The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-02-21
majority of the colored people want the

plain OF negroes insisting on keeping
seats by them. In one case the conductor
said to negro: "This lady (who was
crying) don't want you to sit here" and
the negro replied, 81 have the right to sit
here; move me if you can; defy YOU
The conductor knocked him down and
was fined $50.
1t is such negroes we are after and not
the better class of them referred to by the
representative from Galveston. He hoped
the bill would be fairly considered and
perfected.
Mr.. Bryant sympathize with the gen,
tleman in his views, but I have not for.
gotten the troubles of reconstruction, and
want to avoid such troubles in the future
in the interest of the whole state. Per
haps If the bill was referred to special
committee it might be made to meet the
special wants of the gentleman.
Mr.. Frost argued as to the social ques-
ton that the bill would avoid difficulties
arising from discrimination of the races
but it would be hardship upon the rail
roads which would have to provide sepa-
rate coaches even in sections where but
few colored people Travelled. If a conduc.
tor don't keep colored man out of the
white peoples coaches, he would be fined,
and conversely if he allowed white man
to sit in the coaches of the colored people.
The conductor could not do this without
police powers. Even after conductor is
punished, the railroad company is liable
to fine of from 800 to $1,000, for not
providing separate coaches to guard
against such conflicts. And after convic-
ton of conductor the company is to be
|
trary to the provision of the Constitution,
that conviction of a crime shall never
work a forfeiture of property. As to the
social question he had never seen any Sc
rious trouble about it. If a negro goes
into car, if the conductor directs him he
goes 10 the smoking car.
Mr.. Martin argued that conductors
would exclude negroes under the rules of
the companies whether it was the law of
the land or not. He advocated the bill on
the principle of "equal rights, butsepsrate
privileges for the same money"
Mr.. Rentfro suggested that if the mo
ton to postpone indefinitely was with
drawn the bill might be remedied so as to
be more practicable. There was a
way out of this difficulty. Instead
of passing a law of such
character as might cause irritation, it was
the duty of the legislature to pass such
laws as would do away with such troubles.
He suggested provision for first and
second class cars with corresponding rates
of fare. In such event he believed that
the colored people would accept the Sec
ond class cars on account of being
cheaper.
Mr.. Parker, of Tarrant, argued that
this would cause money distinction, and
there were poor people of both classes,
and in his county some colored men were
as independent in property as the average
white man. He thought the bill was due
to the colored man as well as white men
and would vote for it.
Mr.. Mills said the colored people con-
sidered him too good democrat to vote
for him, still he was opposed to mere Jim
Grow class legislation, and moved to lay
the motion to postpone on the table, 30
as to vote now on the bill. The motion
was ruled out of order.
Mr.. Stevenson, of Parker, said: at is
not common to defend railroads, but 1 am
one who will do it when see injustice
done them. If you compel them to run
separate coaches for the colored people
they can't afford to keep up the accom-
mediation trains. l am in favor of the
separation if it can be done without in
justice to the roads and the people,"
Mr.. Mays, colored representative of
Brazorla, argued that the white people
need not be afraid of the oolored people
injuring them. 1t would be better to let
the people settle it themselves.
Mr.. Hayes said the bill would be no new
departure, as we already have separated
colored schools. If the people OF any
section needed such measure, why not
come to their rescue and pass such law?
Mr.. Woodruff said the gentleman from
Washington (Felder) and from Harrison
(Pope) voiced his sentiments. He was
ready to draw the line when necessary to
pass Just laws for the protection of the
people.
Mr.. Asbury, colored representative of
Robertson county, said his people were
not seeking social equality, but peace be-
tween the races. We had a trial of this
separate car business during the admins
trstion of Governor Ireland, one of the
grsndest men who ever presided over this
state. White men who had not the proper
respect for us came into these cars to
smoke and drink their whisky and i'm
posed upon US. What is wanted is educa-
tion for our people and to know that the
southern white man is the friend of the
colored people. The white people in my
country treat US well, and we poet them.
The colored people will stay in their
places if their rights are protected.
The bill was finally referred to a special
committee, Messrs. Renttro, Pope, Fielder,
Frost and Hayes.
Mr.. Pickett had spread on the Journal a
motion to reconsider the vote by which
senate bill authorizing the attorney gen
eral to sue for viol zion of copyright of
the Supreme Court Reports was engrossed.
On motion of Mr.. Strong the house re-
fused to concur in senate amendments to
house bill 439 extending time for furnish
ing the new capitol. He asked for free
conference committee, and Messrs. Strong,
Handy and McGaughey we're appointed.
Adjourned till p. IN.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr.. Humphrey called up the motion to
reconsider the vote by which senate bill
No. 81, relative to pardoDs by the gov
ernor, was engrossed. The house refused
to reconsider,
House bill No. 81, amending the occu-
patton tax law, was recommitted.
Mr.. Handy introduced house bill No.
544, amending the law as TO Communication
for work of county convicts 10 pay fines