The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-11-26

DC 8culf VI bNC AANnb NC AAaAAN1s
They will also state whether they take or
desire to take the DAILY or WEEKLY.
By so doing, much delay and trouble viii
be avoided.
-
ANARCHY Is NOT DEMOCRACY.
just now, after the sweeping victory Of
the Democrats, it is necessary to apply the
brakes Of craftsmanship and restrain within
proper bounds the disposition to sweep
down on Constitutions and laws, regardless
Of the wholesome provisions which they
may contain. In the first flush of triumph,
many men become wild with a spirit of
change. srarting under wrongs which
have been inflicted by a heretofore trium-
plant majority, they demand that there
shall be no vestige left of the power which
was uewisely used. Now, this to GER
tain extent, is wrong. Not that it would
not be right to repeal and modify any law
which was inimical to the well being of the
State, but that haste and passion are apt to
call for such sweeping changes as will bring
about anarchy.
Some men do not pause to reflect upon
all the causes which lead to confusion. If
the war had not greatly disturbed our social
system and destroyed the checks and
balances which made negro slavery condu-
Give to a sound Democracy, there would
not be so much danger to the body polite.
But the stern logic Of that gigantic struggle
is not fully understood by individuals who,
in their thirst for the greatest good to
the greatest numbers, and influenced
by chivalric love of liberty, demand
that all officers shall be elected by
the people regardless Of the results. The
denial of such demand, by any one, is
considered as opposition to Democratic prin-
ciples. But these men would do well to
consider their own opposition to the very
power which brought about the necessity Of
gans, there was no necessity to discrimi
nate in the election of State officers,
because the people of the South were bound
together as a homogeneous people, and
were ready to sacrifice all personal gain for
the unity, prosperity and welfare of their
own sunny land. Never was there so much
homogenity with any people who occupied
so vast an area. There have been small
communities that were bound together by a
common interest, and compelled to stand as
a unit Ia self-defense But such was not
the case It'll the Southern people. 1t was
no ne fear Of any outside power which
kept them united, but common feeling.
spllit and purpose-a love Of their section,
and a chivairic spirit that pervaded all
classes. This was most signally demon
strated since the war; and was one Of the
main causes Of the failure of the recon
struction acts, which were intended as the
wooden horse to divide and subiugase
shs South.
Radical politicians thought that the
sspoor whites, assthey pleased 70 Cal u.
them, were the natural enemies Of the rich
and prominent citizens; and, therefore,
that they would be ready to unite with the
negroes in the administration Of the gov
crnment Of the several States. But now
they acknowledge that they were mistaken
that the poor whitess refused to act with
the negroes aud et.baggers in Cypress
ing The intelligent and, formerly, wealthy
citieeas So they went on from bad to
We until the people OF the whole Union,
disguised with the b0rlesques Of govern
ment aad ashamed Of the robberies that
were pefpetrated in the name Of liberty aud
free insiituiions-wit the plumbers Of the
officers who had been foisted into power by
ihenegro vote--arose in the majesty Of their
might and hurled the miserable creatures
nom Office, place and power.
Shall we now, in the undisputed exercise
of the trust rcposed in us by the lovers Of
good government, legislate unwisely and
throw away tie substance for the name, the
shadow
We surround society with safeguards;
and every nan and woman who give up
some Of their natural rights, acknowledge
the wisdom Of such safeguards. And tho
same caution is.carriea into the regulation
Of the elective franchise. Our sons may be
sent TO schools and colleges, and receive
thorough classical aud mathematical educa-
ton, may graduate viththe highest honors,
ana yet they are not allowed to vote until
they arrive at the age Of twenty-one. Now,
Is it wrong, VIXEN we know, most posi-.
lively, thar there are large numbers of ig-
nofent soters ia the State-who know
nothing about our laws and Institutions;
Who are ignoiant Of the first principles Of
political eeonomy, and cannot even read the
Constitution who have never been edu-
Gated, BY speeches from the hustincs to
understand the workings Of our system.
aud who ears as yet, bat little about the
qaal aeatiens Of oilcers-is it wrosF. We
81 e 90 frame the new Constitution a 70
laFe she jedieisl crsnine ffor0 being drarrsa
in The 1lthy eesspools q ignorance. preju-
dice and cogruplEonl Yet, such viii be the
sssols 3 the district judges are elected BY
the people
or opponents may say that this would
mes he fair and right But they are
stepped lrom such declaration for they
themselves refused % give the election a.
only TIE dishisl but also the supreme
ae IS the people. + we give them The
'aI,lr iIe Supreme Court, the highest judi
t'sI tteanal Il should 81 sufficient IA
.'as enl there IS 40 disiiaclion
h.tHa Pc Whites sna blacks AM