davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
rRAUp AND CoRRTPT1oN.

The times are pregnant with fraud and
corruption. We scarcely ever take up a
paper and glance over it without seeing an
account of some transaction in which the
most abominable rascality and meanhess is
detailed. From the highest to the lowest
official in certain sections of the country,
the greed for gain is so rampant that posi-
ton and influence are brought to bear SO as
to bring in golden or greenback stream.
1t is evident that the better portion of the
people are sick and disgusted with the sub
ject. But the only way to destroy an evil is
by holding it up to the scorn and execration
OF. mankind In the course of time, atten-
tion is called to it, and then action follows
which generally results in removing the
cause, or eradicating the evil.
It would take a large book to contain d
full account of all the jobs, which have
been carried on since the close Of the war,
born in fraud and nurtured in the most
careful villainy. They are not so common
now as they were a short time ago, and il
is believed that the virtue and intelligence
of the people have been aroused SO fully
that in the future they will be so closely
watched as to prevent repetition of the
robberies which have been successfully car
ried OF for the last ten years There is and
must be a contest waged between honor and
dishonor, or, between honesty and dishOn-
esty. So soon as it stops; 30 soon as indif-
ference takes the place of watchfulness,
then crime crops out, and we hear Of the
fall of some one who stood well with his
fellows. ''Lead US not into temptation
should be inscribed upon the public ser
vice. Then officials would, in many cases,
escape the ruin and dishonor which, like .
flood, have swept. them down into the
depths of infamy. Every public servant
should feel that watchful, eyes are upon
him, and every safeguard thrown around
which might hedge him in and save him
from temptation. a,ifra +
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
rnK IMPRAcHMENr oAsR.

Friday morning At II A. NJ, the impeach-
ment case Of Judge Chambers Of the First
Judicial District, came up before the Senate
as high court Of impeachment. The case
was opened with an able speech from Hon.
L. J. Farrar, one Of the managers on the
part Of the House of Representatives, who
reviewed the characterof the case in most
comprehensive manner, andSn very beauti-
ful style applied them to the case IN ques-
ton Judge Chambers as counsel for him
self followed in a speech Of nearly three
hours duration, which was pronounced by
all who listened to him as very able one
Hon. w. S. Delaney, another one of the
managers followed in speech full of pow
erful arguments, pending which the court
adjourned to take up the case again on the
following day. The cooduct Of this trial
has been marked by fairness acknowledged
by every one. Judge Chambers in opening
and closing his argument slough himself
the accused, could not refrain from paying
the highest compliments TO the court for its
impartial conduct. Much interest is being
displayed inthisfrial.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
DEATH OF HON. CHARLES SUMNER


The telegraph brings us intelligence of
the death of Senator Charles Sumner, on
the eleventh inst, at 10 minutes before 8
O'Clock. His health had been bad for some
time, but it was not generally supposed that
his infrmities were of serious character.
Heart disease was the cause of his immedi-
ate death.
Thus has passed away forever another
man of brilliant abilities, one who did more
to shape the action of the government for
the last decade than any other.
1t is not our desire to enter fully into the
history of Mr.. Sumner, for, over the errors
of the dead, the mantle of charity should
be cast. He has gone to answer at the bar
of the chancery of Heaven, where no errors
are committed. The Great Judge will do
right
But, without rancor, it may be said that
Mr.. Sumner was an ardent Abolitionist
that he labored long and earnestly for eman-
cipation; that arguments could not dissuade
him from pursuing his policy; and that the
more vital interests of the country were sac
rifced upon the altar of fanaticism. The
great powers of his well stored mind were
concentrated upon his pet scheme; and too
often neither age nor patriotism were re-
spected. But the one idea possessed his
brain: the liberation of the negroes of the
South from. bondage.
But, after the close of the war, when the
emancipation of the negroes was an accom-
plished fact, he was able to enter more gen.
orally into the condition of the country at
large, and mUlifested a hberality which
was as commendable as unexpected. Al
though an ardent Republican, and fully iden-
fled with his party in all of the measures
which were enacted for the subjugation of
the South, after the closeof the ever memo
rable struggle, he took issue with the Ad-
ministration upon the policy which shaped
the legislation of Congress and, soon
left his party, and became an ardent
supporter of the Liberal movement
The consequence was, that he was
removed from the chairmanshlp of the COM
mittee on foreign relations in the Senate,
and was most bitterly assailed by the very
men who Short time before could not
speak too highly in his praise, and by pa
pers which held him up as paragon of wis
dom and patriotism. But he is gone. Let
us remember his virtues, and forget his err
rors. A few days ago the honored Millard
Fillmore departed this life-one who, to his
honor let it be borne in mind, preferred to
respect his oath to uphold and sustain the
constitution of his country rather than, by
disregarding it, bring war upon US resulting
in bloodshed and ruin, which shook the
country from centre to circumference.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19

upon to revise the laws and ensc. such
others as may be necessary 20 foster and pro-
tect every interest, to preserve the lives and
liberties Of all, so that the benign Influences
of good government may be felt and en-
joyed, not by halves, not with misgivings.
but with fun assurance that from the Gov
ernor down to constable, every officer will
be ready to do his duty, and that no party,
no combination, no clan, clique or ring
will be permitted to violate the laws with
impunity.
The reputation of Texas is at stake. Il
has been falsely charged that we are reck-
less, bloOdthirsty people, who delight in
bowie knives and pistols, who hold human
life as Of little consequence. not worth more
than that of an OK; who set laws at defiance
and execute the judgments of mobs-in a
word, that our condition is such as to rem
der life and property insecure and uncer-
tain. Distant communities have heard all
these scandalous and false reports, but
through the press they have found out that
Texans have been slandered, and thIt life
and property are as safe and secure as in the
Older States and in the more densely pOpu-
lated sections of the country. But all will
admit that there is a class of people, who,
though few in number and divided into va
rious bands, have done and are still doing
great injury to the citizens of the State, who
roam about like the wild beasts Of the for
est, unrestrained by human or divine laws.
To these bands may be attributed the ma
iority of crimes which destroy the order,
peace and safety of neighborhOods.
Shall such condition exist any longer
Will not the officers all over the State con-
slider calmly and maturely their duties, and
resolve to move on in their discharge at
every hazard Make the desperadoes feel
that their occupation is gone; that they can
no longer escape from. the clutches of the
officers or the penalties of the law. When
this is done, there will be a sense of relief
and security which will have the most salu.
tary influence at home and abroad. Our
vacant lands will be bought and settled !;
the frontier counties organized by intelh-
gent and energetic citizens, who will come
from abroad to benefit themselves and
build up the waste places of our highly ia
vored State The enforcement Of the laws
will be the suppression of crime.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
sTnEl PLANTING INTEREST.


As the season for planting is now at hand,
1t would be weIlfOr the farmers of the State
70 learn wiSdomvby the experience Of the
planters throughout the South since the war.
The time for proper consideration of the
matter is almost past, as many have already
prepared their lands for the kindsof crops
that they intend to plant 3 stiil, las some may
be willing to listen to reason founded upon
experience, q few facts may be of great
good -, E{lt,t.l j
The error which the farmers have fallen
into, to the utter ruin Of some, has been the
planting of toe much 'eOttQA. Aad this
fatal error has in a variety. of cases,
amounted to actual cOnfscation of Their
lands, not by the government, but by thelI
own folly. Believing that more money
could be made from the sale of their cotton
than by any other product, and considering
only the cash whichthey could thus handle,
they failed to make an estimate Of their ac-
tual expenses while thus engaged. The
corn, bacon, flour, sugar, coffee, syrup,
etc, which were being consumed, were
not estimated. 'cheeredi up by the
thought that their eettop would bring
therA IN a large sum Of money, the
fact that all must go to pay for
their neoesaiesg did nof once enteO into
the account. The results have been made
public. Actual ruin and want are now star
ing th9m In the face.i Their lands, which
were mOrtgaged for supplies, have been
sold, and they are homeless wanderers.
Many Of them, with large families, are in a
most pitiable condition. They were told
what would be the consequences, but with
blindness which amounted to willfulness
they.toOk their own course and rushed into
ruin.
Ifthey had planted sufficient breadth Of
land in grain, so as TO make their own corn
aad aouF, and raised their meat; ii they,
where sOil and climate suited, had made
their syrup and sugar, then planted any
surplus hnd in cotton, to-day they would
b eOmfortable and independent In Ala
bamA, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and
south Carolina Bankruptcy and general
prOstration Of business are the sickening
realities.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
HON. ,. B. SIMPSON.

As there is some speculation as to the
motives of Mr.. simpson in accepting (as
also the House) the amendment to section
eight Of the "public weigher " bilL and
as we believe, that there is a reasonable hy-
pothesis, we feel authorized to say that it
was because he did not, at the moment, at
tach any particular importance or signihca-
ton to it. That he looked rather to the
legal import Of the words than to the appi-
cation and construction that would be given
it by business minds. The amendment
would SO nearly render the law, when
passed, dead letter, that there can be no
doubt the adoption Of the amendment oc-
CURED in this way. m En ID
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
NIIDDLEuEN.

The increased price of all articles of con-
sumption, over and above the original cost
of production, has been heavy burden on
the people. In many cases the prices are
more than doubled. Now, when such
charges are made, it is evident that there is
a great wrong somewhere. No one can OBJ
ject to a reasonable per centage in all bust
ness transactions; and, bycommon consent,
such earnings as will encourage them to
continue their business, and at the same
time, afford the laboring class, and consul
mers generally, goods at such prices as will
warrant them in buying. Now, where there
are such increased facilities for manufactur-
ing and the invention of so many labor
saving machines, there ought to be corre-
spending fall in prices. Why have they
not fallen2 And what is the remedy9 1t is
very difficult to get at the prime cost of GER
tain kinds of machinery and furniture, be-
cause the manufacturing companies do not
intend that the outside world shall know
what immense profits they are making. But
from the most careful inquiries, the cost of
production is not more than half or two-thirds
of the amount that they are usually fixed at
If, however, the cost is as heavy as stated,
still the selling price is unreasonably high,
amounting to from one hundred to one
hundred and fifty per cent, This class of
manufactures does not generally pass
through the hands of middlemen, and there
is no excuse for the high prices demanded,
as they are bought from the manufactur-
ing establishments and offered directly to
the consumers. But the middlemen (as
they are usually called, men through whose
hands the goods pass before purchased for
use,) are the real cause of the high prices
of most articles. Each one must have
his profits; consequently goods, which pass
through three OF four hands or houses, have
the profits of each one added to the selling
price. When, therefore, the consumer objects
to paying the price. he is told that they can
not be sold for less, because they cost them
so much Immense fortunes have been
made by the middlemen, and immense sums
of money paid out by the consumers, which
ought to have remained in their own pockets.
Purchasers should, therefore, look to their
interest and buy only from merchants who
get their goods direct from the manufac-
turers. BY so doing, they viii avoid the
tariff of the middlemen and save many dol
lars. Indeed, this heavy tax, as we are In
formed, was one Of the many causes for the
formation of the Oranges. Farmers and
consumers saw that they were annually
called upon to pay out money which could
be saved, and unnecessarily fieeced Of their
earnings. In these days of rapid progress
in the arts, sciences, and material wealth,
all classes must look to their own protection
and improvement, or they viii be trampled
under foot and left far behind. Combina-
tions are the order Of the day. Let them
be managed so as to harmonic for the good
of all.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
The ADULTERATIoN OF LIQUORs.

Senator Allison has introduced bin in
the Senate to prevent the sale'of aduItef-
ated liquors. We have not seen it, but IN
derstand that the provisions are .substan-
TALLY as follows: Before any one can get a
license to sell liquors he must take an oath
that he viii neither sell, nor permit any one
in his employment to sell, any impure or
adulterated liquors. If, after taking such
oath, he should knowingly or willfully sell
such liquors, or permit any one to do 50 for
him, that he may be proceeded against fSfr
perjury, and upon conviction shall be i'm
prisoned in the penitentiary not less than
two nor more than six years.
While we are opposed to all prohibitOry
hquor laws, believing that theydo no good,
still, no one, not even the bitterest enemy
of prohibition, ought to object to such a
his senses will advocate the sale of poison
to any one without some restrictions, be-
cause the fatal effects would be intolerable.
Neither should any one oppose law which
will root out and destroy the vile stuff
which is now being so universally sold.
One of the best chemists in the United
States recently made report upon the
quality of liquors sold throughout the coun-
try. He states that the most of it con-
tanned enough sulphuric acid to burn
through a mans stomach in short time!
In former days, pure liquors could be
had; and there was not such an amount of
drunkenness as is now seen. The fact is,
the stuff that is now sold for liquor, is too
often made from the most odious COM
pounds, and contains enough poison to turn
the head and stomach of any one. Recent
ly we heard man boasting of having sold
a quantity of such compound, made up, ac-
cording to his own statement, principally of
tobacco, red pepper, soda and a small
amount of spirits. Said he, " they (the
driRkists) Just took the little glass, with the
liquor in, one hand and glass of water in
the other, tossed off the first and washed it
down with water, and went on their way
rejoicing2"
Let the Senator push his bill through, for
it is greatly needed. If any man should
oppose it, the conclusion will follow that
he is willing to make money at the risk of
killing off the very men who are his best
and most constant customers. -
Such laws, properly enforced, win do
more to reform the vice of intemperance
than all of the prohibitory laws which can
be enacted.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19
lIghIea aad Iedsen ne ps0pIe. q ths

tighten and redeem the peoples Of the
earth.
In the palmy days Of Greece and Rome,
it assumed a consistency and order which
did much to elevate the masses and teach
them what might be accomplished by en-
Iightened and harmonious action. But, as
then understood and practiced, it was too
unwieldIy; and after doing a vast amount
Of good in developing mind and high or
der of patriotism, it feH away, for time.
But the principles did not die. Again, like
a great light to the people, in the days Of
the Barons of England, it led them, through
the fogs and darkness of despotic power,
and established that great palladium OF
liberty, the writ of haJeas corpus After
that time, like giant who had just dis
covered his great strength, Democracy
dared to champion the people ard lead them
on to civil and religious independence. When
the Georges of England, who claimed to
rule by the divine right OF kings, attempted
to ignore their rights, organized opposition
was LlC iSSull. II hCul Ou, sOu. 1uC COiO-
nies of America declared that taxation and
representation were inseparable." The issue
was boldly and fearlessly made The Declar-
a1on of Independence followed. Strong
arms and brave hearts made that declara-
tion a reality. The people were free,
But their enemies still lived under an
assumed form and by different name. An
effort was made to organize the government
upon the theory that ewcould administer
it better than the many; that the powers
should be centralized that monopolies
should be fostered, and manufactures pro-
tected. But Democracy said not so-that
the people should rule. Mr.. Jefferson be-
came its founder in America and the re-
cognized leader and expOunder. He tri-
umphed The country was saved from the
evils which threatened. For years peace
and prosperity spread their balmy wings,
population increased, new States were ad.
ded; and the world looked on with amaze
ment and delight.
Such was the condition before the war,
and such will be the condition again when
Democracy takes the reins of government.
As well try to stop Niagara with a lady's
handkerchief as to attempt to pluck victory
out of the hands of the people.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19


The Gonzales Inquirer contains the fol.
lowing proceedings Of meeting Of Texas
veterans at Gonzales:
At q meeting Of the veterans Of Con.
zales county, held in the courthouse, on the
tWenty-eighth day Of February, 1874, in
pursuance Of 3 call made By Col. Amasa
Turner. at the request Of Col. +. w. John.
son, president of the Associationof the Vctc.
rams Of Texas; the meeting being called 70
order, on motion Of Col Turner, Capt. A.
Jones was called to-tbc chair. On motion
Of Capt. Jones' Charles Mason was appointd
The Object of the meeting beng ex-
planned by Col Turner, cali was made
upon Capt II. s. Parker 20 address the
meeting. tO.Whieh he. responded in an oio-
'quent and patriotic manner
Thvse present then came forward, . the
request Of the president, and asked 70 be
enrOlled, viz.
Amassn Tnrner, native Of Massachn-
setts, immigrated from Alabama Apnl y
1885; aged % years. postoiiee, Gonzales.
A. IL Jones, Georgia, immigrated Febrn-
arg, 1885; aged 81 yeas; Postoahce Con
zalcs.
AekL Gibson, Kentucky. immigrafed
April, 1895 saged 8 years posto1ice, Forest
vile, De Wit county.
David 4. Webb, Kentucky, imniigEnted
september, 1897; aged s. p0stofice, Lees
burg, Gonzales county.
TbeO. s. Lee, New York, immigE4tcd
February J. 1856 aged as Postofhee, Con
zales
D. L Kokenot Holland, immigrated
June, 1880; agcd 0ss postofice, Gonzales.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19

!. tAIABAAUkEso are about to organize for
the salvation and redemption Of the State
from misrule and corruption. Meetings are
being held, and resolutions passed, prepara-
tory to the great battle which viii come of
in the fall. The Southern (Ala-) Argue says;
'' the people have. most at stake. Their
credit is bought and sold. Their estates are
mOrtgaged. Their earnings are extsrted
from them to feed 9 horde Of unnecessary
officers, and to enrich horde-of alien ad-
venturers. The enforcement of It's revenue
laws As they stand is confscatiOn. They
are robbed and plunaered in their towns
and counties. They must find relief in a
change Of administration or find refuge in
exile. They have all they have worked for
and all they hope for at stake. They must
win or perish. They must elect an honest
Democratic GovosAor and an incOrruptible
Democratic Legislature, or be driven from
hearth and home, and the graVesof their
dead, blythe thieves and fools in whose
hands the pdmiustsatiDn win remain IN the
event of a Reuuhliczu-s SUGGEST
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19

Democracy means the greatest good to the
sroatpst number. nisa government of
~ peopls by che people, and through the
peopls. Ilsplinciples ass founded in the
sternal fitness of things As coatradistin-
guiahed fhOn divino. Il Is that essential
and hAEmoaious action Of the masses
acknowledges The night Of communities to
an equal participation in the benefits as well
as burdtas of govsrnment- aggregation
ofmind in forming laws which may operate
as gently and bene6ciaily Is the dews Of
beaver uPoa TIE tsndef lslbegs Of the field.
Il Is ths enemy Of oppression, Of nonOpO-
lies, Of rings, % sla8 legislation, Of an
eriutoclacy 0lbirlA and % riches the sisaiy
ld consistent foo q nonarehies and
crowned heads. springing up frOm the ne
ces.ilies q tls people, in their struggles
With ehiellains, lords and kings il has
made history which nov bids fair 70 en-
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-19


BUFFALO, March 11.-Shortly after o'clock
the doors of the cathedral were opened 10 adj
nit the United States Senatorial and House
committees, members of Gov Dix's military
staff, the mayor, city authorities and common
council, faculty of tho University of Buffalo,
bar of Eric county, board of trade, and repre-.
sentatiyes of other civil societies At 2:15,
the family having entered the cathedral, six SER
geants, detailed from the First United States
Infantry stationed at Fort Porter, bore the
casket from the vestibule into the cathedral,
headed by Rev. DIR. Shelton and the Episco-
pal clergy of Buffalo, and followed by VIM.
A. Bird, Noah p. Spfague, T. X. Jewett, d.
III. Marshall, o. G. Steele, Judge q. w.
Clinton, Henry Martin and Warren Bryant,
pail bearers-eight of the oldest and most In
iluential citizens and friends Of deceased--and
deposited the same in front of the chancel.
The ceremonies in the Cathedral were Of
a solemn and impressive character, including
Ia brief resume Of the life of the illustrious
deceased by Revcrdy Shelton, the venerable
rector of st. Paul's Church, and lifelong
friend of Millard Fillmore. The singing OF
the full choir OF st. Paufs Church was grind
and spendidly rendered. The casket was then
borne 10 the hearse, and the procession moved
in the following order: Major g, X. Howard
and Brigadier Gen. Rogers and staffs; Com
pany ID, Buffalo City Guards, Sixty.flfth and
Seventy fourth Regiments, National Guards;
Companies A and q, First United States IN
fantry; Col. DeRussy, as guard OF honor;
hearse, decorated with national and funeral
embleIns, and followed by a long line Of ear
riages, with pail bearers, mourners, national,
State and city representatives and citizens--to
Forest lawn Cemetery, where, after the final
services Of the Episcopal Church, the remains
were deposited in stone grave, in the family
lot An along the line of march Il was
crowded. Thus ends al that was mortal Of
Millard Fillmore as good and yirtuous man as
ever lived.