davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
TwELFTHLEoIsLATUREI
Second Session.

AUSTIN, September l3, 1871.
SENATE.
Senate met pursuant TO adjournment
Roll called. Quorum present.
Prayer by the Chaplain.
The resignation of the former gen.
eral Clerk dated at Galveston was
read and accepted.
Mr.. Ruby submitted resolution 10
the effect that the former assistant
clerks of the Senate be discharged
Mr.. Bowers moved, that indefinite
leave of absence be granted to Senator
Pickett, which was agreed to.
Mr.. Flanagan's resolution, to the
effect that vacancies existing in the
Offices of the Senate might be filed by
appointment from the President of the
body, was passed.
Senate bill, No. Ala, authorizing
taxes on real estate to be paid to Comp
troller, read third time and passed.
Bill for per milage and per diem
passed.
Action in regard to bill No. $50, in
volving grants and privileges to the
Pacific and Great Eastern Railroad was
postponed, recommitted to Committee
oh Internal Improvements.
Bill No. 231, which asked that the
Legislature purchase for distribu-
tion 10000 copies of pamphlet, writ.
ten by Col. ]. NJ Morphis, on the eli
mate, soil, and productions of Texas,
was laid on the table, upon its third
reading.
Bill Nc. All, known as the election
bill, was brought to its third reading.
This bill proposes to postpone the gen.
eral election until 1873.
Mr.. Flanagan moved the bill be re-
fered TO special committee of three
TO report upon it.
Mr.. Bowers said the result of such
an order would be to force the bill back
to its second reading, and hence it
would be considerable time before
it would come up in the order of busi-
Dess. This was not what was desired,
and if an election could be obtained for
this year, no time was to be lost in its
final consideration. He hoped Mr..
Flanagan's motion would not be sus-
tanned.
Senators Hall and Dohoney both
spoke in favor of the vote on this bill
being taken without delay. They were
in favor of an election this fall, and
thought it was right and proper that
the bill should be taken up at once in
order that an election might be secured
in proper time.
Mr.. Bowers moved the bill be referred
to the Judiciary Committee, to be re-
ported tomorrow morning at IL
o'clock, and that it become the special
order for that hour.
Mr.. Mills hoped it would he referred
to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Ruby said some of the commits
tee were not here, and it would be more
proper to postpone action, or refer tito
the special committee of three, propo-
sed by Mr.. Flanagan.
Mr.. Bowers motion was at last put,
and passed-Messrs. Saylor, Games
and Ruby voting against its passage.
A veto message from the Governor
was read to the Senate. 1t was in re-
gard to the Tyler Tap Railroad Lill, but
was, as Senator Mat. Gaines proposed,
"postponeded" until the Senator from
1 that District arrives.
On motion the Senate then adjourned
until l04 o'clock tomorrow morning.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
HOUSE.
AUSTIN, September l6, 1872.

House met pursuant to adjournment.
Roll called quorum present. Prayer.
Mr.. Grothaus presented petition of
citizens of Refugio, to investigate the
condition of the county.
Petition from citizens of johnson
county, to prohibit the sale of intoxi-
eating liquors near Aldarado school,
Mr.. Evans introduced resolution
that the House be authorized to sub
scribe for ten copies Of the State Jour
nal for each member. -H
Mr.. Pierson proposed to amend by
substituting five copies for ten, and
the previous question being put on the
amendment, it was carried II to 81.
Mr.. Pierson moved to reconsider the
vote and lay the motion On the table.
Carried by AZ to 81.
Mr.. Slaughter introduce aresolution
that no other paper be subscribed for
except the State Journal.
Mr.. Schutze raised a point of order
on Mr.. Slaughter's resolution, that by
said resolution the five copies of VOr-
wartz, already subscribed for would
be effected.
The Chair ruled Mr.. Schutze out of
order.
Mr.. SIaughter's resolution was
passed.
Mr.. Williams, of Colorado, presented
the same bill, which was yesterday
handed into the Senate by Mr. Saylor,
concerning city and town taxes. This
bill provides that all special laws in
regard to taxes in cities and towns,
which come in conflict with general
statutes are nugato5y, and that
the general laws Of tle State
prevail. Referred 10 judiciary Com
mittee.
Mr.. Grothaus introduced a bill TO
repeal Sec. 5, of an act authorizing
counties to levy tax of one fourth of
one per cent. ad valorem, and also one
dollar or more, poll tax, for road and
bridge purposes. Referred to Finance
Committee.
Mr.. Evans introduced bill to in
corporate the Corpus Christy and Rio
Grande Railroad Carried to third
reading-bill passed.
House adjourned until Monday
morning at 10 o'clock.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
TO THE DEMOCRACY OF TEXAS.


The Democratic State Convention that as
sembled in Austin last January, after the
adoption of its platform, passed the follow
ing resolution:
"ResOlUed, That the Central Executive
Committee be, and they are hereby in
strueted to take immediate steps to raise, by
joint stock or otherwise, a fund, and at the
earliest possible time establish a central
organ to be under the control Ofa committee
of three to be selected by the Central Com
mitlee. Which resolution was adopted"
A meeting of the State Executive Com
mittee was held in the city of Austin subse-
queat to the adjournment of the Convention,
at which meeting the State Executive Com
mittee passed a resolution directing the four
resident members of the Central Executive
Committee in Austin and the Chairman to
carry out the resolution of the Convention
by the establishment of Central Demo-
cratic Paper.
In accordance with the resolution of the
Convention and of the Executive Committee
large, the undersigned report that they
have entered into arrangements with the
Statesman Publishing Company" to publish
a Democratic newspaper 10 Austin to be
styled the DEMOCRATIo STATESMAN, which
paper will be sound in its support of Demo-
cratic Doctrine. Under the management Of
editors, eounseling with a competent COM
mittee, the undersigned trust that the paper
will, in all respects, meet with the spproba-
tion and support of the Democracy of Texas.
We earnestly solicit, for the interests of
ths party, that every member of the Demo-
cratic Executive Committee, and Democrats
at large, use their influence to extend the
circulation of the DaDer
A. s. WALKER,
Chairman Democratic State Ex.- Com.
y WIN: q ss1Vsi Wstro., Central Committee.
N. q. BowERs,
Austin. Texas. July 20, 1871.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
Serious Political Riot In New
AIeXlcO-The Fruit of ROdl-
cal Threats.

Serious Political Riot In New
MeXIcO-The Fruit of Rndl-
cal Threats.
From a private letter just received
from our esteemed friend, Major Geo.
w. Frazier, of Fort Stockton, and a
late number of the Las Cruces New
Mexico) Borderer, we CLEAN the fol-
lowing particulars of the murderous
affray that took place in La Mesilla,
N. NJ, on the 9th ult. A brief re-
port of the affair was published in our
telegraph column few days ago, but
no particulars.
1t appears the Democrats had made
arrangements for mass meeting on
the plaza in La Mesilla, on the day of
the difficulty. On learning this, the
Republicans also called meeting for
the same day at the same place. The
Republicans were addressed by speak
ers in front of the house of John LIE.
mon, their candidate for Probate Judge.
No open disturbance occurred until af.
ter the speaking, when both parties
were parading on the plaza As the
two professions passed each other, a
man in the Republican ranks raised
l
his pistol and fred in the air, but
whether as a signal or not, is not posi-
lively known. Immediately indiscrim-
mate firing commenced. Men rushed
for their arms, women and children
fled to the houses for safety, and a
general fight was opened between the
two parties. Six men were killed,
among them, John Lemon, Republican
candidate for Probate Judge, and j.
N. Kelly, who, we bolieve, was con-
nected with the Borderer, published
across the river at Las Cruces. There
were twenty wounded, several of whom
it is feared, will not recover.
Firing was kept up from the house
tops and corners of the streets until
night, when the arrival of troops from
Fort Fillmore put stop TO the affray.
1t is said that alarming reports have
been sent to chihuahua, Mexico, to
the effect that war was raging be-
tween Americans and Mexicans, and
it is reported large numbers are on the
way from that city.
The editor of the Bordcrer says the
feeling in the community is so vio-
lent that there is danger of a resort
to arms at any moment, but it is be-
lieved the presence of troops will pre-
vent an outbreak.
The Democrats have a large ma,
jority, and unless deprived of their
votes by intimidation or force, will car,
ry the election by an overwhelming ma
jority.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

tain cases. Read second time and
referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Robertson also introduced a
bill authorizing the Supreme Court
to appoint Librarian. Read the
second time and referred.
A message was received from the
Senate introducing the bill passed
by that body concerning taxes, and
concurrence of the House therein
asked.
Mr.. Stoekbridge introduced a bill
amendatory of an act incorporating
the city of Brennan, and asking for
a new charter: Read second time
and referred to Committee on Towns
and City Corporations.
Mr.. Mckee introduced a bill in
regard to the time of holding terms
of the Courts in the 11th Judicial
District. Rules suspended and car
ried to its third reading.
A resolution was offered to tender
to the Hon. James F. Casey and
Hon. G. W. Carter the honors of the
House. Carried.
Mr.. Lane offered resolution to
dispense with Committee Clerks.
Mr.. Slaughter said he did not care
continental about the expenses.
If the committees acted they must have
clerks, and he hoped sll true Republi-
cans would sustain him in this effort OF
his to prevent retrenchment in this
quarter.
Mr.. Sheriff moved that the number
of pages in the House be reduced
to four.
Here several Republican members
crowded in bills of retrenchment-on
for discharging the Chaplain, and an.
other fer refusing per diem to the
members.
Mr.. Hawkins made a short and elo.
quent speech on retrenchment He
said he hoped members might throw
aside party feeling, and rise on this
subject to a sense of their duty to the
people.
The House adjourned until 10 O'Clock
tomorrow.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

Senator Saylor's bill in regard to
city and town taxes was reported ia
vorably by the committee.
Select Committee referred 20 the
Committee on Finance bill on oceu-
patton taxes. A bill was presented
to authorize the Galveston county
court to issue bonds to pay outstand-
ing claims. Referred to Finance Com
mittee.
Special order for IL o'clock was joint
resolution No. 80, recommending that
the Governorcall an election for Leg
islature, all other Offices now being
filed by virtue of the Enabling Act,
permanent location of the capital of
the State, and constitutional amend
ments in regard to railroad companies.
Said election to be held on the third
Tuesday in January, 1872.
Senator Douglas said this time
would conflict with the meeting of the
next Legislature, and it had been
agreed that bill should be presented
this morning to correct such an order
VI IulDSS. as thG OOuolOA 40 AOb
present, who had this bill in possession,
be hoped it might be postponed until
another day. Agreed to.
Senator Pridgen moved a suspen-
sion of the rules, to pass the Refugio
county bill-suspended and bill passed
unanimously.
Senator Flanagan moved suspen-
sion of the rules, to consider the bill TO
provide for the payment of taxes to
collectors in State warrants.
Senator Bell, who held the bill re-
ferred to by Senator Douglass, asked
for leave to present it-granted; and
the bill referred to Committee on State
Affairs to report on Monday next, at
II o'clock. This bill provides that
the Legislature meet on the I'd Tues
day in April, 1872.
Senator Hertzburg presented a bill
for changing time of holding courts in
some of the Western districts. Post
poned.
Senate adjourned until Monday
morning at 10 l-2 o'clock.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

tits reported that complete change
has been made in the Galveston city
officers, Coldwell is appointed Mayor
Patten, Parker, Dobson, and others of
Davis friends are among the list Of
new appointees. 1t will be remem-
bered that when Davis was in Galveston
certain gentlemen paid him no atten-
tion, and now he has wreaked his ven.
geance upon these men by discharg-
ing them from Office.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
Degener VVOn't Pay any More

he Hon. Ed. Degener, after leav-
ing Bastrop, OR his canvas toward the
Southern counties, suddenly brought
the director, McAnderson, and the
young Parsons to a dead halt. 1t
seems that Mr.. Degener had to pay
the expenses of these gentlemen on
their electioneering tour, but when
leaving the above place he notified
them he could no longer supply the
spondulix; and Mac, being out oi
funde, had to subside. Wonder who
win keep the old gentleman on the
platform now
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
poor Degener.

The old sucker, Degener, is such a
nonentity, such "demnition Z"
small quantity, so obscure, SO mean, 50
little in his baseness, that it is diff
cult matter to find out anything about
him. In fact, there is not much about
him worth knowing, except that he is
now candidate for Congress, with the
certainty of being elected to stay at
home.
There is one thing, however, for
which he does deserve some mention
"a want of sense and sublime impu-
dence. But for these striking and
remarkable qualities, he would not
now be worrying and disgusting the
voters of the Fourth District.
He wants your votes; he begs them;
but havn't you, Germans, Americans.
Mexicans and colored brothers, enough
brain substance in your craniums to
know that he is not worth voting for,
not worth the powder and lead it would
take to kill him. Did he ever do any
thing for any of you, except to show
by his speeches that he is not fit for
the position he seeks p? You have tried
him one session in CongreSs-not that
you sent him there, for his going there
was simply a lucky accident for him
self and a fraud upon his constituents.
What does he know about your in
terests ? Did you ever hear of his
giving but one vote in Congress in his
life? And that one you know he gave
wrong, having voted to disfranchise his
own constituency. After drawing his
last years pay-and God and himself
only know how much more-instead
of remaining at home attending to
your interests and welfare, as was his
duty, has lie not been trotting round
all over Europe to the neglect of his
official duties ? When you elect a man
to go to Congress, do you elect him TO
go to Europe also, you paying all ex-
penses ? How can you, in justice to
yourselves, think of voting for such an
old mutton head ?
Shoald he, by any unforeseen special
providence, be sent 10 Congress a Sec
ond time-an event more direful in its
consequences to the people of the
Fourth District than war or famine
he could never accomplish anything
for the Speaker of the House has
already found out who he is, and
would never recognize him as entitled
to the floor. He might cry out "Mr.
Speaker, Mr.. Speaker! Mr.. Speak
or !" until the crack of doom, and
he would never get a hearing. He
| knows lt-he has tried 1t before. You
ought not to give him chance to try
it again. The only thing he could do,
would be to write out speech he nev-
er spoke, and then circulate the swim
die among his constituents.
Don't vote for him; he's not worth
it. Let him go back to his own beau
tiful sisterdale, "where the woodbine
twineth," and where he can luxuriate
in all the charms of digniied ease and
elegant Obscurity, satisfying his noble
ambition in the patriotic work of dig.
ging potatoes, hOeing corn, etc, etc.
That's his proper business-let him
stick to it.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

A barbecue was held at Columbus,
Colorado county on the 7th, and one at
Oakland Oh the 9th of this month.
Hancock was to speak at the former
place on yesterday. 1t is said that
Degener will not get FIVE German
votes in the county.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

The social equality bill! passed by
the Senate on Thursday, will be like
all other laws of similar character--a
dead letter on the statute books. 1t is
egregious folly to pass laws in direct
conflict with public sentiment and in
opposition to the laws of nature-they
cannot be executed.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

Senator E. T. BrOughton, of Sher-
man, has placed us under obligations
for substantial expression of his De-
mocracy in the way of goodly list of
subscribers from his neighborhood.
He gives US words of encouragement
as well, in the way of good news from
his section. The Democracy are awake,
and will not fail to do their duty
nobly.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

PRIcE OF LEAD.-Degener says the
price Of lead is considerably less than
when he was supplying the Confederate
States (sO-called) with that article, I'M
ported direct from Mexico and paid for
by cotton exported under the brand
of c.. S. A.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
INFAMY!
E.J.DaVIs a FeIOn.

On the 18th of April, 1871, can
act to organize and maintain a system
of public free schools in the State Of
Texas" was presented to E. j. Davis,
as Governor, for his approval. [See
Senate Journal 18th Legislature, pages
TAI and 74S.]
This act, in default of approval by
the Governor and in default of his We
toing the same, would, by operation of
law, become a law in FIVE days after its
presentation for approval on the 18th;
it was not vetoed; neither was it ap-
proved within the five days; it there
fore became law on the 18th of April.
This act, Sec. 5, authorized the levy
and collection of one per cent. on the
taxable property of the several districts,
ETC., for the purposes of building
school houses and maintaining schools.
TSee acts 18th Legislature, lst Session,
page 59.]
2. On the 10th day of April, 1871,
"An act to give effect to the sever al
PROVISIONS of the Constitution concern
ing Taxes" waspresented for approval
to the Governor. This act was ap-
proved on the 22d of april, and be-
came law from that day.
8. The eighth section of the last
named act authorizes the levy and col
lection of one-eighlh of one per cent.
for the purpose of building school
houses, etc.
4. The thirty-second section of said
act, repeals all laws in conflict there
with.
5. E. j. Davis, without authority of
law, dated his approval of the first
named act on the oath of April, seven
days after it had become law by vir>
tue of the Constitution.
6. He thus criminally seeks to give
force and effect to the fifth section of
the irst-named act, which was clearly
repealed by the thirty-second section
of the last named act
Z. 1t was evidently the intention of
the Legislature to limit the tax for
school house purposes 10 one-eighth
per cent, and to repeal, and did re
peal, all laws that authorized greater
tax yet in the presence Of this plain
intention, E. j. Davis wilfully and de-
liberately spits in the face of the Leg
islature and seeks to enforce a law
which he knows has been repealed.
In order to get hold of large sum
of money lie forswears himself, proves
traitor to his high trustas Governor.
and becomes a public robber of the
people, violates the law he has sworn
to see executed, and blackens his
already ragged and tattered conscience
with the Infamous crime of perjury.
E. J. Davis is felon, and deserves
incarceration in the State prison, from
which he has corruptly pardoned so
many of his partisan friends.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

If two or three Thousand Union States
troops should soon land at Galveston, and as
many more go up Red river within the next
few days, we should not be at all surprised
Houston Union.
Do you call this ''threat" or an at
tempt at intimidation" Which is il?
We call upon the Governor to answer.
If you, Mr.. Governor, would do your
duty, as you are sworn to do, and exc
cute the Ku,Klux law, as you say you
intend to do, Parson Gillespie and
Little Quick would certainly be deserv-
ing and prominent candidates for the
penitentiary.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

Little Quick thinks Pamela and some
other counties as hot as hell" Wait
Eddy, till your time comes, before you
pass an opinion. When you reach hell
you will think Pamela county an ice
house.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

In San Francisco, many of the can
didates for Office have demanded a re-
count Of the votes. This recount is
necessary because the Radicals have
cheated there, as they intend to do
here.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

The tax of one per cent to be levied
upon the property holders of Bexar
county, to carry out the school law,
will amount to $65, 500, and this only
to build school houses.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

Read, the colOred man, who has for
sometime held the office of Porter to
the Senate, has been removed. He
had supported Stevenson for Con-
grcss, and was informed that Steven
son and Davis did not agree, and
therefore, he conld not retain his
,fira
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
HOUSE..

The House met pursuant to adjourn
ment, but in consequence Of the death
of one of its members, Shep. Mullins
Of Waco, did not proceed TO business,
and adjourned until tomorrow morn
ing.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

We invite attention to the speech of
Mr.. DeCordova, published in our is
sue of to-day. 1t will be found to
contain a mass of invaluable facts and
figures noteasiIy obtainable elsewhere.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

The following named gentlemen
have been elected delegates from
Wilson county to the Taxpayers Con
vention, to be held in this city, on the
22d inst, viz: Gilbert Peters, Joseph
B. Polly, with DIR. j. H. Mcmahon and
DIR. A. n. burton as alternates.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
SENATE.

AUSTIN, September l6.
The Senate met according to ad
journment.
Roll called-quorum. Prayer.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21

Blanco county is aroused to action,
as will be seen by the following ex-
tract from private letter;
"The people of this county are
awakening from their lethargy. The
high taxes are doing the work. A
good many who have heretofore been
Radical will vote for Hancock. They
say that their own party has become
so corrupt that it is absolutely neces
sary that there should be a change
Set Blanco down one hundred majority
for Hancock. We will probably hav,
a barbecue on the Goth instant"