Year: 1859

that a majority not meI civ of the democrats. put of the whole legislature desired the election of Judge Sebastian. There were only about half dozen whigs and know nothlngs in both houses, and they renre- sented democratic constituents who had rght to some voice in the matter. Nom can say there was the least danger of q wing or know nothing candidate for the senate, for the truth is undeniable that these parties are extinct in Arkansas. and of the few members of them in the last General Assembly, l think about one half voted for Sebastian, and the other half agalnSt him. Those gentlemen who make such an outcry against the caucus, ought to have refused to allow a know nothing to vote on their slde at all. presume with out Knowing the fact that many of those who cry out so Justify on the subject have seen sam themselves. As to disorga- nizing democrats, am opposed to their dlsorganlzng operations just as l was op- posed to the know nothings, but 1 only heard of some two or three of that class. some or all of whom had been guilty of opposing the election of Col. Hindman to Congress. think the people will see into this matter and settle it for themselves without much trouble to newspaper editors who seem to be so much concerned So much for the caucus.

 1 turn with pleasure to subjects of vastly greater importance to the State: 1st A geological survey of the State has been tavo7ite object with me. I introduced the bill in accordance with the Governors re- commendatlon, which, with very made quate appropriation produced the geologi- cal report now before the people. AL though imperfect, 1t is important as first step. l had the honor to be at the head of the committee which reported the bill pass ed' at the last session, appropriating eight thousand five hundred dollars per annum to this object for the next two years, to deVeIope the resources of the State and let the world know that we have the capacity to double the value of our taxable property every hve or ten years, Is certainly worth the attention of those who have charge of the interests of the State. believe a thorough geological survey of the State will do thls but the appropriation made at the last session IS not sufficient to accom- plsh it.

 ,. Another subject of great importance to the State, IS to redeem her credit, by making some provision for the payment of the State debt, which could be done very easily with the money now in the treasury. Governor Conway recommended in 1856 that there should be no reduction of the revenue and he said tLis in connection with his remarks in regard to the State debt.- In opposition to his views. bill was in. troduced into the Senate, to reduce the ratc of taxation from one-fourth to one-siytb of one per cent, and 1t was voted for by every member of the Senate except myself, as the journal shows At the last session, a bill passed both Houses l think to reduce 1t still further, from one-sixth to one-tentl, of one per cent. which voted against, but why it did not become law, do not know. My object Tn voting against any reduction ot the revenue, has been to keep money enough in the treasury to pay off the State | debt, or at all events to pay the interest. and reestablish the credit of the State.

 5. The credit of the State being placed on firm footing, she could then go into system of railroads and other improve ments, which would soon place her on an equality with her elder sisters. voted at the last session for every measure which thought calculated to bring about these re. suits, and this without regard to local and senatorial interests.

 This communication is extended to such length, that l cannot elaborate these oues- tons. know l shall be charged with, or suspected of sinister views in making it. | but for all this, do not care copper. never was amember of any legislative body until honored by your suffrages in 1S56.- How that was brought about is known to you. My whole life q think proves that 1 am not very ambitious man, and it is a matter of indifference to me what people think on that subject, if they think at all about 1t. Others might have served you more ably than I have done-none more faithfully l fear crisis in this country in 1860, and when the battle comes between the democratic party and the black repub- licans, 1 shall be found willing If alive to fight in the ranks.

 Very respectfully,

 your obedient servant,

 R. NJ. GAINES.