The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1874-06-27

l.. Ne, VII IDutuibAN Juiy -''''
WILLIAM II. HoRD,
Chairman of democratic county COM
mttee of Dallas county.
--------------
MONOPOLIES, CORPORATIONS AND
FARMERS MOVEMENTS-FU
REFLECTIONS.
In q previous article we sketched the
long accommodating causes which have
led to the great uprising of farmers,
mechanics, workingmen and other
classes of the people OF the west against
monopolies, eXtortions, high taxes,
etc. AS therein stated, we repeat n
deep solicitude for the success of the
movement, in so far as we understand
its leading features. We regard it us II
struggle for right against wrong, and
with us it has ever been II rule of life,
according to our understanding, to sus-
tain right and oppose wrong-always
realizing that we were as frail and as
liable to err as the average of men who
endeavor to act the part of good citi-
Zens.
We do not fully understand the ac-
tual state of the forces in the west. AT
first, as grangers, or patrons of hus-
bandry, they seemed to limit member
ship to farmers. But the late very
large conventions in Illinois and In
diana, which take the name of the
"Independent" party, and nominated
a full ticket for state officers, We're
composed of men of all occupations
who concur in their principles. Nor
do they appear to be secret.
The organizations in Texas, so far as
we have learned, is u secret society, at
least in some aspects, and is composed
of farmers exclusively. Its objects, so
far as local facts apply, appear to be
similar to those in the west. 1t en-
braces many of our best and most in
tclligent ctizens-men who would,
knowingly, advocate no wrong in gov
eminent.
Wedo not understand them to be
political or partisan in their organiza-
ton, but simply associated for mutual
benefit in thebusiness and social rela-
tons of life--an object worthy ofre-
spect, and, rightly carried out, calcu-
lated to accomplish much good. But,
to be effective, they must, to limited
extent at least, take some action in
politics.
The people of Texas have not the
grievances complained of by the west
ern states. They HAVE HAD much
greater, but of different character
the evils of u military followed by n
civil despotism, largely administered
by unfricndly hands and, in many in
stances, by as unmitigated knaves as
ever plundered the helpless.
That blighting curse has passed from
us, but so recently that those in author
ity by our own choice have not had
the time, even if they had the will, to
betray corruption in public places.
Nor have we any ground to apprehend
such perfidy. Our public men, to-day,
are mainly those whose integrity has
heretofore been tested. Instead
of now seeking revolution as against
our chosen administrators, we should
uphold their hands in all things right,
give them fair opportunities and oppose
only when they betray their trusts.
When they do 50 basely or corruptly,
hurl them from power and select better
men.
In this connection, it is as well to
say that, unlike the western states, the
democratic party of Texas is the
triumphant party of the people, sprung
from the womb of necessity and self.
preservation, and in favor of every es-
sential principle to good government
advocated by the new party in the
west. We are not mortgaged to mon
Opolies or soulless corporations of any
sort, and do not intend to be. Our
railroad laws more strictly guard the
people against abuse than those OF
even any old state in the union; and
we have both the POWER and the WILL
to add to them every wholesome pro-
vision that experience may demon
strate to be wise.
Moreover, whenever we get con-
vention we intend to root deep in our
contemplated constitution the soundest
and safest principles known to us, to
more perfectly protect the people
against all sorts of monopolies. The
people would rather get railroads at
slower pace, than, like Illinois, to put
manacles on their own limbs in order
to get them quickly. Hence, the ne
Indiana and elsewhere for political
purgation, through the instrumental
ity of new party, drawn from the bet
ter element of the old antagonisms,
does not, in any just sense, exist in
Texas. Take away the democratic
party, as it now is, and who would be
left? Specially, few respectable
men, scattered here and there, but gen.
orally and almost exclusively, the same
political knaves and adventures who
heretofore plundered and oppressed us,
with the greater portion of the simple
minded black people-ane that's all.
Beyond them, in this state, the demo-
cratic party means the people.
Inso far as the patrons of husbandry
can aid in securing cheap freights,
cheap goods and Implements. good
naarkets, honest officials, low taxation,
prompt execution of the laws, the sup
preston of crime, rigid control of cor