The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1878-04-04
THROCKMoRroN as GOVERNOR
The 7ri Weekly Herald, in an able
article reviewing the political history
OF Texas. since the war saws.

The Tri Weekly HERALD, in an able
article reviewing the political history
OF Texas, since the war, says:
Four years ago the control OF the
State passed from the Radical party to
the Democracy. Governor Davis for
tilted himself in the capital and ap-
pealed to President Grant to sustain
Inn in defying the popular voice.
Grant declined, and Coke and Hubbard
were instalit d as Governor and LIeuten
ant Governor amidst the rejoicings OF
tie State. They went into office
pledged to reform, retrenchment and
economy. The public fully expected
a great reduction of taxes, and the bur
dens of government. Taxes had be-
come oppressive beyond endurance,
and relief was expected.
A year passed, and there was no re-
duction. The excuse was, that under
the Constitution, which was the work
of The Republican party, retrenchment,
reform and economy were impossible ;
there must be new Constitution, and
for this purpose there must be q con-
ventIon to frame new organic law.
Then it was that convention was
looked to as panacea for all the Ills
the people were enduring. A conven-
ton was called; the people sent their
representatives to it, and new consti-
tuition was framed-one claiming to
embody everything that was necessary
To secure a good and wise administra-
tion of the affairs of the State. Coke
aad Hubbard were again the nominees
of the party, and canvassed the State,
endorsing aud eulogizing the new Con-
stitution and urging its acceptance by
the people, promising that under it the
reform, retrenchment and economy
pledged the people two years before
would now be realized. They were
elected. Coke's star was in the ascen-
dant. He was subsequently elected
10 the United States Senate,
and Hubbard became his success
sor. But where has been the reform,
retrenchment and economy Is it not q
fact that the tax collector demands the
same State tax to-day that he did
when Davis was Governors Are you
told that the credit of the State is
good upon Wall street2 that her bonds
are at premium? This is true. Be-
cause all the revenue arising from tax
es is wisely appropriated to pay first
the interest on the bonded debt. But
how is the credit at home? what are
State warrants worth at Austin2 and
why are they at discount Because
the revenue is insufficient to pay cur
rent expenses, and another screw has
to be turned upon the taxpayers 10
meet deficiencie3. All over the State
there is distress; all over the State
property is being sacrificed 10 pay
taxes. Everywhere there is hard times
and distress.
We will not ask who is responsible
for this. We will not further remind
the people of promises and pledges
who does not remember them! Who
does not feel disappointed There
may be excuses unknown to the public
but the fact remains that the peo
pie have been disappointed, pledges
have been broken, and promises dis
regarded.
Now let us go back few years il
the history of the State. In 1865 the
people almost unanimously elected j.
w. Throckmorton Governor. Ii
the midst Of the greatest confusion
when lawlessness reigned almos
supreme, and when a military despot
ism awed the whole people, he entered
into Office. Who does mot remem
Der his short administrator ss q pa6ddf a6d
6rcofnuspn:. & -fespeEas for law anC
order everywhere prevailed, The in
terest upon the public debt was paic
and the whole expense of administers
ton of the State upon levy of JUS
onefourth of the State taxes now i'm
posed. Is this nothing2 Unable to
use him, unable to overawe him, iht
military power of the United States
displaced him. But they could no
displace the record of his administra
! ton. That is a monument of the past
it is part of the glory of Texas. AnC
it makes no difference who is the Gov
ernor of the State, nor how great hi
wisdom, he will find in this short ad
mInistratIon a model worthy of imita
ton.