The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1880-08-17
What Now?
Houston Post.

The few thinkers of the opposi IN
throughout the state have been waiting o..
watching. The ides of August have como,
and the Democrats have selected their leader
and laid down their platform. That the re-
suit has turned out to be partial disap-
pointment to the opposition need not be
concealed. II was hoped that the clash
would have been heavier, and that from the
splinters made by tho collision material
could have been at once gathered sufficient to
make bonfire on the independent hill. On
the contrary, great tact and conservatism
have marked the Democratic action, and
whatever strength the Independents way sue
coed in recruiting from the Democratic ranks
will proceed directly from the
people and not through the dis
affection Of the convention leaders.
The views Of the opposition at large COM
posed of Republicans, Greenbackers, indie
peudents and Disguised Democrats, are of a
moro pronounced character on all meas
ures looking to the development of the
state than tn views Of the Democrats. To
meet the demand put forward by the Liberals,
the Democracy have advanced their lines until
on some points they are almost parallel with
those of the Liberals themselves. But it is
susceptible of proofthat much of this show
of advance and liberality is nominal, merely
declarations on paper, or congratulations
flowing smoothly from the tongue. Once in
power again and the,state will see practical rel
repression on some, is not all points now SO
glibly protested. If the opposition m,ke
rally II must be as the opposition; if they do
not, the Democrats go in, and they stay out
The wheels which have been turning pretty
fast of late will go slower and slower until
the same jog.trot will be reached that always
characterizes the government wagon whe
it has on board the family party, including
the very old people and the children.
Now, then, what is the opposition going to
do? Sit down, suck their thumbs and do
nothing? Or will they meet each in its own
little wigwam and make big war speeches to
half-dozen doughty warriorsY When il
became apparent in the Dallas convention
that the Roberts faction had determined to
show no quarter to the liberals, and when
this was politely made manifest by tabling
the motion to have tho platform committee
report before proceeding to nominate, then
occurred the crisis of the conflict. It was
reasonable and in consistence with Demo-
cratic usage that the platform be adop,ed
before the candidates were nominated To
stand upon it. Upon the maiority's ruthless
squelching Of this demand, the golden on.
portunity of the opposition was presented.
A reconsideration should have been moved
by one who had the nerve to lead, and the
alternative plainly laid before the convention
of adherence to Democratic usage, or the
withdrawal Of over one-third of the constit.
uent body. Either that, or the demand
of release from the unit rule under
instructions, as the convention was compe.
tent to grant, upon the show of the vote
against tabling the report OF platform, and
the allowance of fair play in an untrammelled
vote. Had such demand been rejected
as 40 doubt it would have done, then had
the leader risen and called on his 1870 TO fol.
low him, and marched at their head out OF
the convection and formed an Independent,
tconvention-the coup d'etst would have
been made and an even campaign would
have been inaugurated. Had the minority
convention then adopted their liberal plat
form. hoisted the Independent flag and
called on the state fer support, it can scarce
ly be doubted that the entire opposition
would have wheeled into line with this bold
and determined band Of protestants, and hat
formed such front Of embsttled strength a,
would have pressed the Bourbons hard 70,
the victory, ifindeed il did not wrest Il from
their hands.