davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

WHEN journal, known not to be an
''organ" does speak kindly and approvingly
of an office-holder is worth something to
him; but the causeless, vapid, senseless,
ever-recurring laudation and horrible adula-
ton of an ''organ" is disgusting to decency
and common intelligence. Judge Reagan
bears good head on his shoulders, and has
thought to some purpose and kept his eyes
open while soddling about through this
rugged world, Other party leaders Should
learn what he is prepared to teach, that a
good cause never needs an "organ" while
good newspapers exist
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16
THE y I1UsURiY3 CODE.

A valued correspondent writes from
Washington county as follows:
If the Convention. enacts an usury law
there will be revolution in farming and
real estate and the establishment of facto-
ries in Texas that has never been known
before. Until this is done our State will
be a stranger to anything of the kind.
Give the country stringent usury law
if you desire to see the country and the
farming interest prosper instead of individ
uals. Should the Convention fail to make
such law, the farming interest will Ian
gulsh until it will be only question of
time as to who will be the owners of this
county. There are numbers of farmers in
Washington county (though one of the
best farming counties in the State) who are
anxious to dispose of their farms and move
to town and embark in the business of
banking. The farmer does not make more
than five or six per cent. per annum
on his investment; the banker, two
and half per cent. per month is the
price he charges for the use of his money.
This demoraliZes the farmer when we ought
to encourage the farming interest. The
price for the use of money should be linn
tied so that a farmer could borrow money
10 invest in farming with some hope of be-
ing rewarded for his labor. When this is
done there are numbers of enterprising men
in the country that will go back to their
old avocations. Make usury law not al
lowing the collection of any debt by law,
with the rate of interest above six per cent.
per annum. Old and prosperous States
have such laws. 10 Tennessee and Penn
sylvania six per cent. is the highest rate
that can be collected by law, and most OF
the older States, with but few exceptions,
! "a little higher are the same. So long as
the moneyed man can lend his money al
the present price, just so long will the Statt
of Texas know nothing of manufacturing
establishments, otherwise there will be ac
tivity in Texas, land and real estate ant
manufactures that has not been known
since the absence of a usury law. AL
Christian nations have fixed by law the rat
of compensation for the use of money.
SUBSCRIBER.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16


ELwooD FISHER, the prophetic thinker,
said IN Browns Hotel in Washington, the
day before Lincoln's first Inauguration, and
in the apartment then occupied by Senator
Lane of Oregon, that SIN freeing the negro
the Union and Constitution would be de-
stroyei and the white man enslaved." Mr..
Fisher mapped out the course of events with
almost perfect accuracy from that hour TO
this. His prediction will be wholly veri-
fed when Grant and Amss, two rude sol
diers, caring nothing fer human right or
Freedom and co-operating in the scheme OF
consolidating the Union, strike down one
single State. Mississippi is doomed Il
must either be negrO-governed, or . militia
~ despotism. Some people Preferthe reign
Of the military tyr4nt-
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

1AE Ddtts1s I1c1 osete
nine indictments pending against number
of our professional and business men. That
this, tax is unjust few VIII deny. For
instance, in the case of lawyer, the lille
gality is almost palpable. He is q sworn
officer of the court, and has been so regarded
for centuries. At the command of the
court he assumes the cares and the response
bility of representing q moneyiess client.
Should he refuse to fiff this Office of char
ity, he Is in contempt of court and may be
fined, or his name may be stricken from
the roll of attorneys. In his case, or that
of physician, it finally resolves itself into
q tax on brains In the easeof merchant
the injustice is not obvious. He invests 50
much capital in the enterprise before him
After, investing this capital he proceeds
to manipulate il as his interest may
dictate Now, the question naturally oc-
eurs, why should this merchant be forced 20
pay this extra tax while the farmer Is per
mitted to pursue his avocation untram-
meled Fhere is no man who would rot
consider il an outrage 70 force farmer to
pay bonus for the privilege Of cultivating
the soil; but slight reflection win shew
that an equal injustice is done when the &C
cupation tax is forced from those who rp-
resent other walks in hfe.T
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

THE ACTION Of the Convention upon the
paper question is one entirely satisfactory
to the STATEsNAS. In fact, il was the only
course left open TO be pursued after the un-
reasonable effort made to force the body
into narrow-minded policyof extreme par
tiality. We earnestly express the hope that
the Convention will drop such questions for
good, and keep itself clear Of any disagree
able handling Of the public printing. Let
It devote itself alone 70 the work expected
Of it-that Of making glorious Constitu-
ton for great people.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

UNDER technical rules of law governing
courts, the Georgia negroes charged with
Conspiracy" etc., have been acquitted.
The New York HerdlFs reporters evoked
many confessions from many negroes, show
ing the designs of the worst blacks to have
been infamous, but the Herald now says
editorially that ''there was no general in
tention to murder or commit violence"
This is no doubt true. The masses were
blind dupes of designing knaves, as in all
political acts of these good people.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16
The posthumous advantage arising from

The posthumous advantage arising from
generosity to newspaper men is well illus
trated in facts incident to Ralston's death.
Creditors of his bank and officers have sought
in vain to derogate from his worth and
blacken his name. Even George Alfred
Townsend does not forget ''poor" Ralston's
generous, boundless hospitality, and the
newspapers are building monument to
Ralston more enduring and prouder far
than he dreamed of erecting even when he
proposed to beautify and enrich the coun-
try and city he deemed his own and such as
was never reared save by mlghtiest mon
archs Ralston is one of the few debtors
who, dying, lives immortal in that he is
lauded as all others like him have been
cursed as infamous, and simply because the
press will not be silenced and continues to
shed lustre upon his deeds and virtues.
Most men expect to die, and they who
would live after death should not forget
the lesson taught by Ralston's deeds and
posthumsus luck. Deal generously with
the newspapers is the one great lesson
taught by Ralston's life and death.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

people are having free fight on the
usury question. Wesgive an excellent letter
ON this subject this morning, and part of
its excellence consists in its brevity. Words
mean something and are worth printing
when Josh" sings them around. OF
his philosophy others may speak. Another
correspondent, writing of tins subject, says:
The question is whether laws on the sub
ject should not be fixed by the Legislature,
and whether the Constitutional Convention
can properly do more than say that the rate
of interest shall be regulated by law. Dur
ing the next twenty or fifty years the neces-
sites of trade and abundance and scarcity
of money may be greatly different at differ
ent periods, and the Legislature, if any
agency of power, changeful in purpose with
changeful necessities of the country, should
regulate rates of interest,"" We propose to
let everybody talk that chooses on this cues
ton if they viii only write as briefly and
sensibly rs these two correspondents.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

PRESIDENT WALKER, of the Alabama
Constitutional Convention, among other
things, advises the restriction of the powers
of county courts to create county indebted
ness. The absolute necessities of counties
cannot be foreseen, and their deprivation
of power is as unwise as the same conduct
toward states by Congress. The true pol
icy is to leave counties free, but restrict
suffrage In them to freeholders. This pol
icy saves wide districts of Texas from
fiual desolation by blacks, and towns and
counties everywhere from absolute ruin at
the hands of that wandering white rabble
which invades fourishing communities.
BY this restriction of the elective franchise
ern counties give perfect security. to the
southern and western, and the unity of
Texas is made perpetual. If the north do
not save the south, in this and in the cleo
ton of a Judiciary, the unity of Texas
avails the south and southwest nothing,
and the subdivision of the State, becomes
inevitable. No constitution can long exist,
operative over such broad domains and
over people of such widely diverse habits,
pursuits and interests, that does not give
all these remote peoples the broadest local
freedom The Constitution cannot, esPe-
cially in this broad empire. safely lodge
the Legislative power of counties in the
State Legislature. Give them, on the con-
trary, perfect local freedom, but suffer only
those to govern counties who are cisizens
and personally interested in their weIEbe-
ing. Restrict suffrage, in local elections in
Texas, and the best populations Of all the
old States win be attracted and the worst
repeiIed, and then municipal freedom may
be perfect.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

A PARAGRAPH is going through Texan
papers to the effect that the school, asylum
and university lands have been placed on
the market, and are now in process Of sale
to aid settlement by actual settlers. In tine
present condition of the money market, IL
for no other fact, the sale Of these uni
versity lands, If begun, should not go on.
In fact this land should not be sold at all.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

THE Comanche chief reproduces and ap-
proves a very laudatory sketch of the life
and deeds and virtues of Hon. James r.
Fleming, member of the Constitutional
Convention. He was Confederate soldier
at thirteen, and remained through the war
follower of Gen. Forrest. Peace restored,
he became lawyer, and stands foremost
among lawyers for thorough integrity and
sound, practical, good sense.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

In Jasper county they contine jail-birds
all In one room that has no window. Men
are not entitled, when accused of crime, to
have access even to the air of heaven. Is
the State to suffer such things to be 2
Should there not be prison inspector
Men are murdered outright by jailors of
Texas, and these jsilors are helpless vic
Tins of the thoughtless folly Of those that
these horrible dens.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

THE Democratic party is gaining strength
everywhere on the financial question. Even
in New York City bankers and merchants
are changing their tack, and confess the
absolute impossibility Of specie resumption
as provided by the present law. Every
where the prospect of a Democratic triumph
in the next presidential election grows
brighter.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

The Corpus Christi Gazette says that 'the
result Of the election in this district has not
been officially ascertained as yet, but enough
is known 70 render certain tine election OF
the entire independent ticket, by majorities
ranging from 500 TO 1890"
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

Judge Edward Dougherty permtorily re-
moved the Brownsville clerk of the district
court, A. Lavicke, who voted for Ford,
Murphy and Cards, the independent ticket,
while the Judge was for the nominees. Is
this true7 Such is the story that comes TO
us, and Col. Ford will be apt TO inquire into
the facts
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

A CncAeo special TO the Dallas CommeT-
sal says that Mrs. Judge Norton was thrown
under . train while walking on the Lake
Shore. Her left arm was cut OF, besides
being injured internally. Two cars passed
over her. She VIII recoHeE.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

THE STATESMAN will not be led into any
discussion Of the printing question. Effort
has been made, by inuendo, to draw 1t into
such position, but We have learned to re-
gard such matter as this as private one,
Of insufficient interest 10 the general public
to devote valuable space to it, and il viii
be thus treated by anyone connected with
the paper.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

GovERsoR Ans doesn't deny the asser-
tion OF United States District Attorney
Wells that Ames deliberately planned and
desired the slaughter OF negroes six or
eight months ago IN vicksburg. Ames
thought it good thing for the party, and
If Grants reelection inquire Il thero Win
be ten thousand blacks pat 70 death before
the next Presidential eleceon. =
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16
THERE are counties densely populated

THERE are counties densely populated
that support and need public schools.
Sparsely populated and new counties can
not. If those who paid, expended taxes,
the school question might be solved by
transferring the matter almost wholly to
the several counties. But they who dance
should pay the piper, and those who pay
should expend taxes, even in matters of
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

IT isn't best for an editor 70 have cliques
and rings and pIacemen 70 control him.
HIS position is judicial, and he should
know, professionally, neither friends nor
enemies, and have no entangling alliances.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

sExoK IxDA- Cortlna's lawyer, died sud-
denly. They say he was poisoned. Cor
tina is stiIl in prison and subjected to sOli-
tsry confinement. He is suspected now Of
completely with the murderers Of INDIA
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

THE CIeburDe Chronicle complains Of the
intolerabIe burdens imposed upon the judge
Of tha. district. He occupies the wool
sack ten months and travels two months
each year.
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

oUK correspondent, ''Subscriber," Is
mistaken. The ''convcntional' usury law
prevails in Tennessee, and when no rate is
fixed BY agreement, six per cant. is collect
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

TffD OvsF->>-.i-- G4.-4sf4-sl Aha Gaastia
says that private letter from Col. John 8.
Ford states that he will leave for the Aus
tin Convention by the next Morgan steamer.
''our delegate, Hon. John j. Murphy, viii
not leave until be receives his certificate OF
aiecfiou ~
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

THE Rockdsie Messenger says s'the big
eagle of the TslegrapA hops about ad lisstEss
with the STATESMAN in its claws.n sIs may
be 50, but Il true the Tsltgraph Is like the
Messenger man. Il has more genius in its
heels than its head. It's the best-hesled
rooster in the State. q
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

Tnx Sonf1patern LndGs viii appear regu-
larry during the session Of the Convention
The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-09-16

TnE late Overflow Of the Mississippi COW
cred more country, Infinitely, on paper than
en land
Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1875-09-29

Ono of our prominent merchants
was informed day or two since. when
he went homo to tea, that there was q
mouse in tho sitting room; it had run
in there during the afternoon, and
they had shut the door to kccp it in
until some one came to catch 1t. "Well,
why didn't yon catch it?" said tho
gentleman to his wife, as he started
for the sitting-room, banging tho door
pretty sharply behind him. The ladies
there were two or three callers pres
ont waited in breathless silence. and
were soon startled by yell that cent
tho lady of the house into swoon and
ono Of the callers to the rescue. Open
ing the door, there was tho gentleman
with his pants half of. both hands
grasping tho antipodcs of the email of
his back, and no executing a Modoc
war dance in tho middle OF the room.
Tho lady said: "What is it?" Tho
gentleman said: "You clear out, and
send my WIFE," Soon as cold water
and camphor had revived her, the lad v
OF house went in aud quiet was soon
restored. Inquiry elected the fact
that when the gentleman went in and
discovered the mouse, he went for it
at once, aud the mouse went up the
leg OF his pantaloons and got In such
position that he could not DO shook
out. and fearing no would bite "a we'll
as scratch, he seized him with both
hands and thcn found It impossible to
get his pants off alone. When the
mouse was finally removed, his wife
quietly remarked: "Yon see, now
why l didn't catch It," The gentle
man said he did.-Faiybaut Demo
Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1875-09-29

Why Mr. Laadts WAS Not Removed.
President Grant has not only Q nice
appreciation of humor, but on occasion
is apt At repartee.
During his recent vacation ct Long
Branch he was called to Warrington
on public business, and while there
was handed for signature several COM
missions of Postmasters. There was
also presented to him number of Pc
tltions, among them them one from
citizens Of Vineland, New Jersey, for
the removal of Mr. Lands from the
postmastership. -
Mr.. l., it will be remem bored, is the
EeandslIemsn9. who, IN An informal and
email globe of lead into the brain OF
Mr.. Carruth, the editor Of the Vine
land paper. The President asked:
''ls there any irregularity in Mr..
Landis' acconnts?"
"Not any," replied the pleasant
voiced Postmaster General.
els tho Office we'll conducted ?"
"No complaint on that score"
"Intemperate habits 2"
"Nothing of the kind charged"
"What is the objection ?"
"The petitioners say he Is rather OBJ
noxious, and that change would be
satisfactory"
"Well," replied the President, with
the slightest possible twinkle at the
T. M. G., che doesn't seem to have
done any thing but shoot an editor,
and don't see how l can remove him
on that"
The papers remain on file in the
archives of the republic. - Editors
draUer in Ha,per's Magazine for Oc-
k0Ler.
Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1875-09-29
FOREIGN.

LONDON, Sept. 27.-The celebration
of the fiftieth anniversary OF the ca.
tablishment of railwAys began yester-
day at Darlington, England, with many
thousand people participating. Among
them the Lord Mayor Of London, and
Provosts Of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The railroad companies have subccri.
bed 10000 pounds toward expenses of
the celebration. Tho programme was
- follows: At noon there was .
grand procession winding up by the
Inauguration of bronze statute to
Joseph Pease, by eculptor Lawson,
costing three thousand pounds. The
ceremony of unwilling was performed
by tho Duke of Cleveland. In the
afternoon there was grand banquet,
At which seven hundred guests sat
down. A fine portrait Of Joseph
Pease, by the artist Macbeth, was I'M
yelled during tho banquet. Congrat-
ulatory kilograms were sent during
the progress of the banquet to all the
railroad kings on the European CONT
nents In America, Egypt and India.
Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1875-09-29
Republican Platform.

We, the representatives Of the Republican party
of the state of Iowa in Convention assembled dc
adopt the following platform of principles:
/. RESOLVED, That we declare Ii cardinal prin.
ciple of Republican faith that the Republic is u
nation. one and indissoluble, within which the
Constitutional rights of the States and of the peo-
pie to local self-goyernment must be faithfully
maintained
2. That we favor the early attainment of a cur
lency convertible with coin, and therefore adyo-
cate the gradual resumption of specie payments by
continuous and steady steps in that direction
.. That We are in favor OF a tariff for revenue,
so adjusted as TO encourage home industry.
4. That the earnest efforts OF the Government to
collect the revenue and prevent and punish frauds
have our unqualified approval.
.. That we are opposed to further grants Of
lands to railways or other corporations; bu, W,
demand reservation of the public domain for set.
Element under the homestead laws, and for Other
bona fide settlers
9. That we demand such a revision ofthepatcnt
laws rs Will relieve industry from the oppression
of monopolics in their administration.
j. That we cordially approve the policy of the
present administration in the settlement OF the
difficulties between ourselves and other nations by
arbitration instead of appealing TO arms.
5. That the Republican party Of Iowa is opposed
TO third term in the Presidency.
O. That we demand that all railway and other
corporations shall be held in fair and Just subiec-
ton To the law-making power.
10. That we stand by free education, our public
school system, the taxation of all for lis support,
and no diversion of the school funds from the pub
lie school
II. That our National and state administration
OF public affairs have our hearty approval.
IL. That we cordially invite all who are on
posed to the restoration of the Democratic Party TO
power, to forget all past political differences and
unite with the Republican Party in maintaining
The cause Of true reform.
10. That the persistent and tyrapncal efforts Of
The enemies of the Union, by murder anG intim-
dation of the newly enfisinchsed citizens, and the
ostracisms and prescriptions of the white Repulb-
licans of the South Tor the purpose of rendering
null and void the Constitutional Amendments,
merit the condemnation Of every honest man,
That we heartily endorse the action of President
Grant in enforcing the laws when called upon 10
10 so by the proper authorities Of the Stale.