The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-08

to what seems TO be reasonable. j
don't want 10 be selfish where protec-
ton of the people is concerned, but l
think we can make the reduction of
$1,000 in all justice.
Mr.. Browning hoped the house
would vote down the proposition 10
reduce the appropriation. He
lived on the frontier and
knew something of the benefit
derived from the presence of the
Texas rangers He admitted there
was no danger of Indians, but from
desperadoes from across the borders.
But for them trains would have been
robbed. There was as much right in
this appropriation as one for quaran-
tine, for which there was allowed in
lSSl-S2 $4,000 and $4,000 this year.
1t was no argumrnt to say the people
don't need protection. They may re-
quire it. You have no yellow fever
now, but summer is coming on and
you may need it. will vote all the
time for protection from epidemics
and for protection of the frontier. II
is complained that this appropriation
is an increase of $4,000, although
that for quarantine is in
! creased to $4,000. Referring
to the proposition to pay 5000 for por-
traits of the governors. he argued that
it was not policy to cut down the APP
| preparation when the protection of
the people was involved.
Mr.. Latham alluded to a foray by
lawless men, and argued that his
| friend Mr.. Taylor was mistaken as to
the want of the people for protection.
| They needed to be guarded against
such foTays, and especially required
| troops whose very presence was
great protection. This fact was de-
monstrated by the effects of the new
proposition of the general government
| to withdraw United States troops.
| Mr.. Durant said it was our duty,
and but right, to extend help to the
frontier, that the life and property Of
settlers may be protected.
Mr.. Douglass was willing to make
the amount 100000, or rs much there
of as was necessary.
Mr.. Hill offered a substitute to
make it $4,000, which Mr.. Taylor
accepted.
Mr.. Odom argued against cutting
down the appropriation, and that the
appropriation should be adopted
$4,000.
/ Mr. Cramer offered an amendment
to make the amount $4,000, but
subsequently withdrew it.
Mr.. Mckinney favored the amount
proposed by the committee.
Mr.. Frymier spoke for the finance
committee, in favor of the action OF
the committee.
Mr.. Acker hoped the report of the
committee would be adopted. The
amendment had doubtless been fixed
ON the best information as to what
was necessary. He regretted that the
matter should excite any sectional
feeling. He argued that ample pro-
vision was necessary to the protec-
ton and good order of society,
and within the last two years
4 troops had to assist in enfocing
the orders of court and trial
of cases in one hundred miles
of the ca Dital. He spoke from
his own observation III LampaSa3,
Llano, San Saba and other western
counties. and stated that the rangers
had rendered efficient service in ar
res. ing criminals and bringing them
to trial, in protecting life and proper
ty on the frontier, and in assisting
the courts and civil officers in enforc-
] ing the law. He insisted that IL
would be unwise to impair the eff
cheney of that service at this time by
refusing to make adequate appropria-
lions for its support.
i Mr.. Hill said the sixteenth legisla-
ture appropriated 10000, and then
the seventeenth $4,000 for the first
and $4,000 for the second year. He.
thought $4,000 was sufficient now.
If not, he was willing to make the
| amount large enough.
Mr.. Scott-The $4,000 was for 115
men. The force was reduced. That
} is why the amount was reduced.
Mr.. Hill-This appropriation is not
following out the policy of reducing,
but is increasing, the amount from
$4,000 to $4,000. | want to do wh2il
is right, but facts and figures faifSf
, to satisfy him that $4,000 would not
y be ample.
, Mr.. Cravens argi Q | that the opposi-
! tion had not shown sufficient reasc'
} why the amount suggested by q
committee should not be adopted.
The state should protect its citizens,
and the people must contribute to
/, this, whether in the east, north or
west. Those in more favored sections
doubtless could not realize the neces-
} stiles of those on the frontier. Be
sides, as he understood it. the appro-
alton was service in populated as well
as in the new countries; and, as he
understood Mr.. Acker, to prevent the
, courts from being overawed by law
less men. 1t would keep $50 men
busy to do this, and we must make
such appropriation as will meet the
necessities of the case.
Mr.. Swan spoke in favor of the
committees report, and argued that
it was but fair, rs il would be more
than compensated to the state by the
increased returns to its revenues from
D settling up of the protected frontier.
Immigrants would not settle ind buy
lands where they were not protected.
Mr.. Jones argued at some length,
, quoting from the reports, taking the
position that the civilization and set
Ting up of new counties measurably
did away with the necessity of large
appropriation, as the people were bet
ter able to protect themselves. He
wanted the frontier, however, to get
all necessary protel tion, but the ap-
J preparation should only be what was
absolutely requisite. His argument
was quite lengthy. so that we have
not the room to follow him.
| ODOOilg 10 iudlis ca Pialn' "
the action of the committee. Objec-
tions in previous legislatures had
! taken about the same form rs In this.
The force had been reduced by the
adiutant general from 100 to 80 men,
simply from fear Of a deficiency. He
called attention TO the increase of the
judicial districts and necessity for
wider protection Of the courts In con-
sequence. The courts could not be
held and criminals punished without
the aid of the rangers. In the chang
ed relations Of the country from
stock raising TO agricultural pursuits,
lawless men preyed upon the innocent
and law-abidiDg. In .his.own county
there were lawless bands Of men
that no force can control. Police
stations were necessary. The COM
mittee believed the amount they sug-
gest reasonable.
Mr.. Taylor said that upon reflection
and information he would favor let
ting the amount be $4,000 for the
two years. He thought $4,000 would
be sufficient TO keep one hundred men
armed in the field, and moved to make
the amount $4,000.
Mr.. Chambers, of Collin, argued
that the government was "A compact
| of the state with the citizens, under
which it was the duty OF the state
and the people to contribute to the
protection of all sections. He WAS