The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-05-22

understanding of the principles IN
derlaying rules of usage or principles {
governing political parties. The
STATESMAN does not fail to under
stand. 1t understands well that a
rule which governed the Gazette but
yesterday does not necessarily govern
it to-day. There is one thing the
STATESMAN doesn't understand, how
ever, and that is, why a true demo-
cratic paper, a paper claiming demo-
cratic leadership, and considera-
ton as a party paper, can thus array |
itself always against one of the lead
ing, Oldest and most implicitly obeyed |
rules of its own existance and policy.
The News led off, as it always does,
in this assault of the rule. 1t is the
head and front of the move
ment to abrogate and it is
justly regarded as the lea
der of the assaulting column. 1t
gives the law, and makes the terms as
it furnishes the motives for the fight.
1t assaults the rule, and it is anti
Ireland. The Gazette assaults the
rule and it is pro Ireland, or was
few days since. God only knows
which side of the question it is on
| now, or will be on when this article
, comes under its notice. We insist
2 that this incoherency of motive isn't
: treating the public fairly. Then it
. becomes a question of leadership or
soundness of judgment between the
S News and the Gazette.
r True, it ought not to enter into the
d question as TO what individ-
e ual is affected, or how, where
b principles are concerned. But the
!. ink with which the Gazette wrote the
s sentiment that the rule was not DEM
t cratic in principle, is hardly yet dry
t. Rules do affect individual aspiring
: democrats. at least this two-thirds
y rule will most powerfully affect indi'
j vidual democrats likely to come before
IT the state convention. The Gazette
2 does well to care for its principles, but
, it would do better to determine wha
ID it's principles are. 1t claims democra
s. cy as its political faith, but its princi
Is pal identity, as as democratic paper
n has been won in fighting this oil
lie and long accepted democratic rule
ID so ancient, 80 venerable and 81
se happy in its previous work o
= harmony as to be entitled t.
tie rank as a principle. 1t is all yer
noble to say that it stands for its prin
ut ciples whether John Ireland Is mad
es or marred by the policy. Indeed, W
ty have dim recollection that tn
ic STATESMAN uttered about the sam
ed sentiment only a short time since
r. But then we rated the rule as prin
in ciple and the Gazette claimed that
70 was only rule per Sc, and not prir
lis ciple at all. Within the last few day
DO the Gazette has been raking 1relan
IN fore and aft-pouring hot shot int
re him by the broadside. Does this fac
th not presage change of front on tn
a rule? We greatly fear that
he does. We are going TO WIN Uni
o. fight any how, and it woul
ID be some glory to win 1t over the bes
he efforts of such paper as the Gazette
at- We have beaten the News so often o
&C. the proposition that really it has CON
vel. to be considered an old song, and it hi
at lost its interest. We are glad, howe
on er, to encounter the younger, MOI
ms vigorous and more active blood of til
be Gazette.
int The democracy of Texas will M
vas part with the rule, no fear of that, al
&C not to elect or defeat John Ireland {
lly any other man, will it part with Il
.rd old safety valve Of party actio
nd There are some very ridiculous att
ob- tudes on this question maintained t
lst day by democratic papers in Texas.