Year: 1878

Last Saturday was a regular field day in the way of stump oratory at Russellville. In addition to the scat tering and random shot poured forth by host of local candidates we had some of the gurs of big calibcr with us. A very respectable audience composed mostly of the horny hand. ed, honest, sun burnt sons of toll having assembled in the grove east of town, the ball was opened at about 10 o'clock by Col. Geo. W. Berry man appearing on the speakers stand and presenting to the audience Gov. Elisha Baxter, wlio appeared as candidate for the U. s. Senate. The country, he said, IS now reconstruct ed, united and at peace; and the only difficulty he sees in our way, the great barrier to prosperity and the one important issue to be met and adjusted is the Financial troubles which distress the country. On the subject of State Finances he would not have time to dwell. The ocea- sion is one of great financial distress. The depression m business and the depreciation in values of ali kinds evidenced the fact that there is something wrong with our financial management. What is the cause of all this and what the remedy? He undertook to say that contraction had caused it and that imitation is the cure. Continuing, the speaker gave his views on this subject at length, and as hls treatment of the subject was substantially the same as given in his speech at this place some weeks ago, which was carefully and faithfully reported through these columns, we pass over this part of his oration, and notice other points which he touched upon.

 Referring to the conflict of author ity between the Federal and State Courts. he said that was matter fraught with great danger to the county, and threatening to sap the very fundamental principles of free government. As an illustration he referred to a case now pending in Jefferson county where the State Courts had been directed by the United States Court to do an act expressly prohibited by the State Constitution. The effect of such in reference was to set aside and ren- der imperative the Constitution of the State. He would have it under stood that 1t was not the Courts he complained at, for under existing laws they may, and no doubt do have the power to thus interfere with our State affairs. 1t is the laws which allow this dangerous interference that he would amend. And if he should be electced he would direct his efforts to such amendment of the laws as would define and limit the Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts so to relieve the State Courts from in reference in the administration of State laws and State Constitutions.

 The Revenue laws, too, needed revision. They are burdensome and oppressive. He cited instances in regard to the heavy penalties impos- ed by the sections regulating the sale of tobacco and whisky. The penalties are too severe and work hardships.

 In the matter of appropriations for tue Southern section of the country he would bestow his careful ntten- ton. He would insist upon an ap- propriation to deepen the channel and levy the bauks of the Mississippi River, and thus reclaim from over flow the rich lands of that valley. According to Eads $50,000,000 would do the work, and if elected he would insist upon it.

 He would also fayor aid for the Pacific Railroad, and for road from Helena to connect with the system of roads leading west. And also for the extension of the Ft. Smith road so as to complete the connection with roads leading to the Pacific coast Any other appropriation to benefit the people of the Sonth would meet his hearty support. Time was here called and the speaker retired.

 Col. Bergman then presented to the audience, Hon. J. D. Walker, Owing to his bad health this gentle man said he did not feel that he rnuld adtrc.s the pconle as he would