The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1877-08-25
TEXAS POLITICS.

Since the democracy of Texas has
been allowed an even break" with the
republicans, since the national govern
ment has ceased to be parGzan power
in Texas, there has ben ostensibiy but
one political organization in the state,
practically however there are as many
as there are asrirants for place or power.
Each democratic chief has gathered
about him all the following possible.
and while there is no war between the
rival factions on mere principles or
policies, as distinguished from each
other or the republican party, there is
a bitter and relentless personal warfare
between them, which ia as unseenly in
itself as it is degrading and democrat
izing TO the young who are coming up
70 take their places on the stage of 30
Gtical action. Part of this situation is
due to the fact that practically, the
caucus is the nominating convention.
and the convention itself but the re-
sultant election. Was the relative
strength of the two parties, democrtic
and republican, more nearly balanced
these inside squabbles would not occur.
and the unity and devotion of the mem
hers be secured. Higher aims. higher
objects and higher ambitions would re-
suit to the manifest ADVANTAGE of the
whole state
Personal politics in America is po-
iitieal solecism, and the dignity and
patriotism of the nation is sorely in,
iured by ii, Ia our system men, unless
they represent vital aud tr,se principles,
have or should have no political sig
niticance. Ii is not so much what a
man is, as what he is striving for, which
should give him place aud influence.
The time is fast approaching when we
are to select the members of another
legislature, another governor and other
state officers. twill not do for appli-
cants to say merely, | am democrat,
stand squarely ON the platform. and
will abide the nomination. WHAT mat.
ter of grave import to the state does he
advocate, or oppose7 How does he
stand with regard TO the great measure
of public and free education How
does be propose 20 meet the outstaud-
ing Indebtedness OF the state, and pro.
vide for its current expenses !? How
about frontier defense7 What about
the railroad policy Of the state What
about the public domain, the disposi,
ton of the school lands, internal i'm,
proyements, coast improvements, the
general policy of the state with regard
to the national situation. These and a
thousand other things will or ought to
be asked of the future aspirant for
Office at the hands of the Texas de.
mocracy. The mere personal popular
ity OF the man and what he has been.
or has accomplished in the PAST, will
not be sufficient. What he in tends to
do in the future is what the people are
Interested in, and upon these plans they
have a right to be informed fully and
in advance of any action ON their part
towards nominating or electing the i'm
dividual.
The plan of accepting man on his
general reputation and history, and
trusting to luck for what he may do in
the public service, is an exceedingly
dangerous one, and ought to be aban-
doned. Now there are more men wills
ing and anxious to serve tie public
than ever before in the history of the
state. Come, gentlemen, what do you
propose to do for us. and why should
the people support you, Ifyou are too
modest to answer. YOU are entirely too
modest to make coed officers,