The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-12-14
TIE DEMOCRATIC SAFE PLlTFORn

WHEREAs, It becomes necessary from time 10 time
for the friends Of constitutional goVeTnmentto
sert their devotion 10 it and to proclaim their prn-
eiples upon which il should be administered, ana
when its enemies obtain power, to expose their usur
patton, 10 the end that the whole people may be
aroused to action to protect their rights at the ballot
box; therefore, be Il
ResOlcsd That the Democracy Of Texas have CT
abiding confidence in the devotion of the Eatiobe
Democratic party TO the correct principles Of govern
ment and We pledge ourselves 10 cooperate with it
integral part thereof in its future efforts to re-
store the government In It's administration to the
principles on which it was founded.
2. ReSOl5ed, That We rely upon the honesty and
capacity Of the peopl for salf government.
3. ResOlred, That the Constitution, as formed BY
the free voice Of the States is the foundation Of the
powers of the Government
4. RssOEVed, Thatrthe powers of the General Gov
eminent are restricted TO the express grants Of the
Constitution, and all powers not granted reserved
to the States end the people thereof.
D. Resotved That the regulation of suffrage and cleo
lions belong TO the respective States and any interer-
enee BY the General Government with intent control
either Is gross usurpaton of power and the use of
the military at elections oYerawe the people and
prevent 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 uutrammeed
ballot restored.
6. Rssol1sd, That the abolition Of slavery as a re-
suit OF war Is accepted as fixed fact and it becomes
our duty, BY State legislation, 10 provide for the Sc.
cury and well being of all classes Of men, native of
foreign born, white or black.
Z. RssOlrSd, That immigration of the white race,
from all quarters of the world be encouraged, and
there should be no unreasonable impediments or de-
lay 10 naturalization and citizenship, the Democratic
party having been uniformly in favor Of liberal policy
toward all persons Of foreign birth who in good faith
s. RssoIved, Thar we will yield obedience to the
constitution and laws.
9. RssoLred, That we, the Democratic party of
Texas are in favor of judcious liberal and uniform
system Of internal Improvement
10. ResolUed, That the Radical State Government
OF Texas has forfeited all claims to the respect Of
mankind, BY Its unconstitutional and oppressive
actments; 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, We
charge Them as follows:
FTst-In violation of the Federal and State Con-
shuon, the Legislature of this State has conferred
on the Governor, in obedience to his own dictaton
the power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, to
declare the civil laws suspended, close the courts
refnse our citizens the right of trial by jury, and sub
lect 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
SecoNd-They have, in violation Of the Constitution,
likewise a. the Governors dctation, given him the
power BY aid of police force, appointed BY himself
and Offered by of his own appointment TO sab
tect our citizens to seizure OF their persons and
property, and subjected their houses unreasonable
search without warrant and with no probable cause
supported either by oath or affirmation.
Third-That said police have without warrant OF
oath or affirmation charging an Ofense, and even
when no ofense had been committed, arrested and
imprisoned our citizens, and have extorted from them
as the terms Of release large sums Of money, refus
ing them the benefit Of counsel trial without beinl
confronted by their the witnesses agsins
them, and under threat of trial by court martial i
they refuse The required sum.
FourtA-The Legislature has by enactment, in VIC
ation Of plain constitutional provision, authorized
the Governor remove officers elected by the people
and appoint men Of his own choice in their place
which power hehas repeatedly exercised.
Fifth-The Legislature has authorized the Govern
or appoint thrtyhve district attorneys, when the
Constitution of the State provides that they shall be
elected and he has exercised this power and easeI
these officers illegally appointed TO be paid In the
aggregate fortytwO thousand dollars annually out o.
the State Treasury, thereby violating the Constitu
ton, and plunderingthe people.
SiIth-The Legislature has virtually abolished
every check that secures the purity of thC
balletbox, and throws difficulties in the way of full
vote by compelling the people to vote at but one pre-
einct ia each county tickets that not numbered
for future Identification, thereby rendering the detec
tim of official frauds impossible by failing to adopt
different mode OF voting az authorized by the Con
stituton. ..r
Seusnth-The Radical party Of the State has OBJ
tained power by fraud and intimidation. The Legs
ature seeks to perpetuate tnis power by making the
elective franchise dependent on the caprices VI
registrars subject to appointment or removal at thu
caprice Of the Governor.
| Eighth-That the Senate and House of Reprsssu
tatVes in utter disregard Of the laws regulating
tested elections and without complaint in the Inannei
and time prescribed by law, Ez pdFte statements
or afidaVits deprived members OF their seats anC
their constituency OF representation in the Legtsa
ture, with the intention of securing for the Radica
party majority in that body.
Ninth-That having been elected for q term O
two years they have continued their existence
Legislature for three years by enactment of thei
own body.
Tenkh-In order to substitute and corrupt the press
they have established newspapers in each Judicia
District to advocate the interests of the Radical party
and although many of them had at the time of theII
establishment circulation, in order to give then
money and support they have compelled public Oh
private sales ordered by court and sales under exc
cution in any county of the respective Districts be
published in the paper eff the district at great ex
pense the widows and orphans of deceased persons
creditors of their estates although single
copy of the said paper might be taken in the county
where the sale is to be made.
EieUentk-It has Just attempted to remove tho Rad
ical Senator who has denounced their corruption by
electing in his stead military officer, who is not
citizen of the State of Texas.
TIoeLfth-ln view of these high crimes and politica
misdemeanors of the Radical party committed
against the great interests Of the people of Texas,
IL. ResolUed, That We invite all good men, what
ever may have been their past political preferences
to unite with the Democratic party in removing from
place and power those who now control the State
Government. in order to rel 1aSe the people from op
honest administration OF the laws and an honest and
economical expenditure of the public moneys and
throw tho egis Of justice and protection over the
person and prosperity of avery individual whatse
ever in the State of Texas.