The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-03-24
CLARK AT CLARKSVILLE
HE TAKES THE TOWN BY SURPRISE
BUT THE CLANS GATHER.
Although Hogg Stronghold, the Enthusi-
asm Was as Great as in Other Towns
visited-An Appeal for the Prin-
ciples Of Jeffersonian Democracy.
Special to The Statesman.


CLARKsvILLE, Tex, March 81
Judge Clark took the people of this
town by surprise in coming on Sunday
without announcing himself. Conse-
quently there was no demonstration
at the depot, but the events of today
have fully evidenced his popularity in
Clarksville and throughout Red River
county At an early hour the people
began arriving from the country, and
at noon the town was crowded
with the sturdy yeomanry of
the surrounding district. 1t has
been the distinctive farmers meeting
of the town and although claimed as
Hogg stronghold the genuiness of
Mr.. Clark's reception would indicate
that he has very large following in
the county. The Red River Rifles
were out in force and headed by the
Clarksville silver Cornet band escort
ed the speaker to the court house
where he addressed magnificent
audience which was attentive and at
times exceedingly enthusiastic. The
gatherings are noticeable for the large
attendance of ladies and Judge Clark
took occasion during his address to
congratulate the fair sex for the inter-
est which they had apparently taken
in the issue of the day.
He was introduced by Captain F.
M. Smith, and forthwith proceeded to
open his batteries upon Governor
Hogg and his administration. He
said it was high time for the people to
stop and calmly consider whittier
they were drifting. A storm of polit-
ical folly had passed over the state,
and he believed the duties of the peo-
pie was to put on their political spec
Nacles and ask themselves if it was a
good thing or bad thing to continue
the losing policy. He had no doubt
that this storm cloud of two years ago
was tho result of feeling among
the people that something was neces-
sary to change the evils existing at
that time and the exigencies of the
hour seemed to demand that they
turn to the only thing in sight and
seek relief. Every sympathy of his
heart was with the people of Texas
and he had no thought but in union
with the best interests of the people,
and now took the opportunity to put
the stamp of his disapproval and in
dignation upon the demagogism
which had usurped the rights
of the people and established
o one man power in the State, sys-
tenn of police which had been stimu-
lated by malice. If this system of
government was good for Texas he
certainly had no right to talk TO the
people of Red River. His class of leg
islation has impaired the credit of Tex
as and brought a series of disasters
upon her, and 80 Clark called upon
the people to turn back and pick up
the thread of Democratic teaching,
and having found it, swear by it and
die by it.
Mr.. Clarke talked on the commits
sion almost entirely. He stated his
position on that question, and denied
again that he ever had the slightest
intention Of opposing, or if elected,
doing anything which would inter-
fere with its constitutional rights, al
though he did say that the law would
not stand The scrutiny of the United
States court or of the Supreme court
of Texas. He appealed to the people
to pause and reflect upon the results
of hasty and ill-advised legislation,
and pinning their faith to the
doctrine of the immortal Jefferson
once more secure government of the
people, by the people and for the peo-
pie. He had never by word or act
wronged the people of Texas and ap-
pealed to them now as he had often
in the past to cast aside malice, hatred
and prejudice and go forward to peace
and prosperity under the banner of
charity, tolerance and truth.