The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-01-15
THE TEXAN IMBROGLIO.
Gov. Davis to ahe Legislature,

GALVESTON, Tex, Jan. 13.-The News has
the following special, dated Austin, Jan. 10:
Executive Office, State of Texas.
Gentlemen:-ln reply to your verbal commu
that do not think it advisable for the public
good that | should disregard the decision of the
Supreme CouJt made recently, touching the
late election, by recognizing the gentlemen you
represent as being the constitutiOnally elected
14th Legislature. 1t seems to me that there is
some better solution of the present difficulty
than that the government and those claiming to
be the elected legislature, should jointly COM
bine to override the judiciary and disregard
their construction Iof the Constitution. 1 musl
believe that such q course would leave the
door open for u dangerous uncertainty in the
future, both in the matter of authority to most
of the legislation that may bs provided by the
gentleman you represent, aud the matter of the
constitution and existence of the highest tribu-
nal of our State. There may be found two Su-
preme Courts and even two Legislatures CLAIM
ing authority. 1t is even now claimed by some
that the 18th Legislature is at present, the only
legally existing legislature. and that it only
can lconstltutonally convene and provide for
this emergency. 1t will, then, after all, be
settlement brought about by a species of reso-
luton or violence, against the court making the
decision. 1t is true it is easy enough, and it
seems the simplest solution of the present diff
Guilty that we should jointly adopt this course,
as the Supreme Court has way of enforcing
its decisions as against tbs Executive and Leg
islature combined; but consider that in this
case the easiest course is not one that should
like to be party to. 1 will be happy to join
you and the gentlemen you represent, in apply
ing the promptest and most feasible remedy in
this difficulty, 1t has been repeatedly held
that the recognition by Congress aud the Exec
utive Of the United States will settle the ques-
ton as to what body of men constitute the Leg
slature and which is the proper state govern
ment. This may afford solution to be ac-
cepted by all. am more free to act with indie
pendence in securing with you or those gentle
men that sort of solution because feel myself
entirely dis.nterested herein. accept the cleo
tion whe Their constitutional or not, as conclu-
siyie against myself and will in no event con-
tinue to exercise the functions of the office
hold beyond my constitutional term of four
years. Respectfully,
EDMUND. DAVIS, Governor
To Hon, Fl. Eppensen, and other gentlemen of
the Committee.
JEFFERSON, Tex, Jan. ID "A large and en-
thusastic meeting of the citizens was held here
this evening. They adopted resolutions con-
demning the partisan decisions in the late cleo
ton case; censuring Gov. Davis tor secretly APP
plying to President Grant for troops at the
State Capitol INF the stime of profound peace;
calling on the Senate to recognize no nominal
ton of Davis, unless sent in anew by Gov.
Cooke; earnestly thanking President Grant for
his reply to Davis on his application for troops,
and urging every member of the Legislature to
do his duty with magnanimOns moderation, but
with unyielding firmness,