The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-03-20
LEADERSHIP.


derful struggle in this state between
two leading and, barring their badly
based political claims, excellent pa
pers, for leadershipin the democratic
party of Texas. 1t was as sharp
contest of the kind as we ever wit
messed, but it decided nothing. The
ended and left both OF the
actors occupying precisely the same
ground occupied at the beginning.
Texas is an empire, and her demo-
cratic majority is in keeping with her
superiority in extent of territory, her
leadership in cotton production, wool
and cattle growing, and other enter
prises. A paper leading in the
party councils of a state so situated
has fortune in it's hands without
reference to any other circumstance
of situation or business surroundings.
The prize is now richly worth con-
tending for. But with the clear
prospect of coming national victory,
the value of the relation is increased
enormously. The federal patronage
of Texas is enormous, and its disposal
and placement is both money and dis
tinction to any one, but more especi-
ally for a newspaper. The News and
the Post are both intelligent enough
in a business way TO understand the
worth of this plum, and the
weight of live journal In pla-
cling such patronage when it be-
comes the accepted mouthpiece Of
the party in power. TIL Y I'll, IA to
II cor fllct Witnout taking into &C
count the defective record they each
have borne on the subject of demo-
cratic party fealty. 1t was against
human nature for the other papers in
the state to remain uninterested spec
tators of the badly based fight. The
result was a most complete showing
up of the hollowness of the preten-
lions of both. The fact was recalled
that the News never yet has made
steady party struggle. That its iden-
tity as political paper is placed
squarely with the independents. That
its example has led many of the weaker
papers Of the state off into subservi-
ent and weak limitation i l.. cu.G-
be independence. Indeed, the evil it
has sown thus broad cast in the party
would be fatal but for thetremendous
majority enjoyed by the party here.
1t has steadily set its face against all
measures designed to preserve the par
ty organization or discipline. This is
no suddenly discovered shortcoming of
the News. There is not an intelligent
observer of events in all broad Texas
who doesn't know it as well as we do.
In the light of such record as this,
its struggle for leadership was
cheeky and impudent beyond ex-
preston. Now we do not cavil
at its right to the exercise of indie
pendence, political, business or moral.
No one dare call in question this right.
It is unassailable and inalienable. But
when it has established its independent
politically, by a record such
as this, it is not only our right but our
duty to fight its pretentions to demo-
cratic leadership with all the fair
means within our reach, and with all
our power.
The Post has a record on this score
equally unreliable, and its struggle for
was and is equally bitter.
The Post processes to have repented.
We trust sincerely that it has done so
honestly and fairly. If it has, few
years only Of probation will be nee
essary ere it may reasonably aspire
to consideration as a party guide. 1t
will not be accepted now. 1t must
bring forth fruits meet for repent
ance." Last fall it had beautiful
chance to do so when the protection
and free trade influences in congress
were confronting each other in the |
struggle between Randall ana Car
isle. The attitudeof the Post in that |
affair went a long way towards con-
7incing democrats that its repentance
Ind loud assertions, black letter |
abel and all, were deceptive and
Misleading. 1t may work out |
rom under the load after awhile;
Tod knows we hope it will |
sincerely. But as a faithful, though |
tumble servitor in democratic ranks,
t is The STATEsMAN's duty to warn
he party in the most solemn way pos
ible against these false teachers. We
would see the democracy of Texas
purge itself from all suspicion of the
heresy of high tariff, or pro-
ection. In this way it comes that we
,olnt out, more in sorrow than in an
,er, the shortcomings of the News and
POST as party leaders and party guides.
We would see Texas stand well to the
ront in the democratic column now
so triumphantly to certain
Tictory. We would not see that col
INN headed by men or influences of
doubtful loyalty. This is our object,
olely and alone, and we leave the
natter with the democracy after dis, J
harging our duty to the party, as an +
.c AZ ENCrn