The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-11-09
THE DBMOCRlTIC STATE PLlTFORM


WHEREAS. 1t becomes necessary from time TO time
for the friends Of constitutional eoveTnmentto rcas-
sert their devotion 10 it. and to proclaim their pm
eiples upon which 1t should be administered hho
when its enemies obtain power 10 expose their usur-
patton TO the end thai the whole people may De
aroused action protect their rights a. the oGot
box; therefore, be It -
abiding confidence in the devotion of the Eatiorf
Democratic party 70 tho correct principles OF govern
ment, and pledge ourselves 10 co operate WIN
an integral part thereof in its fuue efforts to re-
store the Government in its administration TO the
principles on which twas founded.
>. ReSOtTed That, we rely upon the honesty ana
capacity of the poop, for self government.
3. Resolred, That he Constitution, as formed by
the free voice OF the States, is the foundation OF the
powers of the Cove nment.
4. ReSofUed, Thatrthe powers of the General Gov
eminent restricted 10 the express grants of the
Constitution and all powers not granted are reserved
to the States snd the people thereof
g. ResOred, That the regulation OF suffrage and cleo
lions belong 10 the respective states anc any lnterer-
by the General Government with intent to control
either is gross usurpation of power, and the Of
the military at elections 10 Overawe the people and
prevent full and fair expression OF their political
sentiments is utterly subversIve oil Tree government
and should be resisted by all proper means until the
evil is abolished, and an honest and uhtrammeiied
ballot restored.
6 ResolUed That the abolition of slavery as a re
suit OF war is accepted fixed fact and it becomes
duty, by State legislation TO provide for the So
cury and well being OF all classes of men, native of
foreign born, white or black.
I. Resolred, That immigration of the white race,
from all quarters OF the world be encouraged, ana
there should be unreasonable impediments or de.
lay to naturalization and citizenship the Democratic
party having been uniformly in favor of liberal policy
toward all persons OF foreign birth who in good fait
seek home among
8. ResoIred, That we will Yield obedience to the
constitution and laws.
9. ReS0iUed, That we, the Democratic. party of
Texas in favor OF judicous liberal and uniform
system Of internal improvements.
10. Res0lred, That the Radical State Government
of Texas forfeited all Gains n O
mankind, by its unconstitutional aud oppressive en-
actmentsi and to the end that the citizens OF this
State, and of the United States, may fully compre.
bend the grievances we are suffering from the wrongs
and usurpations of SAID Radical Government VIC
charge them as follows:
FTSt-In violation of the Federal and State Con
suoD, the Legislature of this State has conferred
on the Governor, in obedience to his own dictauOn
the power 10 suspend the writ of habeas corpus, to
declare the civil laws suspended, close the courts
reinse our citizens the right of trial by jury, and sub
ject them TO trial by court martial composed OF men
who know nothing Of the ruies of law and evidence,
and this In times OF profound peace.
SecoHd-They have in violation of the Constitution,
likewise at the Governors dictation, given him the
power by aid Of police force appointed by himself
and Offered by men of his own a. pOintment to sub
ject citizens seizure OF their persons and
property and subjected their houses unreasonable
search without warrant and with no probable cause
supported either by oath affirmation
IhTd-Tbat said police have without warrant or
oath or affirmation charging Oilense, ard even
when no ctiense had been committed, arrested and
imprisoned our citizens and have exOrted from them
as the terms of release large Of money, refus
ing them the benefit Of counsel or trial without being
confronted by their the witnesses against
them, and under threat of trial by court martial il
they refuse the required sum.
FOurth-The Legislature has by enactment, in VIC
lation Of plain constitutional provision, authorized
the Governor 10 remove officers elected by the people
and appoint men Of his own choice in their place.
which power he has repeatedly exercised.
FUth-Ihe Legislature has authorized the Govern
to appoint thiryhSe district attorneys, when the
Constitution of the State provides that they shall be
elected and he has exercised this power and causes
rthese officers so illegally appointed TO be paid in the
aggregate fOriy-two Thousand dollars annually cut Of
tine State Treasury, thereby violating tue COnsttu
ton, and plunderiug the people.
SiLth-Tbe Legislature has virtually abolished
| every check that secures the lurity OF The
ball9tbox, aud throws difficulties in the way OF full
vote by compelling The people to vote 81 but one pre-
cinct In each County tickets that are Lot numbered
for future Identification thereby rendering the detec
tion of official frauds impossible, by failing adopt
different mode OF voting as authorized by the Con
| stitntOn.
Scueath-The Radical party of the State has OBJ
tanned power by fraud ana intimidation. The Legis-
ature seeks to perpetuate this power by making tho
| elective franchise dependent on the caprlces OF
registrars subject TO appointment rgmOva! at the
caprice Of the Governor.
| Eighbt-That the Senate and House of Rop-eseIl-
taIiI in utter disregard of the Lws regulalin
tested elections, and without complaint in the
and time prescribed by law, paTts statements
or afidavits deprived members OF their seats and
their constituency Of representation in the Legsla-
ture with the intention CT securing fer the Radical
| party majority in that body.
| NiRhI-That having been elected for term of
two years they have continued their existeEcs as
Legislature for three years by enactment OF their
! own body.
TeHth-In order TO subsidiZe and corrupt the press
! they have established newspapers in each Judicial
District to advocate the interests of the Radical party
and although many Of them had at the time of their
| establishment circulation, in order to give them
money and support they have compelled public or
private sales ordered by and sules under s-
cuon in auy county OF the respective DISTRICTS 10 be
published IN the paper of the district at great ex-
peuss TO the widows and orphans of deceased persons
and of creditors Of their estates although sing
copy OF the said paper might be taken in the county
| where the sale is 10 be made
ELeUeHth-lt has Just attempted to remove the Rad
| cal Senator who has denounced their corruption by
electng in his stead military officer, who is not a
! citizen of the State of Texas.
| TUeyh-ln view of these high crimes and political
| misdsmeanors of the Radical party committed
against the great interests Of the people of Texas,
| IL. ResotUcd. That We invite all good men, what
ever may have been their past political prefere
10 unite with the Democratic party in removing from
| place and power those who control the State
Government, in order to release the people from op-
pressiVe revenue and unequal taxation, 10 insure
honest administration of the laws and an honest aud
economical expenditure of the public moneys ard
throw the Bgis of justice and protection over the
person and prosperity of every individual whatso-
| ever in the State of Texas.