The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-05-14
ROBERTS. BOON.
ALMOST EVERYBODY IN AUSTIN
APPROVES HIS RACE FOR
GOVERNOR.
WASRECE|VD qEEFUuY Yesterday
Even Some of the Populists Say That the
Even Some of the Populists Say That the
Old Alcalde Is Their Man, Even
Against Their Own Faith-A
Down-Hill Pull
WEDNESDAY HAPPENINGS.

WEDNESDAY, HAPPENINGS.
Well, the old saying about the still voice
speaking out of the mountain and mean
ing much is being brought forcibly to the
front now. Yesterday mornings readers
of The Statesman were furnished with an
exclusive piece of news that set every
tongue in the state on end.
Here, in the capital city, there was no
end to the talk. 1t could be heard on
every side and it meant great deal, too.
The matter referred to was nothing more
nor less than the formal announcement
of the Old Alcalde for governor This
announcement came in compliance with
the requests of many of the voters of Tex
as who. realizing the sad condition of af-
fairs that the state has gotten into, now
seek some leader to get them out of their
trouble. In this hour of sore distress the
Old Alcalde, the father of Democracy in
Texas and one of the ablest governors
we ever had, comes to the front from the
seclusion and peace of his mountain home
and says that to save Democracy he will
make the race for governor against all
corners. This is news that will be re-
ceived with delight by all parties. If
there is any man in Texas who Is fitted to
get the state oIt of the snarl that she is
now in, that man is Ex-Governor Roberts.
When he was governor the last time it is
told ON him that some of the department
heads complained that he was meddling
too much with their departments to suit,
and they thought he would ruin every
thing if he did not let up. The Old Al
calde replied that things might go wrong,
but he wanted 1t understood that IL the
state went to hi he wanted it to go there
according to law. And this is the way
the masses feel about the present situa-
ton. They say that the politicians claim
that the Democratic party has got to have
bust-up and the sooner it comes the bet
ter it will be. The masses say it is all
right enough to have the bust-up, but
they want good leader when it does
come and that they do not want any
young and minitiated leader to try and
get them out of the wilderness. 1t Is
these people who want Governor Rob-
erts to enter the race for governor, claim
ing that with him as their leader they
do not care what comes knowing that he
is fully capable of leading them through
any and all paths into the valley of sue
cess and rest in the end, and for that rea-
son they are willing to trust him. The
old man up in the mountain realizes that
in responding to the call for leader he
is but filling that demand which his pa
triotic soul has long since told him was
his duty, but which he held back on for
fear that his action might be miscon-
strued by the knowing politicians who
would try to make him out political
demagogue and not the patriot that he is.
The matter is now definitely settled.
however, and the fight is on. The people
of Texas have asked Governor Roberts
to make the race for governor and get
them out of the mire, that they are
now floundering in-out of the clutches
of the gang who have so long sucked their
lfe's blood. He has consented; the issues
are on; the line drawn, and it is case
of, lay on, McDuff, and damned be he
who first cries hold, enough.
Yesterday morning in every section of
the city nothing but the announcement
of Governor Roberts for governor could
be heard. The Statesman containing the
letter from Governor Roberts sold like
hot cakes and soon everybody was deep
into the Old Alcalde's proclamation, as It
were. A Statesman reporter, in circling
around among the politicians yesterday,
was surprised to hear even among them
the satisfaction that the race of Governor
Roberts gave. They were as one in say
ing that they were glad that he had con-
cluded to make the race, and that there
was not the slightest doubt about his
being elected. Some of the old-time Pop
ulists who were seen said that they would
vote for Roberts against any man that
might be trotted out. That while they
would like to support the man that the
Populists brought out, that If Roberts
was in the race that he would get their
vote, irrespective of party or men. The
banker, the st0rekeepers, and the poll
ticians were all pleased at the outlook for
Governor Roberts being in the race, and
stated that in their estimation there was
not the slightest doubt but what he would
win. Every one remembers how 1t was
when Roberts ruled Texas so well and
now they look for return Of the good
old times Everybody seen yesterday
was in favor of Roberts for governor,
with possibly the exception of the gang"
and some of the politicians down town
who stand in with those on the hill If
yesterdays expressions are all reliable in
dicatiOns of which way the wind is going
to blow, Governor o. M. Roberts has the
job of governor grabbed on dOwn-hill
pull.
Judge Clark of Waco was in the city
on court business yesterday, and when
seen on the matter Of Governor Roberts
letter said that it was most excellent
and patriotic document and would, in his
estimation, be resultant in much good in
the near future. He declined to discuss
politics In any way, shape or FORM saying
he was here on court business. but
enough was learned from the Judge to
state that he endorses the Old Alcalde's
letter and will endorse him from top to
bottom Something will probably be
forthcoming from the judge on this mat
ter in the near future, but in the mean
time he can be counted among the host
of followers of the Old Alcalde
IL