Year: 1860

tion, 1 will briefly present myself to the public, in my editorial connection with thls paper.

 The political affairs of the country pre- sent mechanically appearance. An uncom- promising foe to the cherished institutions of the South, is advancing with exultant steps upon our very hearth stones, and flush ed with recent victory and emboldened by success, the monstrous black republican party openly proclaims it's sectional charac- ter and destructive purposes.

 Patriots, before this day, have watched with shuddering solicitude the " crisis" storm as it swept with fury over our ex- perimental republic, shaking its ponderous proportions to its foundations. Again the storm is gathering, black and portentous, and all minds are filled with apprehension.

 The national democratic party, the party of Jackson, of Polk, of Pierce, of Buchanan, las hitherto proven an effectuai bulwark against all assaults upon the constitution and the Union; the mad waves of sectional bitterness, have always failed to overwhelm it; it has ever been the pride and the hope of the people; its stability was considered by them the sure guarantee of their rights, it's defeat the inevitable precursor ot thelr ruin.

 But this potent conservator Of our lnstl- tutions is now distracted, torn, divided and embittered--ts enemies are ready to take advantage of the temporary schlsm to com mass its entire overthrow. l use the word temporary, because 1 trustingly believe the rancor in the democratic party will cease, and it's divided parts fly together to the magnet of the union and the constitution.

 A true southron, it seems to me, can never yield without disgrace to the odlouS doctrine of ''squatter sovereignty. My views upon this subject are plainly expreS- sed in the platform adopted by the late State convention. Believing that the house of true democracy is built upon the rock of truth, I confidently expect it to withstand the winds and the rains that so tiercely beat upon 1t.

 On smaller scale we see the Arkansas democracy rent in twain, and expending its strength in fighting itself. Personal bitter ness has taken the place of party fidelity, and large portion of the party has volun- tarily eliminated itself from the cherished customs of the democracy, and drawn down upon it the just execration of all true dem ocrats. My sentiments in relation to the late State convention, and my reasons for giving its nominee hearty support will be shown in other columns.

 Perhaps there is no subject of State pol icy, now more agitating the public mind than that commonly called t" State aid" All agree that nothing can advance the vi- tai interests of State more rapidly than iudicious system of internal improvements; their practical effects, so beneficial, and so life inspiring have escaped the notice of none; the people of Arkansas are wide awake upon the subject, and many of her loyal citizens are knocking at her treasury door for aid in the construction of impor- tant contemplated railroads If the State can render material and available aid in the construction of railroads, without entailing new debt, while the old State debt remains unpaid, I shall unhesitatingly favor the project.

 The only question seems to be the avail ability of aid given before the State debt is liquidated. But more of this hereafter.

 My associations with the press of Ar kansas heretofore, with one or two excep tions, have been exceedingly pleasant. l have, it is true, been the subject of unjust denunciation and uncharitable abuse from contributors to various papers, but such abuse cannot injure me.

 A newspaper should not be the medium for settlement of individual feuds, and what ever may be the character of my personal relations with any one, l shall endeav- or to make as little public display of them as l can with justice to myself. Newspa- per recrimination must prove unpleasantto to those who engage in it, while it cannot, in any view of the case, be of advantage 10 the people.

 It is proper that I should state, in con- clusion, that Col. J. H. Black, a gentleman of experience and ability, of the South Arkansos Democrat, will soon take the po sition of senior editor of this paper.

 E. c. BOUDINOT. 4