The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1876-12-07

moderation, relieved Of the hot blood and
recrlmiDStious which, TOO often, substitute
passion for argument, and pride of opinion
for the just judgment OF the patriot.
IN conc.Cs.on, | congratulate you on the
hesi'b and msterial prosperity with which
benefcent providence has blessed our peo-
pie. TIE lsbors of the husbandman have
been rewarded by fruitful hsrvests, while
pestilence has not invaded our homes of the
niand or s1ourged our cities of the coast.
We stand this day, in extent of territory,
fertility Of soil, aud IN all the elements OF
material power, without peer among the
States Of the Union. The tide OF immigra-
ZION S still pouring into our borders with
increasing volume, until we approximate
IN population 10 two millions Of people.
Great as are our present wealth and re-
sources, they are but 1.-THE of that gran
der future to which, with rapid strides, We
are approaching "A future which, with
wise craftsmanship and unsectional views
in our civic councils, wilt place Texas in
the very front rank Of the great States OF
the Union. These considerations, so CRATE
full TO our pride, impose corresponding OBJ
legations upon all our citizens, and esPe-
cIal!y upon the servants to whom they en-
trusted the conduct of public affairs.
In the recent past, In common with her
sister States, Texas has passed through
great national contest-without t1rbu-
leuce-aDd calmly spoken her will at
the bsllot-box. But we cannot shut our
eyes 10 the fact that we stand in the pres
ence of perilous crisis, threatening the
| stability of Cur Institutious-the peace of
our beloved country, and the very exist
ence of constitutional liberty itself.
Texas, with her sister States of the South,
IS an earnest spectator of the extraordinary
events now trsnspiring in other sections of
the Union. Patient, for many years, I'M
der misfortunes with have left US beg
CARED of all save honor and the record of a
chivalrous history, our people have invoked
the return of peace and political quiet to
their distracted country.
The recent verdict of the American peo-
ple-so nobly pronounced by the united
voices of all sectiuns-is welcomed as a
long -sOuGht delivcrancc from the hands of
the spoilers.
If, after all, the benefits of this verdict
shall be wrested from the victor-won as 1t
has been by a majority Of more than a
quarter OF million of free citiZens-and
the b9yonet override the decisions of
courts, invade the capitals of sovereign
States, and ride roug h-shod over PROSTATE
people, the2, indeed, the republic with all
the glorious memories of q century, and the
hopes of millions, will perish forever. Its
very name will he eyermore suggestive of
madness and revolution-the cruel jest of
crowned heads who will rejoice at its
doom
Invoking that Providence who ''ruleth in
the councils of men," and guided our IA
theirs in establishing the foundations of free
government, let US not despair of the ultimate
sad peaceful triumph of the right, and the
restoration of frsternal relations among all
sections Of cur common country.
l earnestly appeal to our fellow-citizsns
to be calm in council-restrainlng the hot
Elood of our youth or the Incorporate zeal
OF manhood. Be it our high privilege by
heroic fortitude under great wrongs to ap-
peal-not to arms, but to tine Constitution
and the laws and the common justice of
mankind to secure our final triumph.
In this spirit Texas, through her execu-
tive, sends fraternal greeting to the patriots
of all sections and of all parties throughout
the Union. (Signed)
r. b. HUBBARD, Governor.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Decemb I, 1876.