New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-08-05
Texas Chivalry and Democracy.

from Breaham, Texas, of date July 26, in
which the writer speaks of law and order in
the Lone Star State as follows:
Another one of those chivaltic butcher;es
has taken plsce-butcheries which the his
torian of the Southern States will tire of
recording. and concerning which the people
are already tired of hearing. The scene
has shifted from Vicksburg and New Or
leans to the little town of Independence. in
the State of Texas, yet it is the same old
scene, so familiar to every man living in tho
South. and apparently SO little understood
by the people of the North.
On the second day of August so-called
election is to be held to decide whether or
not constitutional convention shall be
called to frame new constitution, and also
to elect delegates to the convention in the
event OF an affirmative vote. The Demo.
Gratis having an overwhelming majority IN
both branches of the Legislature did not
even deem it necessary to proceed in this
matter according to the form prescribed by
the present constitution. Believing that q
convention would assemble, and a new con-
stitution be adopted, success in their under
taking would amply compensate for any in
fringement of the old worn out organic law
of the State. Beside this, their hearts were
made brave by the complete success of the
Arkansas outrage last year. The Repub-
licans throughout the State have taken little
part in the canvass; but in this senatorial
district, consisting of the counties of Wash
ington, Burleeon and Lee, they have nom;-
mated their candidates and have held few
mass meetings. 1t was at one of these Re.
publican meetings, held near Independence,
in Washington county,. July 10, that the
present outrage occurred.
Several Republican speaker. were invited
to address the meeting, among whom were
the Hon. T. j. Lockett, candidate to the
convention: r. A. Harvin. distric. clerk,
and a Mr.. Decker. Several Democrats were
present and listened to the speeches, but
we're noticed to leave the ground before the
last speaker concluded and 90 back to
while all were quietly eating their dinner
in the grove, a band Of ten or twelve Texas
banditti, completely armed, rode up and
inquired for the speakers. On being found
they Immediately set upon the three gen.
tlemen named with loaded whips and six.
shooters, beating them in a most shameful
manner. The gentlemen were unarmed, and
while some threatened them with death in
case of resistance, Others struck them with
their pistols and whips
After completely satisfying their desires,
they ordered them to leave the grounds i'm
mediately, which they were glad to do
alive. But the chiEalric Southern heart
once fired could not be auenched. save by
the innOcent blood Of that long oppressed
race of slaves-the panacea for all Southern
disorders. So seeing two old men some
distance off, each with an old musket, they
ordered them to lay down their arms. This
the old men refused to do, alledging that
they meant no harm by having their guns;
that they had been hunting, and would
take their guns home on their return. No
sooner was this said than the whole pack Of
assassins began firing upon them. One, an
aged Baptist preacher. sixty-fve years old,
was shot down bleeding from a dozen
wounds, when he was unceremoniously
knocked in the head. He never fred
his gun. The other old mamie
waited, when boy, upon General Jackson
at the battle of New Orleans-fred his
musket loaded with bird shot upon his as
sailants, wOunding one slightly in the face.
He then rushed upon him with his dubbed
gun, putting this brave man to flight
Overtaking him he struck him with the gun
and undoubtedly would have ended the
career of one of the marauders had he not
been shot by tho others. He now lies at
the point Of death from his wounds. After
this noble exploit tho victors rode off in
triumph to be crowned with chepIets of
immortal glory. They have already been
enrolled IN the legion OF honor. and their
names have become household words.
Fathers admonish their sons to emulate
these brave men in the holy cause of iber-
ty. After the trouble, for several daye, up
ward of 100 armed men patrolled the coun-
try, Ostensibly to defend the rascals, but
really to intimidate law abiding citizens.
Transient peace now reigns. A sham bond
has been given, and the murderers are at
liberty;