The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-01-11

behalf of holding public domain fol
individual speculation. While we do
not pretend TO say that all Legislators
assisting in defeating these and other
popular measures, were influenced by
the lobby, for many were LED
by conscientious motives, it Is
meant, that between conscience and
duty on one side and on the other
sufficient force was eXerted to shape
the ends attained. There is weak
ness about human nature,which really
does extend itself to Legislators. But
the last legislature failing to do
what was required Of it in certain
instances, we have seen great popu-
lar body, meeting some months ago
at GalveSton-the state Democratic
convention-which declared in favor
Of protecting the public lands and i'll
favor of the university, and it is
known that fully tive-siXths of the
eighteenth legislature have been choS-
en- on the platform of state principles
then adopted. Therefore, since there
can honestly be no failure on these
Two great questions, it is reasonable
to conclude that precautions post
poned and rights deferred will
soon be formulated into statutes.
There are other questions which
must come before this legis-
lIture. 1t is deemed necessary
Oy many that differences between
the people and the railway companies
must he adjusted, that the regulation
of these great corporations must be
attempted, that arbitrary conduct on
their part must be provided against,
and that tariff rates must be
regulated. That there is ground
for such demands we do not
deny, but that there are dangerous
points to which legislation may extend
ought to be kept in view. Whatever
of regulation there may be as to rail
ways, however, we would rSnSer-
cised bySia, NOT BY the
Ie,je government. There has
been too much of Capitalization
at Washington, too much detractiOn
from the powers and rights of state
governments, and we would at least
see the legislature oppose any en-
croachment of this nature from such
quarter. But the railway question is
an intricate one, and one in which
the state might do itself
ut this time far more serious hurt by
such regulation than by allowing the
courseOf competition and trade and
even of combination to have full scope
Another most important question
that ought to be considered by
this legislature is the convict
system of Texas. Late conclusions
reached by state boards concerning
the penitentiaries have called forth
criticism from all portions of the
state, and the facts connected
Herewith are sufficient to war;
rant legislative consideration.
Another crying evil, appealing to the
sympathies of every man, and woman
and child in this broad state, is that
throughout all these counties there
lie in cells, provided for fell
ons and convicts, unfortunates
bereft of reason, from whose
souls have fled the light of an intelli-
gent existence, guilty of no crime.
guilty of no offense against either
God or man, wretched mortals, ap-
pealiDg to us for every sympathy, for
every support, for the humani-
ties of civilized nature. These
unfortunates should be provided for
in our asylum for the insane, where
they may be cared for, and redeemed
if possible from mental oblivion. The
school law wants some atten-
ton, not, however, in the
nature of Professor Baldwin's
suggestions, which contemplate the
consumption of half the school fund
of the state for supernumeraries, but
that the children of the state may be
more efficiently educated under the |
direction of those nearest interested |
in their prosperity and advancement,
There are questions, too, concerning
the fundamental law of the state. |
which public emergency requires shall
receive consideration. Among these |
the foremost is the judiciary. Our
supreme benches should be made more
efficient, and the work of preparing
an amendment to the constitution |
providing therefor, demands consider
alton from this legislature. Other |
measures will be referred to hereafter.
These are enough to give the legisla-
ture close employment for sixty or
ninety days, and should it continue to |
the end to be guided by popular infiu-
ences, not by pressure of conflict |
ing interests, it may be concluded |
in the end that members of the Eigh-
teenth Legislature viii have reason to |
be proud of its record.