The Van Buren Press

NOT OUR FIGHT

We have been led to believe, if there was any reliance to be placed in the assertions of the two republican organs at Little Rock, that there was really no difference of opinion in the Republican party. That the little "scrimmage going on between the Governor and his opponents for the Senatorship, was a good natured, honorable canvass, and that everything in the party was "lovely and the goose hung high." But, we regret to say, that as we cast our eye over the political horizon, we discover, now and then, a cloud that looks as if d--l might be to pay soon, in this party of peace and harmony. In taking up the Dardanelle Times of the 14th, we find an editorial, headed "hands off," which charges Gov. Clayton with "bargain and sale," in advancing his prospects for the U. S. Senate.

As we said at the start, that it is not our fight, and we take no stock either way. but it is an old saying, that when "rogues fall out honest men get their dues." and we bid the various aspirants for office, and their friends, God speed.

The following is an extract from the Times:

"The story told by our reliable correspondent--gentlemen whose veracity and devotion to the Union cause are alike unimpeachable--is a story that may well excite the ire of our people. Gov. Clayton, as a private individual, had an unbounded right to his own preferences, for certain candidates. As a private individual, claiming political sagacity, he has the right to favor a certain candidate and thereby render himself liable to the continued opposition of all the other aspirants for the exalted place. All these and other things may be done by the Governor to insure the success of his favorite, and done rightly, neither by the eloquence of his own conversation or the powerful writing of his Private Secretary. But we do deny most emphatically that Gov. Clayton, as Governor of the State has a right to use the patronage of the State to "bribe" or coerce men into the support of those so fortunate as to have received his friendship; so blarneyed as to have basked in his smile." We do not of our own knowledge know that these bargains and sales have been made, but we do know that the most prominent, the most faithful, and the incorruptible men of the Republican party in Western Arkansas, do most solemnly assert, that offices have been given, and others promised to be given, not because of their qualifications or character but on the condition that they will oppose a gentleman who is obnoxious to the Governor. This statement can be substantiated, and letters can be produced wherein these promises, from the highest source, can be read in black and white. "We call upon Governor Clayton to have this war stopped--stopped right now. It is only breeding discontent; it is making a stigma and a reproach of Republican principles; it is a prostitution of his own high office; it is ingratitude to those who placed him in that position; and it is by no manner of means aiding the Senatorial aspirations of Gov. Clayton or the other aspirants or his friends."