The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-08-06
GOV. HOGGS ALIEN LAND LAW.

GOV. HOGGS ALIEN LAND LAW.
Gov. Hogg is responsible for the
alien land law that is now draining
millions of money out of Texas just
when the state needs it most. In ms
message January q Gov. Hogg sad;
Further acquisition Of title to or interest III
land by foreign land corporations shoulu "
prohibited and those having possession VI,
title TO- or interest in real estate sh0ulu DC given
ample time In which to ALLEVIATE IL 10 hhtuIh,
persons, and to leave me sthlc oh PicS'll"'"
penalties and forfeiture
The platform adopted by the San
Antonio convention demanded the
suppression of land corporations.
Gov Hogg caught up the idea and
added the word "foreign." GOssett
caught on and further elaborated the
idea, STIMULATING that 'no alien
or person who is not a
citizen of the United States OF
America shall acquire title
to or own any interest in the lands
within the state of Texas etc. Here
we have regular progression from
the anti-land corporation plank OF the
san Antonio platform to the anti
alien law fathcred by the young
kaufman county statesman. Gov
ornor Hogg transcribed the platform
when he levelcd his message at "fOr-
eisn" corporations. and Gossett went
beyond the governors message when
he drew hill TO exclude foreign indi
Vtgsual$ from ownership of Texas
lands. 4. WAS clear case of arith-
maGillAl progression. the story of 1.-The
dhrye black crows" repeated. Gov
tru,Qr mNgC is not 10 blame for young
N18sstii'> bill but he is to blame for
endorsing a. giving il his hearty sup
pa1i and his signature. Gov. Hogg is
responsible for the alien land law. He
Ad 1ht example of transcending party
Instructions Instead of rebuking the
pnlno Kaufman statesman for going
still farther he encouraged him and
sa1 ms Official seal 10 his work.
V'EE STATESMAN does not question
NlDr h1Cc'S motives. 1t were easy
To accuse him Of political clap-trap, of
pandaIgnc 10 an unreasoning popular
prejudice. hui this THE STATESMAN
does MOI do Ii would fain believe
lhal GOV, Hogg honestly thought
Thai The Gossett alien land
law WnIld rebound to the adj
vantage of Texas. But theory
stands discredited, worthless in the
presence Of experience. The alien
hand law has been tried. Its results
have been 10 throw Texas, metaphori-
cally speaking, upon her beam ends,
IN paralvze her commerce and indus
NV. 10 create widespread consterna-
mon in financial circles, TO bring her
proud march OF progress TO a sudden
period
Whatever Governor Hogg may have
Gh0uchi when he gave his moral sup
l,nra afd official signature TO the anti
1illan lama hlIl he must now see that
-hf mas 1nsas a easily hlunder. Much
1Iils l,aan sand in commendation of his
nnurAc4. Mil he be brave and manly
enough 10 admit thai he erred in
Judgement and call Al the earliest
1r,BHtiastls asIe, an extra session of the
Legislature 10 repeal law that
iis working Texas incalCulahle harm?
UIHG SUAUnSM AN believes that hewill.
l1 HIS Frequently taken occasion 10
ena11risf Goye1nor Hogg and his
methods. tGi il believes that he is too |
tilc b zIE-- 1aa brave and hrainy To let |
THE saiB1s go 10 The demnition bow
waw< rather than admit that he is
Dgt lmfAllihle