The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-11-20
AUSTIN AND THE LEGISLATURE.

legislature is but two months off, and
Austin faces.a condition, not theory
In times past Austin has abroad over
the state been considered an in statu
quo town; a place where legislatures
met and where state affairs were ad
ministered, but as town with little
or no existence per Sc. If Austin then
was heard to ask for anything, the
sneering comment was heard: ooh
yes, another pull at the public teat."
That there was great justice in such
estimation was due to our inaction as
a city, to our disunited conduct of bus
mess as a people. The individual
instances of pluck and energy
were overlooked in the sum
total estimate of us as
a city. But we are no longer to stand
between ourselves and the sun, and
its warm rays have kindled within us
q new fire, whose glow shows united
effort, determined purpose and resist
less action. Austin has demonstrated
to herself, to Texas and to the world
that she is no longer in the sucking
stage; even more, she has cut the
apron string OF state patronage, and
she walks erect in the proud enjoy
ment of the honeymoon that is sue
.ceeding her marriage with the valiant
spirit of progress. Conscious of her
own dignity, she is no longer a sup
plant, but can demand her rights.
So that this year she will appear be-
fore the legislature and press her
claims with the dignity and persist
ence of wifehood.
And what has she to demand? you
ask. First, the right to extend her
borders. Second, that the capitol
grounds be improved, be put in con-
dition to comport with the dignity OF
Texas, the grandeur of the building
they surround. Third, that those
grounds be enlarged by the condemna-
ton OF the two half blocks to the
north. Fourth, that the university
be better provided for. Fifth, that
the Confederate Home be endowed.
Sixth, that all the asylums be as
sisted, Seventh, that a respectable
home shall be built for the governor
OF Texas.
In one of these demands Austin
speaks alone and of her own option,
but as to all the rest of them she
but adds the weight of her
influence to that which should
come up from all over Texas. Austin
will have in that legislature a mind
that challenges combat with any
mind in Texas. He is a giant in de-
bate and is peculiarly Austin's cham
pion in this, her time of rising power.
But to our representative alone should
not be left the work of accomplishing
what we and Texas want. Austin's
people have in the past stood too
much aloof from the legislature Its
members to great extent have felt
they were, so far as friends go, in ex-
lie while in our city. This should be
so no longer. These legislators are
the friends of Texas and they are our
friends; we should make them cease
to regret leaving their homes by max
ing them think this their sec
ond home. And this we should
do not alone from selfish
motive but in that men so treated
feel more at themselves, are easier in
mind and body and are better fitted
to do the work the state has commits
stoned them to perform. We have
two months to make up our minds to
such purpose and Austin and Texas
point this as the course of wisdom.
We have turned clean page in our
history; let us write thereon only wise
deeds.
EVIDENTLY ParnelPs unfortunate