The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-23
MUST THERE BE PROsCR1PTIoN

|
the Convention, few days since, and subE
sequent groupings out of a similar nature.S
it would appear that ''new comers," placed
in juxtaposition with ''old Texans" should
have but few if any rights. Such propoc
sition reflects the sentiments of an insigts,
nificant and narrow-mnded few, whosei
places are being rapidly filled by hundreds
of thousar dis of the better and more int zee
ligent Inhabitants of the older States. Wdl
do not believe that such sentiments are in
dulged in by very great number of then
''old Texans" but for argument sake we3
will regard the whole, and show howl
foolish men can makethemselves, especially
when they lug this question, even in the
most indirect manner, into the deliberations
of Constitutional Convention. We love
the sold Texans" and love to think of,
their patriotism. They deserve honor .andl
have been honored, and they deserve prom
inence and consideration. d. From many
portions of tine State, where ''pew corners"
are in the majority, we see that 'told Tex
ans" have been chosen to represent
them in the Convention, and, there
fore, the latter Cannot complain that
the former are inclined te draw
lines of demarcation against the. latter.
we sincerely trust that this will never be the
case and it will not be unless foolish hos
tility to new comers is manifested in the
framing of the new Copstitution. If an is
Ecna ha ma do ho
result is plainly visible. New corners out
number the old by very large majority,
and this is the case in almost every part of
Texas. Take, for instance, the city of Aus
| tin. But few years ago it was village of
only three or four thousand souls. Now it
numbers thirteen or fourteen thousand, and
its beauty and wealth have grown In an in
creased ratio. 41s5c i.9.a
llnWhere did this additional ten thousand
come from, and whose morey, labor, and
iskill has contributed so largely to make the
city what it is2 We have invited these peo-
Iple here, and they are among our best citi-
zens. They have made the owners of real
estate rich by buying lots and building
houses. Surely they are not to be eignored.
To say;the least of it, would it not be SUI
preme folly for the old four thousand to at
| tempt to organize themselves into close
corporation and deny to the new ten thou
sand any voice in the management of city
affairs2 If this would be foolish for this
city, it would be more so for the State.
! There are to-day in this State not less than
one million of comparatively new citizens,
&, embracing good and true men from all
portions of the country, who have made
sacrifices to cast their lot with us. Our
Eprairies are dotted with farms opened by
them. In some counties and cities, if the
old stock are only to enjoy the honors,
some would have to be imported for the
purpose. 1t is hoped the Convention will
not insert in the new Constitution provis-
ions requiring long residence for eligibility
for Office. II would look like prescription.
1t need not be feared that the people will
|'elect any man to prominent position for
which, on account of short residence,
he would be untitled. Let US trust
the people to select any citizen for
boffice they please, new or old. In
i Connecticut, Wisconsin and Nebraska the
only requirement for eligibility for even the
Office of Governor, is that of being quail
fled elector. In large number, if not in
a majority of the states, only two years
previous residence is required, and in some
only one year. 1t is not likely that Texas
| will elect sanv man of a short residence to
this office. Let every man who has the
right to elect have also the right to be cleo
ted. As before said the people can be
trusted on this subject. No limitation
.onght to be imposed at any rate for any
office except that of Governor.