The Forrest City times., 1890-04-19
JUDGE cArk,s ADDRESS
To the Democrats of the First Distrlc, of Arkansas.


 In connection with recent political events, l have read with interest and pride iho many kind and gratifying references to my self made by tho press Of the St.iic and of this District. am also in receipt of letters from friends assuring me of their good wishes and approval. In these the question of my candidacy is dis cusscd.
 So, without assuming it to be a matter of great public interest, have thought It proper under the peculiar circumstances affecting tho District aud myself. that 1 should define my attitude in and towards the Democratic party, so far, at least, us my views and wishes arc concerned. Accordingly avail myself of ths method to do so.
 First, that ! may thank tho Democratic papers of the District for the very cordial and indeed complimentary manner in which they have mentioned me; and my friends for their taonghtfui and considerato communications
 Next, that may give public expression to my ideas and feelings iu regard to inc matter suggested.
 In Isss solicited the nomination as Demo cratic candidate for Congress. My claims were presented to the people in connection with two other gcntlcmen. both of high char acter and ability. The honor was accorded me by most hattering vote
 asked and accepted this trust from the party with full knowledge of the difficulties that attended it at that particular juncturc
 Usanecton had reduced our numbers, and we had little of either organization or dis oipiino.
 working day anc night. openly and in secret
 We. however went into the canvass de- termined to do our full duty. We closed up our bruken ranks, brought back the wandsrer. and effected an organization which. whito far from perfect. wac more thorough than ever before existed in the District We won the victory. l was elected Truo tho majority was not overwhelming. but under tue circum- stances 1t was satisfactory and was an honest expression of the voters.
 Right hore it may not bc improper to state what may not bc generally known or apprec- sted. IL is that l received more votes than were ever before cast fer . candidate for Con ptA ft.u, xr, and Thurman in this District. Hence it may reasonably be assumed that my name was not a serious incumbrance upon the ticket or tho party. This is not stated in spirit of egotism But as a fact. it is consoatory to me, and an assurance to the gentlemen who com posed the convention that nominated mo aud to the voters who scnt them there, that perhaps their action in tho premises was not altogethrr an unmitigatcd hiundcr, and that the ianage. mont Of the campaign was not entirely ineih- cicnt.
 Ky the action of the republican majority in Inc house Of representative, it was determined that my place shonld oc givcn to my iatc oppo- neat. In view of the fact that there was no sufficient proof and but little contention that was not elected. it was certainly an act of gross injustice. greater To the people than to myself.
 Truc. there was strong fccling of personal wrong md disappointment. but it would dis play but slight .asaeity to confess that my public experience had not prepared me to meet all the vicissitudes of political iifc calm ly and philosophicay.
 And there was more than compensation for any feeling of personal injustice l may have suffered, in tho earnest and faithful support given mc by the democratic repr csc n ativcs in congress, and in the cordial and hearty cxpres- stons which have come to me from every part of the disirict.
 Reviewing the past, and it seems tc me that owc tho party an unfaitering and faithful support of it's principles and candidates, and this it shall have SD long ss il Is. us now the friend and hope of the people.
 II certainly owes mo nothing except the cs- fft ad st stnin ,. tf,o and faithful advocate of It's doctrines.
 do not propose tt play tho ruic of political scars asa claim upon this district. l will not he a pcusioncr on tho sympathy of generous constituency. Politics is practical; just nov it must bc oin. In struggle for existence there is no place for sentiment. we can indulge it in tho hour of victory. An injudielous nomination should no, now bc made. either to crowna martyr or cmbcllsh d favufite son. From this it must he understood that will not ASK ol the party rctpmtuntIon as N solace to wounded feelings. and if on this account aionc it should ne rendered mc. would not take tt
 If there would he anythin. in my candidacy 10 weaken tho party or enianger success. thou l should not ask, nor be called upon to bs \ candidate.
 on the other hand if could bring to the party auy element of strength not to he found elsewhere, then il should ba made svaiishlc. NOW tEat my motives may Dot uc ulistftiarr stood. and that IL may not be ss id that thls is an effort on my part b gracefully decs.re an empty honor. Will state that circumstances have necessarily made mc thoroughly seJuaint. sa with the status of thc parties in tho district al ths tune.
 And that. est mating all the elements of i'm migration, aisd changing political sentiment. nnd probable dIsnieosion. tho district is us heretofore democratic. and VIC will have in November uaxt T suf. aud unqucst!ousbe pia loritr, The only conditions to success to get the voters to the poiis, hayu fair election aud Hn honest rctnrn, Nut whether defeat or victory WIS assured would not sn this cxigeu- ey. hesitate to nccrot the honor of to undertake tnc labor incident to nomiaation,
 VIII not ulaka canvass of the district to secure Inc nomination.. bus will perhaps visit portions pf 1t waafe might rcns;er services to the naety.
 Other gentlemen aspiring to the honor will trust, feel at liberty to take such course may seen proper tn prcsen, thrtr claims.
 Then tu he calm, deliberate j,Idg of the party submit sfy claims with xn unhssltatiug curulencc that lu thc,r wisdom they wlli slo what IS rigGt and for ths test And If thoy shoaid uaii for ny services, and ask Fao tu lead iH tac counting canvass will accept tho trust with pride and gtailttd~. and with full ap- prsoiaton os its responsibilities and N III spare gu honorable ctsust to acuieve victory.
 should another he choscu he will have my earnest and unsaycting support.
 Ncspost t.ully.
 W H. CATE