The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-01-03
MAmoNIzING ARKANSAS.
How ThatState's Debt was EnormousIJ
IncreRScd After the War.


MILWAUKEE, January 2.-The Milwaukee
Sentinel contains III, interview this morning
with Mr.. Laduc, Of this city, relative to
Mahonizing Arkansas. lie says that be-
fore the war the bonded Indebtedness Of
Arkansas, principal and interest, was less
than 81 100000, contracted principally for
the establishment OF State banks. In 1873
the bonded Indebtedness exceeded Si4,-
100000, which enormous increase OF debt
came through the schemes of Clayton and
Dorsey at time when the total valuation
OF the entire State was about s97 100000.
"But how" interrupted thercporter, "did
Messrs. Clayton and Dorsey successfully
carry through their fraudulent schemes,
and what were the schemes?"
ITO state the matter briefly" replied Mr..
Laduc, ~ was editor Of the Little Rock
Daily Herald for a few years after the close
ofthc war, aud naturally took an interest
in the State politics. White men ut that
time were DISTINGUISHED and the negroes
ruled the roost. Clayton and Dorsey, with
Others, introduced n bill for bonding the
snte for one million dollars, the
money to be used in building rail-
roads and in developing the State,
and as an honest phase was given the pro-
ject by Senator Blaine and Vice President
Wilson's Endorsement the Maroon Legisla-
ture passed it, and their constituents rati.
fed tue act. What was done with the bonds?
Millions of these were disposed Of in the
European market for whatever they would
bring, some being sold at 70 per cent dis.
count, and the proceeds were used by Dor
sey, Clayton, Mcclure and their friends in
private speculations, poker being one OF
them
"Who was NTcClure?"
"The Chief Justice Of the State, who
rendered the decision in the Nealter. Bax.
ter.Drooke contest. Through the efforts OF
Clayton aud Dorsey Brooks, a Republican
was elected Governor, these gentlemen
believing it would serve their interests In
this they were mistaken, us he pronounced
the issuing OF the bonds fraud upon the
people, and absolutely refused to alIix the
Gubernationul signature to any more OF
them. They then resurrected writ OF
quo warranto which had been drawn
by Baxter's friends Immediately
alter the closely contested cleo
tion, and Notwithstanding the former &C.
ton in securing decision that Brooks was
legally elected, through Judge Mcclure
they secured decision TO the contrary
and he was removed irUm the Gubernator
ial chair, given Postmasturship to Eeer
his mouth shut, and Baxter was sworn in
Governor. The effect, though successful
was attended with much blOokhed, meI
being shot down like dogs in the street
and the riot is known us the Baxter
Brooks war. The excitement thus created
, led to "a thorough investigation
, OF the bond business, and resulted in suct
i condemuatOry sentiment among the peo
pie that B1Ster dared not serve the schem
ers. The enstrangement OF Dorsey ant
, Clayton grew from a Misunderstanding OF
/; the division OF the Spoils, Dorsey being al
unfortunate man in financial undeftak
ing, and thus when in need OF tn
oil to set his lamp bright and burn
n ing before the dear people he, lik
!. the foolish virgins, called upon Ii
e wise and discreet Clayton for electiO
/. grease, and met with the F. v. S. answeI
Mr.. Claytoh's aspiration for high offiC
could not be realized through Mr.. Cla,
6. toms popularity and Dorsey's diets, an
hence their efforts since then have bee
n directed to exposing each others rascalit,
,r Under these circumstances the intimatio
OF o consolidation Of the two factor