The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-05-14
mAsTRRLY INAoTIvTTY.

The unwillingness Of the President to
take any steps in Arkansas towards restor-
ing order IN that anarchical State, Is a
cause for inquiry and reflection. It is so
contrary to all his antecedents, except, per-
haps, in the case of Texas But here there
was no snch condition of affairs. The
Democrats, who had elected their ticket by
fifty thousand majority, about which there
could be no dispute, simply asked that they
be let alone, as they could take care of the
State and preserve order at the same time.
There was no conflict no anarchy, 10 con
fusion. The officers were ready to. qualify
and take their places. The Legislature
was organized, and all the affairs ofithe
State were likely to be properly attended
to. Not 50 in the case Of Arkansas
There, the two factions, headed by
two men Of the same party (RadieaD,
both claiming to be the rightful and
legal Governor are actually warning
upon each other with powder and ball with
no prospects of q change for the better
Phe judges.of the Supreme Court have been
arrested but released, and the members Of
the Legislature afraid, perhaps, to assem-
bic. Both msn have appealed to the Presi-
dent for assistance, butts far in vain. we
can very well see and commend the Presi-
dent for refusing to interfere so long as
actual hostilities did not exist. But after
blood was shed and utter confusion and
anarchy existed, il was then his sworn duty
to protect the citizens from violence and
mObOoraoy. Instead Of doing 50, he sp-
pears to be looking on with as much in
difference as he would upona dog fight or
boat race. In interfering, il would not be
necessary to take Sides but simply
imterpose between the eOntending fac.
lions and command the peace till
there could be solution Of the difficulty.
Instead Of doing 50 he has only requested
the two parties to disband their forces 60
that the Legislature could feel free to meet
without fear. This was a good request,
but not so positive and mandatory as ii
should have been. It was evidently ineum-
bent upon him TO order the mAlcontents to
disperse until the proper tribunal could ar
rive at proper conclusions and make such
arrangements As would preserve the peace
aad give protection to lie and property. !
Not such an interference as took place in |
Louisiana, in which one party was put down
BY bayOnets, and party put in without
law or justice to sustain them. All at once
the President has shown an unaceountnbls
to interference. Can il be be-
cause he has become sick Of the fruits Of
bis former achievements Or i i for
some sinister parpossi II his past ,ex,
peitence has put him on his guard, it is
well. But even IL that is the cause Of
his reluctance, be ought 70 be able % dis
nriminate between palpable violation oil
he right Of a State 20 regulate her own
avs, determine upon the tenure Of ofIicers.
he mode Of conducting the government.
md q restraining force til those very cues.
ions could be settled. An unlawful inter,
'eEence in the one case, Is IS Objectionable
IS the refusal TO interpose when. it IS. en-
lent that lau, order and justice require him
g ao.so. But its sid thar ne Prosideaf
letuAlly laaghs over the situatioh. This is
and VIII Be received ~ the
,ountry with condemnation and rsu.ot.l n
'onnda too much Ike tie addlsng q = Nofo
.l'ile Aoms vas borning. n De mean
lNe, lhe var goes on, ana TIE slatesof he i
'ontn begin 20 acquire ths r,r,rlnii;.-,-, -