The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1880-08-11
IN THE GENERAL INTEREST.

That the Democracy of Texas are to-day
seriously divided in opinion that merges into
the deepest feeling, on questions of the most
momentous order, is fact potent to the
most casual observer. The issues presented
are clear-cut and positively defined. The
one wing are pronounced in their views on
the subject of proTeasiveness and all that
thereto appcrtains, while the other
wing seem equally determined on
their following of what is now generally
known as the Roberts policy, Which one is
TO prevail will most likely be settled in a day
or two. In all this contest the HERALD has
had no interest to subserve save that which
we regarded 10 be in the advancement Of this
great state, and this section Of il in particu-
lar. We do verify believe the great body of
the people are at heart with us in the policy
whose adoption we have earnestly labored
for during the past eighteen months.
And we do as firmly believe that the day
will come long before another eighteen
months shall have expired when we and
those who have labored with us shall have
our reward through the recognition and the
support Of the principles and the policy
which alone can place Texas where she ought
to be. Much, very much, will depend upon
the platform that shall DO adopted to-day
We submitted on yesterday, for the consid-
Grafton of the gentlemen of the convention,
draft Of platform which was intended to
serve as sort of nucleus or basis for n prop
erly digested one. In the interest of harmony
and the general good we do sincerely trust
that the principles therein contained shall be
enuncated by this Dallas convention.
That there is an immense popu-
lation that do not favor the 70.
nomination of Governor Roberts is an ad.
mitted fact; that they object to the policy he
has seen fit to pursue in the past and that
they fear he will continue in the future, is
equally conceded by all sides. And that the
wishes of this great body of people ought to
be respected, if not in tho matter of gov
ernor, at least as TO views, in which all the
present and the coming generations are so
deeply concerned. While we hope otherwise,
yetwe assume that there will be necessity for
two reports from the committee on pl T.
forms, majority and a minority report, SO
wide apart seem to be the views of these
two wings of the party in Texas. 1t is a
lamedtable aspect of a fairs, when one calling
himself and believing himself and wishing
himself to be Democrat, is really unable to
define exactly what 10 genuine Democracy in
the state of which he is citizen. Hence,
when one Is thus at sea he Graves for the as.
sistance Of guiding hand, and in this case
we look with eagerness for platform.
And let it not BIO assumed in the contest upon
us that there is no limit to the loyalty of the
partizsn or the forbearsnce of the people.
All history attests that under arbitrary rul.
ings and requirements, the better nature OF
the best patriot becomes blasted and shriv.
eled up, and instead of wisdom and truth and
benefits that should have been aimed at, loo
often is reaped only the harvest of stubble,
dust and smut. a strong dictatorship may
suppress for while, but nature ever assert,
her rights in the end. And when tho oppo.
sition shall be strong enough, then will come
the ebullition of discomfort, and with that The
dlsintegration Of party because of untem
pered exactions made by an arrogant
majority Of feebler minority. Then will
be felt. and too late will b.
acknowledged, the error of stlaying after dis
astrous doctrines. Then will be felt, and tot
late will be Acknowledged, the perniciou.
effects OF attempts TO down what. like Ran
quo's ghost, will not down. And Worse thar
all, when the people Disguised will
the men that mislesd them will coma :,
quarrel with even their frame of government,
discouraged at the plenitudo of the miscb;o
DONE they will demand not onlv ,
change of actors, but an alteration Of IN,
machinery. This is history, and, althoupl
IN the geography of the world IN
snS Of Texas may be assigned but
n spot we have not read the plain hi.
wi,'esalle'sons.aright ifthey shall find not ,bej
,.a.s In state now threatened to b
.ssor,s su - 10 = course that nature desippe