The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-09-02
NOT PARTY QUESTIONS.

thought the best interests OF tne peopIe
of the state can be worked out. The re-
nublicans have also set forth resolutions
touching almost every issue in state and
national policies. And yet there are two
factions in the state whose interests, 1t
seems, have not been sufficiently cared for,
whose principles are not so represented IN
either platform, that they can yield one
or both between them, allegiance The
"prohibitionists" and "anti-monopolists"
will 20 out from both parties, call conven-
tions of their own and wage an independ-
ent fight.
The Fort Worth Gazette, in discussing
this condition of affairs, aptly says, "Why
not strive within the democratic lines for
such reforms or measures as our anti
monopoly or prohibition friends deslre?'
Possibly these factions consider that the
fight was made at Galveston, and while
concessions were granted them both in the
platform, yet relief far reaching enough to
satisfy their wants was not guaranteed
they failed in the bounds of the party,
and now they will carry the war outside to
the people generally.
The growth of an idea is peculiar. 1t
is as shadowy as dream, 1t takes on
awakening distinctness, it is launched out
by one or more, is buffeted about, mis-
shapen, twisted, unrecognized by its au-
thor it sinks to forgetfulness, or obtains
general currency and final adoption. We
would not stay such formative growths.
We would not interpolate an objection
that might intelcepta possible substantial
benefit. The temperance question and
labor problem are vital and growing is
sues. They must be temporized with, not
excluded nor thrust into prominence
oyershadowing laws constitutional, rights
inalienable. One thing only -scriptural
inspiration inds immutable, while
mans views change with every revolution
of the seasons or waning of the moon.
The prohibition and anti-monopo-
Iy movements are based on
evils, grevious and encroaching, and
the issue is not shall they exist, but how
best shall they be repressed and cured.
The Gazette thinks balm for the contend
ing souls of the agitators of both move
L oh
and protecting fold of the democratic
party. To this belief we grant instant
acquesence. But on the other hand, we
see that great good can be accomplished
by this independent action of the factions,
this struggle outside the limits of both
parties Prohibition, we think, impractic-
able and ultra republican in spirit. Mo
desply rooted in our vitals, and require
delib crate and earnest consideration.
These questions should be handled firmly,
but n 1t rashly. In taking position, if II
should be necessary, upon these issues, as
now developed, parties should be prudent
and Just, but at the same time, should be
positive. But let the forma-
ton process go on; let the crud,
tiles, the absurdities be arroded; let the
principles governing each question stand
out clear cut and practicable, consistent
with our peoples liberty, our democratic
form of gov 9rnment; then it will be ample
time to make these questions issues in our
state and national politics. Leaders will
be found to champion and push forward
the work. A good cause will not suffer by
the delay, nor will a citizens privileges and
rights be overturned by hasty and ill-con-
sidered, because popularity clamorous, ac-
ton.