davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15
Election nm.
evitable


The afternoon session of the Senate yes
terday was mainly taken up in discussing
the House substitute election bill This
substitute provides that the election be for
thirty Senator'S and ninety Representatives,
aud the fact was pretty well developed that
there viii be warm fight over this before
it is disposed Of The position of the op-
position seems to be, that if the present
Legislature does not hold for two years,
then the last election was not general
election, and hence that all the questions
heretofore considered as disposed of by that
election viii again be opened; that the
abridgment Of ne term Of members by leg
islation is in opp sition to the Constitution,
which says that they shall hold for two
years. being elected at a general election.
But this position, though in itself it is
worthy oil. serious consideration, is not the
point in question. The constitutionaIity Of
such an election, and the abridgement Of
the term Of the present Legislature to one
which rests entirely upon another, that Of
the re-apportionment OF the State into new
Senatorial districts. II re-apportionment
legislates the present Legislature ont
Of existence, them the abridgement oft he
term is constitutional. Precedents exist
which would seem to settle this matter, and
it isto be hoped thar all the differences upon
the question VIII be overcome. We sincerely
home that We ara not ranidlv tendinr To-
wards the same position that Legislative
matters have assumed IN unfortunate Lou
isina.
Wc hope that an election VIII Be held
for ali the Senators as well as Representa-
tivcs, but as the same time we do not advise
the Legislature 10 decide either for OF
against measure of such vital Importance
to the public welfare. IL rcsis with tie
wisdom Of the Thirteenth Legislature to de-
eide ufon the constitptionality q the cues
tons involved, and we have 40 doubt II
viii settle the matter as Legislators should
definitely.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

same cause now afiicts Louisiana. Texas
viii then have dug for rs Of our own act.
Slough Of Despord like that in which
the once high-tOnc5, glorious. wealthy
State Of Louisiana n5w lies prostrafe. be-
mired, her good people pauperized. their
energies palsied. her public revenues plum
dered, and hope itself nearly dead for the
faint expectation Of law or Justice from
General Grant, or Of relief from Credit
Mobilier Congress. deserves not the name
Of hope. With two bodies at Austin, each
claiming to be. the Legislature, Governor
Davis will run the machine of state
government alone Or he can, if need to
him there seems TO be, invoke the aid Of
myrmidOns TO trample ont the rights and
hopes Of Texas as has been done in Louis
lana. Texas viii become a State to be
avoided as Louisiana now is, by all who
seek quiet homes and honest legal govern
ment. The Ills and dangers of having two
bodies, each claiming to be the Legislature,
cannot be overstated. If such a calamity
seems to any one improbable, under the act
ordering the elections in question, let him
ponder on the sneering resolution of Radi-
cal Senator Fountain to provide accommo-
dations Tor tlc0 Legislatures.
Most of the members of the present Leg
Aoicb0AC We hnOA that III WI
not: but if one, or even all resign, the case
then arises in which the Constitution, arti-
Gle three, section nineteen, prescribes that
1.-THE Governor shall issue writs of election
to fill such vacancies, to fill vacancies in
the present Legislature, not to elect new
one. In the execution of this duty the Gov
ernor may readily increase or create a new
imbroglio.
sat down, my dear sir, to pen you short
note invoking your attention to the danger
of most calamitous embroglio from ill-ad-
vised legislation. My note has extended
into long letter; its length would forbid
my mention of other grave matters connect
ed with the subject in question. Nor do l
propose now to suggest any course to ward
off the dangers which threaten us / would
have waited till l could procure the act
ordering an election, but l know not how
soon our Legislature may adjourn.
believe that if the subject strikes you as it
has done me, your powerful adInonition,
through the columns of the News, would
insure thoughtful consideration, before the
adjournment of the Legislature shall leave
us without remedy.
Very truly yours.
AsHBEL SMITH.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15
walsr saPPIy 81 Ans.ln.

A company, composed Of s0me of our
most energetic and reliable citizens has or
ganiEed for the purpose not only of supply
ing the city Of Austin with plenty Of good,
fresh water, but to irrigate large section
Of country above and below the city. The
purpose is to start a canal at the Marble
Falls, forty miles up the Colorado isonduct-
ing it through the country between here
and there, so that the water gan be
used for purposes Of irrigation. The
faet-hss already been proven that
the mountains above here are covered with
a rich soil, and that with immigration these
lands can be utilized for the growing Of
anc crops. Fine vegetables and fruit are
grown upon those lands, and all that Is
aeeded 70 mako them Is productive as any
Is TIE state IS suficicn, moisture to keep
the earth in proper condition during the
IN scasons such relief would be secured
IS tbc accomplishment Of the above under
lakinr, and We hope for this and the Gre
at q ihc capital Of the State that It viii
soon become a reality.
Austin Nonld he supplied With an ana
BE supply 81 water through this canal, ares-
ersolr being huilt for hepurpose upon some
ainen1e in the vicinity oi the city, sulli-
cienty elevated to forco the water through
pIpes 81 ~ paris the city. The-eoni-
enr proposes to sapply the water At re-
mtl b|e low rates 70 individuals, and
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Some days since we noticed editorially
that charges were about to be preferred
against Judge Chambers, Of the First Judi
cial District that these charges come from
the bar 81 his district, and that there ces
tainly must be good grounds for them.
We now learn from Judge Chambers him
self, that tho charges come but from two
members Of the bar Of his district, and
that these two gentlemen, Robert H.
Leonard and James B. Simpson, are his
Incorporating personal enemies. We
make this statementin view Of the fact that
may have aided in doing Judge Cham
ers an injustice.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

There is a very general discussion of the
question Of compromise upon the subject of
the international Railroad bonds. Wednes-
day petition from citizens of Marion
county was presented to the Legislature,
asking that the matter be settled through
compromise instead of the suit progressing
longer. Other expressions of a similar
nature are coming from various parts of the
State. The general disposition seems to be
in favor of a final settlement of the ques-
tion in the manner above proposed The
ball is in motion, and for the well being of
theparty we hope it wiIl be earnestly taken
hold Of without delay.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

A legislator who becomes a weather
cock, shifting about according TO the Opin-
ions Of his constituency, is not fitted for
his position. If he follows the suggestion
of part of them he always comes directly
in opposition to the conscientious desires
of others.
Must he then choose between one and
the other, OF should he not rather follow
the dictates of his own conscience, and do
what he conceives to be rightl MajOrities
rule, it is true, but history has proven that
they are by no means iRfaIlible. Majorities
have often brought nations to ruin, when
the principles of minorities would have
saved them.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

On Wednesday the Senate passed the
bill providing for the sale of land belong
ing to the common school fund, and to
the various State asylums, amended so as
to permit the money arising from snch sale
to be placed to the credit of each county
owning the lands. This appears to be the
most just course, as several of the coun-
ties have already been drawn into consider
cradle expense in locating, etc. The bin,
when finally passed, viii open up these
lands to actual settlers, and the beneficial
effect viii at once be felt to the counties
interested.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

According to invitation, the Hon. Galu-
sha A. Grow delivered an address on Fri
day night, in the Hall of Representatives,
upon the railroad interests of the United
States. 1t was almost entirely statistical,
and referred, as directly concerns us, to
the profits of railroading in Texas. He
explained that almost every road in Texas
is at present supported, not by the earn
ings of the companies, but absolutely by
the directories, and that it viii be twenty
five years yet before the general railroad
system of Texas wiIfpay.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The international Railroad has let the
contract for p niles Of the road this
SIDE Of HeSrne. This contract embraces
che bridging OF the Brazos rivor. It viii
bring the road long distance this side Of
ss..se nver, and win settle the question Of
the intention OF the company TO build to
this place. When this contract IS finished,
however, the company intends to suspend
work in consequence Of the unsettled con-
dition Of the bond question. We sincerely
hope the matter viii meet with some kind
of settlement at an early day, and that the
road may yet be speedily built. If COM
promise can be arranged it had best be
done at once and let the matter be finally
disposed of.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The election bill, heretofore passed in
the Senate, has been tabled in the House
and new one substituted, extending the
time Of election to December, and specify
ing that there shall be elected at that time
thirty Senator's and seventy Representatives
under the new apportionment. This bill
reached the Senate on Wednesday afternoon,
and was brought Immediately before the
body. The motion, however, to take it up
out of regular order was lost, and conse-
quently the bill lies over.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15
40 the old veteran. orrexa..
BRENnAM. April 21. 1878.

BRENNAN, April 81. 1878.
In answer to numerous inquiries on tho
subject, I wish to stated that it IS proposed
at the meeting Of the veterans Of the repub-
lie Of Texas at the State Fair. to have a
permanent organization of those survivors
for mutual pleasure and benefit, and to place
correctly on the roll the names of those who
are entitled to that honor. It is also pro-
posed to divide these veterans into two or
more classes, according to date of arrival
in the country, service, etc, and to include
in the last class all who served regular
term Of not less than three months against
Mexicans or Indians up to annexation, the
details to be arranged at the meeting.
All the veterans coming under these
heads, who are unable to attend the meet
ing, are requested to write me at Houston,
giving date Of arrival in the country. date
Of service, etc. with postofiice and county
of present residence, and viii see that
their letters are laid before the meeting.
Hon Guy M Bryan viii deliver the an
nuql address.
VIII you be kind enough to give this an
insertion in your paper, with ms respectful
request to the press 90 notice.
Respectfully. J. B. aaoBERTsoS.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15
From the Galveston News.
Col Ashbel smith on the Election OF
Legislature and State Omeers, as pro-
posed by the Bills before the present
Legislature.

pOoC0 W hAC n1AAAS OcAOEC inc PEcScnS
Legislature.
EDS. NEws.-The bills before the Legis-
lature at Austin, ordering an election of
members of the Legislature, aud IN connec-
ton with other legislative action which
shalt mention, leads me to trouble you. in
the hope that, through your widely circulate
cd News, you will arouse tho people to the
perilous consequences which that legislation
IS calculated to inhict on the people of
Texas. shall only mention leading mate-
rial facts, leaving to you, il in your opinion
proper, fuller development of the subject.
The bills before the Legislature order an
election the present year for the membefs Of
their bodies, aud for other officers. Liv-
ing in the country ! have been unable to
get a copy OF the bills complete The pre-
sent constitution of the State, Art. III,
Section 4, establishes the term of Office of
members of the Legislature to sabe two
years from the day OF general election.
Consequently the representatives, elected in
October last year, hold their Offices two
years fromthat date, to-wit, from October,
1874. The members of the Senate elected
al the same time, and those chosen at
previous elections, hold their ofice for
the terms prescribed in the con-
stitution. No action Of the Legis-
iature, no resolution or enactment
whatever, can vacate their seats, abridge
their term Of service. or impair their rights
or duties as members Of the Legislature for
the full term Of service for which they were
chosen. The Constitution IS clear. express
and nnfeitered by condition. No county
court lawyer is astute enough to explain It
away or even 70 darken its meaning. The
term Of service and rights cf the present
members Of the Legislature Tor the
full period, can only be abridged. or
their seats vacated but by their yolun-
tuy resignation each member for
himself. or hy s State committee chosen
by thc people, with power ID remodel the
present. OF form new contribution Res
ignatiou, 70 De efrcfuai must 3e general.
and he IS but a simplet0n who can believe
Radical members viii yacafe their seats to
enable white citizens % be represented. or
that there are maav Of the Democratic
nembcls rho wiz resign to make place for
new incumbents, or % take the chances of
reelection. The call Of q cnnsfilutional con
reniion has been indefinitely 1ostponed A
constitutional convention calinoi Therefore
be called at the present session. il being
( prohibited b. section GXYI. article III, 81
the present constitution.
u these cleciicns shall BE held tLe pre-
sent rear for members of tho Legislature.
persons cscss1 as such VIII. % rp1iri1g -
mtulCrs, Of portion oI tleu, at Icas.. ~
the rr6 nf LtSfure Nller riI 1c f
/ lcesI nnd constitutional kIT for tllc tl.
acticr ci business oncthrl ci t'
house f1iica'l aud king Dt
erats. reilsile 90 81 10 those
nay oe cIoseD q eiecict Ns'l nrleI
IIt nom rIr1 |iIs..|I /. rr.,Iii .. +. f|Ie al
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

In conversation with q prominent State
Fair official yesterday. we learned that the
indications are vastly more fattering for this
than any previous Fair
The officers and directors OF the Texas
State Fuir Association may indeed well be
proud Of the prospects for the coming exhi-
bition The displays Of our own citizens
will exceed any heretofore made 3lany
articles have already arrived from the inte-
rior. ana horses and stock Of various ciHsses
are constantly coming IN Galveston, we
hear. viii be wen represented and 81. Louis,
Louisville. New York. and New Orleans.
have applications in for space. and the gem
eral meeting Of these interests viii contiEtie
70 tell favoraiiy upon the growing indus
tries Of State.-Houston Telegraph
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Attorney General Alexander Eve are salts
fed of the Authorship reads the Democratic
members of the Legislature lecture in the
Journal, editorially, about passing the bill
for relieving certain frontier counties from
taxation. The Journal is a strange paper;
it takes position for frontier defense during
the discussion of the bill; the Republican
members of the Legislature vote for the
bin, while one of the leading Republican
Senators is the main spirit in working for
it; the Journal approves of its passage, and
now, just to please this queer Attorney Gen
eral, it takes position against its own
record, the record of some of its best friends
in the Republican party, and all to please
the chronic growler of its columns. Con-
sistency is a jewel the Journal has not
and never will possess. We under
stand well enough what the purpose
is. The writer is under the impression he
can yet defeat this bill, now in the hands
of the Governor, by raising hue and cry
about its unconstitutionality. One of Gov
ernor Davis leading qualities is infexibility,
ana if the Attorney General thinks he can
drive him we are satisfied he is much mis-
taken. If the, Governor has determined
his upon his course it is useless for this
wonderful law giver to grumble now or
again.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The trial of Judge Scott, under articles
of impeachment, was opened in the Senate
on Wednesday. Yesterday it was resumed,
and Col. Robertson, of Eastern Texas,
opened the argument on demurrer and ex-
ceptions, by reading them. The demurrer
declares that the articles preferred are in
sufficient, and the exceptions were to the
additional articles preferred on. yesterday.
Before Col. Robertson concluded his argu-
ment, the court adjourned. The case con
tinues from day to day until concluded.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Yesterday the bill to establish system OF
county poor houses and farms for the main
tenanee of the poor, was introduced in the
Senate by Senator Saylor. The bill is a
good one, and we think should be met with
favor. The experience of other States
show that these houses and farms are good
and wise institutions. AL most every State
in the Union has them in general operation.
We shall give synopsis of the bill proba.
bly in our next issue.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Hon. Galusah A. Grow will, through the
invitation of number of the members of
the Legislature, deliver an address in the
Hall of Representatives tonight upon the
subject ofthe railroad Interests of the United
States. Mr.. Grow is a gentleman of large
public experience, of a high order of talent,
and the address will be one, well worth
listening to. Mr.. Grow was Speaker of the
House of Representatives of the United
States Just before the war.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The Journal reads the Democratic mem
bers of the Legislature lecture about pass
ing bill to relieve certain frontier counties
from taxation. Why does itnot extend the
lecture to the Republicans who also voted
for the bill almost in mass. Its cry during
the discussion of the bill was frontier pro-
lection at any price and on any terms.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15
school mn vetoed.


For sundry and divers reasons the Gov
ernor vetoes the new school BILL He claims
that it does away with all system, He OBJ
jects 10 the selection of books etc. by
county boards. to tho abolition of the
Board Of Education. and to providing that
theschools remain open only four months an
nually; because the examination Of tedchers
for position is placed in the hands Of a
county board instead Of special examiners;
because the system proposed win cost more
than tho old one; thai TOO many interested
trustees are provided fori because the su-
peintrndeai Of Public Instruction is not
allowed supreme consssi, and because the old
system is altogether more preferable. There
IS but very little doubt that the bin would
have suited ia almost any shape had De
Gress heon placed in entire control Of the
finances of the system. The public school,
system money and brains, (save the latter
has been used As a political machine. and il
IS exceedingly hand FOR enc Of such intense
pariisanship as Governor Davis TO give up
any Of ne valuable weapons Of his party.
Piucliag the feathers out Of the wings Of
neGress is rs severe as pulling the Govern.
or's eye teeth,
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The Impeachment trial Of Judge Scott
was commenced on Wednesday The art :
cles Of impeachment were read and addi-
tional charges presented, the counsel for the
respondent being allowed until to-day to
Gle answers to the new charges. The case
continues from day 20 day to completion.
Judge Scott way not present.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

A new silver dollar win be coined on
the first Of June from the United States
mint. It's to possess at least as much
value as the Mexican dollar The old dol
lar Is now exceedingly scarce, and in this
State Mexican dollars are used instead
The dollar coin Is much needed.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Martin HorrelI the leader Of the Lampasas
raiders upon the Georgetown Jail, is re
ported to be dead, having died from the
wounds received on the night the Jail de-
livery was committed.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15
vol II.

Aacready, for long time prominent as
one Of the greatest tragedians of the age is
dead. Macready was in this country first
IN 1925 and again IN 1884. lie was the
rival Of Forest in his paImy days and the
rivalry gave rise 70 an unwananted attack
BY the friends Of the latter upon him in
New York during his second visit to Amer
lea. He quit the stage in 1851 and has
since then been living in retirement in his
native country.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Brother Webb Is again out in leader
upoa the Norscworthy cabbage. He tunes
his praise this time upon string Of one
d0ssn cabbage heads. That made an odd
number on hand.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

Major Cave Of Houston, that energetic
member Of the Direct Navigation Com
pany Is in the city His company is ask
ing the Legislature for a land subsidy in
aid of the Ship Channel to Houston.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The Congressional Convention now meet
ing at St. Louis viii adjourn soon, and the
members propose TO visit Houston during
the State Fair next week.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

The Democratic administration Of San
Antonio Is relieving the city Of debt at the
rate Of 5000 per month.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

We publish communication of Colonel
Ashbel Smith, taken from the Galveston
News of the ninth instant, upon the ques-
ton of an election. He pronounces it un-
constitutional and dangerous.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

We haye several communications in
hand. which we viii be compelled to hold
until more room is obtained than we have
nov for such purposes.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-15

sserr Ers1utlFe conimlffee
cH. Enrrrn Ghrisfnsn. corsleana-
atIorttL DlsrEtc1a.
~ n,.triet - 81 Pickett. Liberty.
PP EdrnfdIl d aco1dochc1.
n WIII|au1. Houston
Ht Int1 H Ht1Tan| Anderson.
EeuI. ~ Hl<zf. f1no|1.
rH Iohn g. Robertson. smith.
~ ~ ~ Dc.0f. uEffIson.
90 ~ y Knox. fr.. Marion.
oIh W. p. Mclean Titus.
ffff W. Giles, Wood
fffh Il W. Lyday Fa1uiu.
I1sh NJ G. ntLemCre. Galveston.
W ID Harris. Austin.
II3 Geo. Goldfhwaite. Harris
ftlh IL r. Boone Crimes.
frI1 ~ A. Bryan, Washington
IlIh Spencer Ford. Brazoe.
I1It VI. ~. Johnson, Leon.
IaIt II ". Rimea, Falls.
~" ID. Bradshaw. Kills.
Frirl u G. Mccoy. Dallas.
"A Charles ". Geers. Denfon.
J. -. Roach, Parker.
fitf y. G. Bracter, Calhoun.
15lh Wells Thompson. Colorado.
IIh J. D. Sayefs, Bastrop.
4I|b Stephen Il. Dafden. Caldwell.
18It James Boyd, Bell
1It R. L. Graves, BcSar
1)Ih J. A. Ware Euecrs.