Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1886-09-06
THE HOMESTEAD LAW.
Arrangement of the Vicious Effects OF n
Virtuous Statute.

Waco Day.
The following letter from well-known
newspaper man Of Dallas was sent here
during the convention, but Hon. ID. A,
Robinson, ex-mayor OF Denton, to whom
1t was addressed, failed to receive IL In
time to present the matter to the conyen-
ZION, II Is strong document against
the present homestead law of the state,
and reads as fellows,
"There are one or two subjects, how
ever upon which would like to see the
convention take action, no less for the
good OF the party than for the interest OF
the state. And | confess that with me
the party tie has never been such but
that wouldn't a. any time vote directly
against its dominance If its platform or
| its nominee came 10 contact with the vel
fare of the state.
| ~ urge you TO use your best endeayors
| TO put forward for Office only men of I'M
| Questionable character. II NAV make
you temporarily unpopular as a politician,
but you will be true patriot and wise
partisan II you object to any nomination
being made unless 1t Is of the soundest
sagacity II such cannot be found avail
alb e, let that place on the ticket 90 blank
to the weakest link; the strength OF
ticket is no greater than that of the
weakest nominee. That is, for the 'outs. ,
A triumphant majority Is often very
reckless Of public opinion, subordinating
the question OF capacity to that of politi-
cal eXpediency. Therein, indeed, lies the
present Democratic vulnerability and Re-
publican opportunity.
"Such considerations are, however, OF
general applicability. Above all things,
earnestly adjure you TO press upon the
convention the urgent necessity for rec
ommending legislative action on the
homestead law.
ga theory OF almost poetic beauty was
enshrined in the matter-of-fac casket OF
statutory obligations, but the sentiment
has withered and only an offensive refuse
Is left. The simple, pastoral character
OF the pioneer settler has passed away
before the practical, busting mercantile
enterprise OF denser population and keen
Ell competition.
1.-THE homestead law is based upon the
sentiment OF a patriarchal protection to
the humble settler, but its provisions
have been diverted from their purpose by
designing and INSCRIPTIONS traders and
eyaders of the payment OF Just debts.
"The homestead law, so far as II pro-
tects from usury and hard times the pio-
neer farmer and the actual occupier OF
the land, should be maintained In all its
beneAcence and rigor; but so far as Il
opens the door to mercantile swindlers IL
should be relentlessly revoked.
"The homestead law, wise and pure in
motive as II seemed, has become most
mischievous in It's direct influence, far
reaching in its malevolent effects and in
siduous in Its ramifcations.
"There are few men and few interests
In Texas which do not Indirectly pay tax
for It. II Is the main reason why capital
is shy of Texas, even at IL per cent, al
though money may be had elsewhere in
plenty at from TO per cent. on the
same class OF security, untrammeled by
the law which, under the gulse Of benen-
cent protection, affords cloak 10 ras-
cality.
"Our honest merchants suffer Dy reason
OF 1t farmers pay through the nose on ac-
count OF II; commerce Is robbed Of tribute |
TO compensate for II; the mechanic pays |
higher price for everything because Of II,
and this principal beneficiary Is the man |
who steals through IL.
al shall at a more suitable opportunity |
put into definite shape the amendments
which will, In my judgment, most ef-
fectually eradicate the evils while pre-
serving the advantages Of the law. re-
gard 1t In its present shape as the most
potent obstacle to our Industrial and
commercial development IL Is not
strictly political question any more
than is that Of prohibition, but II would
be q matter Of great qualification 60 me
he. ms In. - 90 /
which has done so little 70 benefit the
state--should have the credit Of being
the first and the most determined TO strip
this false god OF Its glltterlng but decep-
tive attractions. Yours very truly,
~. W. PRATT"
Dallas, Tex, Aug. 25.