New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-13
TUANKSGIVING IN ARKANSAS.

estimate tho importance to tho people of
Arkansas of the action of tho late Congress in
adjoining the Poland report and resolution.
The State had been at the mercy of contend
ing factions for months, business was par
alyzed, credit destroyed, public opinion de-
moralized, and everything in condition Dor
dering on anarchy. The hungry adventures
who had taken possession of tho Offices in the
name of the Republican party, and who were
supported in all manner of Ontrages and usur-
nations by the Federal Administration, were
making determined struggle to retain their
hold of power. Clayton and Dorsey in the
Senate demanded the support of the Federal
Government for whichever side they
chose. row upholding Baxter as tho le-
gal Governor, and now insisting that
Baxter should be'remOved and Brooks installed
in his place, shifting their ground as the cir
cumstinces changed or the positions of the
leaders in the controversy varied, and always
taking with them the countenance and support
of the Administration. The facts in this
strange history are almost Incredible. The
constant and irritating interference OF the
Federal Government in the affairs of the State,
tho flimsness of the pretexts upon which the
interference was based, and the utter disre-
gard for constitutional law and precedent, or
for ordinary consistency, were without par
allel, and certainly without excuse.
Here was tho strange spectacle presented
for The last few weeks of the last session of Con-
gress of State in the Union, with a COnsti-
tuition fairly voted upon and formally adopted
by the people, apd with State officers legally
chosen whose election was not disputed, watt
ing at the doors of Congress for the passage
of a resolution, the sole purpose and object of
which were to restrain the President of the
United States from Overturning the State
Government by force. The very fact that
these things were so, and that the stability OF
the State Government depended upon the
action of Congress, is significant not only of
q shocking condition of affairs in the State
itself, but also of the Generalization of public
sentiment upon the vital matter of the right
of local self-government. Nothing could be
more abhOrrent to the spirit OF our insitu-
TONS or more grossly in violation OF the cor
stitutional rights and prerogatives Of the States
than the attitude assumed by the Administration
toward the State and people of Arkansas.
And yet there were, as is well known. grave
doubts as to what action Congress would
certain that the spirit of subservicncy which
has been the fatal characteristic Of the party
in power would not be carried so far as to
leave the President to work out his threatened
purpose upon that unhappy State. That he
was not so left to the exercise of his own dis
erection in the matter-.which was no discretion
at all-was due to the manly and honorable
position of some of tho Republican leaders,
notably of Judge Poland, Chairman of the
Committee. We would not de.ract syllable
from the credit which he and his associates
have received; but is it not painful COM
ment upon the wide departure we have made
in these late years from the principles and
doctrines of the Fathers of the Republic, that
we consider worthy of special gratitude and
praise the men who opposed such an inter-
ference with State affairs as the President
contemplated in this instancef
1t is not strange that the people of Arkansas
should experience a sensation of relief now
that the terror of this projected invasion of
their rights is lifted off from them. They
have already in various ways expressed to
,Judge Poland and his associates their grateful
appreciation of the great service those gentle
men rendered them; and now Gov. Garland,
the Executive elected under tho new Consti-
tuition, has issued q proclamation appointing
the 25th inst. as n day OF thanksgiving for
the escape In this proclamation the Governor
mentions with pride and gratitude the fact
that the rghtful government of the State
was sustained by the true Conservative Re-
publican sentiment in the North, and he adds:
eve should strive by all means to prove our
"selves worthy of this Endorsement so en-
"phatically given by those supposed to differ
with us politically, and who were begged
"and importuned under all circumstances to
"put us down" With reference to the dis
orders and lawessness which the enemies of
the State have charged as existing there, on
account of winch such enactments az the
Force bill were required. the Governor says:
As Governor Of the State, enoin upon all persons
now 10 see that peace and order preserved oil viola
tons OF law promptly looked after and those engaged
in them DO arrested and brought To answer before the
laws The preventing prompt Furnishing OF individual
nfractons OF law Is the surest remedy against mobs
and general outbreaks that sometimes and almost
defy the entire power OF the Government AS we have
been peaceful and law abiding and thereby respect
and confidence everywhere, let continue TO be aud
enforce the laws that each and every citizen may feel
he owns direct interest n the Government while thas
Government not only but is able and ready 70 pro.
tect him Stir strfe-reyive no past political
differences acknowledgements no one that may
have differed that may hereafter differ, with u.s. La
us At all tunes, In fact, exercise charity 10 ALL ana
malice toward none" Should there be any indict
ments for past political oensos. would
suggest aud advise their dismissal Let people OF all
parties races and coors come and DO welcomed TO
State and encouraged 10 aid ia III bringing hor to
position OF greatness With this limo Of conduct.
although fortunes have greatly fallen and we have
suffered untold woes. will DO onward and un
impedod; our re0uporation will DO rspid aud certain,