The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-12

men VINO nad renamed true TO the U0l0n through
all the struggles. Many of these had come North
or gone into the Union army. The most prominent
of these, Governor A. J. Hamilton. returned as
provisional governor, and with his able allies and
followers undertook the work Of
BUILDING UP REPUBLICAN, PARTY
in Texas But dissensiOns soon arose between the
Southern Unionists and the carpet-baggers whom
the army had left behind. Notwithstanding the
Texas Unionsts led in the Philadelphia Conven-
ton, which was the first organized body which
proclaimed in favor Of ColOred suffrage. The newly
emancipated were naturally jealous OF their old
masters, and, through their Union Leagues, tn ey
sympatnized with their new Northern allies. :.
The Reconstruction Convention of Texas was
not organized until July, 1861 which was alter the
first nomination OF General Grant. The Southern
democrats, who had staked and lost all upon Sc
cession, suenly remained away. The Convention
was made up OF Southern Unionists carpet bag.
gers ana newly emancipated coOred men. Dis
sessions Immediately arose over subjects beyond
senseless dispute over legislation and official acts
during the rebellion and petty jeaousles Tor leader
snip soon destroyed all prospects OF q succ essiul
republican party IN that State.
There was one point about which both factions
agreed. and out OF that has grown the state of
things which leave the choice between
DOUBTFUL GOVERNMENT AND ANARCHY.
That point was how to perpetuate the power in
the hands OF whoever should succeed: In pur-
the old constitution had been given to the people,
were entrusted TO the Governor and Senate; long
Senators to be chosen for six years, and Rep
resentatives LOT twO elections were carried to the
county seats and b Vass paronase was given to
all male citizens over Fl years, and invited aliens
by giving them suffrage after years residence.
The election which was provided Tor IN the consti-
tuten was postponed by an act OF Congress,
ns the time Ss will leaders the
the republican factions, having become
candidates Tor Governor, General Reynolds. in
command OF the military forces, went over
to the support OF Davis. The administration
threw its patronage in the same direction. The
great body OF the democrats stood aloOt The
result that the military officers declared Davis
elected. Four years or State police, military, cor
rupt legislation, and appointments OF ignoramuses
to office brought the administration to grief and
hence the $4,000 majority in favor Of the dem
Ocratlc candidate. =
The points OF the State constitution which bear
upon the present controversy are as IOllOws:-
EXTRACTS FROM THE CONSTITUTION IN POINT.
ARTICLE 3 SECTION THE members of the House of
and their term office shall be two years rom the day
shall be annual at such times shall be prescribed by
SEC. e.-All elections for State district and county
officers shall be held at the county of the several
s un; 70 four Sp O'clock H. Of each. day 'Sa' o' A. "
ERE r Sr h ss be Of S v ThSe
ton the first years. and of the second
sSRfstion four years and the third Gas ne
XsaHeIH sn51Ios ifhe Executive Department of
styled the Governor Leatenan Goyernor secretary Of
and superintendent Of Public Instruction;
SIC. 1.-The Governor shall be elected by the qualified
Of the state at the time and at they
prize governor shall hold his oice TOR The term
four years from til the time Of his Sta and until
80 Of citizen of the United States, and shall
three years Immediately preceding his election lie
shall be inaugural cd the rs fhafsday the
practicable.
THE ELECTIVE DEcL ARATIoN
incorporated IN the constitution Is as folio WIS.,
The election for State, district and county officers
shall be conducted under the regulations the
n for v the or s Of e
shall be made to the Commanding General, who shall
respective Offices. The Officers elected shall com
thew nave as soon as elected and Suaed
IN compliance with the PROVISIONS Of the constitution
ses nc y
their successors elected and qualified
SUBMISSION OF THE CONSTITUTION TO TIE VOTERS.
The act OF Congress OF April 10, 1852 thus pro-
vides for a change Of the time OF election:-
g. The President of the United may, like man.
submit the constitution Of Texas to the voters OF said
state at such time and n such manner as he may direct
the as provided IN the rst Of
vote for and elect the members Legislature ana
the se OF proe s Sa o
shall be held IN said state OF Texas forany purpose until
The election was held on the first four DAYS OF
December, 1858, under the order Of President
Grant.
The Legislature of Texas which assembled at Austin
Is OF the constitution Of the United states apd elected
Senator'S The Joint resolution and the consnI tuition
the
Cong, "a sess, Mis- Doc. No. T)-Pasehaps Dyesi, pp
This being done on the 30th OF March, 1870 Con-
gress allowed the Senators and Representatives to
take their seats.
1870, and the Governor was installed on the ZSth
But the idea was conceived OF eking out their term
by calling this 'caled session. intending to hold
two more sessions. Hence provision was made
for eectlng Legislature in 1871 The first election
was held on the first Tuesday in November, 1872
OF full representation In the House and bird
OF the Senator's. The Legislature assembled on
the second Tuesday in January, 1873 And now
had 10 be met the difficulty Of
ELECrING A GOVERNOR.
This office would expire on the Sth OF December.
1873 If the last quoted clause in the constitution is
to control; on the 2Sth OF April 1874, II the date OF
formal instament Is to control But the cleo
ton must be held on the same day of the election
of the Legislators. II the House should hold
"twO years. there could be no election until 1875.
and the terms OF two;thrds OF the senators
expired on the Sth OF December, 1873. SO
there must either be an election curing the odd
year or the State must go without Legislature
and without q Governor.
To meet this difficulty the Legislature provided
for general election in December, 1873. They
changed the places back to the old precinct sys.
TEN, which they had the right to 90, S and
they reduced tue time rom four days to one day.
And now the the Supreme Court Of Texas holds
that because Of this reducing OF time the Election
law is void, and because the members OF the House
must hold over two years the election Of Represen-
tatlves Is void. But II this be So there can DC no
legislation for want Of quorum IN se S ZEN 6t A
or their offices, and there Will be no way 70 ntgate
them out There can be no new ciecor snuer ME