The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-11-05
THE MARCH or DESPOTISM-AR-
RUPr TERMINATION

RUPT TERMINATION
The scenes which have transpired in the
South, within the last thirty days, read
more like tales of fiction, or of the me
dieval era, when those who claimed to rule
by the ''diUins righf' trampled upon the
rights of the people and subjected them to
such indignitles as suited their caprices.
But in the progress of events, men learned
to look upon men as equals, unless they dis
played such powers and merit as elevated
them above the masses As time rolled on,
advancement was made in better appreci-
alton of the rights of all; and caused a
more determined and united effort for GER
tain rights and privileges which would for
ever protect the people from despotic
power. The struggle was long, bitter and
determined, but finally eliminated in the
cardinal principles of personal liberty ex-
cept for the punishment of crime.
When, therefore, the fathers of our Con-
stitution promulgated that most admirable
instrument to the world, it was believed
that the human race had passed the crucial
test of mans capability for self-government,
and that a new era of Democratic christi
anity had dawned upon us, which would
strike down the crowned heads of the Old
World, and proclaim to all tribes and ma
tions that man was born free and indepen-
dent, and was entitled to protection and
immunity from unlawful arrests and
seizures, to the pursuit of life, liberty and
happiness, and that no man or set of men
should ever violate with impunity these
great boons of Democracy. AS conse-
quence, the Fourth of July of each year
was made vocal with the shouts of people
who felt that they were free. The influence
of such principles permeated the peoples of
Europe, and produced revolutions which
undermined the old structures of govern
ment, and relieved the masses from many
burdens which they had been compelled to
bear. s.
And to-day, in France and Spain, it is no
crime to declare that the "divine right of
kings was a myth, and a terrible de-
lusion, which brought suffering and
sorrow to many hearth-stones, plunged ma
tons into fr1ghtful wars which desolated the
lands and swept off myriads who were ruth
lessly sacrificed upon the altar of ambition
and thirst for power But France and
Spain were monarchical when America
threw off the yoke of Britain and took the
position among the nations of the earth as
sovereign Democratic power.
Now what do we see? Do we look upon
sisterhood of free and Independent StatesG
Oh, would that such were the case. No;
the times have changed, and men have
changed also. The government is in
the hands of the wicked, and the peo-
pie mourn. They have taken advantage
of their own wrongs, and lord it over men
who are, better than they are. They are
guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors
and If brought to justice, they would be
made to atone for their violations of the
laws of God and man by serving out terms
of years in the penitentiaries. 100
Louisiana and Alabama are now passing
through just such outrages as eliminated
in the degradation of the once proud and
noble State of South Carolina, the home Of
Calhoun, the noblest of them all.
But we are greatly deceived in the signs
of the times if these destroyers of oul
liberties are permitted much longer to desc.
crate the temple of liberty and carry on
these orgies in the eyes of the American
people. They must be driven out Of
Democratic institutions will perish forever.
The people of the United States cannot look
upon. the military arrests and outrages in
Louisiana and Alabama without feelings Of
adherence and detestation If they sustain
a government which so Systematically vio-
lates the rights Of the people of the South,
the same power will be used to crush out
their liberties. We feel satisfied that the
principles of free government arc too vel
understood and too deeply rooted in theil
minds and affections to permit any party ol
set of men to. utterly destroy them. We
therefore look to see their career brought tc
an abrupt close These wretched vio
lations of personal and State rights
will be resented by the people or
Tuesday next. There will be thou
sands of ballots deposited for the Dem
oeratic candidates which Iwould not have
Bon, had the Radical tyrants administered
the government for the good of all sections
subject to the Constitution and laws. Now,
nothing but whitening rebuke viii awake
the vile henchmen of tyranny to realiza
ton of the scorn and loathing which theil
acts have aroused. i, Il 5u
b. When the people speak, despots tremble
On the evening of the third instant, if We
are not greatly deceived, the Southern peo
pie can once more look up and feel that they
are free and independent, in deed and il
truth and that they viii be, permitted t.
see the thieves, robbers and enemies of lib
erty driven. from the temple, amidst the
hisses and hootings of an outraged people
God grant that it may be so; and that, fcl
all time to come, harmony, unity and broth
erly love may prevail; that these States
may not disappoint the expectations of thu
founders of ouz government, but that an
born millions may rise up and bless then
for the grand and benefcent principles
which are the foundation and genius O.
our institutions. e.ag
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How Is IT Now Ais there one man who
has failed to do his dutyq who still neglect'
to register 50 as to be ready to vote Tues.
day next9 If so, let him go and place him