The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-10-05
THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PLATE ORM

WHEREAA 1t becomes necessary from time TO time
for the frieds Of constitutional governmental reas.
sert their devohon 10 it. and to proclaim their prin-
eples upon which it should be administered, and
when its enemies obtain power, expose their
patton, to the end that the whole people may be
aroused TO action to protect their rights At the ballot
box; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Democracy of Texas have al
abiding confidence in the devotion of the EatioIe
Democratic party to the correct principles of govern
ment and we pledge ourselves TO cooperate with t.
integral part thereof in its future efforts to
store the Government in its administration to the
principles on which II was founded.
2. ReSOlUed, That we rely upon the honesty and
capacity of the peOpl for self government.
3. RESOLVED, That the Constitution, formed by
the free voice of the States the foundation of the
powers of the Cove nment.
4. ResOlUed, Thatrthe powers of the General Gov
eminent are restricted TO the express grants of the
Constitution, and all powers not granted reserved
10 the States end the people thereof.
s. ResotUed, That the regulation of suffrage and cleo
tons belong the respective States and any interior
ence by the General Government with intent to control
either, is gross usurpation Of power, and the of
the military at elections to OveTawe the people and
prevent a full and fair expression of their political
sentiments is utterly subversve of free government,
and should be resisted by all proper means until the
evil is abolished, and an honest and untrammelled
ballot restored.
g. Resolued, That the abolition Of slavery as a re.
suit of is accepted as fixed fact and it becomes
our duty, by State legislation, to provide for the
curity and well being of all classes of men, native of
foreign born, white or black.
7. ResolUed, That immigration of the white race
from all quarters OF the world be encouraged, and
there should be no unreasonable impediments 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 faith
seek home among US.
s. ResOLUed, That we will ield obedience to the
constitution and laws.
9. RsSolved, That we, the Democratic party Of
Texas are in favor of judciOus liberal and uniform
system of internal Improvements.
10. RESOLVED, That the Radical State Government
OF Texas has forfeited all Claims to the respect Of
mankind, by its unconstitutional and oppressive en-
actments; and to the end that the citizens of this
State, and of the United States, may fully compre
bend the grievances suffering from the wrongs
and usurpations of said Radical Government, we
charge Them as tOllOws:
FiTst-In violation of the Federal and State Con-
suton, the Legislature of this State has conferred
on the Governor, in obedience to his dictation
the power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus to
declare the civil laws suspended, close the courts
retnse citizens the right Of trial by jury, and sub
Jeet them TO trial by court martial composed OF men
who know nothing Of the rules 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 appointment to sub
iect our citizens to seizure OF their persons and
property and subjected their houses to unreasonable
search without warrant and with no probable cause
supported either by oath affirmation.
Thfrd-That said police have without warrant or
oath or affirmation charging an offence, aid even
when offense had been committed, arrested and
imprisoned citizens and have extorted from them
as the terms OF release large sums OF money! felu5
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 if
they refuse the required sum.
FOurth-The Legislature has by enactment, in vio-
lation of plain constitutional provision authorized
the Governor to remove officers elected by the people
and appoint men Of his own choice in their place,
which power he has repeatedly exercised.
Fith-The Legislature has authorized the Govern
or to appoint thrty6ve district attorneys when the
Constitution of the State provides that they shall be
and ha1 aaaa and
these officers illegally appointed to be paid In the
aggregate fortytwo thousand dollars annually out of
the State Treasury, thereby violating the Consttu-
ton, and pundering the people.
SiIth-The Legislature has virtually abolished
every check that secures the purity OF The
ballstbOx, and throws dicultesin the way OF full
vote by compelling the people to vote at but one pre-
cnct ia each county tickets that not numbered
for future Identification, thereby rendering the detec
ton of official frauds impossible by failing 10 auOPt
different mode of voting as authorized by the Coh
stitution.
SeUentk-The Radical party Of the State has OBJ
tanned mower by fraud and intimidation. The Legis
laure seeks TO perpetuate this power by making the
elective franchise dependent on the caPTlces OF
registrars subject to appointment or removal al the
caprice of the Governor
Eig6,6-That the Senate and House of Represeu-
taTes in utter disregard Of the laws regulating
tested elections, and without complaint IN the manner
and time prescribed by law, on eI P1Tts statements
or affidavits deprived members of their seats and
their constituency of representation in the Legisla
ture with the intention of securing for the Radical
party majority in that body.
NintR-That having been elected for. a term Of
two years they have continued their existence as a
Legislature for three years by enactment of their
own body.
Tenth-In order TO substitute and corrupt the pres
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 no circulation in order TO give them
money and support they have compelled public or
private sales ordered by and sales under exc
cution in any county Of the respective DISTRICTS 10 be
published in the paper Of the district at great e1-
pense the widows and orphans of deceased persons
and Of creditors Of their estates although not single
copy Of the said paper ght be taken 10 the county
where the sale is 70 be made.
EleUeHtk-lt has Just attempted 10 remove the Rad
ical Senator who has denounced their corruption by
eleciing in his stead military officer, who is not
citizen of the State of Texas.
TosLfth-In view Of these high crimes and political
misdemeanors of the Radical party committed
against the great interests Of the people Of Texas
IL. ResOlUcd. That We invite all good men, what
may have been their past political prefere
unite with the Democratic party in removing from
place and power those who now control the State
Government in order TO release the people from op.
pressiVe revenue and unequal taxation, to insure an
honest administration Of the laws and honest and
economical expenditure Of the public moneys and to
throw tho Hgis Of justice and protection the
person and prosperity Of every individual whAlsO-
In the 'leEaH