The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-07-15

ouly to restrain them when they infringe
upon the interests of the people-the sam'
as good citizenship is restrained.
--
POLITICAL PLAGIARISTS.
The pioneer bears the blunt of action
The bravest troops, the veterans, are al
ways placed in the forefront of battle, tt
break the shock of the opposing force
and by a display of heroic courage stimu
late the raw recruits to deeds of valor
The statesman who pushes out beyond the
realm of the commonplace, and steers his
course by the fitful CLEAN of an untried
star, may wreck his bark on hidden dan
gers, but will at all events evoke the cry
fanatic alarmist, demagogue. But when
leeway has been gained, and long stretch
has been safely made, other craft of small,
er weight venture i'll the wake.
Judge Terrell more than a decade ago
stepped boldly out before all the men OF
the state, and in incisive and no uncertain
language, planted himself firmly just
where he stands to day, an enemy to un-
controlled corporate greed, and thus the
best friend to Texas in her wondrous rap
id growth. growth in its incipiency,
and because of exceptional promise, in
viting the insidious approach of soul
less incorporate power, that engrafted on
its youth would outstrip in the race and
vastly overshadow all the riches of the
state, even in its consummated greatness.
Judge Terrell was the first in Texas to
sound the alarm and foreshadow this ana
conda growth.
In published form his speeches gained
general currency, but during all this time
he has stood uniquely alone, as the crafty
politician feared to touch shoulder with
the statesman.
But the times are changing, discon-
tent is abroad, the low muttering of an
approaching tumult grows louder, the
anaconda is a ponderous thing and rears
its head aloft, threatening destruction.
The people are aroused-and It's polite
now to change; It's possible at last for
politicians to ape the manners of a
statesman and still curry favor.
In the general government wise provis-
ion has made it possible for men of
marked ability to protect themselves. The
inventor has his patent, the writer his
copyright. But it seems no protection is
guaranteed the bold and generous states
man, who, in his far-reaching zeal for his
,country's good outstrips the trite and
hackneyed, and dares announce views
that, because of novelty and untried aim,
provoke harsh criticism and perhaps dis
trust; no protection for him, even when a
fulfilled future demonstrates his every pre-
diction and fully vindicates his claims, ex-
cept in the affections of well-served
people, whose gratitude may show itself,
but late, and yet It's sure when the whole
case is known.
Judge Terrell has been the pioneer of
Texas in this effort to legally restrain the
extensions of corporate power. He has
stood alone until now, when champions of
his cause are swarming in, not to second
him, but being driven 10y the peoples
voice.
Giddings in his late announcement for
gubernatorial honors, falls gracefully into
line; Judge Hancock, though to certain
extent, and as far as possible, lodging
the issue, still yields to the peoples
clamor. But the question forces itself
back: Why this clamor of the people,
why this sense of unrest and zeal for
change coming up from the rank and file
of Texas? People as body are unsus-
picious; they do not look below the sur
face of an apparent good to hunt de-
ceiving and encroaching evil. Not till the
calamity is upon them, or they are
aroused by the warning cry, sent out
by the heart that beats in sympathy for
them, and IN anxiety for their best inter-
ests, do they pause TO think, decide and
act. As a class, people are slow to get
out of an old rut; they daily
on the verge of action, they hes
itate to move. For years Judge Terrell
has been unremitting in his efforts to
drive home the truths that now are work
ing among the masses. And not till this
late hour do Hancock and Giddngs come
forward to take advantage of his years of
toll. 1t will not do for them to slightly
change plan, to detail any idea and
claim to father it. People are just, as well
as generous, and they cannot be decei Sed
at this time. They will see that the intel
Iect in which this need of revolution took on
shape, is not robbed of the prize of which
it is so Justly worthy. Judge Terrell has
fought his battle in the face of day and