The Russellville Democrat., 1889-02-21

false in all that the term implies, and without particle of truth. 1 have lived in Arkansas long enough to be possessed of every right, privilege and immunity that Clayton has, and hope to merit name above reproach, not as bis, linked with in.amy, crime and shame. I shall not charge him with falsehood ln anything that can not prove by the undivided voice of all good citizens of Morrilton.
 I charge that the following asser tions are false and literally void of a scintilla of truth: That political club was organized "with Stowers at it's head" that "this club resolved it. self into a military company" that "the guns were deposited, loaded and ready for action in convenient place in the building in which the election was held;" that "guns were loaded near at hand"
 He says he "stands ready to sub stantiate in every essential pa.tica- lar" these charges. 1 deny she:n all and challenge him for the proof. If he can substantiate them, or any one of them, l will take the lie. If he cannot and will not, he must stand branded and convicted.
 ] The facts are these: The forma tion of & militia company was can vassed and organized long before the election, and after considerable de- lay the arms were furnished by the State, as they are furnished to all other militia companies. l was made it's Captain and commissioned by the Governor. The company was drilled at leisure times as any company is. I was instructed by Gov. Hughes that the guns were not to be used for any purpose whatever, except in drill or in the service of the State when called on. This was implicitly obey ed and observed. The arms were kept Tn the company's armory, re- mote from the courthouse where cleo. tions are held, and were never used as Clayton charges.
 The further charge that there was preconcerted plan or pretext, either by the militia company, the club or other citizens, for the arrest of Re publican judge IS false, as false as Clayton's other charges.
 It is true, az afterward learned, that this judge and Democrat, un der the influence of liquor got into a squabble of words, and he did not put ID his appearance at the polls at the time of the opening. The other Republican judge did not come in town until about 9:30 o'clock. The Democratic judge was too unwell to serve, so unwell that he did not come to the polls till late in the morning.
 In this situation the people at the polls elected officers, In proper form, who held the election as provided by law. A more quiet or orderly elec tion I never saw.
 All the foregoing are the facts Other reports, whether by Powell Clayton or hls lying informants, are false. Referring to the assassination of John M. Clayton, his brothers and relatives have the sympathy of every right thinking man. The terrible crime is nowhere more deplored than in Conway County, and if the Ga zette, Democrat and St. Louis Repub- lic will furnish Sheriff Shelby with the knowledge they intimate can be had. know that the murderer will be had, in very short time. It is an outrage for the distant press to charge him with dereliction of duty in this matter when it has no knowl edge of his efforts. Any intimation or insinuatlons by the press or indi viduals that the assassination of Clay ton was planned by any person or or persons. other than the murder CTS, are the emanations of knaves. No better people live than are found in Conway County. No people are more wiling to aid and assist the officers of the law in ferreting out this foul deed than this people.
 Furthermore, they are resolved that these gentlemen of the press shall be called to appear before the grand jury, and speak under oath what they insinuate. Our people court and challenge full, free and complete vindication. The officers and people guarantee full protection. Even Powell Clayton would be as safe here as he was when under the mbargo of his militia, who, ven ture to say, murdered more people in this and other counties, than In all the history of Arkansas since she became state. They are invited to come at once and assist by their advice, or knowledge, in finding a clue that will lead to the apprehen- sion of the felon,
 It is generally believed that the Republican leaders of this county who failed of re election last fall, have been actively engaged in creat- ing suspicion that would saddle on the Democratic party the crime of the assassination; and that they would not If they could, furnish any data that would bring the offender to justice. This would destroy their stock in trade, on winch they and others hope to make political capital, They will be compelled to show their hands at the proper time, In their desperation they would not hesitate to do anything that would create suspicion against the many active Democrats who dug them up and pulled them from the den of corrup- tion they had foisted on the people. At heart they prefer the present sus. pense rather than true revelation of the facts.
 W. I. SHOWERS,