The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-03-29
A Bad Egg.

1t is much to be feared that the
penitentlary lease is the worst egg in
the legislative nest since the delecta-
bic incubation of the twelfth legiSla-
ture. The general verdict is that the
ratification is lob" based on per-
sonal interest, and to use very mild
language, suggestive of improper in
fiuence. The facts against ratiiica-
ton of the lease are so plain in their
character and are so imperative in
their effect in every day business,
that their disregard in so important a
case, touching the interest and honor
of the state, necessarily arouseS suS-
picion. The unblushing efforts of the
lobby to influence the legislature is
severely commented on, and it is de-
plored that. these efforts have not
been in vain. 1t is a little curious to
note the Indifference manifested by
certain representatives of the people
as to their reputation. The people
are wide awake on the point and are
watching with earneStness the drift
of this matter and the action of their
several deputies. 1t may be said
without fear of contradiction that
the state at large is strongly
opposed to working the convicts
as they have been worked by former
lesseeS, and especially on terms which
are unfavorable to the state from
business standpoint, and for the term
of fifteen years. Even if the un
friendly attitude of the administra-
ton has scared off any more advanta-
geous bid, it is generally believed that
the popular sentiment is largely in
favor of resumption rather than rat
lily the one-sided and indiscreet lease
with MessrS. Cunningham 81 Ellis.
No reflection whatever is intended
upon these gentlemen, for their desire
to obtain so favorable a contract is
very natural, and if their endeavors
to secure the same be confined to le-
ultimate means, no one has right to
assail them. But the Post is con-
cerned to know that the friends of
these gentlemen have been very bold
in urging their case in a variety of
ways that would not permit open dis
cussion without plain proof on the
one side and shame on the other. The
Post is also sincerely sorry to learn
that Gov. Ireland has taken hand
in this matter, and in way
that greatly surprises those
who regarded him as utterly
unapproachable in his impartial1ty as
the executive of the state. The gov
ernor dare not violate the privilege of
the legislature like Charles l.. strid-
Ing into parliament with his hat on
his head; he is too dignified to run
around, like Secretary Chandler,
through the Hobbies and the cloak
rooms, and to fit from desk to desk
dropping administrative sugar-pulms
but we understand that he has been
playing the Cromwellian role of send
ing for Senator A. or Representative
B.. and of using his personal influence
with him on the subject OF the peni-
Tertiary lease. Gov. Ireland may
plead precedent for these heightened
practices. 1t may be that he could
cite the example of the Father of his
Country, in one or two instances, and
even Mr.. JefferSon-but probably
such private interviews would be
found to turn upon questions of wide
public opinion, apart from the hand
ling of government funds and with
no touch of personality affecting
them. a chief magistrate cannot in
Qu18c III lie luxury VI 0A0TClSluS Ills
personal and official influence at first
hand in an open manner. without eX-
citing the jealousy q the people at
large, and without invading the
sense of self-respect cherished by the
legislative body, upon which such side
influences are exerted. The Post has
been exceedingly loath to give ere
dence to such charges as have been
made on the governor by the STATES
MAN and other papers. but if he has
mixed himself up in this penitentiary
matter as we understand he has, it
can say nothing less than that he de-
serves the severest apprehension as to
his forgetfulness of what is due his
high obligations to the people. The
penitentiary matter must receive its
quietus in day or two, and the legis-
lature is warned by thousand signs
to be on their guard against whole
sale ratification of the lease. which is
regarded with suspicion and repug-
nance by the people generally, and
which will have been engineered
through by lobby influence. Should
the ratification prevail, without
amendment. bad blood will be caused,
disgust win ensde, the fout to the
people viii be treasured up, and viii
surely be avenged in the next cleo
ton.