The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-09-07
Bull-DOzing in Arkansas.

10 IHe NONefhOf OF the State. 1t Is
self-eXplanatory
To His EccelleacY, UUiam r. MIL
Ter, GOr JU0r of ArkunsuS:
Sir have come from Phillips
county to present to you the condi-
ton Of affairs now existing in that
county pending the State and county
election oi September ID.
"Boasts were made early in the
canvass, by leading Democrats, that
they would carry, the election The
manner in which they intended to
do so was kept secret until a short
time ago. 1t was to w. r. Burke
totake the iritlatory steps necessary
to carry out the programme.
"He went to Cypress township and
delivered a speech, which was pub
lished in the World, and thus dis,
tributed throughout the county. In
his speech he accused Republican
officials Of all imaginable crimes,
and boldly advocated the Mississippi
pIan' Of overcoming majorities.
Among the more conservative peo
pie these articles had but little ef-
feet, but among the hre-eaters and
candidates for office they were gen.
orally endorsed and Immediately ac-
ted on. Military companies were or
ganized in each township, with the
avoWed purpose Of carrying the eIec-
ton, peaceably if they could, forcibly
ifthey must
$50 rapid We're these moves thu
the more conservative Democrats be-
came alarmed and attempted to in
terlere for the purpose Of preventing
these reckless men frOmprCCipitating
a state of fafiairs which would serious
ly aff, ct the best interests of the
county, but the tide was too strong.
They would listen to no compromise,
and nothing but complete surren-
der Of the Republicans would satisfy
them. a. meeting Of the Democratic
Executive Committee was held. The
feeling was very strong; with the eX-
ception Of Major W. f. Moore, all
were in favor Of forcing a straight
ticket. Major Moore introduced q
resolution to appoint a committee TO
wait upon the Republican Executive
Committee and ascertain upon what
terms a compromise could be effected.
At first his motion could not find Il
second, but after making a powerful
appeal The motion was adopted and a
committee appointed, but with no
power but to receive amy proproSi-
ton made by the Republican com
mittee and report the same to the
Democratic Convention.
"When the Republican committee
net they adopted Il resolution that
the offices Of County Judge, Asses
sor, Treasurer, and one member of
the Legislature might be selected by
the Democrats. The Republican
committee also agree to vote the
Democratic judicial district ticket.
This offer was laughed at and treated
as if no proposition had been made.
New military clubs were organized,
and now it may be truthfully said
that three-fourths of the Democrats
in Phillips county between the ages
Of nineteen and forty five belong to
these military organizations, whose
aVOWed object is to carry the election
inside the law if possible, if not, out
side Of the law.
"Threats have been made that if
anything did happen, leading Re
publicans would be the first ones
killed.
"Two pieces of artillery were
brought from Memphis and an artil-
lery company organized, and guards
are kept day and night.
"Thc various companies are drilled
daily, and the city and county wear
the appearance Of a military camp.
'On August ID Judge Clark, the
County Judge, was waited on by the
Democratic Campaign Committee,
who requested him to appoint as
Judges Of Election the men whose
names would be handed to him by
them that in case Of his refusal they
would not be responsible for the con
sequences.
The Republicans concluded that
if they could not get protection from
the State Government permitting
each citizen to vote as he desired, no
ticket would be nominated. TO nom
mate a .ticket would nccessitate a
canvass, and under existing circum-
stances it would be impossible to
have a pcaceable canvass and elec-
ton. appeal to you in my official
capacity as sheriff of Phillips coun
ty to afford me the moral and mate
rial support Of your office as Chief
Executive, that | may be enabled TO
enforce the laws, secure a peaceable
g,,,,,ose and alnatibu and apab1a