The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-03-26

N~N~~N11S NfA|AAAA-
cal parties, theAIavent Of the Patrons of
Husbandry, or as they are now called, the
Changers, have had very marked and
healthy effect upon the political atmosphere.
It is very evident that the corruptions Of
the Radical party had much to do in bring
ing about the formation Of the Oranges.
For out Of the legislation Of that party 50
such evil was brought upon the country,
50 many bad laws, 80 many combinations
for fleeing the people, such utter neglect
e the vital interests in every pursuit. such
a. Ignoring of the agricultural power, that
men who had been RepubIicans, looked
around and sighed for Purers bettep
party which would not tolerate such
a eours but would demand and
enforce an honest and impartial ad-
mnlistration of the laAs- It was also
apparent to many-and they had felt the ef-
feet of the ''grain corners, or companies
who combined for the purpose Of buying
up the cereal crops for speculatiOn-thas
something must be done to break down the
enemies of the producers, and place them
in their true position, upon high and indie
pendent relation towards the monopolists
who alone grew rich rapidly. Hence, we in
fer, the movement was started, and, in shOat
time, surpassed, no doubt the brightest
anticipations of the Originators.
And while we do not write by author
ity, not being a Granger, yet the con
clusions are based upon facts. Now,
as the Grangers disclaim being politi-
cal party, and acting unitedly in the attain
ment of their ends, the power which they
will exercise in the future, in casting their
votes, will be watched with the most in
tense interest. For it is evident that they
hold the scales in their own hands, provided
their numbers are correctly represented.
Such being the case the future Of this new
party will soon be tried, as it were, by fire.
1t is evident that many old politicians have
become Patrons of Husbandry for the pur-
pose of getting an even start in the races
which will hereafter come off for place and
power. And, right here, the troubles
of the Grangers will commence. Can they
control such old foxes without cutting of
their tailsl If they can, then it win be
easy for them to dictate their own terms,
and hold the balance of power But it win
require an amount of wisdom and tirmness
rarely possessed by any party. Still we be
lieYe that the Changers have already done
great deal of good, and that their organiza-
tion win help to purge the body polite of
it's impurities. The Democratic ,party has
nothing to fear from them, provided always
that they are not partisan. Instead of being
in opposition, there will be unity of pur-
pose in the, accomplishment Of their
aims; unless. the Changers should at
tempt to elect none but men of
their own party. To do so would be to en-.
ter at once into the political arena, and
abandon their Ron-partisan- character. So
long as they keep aloof, their power for
good will be very great, but should they
once forget their pledge of neutrality, then,
like the Know NOthings, they viii tumble
to pieces and lose the opportunity which
they now have of being Of untold benefit to
the farmers and producers of the United
States If we are correctly informed
about them, and if their published
resolutions disclose their real purposes,
the Grangers are public necessity,
and any false step which they might
take in their future dealings with
either of the great political parties would
be of incalculable injury to the country.
Therefore, it viii be an exhibition of wis
dom, on their part, to keep alOof; but,
when men are to be chosen to ill Offices Of
profit and honor, then let them aid by their
ballots in selecting such as have capacity
and honesty-men who, knowing their duty,
will dare to do it.