The Russellville Democrat., 1875-03-18
AD19ED mss
PROCLAMATION BY TIE GOVERNOR

LNOR NEAKL1 lW ELV E C months our people have been | in state of fevcrish and intense excitement as to their political status and during ing that time business has been great | ly checked, the value of property decreased, and the energies of the citizens almost paralyzed. It was hoped and believed that after con vention was called, and q new con- stitution framed, and that constitu- tion ratified by an overwhelming vote, and government inaugurated under that constitution, which is just to all, proscriptive to none, our troubles would surely be at an end. But such was not the case. There seemed to be determination on the part of some over-passionate persons to make this new era from which to begin other and fresh troubles. For the past three months our status has been debated and discussed in congress and before the department at Washington, and our people cave been kept in most painfal saspense as to the result. The damage done to the material interests of the state during the short time since the late congress assembled can scarcely be estimated. But on the second day of this month happy termination of this vexed question was reached by the adoption in congress of what Is known as the
 Poland Report and Resolution which action recognizes the present government of the state as the law full one, and leaves the state to be controlled by it. This conclusion was brought about in great meas ure, by the fair and liberal constitn- tion we had adopted and the just treatment by the officials toward all persons living under that govern ment. A faithful execution of the laws has, as will always be the case, given hope and confidence. 1t IS the best test of government after all.
 We have been sustained by the true conservative republican sentiment in the north, which is one of the most gratifying features connected with her struggle, and one of which we should feel proud and we should strive by all means to prove ourselves worthy of this indorsement so em- phatically given by those supposed to differ with us politically, and who were begged and importuned under all circumstances to put us down. With all we have undergone, if our cause has been the occasion of har- mOnizing and uniting liberal and conservative clements in the nation that have heretofore been discordant, we are more than paid, and it should be one of our chief duties to see they be kept together hereafter.
 As governor of the state, enjoin upon all persons now to see that peace and order are preserved, all violations of law promptly looked after, and those engaged in them be arrested and brought to answer be- fore the laws. The preventing or prompt punishing of individual Attractions of law is the surest remedy against mobs and general |0utbreaks that sometimes occur and almost defy the entire power of the government. As we have been pc ace full and law.abiding, and thereby won respect and confidence every where, let us continue to be, and en- force the laws so that each and every citizen may feel he owns direct in terest in tiic government, while that government not only can but is able and ready to protect him. Stir up no strife-revive no past political differences or animOsities-persecu no one that may have differed, or that may hereafter differ, with us. Let us at all times, in fact, exercise "charity to all, and malice toward nones"
 Should there be any indictments in the courts for tile past political offenses would suggest and ad- wise their dismissal. Let people of all parties, races and cOlors come, and be welcomed, to our state, and encouraged to aid us in bringing her up to a position of true greatness.
 With this line of conduct, although our fortunes have greatly fallen and we have suffered untold woes, our course will be onward and unimped- ed our recuperation will be rapid and certain, and in a few years every vestige of our trouble will be oblit- erated.
 Our legislature has just completed q session of long and severe labor; its work I am sure will receive the approval of the people. The task now performed by your senators and representatives, worked out un- der most trying and adverse circum- stances, I most unhesitatingly com mend to you for your sanction. With the laws made under our new constitution, we start on another race of progress, looking forward to the future in high hope, and not back to the past in gloom.
 With all this glorious promise for us, and in view of the fact we have passed triumphantly through worse than fiery furnace, and that we have so many reasons to be thankful I think it appropriate to set apart a day for worship--a day of thanks giving and pfayer to the source of all law, of all mercy, and of all blesi sing, to be observed by the people of the state.
 Now therefore, I, A. H. Garland, gove--s.A vf the state of Arkansas, do THURSDAY, THE TWENTY
 FIFTH DAY OF MARCH, 1875,
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