San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-06-08

shore in safety, but not long after, while ms
sons were away in search of gold, the old
man died alone in his tent, aud instead OF
wealth, lac found grave among strangers
Ny fathers youngest brother, Gen James
$, Gillett, was also prominent in early Texas
affairs. He was lawyer, IN lndian-hghter
aad Adlutant-genoral Of tho state. Only a
fow years since he passed 10 his reward
These gentlemen used sometimes to visit my
fathers family, and to the children OF the
household these visits We're great OCCASIONS
The first visit made by Gov. Smith to my
fathers house occurred when l was quite
small. He asked me if knew him.
said "You are Mr.. Burns" (Mr. Is. was
short, thick man whom had seen time or
two) Then, said he $50 and tell your IA
Their that Mr. Burns is here and wishes to
see him." When my father came up, he
was much pleased TO meet his friend and
relative, and they enjoyed the joke together
Referring to Mr.. Burns, / recall an anus
ing occurrence in which this writer acted
part. Mr.. b. rode up to the gate. l looked
out and said, La ma, yonder comes little
tall man." My mother coming TO the door,
saw n man about rs broad as he was long,
and though she was the very soul of wo-
manly propriety could not refrain from
laughing in the mans face. With me, tall
meant short and thick and fat. l have
learned better since.
Somewhere about this time l went with
my parents to church ut n private house. l,
like some young gentlemen CD l know OF,
took it upon myself to attract as much at
ter,ion rs possible, by talking, and sundry
grimaces and gymnastics. succeeded
pretty well. reckon, for have to this day
n very distinct recollection of q certain
alone with my mother. In her hands were
twigs enough for the business of the hour,
aud from the little boy at her feet she man.
aged to extract, if not the sweetest music,
yet the very kind that does the most good
the world over. And [ have thought that a
good dose of hickory tea" administered to
said youug gentlemen would make like |
imprc ssion and maybe effect a cure. At
any rate I wohld respectfully recommend
the proper authorities" to try It,
At the time of which write, there was
much greater simplicity (unless my memory
is at fault) i'll political circles than now.
Partys p;rit did not run SO high. Nomina-
TIM conventions were not much in demand.
Men announced themselves, entered with
spirit into the canvass, and made things
generally lively until election day, when,
without reference to party interests, the
pest men for Office, as was supposed, were
raised to that thigh eminence." Mere par
5yism, as it appears to this writer, either in
politics Or religion is always disastrous, and
must always be so, unless only good and
rue men shall be brought to the front ask
ng the sulfruges of the people. But ques-
ions of goodness, of honesty and general
illness for Office are not the questions con-
,idcrei by the different political parties of
he country, 50 much as those which look to
mere popularity and chances of SUCCESS
Success is sought for its own sake, and not
.or the general good. Men vote for bad
men of their own party, and against good
men because they do not represent their
party views. This is wrong. Here is my
platform Good men for office; if from
ny party, we'll if not, still good men for
office. Bad men, let them all and singular,
De relegated to the walks of private life
4 bold bad man in Office is a reproach to
my people. So thinks
J, S. G1LLETT