTER'S STATEMENT.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE OF ARKANSAS
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. April rs, 1874.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
Before the general election Of 1872 such had been
the management OF the public AFFAIRS under the
administration OF Governor Clayton and his sue
cessor that 1t was evident some change OF tactics
must be resorted to in order to carry the State
the republican party The opposition was jupi-
liant; the old citizen elemcnt-no inconsiderable
body In the State OF Arkansas-were VIGOROUSLY
disafected IN conseq uence Of fragrant abuses
that had been perpetrated under his name
and to the discredit Of their loyalty. For
this reason, may suppose, among others,
it was thought that the presentation OF the name
OF an Arkansas Union man, removed from the &C
tive scene Of politics OF the pass few years. might
restore harmony and save the election Certainly
was approached by Senator Clayton and his
friends with proposition Of nomination for the
Governorship. have never since the reconstruc-
tion been an active politician and, occupying ju
dicia position better suited to my personal tastes
It was with reluctance that consented to accept
insisted however, upon liberal platform, en-
bracing. among other things. the Acknowledgement
OF the entire people, and as this accorded
with the line OF policy which had dictated my
own selection for the position my views were
readily acceded to. The returns Of election were,
as by the constitution required, submitted to the
Senate OF the State. and the Senate declared me
elected by majority OF some $500.
BAxrER's GENERAL DENIAL OF THE FRAUDS.
1t was claimed by the friends OF MI. Brooks that
frauds had been committed in the conduct Of the
election. have only to say what have always
said before, that II frauds there were, I have no
knowledge OF them. II frauds were committed
they were committed at the instance of Senator
Clayton, Chief Justice Mcclure and others, leading
men Of the victorious party. They, and not had the
management Of the elections. Chief Justice Mcclure,
who administered to me the oath OF ONCE, subse-
Republican, Of which he was editor, that he was
himself cognNant OF the insun1ciency OF my cleo.
tion In that respect the Chief Justice has the. ad
vantage OF myself It is said by the friends OF Mr.
meyer saw the returns until AFTER the announce
inent BY the senate q ne result 50 much for
that.
A BROAD HINT TO REPUBLICANS.
am this day not upon the experimental trial
Of candidate, but, after over sixteen months OF
administration. the choice for the ONCE Of Gov
ernor Of three-fourths Of the people OF Arkansas
Of both colors ana OF all parties. OF this l feel
assured. don't wish to be considered as attribut-
Ing this endorsement to any popular estimate Of
my personal merits, but to the fact that have in
good faith endeavorcd. while recognizing TO the full
est extent my obligations to the party which elected
sole possible means Of sustaining che supremacy
OF that party in the State by making an instru-
ment, not OF oppression and plumber, but Of en-.
rrancnising the whole people ana protecting and
advancing their material interest had scarcely
been installed when the Chief Justice and his
friends began q series OF demands In partial or
total violation Of every pledge upon the strength
OF which l had been elected to once. Unwilling
to array myself against men who had
drawn me from comparative retirement
to exercise the functions OF Chief Magistrate of the
Commonwealth. and, above all, IN willing even to
appear to furnish occasion for dissenson within
the republican party Of the state, at FIRST en-
deavored TO effect . compromise by yielding SO
far as might without substantial injury TO the
popular interests When l gave them an inch
they demanded ell. soon learned that to satisfy
them must be at their every 'beck or nod" vlo-
late any and every principle Of public policy, faith
or honor-in short, that l had to choose between
being their tool or their enemy
WHAT M'CLuRE, CLAYTON co. DEMANDED.
] may name among the measures OF which they
attempted to compel my approval the Subsidy
bill by which certain railway companies were to
be released from payment to the State ON account
Of bonds issued by them for the construction OF
their respective lines about $1,000 600; the Metro.
poliran Police BILL which proposed to constitute
the entire area OF the state q metropolis, the
police Of which should have power to arrest
without warrant any citizen OF the state, and
drag him for trial to the capital tine monstrous
provisions OF this bill, in violation OF the funda
mental principles OF constitutional liberty, were
to be enforced by an appropriation almost un-
limited and Election bill, concentrating in the
hands OF three men, designated az Board Of
Canvassers, and having for their chairman the
Lieutenant Governor, not alone the power Of ap.
pointment OF judges and clerks OF election In every
and review Of all proceedings and returns Of cleo
tion-a triumvirate which would have held the
liberties Of the people Of Arkansas in the perpetual
grasp OF their clique. When it was discovered
that could not and would not lend my influence
or give my assent to measures such as these, per.
-,