Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1884-08-22


Democrats of North and West Texas
who oyercame the Jones majority by
one of ~ 900 for ireland and gave him
the position he now holds as chief
magistrate OF Texas.
A change is proposed to he made in
policy of state that has been pursued
ever since Texas became a state.
Against the interests and over the pro-
tests of North and West Texas, these
good Democrats OF the other parts Of
the state who gave Wash Jones a ma
jority are preparing to cut us off from
the use of millions of acres of free
grass, with which nature overspreal
our prairies, to turn our grazing lands
over to syndicates and pasture corpora
lions, to tie up our common domain in
long leases of thousands of acres, TO
shut out the small farmer and stock
man and turn the entire Northwest
over To the control of combined cap
ital, hedged in by wire fences, against
which no "nester" dare contend. No
satisfactory reason Is suggested for
overturniDg policy that has given
Texas free grass in the past. The plea
of an increased revenue TO the school
fund from leases is false. There is no
demand for such a change.
The success of the Democratic party
of Texas, carrying with 1t principles
which deserve success, Is regarded by
THE GAZETTE as the predominant
interest of the state. In the present
stage of the states career of prosperity,
to change our policy and Introduce
strange features in our sys TEN of gov
eminent would be unwise and at
tended with great danger to our fur
ther progress. A Democratic admin
istration has been identified with
every measure that has give1 US gain
aud added wealth, population and
glory to our state. 1t was under Demo-
cratic policies, conceived and executed
by Democr tic statesmen. that we have
grown from less than u million TO two
and u quarter millions of people aud
increased our taxable wealth from
$40 10000 10 $3.50, 100000 since the
Democratic party was given
control of the state, and
the same ratio of growth
promises to be continued unless
checked by departure from the
policy of government that gave us
prost Gritty,
Respect fer the Democratic party is
inherent ia the people of Texas, be-
cause it has earned respect; because
that party has been the party OF the
people. So great has been the public
confidence in the party that its candi-
dates have been elected to office by
majocities exceeding 100, 900, and rarely
falling below 90, 900 As THE GAZETTE
has shcwB, of this large Democratic
majority, the counties whose further
growth ana prosperity depend upon
free grass gave the larger part, and in
the instance cited gave all. Can they
be depended upon TO give the same ma.
jority in the future, if in doing so they
nuke possible the success of policy
| which threatens evil to themselves.
Will they vote against their own para.
mount interests? Do the gentlemen
who are opposing free-grass expect tn.
people of Northwest Texas to give
them the same majority as was given
two years ago? And do they hope fol
success without the support of North
west Texas?
There is no evidence that Wash
Jones Is weaker in South Texas now
than in 1882, His strength lies in thai
part OF the state, where change is slow
in population, and in opinion. II,
wouid poll as large vote as he did il
the last election, and come to Nortf
reXas abreast OF the Democratic can
didate. The salvation of Democracy
would then be with those very coun.
ties whose interests the Democrat,
party bad disregafded, whose interest.
Wash Jones had advocated. A chang,
of 20 900 votes would defeat the Demo
cratic candidate. Is it unreasonable t,
suppose that there will be at leas
10000 Democrats with whom vital sci
interest is stronger than party ties?
| You may defeat the Democratic par
ty, gentlemen, but The GAZETTE pro
tests against your course, and point
out its danger thus early. AS Demo
cratic journal, this paper has RICH
to be heard in its party councils, an,
does not fear TO say that you are invit
ing defeat, which may be averted b,
wiser and more popular policy thar
that you are trying to perpetuate il
the disposition Of the public lands q
the state.
The Rev. Newman smyth win contribut