The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-07-02
"WE FAVOR THE CALLING OF A
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION BY
OUR NEXT LEGISLATURE.''


OUR NEXT LEGISLATURE.,
The above is the twelfth clause or resolu-
ton adopted by the Democratic Convention
which was held in this city in September
last. 1t was the largest and most intelli-
gent body which ever met in the capitol.
There were more unanimity of purpose and
concert of action than usually characterize
so large body of men representing so
large State and so many localities. There
was no undue haste, no buncombesp speeches.
Coming fresh from the people, and deeply
with the Importance Of the occa-
sion, all levity was cut OF. They felt that
there were ills to be overcome, wrongs to
be righted, abuses to be avoided, and per-
feet law and order to be restored. They
knew that for years they had been
oppressed by Radical rule; that the citizens
of the State who were entitled to control
the government, had been treated as real
aliens and foreigners who were not worthy
Of confidence. They felt that the legisla-
ton of the party in power had been largely
to accomplish partisan purposes. They
knew that the Constitution was framed by
the enemies of the South; that the pro
visions were made to foster as much as pos
sible the Radical party; that it was not
suited to the wants or genius of Texans;
that it was a crude sort of omnibus, and
not digest of organic principles; that un-
der its provisions the machinery of the
State government would be crippled, and
a conflict created between the Legislature
and the people 1t was universally agreed
that the Constitution was not such an one as
the people demanded; and hence, in franz
ing the platform it was solemnly declared
that: "We favor the calling of constitu-
tional convention by our next Legislature. !"
The convention adjourned after making
the nominations for State officers. The
delegates returned to their constituents, and
reported the platform and nominations.
Now, right here, we wish our readers to
pause and survey the feld--the whole
State-and note the action of the Demo
cracy. Were there any objections to the
platform9 Did the anpurchdsdble masses de-
clare that we do not want a convention9
Did they refuse to vote for the candidates
because the principles laid down by the
nominating convention were objectionable
Did anyisay we do not wish the Legisla-
ture, at sits first session, to call con-
stitutiolal convention9" II not, then
the candidates and their supporters
favored the calling of convention
By the Legislature at the earliest practicable
moment after the organization of that body.
And those members and officers who OPP
posed a convention did so in defiance of the
expressed will of the people. But the
members and officers who opposed con-
vention took it upon themselves to declare
what was for the best interests of the citi-
zens of the State. In other words, they be-
lieved that they knew what was for the In
terests of the people better than they did
themselves. 1t mattered not with them
that the platform called for convention,
They knew a great deal better than the
seven hundred delegates what was needed.
Now we do not wish it to be understood
that all the members opposed a convention
No; there was large number who did no
presume to set aside, as man of straw, th'
plainest plank in the platform. They knew
that if any of the clauses were binding, al
were, and that as Representatives ant
Senators they were bound by the expressed
will Of their constituents. We honor sucl
men; and the people viii honor them
The very first declaration in the platform
was in these words: 1--WE declare our adhe
sion to the time-honored principles of tn
Democratic party; our devotion to pOpula
liberty regulated by law; and to Constitu
tional government simple in machinery
and to be administered with the strictes
economy" Why not set aside this clause
It is not more binding than the one reIa
ting to the convention. 1t only asserts Dc
vot;on to the time-honcred principles 9
the party. But if men are not amenable
the platform only while candidates thenthe
could as well repudiate the whole and vote q
well against as for such principles.
But, some said, 1--WE admit that the plat
form favored the calling of a convention
but did not make it obligatory on the men
bers to call one at the first session. Thi
position was ard is no more tenable tha
the one against convention, and they ha
no moral or political right to. disregard tn
voice of the people. The time was fixed a
definitely as they supposed it was necessary
They had no idea that Democratic Legii
lature would quibble about the time. 18Th
next Legislature was considered as fsvol
ing the call so soon as the 'next LegislI
ture organizedp-at their earliest convI
nience-the nearest and shortest period {
time. To say that the second session woul
be literal compliance would XIII the spir
and object Of the platform. Il was to hay
new organic law, 50 that the Lee
islature, the Executive and the jud
ciary might be placed in harmon
with the people; th at the irritations an
incongruities Of the Radical co1stitutio
might be blotted out. Therefore the off
cers and members Of the Legislature VII
opposed a convention eleliberatsIy resolve
70 ignore and treat as nuIlity the voice q
the people expressed IN one Of the large.
and most imposing conventions that eve
met in Texas.
Why was thisl Il is not common fc
Democrats to disregard the plain wishes {
their constituents. On the cOntrary, the
usually feel hono,ably bound 10 cary Ou
their views, and Il found in cluaict upo
important measures rather thin 20 COZ
trary 70 tho platform, 70 resign their pos
tons and return home. But this vas n
very last act that they Thought of. l3la,
they hads power v0uld follow; and a
Foice Of tie people would Be nil.nood
new ISSUES of STATE policy.