The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-06-18

GERsIAN CONVECTION.
We understand that our German fellow
citizens are discussing the propriety Of hold
ing convention some time next fail to con-
slider what they ought to do in relation to
political matters and the status Of the Ger
man population in the State OF Texas. It
j. to be hoped that the sober second
thought Of that class Of our citizens win
arrive at a conclusion in opposition to and
against such u convention. The first ques-
ton Tor them to consider is, whether they
are now German or American citizens; and
whether their interests and those Of the
rest Of the citizens OF the State are diverse
and in conflict. 1t is very evident that if
their interests and those Of the American
citizens Of Texas are identical, then such
convention is unnecessary and uncalled
for. Il cannot be said that want Of
ability to speak and write English makes it
improper for all to unite in the same dis
cussiona and purposes. While the masses
may not be able to read and write English,
there are quite number who can, who are
men Of fne culture and intelligence, who
can write aud speak too If there should be
any necessity. Nothing should be done to
divide the citizens Of the State; much less
should ia attempt be made to keep up di.
vision simply on account of being originally
from different parts Of the globe. We
must either think and speak in English
or in German.
A confusion Of tongues destroys harmony
Of as Nothing can be accomplished
b. a boagoi men without concert and con-
cord. And, therefore, every act which has
tendency to separate and keep apart two
OF moro bodies, eil unquestionably de-
rtFoy the power to accomplish ali the
worthy objects which are dependent upon
numbers OF an aggregation Of numbers.
Diversity Of language, diversity Of thought
and feeling, keep up an irritation and re-
prlsion which prevent an exercise Of the
powers possessed by all FOR common good.
They breed dislikes and hatreds, which
lead to opposition and strife. Clans are
not calculated to unite society and develop
the country. The one is very apt to
pull down and destroy what the other
builds up. We have a striking example Of
this in the clans Of England and Scotland,
who fought each other with an undying
hate for long years. We now see the bad
effects as they crop out between England
and Ireland-the bitterness which char
acterizes the intercourse of the two coun-
tries, although united or held bound to-
gether under the same government. His
tory teaches US that when men desired to
accomplish gigantic work for their pro-
lection, one which would lift them high
above the warning elements and enable
them to look down upon the chaotic masses
below as they were driven with resistless
power and swallowed up in the whirlpoOls
Of destruction, they were one people, spoke
one language. But the Creator, by
display Of HIS mighty power, sent con.
fusion Of tongues among them, and thus by
his fat broke up the undertaking
and dispersed the multitude. But If their
language had not been COMPOUNDED, to-day
we would in an probability see the ruins
Of a towe- whose summit would reach high
above the clouds, the wonder and admira-
tion Of mankind. Cannot our German
friends see in this the necessity, Of breaking
down the barriers betweeni US. But con-
vontion viii do great deal to keep up
dissonsion aud bad feelings. What is now
greatly needed IS wearing out and break
ing OF Of The ends and edges which prevent
closer union and harmony. Aseparate con-
renlion win not permit such explanations
Is nieht bring about the most cordial re-
lalions The Germans might not under
stand as and we might not un-
aorsland them. But il they send their best
and mos. intelligent men as delegates to the
sane convention, then any misunderstand-
ing or differences Of opitiaa could I've ex-
plsfhtd. and they, retarningto their homes,
would disseminate correct yicws Of the
principles adopted and plans marked oat
ior the best interests Of the citizens Of the
State. Tho very meeting together would
have tendency to produce concord and
hfolherly feeling, while separate eonven-
lions would tend to creste antagonisms Il,
reiofe, our German fellow-citizens desire
Is ohito an tie citizens Of the State into one
harmonious whole, they willnOt insist upon
holding separate convention. Let Us be-
come ono people IN thought, purpose and
action. Then viii progress receive new i'm
rahss in the right direction; we viii be
blessed With wise aud good rulers. and the
state become the happy homo for millions