The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-05-27
VOL. "
PARTssANIsM IN THE CONsrTrU-
TEONAL CONVENTION.


TkONAL CONVENTION.
Evidently, the tendency in the minds o.
most rejecting people is to keep partisan
ism, in its malignant form, ont Of the con
stitutional convention. Since the wa
Texas has had two partisan conventions
assembled to frame an organic law. II
1866 Democrats met at Austin with such al
object. They scarcely recognized that tn,
war was over, and that Texas was, out o.
the exigencies Of the times, compelled L
adapt itself to new order Of things. Par
tisanism ran high in this body; yindictive
ness and hate, for which we are compelled
to acknowledge there was just cause, tool
possession Of the convention. and though
the safety Of Texas was evidently to be i'm
periIed by an improper indulgence in such
passions, still this convention established &
constitution which within itself contained
elements of destruction to the interests Of
Texas. The probability exists that at some
other period the emergency would not al
once have arisen for interference with the
government as established ia 1866, but there
was then no doubt whatever that political
excesses would bring the people of Texas
into further conflict with the Federal power,
and such did ensue. We repeat that there
was just cause for hot blood, but the place
to display it certainly was not in the estab-
iishment of a fundamental law, under which
all people, without regard to race, color OF
previous condition, were to appeal fol
rights. We speak of the constitutional
convention of 1866 for arguments sake,
and will come down to that Of 1869 to give
far more forcible example. The first was
made by partisans chaing under de-
feat; the last was the work of parti-
sans gloating over the miseries of the
fallen, and possessed of the power
to oppress. Partisan temper was aroused
in both. In that of 1869 il assumed a
severity which paved the way for many un-
natural excesses and prosecutions, and gave
rise to system of laws calculated to de-
grade a people. It established a govern
ment, not for the people, but one By which
multitude of placemen were to grow rich
upon the deprivstiOns of the former. And
thus the necessity has arisen for again rego-
lutionizing the government to put itin con
sonGnce with the stern demands of society,
and of economy adequate to the public re-
sources. All will agree that mad parti
sanism engrafted system upon Texas detri.
mental to its interests. Party spirit is apt
to become oblivious to patriotism, and
hence the STATESMAN has taken position in
favor of excluding party feeling from the
deliberations Of the convention. The ne
cessity will constantly arise, when parties
make constitutions, for changes and amend
ments, and it is this incessant change which
is teno ing toward the destruction of republi
can government in the United States. Wher
the constitutional convention meets we de
sire to see it composed of statesmen, mer
who understand government, and who viii
forget themselves in an effort to give Texas
government which will last through many
changes, should they come. A people art
to be governed, and not class or a party
favored. A Constitution, framed by dema
gogues and officeseekers, who are ealcu-
ilatlng when they can. fill seat in the
United States Senate, or swing around Il
the gubernatorial chair, is rot what Texas
needs. Texas is Democratic. We are not
afraid that the convention will not bt
largely composed of delegates fully dyed in
the Democratic faith. The doctrine il
necessary for the establishment of good
fundamental law, but there are many wild
demagogues, now hunting Office in Texas,
calling themselves Democrats, who do not
know the meaning Of the word democracy
their palms itch for the perquisites of office
and their patriotism is measured in theil
pockets. Such men are fit for no public
trust. There are others, claiming to b.
Democrats, who are as RuEitanical as mem
bers Of the convention of 1850 were radical
They are dangerous men, constitutional,
enemies of the State, and their doctrine
are as deadening to public prosperity
as the Upas to animal life. We wan
none of these in the constitutions
convention, but we do want sobef-minded
intelligent Democrats and conservative mel
there, who can create law. for all classe
of people. Demagogues work upon tn,
popular prejudices; they are wire-wOrker
and mean tricksters, who manage ptimar,
meetings and get nominations, while gooC
men are ignored. We have no serious OBJ
lection to nominating conventions in Ger
tain districts. They may, in certain in
stances, become necessary, aud if so, anC
they act wisely, it will be well. But VI
believe the people are determined not to b
led by party as against men, The nomina
tions, il they do occur, must be judicious
or the independent standard viii be raiseC
by the multitude, and men not in love witt
themselves and Office will 60 to the conven
tion in place Of the nominees. A freedom
Of sentiment has possessed the public mind
and Democrats even will not bow to part,
rule when il is injudicious. The STATES
NAN reflects this feeling. Despite the Pun
tanical manifestoes of Hon. John ireland
against il and a majority ef the leading
press Of Texas it will remain uushaken
We regard it as dangerous to infuse parti
sanism into the Constitution, and th'
STATESMAN, though Democratic, viii go OF
in its even course, seeking to secure a Con
stitution that will answer the best Interests
OF Texas instead Of place-hunters and dem
agogues.
TWENTY HRARs HIENCE.-WHAT A
TEXAN THRN sRRs AND SAYS.
covernor f,olr. soDr,v.5 .ll th.t III.