The Russellville Democrat., 1884-05-08
HUGHES AND FLETCHER
synopsis of thclr Speeches fn Rus sellvfiIe. May 9th.

I Synopsis of tHc1r Speeches. in Rus
 selIvfile. May 9th.
 Gen. s. r. Hagncs and Col. John c. Fletcher, candidates for governor, opened the campaign by addressing tho people at Conway on Saturday last. They arrived in RussellylIie Tuesday. and addressed our people, By some unfortunate and unaccount. able oversight no notice had been given our people of tlelr coming on that day, and in consequence only a few auditors were present. Country people were conspicuous by their absence. On account of our limited space we can present but very brief resume of what was sad. Enough, however, is given to show the drift of the discussion, and ac- quaint our readers with some of the views of these gentlemen. The open ing speech was made by Gen. Hughes, who, upon being introduced said: Fellow citizens: The position tn which 1 aspire is one of dignity and importance, and filled with vast pos abilities for good or harm to the State. The governor being clothed with power to not only execute the laws but to veto hasty and impolitic legislation. With him rests the res. possibility of constructing the consti nationality of acts of tue legislature, and it is also his duty to recommend to the legislature measures calculated to promote the peace, prosperity and welfare of the people. l may be par doned for saying 1 have some expc- rience Tn public affairs. From Mon roe county, at the close of the war, I was in the rebel legislature, in 1874 was elected to the constitutional con vention. In the same year was elected attorney general of the state and served two years. It's needless to tell you that favor an honest, economical and just enforcement of the laws, for this is the fundamental doctrine of democracy. and I am q democrat. 1 am an advocate of the amendment and of free schools. l favor the fostering, promotion, pro tection and development of agricul- ture. Agriculture is the substrata upon which rests the prosperity of the country. Immigration is anoth CT question which shall receive my attention. Over $300,000 per year are raised outside Of regular taxation on license, &c. Why not now reduce the state tax from 5 to 3 mills on the dollar by the next legislature? We have public institutions which should be kept up--the lunatIc asylum, the deaf mute institute, the school for the blind, &c.
 One of the burdens upon us is an ante bellum debt of $5,000,000 with interest. I favor the legislature ere ating sinking fund to pay this debt. In conclusion will say be careful in your choice for governor. Think of the men and the responsi bility. Cast your votes judiciously.
 Col. J. c. Fletcher on being intro duced said:
 Fellow citizens: As you are doubt less already weary will briefly state my views. My opponent contends that man should be lawyer in order to be governor. This Ideny. Some of the ablest men of the state, some who have achieved honor and prominence, were farmers and me chanics. If l am elected governor and any question arises requiring q profound knowledge of law to solve it, shall refer it to the attorney general. I too favor free schools. l look upon it as religious duty to help my poorer neighbors to educate their children. 1 vote , mills upon my own property for that purpose. favor the bill before congress to appropriate $l05,000, 900 to help ed ucatc the children of the southern states. They owe It to us. A cot ton tax amounting to over $l00,O00,- 900 was collected off of the south i, and it is but right we should get that money back. Let us take the money and help lift our people f.om the depths of ignorance. I favor the maintenance of the Arkansas Indus trial University, the insane asylum, the deaf mute institute and the school for the blind. There is the peuitentiary. The recent Fitzpat rick * Townsend lease was q dls grace to civilization. Convicts are confined for crime, but Arkansas owes it to humanity that they be properly protected. l have never doubted the efficiency of the amend, ment. Four years ago believe it was adopted but the returning board said not. The Churchill bond qnes- tion is before tho courts. The bond IS good, and if ; judgment is ren dered against is, 1t will be paid. l favor the aSpointment of a board of three to whom all petitions for par don shall be referred. The salaries Of the state officers are none too large. $3000 is enough for the gov ernor. I shall never complain of the salary. It is just and right that railroads pay taxes on their lands, rolling stock, road beds, &c. l am not fighting railroads, but 1t is right that they should bear an equal share of taxation. favor encouraging i'm