The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-21
THE sFlTR DEHOCRAfIC PLLTPORH

WHEREAR It becon ea necessary from time to time
for the fras 81 constitutional governmental reIs
sert their deoon 10 il and 10 proclaim their prin-
eples upon which it should be administered, ana
when lis enemies obtain power 10 expose their usur
patton. to the end that the whole people may be
aroused 10 action to protect their rights Al the ballot
boz; therefore, be it
Resalucd That the Democracy of Texas have Ct
abiding confidence in the devotion Of the Natocai
ment and We pledge ourselves 10 operate with IT.
as an 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. Resolved, That rely upon the honesty and
capacity of the peopl for self government
3. ResOlred, That the Constitution, as formed BY
the free voice Of the States is the foundation Of the
powers Of the Cove nment.
4. ResOlred, Thatrthe powers Of the General Gov
eminent are restricted 10 the express grants Of the
Constitution, and all powers not granted reserved
10 the States end the people thereof.
Resolved That the regulation Of suffrage and cleo
tons belong to the respective States and any interer
ence BY the General Government with intent 70 contFOl
either s gross usurpation Of power, and the Of
the military at elections to overawe the people and
prevent full and fair expression Of their political
sentiments is utterly subversiTe Of free government,
and should be resisted by all proper means until the
evil is abolished, and an honest and untramnelled
6. ResoICed That the abolition Of slavery as a re-
suit Of war Is accepted fixed fact and it becomes
duty, by State legislation, 10 provide for the Sc
eury and well being of all classes Of men, native Of
foreign born, white or black.
Z Resolred, That immigration Of the white race,
from all quarters Of the world be encouraged and
there should be no unreasonable impedlmentB or de-
lay naturalization and citizenship the Democratic
party having been uniformly in favor OF liberal policy
toward all persons of foreign birth who 10 good faith
seek home among US
s. Resolved, That we viii yield obedience TO ths
constitution and laws.
9. RssOlUed, That we. the Democratic party Of
Texas are In favor Of judicious liberal and uniform
system Of internal improvements.
10. Resolred That the Radical State Government
Of Texas has forfeited all Gains 10 the respect Of
I'D ffnrefr
actments; and to the end tina. the citizens OF this
State and Of the United States, may fully eompre-
and usurpations of said Radical Government, we
charge them as tolloWs:
FiTst-In violation of the Federal and State Con-
stitutiop the Legislature of this State has conferred
on the Governor, in obedience to his own dictaton
the power 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
ect them to trial by martial composed OF men
who know nothing Of the rules Of law and evidence,
and this in times Of profound peace.
Sec0Hd-Tbey 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 men Of his own appointment, to sub
ject our citizens seizure OF their persons and
property and subjected their houses TO unreasonable
search without warrant and with no probable cause
supported either by oath or affirmation.
ThiTd-Tbat said police have without warrant or
oath affirmation charging ofenfe, ard even
when no offense had been committed, arrested aid
imprisoned citizens and have extorted from them
the terms of release large sums OF money, Teius-
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 vio
lation of q 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.
FifLh-The Legislature has authorized the Govern
or to appoint thirYhve 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 10 the
aggregate fortytwo thousand dollars annually out of
the State Treasury, thereby violating the Consttu
ton, and plundering the people.
SiHth-The Legislature has virtually abolished
every check that secures the purity OF nc
balletbox, and throws difficulties in the way of full
vote by compelling the people to vote at but ore pre-
cinct ID each county tickets that not numbered
for future Identification thereby rendering the detee
ton of official frauds impossible, by failing to adopt
different mode of voting as authorized by tho Con
stitution.
tanned power by fraud and intimidation. The Legis
ature seeks perpetuate this power by making the
elective franchise dependent on the caprices of
registrars subject to appointment or removal at the
caprice of the Governor.
Eiqhth-That the Senate and House of Represvu-
taVes in utter disregard Of the laws regulating
tested elections, and without complaint in the manner
and time prescribed by law, on eZ PGTte statements
or afidaVits deprived members of their seats and
their constituency of representation in the Legsla
ture with the intention of securing for the Radical
party majority in that body.
Ninfh-That having been elected for term Of
two years they have continued their existence as 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 to advocate the interests of the Radical party,
and although many of them had at the time Of their
establishment circulation, in order to give them
money and support they have compelled public or
private sales ordered by court and sales under exc
cution in any county of the respective DISTRICTS 10 be
published in the paper Of the district at great
pense to the widows and orphans of deceased persons
and of creditors of their estates although not single
copy of the said paper might be taken in the county
where the eale is to be made.
EIeUentl-It has Just attempted to remove the Rad
ical Senator who has denounced their corruption by
eleciing in his stead a military officer, who is not
citizen of the State of Texas.
Toelth-In view of these high crimes and political
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 prefere
TO unite with the Democratic party in removing from
place and power those who now control the State
Government, in order to release the people from OPP
pressive and unequal taxation, to insure an
honest administration Of the laws and honest and
economical expenditure Of the public moneys and to
throw the eg:s of justice and protection over the
person and prosperity Of every individual whatso
ever in the State of Texas.