The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1880-04-22
A PROB 1TIONARY SEASON FOR
AU9TIE DEMOCRATs.

Either the Democracy of Travis
1unty has fallen under the manage
ment of very Incompetent leaders, or
the masses Of the party are wretchedlY
demoralized, and it is believed by the
STATESMAN thst both of these proposi-
tions sre proportionably true. The
Democracy of Austin was st one time
able to cope successfully with strong
sdverssrles, and in 1879 it swept the
ield in 9 municipal election in favor of
regular nominees of the party, and had
it promptly reproved sll demonstra-
tions Of bad faith, and adhered closely
to principles and usages, which govern
all successful parties. the capital city
Of Texas would to-day have Demo-
cratic administration. But adhesion to
men and abandonment of principle re-:
solved the party, In this city, in 1877
into comparative nothIngness, when
the plan was presented and adopted
for selecting candidates, not irregular
convention, but through primary elec-
tions, in which Republicans welded 8
balance of power in imposing upon the
party Q candidate not in harmony with
Democrats. This was the frat false
step, which, when taken, was followed
by rapid descent, until party ties we're
SO badly broken that it became impos
sible to elect Democrat to an Office ID
the city administration; and now, when
the names of true Democrats are pre-
sented, hundreds of men, who claim to
be strong party adherents, are found
voting against them. During these
years of decline in the power of De-
mocrscy in Austin, Democrats of the
county have been steadfat t, and when
it has come to county contests, these
have assured US, as. a general thing,
the election of Democratic nominees.
II party contests are to be had, we be-
lieve in conducting them on high
ground in all respects. Principles
should be enunciated and customs,
long tried, adhered to, while strict ad-
hesion to party should pe the test sp-
Piled to nominees, selected from those
who would exslt and not degrade off,
cial position. Nominations, made un-
der such circumstances, are stten ded
with responsibility that attaches it.
self to party, aud when in wllfulness
failures are disregarded and corrections
are not made, defeat should be the
punishment. In these independent
races no element can be held RESPONSE
BILE, and the sooner we may settle down
to positions where responsibilities are
assumed the better It will be for the
people OF TraYis county, and especially
for those of Austin. The STATESMAN
has steadily opposed these newfan-
gled elements IN our midst, that chiefly
signslizes itself By abandonment of
principles and Adhesion to men. How
far Democrats might haYe been sue
cessful IN the last municipal election
could haYe been better determined by
race begun earlier, but it was q
movement in the right direction, and
one which, in 1881, if followed, will
lead to success. In the mean time 8e
would modestIy suggest that Democrats
of Austin become penitent, and place
themselves on the Probationary list,
and leave 1t at least once for these
faithful brethren of the country to
make few necessary suggestions as TO
Democratic plans. Let city msnIpu-
lstors cease their chickering's about men
in state politics, and see if the masses
have not something to say about prin-
ciples and the real questions BOW at is
eua