The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-04-15
PUT THE RIGHT MAN on GUARD.

! lIllllltT, uelndSOBut, anu tHe Olut
politicians compare his speech to the art
Gle written by Mr.. Stephen A. Douglas o
popular Sovereignty" and known a
''The Harper's Magazine Article" whic
was quoted on both sides in the Buchana
campaign. This is what was to be ex
pected, but these gentlemen will find it
difficult matter to convince the intelligen
citizens of this state that there is any
thing uncertain in the ring of that grea
state paper.
A candid and impartial perusal of IN
speech, will convince such one that it il
a bold, aggressive and fearless expression
of an honest and able mans opinion
While not hesitating to use sledge ham
mer blows against corporate rapacity, i
does not hesitate alike to use the Damas
Gus blade in cleaving off the hydra-heaC
of communistic fallacy. He spoke before
railroad men and Knights of Labor, anC
he was just rs severe upon the one as the
other, where they had overstepped the
bounds of legal restraint or dared t.
usurp powers that did not belong to them
The greatest power in this country
is to be found in railroad cor
porations. They have sub
sidized state legislatures and wound
their octopus arms about the national
congress with tehacity of suction that
both have yielded to their demands. They
are organized at the metropolis of vast
wealth, and backed by it, they combine
and have always effected their purpose
wherever it was necessary for them to
operate. They have never been beaten at
any time, and wherever their lobby opens,
victory crowns their efforts. 1t were a
bold and patriotic men who rises anywhere
single handed from among the people,
and dares to say, "Thus far shalt thou
come and no farther"
Like the waves at the command of Can
ute, they laugh in derision at such temer-
ity. But Judge Terrell did not stop here.
Not content with their holding the priv
ileges their rapacity had obtained from
the country, he dared to invade the very
highest privileges they have, in fixing
their own rates of freight, and boldly de-
clared in favor of state commission that
should regulate their freights and fix the
wages of those they employ to work upon
their roads. Was this an attempt to
carry water on both shoulders? Not
only did he do this, but he
proposed to put one of these railroad en-
ployes on that commission. He not only
demanded a control of their affairs by the
state, but he proposed that one of their
despised workmen should be put upon
the commission, and force them to confer
with him as an arbitrator on all matters at
issue between the roads and their labor
ers, thereby humbling the pride of these
of thu rail. Was this timidity?
Oh, no. 1t was the most original and ag-
yressive attack that has ever been made
On corporations.
Does any one suppose that Judge Ter
ell did not know what he was
about. Is he, of all men, blind to the fact
hat he invaded the lair of the lion of
and that he could do it with
Be assured that Terrell knew
he consequences. He knew that they
lad never failed to accomplish their OBJ
ect with any legislature, and looking
lhead, he could have drawn an accurate
picture of the lobby, from which
he bees would swarm next winter
With honey on their lips to feed his OPP
and to sting to death his friends
With all this, clear in his vision, he
bearded the lion in his den," and
IL behalf of the people, threw
lis glove of challenge in the face of cor
'orate power. And with heart stirred
o indolnitable effort, this gallant knight
# the people will press right on to
ictory.
We do not hesitate to say, that never,
ince the signing of the declaration of
has any man, seeking office
n this country, made n holder and more
aggressive prOpOsition AGAINST the most |
old power that ever united for battle.
heretofore they have swept their oppo-
ents before them like chaff before the
empest but the times have
hanged, and to the travail of the
our they have brought forth man steel
lad, in full armor, ready for the fray, and
quail to the emergencies of the hour.
Judge Terrell recognizes the blessings
, the country of railroads, and he favors
lie protection of their rights against
lobs and violence, but he is well aware of
lie fact that, just in proportion to do
God in anything is the power of evil, and
; champion of the people, he enters
lie contest to destroy the evil of railroad
and preserve the good. He
no icouoclast; he does not desire
} destroy anything useful, but he
esires to restore to the people of the
'untry the right to fair competition in
o.l 10 v-,Nh H.. -. 1 |