The Van Buren press., 1874-09-29
Arkansas.

Arkansas is becoming an example. 1t
is furnishing exhibitions ofpublic honor,
justice and order that might be initiated
with profit by other states II has ceased
to be theatre OF turbulence, disorder
and antagonism, and become scene Of
peace and good government The change
dates from the suppression Of the con
spiracy to oust Gov. Baxter and install
Brooks in his place; and the results OF
the suppression Of that conspiracy sre
such as to demonstrate the wisdom Of
the presidents conduct in the business.
The admirable, tolerant spirited exhib-
tied by the state constitutional conven-
ton that recently adjourned, and the ex-
hlbition Of the same spirit by the Demo.
Gratis in their state convention, are in re-
freshing contrast to the intense and in
tolerant partisanism Of the Radical rule
OF the last eight years, and suggest that
kthe people have learned somes hing from
Ftncfr anifctfons There was a strong
temptation before the constitutional con-
vention to repudiate the whole fraudulent
debt contracted by the Clayton govern
lnent and held mainly by the Clayton ad-
hercnts; but although this might have
been done with much show OF justice,
the convention resisted the temptation.
1t passed an ordinance to borrow the
school fund to defray the current ex
penses Of the state government; but the
treasurer refused to make the transfer Of
the fund, and the supreme court sustain
ed him in his refusal A strongly parti-
san convention, putfed up with the sense
OF sovereign power which such booi g
sometimes claim, might have refused to
submit to this denial Of its authority;
but the Arkansas convention quietly de-
ferred to the opinion Of the treasurer and
The decision OF the court, waived the is.
sue. and made other provision for repien-
ishing the empty treasury Before it adj.
journed it passed resolutions deprecating
all collision between the white and color
ed people Of the state. discountenancing
lawlessness violence and outrage wherev.
er found, and denouncing those who ex-
hibit a disposition to provoke conflict be.
tween the two races as enemies to the
peace, prosperity and good government
Of the state.
The Democratic stale convention
pledged itself in favor of the new consti-
tuition to be voted ON October l3, and
nominated Gov. Baxter for re election.
The governors friends had asked for this
as an approval of his course 10 the
trouble with Brooks, and when the nom-
ination was made 1t was supposed the
governor would accept II, Of course.
Gov. Baxter, however, declined it, on the
ground that, as there was strict Demo.
cratic movement threatened in opposi-
ton to him. it would be better for the
public interest that be should retire from
the contest. Instead, however, Of accept
ing this declination. the convention re.
peated the nomination With an unanimous
voice. The whole proceeding is credit
able, both to the convention and Gov.
Baxter Ito the convention because 1t at
tests its recognition Of the patriotic con
duct Of governor who was chosen rs
Republican the governor because it
shows him to be just. upright and dis
interested man.
Beginning new era under such
auspices as these, Arkansas has the sure
promise Of a cheerful future. Her gov
ernment 10 at last in the hands Of the ma
jority Of her people, which, itself, is q
guaranty of good order and repose; and
though the Radical partisans will with
out doubt 60 before. congress at its next
session and ask tor some SOFT of legisla-
ton to reinstate their party in control Of
the state. We cannot believe that the sense
Of Justice at the North will permit con
gress to enact so wanton an outrage.
81 Louis Republican.