The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-08-19
ECONOMY AT HOMIE.

| One of the prime reasons for the calling
of constitutional convention has been the
establishment of government, based upon
such principles as are commensurate with
the ability of the people to maintain it. The
State has labored, under the pressure of
heavy taxation for many years, mainly i'm
posed for the carrying out of systems, in
many instances unnecessary, and often I'M
suited to the well-being and prosperity of a
young state like Texas. Relrenchment is
loudly called for on the part of the people
1t is demanded, and very properly, too,
that the judicial force of the State must be
curtailed, and the salaries of all judicial
officers reduced. 1t is also required that
the court systems, as applied to the State
at large, and to communities, shall be so
reconstructed as to lessen the terrible bur-
dens, which through them are insidiously
heaped upon the public. It's claimed, too,
that the governmental departments must be
placed upon a more economical basis, that
chiefs, clerks and all employees must learn
to live on smaller salaries, or perform
more service, for what they now receive.
The, demand for. retrenchment, in fact,
applies to every department of government,
and from all we have heard and seen ex-
pressed in the late canvass, there is no
doubt but large majority of the delegates
to the convention are pledged to all of these
propositions. z
1t becomes, then, the paramount duty of
the men composing the constitutional con-
vention to set worthy example, which
earnestly demanded. One of the rules for
the administration of government within
that wonderfully model republic, encircled
within the Alps, and for centuries confronted
by kingdoms and empires, is that those
whom the people honor and trust with its
conduct shall serve the state for nothing.
No Office within the gift of the Swizters is
more honorable than place in that body
which is to give to Texas a new Constltu-
ton, under which the people hope to ad-
vance it, within few years, to the
pinnacle of greatness. We believe there are
as great patriots in Texas as ever breathed
the free air of the Alps, and stiil they are
not expected to serve the public without 3
Compensation. But that compensation
should be guide for Legislators for years
to come. The delegates are pledged to
a reduction of expenditures, and the place
TO commence is 1t home. Five dollars per
diem, at the outside, is enough. Let the
salaries of clerks, doorkeepers, porters and
pages be reduced to such figures as men are
accustomed to earn by such classes Of lsbor.
Heretofore doorkeepers, for few hours
easy service, have received eight dollars
per diem. when there are scores OF old vet
Grams who would willingly perform the
duty for half that amount. Chaplains, for
a two minutes prayer, each day, have re-
ceived eight dollars, when there are good
Christians who would do even more for
nothing. Besides, such extrayagant ideas
have been fruitful sources of corruption
about state capitals, calling for reforms not
only in financial, but in moral point Of
view. The convention is to meet upon
pledges OF economy. The toiling Graneers
demand II, aud public and social propriety
demand that its members should commences
to practice this doctrine at home.