The Van Buren press., 1878-07-16
SATURDAYS Session.


The convention met at 8 am.
Messrs j. *. Gibson, of Lawrence,
and John M. Prewitt, Of Lee, were made
assistant secretaries.
Gen. McRae offered a substitute for
the resolutions on platform, which cici
ted considerable discussion.
We. the Democratic party Of Arkansas In
delegated convention assemblies, adhering TO
the principles of the party, in loyalty to and
love of the general government, but equally
devoted to tho rights Of the states and local
self-government do make these our dcclara-
tions of party principles:
First-We are In favor Of making United
States treasury notes full legal tender for
all dues when the terms of the original debt
or contract are not expressly to the contrary,
and that they shall be receivable for all duties
and interest on the public debt.
Second--That national bank notes should
be retired their further issue prohibited and
United States treasury notes substituted
therefor.
Third The power to issue paper money
and coin us a legal tender, Is only vested In
the national government, and this power
should be exercised from time to time so as
to accommodate the necessities o! trade, Ia
Dor, and the general wants OF the people OF
growing country.
Fourth-We are opposed to any plan OF
funding the debt of the country by which an
unjust contraction of the currency, below the
necessities of the whole people can be cstab-
lished, and which has not for It's object the
funding of the debt at home.
Fifth--We are opposed to any increase Of
the interest bearing part OF the public debt
for any purpose.
sixth-We believe the right Of the state to
tax property In tho state Is lnvlolablc, and
that Ifnital honda uhnull hear the
eroPbeeftg, erbet f aha aR faafdE WIZ! al ethsg
the contrary Is unjust and oppressive. !,
Seventh-We are In favor Of the remoneti-
zation Of silver and giving 1t the same legal
tender qualities as gold. and that Its coinage
shall be free and unlimited,
Eighth-We favor the equalization OF the
value of the greenback, silver and gold dollar
for all purposes, so that national dollar
shall be dollar among all our people, and In
every department of our government.
Ninth-We demand the unqualified and,
unconditional repeal Of tho odious resump-
tion act.
Tenth-We demand by congress such leg
islation as shall prevent the interposition OF
the federal courts by mandamus or otherwise
between the courts Of the states and the
counties and cities of the states such interfer-
ence being hostile to the theory OF our gov
ernment. leads to centralization and also de-
prives the state Of a free and rightful exer-
else of its sovereignty.
Eleventh-We favor money aid on the part
of the general government, on full security,
for the construction Of tho Southern Pacific
railroad.
Twelfth-That we favor an appropriation
by the general government to aid In the con-
struction Of leeves upon the Mississippi and
Its tributaries,
Thirteenth--We are opposed to any tariff
except for purposes OF revenue alone be-
lieveing that the same tends to build up par
ticular industries at the expense OF all
others.
Fourteenth--W are opposed to any scttie-
ment of our state debt which woul1 involve
a compromise of any portion Of that which
Is lust In order to pay anything upon that
which Is unjust or fraudulent.
Fifteenth-We are In favor OF the next
legislature submitting to the people propo-
sed constitutional amendment forever pro-
hlbiting the lcvying Of any tax or the appro-
priation of any money to pay the levee bonds
railroad aid bonds. the unjust and Illegal part
| OF the Holford bonds, or any other fraudulent
| claim against the state.
Sixteenth-We demand of tho attorney
general that he investigate out state scrip,
| and ascertain If any Of 1t now outstanding has
been issued contrary to law. and, II SO. that
| he institute proceedings to have the SAINT
declared void by the proper judciials OF th'
country.
| Seyenteenth-We are in favor OF such {
radical revision Of the criminal laws OF tht
state as will reduce the expense OF their en-
/ forcement.
Eighteeeth-we demand such legislation as
will carry into effect the spirit, object and In
| tent of section 3, article IL, of the constitu-
/ tion of the state, in regard to discrimination
by railroads in the rates OF freight upon
transportation Of persons and property within
| this state.
Nineteenth-We favor wholesome system
of public schools to the end that facility may
be afforned for education consistent WIN th'
ability of the people.
Twenticth-We favor and invite immigra
| tion to our state from any and all quarters
proved that it is of the honest and indus.
| trious class. We want capital, muscle ana
brains; capital to be invested In our lands
and used in the developing our mineral re-
sources; muscle to fell our vast forests and
till our fertile fields, and brains to direct, en-
eroizc and utilize both capital and labor
| We further declare, that we know no north
| no south, no east and no west In the matter
| of immigration, provided 1t comes TO puil'
up our state and advance its material pros
perity.
Twenty-first-That 1t is the sense Of thi
convention, that the colored population o
! the state of Arkansas are identified in inter
est with the great democratic party of th'
state, and fully recognizing the importanc,
OF more harmonious feeling between them
embrace this opportunity Of inviting them
the colored people of the statc--to an aetiv'
corporation with US, In fnrthuring our com
mon interests.
! Gen. Thomson moved reference tt
a special committee, to be composed o
Messrs. Pindall, of Desha; Tappan, o
Phillips; Hobson, of Hampstead; Petit
grew, of Washington, Donan, OF Benton
and McRae, oi White
On this motion the previous question
was ordered, and the motion OF Gen
Tbomasson was lost,
On motion of Gen Coffin, Of Lawrence
tue thanks Of the convention were return