Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-10-13
THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS REBUKE
~ USrRPATION.

In the recent election in Texas the peo-
pie arose in their majesty to rebuke the in
famous usurpations of the Radical Governor
Of that State, and they did it in the most
emphatic manner. The election resulted
IN glorious victory for the Democratic
party, all four of the Democratic candidates
Tor Congress having been elected by large
majorities. And this was done in the teeth
OF Gov. Davis active exertions in behalf of
the Radical party and its candidates. The
Governor threw all possible obstacles in the
way Of the Democrats. His orders were
pointedly directed at men who acted with
the Democracy, and his officers interfered
at the polls on the slightest pretext. But
the Democrats were too strong for Davis
and his mercenary offlce-holders, and they
carried the State by large majority,
and win send an unbroken delega-
ton to Congress, unless Davis cheats
them out of member or two by throwing
out votes, as Brownlow used to do in Ten
| AhSooCO hliCh OlAC OtllNOItu
friends. This is threatened and Davis may
resort to it in his desperation. faf'
To show how reckless Davis grew in his
desperation to carry the State for the Radi-
Gals, we may state that on the 9th of August
last an order was issued by him, which
stands unprecedented in American political
history. At one time, so monstrous was
the edict, it was reported that it had been
withdrawn, but on the 9Th of September it
was re7affirmed by Gov. Davis, and under
this iniquitous order the election was held.
By It's, terms the voters in the State were
commanded TO deposit their ballots with
the least possible delay, and after this is
done they are forbidden, under any pretext
to remain about the polls or at the county
seat (Inless this is their residence) during
the election, but shall return to their homes
and usual employments; and peace officers,
State Guard" Troops kept on foot by the
Radical State government in defiance of the
constitutional inhibition on any State keep
ing a standing army in time of peace1, cor
militia on duty at the polls shall see that this
regulation is complied with" Next it is Or
dained that 'All persons are forbidden to
shout, jeer at, or in any way insult or
annoy voters or candidates for office
during the registration and election, :"
the conStables, militia, and State troops
to enforce this also. Next the decree reads:
"All gathering, combination, or assembling
of persons in numbers at or near the
county seat during the time of registration
is being made, or the election is going on,
| and for the purpose of intimidating voters,
is forbidden, and should any such gather
| ing, combination, or assembly take place in
any county it shall be presumed that the
same is for said purpose of intimidating
voters, whatever might be alleged by such
persons as the pretext thereof, and peace
officers, State Guard, and militia on duty
in such county are directed to disperse such
persons" And, lastly, all carrying Of arms
was forbidden. To enforce these decress
Gov. Davis announced that he assumed
command of all sheriffs and city police,
called out the militia, and put his standing
army (the State guard) on active duty. This
edict Of the Governor was strictly enforced
by his henchmen, but all his efforts failed to
save his Radical friends. The man who
could be guilty of promulgating such an
atrocious edict as this, directed against men
as free as himself, will resort to any infamy
to defeat the will of the people of Texas as
expressed through the ballot-box at the late
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