The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-08-01
THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM

WHEREAS, 1t becomes necessary from tiLae to time
for the friends Of constitutional government
sert their devotion TO it and to proclaim their pFin-
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 to protect their rights ct the ballot
box therefore, be it
ResOlUSd That the Democracy of Texas have an
abiding confidence in the devotion of the National
ment, and we pledge ourselves TO cooperate whit
as an integral part thereof in its future efforts to
store the Government in its administration to the
principles on which 1t was founded.
2. Resolved, That we rely upon the honesty an
capacity OF the people for self government.
B. RESOLVED, That the Constitution as formed by
the free voice of the States is the foundation of the
powers Of the Government.
A. ResolUed, That the powers of the General Gov
eminent are restricted to the express grants of the
Constitution, and all powers not granted are reserved
to the States end the people thereof.
ResotCed That the regulation of suffrage and cleo
tons belong to the respective States and any interior
ence by the General Government with intent to control
either Is gross usurpaton of power and the use of
the military at elections to Overawe the people and
prevent full and fair expression of their political
sentiments is utterly subversive of free government
and should be resisted by all proper means until the
evil is abolished, and an honest and untrsmmellsd
ballot restored.
6. Resolved That the abolition of slavery as a re.
suit of war accepted as fixed fact and 1t becomes
our duty, by State legislation, TO provide for the
cury and well being of all classes Of men, native
foreign born, white or black
Z. RESOLVED, That immigration of the white race
from all quarters OF the world be encouraged, and
there should be no unreasonable impedlments or 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
8. RssolUed, That we will yield obedience to the
constitution and laws.
9. ReSOiUed, That we, the Democratic party of
Texas are in favor of judicious liberal and uniform
system of internal improvements
10. Res0tUed, That the Radical State Government
Of Texas has forfeited all ciams 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 usurpstOns of said Radical Government We
charge them as follOws:
Frst-In violation of the Federal and State Con
suon, the Legislature of this State has conferred
on the Governor, in obedience to his own dictalion
the power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus,
declare the civil laws suspended close the courts
reinse citizens the right of trial by jury, and sub
ject them TO trial by court Martial composed OF
who know nothing of the rules of law and evidence
and this In times of profound peace.
Seo0Nd-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 differed by men Of his own appointment to sui
iect our citizens to seizure Of their persona and
property, and subjected their houses to unreasonable
search without warrant and with no probable cause,
supported either by oath or affirmation
Ihird-Tbat said police have without warrant
oath or affirmation charging Offense, and
imprisoned our citizens and have eTtOrted from them
as the terms of release large sums Of money, refls
ing them the benefit Of counsel or trial without being
confronted by their scensers or the witnesses against
them, and under threat of trial by court martial if
they refuse the required sum.
FOuTtt-The Legislature has by enactment, in VIC
atioD 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.
Fitth-1he Legislature has authorized the Govern
to appoint thirtyhve district attorneys when the
Constitution of the State provides that they shall BE-
elected and he has exercised this power and causes
ill.,
aggregate fory-two Thousand dollars annually out of
the State Treasury, thereby violating the Constitu-
ton, and PlunderinR the people.
Mrh-The Legislature has virtually abolished
every check that secures the purity OF the
baletbOx and throws difficulties 10 the wy Of full
vote by compelling the people to vote but one pre-
ciuct ia eaeh county tickets that are not numbered
for future Identification thereby rendering the detsc.
ton of official frauds impossible by failing adopt
different mode of voting as authorized BY the Con
stitutiOn.
SeUentt-The Radical party of the State has OBJ
tained power by fraud and intimidation. The Legs
6ture seeks to perpstuate this power by making the
elective franchise dependent on the csprices OF
registrars subject TO appointment or removal At the
caprice Of the Governor.
Ei9HtIC-That the Senate and House Of Repressn-
taTes in utter disregard Of the laws regulating
tested elections, Apd without complaint in the manner
and time prescribed by law, on pGrts statements
or RfidAYits deprived members OF their seats ana
their constituency of representation in the LNgSs
ture with the intention Of securing for the BEdical
party majority in that body.
=
two years they have continued their existence ss q
Legislature for three years by enactment Of their
own body.
TeHth-in order 10 RbsidiZe and corrupt the press
they have established newspapers In each Judicial
District advocate the interests of theadca party,
and although many OF them had at the time Of their
establishment circulation, In order to give them
money aud support they have compelled public Or
private saes ordered by court and sales under
cutiOn in any county Of the respective districts TO be
published in the paper Of the district great eI-
peDse the widows and orphans 81 deceased persons
and of creditors Of their estates although not single
copy Of the sR!5 psper Rght be taken 10 tbs courts
WHERE the sale is 10 be made.
Eieoenik-It has Just attempted to remove the Rad
icAl Senator who has denounced their corruption BY
sleciing in his stead military officer. who 10 not
citizen of the State Of Texas
TEr'0'--il H4ay- Cf flEs- ..igh CGI.4Fs and
misdeI.s4laE- TO. -lr NsasrrI f4fly INN.
HgailS- -1e -sa.- -sIgs.- - sue e6.,.e OF Tex
IL Es.rH.o. y .lI 20 lBVtJs All ss.d u
aiaJ nave 9sll tleir pas; 20 tcai
% ouIts si-l % Democratic party 10 rem. ...
p.acs and power tfcss who now eoHt~e -.
Gl7-s sut Ia order 90 release the pep .s.. o..
pFess.ye revenue gTd unequal TAXATION q. ...... g.
Eglssr e1LE!liz-Tz al "a Ok the lava and ar E-..
sc5DOl-ictl expenditure o. The publ 1aou
thT0E ths Hyis % justice ana pTotsci.0l .... b..
person -lc prosperity q 4TFry in1tv-5 -4.
e-z- = tLE sE-Ea q IETge