The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-05-29
Congressional.

a ROOQ zeal OF anxiety JS MANIFEST
ed in the coming race for the congress
sional nomination in this district.
Mr.. Epson Is as busy as miller
among the counties of which the dis
trict Is composed. He iE both a man
of action and on adroit politician, and
he will stop at nothing to compass his
own nomination. So far he has had
the field, in default. There has been
no voice from Hancock sufficiently
explicit to warrant anyone in saying
that he is or is not candidate for
reelection. There are other able
gentlemen here who would make
the race were Judge Hancock to
back out of it, or refuse out
right to run. But neither
of these will do so, or declare for the
place while there is the least doubt as
to Hancock's attitude. AS things are
now going he is throwing fearful
advantage In Upson's path, by reti-
cence as useless and as barren in good
results as it is irritating and embar-
RAISING to his friends. He should
speak out and say in one word, yes or
no. II the people of the district want
Hancock for another term, he owes
it to them to stand, and of their de-
sire5 in this respect neither him
self nor any other well-informed man
in the district can be in the
least doubt. The expressions from
both, the papers and the people, of
the district have been many
hearty and unequivocal. All now
rests upon himself, and he should not
let his own nor anyone else's chance
to beat Upson go by default. Har-
cocks sturdy independence and great
devotion to the party, as well as his
steadiness upon the vital questions of
democratic policy. as well as his expo
rience and exalted character, all point |
to him as the man Of all others In |
the district to make the race. If |
he has resolved not to run, he
ought to say 80, so that the inf1u- |
ences which have always gath
cred behind him may crystal
ize upon Breckenridge, Terrell
or some one else, of equal and |
known ability and devotion
If he has resolved to run he should
signify the resolution and thus place
it in the power of his friends to act |
with the requisite force and decision.
He jeapordizes the district by every
hour he permits the people to remain
In doubt.
The difference between Epson and
may be summed up in this
one brief sentence. The one is strict
ly and purely democratic and holds
deathlessly to the free trade doctrines
of the party, while the other, owing to
his situation and surroundings is
protectionist and he has
never been profoundly penetrated
with enthusiastic devotion to democ-
racy or any one of its cardinal or
doctrines. Surely this
s enough. Surely it is worth while to
avoid the one and secure thu other, If
,he effort comes within the reach of
human possibility. Mr.. Hancock is
vastly beloved throughout the dis
,rict. The people have the most i'm
,llcit faith in him not only in his In
egrity of character but in his COM
ability to serve them eff
,iently.
Aside from any consideration
# propriety, we may say it is
Judge Hancock's duty to announce
It once, or to withdraw at once. He
iced never be In doubt as to the de-
ire of the party in regard to himself.
That has been SO often end so plainly
roiced by the papers and people, that
le need make no mistake. We believe
n the Office seeking the man, and If ever
here was a case of that sort on earth,
he present desire for the nomination
f Hancock is one. He ought to res
ond at once, and in the right way,
y accepting the almost unanimous
all.