The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1884-07-24
FREE GRASS.
FREELY, FREELY, FLOWING
six to Three, or the Grass Farce-Abilene's
Labor League President-DOwn the
Laborers Opposed the
Lease System, Etc.

In response to call by j. L. Cockrell,
ofthe Democratec Executive commit.
tee. about 90 citizens of Abilene met at
the courthouse Saturday night. Be
cause Of the time appointed-night-
there was no attendance from the coun-
try-uo "actual settlers" there, but the
rattlemen and their friends We're
out in full force.
Air. Cockrell being absent, on motion
Mr.. NJ. \. SpoOnts was called To the
chair, and Mr.. w. j.. Gibbs elected Sec
ratary. The object of the meeting was
then stated to be to elect delegates to
Inc County convention. Mr.. Webb,
President OF the Labor League, then
nroceeded TO deliver his speech the
Substance Of which was that because
me negroes Of East Texas would be
hpnefitted by the increased school fund
rom the lease of the school lands we
should oppose it. On the same principle
we suppose he would oppose the State
school law recently passed and which
would do more for Texas than all the
free-grass men have done. The Labor
League is composed of men who will
really be much benefited in the en-
forcement of the lease system, in an
prosperity more largely profitable to the
working people than any other. The
Reporter has always been their friend
and would now advise them to invest.
gate this question for themselves.
Mr.. Webb then proceeded to carry out
the programme Of moving that the
Chairman appoint the delegates to the
County convention. This was opposed
by substitutes and short speeches from
sdozen quarters. At the request Of sew.
eral Mr.. Webb finally Withdrew the mo,
ton, but not until Mr.. Chairman had
evidenced his favor Of it. Then Mai. c
Eyens moved that the convention pro
eeed TO nominate and elect delegates
and WAS followed by Mr.. j. w. Para
more with motion that the chair sp
point committee of three to select the
delegates. The Chair put question, on
which there were about six ayes AND
three nays. The reason was a cOnfu
sion aud Misunderstanding as to which
was the motion before the house. Some
voted ave because they thought the first
motion was the one in order and the one
put, while some claim the first was with
drawn; the withdrawal was not annOunc
ed. Capt. Wise and others asked for {
rising vote to better determine the re-
understood. This was substantially
equivalent to call Of the previous qucs
ton, though that term was not used
The Chairman, however, positively re
fused to take the vote second time,anC
ruled that a motion for committed
was; the one carried. He appointed
the committee, three free (?) grass men
and they retired. Mr.. Chairman imme
diatelv announced recess, by what an
thority we know not. But when Mr.. *
X. Leggett was ready with his Fesolu
tons, the recess terminated. The resO
buttons were offered; Mr.. Gilbert mOvcC
10 lay the resolution on the table. Mr.
Chairman said the motion wa
out of order. Several gentlemen
claimed that the motion was prop
er, and referred the Chairman to parlia
mentary tactics. He said he was il
doubt about it, but "would rule that wa
anyhow" Then, after debate wa
arbitrarily cut oil, motion TO adop
was put, and on n rising vote Of ahou
50 Democrats and others, to p Demo
Gratis. We counted y, and few MAY
have sat down too soon. This is tn,
"nine.tenths" free grass sentimen
boosted of in the famous FREQ gras
document signed 10y 1870 (men of al
parties) of the $50 voters of this precinct
which will tend TO disrupt the Demo
cratic party.
Mr.. Legett in his speech supporting
the resolution boldly intimated that h
and others would bolt the State nomina
tions If Ireland and other lease me-
wero nominated. Maj. Finnio al
tempted also to speak on the question
But unfortunately he was loas
man, and was hooted down in a yer
boistcrous, disrespectful manner. 4
this q number Of good Democrats, VIII
are also among our best citizens, left tn
house.
The precincts have held no conven
tons, consequently a small majority Il
there was "a majority of Abilene pre-
cinct will 90 to represent Taylor county
Wo have never yet boltcd or threateue
to bolt a Democratic nomination; W
have talked with many and all classo
Otpeople in Taylor coeniy and We ca
confidently say TO tho Democrats {
Texas that the resolutions passed u
NOT reflect the sentiments OF the Dome
Gratis of Taylor, aud Mr.. Legett's threa
ening speech will find no approve
aUOug true Democrats, Abilene i,
porter.