The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-03-14

Guiding state, district, county and pre-
cinct elections. He alluded to the intent
of the Sherman federal bill to take con-
troll of state elections, and his object was
to prevent our local elections from being
affected by federal action which might be
taken as to congressional elections and ex-
tend to our other local affairs.
Mr.. Woodruff moved to postpone the
bill to the I'd day of April.
Mr.. Bryan favored the bill, arguing that
it was a proper step toward preserving
peace in our elections and adjusting the
race question as far as concerned our own
state affairs, which it was our own and not
outside duty to adjust. The next census
would doubtless surprise US by the in
crease of the colored people, and every
step should be taken in time to secure
harmony in the political relations of the
two races. He said he had read the in
augural of President Harrison and if he
understood it properly it covertIy indi-
Gated attack upon the rights of the south
through electoral laws and he expected
little comfort from that source.
Mr.. Hays doubted the propriety of such
bill at this time and argue d that the ex-
listing statute providing separate ballot
boxes was sufficient. He would favor the
bill, however, if necessary.
Mr.. Woodruff spoke in favor of the mo-
tion which he advocated with regret in the
face of the support of the bill by the dis
tinguished gentlemen from Brazos and
Travis.
Mr.. Parker, of Tarrant, favored tho bill.
He argued that in view of the policy pro-
posed by the Sherman bill it was our duty
to act in the matter and let Harrison and
Sherman understand now as we'll as at any
other time that the federal government
may rob us, but can never take from Is
our manhood and disposition to defend
our homes and families. Tho heart was
too free and fetterless for that-like a
wave on the ocean or bird on the wing.
He had submitted at the close of the war
and that was submission enough Pass
the bill and let the wires carry the news to
Washington.
Mr.. Fielder said he was sure he voiced
the sentiment of his section in fayoripp
the bill. If other sections had passed
through the same orucible as his section
lmeanlng the Washington county troublesl
their representatives would feel that this
bill was necessary. 1t involved a question
OF local selt-government as to whether the
state or the federal government shall con-
troll our home affairs. He believed sonar
ate elections were better and fairer for
the people, and as an illustration argued
that Cleveland would have carried New
York but for local state issues.
Mr.. White moved to amend the motion
by postponing the bill till Thursday week
at IL O'clock.
Pending further consideration the
house adjourned till o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr.. White spoke on the election bill.
While not opposing it, he was in no hurry
to act in the matter.
Mr.. Nelson opposed the bill, urging
that we should not assume that Harrison &.
intended to thrust dagger into the heart
OF the south. If we pass this bill, then
indeed the Sherman bill will pass. Let ma
wait and see if congress passes its bill,
Mr.. McGuire-"We are assured bv onr
representatives in congress that the hill
VIII pass" He hoped we would pass our
bill. P"00 o"i
Mr.. Hamblen spoke in favor of post-
p,oning the bill at least a week, to give
lime for reflection. Do not, he urged in
1uige IN hasty and inconsiderate action
20 be heralded to the republican press in
ADVANCE and suspicion Of our intention.
Mr. Pope favored IL Q bill. The Sber.
mao measure, he commended, was but a
Iofsrunner that foretold other harsh