The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-09-07
THE STATE DEMORGAFIG PLATFORM

WHEREAS, 1t becomes necessary from time to time
for the friends Of constitutional governmental
their devotion TO it. and to proclaim their prn
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 at the ballot
box; therefore, be 1t
RssoEUed, That the Democracy of Texas have CT
abiding confidence in the devotion Of the Eationa
Democratic party to the correct principles of govern
ment, and we pledge ourselves TO cooperate whit,
integral part thereof in its future efforts to
store the Government in its administration TO the
principles which it was founded.
2. ResOiUed, That we rely upon the honesty and
capacity of the peOpl for self government.
g. Resolved, That the Constitution, as formed by
the free voice of the States the foundation of the
powers of the Cove nment.
f. RESOLVED, Thatrthe powers of the General Gov
eminent restricted to the express grants of the
Constitution, and all powers not granted reserved
to the States end the people thereof
ReSOlUed That the regulation of suffrage and cleo
tions belong to the respective States and any interior
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 a full and fair expression of their political
sentiments is utterly subversye of free government,
and should be resisted by all proper means until the
evil is abolished, and an honest and untrammelled
ballot restored.
g. ResolUed, That the abolition of slavery as a re-
suit of is accepted as fixed fact and it becomes
duty, by State legislation, TO provide for the
curty and well being of all classes of men, native of
foreign born, white or black.
Z. Res0LUed, That immigration of the white race,
from all quarters of the world be encouraged, and
there should be no unreasonable impedments 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
geek home among US.
s. Resolved, That we will yield obedience to the
constitution and laws.
9. RESOLVED, That we, the Democratic party of
Texas in favor of judicous, liberal and uniform
system of internal improvements.
10. ResOLUed, 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,
charge them follows:
First-In violation of the Federal and State Con-
sttutiOD 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, to
declare the civil laws suspended close the courts
rense citizens the right of trial by jury, and sub
ect them to trial by court marital composed OF men
who know nothing of the rules of law and evidence,
and this in times of profound peace.
SecORd-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 sob
ject 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 or affirmation.
Third-Tbat said police have without warrant or
oath affirmation charging Ofiense, aid even
imprisoned citizens, and have extorted from them
the terms of release large sums Of money ref1s-
ing them the benefit Of counsel or trial without being
confronted by their accsers or the witnesses against
them and under threat of trial by court martial if
they refuse the required Gum.
FOHrth-The Legislature has by enactment, in vic.
lation 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 lie has repeatedly exercised.
Fi6h-The Legislature has authorized the Govern
TO appoint thirtyfve district attorneys when the
Constitution Of the State provides that they shall be
elected, and he has exercised this power and causes
these officers 30 Illegally appointed to be paid in the
aggregate fortytwo thousand dollars annually out of
the State Treasury, thereby violating the Consttu-
ton, and plundering the people.
SiIth-1he Legislature has virtually abolished
every check that secures the purity of tho
balletbox, and throws difficulties in the way Of full
by compelling the people TO vote at but pre-
cnct in each county on tickets that numbered
for future identification, thereby rendering the etec
tion of official frauds impossible, by failing to adopt
different mode of voting as authorized by the Con
stitutiOn.
SereHA-The Radical party Of the State has OBJ
tanned power by fraud and intimidation The Legis
ature seeks to perpetuate this power by making the
elective franchise dependent on the caprices of
registrars subject to appointment or removal al the
caprice Of the Governor.
Eightt-That the Senate and House of Repre.eu-
taNes IN utter disregard Of the laws regulating con
tested elections, and without complaint in the manner
and time prescribed by law on ez pare statements
or afhdavits deprived members Of their seats and
their constituency of representation in the Legisla
lure with the intention Of securing for the Radical
= arty majority in that body.
NiRth-That having been elected for a term Of
two years they have continued their existence az
Legislature for three years by enactment of their
own body.
TentE-In order 10 subsidize and corrupt the press
they have established newspapers in each Judicial
District advocate the interests of the Radical marty
and although many of them had at the time of their
establishment circulation 10 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 ex
pense the widows and orphans Of deceased persons
of creditors Of their estates although not single
copy of the said paper might be taken ia the county
where the sale is TO be made.
EieUeHtt-lt has Just attempted to remove the Rad
ical Senator who has denounced their corruption by
eiecting in his stead military officer who il not
citizen of the State of Texas.
T0eyth-ln view Of these high crimes and political
misdemeanoTs of the Radical party committed
against the great interests Of the people of Texas
II. RssoLUed, That We invite all good men, what.
ever 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 % release the people from OPP
pTessiVe revenue and unequal taxation, TO insure
honest administration Of the laws and honest and
economical expenditure Of the public moneys and TO
throw tho Bgis of justice and protection the
person and prosperity Of every individual Whatsc-
ever in the State Of Texas.