The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-05-18
VERY UNJUST DECLARATION.


1t is remembered that some of the
papers asserted, towards the end of
the time during which the extra
session of the legislature was being
held, that Judge Henry, of Dallas,
was a gubernatorial candidate at
the request of Governor Roberts;
that the former had been
called to Austin by the
governor, that the arrangement
might be completed. The STATES
MAN, knowing the public character
OF the governor, felt justified in stat
ing that this report was without
foundation, and having so expressed
conviction, we are pleased TO have
the following corroboration re-
ceived without solicitation, yester-
day. through the mail:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
AUSTIN, May 16, 1882.
To the Editor OF the Statesman
The report now circulating in the
newspapers of the state, that | had
sent for and solicited Colonel John
l.. Henry, of Dallas, TO be my sue
cessor in the office of Governor, is
false, and without the least founda-
ton.
He and l had been neighbors and
friends for years past, and when L
saw him for q few minutes only,
during his late visit to Austin, the
subject OF public affairs was not even
mentioned by him or by myself, or
by any Que in our presence. The
only reason that have for asking
this to be made public, is because
such false report may probably at
feet others besides myself. 1t is
simply ridiculous TO suppose that L
would attempt to name my successor.
In declining to he a candidate for
a third term, it is my earnest desire
that the people of Texas should
select one, out OF number of good
and able men, whom they have to
choose from, who properly under
stands and will fearlessly carry out
the principles OF the administration
of the government since 1t has
been un Ter control of the Democra-
tic party.
Respectfully,
o. NJ. ROBERTS.
No man has ever occupied the
executive chair, against whom more
falsehood has been circulated than
Governor Roberts. He has certainly
devoted himself to the public inter-
ests, and under this manner of exer-
cising public functions he has
necessarily antagonized personal
purposes, thus receiving a very
large share of censure from loud
mouthed antagonists for alleged
conduct, in which. he has in reality
not figured. His enemies have
thus weakened themselves. while
hoping to affect the governor,
falsehood set in motion
always being most dangerous in its
reflex action. We were perfectly
satisfied that Governor Roberts was
in no wise responsible for the pres
ence of Judge Henry at the capital,
except probably that he called the
attention of the legislature
to the necessity for rail-
way legislation. 1t is known
how the railway men started post
haste for the capital as soon as this
subject was taken up, and that they
remained here until the close
of the session. Judge Henry
was here during the time
that the house was consid-
ering the railway bills. but since a
number of railway attorneys were
called to Austin about that time, to
exercise influence where it might be
exerted best, it would have been un-
derstood, except tor an indiscretion,
that Judge Henry came at the
bidding of his employers to
assist in shaping the legislative
ends attained. 1t was whispered |
around in advance of his reaching
Austin, that there was going to be |
a consultation as to his gubernatori-
al candidacy, but the STATESMAN
was not invited to be present,
and it felt assured that |
Governor Roberts was not.
No doubt powerful influences
were working towards the end that
Judge Henry might be accepted as
the favorite candidate, but unfor-
for him he had laid himself
down to rest under the upas tree,
and his political death is recorded
fact.