The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-05-29
HON. R, NJ. HALL
MAKES THE OPENING SPEECH IN HIS
GUBERNATORlAL CAMPAIGN
AT TAYLOR.
He Gives His Position on the Commisl
sion Amendment and Other
State Questions.

my grateful appreciation OF tne cour-
teous invitation received from the
committee. Composed as these broth
erhoods are, OF citizens of all political
narties now organized in our State,
this invitation coming to me, an an
nounced candidate for the democratic
nomination for the Office of governor,
is an especial courtesy. While it is
safe to assume that majority OF the
citizens present are in sympathy with
nv party, still an invitation to make
n speech in the interest of democracy
and in my own interest as partisan
of that faith, must regard as an evil
dence OF good will toward me person
ally, which fills my heart with graft
tude.
Believing inten sely in the tenets of
my party, believing that the success
of democracy is the hope of Texas and
hope OF ou1Union, yes, the hope OF the
human race, am still capable OF do
ing Justice to my political opponents
when their convictions are just as
honest, Just as pure and just as pa
triotic as my own. And it is with
the kindliest feelings to all and any
one here differing with me that | adj
dress myself to this whole assembly in
the interest OF what / believe to be
right.
Brave men are generous and l have
no fears OF giving ofiense to any man
of the brotherhoods here today. Men
whose lives are one of constant danger,
men whose devotion to duty is essen
tial to the safety of human lives daily
in their care, men who must watchevery
minute while on duty to secure this
safety, and not only this but the safety
of the property of their employers and
of the property of the citizen which
they transport. Men leading lives Of
labor and peril calling for the en-
durance OF athletes, the courage Of
heroes. Members of the brotherhoods
whose every object and aspiration is
benevolent and noble and wherein
every duty of membership is consistent
with perfectly independent citizenship
am glad to see these men here fra
ternizing with my fellow citizens OF
Williamson county, meeting here the
representatives OF another allied
brotherhood whose citizenship is like.
wise untrammelled, cuitiyatiGg eacf
others acquaintance, thereby remov-
ing mutual MISUNDERSTANDING anC
prejudice.
! Being candidate, as l say, for the
!, DemQcseftic nomination, my appea
\ must necessarily be directed especially
to the Democrats here present, anC
from this point to the Democrats o
the whole State.
About four years ago, here at Taylor
l announced myself candidate fol
commissioner of the general lane
Office, one of the most important of
fees in the executive branch of the
State government. Coming from the
country, yes, from one of the obscurest
precincts in this county, a precinct
however, whose people in all of the
elements OF good citizenship are sur
passed by no precinct in Texas. Com
ing then as l come now asking for the
Democratic nomination, presenting
no credentials, but that l was Demo
crat and testim )nial as extensive al
my acquaintance in the State that
was worthy citizen and man o
honest purpose and possessing in thei
esteem qualifications for the place
sought, i received the Democratic
nomination. This shows fellow-citi
zens what Texas Democracy is. L
shows that man, though obscure
practically unacquainted in this great
State, may step forth from the very
ranks with no experience in politics
no sympathy for many OF its methods
may ask of this party u high homo
and receive it.
For the announcement that l make
here today for the highes tofiice in TIL,
gift of the people OF TeV; sc ]have NJ
apology to make furt e than tina
under the constitution have th,
right to run for governor. My con
victions are positive, and | shall ex
press them on all subjects, regardless,
of their effect on me or on my chances
OF success.
By the fortune VI politics the desti
mes of Texas are now committed to tn,
Democratic party. and on it rests The
responsibility, and on the policy i
adopts and the laws it enacts depends
the welfare and happiness OF the whole
people. The invitation from ,hes'
brotherhoods that | m Ike my opening
speech here conveys to me the gener
GUS permission TO speak as my hear
dictates.
The relation of my party to the Stat
being such as before stated it is it
duty to meet bravely all the
questions now before this country
II has been many years. perhaps, sine
questions of graver moment came vi
before it for settlement. And nov
fellow Democrats, there must be M
lodging. There must be no straddling
Enunciate boldly our principles
Enunciate without equivonation TIN
policy we propose for the future, lie
us say what shall be done; let us Ia,
down platform liberal enough, broa,
enough, comprehensive enough t.
embrace every interest, every clas
Al. 4