The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-02-22
huod From Second Page. j

representative government de-
BON the intelligence or the peo-
that lover of his country can or
upport an amendment which viz
Kills free schools In this state.
upon the intelligence OF youth rest
future liberty, graDduer. and glory
<St>6ur country" can we not part Win the
ANAL pittance of twenty cents on tho
one hundred dollars worth or our prop
erty TO secure its objects aud blessingsf
Ne thinks I hear long and loud cry
from the people. We can, we will
Mr.. Hill moved, as a substitute, to
strike out % cents and insert 10 cents.
Mr.. Jones argued as to tie constitu-
tional effect of a maximum limit. that
IL would not preclude less amount
when the people should desire it.
Mr.. Cravens argued as to the same
point. II you limit TO 10 cents you
make q rule 1t is true for to-day, but
you must recognize that in this
amendment We must legislate not
only for to-day, but for the future. 1t
prescribes 20 cents, but the amount
may increase till % cents are reach
ed. You all know that
we went before the people for election
on the Democratic platform in the
unprecedented canvass, when q. w.
Jones was for free schools for ten
months in the year. The Democratic
party stands pledged TO do what the
growing interests of Texas might re-
quire. Yet we seem to fear TO give a
limit that may meet the demand.
This 90 cents will be ratified by the
people. I.hope IL will go before them
with the seal of appreciation, by pass
ing, by our unanimous vote. Let us
reach out our hand for future pos
terity.
Mr.. Townsend. of Colorado, said:
The motion to table the amendments to
zm glad oft. Not because favor either,
but, because, wanted this body 10 vote
them down upon n direct vote.
scarcely hope that the substitute re-
commended by the joint committee OF
both houses, will meet with success and
become law, Tor IL Is u matter of the
most importance TO the people OF this
state. Ths legislatures have be n Ions
enough hampered and cramped by just
Such constitutional limitations Us the one
now under consideration.
The children OF Texas have long enough
stood In need OF u movement In this di-
rectlon, snd I rus, that this house will
not pass over THE importaht matter with
out giving Il fun aud iair cpnsidera-
tion.
hope you will not let this oppor.
tunIty pass, OF showine and prov
ing To the people OF this state
that you are true TO the principles
OF the party which has honored you with
q seat In the hall
care not what your politics may be
Every political party In Texas has incor-
porated into Its platform free school
plank, and lite :3gocStess -I--sny there be
upon this floor, stand sol' mnly pledged 10
free schools. appeal to the Democracy
upon this floor TO stand un1Inehingly 10y
the principle embodied In their platform.
aud l confidently believe that ali to u
single man will do il. In the last cam
paign we were assaulted from every
quarter with being enemies of free
schools. II was "sweet mOrsel that was
welled freely under Tho tongue" OF every
advocate OF every faction in Texas
differing with the Democrats.
After all these charges, after all the
confusion and clamor, what Is the hrst
thing that meets my gaze when this ques-
ton Ii brought to testf To my utter
surpri e, It Is that from among the very
few who oppose this bill, / lind those
who were elected, as other than Demo-
Gratis.
Thar It agreed upon this floor that the
only resson that the TWENTY-FIVE cent
amendment meets with opposition, Is that
&c 10 believed the people will vote 1t down
because IL IL too much. reply to such
argument, by saying that the proposed
innovation upon our organic law IL not to
meet the requirements OF to-day, but II
10 70 shake future legislation tree from
such obnoxious constitutional limi tat on,
that the will of the people may be done.
I am not one OF that number who be-
lleve that this 10 the only honest body
that aill ever assemble again In a legisla-
tive body In Texas. 1 believe that the
Il. a 4 AAr
the future who will watch and pro-
tect their interest with as much Jeal-
DUSTY rs this body and who, | believe,
will never, even with The authority, levy
greater tax than their constituents de-
sire, or that the children of Texas de-
nand.
We must do our duty. The people
demand free schools, and must have
them.
There is no hing for this body to do but
70 extend TO them The inalicnsble right
OF every ciIxen-the right 10 vote upon
this question. When we have submitted
this question, We have done our duty and
no one can be found to complain. Give
the people the privilege of taxing them
selves In any sum they choose, not TO ex-
coed twenty-five cents on the one hundred
dollars. Again i warn you, gentlemen,
that something must be done, or in two
more years you will see your luncheon
ored party In ruins and your empire state
Mahonlzed.
Mr.. Cotton said we should act in a
spirit OF compromise and pass such
measures rs will be approved. He
Hill, making it 10 cents. He believed
the people would ratify that figure.
Mr.. Robertson, of Williamson, be
lfaxfnrr A m fnr haA hC~nn fully Hfa
cuRed, moved the previous question.
Mr.. Thompson, chairman, reported
several bills engroSsed; and Mr.
Fisher, chairman, enrolment OF the
branch asylum bill.
The pending bill was further ably
discussed by Mr.. Barrett and others,
IN support Of the bill rs 1t came from
the committed.
Mr.. McAlpine-The object was not
10 much to raise revenue as 70
separate the free school tax from the
general revenue tax. 1t ought to
pass. The free school plan was in
every platform. The bill did not in
terfere with the rights of towns and
cities to levy tax for themselves.
Messrs. Stout and Fisher argued
against both the substitute and
amendments.
The Hill substitute was lost-ayeS
8. nays So; and the Caven and Dennis
amendments each by nearly the same
vote.
Other amendments were offered but
not acted on.
Mr.. W. 4. Cummings was granted
use Of the hall this evening to lecture
House adjourned till 9 a. IN. Satur
day.
Thirty-Thlrd Days Proceedings.
HOUSE