The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-08-24
THE STATE DRMOCRAFIC PLATFORM

WHEREAS 1t becomes necessary from time to time
for the friends Of constitutional governmental reas
sert their devotion 10 it. and to proclaim their pTiD
eiples upon which it should be administered, ana
when its enemies obtain power, to expose their usur
patton, to the end that The whole people may be
aroused TO action protect their rights the ballot
box; therefore, be 1t
Resolved, That the Democracy of Texas have ar
abiding confidence in the devotion of the NatioDe
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 It was founded.
2. ResoiUed That We rely upon the honesty and
capacity of the peOpl for self government.
3. RESOLVED, That he Constitution, as formed by
the free voice of the States is the foundation of the
powers of the Cover nment.
4. Re8OEUed That the powers Of the General Gov
eminent restricted 10 the express grants of the
Constitution and all powers not granted reserved
to the States end the people thereof.
s. ResolUed That the regulation of suffrage and elsc
lions belong to the respective States and any interfer
by the General Government with intent to control
either is gross usurpaton Of power, and the use OF
the military at elections oVerawe 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 honest and untrsmmelled
ballot restored.
6. ResoIUed That the abolition Of slavery as a re.
suit of war is accepted fixed fact and 1t becomes
duty, by State legislation to provide for the Sc
curity and well being Of all classes Of men, native or
foreign born, white or black
7. RESOLVED, That immigration of the white race,
from all quarters Of the world be encouraged, and
there should be no unreasonable impediments or de-
Icy 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
geek home among us.
8. RESOLVED That we will yield obedience TO the
constitution and laws
9. ResoIUed, That we, the Democratic party of
Texas in favor of udicious 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 follows:
FiTst-In violation of the Federal and State Con-
stution the Legislature of this State has conferred
the Governor, in obedience to his own dictaiiOn
the power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, to
declare the civil laws suspended close the courts
refnse citizens the right of trial by jury, and sub
ject 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.
Sec0nd-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 of his appointment, TO Sob
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 OF affirmation.
Ihird-That said police hsye without warrant or
cath affirmation charging an Ohense, and even
when no offense had been committed, arrested and
imprisoned citizens and have extorted from them
the terms of release large sums 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 if
they refuse the required sum.
FOurth-The Legislature has by enactment, in VIC
lation of plain constitutional provision, authorized
the Governor officers elected by the people
and appoint men Of his own choice in their place,
which power he has repeatedly exercised.
FTfh-The Legislature has authorized the Govern
or to appoint thirty Ave district attorneys, when the
Constitution of the State provides that they shall be
elected and he has exercised this power and causes
these officers illegally appointed TO be paid in the
aggregate fOrty-two thousand dollars annually out of
the State Treasury, thereby violating the Constitu
ton, and plundering the people.
.Sinth-The Legislature has virtually abolished
every check that secures the purity of tho
balotstOx and throws difficulties 10 the way of full
vote by compelling the people to vote at but pre-
cinct ia each county tickets that not 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-
Atitution.
SeUsndi-The Radical party Of the State has!ob.
tanned power by fraud and intimidation The Legis-
lature seeks to perpetuste this power by making
elective franchise dependent on the csprices of
registrars subject to appointment removal at the
caprice Of the Governor
EightL-That the Senate and House Of Reprpsen-
tatiVe in disregard of the laws regulating con-
tested elections and without complaint in the manner
and time prescribed by law, on pGTte statements
or afidavits 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.
NiRth-That having been elected for q term Of
two years they have continued their existence az a
Legislature for three years by enactment of their
own body.
Tenth-In order 10 subsidize and corrupt the press
they have established newspapers in each Judicial
District advocate the interests of the Radical party
and although many Of them had the time of their
establishment no circulation, 10 order to give them
money and support they have compelled public or
private sales ordered by court and sales under exc
cuion in any county Of the respective districts to be
published in the paper Of the district ct & great ex-
pense to the widows and orphans of deceased persons
and Of creditors of their estates although single
copy Of the said paper might be taken the county
where the sale is to be made.
EleUeHht-It has just attempted TO remove the Rad
ical Senator who has denounced their corruption by
eeciing in his stead military officer, who is not
citizen Of the State Of Texas.
TOeyfth-ln view Of these high crimes and political
misdeneanors of the Radical party committed
against the great Interests Of the people OF Texas
IL. ResOlUsd, That we invite all good men, what.
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 70 release the people from op
pressiTe and unequal taxation, TO insure
honest administration Of the laws and honest and
economical expenditure Of the public moneys and to
throw the egs Of justice and protection over the
person aud prosperity Of every individual whstso-
ever In the State Of Texas.