Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1872-10-26
TheAmendment 10 thsConstitutior.

The amendment TO our present Consti
tuition, which our people are called on II
vote for or against, is simply this: 1t au,
thorizes the State Legislature, With the
approval OF the Governor, TO vote lands to
aid in the construction of railroads, as
they were empowered 10 do under the oil
constitution. No power is given TO vote
subsidies in money or bonds for which
the people would have to be taxed 10 pay
the interest and ultimately the principal
Strong reasons can be given why the peo-
pie should vote for this amendment, as we
trust they will. In the first place, it is
known that large subsidy in bonds has
been given by the State to tho Southern
Pacific and Ira nscontinental roads, now
consolidated with the great Texas Pacific,
which bonds, under the charter, may be
changed into land grant, and thus the
people Of the State will incur no debt and
have no interest to pay. This, of itself,
is most important consideration. The
lands ina wild state, are almost val
ueless to Texas, while the building of the
railroads will enhance the value Of the
remainder left after the donations to rail-
roads far beyond the present value of oil.
Il is q great mistake that there will be no
lands left for the public schools. Under
an existing Jaw of the State, in sectioniz-
ing and locating the railroad lands, cve-
ry O lternate section is devoted TO the
School Fund. Instead then of lessening
the School Fund, it will be increased by
the operation of this movement. The rail-
road companies are better immigration
agents than any the State can appoint.
Their interests lead them to bring in set
tiers on their own lands and thus the val.
NC of the alternate sections is increased
FIVE fold. The railroads, to which bond
have been given, prefer the lands
instead. Their own bonds founded upon
The securities of the lands given and the
roads they build sell better in the market
han the bonds Of any State. As We have
,aid, there is an express provision in the
charters Of the Southern Pacific and Trans
continental uthorizing the State, in view
" the adoption of this:amendment, TO sub
titute the lands for the bonds, an the di-
'ectors of the Texas Pacific will gladly |
make the change, which will work to the
'eneft of all parties. We have also eve
y reason TO believe, from the reasons
.iven, that the International Road will be
more than willing to make the same ar
angemcnf, though we believe not COM
elled to do it by its charter, as il should
ave been. In this case, the whole pres
Mt aud prospective debt Of the State for
ailrOads may ..be liquidated in lands and
ne State enriched instead Of being i'm
overished by the construction Of the ra H.
pads, and the liberal aid extended.
Our people, then, win at once pero ieve
le grand Importance Of the adoption of
lis anne ndment, and turn out 10 man
I'D vote for il. Thus they win get the
Iilroads and incur no debt, aud will not
I've to be taxed to pay interest on the
,nds. Let Them not he deceived and led
tray by editors or others Who do not
subject thoroughly. # is
st as we state ii, and we defy eOntradic- .
Dn. .Dy all means, then, vote for the
nendment, get clear Of the debt, avoid
ture taxation, secure the railroads, with :
cir attendant immigration and enrich
e State.