The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-10-19
THE STATE DEMOCRATIC platform

WHEREAS, 1t becomes necessary from tilce 10 time
for the friends Of constitutional eOTeTnmeatto reas-
seTt their devotion 10 it. and TO proclaim their pTln-
eiples upon whieh il should be administered, ana
when its enemies obtain power, 10 expose their usrr-
patton, TO the emf that The whole PEOPLE may DO
aroused 10 action 10 protect their rights a. the ballot
box; therefore, be it
Rss0lrGd, That the Democracy Of Texas have g
abiding confidence in the devotion of the EsrorS
Democratic party 10 he correct pTncE les OF govern
neHt and we pledge ourselves 10 co operate with {
as an integral part thereof in its futute effort TO re-
store the Government in its administration to the
principles on which it was founded.
,. ResOtCed, That We rely upon the honesty and
capacity of the peOpl for self government.
). Rssolrod, that the Constitution, as formed By
the fTce voice OF the States IS the foundation OF the
powers of the Cove nment.
4. ReS0lrea, Thatrtle powers Of the General Gov
ernment are restricted 10 the express grants OF the
Constitution and all powers not granted are reserved
to the States 9nd the people thereof.
ReSored, That the regulation Of suffrage aud cleo
tons belong TO the respective states and any interior
by the General Government with intent to control
either Is gross usUTpatiOn Of power, and the use OF
themilitaTy at elections 20 Overawe the people and
prevent full and fair expression OF their political
sentiments ls utterly su5versive OF free government,
aud should be resisted by all proper means until the
evil is abolished, and en- honest and uutrarnRel!ed
ballot restored.
6 Resolced, That the abolition Of slavery u re-
suit OF is accepted fixed fact, and it becomes
duty, by state eg.sati0u provide Tor the Sc
CURLY and well being of all classes Of men, naive OF
foreign born, white or black.
1. AGSStUtuf luHL immigration OF lGC WINE idtc,
from all quarters Of the world be encouraged, ana
there should be no unreasonable impedmeuts or de-
lay to naturalization aud citizenship the Democratic
party having been uniformly in favor o. liberal policy
toward all persons Of fore ga birth who in good faith
seek home among Us.
S. Resolred That we will led obedience to the
constitution and laws.
9. ResOlUed, That we, the Democratic party OF
Texas in favor OF judicOus, liberal ana uniform
system of internal Improvements.
10. BesoLred, That the Radica! State Government
of Texas has fCritied all Gains 10 the respect Of
mankind, 10y its unconstitutional Gnd oppressive en-
actmCnls; and 10 the end that the citizens OF this
State, ana Of the United States may fully cOmLrc.
bend the grievances We ara suTr ring from the wrongs
and usurpatiOus Of sad Radical Government, We
charge them 6s fellows:
FjrSt-In violation of the Federal and Stale Goa
sluliOn, the Legislature OF this state has conferred
on the Governor in obedience to his own dictalion
tue power 10 suspend the writ Of AaDeas corpus to
declare the civil laws suspended, close TIE courts
reinse our citizens the hight Of trial by jury, and sub
ject them to trial BY court mart 4! composed
who know nothing CT the rules OF law and evidence,
and tlis in times OF profound peace.
SccOHd-They have, in violation Of Tic Constitution,
likewise a. tie GOFgru-rs dcta;iJu, given him the
power by aid OF police force, sPpOlnted bJ himself
and Differed by men Of his appointment to sob
ject our citizens 10 sjzuIe OF jheir persons and
property, and subjected their houses TO Unreasonable
search without warrant and with no probable caUse
supported either by oath or affirmation.
ThirG-Tbat said police have without warrant or
oath or affirmation charging OheuEe, aid even
when 10 Cilense had been committed, arrested and
imprisoned our CitZens and have eGtcfsCu from tn IN
as the terms Of release large lCas Of money, rctus
ing them the beneT OF counsel or trial wthUu! ben
confronted by their aGcusers or the witnesses against
them, and under threat OF tial 10y court martial it
they refuse The required sUu.
FOurtI-The Legislature has by enactment, in VIC
latlOn Of plain cuustI u,iuna provision, authorized
the Governor to officers elected 10y the people
and appoint Of lis own choice in their Place.
which power he has repeatedly exercised.
FJfh-Ihc Legislature has authorized the Govern
~ appoint thiTtyfge district Attorney, when The
Constitution of the state provides that they shall be
elected and he has exercised this power ard CAUSES
these officers illegally appointed to BE- paid IL the
aggregate tortytwO thousand dollars ANNUALLY cut OF
the State Treasury, thereby violating the tUEztttu-
lion, aud piundering the people.
SiLth-Iae Leg stature has virtually abolished
every check that secures tie lurity Of H.
5allgttoX, and throws difficulties il the way OF fu.l
vote by compelling the people - vote ai but pre-
ciHct IL each county tickets that numbered
for future Identification, thereby rendering the dttcC-
lion Of official frauds impossible by failing to adopt
different mode Of voting Is authorized Oy the Con-
stItCtOn.
Seceath-The Radical party of the state has OBJ
tanned power 10y fraud and intimidation. The Legs
ature seeks to perpctuate this power 10y making tho
elective franchise dependent tie capricus III
registrars subject 10 appointment or removal at the
caprice Of tus Governor.
Eightt-Th.t the senate and House Of Rcprezrrr-
tat' utter disregard OF the laws regulating con
tested elections, and without paint il tho manner
and time prescribed by law, on pGgtg statements
or athdiyits deprived members OF their seats and
their constituency u representation in e Lccisu-
tuTe with the intention Cf securing for the Radical
patty maj 0rity in that body.
NiHh-lhat having Jeca elected for a tenn Of
two Years they have continued their existence ~ a
Legislature for three years by enactment OF thcr
own body.
Telth-In order 10 suh=iIiza and corrupt the press
they have established UsPapers in each Judicial
District advocate the interests of the Radical party
and although many Of tne"' had at tie time of their
es establishment circulation ia order TO give them
money AID support they have compelled public or
private sales ordered 10y court and sales under Xe
culiUn in any county Ui TIE respective districts be
published in tho paper of the district at great eS-
peEse the widows and orphans OF deceased persons
OF creditors Of their estat although sing lie
copy of the said paper ght be taken in tho county
where the sale is to be made.
EieCeHh-lt has Just attempted to remove the Rad
ical Senator who has CCn0UuCd their Corruption Ey
eecting IN his stead military officer who 8.
citizen OF the state Of Texas.
Tl-ciith-ln view OF these high crimes ana iatiCa!
mi-demeanOTs Of the Radical party committed
against the great interests OF the people Of IcSzs
II. Rcsoicfd, That We invite all good unru, Whist
may have been their past po..tGa! p?.Icre
10 unite with the Democratic party in removing from
plaCe and power those who now control the state
GOvtrhmeut in order TO release the people Cp
prCssive revenue aud unequal taxation, 10 Insure an
honest administration Of the laws and honest aad
economical expenditure OF the pablo moneys and to
throw ih2 as=ls Cf justice and protection the
person and prosperity OF every Individual w!i.J-O
ever il the State OF Texas.