The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1879-03-27
Hon. j. r. Fry on the Public Free
school Question.

Editors Democratic Statesman:
Having had no opportunity 10 ex-
press my views or make known my po-
sitlon in the House of Representatives,
on the question of reducing. the
amount to be taken from the general
revenue for the available school fund,
l ask the use of your columns for that
purpose. look upon this as one of
the gravest questions at this particular
,juncture that has been before this Leg
lslature or any other since the Demo-
cratic party resumed control of the
State government. confess my en-
barrsssment at undertaking to cope
with subject of such vital import and
commanding, so far as is to be judged
by the sentiment of this body, SO near
ly an equal division of opinion. But
as am like perhaps every member of
this Legislature, desirous of being un-
derstood on this subject, particularly
by those whom pretend to represent,
and who are entitled to know my
course and the reasons therefor, shall
as concisely as possible attempt 10
define my position with the reasons
for it, allowing my constituents especi-
ally and the State at large to judge
as to whether am right or wrong.
1t has been apparent for long time to
the reading and thinking man that the
State government was rapidly losing
balance between its revenue and ex-
penditure. could see NO sure and
certain relief except In one of two
things, or both, either an absolute re-
duction in the drain on the revenue or
an increase of the revenue itself, or q
combination of both. Now, / am one
of those that are not over partial to
experiments as a means of getting rid
of obstacles and difficulties in times of
emergency, when a clear and sure
way is obvious and unmistskable.
Being of this opinion, / haYe been
anxious to avoid experiments, and
adopt that course and policy which
seemed clear and practical after be-
slowing that study and consideration
On the situation that its importance
seemed to demand, my great aim being
to accomplish the end desired without
enlarging the burdens of an already
groaniog and oppressed people. The
LuC GoL8bc ItNCuut
and government was wasting away was
too plain not TO be recognized. The
remedy is as clear to nae and as sure OF
producing relief as ever was the sur
geon's blade, with which the skiIlful
operator would not hesitate, with
1eep-felt sympathy yet determined
purpose. TO Iemove the malignant can
Ger from the human sufferer. As such
has to be done IN the one instance 10
save tie individual life and restore
health, so in the life Of the State the
firm and confident public servaI
should not hesitate 20 apply the heroic
remedy, however painful it may be.
Now, sir, if Is well known to all that
the drain on the available State reve-
nue. is the amount that has been set
apart for the public schools. This, to
my mind, Is the huge tumoF engTafted
on the resources Of this State, that Is
absorbing its very life-blood and blast
ing It's vitality, and II not Of malignant
character, of such immense proportions
as to threaten the crushing OF the State
government. II is operating as para
site, and Is absorbing the very life cur
rent, not only Of the State and its 70.
sources, but the very sweat and blood
Of the Iaboring. tolling people Worse
than parasitic, Ike the monster serpent,
i 1akes in IT one fell swoop the hard
eaznrd e1orts OF the .honess, indus-