The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-05-22

InelT VlOldI1On, anu II Lloy arc uiSlO
garded by the railroads their obedi-
ence should be enforced If it took the
entire power of the State. Such en-
forcement, however, should be made
without malice and with no feeling OF
resentment or revenge, but simply be-
cause it is the law, and they, as well
as all other corporations and individ-
uals, should be compelled to obey the
laws.
There seems to be a desire on the
part OF some parties to this discussion
to array one portion of our fellow cit
liens against the other who follow
different avocations. Such teachings
if needed will mar the peace of
our beloved State, interfere with the
enjoyment of our individual property
and personal rights, and if followed
to their natural consequences will ul-
timately destroy free Democratic
government. If we would be free,
happy and prosperous we must not
build up class prejudice in Texas, SIM
ply because we follow different avoca-
tions. The farmers are being ap,
pealed to and asked to support and
advocate a commission with extreme
power, and they are assured that it
will prove to be the great panacea
which will relieve them Of all their
embarrassment. Having been raised
on farm and many OF the truest
friends that l ever had on earth being
engaged in that business, know, that
no man in Texas desires mole than 1
do to see the farmers OF this State con-
tented and prosperous. These gentle
men tell the farmers that they can get
fair treatment from the railroads
through commission with arbitrary
power, but in no other manner.
When we investigate that proposition
and exa mine the condition of the
farmers in georgia, Iowa and Ne
braska, where they have such a COM
mission, we find that there is more
complaint among the farmers of those
States about railroad expressions and
financial embarrassments than there
is among the farmers in Texas. If
the farmers in those States were not
relieved how can the farmers of Texas
expect to be benefited by the same
character of legislation? 1t is said
that the local RATES on the product Of
the farm are too high. If this be
true, and have no reason to
doubt it, the rates should and
must be reduced to what is
lair and reasonable. This can be
done by making it the issue in every
representative district in the State
and by electing men who will protect
the rights of the farmer as we'll as
those of all other classes. I know
that it is fippantly stated that the
representatives will not obey the in
structions of the people. do not be-
lieve that those who make the state
ment can refer to a single instance
where the legislator iisregarded the
instructions of his constituency. If
this be true, why should the farmers
suspect men of their own selection,
and place implicit confidence in three
men with arbitrary powers, when
those three men are not selected by
them and are not subject to them or
any other power? Justice and con-
servatism have always controlled the
agricultural classes of Texas, and it
will be very surprising if they go to
extremes in this contest. In all past
conflicts they have had the balance of
power, which in every case they have
used to give to Texas good, safe and
conservative government.
In concluding 1 wish to state that
1 am in favor of the other amendment
which will give the majority of tax
payers in county the right to in
crease their taxes for road purposes. /
am also in favor of local option road
law which will give each county the
right to regulate and keep in repair
its public roads in such manner as its
may determine. l am in
favor of continued and economic
of the public free schools
and the funds belonging thereto, so
that as soon as possible every child
in Texas within the scholastic age can
go to school from eight to ten months
in the year.
believe that the State University
with the medical branch, the Agri.
cultural college, and normal schools
should, with as little delay as posi-
ole, be made equal to any schools of
ike character in the Union, so that
40 young man or young lady will
cave Texas to seek their education in
other States.
l am in favor of completing the
western asylum and placing it on an |
'qual footing with the other splendid |
Institutions, where the poor unfor-
inmates find such comfortable homes.
believe the State should establish a
home for the INDECENT and disabled
Texas and Confederate veterans,
where they could be cared for and sup
ported at the States expense.
If Che democracy give me the nomi-
lation I will properly appreciate the
lonor, and, if elected, will strive to
i've perfect protection to eve'y indl.
idual and legitimate interest, with
pecial privileges to none. And will
o all in my power to push Texas for
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