The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-08-07
Is Ireland a Success 2

M, thousand times no. But from
the standpoint of the politician, the
haggling place hunter, the
reply would be yes, a thousand times
yes. When we pass in review the
great opportunities which have so
studded his pathway in life
we are astounded at the meagre results
achieved. He was prominent in west
ern Texas when the great revolution
which drenched the land in the blood
Of its bravest and best, was forming.
Nowhere does it appear that Mr.. Ire
land raised his voice either TO appeaSe
the angry passions of the people, or to
assist and encourage those who had
entered the struggle which they
believed honestly was in a holy and
a sacred cause. When battles were be-
ing lost and won which were deciding
the fate of great people, settling
great and grave moral and political
questions. the tongue of the sage of
Seguin was as dumb and voiceless in
council as his arm was neryeless and
inert in action. We hear of him after
the conflict was decided as bitter
opponent of reconstruction and the
policy prevailing at the time.
That was all right, but the devotion
came too late to force concessions
from the federal power. His was
then the course of the political OBJ
structionist only. He went on the
bench and we hear of no decision Of
his quoted as sustaining great and
useful principles of law. The
,me callow, un1edged and un-
finished course and policy distin-
guished him here that distinguished
him in war and in subsequent recon-
struction. In the later and more STIR
ring days Immediately preceding the
overthrow of republicanism in Texas,
he was found briefly and titfully at
the surface, not as leader and direc-
tor of events, but as camp-follower
ready to take advantage of the stu
alton to gather honors or shekels for
John Ireland. He entered the public
service, after brief judicial career, in
the state senate. In previous articles
in this paper we have clearly, we
think, demonstrated the fact that he
was dead failure. The International
compromise bill, OF which he proudly
boasts being the father, caused the
state to pay in the end thirty millions
of dollars to settle claim
against it of three millions. This is
craftsmanship to be sure, but it is off
piece of policy, which, if 1t were per-
sued and persisted in for a while,
would bankrupt far richer state
than Texas. He cannot surely rest
his claims upon that measure. He
surely does not point to that and ask
the people to re-elect him governor
upon its bitter and disappointing eff
fects. What else? Take the course
and policy he has pursued since he
has occupied the chair-gubernatorial,
and not even his most devoted personal
and political friends can claim it, or
any part of it, as success. Indeed his
whole gubernatorial career presents
only the same dead wall of level
mediocrity and utter failure to meet
the moderate expectancy of the peo-
pie or the great demands of the times.
Events big with the veal or the woe
of Texas crowded close upon each
others heels. Where exists the record
of his excellency's triumphs in meet
ing and successfully graphing with
themp We look in vain for it. But
on the other hand we find grave and
serious blunders sandwiched In be-
tween the most ridiculous and con-
temptable mistakes and missteps. No
where is their record of strong clear
and decisive action or policy. He
claims that he has done enough to
entltle him to reelection. The
people ask that his services be pointed
out. That they be spread before the
people so that the great tribunal of
ultimate resort can write a just YER
dict. Instead of compliance with this
reasonable and just demand, he and
his friends point to the rule which
prescribes two terms for the governor,
while they with the other hand tear,
or attempt to tear, down the othe
older, wiser and juster rule which de-
clares that democrat must have two
thirds majority in a convention in Or
der to be entitled to the suffrages of
the partNKe is democrat when
1emocI ,fes serve him, and he is
an icoA where the destruction
Of democratic usage will best
serve theends of his narrow and self
sh personal ends. AI
He has been an abject failure I'M
'hese things, but as place-hunter he
las beena magnificent success. Start
ng in life with all the usual quslifica-
ions for public position dead against |
lin, he has yet managed by the sheer
orce of his sublime self-confidence
md his selfish purposes, to use the peo-
lie and the public service as adjuncts
o the building up of his own personal
'olitical fortunes. He has done that I
There is no doubt \
f it, and if that is creditable he
) welcome, so far as we are con-
erned, to all the credit due
rom the circumstance. He is mere
harlatan in craftsmanship, and all
considerations of sound policy have
cen thrust aside as nothing worth,
} make room only for the man, for
ne Hon. John Ireland, the sage of
eguin.
His chances for success at Houston
sem excellent. But it is just possible
lat there is slight mistake about
le thing from the governors stand
oiit. The people are fast opening
leir eyes to the character of the man
nd the services 90 he has rendered
lem, and they manifest very decided
'ndencies to throw him and Doctor [
urgess overheard. II
Governor Cleveland.
The nuhlic intnrast in and satiefoot